CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Cornell University Library
F 157C8 H67
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History of Cumberland and Adams counties
3 1924 028 852 619
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Cornell University
Library
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HI8TOET
OF
CUMBERLAND AND ADAMS
COUNTIES,
PENNSYLVANIA.
Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns,
Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of
Early Settlers and Prominent men; Biographies;
History of Pennsylvania, Statistical and
Miscellaneous Matter, etc., etc.
ILLTJSTi^JLTEID.
CHICAGO:
WAENBR, BEERS & CO.,
1886.
^
59;')
CHICAGO:
JOHN MORRIS COMPANY, PRINTERS,
118 AND 120 MONROE STREET.
PEEFAOE.
IN presenting the History of Cumberland and Adams Counties to its pa-
trons, the publishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encour-
agement and support their enterprise has received, and the willing assist-
ance rendered in enabling them to surmount the many unforeseen obstacles
to be met with in the production of a work of such magnitude. To procure
the materials for its compilation, official records have been carefully exam-
ined; newspaper files searched; manuscripts, letters and memoranda have
been sought; those longest in the locality were interviewed; and the whole
material has been so collated and systematized as to render it easy of refer-
ence. ■■
He who expects to find the v^ork entirely free from errors or defects has
little knowledge of the difficulties attending the preparation of a work of this
kind, and should indulgently bear in mind that " it is much easier to be
critical than to be correct. ' ' It is, therefore, trusted that the History will
be received by the public in that generous spirit which is gratified at honest
and conscientious effort.
The publishers have been fortunate in securing the services of a staff of
efficient and painstaking historians, who have been materially assisted by the
gentlemen of the press and of the various professions, by the public officials
and many other citizens of both counties, of whom personal mention would
gladly here be made, did space permit.
The book has been divided into three parts. The outline history of the
State, contained in Part I, is fi'om the pen of Prof. Samuel P. Bates, of
Meadville, Penn. The general history of Cumberland County, in Part II,
was written, for the most part, by P. A. Durant and J. Praise Richard,
Chapter VIH ("Bench and Bar") and the sketches of the several Town-
ships and Boroughs of Cumberland County, in the same part, being pre •
pared by Bennett Bellman. Part III contains the History of Adams Coun-
ty, the general chronicles of which were written by H. C. Bradsby, except-
ing Chapter X ("Natural History of Adams County") and Chapter XX
( ' ' Education' ' ), which are from the pen of Aaron Sheely, of Gettysburg ;
while the Townships and Boroughs of Adams County, also in Part III,
have been treated of by M. A. Leeson. The Biographical Department of
each county is of special interest, and those of whom portraits have been in-
serted are found among the representative families of the two counties. ^
The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the
hands of the public with the belief that it will be found to be a valuable
contribution to local literature.
THE PUBLISHERS.
CONTENTS.
PAET I.
HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
PAGE.
CHAPTER I.— IBTEODUCTTORY. — Comelis Jacob-
sou Mey, 1624-26. William Van Hulst, 1625
-26. Peter Minnit, 1626-33. David Peter-
sen de Tries, 1632-33. Wouter Van TwUler,
1633-38 15-23
CHAPTER n.— Sir WilUam Keift, 1638^7.
Peter Minult, 1638-41. Peter Hollandaer,
1641-43. John Printz, 1643-53. Peter Stuy-
vesant, 1647-64. John Pappagoya, 1653-54.
John Claude Rysingh, 1654-55 23-33
CHAPTER m.— John Paul Jacquet, 1655-57.
Jacob Alrichs, 1657-59. Groeran Van Dyck.
1667-58. WilUam Beekman, 1658-63. Alex.
D'Hinoyossa, 1659-64 33-35
CHAPTER IV.— Richard Nichols, 1664-67. Rob-
ert Needham, 1664-68. Francis Lovelace,
1667-73. John Carr, 1668-73. Anthony
Colve, 1673-74. Peter Alrichs, 1673-74 35-41
CHAPTER v.— Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-81.
Edmund Cantwell, 1674-76. John Collier,
1676-77. Christopher Billop, 1677-81 41-50
CHAPTER VI.— William Markham, 1681-82.
William Penn, 1682-84 51-61
CHAPTER VII.— Thomas Lloyd, 1684-86. Five
Commissioners, 1686-88. John Blackwell,
1688-90. Thomas Lloyd, 1690-91. William
Markham, 1691-93. Benjamin Fletcher,
1693-95. William Markham, 1693-99 61-69
CHAPTEK VIII— William Penn, 1699-1701.
Andrew Hamilton, 1701-03. Edward Ship-
pen, 1703-04. John Evans,J704-09. Charles
Gooken, 1709-17 69-75
PAGE.
CHAPTER IX.— Sir William Keith, 1717-26.
Patrick Gordon, 1726-36. James Logan,
1786-38. George Thomas, 1738^7. Anthony
Palmer, 1747-48. James Hamilton 1748-54
75-89
CHAPTER X.— Robert H. Morris, 1754-56. Wil-
liam Denny, 1756-59. James Hamilton,
1759-63 89-97
CHAPTER XI.— John Penn, 1763-71. James
Hamilton, 1771. Richard Penn, 1771-73.
John Penn, 1773-76 98-104
CHAPTER XII.— Thomas Wharton, Jr., 1777-
78. George Bryan, 1778. Joseph Reed, 1778
-81. William Moore, 1781-82. John Dickin-
son, 1782-8S. Benjamin Franklin, 1785-88
104-114
CHAPTER XIII.— Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99.
Thomas McKean, 1799-1808. Simon Snyder,
1808-17. William Findlay, 1817-20. Joseph
Heister, 1820-23. John A. Shulze, 1823-29.
George Wolfe, 1829-35 Joseph Eitner,
1886-39 .; 114-121
CHAPTER XIV.— David R. Porter, 1839-45.
Francis B. Shunk, 1845-48. WiUiam F.
Johnston, 1848-62. William Bigler, 1862-55.
John Pollock, 1865-68. William F. Packer,
1858-61. AndrewG.Curtin, 1861-67. John
W. Geary, 1867-78. John F. Hartranfl,
1873-78. Henry F. Hoyt, 1878-82. Robert
E. Pattison, 1882-86 122-131
Gubernatorial Table 132
PAET II.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
CHAPTER L— Desceiptive 3-7
Geography — Geology — Topography, etc.
CHAPTEB-II.— Pioneers '. 7-40
"Loulher Manor," etc. — Taxes paid from
1736 to 1749— Earliest List of Taxables in
Cumberland County — First Settlers in the
North Valley — Taxables in the County in
1762— Early Settlers— Wild Animalp and
Fish — Customs and Habits — Formation of
Townships and Boruughs — Laods.
CHAPTER III.— Indian History 41-66
French and Indian War— Pontiac's War.
CHAPTER IV.— County Organization 66-77
Location of the County Seat— Division of
the County into TownshipB — County Build-
ings— Population — Postomces in 1886 — In-
ternal Improvements— Public Roads — Rail-
roads.
CHAPTER v.— Military 77-108
VI
CONTENTS.
PAQS.
Cumberland County in the Bevolution —
The Whisky Insurrection— The War of 1812
—The Mexican War.
CHAPTEE VI.— Military (QmUrmed) 109-130
Carlisle Barracks— Cumberland County In
the War of the Eebellion.
CELA.PTER VII.— COUETS 130-138
County Officials — Members of Congress,
Senators and Assemblymen.
CHAPTEB VIII.— Bench and Bar 138-170
Provincial Period — From the Revolution
Until tbe Adoption of the Constitution of
1790— Constitutional Period.
CHAPTER IX.— Medical 170-187
Biographical — Physicians in Cumberland
County since 1879 — Physicians in Cumber-
land County Registered in Office of Protho-
uotary at Carlisle— Cumberland County
Medical Society.
CHAPTER X.— The Press 188-195
Of Carlisle— Of Shippensburg— Of Me-
chanicsburg — Of Newville — Of Mount Holly.
CHAPTER XI.— Edhoational 196-206
Legal History — Early Schools — Dickinson
College — Metzgar Female Institute — Indian
Industrial School — Cumberland Valley State
Normal School — Teachers' Institute — Coun-
ty Superintendents.
CHAPTER XII.— Religious 207-220
Presbyterian Church — Episcopal Church
— Methodist Church — Roman Catholic
Church — German Reformed Church — Luth-
eran Church — Church of God — German
Baptists — United Brethren — The Mennon-
ites — Evangelical Association.
CHAPTEB Xin— Political 221-222
Slavery in Cumberland County, etc.
CHAPTER XIV.— AGKiouLinEAL 225-228
Cumberland County Agricultural Society
— Grangers' Picnic-Exhibition, Williams'
Grove.
CHAPTER XV.— The Formation of Town-
ships, ETC 228-229
The First Proprietary Manor — Formation
of Townships — Organization of Boroughs.
CHAPTER XVI.— Borough op Caelisle....229-248
Its Inception — Survey — First Things —
Meeting of Captives— Revolutionary Period
—War of 1812— Growth of the Town, etc.—
The Borough in 1846— McClintock Riot-
War of the Rebellion — Situation, Public
Buildings, etc. — Churches — Cemeteries —
Schools,Tnstitutes and College — Newspapers
— Manufacturing Establishments, etc. — Gas
and Water Company — Societies— Conclusion.
CHAPTEB XVII.— Borough of MEcaASics-
BURO 249-266
Its Beginning— Growth — William Arm-
strong- Population— War of the Rebellion
— Schools and Educational Institutes —
Churches — Newspapers — Public Hall and
Market House — Banking Institutions — Gas
and Water Company — Societies — Conclusion.
CHAPTEB XVIII.— Borough op Shippens-
BtfEG 267-268
Its First Settlement — Early Beminiscences
— List of Original Land Purchasers— Early
Hotels in Shippensburg — Churches — Cem-
eteries — Schools — Newspapers — Bank —
Societies.
CHAPTEB XIX. — Borough of Shiremans-
TOWN 268-269
Locality— Origin of Name— Churches-
Societies — ^Miscellaneous.
PAGE.
CHAPTEB XX.— Cook Township 269-270
Formation — Topography — Beads — Pine
Grove Furnace and Laurel Forge— George
Stevenson — Postoffice and Railroad.
CHAPTER XXI.— Dickinson Township 270-275
Formation — Topography — Railroads —
Original Settlers, Early Land-Owners and
Settlers— Negro Kidnaping— Hotel, etc.—
Churches — Schools, etc.
CHAPTEB XXII. — East Pesnsborough
Township and Borough of Camp Hill
27.5-278
Origin— Name— Boundary— Early HLstory
—Villages — Miscellaneous — Borough of
Camp Hill — Location, etc. — Name, etc. —
Church and Cemetery.
CHAPTER XXIII.— Feankfokd Township
278-286
Formation — Boundary — Topography —
Earliest Settlers— The Butler Family— Vil-
lage.
CHAPTER XXIV.— Hampden Township...286-290
Formation — Boundary — Topography —
Early Settlers— Mills, Bridges, etc.— The
Indians — Paxton Manor in Hampden —
Churches— Hamlets — Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XXV.— Hopewell Township and
Borough of Newborg 290-298
Formation — Topography — Early Settle-
ment— The Bradys — Hopewell Academy —
Miscellaneous — Borough of Newburg —
Location— The Village in 1819 1845 and
1886— "The Sunny Side Female Seminary."
CHAPTEB XXVI.— Lower Allen Township
AND Borough of New Cumberland. ..298-305
Formation, Locality, Boundary, etc. ^In-
dians—Early Settlers— Chara cter of Soil , etc.
— Lisburn — Milltown — Churches — Ceme-
teries— Schools — Miscellaneous — Borough
OF New Cumberland— Location — Origin
— Early Incidents and Industries — Incorpo-
ration—Railroads, etc. — New Cumberland
of To-day — Churches- Miscellaneous.
CHAPTEB XXVII.— Middlesex Township
305-307
Formation, Boundary and Topography^
Bailroad— Early Settlers— Middlesex — Car-
lisle Springs— Miscellaneous.
CHAPTEB XXVIII.— Mifflin Township..307-312
Formation, Boundary and Topography-
Indian Trail and Village— First Settlement
—The Williamson Massacre and Other Early
Incidents — Block Houses — Capt. Samuel
Brady— First Settlers Along Big Bun-
Early Beads, Viewers, etc.— Sulphur .Springs,
etc.— Churches— Miscellaneous.
CHAPTEB XXIX.— Monroe Township 315-317
Formation — Boundary — Topography —
First Settlers— Churches and Cemetery-
Schools, Industries, etc. —Villages.
CHAPTEE XXX.— Newton Township and
Borough op Newville 317-327
Formation — Boundary — Topography —
General Description— Indian Pack Trail-
Fort Carnahan— Early Settlers— The Sharp
Family— Other Pioneers— Villages— Miscel-
laneous—Borough op Newville — Loca-
tion — Incorporation — First Settlement-
First Sale of Lots— First Hotels, Stores etc
Incorporation, etc.— An Historical Charac-
ter— Churches — Cemetery — Educational In-
stitutions—Newspapers—Banks—Fire De-
partment— Societies.
CHAPTEE XXXI.— North Middleton Town-
s™P.-: •" •; " 328-332
Origin — Boundary — Description —Early
Settlers— "Heads of Families"— The Cave--
Meeting House Springs— The Grave-yard at
Meeting House Springs- Miscellaneous.
CONTENTS.
VII
PAGE.
CHAPTER XXXII.— Penn Township 333-335
Formation — Boundary — Physical Feat^
ures — The Yellow Breeches Creek — Indus-
tries—Land-Owners— Pioneer Settlers — Vil-
lages— Churches— Schools — Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XXXIII.— Silver Spring Town-
ship 336-348
Formation — Boundasy, etc. — Origin of
Name — Conodoguinet Creek — ^Early Settle-
ment and Road— Original Settlers— Some
Early Events— Hogestown— New Kingston
— First Covenanters' Communion in Amer-
ica— Silver Spring Church and Cemetery —
"Silver Spring" (a Poem)— Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XXXIV.— Southampton Town-
ship.. 343-347
Boundary — Formation — Erection — Char-
acter of Sou, etc. — Earliest Settlers — Villages
— Ididdle Spring Church and Grave-yard —
Middle Spring Church Lands — Miscellane-
CHAPTER XXXV. — South Middleton
Township and Borough op Mount
Holly Springs 347-356
Origin — Boundary — Topography — Roads
and streams — Early Settlements — Some
Early Reminiscences — Schools — Railroads
and Postoffices — Boiling Springs — ^Borough
OF Mount Holly Springs— Location, etc.
— Early Reminiscences— Early Settlement
and Industries— War of the Rebellion — In-
corporation, etc. — Churches, Schools and
Newspaper — Hotels — Societies.
CHAPTER XXXVI.— Upper Allen Town-
ship 366-360
Formation — Boundary —Early Settlers,
Mills, Mines, etc. — Villages — Churches,
Burial Places, etc. — Schools — Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XXXVII.— West Pennseorough
Township 360-364
Its Origin— First Settlements, etc,— Vil-
lages—Miscellaneous.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES— PART II.
Carlisle, Borough of. 367
Mechanicshurg, Borough of. 405
Newville, Borough of. 447
Shlppensburg, Borough of. 442
Shiremanstown, Borough of 456
Cook Township 458
Dickinson Township 459
East Pennsborough Township and Borough of
Camp Hill 465
Frankford Township 476
Hampden Township 479
Hopewell Township and Borough of Newburg... 485
Lower Allen Township and Borough of New
Cumberland 492
I Middlesex Township 498
Mifflin Township 502
Monroe Township 606
Newton Township 517
North Middleton Township 525
Penn Township 526
Silver Spring Township 535
Southampton Township 545
South Middleton Township and Borough of
Mount Holly Spring 549
Upper Allen Township 562
West Pennsborough Township 574
PORTBAITS— PART II.
AM, C. W 123
Ahl, Daniel V 263
Ahl, John A 133
Ahl, Peter A 253
Ahl.yrhomas W 213
£osler, Abraham „ 43
Clever, George 293
Coyle, James ; 233
Dale, Waiiam W., M. D 83
Gorgas, S. P ~ 53
Gorgas, Hon. William E 23
Hemminger, George, M. D 73
Herman, A. J., M. D 103
•Hutton, John 283
Kaufftnan, Levi 273
Kieffer, S. B., A. M., M. D 63
Manning, H 243
Mickey, Eobert 113
Miller, Capt. W. E....: 16&
Moore, James.....'. 365
Moore, J. A 193
Moser, Hon. H. G Part I, 45
Mullin,A. F 203
Niesley, 0. B 153
Paston, George W 313
Plank, A. W 173
Pratt, Capt. R H 183
Rea, J. D 223
Sadler, Hon. W. F 2
Slbbet, R. Lowry, M. D 93
Snyder, Simon 303
Stewart, Alex., M.D 33
Thomas, R. H 143
Wherry, Hon. Samuel Part I, 79
Wing, Kev. Conway P 13
VIII
CONTENTS.
PAET III.
HISTORY OF ADA.MS COUNTY.
PAGE.
CHAPTER L— Introductory 3-6
CHAPTER II.— The Indians 7-12
French and Indian War— Mary Jamison,
The Indian Queen — Hance Hamilton- Mc-
Cord'B Fort— Associated Companies in York
County in 1766.
CHAPTER ni.— The Mason and Dixon Line
12-14
Grerman, Scotch-Irish and Jesuit Immigra-
tion in 1734 — Lord Baltimore and William
Peun- Border Troubles — Temporary Divid-
ing Line — Mason and Dixon— Their Survey
— Thomas Cresap— " Diggcs' Choice" — Zach-
ary Butcher.
CHAPTER IV.— First Settler 14-17
Andrew Shriver — Extracts from Hon.
Abraham Shriver's Memoir— Early Settlers
— French Huguenots— Their Settlement in
Pennsylvania,
CHAPTER v.— Second Arrivals 17-23
Penn'sPurchafie—"ManorofMaake"— Sur-
vey — Obstructions — Compromise — '* Car-
■ roll's Delight"— List of Early Settlers on
the Manor, and Warrantees-" Old Hill"
Church — Presbyterian Congregation in
Cumberland Township.
CHAPTER VI.— The *' Little Conewago Set-
tlement" .'. 2^24
" Digges'Choice "—Land Purchases in 1734,
1738 and 1742— Records of 1752.
CHAPTER VII.~Early Marriages 24-31
Rev. Alexander Dobbin — His son, James —
Record of Marriages during Rev. Alex. Dob-
bin's Entire Pastorate, 1774 to 1808.
CHAPTER VIIL— The Revolution 31-36
Adams (York) County in the Struggle —
First Company from Pennsylvania — The In-
dependent Light Infantry Company— Flying
Camp— Roster of OflBcers, Adams (York)
County.
CHAPTER IX.— Erection of County 36-43
Date of its Creation — Boundary Line, Area
and Population — James Gettys— -Selection of
County Seat — Taxes Levied— County Build-
ings.
CHAPTER X.— Natural History of Adams
County 44-54
Geology — Mineralogy — The South Moun-
tain— The " Barrens '^—Destruction of For-
ests—Streams— Elevations — Scenery — Trees
and Shrubs— Fish— Birds.
CHAPTER XL— Roads 55-56
Turnpikes— Railroads — Baltimore &. Han-
over Railroad— Gettysburg & Harrisburg
Road— The Old " Tape Worm " Line.
CHAPTER XIL— Customs and Manners 57-71
Distinct Streams of Immigrants — Industry
and Rel^ion— Getting a start — Their Com-
merce—Receptions— Impro veme n ts.
CHAPTER XIIL— Sketches andEtchings...71-78
The McCleans— The McPhersons- Gen.
Reed— Dr. Crawford— Col. Stagle— Col.Grier
— Victor King — Judge Black— Thaddeus
Stevens — Patrick McSherry — Col. Hance
Hamilton— The Gulps— William McClellan
— Capt. Bettinger— James Cooper.
PAGE.
CHAPTER XIV.— War of 1812 78-84
Adams County Regiments — The Feder-
alists and Democrats— " Friends of Peace"
Meetings— Toasts— Close of War.
CHAPTER XV.— Civil War 84-87
Recruiting in Adams County — The Mili-
tary Companies and Their Regiments — Corp.
Skelly Post, No. 9, G. A. R.
CHAPTER XVI.— Officials 87-«7
Members of Congress— Senators and As-
semblymen— County Officials.
CHAPTER XVII.— Bench and Bab 98-103
First Court — "Circuit Riders" — Visiting
Attorneys— Jonathan F. Haight, First Res-
ident Attorney — Lawyers from 1801 to 1885.
CHAPTER XVni.— Political 10^-115
The Revolution — Party Spirit — Jefferson
and Hamilton— First County Convention —
Republicans, Democrats and Federals —
Hon. William McSherry — Political Factions
— Elections — Federalists and Republicans
("Democrats") — A "Cockade" Row — Fed-
eral-Republicans and Democrats — The
CentiTiel — Elections to 1814,
CHAPTER XIX.— POSTOFFICES 116-121
Petition to Postmaster General in 1795 —
Postmasters in County, Fast and Present.
CHAPTER XX.— Education 121-135
Pioneer Schools— Pioneer Teachers —
Pioneer Schoolhouses — Christ Church School
— East Berlin School — Gettysburg Classical
School— Gettysburg Industrial School —
English School in Gettysburg— Gettysburg
Academy— Gettysburg Female Institute —
Gettysburg Female Academy — Theological
Seminary— Gettysburg Gymnasium— Penn-
sylvania College— New Oxford College an^
Medical Institute — Hunterstown English
and Classical Academy — Catholic Schools—
The Free School System— The County Sup-
erintendency— Educational Meetings — Con-
clusion— Tabular Statements.
CHAPTER XXL— Societies 135-137
Debating Societies — The Gettysbury Sen-
timental Society— Poluglassic Society — The
Gettysburg Debating and Sentimental
Society.
CHAPTER XXII.— Newspapers 138-145
The Owi/inei— Interesting Items — Necrol-
ogy—2%e5tor and 51emin€i—7%e Oonwiler—HTie
C&rUury—York Springs Comet— We^y Visiior
Weekly Ledger— Orystal Palace — LUtlestovm
Press— Littfestown News— The Courier— LUUes-
town Era—New Oxford Mem — Intelligencer—
Woch&nblatt — Yellow Jacket — Record.
CHAPTER XXIII.— Old Time Reminiscences
..,. 145—151
Citizens in Gettysburg Between IsiV and
1829 — Interesting Items.
*
CHAPTER XXIV.— Battle of Gettysburg
•••;•■-, -,;;•••;;■■ ■:-■■ 163-181
Lee's Nortliward Movement in 1863
Eallying the Forces— The Battle— The Re-
sult, Lee's Defeat— At Meade's Headquarters
—Numerical Strength of the Two Armies
-Effects Following the Battle— National
Cemetery.
CHAPTER XXV.— BOHOUGH op Gettysburg
Hance Hamilton and Richard McAllister
—James Gettys— Old Plat of the Town—
CONTENTS.
IX
PAOE.
Town Incorporated — Elections — Water
Companies— Fire Companies— Banks— Sem-
inary and College — Churches — G. A, R.
Post — A National Resort.
CHAPTER XXVI.— Physicians 204^214
Of the Earliest of Whom Tradition is at
Fault— Practice of Medicine in Early Days-
Early Physicians— Adams County Medical
Society — Present Licensed Practitioners.
CHAPTER XXVII.— Berwick Township and
Borough of Abbottstown 2l4r-222
Origin — Topography — Geological Charac-
teristics—Census—Assessed Valuation, 1799
— Schools— War of the Rebellion— Railway
and Postofl&ce— Borough op Abbottstown
— Location, etc. — Statistics— Village in 1775
— Assessment Valuation, 1799 — Officials,
1864-1885 — Industries — Newspapers — Post-
office — Miscellaneous — Churches and Socie-
ties.
CHAPTER XXVIII.— Butler Towns hip... 222-227
Organization — Topography — Geological
Features — Census — Old Bridges — Cemeteries
— Middletown or Biglerville — Churches and
Society — Beec h ersville— Centre Mills and
Menallen Postoffice— Table Rock— Texas-
Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XXIX.— CoNOw ago' Township and
Borough of McSuerr^stown 227-236
Organization — Topography — Geological
Features — Biacksaake of Round Top and
Other Curiosities— Census— Old Bridges-
Railroads and Pike Roads — AssMsed Valu-
ation, 1801 — Churches — Cemeteries— Brush-
town — Borough of McSherrystown —
Location, etc. — Statistics — Incorporation —
First Election— Convent Schools — Associa-
tion— Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XXX. — Cumberland Town-
ship 236-247
Streams and Hills— Geological Features —
Indian Field — Census — Bridges — Pike
Roads — Railroads and Street Railroad —
Original Land Tracts — Early Pioneers —
"Manor of Maske" — List of Squatters —
Assessed Valuation, 1799 — Military —
Churches — Cemeteries — Schools — Miscel-
laneous.
CHAPTER XXXL— Franklin Township..247-261
Topography — Geolofiical Features — Phe-
nomena—Census— Land Entries— Assessed
Valuation, 1799— Mary Jamison— Incidents
— Churches — Arendtsville— Miscellaneous—
Cashtown— Mummasburg — McKnightstown
— Buchanan Valley — Seven Stars— Sheeley's
— Cham berlin 's — M iscellaneous .
CHAPTER XXXir.— Freedom Township..261-262
Creeks, etc .— Bridges— Cen sus-Erection
— Irish Settlers — " Manor of Maske " — Car-
rol's Tracts — "Mason and Dixon" Mile-
stones— Churches— Military.
CHAPTER XXXIIL — Germany Township
AND Borough OF Littlestown 263-271
Topography — Early Merchants — Census —
Railroad and Pike Roads— Bridge— Post-
offices — School -System-" Digges' Choice "
—Assessed Valuation, 1799— Borough or
Littlestown — Location— Census— Village
in 1797— Early Mails— Its History— Early
Schools and Newspapers— Incorporation —
Officials— Churches— Cemetery— Societies.
CHAPTER XXXIV.— Hamilton Township
AND Borough of East Berlin 271-275
Streams — Topography — Turnpike and
Bridges — Census — Assessed Valuation, 1811
—School Law— Railroad— Cross Keys— Post-
office— Borough of East Berlin— Loca-
tion, etc. — Census— Incorporation — Officials
— Its History — Churches and Schools —
Societies, etc.
PAGE.
CHAPTER XXXV. — Hamiltonban Town-
ship 276-283
Streams, Hills and Valleys — Census —
Geological Features — Old Tree — Railroad —
Early Incidents-" Carroll's Delight " — As-
sessment Valuation, 180.'— School Law —
Fairfield — Churches, Schools, etc.— Miscel-
laneous — Fountain Dale — Miscellaneous,
etc.
CHAPTER XXXVI. — Highland Town-
ship 283-286
Streams — Topography — Census— Bridge —
Railroad — " The Manor of Maske " — ^Early
Settlers — Church— Cemeteries.
CHAPTER XXXVII. — Huntington Town-
ship AND Borough of York Springs... 286-295
Streams— Geological Features— A Bottom-
less Well— Railroad— Census— Assessed Val-
uation, 1798-99— School Law— Early Inci-
dents— Railroad— York Sulphur Springs—
Idaville— Borough op York Springs —
Location, etc. — Pike Road — Census — Incor-
poration— Officials — Churches — Schools-
Societies — Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XXXVIIL— Latimore Township
296-298
Streams, etc.— Topography and Geological
Features— Roads and Bridges— Census— Me-
chanicsville — School Law— Pioneer Taxpay-
ers—Assessment Valuation, 1807— Fridley
and his Mill— Churches and Cemeteries —
Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XXXIX —Liberty Township..298-303
Streams— Valleys— Indian Relics— "Mason
& Dixon" Mile-Stones— Copper Mine —
Fire — Bridge — Census — Original Settle-
ments— School Law — Assessed Valuation,
1801— Zimmermans — Churches, Cemeteries,
etc.
CHAPTER XL.— Menallen Township 304-312
Streams — Hills, Valleys, etc. — Geological
Features— Iron and Coal Mines— Large Tree,
etc.— Bridges— Road — Census— School Sys-
tem— Military — Railroad and Postoffices—
Assessed Valuation, 1799— David Lewis, the
Robber — Incidents — Monuments— Benders-
ville — Churches — Societies— Flora Dale—
Wenksville— Churches.
CHAPTER XLI~MouNTJOY Township 312-314
Streams and General Description— A Find
— Bridges— Census— Assessed Valuation, 1799
— Military — Churches— Two Taverns.
CHAPTER XLII.— MouNTPLKASANT Town-
ship 315-321
Topography— Iron and Copper Ore—
Bridges— Pike Roads and Railroads— Census
— Early Reminiscences— ^anaghan Tract —
Assessed Valuation, 1800 — Military— School
Law— Railroad and Postoffices — Churches —
White Hall or Red Lands — Mount Rock —
Bonneauviile.
CHAPTER XLIIL— Oxford Township and
Borough of NewOxfobd 321-328
Topography — Old Barn — Railroads,
Bridges. Pikes, Stage Lines, etc. — Census —
Original Land Entries— Military — Incidents,
Fires, Storms, etc. — Irishtown — Heroutford
Borough of New Oxford — Its Early His-
tory— Incorporation -Elections— Census —
Churches— Cemetery —Institute and Schools
— Societies — Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XLIV.— Reading Township 328-333
Topography — Geological Features, etc. —
Bridges — Census — Scmool Law — Assessed
Valuation, 1799 — Churches — Hampton —
Round Hill— Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XLV.— Straban Township 333-341
CONTENTS.
Topography — Census — School Law —
Bridges and Railroad— Assessed Valuation,
1800 — Military — Early Land Entries-
Churches — Hunterstown — Churches and
Cemeteries — New Chester — Plainview —
Granite Hill.
CHAPTER XLVI.— Tyrone Township 341-344
Boundary — Topography — Bridges — Cen-
sus— Assessment Valuation, 1801— (School
Law— Military— Old Mill— Heidlersburg—
Churches— Miscellaneous.
CHAPTER XLVII.— Union Township 344-34»
Topography — Geological Features — Or-
ganization— Census — Bridges — German Emi-
grants, 1 735-.?2— Early Settlers— Land Troub-
les — " Digges' Choice "—Churches — Ceme-
teries—Sell's Station— Church Station.
BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES— PART III.
Gettysburg, Borough of. 349
Berwick Township and Borough of Abottstown. 381
Butler Township 382
Conowago Township and Borough of McSherrys-
town 388
Cumberland Township 397
Franklin Township 405
Freedom Township 416
Germany Township and Borough of Littlestown 417
Hamilton Township and Borough of East Berlin 437
Hamiltonban Township 441
Highland Township 452
Huntington Township and Borough of York
Springs 455
Latimove Township 467
Liberty Township 471
Menallen Township 473
Mountjoy Township 482
Mountpleasant Township 485
Oxford Township and Borough of New Oxford.. 492
Reading Township 503
Straban Township 506
Tyrone Township 513
Union Township 514
PORTRAITS— PART III.
Barr, Smith 229
Bell, Maj. Robert 129
Bonner, W. F 279
Bream, William 169
Buehler, Samuel H 29
Byers. JohnG 409
Cole, Francis 289
Coulson, Francis between 308 and 311
Coulson, Catharine R between 308 and 311
Diehl, Daniel 399
Diehl, Peter 379
Durboraw, Samuel 299
Garretson, Israel 169
GUIiland, S. A 389
Gitt, Joseph S 259
Goldsborough, C. E., M. D 219
Griest, Jesse VV 109
Hersh, James 269
Hendrix, J. W 369
Himes, George 119
Kendlehart, D 49
Kltzmiller, J. A 79
Mcclellan, Col. J. H 39
McPherson, Hon. Edward 9
Martin, William A 139
Miller, Ephraim .359
Mumma, E W., M. D 209
Myers, H. J 249
O.Bold, Vincent 347
O'Neal, J. W. C 199
Picking, John 239
Riley, P. H ,439
Schick, J. L 69
Schlosser, Amos 149
Seiss, R. S 429
Sell, Daniel 459
Sheely, Noah 329
Shorb, Joseph L ■ 449
Slaybaugh, Jesse 179
Stable, H. J 69
Tipton, W. H 89
Tyson, C. J 99
Welty, Henry A 419
Wierman, Isaac E 339
Wills, Judge David 19
Wilson, N. G 189
Witherow, J. S 319
MISCELLANEOUS.
Map of Cumberland and Adams Counties .'. Part I 12-13
Map Showing Various Purchases from the Indians Part I 113
Diagram Showing Proportionate Anunal Production of Anthracite Coal since 1820 Part I 118
Table Showing Amount of Anthracite Coal Produced in Each Region since 1820 Part I 119
Table Showing Vote for Governors of Pennsylvania since Organization of State Part I 132
Relief Map of Cumberland Valley Parti 134-135
Map of Gettysburg Battle-fleld Part III 162
PART I
History-Pennsylvania.
BY SAMUEL P. BATES.
"God, that has given it me through many difficulties, will, I believe^
bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the
government that it be "well laid at first. I do, therefore,
desire the Lord's wisdom to guide me, and those that may be concerned
"With me, that -we may do the thing that is truly -wise and just/*
WILLIAM PENN.
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
OHAPTEE I.
INTEODTTCTOBY — CORNELIS JACOBSON Mey, 1624-25— William Van Hulst, 1626-
26— Peter Mintjit, 1626-33— David Petersen de Vries, 1682-83— Woutee
Yan Twiller, 1633-88.
IN the early colonization upon the American continent, two motives were
principally operative. One was the desire of amassing sudden wealth
without great labor, which tempted advejiturous spirits to go in search of gold,
to trade valueless trinkets to the simple natives for rich furs and ekins, and even
to seek, amidst the wilds of a tropical forest, for the fountain whose healing
waters could restore to man perpetual youth. The other was the cherished
purpose of escaping the unjust restrictions of Government, and the hated ban
of society against the worship of the Supreme Being according to the honest
dictates of conscience, which incited the humble devotees of Christianity to
forego the comforts of home, in the midst of the best civilization of the age,
and make for themselves a habitation on the shores of a new world, where they
might erect altars and do homage to their God in such habiliments as they
preferred, and utter praises in such note as seemed to them good. This pur-
pose was also incited by a certain romantic temper, common to the race, es-
pecially noticeable in youth, that invites to some uninhabited J spot, and Ras-
selas and Eobinsou Crusoe-like to begin life anew.
William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, had felt the heavy hand of
persecution for religious opinion's sake. As a gentleman commoner at Ox-
ford, he had been fined, and finally expelled from that venerable seat of learn-
ing for non-comformity to the established worship. At home, he was whipped
and turned out of doors by a father who thought to reclaim the son to the
more certain path of advancement at a licentious court. He was sent to prison
by the Mayor of Cork. For seven months he languished in the tower of Lon-
don, and, finally, to complete his disgrace, he was cast into Newgate with com-
mon felons. Upon the accession of James II, to the throne of England, over
fourteen hundred persons of the Quaker faith were immured in prisons for a
conscientious adherence to their religious convictions. To escape this harassing
persecution, and find peace and quietude from this sore proscription, was the
moving cause which led Penn and his followers to emigrate to America.
Of all those who have been founders of States in near or distant ages, none
have manifested so sincere and disinterested a spirit, nor have been so fair ex-
emplars of the golden rule, and of the Redeemer's sermon on the mount, as
William Penn. In his preface to the frame of government of his colony, he
says: " The end of government is first to terrify evil-doers; secondly, to cher-
ish those who do well, which gives government a life beyond corruption, and
16 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
makes it as durable in the vorld, as good men shall be. So that government
seems to be a part of religion itself, a thing sacred in its institution and end.
For, if it does not directly remove the cause, it crushes the effects of evil, and
is an emanation of the same Divine power, that is both author and object of
pure religion, the difference lying here, that the one is more free and mental,
the other more corporal and compulsive in its operations; but that is only to
evil-doers, government itself being otherwise as capable of kindness, goodness
and charity, as a more private society. They weakly err, who think there is no
other use of government than correction, which is the coarsest part of it.
Daily experience tells us, that the care and regulation of many other affairs
more soft, and daily necessary, make up much the greatest part of government.
Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as govern-
ments are made and moved by men, so by them are they ruined, too. Where-
fore, governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. Let
men be good, and the government cannot be bad. If it be ill, they will cure
it. But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor
to warp and spoil to their turn. * * * That, therefore, which makes a good
constitution, must keep it, men of wisdom and virtue,qualitie8,that because they
descend not with worldly inheritances, must be carefully propagated by a vir-
tuous education of youth, for which, after ages will owe more to the care and
prudence of founders and the successive magistracy, than to their parents for
their private patrimonies. * * * We have, therefore, with reverence to God,
and good conscience to men, to the best of our skill, contrived and composed the
Frame and Laws of this government, viz. : To support power in reverence
with the people, and to secure the people from the abuse of power, that they
may be free by their just obedience, and the magistrates honorable for their
just administration. For liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedi-
ence without liberty is slavery."
Though born amidst the seductive arts of the great city, Penn's tastes were
rural. He hated the manners of the corrupt court, and delighted in the homely
labors and innocent employments of the farm. " The country," he said, "is
the philosopher's garden and library, in which he reads and contemplates the
power, wisdom and goodness of God. It is his food as well as study, and gives
him life as well as learning." And to his wife he said upon taking leave of
her in their parting interview: " Let my children be husbandmen, and house-
wives. It is industrious, healthy, honest, and of good report. This leads to
consider the works of God, and diverts the mind from being taken up with vain
arts and inventions of a luxurious world. Of cities and towns of concourse,
beware. The world is apt to stick close to those who have lived and got wealth
there. A country life and estate I love best for my children."
Having thus given some account at the outset of the spirit and purposes of
the founder, and the motive which drew him to these shores, it will be in
place, before proceeding with the details of the acquisition of territory, and
the coming of emigrants for the actual settlement under the name of Pennsyl-
vania, to say something of the aborigines who were found in possession of the
soil when first visited by Europeans, of the condition of the surface of the
country, and of the previous attempts at settlements before the coming of Penn.
The surface of what is now known as Pennsylvania was, at the time of the
coming of the white men, one vast forest of hemlock, and pine, and beech,
and oak, unbroken, except by an occasional rocky barren upon the precipitous
mountain side, or by a few patches of prairie, which had been reclaimed by
annual burnings, and was used by the indolent and simple-minded natives for
the Culture of a little maize and a few vegetables. The soil, by the annual
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 17
accumulations of leaves and abundant growths of forest vegetation, was luxu-
rious, and the trees stood close, and of gigantic size. The streams swarmed
with fish, and the forest abounded with game. Where now are cities and
hamlets filled with busy populations intent upon the accumulation of wealth,
the mastery of knowledge, the pursuits of pleasure, the deer browsed and
sipped at the water's edge, and the pheasaat drummed his monotonous note.
Where now is the glowing furnace from which day and night tongues of fiame
are bursting, and the busy water wheel sends the shuttle flashing through the
loom, half-naked, dusky warriors fashioned their spears with rude implements
of stone, and made themselves hooks out of the bones of animals for alluring
the finny tribe. Where now are fertile fields, upon which the thrii^ty farmer
turns his furrow, which his neighbor takes Up and runs on until it reaches
from one end of the broad State to the other, and where are flocks and herds,
rejoicing in rich meadows, gladdened by abundant fountains, or reposing at the
heated noontide beneath ample shade, not a blow had been struck against the
giants of the forest, the soil rested in virgin purity, the streams glided on in
majesty, unvexed by wheel and unohoked by device of man.
Where now the long train rushes on with the speed of the wind over
plain and mead, across streams and under mountains, awakening the echoes of
the hills the long day through, and at the midnight hour screaming out its
shrill whistle in fiery defiance, the wild native, with a fox skin wrapped about
his loins and a few feathers stuck in his hair, issuing from his rude hut, trot-
ted on in his forest path, followed by his squaw with her infant peering forth
from the rough sling at her back, pointed his canoe, fashioned from the barks
of the trees, across the deep river, knowing the progress of time only by the
rising and setting sun, troubled by no meridians for its index, starting on his
way when his nap was ended, and stopping for rest when a spot was reached
that pleased his fancy. Where now a swarthy population toils ceaselessly deep
down in the bowels of the earth, shut out trom the light of day in cutting out
the material that feeds the fires upon the forge, and gives genial warmth to the
lovers as they chat merrily in the luxurious drawing room, not a mine had
been opened, and the vast beds of the black diamond rested unsunned beneath
the superincumbent mountains, where they had been fashioned by the Creator's
hand. Elvers of oil seethed through the impatient and uneasy gases and vast
pools and lakes of this pungent, parti -colored fluid, hidden away from the
coveting eye of man, guarded well their own secrets. Not a derrick protruded
its well-balanced form in the air. Not a drill, with its eager eating tooth de-
scended into the flinty rock. No pipe lino diverted the oily tide in a silent,
ceaseless current to the ocean's brink. The cities of iron tanks, filled to burst-
ing, had no place amidst the forest solitudes. Oil exchanges, with their vex-
ing puts and calls, shorts and longs, bulls and bears, had not yet come to dis-
turb the equanimity of the red man, as he smoked the pipe of peace at the
council fire. Had he once seen the smoke and soot of the new Birmingham of
the West, or snufied the odors of an oil refinery, he would willingly have for-
feited his goodly heritage by the forest stream or the deep flowing river, and
sought for himself new hunting grounds in less favored regions.
It was an unfortunate circumstance that at the coming of Europeans the
territory now known as Pennsylvania was occupied by some of the most bloody
and revengeful of the savage tribes. They were known as the Lenni Lenapes,
and held sway from the Hudson to the Potomac. A tradition was preserved
among them, that in a remote age their ancestors had emigrated eastward from
beyond the Mississippi, exterminating as they came the more civilized and
peaceful peoples, the Mound-Builders of Ohio and adjacent States, and who
18 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
were held among the tribes by whom they were surrounded as the progenitors,
the grandfathers or oldest people. They came to be known by Europeans as
the Delawares, after the name of the river and its numerous branches along
which thoy principally dwelt. The Moneys or Wolves, another tribe of the
Lenapes, dwelt upon the Susquehanna and its tributaries, and, by their war-
like disposition, won the credit of being the fiercest of their nation, and the
guardians of the door to their council house from the North.
Occupying the greater part of the teritory now known as New York, were
the five nations — the Senaoas, the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Cayugas, and
the Onondagas, which, from their hearty union, acquired great strength and
came to exercise a commanding influence. Obtaining firearms of the Dutch
at Albany, they repelled the advances of the French from Canada, and by
their superiority in numbers and organization, had overcome the Lenapes,
and held them for awhile in vassalage. The Tuscaroras, a tribe which had
been expelled from their home in North Carolina, were adopted by the Five Na-
tions in 1712, and from this time forward these tribes were known to the English
as the Six Nations, called by the Iienapes, Mingoes, and by the French, Iroquois.
There was, therefore, properly a United States before the thirteen colonies
achieved their independence. The person and character of these tribes were
marked. They were above the ordinary stature, erect, bold, and commanding,
of great decorum in council, and when aroused showing native eloquence. In
warfare, they exhibited all the bloodthirsty, revengeful, cruel instincts of the
savage, and for the attainment of their purposes were treacherous and crafty.
The Indian character, as developed by intercourse with Europeans, exhibits
some traits that are peculiar While coveting what they saw that pleased
them, and thievish to the last degree, they were nevertheless generous. This
may be accounted for by their habits. "They held that the game of the for-
est, the fish of the rivers, and the grass of the field were a common heritage,
and free to all who would take the trouble to gather them, and ridiculed the
idea of fencing in a meadow." Bancroft says: " The hospitality of the Indian
has rarely been questioned. The stranger enters his cabin, by day or by
night, without asking leave, and is entertained as freely as a thrush or a
blackbird, that regales himself on the luxuries of the fruitful grove. He
will take his own rest abroad, that he may give up his own skin or mat of
sedge to his guest. Nor is the traveler questioned as to the purpose of his
visit. He chooses his own time freely to deliver his message." Penn, who,
from frequent intercourse came to know them well, in his letter to the society
of Free Traders, says of them: "In liberality they excel; nothing is too good
for their friend. Give them a fine gun, coat or other thing, it may pass
twenty hands before it sticks; light of heart, strong affections, but soon epent.
The most merry creatures that live; feast and dance perpetually. They never
have much nor want much. Wealth circnlateth like the blood. All parts
partake; and though none shall want what another hath, yet exact observers
of property. Some Kings have sold, others presented me with several parcels
of laud. The pay or presents I made them, were not hoarded by the particu-
lar owners, but the neighboring Kings and clans being present when the
goods were brought out, the parties chiefly concerned consulted what and to
whom they should give them. To every King, then, by the hands of a per-
son for that work appointed is a proportion sent, so sorted and folded, and
with that gravity that is admirable. Then that King subdivideth it in like man-
ner among his dependents, they hardly leaving themselves an equal share
with one of their subjects, and be it on such occasions as festivals, or at their
common meals, the Kings distribute, and to themselves last. Thoy care for
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19
little because they want but little, and the reason is a little contents them. In
this they are suflSciently revenged on us. They are also free from our pains.
They are not disquieted with bills of lading and exchange, nor perplexed
with chancery suits and exchequer reckonings. "We sweat and toil to live;
their pleasure feeds them; I mean their hunting, fishing and fowling, and
this table is spread everywhere. They eat twice a day, morning and evening.
Their Heats and table are the ground. Since the Europeans came into these
parts they are grown great lovers of strong liquors, rum especially, and for it
exchange the richest of their skins and furs. If they are heated with liquors,
they are restless till they have enough to sleep. That is their cry, ' Some
more and I will go to sleep; ' but when drunk one of the most wretched spec-
tacles in the world."
On the 28th of August, 1609, a little more than a century from the time
of the first discovery of the New World by Columbus, Hendrick Hudson, an
English navigator, then in the employ of the Dutch East India Company, hav-
ing been sent out in search of a northwestern passage to the Indies, discovered
the mouth of a great bay, since known as Delaware Bay, which he entered and
partially explored. But finding the waters shallow, and being, satisfied that
this was only an arm of the sea which received the waters of a great river,
and not a passage to the western ocean, he retired, and, turning the prow of
his little craft northward, on the 2d of September, he discovered the river
which bears his name, the Hudson, and gave several days to its examination.
Not finding a passage to the West, which was the object of his search, he returned
to Holland, bearing the evidences of his adventures, and made a full report of
his discoveries in which he says, ' ' Of all lands on which I ever set my foot,
this is the best for tillage."
A proposition had been made in the States General of Holland to form a
West India Company with purposes similar to those of the East India Com-
pany; but the conservative element in the Dutch Congress prevailed, and while
the (Government was unwilling to undertake the risks of an enterprise for
which it would be responsible, it was not unwilling to foster private enter-
prise, and on the 27th of March, 1614, an edict was passed, granting the
privileges of trade, in any of its possessions in the New World, during four
voyages, founding its right to the territory drained by the Delaware and
Hudson upon the discoveries by Hudson. Five vessels were accordingly
fitted by a company composed of enterprising merchants of the cities of Am-
sterdam and Hoorn, which made speedy and prosperous voyages under com-
mand of Cornells Jacobson Mey, bringing back with them fine furs and rich
woods, which so excited cupidity that the States General was induced on the
14th of October, 1614, to authorize exclusive trade, for four voyages, extend-
ing through three years, in the newly acquired possessions, the edict designat-
ing them as New Netherlands.
One of the party of this first enterprise, Cornelis Hendrickson, was left
behind with a vessel called the Unrest, which had been built to supply the
place of one accidentally burned, in which he proceeded to explore more fully
the bay and river Delaware, of which he made report that was read before the
States General on the 19th of August, 1616. This report is curious as dis-
closing the opinions of the first actual explorer in an official capacity: "He
hath discovered for his aforesaid masters and directors certain lands, a bay,
and three rivers, situate between thirty-eight and forty degrees, and did their
trade with the inhabitants, said trade consisting of sables, furs, robes and
other skins. He hath found the said country full of trees, to wit, oaks, hick-
ory and pines, which trees were, in some places, covered with vines. He hath
20 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
seen in said country bucks and does, turkeys and partridges. He hath found
the climate of said country very temperate, judging it to be as temperate as
this coimtry, Holland. He also traded for and bought from the inhabitants,
the Minquas, three persons, being people belonging to this company, which
three persons were employed in the service of the Mohawks and Machicans,
giving for them kettles, beads, and merchandise."
This second charter of privileges expired in January, 1618, and daring its
continuance the knowledge acquired of the country and its resources promised
so much of success that the States General was ready to grant broader privi-
leges, and on the 3d of June, 1621, the Dutch West India Company was in-
corporated, to extend for a period of twenty-four years, with the right of
renewal, the capital stock to be open to subscription by all nations, and
"privileged to trade and plant colonies in Africa, from the tropic of Cancer
to the Cape of Good Hope, and in America from the Straits of Magellan to the
remotest north." The past glories of Holland, though occupying but an in-
significant patch of Europe, emboldened its Government to pass edicts for the
colonizing and carrying on an exclusive trade with a full half of the entire
world, an example of the biting off of more than could be well chewed. But
the light of this enterprising people was beginning to pale before the rising
glories of the stern race in their sea girt isle across the channel. Dissensions
were arising among the able statesmen who had heretofore guided its affairs,
and before the periods promised in the original charter of this colonising com-
pany had expired, its supremacy of the sea was successfully resisted, and its
exclusive rights and privileges in the New World had to be relinquished.
The principal object in establishing this West India Company was to
secure a good dividend upon the capital stock, which was subscribed to by the
rich old burgomasters. The fine furs and products of the forests, which had
been taken back to Holland, had proved profitable. But it was seen that if
this trade was to be permanently secured, in face of the active competition of
•other nations, and these commodities steadily depended upon, permanent set-
tlements must bo provided for. Accordingly, in 1623, a colony of about forty
families, embracing a party of Walloons, protestant fugitives from Belgium,
sailed for the new province, under the leadership of Cornel is Jaoobson Mey and
Joriz Tienpont. Soon after their arrival, Mey, who had been invested with
the power of Director General of all the territory claimed by the Dutch, see-
ing, no doubt, the evidences of some permanence on the Hudson, determined
to take these honest minded and devoted Walloons to the South River, or Del-
aware, that he might also gain for his country a foothold there. The testi-
mony of one of the women, Catalina Tricho, who was of the party, is
curious, and sheds some light upon this point. " That she came to this prov-
ince either in the year 1623 or 1624, and that fom- women came along with
her in the same ship, in which Gov. Arien Jorissen came also over, which four
women were married at sea, and that they and their husbands stayed about
three weeks at this place (Manhattan) and then they with eight seamen more,
went in a vessel by orders of the . Dutch Governor to Delaware Eiver, and
there settled." Ascending the Delaware some fifty miles, Mey landed
on the eastern shore near where now is the town of Gloucester, and built a
fort which he called Nassau. Having duly installed his little colony, he re-
turned to Manhattan; but beyond the building of the fort, which served as a
trading post, this attempt to plant a colony was futile; for these religious
zealots, tiring of the solitude in which they were left, after a few months
abandoned it, and returned to their associates whom they had left upon the
Hudson. Though not successful in establishing a permanent colony upon the
HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 21
Delaware, ships plied regularly between the fort and Manhattan, and this
hecame the rallying point for the Indians, who brought thither their commodi-
ties for trade. At about this time, 1626, the island of Manhattan estimated
to contain 22,000 acres, on which now stands the city of New York with its
busy population, surrounded by its forests of masts, was bought for the insig-
nificant sum of sixty guilders, about |24, what would now pay for scarcely a
square inch of some of that very soil. As an evidence of the thrift which had
begun to mark the progress of the colony, it may be stated that the good ship
" The Arms of Amsterdam," which bore the intelligence of this fortunate pur-
chase to the assembly of the XIX in Holland, bore also in the language of
O'Calaghan, the historian of New Netherland, the " information that the col-
ony was in a most prosperous state, and that the women and the soil were
both fruitful. To prove the latter fact, samples of the recent harvest, consist-
ing of wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary seed, were sent forward,
together with 8,130 beaver skins, valued at over 45,000 guilders, or nearly
$19,000." It is accorded by another hislorian that this same ship bore also
" 853^ otter skins, eighty-one mink skins, thirty-six wild cat skins and thirty-four
rat skins, with a quantity of oak and hickory timber." From this it may be
seen what the commodities were which formed the subjects of trade. Doubt-
less of wharf rats Holland had enough at home, but the oak and hickory tim-
ber came at a time when there was sore need of it.
Finding that the charter of privileges, enacted in 1621, did not give suffi-
cient encouragement and promise of security to actual settlers, further con-
cessions were made in 1629, whereby " all such persons as shall appear and
desire the same from the company, shall be acknowledged as Patroons [a sort
of feudal lord] of New Netherland, who shall, within the space of four years
next after they have given notice to any of the chambers of the company here,
or to the Commander or Council there, undertake to plant a colony there of
fifty souls, upward of fifteen years old; one- fourth part within one year, and
within three years after sending the first, making together four years, the re-
mainder, to the full number of fifty persons, to be shipped from hence, on pain,
in case of willful neglect, of being deprived of the privileges obtained." * *
" The Patroons, by virtue of their power, shall be permitted, at such places as they
shall settle their colonies, to extend their limits four miles along the shore, or
two miles on each side of a river, and so far into the country as the situation
of the occupiers will permit."
Stimulated by these flattering promises, Goodyn and Bloemmaert, two
"wealthy and influential citizens, through their agents — Heyser and Coster —
secured by purchase from the Indians a tract of iund on the western shore,
at the mouth of the Delaware, sixteen miles in length along the bay front, and
extending sixteen miles back into the country, giving a square of 256 miles.
Goodyn immediately gave notice to the company of their intention to plant a
colony on their newly acquired territory as patroons They were joined by an
experienced navigator, De Vries, and on the 12th of December, 1630, a vessel,
the Walrus, under command of De Vries, was clispatched with a company of
settlers and a stock of cattle and farm implements, which arrived safely in
the Delaware. De Vries landed about three leagues within the capes, " near
the entrance of a fine navigable stream, called the Hoarkill," where he pro-
ceeded to build a house, well surrounded with cedar palisades, which served
the purpose of fort, lodging house, and trading post. The little settlement,
which consisted of about thirty persons, was christened by the high sounding
title of Zwanendal — Valley of Swans. In the spring they prepared their fields
and planted them, and De Vries returned to Holland, to make report of his
proceedings.
22 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA
But a sad fate awaited the little colony atZwanendal, In accordance with
the custiim of European nations, the commandant, on taking possession of the
new purchase, erected a post, and affixed thereto a piece of tin on which was
traced the arms of Holland and a legend of occupancy. An Indian chieftain,
passing that way, attracted by the shining metal, and not understanding the
object of the inscription, and not having the fear of their high mightinesses,
the States General of Holland before his eyes, tore it down and proceeded to
make for himself a tobacco pipe, considering it valuable both by way of orna-
ment and use. When this act of trespass was discovered, it was regarded by
.the doughty Dutchman as a direct insult to the great State of Holland, and
so great an ado was raised over it that the simple minded natives became
frightened, believing that their chief had committed a mortal offense, and in
the strength and sincerity of their friendship immediately proceeded to dis
patch the offending chieftain, and brought ther bloody emblems of their deed to
the head of the colony. This act excited the anger of the relatives of the mur-
dered man, and in accordance with Indian law, they awaited the chance to
take revenge. O'Calaghan gives the following account of this bloody massa-
cre which ensued: "The colony at Zwanendal consisted at this time of thirty-
four persons. Of these, thirty- two were one day at work in the fields, while
Commissary Hosset remained in charge of the house, where another of the set-
tlers lay sick abed. A large bull dog was chained out of doors. On pretence
of selling some furs, three savages entered the house and murdered Hosset
and the sick man. They found it not so easy to dispatch the mastiff. It was
not until they had pierced him with at least twenty-five arrows that he was
destroyed. The men in the fields were then set on, in an equally treacherous
manner, under the guise of friendship, and every man of them slain." Thus
was a worthless bit of tin the cause of the cutting off and utter extermination
of the infant colony.
De Vries was upon the point of returning to Zwanendal when he received
intimation of disaster to the settlers. With a large vessel and a yacht, he set
sail on the 24th of May, 1632, to carry succor, provided with the means of
, prosecuting the whale fishery which he had been led to believe might be made
very profitable, and of pushing the production of grain and tobacco. On ar-
riving in the Delaware, he fired a signal gun to give notice of his approach.
The report echoed through the forest, but, alas! the ears which would huve
been gladened with the sound were heavy, and no answering salute came from
the shore. On landing, he found his house' destroyed, the palisades burned,
and the skulls and bones of his murdered countrymen bestrewing the earth,
sad relics of the little settlement, which had promised so fairly, and warning
tokens of the barbarism of the natives.
De Vries knew that he was in no position to attempt to punish the guilty
parties, and hence determined to pursue an entirely pacific policy. At his
invitation, the Indians gathered in with their chief for a conference. Sitting
down in a circle beneath the shadows of the somber forest, their Sachem in
the centre, De Vries, without alluding to their previous acts of savagery,
concluded with them a treaty of peace and friendship, and presented them in
token of ratification, "some duffels, bullets, axes and Nuremburg trinkets."
In place of finding his colony with plenty of provisions for the immediate
needs of his party, he could get nothing, and began to be in want. He accord-
ingly sailed up the river in quest of food. The natives were ready with
their furs for barter, but they had no supplies of food with which they wished
to part. Game, however, was^lenty, and wild turkeys were brought in weigh-
ing over thirty pounds. One morning after a frosty night, while the littla
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 28
craft was up the stream, the party was astonished to find the waters frozen
over, and their ship fast in the ice. Judging by the mild climate of their own
country, Holland, they did not suppose this possible. For several weeks they
were held fast without the power to move their floating home. Being in need
of a better variety of food than he found it possible to obtain, De Vries sailed
away with a part of his followers to Virginia, where he was hospitably enter-
tained by the Governor, who sent a present of goats as a token of friendship to
the Dutch Governor at Manhattan. Upon his return to the Delaware, De
Vries found that the party he had left behind to prosecute the whale fishery
had only taken a few small ones, and these so poor that the amount of oil ob-
tained was insignificant He had been induced to embark in the enterprise of
a settlement here by the glittering prospect of prosecuting the whale fishery
along the shore at a great profit. Judging by this experience that the hope
of great gains from tliis source was groundless, and doubtless haunted by a
superstitious dread of making their homes amid the relics of the settlers of the
previous year, and of plowing fields enriched by their blood who had been
so utterly cut off, and a horror of dwelling amongst a people so revengeful and
savage, De Vries gathered all together, and taking his entire party with him
sailed away to Manhattan and thence home to Holland, abandoning utterly the
settlement.
The Dutch still however sought to maintain a foothold upon the Dela-
ware, and a fierce contention having sprung up between the powerful patroons
and the Director General, and they having agreed to settle differences by
the company authorizing the purchase of the claims of the patroons, those upon
the Delaware were sold for 15,600 guilders. Fort Nassau was ac(!ordinglyre-oc-
cupied and manned with a small military force, and when a party from Con-
necticut Colony came, under one Holmes to make a settlement upon the Dela-
ware, the Dutch at Nassau were found too strong to be subdued, and Holmes
and his party were compelled to surrender, and were sent as prisoners of war
to Manhattan.
CHAPTER II.
8iB WtLLiAM Keipt, 1638-47— Peter Mdtoit, 1638-41— Peter Hollandaer, 1641-43—
John Printz, 1648-53 — Peter Stutvesant, 1647-64 — John Pappaqoya, 1653-54 —
John CiiAtjde Rysingh, 1654^55.
AT this period, the throne of Sweden was occupied by Gustavus Adolphus,
a monarch of the most enlightened views and heroic valor. Seeing the
activity of surroimding nations in sending out colonies, he proposed to his
people to found a commonwealth in the New World., not for the mere purpose
of gain by trade, but to set up a refuge fpr the oppressed, a place of religious
liberty and happy homes that should prove of advantage to " all oppressed
Christendom." Accordingly, a company with ample privileges was incorpo-
rated by the Swedish Government, to which the King himself pledged $400,000
of the royal treasure, and men of every rank and nationality were invited to
join in the enterprise. Gustavus desired not that his colony should depend
upon serfs or slaves to do the rough work. " Slaves cost a great deal, labor
with reluctance, and soon perish from hard usage. The Swedish nation is
laborious and intelligent, and surely we shall gain more by a free people with
wives and children."
24 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
In the meantime, the fruits of the reformation in Germany were menaced,
and the Swedish monarch determined to unsheath his sword and lead his
people to the aid of Protestant faith in the land where its standard had been
successfully raised. At the battle of Liitzen, where for the cause which he had
espoused, a signal victory was gained, the illustrious monarch, in the flower
of life, received a mortal wound. Previous to the battle, and while engaged in
active preparations for the great struggle, he remembered the interests of his
contemplated colony in America, and in a most earnest manner commended
the enterprise to the people of Germany.
Oxenstiern, the minister of Gustavus, upon whom the weight of govern-
ment devolved during the minority of the young daughter, Christina, declared
that he was but the executor of the will of the fallen King, and exerted him-
self to further the interests of a colony which he believed would be favorable to
" all Christendom, to Europe, to the whole world. " Four years however
elapsed before the project was brought to a successful issue. Peter Minuit,
who had for a time been Governor of New Netherlands, having been displaced,
sought employment in the Swedish company, and was given the command of
the first colony. Two vessels, the Key of Calmar and the Griffin, early in the
year 1638, with a company of Swedes and Fins, made their way across the
stormy Atlantic and arrived safely in the Delaware. They purchased of the
Indians the lands from the ocean to the falls of Trenton, and at the mouth of
Christina Creek erected a fort which they called Christina, after the name of
the youthful Queen of Sweden. The soil was fruitful, the climate mild, and
the scenery picturesque. Compared with many parts of Finland and Sweden,
it was a Paradise, a name which had been given the point at the entrance of
the bay. As tidings of the satisfaction of the first emigrants were borne back
to the fatherland, the desire to seek a home in the new country spread rap-
idly, and the ships sailing were unable to take the many families seeking pas-
sage.
The Dutch were in actual possession of Fort Nassau when the Swedes
first arrived, and though they continued to hold it and to seek the trade of the
Indians, yet the artful Minuit was more than a match for them in Indian bar-
ter. William Keift, the Governor of New Netherland, entered a vigorous
protest against the encroachments of the Swedes upon Dutch territory, in
which he said " this has been our property for many years, occupied with
forts and sealed by our blood, which also was done when thou wast in the
service of New Netherland, and is therefore well known to thee. " But Minuit
pushed forward the work upon his fort, regardless of protest, trusting to the
respect which the flag of Sweden had inspired in the hands of Banner and
Torstensen. For more than a year no tidings were had from Sweden, and no
supplies from any source were obtained; and while the fruits of their labors
were abundant there were many articles of diet, medicines and apparel, the
lack of which they began to sorely feel. So pressing had the want become,
that application had been made to the authorities at Manhattan for permission
to remove thither with all their effects. But on the very day before that on
which they were to embark, a ship from Sweden richly laden with provisions,
cattle, seeds and merchandise for barter with the natives came joyfully to their
relief, and this, the first permanent settlement on soil where now are the States
of Delaware and Pennsylvania, was spared. The success and prosperity of the
colony during the first few years of its existence was largely due to the skill
and policy of Minuit, who preserved the friendship of the natives, avoided an
open conflict with the Dutch, and so prosecuted trade that the Dutch Governor
reported to his government that trade had fallen off 30,000 beavers. Minuit
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 25
was at the head of the colony for about three years, and died in the midst
of the people whom he had led.
Minuit was succeeded in the government by Peter Hollandaer, who had
previously gone in charge of a company of emigrants, and who was now, in
1641, commissioned. The goodly lands upon the Delaware were a constant
attraction to the eye of the adventurer ; a party from Connecticut, under the lead-
ership of Eobort Cogswell, came, and squatted without authority upon the site
of the present town of Salem, N. J. Another company had proceeded up the
ever, and, entering the Schuylkill, had planted themselves upon its banks.
The settlement of the Swedes, backed as it was by one of the most powerful
nations of Europe, the Governor of New Netherland -was not disposed to
molest; but when these irresponsible wandering adventurers came sailing past
their forts and boldly planted themselves upon the most eligible sites and fer-
tile lands in their territory, the Dutch determined to assume a hostile front,
and to drive them away. Accordingly, Gen. Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam — his
very name was enough to frighten away the emigrants — was sent with two
vessels and a military force, who routed the party upon the Schuylkill, destroy-
ing their fort and giving them a taste of the punishment that was likely to be
meted out to them, if this experiment of trespass was repeated. The Swedes
joined the Dutch in breaking up the settlement at Salem and driving away the
New England intruders.
In 1642, Hollandaer was succeeded in the government of the Swedish
Colony by John Printz, whose instructions for the management of affairs were
drawn with much care by the ofl&cers of the company in Stockholm. " He was,
first of all, to maintain friendly relations with the Indians, and by the advan-
tage of low prices hold their (rade. His next care was to cultivate enough
grain for the wants of the colonists, and when this was insured, turn his atten-
tion lo the culture of tobacco, the raising of cattle and sheep of a good species,
the culture of the grape, and the raising of silk worms. The manufacture of
salt by evaporation, and the search for metals and minerals were to be prose-
cuted, and inquiry into the establishment of fisheries, with a view to profit,
especially the whale fishery, was to be made. " It will be seen from these in-
structions that the far-sighted Swedish statesmen had formed an exalted con-
ception of the resources of the new country, and had figured to themselves
great possibilities from its future development. Visions of rich silk products,
of the precious metals and gems from its mines, flocks upon a thousand hills
that should rival in the softness of their downy fleeces the best products of the
Indian looms, and the luscious clusters of the vine that could make glad the
palate of the epicure filled their imaginations.
With two vessels, the Stoork and Renown, Printi! set sail, and arrived at
Fort Christina on the 15th of February, 1643. He was bred to the prof ession
of arms, and was doubtless selected with an eye to his ability to holding posses-
sion of the land against the confiict that was likely to arise. He had been a
Lieutenant of cavalry, and was withal a man of prodigious proportions, " who
weighed," according to De Vries, " upward of 400 pounds, and drank three
drinks at every meal." He entertained exalted notions of his dignity as Govern-
or of the colony, and prepared to establish himself in his new dominions with
some degree of magnificence. He brought with bim from Sweden the bricks
to be used for the construction of his royal dwelling. Upon an inspection of
the settlement, he detected the inherent weakness of the location of Fort
Christina for commanding the navigation of the river, and selected the island
of Tiuacum for the site of a new fort, called New Gottenburg, which was
speedily erected and made strong with huge hemlock logs. In the midst of
26 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the island, he built his royal residence, which was surrounded with trees and
shubbery. He erected another fort near the mouth of Salem Creek,
called Elsinborg, which he mounted with eight brass twelve-pounders,
and gfarrisoned. Here all ships ascending the river were brought to,
and required to await a permit from the Governor before proceeding
to their destination. Gen. Van Ilpendam, who had been sent to drive
away the intruders from New England, had remained after executing
his commission as commandant at Fort Nassau; but having incurred the dis-
pleasure of Director Keift, he had been displaced, and was succeeded by An-
dreas Hudde, a crafty and politic agent of the Dutch Governor, who had no
sooner arrived and become settled in his place than a conflict of authority
sprang up between himself and the Swedish Governor. Dutch settlers secured
a grant of land on the west bank of Delaware, and obtained possession by pur-
chase from the Indians. This procedure kindled the wrath of Printz, who
tore down the ensign of the company which had been erected in token of
the power of Holland, and declared that he would have pulled down the
colors of their High Mightinessps had they been erected on this the Swed-
ish soil. That there might be no mistake about his claim to authority, the
testy Governor issued a manifesto to his rival on the opposite bank, in which
were these explicit declarations:
" Andreas Hudde! I remind you again, by this written warning, to discon-
tinue the injuries of which you have been guilty against the Royal Majesty
of Sweden, my most gracious Queen; against Her Eoyal Majesty's rights, pre-
tensions, soil and land, without showing the least respect to the Royal Majes-
ty's magnificence, reputation and dignity; and to do so no more, considering
how little it would be becoming Her Royal Majesty to bear such gross violence,
and what great disasters might originate from it, yea, might be expected. *
* * All this I can freely bring forward in my own defense, to exculpate me
from all future calamities, of which we give you a warning, and place it at
your account. Dated New Gothenburg, 3d September, stil, veteri 1646."
It will be noted from the repetition of the high sounding epithets applied
to the Queen, that Printz had a very exalted idea of his own position as the
Vicegerent of the Swedish monarch. Hudde responded, saying in reply: " The
place we possess we hold in just deed, perhaps before the name of South River
was heard of in Sweden." This paper, upon its presentation, Printz filing to
the ground in contempt, and when the messenger, who bore it, demanded an
answer, Printz unceremoniously threw him out doors, and seizing a gun would
have dispatched the Dutchman had he not been arrested; and whenever any of
Hudde's men visited Tinicum they were sure to be abused, and frequently came
back " bloody and bruised. " Hudde urged rights acquired by prior posses-
sion, but Printz answered: " The devil was the oldest possessor in hell, yet he,
notwithstanding, would sometimes admit a younger one." A vessel which had
come to the Delaware from Manhattan with goods to barter to the Indians, was
brought to, and ordered away. In vain did Hudde plead the rights acquired
by previous possession, and finally treaty obligations existing between the
two nations. Printz was inexorable, and peremptorily ordered the skipper
away, and as his ship was not provided with the means of fighting its way up
past the frowning battlements of Fort Elsinborg, his only alternative was to
return to Manhattan and report the result to his employers.
Peter Stuyvosant, a man of a good share of native talent and force of char-
acter, succeeded to the chief authority over New Netherland in May, 1647.
The affairs of his colony were not in an encouraging condition. The New
England colonies were crowding upon him from the north and east, and the
HISTORV OF PENNSYLVANIA. 27
Swedes upon the South Eiver were occupying the territory which the Dutch
for many years previous to the coming of Christina's colony had claimed.
Amid the thickening complications, Stuyvesant had need of all his power of
argument and executive skill. He entered into negotiations with the New En-
gland colonies for a peaceful settlement of their difficulties, getting the very
best terms he could, without resorting to force; for, said his superiors, the
officers of the company in Holland, who had an eye to dividends, " War can-
not be for our advantage; the New England people are too powerful for us."
A pacific policy was also preserved toward the Swedes. Hudde was retained
at the head of Dutch affairs upon the Delaware, and he was required to make
full reports of everything that was transpiring there in order that a clear in-
sight might be gained of the policy likely to be pursued. Stuyvesant was en-
tirely too shrewd a politician for the choleric Printz. He recommended to the
company to plant a Dutch colony on the site of Zwanendal at the mouth of
the river, another on the opposite bank, which, if effectually done, would com-
mand its navigation ; and a third on the upper waters at Beversreede, which
would intercept the intercourse of the native population. By this course of
active colonizing, Stuyvesant rightly calculated that the Swedish power would
be circumscribed, and finally, upon a favorable occasion, be crushed out.
Stuyvesant, that he might ascertain the nature and extent of the Swedish
claims to the country, and examine into the complaints that were pouring in
upon him of wrongs and indignities suffered by the Dutch at the hands of the
Swedish power, in 1651 determined to visit the Delaware in his official capac-
ity. He evidently went in some state, and Printz, who was doubtless impressed
with the condecension of the Governor of all New Netherland in thus coming,
was put upon his good behavior. Stuyvesant, by his address, got completely
on the blind side of the Swedish chief, maintaining the garb of friendship
and brotherly good-will, and insisting that the discussion of rights should be
carried on in a peaceful and friendly manner, for we are informed that they
mutually promised " not to commit any hostile or vexatious acts against one
another, but to maintain together all neighborly friendship and correspond-
ence, as good friends and allies aro bound to do. ' ' Printz was thus, by this
agreement, entirely disarmed and placed at a disadvantage; for the Dutch
Governor took advantage of the armistice to acquire lands below Fort Chris-
tina, where he proceeded to erect a fort onlj- five miles away, which he named
Fort Casimir. This gave the Dutch a foothold upon the south bank, and in
nearer proximity to the ocean than Fort Christina. Fort Nassau was dis-
mantled and destroyed, as being no longer of use. In a conference with the
Swedish Governor, Stuyvesant demanded to see documental proof of his right
to exercise authority upon he Delaware, and the compass of the lands to
which the Swedish Government laid claim. Printz prepared a statement in
which he set out the "Swedish limits wide enough.'' But Stuyvesant de-
manded the documentiS, under the seal of the company, and characterized this
writing as a "subterfuge," maintaining by documentary evidence, on his part,
the Dutch West India Company's right to the soil.
Printz was great as a blusterer, and preserver of authority when personal
abuse and kicks and cuffs could be resorted to withcjut the fear of retaliation;
but no match in statecraft for the wily Stuyvesant. To the plea of pre-occu-
pancy he had nothing to answer more than he had already done to Hudde's
messenger respecting the government of Hades, and herein was the cause of
the Swedes inherently weak. In numbers, too, the Swedes were feeble com-
pared with the Dutch, who had ten times the population. But in diplomacy
he had been entirely overreached. Fort Casimir, by its location, rendered
28 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA
the rival Fort Elainborg powerless, and under plea that the mosquitoes had bu-
come troublesome there, it was abandoned. Discovering, doubtless, that a cloud
of complications was thickening over him, which be would be unable with the
forces at his command to successfully withstand, he asked to be relieved, and,
without awaiting an answer to his application, departed for Sweden, leaving
his son-in-law, John Pappegoya, who had previously received marks of the
royal favor, and been invested with the dignity of Lieutenant Governor, in
supreme authority.
The Swedish company had by this time, no doubt, discovered that forcible
opposition to Swedish occupancy of the soil upon Delaware was destined soon
to come, and accordingly, as a precautionary measure, in November, 1653, the
College of Commerce sent John Amundson Besch, with the conmiission of
Captain in the Navy, to superintend the construction of vessels.' Upon his
arrival, he acquired lands suitable for the purpose of ship-building, and eet
about laying his keels. He was to have supreme authority over the naval force,
and was to act in conjunction with the Governor in protecting the interests of
the colony, but in such a manner that neither should decide anything without
consulting the other.
On receiving the application of Printz to be relieved, the company ap-
pointed John Claude Eysingh, then Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce,
as Vice Director of New Sweden. He was instructed to fortify and extend
the Swedish possessions, but without interrupting the friendship existing
with the English or Dutch. He was to use his power of persuasion in induc-
ing the latter to give up Fort Casimir, which was regarded as an intrusion
upon Swedish possessions, but without resorting to hostilities, as it was better
to allow the Dutch to occupy it than to have it fall into the hands of the En-
glish, "who are the more powerful, and, of course, the most dangerous in that
country." Thus early was the prowess of England foreshadowed. Gov.
Rysingh arrived in the Delaware, on the last day of May, 1654, and immediately
demanded the surrender of Fort Casimir. Adriaen Van Tienhoven, an aide-
de-camp on the staff of the Dutch commandant of the fort, was sent on board
the vessel to demand of Gov. Kysingh by what right he claimed to dis-
possess the rightful occupants; but the Governor was not disposed to discuss
the matter, and immediately landed a party and took possession without more
opposition than wordy protests, the Dutch Governor saying, when called on to
make defense, "What can I do? there is no powder." Eysingh, however, in
justification of his course, stated to Teinhoven, after he had gained possession
of the fort, that he was acting under orders from the crown of Sweden, whose
embassador at the Dutch Court, when remonstrating against the action of Gov.
Stuyvesant in erecting and manning Fort Casimir had been assured, by
the State's General and the offices of the West India Company, that they had
not authorized the erection of this fort on Swedish soil, saying, " if our people
are in your Excellency's way, drive them off." "Thereupon the Swedish
Governor slapped Van Teinhoven on the breast, and said, ' Go! tell your Gov-
ernor that.'" As the capture was made on Trinity Sunday, the name was
changed from Fort Casimir to Fort Trinity.
Thus were the instructions of the new Governor, not to resort to force, but
to secui-e possession of the fort by negotiation, complied with, but by a forced
interpretation. For, although he had not actually come to battle, for the very
good reason that the Dutch had no powder, and were not disposed to use
their fists against fire arms, which the Swedes brandished freely, yet, in mak-
ing his demand for the fort, he had put on the stern aspect of war.
Stuyvesant, on learning of the loss of Fort Casimir, sent a messenger to the
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 29
Delaware to invite Gov. Rysingh to come to ManL attan to hold friendly confer-
ence upon the subject of their difficulties. This Rysingh refused to do, and the
Dutch Governor, probably desiring instructions from the home Government be-
fore proceeding to extremities, made a voyage to the West Indies for the purpose
of arranging favorable regulations of trade with the colonies, though without
the instructions, or even the knowledge of the States- General. Cromwell,
who was now at the head of the English nation, by the policy of his agente,
rendered this embassy of Stuyvesant abortive.
As soon as information of the conduct of Rysingh at Zwanendal was
known in Holland, the company lost no time in disclaiming the representa-
tions which he had made of its willingness to have the fort turned over to the
Swedes, and immediately took measures for restoring it and wholly dispossess-
ing the Swedes of lands upon the Delaware. On the 16th of November, 1655,
the company ordered Stuyvesant "to exert every nerve to avenge the insult,
by not only replacing matters on the Delaware in their former position, but
by driving the Swedes from every side of the river," though they subsequent-
ly modified this order in such manner as to allow the Swedes, after Fort Casi-
mir had been taken, "to hold the land on which Fort Christina is built," with
a garden to cultivate tobacco, because it appears that they had made the pur-
chase with the previous knowledge of the company, thus manifesting a disin-
clination to involve Holland in a war with Sweden. "Two armed ships were
forthwith commissioned; 'the drum was beaten daily for volunteers' in the
streets of Amsterdam; authority was sent out to arm and equip, and if neces-
sary to press into the company's service a sufficient number of ships for the
expedition." In the meantime. Gov. Rysingh, who had inaugurated hie
reign by so bold a stroke of policy, determined to ingratiate himself into the
favor of the Indians, who had been soured in disposition by the arbi-
trary conduct of the passionate Printz. He accordingly sent out on all sides
an invitation to the native tribes to assemble on a certain day, by their chiefs
and principal men, at the seat of government on Tinicum Island, to brighten
the chain of friendship and renew their pledges of faith and good neighbor-
hood.
On the morning of the appointed day, ten grand sachems with their at-
tendants came, and with the formality characteristic of these native tribes, the
council opened. Many and bitter were the complaints made against the Swedes
for wrongs suffered at their hands, " chief among which was that many of
their number had died, plainly pointing, though not explicitly saying it, to the
giving of spirituous liquors as the cause." The new Governor had no answer
to make to these complaints, being convinced, probably, that they were but too
true. Without attempting to excuse or extenuate the past, Rysingh brought
forward the numerous presents which he had taken with him from Sweden for
the purpose. The sight of the piled- up goods produced a prof ound impression
upon the minds of the native chieftains. They sat apart for conference before
making any expression of their feelings. Naaman, the fast friend of the white
man, and the most consequential of the warriors, according to Campanius,
spoke: " Look," said he, "and see what they have brought to us." So say-
ing, he stroked himself three times down the arm, which, among the Indians,
was a token of friendship; afterward he thanked the Swedes on behalf of his
people- for the presents they had received, and said that friendship should be
observed more strictly between them than ever before; that the Swedes and
the Indians in Gov. Printz's time were as one body and one heart, striking his
breast as he spoke, and that thenceforward they should be as one head; iu
token of which he took hold of his head with both hands, and made a motio,;i
30 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
as if he were tying a knot, and then he made this comparison: " That, as the
calabash was round, without any crack, so they should be a compact body with-
out any fissure ; and that if any should attempt to do any harm to the Indiafis,
the Swedes should immediately inform them of it; and, on the other hand, the
Indians would give immediate notice to the Christians, even if it were in the
middle of the night." On this thoy were answered that that would be indeed
a true and lasting friendship, if every one would agree to it; on which they
gave a general shout in token of consent. Immediately on this the great guns
were fired, which pleased them extremely, and they said, "Poo, hoc, hoo;
mokerick picon,'' that is to say "Hear and believe; the great guns are fired."
Rysingh then produced all the treaties which had ever been concluded between
them and the Swedes, which were again solemnly confirmed. " When those
who had signed the deeds heard their names, they appeared to rejoice, but,
when th« names were read of those who were dead, they hung their heads in
sorrow."
After the first ebulition of feeling had subsided on the part of the Dutch
Company at Amsterdam, the winter passed without anything further being
done than issuing the order to Stuyvesant to proceed against the Swedes. In
the spring, however, a thirty-six-gun brig was obtained from the burgomasters
of Amsterdam, which, with four other crafts of varying sizes, was prepared for
duty, and the little fleet set sail for New Netherland. Orders were given for
immediate action, though Director General Stuyvesant had not returned from
the West Indies. Upon the arrival of the vessels at Manhattan, it was an
nounced that " if any lovers of the prosperity and security of the province of
New Netherland were inclined to volunteer, or to serve for reasonable wages,
they should come forward," and whoever should lose a limb, or be maimed, was
assured of a decent compensation. The merchantmen were ordered to furnish
two of their crews, and the river boatmen were to be impressed. At this junct-
ure a grave question arose : " Shall the Jews be enlisted ? " It was decided
in the negative; but in lieu of service, adult male Jews were taxed sixty-five
stivers a head per month, to be levied by execution in case of refusal.
Stuyvesant had now arrived from his commercial trip, and made ready for
opening the campaign in earnest. A day of prayer and thanksgiving was held
to beseech, the favor of Heaven upon the enterprise, and on the 5th of Septem-
ber, 1655, with a fleet of seven vessels and some 600 men, Stuyvesant hoisted
sail and steered for the Delaware. Arrived before Fort Trinity (Casimir), the
Director sent Capt. Smith and a drummer to summon the fort, and ordered a
flank movement by a party of fifty picked men to cut ofl;' communication with
Fort Christina and the headquarters of Gov. Rysingh. Swen Schute, the com-
mandant of the garrison, asked permission to communicate with Rysingh,
which was denied, and he was called on to prevent bloodshed. An interview
in the valley midway between the fort and the Dutch batteries was held, when
Schute asked to send an open letter to Rysingh. This was denied, and for a
third time the fort was summoned. Impatient of delay, and in no temper for
parley, the great guns were landed and the Dutch force ordered to advance.
Schute again asked for a delay until morning, which was granted, as the day
was now well spent and the Dutch would be unable to make the necessary
preparations to open before morning. Early on the following day, Schute went
on board the Dutch flag- ship, the j3alance, and agreed to terms of surrender
very honorable to his flag. He was permitted to send to Sweden, by the first
opportunity, the cannon, nine in number, belonging to the crown of Sweden,
to march out of the fort with twelve men, as his body guard, fully accoutered,
and colors flying; the common soldiers to wear their side arms. The com-
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 31
mandant and other officers were to retain their private property, the muskets
belonging to the crown were to be held until sent for, and finally the fort was
to be surrendered, with all the cannon, ammunition, materials and other goods
iDelonging to the West India Company. The Dutch entered the fort at noon
with all the formality and glorious circumstance of war, and Dominie Megap-
•olensis, Chaplain of the expedition, preached a sermon of thanksgiving on the
following Sunday in honor of the great triumph.
While these signal events were transpiring at Casimir, Gov. Kysing, at his
royal residence on Tinicum, was in utter ignorance that he was being despoiled
of his power. A detachment of nine men had been sent by the Governor to
Casimir to re-enforce the garrison, which came unawares upon the Dutch lines,
and after a brief skirmish all but two were captured. Upon learning that the
fort was invested, Factor Ellswyck was sent with a flag to inquire of the in-
Traders the purpose of their coming. The answer was returned ' ' To recover
and retain our property." Rysingh then communicated the hope that they
would therewith rest content, and not encroach further upon Swedish territory,
having, doubtless, ascertained by this time that the Dutch were too strong for
him to make any effectual resistance. Stuyvesant returned an evasive answer,
but made ready to march upon Fort Christina. It will be remembered that
by the terms of the modified orders given for the reduction of the Swedes,
Fort Christina was not to be disturbed. But the Dutch Governor's blood was
now up, and he determined to make clean work while the means were in his
hands. Discovering that the Dutch were advancing, Rysingh spent the whole
night in strengthening the defenses and putting the garrison in position to
make a stout resistance. Early on the following day the invaders made their
appearance on the opposite bank of Christina Creek, where they threw up de-
fenses and planted their cannon. Forces were landed above the fort, and the
place was soon invested on all sides, the vessels, in the meantime, having been
brought into the mouth of the creek, their cannon planted west of the fort and
on Timber Island. Having thus securely shut up the Governor and his garri-
son, Stuyvesant summmoned him to surrender. Eysingh could not in honor
tamely submit, and at a council of war it was resolved to make a defense and
" leave the consequence to be redressed by our gracious superiors." But their
supply of powder barely sufficed for one round, and his force consisted of only
thirty men. In the meantime, the Dutch soldiery made free with the property
of the Swedes without the fort, killing their cattle and invading their homes.
"At length the Swedish garrison itself showed symptoms of mutiny. The
men were harassed with constant watching, provisions began to fail, many
were sick, several had deserted, and Stuyvesant threatened, that, if they held
out much longer, to give no quarter." A conference was held which ended
by the return of Rysingh to the fort more resolute than ever for defense.
Pinally Stuyvesant sent in his ultimatum and gave twenty-four hours for a
final answer, the generous extent of time for consideration evincing the humane
disposition of the commander of the invading army, or what is perhaps more
probable his own lack of stomach for carnage. Before the expiration of the
time allowed, the garrison capitulated, " after a siege of fourteen days, dur-
ing which, very fortunately, there was a great deal more talking than cannon-
ading, and no blood shed, except those of the goats, poultry and swine, which
the Dutch troops laid their hands on. The twenty or thirty Swedes then
inarched out with their arms; colors flying, matches lighted, drums beating,
and fifes playing, and the Dutch took possession of the fort, hauled down the
Swedish flag and hoisted their own."
By the terms of capitulation, the Swedes, who wished to remain in the
32 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
country, were permitted to do so, on taking the oath of allegiance, and rights
of property were to be respected under the sway of Dutch law. Gov. Ry-
singh, and all others who desired to return to Europe, were furnished passage,
and by a secret provision, a loan of £300 Flemish was made to Eysingh, to be
refunded on bis arrival in Sweden, the cannon and other property belonging
to the crown remaining in the hands of the Dutch until the loan was paid.
Before withdrawing Stuyvesant offered to deliver over Fort Christina and the
lands immediately about it to Rysingh, but this offer was declined with dig-
nity, as the matter had now passed for arbitrament to the courts of the two na-
tions.
The terms of the capitulation were honorable and liberal enough, but the
Dutch authorities seem to have exercised little care in carrying out its provis-
ions, or else the discipline in the service must have been very lax. For Ky-
singh had no sooner arrived at Manhattan, than he entered most vigorous pro-
tests against the violations of the provisions of the capitulation to Gov. Stuy-
vesant. He asserted that the property belonging to the Swedish crown had
been left without guard or protection foom pillage, and that he himself had
not been assigned quarters suited to his dignity. He accused the Dutch
with having broken open the church, and taken away all the cordage and sails
of a new vessel, with having plundered the villages, Tinnakong, Uplandt, Fin-
land, Printzdorp and other places. " In Christina, the women were violently
torn from their houses; whole buildings were destroyed; yea, oxen, cows, hogs
and other creatures were butchered day after day; even the horses were not
spared, but wantonly shot; the plantations destroyed, and the whole country
so desolated that scarce any means were left for the subsistence of the inhab-
itants." "Your men carried off even my own property, " said Rysingh,
" with that of my family, and we were left like sheep doomed to the knife,
without means of defense against the wild barbarians."
Thus the colony of Swedes and Fins on the South River, which had been
planned by and had been the object of solicitude to the great monarch himself,
and had received the fostering care of the Swedish Government, came to an
end after an existence of a little more than seventeen years — 1638-1655. But
though it no longer existed ao a colony under the government of the crown of
Sweden, many of the colonists remained and became the most intelligent and
law-abiding citizens, and constituted a vigorous element in the future growth
of the Sta;te. Some of the best blood of Europe at this period flowed in the
veins of the Swedes. "A love for Sweden," says Bancroft, "their dear
mother country, the abiding sentiment of loyalty toward its sovereign, con-
tinued to distinguish the little band. At Stockholm, they remained for a
century the objects of disinterested and generous regard; affection united them
in the New World; and a part of their descendants still preserve their altar
and their dwellings around the graves of their fathers."
This campaign of Stuyvesant, for the dispossessing of the Swedes of terri-
tory upon the Delaware, furnishes Washington Irving subject for some of the
most inimitable chapters of broad humor, in his Knickerbocker's New York, to
be found in the English language. And yet, in the midst of his side-splitting
paragraphs, he indulges in a reflection which is worthy of remembrance.
"He who reads attentively will discover the threads of gold which run
throughout the web of history, and are invisible to the dull eye of ignorance.
* * * By the treacherous surprisal of Fort Casimir, then, did the crafty
Swedes enjoy a transient triumph, but drew upon their heads the vengeance
of Peier Stuyvesant, who wrested all New Sweden from their hands. By the
f^onquest of New Sweden, Peter Stuyvesant aroused the claims of Lord Balti-
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 33
more, who appealed to the cabinet of Great Britain, who subdued the whole
province of New Netherlands. By this great achievement, the whole extent of
North America, from Nova Scotia to the Ploridas, was rendered one entire
dependency upon the British crown. But mark the consequence: The hith-
erto scattered colonies being thus consolidated and having no rival colonies to
check or keep them in awe, waxed great and powerful, and finally becoming
too strong for the mother country, were enabled to shake off its bonds. But
the chain of effects stopped not here; the successful revolution in America pro-
duced the sanguinary revolution in France, which produced the puissant
Bonaparte, who produced the French despotism."
In March, 1656, the ship "Mercury," with 130 emigrants, arrived, the
government at Stockholm having had no intimation of the Dutch conquest.
An attempt was made to prevent a landing, and the vessel was ordered to
report to Stuyvesant at Manhattan, but the order was disregarded and the col-
onists debarked and acquired lands. The Swedish Government was not dis-
posed to submit to these high-handed proceedings of the Dutch, and the min-
isters of the two courts maintained a heated discussion of their differences.
Finding the Dutch disposed to hold by force their conquests, the government
of Sweden allowed the claim to rest until 1664. In that year, vigorous meas-
ures wei? planned to regain its claims upon the Delaware, and a fleet bearing
a military force was dispatched for the purpose. But, having been obliged to
put back on account of stress of weather, the enterprise was abandoned.
CHAPTER III.
John Paul Jacqttet, 1655-57— Jacob Aleichs, 1657-59— Goeran Van Dyck, 1657
_58— William Beekman, 1658-63— Alexander D'Hinotossa. 1659-64.
THE colonies upon the Delaware being now under exclusive control of the
Dutch, John Paul Jaquet was appointed in November, 1655, as Vice
Director, Derek Smidt having exercised authority after the departure of Stuy-
vesant. The expense of fitting out the expedition for the reduction of the
Swedes was sorely felt by the West India Company, which had been obliged
to borrow money for the purpose of t^ie city of Amsterdam. In payment of
this loan, the company sold to the city all the lands upon the south bank of
the Delaware, from the ocean to Christina Creek, reaching back to the lands
of the Minquas, which was designated Nieur Amstel. Again was there di-
vided authority upon the Delaware. The government of the new possession
was vested in a commission of forty residents of Amsterdam, who appointed
Jacob Alrichs as Director, and sent him with a force of forty soldiers and 150
colonists, in three vessels, to assume the government, whereupon Jaquet relin-
quished authority over this portion of his territory. The company in commu-
nicating with Stuyvesant upon the subject of his course in dispossessing the
Swedes, after duly considering all the complaints and remonstrances of the
Swedish government, approved his conduct, " though they would not have been
displeased had such a formal capitulation not taken place," adding as a paren-
thetical explanation of the word formal " what is written is too long preserved,
and may be produced when not desired, whereas words not recorded are, in the
lapse of time, forgotten, or may be explained away."
34 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Stuyvesant Btill remained in supreme control over both the colony of the
city and the colony of the company, to the immediate governorship of the lat-
ter of which, Goeran Van Dyck was appointed. But though settlements ia
the management of affairs were frequently made, they would not remain set-
tled. There was conflict of authority between Alrichs and Van Dyck. The
companies soon found that a grievous system of smuggling had sprung up.
After a searching examination into the irregularities by Stuyvesant, who vis-
ited the Delaware for the purpose, he recommended the appointment of one
general agent who should have charge of all the revenues of both co'onies,
and William Beekman was accordingly appointed. The company of the city
seems not to have betn satisfied with the profits of their investment, and ac-
cordingly made new regulations to govern settlement, by which larger returns
would accrue. This action created discontent among the settlers, and many
who were meditating the purchase of lands and the acquisition of homes, de-
termined to go over into Maryland where Lord Baltimore was offering far more
liberal terms of settlement. To add to the discomforts of the settlers, " the
miasms which the low alluvial soil and the rank and decomposed vegetation
of a new country engenders, ' ' produced wasting sicknesses. When the planting-
was completed, and the new soil, for ages undisturbed, had been thoroughly
stirred, the rains set in which descended almost continuously, producing fever
and ague and dysentery. Scarcely a family escaped the epidemic. Six in.
the family of Director Alrichs were attacked, and his wife died. New colo-
nists came without provisions, which only added to the distress. " Scarcity of
provisions," says O'Calaghan, " naturally followed the failure of the crops;
900 schepels of grain had been sown in the spring. They produced scarcely
600 at harvest. Eye rose to three guilders the bushel; peas to eight guilders
the sack; salt was twelve guilders the bushel at New Amsterdam; cheese and
butter were not to be had, and when a man journeys he can get nothing but
dry bread, or he must take a pot or kettle along with him to cook his victuals."
" The place had now got so bad a name that the whole river could not wash it
clean." The exactions of the city company upon its colony, not only did not
bring increased revenue, but by dispersing the honest colonists, served to-
notify Lord Baltimore — who had laid claim to the lands upon Delaware, on
account of original discovery by Lord De la War, from whom the river takes,
its name, and from subsequent charter of the British crown, covering territory
from the 38th to the 40th degree of latitude — of the weakness of the colonies,
and persuade him that now was a favorable opportunity to enforce his claims.
Accordingly, Col. Utie, with a number of delegates, was dispatched to demand
that the Dutch should quit the place, or declare themselves subjects of Lord
Baltimore, adding, " that if they hesitated, they should be responsible for
whatever innocent blood might be shed."
Excited discussions ensued between the Dutch authorities and the agents
of the Maryland government, and it was finally agreed to refer the matter to
Gov. Stuyvesant, who immediately sent Commissioners to the Chesapeake to
settle differences, and enter into treaty regulations for the mutual return of
fugitives, and dispatched sixty soldiers to the Delaware to assist in preserving
order, and resisting the English, should an attempt be made to dispossess the
Dutch.
Upon the death of AlricLs, which occurred iix 1659, Alexander D'Hinoyossa
was appointed Governor of the city colony. The new Governor was a man of
good business capacity, and sought to administer the affairs of his colony for
the best interests of the settlers, and for increasing the revenues of the com-
pany. To further the general prosperity, the company negotiated a new loan.
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 35
with which to strengthen and improve its resources. This liberal policy had
the desired effect. The Swedes, who had settled above on the river, moved
down, and acquired homes on the lands of the city colony. The Fins and dis-
contented Dutch, who had gone to Maryland, returned and brought with them
some of the English settlers.
Discouraged by the harassing conflicts of authority which seemed inter-
minable, the West India Company transferred all its interests on the east side
of the river to the colony of the city, and upon the visit of D'Hinoyossa to
Holland in 1663, he secured for himself the entire and exclusive government
of the colonies upon the Delaware, being no longer subject to the authority of
Stuyvesant.
Encouraged by liberal terms of settlement, and there being now a prospect
of stable government, emigrants were attracted thither. A Mennonite commu-
nity came in a body. " Clergymen were not allowed to- join them, nor any
' intractable people such as those in communion with the Roman See, usurious
Jews, English stiff-necked Quakers, Puritans, foolhardy believers in the mil-
lennium, and obstinate modern pretenders to revelation.' " They were obliged
to take an oath never to seek for an ofiSce; Magistrates were to receive no com-
pensation, " not even a stiver. " The soil and climate were regarded as excel-
lent, and when sufficiently peopled, the country would be the " finest on the
face of the globe. "
CHAPTER TV.
BiCHARD Nichols, 1664^67— Robert Needham, 1664r-68— Francis Lovelace,
1667-73— John Carr, 1668-73— Anthony Colve, 1673-74— Peter Alrichs,
167a-74.
AFFAIRS were scarcely arranged upon the Delaware, and the dawning of
a better day for the colonists ushered in, before new complications
began to threaten the subversion of the whole Dutch power in America. , The
English had always claimed the entire Atlantic seaboard. Under Cromwell,
the Navigation act was aimed at Dutch interests in the New World. Captain
J9hn Scott, who had been an officer in the army of Charles I, having
obtained some show of authority from the Governor of Connecticut, had visited
the towns upon the west end of Long Island, where was a mixed population of
Dutch and English, and where he claimed to have purchased large tracts of
land, and had persuaded them to unite under his authority in setting up a
government of their own. He visited England and ' ' petitioned the King to be
invested with the government of Long Island, or that the people thereof be
allowed to choose yearly a Governor and Assistants." By his representation,
an inquiry was instituted by the King's council, " as to his majesty's title to the
premises; the intrusions of the Dutch; their deportment; management of the
country; strength, trade and government; and lastly, of the means necessary
to induce or force them to acknowledge the King, or if necessary, to expel
them together from the country. " The visit of Scott, and his prayer to the
King for a grant of Long Island, was the occasion of inaugurating a policy,
which resulted in the overthrow of Dutch rule in America. But the attention
of English statesmen had for some time been turned to the importance of the
territory which the Dutch colonies had occupied, and a bolief that Dutch trade
in the New World was yielding great returns, stimulated inquiry. James,
86 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Duke of York, brother of the King, who afterward himself became King, was
probably at this time the power behind the throne that was urging on action
looking to the dispossession of the Dutch. The motive which seemed to actuate
him was the acquisition of personal wealth and power. He saw, as he
thought, a company of merchants in Amsterdam accumulating great wealth out
of these colonies, and he meditated the transfer of this wealth to himself. He
was seconded in this project by the powerful influence of Sir George Downing,
who had been Envoy at The Hague, under Cromwell, and was now under Charles
II. "Keen, bold, subtle, active, and observant, but imperious and unscrupulous,
disliking and distrusting the Dutch," he had watched every movement of the
company's granted privileges by the States General, and had reported every-
thing to his superiors at home. "The whole bent," says O'Calaghan, '' of this
man's mind was constantly to hold up before the eyes of his countrymen the
growing power of Holland and her commercial companies, their immense
wealth and ambition, and the danger to England of permitting these to pro-
gress oQward unchecked.''
After giving his testimony before the council, Scott returned to America
with a letter from the King recommending his interests to the co-operation and
protection of the New England colonies. On arriving in Connecticut, he was
commissioned by the Governor of that colony to incorporate Long Island under
Connecticut jurisdiction. But the Baptists, Quakers and Menuonites, who formed
a considerable part of the population, " dreaded falling into the hands of the
Puritans." In a quaint document commencing, "In the behalfe of sum hun-
dreds of English here planted on the west end of Long Island wee address,"
etc. , " they besought Scott to come and settle their difficulties. On his arrival
he acquainted them with the fact, till then unknown, that King Charles had
granted the island to the Duke of York, who would soon assert his rights.
Whereupon the towns of Hemstede, New war ke, Crafford, Hastings, Folestone
and Gravesend, entered into a "combination" as they termed it, resolved to
elect deputies to draw up laws, choose magistrates, and empowered Scott to
act as their President; in short set up the first independent State in America.
Scott immediately set out at the head of 150 men, horse and foot, to subdue
the island.
On the 22d of March, 1664, Charles II made a grant of the whole of Long
Island, and all the adjoining country at the time in possession of thu Dutch,
to the Duke of York. Borrowing four men-of-war of the king, James sent
them in command of Col. Richard NichoUs, an old officer, with whom was as-
sociated Sir Ebbert Carr, Sir George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, Esq.,
and a force of 450 men, to dispossess the Dutch. To insure the success of the
expedition, letters were addressed to each of the Governors of the New England
colonies, enjoining upon them to unite in giving aid by men and material to
Nicholls. The fleet sailed directly for Boston, where it was expected, and
whence, through one Lord, the Dutch were notified of its coming. The great-
est consternation was aroused upon the receipt of this intelligence, and the
most active preparations were making for defense. But in the midst of these
preparations, notice was received from the Chambers at Amsterdam, doubtless
inspired by the English, that " no apprehension of any public enemy or dan-
ger from England need be entertained. That the King was only desirous to
reduce the colonies to uniformity in church and state, and with this view was
dispatching some Commissioners with two or three frigates to New England to
introduce Episcopacy in that quarter. " Thrown completely off his guard by
this announcement, the Director General, Stuy vesant abandoned all preparations
for resistance, and indulged in no anticipations of a hostile visitation. Thus
HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 37
were three full weeks lost in which the colonies might have been put in a very
good state of defense.
NichoUs on arriving in American waters, touched at Boston and Connecti-
cut, where some aid was received, and then hastened foward to Manhattan.
Stuyvesant had but a day or two before learned of the arrival, and of the hos-
tile intent. Scarcely had he issued ordera for bringing out his forces and for
fortifying before Nicholls scattered proclamations through the colony promis-
ing to protect all who submitted to his Brittanic majesty in the undisturbed
possession of their property, and made a formal summons upon Stuyvesant to
surrender the country to the King of Great Britain. The Director found that
he had an entirely different enemy to treat with from Rysingh, and a few half-
armed Swedes and Fins upon the Delaware. Wordy war ensued between the
Commissioners and the Director, and the English Governor finding that Stuy-
vesant not in the temper to yield, landed a body of his soldiers upon the lower end
of the island, and ordered Hyde, the commander of the fleet, to lay the frigates
broadside before the city. It was a critical moment. Stuyvesant was stand-
ing on one of the ppints of the fort when he saw the frigates approaching.
The gunner stood by with burning match, prepared to tire on the fleet, and
Stuyvesant seemed on the point of giving the order. But he was restrained,
and a further communication was sent to Nicholls, who would listen to nothing
short of the full execution of his mission. Still Stuyvesant held out. The
inhabitants implored, but rather than surrender " he would be carried a corpse
to his grave." The town was, however, in qo condition to stand a siege. The
powder at the fort would only suffice for one day of active operations. Pro-
visions were scarce. The inhabitants were not disposed to bo sacrificed, and
the disaffection among them spread to the soldiers. They were overheard mut-
tering, " Now we hope to pepper those devilish traders who have so long
salted us; we know where booty is to be found, and where the young women
live who wear gold chains. "
The Kev. Jannes Myapoleuses seems to have been active in negotiations and
opposed to the shedding of blood. A remonstrance drawn by him was finally
adopted and signed by the principal men, and presented to the Director Gen-
eral, in which the utter hopelessness of resistance was set forth, and Stuyve-
sant finally consented to capitulate. Favorable terms were arranged, and
Nicholls promised that if it should be finally agreed between the English and
Dutch governments that the province should be given over to Dutch rule, he
would peacefully yield his authority. Thus without a gun being fired, the En-
glish made conquest of the Manhattoes.
Sir Robert Carr, with two frigates and an ample force, was dispatched to
the Delaware to reduce the settlements there to English rule. The planters,
whether Dutch or Swedes, were to be insured in the peaceable possession of
their property, and the magistrates were to be continued in office.
Sailing past the fort, he disseminated among the settlers the news of the
surrender of Stuyvesant, and the promises of protection which Nicholls had
made use of. But Gov. D'Hinoyossa was not disposed to heed the demand
for surrender without a struggle. Whereupon Carr landed his forces and
stormed the place. After a fruitless but heroic resistance, in which ten were
wounded and three were killed, thw Governor was forced to siirrender. Thus
was the complete subversion of the State's General iti America consummated,
and the name of New Amsterdam gave place to that of New York, from the
name of the English proprietor, James, Duke of York.
The resistance offered by D'Hinoyossa formed a pretext for shameless
plunder. Carr, in his report which shows him to have been a lawless fel-
88
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
low, says, " Ye soldiers never stoping untill they stormed ye fort, and sae con-
sequently to plundering; the seamen, noe less given to that sport, were quickly
within, and have gotton good store of booty." Carr seized the farm of
D'Hinoyossa, hi: brother, John Carr, that of Sheriff Sweringen, and Ensign
Stock that of Peter Alrichs. The produce of the land for that year was seized,
together with a cargo of goods that was unsold. " Even the inoffensive Men-
nonists, though non-combatant from principle, did not escape the sack and
plunder to which the whole river was subjected by Carr and his marauders.
A boat was dispatched to tJ^eir settlement, which was stripped of everything,
to a very naile."
Nioholls, on hearing of the rapacious conduct of his subordinate, visited
the Delaware, removed Carr, and placed Robert Needham in command. Pre-
vious to dispatching his fleet to America, in June, 1664, the Duke of York had
granted to John, Lord Berkeley, Baron of Stratton, and Sir George Carteret,
of Saltrnm in Devon, the territory of New Jersey, bounded substantially as the
present State, and this, though but little settled by the Dutch, had been in-
cluded in the terms of surrender secured by Nicholls. In many ways, he
showed himself a man of ability and discretion. He drew up with signal
success a body of laws, embracing most of the provisions which had been in
force in the English colonies, which were designated the Duke's Laws.
In May, 1667, Col. Francis Lovelace was appointed Governor in place of
Nicholls, and soon after taking charge of affairs, drew up regulations for the
government of the territory upon the Delaware, and dispatched Capt. John
Carr'to act there as his Deputy Governor. It was provided that whenever
complaint duly sworn to was made, the Governor was to summon " the schout,
Hans Block, Israel Helm, Peter Eambo, Peter Cock and Peter Alrichs, or any
two of them, as counsellors, to advise him, and determine by the major vote
what is just, equitable and necessary in the case in question. " It was further
provided that all men should be punished in an exemplary manner, though
with moderation; that the laws should be frequently communicated to the
counsellors, and that in cases of difficulty recourse should be had to the Gov-
ernor and Council at New York
In 1668, two murders were perpetrated by Indians, which caused consider-
able disturbance and alarm tliroughout the settlements. These capital crimes
appear to have been committed while the guilty parties were maddened by
liquor. So impressed were the sachems and leading warriors of the baneful
effects of strong drink, that they appeared before the Council and besought its
authority to utterly prohibit the sale of it to any of their tribes. These re-
quests were repeated, and finally, upon the advice of Peter Alrichs, " the
Governor (Lovelace) prohibited, on pain of death, the selling of powder, shot
and strong liquors to the Indians, and writ to Carr on the occasion to use the
utmost vigilance and caution."
The native murderers were not apprehended, as it was difficult to trace
them; but the Indians themselves were determined to ferret them out. One
was taken and shot to death, who was the chijef offender, but the other escaped
and was never after heard of. The chiefs summoned their young men, and in
presence of the English warned them that such would be the fate of all offend-
ers. Proud justly remarks: "This, at a time when the Indians were numer-
ous and strong and the Europeans few and weak, was a memorable act of jus-
tice, and a proof of true friendship to the English, greatly alleviating the
fear, for which they had so much reason among savages, in this then wilder-
ness country."
In 1669, a reputed son of the distinguished Swedish General, Connings-
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, , 3d
marke, commonly called the Long Fin, with another of his nationality, Henry
Coleman, a man of property, and familiar with the language and habits of the.
Indians, endeavored to incite an insurrection to throw oif the English rule and
establish the Swedish supremacy. The Long Fin was apprehended, and wa&
condemned to die; but upon reconsideration his sentence was commuted ta
whipping and to branding with the letter B. He was brought in chains to
New York, where he was incarcerated in the Stadt-house for a year, and was
then transported to Barbadoes to be sold. Improvements in the modes of
administering justice were from time to time introduced. New Castle waa
made a corporation, to be governed by a Bailiff and six associates. Duties on
importations were laid, and Capt Martin Pringer was appointed to collect and
make due returns of them to Gov. Lovelace.
In 1673, the French monarch, Louis XIV, declared war against the Neth-
erlands, and with an army of over 200,000 men moved down upon that de-
voted country. In conjunction with the land force, the English, with a power-
ful armament, descended upon the Dutch waters. The aged Du Ruyter and
the youthful Van Tromp put boldly to sea to meet the invaders. Three great
naval battles were fought upon the Dutch coast on the 7th and 14th of June,
and the 6th of August, in which the English forces were finally repulsed and
driven from the coast. In the meantime, the inhabitants, abandoning their
homes, cut the dikes which held back the sea, and invited inundation. Deem
ing this a favorable opportunity to regain their possessions wrenched from them
in the New World, the Dutch sent a small fleet under Commodores Cornelius
Evertse and Jacobus Benkes, to New York, to demand the surrender of all
their previous possessions. Gov. Lovelace happened to be absent, and his
representative, Capt. John Manning, surrendered with but brief resistance,
and the magistrates from Albany, Esopus, East Jersey and Long Jsland, on
being summoned to New York, swore fealty to the returning Dutch power.
Anthony Colve, as Governor, was sent to Delaware, where the magistrates
hastened to meet him and submit themselves to his authority. Property in
the English Government was confiscated; Gov. Lovelace returned to England,
and many of the soldiers were carried prisoners to Holland. Before their de-
parture, Commodores Evertse and Benk6s, who styled themselves ' ' The honora-
ble and awful council of war, for their high mightinesses, the State's General
of the United Netherlands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange,"
commissioned Anthony Colve, a Captain of foot, on the 12th of August, 1673,
to be Governor General of "New Netherlands, with all its appendences,"
and on the 19th of September following, Peter Alrichs, who had manifested
his subserviency and his pleasure at the return of Dutch ascendancy, was ap-
pointed by Colve Deputy Governor upon the Delaware. A body of laws was
drawn up for his instruction, and three courts of justice were established, at
New Castle, Chester and Lewistown. Capt. Manning on his return to En-
gland was charged with treachery for delivering up the fort at New York with-
out resistance, and was sentenced by a court martial "to have his sword broken
over his head in public, before the city hall, and himself rendered incapable
of wearing a sword and of serving his Majesty for the future in any public
trust in the Government. "
But the revolution which had been affected so easily was of short duration.
On the 9th of February, 1674, peace was concluded between England and
Holland, and in the articles of pacification it was provided "that whatsoever
countries, islands, towns, ports, castles or forts, have or shall be taken, on both
sides, since the time that the late unhappy war broke out, either in Europe, or
elsewhere, shall be restored to the former lord and proprietor, in the same con-
40
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
dition they shall be in when the peace itself shall bo proclaimed, after which
time there shall be no spoil nor plunder of the inhabitants, no demolition
of fortifications, nor carrying away of guns, powder, or other military stores
which belonged to any castle or port at the time when it was taken." This
left no room for controversy about possession. But that there might be no legal
bar nor loophole for question of absolute right to his possessions, the Duke ot
York secured from the King on the 29th of June following, a new patent cov-
ering the former grant, and two days thereafter sent Sir Edmund Andros, to
possess and govern the country. He arrived at New York and took peaceable
possession on the 31st of October, and two days thereafter it was resolved in
council to reinstate all the officers upon Delaware as they were at the surrender
to the Dutch, except Peter Alrichs, who for his forwardness in yielding his
power was relieved. Capt. Edmund Cantwell and William Tom were sent to
occupy the fort at New Castle, in the capacities of Deputy Governor and Sec-
retary. In May, 3675, Gov. Andros visited the Delaware, and held court at
New Castle " in which orders were made relative to the opening of roads, th«
regulation of church property and the support of preaching, the prohibition
of the sale of liquors to the Indians, and the distillation thereof by the inhab-
itants." On the 23d of September, 1676, Cantwell was superseded by John
Collier, as Vice Governor, when Ephraim Hermans became Secretary.
As was previously observed, Gov. Nioholls, in 1684, made a complete di-
gest of all the laws and usages in force in the English-speaking colonies in
America, which were known as the Duke's Laws. That these might now be
made the basis of judicature throughout the Duke's possessions, they were, on
the 25th of September, 1676, formally proclaimed and published by Gov.
Lovelace, with a suitable ordinance introducing them. It may here be ob-
served, that, in the administration of Gov. Hartranft, by act of the Legislature
of June 12, 1878, the Duke's Laws were published in a handsome volume, to-
gether with th« Charter and Laws instituted by Penn, and historical notes
covering the early history of the State, under the direction of John B. Linn,
Secretary of the commonwealth, edited by Staughton George, Benjamin M.
Nead, and Thomas McCarnant, from an old copy preserved among the town rec-
ords of Hempstead, Long Island, the seat of the independent State which
had been set up there by John Scott before the coming of Nicholls. The num-
ber of taxable male inhabitants between the ages of sixteen and sixty years,
in 1677, for TJplandt and New Castle, was 443, which by the usual estimate of
seven to one would give the population 3,101 for this district. Gov. Collier
having exceeded his authority by exercising judicial functions, was deposed
by Andros, and Capt. Christopher Billop was appointed to succeed him. But
the change resulted in little benefit to the colony; for Billop was charged
with many irregularities, " taking possession of the fort and turning it into
a stable, and the court room above into a hay and fodder loft; debarring the
court from sitting in its usual place in the fort, and making use of soldiers for
his own private purposes. "
The hand of the English Government bore heavily upon the denomination
of Christians called Friends or Quakers, and the earnest-minded, conscientious
worshipers, uncompromising in their faith, were eager for homes in a land
where they should be absolutely free to worship the Supreme Being. Berke-
ley and Carteret, who had bought New Jersey, were Friends, and the settle-
ments made in their territory were largely of that faith. In 1675, Lord Ber-
keley sold his undivided half of the province to John Fenwicke, in trust for
Edward Byllinge, also Quakers, and Fenwicke sailed in the Griffith, with a
company of Friends who settled at Salem, in West Jersey. Byllinge, having
HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 41
become involved in debt, made an assignment of his interest for the benefit of
his creditors, and William Penn was induced to become trustee jointly with
Gowen Lawrie and Nicholas Lucas. Penn was a devoted Quaker, and he was
of that earnest nature that the interests of his friends and Christian devotees
were like his own personal interests. Hence he became zealous in promoting
the welfare of the colony. For its orderly government, and that settlers might
have assurance of stability in the management of affairs, Penn drew up " Con-
cessions and agreements of the proprietors, freeholders and inhabitants of "West
New Jersey in America" in forty- four chapters. Foreseeing difficulty from
divided authority, Penn secured a division of the province by " a line of par-
tition from the east side of Little Egg Harbor, straight north, through the
country to the utmost branch of the Delaware River." Penn's half was called
New West Jersey, along the Delaware side, Carteret's New East Jersey along the
ocean shore. Penn's purposes and disposition toward the settlers, as the
founder of a State, are disclosed by a letter which he wrote at this time to a
Friend, Richard Hartshorn, then in America: "We lay a foundation for
after ages to understand their liberty, as men and Christians; that they may
not be brought into bondage, but by their own consent; for we put the power
in the people. * * So every man is capable to choose or to be chosen; no man
to be arrested, condemned, or molested, in his estate, or liberty', but by twelve
men of the neighborhood; no man to lie in prison for debt, but that his estate
satisfy, as far as it will go, and he be set at liberty to work; no man to be
called in question, or molested for his conscience. " Lest any should be in-
duced to leave home and embark in the enterprise of settlement unadvisedly,
Penn wrote and published a letter of caution, " That in whomsoever a desire to
be concerned in this intended plantation, such would weigh the thing before
the Lord, and not headily, or rashly, conclude on any such remove, and that
they do not offer violence to the tender love of their near kindred and relations,
but soberly, and conscientiously endeavor to obtain their good wills; that
whether they go or stay, it may be of good savor before the Lord and good
people."
CHAPTER V.
Sib Edmund Andros, 1674-81— Edmund Cantwell, 1674r-76— John Colliek, 1676-
77— Cheistopher Billop, 1677-81.
WILLIAM PENN, as Trustee, and finally as part owner of New Jersey,
became much interested in the subject of colonization in America.
Many of his people had gone thither, and he had given much prayerful study
and meditation to the amelioration of their condition by securing just laws for
their government. His imagination pictured the fortunate condition of a
"State where the law-giver should alone study the happiness of his subjects, and
his subjects should be chiefly intent on rendering implicit obedience to
just laws. From his experience in the management of the Jerseys, he had
doubtless discovered that if he would carry out his ideas of government suc-
cessfully, he must have a province where his voice would be potential and his
will supreme. He accordingly cast about for the acquirement of such a land in
the New World.
Penn had doubtless been stimulated in his desires by the very roseate ac-
counts of the beauty and excellence of the country, its salubrity of climate, its
42 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
balmy airB, the fertility of its soil, and the abundance of the native fish, flesh
and fowl. In 1680, one Malhon Stacy wrote a letter which was largely circu-
lated in England, in which he says: " It is a country that produceth all things
for the support and furtherance of man, in a plentiful manner. * * * I
have seen orchards laden with fruit to admiration; their very limbs torn to
pieces with weight, most delicious to the taste, and lovely to behold. I have
seen an apple tree, from a pippin-kernel, yield a barrel of curious cider; and
peaches in such plenty that some people took their carts a peach gathering; I
could not but smile at the conceit of it; they are very delicious fruit, and hang
almost like our onions, that are tied on ropes. I have seen and know, this
summer, forty bushels of bold wheat of one bushel sown. From May till
Michaelmas, great store of very good wild fruits as strawberries, cranberries
and hurtleberries, which are like om- billberries in England, only far sweeter;
the cranberries, much like cherries for color and bigness, which may be
kept till frnit comes again; an excellent sauce is made of them for venison,
turkeys, and other great fowl, and they are better to make tarts of than either
goosoDerries or cherries; we have them brought to our houses by the Indians
in great plenty. My brother Kobert had as many cherries this year as would
have loaded several carts. As for venison and fowls, we have great plenty;
we have brought home to our countries by the Indians, seven or eight fat bucks
in a day. We went into the river to catch herrings after the Indian fashion.
* * * We could have filled a three-bushel sack of as good large herrings
as ever I saw. And as to beef and pork, here is great plenty of it, and good
sheep. The common grass of this country f^eds beef very fat. Indeed, the
country, take it as a wilderness, is a brave country."
The father of William Penn had arisen to distinction in tne British Navy.
He was sent in Cromwell's time, with a considerable sea and land force, to the
West Indies, where he reduced the Island of Jamaica under English rule. At
the restoration, he gave in his adhesion to the royal cause. Under James,
Duke of York, Admiral Penn commanded the English fleet which descended
upon the Dutch coast, and gained a great victory over the combined naval
forces led by Van Opdam. Eor this great service to his country, Penn was
knighted, and became a favorite at court, the King and his brothor, the Duke,
holding him in cherished remembrance. At his death, there was due him
from the crown the sum of £16,000, a portion of which he himself had ad-
vanced for the sea service. Filled with the romantic idea of colonization, and
enamored with the sacred cause of his people, the son, who had come to be re-
garded with favor for his great father's sake, petitioned King Charles II to
grant him, in liquidation of this debt, " a tract of land in America, lying
north of Maryland, bounded east by the Delaware River, on the west limited
as Maryland, and northward to extend as far as plantable." There were con-
flicting interests at this time which were being warily watched at court. The
petition was submitted to the Privy Council, and afterward to the Lords of
the committee of plantations. The Duke of York already held the counties of
New Castle, Kent and Susses. Lord Baltimore held a grant upon the south, •
with an indefinite northern limit, and the agents of both these territories
viewed with a jealous eye any new grant that should in any way trench upon
their rights. These claims were fully debated and heard by the Lords, and,
being a matter in which the King manifested special interest, the Lord Chief
Justice, North, and the Attorney General, Sir William Jones, were consulted
-both as to the grant itself, and the form or manner of making it. Finally,
after a careful study of the whole subject, it was determined by the highest
authority in the Government to grant to Penn a larger tract than' he had asked
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 43
for, and the charter was drawn with unexampled liberality, in unequivocal
terms of gift and perpetuity of holding, and with remarkable minuteness of
■detail, and that Penn should have the advantage of any double meaning con-
■veyed in the instrument, the twenty- third and last section provides: "And,
if perchance hereafter any doubt or question should arise concerning the true
sense and meaning of any word, clause or sentence contained in this our present
charter, we will ordain and command that at all times and in all things such
interpretation be made thereof, and allowed in any of our courts whatsoever
as shall be adjudged most advantageous and favorable unto the said William
Penn, his heirs and assigns."
It was a joyful day for Penn when he finally reached the consummation of
his wishes, and saw himself invested with almost dictatorial power over a
country as large as England itself, destined to become a populous empire.
But his exultation was tempered with the most devout Christian spirit, fearful
lest in the exercise of his great power he might be led to do something that
«hould be displeasing to God. To his dear friend, Robert Turner, he writes
in a modest way: "My true love in the Lord salutes thee and dear friends
that love the Lord's precious truth in those parts. Thine I have, and for my
business here know that after many waitings, watchings, solicitings and dis-
putes in council, this day my country was confirmed to me under the great seal
•of England, with large powers and privileges, by the name of Pennsylvania, a
name the King would give it in honor of my father. I chose New Wales, be-
ing, as this, a pretty hilly country; but Penn being Welsh for a head, as Pen-
manmoire in Wales, and Penrith in Cumberland, and Penn in Buckingham-
shire, the highest land ia England, called this Pennsylvania, which is the high
or head woodlands; for I proposed, when the Secretary, a Welshman, refused
to have it called New Wales, Sylvania, and they added Penn to it; and though
I much opposed it, and went to the King to have it struck out and altered, he
said it was past, and would take it upon him; nor could twenty guineas move
the Under Secretary to vary the name; for I feared lest it should be looked on
as a vanity in me, and not as a respect in the King, as it truly was to my
father, whom he often mentions with praise. Thou mayest communicate my
grant to Friends, and expect shortly my proposals. It is a clear and just
thing, and my God, that has given it me through many difficulties, will, I be-
lieve, bless and make it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender care to the
government, that it be well laid at first. "
Penn had asked that the western boundary should be the same as that of
Maryland; biit the King made the width from east to west five full degrees.
The charter limits were " all that tract, or part, of land, in America, with the
islands therein contained as the same is bounded, on the east by Delaware
Eiver, from twelve miles distance northwards of New Castle town, unto the
three and fortieth degree of northern latitude. * * * *
The said land to extend westward five degrees in longitude, to be computed
from the said eastern bounds; and the said lands to be bounded on the north
by the beginning of the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, and,
■on the south, by a circle drawn at twelve miles distance from New Castle
northward and westward unto the beginning of the fortieth degree of northern
latitude; and then by a straight line westward to the limits of longitude above
mentioned."
It is evident that tne royal secretaries did not well understand the geogra-
phy of this section, for by reference to a map it will be seen that the begin-
ning of the fortieth degree, that is, the end of the thirty-ninth, cuts the
J)istrict of Columbia, and hence Baltimore, and the greater part of Maryland
44 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
and a good slice of Virginia would have been included in the clear terms of
tho chartered limits of Pennsylvania. But the charters of Maryland and Vir-
ginia antedated this of Pennsylvania. Still, the terms of the Penn charter
were distinct, the beginning of the fortieth degree, whereas those of Maryland
were ambiguous, the northern limi t being fixed at the fortieth degree ; but whether
at the beginning or at the ending of the fortieth was not stated. Penn
claimed three full degrees of latitude, and when it was found that a contro-
versy was likely to ensue, the King, by the hand of his royal minister, Con-
way, issued a further declaration, dated at Whitehall, April 2, 1681, in which
the wording of the original chartered limits fixed for Pennsylvania were
quoted verbatim, and his royal pleasure declared that these limits should be
respected " as they tender his majesty's displeasure." This was supposed to
settle the matter. But Lord Baltimore still pressed his claim, and the ques-
tion of southern boundary remained an open one, causing much disquietude
to Penn, requiring watchful care at court for more than half a century, and
until after the proprietor's death.
We gather from the terms of the charter itself that the King, in making
the grant, was influenced "by the commendable desire of Penn to enlarge our
British Empire, and promote such useful commodities as may be of benefit
to us and our dominions, as also to reduce savage nations by just and gentle
manners, to the love of civil society and Christian religion," and out of "re-
gard to the memory and merits of his late father, in divers services, and par-
ticularly to his conduct, courage and discretion, under our dearest brother,
James, Duke of York, in the signal battle and victory, fought and obtained,
against the Dutch fleet, commanded by the Herr Van Opdam in 1665.''
The motive for obtaining it on the part of Penn may be gathered from tho
following extract of a letter to a friend: " For my country I eyed the Lord in
obtaining it; and more was I drawn inward to look to Him, and to owe it to His
hand and power than to any other way. I have so obtained and desire to keep
it, that I may be unworthy of His love, but do that which may answer His
kind providence and people."
The charter of King Charles II was dated April 2, 1681. Iiest any-
trouble might arise in the future from claims founded on the grant previously
made to the Duke of York, of "Long Island and adjacent territories occupied
by the Dutch," the prudent forethought of Penn induced him to obtain a deed,
dated August 31, 1682, of the Duke, for Pennsylvania, substantially in the
terms of the royal charter. But Penn was still not satisfied. He was cut off
from the ocean except by the uncertain navigation of one narrow stream. He
therefore obtained from the Duke a grant of New Castle and a district of
twelve miles around it, dated on the 24th of August, 1682, and on the sam^
day a further grant from the Duke of a tract extending to Cape Henlopen,
embracing the two counties of Kent and Sussex, the two grants comprising
what were known as the territories, or the three lower counties, which were
for many years a part of Pennsylvania, but subsequently constituted the State
of Delaware.
Being now satisfied with his province, and that his titles were secure, Penn
drew up such a description of the country as from his knowledge he was able
to give, which, together with the royal charter and proclamation, terms of
settlement, and other papers pertaining thereto, he published and spread
broadcast through the kingdom, taking special pains doubtless to have the
documents reach the Friends. The terms of sale of lands were 40 shillings for
100 acres, and 1 shilling per acre rental. The question has been raised, why
exact the annual payment of one shilling per acre. The terms of the grant by
(^t^" Xv
HISTORT OF PENNSYLVANIi. 47
the royal charter to Penn were made absolute on the " payment therefor to us,
our heirs and successors, two beaver skins, to be delivered at our castle in
"Windsor, on the 1st day of January in every year," and contingent payment
of one-fifth part of all gold and silver which shall from time to time happen
to be found clear of all charges. " Penn, therefore, held his title only upon
the payment of quit-rents. He could consequently give a valid title only by
the exacting of quit-rents.
Having now a great province of his own to manage, Penn was obliged to
relinquish his share in West New Jersey. He had given largely of his time and
energies to its settlement; he had sent 1,400 emigrants, many of them people
of high character; had seen farms reclaimed from the forest, the town of
Burlington built, meeting houses erected in place of tents for worship, good
Government established, and the savage Indians turned to peaceful ways.
With satisfaction, therefore, he could now give himself to reclaiming and set-
tling his own province. He had of course in his published account of the
country made it appear a desirable place for habitation. But lest any should
regret having gone thither when it was too late, he added to his description a
caution, " to consider seriously the premises, as well the inconveniency as
future ease and plenty; that so none may move rashly or from a fickle, but from
a solid mind, having above all things an eye to the providence of God in the
disposing of themselves." Nothing more surely points to the goodnes.s of
heart of William Penn, the great founder of our State, than this extreme
solicitude, lest he might induce any to go to the new country who should af-
terward regret having gone.\
The publication of the royal charter and his description of the country
attracted attention, and many purchases of land were made of Penn before
leaving England. That these purchasers might have something binding to
rely upon, Penn drew up what he termed " conditions or concessions " between
himself as proprietor and purchasers in the province. These related to the
settling the country, laying out towns, and especially to the treatment of the
Indians, who were to have the same rights and privileges, and careful regard
as the Europeans. And what is perhaps a remarkable instance of provident
forethought, the eighteenth article provides " That, in clearing the ground,
care be taken to leave one acre of trees for every five acres cleared, especially
to preserve oak and mulberries, for silk and shipping." It could be desired
that such a provision might have remained operative in the State for all
time.
Encouraged by the manner in which his proposals for settlement were
received, Penn now drew up a frame of government, consisting of twenty-
four articles and forty laws. These were drawn in a spirit of unexampled
fairness and liberality, introduced by an elaborate essay on the just rights of
government and governed, and with such conditions and concessions that it,
should never be in the power of an unjust Governor to take advantage of tha
people and practice injustice. " For the matter of liberty and privilege, I pur-
pose that which is extraordinary, and leave myself and successors no power of
doing mischief, that the will of one man may not hinder that of a whole coun-
try. This frame gave impress to the character of the early government. It im-
planted in the breasts of the people a deep sense of duty, of right, and of obli-
gation in all public affairs, and the relations of man with man, and formed a
framework for the future constitution. Penn himself had felt the heavy hand
of government for religious opinions and practice' sake. He determined, for
the matter of religion, to leave all free to hold such opinions as they might
elect, and hence enacted for his State that all who " hold themselves obligee^
■48 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
in conscience, to live peaceably and justly in civil society, shall, in no ways,
be molested, nor prejudiced, for their religious persuasion, or practice, in mat-
ters of faith and worship, nor shall they be compelled, at any time, to fre-
quent, or maintain, any religious -worship, place, or ministry whatever. " At
this period, such govermental liberality in matters of religion was almost un-
known, though Roger Williams in the colony of Rhode Island had previously,
under similar circumstances, and having just escaped a like persecution, pro-
claimed it, as had likewise Lord Baltimore in the Catholic colony of Mary-
land
The mind of Penn was constantly exercised upon the a£fairs of his settlement.
Indeed, to plant a colony in a new country had been a thought of his boyhood,
for he says in one of his letters: "I had an opening of joy as to these parts in
the year 1651, at Oxford, twenty years since." Not being in readiness to go
to his province during the first year, he dispatched three ship loads of set-
tlers, and with them sent his cousin, William Markham, to take formal pos-
session of the country and act as Deputy Governor Markham sailed for New
York, and upon his arrival there exhibited his commission, bearing date March
6, 1681, and the King's charter and proclamation. In the absence of Gov. An-
dros, who, on having been called to account for some complaint made against
him, had gone to England, Capt. Anthony Brockholls, Acting Governor, re-
ceived Markham's papers, and gave him a letter addressed to the civil officers
on the Delaware, informing them that Markham's authority as Governor had
heen examined, and an official record made of it at New York, thanking them
for their fidelity, and requesting them to submit themselves to the new author-
ity. Armed with this letter, which was dated June 21, 1681, Markham pro-
ceeded to the Delaware, where, on exhibiting his papers, he was kindly re-
ceived, and allegiance was cheerfully transferred to the new government. In-
deed so frequently had the power changed hands that it had become quite a
matter of habit to transfer obedience from one authority to anotherj and they
had scarcely laid their heads to rest at night but with the consciousness that
the morning light might bring new codes and new officers.
Markham was empowered to call a council of nine citizens to assist him in
the government, and over whom he was to preside. He brought a letter ad-
dressed to Lord Baltimore, touching the boundary between the two grants, and
exhibiting the terms of the charter for Pennsylvania. On receipt of this let-
ter, Lord Baltimore came to Upland to confer with Markham. An observation
fixing the exact latitude of Upland showed that it was twelve miles south of
the forty-first degree, to which Baltimore claimed, and that the beginning of
the fortieth degree, which the royal charter explicitly fixed for the southern
boundary of Pennsylvania, would include nearly the entire State of Maryland,
and cut the limits of the present site of the city of Washington. "If diis be
allowed," was significantly asked by Baltimore, "where is my province?"
He returned to his colony, and from this time forward an active contention
■was begun before the authorities in England for possession of the disputed
territory, which required all the arts and diplomatic skill of Penn.
Markham was accompanied to the province by four Commissioners sent
■out by Penn — William Crispin, John Bezer, William Haige and Nathaniel
Allen. The first named had been designated as Surveyor General, but he
having died on the passage, Thomas Holme was appointed to succeed him.
These Commissioners, in conjunction with the Governor, had two chief duties
■assigned them. The first was to meet and preserve filendly relations with the
Indians and acquire lands by actual purchase, and the second was to select the
«ite of a great city and make the necessary surveys. That they might have a
HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 49
■suitable introduction "to the natives from him, Penn addressed to them a dec-
laration of his purposes, conceived in a spirit of brotherly love, and expressed
in such simple terms that these children of the forest, unschooled in book
l^rning, would have no difficulty in apprehending his meaning. The refer-
ring the source of all'power to the Creator was fitted to produce a strong im-
pression upon their naturally superstitious habits of thought. " There is a
great God and power, that hath made the world, and all things therein, to
whom you and I, and all people owe their being, and well being; and to whom
yoti and I must one day give an account for all that we do in the world. This
great God hath written His law in our hearts, by which we are taught and com-
manded to love, and help, and do good to one another. Now this great God hath
been pleased to make me concerned in your part of the world, and the King
■of the country where I live hath given me a great province therein; but I de-
sire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that we may always live together,
as neighbors and friends; else what would the great God do to us, who hath
made us, not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly
together in the world ? Now I would have you well observe that I am very
sensible of the unkindness and injustice that have been too much exercised
toward you by the people of these parts of the world, who have sought them-
selves, and to make great advantages by you, rather than to be examples of
goodness and patience unto you, which I hear hath been a matter of trouble
to you, and caused great grudging and animosities, sometimes to the shedding
of blood, which hath made the great God angry. But I am not such a man,
as is well known in my own country. I have great love and regard toward
you, and desire to gain your love and friendship by a kind, just and peaceable
life, and the people I send are of the same mind, and shall in all things be-
have themselves accordingly; and if in anything any shall offend you or
your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same by an
equal number of just men on both sides that by no means you may have just
occasion of being offended against them. I shall shortly come to you myself,
at which time we may more largely and freely confer and discourse of these
matters. In the meantime, I have sent my Commissioners to treat with you
about land, and form a league of peace. Let me desire you to be kind to
them and their people, and receive these presents and tokens which I have sent
you as a testimony of my good will to you, and my resolution to live justly,
peaceably and friendly with you."
In this plain but sublime statement is embraced the whole theory of Will
iam Penn's treatment of the Indians. It was the doctrine which the Savior
of mankind came upon earth to promulgate — the estimable worth of every
human soul. And when Penn came to propose his laws, one was adopted
which forbade private trade with the natives in which they might be overreached;
but it was required that the valuable skins and furs they had to sell should be
hung up in the market place where all could see them and enter into compe-
tition for their purchase. Penn was offered £6,000 for a monopoly of trade.
But he well knew the injustice to which this would subject the simple-minded
natives, and he refused it saying: " As the Lord gave it me over all and
great opposition, I would not abuse His love, nor act unworthy of His provi-
dence, and so defile what came to me clean " — a sentiment worthy to be treas-
ured with the best thoughts of the sages of old. And to his Commissioners he
gave a letter of instructions, in which he says: "Be impartially just to all;
that is both pleasing to the Lord, and wise in itself. Be tender of offending
the Indians, and let them know that you come to sit down lovingly among
them. Let my letter and conditions be read in their tongue, that they may see
60 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
we have their good in our eye. Be grave, they love not to be smiled on."
Acting upon these wise and just considerations, the Commissioners had no diffi-
culty in making large purchases of the Indians of lands on the right bank of
the Delaware and above the mouth of the Schuylkill. a
But they found greater difficulty in settling the piace for the new city.
Penn had given very minute instructions about this, and it was not easy
to find a tract which answered all the conditions. For seven weeks they kept
up their search. Penn had written, " be sure to make your choice wliere it is
most navigable, high, dry and healthy; that is, where most ships may bestride,
of deepest draught of water, if possible to load and unload at the bank or
key's side without boating and lightening of it. It would do well if the river
coming into that creek be navigable, at least for boats up into the country,
and that the situation be high, at least dry and sound and not swampy, which
is best known by digging up two or three earths and seeing the bottom." By
his instructions, the site of the city was to be between two navigable streams,
and embrace 10,000 acres in one block. " Be sure to settle the figure of the
town so that the streets hereafter may be uniform down to the water from the
country bounds. Let every house be placed, if the person pleases, in the
middle of its plat, as to the breadth way of it, that so there may be ground on
each side for gardens or orchards or fields, that it may be a green country town,
which will never be burnt and always wholesome." The soil was examined,
the streams were sounded, deep pits were dug that a location might be found
which should gratify the desires of Penn. All the eligible sites were inspected
from the ocean far up into the country. Penn himself had anticipated that
Chester or Upland would be adopted from all that he could learn of it; but
this was rejected, as was also the ground upon Poquessing Creek and that at
Pennsbury Manor above Bristol which had been carefully considered, and the
present site of Philadelphia was finally adopted as coming nearest to the
requirements of the proprietor. It had not 10,000 acres inasoJid square, but
it was between two navigable streams, and the soil was high and dry, being for
the most part a vast bed of gravel, excellent for drainage and likely to prove
healthful. The streets were laid out regularly and crossed each other at
right angles. As the ground was only gently rolling, the grading was easily
accomplished. One broad street. Market, extends from river to river through
the midst of it, which is crossed at right angles at its middle point by Broad
street of equal width. It is 120 miles from the ocean by the course of the
river, and only sixty in a direct line, eighty-seven miles from New York,
ninety-five from Baltimore, 136 from Washington, 100 from Harrisburg and
300 from Pittsburgh, and lies in north latitude 39° 56' 54", and longitude 75°
8' 45" west from Greenwich The name Philadelphia (brotherly love), was
one that Penn had before selected, as this founding a city was a project which
he had long dreamed of and contemplated with never-ceasing interest.
HISTOKY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 51
CHAPTER TI.
William Markham, 1681-82— William Penn, 1682-84.
HAVING now made necessary preparations and settled his a£fair8 in En-
gland, Penn embarked on board the ship Welcome, in August, 1682, in
company with about a hundred planters, mostly from his native town of Sussex,
and set his prow for the New World. Before leaving the Downs, he addressed
a farewell letter to his friends whom ho left behind, and another to his wife
and children, giving them much excellent advice, and sketching the way of
life he wished them to lead.' With remarkable care and minuteness, he points
out the way in which he would have his children bred, and educated, married,
and live. A single passage from this remarkable document will indicate its
general tenor. " Be sure to observe," in educating his children, " their genius,
and do not cross it as to learning ; let them not dwell too long on one thing ;
but let their change be agreeable, and let all their diversions have some little
bodily labor in them. When grown big, have most care for them ; for then
there are more snares both within and without. When marriageable, see that
they have worthy persons in their eye ; of good life and good fame for piety
and understanding. I need no wsEdth but sufficiency ; and be sure their love
be dear, fervent and mutual, that it may be happy for them." And to his
children he said, " Betake yourselves to some honest, industrious course of
life, and that not of sordid covetousness, but for example and to avoid idle-
ness. ***** Love not money nor the world ; use them only,
and they will serve you ; but if you love them you serve them, which will
debase your spirits as well as offend the Lord. ***** Watch
against anger, neither speak nor act in it ; for, like drunkenness, it makes a
man a beast, and throws people into desperate inconveniences." The entire
letters are so full of excellent counsel that they might with great profit be
committed to memory, and treasured in the heart.
The voyage of nearly six weeks was prosperous ; but they had not been
long on the ocean before that loathed disease — the virulent small-pox — broke
out, of which thirty died, nearly a third of the whole company. This, added
to the usual discomforts and terrors of the ocean, to most of whom this was
probably their first experience, made the voyage a dismal one. And here was
seen the nobility of Penn. " For his good conversation " says one of them,
" was very advantageous to all the company. His singular care was manifested
in contributing to the necessities of many who were sick with the small-pox
then on board."
His arrival upon the coast and passage up the river was hailed with dem-
onstrations of joy by all classes, English, Dutch, Swedes, and especially by his
own devoted followers. He landed at New Castle on the 24th of October, 1682,
and on the following day summoned the people to the court house, where pos-
session of the country was formally made over xi him, and he renewed the
commissions of the magistrates, to whom and to the assembled people he an-
nounced the design of his coming, explained the nature and end of truly good
government, assuring them that their religious and civil rights should be re-
spected, and recommended them to live in sobriety and peace. He then pro-
52 _ HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
ceeded to "Upland, henoefoward known as Chester, where, on the 4th of Novem-
ber, he called an assembly of the people, in which an equal number of votes-
was allowed to the province and the territories. Nicholas Moore, President of
the Free Society of Traders, was chosen speaker. As at New Castle, Penn
addressed the assembly, giving them assurances of his beneficent intentions,
for which they returned their grateful acknowledgments, the Swedes being
especially demonstrative, deputing one of their number. Lacy Cock, to say
" That they would love, serve and obey him with all they had, and that this
was the best day they ever saw. " We can well understand with what satisfac-
tion the settlers upon the Delaware hailed the prospect of a stable government
established in their own midst, after having been so long at the mercy of the
government in New York, with allegience trembling between the courts of
Sweden, Holland and Britain.
The proceedings of this first assembly were conducted with great decomm,
and after the usages of the English Parliament. On the 7th of December,
1682, the three lower counties, what is now Delaware, which had previously
been under the government of the Duke of York, were formerly annexed to th»
province, and became an integral part of Pennsylvania. The frame of govern-
ment, which had been drawn with much deliberation, was submitted to the
assembly, and, after some alterations and amendments, was adopted, and be-
came the fundamental law of the State. The assembly was in session only
three days, but the work they accomplished, how vast and far-reaching in its
influence !
The Dutch, Swedes and other foreigners were then naturalized, and the-
government was launched in fair running order: That some idea may be had
of its character, the subjects treated are here given: 1, Liberty of conscience;
2, Qualification of officers; 3, Swearing by God, Christ or Jesus; 4, Swearing
by any other thing or name; 5, Profanity; 6, Cursing; 7, Fornication; 8, In-
cest; 9, Sodom)'; 10, Rape; 11, Bigamy; 12, Drunkenness; 13, Suffering
drunkenness; 14, Healths drinking; 15, Selling liquor to Indians; 16, Arson;
17, Burglary; 18, Stolen goods; 19, Forcible entry; 20, Eiots; 21, Assauiting^
parents: 22, Assaulting Magistrates; 23, Assaulting masters; 24, Assault and
battery; 25, Duels; 26, Riotous sports, as plays; 27, Gambling and lotteries;
28, Sedition; 29, Contempt; 30, Libel; 31, Common scolds; 32, Charities;
33, Prices of beer and ale; 34, Weights and measures; 35, Names of days and
months; 36, Perjury; 37, Court proceedings in English; 38, Civil and crim-
inal trials; 39, Fees, salaries, bribery and extortion; 40, Moderation of fines;
41, Suits avoidable; 42, Foreign arrest; 43, Contracts: 44, Charters, gifts,
grants, conveyances, bills, bonds and deeds, when recorded; 45, "Wills; 46^
Wills of non compos mentis; 47, Registry of "Wills; 48, Registry for servants;
49, Factors; 50, Defacers, corrupters and embezzlers of charters, conveyances
and records; 51, Lands and goods to pay debts; 52, Bailable offenses; 53,
Jails and jailers; 54, Prisons to be workhouses; 55, False imprisonment; 56,
Magistrates may elect between fine or imprisonment; 57, Freemen; 58, Elec-
tions; 59, No money levied but in pursuance of law; 60, Laws shall be printed
and taught in schools; 61, All other things, not provided for nerein, are re-
ferred to the Governor and freemen from time to time.
"Very soon after his arrival in the colony, after the precept had been issued,
but before the convening of the Assembly, Penn, that he might not be wanting
in respect to the Duke of York, made a visit to New York, where he was kind-
ly received, and also after the adjournment of the Assembly, journeyed to Mary-
land, where he was entertained by Lord Baltimore with great ceremonv. The
settlement of the disputed boundaries was made the subject of formal'confer-
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 53
enee. But after two days spent in fruitless discussion, the weather becoming
severely cold, and thus precluding the possibility of taking observations or
making the necessary surveys, it was agreed to adjourn further consideration
of the subject until the milder weather of the spring. We may imagine that
the two Governors were taking the measure of each other, and of gaining all
possible knowledge of each other's claims and rights, preparatory to that
struggle for possession of this disputed fortieth degree of latitude, which was
desxined to come before the home government.
With all his cares iu founding a State and providing a government over a
new people, Penn did not forget to preach the " blessed Gospel," and wherever
he went he was intent upon his " Master's business." On his return from
Maryland, Lord Baltimore accompanied him several miles to the house of
William Eichardson, and thence to Thomas Hooker's, where was a religious
meeting, as was also one held at Choptauk. Penn himself says: "Ihave
been also at New York, Long Island, East Jersey and Maryland,. in which I
have had good and eminent service for the Lord." And again he says: "As to.
outward things, we are satisfied — the land good, the air clear and sweet, tho
springs plentiful, and provisions good and easy to come at, an innumerable-
quantity of wild fowl and fish; in fine, here is what an Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob would be well contented with, and service enough for God: for the
fields are here white for the harvest. O, how sweet is the quiet of those parts,
freed from the anxious and troublesome solicitations, hurries and perplexities
of woeful Europe! * * * Blessed be the Lord, that of twenty-three ships,
none miscarried; only two or three had the small-pox; else healthy and swift
passages, generally such as have not been known; some but twenty-eight days,
and few longer than six weeks. Blessed be God for it; my soul fervently
breathes that in His heavenly guiding wisdom, we may be kept, that we may
serve Him in our day, and lay down our heads in peace." And then, as if re-
proached for not having mentioned another subject of thankfulness, he adds in
a postscript, "Many women, in divers of the ships, brought to bed; they and
their children do well."
Penn made it his first care to take formal possession of his province, and
adopt a frame of government. When this was done, his chief concern was
to look to the establishment of his proposed new city, the site of which had
already been determined on by his Commissioners. Accordingly, early in
November, at a season when, in this section, the days are golden, Penn em-
barked in an open barge with a number of his friends, and was wafted
leisurely up the Delaware to the present site of the city of Philadel-
phia, which the natives called Coaquannock. Along the river was a bold shore,
fringed with lofty pines, which grew close down to the water's edge, eo much
so that when the first ship passing up with settlers for West Jersey had brushed
against the branches, the passengers remarked that this would be a good place
for a city. It was then in a wild state, the deer browsing along the shore and
sipping the stream, and the coneys burrowing in the banks. The scattered
settlers had gathered in to see and welcome the new Governor, and when he
stepped upon the shore, they extended a helping hand in assisting him up the
rugged bluff. Three Swedes had already taken up tracts within the limits of
the block of land chosen for the city. But they were given lands in exchange,
and readily relinquished their claims. The location was pleasing to Penn, and
was adopted without further search, tJiough little could be seen of this then
forest-encumbered country, where now is the home of countless induetries, the
busy mart, the river bearing upon its bosom the commerce of many climes,
and the abiding place of nearly a million of people. But Penn did not con-
54 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
sider that he had as yet any just title to the soil, holding that the Indians
were ita only rightful possessors, and until it was fairly acquired by purchase
from them, his own title was entirely void.
Hence, he sought an oarly opportunity to meet the chiefs of the tribes and
cultivate friendly relations with them. Tradition fixes the first great treaty
or conference at about this time, probably in November, and the place under
the elm tree, known as the " Treaty Tree," at Kensington. It was at a sea-
son when the leaves would still be upon the trees, and the assembly was called
beneath the ample shade of the wide-sweeping braaches, which was pleasing
to the Indians, as it was their custom to hold all their great deliberations and
smoke the pipe of peace in the open air. The letter which Penn had sent had
prepared the minds of these simple-hearted inhabitants of the forest to regard
him with awe and reverence, little less than that inspired by a descended god.
His coming had for a long time been awaited, and it is probable that it had
been heralded and talked over by the wigwam fire throughout the remotest
bounds of the tribes. And when at length the day came, the whole popula-
tion far around had assembled.
It is known that three tribes at least were represented — the Lenni Lenape,
living along the Delaware; the Shawnees, a tribe that bad come up from the
South, and were seated along the Lower Susquehanna; and the Mingoes,
sprung from the Six Nations, and inhabiting along the Conestoga. Penn was
probably accompanied by the several officers of his Government ' and his most
trusted friends. There were no implements of warfare, for peace was a cardi-
nal feature of the Quaker creed
No veritable account of this, the great treaty, is known to have been made;
but from the fact that Penn not long after, in an elaborate treatise upon the
country, the inhabitants and the natives, has given the account of the manner
in which the ladians demean themselves in conference, we may infer that he
had this one in mind, and hence we may adopt it as his own description of the
scene.
" Their order is thus: The King sits in the middle of a half moon, and
hath his council, the old and wise, on each hand; behind them, or at a little
distance, sit the younger fry in the same figure. Having consulted and re-
solved their business, the King ordered one of them to speak to me. He stood
up, came to me, and, in the name of the King, saluted me; then took me by
th* hand and told me he was ordered by the King to speak to me; and now it
was not he, but the King that spoke, because what he would say was the
King's mind. * # * * During the time that this person spoke, not
a man of them was observed to whisper or smile; the old grave, the young
reverant, in their deportment. They speak little, but fervently, and with ele-
gance. "
In response to the salutation from the Indians, Penn makes a reply in
suitable terms: "The Great Spirit, who made me and you, who rules the
heavens and the earth, and who knows the innermost thoughts of men, knows
that I and my friends have a hearty desire to live in peace and friendship
with you, and to serve you to the uttermost of our power. It is not our custom
to use hostile weapons against our fellow-creatures, for which reason we have
come unarmed. Oar object is not to do injury, and thus provoke the Great
Spirit, but to do good. We are met on the broad pathway of good faith and
good will, so that no advantage is to be takon on either side; but all to be open-
ness, brotherhood and love." Having unrolled his parchment, he explains to
them through an interpreter, article by article, the nature of the business, and
laying it upoa the ground, observes that the ground shall be for the use of
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 55
both people. " I will not do as the Marylanders did, call you children, or
■brothers only; for parents are apt to whip their children too severely, and
brothers sometimes will differ; neither will I compare the friendship between
lis to a chain, for the rain may rust it, or a tree may fall and break it; but I
will consider you as the same flesh and blood with the Christians, and the same
as if one man's body were to be divided into two parts." Having ended his
■business, the speaker for the King comes forward and makes great promises
"of kindness and good neighborhood, and that the Indians and English must
live in love as long as the sun gave light." This ended, another Indian makes
a speech to his own people, first to explain to them what had been agreed on,
■and then to exhort them "to love the Christians, and particularly live in peace
■with me and the people under my government, that many Governors had been
in the river, but that no Governor had come himself to live and stay here be-
fore, and having now such an one, that had treated them well, they should never
do him nor his any wrong. " At every sentence they shouted, as much as to
«ay, amen.
The Indians had no system of writing by which they could record their
•dealings, but their memory of events and agreements was almost miraculous.
Heckewelder records that in after years, they were accustomed, by means of
strings, or belts of wampum, to preserve the recollection of their pleasant in-
terviews with Penn, after he had departed for England. He says, " They fre-
quently assembled together in the woods, in some shady spot, as nearly as pos-
■sible similar to those where they used to meet their brother Miquon (Penn), and
there lay all his words and speeches, with those of his descendants, on a
blanket, or clean piece of bark, and with great satisfaction go successively
■over the whole. This practice, which I have repeatedly witnessed, continued
until the year 1780, when disturbances which took place put an end to it,
probably forever."
The memory of this, the " Great Treaty," was long preserved by the na-
tives, and the novel spectacle was reproduced upon canvas by the genius of
Benjamin West. In this picture, Penn is represented as a corpulent old man,
whereas he was at this time but thirty-eight years of age, and in the very
^height of manly activity. The Treaty Tree was preserved and guarded from
injury with an almost superstitious care. During the Revolution, when Phila-
■delphia was occupied by the British, and their parties were scouring the coun-
try for firewood, Gen. Simcoe had a sentinel placed at this tree to protect it
irom mutilation. It stood until 1810, when it was blown down, and it was
ascertained by its annual concentric accretions to be 283 years old, and was,
■consequently, 155 at the time of making the treaty. The Penn Society erected
a substantial monument on the spot where it stood.
Penn drew up his deeds for lands in legal form, and had them duly exe-
cuted and made of record, that, in the dispute possible to arise in after times,
ihere might be proof definite and positive of the purchase. Of these purchases
there are two deeds on record executed in 1683. One is for land near Nesha-
miny Creek, and thence to Penypack, and the other tor lands lying between
Schuylkill and Chester Rivers, the first bearing the signature of the great
•chieftain, Taminend. In one of these purchases it is provided that the tract
'■shall extend back as far as a man could walk in three days. " Tradition
runs that Penn himself, with a number of his friends, walked out the half this
purchase with the Indians, that no advantage should be taken of them by mak-
ing a great walk, and to show his consideration for them, and that he was not
above the toils aiid fatigues of such a duty." They began to walk out this
land at the mouth of the Neshaminy, and walked up the Delaware; in one day
56 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
and a half they got to a spruce tree near the mouth of Baker's Creek, when
Penn, concluding that this would include as much land as he would want at
present, a line was run and marked from the spruce tree to Neshaminy, and
the remainder left to be walked when it should be wanted. They proceed-
ed after the Indian manner, walking leisurely, sitting down sometimes to
smoke their pipes, eat biscuit and cheese, and drink a bottle of wine. Id the
day and a half they walked a little less than thirty miles. The balance of the
purchase was not walked until September 20, 17b3, when the then Governor of
Pennsylvania offered a prize of 500 acres of land and £5 for the man who
would walk the farthest. A distance of eighty-six miles was covered, in
marked contrast with the kind consideration of Penn.
During the first year, the country upon the Delaware, from the falls of
Trenton as far as Chester, a distance of nearly sixty miles, was rapidly taken up
and peopled. The large proportion of these were Quakers, and devotedly attached
to their religion and its proper observances. They were, hence, morally, of the
best classes, and though they were not generally of the aristocracy, yet many
of them were in comfortable circumstances, had valuable properties, were of
respectable families, educated, and had the resources within themselves to live
contented and happy. They were provident, industrious, and had come hither
with no fickle purpose. Many brought servants with them, and well supplied
wardrobes, and all necessary articles which they wisely judged would be got
in a new country with difficulty.
Their religious principles were bo peaceful and generous, and the govern-
ment rested so lightly, that the fame of the colony and the desirableness of
settlement therein spread rapidly, and the numbers coming hither were unpar-
alleled in the history of colonization, especially when we consider that a broad
ocean was to be crossed and a voyage of several weeks was to be endured. In
a brief period, ships with passengers came from London, Bristol, Ireland,
Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Holland, Germany, to the number of about fifty.
Among others came a company of German Quakers, from Kxisheim, near
Worms, in the Palatinate. These people regarded their lot as particularly
fortunate, in which they recognized the direct interposition and hand of Provi-
dence. For, not long afterward, the Palatinate was laid waste by the French
army, and many of their kindred whom they had left behind were despoiled of
their possessions and reduced to penury. There came also from Wales a com-
pany of the stock of aacient Britons.
So large an influx of population, coming in many cases without due pro-
vision for variety of diet, caused a scarcity in many kinds of food, especially
of meats. Time was required to bring forward flocks and herds, more than
for producing grains. But Providence seemed to have graciously considered
their necessities, and have miraculously provided for them, as of old was pro
vision made for the chosen people. For it is recorded that the ' ' wild pigeons
came in such great numbers that the sky was sometimes darkened by their
flight, and, flying low, they were frequently knocked down as they flew, in
great quantities, by those who had no other means to take them, whereby the}'
supplied themselves, and, having salted those which they could not immedi-
ately use, they preserved them, both for bread and meat." The Indians were
kind, and often furnished them with game, for which they would receive no
compensation.
Their first care on landing was to bring their household goods to a place
of safety, often to the simple protection of a tree. For some, this was their
only shelter, lumber being scarce, and in many places impossible to obtain.
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 67
Some made for themselves caves in the earth UDtil better habitations could be
secured.
John Key, who was said. to have been the first child born of English par-
ents in Philadelphia, and that in recognition of which William Penn gave
him a lot of ground, died at Kennet, in Chester County, on July 5, 1768,
in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was born in one of these caves upon
the river bank, long afterward known by the name of Penny-pot, near Sassa-
fras street. About six years before his death, he walked from Kennet to the
city, about thirty miles, in one day. In the latter part of his life he went
under the name of I'irst Born.
The contrasts between the comforts and conveniences of an old settled
country and this, where the heavy forests must be cleared away and severe la-
bors must be endured before the sun could be let in sufficiently to produce
anything, must have been very marked, and caused repining. But they had
generally come with meek and humble hearts, and they willingly endured
hardship and privation, and labored on earnestly for the spiritual comfort
which they enjoyed. Thomas Makin, in some Latin verses upon the early set-
tlement, says (we quote the metrical translation):
"Its fame to distant countries far has spread,
And some for peace, and some for profit led;
Born in remotest climes, to settle here
They leave their native soil and all that's dear.
And still will flock from far, here to be free.
Such powerful charms has lovely liberty."
But for their many privations and sufferings there were some compensat-
ing conditions. The soil was fertile, the air mostly clear and healthy, the
streams oE water were good and plentiful, wood for fire and building unlimit-
ed, and at certain seasons of the year game in the forest was abundant. Rich-
ard Townsend, a settler at Germantown, who came over in the ship with Penn,
in writing to his friends in England of his first year in America, says: "I,
with Joshua Tittery, made a not, and caught great quantities of fish, so that,
notwithstanding it was thought near three thousand persons came in the first
year, we were so providentially provided for that we could buy a deer for
about two shillings, and a large turkey for about one shilling, and Indian corn
for about two shillings sixpence a bushel."
In the same letter, the writer mentions that a young deer came out of the
forest into the meadow where he was mowing, and looked at him, and when
he went toward it would retreat; and, as he resumed his mowing, would come
back to gaze upon him, and finally ran forcibly against a tree, which bo
stunned it that he was able to overmaster it and bear it away to his home, and
as this was at a time when he was suffering for the lack of meat, he believed
it a direct interposition of Providence.
In the spring of 1683, there was great activity throughout the colony, and
especially in the new city, in selecting lands and erecting dwellings, the Sur-
veyor General, Thomas Holme, laying out and marking the streets. In the
center of the city was a public square of ten acres, and in each of the four
quarters one of eight acres. A large mansion, which had been undertaken be-
fore his arrival, was built for Penn, at a point twenty-six miles up the river,
called Pennsbury Manor, where he sometimes resided, and where he often met
the Indian sachems. At this time, Penn divided the colony into counties,
three for the province (Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester) and three for the
Territories (New Castle, Kent and Sussex). Having appointed Sheriffs and
other proper officers, he issued writs for the election of members of a General
58 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Assembly, three from each county for the Council or Upper House, and nine
from each county for the Assembly or Lower House. *
This Assembly convened and organized for business on the 10th of Jan-
nary, 1683, at Philadelphia. One of the first subjects considered was the
revising some provisions of the frame of government which was effected, re-
ducing the number of members of both Houses, the Council to 18 the As-
sembly to 36, and otherwise amending in unimportant particulars. In
an assembly thus convened, and where few, if any, had had any experience in
serving in a deliberative body, we may reasonably suppose that many crude
and impracticable propositions would be presented. As an example of these
the following may be cited as specimens): That young men should be obliged
to marry at, or before, a certain age; that two sorts of clothes only shall be
worn, one for winter and the other for summer. The session lasted twenty two
days.
The first grand jury in Pennsylvania was summoned for the 2d of Feb-
ruary, 1683, to inquire into the cases of some persons accused of issuing
counterfeit money. The Governor and Council sat as a court. One Picker-
ing was convicted, and the sentence was significant of the kind and patriarchal
nature of the government, "that he should make full satisfaction, in good
and current pay, to every person who should, within the space of one month,
bring in any of this false, base and counterfeit coin, and that the money
brought in should be melted down before it was returned to him, and that he
should pay a tine of forty pounds toward the building a court house, stand
committed till the same was paid, and afterward find security for his good
behavior."
The Assembly and courts having now adjourned, Penn gave his attention
to the grading and improving the streets of the new city, and the managing
the affairs of his land office, suddenly grown to great importance. For every
section of land taken up in the wilderness, the purchaser was entitled to a
certain plot in the new city. The Eiver Delaware at this time was nearly a
mile broad opposite the city, and navigable .for ships of the largest tonnage.
The tide rises about six feet at this point, and flows back to the falls of
Trenton, a distance of thirty miles. The tide in the Schuylkill flows only
about five miles above its confluence with the Delaware. The river bank along
the Delaware was intended by Penn as a common or public resort. But in
his time the owners of lots above Front street pressed him to allow them to
construct warehouses upon it, opposite their properties, which importunity in-
duced him to make the following declaration concerning it; "The bank is a
top common, from end to end; the rest next the water belongs to front- lok
men no more than back-lot men. The way bounds them; they may build stairs,
and the top of the bank a common exchange, or wall, and against the street,
common wharfs may be built freely; but into the water, and the shore is no
purchaser's. " But in future time, this liberal desire of the founder was dis-
regarded, and the bank has been covered with immense warehouses.
* It may be a matter of curiosity to know the names of the members of this first regularly elected Legis-
lature in Pennsylvania, and they are accordingly appended as given in official records :
Council: William Markham, Christopher Taylor, Thomas Holme, Lacy Cock, William Haige, John Moll
Ralph Withers, John Simcock, Edward CaDtwell, William Clayton, William Biles, James Harrison, William
•Clark, Francis Whitewell, John Richardson, John Hillyard.
Assembly: From Bucks, William Yardly, Samuel Darke, Robert Lucas, Nicholas Walne, John Wood John
Clowes, Thomas Fitzwater, Robert Hall, James Boyden ; from Philadelphia, John Longhurst, John Hart Wal-
ter King, Andros Binkson, John Moon, Thomas Wynne (Speaker), Griffith Jones, William Warner, Swan Swan-
son; from Chester, John Hoskins, Robert Wade, George Wood, John Blunston, Dennis Koohford Thomas
Bracy, John Bezer, John Harding, Joseph Phipps ; from New Castle, John Cann, John Darby, Valentine Holl-
ingsworth, Gasparus Herman. John Dchoaef, James Williams, William Guest, Peter Alrich, Henrick Williams-
from Kent, John Biggs, Simon Irons, Thomas HafTold John Curtis, Robert Bedwell, William Windsmore John
Brinkloe, Daniel Brown, Benony Bishop ; from Sussex, Luke Watson, Alexander Draper, William Fu'toher
Henry Bowman, Alexander Moleston, John Hill, Robert Bracy, John Kipshaven, Cornelius Verhoof. '
HISTORY OF PENNSyLVANIA. 59
Seeing now his plans of government and settlement fairly in operation, as
autumn approached, Penn wrote a letter to the Free Society of Traders in
London, which had been formed to promote settlement in his colony, in which
he touched upon a great variety of topics regarding his enterprise, extending to
qiiite a complete treatise. The great interest attaching to the subjects dis-
cussed, and the ability with which it was drawn, makes it desirable to insert
the document entire; but its great length makes its use incompatible with the
plan of this work. A few extracts and a general plan of the letter is all that
can be given. He first notices the injurious reports put in circulation in En-
gland during his absence: " Some persons have had so little wit and so much
malice as to report my death, and, to mend the matter, dead a Jesuit, too.
One might have reasonably hoped that this distance, like death, would have
been a protection against spite and envy. * * * However, to the great sorrow
and shame of the inventors, I am still alive and no Jesuit, and, I thank God,
very well." Of the air and waters he says: " The air is sweet and clear, the
heavens serene, like the south parts of France, rarely overcast. The 'waters
are generally good, for the rivers and brooks have mostly gravel and stony bot-
toms, and in number hardly credible. We also have mineral waters that
operate in the same manner with Barnet and North Hall, not two miles from
Philadelphia. " He then treats at length of the four seasons, of trees, fruits,
grapes, peaches, grains, garden produce: of animals,beast8, birds, fish, whale fish-
ery, horses and cattle, medicinal plants, flowers of the woods; of the Indians
and their persons. Of their language he says: "It is lofty, yet narrow; but,
like the Hebrew, in signification, full, imperfect in their tenses, wanting in their
moods, participles, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections. I have made it my busi-
ness to understand it, and I must say that I know not a language spoken in Europe
that hath words of more sweetness or greatness in accent and emphasis than
theirs." Of their customs and their children: " The children will go very young,
at nine months, commonly; if boys, they go a fishing, till ripe for the woods, which
is about fifteen; then they hunt, and, after having given some proofs of their
manhood by a good return of skins, they may marry, else it is a shame to think
of a wife. The girls stay with their mother and help to hoe the ground, plant
corn and cany burdens. When the young women are fit for marriage, they
wear something upon their heads as an advertisment; but so, as their faces hardly
to be seen, but when they please. The age they marry at, if women, is about
thirteen and fourteen; if men, seventeen and eighteen; they are rarely elder."
In a romantic vein he speaks of their houses, diet, hospitality, revengefulness
and concealment of resentment, great liberality, free manner of life and
customs, late love of strong liquor, behavior in sickness and death, their re-
ligion, their feastings, their government, their mode of doing business, their
manner of administering justice, of agreement for settling difficulties entered into
with the pen, their susceptibility to improvement, of the origin of the Indian race
their resemblance to the Jews. Of the Dutch and Swedes whom he found set-
tled here when he came, he says: " The Dutch applied themselves to traffick,
the Swedes and Finns to husbandry. The Dutch mostly inhabit those parts
that lie upon the bay, and the Swedes the freshes of the Delaware. They are
a plain, strong, industrious people; yet have made no great progress in culture
or propagation of fruit trees. They are a people proper, and strong of body,
so they have fine children, and almost every house full; rare to find one of them
without three or four boys and as many girls — some, six, seven and eight sons,
and I must do them that right, I see few young men more sober and laborious."
After speaking at length of the organization of the colony and its manner of
government, he concludes with his own opinion of the country: "I say little
60 HISTOKY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
of the town itself; but this I will say, for the good providence of God, that
of all the many places I have seen in the world, I remember not one better
seated, so that it seems to me to have been appointed for a town, whether we
regard the rivers or the conveniency of the coves, docks, springs, the loftiness
and soundness of the land and the air, held by the people of these parts to be
very good. It is advanced within less than a year to about fourscore bouses
and cottages, where merchants and handicrafts are following their vocations
as fast as they can, while the countrymen are close at their farms. * * * i
bless God I am fully satisfied with the country and entertainment I got in it;
for I find that particular content, which hath always attended me, where God in
His providence hath made it my place and Hervice to reside. "
As we have seen, the visit of Penn to Lord Baltimore soon after his arrival
in America, for the purpose of settlingthe boundaries of the two provinces, after
a two days' conference, proved fruitless, and an adjournment was had for the
winter, when the efforts for settlement were to be resumed. Early in the
spring, an attempt was made on the part of Peun, but was prevented till May,
when a meeting was held at New Castle. Penn proposed to confer by the aid
of counselors and in writing. But to this Baltimore objected, and, complain-
ing of the sultryness of the weather, the conference was broken up. In the
meantime, it had come to the knowledge of Penn that Lord Baltimore had
issued a proclamation offering settlers more land, and at cheaper rates than
Penn had done, in portions of the lower counties which Penn had secured
from the Duke of York, but which Baltimore now claimed. Besides, it was
ascertained that an agent of his had taken an observation, and determined the
latitude without the knowledge of Penn, and had secretly made an ex parte
statement of the case before the Lords of the Committee of Plantations in En-
gland, and was pressing for arbitrament. This state of the case created much
uneasiness in the mind of Penn, especially as the proclamation of Lord Balti-
more was likely to bring the two governments into conflict on territory mutu-
ally claimed. But Lord Baltimore was not disposed to be content with diplo-
macy. He determined to pursue an aggressive policy. He accordingly com-
missioned his agent. Col. George Talbot, under date of September 17, 1683,
to go to Schuylkill, at Delaware, and demand of William Penn " all that part
of the land on the west side of the said river that lyeth to the southward of
the fortieth degree." This bold demand would have embraced the entire colony,
both the lower counties, and the three counties in the province, as the fortieth
degree reaches a considerable distance above Philadelphia. Penn was absent
at the time in New York, and Talbot made his demand upon Nicholas Moore,
the deputy of Penn. Upon his return, the proprietor made a dignified but
earnest rejoinder. While he felt that the demand could not be justly sus-
tained, yet the fact that a controversy for the settlement of the boundary was
likely to arise, gave him disquietude, and though he was gratified with the
success of his plans for acquiring lands of the Indians and establishing friendly
relations with them, the laying-out of his new city and settling it, the adop-
tion of a stable government and putting it in successful operation, and, more
than all, the drawing thither the large number of settlers, chiefly of his own
religious faith, and seeing them contented and happy in the new State, he
plainly foresaw that his skill and tact would be taxed to the utmo.st to defend
and hold his claim before the English court. If the demand of Lord Balti-
more were to prevail, all that he had done would be lost, as his entire colony
would be swallowed up by Maryland.
The anxiety of Penn to hold from the beginning of the 40° of latitude was
not to increase thereby his territory by so much, for two degrees which he
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 61
securely had, so far as amount of land was concerned, would have entirely-
satisfied him; but he wanted this degree chiefly that he might have the free
navigation of Delaware Bay and River, and thus open communication with the
ocean. He desired also to hold the lower counties, which were now well
settled, as well as his own counties rapidly being peopled, and his new city of
Philadelphia, which he regarded as the apple of his eye. So anxious was he
to hold the land on the right bank of the Delaware to the open ocean, that at
iis second meeting, he asked Lord Baltimore to set a price per square mile on
this disputed ground, and though he had purchased it once of the crown and
held the King's charter for it, and the Duke of York's deed, yet rather than
have any further wrangle over it, he was willing to pay for it again. But this
Lord Baltimore refused to do.
Bent upon bringing matters to a crisis, and to force possession of his
claim, early in the year 1684 a party from Maryland made forcible entry
upon the plantations in the lower counties and drove off the owners. The
Oovernor and Council at Philadelphia sent thither a copy of the answer of
Penn to Baltimore's demand for the land south of the Delaware, with orders
io "William Welch, Sheriff at New Castle, to use his influence to reinstate the
lawful owners, and issued a declaration succinctly stating the claim of Penn,
for the purpose of preventing such unlawful incursions in future.
The season opened favorably for the continued prosperity of the young
colony. Agriculture was being prosecuted as never before. Goodly flocks
and herds gladdened the eyes of the settlers. An intelligent, moral and in-
dustrious yeomanry was springing into existence. Emigrants were pouring
into the Delaware from many lands. The Government was becoming settled
in its operations and popular with the people. The proprietor had leisure to
attend to the interests of his religious society, not only in his own dominions,
but in the Jerseys and in New York.
CHAPTER yil.
Thomas Lloyd, 1884-86— Five Commissioners, 1686-88— John Blackwell, 1688
-90— Thomas Llotd, 1690-91— William Makkham, 1691-93— Benjamin
Fletcher, 1693-95— William Markham, 1693-99.
BUT the indications, constantly thickening, that a struggle was likely soon
to be precipitated before the crown for possession of the disputed terri-
tory, decided Penn early in the summer to quit the colony and return to En-
gland to defend his imperiled interests. There is no doubt that he took this
step with unfeigned regret, as he was contented and happy in his new country,
and was most usefully employed. There were, however, other inducements
which were leading him back to England. The hand of persecution was at
this time laid heavily upon the Quakers. Over 1,400 of these pious and in-
offensive people were now, and some of them had been for years, languishing
in the prisons of England, for no other offense than their manner of worship.
By his friendship with James, and his acquaintance with the King, he might
■do something to soften the lot of these unfortunate victims of bigotry.
He accordingly empowered the Provincial Council, of which Thomas
Lloyd was President, to act in his stead, commissioned Nicholas Moore, Will-
iam Welch, William Wood, Eobert Turner and John Eckley, Provincial
62 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Judges for two years; appointed Thomas Lloyd, James Claypole and Robert
Turner to sign land patents and warrants, and William Clark as Justice of
the Peace for all the counties; and on the 6th of June, 1684, sailed for Europe.
His feelings on leaving hid colony are exnibited by a farewell address which
he issued from on board the vessel to his people, of which the following are-
brief extracts: "My love and my life is to you, and with you, and no water
can quench it, nor distance wear it out, nor bring it to an end. I have been
with you, cared over you and served over you with unfeigned love, and you
are beloved of me, and near to me, beyond utterance. I bless you in the
name and power of the Lord, and may God bless you with His righteousness,
peace and plenty all the land over. * * * Oh! now are you come to a
quiet land; provoke not the Lord to trouble it And now liberty and author-
ity are with you, and in your hands. Let the government be upon His
shoulders, in all your spirits, that you may rule for Him, under whom the
princes of this world will, one day, esteem their honor to govern and serve in
their places * * * And thou, Philadelphia, the virgin settlement of
this province, named before thou wert born, what love, what care, what serv-
ice and what travail has there been, to bring thee forth, and preserve thee from
such as would abuse and defile thee! * * * go, dear friends, my love-
again salutes you all, wishing that grace, mercy and peace, with all temporal
blessings, may abound richly among you — so says, so prays, your friend and
lover in the truth. William Penn."
On the 6th of December of this same year, 1684, Charles II died, and was
succeeded by his brother James, Duke of York, under the title of James IL
James was a professed Catholic, and the people were greatly excited all over
the kingdom lest the reign of Bloody Mary should be repeated, and that the
Catholic should become the established religion. He had less ability than
his brother, the deceased King, but great discipline and industry. Penn en-
joyed the friendship and intimacy of the new King, and he determined to use
his advantage for the relief of his suffering countrymen, not only of his sect,
the Quakers, but of all, and especially for the furtherance of universal liberty.
But there is no doubt that he at this time meditated a speedy return to his
province, for he writes: "Keep up the peoples' hearts and loves; I hope to be
with them next fall, if the Lord prevent not. I long to be with you. No
temptations prevail to fix me here. The Lord send us a good meeting." By
authority of Penn, dated 18th of January, 1685, William Markham, Penn's
cousin, was commissioned Secretary of the province, and the proprietor's Sec-
retary.
That he might be fixed near to court for the -furtherance of his private as
well as public business, he secured lodgings for himself and family, in 1685, at
Kensington, near London, and cultivated a daily intimacy with <ibe King, who,
no doubt, found in the strong native sense of his Quaker friend, a valued ad-
viser upon many questions of difficulty. His first and chief care was the set-
tlement of his disagreement with Lord Baltimore touching the boundaries of
their provinces. This was settled in November, 1685, by a compromise, by
which the land lying between the Delaware and Chesepeake Bays was divided
into two equal parts— that upon the Delaware was adjudged to Penn, and that
upon the Chesapeake to Lord Baltimore. This settled the matter in theory;
but when the attempt was made to run the lines according to the language of
the Eoyal Act, it was found that the royal secretaries did not understand the
geography of the country, and that the line which their language described was
an impossible one. Consequently the boundary remained undetermined till
1732. The account of its location will be given in its proper place.
HISTORr OF PENNSYLVANIA. 63
Having secured this important decision to his satisfaction, Penn applied
himself with renewed zeal, not only to secure the i;elease of his people, who
were languishing in prisons, but to procure for all Englishmen, everywhere,
enlarged liberty and freedom of conscience. His relations with the King fa-
vored his designs. The King had said to Penn before he ascended the throne
that he was opposed to persecution for religion. On the first day of his reign,
he made an address, in which he proclaimed himself opposed to all arbitrary
principles in government, 'and promised protection to the Church of England.
Early in the year 1686, in consequence of the King's proclamation for a gen^
eral pardon, over thirteen hundred Quakers were set at liberty, and in April,
1687, the King issued a declaration for entire liberty of conscience, and sus-
pending the penal laws in matters ecclesiastical. This was a great step in ad-
vance, and one that must ever throw a luster over the brief reign of this un-
fortunate monarch. Penn, though holding no official position, doubtless did
as much toward securing the issue of this liberal measure as any Englishman.
Upon the issue of these edicts, the Quakers, at their next annual meeting,
presented an address of acknowledgment to the Ring, which opened in these
words: "We cannot but bless and praise the name of Almighty God, who
hath the hearts of princes in His hands, that He hath inclined the King to hear
the cries of his suffering subjects for conscience' sake, and we rejoice that he
hath given us so eminent an occasion to present him our thanks." This ad-
dress was presented by Penn in a few well -chosen words, and the King re-
plied in the following, though brief, yet most expressive, language: "Gentle-
men— I thank you heartily for your address. Some of you know (I am sure
you do Mr. Penn), that it was always my principle, that conscience ought not
to be forced, and that all men ought to have the liberty of their consciences.
And what I have promised in my declaration, I will continue to perform so
long as I live. And I hope, before I die, to settle it so that after ages shall
have no reason to alter it."
It would have been supposed that such noble sentiments as these from a
sovereign would have been hailed with delight by the English people. But
they were not. The aristocracy of Britain at this time did not want liberty of
conscience. They wanted comformity to the established church, and bitter
persecution against all others, as in the reign of Charles, which filled the
prisons with Quakers. The warm congratulations to James, and fervent prayers
for his welfare, were regarded by them with an evil eye. Bitter reproaches
were heaped upon Penn, who was looked upon as the power behind the throne
that was moving the King to the enforcing of these principles. He was ac-
cused of having been educated at St. Omer's, a Catholic college, a place which
he never saw in his life, of having taken orders as a priest in the Catholic
Church, of having obtained dispensation to marry, and of being not only a
Catholic, but a Jesuit in disguise, all of which were pure fabrications. But in,
the excited state of the public mind they were believed, and caused him to be
regarded with bitter hatred. The King, too, fell rapidly into disfavor, and so
completely had the minds of his people become alienated from him, that upon
the coming of the Prince of Orange and his wife Mary, in 1688, James was
obliged to flee to France for safety, and they were received as the rulers of
Britain.
But while the interests of the colony were thus prospering at court, they
were not so cloudless in the new country. There was needed the strong hand
of Penn to check abuses and guide the course of legislation in proper chan-
nels. He had labored to place the government entirely in the hands of the
people — an idea, in the abstract, most attractive, and one which, were the entires
€4 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
population wise and just, would result fortunately: yet, in practice, he found
to his sorrow the results most vexatious. The proprietor had not long been
gone before troubles arose between the two Houses of the Legislatiu-e relative
to promulgating the laws as not being in accordance with the requirements of
the charter Nicholas Moore, the Chief Justice, was impeached for irregular-
ities in imposing fines and in other ways abusing his high trust. But though
formally arraigned iind directed to desist from exercising his functions, he suc-
cessfully resisted the proceedings, and a final judgment was never obtained.
Patrick Robinson, Clerk of the court, for refusing to produce the records in the
trial of Moore, was voted a public enemy. These troubles in the government
were the occasion of much grief to Penn, who wrote, naming a number of the
most influential men in the colony, and beseeching them to unite in an endeavor
to check further irregularities, declaring that they disgraced the province,
" that their conduct had struck back hundreds, and was £10,000 out of his
way, and £100,000 out of the country."
In the latter part of the year 1686, seeing that the whole Council was too
unwieldy a body to exercise executive power, Penn determined to contract the
number, and accordingly appointed Thomas Lloyd, Nicholas Moore, James
Claypole, Robert Turner and John Eckley, any three of whom should consti-
tute a quorum, to be Commissioners of State to act for the proprietor. In
place of Moore and Claypule, Arthur Cook and John Simcock were appointed.
They were to compel the attendance of the Council; see that the two Houses
admit of no parley; to abrogate all laws except the fundamentals; to dismiss
the Assembly and call a new one, and finally he solemnly admonishes them,
*' Be most just, as in the sight of the all-seeing, all-searching God." In a
letter to these Commissioiiers, he says: " Three things occur to me eminently:
First, that you be watchful that none abuse the King, etc. ; secondly, that you
:get the custom act revived as being the equalest and least offensive way to
support the government; thirdly, that you retrieve the dignity of courts and
^sessions."
In a letter to James Harrison, his confidential agent at Pennsbury Manor,
he unbosoms himself more freely respecting his employment in London than
in any of his State papers or more public communications, and from it can be
seen how important were his labors with the head of the English nation. " I
am engaged in the public business of the nation and Friends, and those in au-
thority would have me see the establishment of the liberty, that I was a small
instrument to begin in the land. The Lord has given me great entrance and
interest with the King, though not so much as is said; and I confess I should
rejoice to see poor old England fixed, the penal laws repealed, that are now
suspended, and if it goes well with England, it cannot go ill with Pennsyl-
Trania, as unkindly used as I am; and no poor slave in Turkey desires more
-earnestly, I believe, for deliverance, than I do to be with you." In the sum-
mer of 1687, Penn was in company with the King in a progress through the
-counties of Berkshire, Glocestershire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Cheshire,
Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, during which he
Sheld several religious meetings with his people, in some of which the King ap-
ipears to have been present, particularly in Chester.
Since the departure of Penn, Thomas Lloyd had acted as President of
the Council, and later of the Commissioners of State. He had been in effect
Governor, and held responsible for the success of the government, while pos-
sessing only one voice in the disposing of affairs. Tiring of this anomalous
position, Lloyd applied to be relieved. It was difficult to find a person of
aufficient ability to fill the place: but Penn decided to relieve him, though
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65
showing his entire confidence by notifying him that he intended soon to ap-
point him absolute Governor. In his place, he indicated Samuel Carpenter,
or if he was unwilling to serve, then Thomas Ellis, but not to be President, his
will being that each should preside a month in turn, or that the oldest mem-
ber should be chosen.
Penn foresaw that the executive power, to be efficient, must be lodged' in
the hands of one man of ability, such as to command the respect of his people.
Those whom he most trusted in the colony had been so mixed up in the wran-
gles of the executive and legislative departments of the government that he
deemed it advisable to appoint a person who had not before been in the col-
ony and not a Quaker. He accordingly commissioned John Blaokwell, July
27, 1688, to be Lieutenant Governor, who was at this time in New England,
and who had the esteem and confidence of Penn. With the commission, the
proprietor sent full instructions, chiefly by way of caution, the last one being:
*' Rule the meekmeekly; and those that will not be ruled, rule with authority."
Though Lloyd had been relieved of power, he still remained in the Council,
probably because neither of the persens designated were willing to serve.
Having seen the evils of a many-headed executive, he had recommended the
appointment of one person to exercise executive authority. It was in con
formity with this advice that Blackwell was appointed. He met the Assembly
in March, 1689; but either his conceptions of business were arbitrary and im-
perious, or the Assembly had become accustomed to great latitude and lax
discipline; for the business had not proceeded far before the several branches
of the government were at variance. Lloyd refused to give up the great seal,
alleging that it had been given him for life. The Governor, arbitra-
rily and without warrant of law, imprisoned officers of high rank, denied the
validity of all laws passed by the Assembly previous to his administration, and
set on foot a project for organizing and equipping the militia, under the plea
of threatened hostility of France. The Assembly attempted to arrest his
proceedings, but he shrewdly evaded their intents by organizing a party
among the members, who persistently absented themselves. His reign
was short, for in January, 1690, he left the colony and sailed away for En-
gland, whereupon the government again devolved upon the Council, Thomas
Lloyd, President. Penn had a high estimation of the talents and integrity
of Blackwell, and adds, " He is in England and Ireland of great repute for
ability, integrity and virtue. "
Three forms of administering the executive department of the government
had now been tried, by a Council consisting of eighteen members, a commission of
five members, and a Lieutenant Governor. Desirous of leaving the government
as far as possible in the hands of the people who were the sources of all
power, Penn left it to the Council to decide which form should be adopted.
The majority decided for a Deputy Governor. This was opposed by the mem-
bers from the provinces, who preferred a Council, and who, finding themselves
outvoted, decided to withdraw, and determined for themselves to govern the
lower counties until Penn should come. This obstinacy and falling out be-
tween the councilors from the lower counties and those from the province
was the beginning of a controversy which eventuated in a separation, and
finally in the formation of Delaware as a separate commonwealth. A deputa-
tion from the Council was sent to New Castle to induce the seceding members
to return, but without success. They had never regarded with favor the re-
moval of the sittings of the Council from New Castle, the first seat of gov-
ernment, to Philadelphia, and they were now determined to set up a govern-
ment for themselves.
06 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
In 1689, the Friends Public School in Philadelphia was first incorporated,
confirmed by a patent from Penn in 1701, and another in 1708, and finally,
with greatly enlarged powers, from Penn personally, November 29, 1711. The
preamble to the charter recites that as "the prosperity and welfare oE any
people depend, in great measure, upon the good education of youth, and their
early introduction in the principles of true religion and virtue, and qualifying
them to serve their country and themselves, by breeding them in reading,
writing, and learning of languages and useful arts and sciences suitable to
their sex, age and degree, which cannot be effected in any manner so well as
by erecting public schools," etc. George Keith was employed as the first mas-
ter of this Bchool. He was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, a man of learning,
and had emigrated to East Jersey some years previous, whore he was Surveyor
General, and had surveyed and marked the line between East and West New
Jersey. He only remained at the head of the school one year, when he was
succeeded by his usher, Thomas Makin. This was a school of considerable
merit and pretension, where the higher mathematics and the ancient lan-
guages were taught, and was the first of this high grade. A school of a pri-
mary grade had been established as" early as 1683, in Philadelphia, when
Enoch Flower taught on the following terms: "To learn to read English,,
four shillings by the quarter; to write, six shillings by ditto; to read, write and
cast accounts, eight shillings by the quarter; boarding a scholar, that is to
say, diet, lodging, washing and schooling, £10 for one whole year,'' from which
it will be seen that although learning might be highly prized, its cost in
hard cash was not exorbitant.
Penn's favor at court during the reign of James II caused him to be sus-
pected of disloyalty to the government when William and Mary had come to
the throne. Accordingly on the 10th of December, 1688, while walking in
White Hall, he was summoned before the Lords of the Council, and though
nothing was found against him, was compelled to give security for his appear-
ance at the next term, to answer any charge that might be made. At the sec-
ond sitting of the Council nothing having been found against him, he was
cleared in open court. In 1690, he was again brought before the Lords on
the charge of having been in correspondence with the late King. He ap-
pealed to King William, who, after a hearing of two hours, was disposed to
release him, but the Lords decided to hold him until the Trinity term, when
he was again discharged. A third time he was arraigned, and this time with
eighteen others, charged with adhering to the kingdom's enemies, but was
cleared by order of the King's Bench. Being now at liberty, and these vexa-
tious suits apparently at an end, he set about leading a large party of settlers
to his cherished Pennsylvania. Proposals were published, and the Govern-
ment, regarding the enterprise of so much importance, had ordered an armed
convoy, when he was again met by another accusation, and now, backed by
the false oath of one William Fuller, whom the Parliament subsequently de-
clared a " cheat and an imposter." Seeing that he must prepare again for hi*
defense, he abandoned his voyage to America, after having made expensive
preparations, and convinced that his enemies were determined to prevent his
attention to public or private affairs, whether in England or America, he with-
drew himself during the ensuing two or three years from the public eye.
But though not participating in business, which was calling loudly for his
attention, his mind was busy, and several important treatises upon religious
and civil matters were produced that had great influence upon the turn of
public affairs, which would never have been written but for this forced retire-
ment. In his address to the yearly meeting of Friends in London, he says:
HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
67
*' My enemies are yours. My privacy is not because men have sworn truly,
but falsely against me. "
His personal grievances in England were the least which he suffered. For
lack of guiding influence, bitter dissensions had sprung up in his colony,
which threatened the loss of all. Desiring to secure peace, he had commis-
sioned Thomas Lloyd Deputy Governor of the province, and William Mark-
ham Deputy Governor of the lower counties. Penn's grief on account of this
division is disclosed in a letter to a friend in the province: " I left it to them,
to choose either the government of the Council, five Commissioners or a deputy.
What could be tenderer ? Now I perceive Thomas Lloyd is chosen by the
three upper; but not the three lower counties, and sits down with this broken
choice. This has grieved and wounded me and mine, I fear to the hazard of
all! * * * for else the Governor of New York is like to have all, if he
has it not already."
But the troubles of Penn in America were not confined to civil affairs.
His religious society was torn with dissension. George Keith, a man of con-
siderable power in argumentation, but of overweaning self-conceit, attacked the
Friends for the laxity of their discipline, and drew off some followers. So
venomous did he become that on the 20th of April, 1692, a testimony of de-
nial was drawn up against him at a meeting of ministers, wherein he and his
conduct were publicly disowned. This was confirmed at the next yearly meet-
ing. He drew off large numbers and set up an independent society, who
termed themselves Christian Quakers. Keith appealed from this action of the
American Church to the yearly meeting in London, but was so intemperate in
speech that the action of the American Church was confirmed. Whereupon
he became the bitter enemy of the Quakers, and, uniting with the Church of
England, was ordained a Vicar by the Bishop of London. He afterward re-
turned to America where he wrote against his former associates, but was final-
ly fixed in a benefice in Sussex, England. On his death bed, he said, " I wish
I had died when I was a Quaker, for then I am sure it would have been well
with my soul."
But Keith had not been satisfied with attacking the principles and prac-
tices of his church. He mercilessly lampooned the Lieutenant Governor, say-
ing that " He was not fit to be a Governor, and his name would stink, " and of
the Council, that . " He hoped to God he should shortly see their power taken
from them." On another occasion, he said of Thomas Lloyd, who was reputed
a mild-tempered man, and had befriended Keith, that he was " an impu-
dent man and a pitiful Governor,' ' and asked him " why he did not send him
to jail," saying that "his back (Keith's) had long itched for a whipping, and
that he would print and expose them all over America, if not over Europe."
So abusive had he finally become that the Council was obliged to take notice
of his conduct and to warn him to desist.
Penn, as has been shown, was silenced and thrown into retirement in En-
gland. It can be readily seen what an excellent opportunity those troubles
in America, the separation in the government, and the schism in the church,
gave his enemies to attack him. They represented that he had neglected his
colony by remaining in England and meddling with matters in which he had
no business; that the colony in consequence had fallen into great disorder,
and that he should be deprived of his proprietary rights. These complaints
had so much weight with William and Mary, that, on the 21st of October, 1692,
they commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of New York, to take the
province and territories ander his government. There was another motive
operating at this time, more potent than those mentioned above, to induce the
68 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
King and Queen to put the government of Pennsylvania under the Governor
of New York. The French and Indians from the north were threatening the
English. Already the expense for defense had become burdensome to New
York. It was believed that to ask aid for the common defense from Penn,
with his peace principles, would be fruitless, but that through the influence of
Gov. Fletcher, as executive, an appropriation might be secured.
Upon receiving his commission, Gov. Fletcher sent a note, dated April 19,
1693, to Deputy Gov. Lloyd, informing him of the grant of the royal commis-
sion and of his intention to visit the colony and assume authority on the 29th
inst. He accordingly came with great pomp and splendor, attended by a
numerous retinue, and soon after his arrival, submission to him having been
accorded without question, summoned the Assembly. Some differences having
arisen between the Governor and tbe Assembly about the manner of calling and
electing the Eepresentatives, certain members united in an address to the Gov-
ernor, claiming that the constitution and laws were still in full force and
must be administered until altered or repealed; that Pennsylvania had just as
good a right to be governed according lo the usages of Pennsylvania as New
York had to be governed according to the usages of that province. The Leg-
islature being finally organized, Gov. Fletcher presented a letter from the
Queen, setting forth that the expense for the preservation and defense of Albany
against the French was intolerable to the inhabitants there, and that as this
was a frontier to other colonies, it was thought but just that they should help
bear the burden. The Legislature, in firm but respectful terms, maintained
that the constitution and laws enacted under them were in full force, and
when he, having flatly denied this, attempted to intimidate them by the threat
of annexing Pennsylvania to New York, they mildly but firmly requested that
if the Governor had objections to the bill which they had passed and would
communicate them, they would try to remove them. The business was now
amicably adjusted, and he in compliance with their wish dissolved the Assembly,
and after appointing William Markham Lieutenant Governor, departed to his
government in New York, doubtless well satisfied that a Quaker, though usu-
ally mild mannered, is not easily frightened or coerced.
Gov. Fletcher met the Assembly again in March, 1694, and during this
session, having apparently failed in his previous endeavors to induce the Assem-
bly to vote money for the common defense, sent a communication setting forth
the dangers to be apprehended from the French and Indians, and concluding in
these words : "That he considered their principles ; that they could not carry arms
nor levy money to make war, though for their own defense, yet he hoped that
they would not refuse to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; that was to
supply the Indian nations with such necessaries as may influence their contin-
ued friendship to their provinces. " But notwithstanding the adroit sugar-
coating of the pill, it was not acceptable and no money was voted. This and a
brief session in September closed the Governorship of Pennsylvania by
Fletcher. It would appear from a letter written by Penn, after hearing of
the neglect of the Legislature to vote money for the purpose indicated, that
he took an entirely different view of the subject from that which was antici-
pated; for he blamed the colony for refusing to send money to New York for
what he calls the common defense.
Through the kind offices of Lords Rochester, Eanelagh, Sidney and Somers,
the Duke of Buckingham and Sir John Trenchard, the king was asked to
hear the case of William Penn, against whom no charge was proven, and who
would two years before have gone to his colony had he not supposed that he
would haVe been thought to go in defiance of the government. King William
mSTOKY OF TENNSYLVANIA. 69"
answered that William Penn was his old acquaintance as well as theirs, that
he might follow his business as freely as ever, and that he had nothing to say
to him. Penn was accordingly reinstated in his government by letters patent
dated on the 20th of August, 1694, whereupon he commissioned William Mark-
ham Lieutenant Governor.
When Markham called the Assembly, he disregarded the provisions of the
charter, assuming that the removal of Penn had annulled the grant. The
Assembly made no objection to this action, as there were provisions in the old
charter that they desired to have changed. Accordingly, when the appropria-
tion bill was considered, a new constitution was attached to it and passed.
This was approved by Markham and became the organic law, the third consti-
tution adopted under the charter of King Charles. By the provisions of this
instrument, the Council was composed of twelve members, and the Assembly
of twenty-four. During the war between France and England, the ocean
swarmed with the privateers of the former. When peace was declared, many of
these crafts, which had richly profited by privateering, were disposed to con-
tinue their irregular practices, which was now piracy. Judging that the peac&
principles of the Quakers would shield them from forcible seizure, they were
accustomed to run into the Delaware for safe harbor. Complaints coming^
of the depredations of these parties, a proclamation was issued calling on
magistrates and citizens to unite in breaking up practices so damaging to the
good name of the colony. It was charged in England that evil-disposed per-
sons in the province were privy to these practices, if not parties to it, and that
the failure of the Government to break it up was a proof of its inefficiency,
and of a radical defect of the principles on which it was based. Penn was
much exercised by these charges, and in his letters to the Lieutenant Governor
and to his friends in the Assembly, urged ceaseless vigilance to effect reform.
CHAPTER YIII.
William Penn, 1699-1701— Andrew Hamilton, 1701-3— Edward Shipped
1703-4— John Evans, 1704-9— Charles Gookin, 1709-17.
BEING free from harassing persecutions, and in favor at court, Penn de-
termined to remove with his family to Pennsylvania, and now with the ex-
pectation of living and dying here. Accordingly, in July, 1(399, he set sail,.
and, on account of adverse winds, was three months tossed about upon the-
ocean. Just before his arrival in his colony, the yellow fever raged there with
great virulence, having been brought thither from the West Indies, but had
been checked by the biting frosts of autumn, and had now disappeared. An.
observant traveler, who witnessed the effects of this scourge, writes thus of it
in his journal: "Great was the majesty and hand of the Lord. Great was
the fear that fell upon all flesh. I saw no lofty nor airy countenance, nor
heard any vain jesting to move men to laughter, nor witty repartee to raise-
mirth, nor extravagant feasting to excite the lusts and desires of the flesh
above measure; but every face gathered paleness, and many hearts were hum-
bled, and countenances fallen and sunk, as such that waited every moment to
be summoned to the bar and numbered to the grave. "
Great joy -s-as everywhere manifested throughout the province at the arriv.--
"70 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
al of the proprietor and his family, fondly believing that he had now como to
stay. He met the Assembly soon after landing, but, it being an inclement
season, he only detained them loog enough to pass two measures aimed against
piracy and illicit trade, exaggerated reports of which, having been spread
broadcast through the kingdom, had caused him great uneasiness and vexation.
At the first monthly meeting of Friends in 1700, he laid before them his
concern, which was for the welfare of Indians and Negroes, and steps were
taken to instruct them and provide stated meetings for them where they could
hear the Word. It lu more than probable that he had fears from the first that
his enemies in England would interfere in his affairs to such a degree as to re-
quire his early return, though he had declared to his friends there that he
never expected to meet them again. His greatest solicitude, consequently,
was to give a charter to his colony, and also one to his city, the very best that
human ingenuity could devise. An experience of now nearly twenty years
would be likely to develop the weaknesses and impracticable provisions of the
first constitutions, so that a frame now drawn with all the light of the past,
and by the aid and suggestion of the men who had been employed in admin-
istering it, would be likely to be enduring, and though he might be called
hence, or be removed by death, their work would live on from generation to
generation and age to age, and exert a benign and preserving influence while
the State should exist.
In February, 1701, Penn met the most renowned and powerful of the In-
dian chieftains, reaching out to the Potomac, the Susquehanna and to the Ononda-
goes of the Five Nations, some forty in number, at Philadelphia, where he
renewed with them pledges of peace and entered into a formal treaty of active
friendship, binding them to disclose any hostile intent, confirm sale of lands,
be governed by colonial law, all of which was confirmed on the part of the In-
dians "by five parcels of skins;" and on the part of Penn by " several English
goods and merchandises."
Several sessions of the Legislature were held in'which great harmony pre-
vailed, and much attention was giving to revising and recomposing the consti-
tution. But in the midst of their labors forthe improvement of the organic
law, intelligence was brought to Penn that a bill had been introduced in the
House of Lords for reducing all the proprietary governments in America to
regal ones, under pretence of advancing the prerogative of the crown, and
the national advantage. Such of the owners of land in Pennsylvania as hap-
pened to be in England, remonstrated against action upon the bill until Penn
could return and be heard, and wrote to him urging his immediate coming
hither. Though much to his disappointment and sorrow, he determined to
go immediately thither. He promptly called a session of the Assembly, and
in his message to the two Houses said, "I cannot think of such a voyage
without great reluctancy of mind, having promised myself the quietness of a
wilderness. For my heart is among you, and no disappointment shall ever be
able to alter my love to the country, and resolution to return, and settle my
family and posterity in it. * * Think therefore (since all men are mortal),
of some suitable expedient and provision for youi- safety as well in your privi-
leges as property. Review again your laws, propose new ones, and you will
find me ready to comply with whatsoever may render us happy, by a nearer
union of our interests." The Assembly returned a suitable response, and then
proceeded to draw up twenty-one articles. The first related to the appoint-
ment of a Lieutenant Governor. Penn proposed that the Assembly should
choose one. Bat this they declined, preferring that he should appoint one.
Little trouble was experienced in settling everything broached, except the
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 71
union of the province and lower counties. Penn used his best endeavors to
reconcile them to the union, but without avail. The new constitation was
adopted on the 28th of October, 1701. The instrument provided for the
iinion, but in a supplementary article, evidently granted with great reluctance,
it was provided that the province and the territories might be separated at any
time within three years. As his last act before leaving, he presented the city
of Philadelphia, now grown' to be a considerable place, and always an object
of his affectionate regard, with a charter of privileges. As his Deputy, he ap-
pointed Andrew Hamilton, one of the proprietors of East New Jersey, and
sometime Governor of both East and West Jersey, and for Secretary of the
province and, Clerk of the Council, he selected James Logan, a man of sin-
gular urbanity and strength of mind, and withal a scholar.
Penn set sail for Europe on the 1st of November, 1701. Soon after his
arrival, on the 18th of January, 1702, King William died, and Anne of Den-
mark succeeded him. He now found himself in favor at court, and that he
might be convenient to the royal residence, he again took lodgings at Kensing-
ton. The bill which had been pending before Parliament, that had given him
so much uneasiness, was at the succeeding session dropped entirely, and was
never again called up. During his leisure hours, be now busied himself in
writing ' ' several useful and excellent treatises on divers subjects."
Gov. Hamilton's administration continued only till December, 1702, when
he died. He was earnest in his endeavors to induce the territories to unite
with the province, they having as yet not accepted the new charter, alleging
that they had three years in which to make their decision, but without success.
He also organized a military force, of which George Lowther was commander,
ior the safety of the colony.
The executive authority now devolved upon the Council, of which Edward
Shippen was President. Conflict of authority, and contention over the due in-
terpretation of some provisions of the new charter, prevented the accomplish-
ment of much, by way of legislation, in the Assembly which convened in 1703;
though in this body it was finally determined that the lower counties should
thereafter act separately in a legislative capacity. This separation proved
:final, the two bodies never again meeting in common.
Though the bill to govern the American Colonies by regal authority failed,
yet the clamor of those opposed to the proprietary Governors was so strong
that an act was finally passed requiring the selection of deputies to have the
royal assent. Hence, in choosing a successor to Hamilton, he was obliged to
consider the Queen's wishes. John Evans, a man of parts, of Welsh extrac-
tion, only twenty -six years old, a member of the Queen's household, and not a
Quaker, nor even of exemplary morals, was appointed, who arrived in the col-
ony in December, 1703. He was accompanied by William Penn, Jr., whb was
elected a member of the Council, the number having been increased by author-
ity of the Governor, probably with a view to his election.
The first care of Evans was to unite the province and lower counties,
though the final separation had been agreed to. He presented the matter so
well that the lower counties, from which the difficulty had always come, were
willing to return to a firm union. But now the provincial Assembly, having
become impatient of the obstacles thrown in the way of legislation by the dele-
gates from these counties, was unwilling to receive them. They henceforward
remained separate in a legislative capacity, though still a part of Pennsylvania,
under the claim of Penn, and ruled by the same Governor, and thus they con-
tinued until the 20th of September, 1776, when a constitution was adopted,
and they were proclaimed a separate State under the name of Delaware.
72 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
During two years of the government of Evans, there was ceaseless discord be-
tween the Council, headed by the Governor and Secretary Logan on the one
side, and the Assembly led by David Lloyd, its Speaker, on the other, and
little legislation was effected.
Bealizing the defenseless condition of the colony, Evans determined to
organize the militia, and accordingly issued his proclamation. "In obedience
to her Majesty's royal command, and to the end'that the inhabitants of this
government may be in a posture of defense and readiness to withstand and
repel all acts of hostility, I do hereby strictly command and require all per-
sons residing in this government, whose persuasions will, on any account, per-
mit them to take up arms in their own defense, that forthwith they do pro-
vide themselves with a good firelock and ammunition, in order to enlist them-
selves in the militia, which 1 am now settling in this government. " The Gov-
ernor evidently issued this proclamation ia good faith, and with a pure pur-
pose. The French and Indians had assumed a threatening aspect upon the north,
and while the other colonies had assisted New York liberally, Pennsylvania had
done little or nothing for the common defense. But his call fell stillborn.
The " fire-locks" were not brought out, and none enlisted.
Disappointed at this lack of spirit, and embittered by the factious temper of
the Assembly, Evans, who seems not to have had faith in the religious prin-
ciples of the Quakers, and to have entirely mistook the nature of their Christian
zeal, formed a wild scheme to test their steadfastness under the pressure of
threatened danger. In conjunction with his gay associates in revel, he agreed
to have a false alarm spread of the approach of a hostile force in the river,
whereupon he was to raise the alarm in the city. Accordingly, on the day of
the fair in Philadelphia, 16th of March, 1706, a messenger came, post haste
from New Castle, bringing the startling intelligence that an armed fleet of the
enemy was already in the river, and making their way rapidly toward the city.
Whereupon Evans acted his part to a nicety. He sent emissaries through the
town proclaiming the dread tale, while he mounted his horse, and in an ex-
cited manner, and with a drawn sword, rode through the streets, calling upon all
good men and true to rush to arms for the defense of their homes, their wives
and children, and all they held dear. The ruse was so well played that it
had an immense effect. " The suddenness of the surprise,'' says Proud, " with
the noise of precipitation consequent thereon, threw many of the people into
very great fright and consternation, insomuch that it is said some threw their
plate and most valuable effects down their wells and little houses; that others
hid themselves, in the best manner they could, while many retired further up
the river, with what they could most readily carry off; so that some of the
creeks seemed full of boats and small craft; those of a larger size running as
far a^ Burlington, and some higher up the river; several women are said to
have miscarried by the fright and terror into which they were thrown, and
much mischief ensued."
The more thoughtful of the people are said to have understood the
deceit from the first, and labored to allay the excitement; but the seeming
earnestness of the Governor and the zeal of his emissaries so worked upon the
more inconsiderate of the population that the consternation and commotion
was almost past belief. In an almanac published at Philadelphia for the next
year opposite this date was this distich:
"Wiae men wonder, good men grieve.
Knaves invent and fools believe."
Though this ruse was played upon all classes alike, yet it was generally
believed to have been aimed chiefly at the Quakers, to try the force of thoir
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 7S
principles, and see if they would not rush to arms when danger should really
appear. "But in this the Governor was disappointed. For it is said that only
four out of the entire population of this religious creed showed any disposition
to falsify their faith. It was the day of their weekly meeting, and regardless
of the dismay and consternation which were everywhere manifest about them,
they assembled in their accustomed places of worship, and engaged in their
devotions as though nothing unusual was transpiring without, manifesting
such unshaken faith, as Whittier has exemplified in verse by his Abraham"
Davenport, on the occasion of the Dark Day:
', Meanwhile in the old State House, dim as ghosts,
Sat the law-givers of Connecticut,
Trembling beneath their legislative robes.
'It is the Lord's ereat day! Let us adjourn,'
Some said; and then, as with one accord,
All eyes were turned on Abraham Davenport.
He rose, slow, cleaving with his steady voice
The intolerable hush. ' This well may be
The Day of Judgment which the world awaits;
But be it so or not, I only know
My present du^, and my Lord's command
To occupy till He come. So at the post
Where He hath set me in His Providence,
I choose, for one, to meet Him face to face,
No faithless servant frightened from my task.
But ready when the Lord of the harvest calls;
And therefore, with all reverence, I would say.
Let God do His work, we will see to ours.
Bring in the candles.' And they brought them in."
In conjunction with the Legislature of the lower counties, Evans was in-
strumental in having a law passed for the imposition of a tax on the tonnage
of the river, and the erection of a fort near the town of New Castle for com-
pelling obedience. This was in direct violation of the fimdamental compact,
and vexatious to commerce. It was at length forcibly resisted, and its impo-
sition abandoned. His administration was anything but eiScient or peaceful,
a series of contentions, of charges and counter-charges having been kept up
between the leaders of the two factions, Lloyd and Logan, which he was pow-
erless to properly direct or control. " He was relieved in 1709. Possessed of
a good degree of learning and refinement, and accustomed to the gay society
of the British metropolis, he found in the grave and serious habits of the
Friends a type of life and character which he failed to comprehend, and with
which he could, consequently, have little sympathy. How widely he mistook
the Quaker character is seen in the result of his wild and hair-brained experi-
ment to test their faith. His general tenor of life seems to have been of a
piece with this. Watson says: 'The Indians of Connestoga complained of
him when there as misbehaving to their women, and that, in 1709, Solomon
Cresson, going his rounds at night, entered a tavern to suppress a riotous as-
sembly, and found there John Evans, Esq. , the Governor, who fell to beat-
ing Cresson.'"
The youth and levity of Gov. Evans induced the proprietor to seek for a
successor of a more sober and sedate character. He had thought of proposing
his son, but finally settled upon Col. Charles Gookin, who was reputed to be a
man of wisdom and prudence, though as was afterward learned, to the sorrow
of the colony, he was subject to fits of derangement, which toward the close of
his term were exhibited in the most extravagant acts. He had scarcely ar-
rived in the colony before charges were preferred against the late Governor,
and he was asked to institute criminal proceedings, which he declined. This
74 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
was the oocasion of a renewal of contentions between the Governor and his
Council and the Assembly, which continued during the greater part of his ad-
ministration. In the midst of them, Logan, who was at the head of the Coun-
cil, having demanded a trial of the charges against him, and failed to secure
one, sailed for Europe, where he presented the difficulties experienced in ad-
ministering the government so strongly, that Penn was seriously inclined to
sell his interest in the colony. He had already greatly crippled his estate by
expenses he had incurred in making costly presents to the natives, and in set-
tling his colony, for which he had received small return. In the year 1707,
he had become involved in a suit in chancery with the executors of his former
steward, in the course of which he was confined in the Old Baily during this
and a part of the following year, when he was obliged to mortgage his colony
in the sum of £6,600 to relieve himself. Foreseeing the great consequence
it would be to the crown to buy the rights of the proprietors of the several
English colonies in America before they would grow tno powerful, negotia-
tions had been entered into early in the reign of William and Mary for their
purchase, especially the "'fine province of Mr. Penn." Borne down by these
troubles, and by debts and litigations at home, Penn seriously entertained the
proposition to sell in 1712, and offered it for £20,000. The sum of £12,000
was offered on the part of the crown, which was agreed upon, but before the
necessary papers were executed, he was stricken down with apoplexy, by which
he was incapacitated for transacting any business, and a stay was put to fur-
ther proceedings until the Queen should order an act of Parliament for con-
summating the purchase.
It is a mournful spectacle to behold the great mind and the great heart of
Penn reduced now in his declining years, by the troubles of government and
by debts incurred in the bettering of his colony, to this enfeebled condition.
He was at the moment writing to Logan on public affairs, when his hand was
suddenly seized by lethargy in the beginning of a sentence, which he never
finished. His mind was touched by the disease, which he never recovered,
and after lingering for six years, he died on the 30th of May, 1718, in the
seventy-fourth year of his age. With great power of intellect, and a religious
devotion scarcely matched in all Christendom, he gave himself to the welfare
of mankind, by securing civil and religious liberty through the operations of
organic law. Though not a lawyer by profession, he drew frames of govern-
ment and bodies of laws which have been the admiration of succeeding gener-
ations, and are destined to exert a benign influence in all future time, and by
his discussions with Lord Baltimore and before the Lords in Council, he
showed himself familiar with the abstruse principles of law. Though but a
private person and of a despised sect, he was received as the friend and confi-
dential advisee of the ruling sovereigns of England, and some of the princi-
ples which give luster to British law were engrafted there through the influ-
ence of the powerful intellect and benignant heart of Penn. He sought to
know no philosophy but that promulgated by Christ and His disciples, and
this he had sounded to its depths, and in it were anchored his ideas of public
law and private and social living. The untamed savage of the forest bowed in
meek and loving simplicity to his mild and resistless sway, and the members
of the Society of Friends all over Europe flocked to his City of Brotherly Lova
|Iis prayers for the welfare of his people are the beginning and ending of all
his public and private correspondence, and who will say that they have not
been answered in the blessings which have attended the commonwealth of his
founding? And will not the day of its greatness be when the inhabitants
throughout all its borders shall return to the peaceful and loving spirit of
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 75
Penn ? la the midst of a licentious court, and with every prospect of advance-
ment in its sunshine and favor, inheriting a great name and an independent
patrimony, he turned aside from this brilliant track to make common lot with
a poor sect under the ban of Government; endured stripes and imprisonment
and loss of property, banished himself to the wilds of the American continent
that he might secure to his people those devotions which seemed to them re-
quired by their Maker, and has won for himself a name by the simple deeds of
love and humble obedience to Christian mandates which shall never perish.
Many have won renown by deeds of blood, but fadeless glory has come to
William Penn by charity.
CHAPTER IX.
Sir William Keith, 1717-26— Patrick Gordon, 17d6-36— James Logan, ]736-38
—George Thomas, 1738-47— Anthony Palmer, 1747-48— James Hamilton,
1748-54.
IN 1712, Penn had made a will, by which he devised to his only surviving
son, William, by his first marriage, all his estates in England, amounting
to some twenty thousand pounds. By his first wife, Gulielma Maria Springett,
he had issue of three sons — William, Springett and William, and four daugh-
ters— Gulielma, Margaret, Gulielma aud Letitia; and by his second wife,
Hannah Oallowhill, of four sons — John, Thomas, Richard and Dennis. To
his wife Hannah, who survived him, and whom he made the sole executrix of
his will, he gave, for the equal benefit of herself and her children, all his
personal estate in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, after paying all debts, and
alloting ten thousand acres of land in the Province to his daughter Letitia, by
his first marriage, and each of the three children of his son William.
Doubts having arisen as to the force of the provisions of this will, it was
finally determined to institute a suit in chancery for its determination. Before
a decision was reached, in March, 1720, William Penn, Jr., died, and while
still pending, his son Springett died also. During the long pendency of this
litigation for nine years, Hannah Penn, as executrix of the will, assumed the
proprietary powers, issued instructions to her Lieutenant Governors, heard
complaints and settled difficulties with the skill and the assurance of a veteran
diplomatist. In 1727, a decision was reached that, upon the death of William
Penn, Jr., and his son Springett, the proprietary rights in Pennsylvania de-
scended to the three surviving sons — John, Thomas and Richard — issue by the
second marriage; and that the proprietors bargain to sell his province to the
crown for twelve thousand pounds, made in 1712, and on which one thousand
pounds had been paid at the confirmation of the sale, was void. Whereupon
the three sons became the joint proprietors.
A year before the death of Penn, the lunacy of Gov. Gookin having be-
come troublesome, he was succeeded in the Government by Sir William Keith.
a Scotchman who had served as Surveyor of Customs to the English Govern
ment, in which capacity he had visited Pennsylvania previously, and knew
something of its condition. He was a man of dignified and commandino-
bearing, endowed with cunning, of an accommdating policy, full of faithful
promises, and usually found upon the stronger side. Hence, upon his
arrival in the colony, he did not summon the Assembly immediately,
76 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
assigning as ar«ason in his first message that he did not wish to inconvenience
the country members by calling them in harvest time. The disposition thus
manifested to favor the people, and his advocacy of popular rights on several
occasions'in opposition to the claims of the proprietor, gave great satisfaction
to the popular branch of the Legislature which manifested its appreciation of
his conduct by voting him liberal salaries, which had of ten been withheld from
his less accommodating predecessors. By his artful and insinuating policy,
he induced the Assembly to pass two acts which had previously met with un-
compromising opposition — one to establish a Court of Equity, with himself as
Chancellor, the want of which had been seriously felt; and another, for organ-
izing the militia. Though the soil was fruitful and produce was plentiful,
yet, for lack of good markets, and on account of the meagerness of the cir-
culating medium, prices were very low, the toil and sweat of the husbandman
being little rewarded, and the taxes and payments on land were met with great
difficulty. Accordingly, arrangements were made for the appointment of in-
spectors of provisions, who, from a conscientious discharge of duty, soon
caused the Pennsylvania brands of best products to be much sought for, and
to command ready sale at highest prices in the West Indies, whither most of
the surplus produce was exported. A provision was also made for the issue of
a limited amount of paper money, on the establishment of ample securities,
which tended to raise the value of the products of the soil and of manufact-
ures, and encourage industry.
By the repeated notices of the Governors in their messages to the Legis-
lature previous to this time, it is evident that Indian hostilities had for some-
time been threatened. The Potomac was the dividing line between the
Northern and Southern Indians. But the young men on either side, when out
in pursuit of game, often crossed the line of the river into the territory of the
other, when fierce altercations ensued. This trouble had become so
violent in 1719 as to threaten a great Indian war, in which the pow-
erful confederation, known as the Five Nations, would take a hand.
To avert this danger, which it was foreseen would inevitably involve
the defenseless familes upon the frontier, and perhaps the entire colony,
Gov. Keith determined to use his best exertions. He accordingly made
a toilsome journey in the spring of 1721 to confer with the Governor of
Virginia and endeavor to employ by concert of action such means as would
allay further cause of contention. His policy was well devised, and enlisted
the favor of the Governor. Soon after his return, he summoned a council of
Indian Chieftains to meet him at Conestoga, a point about seventy miles west
of Philadelphia. He went in considerable pomp, attended by some seventy
or eighty horsemen, gaily caparisoned, and many of them armed, arriving
about noon, on the 4th of July, not then a day of more note than other days.
He went immediately to Capt. Civility's cabin, where were assembled four
•deputies of the Five Nations and representatives of other tribes. The Gov-
ernor said that he had come a long distance from home to see and speak to
representatives of the Five Nations, who had never met the Governor of Penn-
■sylvania. They said in reply that they had heard much of the Governor, and
would have come sooner to pay him their respects, but that the wild conduct of
some of their young men had made them ashamed to show their faces. In the
formal meeting in the morning, Ghesaont, chief of the Senecas, spoke for all
the Five Nations. He said that they now felt that they were speaking to the
same effect that they would were William Penn before them, that they had not
forgotten Penn, nor the treaties made with him, and the good advice he gave
ihem; that though they could not write as do the English, yet they could keep
HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 77
all these transactions fresh in their memories. After laying down a belt of
wampum upon the table as if by way of emphasis, he began again, declaring
that "all their disorders arose from the use of rum and strong spirits, which
took away their sense and memory, that they had no such liquors," and desired
that no more be sent among them. Here he produced a bundle of dressed
skins, by which he would say, "you see how much in earnest we are upon this
matter of furnishing fiery liquors to us." Then he proceeds, declaring that
the Five Nations remember all their ancient treaties, and they now desire that
the chain of friendship may be made so strong that none of the links may
■ever be broken, This may have been a hint that they wanted high-piled
and valuable presents; for the Quakers had made a reputation of brightening
and strengthening the chain of friendship by valuable presents which had
reached so far away as the I'ive Nations. He then produces a bundle of raw
skins, and observes "that a chain may contract rust with laying and become
weaker; wherefore, he desires it may now be so well cleaned as to remain
brighter and stronger than ever it was before." Here he presents another par-
cel of skins, and continues, "that as in the firmament, all clouds and dark-
ness are removed from the face of the sun, so they desire that all misunder-
standings may be fully done away, so that when they, who are now here, shall
be dead and gone, their whole people, with their children and posterity, may en-
joy the clear sunshine with us forever." Presenting another bundle of skins,
he says, ' ' that, looking upon the Governor as if William Penn were present,
they desire, that, in case any disorders should hereafter happen between their
young people and ours, we would not be too hasty in resenting any such acci-
dent, until their Council and ours can have some opportunity to treat amicably
upon it, and so to adjust all matters, as that the friendship between us may
still be inviolably preserved." Here he produces a small parcel of dressed
3kins, and concludes by saying " that we may now be together as one people,
treating one another's children kindly and afiectionately, that they are fully
■empowered to speak for the Five Nations, and they look upon the Governor as
the representative of the Great King of England, and therefore they expect
that everything now< stipulated will be made absolutely firm and good on both
isides." And now he presents a different style of present and pulls out a
bundle of bear skins, and proceeds to put in an item of complaint, that " they
get too little for their skins and furs, so that they cannot live by hunting ;
they desire us, therefore, to take compassion on them, and contrive some way
to help them in that particular. Then producing a few furs, he speaks only
for himself, "to acquaint the Governor, that the Five Nations having heard
that the Governor of Virginia wanted to speak with them, he himself, with
some of his company intended to proceed to Virginia, but do not know the
way how to get safe thither."
To this formal and adroitly conceived speech of the Seneca chief, Gov.
Keith, after having brought in the present of stroud match coats, gunpowder,
lead, biscuit, pipes and tobacco, adjourned the council till the following day,
when, being assembled at Conestoga, he answered at length the items of the
chieftain's speech. His most earnest appeal, however, was made in favor ot
peace. " I have persuaded all my [Indian] brethren, in these parts, to con-
sider what is for their good, and not to go out any more to war ; but your
young men [Five Nations] as they come this way, endeavor to force them ;
:and, because they incline to the counsels of peace, and i;he good advice of their
true friends, your people use them ill, and often prevail with them to go out
to their own destruction. Thus it was that their town of Conestoga lost their
good king not long ago. Their young children are left without parents ;
78 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
their wives without husbands ; the old men, contrary to the course of nature,
mourn the death of their j'oung ; the people decay and grow weak ; we lose
our dear friends and are afflicted. Surely you cannot propose to get either
riches, or possessions, by going thus out to war ; for when you kill a deer, you
have the flesh to eat, and the skin to sell ; but when you return from war, you
bring nothing home, but the scalp of a dead man, who perhaps was husband
to a kind wife, and father to tender children, who never wronged you, though,
by losing him, you have robbed them of their help and protection, and at the
same time got nothing by it. If I were not your friend, I would not take the
trouble to say all these things to you." When the Governor had concluded
his address, he called the Senaca chieftain (Ghesaont) to him, and presented a
gold coronation medal of King George I, which he requested should be taken
to the monarch of the Five Nations, " Kannygooah," to be laid up and kept as
a token to our children's children, that an entire and lasting friendship is now
established forever betwean the English in this country and the great Five
Nations." Upon the return of the Governor, he was met at the upper ferry of
the Schuylkill, by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city, with about two hun-
dred horse, and conducted through the streets after the manner of a conqueror
of old returning from the scenes of his triumphs.
Gov. Keith gave diligent study to the subject of finance, regulating the
currency in such a way that the planter should have it in his power to dis-
charge promptly his indebtedness to the merchant, that their mutual interests
might thus be subserved. He even proposed to establish a considerable settle-
ment on his own account in the colony, in order to carry on manufactures, and
thus consume the grain, of which there was at this time abundance, and no
profitable market abroad.
In the spring of 1722, an Indian was barbarously murdered within the
limits of the colony, which gave the Governor great concern. After having
cautioned red men so "strongly about keeping the peace, he felt that the honor
of himself and all his people was compromised by this vile act. He immedi-
ately commissioned James Logan and John French to go to the scene of the
murder above Conestoga, and inquire into the facts of the case, quickly appre-
hended the supposed murderers, sent a fast Indian runner (Satcheecho), to
acquaint the Five Nations with his sorrow for the act, and of his determination
to bring the guilty parties to justice, and himself set out with three of his
Council (Hill, Norris and Hamilton), for Albany, where he had been invited
by the Indians for a conference with the Governors of all the colonies, and
where he met the chiefs of the Five Nations, and treated with them upon the
subject of the murder, besides making presents to the Indians. It was on this
occasion that the grand sachem of this great confederacy made that noble,
and generous, aiid touching response, so different from the spirit of revenge
generally attributed to the Indian character. It is a notable example of love
that begets love, and of the mild answer that turneth away wrath. He said :
" The great king of the Five Nations is sorry for the death of the Indian
that was killed, for he was of his own flesh and blood. He believes that the
Governor is also sorry ; but, now that it is done, there is no help for it, and
he desires that Cartlidge [the murderer] may n6t be put to death, nor that he
should be spared for a timo, and afterward executed ; one life is enough to be
lost ; there should not two die. The King's heart is good to the Governor and
all the English."
Though Gov. Keith, during the early part of his term, pursued a pacific
policy, yet the interminable quarrels which had been kept up between the As-
sembly and Council during previous administrations, at length broke out with
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 81
more virulence than ever, and he who in the first flush of- power had declared
' ' That he should pass no laws, nor transact anything of moment relating to
the public affairs without the advice and approbation of the Council," took it
upon himself finally to act independently of the Council, and even went so
far as to dismiss the able and trusted representative of the proprietary inter-
ests, James Logan, President of the Council and Secretary of the Province,
from the duties of his high office, and even refused the request of Hannah
Penn, the real Governor of the province, to re- instate hiui. This unwarranta-
ble conduct cost him his dismissal from office in July, 1726. Why he should
have assumed so headstrong and unwarrantable a course, who had promised at
the first so mild and considerate a policy, it is difficult to understand, unless it
be the fact that he found that the Council was blocking, by its obstinacy,
wholesome legislation, which he considered of vital importance to the pros-
perity of the colony, and if, as he alleges, he found that the new constitution
only gave the Council advisory and not a voice in executive power.
The administration of Gov. Keith was eminently successful, as he did not
hesitate to grapple with important questions of judicature, finance, trade,
commerce, and the many vexing relations with the native tribes, and right
manfully, and judiciously did he effect their solution. It was at a time when
the colony was tilling up rapidly, and the laws and regulations which had been
found ample for the management of a few hundred families struggling for a
foothold in the forest, and when the only traffic was a few skins, were entirely
inadequate for securing protection and prosperity to a seething and jostling
population intent on trade and commerce, and the conflicting interests which
required wise legislation and prudent management. No colony on the Ameri-
can coast made such progress in numbers and improvement as did Pennsylvania
daring the nine years in which William Keith exercised the Gubernatorial
office. Though not himself a Quaker, he had secured the passage of an act of
Assembly, and its royal affirmation for allowing the members of the Quaker
sect to wear their hats in court, and give testimony under affirmation instead
of oath, which in the beginning of the reign of Queen Anne had been with-
held from them. After the expiration of his term of office, he was immedi-
ately elected a member of the Assembly, and was intent on being elected
Speaker, "and had his support out- doors in a cavalcade of eighty mounted
horsemen and the resounding of many guns fired;" yet David Lloyd was
elected with only three dissenting voices, the out- door business having perhaps
been overdone.
Upon the recommendation of Springett Penn, who was now the prospective
heir to Pennsylvania, Patrick Gordon was appointed and confirmed Lieutenant
Governor in place of Keith, and arrived in the colony and assumed authority
in July, 1726. He had served in the army, and in his first address to the
Assembly, which he met in August, he said that as he had been a soldier, he
knew nothing of the crooked ways of professed politicians, and must rely on a
straightforward manner of transacting the duties devolving upon him. George
I died in June, 1727, and the Assembly at its meeting in October prepared
and forwarded a congratulatory address to his successor, George II. By the
decision of the Court of Chancery in 1727, Hannah Penn's authority over the
colony was at an end, the proprietary interests having descended to John,
Richard and Thomas Penn, the only surviving sons of William Penn, Sr.
This period, from the death of Penn in 1718 to 3727, one of the most pros-
perous in the history of the colony, was familiarly known as the " Reign of
Hannah and the Boys."
Gov. Gordon found the Indian troubles claiming a considerable part of his.
82 HISTORy OF PENNSYLVANIA.
attention. In 1728, "worthless bands, who had strayed away from their proper
tribes, incited by strong drink, had become implicated in disgraceful broils, in
which several were killed and wounded. The guilty parties were apprehended,
but it was found difficult to punish Indian offenders without incurring the
wrath of their relatives. Treaties were frequently renewed, on which occa-
sions the chiefs expected that the chain of friendship would be polished " with
English blankets, broadcloths and metals." The Indians found that this
"brightening the chain" was a profitable business, which some have been un-
charitable enough to believe was the moving cause of many of the Indian diffi-
culties.
As early as 1732, the French, who were claiming all the territory drained
by the Blississippi and its tributaries, on the ground of priority of discovery
of its mouth and exploration of its channel, commenced erecting trading posts
in Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, and invited the Indians
living on these streams to a council for concluding treaties with them at Mon-
treal, Canada. To neutralize the influence of the French, these Indians were
summoned to meet in council at Philadelphia, to renew treaties of friendship,
and they were invited to remove farther east. But this they were unwill-
ing to do. A treaty was also coQcluded with the Six Nations, in which they
pledged lasting friendship for the English.
Hannah Penn died in 1733, when the Assembly, supposing that the pro-
prietary power was still in her hands, refused to recognize the power of Gov. Gor-
don. But the three sons, to whom the proprietary possessions had descended,
in 1727, upon the decision of the Chancery case, joined in issuing a new com-
mission to Gordon. In approving this commission the King directed a clause
to be inserted, expressly reserving to himself the government of the lower
counties. This act of the King was the beginning of those series of encroach-
ments which finally culminated in the independence of the States of America.
The Judiciary act of 1727 was annulled, and this was followed by an attempt
to pass an act requiring the laws of all the colonies to be submitted to the
Crown for approval before they should become valid, and that a copy of all
laws previously enacted should be submitted for approval or veto. The agent
of the Assembly, Mr. Paris, with the agents of other colonies, made so vigor-
ous a defense, that action was for the time stayed.
In 1732, Thomas Penn, the youngest son, and two years later, John Penn,
the eldest, and the only American born, arrived in the Province, and were re-
-ceived with every mark of respect and satisfaction. Soon after the arrival of
the latter, news was brought that Lord Baltimore had made application to have
the Provinces transferred to his colony. A vigorous protest was made against
this by Quakers in England, headed by Richard Penn; but lest this protest
rmight prove ineffectual, John Penn very soon went to England to defend the
proprietary rights at court, and never again returned, he having died a bach-
■elor in 1746. In August, 1736, Gov. Gordon died, deeply lamented, as ■ an
ihonest, upright and straightforward executive, a character which he expressed
ithe hope he would be able to maintain when he assumed authority. His term
tiad been one of prosperity, and the colony had grown rapidly in numbers,
irade, commerce and manufactures, ship-building especially having assumed ex-
< tensive proportions.
James Logan was President of the Council and in effect Governor, during
the two years which elapsed between the death of Gordon and the arrival of
his successor. The Legislature met regularly, but no laws were passed for
lack of an executive. It was during this period that serious trouble broke out
iiear the Maryland border, west of the Susquehanna, then Lancaster, now
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 83
"Sork County. A number of settlers, in order to evade the payment of taxes,
had secured titles to their lands from Maryland, and afterward sought to be
reinstated in their rights under Pennsylvania authority, and plead protection
from the latter. The Sheriff of the adjoining Maryland County, with 300
followers, advanced to drive these settlers from their homes. On hearing of
this movement, Samuel Smith, Sheriff of Lancaster County, with a hastily sum-
moned posse, advanced to protect the citizens in their rights. Without a con-
flict, an agreement was entered into by both parties to retire. Soon afterward,
however, a band of lifty Marylanders again entered the State with the design
of driving out the settlers and each securing for himself 200 acres of land.
They were led by one Cressap. The settlers made resistance, and in an en-
counter, one of them by the name of Knowles was killed. The Sheriff of
Lancaster again advanced with a posse, and in a skirmish which ensued one
of the invaders was killed, a!nd the leader Cressap was wounded and taken
prisoner. The Governor of Maryland sent a commission to Philadelphia to
demand the release of the prisoner. Not succeeding in this, he seized four of
the settlers and incarcerated them in the jail at Baltimore. Still determined
to effect their purpose, a party of Marylanders, under the leadership of one
Higginbotham, advanced into Pennsylvania and began a warfare upon the
settlers. Again the Sheriff of Lancaster appeared upon the scene, and drove
out the invaders. So stubbornly were these invasions pushed and resented
that the season passed without planting or securing the usual crops. Finally
a party of sixteen Marylanders, led by Eichard Lowden, broke into the Lan-
caster jail and liberated the Maryland prisoners. Learning of these disturb-
ances, the King in Council issued an order restraining both parties from fur-
ther acts of violence, and afterward adopted a plan of settlement of the vexed
boundary question.
Though not legally Governor, Logan managed the affairs of the colony
with great prudence and judgment, as he had done and continued to do for a
period of nearly a half century. He was a scholar well versed in the ancient
languages and the sciences, and published several learned works in the Latin
tongue. His Experimenta Meletemata de plantarum generatione, written in
Latin, was published at Leyden in 1739, and afterward, in 1747, republished
in London, with an English version on the opposite page by Dr. J. Fothergill.
Another work of his in Latin was also published at Leyden, entitled, Canonum
pro inveniendis refractionum, turn simpUciuni turn in lentibus duplicum focis,
demonstrationis geometricae. After retiring from public business, he lived at
his country-seat at Stenton, near Germantown, where he spent liis time among
his books and in correspondence with the literati of Europe. In his old age
he made an English translation of Cicero's De Senectute, which was printed at
Philadelphia in 1744 with a preface by Benjamin Franklin, then rising into
notice. Logan was a Quaker, of Scotch descent, though born in Ireland, and
came to America in the ship with William Penn, in his second visit in 1699,
when about twenty-five years old, and died at seventy-seven. He had held the
offices of Chief Commissioner of property. Agent for the purchase and sale of
lands. Receiver General, Member of Council, President of Council and Chief
Justice. He was tlie Confidential Agent of Penn, having charge of all his vast
estates, making sales of lands, executing conveyances, and making collections.
Amidst all the great cares of business so pressing as to make him exclaim, " I
know not what any of the comforts of life are," he found time to devote to the
delights of learning, and collected a large library of standard works, which he
bequeathed, at his death, to the people of Pennsylvania, and is known as the
Loganian Library.
84 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
George Thomas, a planter from the West Indies, was Appointed Governor
in 1737, but did not arrive in the colony till the following year. His first care
was to settle the disorders in the Cumberland Valley, and it was finally agreed
that settlers from either colony should owe allegiance to the Governor of that
colony wherever settled, until the division line which had been provided for
was surveyed and marked. War was declared on the 23d of October, 1739,
between Great Britain and Spain. Seeing that his colony was liable to be
encroached upon by the enemies of his government, he endeavored to organ-
ize the militia, but the majority of the Assembly was of the peace element, and
it could not be induced to vote money. Finally he was ordered by the home
government to call for volunteers, and eight companies were quickly formed,
and sent down for the coast defense. Many of these proved to be servants for
whom pay was demanded and finally obtained. In 1740, the great evangelist,
Whitefield, visited the colony, and created a deel^ religious interest among all
denominations. In his first intercourse with the Assembly, Gov. Thomas en-
deavored to coerce it to his views. But a more stubborn set of men never met
in a deliberative body than were gathered in this Assembly at this time.
Finding that he could not compel action to his mind, he yielded and con-
sulted their views and decisions. The Assembly, not to be outdone in mag-
nanimity, voted him £1,500 arrearages of salary, which had been withheld be-
cause he would not approve their legislation, asserting that public acts should
take precedence of appropriations for their own pay. In March, 1744, war
was declared between Great Britain and France. Volunteers were called
for, and 10,000 men were rapidly enlisted and armed at their own expense.
Franklin, recognizing the defenseless condition of the colony, issued a pamph-
let entitled Plain Truth, in which he cogently urged the necessity of organ-
ized preparation for defense. Franklin was elected Colonel of one of the
regiments, but resigned in favor of Alderman Lawrence. On the 5th of May,
1747, the Governor communicated intelligence of the death of John Penn, the
eldest of the proprietors, to the Assembly, and his own intention to retire from
the duties of his of&ce on account of declining health.
Anthony Palmer was President of the Council at the time of the with-
drawal of Gordon, and became the Acting Governor. The peace party in the As-
sembly held that it was the duty of the crown of England to protect the colony,
and that for the colony to call out volunteers and become responsible for their
payment was burdening the people with an expense which did not belong to
them, and which the crown was willing to assume. The French were now
deeply intent on securing firm possession of the Mississippi Valley and the en-
tire basin, even to the summits of the Alleghanies in Pennsylvania, and were
busy establishing trading posts along the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers. They
employed the most artful means to win the simple natives to their interests,
giving showy presents and laboring to convince them of their great value.
Pennsylvania had won a reputation among the Indians of making presents of
substantial worth. Not knowing the dilTerence between steel and iron, the
French distributed immense numbers of worthless iron hatchets, which the
natives supposed were the equal of the best English steel axes. The Indians,
however, soon came to distinguish between the good and the valueless. Un-
derstanding the Pennsylvania methods of securing peace and friendship, the
the natives became very artful in drawing out " well piled up " presents. Ttie
government at this time was alive to the dangers which threatened from the
insinuating methods of the French. A trusty messenger, Conrad "Weiser, was
sent among the Indians in the western part of the province to observe the
plans of the French, ascertain the temper of the natives, and especially to
HISTORY OF PBNNSVLVANIA. 85
magnify the power of the English, and the disposition of Pennsylvania to give
great presents. This latter policy had the desired effect, and worthless and
wandering bands, which had no right to speak for the tribe, came teeming in,
desirous of scouring the chain of friendship, intimating that the French were
making great offers, in order to induce the government to large liberality,
until this " brightening the chain," became an intolerable nuisance. At a sin-
gle council held at Albany, in 1747, Pennsylvania distributed goods to the
value of £1,000, and of such a character as should be most serviceable to the
recipients, not worthless gew-gaws, but such as would contribute to their last-
ing comfort and well being, a protection to the person against the bitter frosts
of winter, and sustenance that should minister to the steady wants of the
body and alleviation of pain in time of sickness. The treaty of Aix-la-Cha-
pelle, which was concluded on the 1st of October, 1748, secured peace between
Great Britain and France, and should have put an end to all hostile encoun-
ters between their representatives on the American continent. Palmer re-
mained at the head of the government for a little more than two years. He
was a retired merchant from the West Indies, a man of wealth, and had come
into the colony in 1708. He lived in a style suited to a gentleman, kept a
coach and a pleasure barge.
On the 23d of November, 1748, James Hamilton arrived in the colony from
England, bearing the commission of Lieutenant Governor. He was born in
America, son of Andrew Hamilton, who had for many years been Speaker of
the Assembly. The Indians west of the Susquehanna had complained that set-
• tiers had come upon their best lands, and were acquiring titles to them, where-
as the proprietors had never purchased these lands of them, and had no claim
to them. The first care of Hamilton was to settle these disputes, and allay the
rising excitement of the natives. Kichard Peters, Secretary of the colony, a
man of great prudence and ability, was sent in company with the Indian in-
terpreter, Conrad Weiser, to remove the intruders. It was firmly and fear-
lessly done, the settlers giving up their tracts and the cabins which they had
built, and accepting lauds onMihe east side of the river. The hardship was in
many cases great, but when they were in actual need, the Secretary gave
money and placed them upon lands of his own, having secured a tract of
2,000,000 of acres.
But these troubles were of small consequence compared with those that
were threatening from the West. Though the treaty of Aix was supposed to
have settled all difficulties between the two courts, the French were determined
to occupy the whole territory drained by the Mississippi, which they claimed
by priority of discovery by La Salle. The British Ambassador at Paris entered
complaints before the French Court that encroachments were being made by
the French upon English soil in America, which were politely heard, and
promises made of restraining the French in Canada from encroaching upon
English territory. Formal 9rders were sent out from the home government to
this effect; but at the same time secret intimations were conveyed to them that
their conduct in endeavoring to secure and hold the territory in dispute was
aot displeasing to the government, and that disobedience of these orders would
not incur its displeasure. The French deemed it necessary, in order to estab-
lish a legal claim to the country, to take formal possession of it. Accordingly,
the Marquis de la Galissoniere, who was at this time Governor General of •
Canada, dispatched Capt. Bienville de Celeron with a party of 215 French and
fifty-five Indians, to publicly proclaim possession, and bury at prominent
points plates of lead bearing inscriptions declaring occupation in the name of
the French King. Celeron started on the 15th of June, 1749, from La Chine,
86 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
following the southern shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie, until he reached a
point opposite Lake Chautauqua, where the boats were drawn up and were takeo
bodily over the dividing ridge, a distance of tea miles, with all the impedimenta
of the expedition, the pioneers havin r first opened a road. Following on down
the lake and the Conewango Creek, they arrived at Warren near the confluence
of the creek with the Allegheny River. Here the first plate was buried.
These plates were eleven inches long, seven and n half wide, and one-eighth
of an inch thick. The inscription was in French, and in the following terms,
as fairly translated into English: "In the year 1749, of the reign of Louia
XIV, King of France, We Celeron, commander of a detachment sent by
..Monsieur the Marquis de la Galissonifere, Governor General of New France,
to re-establish tranquillity in some Indian villages of these cantons, have
buried this plate of lead at the confluence of the Ohio with the Chautauqua,
this 29th day of July, near the River Ohio, otherwise Belle Riviere, as a mon-
ument of the renewal of the possession we have taken of the said River Ohio,
and of all those which empty into it, and of all the lands on both sides as far
as the sources of the said river, as enjoyed or ought to have been enjoyed by
the King of France preceding, and as they have there maintained themselves
by arms and by treaties, especially those of Ryswick, Utrecht and Aix-la-
Chapelle." The burying of this plate was attended with much form and cer-
emony. All the men and officers of the expedition were drawn up in battle
array, when the Commander, Celeron, proclaimed in a loud voice, "Vive le
Roi," and declared that possession of the country was now taken in the name
of the King. A plate on which was inscribed the arms of France was alBxed'
to the nearest tree.
The same formality was observed in planting each of the other plates, the
second at the rock known as the "Indian God," on which are ancient and un-
known inscriptions, a few miles below Franklin, a third at the mouth ot
Wheeling Creek; a fourth at the mouth of the Muskingum; a fifth at the mouth
of the Great Kanawha, and the sixth and last at the mouth of the Great Miami.
Toilsomely ascending the Miami to its head- waters, the party burned their
canoes, and obtained ponies for the march across the portage to the head-waters
of the Maumee, down which and by Lakes Erie and Ontario they returned
to Fort Frontenac, arriving on the 6th of November. It appears that the In-
dians through whose territory they passed viewed this planting of plates with
great suspicion. By some means they got possession of one of them, gener-
ally supposed to have been stolen from the party at the very commencement of
their journey from the mouth of the Chautauqua Creek.
Mr. O. H. Marshall, in an excellent monograph upon this expedition, made
up from the original manuscript journal of C61eron and the diary of Father
Bonnecamps, found in the Department de la Marine, in Paris, gives the fol-
lowing account of this stolen plate:
" The first of the leaden plates was brought to'the attention of the public
by Gov. (i-eorge Clinton to the Lords of Trade in London, dated New York,
December 19, 1750, in which he states that he would send to their Lordships
in two or three weeks a plate of lead full of writing, which some of the upper
nations of Indians stole from Jean Coeur, the French interpreter at Niagara,
on his way to the River Ohio, which river, and all the lands thereabouts, thu
French claim, as will appear by said writing. He further states ' that the lead
plate gave the Indians so much uneasiness that they immediately dispatched
some of the Cayuga chiefs to him with it, saying that their only reliance was
on him, and earnestly begged he would communicate the contents to them
which he had done, much to their satisfaction and the interests of the English.'
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 87
The Governor concludes by saying that ' the contents of the plate may be of
great importance in clearing up the encroachments which the French hav©'
made on the British Empire in America.' The plate was delivered to Colonel,
afterward Sir William Johnson, on the 4th of December, 1750, at his resi-
dence on the Mohawk, by a Cayuga sachem, who accompanied it by the follow-
ing speech:
"' Brother Cor lear and War-ragh-i-ya-ghey! I am sent here by the Five
Nations with a piece of writing which the Senecas, our brethren, got by some
artifice from Jean Ooeur, earnestly beseeching you will let us know what it.
means, and as we put all our confidence in you, we hope you will explain it
ingeniously to us.'
" Col. Johnson replied to the sachem, and through him to the Five Na-
tions, returning a belt of wampum, and explaining the inscription on the.
plate. He told them that 'it was a matter of the greatest consequence, involv-
ing the possession of their lands and hunting grounds, and that Jean Coeur
and the French ought immediately to be expelled from the Ohio and Niagara.'
In reply, the sachem said that ' he had heard with great attention and surprise
the substance of the "devilish writing " he had brought, and that Col. Johnson's
remarks were fully approved.' He promised that belts from each of the Five
Nations should be sent from the Seneca' s castle to the Indians at the Ohio, to
warn and strengthen them against the French • encroachments in that direc-
tion. " On the 29th of January, 1751, Clinton sent a copy of this inscription
to Gov. Hamilton, of Pennsylvania.
The French followed up this formal act of possession by laying out a line-
of military posts, on substantially the same line as that pursued by the Cele-
ron expedition; but instead of crossing over to Lake Chautauqua, they kept
on down to Presque Isle (now Erie), where was a good harbor, where a fort
was established, and thence up to Le Boeuf (now Waterford), where another
post was placed; thence down the Venango River (French Creek) to its moiitk
at Franklin, eetablishing Fort Venango there; thence by the Allegheny to*
Pittsburgh, where Fort Du Quesne was seated, and so on down the Ohio.
To counteract this activity of the French, the Ohio Company was char-
tered, and a half million of acres was granted by the crown, to be selected
mainly on the south side of the Ohio, between the Monongalia and Kanaw,ha
Rivers, and the condition made that settlements (100 families within seven
years), protected by a fort, should he made. The company consisted of a.
mumber of Virginia and Maryland gentlemen, of whom Lawrence Washington
was one, and Thomas Hanbury, of London.
In 1752, a treaty was entered into with the Indians, securing the right of
occupancy, and twelve families, headed by Capt. Gist, established themselves
upon the Monongalia, and subsequently commenced the erection of a fort,
where the city of Pittsburgh now is. Apprised of this intrusion into the
very heart of the territory which they were claiming, the French built a fort
at Le Boeuf, and strengthened the post at Franklin.
These proceedings having been promptly reported to Lieut. Gov. Dinwid-
dle, of Virginia, where the greater number of the stockholders of the Ohio
Company resided, he determined to send an official communication — protesting-
against the forcible interference with their chartered rights, granted by the>
crown of Britain, and pointing to the late treaties of peace entered into be-
tween the English and French, whereby it was agreed that each should respect,
the colonial possessions of the other — to the Commandant of the French, who
had his headquarters at Fort Le Boeuf. fifteen miles inland from the presents
site of the city of Erie.
88 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
But who should be the messenger to execute this delicate and responsible
duty? It was winter, and the distance to be traversed was some 500 miles,
through an unbroken wilderness, cut by rugged mountain chains and deep and
rapid streams. It was proposed to several, who declined, and was finally
accepted by George Washington, a youth barely twenty-one years old. On
the last day of November, 1753, he bade adieu to civilization, and pushing on
through the forest to the settlements on the Monongalia, where he was joined
by Capt. Gist, followed up the Allegheny to Port Venango (now Franklin);
thence up the Venango to its head-waters at Fort Le Boeuf, where he held
formal conference with the French Commandant, St. Pierre. The French
■officer had been ordered to hold this territory on the score of the dis-
covery ot the Mississippi by La Salle, and he had no discretion but to execute
his orders, and referred Washington to his superior, the Governor General of
Canada. Making careful notes of the location and strength of the post and
those encountered on the way, the young embassador returned, being twice
fired at on his journey by hostile Indians, and near losing his life by being
thrown into the freezing waters of the Allegheny. Upon his arrival, he made
a full report of the embassage, which was widely published in this country
and in England, and was doubtless the basis upon which action was predicted
that eventuated in a long and sanguinary war, which finally resulted in the
■expulsion of the power of France from .this continent.
Satisfied that the French were determined to hold the territory upon the
Ohio by force of arms, a body of 150 men, of which Washington was second
in command, was sent to the support of the settlers. But the French, having
the Allegheny Eiver at flood-tide on which to move, and Washington, without
means of transportation, having a rugged and mountainous country to over-
come, the former first reached the point of destination. Contraeoeur, the
French commander, with 1,000 men and field pieces on a fleet of sixty boats and
300 canoes, dropped down the Allegheny and easily seized the fort then being
constructed by the Ohio Company at its mouth, and proceeded to erect there
an elaborate work which he called Fort Da Quesne, after the Governor Gen-
eral. Informed of this proceeding, Washington pushed forward, and finding
that a detachment of the French was in his immediate neighborhood, he made
a forced march by night, and coming upon them unawares killed and captured
the entire party save one. Ten of the French, including their commander,
Jumonvjlle, were killed, and twenty-one made prisoners. Col. Fry, the com-
mander of the Americans, died at Will's Creek, where the command devolved
on Washington. Though re-enforcements had been dispatched from the sev-
eral colonies in response to the urgent appeals of Washington, none reached
him but one company of 100 men under Capt. Majkay from South Carolina.
Knowing that he was confronting a vastly superior force of the French, well
supplied with artillery, he threw up works at a point called the Great
Meadows, which he characterizes as a " charming field for an encounter, " nam-
ing his hastily built fortification Fort Necessity. Stung by the loss of their
leader, the French came out in strong force and soon invested the pi ace. Unfor-
tunately one part of Washington's position was easily commanded by the artil-
lery of the French, which they were not slow in taking advantage of. The ac-
tion opened on the 3d of July, and was continued till late at night. A capit-
ulation was proposed by the French commander, which Washington reluctantly
accepted, seeing all hope of re-enforcements reaching him, cut off, and on the
4th of July marched out with honors of war and fell back to Fort Cumberland.
Gov. Hamilton had stronglyrecommended.before hostilities opened, that the
Assembly should provide for defense and establish a line of block -houses along
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 89
the frontier. But the Assembly, while willing to vote money for buying peace
from the Indians, and contributions to the British crown, from which protec-
tion was claimed, was unwilling to contribute directly for even defensive war-
fare. Id a single year, £8,000 were voted for Indian gratuities. The proprie-
tors were appealed to to aid in bearing this burden. But while they were
willing to contribute liberally for defense, they would give nothing for Indian
gratuities. They sent to the colony cannon to the value of £400.
In February, 1753, John Penn, grandson of the founder, son of Eichard,
arrived in the colony, and as a mark of respect was immediately chosen a mem-
ber of the Council and made its President. In consequence of the defeat of
Washington at Port Necessity, Gov. Hamilton convened the Assembly in extra
session on the 6th of August, at which money was freely voted; but owing to
the instructions given by the proprietors to their Deputy Governor not to sign
any money bill that did not place the whole of the interest at their disposal,
this action of the Assembly was abortive.
The English and French nations made strenuous exertions to strengtnen
their forces in America for the campaigns sure to be undertaken in 1754. The
French, by being under the supreme authority of one governing power, the
Governor General of Canada, were able to concentrate and bring all their
power of men and resources to bear at the threatened point with more celerity
and certainty than the English, who were dependent upon colonies scattered
along all the sea board, and upon Legislatures penny- wise in voting money.
To remedy these inconveniences, the English Government recommended a con-
gress of all the colonies, together with the Six Nations, for the purpose of con-
certing plans for efficient defense. This Congress met on the 19th of June,
1754. the first ever convened in America. The Representatives from Pennsyl-
vania were John Penn and Eichard Peters for the Council, and Isaac Norris
and Benjamin Franklin for the Assembly. The influence of the powerful
naind of Franklin was already beginning to be felt, he having been Clerk of
the Pennsylvania Assembly since 1736, and since 1750 had been a member.
Heartily sympathizing with the movers in the purposes of this Congress, he
came to Albany with a scheme of union prepared, which, having been pre-
sented and debated, was, on the 10th of July, adopted substantially as it came
from his hands. It provided for the appointment of a President General by
the Crown, and an Assembly of forty-eight members to be chosen by the sev-
eral Colonial Assemblies. The plan was rejected by both parties in interest,
the King considering the power vested in the representatives of the people too
great, and every colony rejecting it because the President General was given
" an influence greater than appeared to them proper in a plan of government
intended for freemen."
CHAPTEE X.
Robert H. Morris, 1754-56— William Dennt, 1756-59— James Hamilton, 1759-63.
FINDING himself in a false position by the repugnant instructions of the
proprietors. Gov. Hamilton had given notice in 1753, that, at the end oi
twelve months from its reception, he would resign. Accordingly in October,
1754, he was succeeded by Eobert Hunter Morris, sod oi Lewis Morris, Chief
Justice of New York and New Jersey, and Governor of New Jersey. The son
90 HSTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
was bred a lawyer, and waa for twenty-six years Councilor, and twenty Chief
Justice of New Jersey. The Assembly, at its first session, voted a money bill,
for £40,000, but not having the proviso required by the proprietors, it was
vetoed. Determined to push military operations, the British Government had
called early in the year for 3,000 volunteers from Pennsylvania, with subsis-
tance, camp equipage and transportation, and had sent two regiments of the
line, under Gen. Braddock, from Cork, Ireland. Landing at Alexandria,
Va., he marched to Frederick, Md., where, finding no supplies of
transportation, he halted. The Assembly of Pennsylvania had voted to borrow
£o,O0O, on its own account, for the use of the crown in prosecuting the cam-
paign, and had sent Franklin, who was then Postmaster General for the colo-
nies, to Braddock to aid in prosecuting the expedition. Finding that the army
was stopped for lack of transportation, Franklin returned into Pennsylvania,
and by his commanding influence soon secured the necessary wagons and beasts
of burden.
Braddock had formed extravagant plans for his campaign. He would
march forward and reduce Fort Du Quesne, thence proceed against Fort Ni-
aj^ara, which having conquered he would close a season of triumphs by the
capture of Fort Frontignace. But this is not the first time in warfare that
the result of a campaign has failed to realize the promises of the manifesto.
The orders brought by Braddock giving precedence of officers of the line over
provincials gave ofiense, and Washington among others threw up his commis-
sion; but enamored of the profession of arms, he accepted a position offered
him by Braddock as Aidede camp. Accustomed to the discipline of military
establishments in old, long-settled countries, Braddock had little conception of
making war in a wilderness with only Indian trails to move upon, and against
wily savages. Washington had advised to push forward with pack horses, and,
by rapidity of movement, forestall ample preparation. But Braddock had but
one way of soldiering, and where roads did not exist for wagons he stopped to
fell the forest and construct bridges over streams. The French, who were
kept advised of every movement, made ample preparations to receive him. In
the meantime, Washington fell sick; but intent on being up for the battle, he
hastened forward as soon as sufficiently recovered, and only joined the army
on the day before the fatal engagement. He had never seen much of the pride
and circumstance of war, and when, on the morning of the 9th of July, the
army of Braddock marched on across the Monongahela, with gay colors flying
and martial music awakening the echoes of the forest, he was accustomed in
after years to speak of it as the "most magnificent spectacle" that he had ever
beheld. But the gay pageant was destined to be of short duration; for the
army had only marched a little distance before it fell into an ambuscade skill-
fully laid by the French and Indians, and the forest resounded with the un-
earthly whoop of the Indians, and the continuous roar of musketry. The
advance was checked and thrown into confusion by the French from their well-
chosen position, and every tree upon the flanks of the long drawn out line con-
cealed a murderous foe, who with unerring aim picked off the officers. A res-
olute defense was made, and the battle raged with great fury for three hours;
but the fire of the English was ineffectual because directed against an invisi-
ble foe. Finally, the mounted officers having all fallen, killed or wounded,
except Washington, being left without leaders, panic seized the survivors and
"they ran," says Washington, "before the French and English like sheep be-
fore dogs." Of 1,460, in Braddock's army, 456 were killed, and 421 wounded,
a greater mortality, in proportion to the number engaged, than has ever oc-
curred in the annals of modern warfare. Sir Peter Halkett was killed, and
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 91
Braddock mortally wounded and brought ofif the field only with the greatest
difftculty. When Orme and Morris, the other aids, fell, Washington acted
alone with the greatest gallantry. In writing to his brother, he said: "I have
been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four
bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me; yet I escaped unhurt,
though death was leveling my companions on every side." In after years,
when Washington visited the Great Kanawha country, he was approached by
an Indian chieftain who said that in this battle he had fired his rifle many
times at Washington and had told his young men to do the same; but when he
saw that his bullets had no apparent effect, he had bidden them to desist, be-
lieving that the Great Spirit was protecting him.
The panic among the survivors of the English carried them back upon the
reserve, commanded by Gen. Dunbar, who seems himself to have been seized
with it, and without attempting to renew the campaign and return to the en-
counter, he joined in the flight which was not stayed until Fort Cumberland
was reached. The French wero anticipating a renewal of the struggle; but
when they found that the English had fled leaving the frontier all unprotected,
they left no stone unturned in whetting the minds of the savages for the
work of plunder and blood, and in organizing relentless bands to range at
will along all the wide frontier. The Indians could not be induced to pursue
the retreating English, but fell to plundering the field. Nearly everything
was lost, even to the camp chest of Braddock. The wounded General was
taken back to the summit of Laurel Hill, where, four days after, he breathed
his last. He was buried in the middle of the road, and the army marched
over his grave that it might not be discovered or molested by the natives.
The eajy victory, won chiefly by the savages, served to encourage them in
their fell wotk, in which, when their passions were aroused, no known people
on earth were less touched by pity. The unprotected settler in his wilder,
ness home was the easy prey of the torch and the scalping knife, and the burn-
ing cabin lit up the somber forests by their continuous blaze, and the shrieks
of women and children resounded from the Hudson to the far Potomac Be-
fore the defeat of Braddock, there were 3,000 men capable of bearing arms
west of the Susquehanna. In six months after, there were scarcely 100.
Gov. Morris made an earnest appeal to the Assembly for money to ward off
the impending enemy and protect the settlers, in response to which the As-
sembly voted £50,000; but having no exemption of the proprietor's estates,
it was rejected by the Governor, in accordance with his original instructions.
Expeditions undertaken against Nova Scotia and at Crown Point were more fortu-
nate than that before Du Quesne, and the Assembly voted £ 15,000 in bills of credit
to aid in defraying the expense. The proprietors sent £5,000 as a gratuity,
not as any part of expense that could of right be claimed of them.
In this hour of extremity, the Indians for the most part showed themselves
a treacherous race, ever ready to take up on the stronger side. Even the Shaw-
anese and Delawares, who had been loudest in their protestations of friendship
for the English and readiness to fight for them, no sooner saw the French vic-
torious than they gave ready ear to their advice to strike for the recovery of
the lands which they had sold to the English.
In this pressing emergency, while the Governor and Assembly were waging
a fruitless war of words over money bills, the pen of Franklin was busy in in-
fusing a wholesome sentiment in the minds of the people. In a pamphlet
that he issued, which ho put in the familiar form of a dialogue, he answered the
objections which had been urged to a legalized militia, and willing to show
his devotion by deeds as well as words, he accepted the command upon the
92 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
frontier. By his exertions, a respectable force was raised, and thoiigh in the
dead of winter, he commenced the erection of a lino of forts and block-houses
aloQg the whole range of the Kittatinny Hills, from the Delaware to the Po-
tomac, and had them completed and garrisoned with a body sufficient to with-
stand any force not provided with artillery. In the spring, he turned over the
command to Col. Clapham, and returning to Philadelphia took his seat in the
Assembly. The Governor now declared war against the Indians, who had es-
tablished their headquarters thirty miles above Harris' Ferry, on the Susque-
hanna, and were busy in their work of robbery and devastation, having se-
cured the greater portion of the crops of the previous season of the settlers
whom they had killed or driven out. The peace party strongly objected to the
course of the Governor, and voluntarily going among the Indians induced
them to bury the hatchet. The Assembly which met in May, 1756, prepared a
bill with the old clause for taxing the proprietors, as any other citizens, which
the Governor was forbidden to approve by his instructions, "and the two
parties were sharpening their wits for another wrangle over it," when Gov.
Morris was superseded by William Denny, who arrived in the colony aad as-
sumed authority on the 20th of August, 1756. He was joyfully and cordially
received, escorted through the streets by the regiments of Franklin and Duch6,
and royally feasted at the State House.
But the promise of efficient legislation was broken by an exhibition of the
new Governor's instructions, which provided that every bill for the emission of
money must place the proceeds at the joint disposal of the Governor and As-
sembly; paper currency could not be issued in excess of £40,000, nor could ex-
isting issues be confirmed unless proprietary rents were paid in sterling
money ; proprietary lands were permitted to be taxed which had been actually
leased, provided that the taxes were paid out of the rents, but the tax could
not become a lien upon the land. In the first Assembly, the contention be-
came as acrimonious as ever.
Previous to the departure of Gov. Morris, as a retaliatory act he had
issued a proclamation against the hostile Indians, providing for the payment
of bounties: For every male Indian enemy above twelve years old, who shall
be taken prisoner and delivered at any forts, garrisoned by troops in pay
of this province, or to any of the county towns to the keepers of the common
jails there, the sum of one hundred and fifty Spanish dollars or pieces of eight;
for the scalp of every male Indian above the age of twelve years, produced as
evidence of their being killed, the sum of one hundred and thirty pieces of
eight; for every female Indian taken prisoner and brought in as aforesaid,
and for every male Indian under the age of twelve years, taken and brought
in, one hundred and thirty pieces of eight; for the scalp of every Indian
woman produced as evidence of their being killed, the sum of fifty pieces of
eight." Liberal bounties were also offered for the delivering up of settlers who
had been carried away captive.
But the operation which had the most wholesome aad pacifying effect upon
the savages, and caused them to stop in their mad career and consider the
chances of war and the punishment they were calling down upon their own
heads, though executed under the rule of Gov. Denny, was planned and
provided for, and was really a part of the aggressive and vigorous policy of
Gov. Morris. In response to the act of Assembly, providing for the calling
out and organizing the militia, twenty- five companies were recruited, and had
been stationed along the line of posts that had been established for the defense
of the frontiers. At Kittanning, on the Allegheny Eiver, the Indians had one
of the largest of their towns in the State, and was a recruiting station and
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 93
rallying point for sending out their murderous bands. The plan proposed and
adopted by Gov. Morris, and approved and accepted by Gov. Denny,
was to send out a strong detachment from the militia for the reduction of this
stronghold. Accordingly, in August, 1756, Col. Armstrong, with a force of
three hundred men, made a forced march, and, arriving unperceived in the neigh-
borhood of the town, sent the main body by a wide detour from above, to come
in upon the river a few hundred yards below. At 3 o'clock on the morning of
the 7th of September, the troops had gained their position undiscovered, and
at dawn the attack was made. Shielded from view by the tall corn which cov-
ered all the flats, the troops were able to reach in close proximity to the cabins
unobserved. Jacobs, the chief, sounded the war-whoop, and made a stout re-
sistance, keeping up a rapid fire from the loop holes in his cabin. Not desir-
ing to push his advantage to the issue of no quarter, Armstrong called on the
savages to surrender: but this they refused to do, declaring that they were
men and would never be prisoners. Finding that they would not yield, and
that they were determined to sell their lives at the dearest rate, he gave orders
to fire the huts, and the whole town was soon wrapt in flames. As the heat
began to reach the warriors, some sung, while wrung with the death agonies;
others broke for the river and were shot down as they fled. Jacobs, in attempt-
ing to climb through a window, was killed. All calls for surrender were re-
ceived with derision, one declaring that he did not care for death, and that he
could kill four or five before he died. Gunpowder, small arms and valuable
goods which had been distributed to them only the day before by the French,
fell into the hands of the victors. The triumph was complete, few if any
escaping to tell the sad tale. Col. Armstrong's celerity of movement and
well conceived and executed plan of action were publicly acknowledged, and
he was voted a medal and plate by the city of Philadelphia.
The finances of the colony, on account of the repeated failures of the
money bills, were in a deplorable condition. Military operations could not
be carried on and vigorous campaigns prosecuted without ready money. Ac-
cordingly, in the first meeting of the Assembly after the arrival of the new
Governor, a bill was passed levying £100,000 on all property alike, real and
personal, private and proprietary. This Gov. Denny vetoed. Seeing that
money must be had, the Assembly finally passed a bill exempting the proprie-
taiy estates, but determined to lay their grievances before the Crown. To
this end, two Commissioners were appointed, Isaac Norris and Benjamin
Franklin, to proceed to England and beg the interference of the royal Gov-
ernment in their behalf. Failing health and business engagements of Norris
prevented his acceptance, and Franklin proceeded alone. He had so often de-
fended the Assembly in public and in drawing remonstrances that the whole
subject was at his fingers' ends.
Military operations throughout the colonies, during the year 1757, con-
ducted imder the command of the Ear) of Loudoun were sluggish, and resulted
only in disaster and disgrace. The Indians were active in Pennsylvania, and
kept the settlers throughout nearly all the colonies in a continual fermeut,
hostile bands stealing in upon the defenseless inhabitants as they went to
their plantings and sowings, and greatly interfering with or preventing alto-
gether the raising of the ordinary crops. In 1758, Loudoun was recalled,
and Gen. Abercrombie was given chief command, with Wolfe, Amherst and
Forbes as his subordinates. It was determined to direct operations simul-
taneously upon three points — Fort Du Quesne, Louisburg and the forts upon
the great lakes. Gen. Forbes commanded the forces sent against Fort Du
Quesne. With a detachment of royal troops, and militia from Pennsylvania
94 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
and Virginia, under command of Cols. Bouquet and Washington, his column
moved in July, 1758. The French were well ordered for receiving the attack,
and the battle in front of the fort raged with great fury; but they were finally
driven, and the fort, with its munitions, fell into the hands of the victors, and
was garrisoned by 400 Pennsylvanians. Returning, Forbes placed his remain-
ing forces in barracks at Lancaster.
Franklin, upon his arrival in England, presented the grievances before the
proprietors, and, that he might get his case before the royal advisers and the
British public, wrote frequent articles for the press, and issued a pamphlet
entitled " Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsyl-
vania." The dispute was adroitly managed by Franklin before the Privy
Council, and was finally decided substantially in the interest of the Assem-
bly. It was provided that the proprietors' estates should be taxed, but that
their located uncultivated lands should be assessed as low as the lowest uncul-
tivated lands of the settlers, that bills issued by the Assembly should be re-
ceivable in payment of quit rents, and that the Deputy Governor should have
a voice in disposing of the revenues. Thus was a vexed question of loDg
standing finally put to rest. So successfully had Franklin managed this con-
troversy that the colonies of Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia appointed
him their agent in England.
In October, 1759, James Hamilton was again appointed Governor, in place
of Gov. Denny, who had by stress of circumstances transcended his instruc-
tions. The British Government, considering that the colonies had borne more
than their proportionate expense in carrying on the war against the French
and Indians, voted £200,000 for five years, to be divided among the colonies,
the share falling to Pennsylvania being £26,000. On the 25th of October,
1760, George II died, and was succeeded by his grandson, George III. Early
in 1762, war was declared between Great Britain and Spain, but was of short
continuance, peace having been declared in November following, by which
Spain and Fraribe relinquished to the English substantially the territory east
of the Mississippi. The wise men of the various Indian nations inhabiting
this wide territory viewed with concern this sudden expansion of English
power, fearing that they would eventually be pushed from their hunting
grounds and pleasant haunts by the rapidly multiplying pale faces. The In-
dians have ever been noted for proceeding against an enemy secretly and
treacherously. Believing that by concerted action the English might be cut
off and utterly exterminated, a secret league was entered into by the Shawa-
nese and the tribes dwelling along the Ohio River, under the leadership of a
powerful chieftain, Pontiac, by which swift destruction was everywhere to be
meted out to the white man upon an hour of an appointed day. The plan was
thoroughly understood by the red men, and heartily entered into. The day
dawned and the blow fell in May, 1763. The forts at Presque Isle, Le Boeuf,
Venango, La Raji, St. Joseph's, Miamis, Onaethtanon, Sandusky and Michili-
mackinack, all fell before the unanticipated attacks of tho savages who were
making protestations of friecidship, and the garrisons were put to the slaugh-
ter. Fort Pitt (Du Quesne), Niagara and Detroit alone, of all this line of
forts, held out. Pontiac in person conducted the siege of Detroit, which he
vigorously pushed from May until October, paying his warriors with promises
written on bits of birch bark, which he subsequently religiously redeemed. It is
an evidence of his great power that he could unite his people in so gen-
eral and secretly kept a compact, and that in this siege of Detroit he was able
to hold his warriors up to the work so long and so vigorously even after all hope
of success must have reasonably been abandoned. The attack fell with great
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 95
severity upon the Pennsylvania settlers, and they continued to be driven in
until Shippensbung, in Cumberland County, became the extreme outpost of
civilization. The savages stole unawares upon the laborers in the fields, or
came stealthily in at the midnight hour and spared neither trembling age nor
helpless infancy, firing houses, barns, crops and everything combustible.
The suffering of the frontiersmen in this fatal year can scarcely be conceived.
Col. Armstrong v^ith a hastily collected force advanced upon their towns
and forts at Muncy and Great Island, which he destroyed; but the Indians
escaped and withdrew before him. He sent a detachment under Col. Eonquet
to the relief of Fort Pitt, which still held out, though closely invested by the
dusky warriors. At Port Ligonier, Bouquet halted and sent forward thirty
men, who stealthily pushed past the Indians under cover of night, and reached
the fort, carrying intelligence that succor was at hand. Discovering that a
force was advancing upon them, the Indians turned upon the troops of Bou-
quet, and before he was aware that an enemy was near, he found himself sur-
rounded and all means of escape apparently cut off. By a skillfully laid
ambuscade. Bouquet, sending a small detachment to steal away as if in retreat,
induced the Indians to follow, and when stretched out in pursuit, the main
body in concealment fell upon the unsuspecting savages, and routed them with
immense slaughter, when he advanced to the relief of the fort unchecked.
As we have already seen, the boundary line between Maryland and Penn-
sylvania had long been in dispute, and had occasioned serious disturbances
among the settlers in the lifetime of Penn, and repeatedly since. It was not
definitely settled till 1760, when a beginning was made of a final adjustment,
though so intricate were the conditions that the work was prosecuted for seven
years by a large force of surveyors, axmen and pioneers. The charter of Lord
Baltimore made the northern boundary of Maryland the 40tli degree of lati-
tude; but whether the beginning or end of the 40th was not specified. The
charter of Penn, which was subsequent, made his southern boundary the
beginning of the 40th parallel. If, as Lord Baltimcjre claimed, his northern
boundary was the end of the 40th, then the cif.y of Philadelphia and all the
settled parts of Pennsylvania would have been included in Maryland. If, as
Penn cldimed by express terms of his charter, his southern line was the begin-
ning of the 40th, then the city of Baltimore, and even a part of the District of
Columbia, including nearly the whole of Maryland would have been swal-
lowed up by Pennsylvania. It was evident to the royal Council that neither
claim could be rightfully allowed, and nence resort was had to compromise.
Penn insisted upon retaining free communication with the open ocean by the
Delaware Bay. Accordingly, it was decided that beginning at Cape Henlopen,
which by mistake in marking the maps was fifteea miles below the present
location, opposite Cape May, a line should be run due west to a point half way
between this cape and the shore of Chesapeake Bay; from this point " a line
was to be run northerly in such direction that it should be tapgent on the west
side to a circle with a radius of twelve miles, whose center was the center of
the court house at New Castle. From the exact tangent point, a line was to be
run due north until it should reach a point fifteen miles south on the parallel
of latitude of the most southern point in the boundary of the city of Phila-
delphia, and this point when accurately found by horizontal measurement, was
to be the corner bound between Maryland and Pennsylvania, and subsequently,
when Delaware was set off from Pennsylvania, was the boundary of the three
States. From this bound a line was to be run due west five degrees of longi-
tude from the Delaware* which was to be the western limit of Pennsylvania,
and the line thus ascertained was to mark the division between Maryland and
96 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Pennsylvania, and forever settle the vexed question. If the due north line
should cut any part of the circle about New Castle, the slice so cut should be-
U)ng to New Castle. Such a segment was cut. This plan of settlement was
entered into on the 10th of May, 1732, between Thomas and Bicbard, sons of
William Penn, on the one part, and Charles, Lord Baltimore, great grandson
of the patentee. But the actual marking of the boundaries was still deferred,
and aa the settlers were taking out patents for their lands, it was necessary
that it should be definitely known in which State the lands lay. Accordingly,
in 1739, in obedience to a decree in Council, a temporary line was run upon a
new basis, which now often appears in litigations to plague the brain of the
attorney.
Commissioners were again appointed in 1751, who made a few of the
measurements, but owing to objections raised on the part of Maryland, the
work was abandoned. Finally, the proprietors, Thomas and Kichard Penn,
and Frederic, Lord Baltimore, entered into an agreement for the executing of
the survey, and John Lukens and Archibald McLean on the part of the Penns,
and Thomas Garnett and Jonathan Hall on the part of Lord Baltimore, were
appointed with a suitable corps of assistants to lay off the lines. After these
surveyors had been three years at work, the proprietors in England, thinking
that there was not enough energy and practical and scientific knowledge mani-
fested by these surveyors, appointed Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two
mathematicians and surveyors, to proceed to America and take charge of the
work. They brought with them the most perfect and best constructed instru-
ments known to science, arriving in Philadelphia on the 15th of November,
1768, and, assisted by some of the old surveyors, entered upon their work. By
the 4th of June, 1766, they had reached the summit of the Little Allegheny,
when the Indians began to be troublesome. They looked with an evil eye on
the mathematical and astronomical instruments, and felt a secret dread and
fear of the consequences of the frequent and long continued peering into the
heavens. The Six Nations were understood to be inimical to the further prog-
ress of the survey. But through the influence of Sir William Johnson a
treaty was concluded, providing for the prosecution of the work unmolested,
and a number of chieftains were sent to accompany the surveying party.
Mason and Dixon now had with them thirty surveyors, fifteen axmen, and fif-
teen Indians of consequence. Again the attitude of the Indians gave cause of
fear, and on the 29th of September, twenty-six of the surveyors abandoned the
expedition and returned to Philadelphia, Having reached a point 244 miles
from the Delaware, and within thirty-six miles of the western limit of the
State, in the bottom of a deep, dark valley, they came upon a well-worn
Indian path, and here the Indians gave notice that it was the will of the Six
Nations that this survey proceed no further. There was no questioning this
authority, and no means at command for resisting, and accordingly the party
broke up and returned to Philadelphia. And this was the end of Ihe labors of
Mason and Dixon upon this boundary. From the fact that this was subse-
quently the mark of division between the Free and Slave States, Mason and
Dixon's line became familiar im. American politics. The line was marked by
stones which were quarried and engraved in England, on one side having the
arms of Penn, and on the opposite those of Lord Baltimore. These stones
were firmly set every five miles. At the end of each intermediate mile a
smaller stone was placed, having on one side engraved the letter P., and on the
opposite side the letter M. The remainder of the line was finished and marked
in 1782-84 by other surveyors. A vista was cut through the forest eight yards in
width the whole distance, which seemed in looking babk through it to come to a
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 9?
point at the distance of two miles. In 1849, the stone at the northeast corner
of Maryland having been removed, a resurvey of the line was ordered, and
suryeyors were appointed by the three States of Pennsylvania, Delaware and
Maryland, who called to their aid Col. James D. Graham. Some few errors
wore discovered in the old survey, but in the main it was found to be accurate.
John Penn, grandson of the founder, and son of Richard, had come to the
colony in 1753, and, having acted as President of the Council, was, in 1763,
commissioned Governor in place of Hamilton. The conspiracy of Pontiac,
though abortive in the results contemplated, left the minds of the Indians in
a most dangerous state. The more resolute, who had entered heartily into the
views of their leader, still felt that his purposes were patriotic, and hence
sought, by every means possible, to ravage and destroy the English settlements.
The Moravian Indians at Nain and Wichetunk, though regarded as friendly,
were suspected of indirectly aiding in the savage warfare by trading firearms
and ammunition. They were accordingly removed to Philadelphia that they
might be out of the way of temptation. At the old Indian town of Conestoga
there lived some score of natives. Many heartless murders had been com-
mitted along the frontier, and the perpetrators had been traced to this Con-
estoga town ; and while the Conestoga band were not known to be impli-
cated in these outrages, their town was regarded as the lurking place of roving
savages who were. For protection, the settlers in the neighboring districts of
Paxton and Donegal, had organized a band known as the Paxton boys. Earnest,
requests were made by Rev. John Elder and John Harris to the Government
to remove this band at Conestoga ; but as nothing was done, and fearful
depredations and slaughter continued, a party of these Paxton rangers attacked
the town and put the savages to the sword. Some few escaped, among them a
known bloodthirsty savage, who were taken into the jail at Lancaster for pro-
tection ; but the rangers, following them, overpowered the jailer, and breaking
into the jail murdered the fugitives. Intense excitement was occasioned by
this outbreak, and Gov. Penn issued his proclamation offering rewards for the
apprehension of the perpetrators. Some few were taken ; but so excellent was
their character and standing, and such were the provocations, that no convic-
tions followed. Apprehensions for the safety of the Moravian Indians induced
the Government to remove them to Province Island, and, feeling insecure
there, they asked to be sent to England. For safety, they were sent to New
York, but the Governor of that province refused them permission to laud, as,
did also the Governor of New Jersey, and they were brought bacji to Philadel-
phia and put in barracks under strong guard. The Paxton boys, in a consider-
able body, were at that time at Germantown interceding for their brethren,
who were then in durance and threatened with trial. Franklin was sent out ,
to confer with them on the part of the Government. In defending their course,
they said : " Whilst more than a thousand families, reduced to extreme dis-
tress, during the last and present war, by the attacks of slmlking parties of
Indians upon the frontier, were destitute, and were suffered by the public to
depend on private charity, a hundred and twenty of the perpetrators of the
most horrid barbarities were supported by the province, and protected from
the fury of the brave relatives of the murdered. " Influenced by the persua-
sions of Franklin, they consented to return to their homes, leaving only
Matthew Smith and James Gibson to represent them before the courts.
98 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
OHAPTEE XI.
John Penn, 1763-71— James Hamilton, 1771— Eiohard Pbnn, 1771-73— John
Penn, 1773-76.
A DIFFERENCE having arisen between the Governor and Assembly on the
vexed question of levying money, the Assembly passed a series of reso-
lutions advocating that the " powers of government ought to be separated from
the power attending the immense proprietary property, and lodged in the
hands of the King. " After an interval of fifty days — that time for reflection
and discussion might be given — the Assembly again convened, and adopted a
petition praying the King to assume the direct government of the province,
though this policy was strongly opposed by some of the ablest members, as
Isaac Norria and John Dickinson. The Quaker element was generally in
favor of the change.
Indian barbarities still continuing along the frontier, Gov. Penn declared
war against the Shawanese and Delawares in July, 1765, and sent Col. Bouquet
with a body of Pennsylvania troops against them. By the 3d of October, he
had come up to the Muskingum, in the heart of the most thickly peopled
Indian territory. So rapid had been the movement of Bouquet that the savages
had no intelligence of his advance until he was upon them with no preparations
for defense. They sued for peace, and a treaty was entered into by which the
savages agreed to abstain from further hostilities until a general treaty could
be concluded with Sir William Johnson, the general agent for Indian afEairs
for all the colonies, and to deliver up all English captives who had been carried
away during the years of trouble. Two hundred and eight were quickly
gathered up and brought in, and many others were to follow, who were now
widely scattered. The relatives of many of these captives had proceeded with
the train of Bouquet, intent on reclaiming those who had been dear to them.
Some were joyfully received, while others who had been borne off in youth had
become attached to their captors, and force was necessary to bring them away.
" On the return of the army, some of the Indians obtained leave to accompany
their former captives to Fort Pitt, and employed themselves in hunting and
carrying provisions for them on the road. "
The great struggle for the independence of the colonies of the British
crown was now close at hand, and the first sounds of the controversy were be-
ginning to be heard. Sir William Keith, that enterprising Governor whose
head seemed to have been full of new projects, as early as 1739 had proposed
to lay a uniform tax on stamped paper in all the colonies, to realize funds for
the common defense. Acting upon this hint, Grenville, the British Minister,
botitied the colonists in 1763 of his purpose to impose such a tax. Against
this they remonstrated. Instead of this, a tax on imports, to be paid in coin,
was adopted. This was even more distasteful. The Assembly of Rhode
Island, in October, 1765, submitted a paper to all the colonial assemblies, Vfith
& view to uniting in a common petition to the King against parliamentary
taxation. • This was favorably acted on by the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and
Franklin was appointed agent to represent their caase before the British Par-
liament. The Stamp Act had been passed on the 22d of March, 1765. Its
passage excited bitter opposition, and a resolution, asserting that the Golonial
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 99
Assemblies had the exclusive right to levy taxes, was passed by the Virginia
Assembly, and concurred in by all the others. The Massachusetts Assembly
proposed a meeting of delegates in New York on the second Tuesday of October,
1765, to confer upon the subject. The Pennsylvania Assembly adopted the
suggestion, and appointed Messrs. Fox, Morton, Bryan and Dickenson as dele-
gates. This Congress met according to the call and adopted a respectful pe-
tition to the King, and a memorial to Parliament, which were signed by all
the members and forwarded for presentation by the Colonial Agents in En-
gland. The, Stamp Act was to go into effect on the 1st of November. On the
last day of October, the newspapers were dressed in mourning, and suspended
publication. The publishers agreed not to use the stamped paper. The
people, as with one mind, determined to dress in homespun, resolved not to
use imported goods, and, to stimulate the production of wool the colonists cov-
enanted not to eat lamb for the space, of one year. The result of this policy
"was soon felt by British manufacturers who became clamorous for repeal of
the obnoxious measures, and it was accordingly repealed on the 18th of March,
1766.
Determined in some form to draw a revenue from the colonies, an act was
passed in 1767, to lay a duty on tea, paper, printers' colors, and glass. The As-
sembly of Pennsylvania passed a resolution on the 20th of February, 1768,
instructing its agent in London to urge its repeal, and at the session in May
received and entered upon its minutes a circular letter from the Massachusetts
Assembly, setting forth the grounds on which objection to the act should be
urged. This circular occasioned hostile feeling among the ministry, and the
Secretary for foreign affairs vn:ote to Gov. Penn to urge the Assembly to
take no notice of it; but if they approved its sentiments, to prorogue their
sittings. This letter was transmitted to the Assembly, aod soon after one
from the Virginia Assembly was presented, urging union of all the colonies
in opposing the several schemes of taxation. This recommendation was
adopted, and committees appointed to draw a petition to the King and to each
of the Houses of Parliament. To lead public sentiment, and have it well
grounded in the arguments used against taxation, John Dickinson, one of the
ablest of the Pennsylvania legislators at this time, published a number of
articles purporting to come from a plain farmer, under the title of the Farmer^ s
Letters, which became popular, the idea that they were the work of one in
Lumble li fe, helping to swell the tide of popularity. They were republished
in all the colonies, and exerted a commanding influence. Alarmed at the
unanimity of feeling against the proposed schemes, and supposing that it was
ihe amount of the tax that gave offense. Parliament reduced the rate in 1769
to one sixth of the original sum, and in 1770 abolished it altogether, except
three pence a pound on tea But it was the principle, and not the amount
that was objected to, and at the next session of the Assembly in Pennsylvania,
their agent in London was directed to urge its repeal altogetiier.
It would seem incredible that the colony of Connecticut should lay claim
to any part of the territory of Pennsylvania, but so it was. The New En-
gland charters gave limitless extent westward even to the shores of the Pacific
Ocean, and south to the northern limits of the tract ceded to Lord Baltimore —
the territory between the 40th and 46th degrees of north latitude, and from
ocean to ocean. To encroach upon New York with its teaming popu-
lation was not calculated to tempt the enterprise of the settler; but
the rich virgin soil, and agreeable climate of the wide Wyoming Val-
ley, as yet unappropriated, was likely to attract the eye of the explorer.
Accordingly, at the general conference with the Indians held at Albany
100 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA
in 1754, the Connecticut delegates made a purchase of a large tract in
this valley; a company, known as the Susquehanna Company, was formed in
Connecticut to promote the settlement of these lands, and a considerable im-
migration commenced. The proprietors of Pennsylvania had also made pur-
chase of the Indians of these identical lands, and the royal charters of Charles
and James covered this ground. But the Plymouth Charter antedated Penn's.
Remonstrances were made to the Governor of Connecticut against encroach-
ments upon the territory of Pennsylvania. The answer returned was under-
stood to disclaim any control over the company by the Connecticut authorities;
but it subsequently appeared that the Government was determined to defend
the settlers in the possession of their lands. In 1768, the proprietors of Penn-
sylvania entered into treaty stipulations with the Indians for all this tract cov-
ered by the claim of the Susquehanna Company. Pennsylvania settlers,
attracted by the beauty of the place, gradually acquired lands under Penn-
sylvania patents, and the two parties began to infringe on each other's claims.
Forts and block-houses were erected for the protection of either party, and a
petty warfare was kept up, which resulted in some loss of life. Butler, the
leader of the Connecticut party, proposed to settle their differences by per-
sonal combat of thirty picked men on each side. In order to assert more direct
legal control over the settlers, a new county was formed which was called
Northumberland, that embraced all the disputed lands. But the Sheriff, even
with the aid of the militia, which he called to his assistance, was unable to
execute his processes, and exercise legal control, the New Englanders, proving
a resolute set, determined to hold the splendid farms which they had marked
out for themselves, and were bringing rapidly under cultivation. To the re-
monstrances of Gov. Penn, Gov. Trumbull responded that the Susquehanna Com-
pany was proceeding in good faith under provisions secured by the charter of
the Plymouth Colony, and proposed that the question be submitted to a com-
petent tribunal for arbitrament. An ex parte statement was submitted to
Council in London by the Connecticut party, and an opinion was rendered
favorable to its claims. In September, 1775, the matter was submitted to the
Continental Congress, and a committee of that body, to whom it was referred,
reported in favor of the Connecticut claim, apportioning a tract out of the
very bowels of Pennsylvania nearly as large as the whole State of Connecticut.
This action was promptly rejected by the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and a
final decision was not reached until 1802, when Congress decided in favor of
the integrity of the chartered rights of Penn.
Richard Penn, son of the founder, died in 1771, whereupon Gov. John
Penn returned to England, leaving the President of the Council, James Ham-
ilton, at the head of the Government. John Penn, eldest son of Richard, suc-
ceeded to the proprietary interests of his father, which he held in conjunction
with his uncle, Thomas, and in October of the same year, Richard, the second
son, was commissioned Governor. He held the office but about two years, and
in that time won the confidence and esteem of the people, and so much attached
was he to the popular cause, that upon his return to England, in 1775, he was
intrusted by Congress with the last petition of the colonies ever presented to
the King. In August, 1773, John Penn returned with the commission of
Governor, superseding his brother Richard. Soon after his arrival, the Gov-
ernor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issued his proclamation, laying claim to a
vast territory in the Monongalia Valley, including the site of the present
city of Pittsburgh, and upon the withdrawal of the British garrison, one Con-
nolly had taken possession of it in the name of Virginia. Gov. Penn issued a
counter-proclamation, calling on all good citizens within the borders of Penn-
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 101
Bjrlvania, to preserve their allegiance to his Government, seized and imprisoned
Connolly, and sent Commissioners to Virginia Co efiect an amicable settlement.
These, Dunmore refused to bear, and was preparing to assert his authority by
force; but his Council refused to vote him money for this purpose.
To encourage the sale of tea in the colonies, and establish the principle of
taxation, the export duty was removed. The colonies took the alarm. At a
public meeting called in Philadelphia to consider the subject, on the 18th of
October, 1773, resolutions were adopted in which it was declared : " That the
disposal of their own property is the inherent right of freemen; that there can
be no property in that which another can, of right, take from us without our
consent; that the claim of Parliament to tax America, is, in other words, a claim
of right to levy contributions on us at pleasure.'' The East India Company
now made preparations for sending large importations of tea into the colonies.
The ships destined for Philadelphia and New York, on approaching port, and
being advised of the exasperated state of public feeling, returned to England
with their cargoes. Those sent to Boston came into the harbor; but at night a
party disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded the vessels, and breaking open
the packages, emptied 300 chests into the sea. The ministry, on being apprised
of this act, closed the port of Boston, and subverted the colonial charter.
Early in the year, committees of correspondence had been established in all
the colonies, by means of which the temper and feeling in each was well un-
derstood by the others, and concert of action was secured. The hard condi-
tions imposed on the town of Boston and the colony of Massachusetts Bay,
aroused the sympathy of all ; for, they argued, we know not how soon the heavy
hand of oppression may be felt by any of us. Philadelphia declared at a pub-
lic meeting that the people of Pennsylvania would continue firmly to adhere
to the cause of American liberty, and urged the calling of a Congress of dele-
gates to consider the general interests.
At a meeting held in Philadelphia on the 18th of June, 1774, at which
nearly 8,000 people were convened, it was decided that a Continental Congress
ought to be held, and appointed a committee of correspondence to communi-
cate with similar committees in the several counties of Pennsylvania and in the
several colonies. On the 15th of July, 1774, delegates from all the counties,
summoned by this committee, assembled in Philadelphia, and declared that
there existed an absolute necessity for a Colonial Congress. They accordingly
recommended that the Assembly appoint delegates to such a Congress to
represent Pennsylvania, and Joseph Galloway, Samuel Bhoads, George Ross,
Edward Biddle, John Dickinson, Charles Humphries and Thomas Mifflin were
appointed.
On the 4th of Septemoer, 1774, the first Continental Congress assembled m
Philadelphia. Peyton Eandolph, of Virginia, was called to preside, and
Charles Thomson, of Pennsylvania, was appointed Secretary. It was resolved
that no more goods be imported from England, and that unless a pacification
was effected previously, no more Colonial produce of the soil be exported
thither after September 10, 1775. A declaration of rights was adopted, and
addresses to the King, the people of Great Britain, and of British America
were agreed to, after which the Congress adjourned to meet again on the 10th
of May, 1775.
In January, 1775, another meeting of the county delegates was held in
Philadelphia, at which the action of the Colonial Congress was approved, and
while a restoration of harmony with the mother country was desired, yet if
the arbitiary acts of Parliament were persisted in, they would at every hazard
defend the "rights and liberties of America." The delegates appointed to
102 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
represent the colony in the Second Congress were Mifflin, Humphries, Biddle,
Dickinson, Morton, FranJilin, Wilson and Willing.
The government of Great Britain had determined with a strong hand to
compel obedience to its behests. On the 19th of April, 1775, was fought the
battle of Lexington, and the crimson fountain was opened. That blow was
felt alike through all the colonies. The cause of one was the cause of all.
A public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at which it was resolved to organize
military companies in all the counties. The Assembly heartily seconded thete
views, and engaged to provide for the pay of the militia while in service.
The Second Congress, which met in May, provided for organizing a continental
army, fixing the quota for Pennsylvania at 4,300 men. The Assembly adopted
the recommendation of Congress, provided for arming, disciplining and pay-
ing the militia, recommended the organizing minutemen for service in an
emergency, made appropriations for the defense of the city, and offered a pre-
mium on the production of salt peter. Complications hourly thickened. Ticon-
deroga was captured on the 10th of May, and the battle of Bunker Hill was
fought on the 17th of June. On the 15th of June, George Washington was-
appointed Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, supported by four
Major Generals and eighf Brigadiers.
The royal Governors were now an incumbrance greatly in the way of the
popular movement, as were also the Assemblies where they refused to represent
the popular will. Accordingly, Congress recommended that the several col-
onies should adopt such government as should " best conduce to the happiness
and safety'of their constituents in particular and America in general." This
meant that each colony should set up a government for itself independent of
the Crown. Accordingly, a public meeting was held in Philadelphia, at
which it was resolved that the present Assembly is " not competent to the pres-
ent exigencies of affairs," and that a new form of government ought to be
adopted as recommended by Congress. The city committee of correspondence
called on the county committees to secure the election of delegates to a colonial
meeting for the purpose of considering this subject. On the 18th of June,
the meeting was held in Philadelphia, and was organized by electing Thomas
McKean President. It resolved to call a convention to frame a new con-
stitution, provided the legal forms to be observed, and issued an address to
the people.
Having thus by frequent argumentation grown familiar with the declara-
tion of the inherent rights of every citizen, and with flatly declaring to the
government of Great Britain that it had no right to pursue this policy or that,,
and the several States having been recommended to absolve themselves from
allegience to the royal governments, and set up independent colonial govern-
ments of their own, it was a natural inference, and but a step further, to de-
clare the colonies entirely independent of the British Government, and to or-
ganize for themselves a general continental government to hold the place of King
and Parliament. The idea of independence had been seriously proposed, and
several Colonial Assemblies had passed resolutions strongly recommending it.
And yet there were those of age and experience who had supported independ-
ent principles in the stages of argumentation, before action was demanded,
when they approached the brink of the fatal chasm, and had to decide-
whether to take the leap, hesitated. There were those in the Assembly of
Pennsylvania who were reluctant to advise independence; but the majority
voted to recommend its delegates to unite with the other colonies for the com-
mon good. The convention which had provided for holding a meeting of del-
egates to frame a new constitution, voted in favor of independence, and au-
thorized the raising of 6,000 militia.
HISTORY OF PENNSVLVANIA. lOfe
On the 7th of June, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, introduoed in
Congresa the proposition that, "the United Colonies are, and of right ought to
be, free and independent States, and that all political connection between
them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. "
It was impossible to mistake or misinterpret the meaning of this language.
The issue was fairly made up. It was warmly discussed. John Dickinson,
one of the Pennsylvania delegates, and one who had been foremost in speak-
ing and writing on the popular side, was not ready to cut off all hope of rec-
onciliation, and depicted the disorganized condition in which the colonies
would be left if the power and protection of Britain were thus suddenly re-
moved. The vote upon the resolution was taken on the 2d of July, and re-
suited in the affirmative vote of all the States except Pennsylvania and
Delaware, the delegates from these States being divided. A committee con-
sisting of Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Livingston and Sherman had been, some
time previous, appointed to draw a formal statement of the Declaration, and
the reasons "out of a decent respect to the opinions of mankind, " which led
to so important an act. The work was intrusted to a sub-committee consisting of
Adams and Jefferson, and its composition was the work of Mr. Jefferson, though
many of the ideas, and even the forms of expression, had been used again and
again in the previous resolutions and pronunciamentoes of the Colonial Assem-
blies and public meetings. It had been reported on the 28tb of June, and was
sharply considered in all its parts, many verbal alterations having been made in
the committee of five; but after the passage of the preliminary resolution, the
result was a foregone conclusion, and on the 4th of July it was finally adopted
and proclaimed to the world. Of the Pennsylvania delegation, Franklin,
Wilson and Morton voted for it, and Willing and Humphrey against, Dickin-
son being absent. The colonial convention of Pennsylvania, being in sessiou
at the time, on receiving intelligence that a majority of its delegates in Con.
gress had voted against the preliminary resolution, named a new delegation,
omitting the names of Dickinson, Willing and Humphrey, and adding othert
which made it thus constituted — Franklin, Wilson, Morton, Morris, Cljrmer,
Smith, Taylor and Boss. An engrossed copy of the Declaration was made,
which was signed by all the members on the 2d of August following, on
which are found the names from Pennsylvania above recited.
The convention for framing a new constitution for the colony met on the
15th of July, and was organized by electing Franklin President, and on the
28th of September completed its labors, having framed a new organic law
and made all necessary provisions for putting it into operation. In the mean-
time the old proprietary Assembly adjourned on the 14th of June to the 26th
of August. But a quorum failed to appear, and an adjournment was had to
the 23d of September, when some routine business was attended to, chiefly
providing for the payment of salaries and necessary bills, and on the 28th of
September, after a stormy existence of nearly a century, this Assembly, the
creature of Penn, adjourned never to meet again. With the ending of the As-
sembly ended the power of Gov. Penn. It is a singular circumstance, much
noted by the believers in signs, that on the day of his arrival in America,
which was Sunday, the earth in that locality was rocked by an earthquake,
which was intei-preted as an evil omen to his administration. He married the
daughter of William Allen, Chief Justice of the colony, and, though at times
falling under suspicion of favoring the royal cause, yet, as was believed, not
with reason, he remained a quiet spectator of the great struggle, living at his
country seat in Bucks County, where he died in February, 1795.
The titles of the proprietors to landed estates were suspended by the action
104 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
of the convention, and on the 27t,h of November, 1779, the Legislature passed
an act vesting these estates in the commonwealth, but paying the proprietors a
gratuity of £130,000, " in remembrance of the enterprising spirit of the
Founder." This act did not touch the private estates of the proprietors, nor
the tenths of manors. The Britioh Government, in 1790, in consideration of
the fact that it had been unable to vindicate its authority over the colony, and
afford protection to the proprietors in the enjoyment of their chartered rights,
voted an annuity of £4,000 to th e heirs and descendants of Penn. This annuity
has been regularly paid to the present time, 1884.
CHAPTER XIL
Thomas Whakton, Jr., 1777-78— Geoege Bkyan, 1778— Joseph Reed, 1778-81—
William Mooee, 1781-82— John Dickinson, 1783-85— Benjamin Feanklin,
1785-88.
THE convention which framed the constitution appointed a Committee of
Safety, consisting of twenty-five members, to whom was intrusted the
government of the colony until the proposed constitution should be framed and
put in operation. Thomas Eittenhouse was chosen President of this body,
who was consequently in effect Governor. The new constitution, which was
unanimously adopted on the 28th of September, was to take effect from its
passage. It provided for an Assembly to be elected annually; a Supreme Ex-
ecutive Council of twelve members to be elected for a term of three years; As-
semblymen to be eligible but four years out of seven, and Councilmen but
one term in seven years. Members of Congress were chosen by the Assembly.
The constitution could not be changed for seven years. It provided for the
election of censors every seven years, who were to decide whether there was
a demand for its revision. If so, they were to call a convention for the pur-
pose. On the 6th of August, 1776, Thomas "Wharton, Jr., was chosen Presi-
dent of the Council of Safety.
The struggle with the parent country was now fully inaugurated. The
Britidh Parliament had declared the colonists rebels, had voted a force of
55,000 men, and in addition had hired 17,000 Hessian soldiers, to subdue them.
The Congress on its part had declared the objects for which arms had been
taken up, and had issued bills of credit to the amount of $6,000,000. Par-
liament had resolved upon a vigorous campaign, to strike heavy and rapid
blows, and quickly end the war. The first campaign had been conducted in
Massachusetts, and by the efficient conduct of Washington, Gen. Howe, the
leader of the British, was compelled to capitulate and withdraw to Halifax in
March, 1776. On the 28th of June, Sir Henry Clinton, with a strong detach-
ment, in conjunction with Sir Peter Parker of the navy, made a combined
land and naval attack upon the defenses of Charleston Harbor, where he was
met by Gen. William Moultrie, with the Carolina Militia, and after a severe
battle, in which the British fleet was roughly handled, Clinton withdrew and
returned to New York, whither the main body of the British Army, under Gen.
Howe, had come, and where Admiral Lord Howe, with a large fleet directly
from England, joined them. To this formidable power led by the best talent
in the British Army, Washington could muster no adequate force to oppose,
and he was obliged to withdraw from Long Island, from New York, from
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 105
Harlem, from White Plains, to cross into New Jersey, and abandon position
after position, until he had reached the right bank of the Delaware on Penn-
sylvania soil. A heavy detachment under Cornwallis followed, and would
have crossed the Delaware in pursuit, but advised to a cautious policy by
Howe, he waited for ice to form on the waters of the Delaware before passing
over. The fall of Philadelphia now seemed imminent. Washington had not
sufficient force to face the whole power of the British Ajmy. On the 2d of
December, the Supreme Council ordered all places of business in the city to
be closed, the schools to be dismissed, and advised preparation for removing
the women and children and valuables. On the 12th, the Congress which was
in session here adjourned to meet in Baltimore, taking with them all papers
and public records, and leaving a committee, of which Eobert Morris was
Chairman, to act in conjunction with Washington for the safety of the place.
Cren. Putnam was dispatched on the same day with a detachment of soldiers
to take command in the city.
In this emergancy the Council issued a stirring address: "If you wish
to live in freedom, and are determined to maintain that best boon of heaven,
you have no time to deliberate. A manly resistance will secure every bless-
ing, inactivity and sloth will bring horror and destruction. * « * lyjay
heaven, which has bestowed the blessings of liberty upon you, awaken you to
a proper sense of your danger and arouse that manly spirit of virtuous resolu-
tion which has ever bidden defiance to the efforts of tyranny. May you ever
have the glorious prize of liberty in view, and bear with a becoming fortitude
the fatigues and severities of a winter campaign. That, and that only, will
entitle you to the superlative distinction of being deemed, under God, the
deliverers of your country." Such were the arguments which our fathers
made use of in conducting the struggle against the British Empire.
Washington, who had, from the opening of the campaign before New
York, been obliged for the most part to act upon the defensive, formed the
plan to suddenly turn upon his pursuers and offer battle. Accordingly, on
the night of the 25th of December, taking a picked body of men, he moved up
several miles to Taylorsville, where he crossed the river, though at flood tide
and filled with floating ice, and moving down to Trenton, where a detachment
of the British Army was posted, made a bold and vigorous attack. Taken by
siu-prise, though now after sunrise, the battle was soon decided in favor of
the Americans. Some fifty of the enemy were slain and over a thousand
taken prisoners, with quantities of arms, ammunition and stores captured. A
triumphal entry was made at Philadelphia, when the prisoners and the spoils
of war moved through the streets under guard of the victorious troops, and
were marched away to the prison camp at Lancaster. Washington, who was
smarting under a forced inacbivity, by reason of paucity of numbers and lack
of arms and material, and who had been forced constantl}' to retire before a
defiant foe, now took courage. His name was upon every tongue, and foreign
Governments were disposed to give the States a fair chance in tbeir struggle
for nationality. The lukewarm were encouraged to enlist under the banner of
freedom. It had great strategic value. The British had intended to push
forward and occupy Philadelphia at once, which, being now virtually the cap-
ital of the new nation, had it been captured at this juncture, would have given
tbem the occasion for claiming a triumphal ending of the war. But this ad,
vantage, though gained by a detachment small in numbers yet great in cour-
age, caused the commander of a powerful and well appointed army to give up
all intention o-f attempting to capture the Pennsylvania metropolis in this
campaign, and retiring into winter cantonments upon the Raritan to await
106 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
the settled weather of the spring for an entirely new cast of operations.
Washington, emboldened by his success, led all his forces into New Jersey,
and pushing past Trenton, where Cornwallis, the royal leader, had brought
his main body by a forced march, under cover of darkness, attacked the
British reserves at Princeton. But now the enemy had become wary and vig-
ilant, and, summoned by the booming of cannon, Cornwallis hastened back to
the relief of his hard pressed columns. Washington, finding that the enemy's
whole army was within easy call and knowing that he had no hope of success
with his weak army, withdrew. Washington now went into winter quarters at
Morristown, and by constant vigilance was able to gather marauding parties
of the British who ventured far away from their works.
Putnam commenced fortifications at a point below Philadelphia upon the
Delaware, and at commanding positions upon the outskirts, and on being
summoned to the army was succeeded by Gen. Irvine, and he by Gen. Gates.
On the 4th of March, 1777, the two Houses of the Legislature, elected under
the new constitution, assembled, and in joint convention chose Thomas
Wharton, 'Jr., President, and George Bryan Vice President. Penn had expressed
the idea that power was preserved the better by due formality and ceremony,
and, accordingly, this event was celebrated with much pomp, the result being
declared in a loud voice from the court house, amid the shouts of the gathered
throngs and the booming of the captured cannon brought from the field of
Trenton. The title bestowed upon the new chief o£Scer of the State was fitted
by its length and high-sounding epithets to inspire the multitude with awe and
reverence: "His Excellency, Thomas Wharton, Junior, Esquire, President of
the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Captain General, and Com-
mander-in-chief in and over the same. "
While the enemy was disposed to be cautious after the New Jersey cam-
paign so humiliating to the native pride of the Britain, yet he was determined
to bring all available forces into the field for the campaign of 1777, and to
strike a decisive blow. Early in April, great activity was observed among the
shipping in New York Harbor, and Washington communicated to Congress his
opinion that Philadelphia was the object against which the blow would be
aimed. This announcement of probable peril induced the Council to issue a
proclamation urging enlistments, and Cijngress ordered the opening of a camp
for drilling recruits in Pennsylvania, and Benedict Arnold, who was at this
time a trusted General, was ordered to the command of it. So many new ves-
sels and transports of all classes had been discovered to have come into New
York Harbor, probably forwarded from England, that Washington sent Gen.
Mifflin, on the 10th of June, to Congress, bearing a letter in which he ex-
pressed the settled conviction that the enemy meditated an immediate descent
upon some part of Pennsylvania. Gen. Mifflin proceeded to examine the de-
fensive works of the city which had been begun on the previous advance of
the British, and rec9mmeuded such changes and new works as seemed best
adapted for its protection. The preparations for defense were vigorovisly pros-
ecuted. The militia were called out and placed in two camps, one at Chester
and the other at Downington. Fire ships were held in readiness to be used
against vessels attempting the ascent of the river.
Lord Howe, being determined not to move until ample preparations were
completed, allowed the greater part of the summer to wear away before he
advanced. Finally,- having embarked a force of 19,500 men on a fleet of 300
transports, he sailed southward. Washington promptly made a corresponding
march overland, passing through Philadelphia on the 24th of August. Howe,
F.nspecting that preparations would be made for impeding the passage of the
HISTORY OF PENNSVLVANIA. lOT
Delaware, sailed past its mouth, and moving up the Chesapeake instead, de-
barlced iifty-four miles from Philadelphia and commenced the march north-
ward. Great activity was now manifested in the city. The water-spouts wera
melted to furnish bullets, fair hands were busied in rolling cartidges, power-
ful chevaux-de-frise were planted to impede the navigation of the river, and
the last division of the militia of the city, which had been divided into three
classes, was called out. Washington, who had crossed the Brandywine, soon
confronted the advance of Howe, and brisk skirmishing at once opened. See-
ing that he was likely to have the right of his position at Eed Clay Creek,
where he had intended to give battle, turned by the largely superior'f orce of
the enemy, under cover of darkness on the night of the 8th of September, he
withdrew across the Brandywine at Chad's Ford, and posting Armstrong with
the militia upon the left, at Pyle's Ford, where the banks were rugged and pre-
cipitous, and Sullivan, who was second in command, upon the right at Brin-
ton's Ford under cover of forest, he himself took post with three divisions,,
Stealing's, Stephens', and his own, in front of the main avenue of approach at
Chad's. Howe, discovering that Washington was well posted, determined to
flank him. Accordingly, on the 11th, sending Knyphausen with a division of
Hessians to make vigorous demonstrations upoQ Washington's front at Chad's,
he, with the corps of Cornwallis, in light marching order, moved up the Brandy-
wine, far past the right flank of Washington, crossed the Brandywine at the
fords of Trumbull and Jeffrey unopposed, and, moving down came upon
Washington's right, held by Sullivan, all unsuspecting and unprepared to re-
ceive him. Though Howe was favored by a dense fog which on that morning
hung on all the valley, yet it had hardly been commenced before Washingtou
discovered the move and divined its purpose. His resolution was instantly
taken. He ordered Sullivan to cross the stream at Brinton's, and resolutely
turn the 'left flank of Knyphausen, when he himself with the main body would
move over and crush the British Army in detail. Is was a brilliant conception>
was feasible, and promised the most complete success. But what chagrin and
mortification, to receive, at the moment when he expected to hear the music of
Sullivan's guns doubling up the left of the enemy, and giving notice to him
to commence the passage, a message from that officer advising him that he had
disobeyed his orders to cross, having received intelligence that the enemy were
not moving northward, and that he was still in position at the ford. Thua
balked, Washington had no alternative but to remain in position, and it was not
long before the guns of Howe were heard moving in upon his all unguarded
right flank. The best dispositions were made which time would permit. His
main body with the force of Sullivan took position along the brow of the hill
on which stands the Birmingham meeting house, and the battle opened and
was pushed with vigor the whole day. Overborne by numbers, and weakened
by losses, Washington was obliged to retire, leaving the enemy in possession
of the field. The young French nobleman, Lafayette, was wounded while gal-
lantly serving in this fight. The wounded were carried into the Birmingham
meeting house, where the blood stains are visible to this day, enterprising
relic hunters for many generations having been busy in loosening small slivers
with the points of their knives.
The British now moved cautiously toward Philadelphia. On the 16th of
September, at a point some twenty miles west of Philadelphia, Washington
again made a stand, and'a battle opened with brisk skirmishing, but a heavy
rain storm coming on the powder of the patriot soldiers was completely rained on
account of their defective cartridge boxes. On the night of the 20th, Gen.
Anthony Wayne, who had been hanging on the rear of the enemy with hia
108 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
detachment, was surprised by Gen. Gray with a heavy oolomn, who fell sud-
denly upon the Americans in bivouac and put them to the sword, giving no
quarter. This disgraceful slaughter which brought a stigma and an indelible
stain upon the British arms is known as the Paoli Massacre. Fifty-three of
the victims of the black flag were buried in one grave. A neat monument
of white marble was erected forty years afterward over their moldering
remains by the KepnbJioan Artillerists of Chester County, which vandal hands
have not spared in their mania for relics.
Congress remained in Philadelphia while these military operations were
going on at its very doors; but on the IHth of September adjourned to meet
at Lancaster, though subsequently, on the 30th, removed across the Susque-
hanna to York, where it remained in session till after the evacuation in
the following summer. The Council remained until two days before the fall
of the city, when having dispatched the records of the loan office and the more
valuable papers to Easton, it adjourned to Lancaster. On the 26th, the British
Army entered the city. Deborah Logan in her memoir says: "Thestfrny
marched in and took possession in the city in the morning. We were up-stairs
and saw them pass the State House. They looked well, clean and well clad,
and the contrast between them and our own poor, bare-footed, ragged troops
was very great and caused a feeling of despair. * * * ♦ jjarly
in the afternoon, Lord Cornwallis' suite arrived and took possession of
my mother's house." But though now holding undisputed possession of the
American capital, Howe found his position an uncomfortable one, for his fleet
was in the Chesapeake, and the Delaware and all its defenses were in posses-
sion of the Americans, and Washington had manned the forts with some of
his most resolute troops. Varnum's brigade^ led by Cols. Angell and Greene,
Rhode Island troops, were at Port Mercer, at Ked Bank, and this the enemy
determined to attack. On the 21st of October, with a force of 2,500 men, led
by Count Donop, the attack was made. In two colums they moved as to an
easy victory. But the steady fire of the defenders when come in easy range,
swept them down with deadly effect, and, retiring with a loss of over 400 and
their leader mortally wounded, they did not renew the fight. Its reduction was
of prime importance, and powerful works were built and equipped to bear upon
the devoted fort on all sides, and the heavy guns of the fleet were brought up
to aid in overpowering it. For six long days the greatest weight of metal was
poured upon it from the land and the naval force, but without effect, the
sides of the fort successfully withstanding the plunging of their powerful
missiles. As a last resort, the great vessels were run suddenly in close under
the walls, and manning the yard-arms with sharp-shooters, so effectually
silenced and drove away the gunners that the fort fell easily into the Brit-
ish hands and the river was opened to navigation. The army of Washing-
ton, after being recruited and put in light marching order, was led to German-
town where, on the morning of the 3d of October the enemy was met. A
heavy fog that morning had obscured friend and foe alike, occasioning con-
fusion in the ranks, and though the opening promised well, and some progress
was made, yet the enemy was too strong to be moved, and the American laader
was forced to retire to his camp at White Marsh. Though the river had now
been opened and the city was thoroughly fortified for resisting attack, yet
Howe felt not quite easy in having the American Army quartered in so close
striking distance, and accordingly, on the 4th of December, with nearly his
entire army, moved out, intending to take Washington at White Marsh, sixteen
miles away, by surprise, and by rapidity of action gain an easy victory. But
by the heroism and fidelity of Lydia Darrah, who, as she had often done before
HISTOBtY of PENNSYLVANIA. 10!>
passed the gaardsi to go to the mill for flour, the news of the coming of Howe
waF communicated to Washington, who was prepared to receive him. Finding
that he could effect nothing, Howe returned to the city, having had th|e weari-
some march at this wintry season without effect.
Washington now crossed the Schuylkill and went into winter quarters at
Valley Forge. The cold of that winter was intense; the troops, half clad and
indifferently fed, suffered severely, the prints of their naked feet in frost and
snow being often tinted with patriot blood. Grown impatient of the small
results from ihe immensely expensive campaigns carried on across the ocean,
the Ministry relieved Lord Howe, and appointed Sir Henry Clinton to the
chief command.
The Commissioners whom Congress had sent to France early in the fall of
1776 — Franklin, Dean and Lee had been busy in making interest for the
united colonies at the French Court, and so successful were they, that arms and
ammunition and loans of money were procured from time to time. Indeed, so
persuasive had they become that it was a saying current at court th-at, ' ' It was
fortunate for the King that Franklin did not take it into his head to ask to
have the palace at Versailles stripped of its furniture to send to his dear
Americans, for his majesty would have been unable to deny him." Finally,
a convention was concluded, by which France agreed to use the royal army and
navy as faithful allies of the Americans against the English. Accordingly, a
fleet of four powerful frigates, and twelve ships were dispatched under com-
mand of the Count D'Estaing to shut up the British fleet in the Dela.ware. The
plan was ingenious, particularly worthy of the long head of Franklin. But
by some means, intelligence of the sailing of the French fleet reached (he
English cabinet, who immediately ordered the evacuation of the Delaware,
whereupon the Admiral weighed anchor and sailed away with his entire fleet to
New York, and D'Estaing, upon his arrival at the mouth of the Delaware, found
that the bird had flown.
Clinton evacuated Philadelphia and moved across New Jersey in the direc-
tion of New York. Washington closely followed and came up with the enemy
on the plains of Monmouth, on the 28th of June, 1778, where a sanguin-
ary battle was fought which lasted the whole day, resulting in the triumph of
the American arms, and Pennsylvania was rid of British troops.
The enemy was no sooner well away from the city than Congress returned
from York and resumed its sittings in its former quarters, June 24, 1778, and
on the following day, the Colonial Legislature returned from Lancaster. Gen
Arnold, who was disabled by a wound received at Saratoga, from field duty,
was given command in the city and marched in with a regiment on the day
following the evacuation. On the 23d of May, 1778, President Wharton died
suddenly of quinsy, while in attendance upon the Council at Lancaster, when
George Bryan, the Vice President, became the Acting President. Bryan was a
philanthropist in deed as well as word. Up to thia time, African slavery had
been tolerated in fhe colony. In his message of the 9th of November, he said:
"This or some better scheme, would tend to abrogate slavery — the approbrium
of America — from among us. * * * In divestiag the State of slaves, you
will equally serve the cause of humanity and policy, nud offer to God one of
the most proper and best returns of gratitude for ffis great deliverance of us
and our posterity from thraldom; you will also se?^^ your character for justice
and benevolence in the true point of view to Europe, who are astonished to see
a people eager for liberty holding negroes in bondage." He perfected a bill
for the extinguishment of claims to slaves which was passed by the Assembly,
March 1, 1780, by a vote of thirty-four tx) eighteen, providing that no child
110 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
•of slave parents born after that date should be a slave, but a servant till the
age of twenty-eight years, when all claim for service should end. Thus by a
simple enactment resolutely pressed by Bryan, was slavery forever rooted out
of Pennsylvania.
In the summer of 1778, a force of savages and sour- faced tories to the num-
ber of some 1,200, under the leadership of one Col. John Butler, a cruel and in-
linman wretch, descending from the north, broke into the Wyoming Valley on
the 2d of July. The strong men were in the army of "Washington, and the
only defenders were old men, beardless boys and resolute women. These, to
the number of about 400, under Zebulon Butler, a brave soldier who had won
■distinction in the old French war, and who happened to be present, moved
resolutely out to meet the invaders. Overborne by numbers, the inhabitants
were beaten and put to the sword, the few who escaped retreating to Forty
Fort, whither the helpless, up and down the valley, had sought safety. Here
humane terms of surrender were agreed to, and the families returned to
their homes, supposing all danger to be past. But the savages had
tasted blood, and perhaps confiscated liquor, and were little mindful oE capitu-
lations. The night of the 5th was given to indiscriminate massacre. The
<5ries of the helpless rang out upon the night air, and the heavens along all
the valley were lighted up with the flames of burning cottages; " and when the
moon arose, the terrified inhabitants were fleeing to the Wilkesbarre Mount-
ains, and the dark morasses of the Pocono Mountain beyond. " Most of these
were emigrants from Connecticut, and they made their way homeward as fast
as their feet would carry them, many of them crossing the Hudson at Pough-
ieepsie, where they told their tales of woe.
In February, 1778, Parliament, grown tired of this long and wasting war,
abolished taxes of which the Americans had complained, and a committee,
composed of Earl Carlisle, George Johnstone and William Eden, were sent
empowered to forgiVe past offenses, and to conclude peace with the colonies,
upon submission to the British crown. Congress would not listen to their
proposal?, maintaining that the people of America had done nothing that
needed forgiveness, and that no conference could be accorded so long as the
English Armies remained on American soil. Finding that negotiations could
not be entered upon with the government, they sought to worm their way by
base bribes. Johnstone proposed to Gen. Eeed that if he would lend his aid
to bring about terms of pacification, 10,000 guineas and the best office in the
country should be his. The answer of the stern General was a type of the
feeling which swayed every patriot: "My influence is but small, but were it
as great as Gov. Johntone would insinuate, the King of Great Britain has noth-
ing in his gift that would tempt me."
At the election held for President, the choice f el-1 upon Joseph Reed, with
George Bryan Vice President, subsequently Matthew Smith, and finally Will-
iam Moore. Reed was an erudite lawyer, and had held the positions of Pri-
vate Secretary to Washington, and subsequently Adjutant General of the
army. He was inaugurated on the 1st of December, 1778. Upon the return
of the patriots to Philadelphia, after the departure of the British, a bitter
feeling existed between them and the tories who had remained at their homes,
and had largely profited by the British occupancy. IJhe soldiers became dem-
onstrative, especially against those lawyers who had defended the tories in
■court. Some of those most obnoxious took refuge in the house of James Wil-
son, a signer of the Declaration. Private soldiers, in passing, fired upon it,
and shots were returned whereby one was killed and several wounded. The
President on being informed of these proceedings, rode at the head of the
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Ill
«it7 troop, and dispersed the assailants, capturing the leaders. The Academy
and College of Philadelphia required by its charter an oath of allegiance to
the King of Great Britain. An act wa^ passed November 27, 1779, abrogating
the former charter, and vesting its property in a new board. An endowment
from confiscated estates was settled u])on it of £15,000 annually. The name
of the institution was changed to the " University of the State of Pennsyl-
vania."
Prance was now aiding the American cause with money and large land
and naval forces. While some of the patriots remained steadfast and were
disposed to sacrifice and endure all for the success of the struggle, many, who
should have been in the ranks rallying around Washington, had grown luke-
warm. The General was mortified that' the French should come across the
ocean and make great sacrifices to help us, and should find so much indiffer-
ence prevailing among the citizens of many of the States, and so few coming
forward to fill up the decimated ranks. At the request of Washington, Presi-
dent Beed was invested with extraordinary powers, in 1780, which were used
prudently but effectively. During the winter of this year, some of the veteran
soldiers of the Pennsylvauia line mutinied and commenced the march on
Philadelphia with arms in their hands. Some of them had just cause. They
had enlisted for "three years or the war," meaning for three years unless
the war closed sooner. But the authorities had interpreted it to mean, three
years, or as much longer as the war should last. President Beed immediately
rode out to meet the mutineers, heard their cause, and pledged if all would re-
turn to camp, to have those who had honorably served out the full term of
three years discharged, which was agreed to. Before the arrival of the Presi-
dent, two emissaries from the enemy who had heard of the disaffection, came
into camp, offering strong inducements for them to continue the revolt. But
the mutineers spurned the offer, and delivered them over to the officers, by
■whom they were tried and executed as spies. The soldiers who had so patriot-
ically arrested and handed over these messengers were offered a reward of fifty
guineas; but they refused it on the plea that they were acting under authority
of the Board of Sergeants, under whose order the mutiny was being conducted.
Accordingly, a hundred guineas were offered to this board for their fidelity.
Their answer showed how conscientious even mutineers can be: "It was not
for the sake, or through any expectation of reward; but for the love of our
country, that we sent the spies immediately to Gen. Wayne; we therefore
do not consider ourselves entitled to any other reward but the love of our
country, and do jointly agree to accept of no other."
William Moore was elected Presidei^t to succeed Joseph Reed, from No-
vember 14, 1781, but held the office less than one year, the term of three years
for which he had been a Councilman having expired, which was the limit of
service. James Potter was chosen Vice President. On account of the hostile
attitude of the Ohio Indians, it was decided to call out a body of volunteers,
numbering some 400 from the counties of Washington and Westmoreland,
where the outrages upon the settlers had been most sorely felt, who chose for
their commander Col. William Crawford, of Westmoreland. The expedition
met a most unfortunate fate. It was defeated and cut to pieces, and the
leader taken captive and burned at the stake. Crawford County, which was
settled very soon afterward, was named in honor of this unfortunate soldier.
In the month of November, intelligence was communicated to the Legislature
that Pennsylvania soldiers, confined as prisoners of war on board of the Jer-
sey, an old hulk 1 j ing in the New York Harbor, were in a starving condition,
receiving at the hands of the enemy the most barbarous and inhuman treat-
112 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA.
ment. Fifty barrels of flour and 300 bushels of potatoes were immediately
sent to them.
In the State election of 1782, contested with great violence, John Dickin-
son was chosen President, and James Ewing Vice President. On the 12th of
March, 1783, intelligence was first received of the signing of the preliminary
treaty in which independence was acknowledged, and on the 11th of April
Congress sent forth the joyful proclamation ordering a cessation of hostilities.
The soldiers of Biirgoyne, who had been confined in the prison camp at Lan-
caster, were put upon the march for New York, passing through Philadelphia
on the way. Everywhere was joy unspeakable. The obstructions were re-
moved from the Delaware, and the white wings of commerce again came flut-
tering on every breeze. In June, Peunsylvania soldiers, exasperated by delay
in receiving their pay and their discharge, and impatient to return to their
homes, to a considerable number marched from their camp at Lancaster, and
arriving at Philadelphia sent a committee with arms in their hands to the
State House door with a remonstrance asking permission to elect officers to
command them for the redress of their grievances, their own having left them,
and employing threats in case of refusal. These demands the Council rejected.
The President of Congress, hearing of these proceedings, called a special ses-
sion, which resolved to demand that the militia of the State should be called
out to quell the insurgents. The Council refused to resort to this extreme
measure, when Congress, watehful of its dignity and of its supposed supreme
authority, left Philadelphia and established itself in Princeton, N. J., and
though invited to return at its next session, it refused, and met at Annapolis.
In October, 1784, the last treaty was concluded with the Indians at Fort
Stanwix. The Commissioners at this conference purchased from the natives
all the land to the north of the Ohio River, and the line of Pine Creek, which
completed the entire limits of the State with the exception of the triangle at
Erie, which was acquired from the United States in 1792. This purchase
was confirmed by the Wyandots and Delawares at Fort Mcintosh January 21,
1785, and the grant was made secure.
In September, 1785, after a long absence in the service of his country
abroad, perfecting treaties, and otherwise establishing just relations with other
nations, the venerable Benjamin Franklin, then nearly eighty years old, feel-
ing the infirmities of age coming upon him, asked to be relieved of the duties
of Minister at the Court of France, and returned to Philadelphia. Soon after
his arrival, he was elected President of the Council. Charles Biddle was
elected Vice President. It was at this period that a citizen of Pennsylvania,
John Fitch, secured a patent on his invention for propelling boats by steam.
In May, 1787, the convention to frame a constitution for the United States
met in Philadelphia. The delegation from Pennsylvania was Benjamin Frank-
lin, Robert Morris, Thomas Mifflin, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared
IngersoU, James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris. Upon the completion of
their work, the instrument was submitted to the several States for adoption. A
convention was called in Pennsylvania, which met on the 21st of November, and
though encountering resolute opposition, it was finally adopted on the 12th of De-
cember. On the following day, the convention, the Supreme Council and offi-
cers of the State and city government, moved in procession to the old court
house, where the adoption of the constitution was formally proclaimed amidst
the booming of cannon and the ringing of bells.
On the 5th of November, 1788, Thomas Mifflin was elected President, and
George Ross Vice President. The constitution of the State, framed in and
adapted to the exigencies of an emergency, was ill suited to the needs of State
114 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
in its relations to the new nation. Accordingly, a convention assembled for
the purpose of preparing a new constitution in November, 1789, which was
finally adopted on September 2, 1790. By the provisions of this instrument,
the Executive Council was abolished, and the executive duties were vested in
the hands of a Governor. Legislation was intrusted to an Assembly and a
Senate. The judicial system was continued, the terms of the Judges extend-
ing through good behavior.
CHAPTER XIII.
Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99— Thomas McKean, 1799-1808— Simon Snyder, 1808-17—
William Findlay, 1817-20— Joseph Heister, 1830-23— John A. Shulze, 1823
-29— George Wolfe. 1829-35— Joseph Ritner, 1835-39.
THE first election under the new Constitution resulted in the choice of
Thomas Mifflin, who was re-elected for three successive terms, giving him
the distinction of having been longer in the executive chair than any other
person, a period of eleven years. A system of internal improvements was now
commenced, by which vast water communications were undertaken, and a moun-
tain of debt was accumulated, a portion of which hangs over the State to this
day. In 1793, the Bank of Pennsylvania was chartered, one-third of the cap-
ital stock of which was subscribed for by the State. Branches were established
at Lancaster, Harrisburg, Beading, Easton and Pittsburgh. The branches
were discontinued in 1810; in 1843, the stock held by the State was sold, and
in 1857, it ceased to exist. In 1793, the yellow fever visited Phila-
delphia. It was deadly in its effects and produced a panic unparalleled.
Gov. Mifflin, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the United States Treasury,
were attacked. " Men of affluent forl.unes, who gave daily employment and
subsistence to hundreds, were abandoned to the csfre of a negro after their
wives, children, friends, clerks and servants had fled away and left them to
their fate. In some oases, at the commencement of the disorder, no money
could procure proper attendance. Many of the poor perished without a hu-
man being to hand them a drink of water, to administer medicines, or to per-
form any charitable office for them. Nearly 5,000 perished by this wasting
pestilence. "
The whisky insurrection in some of the western counties of the State,
which occurred in 1794, excited, by its lawlessness and wide extent, general
interest. An act of Congress, of March 3, 1791, laid a tax on distilled spirits
of four pence per gallon. The then counties of "Washington, Westmoreland,
Allegheny and Fayette, comprising the southwestern quarter of the State,
Were almost exclusively engaged in the production of grain. Being far re-
moved from any market, the product of their farms brought them scarcely any
Returns. The consequence was that a large proportion of the surplus grain
was turned into distilled spirits, and nearly every other farmer was a distiller.
This tax was seen to bear heavily upon them, from which a non-producer of
spirits was relieved. A rash determination was formed to resist its collection,
and a belief entertained, if all were united in resisting, it would be taken ofl.
Frequent altercations occurred between the persons appointed United States
Collectors and these resisting citizens. As an example, on the 5th of Septem-
HISTORV OF PENNSYLVANIA. 115
ber, 1791, a party iu disguise set upon Bobert Johnson, a Collector for Alle-
gheny and Washington, tarred and feathered him, cut off his hair, took away
bis horse, and left him in this plight to proceed. Writs for the arrest of the
perpetrators were issued, but none dared to venture into the territory to serve
them. On May 8, 1792, the law was modified, and the tax reduced. In Septem-
ber, 1792, President Washington issued his proclamation commanding all per-
sons to submit to the law, and to forbear from further opposition. But these meas-
ures had no effect, and the insm-gents began to organize for forcible resist,
ance. One Maj. Macfarlane, who in command of a party of insurrectionists,
was killed in an encounter with United States soldiers at the house of Gen.
Neville. The feeling now ran very high, and it was hardly safe for any per-
son to breathe a whisper against the insurgents throughout all this district.
" A breath," says Brackenridge, " in favor of the law, was sufficient to ruin
any man. A clergyman was not thought orthodox in the pulpit unless against
the law. A physician was not capable of administering medicine, unless his
principles were right in this respect. A lawyer could get no practice, nor
a merchant at a country store get custom if for the law. On the contrary, to
talk against the law was the way to office and emolument. To go to the
Legislature or to Congress you must make a noise against it. It was the Shib-
boleth of safety and the ladder of ambition " One Bradford had, of his own
notion, issued a circular letter to the Colonels of regiments to assemble with
their commands at Braddock's field on the 1st of August, where they appoint-
ed officers and moved on to Pittsburgh. After having burned a barn, and
made some noisy demonstrations, they were induced by some cool heads to re-
turn. These turbulent proceedings coming to the ears of the State and Na-
tional authorities at Philadelphia, measures were concerted to promptly and
effectually check them. Gov. Mifflin appointed Chief Justice McKean, and
Gen. William Irvine to proceed to the disaffected district, ascertain the facts,
and try to bring the leaders to justice. President Washington issued a proc-
lamation commanding all persons in arms to disperse to their homes on or be-
fore the 1st of September, proximo, and called out the militia of four States
— Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia — to the number of 13,000
men, to enforce his commands. The quota of Pennsylvania was 4,500 infan-
trv, 500 cavalry, 200 artillery, and Gov. Mifflin took command in person.
Gov. Richard Howell, of New Jersey, Gov. Thomas S. Lee, of Maryland, and
Gen. Daniel Morgan, of Virginia, commanded the( forces from their States,
and Gov. Henry Lee, of Virginia, was placed in chief command. President
Washington, accompanied by Gen. Knox, Secretary of War, Alexander Hamil-
ton, Secretary of the Treasury, and Richard Peters, of the United States Dis-
trict Court, set out on the 1st of October, for the seat of the disturbance. On
Friday, the President reached Harrisburg, and on Saturday Carlisle, whither
the army had preceded him. In the meantime a committee, consisting of
James Ross, Jasper Yeates and William Bradford, was appointed by President
Washington to proceed to the disaffected district, and endeavor to persuade
misguided citizens to return to their allegiance.
A meeting of 260 delegates from the four counties was held at Parkinson's
Ferry on the 14th of August, at which the state of their cause was considered,
resolutions adopted, and a committee of sixty, one from each county, was ap-
pointed, and a sub-committee of twelve was named to confer with the United
States Commissioners, McKean and Irvine. These conferences with the State
and National Committees were successful in arranging preliminary conditions
of settlement. On the 2d of October, the Committee of Safety of the insur-
gents met at Parkinson's Ferry, and having now learned that a well-organized
116 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
army, with Washington at its head, was marching westward for enforcing
obedience to the laws, appointed a committee of two, William Findley and
David Eeddick, to meet the President, and assure bim that the disaffected were
disposed to return to their duty. They met Washington at Carlisle, and sev-
eral conferences were held, and assurances given of implicit obedience; but
the President said that as the troops had been called out, the orders for the
march would not be countermanded. The President proceeded forward on the
11th of October to Chambersburg, reached Williamsport on the 13tb and Fort
Cumberland on the 14th, where he reviewed the Virginia and Maryland forces,
and arrived at Bedford on the 19th. Remaining a few days, and being satis-
fied that the sentiment of the people had changed, he returned to Philadel-
phia, arriving on the 28th, leaving Gen. Lee to meet the Commissioners and
make such conditions of pacification as should seem just. Another meeting of
the Committee of Safety was held at Parkinson's Ferry on the 24th, at which
assurances of abandonment of opposition to the laws were received, and the
same committee, with the addition of Thomas Morton and Bphriam Douglass,
was directed to return to headquarters and give assurance of this disposition.
They did not reach Bedford until after the departure of Washington. But at
Uniontown they met Gen. Lee, with whom it was agreed that the citizens
of these four counties should subscribe to an oath to support the Constitution
and obey the laws. Justices of the Peace issued notices that books were oppned
for subscribing to the oath, and Gen. Lee issued a judicious address urging
ready obedience. Seeing that all requirments were being faithfully carried
out, an order was issued on the 17th of November for the return of ttie army
and its disbandment. A number of arrests were made and trials and convic-
tions were had, but all were ultimately pardoned.
With the exception of a slight ebulition at the prospect of a war with France
in 1797, and a resistance to the operation of the " Homestead Tax " in Lehigh,
Berks and Northampton Counties, when tlie militia was called out, the re-
mainder of the term of Gov. Mifflin passed in comparative quiet. By an act
of the Legislature of the 3d of April, 1799, the capital of the State was re
moved to Lancaster, and soon after the capital of the United States to Wash-
ington, the house on Ninth street, which had been built for the residence of the
President of the United States, passing to the use of the University of Pennsyl-
vania.
During the administrations of Thomas McKean, who was elected Governor
in 1799, and Simon Snyder in 1808, little beyond heated political contests
marked the even tenor of the government, until the breaking-out of the troub-
les which eventuated in the war of 1812. The blockade of the coast of France
in 1806, and the retaliatory measures of Napoleon in his Berlin decree, swept
American commerce, which had hitherto preserved a neutral attitude and prof-
ited by European wars, from the seas. The haughty ctmduct of Great Britain
in boarding American vessels for suspected deserters from the British Navy,
under cover of which the grossest outrages were committed, American seaman
being dragged from the decks of their vessels and impressed into the English
service, induced President Jefferson, •in July, 1807, to issue his proclamation
ordering all British armed vessels to leave the waters of the United States, and
forbidding any to enter, until satisfaction for the past and security for the
future should be provided for. Upon the meeting of Congress in December,
an embargo was laid, detaining all vessels, American and foreign, then in
American waters, and ordering home all vessels abroad. Negotiations were
conducted between the two countries, but no definite results were reached, and
in the meantime causes of irritation multiplied until 1812, when President
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 117
Madison declared war against Great Britain, known as the war of 1812.
Pennsylyania promptly seconded the National Government, the message of
Gov. Snyder on the occasion ringing like a silver clarion. The national call
for 100,000 men required 14,000 from this State, but so great was the enthu-
siasm, that several times this number tendered their services. The State force
was organized in two divisions, to the command of the first of A^hich Maf
Gen. Isaac Morrell was appointed, and to the second Maj. Gen. AdamsonTan-
nehill. Gunboats and privateers were built in the harbor of Erie and on the
Delaware, and the defenses upon the latter were put in order and suitable
armaments provided. At Tippecanoe, at Detroit, at Queenstown Heights, at
the Eiver Baisin, at Fort Stephenson, and at the Eiver Thames, the war was
waged with varying success. Upon the water, Commodores Decatur, Hull,
Jones, Perry, Lawrence, Porter and McDonough made a bright chapter in
American history, as was to be wished, inasmuch as the war had been under-
taken to vindicate the honor and integrity of that branch of the service. Napo-
leon, having met with disaster, and his power having been broken, 14,000 of
Wellington's veterans were sent to Canada, and the campaign of the next year
was opened with vigor. But at the battles of Oswego, Chippewa, Lundy's
Lane, Fort Erie and Plattsburg, the tide was turned against the enemy, and
the country saved from invasion. The act which created most alarm to
Pennsylvania was one of vandalism scarcely matched in the annals of war-
fare. In August, 1814, Gen. Koss, with 6,000 men in a flotilla of sixty sails,
moved up Chesapeake Bay, fired the capitol, President's house and the various
offices of cabinet ministers, and these costly and substantial buildings, the nation-
al library and all the records of the Government from its foundation were utterly
destroyed. Shortly afterward, Ross appeared before Baltimore with the design
of multiplying his barbarisms, but he was met by a force hastily collected under
Gen. Samuel Smith, a Pennsylvania veteran of the Revolution, and in the brief
engagement which ensued Ross was killed. In the severe battle with the
corps of Gen Strieker, the British lost some 300 men. The fleet in the mean-
time opened a fierce bombardment of Fort McHenry, and during the day and
ensuing night 1,500 bombshells were thrown, but all to no purpose, the gal-
lant defense of Maj. Armistead proving successful. It was during this awful
night that Maj. Key, who was a prisoner on board the fleet, wrote the song of
the Star Spangled Banner, which became the national lyric. It was in the ad-
ministration of Gov. Snyder in February, 1810, that an act was passed making
Harrisburg the seat of government, and a commission raised for erecting public
buildings, the sessions of the Legislature being held in the court house at Har-
risburg from 1812 to 1821.
The administrations of William Findley, elected in 1817, Joseph Heister,
in 1820, and John Andrew Schulz in 1823, followed without marked events.
Parties became very warm in their discussions and in their management of po-
litical campaigns. The charters for the forty banks which had been passed in
a fit of frenzy over the veto of Gov. Snyder set a flood of paper money afloat.
The public improvements, principally in opening lines of canal, were prose-
cuted, and vast debts incurred. These lines of conveyances were vitally need-
ful to move the immense products and vast resources of the State
Previous to the year 1820, little use was made of stone coal. Judge
Obediah Gore, a blacksmith, used it upon his forge as early as 1769, and
found the heat stronger and more enduring than that produced by charcoal.
In 1791, Phillip Ginter, of Carbon County, a hunter by profession, having on
one occasion been out all day without discovering any game, was returning at
night discouraged and worn out, across the Mauch Chunk Mountain, when, in
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
119
TABLE SHOWING AMOUNT OF ANTHRACITE COAL PRODUCED IN
EACH REGION SINCE 1820.
YEAR.
Lehigh,
Tons.
365
1,073
2,240
5,888
9,541
38,898
81,880
33,074
80,838
25,110
41,750
40,966
70,000
133,001
106,244
181,250
148,311
223,902
213,615
221,025
225,313
143,087
372,540
267.798
377,002
429,453
517,116
633,507
670,321
781,656
690,456
964,224
1,072,136
1,054,309
1,207,186
1,284,118
1,351,970
1,318,541
1,380,030
1,628,311
1,821,674
1,738,377
1,851,054
1,894,713
2,054,669
2,040,913
2,179,364
2,502,054
2,507,582
1,939,523
3,172,916
2,235,707
3,873,339
3,705,596
3,773,836
2,834,605
3,854,919
4,333,760
3,337,449
4,595,567
4,468,221
5,894,676
5.689,437
6,113,809
Schuylkill.
Tom.
Wyoming,
Tons.
Lyken'i
Valley,
Shamokin,
etc..
Tons.
Total Tons.
1820
363
1831
1,073
1833
1,480
1,128
1,567
6,500
16,767
31,860
47,284
79,973
89,934
81,854
209,871
258,971
286,692
339,508
432,045
530,158
446,875
463,147
475,091
608,003
573,373
700,300
874,850
1,131,734
1,395,938
1,650,831
1,714,865
1,683,435
1,783,936
3,389,486
3,517,493
3,551,603
3,957,670
3,318,555
3,889,585
8,985,541
3,903.831
8,004,953
3,870,516
3,697,439
3,890,593
3,433,365
3,643,318
3,755,803
4,957,180
4,834,830
4,414,356
4,821,253
8,853,016
6,552,772
6,694,890
7,212,601
6,866,877
6,381,712
6. 331,934
8,195,042
6,282,236
8,960,339
7,5.54.742
9,253,958
9.459,288
10,074,736
3,730
1883
6,951
11 108
1834
1825
34,893
1826
48,047
1837
63,434
1828
77,516
1829
7,000
43,000
54,000
84,000
111,777
48,700
90,000
103,861
115,887
78,207
122,300
148,470
192,270
252,599
885,605
365,911
451,836
518,889
588,067
685,196
733,910
827,823
1,156,167
1,284,500
1,475,733
1,603,478
1,771,511
1,978,581
1,953,608
3,186,094
8,731,236
2,941,817
3,055,140
3,145,770
3,759,610
3,960,886
3,854,519
4,736,616
5,325,000
5,990,813
6,068,869
7,825,188
6,911,242
9,101,549
10,809,755
9,504,408
10,596,155
8,424,158
8,300,877
8,085,587
12,586,298
11,419,279
13,951,383
18,971,371
15,604,493
"ii^gso"
15,505
21,463
10,000
10,000
13,087
10,000
12,572
14,904
19,356
45,075
57,684
99,099
119,342
118,507
234,090
234,388
313,444
388,256
870,434
443,755
479,116
463,808
481,990
478,418
519,752
621,157
830,723
886,851
981,381
908,885
998,889
113,083
1830
174,734
1831
176,830
1832
363,871
1833
487,748
1884
376,636
1835
560,758
1836
684,117
879,441
1838
738,697
818,40a
1840
864,384
959,973
1848
1,108,418
1,263,598
1844
1,630,850
3,013,013
1846
3,844,005
2,883,309
1848
8,089,238
3,243,966
1850
3,358,899
4,448,916
1852
4,993,471
5,195,151
1854
6,002,334
6.608,517
1856
6,927,58»
6,664,941
1858
6,759.369
7,808,255
I860
8,513,123
7,954,314
1862
7,875,412
9,566,006
1864
10,177,475
9,653,391
1866
13,703,882
13,991,735
1868 ....,
18,834,132
13,733,030
1870
15,849,898
15,699,721
1872
19,669,778
21,227,952
1874
20,145,121
19,713,472
1876
18,501,011
30,828,179
1878
17,605,262
36,143,689
1880
33,437,243
38,500,016
1888
39,130,096
81,793,039
120 HISTORY 0? PENNSYLVANIA
the gathering shades he stumbled upon something which seemed to have a
glistening appearance, that he was induced to pick np and carry home. This
specimen was takeo to Philadelphia, where an analysis showed it to be a good
quality of anthracite coal. But, though coal was known to exist, no one knew
how to use it. In 1812, Col. George Shoemaker, of Schuylkill County, took
nine wagon loads to Philadelphia. But he was looked upon as an imposter
for attempting to sell worthless stone for coal. He finally sold two loads for
the cost of transportation, the remaining seven proving a complete loss. In
1812, White & Hazard, manufacturers of wire at the Falls of Schuylkill, in-
duced an application to be made to the Legislature to incorporate a com-
pany for the improvement of the Schuylkill, urging as an inducement the im-
portance it would have for transporting coal; whereupon, the Senator from
that district, in his place, with an air of knowledge, asserted "that there was
no coal there, that there was a kind of black atone which was called coal, but
that it would not bum."
White & Hazard procured a cart load of Lehigh coal that cost them $1 a
bushel, which was all wasted in a vain attempt to make it ignite. Another
cart load was obtained, and a whole night spent in endeavoring to make a fire
in the furnace, when the hands shut the furnace door and left the mill in de-
spair. "Fortunately one of them left his jacket in the mill, and returning for
it in about half an hour, noticed that the door was red hot, and upon opening
it, was surprised at finding the whole furnace at a glowing white heat. The
other hands were summoned, and four separate parcels of iron were heated
and rolled by the same fire before it required renewing. The furnace was
replenished, and as letting it alone had succeeded feo well, it was concluded to
try it again, and the experiment was repeated with the same result. The
Lehigh Navigation Company and the Lehigh Coal Company were incorporated
in 1818, which companies became the basis of the Lehigh Coal and Naviga-
tion Company, incorporated in 1822. In 1820, coal was sent to Philadelphia
by artificial navigation, but 365 tons glutted the market." In 1825, there
were brought by the Schuylkill 5,378 tons. In 1826, by the Schuylkill,
10, 265 tons, and by the Lehigh 31,280 tons. The stage of water being in-
sufficient, dams and sluices were constructed near Mauch Chunk, in 1819, by
which the navigation was improved. The coal boats used were great square
arks, 16 to 18 feet wide, and 20 to 25 feet long. At first, two of these were
joined together by hinges, to allow them to yield up and down in passing over
the dams. Finally, as the boatmen became skilled in the navigation, several
were joined, attaining a length of 180 feet. Machinery was used for jointing
the planks, and so expert had the men become that five would build an ark
and launch it in forty-five minutes. After reaching Philadelphia, these boats
were taken to pieces, the plank sold, and the hinges sent back for constructing
others. Such were the crude methods adopted in the early days for bringing
coal to a market. In 1827, a railroad was commenced, which was completed
in three months, nine miles in length. This, with the exception of one at
Quincy, Mass., of four miles, built in 1826, was the first constructed in the
United States. The descent was 100 feet per mile, and the coal descended by
gravity in a half hour, and the cars were drawn back by mules, which rode
down with the coal. "The mules cut a most grotesque figure, standing three
or four together, in their cars, with their feeding troughs before them, appar-
ently surveying with delight the scenery of the mountain; and though they
preserve the most profound gravity, it is utterly impossible for the spectator
to maintain his. It is said that the mules, having once experienced the com-
fort of riding down, regard it as a right, and neither mild nor severe measures
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 121
will induce them to descend in any other way." Bituminous coal was discov-
ered and its qualities utilized not much earlier than the anthracite. A tract
of coal land was taken up in Clearfield County in 1785, by Mr. S. Boyd, and
in 1804 he sent an ark down the Susquehanna to Columbia, which caused
much surprise to the inhabitants that " an article with which they were wholly
unacquainted should be brought to their own doors."
During the administrations of George Wolf, elected in 1829, and Joseph
Kitner, elected in 1835, a measure of great beneficence to the State was passed
and brought into a good degree of successful operation — nothing less than a
broad system of public education. Schools had been early established in
Philadelphia, and parochial schools in the more populous portions of the
State from the time of early settlement. In 1749, through the influence of
Dr. Franklin, a charter was obtained for a "college, academy, and charity
school of Pennsylvania," and from this time to the beginning of the present
century, the friends of education were earnest in establishing colleges, the
Colonial Government, and afterward the Legislature, making liberal grants
from the revenues accruing from the sale of lands for their support, the uni-
versity of Pennsylvania being chartered in 1752, Dickinson College in 1783,
Pranklin and Marshall College in 1787, and Jefferson College in 1802. Com-
mencing near the beginning of this century, and continuing for over a period
of thirty years, vigorous exertions were put forth to establish county acad-
emies. Charters were granted for these institutions at the county seats of
forty-one counties, and appropriations were made of money, varying from
•$2,000 to 16,000, and in several instances of quite extensive land grants. In
1809, an act was passed for the education of the "poor, gratis." The Asses-
sors in their annual rounds were to make a record of all such as were indi-
gent, and pay for their education in the most convenient schools. But few
were found among the spirited inhabitants of the commonwealth willing to
admit that they were so poor as to be objects of charity.
By the act of April 1, 1884, a general system of education by common
Bchools was established. Unfortunately it was complex and unwieldy. At the
next session an attempt was made to repeal it, and substitute the old law of
1809 for educating the "poor, gratis," the repeal having been carried in the
Senate. But through the appeals of Thaddeus Stevens, a man alwa^^s in the
van in every movement for the elevation of mankind, this was defeated. At
the next session, 1836, an entirely new bill, discarding the objectionable feat-
ures of the old one, was prepared by Dr. George Smith, of Delaware County,
and adopted, and from this time forward has been in efficient operation. It may
seem strange that so long a time should have elapsed before a general system of
education should have been secured. But the diversity of origin and lan-
guage, the antagonism of religious seats, the very great sparseness of popula-
t^ion in many parts, made it impossible at an earlier day to establish schools.
In 1854, the system was improved by engrafting upon it the feature of the
County Suporiutendency, and in 1859 by providing for the establishment- of
twelvfc) Normal Schools, in as many districts into which the State was divided,
for the professional training of teacher^
122 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
OHAPTEE XIY.
David R. Portek, 1839-45— rBANcis R. Shunk, 1845-48— William F. Johnstone
1848-53— William Bigler, 1852-55— James Pollock, 1855-5»— William F.
Packer, 1858-61 —Andrew G. Curtin, 1861-67— John W. Geary, 1867-73—
John F. Hartranft, 1873-78— Henry F. Hoyt, 1878-82— Robert E. Pat-
TISON, 1882.
IN 1837, a convention assembled in Harrisburg, and subsequently in Philadel-
phia, for revising the constitution, which revision was adopted by a vote of
the people. One of the chief objects of the change was the breaking up of
what was known as "omnibus legislation," each bill being required to have
but one distinct subject, to be definitely stated in the title. Much of the pat-
ronage of the Governor was taken from him, and he was allowed but two terms
of three years in any nine years. The Senator's term was fixed at three years.
The terms of Supreme Court Judges were limited to fifteen years. Common
Pleas Judges to ten, and Associate Judges to five. A step backward was taken
in limiting suffrage to white male citizens twenty-one years old, it having pre-
viously been extended to citizens irrespective of color. Amendments could be
proposed once in five years, and if adopted by two successive Legislatures^
and approved by a vote of the people, they became a part of the organic law.
At the opening of the gubernatorial term of David E. Porter, who was
chosen in October, 1838, a civil commotion occurred known as the Buckshot
War, which at one time threatened a sanguinary result. By the returns,
Porter had some 5,000 majority over Ritner, but the latter, who was the in-
cumbent, alleged frauds, and proposed an investigation and revision of the
returns. Thomas H. Burrows was Secretary of State, and Chairman of the
State Committee of the Anti-Masonic party, and in an elaborate address to the
people setting forth the grievance, he closed with the expression " let us treat
the election as if we had not been defeated. " This expression gave great
ofiense to the opposing party, the Democratic, and public feeling ran high
before the meeting of the Legislature. Whether an investigation could be had
would depend upon the political complexion of that body. The Senate was
clearly Anti-Masonic, and the House would depend upon the Representatives of
a certain district in Philadelphia, which embraced the Northern Liberties.
The returning board of this district had a majority of Democrats, who pro-
ceeded to throw out the entire vote of Northern Liberties, for some alleged
irregularities, and gave the certificate to Democrats. Whereupon, the minor-
ity of the board assembled, and counted the votes of the Northern Liberties,
which gave the election to the Anti-Masonic candidates, and sent certificates
accordingly. By right and justice, there is no doubt that the Anti- Masons
were fairly elected. But the majority of a returning board alone have
authority to make returns, and the Democrats had the certificates which bore
prima facie evidence of being correct, and should have been received and
transmitted to the House, where alone rested the authority to go behind the
returns and investigate their correctness. But upon the meeting of the House
the Secretary of the Commonwealth sent in the certificates of the minority of
the returning board of the Northern Liberties district, which gave the majbr-
i'^y to the Anti -Masons. But the Democrats were not disposed to submit, and
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 123
the consequence was that two delegations from the disputed district appeared,
demanding seats, and upon the organization, two Speakers were elected and
took the platform — Thomas S. Cunningham for the Anti-Masons, and Will-
iam Hopkins for the Democrats. At this stage of the game, an infuriated
lobby, collected from Philadelphia and surrounding cities, broke into the
two Houses, and, interrupting all business, threatened the lives of members,
and compelled them to seek safety in flight, when they took uncontrolled pos-
session of the chambers and indulged in noisy and impassioned harangues.
From the capitol, the mob proceeded to the court house, where a ' ' committee
of safety ' ' was appointed. For several days the members dared not enter
either House, and when one of the parties of the House attempted to assemble,
the person who had been appointed to act as Speaker was forcibly ejected. All
business was at an end, and the Executive and State Departments were closed.
At this juncture. Gov. Bitner ordered out the militia, and at the same time
called on the United States authorities for help. The militia, under Gens.
Pattison and Alexander, came promptly to the rescue, but the President refused
to furnish the National troops, though the United States storekeeper at the
Frankf ord Arsenal turned over a liberal supply of ball and buckshot cartridges. .
The arrival of the militia only served to fire the spirit of the lobby, and they
immediately commenced drilling and organizing, supplying themselves with
arms and fixed ammunition. The militia authorities were, however, able to
clear the capitol, when the two Houses assembled, and the Senate signified the
willingness to recognize that branch of the House presided over by Mr. Hop-
kins. This ended the diflSculty, and Gov. Porter was duly inaugurated.
Francis R. Shunk was chosen Governor in 1845, and during his term of
office the war with Mexico occurred. Two volunteer regimente, one under
command of Col. Wynkoop, and the other under Col. Eoberis, subsequently
Col. John W. Geary, were sent to the field, while the services of a. much
larger number were offered, but could not be received. Toward the close of
his first term, having been reduced by sickness, and feeling his end approach-
ing, Gov. Shunk resigned, and was succeeded by the Speaker of the Senate,
William F. Johnston, who was duly chosen at the next annual election. Dur-
ing the administrations of William Bigler, elected in 1851, James Pollock in
1854, and William F. Packer in 1857, little beyond the ordinary course of
events marked the history of the State. The lines of public works undertaken
at the expense of the State were completed. Their cost had been enormous,
and a debt was piled up against it of over $40,000,000. These works, vastly
expensive, were still to operate and keep in repair, and the revenues therefrom
failing to meet expectations, it was determined in the administration of Gov.
Pollock to sell them to the highest bidder, the Pennsylvania Eailroad Com-
pany purchasing them for the sum of $7,500,000.
In the administration of Gov. Packer, petroleum was first discovered in
quantities in this country by boring into the bowels of the earth. From the
earliest settlement of the country it was known to exist. As early as July 18,
1627. a French missionary, Joseph Delaroche Daillon, of the order of Eeool-
lets, described it in a letter published in 1632, in Segard's L'Histoire du
Canada, and this description is confirmed by the journal of Charlevois, 1721.
Fathers Dollier and Galinee, missionaries of the order of St. Sulpice, made a
map of this section of country, which they sent to Jean Talon, Intendent of
Canada, on the 10th of November, 1670, on which was marked at about the
point where is now the town of Cuba, N. Y. , "Fontaine de Bitume." The
Earl of Belmont, Governor of New York, instructed his chief engineer,
Wolfgang W. Romer, on September 3, 1700, in his visit to the Six Nations,
124 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
" To go and view a well or spring which is eight miles beyond the Seneks'
farthest castle, which they have told me blazes up in a flame, when a lighted
■coale or firebrand is put into it; you will do well to taste the said water, and
give me your opinion thereof, and bring with you some of it." Thomas Cha-
bert de Joncaire, who died in September, 1740, is mentioned in the journal of
Obarlevoix of 1721 as authority for the existence of oil at the place mentioned
above, and at points further south, probably on Oil Creek. The following
account of an event occurring during the occupancy of this part of the State
by the French is given as an example of the religious uses made of oil by the
Indians, as these fire dances are understood to have been annually celebrated:
■'While descending the Allegheny, fifteen leagues below the mouth of the
Connewango (Warren) and three above Fort Venango (Oil City), we were
invited by the chief of the Seneeas to attend a religious ceremony of his tribe.
We landed and drew up our canoes on a point where a small stream entered
the river. The tribe appeared unusually solemn. We marched up the stream
about a half a league, where the company, a large band it appeared, had
arrived some days before us. Gigantic hills begirt us on every side. The
scene was really sublime. The great chief then recited the conquests and
heroisms of their ancestors. The surface of the stream was covered with a
thick scum, which bluest into a complete conflagration. The oil had been
gathered and lighted with a torch. At sight of the flames, the Indians gave
forth a triumphant shout, and made the hills and valley re-echo again."
In nearly all geographies and notes of travel published during the early
period of settlement, this oil is referred to, and on several maps the word petro-
leum appears opposite the mouth of Oil Creek. Gen. Washington, in his will,
in speaking of his lands on the Great Kanawha, says: " The tract of which the
125 acres is a moiety, was taken up by Gen. Andrew Lewis and myself, for and
on account of a bituminous spring which it contains of so inflammable a nat-
ure as to burn as freely as spirits, and is as nearly difiScult to extinguish."
Mr. Jefierson, in his Notes on Virginia, also gives an account of a burning
spring on the lower grounds of the Great Kanawha. This oil not only seems
to have been kuown, but to have been systematically gathered in very early
times. Upon the flats a mile or so below the city of Titusville are many acres
of cradle holes dug out and lined with split logs, evidently constructed for
the purpose of gathering it. The fact that the earliest inhabitants could
never discover any stumps from which these logs were cut, and the further fact
that trees are growing of giant size in the midst of these cradles, are evidences
that they must have been operated long ago. It could not have been the work
of any of the nomadic Indian tribes found here at the coming of the white
man, for they were never known to undertake any enterprise involving so
much labor, and what could they do with the oil when obtained.
The French could hardly have done the work, for we have no account of
the oil having been obtained in quantities, or of its being transported to
France. May this not have been the work of the Mound-Builders, or of colo-
nies from Central America? When the writer first visited these pits, in 1855,
he found a spring some distance below Titusville, on Oil Creek, where the
water was conducted into a trough, from which, daily, the oil, floating on its
surface, was taken off by throwing a woolen blanket upon it, and then wring-
ing it into a tub, the clean wool absorbing the oil and rejecting the water, and
in this way a considerable quantity was obtained.
In 1859, Mr. E. L. Drake, at first representing a company in New York,
commenced drilling near the spot where this tub was located, and when the
company would give him no more money, straining his own resources, and his
HISTORY OF PENNSVLVANIA. 125
credit with his friends almost to the breaking point, and when about to give
up in despair, finally struck a powerful current of pure oil. From this time
forward, the territory down the valley of Oil Creek and np all its tributaries
was rapidly acquired and developed for oil land. In some places, the oil was
sent up with immense force, at the rate of thousands of barrels each day, and
great trouble was experienced in bringing it under control and storing it. In
some cases, the force of the gas was so powerful on being accidentally fired,
as to defy all approach for many days, and lighted up the forests at night
with billows of light.
The oil has been found in paying quantities in McKean, Warren, Forest,
Crawford, Venango, Clarion, Butler and Armshrong Counties, chiefly along
the upper waters of the Allegheny Eiver and its tributary, the Oil Creek. It
was first transported in barrels, and teams were kept busy from the first dawn
until far into the night. As soon as practicable, lines of railway were con-
structed from nearly all the trunk lines. Finally barrels gave place to im-
mense iron tanks riveted upon cars, provided for the escape of the gases, and
later great jpipe lines were extended from the wells to the seaboard, and to the
Great Lakes, through which the fluid is forced by steam to its distant destina-
tions Its principal uses are for illumination and lubricating, though many
of its products are employed in the mechanic arts, notably for dyeing, mixing
of paints, and in the practice of medicine. Its production has grown to be
enormous, and seems as yet to show no sign of diminution. We give an ex-
hibit of the annual production since its discovery, compiled for this ^ork by
William 11. Siviter, editor of the Oil City Derrick, which is the acknowledged
authority on oil matters:
Production of the Pennsylvania Oil Fields, compiled from the Derrick'^
Hand-book, December, 1883:
Barrela Barrels.
1859 83,000 1873 9,849,508
1860 500,000 1874 11,102.114
1861 8,113,000 1875 8,948,749
1862 3,056,606 1876 9,142,940
1863 2,611,399 1877 18,052,713
1864 2,116,182 1878 15,011,425
1865 3.497,712 1879 20.085,716
1866 8,.597,512 1880 24,788,950
1867 3,347,306 1881 29,674,458
1868 3,715,741 1882 31,789,190
1869 4,186,475 1883 24,385,966
1870 5,308,046
1871 5,278,076 A grand total of 243,749,558
1872 6,505,774
In the fall of 1860, Andrew G. Curtin was elected Governor of Pennsyl-
vania, and Abraham Lincoln President of the United States. An organized
rebellion, under the specious name of secession, was thereupon undertaken,
embracing parts of fifteen States, commonly designated the Slave States, and
a government established "under the name of the Confederate States of America,
with an Executive and Congress, which commenced the raising of troops for
defense.
On the 12th of April, an attack was made upon a small garrison of United
States troops shut up in Fort Sumter. This was rightly interpreted as the
first act in a great drama. On the 15th, the President summoned 75,000 vol-
unteers to vindicate the national authority, calling for sixteen regiments from
Pennsylvania, and urging that two be sent forward immediately, as the capital
was without defenders.
The people of the State, having no idea that war could be possible, had no
126 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
preparation for the event, There chanced at the time to be five companies in
a tolerable state of organization. These were the Ringold Light Artillery,
Capt. McKnight, of Reading; the Logan Guards, Oapt. Selheimer, of Lewis-
town ; the Washington Artillery, Capt. Wren, and the National Light Infan-
try, Capt. McDonald, of Pottsville; and the Allen Rifles, Capt. Yeager, of
Allentown.
On the 18th, in oonjunctibn with a company of fifty regulars, on their way
from the West to Port MoHenry, under command of Capt, Pemberton, after-
ward Lieut. Gen. Pemberton, of the rebel army, these troops moved by rail
for Washington. At Baltimore, they were obliged to march two milesthrough
a jeering and insulting crowd. At the center of the city, the regulars filed
ofi" toward Fort McHenry, leaving the volunteers to pursue their way alone,
when the crowd of maddened people were excited to redoubled insults. In the
whole battalion there was not a charge of powder; but a member of the Logan
Guards, who chanced to have a box of percussion caps in his pocket, had dis-
tributed them to his comrades, who carried their pieces capped and half
cocked, creating the impression that they were loaded and ready for service.
This ruse undoubtedly saved the battalion from the murderous assault made
upon the Massachusetts Sixth on the following day. Before leaving, they were
pelted with stones and billets of wood while boarding the cars; but, fortu-
nately, none were seriously injured, and the train finally moved away and
reached Washington in safety, the first troops to come to the unguarded and
imperiled capitaL
Instead of sixteen, twenty-five regiments were organized for the three months'
service from Pennsylvania. Judging from the threatening attitude assumed
by the rebels across the Potomac that the southern frontier would be con-
stantly menaced. Gov. Curtin sought permission to organize a select corps,
to consist of thirteen regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and one of artillery,
and to be known as the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, which the Legislature, in
special session, granted. This corps of 15,000 men was speedily raised, and the
intention of the State authorities was to keep this body permamently within
the limits of the Commonwealth for defense. But at the time of the First
Bull Run disaster in July, 1861, the National Government found itself with-
out troops to even defend the capital, the time of the three months' men being
now about to expire, and at its urgent call this fine body was sent forward and
never again returned for the execution of the duty for which it was formed,
having borne the brunt of the fighting on many a hard- fought field during the
three years of its service.
In addition to the volunteer troops furnished in response to the several
calls of the President, upon the occasion of the rebel invasion of Maryland in
September, 1862, Gov. Curtin called 50,000 men for the emergency, and
though the time was very brief, 25,000 came, were organized under command
of Gen. John F. Reynolds, and were marched to the border. But the battle of
Antietam, fought on the 17th of September, caused-the enemy to beat a hasty
retreat, and the border was relieved when the emergency troops were dis-
banded and returned to their homes. On the 19th of October, Gen. J. E. B.
Stewart, of the rebel army, with 1,800 horsemen under command of Hampton,
Lee and Jones, crossed the Potomac and made directly for Chambersburg,
arriving after dark. Not waiting for morning to attack, he sent in a flag of
truce demanding the surrender of the town. There were 275 Union soldiers in
hospital, whom he paroled. During the night, the troopers were busy picking
up horses — swapping horses perhaps it should be called — and the morning saw
them early on the move. The rear guard gave notice before leaving to re-
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 127
move all families from the neighborhood of the public buildings, as they in-
tended to fire them. There was a large amount of fixed ammunition in them,
which had been captured from Longslreet's train, besides Government stores
of shoes, clothing and muskets. At 11 o'clock the station house, round house,
railroad machine shops and warehouses were fired and consigned to
destruction. The fire department was promptly out; but it was dangerous to
approach the burning buildings on account of the ammunition, and all
perished.
The year 1862 was one of intense excitement and activity. From about the
1st of May, 1861, to the end of 1862, there were recruited in the State of Penn-
sylvania, one hundred and eleven regiments, including eleven of cavalry and
three of artillery, for three years' service; twenty-five regiments for three months;
seventeen for nine months; fifteen of drafted militia; and twenty -five called out
for the emergency, an aggregate of one huQdred and ninety- three regiments — a
grand total of over 200,000 men — ^a great army in itself.
In June, 1863, Gen. ttobert E. Lee, with his entire army of Northern Vir-
ginia, invaded Pennsylvania. The Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Joseph
Hooker, f ollo\yed. The latter was superseded on the 28th of June by Gen. George
G. Meade. The vanguards of the army met a mile or so out of Gettysburg on the
Chambersburg pike on the morning of the 1st of July. Hill's corps of the
rebel army was held in check by the sturdy fighting of a small division of
cavalry under Gen. Buford until 10 o'clock, when Gen. Reynolds came to his
relief with the First Corps. While bringing his forces into action, Reynolds
was killed, and the command devolved on Gen. Abner Doubleday, and the
fighting became terrible, the Union forces being greatly outnumbered. At 2
o'clock in the afternoon, the Eleventh Corps, Gen. O. O. Howard, came to the
support of the First. But now the corps of Ewell had joined hands with Hill,
and a full two-thirds of the entire rebel army was on the field, opposed by
only the two weak Union corps, in an inferior position. A sturdy fight was
however maintained until 5 o'clock, when the Union forces withdrew through
the town, and took position upon rising ground covering the Baltimore pike.
During the night the entire Union army came up, with the exception of the
Sixth Corps, and took position, and at 2 o'clock in the morning Gert. Meade
and staff came on the field. During the morning hours, and until 4 o'clock in
the afternoon, the two armies were getting into position for the desperate
struggle. The Third Corps, Gen. Sickles, occupied the extreme left, his corps
abutting on the Little Round Top at the Devil's Den, and reaching, en echelon,
through the rugged ground to the Peach Orchard, and thence along the Em-
mettsburg pike, where it joined the Second Corps, Gen. Hancock, reaching
over Cemetery Hill, the Eleventh Corps, Gen. Howard, the First, Gen. Double-
day, and the Twelfth, Gen. Slocum, reaching across Gulp's Hill — the whole
crescent shape. To this formation the rebel army conformed, Longstreet op-
posite the Union left. Hill opposite the center, and Ewell opposite the Union
right. At 4 P. M. the battle was opened by Longstreet, on the extreme left of
Sickles, and the fighting became terrific, the rebels making strenuous efforts
to gain Little Round Top. But at the opportune moment a part of the Fifth
Corps, Gen. Sykes, was brought upon that key position, and it was saved to
the Union side. The slaughter in front of Round Top at the wheat-field and
the Peach Orchard was fearful. The Third Corps was driven back from its
advanced position, and its commander. Gen. Sickles, was wounded, losing a
leg. In a more contracted position, the Union line was made secure, where it
rested for the night. Just at dusk, the Louisiana Tigers, some 1,800 men,
made a desperate charge on Cemetery Hill, emerging suddenly from a hillock
128 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
just back of the town. The struggle was desperate, but the Tigers being
weakened by the fire of the artillery, and by the infantry crouching behind thy
stone wall, the onset was checked, and Carroll's brigade, of the Second Corps,
coming to the rescue, they were finally beaten back, terribly decimated. At
about the same time, a portion of Ewell's corps made an advance on the ex-
treme Union right, at a point where the troops had been withdrawn to send to
the support of vSickles, and unopposed, gained the extremity of Culp's Hill,
pushing through nearly to the Baltimore pike, in dangerous proximity to the
reserve artillery and trains, and even the headquarters of the Union com-
mander. But in their attempt to roll up the Union right they were met by
Green's brigade of the Twelfth Corps, and by desperate fighting their further
progress was stayed. Thus ended the battle of the second day. The Union left
and right had been sorely jammed and pushed back.
At 4 o'clock on the morning of the 3d of July, Gen. Geary, who had been
ordered away to the support of Sickles, having returned during the night and
taken position on the right of Green, opened the battle for the recovery of his
lost breastworks on the right of Culp's Hill. Until 10 o'clock, the battle raged
with unabated fury. The heat was intolerable, and the sulphurous vapor
hung like a pall over the combatants, shutting out the light of day. The
fighting was in the midst of the forest, and the echoes resounded with fearful
distinctness. The Twelfth Corps was supported by portions of the Sixth,
which had now come up. At length the enemy, weakened and finding them-
selves overborne on all sides, gave way, and the Union breastworks were re-
occupied and the Union right made entirely secure. Comparative quiet now
reigned on either side until 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the meantime both
sides bringing up fresh troops and repairing damages. The rebel leader hav-
ing brought his best available artillery in upon his right center, suddenly
opened with 150 pieces a concentric fire upon the devoted Union left center,
where stood the troops of Hancock and Doubleday and Sickles. The shock
was terrible. Earely has such a cannonade been known on any field. For
nearly two hours it was continued. Thinking that the Union line had been
broken and demoralized by this fire, Longstreet brought out a fresh corps of
some 18,000 men, under Pickett, and charged full upon the point which had
been the mark for the cannonade. As soon as this charging column came into
view, the Union artillery opened upon it from right and left and center, and
rent it with fearful effect. When come within musket range, the Union
troops, who had been crouching behind slight pits and a low stone wall,
poured in a most murderous fire. Still the rebels pushed forward with a bold
face, and actually crossed the Union lines and had their hands on the Union
guns. But the slaughter was too terrible to withstand. The killed and
wounded lay scattered over all the plain. Many were gathered in as prisoners.
Finally, the remnant staggered back, and the battle of Gettysburg was at an
end.
Gathering all in upon his fortified line, the rebel chieftain fell to strength-
ening it, which he held with a firm hand. At night-fall, he put his trains
with the wounded upon the retreat. During the 4th, great activity in build
ing works was manifest, and a heavy skirmish line was kept well out, which,
resolutely met any advance of Union forces. The entire fighting force of the
rebel army remained in position behind their breastworks on Oak Eidge, until
nightfall of the 4th, when, under cover of darkness, it was withdrawn, and
before morning was well on its way to Williamsport. The losses on the Union
side were 2,834 killed, 13,709 wounded, and 6,643 missing, an aggregate of
23,186. Of the losses of the enemy, no adequate returns were made. Meade
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 129
reports 13,621 prisoneis taken, and the losses by killed and wounded must
have been greater than on the Union side. On the rebel side, Maj. Gens.
Hood, Pender, Trimble and Heth were wounded, Pender mortally. Brig.
Gens. Barksdale and Garnett were killed, and Semms mortally wounded.
Brig. Gens. Kemper, Armistead, Scales, G. T. Anderson, Hampton, J. M.
Jones and Jenkins were wounded; Archer was taken prisoner and Pettigrew
was wounded and subsequently killed at Falling Waters. In the Union army
Maj. Gen. Reynolds and Brig. Gens. Vincent, Weed, Willard and Zook were
killed. Maj. Gens. Sickles, Hancock, Doubleday, Gibbon, Barlow, Warren
and Butterfield, and Brig. Gens. Graham, Paul, Stone, Barnes and Brooke
were wounded. A National Cemetery was secured on the center of the field,
where, as soon as the weather would permit, the dead were gathered and care-
fully interred. Of the enLire number interred, 3,512, Maine had 104; New
Hampshire, 49; Vermont, 61; Massachusetts, 159; Rhode Island, 12; Con-
necticut, 22; New York, 867; New Jersey, 78; Pennsylvania, 534; Delaware,
15; Maryland, 22; West Virginia, 11; Ohio, 131; Indiana, 80; Illinois, 6;
Michigan, 171; Wisconsin, 73; Minnesota, 52; United States Regulars, 138;
unknown, 979. In the center of the field, a noble monument has been erect-
ed, and on the 19th of November, 1864, the ground was formally dedicated,
when the eminent orator, Edward Everett, delivered an oration, and President
Lincoln delivered the following dedicatory address:
" Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this conti-
nent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that
all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing
whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long en-
dure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We are met to dedi-
cate a portion of it as the final resting place of those who here gave their
lives that this nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we
should do this. But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot conse-
crate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who
struggled here have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract.
The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can
never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedi-
cated here to the unfinished work that they have thus far so nobly carried on.
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us —
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which
they here gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve
that the dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation shall, under God,
have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the
people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.''
So soon as indications pointed to a possible invasion of the North by the
rebel army under Gen. Lee, the State of Pennsylvania was organized in two
military departments, that of the Susquehanna, to the command of which
Darius N. Couch was assigned, with headquarters at Harrieburg, and that of
the Monongahela, under W. T. H. Brooks, with headquarters at Pittsburgh.
Urgent calls for the militia were made, and large numbers in regiments, in
companies, in squadrons came promptly at the call to the number of over 36,-
000 men, who were organized for a period of ninety days. Fortifications
were thrown up to cover Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, and the troops were moved
to threatened points. But before they could be brought into action, the great
decisive conflict had been fought, and the enemy driven from northern soil.
Four regiments under Gen. Brooks were moved into Ohio to aid in arresting a
raid undertaken by John Morgan, who, with 2,000 horse and four guns, had
crossed the Ohio River for a diversion in favor of Lee. s
130 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
In the beginning of July, 1864, Gen. Early invaded Maryland, and made
his way to the threshold of Washington. Fearing another invasion of the
State, Gov. Curtin called for volunteers to serve for 100 days. Gen. Couch
was still at the head of the department of the Susquehanna, and six regiments
and six companies were organized, but as fast as organized they were called to
the front, the last regiment leaving the State on the 29th of July. On the
evening of this day, Gens. McCausland, Bradley Johnson and Harry Gilmore,
with 3,000 mounted men and six guns, crossed the Potomac, and made their
way to Chambersburg. Another column of 3,000, under Vaughn and Jackson
advanced to Hagerstown, and a third to Leitersburg. Averell, with a small
force, was at Hagerstown, but finding himself over-matched withdrew through
Greencastle to Mount Hope. Lieat. McLean, with fifty men in front of Mc-
Causland, gallantly kept his face to the foe, and checked the advance at every
favorable point. On being apprised of their coming, the public stores at Cham-
bersburg were moved northward. At six A. M. , McCausland opened his bat-
teries upon the tovm, but, finding it unprotected, took possession. Ringing the
court house bell to call the people together, Capt. Fitzhugh read an order to
the assembly, signed by Gen. Jubal Early, directing the command to proceed
to Chambersburg and demand $100,000 in gold, or $500,000 in greenbacks,
and, if not paid, to burn the town. While this parley was in progress, hats,
caps, boots, watches, clothing and valuables were unceremoniously appropriated,
and purses demanded at the point of the bayonet. As money was not in hand
to meet so unexpected a draft, the torch was lighted. In less than a quarter
of an hour from the time the first match was applied, the whole business part
of the town was in flames. No notice was given for removing the women and
children and sick. Burning parties were sent into each quarter of the town,
which made thorough work. With the exception of a few houses upon the
outskirts, the whole was laid in ruins. Retiring rapidly, the entire rebel
command recrossed the Potomac before any adequate force could be gathered
to check its progress.
The whole number of soldiers recruited under the various calls for troops
from the State of Pennsylvania was 366,000. By authority of the common-
wealth, in 1866, the commencement was made of the publication of a history
of these volunteer organizations, embracing a brief historical account of the
part taken by each regiment and independent body in every battle in which it
was engaged, with the name, rank, date of muster, period for which he en-
listed, casualties, and fate of every officer and private. This work was com-
pleted in 1872, in five imperial octavo volumes of over 1,400 pages each.
In May, 1861, the Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, an organiza-
tion of the officers of the Revolutionary war and their descendants, donated
$500 toward arming and equipping troops. By order of the Legislature,
this sum was devoted to procuring flags for the regiments, and each organiza-
tion that went forth, was provided with one emblazoned with the arms of the
conxmonwealth. These flags, seamed and battle stained, were returned at the
close of the war, and are now preserved in a room devoted to the purpose in
the State capitol — precious emblems of the daring and suffering of that great
army that went forth to uphold and maintain the integrity of the nation.
When the war was over, the State undertook the charge of providing for
all soldiers' orphans in schools located in different parts of its territory, fur-
nishing food, clothing, instruction and care, until they should be grown to
manhood and womanhood. The number thus gathered and cared for has been
some 7,500 annually, for a period of nineteen years, at an average annual ex-
pense of some $600,000.
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131
At the election in 1866, John W. Geary, a veteran General of the late war,
was chosen Governor. During his administration, settlements were made with
the General Government, extraordinary debts incurred diiring the war were
paid, and a large reduction of the old debt of $40,000,000 inherited from the
construction of the canals, was made. A convention for a revision of the con-
stitution was ordered by act of April 11, 1872. This convention assembled in
Harrisburg November 13, and adjourned to meet in Philadelphia, where it
convened on the 7th of January, 1878, and the instrument framed was adopted
on the 18th of December, 1873. By its provisions, the number of Senators
was increased from thirty-three to fifty, and Representatives from 100 to 201,
subject to further increase in proportion to increase of population; biennial,
in place of annual sessions; making the term of Supreme Court Judges twenty-
one in place of fifteen years; remanding a large class of legislation to the ac-
tion of the courts; making the term of Governor four years in place of three,
and prohibiting special legislation, were some of the changes provided for.
In January, 1878, John F. Hartranft became Governor, and at the election
in 1878, Henry P. Hoyt was chosen Governor, both soldiers of the late war.
In the summer of 1877, by concert of action of the employes on the several
lines of railway in the State, trains were stopped and travel and traffic were in-
terrupted for several days together. At Pittsburgh, conflicts occurred between
the railroad men and the militia, and a vast amount of property was destroyed.
The opposition to the local military was too powerful to be controlled, and
the National Government was appealed to for aid. A force of regulars was
promptly ordered out, and the rioters finally quelled. Unfortunately, Gov.
Hartranft was absent from the State at the time of the troubles.
At the election in 1882, Robert E. Pattison was chosen Governor, who is the
present incumbent. The Legislature, which met at the opening of 1888,having
adjourned after a session of 156 days, without passing a Congressional appor-
tionment bill, as was required, was immediately reconvened in extra session by
the Governor, and remained in session until near the close of the year, from
June 1 to December 5, without coming to an agreement upon a bill, and
finally adjourned without having passed one. This protracted sitting is in
marked contrast to the session of that early Assembly in which an entire con-
stitution and laws of the province were framed and adopted in the space of
three days.
132
HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
TABLE SHOWING THE VOTE FOR GOVERNORS OF PENNSYLVANIA SINCE THE ORGAN-
IZATION OF THE STATE.
1790.
Thomas Mifflin 27,725
Arthur St. Olair 2,802
1793.
Thomas Mifflin 18,590
F. A. Muhlenberg 10,706
1796.
Thomas Mifflin 30,020
F. A. Muhlenberg 1,011
1799.
Thomas McKean 38,036
James Boss 32,641
1802.
Thomas MoKean 47,879
James Boss, of Pittsburgh 9,499
James Ross 7,538
1808.
Simon Snyder 67,975
James Ross 39,575
John Spayd 4,006
W. Shields 2
Charles Nice 1
Jack Rosa 2
W. Tilghman 1
1811.
Simon Snyder 52,319
WUliam Tighlman 3,609
Scatt'ring,no record for whom 1,675
1814.
Simon Snyder 51,099
Isaac Wayne 29,566
G. Lattimer 910
J. R. Rust 4
1817.
William Findlay 66,331
Joseph Hiester 69,272
Moses Palmer 1
Aaron Hanson 1
John Seffer -. 1
Seth Thomas 1
Nicholas Wiseman 3
Benjamin R. Morgan 2
William Tilghman 1
Andrew Gregg 1
1830.
Joseph Hiester 67,905
William Findlay 66,300
Scattering (no record) 21
1823.
J. Andrew Shulze 81,751
Andrew Gregg. 64,151
Andrew Shulze 112
John Andrew Shulze 7,311
Andrew Gragg 63
Andrew Greg 1
John A. Shulze 764
Nathaniel B. Boileau 3
Cant. Glosseader 3
John Gassender 1
Isaac Wayne 1
George Bryan 1
1826.
J. Andrew Shulze 72,710
John Sergeant,, 1,175
Scattering (no record) 1,174
1829.
George Wolf 78,219
Joseph Eitner 51,776
George E. Baum 6
Frank R. Williams 8
1882.
George Wolf 91,335
Joseph Ritner 88,165
1835.
Joseph Eitner 94,023
GoorgeWolf. 65,804
Henry A. Muhlenberg 40,586
1838.
David R. Porter 127,827
Joseph Ritner 122,321
1841.
David R. Porter 136,504
John Banks 113,473
T, J, Lemoyne 763
George F, Horton 18
Samuel L, Carpenter 4
Ellis Lewis I
1844.
Francis R, Shunk 160,322
Joseph Markle 156,040
Julius J, Lemoyne 10
John Haney 2
James Page 1
1847.
Francis R, Shunk 146,081
James Irvln 128,148
Emanuel 0, Relgart 11,247
F. J. Lemoyne 1,861
George M. Eeim 1
Ab^an Morrison 3
1848.
William F, Johnston 168,522
Morris Longstreth 168,225
E, B, Gazzam 48
Scattering (no record) 24
1851.
William Bigler 186,489
William F. Johnston 178,034
Klmher Cleaver 1,850
1854.
James Pollock 203,822
William Bigler 166,991
B. Rush Bradford 2,194
1857.
William F. Packer 188,846
David Wllmot 149,139
Isaac Eazlehurst 28,168
James Pollock 1
George R. Barret 1
William Steel 1
F, P, Swartz 1
Samuel McFarland 1
George F, Horton 7
1860,
Andrew G, Curtin .262,346
Henry D, Foster 230,239
1863,
A. G, Curtin 269,506
George W. Woodward 254,171
John Hickman 1
Thomas M, Howe 1
John W, Geary 807,274
Hiester Clymer 290,097
Giles Lewis 7
1869,
John W. Geary 290,552
Asa Packer 285,956
W. D, Kelly 1
W, J, Robinson 1
1873.
John F. Hartranft 353,387
Charles R. Buckalen 317,760
H. B. Chase 1,197
William P. Sohell 12
1875.
John F. Hartranft 304,175
Cyrus L. Pershing 292,145
R. Audley Brown 13,244
James S. Negley 1
Phillip Wendle 1
J. W. Brown I
G, F. Reinhard 1
G. D.Coleman 1
James Staples 1
Richard Vaux 1
Craig Biddle 1
Francis W. Hughes 1
Henry C. Tyler 1
W. D. Brown 1
George V. Lawrence 1
A. L.Brown 1
1878.
H, M. Hoyt .319,490
Andrew H. Dill 297,137
Samuel R. Mason 81,758
Franklin H, Lane 3,753
S. Matson 2
John McKee 1
D, Kirk 1
R. L. Miller 1
J. H. Hopkins 1
A, G. Williams 1
Samuel H. Lane 1
John Fertig 1
James Musgrove 1
Silas M. BaUy 1
A, S, Post 9
C. A, Cornen 3
Seth Yocum 1
Edward E. Orvis 1
1882.
Robert E,J>attlson 3,55,791
James A. Beaver. 315,589
John Stewart 43,743
Thomas A. Armstrong 23,996
Alfred C. PetUt 5,196
E. E. Pattison
R, E, Beaver
J, H. Hopkins
W. H, Hope
R, H. Patterson
— Stewart
J. A. Brown
R. Smith
— Cameron
James McNalls
T. A. Armstrong
Thomas Armstrong 16
R, E. Pattison
William N. Drake
John McCleery
John A, Stewart
G, A Grow
RELIEF MAP OF THE
MBERLAND VALLEY.
PAET II.
History of Cumberland County.
History of Cumberland County.
CHAPTEK I.
DESCEIPTIVE.
Geogeaphy— Geology— TOPOGEAPHY, ETC.
OTJMBEKLAND COUNTY, althoagh extending into the mountains along
its northern and southern boundaries, lies mostly in the picturesque valley
between the two great ridges. The North Mountain was called by the Indians
Kau-ta-tin-chunh, signifying "endless mountains," or, as some authorities give
it, main or principal mountain. It extends in a long, smooth-topped ridge
from northeast to southwest, broken only by occasional gaps through which
highways have been constructed leading into the counties to the northward of
Cumberland. The South Mountain trends in the same general direction as its
neighbor on the north, but its surface is far more uneven. Both are covered
with a thick growth of timber and shrubbery, in which appear such varieties as
pine, oak, ash, willow, maple, poplar, chestnut, spruce, elm, cedar, alder,
sumac, etc. The timber in the valley was never a heavy growth, and consisted
mainly of a few varieties of oak. A thick brush grew in portions of the valley,
and was easily cleared away, it was therefore a comparatively light task to
prepare the soil for cultivation.
Probably nowhere in the State are the colors of autumn brought out with
more pleasing effect than in the South Mountain region of the county of Cum-
berland. A writer upon the subject has given the following fine description:
' ' In the dry, burning summer month — a month in which it is hard to believe
there are any nights — the leaf, panting, as it were, in the furnace, knows not any
repose. It is a continual and rapid play of aspiration and respiration; a too-
powerful sun excites it. In August, sometimes even in July, it begins to turn
yellow. It will not wait for autumn. On the tops of the mountains yonder,
where it works less rapidly, it travels more slowly toward its goal ; but it will
arrive there. When September has ended, and the nights lengthen, the
wearied trees grow dreamy; the leaf sinks from fatigue. If the light did but
succor it still! But the light itself has grown weaker. The dews fall abun-
dantly, and in the morning the sun no longer cares to drink them up. It looks
toward other horizons, and is already far away. The leaves blush a marvelous
scarlet in their anger. The sun is, as it were, an evening sun. Its long,
oblique rays are protruded through the black trunks, and create under the
woods some luminous and still genial tracks of light. The landscape is illum-
inated. The forests around and above, on the hills, on the flanks of the
mountains, seem to be on fire. The light abandons us, and we are tempted to
6 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
with the limestone, iron ore is abundant and is extensively mined for the sup-
ply of furnaces. Further north and wholly within the limestone formation,
pipe ore and other varieties of excellent quality may be obtained in many
places."*
The rocks of the NorthMountain are coarse gray and reddish sandstone, val-
uable neither for building nor mineral purposes. Like the South Mountain
they are covered with a dense growth of the varieties of timber which flourish
in the region. Of the ores which occur in the limestone formations of the val-
ley, a valued writer speaks as follows: "Beneath the surface are inexhaustible
deposits of magnetic iron, conveniently near to valuable beds of hematite,
which lie either in fissiu:es, between the rooky strata, or over them in a highly
ferruginous loam. This hematite is of every possible variety, and in immense
quantities. When it has a columnar stalactite structure, it is known under
the name of pipe ore, and it is found abundantly along the slopes of the valley
of the Yellow Beeches. It usually yields a superior iron, and at the same
time is easily and profitably smelted. It generally produces at least 50 per
cent of metallic iron. The beds are frequently of extraordinary extent, and the
actual depth to which they reach has not been determined. Over a space of
ten acres a number of holes have been opened, from sixteen to forty-two feet
in depth, without going through the vein. Together with the magnetic ore
these hematite beds, many of which remain untouched, are sufficient for sup-
plying a large part of the manufacture of the United States. But in the val-
ley there are traces, also, of sulphuret of copper (the blue vitriol of commerce),
red and yellow ochre and chrome ores, alum earth, copperas ores, porcelain
earth, and clay for stone- ware, common glazed ware and fire bricks ; also epsom
salts, shell lime, marl, manganese, and valuable marbles. * * * In every part of
the limestone region tho earth resounds under the tread of the traveler, and
numerous sink-holes communicate with caverns or running streams beneath
them. These constitute a natural drainage, which is amply sufficient for all
the ordinary demands of the highest culture. Two or three caves have been
discovered and entered, which have been esteemed as curiosities. The most
wonderful of these is on the bank of the Conodoguinet, about a mile north from
Carlisle. It is under a small limestone cliff, not more than thirty feet high
above the surface of the creek; but through a semi-circular arched entrance,
from seven to ten feet high and ten in width, it descends gradually to an ante-
chamber of considerable size. Prom this a vaulted passage large enough to
allow one to walk erect extends 270 feet, to a point where it branches off in
three directions. One on the right is somewhat difficult on account of the
water which percolates through the rocks on every side, but leads to a large
chamber of great length. The central, one is narrow and crooked, and has
never been completely explored on account of a deep perpendictilar precipice
which prevents all progress beyond about thirty feet. The other passage is
smaller and has but little interest. In different parts are pools of water, sup-
posed by some to be springs, but as they have no outflow they are more prob-
ably formed from drippings from the surrounding rocks. Human bones have
been found in it, and no doubt it has been used as a place of refuge or tempo-
rary lodgment by the Indians. No such articles as are usually deposited
with their dead have yet been discovered, "f
Another cave has been discovered on the bank of the Conodoguinet, in the
township of West Pennsborough, about one and a half miles north of Greason.
The opening is about 10 feet wide and 6 feet high, extending back about 10
•Trego.
tEev. C. P. Wing in "History of Cumberland County," 1879.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 7
feet; then 3 feet wide and 16 feet high for a distance of 38 feet. Then
another room is reached 10x10 feet, and 15 feet high, from which a pas-
sage leads to a similar room not so large, but with a high ceiling; thence
a long narrow passage opens into a room 40 feet in circumference and
the same height as the others, and from this another small passage leads
to near the place of entrance. This cave abounds in stalactites and many
curious shapes.
It is said that the white men who first came to the valley were greatly im-
pressed with its beauty and the natural productions of the soil. The grass
was rich and luxuriant, wild fruits were abundant, and there was a great vari-
ety of trees in places, including numerous species of oak, black and white
walnut (butternut), hickory, white, red and sugar maple, cherry, locust, sassa-
fras, chestnut, ash, elm, linden, beech, white pine and scrub pine. There
was also a shrub growth of laurel, plum, juniper, persimmon, hazel, wild cur-
rant, gooseberry, blackberry, raspberry, spice-bush and sumach, while in the
open country the strawberry, dewberry and wintergreen made a luscious car-
peting and furnished to the Indians in their season a tempting and welcome
partial supply of food.
CHAPTER n.
Pioneers—" Louthbr Manor," etc.— Taxes Paid from 1736 to 1749— Earliest
List of Taxables in Cumberland County— First Settlers in the North
Yalley— Taxables in the County in 1763— Early Settlers— Wild Ani-
mals AND Fish— Customs and Habits— Formation of Townships and Bor-
oughs—Lands.
BEFORE any attempts at permanent settlement were made in the valley the
region was known to and explored by traders among the Indians, who had
posts in various places on the frontier. Some of these traders were in reality
emissaries of the French Government, sent among the Indians for the purpose of
seducing them from their allegiance to the English, and the proprietary gov-
ernment regarded them with watchful jealousy. On the 22d of July, 1707,
Gov. Evans laid before the council at Philadelphia an account of his journey
among the Susquehanna Indians, in which he mentions Martines Chartieres as
being located at Pequehan (now Pequea), at the mouth of the creek of the same
name in Lancaster County, where was an Indian town also bearing the name.
Nicole Godin was a trader near Peixtan, and he was decoyed and captured dur-
ing the journey, put on a horse with his legs tied under the animal' s belly, and
taken to Philadelphia and imprisoned. Peter Bezallion, who had a license, re-
sided near the mouth of Peixtan or Paxton Creek, and James Le Tort was also
a trader in the region. Bezallion and Le Tort were both in prison in 1709 for
sundry offenses. Chartieres was known as ' ' Martin Chartieres, the French
glover of Philadelphia."* Other traders were in the neighborhood. The
post of Chartieres, or as it is more commonly given, Chartier, was on the east
bank of the Susquehanna, about three miles below Columbia, Lancaster
County, and the Penns gave him a large tract of land on Turkey Hill, in that
county. He died, in April, 1718, much esteemed. His son, Peter Chartier,
•Notes on Lancaster County in Day's Hist. Coll., p. 391.
o HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
after living a few years at his father's place, moved to the neighborhood of
New Cumberland, in the southeast corner of Cumberland County, where he
established a trading post. He subsequently removed to a point on the Ohio
River below Pittsburgh, where a creek now bears his name. He was all his
life an Indian trader, and finally becoming a resident among the Indians, took
sides with them against the English. * Peter Chartier was not, however, one
of the first actual settlers in this county, for it was not until 1740 that he pur-
chased 600 acres of land lying in the southeast corner of what is now Lower
Allen Township, bounded east by the Susquehanna, and south by the Yellow
Breeches.
James Le Tort (now written Letort) was a French-Swiss, who acted as an
Indian interpreter and messenger to the government. He was also a trader,
and very early built a cabin at the spring at the head of the run which now
bears his name. His first cabin is said to have been burnt by the Indians. It
was built as early as 1720. So far as known, he was the first white man to
have an abode, even temporarily, in what is now Cumberland County. His
location was near Carlisle, at a place since known as Beaver Pond. Letort
was a man of excellent reputation. He received £12 annually from the
government for his services.
Before the Indian title to the lands west of the Susquehanna had been
extinguished, the Govemm.ent authorized Samuel Blunston, of Lancaster
County, to issue to the settlers licenses allowing them to go and improve the
land, a title to which should be granted as soon as the land office should be
opened. These documents were known as ' ' Blunston' s licenses, ' ' and many
of the earlier settlers held them previous to 1736.
Andreiv Ralston. — Authentic information points to the fact that this per-
son settled at the ' ' Big Spring, " either in Newton or West Pennsborough
Township, in 1728. Ralston was a native of County Armagh, Ireland, and
upon applying at the land office for a warrant, soon after it was opened, he
stated that he had occupied the land ' ' ye past eight years. ' ' The following is
a verbatim copy of the license directed to be issued to him at that time, f
Lancaster County, ss.
By Order of the Proprietary:
These are to license and allow Andrew Ralston to Continue to Improve and Dwell on
a Tract of Two Hundred acres of land on the Great Spring, a branch of Conedogwainet,
Joynins to the Upper Side of a Tract Granted to Randel Chambers for the use of his son,
James Chambers; To be hereafter surveyed to the s'd Ralston on the Comon Terms Other
Lands in those parts are sold, provided the same has not been already Granted to any
other person, and So much can be had without Prejudice to other Tracts before Granted.
Given under my hand this third day of January, Ano: Dom: 1736-7. Sa: Blunston.
Pensilvania, ss.
Indorsed: License to Andrew Ralston, 200 acres.
The land was subsequently surveyed to him by Samuel Blunston, surveyor
of Lancaster County, of which it was then a part. Mr. Ralston had two
daughters, who married a Hayes and a Dickey, and a son, David, who
remained at Big Spring for many years, but finally removed to Westmoreland
County,' and died about 1810.
Tobias Hendricks located in the valley before Andrew Ralston, possibly
previous to 1725. He was a son of Tobias Hendricks, of Donegal. It is posi-
tively certain he was west of the Susquehanna in 1727, for in a letter to John
Harris, dated May 13 that year, he speaks of his father "at Donegal," and
requests Mr. Harris to forward a letter to him. He also alludes to " a trader"
at the Potomac of whom he purchased skins, and also of the ' ' grate numbers
*Saiuuel Evans, in Notes and Queries, Part I, p. 17.
tNotes and Queries, Part I, p. 19.— Dr. H. W. Egle.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 9
coming this side of ye Sasquahannah. " The Scotch-Irish emigration had
then begun and the valley was being rapidly settled. * Whether Hendricks
became a permanent settler is not stated.
The Chambers Brothers. — Four brothers, James, Robert, Joseph and
Benjamin Chambers, from County Antrim, Ireland, were among the very first
to cross the Susquehanna and settle upon lands in the North Valley. They
landed at Philadelphia in 1726, and pushing westward located at the mouth of
Fishing Creek, on the east bank of the Susquehanna, a few miles above Har-
ris' ferry, where they built a mill which was a great convenience for the
settlers over a large tract of country. Benjamin, the youngest, was but eight-
een years of age when the brothers came to this country, and he died Febru-
ary 17, 1788, aged eighty years. Not long after their settlement at Fishing
Creek the brothers became attracted by the prospect for procuring fine farms
west of the river, and in or before 1730 crossed over and settled at different
places : ' ' James at the head of Green Spring, near Newville ; Robert at the
head of Middle Spring, near Shippensburg; and Joseph and Benjamin near
the confluence of Falling Spring and the Conococheague, where Chambers-
burg now stands." Joseph soon returned to Fishing Creek; the others
remained where they had settled and became prominent and influential citizens
in many respects.
It would appear that the land included in the Louther Manor, in the east-
ern part of the county, was very early the home of white settlers. That tract,
being first laid out as a hunting ground for the Delawares and Shawnees, three
men were appointed to visit the Indians whither they had gone upon the
branches of the Ohio, and induce them to return. They had left this region
partly on account of the encroachments of white settlers upon their lands, and
partly through the efforts of emmissaries of the French in the guise of traders.
The three persons mentioned indited a document as follows :
PESHTANK.t Nov. ye 19tli, 1731.
Ffriend Peter Ohartiere, This is to Acquaint Thee that By the Comisioners' and the
Governour's order We are now Going over Susquehanna, To Lay out a Tract of Land be-
tween Conegogwainet & The Shaawnat Creeks five or six miles back from the River.in or-
der to accomodate the Shaawna Indians or such others as may see fit to Settle there, To
Defend them from Incroachments, And we have also orders to Disposess all Persons Set-
tled on that side of the River, That Those woods may Remain free to ye Indians for Plant-
ing & Hunting, And We Desire thee to Comunicate this to the Indians who Live About
Allegening. We conclude
Thy Assured Ff 'ds,
John Wright,
Tobias Hbndkicks,
Sam'l BlUN8T0N.§
As seen elsewhere the Indians did not return; the above simply shows that
white persons had settled in the eastern part of the county as early as 1731,
and probably earlier. Peter Chartier had been appointed a trader by the
court at Lancaster, and he married a Shawanese squaw. His subsequent de-
sertion to, the French has been noted.
"The influx of immigrants into North or Kittatinny Valley," says Mr.
Rupp, " increased fast after 1734. In 1748 the number of taxables was about
800, and the population rising to 3,000. As early as 1735 a road was laid out
from Harris' Ferry toward the Potomac river. November 4, 1735, the court
at Lancaster appointed Randle Chambers, Jacob Peat, James Silvers, Thomas
Eastland, John Lawrence and Abram Endless, to lay out said road. These
» • —
*Notes and Quries, Part I, p. 18.
tPeshtank, Peixtan orPaxton, was the original name of the manor.
tYellow Breeches, or Callapasskinker, or Callapasscink— Indian name of stream, Delaware language.
fFrom article on Louther Manor, by Dr. J. A. Murray, of Carlisle, In Carlisle Herald, 1885.
10 HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
gentlemen made a report February 3, 1736, of their views of the road, which
was opposed ' by a considerable number of the inhabitants on the west side of
the Susquehanna in those parts,' and praying for a review. The court then or-
dered that William Rennick, Richard Hough, James Armstrong, Thomas
Mayes, Samuel Montgomery and Benjamin Chambers view the road, and to
make such alterations in it as to them may seem necessary for the public good,
and report their proceedings to next court. They made the following report,
May 4, 1786: ' That they had reviewed the eastern most part of the said road,
and find it very crooked and hurtful to the inhabitants, etc. , and therefore have
altered the said road and marked it in the manner following, to- wit : From the
said ferry, near to a southwest course about two miles; thence a westerly
course to James Silvers', then westward to John Hogg's meadow; then west-
ward to a fording place on Le Tort' s spring, a little to the northward of John
Davison's; thence west northerly to the first marked road in a certain hollow;
thence about southwest a little to the south of Robert Duning's, to the former
marked road; thence along the same to the Great Spring head, being as far as
any review -or alteration to them appeared necessary, ' which so altered as
above said, and altered from the return to go by James Silvers' house, was al-
lowed to be recorded. ' '
The North Valley (now constituting Cumberland and Franklin Counties)
was divided in 1735 into two townships, called Pennsborough and Hopewell,
and the line dividing them was thus described : ' ' That a line running northerly
from the Hills to the southward of Yellow Breeches (crossing in a direct line
by the Great Spring) to Kightotinning Mountain, be the division line; and
that the easternmost township be called Pennsborough and the western Hope-
well." Hopewell was divided in 1741 "by a line beginning at the North
Hill, at Benjamin Moor's; thence to Widow Hewre's and Samuel Jamison's,
and on a straight line to the South Hill, and that the western division be
called Antrim, and the eastern Hopewell. " This was before the organization
of Cumberland County.
Taxes and Collectors. — Table of taxes paid, and names of collectors in town-
ships in what is now Cumberland County, from 1736 to 1749:
1736 — Pennsborough, £13 17s. 6d. ; James Silvers, collector. Hopewell,
£5 2s.
1737— Pennsborough, £13 9s. 9d. East part of Hopewell, £3 2s. ; west
part of Hopewell, £2 19s.
1738— Pennsborough, £20 14s. Od. East part of HopeweU, £10 Os. 3d.;
west part of Hopewell, £7 7s. 9d.
1739 — Pennsborough, £23 16s. 8d. ; William Tremble, collector. South
part of Hopewell, £11 8s. Id. ; Jacob Snebly, collector. North part of Hope-
well, £6 lis. 6d. ; Abraham Endless, collector.
1740 — West part of Pennsborough, £11 4s. 7d. ; Robert Dennin, collector.
East part of Pennsborough, £14 18s. 7d. ; John Walt, collector. East Hope-
well, £4 Os. 2d. ; James Laughlin, collector. West Hopewell, £4 19s. 3d. ;
Philip Davis, collector.
1741 — Pennsborough, £17 15s. lOd. ; Robert Redock, collector. Hopewell,
£3 8s. 9d. ; James Montgomery, collector.
1742— West end of Pennsborough, £7 19s. 2d. ; William Weakly, collector.
East end of Pennsborough, £16 7s. 8d. ; John Swansey, collector. Hopewell,
£5 lis. 4d. ; David Herren, collector.
1743 — East end of Pennsborough, £9 Os. 6d. ; John Semple, collebtor; West
end of Pennsborough, £10 7s. 3d. ; Robert Miller, collector. Hopewell, £6
16s. lid. ; Henry Hallan, collector.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 11
1744 — West end of Pennsborough, £22 4s.; John Mitchell, collector; east
end of Pennsborough, £17 12s. 7d. ; Thomas Fisher, collector. Hopewell,
£10 16s. 2d. ; Thomas Montgomery, collector.
1745 — "West Pennsborough, £23 Is. lid. ; James Chambers, collector; East
Pennsborough, £13 4b. ; John McCrackin, collector. Hopewell, £12 10s. 4d. ;
WUliam Thompson, collector.
1746 — East Pennsborough, £10 5s. ; John Eankin, collector; West Penns-
borough, £13 4s. 8d. ; James McFarlin, collector. Hopewell, £9 17s. 9d. ;
John Erwin, collector.
1747 — East Pennsborough, £10 12s. ; Joseph Green, collector; West Penns-
borough, £18 18s. 6d. ; Patrick Da-vis, collector. Hopewell, £12 7s. 7d. ; John
Currey, collector.
1748 — East Pennsborough, £12 2s. ; Christopher Huston, collector; West
Pennsborough, £14 14s. 6d. ; William Dunbar, collector. Hopewell, £13 13s.
6d. ; James Walker, collector.
1749— East Pennsborough, £23 16s. 6d. ; Tobias Hendricks, coUector; West
Pennsborough, £28 8s. 9d. ; Archibald McAllister, collector. HopeweU, £43
3s. 9d. ; John Kirkpatrick, collector.
Antrim Township we do not give as it was outside the present limits of
Cumberland County, being in Franklin.
Earliest List of Taxables. — The earliest list of taxables in Cumberland
County, as given by Mr. Eupp in the history of Dauphin, Cumberland and other
counties, is as follows:
East Pennsborough, 1750. — Tobias Hendricks, Widow Jane Woods, Samuel
Calhoon, Thomas Spray, Thomas Kenny, James Shannon, James Dickey, John
Bigham, Samuel Chambers, William BaiTehill, William Noble, William Craw-
ford, William McChesney, Richard Fulton, John McCleUan, William Eose, Adam
Calhoun, WUliam Shannon, John Semple, Charles West, Christopher Hewston,
Walker Buchang,n, David Eeed, James Armstrong, Hugh Wharton, Edward El-
iot, Francis McGuire, William Findley, Josias McMeans, Hugh Mahool, Eob-
ert Carrithers, William Eoss, Henry Quigly, William Morton, John Armstrong,
John Buchanan, Nathaniel Nelson, John Nailer, Andrew Armstrong, Thomas
McCormick, John Dickey, John McCracken, Widow Clark, Widow McMeans,
Eobert Eliot, Eobert Eliot, Jr., James Corrithers, William Gray, Alexander
Lamferty, John WUley, Eobert Duning, Joseph Junkin, William Walker,
Alex Armstrong, Moses Star, James Crawford, Eoger Cook, Hugh Cook, Will-
iam Miller, John McCormick, -lamer Silvers, John Stevenson, James Coleman,
David Waason, John Hunter, William Douglas, John Mitchel, Andrew Mile-
kin, John Milekin, Patrick Holmes, James Finley, Peter Shaver (Shaver was a
trader among the Indians and was employed by Gov. Thomas, in 1744, to car-
ry letters to the Shawanese Indians on the Ohio inviting them to come to Phil-
adelphia), John Erwin, WUliam Carrithers, Widow Quigly, Samuel Martin,
William Hamilton, Eobert Samuels, John Waugh, Thomas Eankin, Eichard
Eankin, John Clendenin, Joseph Waugh, Widow Eoberts, Thomas Henderson,
William Hamilton, William Marshal, William Miller, Wilson Thomas, Alex
Crocket, Widow Branan, Thomas Calvert, William Griffith, Eobert Bell, Will-
iam Orr, James McConnel, John Bowan, Eobert McKinley, Samuel Fisher,
Titus HoUinger, Samuel McCormick, Eowland Chambers, Eobert Kelton, Isaac
Eutlidge, Eowland McDonald, Walter Gregory, Widow Stewart, James Mc-
Teer, Peter Leester, Peter Title, Joseph Willie, Anthony McCue, James Beaty,
William Crocket, Andrew Miller, Eobert Eoseborough, Joseph Green, James
Douglas, W^idow Steel, Widow McKee, Joseph Keynolds, Jr. Freemen — Will-
iam Hogg, George Crogham, Esq. , Jonathan Hogg, Samuel Huston, JohnGilke-
12 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
son, Robert Airs, Abraham Headricks, Archibald Armstrong, Joseph Ferret,
Clime Horal, Daniel Campbell, William McDonald, Matthew Lindham, J.
Armstrong, Cornelius Brown, Hugh Shannon, Eobert Walker, Nathaniel Wil-
son, Matthew Brown (two silversmiths at William McChesney's), John Adams,
David Kenworthy, James Gaily, William McTeer, Edward Ward, Arthur' Er-
win, James Clark, William Cranula — total 190,
West Pennsborough 1751. — William Queery, William Lamont, Archibald
McAllister, William Carithers, John Davison, Allen Leeper, Neal McFaul,
John McClure (the less), William Logan, John Atchison, Thomas McCoy,
Charles Gillgore, Andrew Griffin, William Dunbar, William Harkness, Will-
iam Patton, Samuel McOlure, Eobert Walker, James Kirkpatrick, John Swan-
sy, Arthur Clark, Adam Hays, James McMeans, John Deniston, John Mcln-
tire, James MoFarland, William Laughlin, Eobert Brevard, Robert McQueston,
James Peebles, John McClure (mountain), Alex McClui-e, John Langley, John
Gordon, William Livingston, Eobert Guthrie, William Anderson, John Glass,
John Logan, William Duglass, Alex Erwin, Alex Logan, William Townsley,
William Parker, Margaret Parker, Andrew Forbush, John Morrison, David
KoUogh, George Brown, Francis Cunningham, Alex Eobb, Anthony Gillgore,
Jacob Peebles, Samuel Wilson, Allen Scroggs, David Kenedy, Mary Dunn-
ing, William Carithers, John Carithers, John Chestnut, Thomas Patton,
Andrew Ealston, John McClung, Ezekiel Dunning, James Lea, John Lusk,
Alex McBride, James McNaught, William Blackstock, James Crutchlow, Will-
iam Dunlap, Thomas Evans, Steven Cesna, James Weakly, David Hunter,
Josh Cornelius, Alex Weyly, Lewis Hutton, James Warnock, David Dunbar,
David Miller, John Wilson, Josh Thomson, Josh Dempsay, Samuel Lindsay,
Paul Piercy, Owen McCool, Pat Eobeson, Thomas Parker. Freemen — Samuel
Wilson, James McMunagle, David McCurdy, Pat Eeynolds, Andrew McAdams,
John McCurdy — total 95.
Middleton, 1751. — William Trent, Thomas Wilson, John Elder, John
Chambers, Eobert McNutt, James Long, John Mahafy, James Eeed, John
Moor, John Craighead, James Dunlop, Patrick Hawson, Walter Denny, James
Gillgore, Patrick Davison, Thomas Elder, Henry Dinsmore, John Mitchell,
Samuel Lamb, James Williams, James Matthews, Alexander Sanderson,
James Henderson, Matthew Miller, John Davis, William Graham, William
Campbell, William Parkeson, Francis McNichley, John McKnaught, John
Calhoun, William Peterson, John Eobb, Eobert Graham, Samuel McLucass,
Daniel Williams, George Sanderson, Alexander Sanderson, Joseph Clark, John
McClure, Jonathan Holmes, James Chambers, Thomas Armstrong, William
Waddel, James McConnell, Eichard Nicholson, John Neely, John McCrea,
John Stuart, Archibald Kenedy, John Jordan, William Jordan, George Tem-
pleton, James Stuart, Eichard Venable, Widow Wilson, David Dreanan, John
Dinsmore, Samuel Gauy, William Davison, Samuel Bigger, Thomas Gibson,
John Brown, John McKinley, Eobert Campbell, John Kinkead, Samuel Wil-
son, Eobert Patterson, John Reed, Robert Reed, James Reed, William Reed,
William Armstrong, James Young, Robert Miller, William Gillachan, Josh
Davies, William Fleming, John Gilbreath, Richard Coulter, Richard Kilpat-
rick, Andrew Gregg, Robert Thomson, John Dicky, James Brannan, John Mc-
Clure, John Buyers, Arthur Foster, Harmanus Alrichs,* John Armstrong,
John Smith, William Buchanan, William Blyth, John McAllister, William
Montgomery, John Patterson, Eobert Kilpatrick, Archibald McCurdy, William
Whiteside, John Woodle, William Dillwood, William Huston, Thomas Loek-
•Some give this Hermanus Alricka, but Harmanus Alrichs is the way it appears in his own handwriting
on the old records at the court bouse.
UfUAA^Ciyl
I'iiU.
Ji<if''n-i^ejMl -t Sf:::jJ: 'bo-^-:a:SlSr .
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTr. 15
ward, Thomas Henderson, Joseph Thornton, James Dunning, William Moor,
George Davison, Alexander Patterson, John McBride, Eobert Eobb, Dennis
Swansy, Daniel Lorranoe, Jonathan Hogg, Oliver Wallace, John Bell, Arthur
Buchanan, Eobert Guthrie, Berry Cackel, Cornelius McAdams, Andrew Mc-
Intire, Alexander Eoddy, Josh Price, Hugh Laird, William Ferguson, Widow
Duglas, Abraham Sanford, Moses Moor, Joseph Gaylie, Charles Mahaufy,
William Kerr, Hugh Creanor, William Guilford, William Stuart, William
Chadwick. Freemen in Middleton and Carlisle — Andrew Holmes, Jonathan
Kearney, Francis Hamilton, Jonathan Donnel, William Wilson, Patrick Loag,
Eobert Patterson, William Kinaird, George Crisp, Hugh Laird, William Br aidy,
James Tait, Patrick Kearney, Arthur Foster, James Pollock, Thomas Elmore,
Eobert Mauhiny, Jonathan Hains, William Eainiston, James Gambel, John
Woods, David Hains, Henry Hains — total, 158.
Hopewell Township, 1751. — Eobert Gibson, David Heron, Moses Donald,
Thomas Donald, Francis Ignue, Daniel McDonald, John Eliott, Alexander
McClintock, James McFarland, Joshua McClintock, Hugh Terrance, Hugh
Thomson, Josh Thomson, Josh Thomson, Jr., Eobert McDowell, James Mc-
Dowell, Eobert Eusk, John Scrogs, William Walker, William Cornahan,
Thomas Gawlt, James Hamilton, John Laughler, Josh Gair, Samuel William-
son, Samuel Smith, David Kidd, John Hodge, Eobert McCombs, Thomas
Micky, John AVray, Eichard Nicholson, Andrew Mcllvain, George Hamilton,
John Thomson, William Gambel, Samuel Montgomery, Eobert Simeon, John
Brown, Allen Nisbit, John Nesbit, Jr., John Nesbit, Sr., James Wallace, An-
drew Peeble, John Anderson, Patrick Hannah, John Tremble, Moses Stuart,
William Eeigny, John Moorhead, James Pollock, Samuel Stuart, Eobert Eob-
inson, David Newell, James McCormick, Charles Murray, Joseph Boggs, John
Lysee, Andrew Leckey, John Montgomery, John Beaty, James WalEer, William
Smyley, James Chambers, Eobert Meek, Dr. William Mc(j6freck, James Jack,
James Quigly, Eobert Simonton, John McCune, Charles Cumins, Samuel Wier,
John McCune, Jr. , Josh Martin, James Carrahan, Allen Kollogh, James Young,
Francis Newell, John Quigly, Eobert Stuart, Samuel Montgomery, Daniel
Mickey, Andrew Jack, Eobert Mickey, Hugh Braidy, Eobert Chambers, Will-
iam Thomson, Edward Leasy, Alexander Scrogg, John Jack, James Laughlin,
John Laughlin, Jr., Eobert Dinney, David Simrel, Samuel Walker, Abra-
ham Walker, James Paxton, James IJxley, Samuel Cellar, W. McClean, James
Culbertson, James McKessan, John Miller, Daniel O'Cain, John Edmonson,
Isaac Miller, David McGaw [Magaw — Ed.] John Eeynolds, Francis Cam-
ble, William Anderson, Thomas Edmonson, James Dunlop, John Eeynolds, Jr. ,
William Dunlop, Widow Piper, George Cumins, Thomas Finley, Alexander
Fairbairn, John Mason, James Dysert, William Gibson, Horace Brattan, John
Carothers, Patrick Mullan, James Blair, Peter Walker, John Stevenson, John
Aiger, John Ignue. Freemen — John Hanch, Josh Edmonson, John Callwell,
John Eiohison (skinner), P. Miller — total, 134.
First Settlers. — The first settlers in the North Valley and the region to the
northward, embraced in what was Cumberland County, were mostly Scotch-Irish,
a fearless and aggressive people who were impatient at the delays of the land-
of&ce, and began as early as 1740-42 to settle on lands to which the Indian
title had not been fully extinguished. A few Germans were also among them,
and the settlements were made principally on the Juniata Eiver, Shearman's
Creek, Tuscarora Path (or Path Valley), in the little and big caves formed by
the Kittatinny and Tuscarora Mountains and by the Big and Little ConoUoways.
The Indians very naturally regarded them as intruders, and in 1750 threatened
to settle matters in their own way if the Government failed to put a stop to the
16 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
proceedings. MeaBurea were promptly adopted. ' ' The secretary of the
province, Mr. Richard Peters, and the interpreter, Mr. Conrad Weiser, were
directed to proceed to the county of Cumberland, in which the new settlements
lay, and to expel the intruders. They were joined by the magistrates of the
county, the delegates from the Six Nations, a chief of the Mohawks, and Andrew
Montour, an interpreter from Ohio. The commissioners met with little resist-
ance in the execution of their duty, a few only of the settlers, under an ap-
prehension of imprisonment, making a show of opposition. All readily entered
into recognizance for their appearance at the next sessions, and many aided to
reduce their own habitations to ashes in the presence of the magistrates and
attendant Indians. ' ' *
Following is the report of the proceedings made to the governor by Mr.
Peters, under date of July 2, 1750:
To Jambs Hamilton, Esq., Governob of Pennsylvania,
May it please Tour Honor: — Mr. Weiser, having received your Honor's orders to give
information to the proper magistrates against all such as had presumed to settle and re-
main on the lands beyond the Kittochtinny Mountains, not purchased of the Indians, In
contempt of the laws repeatedly signified by proclamations, and particularly by your Hon-
or's last one, and bring them to a legal conviction, lest for want of their removal a breach
should ensue between the Six Nations of Indians and this province, we set out on Tues-
day, the 15th of May, 1750, for the new county of Cumberland, where the places on which
the trespassers had settled lay.
At Mr. Croghan's we met with five Indians, three from Shamokin, two of which are
sons of the late Schlckcalamy, who transacted the business of the Six Nations with the
Government; two were just arrived from Allegheny, viz.: one of the Mohock's Nation,
called Aaron, and Andrew Montour, the interpreter at Ohio. Mr. Montour, telling us he
had a message from the Ohio Indians and Twlehtwees to this Government, and desiring
a conference, one was held on the 18th of May last, in the presence of James Galbreth,
George Croghan, William Wilson and Hermanus Alrioks, Esq., justices of the county of
Cumberland; and when Mr. Montour's business was done, we, with the advice of the
other justices, imparted to the Indians the design we were assembled upon, at which they
expressed great satisfaction.
Another conference was held at the instance of the Indians, in the presence of Mr.
Galbreth and Mr. Croghan, before mentioned, wherein they expressed themselves as
follows:
" Brethren, we have thought a great deal of what you imparted to us, that ye were
come to turn the people off who were settled over the hills; we are pleased to see you on
this occasion, and as the council of Onondago has this affair exceedingly at heart, and it
was particularly recommended to us by the deputies of the'Six Nations, when they parted
from us last summer, we desire to accompany you, but we are afraid, notwithstanding
the care of the Governor, that this may prove like many former attempts; the people will
be put ofl now, and next year come again, and if so, the Six Nations will no longer bear
it but do themselves justice. To prevent this, therefore, when you shall have turned the
people off, we recommend it to the Governor to place two or three faithful persons over
the mountains who may be agreeable to him and us, with commissions empowering them
immediately to remove every one who may presume after this to settle themselves until
after the Six Nations shall agree to make sale of their land."
To enforce this they gave a string of wampum and received one in return from the
magistrates, with the strongest assurances that they would do their duty.
On Tuesday, the 22d of May, Matthew Dill, George Croghan, Benjamin Chambers,
Thomas Wilson, John Finley and James Galbreath, Esqs., justices of the said county of
Cumberland, attended by the under sheriff, came to Big Juniata, situate at the distance
of twenty miles from ttie mouth thereof and about ten miles north from the Blue Hills,
a place much esteemed by the Indians for some of their best hunting ground, and there
they found five cabins or log houses, one possessed by William White, another by George
Cahoon, another, not yet quite finished in possession of David Hiddleston, another possessed
by George and William Galloway, and another by Andrew Lycon. Of these persons, Will-
iam White and George and William Galloway, David Hiddleston and George Cahoon ap-
peared before the magistrates, and being asked by what right or authority they had pos-
sessed themselves of those lands and erected cabins thereon, they replied by no right or
authority, but that the land belonged to the proprietaries of i Pennsylvania. They then
were asked whether they did not know they were acting against the law, and in contempt
of frequent notices given them by the Governor's proclamation. They said they had seen
*Rupp'a Cumberlaad, etc., p. 378.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 17
one such proclamation, and had nothing to say for themselves, but craved mercy. Here-
upon the said William White, George and William Galloway, David Hiddleston and
George Gaboon, being convicted by said justices. on their view, the under sheriff was
charged with them and he took William White, David Hiddleston and George Cahoon
into custody; but George and William Galloway resisted, and having got at some dis-
tance from the under sheriff, they called tons: "You may talse our lands and houses and
do what you please with them; we deliver them to you with all our hearts, but we will
not be carried to jail."
The next morning being Wednesday, the 33d of May, the said justices went to the log
house or cabin of AndrewJLycon, and finding none there but children, and hearing that the
father and mother were expected soon, and William White and others offering to become
security, jointly and severally, and to enter into recognizance as well for Andrew's ap-
pearance and Jimmediate removal as for their own, this proposal was accepted, and Will-
iam White , David Hiddleston and George Gaboon entered into a recognizance of one hun-
dred pounds, and executed bonds to the proprietaries in the sum of five hundred pounds,
reciting that they were trespassers and had no manner of rieht, and had delivered
possession to me for the proprietaries. When the magistrates went to the cabin or log
house of George and William Galloway (which they had delivered up as aforesaid the day
before, after they were convicted and were flying from the sheriff), all the goods belong-
ing to the said George and William were taken out, and the cabin being quite empty, I
took possession thereof for the proprietaries. And then a conference was held, what should
be done with the empty cabin; and after great deliberation all agreed that if some cabins
were not destroyed they would tempt the trespassers to return again, or encourage others
to come there should these trespassers go away, and so what was doing would signify
nothing, since the possession of them was at such a distance from the inhabitants could
not be kept from the proprietaries, and Mr. Weiser also giving it as his opinion that if all
the cabins were left standing the Indians would conceive such a contemptible opinion of
the government that they would come themselves in the winter, murder the people and
set their houses on fire. On these considerations, the cabin, by my order, was burnt by
the under sheriff and company.
Then the company went to the house possessed by David Hiddleston, who had en-
tered into bond as aforesaid, and he having voluntarily taken out all the things which
were in the cabin, and left me in possession, that empty and unfurnished cabin was like-
wise set on fire by the under sheriff by my order.
The next day being the 24th of May, Mr. Weiser and Mr. Galbreath, with the under
sheriff and myself, on our way to the mouth of the Juniata called at Andrew Lycon's with
the intent only to inform him that his neighbors were bound for his appearance and im-
mediate removal, and to caution him not to bring himself or them into trouble by a re-
fusal. But he presented a loaded gun to the magistrates and sheriff; said he would shoot
the first man that dared to come nigher. On this he was disarmed, convicted, and com-
mitted to the custody of the sheriff. This whole transaction happened in sight of a tribe
of Irtdians who by accident had in the night time fixed their tent on that plantation; and
Lycon's behavior giving them great offense, the Shickcalamies insisted on our burning
the cabin or they would do it themselves. Whereupon, when everything was taken out of
it (Andrew Lycon all the while assisting) and possession being delivered to me, the empty
cabin was set on fire by the under sheriff and Lycon was carried to jail.
Mr. Benjamin Ghambers and Mr. George Croghan had about an hour before separat-
ed from us, and on my meeting them aeain in Cumberland Gounty they reported to me
they had been at Sheerman's Greek, or Little Juniata, situate about six miles over the Blue
Mountain, and found there James Parker, Thomas Parker, Owen McKeib, John McGlare,
Richard Kirkpatrick, James Murray, John Scott, Heni-y Gass, John Cowan, Simon Girtee
and JohnKilough, who had settled lands and erected cabins or log houses thereon; and
having convicted them of the trespass on their view, they had bound them in recog-
nizances of the penalty of one hundred pounds to appear and answer for their trespasses
on the first day of the next county court of Cumberland, to be held at Shippensburg,
and that the said trespassers had likewise entered into bonds to the proprietaries in five
hundred pounds penalty to remove off immediately, with all their servants, cattle and ef-
fects, and had delivered possession of their houses to Mr. George Stevenson for the pro-
prietaries' use; and that Mr. Stevenson had ordered some of the meanest of those cabins to
be set on fire, where the families were not large nor the improvements considerable.
On Monday, the 28th of May, we were met at Shippensburg by Samuel Smith, William
Maxwell, George Croghan, Benjamin Chambers, Robert Chambers, William Allison, Will-
iam Trent, John Finley, John Miller, Hermanns Alricks, and James Galbreth, Esqs., justices
of Cumberland County, who, informing us that the people in the Tuscarora Path, in Big
Cove, and at Aucquick would submit, Mr. Weiser most earnestly pressed that he might be
excused any further attendance, havingf abundance of necessary business to do at home;
and the other magistrates, though with much reluctance, at last consenting, he left us.
On Wednesday, the 30th of May, the magistrates and company, being detained two
days by rains, proceeded over the Kittoohtinny Mountains and entered into the Tuscarora
18 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Path, or Path Valley, through which the road to Alleghany lies. Many settlements were
formed in this valley, and all the people were sent for and the following persons appeared,
viz.; Abraham Slack, James Blair, Moses Moore, Arthur Dunlap, Alexander McCartie,
David Lewis, Adam McCartie, Felix Doyle, Andrew Dunlap, Robert Wilson, Jacob Pyatt,
Jacob Pyatt, Jr., William Ramage, Reynolds Alexander, Samuel Patterson, Robert Baker,
John Armstrong and John Potts, who were all convicted by their own confession to the
magistrates of the like trespasses with those at Shearman's Cree^, and were bound in
the like recognizances to appear at court, and bonds to the proprietaries to remove with all
their families, servants, cattle, and effects, and having all voluntarily given possession of
their houses to me, some ordinary log houses to the number of eleven were burnt to the
ground, the trespassers, most of them cheerfully and a very few of them with reluctance,
carrying out all their goods. Some had been deserted before and lay waste.
At Aucquick, Peter Falconer, Nicholas De Long, Samuel Perry and John Charleton
were convicted on the view of the magistrates, having entered into the like recogniz-
ances and executed the like bonds. Charlton's cabin was burned and fire set to another
that was just begun, consisting only of a few lojjs piled and fastened to one another.
The like proceedings at Big Cove (now within Bedford County) against Andrew Don-
naldson, John Macclelland, Charles Stewart, James Downy, John Macmean, Robert Kendell,
Samuel Brown, William Shepperd, Roger Murphy, Robert Smith, William Dickey, Will-
iam Millican, William Macconnell, Alexander Macconnell, James Campbell, William
Carrell, John Martin, John Jamison, Hans Patter, John Maccollin, James Wilson and
John Wilson, who, coming before the magistrates, were convicted on their own confes-
sion of the like trespasses as in former cases, and were all bound over in like recogniz-
ances and executed the like bond to the proprietaries. Three waste cabins of no value
were burned at the north end of the cove by the persons that claimed a right to them.
The Little Cove (in Franklin County) and the Big and Little Connolloways being the
only places remaining to be visited, as this was on the borders of Maryland the magis-
trates declined going there and departed for their homes.
About the year 1740 or 1741 one Frederic Star, a German, with two or three more of
his countrymen, made some settlements at the very place where we found William White,
the Galloways and Andrew Lycon (on Big Juniata situate at the distance of twenty miles
from the north thereof and about ten miles north of the Blue Hills, a place much esteemed
bv the Indians for some of their best hunting ground. — {Votes Asaem. Vol. IV. p. 138,)
whicli (German settlers) were discovered by the Delawares at Shamokin to the deputie- of
the Six Nations as they came down to Philadelphia in the year 1742 to hold a treaty with
this government; and they were so disturbed as to inquire with a peculiar warmth of Gov-
ernor Thomas if these people had come there by the orders or with the privity of the gov-
ernment, alleging that if it was so this was a breach of the treaties subsisting between the
Six Nations and the proprietor, William Penp,who in the most solemn manner engaged to
them not to suffer any of the people to settle lands until they had purchased them from
the council of the Six Nations. The Governor, as he might, with gi-eat truth, disowned
any knowledge of these persons' settlements, and on the Indians requesting that they
should immediately be thrown over the mountains, he promised to issue his proclamation
and if this had no effect to put the laws in execution against them. The Indians, in the
same treaty publicly expressed some very severe threats against the Inhabitants of Mary-
land for settling lands for which they received no satisfaction, and said if they would not
do them justice they would do justice to themselves; and would certainly have commit-
ted hostilities if a treaty had not been on foot between Maryland and the Six Nations
under the mediation of Governor Thomas, at which the Indians consented to sell lands
and receive a valuable consideration for them, which put an end to the danger.
The proprietaries were then in England, but observing, on perusing the treaty, with
what asperity they had expressed themselves against Maryland, and that the Indians had
just cause to complain of the settlements at Juniata, so near Shamokin, they wrote to their
governor in very pressing terms, to cause those trespassers to be immediately removed;
and both the proprietaries and Governor laid their commands on me to see this done,
which I accordingly did in June, 1743, the Governor having first given them notice by a
proclamation served on them.
At that time none had presumed to settle at a place called Big Cove — having this
name from its being enclosed in the form of a basin by the southernmost range of the Kit-
tochtinny Hills and Tuscarora Hills, which last end here and lose themselves in other hills.
This Big Cove is about five miles north of the temporary line and not far west of the place
where the line terminated. Between the Big Cove and the temporary line lies the Little
Cove, so-called from being likewise encircled with hills; and to the west of the Little
Cove, toward Potowmec, lie two other places called the Big and Little ConoUaways, all of
them situated on the temporary line, was it to he extended toward Potowmec.
In the year 1741 or 1742 information was likewise given that people were beginning to
settle in those places, some from Maryland aad some from this province. But as the two
governments were then not on very good terms, the Governor did not think proper to
take any other notice of these settlements than to send the sheriff to serve his proclama-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 19
tion on them, and thought it ample occasion to lament the vast inconveniencies which
attend unsettled boundaries. After this the French war came on, and the people in these
parts, taking advantage of the confusion of the times, by little and little stole into the
Great Cove; so that at the end of the war it was said thirty families had settled there— not,
however, without frequent prohibitions on the part of the government, and admonitions
of the great danger they ran of being cut off by the Indians, as these settlements were on
lands not purchased of them. At the close of the war Mr. Maxwell, one of the justices of
Lancaster County, delivered a particular message from this government to them, ordering
their removal, that they might not occasion a breach with the Indians; but it had no
effect.
These were, to the best of my remembrance, all the places settled by Pennsylvanians
in the unpurchased part of the province till about three years ago, when some persons had
the presumption to go into Path Valley or Tuscarora Gap, lying to the east of Big Cove
and onto a place called Aucquick, lying to the northward of it; and likewise into a place
called Shearman's creek, lying all along the waters of Juniata, and is situate east of the
Path Valley through which the present road goes from Harris' Ferry to Allegheny; and
lastly they extended their settlements to Big Juniata, the Indians all this while repeatedly
complaining that their hunting ground was every day more and more taken from them,
and that there must Infallibly arise quarrels between their warriors and these settlers
which would in the end break the chain of friendship, and pressing in the most importunate
terms their speedy removal. The government in 1748 sent the sheriff and three magis-
trates with Mr. Weiser unto these places to warn the people; but they, notwithstanding,
continued their settlements in opposition to all this, and as if those people were prompted
by a desire to make mischief, settled lands no better — nay not so good— as many vacant
lands within the purchased parts of the province.
The bulk of the settlements were made during the administration of President Palmer;
and it is well known to your Honor, though then in England, that his attention to the
safety of the city and lower counties would not permit him to extend more care to places
so remote.
Finding such a general submission, except the two Galloways and Andrew Lycon, and
vainly believing the evil would be effectually taken away, th ere was no kindness in my ijower
which I did not do for the offenders. I gave them money where they were poor, and tell-
ing them they might go directly on any part of the two millions of acres lately purcliased
of the Indians; and where the families were large, as I happened to have several of my
own plantations vacant, I offered them to stay on them rent free till they could provide
for themselves. Then I told them that if, after this lenity and good usage, they would dare
to stay after the time limited for their departure, no mercy would be shewed them, but
that they would feel the rigor of the law.
It may be proper to add that the cabins or log houses which were burnt were of no
considerable value, bein^ such as the country people erect in a day or two and cost only
the charge of an entertainment.
After the close of Pontiac's war, the valley, which had been so sadly
devastated, soon began to wear an air of great prosperity. When it became a
positive assurance that the savages, in fear of whom the people had lived for
years, were to trouble them no longer, the joy of the aiflicted was great, being
tempered, however, by the recollections of the awful scenes through which
they had so lately passed. The inhabitants who had left their homes to seek
safety in the older settled counties to the east now returned to their homes
in the valley, and many immigrants of a desirable class also came in and took
advantage of the chances offered to them in the new country. In 1762 of
141,000 acres of land in the county, 72,000 acres had been patented and
warranted by actual settlers. About the same time (1761-62) a few Germans
had settled in the eastern part of the county, near the Susquehanna. Louther
Manor was resurveyed and opened for settlement (1764-65), and two years
later it was again surveyed and divided into twenty-eight lots or parcels, con-
taining from 150 to 500 acres each, which lots were purchased principally by
Scotch-Irish in Lancaster and Cumberland Counties, though some were sold to
Germans. Robert Whitehill is said to have erected the first stone house on
the manor. Among purchasers of manor lands who were of Scotch-Irish
nativity were Isaac Hendricks, Capt. John Stewart, John Boggs, John Arm-
strong, James Wilson, Robert Whitehill, Moses Wallace, John Wilson, Sam-
uel Wallace, James MoCurdy, David Moore, Rev. William Thompson (Episco-
20 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
pal minister at Carlisle), Alex Young, Jonas Seely. Among the Germans were
John Mish, Conrad Reinninger, Caspar Weaver, Christopher Gramlich, Philip
Kimmel, Andrew Kreutzer.
Prominent settlers about the same time in various parts of the county were
Ephraim Blaine, who built a grist-mill in 1764 on the Conodoguinet about a
mile north of Carlisle; Robert Collander, who also built a mill near the conflu-
ence of the Conodoguinet and Letort's Spring, in Middlesex Township; Will-
iam Thompson, a captain in the Indian war, and later a general in the Revo-
lution; William Lyon, justice, judge and military officer; John Holmes, elected
sheriff October 5, 1765; William McCoskry, coroner in 1764; Stephen Duncan,
Rev. George Duffield (pastor of a Presbyterian Church as early as 1768); John
Montgomery, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Kearsley, Robert Miller, Rev. John Steel
(captain in the Indian war) — all at Carlisle; George Armstrong, member of the
Assembly, and Walter Gregory, both in Allen. James Carothers, Esq. , James
Galbraith, Esq., James and Matthew Loudon,* in East Pennsborough;
George Brown, Ezekiel Dunning (sheriff in 1764), John Byers, an extensive
farmer near Alexander Spring and subsequently a member of Council, all of
West Pennsborough; William Buchanan, James Blaine, John McKnight
(judge), Thomas Wilson (judge)— all of Middleton.
Shippensburg, the oldest town in the county, had become a prosperous
settlement also. A company of twelve persons had settled there in June,
1730, and were soon joined by others. Hopewell Township, which was formed
as a part of Lancaster County in 1735, had settlements outside of Shippens-
burg (then in its limits) as early as 1731. And it is easy to see that upon the
breaking out of the war of the Revolution the number of residents in the
territory now included in Cumberland County was quite considerable.
The following interesting sketch, written by Thomas Craighead, Jr., of
Whitehill, December 16, 1845, and published in Rupp' s History of Dauphin,
Cumberland and other counties, is worthy of insertion in this connection, and
will doubtless be new to many:
* * * The facts, incidents, etc., I communicate, I record as they occur to
my mind. I will confine myself to my youthful neighborhood and such facts as I heard
related by those who have, by reason of age, gone beyond the bourne whence none return.
I need not inform you that the first settlers of new countries have to encounter trials,
hardships and dangers. These my ancestors, in common with others, experienced on their
first coming into this county. Nothwithstandine their multiplied trials and difficulties,
they had ever in mind the fear and worship ot one common Creator. An ancestor of
mine, who early immigrated to America, was a student of theology under the Rev. Tuck-
ney, of Boston, who had been a member of the General Assembly at Westminster. You
will find, on consulting the history of the Presbyterian Church of this county, that the
name of Craighead appears at an early period. In establishing churches in this county,
Craighead appears as one of the first ministers. The first sermon preached west of the
Susquehanna was delivered by the Kev. Thomas Craighead, then residing, as I believe, in
Donegal Township, Lancaster County. Soon after, these congregations were organized in
what IS now Cumberland and Franklin, viz.: One in the lower settlement, near Carlisle;
one at Big Spring, near Newville, and one in the Conogocheague settlement. Thomas
Craighead preached at Big Spring. When divine service was first held, the settlers went
with their guns to hear preaching. These defensives were then deemed necessary to deter
the Indians from attacking them. However, the peaceful disposition of the true Christian
had its salutary influence upon the untutored Indian — the Indian feared and respected the
consistent professor of religion. Religious influence was felt — at Big Spring protracted
meetings were held for public worship. So powerful, it is said, were the influences of the
Spirit, that the worshippers felt loth, even after having exhausted their stores of provis-
ions, to disperse. I have heard it from the lips of those present, when Thomas Craighead
delivered one of his parting discourses, that his flow of eloquence seemed supernatural —
;»Mattliew and James Loudon had come from Scotland and settled first in Shearman's Valley, but were
driven out by the Indians, and relocated on land near Hogestown, southeast of Carlisle. James returned to
Shearman's Valley after peace was declared with the Indians. His son, Archibald, born on shipboard during
the passage from Scotland, afterward became postmaster at Carlisle, and also published several volumes, one of
which was descriptive of outrages during the Indian wars, and has been much quoted.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 21
he continued in bursts of eloquence, while his audience was melted to tears — himself how-
ever exhausted, hurried to pronounce the blessing, waving his hand, and as he pronounced
the words, "farewell, farewell," he sank down, expiring without a gi-oan or struggle. His
remains rest where the church now stands as the only monument to his memory.
John Craighead, a son of Thomas, settled at an early date on Yellow Breeches Creek,
near Carlisle. His son John oflBciated a short time as pastor at Big Spring. He then re-
moved to Conegocheague, and was there placed as pastor. When the Bevolution was the
absorbing question of the day, he was an ardent Whig, and fearless of consequences; the
Government had an eye on him, but the people were with him. He preached liberty or
death from the pulpit; the young men's bosoms swelled with enthusiasm for military glory
— they marched to the tented field, and several were killed. Still he urged them not to be
daunted. On one occasion he brought all his eloquence to bear on the subject, until the
congregation arose to their feet as if ready to march. An old lady who had just lost a son
in battle, hallooed out: " Stop, Mr. CraigheadI I just want to tell ye agin you loss such
a purty boy as I have in the war, ye will na be so keen for fighting. Quit talking and gang
yersel to the war. Ye're always preaching to the boys about it, but I dinna think ye'd be
very likely to gang yersel. Jist go and try it!" He did try it, and the next day, he and
Mr. Cooper — I think — a preacher also, set about to raise a company. They did raise one,
of the choicest spirits that ever did live; marched in short order, and joined the army under
"Washington, in the Jerseys. He fought and preached alternately, breasted all danger, re-
lying on his God and the justice of his cause for protection.
One day, going to battle, a cannon ball struck a tree near him, a splinter of which
nearly knocked him down. "God bless me," says Mr. Cooper, " you were nearly knocked
to staves." "Oh, yes," says he very cooly, " though you are a cooper you could not have
set me up." He was a great humorist. » » * When he marched his company
they encamped near where I am now writing, at the Hon. Robert Whitehill's, who opened
his cellar, which was well stored with provisions and barrels of apple brandy. Col. Hen-
drick's daughters assisted in preparing victuals for them. They fared sumptuously with
this brave man. They next encamped at Boyd's, in Lancaster County; he fell in love
with Jennie Boyd and married her. He died of a cancer on his breast, leaving no children.
His father, John, had been educated in Europe for the ministry, but on his return he found
preaching a poor business to live by. He stopped at Philadelphia, took to tailoring, took
food care when he went into good company to tie up his forefinger, for fear of his being
iscovered, but being a handsome little man and having a good education he was courted
by the elite of the day. He fell in with an English heiress, of the name of Montgomery,
I think, married her, and spent the fortune all but a few webs of linen, with which he pur-
chased from the proprietor 500 acres of land on Yellow Breeches. * * * . *
His other two sons, Thomas and James, were farmers; they had great diflBculty in paying
the balance due on their land. They took their produce to Annapolis (no business done in
Baltimore then); prices got dull; they stored it; the merchant broke; all seemed gone; they
applied for more time; built a saw-mill. They had made the money, but the war came on.
Thomas was drafted; his son John, thirteen years old, and my father drove the baggage
wagon. It took the money to equip and bear their expenses while going to and in camp.
Thomas took the camp fever and his son the small-pox. Gen. Washington gave them a
furlough to return home. A younger son, James, met them below Lancaster, and drove
the team home. He often stopped and looked into the wagon to see if they were still liv-
ing, but he got them home, and they both recovered. By some mistake in recording their
furlough, there was a fine imposed on Thomas for leaving camp a few days before his time
was up. When the bailiff came to collect it he was up on a barrack building wheat. The
oflBcer was on horseback. He told him he would come down and pay him. He came
down, took a hickory withe that happened to lie near, caught his little horse by the tail,
and whipped the oflScer, asking him if he was paid, untU he said he was paid. That set-
tled the fine. He was paid off with Congress money; broke up again with a chest full of
money. By this time things began to go up; all prospered. John Craighead, his father,
had been an active member of the Stony Ridge convention, which met to petition parlia-
ment for redress of grievances. He was closely watched by the Tories, and one Pollock
was very near having him apprehended as a rebel, but the plot was found out and Pollock
had to leave the county. ISIear the place where this convention met, at the stony ridge,
one Samuel Lamb lived on his land. There was a block-house, where the neighbors flew
for shelter from hostile Indians. * * * Lamb was a stone mason, built stone
chimneys for the rich farmers who became able to hew logs and put up what was called a
square log house. They used to say he plumbed his corners with spittle — that is, he spit
down the corner to see if it was plumb. Indeed, many chimneys are standing to this day
and look like it; but he had a patriotic family. When the army rendezvoused at Little
York, four of his sons were in the army — two officers and two common soldiers. His
daughters had a web of woolen in the loom; they colored the woof with sumach berries, and
ma^ it as red as they could, for all war habiliments were dyed red as possible; made coats
by guess for their brothers, put them in a tow-cloth wallet, slung it over their young
brother, Samuel, to take to camp. He hesitated, the country being nearly all forest and
22 HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
full of wolves, bears, etc. One of them, Peggy, asked him: "What are you afraid of ?
Go on I Sooner come home a corpse than a coward! " He did go on, and enlisted during
the war; came home, married Miss .Trindle, of Trindle Spring, removed to Kentucky,
raised a large family. * * * It seems as if there was something in the blood,
as one of his sons in the last war* was a mounted volunteer in Gen. Harrison's army.
At the battle of Tippecanoe he rode a very spirited horse, and on reining him to keep him
in the ranks, his bridle bit broke. Being an athletic, long-legged young fellow, and his
horse running at full speed toward the ranks of the enemy, he brandished his sword, hal-
looing: "Clear the way, I am comingi" The ranks opened, let him through, and he es-
caped safe andgot back to his camp.f Peggy Lamb deserves a notice. She afterward
married Capt. William Scott, who was a prisoner on Long Island, and she now (1845) en-
joys a captain's half pay; lives in Mechanicsburg. near her native place, a venerable old
lady in full strength of intellect, though more than four-score years have passed over her.
She well deserves the little boon her country bestows upon her. The first horse I remem-
ber to ride alone was one taken in the Revolution by William Gilson, who then lived on
the Conodoguinet Creek, where Harlacher's mill now is. He was one of Hindman's rifle-
men, and after the battle of Trenton, he being wounded in the leg, two of his.brother
soldiers were helping him off the field; they were pursued by three British Light Horsemen
across an old field and must be taken, lliey determined to sell themselves as dearly as
possible. Gilson reached the fence, and propped himself against it. "Now," says he,
" man for man; I take the foremost." He shot him down, the next was also shot, the third
was missed. The two horses pursued their courses, and were caught by Gilson and his
companions and brought into camp. His blue dun lived to a great age. Gilson was offered
£1,500 for him. Gilson removed to Westmoreland County. His wife was also a Trindle.
He left a numerous and respectable family. I wish I was able to do those families more jus-
tice for their patriotism and integrity to their country. They have left a long line of off-
spring, who are now scattered far and wide over the Union. If they would but all take their
forefathers for examples! I come now within my own remembrance of Cumberland County.
I have seen many a pack-horse loaded with nail rods at Ege's Forge to cany out to Somer-
set County and the forks of Yougheigany and Red Stone Fort, to make nails for their log
cabins, etc. I have seen my father's team loading slit iron to go to Fort Pitt. John Rowan
drove the team. I have known the farmer's team to haul iron from the same forge to
Virginia; load back corn for feed at the forge. All the grain in the county was not enough
for its own consumption. I have known fodder so scarce that some farmers were obliged
to feed the thatch that was on their barns to keep their cattle alive. James Lamb bought
land in Sherman's Valley, and he and his neighbors had to pack straw on horses across the
mountain. He was on the top of the mountain waiting until those going over would get up,
as they could not pass on the path. He hallooed out: " Have they any more corn in Egypt?"
I saw the first mail stage that passed through Carlisle to Pittsburgh. It was a great wonder;
the people said the proprietor was a fool. I think his name was Slough. I happened a
short time ago to visit a friend, Jacob Ritner, son of that great and good man, ex-Gov.
Ritner, who now owns Capt. Denny's farm, who was killed during the Revolutionary war.
The house had been a tavern, and in repairing it Mr. Ritner found some books, etc., which
are a curiosity. Charge, breakfast, £20; dinner, horse-feed, £30; some charges still more
extravagant. But we know it was paid with Congress money. The poor soldier on his
return had poor money, but the rich boon, liberty, was a prize to him far more valuable.
As late as 1808 I hauled some materials to Oliver Evans' saw-mill at Pittsburgh. I was
astonished to see a mill going without water. Mr. Evans satisfied my curiosity by showing
and explaining everything he could to me. He looked earnestly at me and said: " You may
live to see your wagons coming out here by steam." The words were so impressed that I
have always remembered them.' I have lived to see them go through Cumberland County,
and it seems to me that I may see them go through to Pittsburgh; but I have seen Mr.
Evans' prophecy fulfilled beyond what 1 thought possible at that time. But things have
progressed at a rate much faster than the most gigantic minds imagined, and we are on-
ward still. * » * * Yours, truly, etc., Thomas Cbaighead, Jr.
In truth, could Mr. Craighead now peep at the region he knew for so many
years, he would be even more greatly surprised. The ' ' steam wagons ' ' have
reached Pittsburgh and gone beyond it to the shores of the distant Pacific
Ocean, over mountains beside which the Allegheuies would be but pigmy foot-
hills. Side by side is the great telegraph, and even the human voice, by
means of the delicate instrument known as the telephone, can be heard almost
across the continent. The most wonderful strides toward the perfection of
civilization have been taken since Mr. Craighead was laid to rest, and the end
is not yet.
*War of 1812.
fPretty tough story. [Ed.]
^^A-^/zy-y J^u
7'yL yi . U^^-^Y^/^
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 25
In a pamphlet history of the United Presbyterian Church of Big Spring, at
Newville, Cumberland County, published in 1878 by James B. Scouller, occur
the following passages:
" The first known settlements in Cumberland County were made in 1730,
and at no great distance from the river. But new settlers came in very rapidly
and passed up the North Valley, or the Kittochtinny Valley as then called,
following the Conodoguinet and Yellow Breeches Creeks, and locating also
upon Silver Spring, Letort Spring, Big Spring, Mean's Spring, Middle Spring,
Falling Spring, Eocky Spring and the different branches of the Conococheague,
until in 1736 a line of settlements extended from the Susquehanna clear
through to the western part of the province of Maryland. In 1748 there were
800 taxables in the valley, and in 1751 the number had increased to 1, 100
indicating a population of at least 5,000 inhabitants. These, with the exception
of about fifty German families in Franklin County, were immigrants from
Ireland and Scotland, and the descendants of those who had taken root in
Lancaster County. In 1751 a sudden and large increase in the flow of immi-
gration commenced, which ministered greatly to the rapid settlement of the
county. This tidal wave owed its origin to a very unusual and novel
cause. In 1730 Secretary Logan* wrote thus: 'I must own from my own
experience in the land office that the settlement of five families from Ireland
gives me more trouble than fifty of any other people. Before we were broke
in upon ancient friends and first settlers lived happily, but now the case is
quite altered.' The quick temper and belligerent character of this people,
which kept them generally in a kind of chronic broil with their German neigh-
bors, did not seem to improve with time, for in 1743 Secretary Peters wrote in
very much the same strain as had done his predecessor, and even the Quaker
forbearance of the Proprietaries finally became exhausted, so that in or about
1750, the year in which Cumberland County was organized, positive orders
were issued to all the agents to sell no more land in either York or Lancaster
County to the Irish, and to make very advantageous ofPers to those of them
who would remove from these counties to the North Valley. These offers were
so liberal that large numbers accepted, and built their huts among the wig-
wams of the native inhabitants, whom they found ' to be peaceful but by no
means non-resistant. ' '
A pamphlet containing an historical sketch of Carlisle, together with the
charter of the borough and published in 1841, also says: " In the year 1755
instructions were given by the proprietaries to their agents that they should
take especial care to encourage the immigration of Irishmen to Cumberland
County. It was their desire to people York with Germans and Cumberland
with Irish. The mingling of the two nations in Lancaster County had pro-
duced serious riots at elections, f '
In the year 1749 the total revenue from taxation in the county of Cumber-
land was only £117 7s. 8d., and the amount of excise collected in the county
for the year ending June 1, 1753, was £55. In 1762 the county contained
896 taxables, 37,820 acres of warranted land, 21,500 acres of unwarranted
land, 19, 304 acres of patented land, 201 town lots, and there was paid £726 in
rents and £4, 641 10s. in taxes. ' ' The proprietaries were the owners of land
estimated at 5,167 acres in Middleton Township, near Carlisle, and 7,000 in
♦Logan was himself an Irishman, but had been bo long in the con&dence and pay of the proprietaries that
he was at this time, probably, somewhat prejudiced even against his own people.
fThe same authorities relate, concerning the manner of settling election difficulties, that, ** in 1756, when
William Allen was returned a member of the Assembly for two counties, Cumberland and Northampton, he was
merely requested by the speaker to name the county for which he would sit, as he could not serve for both.
He chose Cumberland, and a new election was ordered for Northampton." Elections were somewhat irregular
heoause of the sparse population.
26 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
East Pennsborough, of which 1,000 had been given up to Peter Chartier (and
now in the hands of his assigns) and Tobias Hendricks, who took care of the
whole manor. They also were the owners of sixty-four lots in Carlisle, eight
of which were rated at £100 and the remainder at £15 each. The manor
lands were valued for taxes, 3,000 of those in Middleton at £100 per hundred,
and those in East Pennsborough at £75 per hundred, on which they paid a
tax of 6s. on the pound. Before 1755 the proprietary estates had not been
included in any general land-tax bill, but in that year the proprietaries had
yielded the point and consented to be taxed on all really taxable property (that
is, appropriated lands, all real estate except unsurveyed waste land, lots in
town and rents of all kinds), and on equal terms with the other owners.
There was, however, so much dispute on various points connected with this
matter, that no collections were made on the proprietaries, but in considera-
tion of the dangers of the province they had made a donation of £5,000.*
In 1759, therefore, when the tax was levied, it was made retrospective for the
five years (1755-59) inclusive, which had been in dispute, allowing them credit
for the £5.000 which had been given, f"
Taxables in 1762. — The following is a list of the taxables in the county in
1762:
East Pennsborough Township, 1762. — James Armstrong, Andrew Armstrong,
Samuel Anderson, James Armstrong, Samuel Adams, Samuel Bell, William
Brians, William Beard, John Beard, Walter Buchanan, William Bell, David
Bell, John Buchanan, John Biggar, James Carothers, Esq. , William Chestnut,
Thomas Clark, William Carothers, Thomas Culvert, Samuel Chambers, John
Clendening, Adam Calhoon, Samuel Calhoon, Robert Carothers, John Crosier,
John Chambers, William Culbertson, William Cronicle, John Carson, Thomas
Donallson, Eobert Denny, William Duglas, John Dickey, James Dickey, An-
drew Ervin, William Ervin, James Ervin, John Ervin, John Edwards, John Ful-
ton, James Galbreath, James Gattis, John German, William Gray, Samuel Gaily,
Samuel Hustin, Tobias Hendricks, John Hickson, WilliamHarris, Patrick Holmes,
John Hamilton, Widow Henderson, Clement Horril, Jonathan Hogg, David
Hogg, Joseph Junkin, Eobert Jones, James Kerr, James Kile, Widow Keny,
Brian Kelly, Matthew Loudon, Alex Laverty, Widow McClure, William Mar-
tial, Edward Morton, John Morton, Eobert McKinly, James McConall, Sam-
uel McCormick, John McCormick, Francis Maguire, James McCormick, Thom-
as McCormick, Matthew McCaskie, James McKinstry, William Mateer, Will-
iam Millar, Edward Morton, Andrew Milligan, John McTeer, Thomas Mur-
ray, Shedrick Muchmore, James McConneU, Jr. , Brian McColgan, James Neal-
er, Nathaniel Nilson, Nathaniel Nilson (again), William Noble, John Orr, Will-
iam Orr, William Oliver, William Parkison, James Purdy, William Plunket,
John Quigley, David Eees, William Eoss, James Eeed, Nathaniel Reaves,
Archibald Stuart, Eobert Steel, John Semple, Francis Silvers, David Semple,
Eobert Samuels, John Shaw, Mr. Seely, William Speedy, Thomas Spray, Hen-
ry Taylor, Henry Thornton, John Trimble, Benjamin Vernon, John Williams,
William Walker, George Wood, John Wood, John Waugh, James Waugh,
John Willey, Henry Warton, Samuel Williamson — 126.
Carlisle, 1762. — John Armstrong, Esq. , Samuel Allen, Harmanus Alricks,
Nicolas Albert, William Armstrong, Thomas Armstrong, John Anderson,
John Andrews, Widow Andrews, Mary Buchanan, Widow Buchanan, Thomas
Bell, William Blyth, James Bell, William Bennet, William Blair, James Bar-
clay, William Brown, Thomas Blair, Joseph Boyd, Charles Boyle, Isaac
Burns, James Brandon, John Chapman (wagoner), John Crawford,' Henry
♦See Indian History.
tDr. Wing, p. 64.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 27
Creighton, "William Crocket, Kobert Crunkelton, Eoger Connor, William
Caldwell, George Crocket, Samuel Coulter, Andrew Colboon, James Crocket,
Simon Callins, Robert Callender, William Christy, John Chapman, William
Clark, John Craig, Thomas Copling, Jacob Cart, Thomas Christy, Widow Col-
hoon, Michael Dill, George Davidson, James Duncan, Samuel Davidson (not
of age), Thomas Duncan, Ezekiel Dunning, Thomas Donallan, William Devin-
port, WUliam Denny, Widow Dunning, Adam Duglas, Stephen Duncan, Denis
Dougherty, Rev. George Duffleld, James Eckles, James Earl, David Franks,
Stephen Foulk, John Fortner, James Ferguson, James Fleming, Thomas
Fleming, Mary Gallahan, William Gray, Joseph Galbreath, James Gregg,
WiUiam German, John Gamble, Daniel Gorman, Robert Gorral, Robert Gib-
son, Robert Guthrie, Abraham Holmes, Adam Hoops, Barnabas Hughes,
Joseph Hunter, Jacob Hewick, Jacob Houseman, John Hastings, George
Hook, John Huston, John Hunter, Joseph Jeffreys, Thomas Jeffreys, John
Kennedy, John Kelly, Benjamin Kid, Andrew Kinkaid, John Kerr, John Kin-
kaid, John Kearsley, Robert Little, Agnes Leeth, William Lyon, William
McCurdy, William Main, David McCurdy, John McCurdy, Widow Mclntyre,
Robert Miller, James McCurdy, John Montgomery, Esq. , Hugh McCormick,
William MoCoskry, James McGill, John Mordough, Widow Miller, John
McKnight, Esq. , Hans Morrison, Patrick McWade, William Murphy, John
Mather, Widow Miller, John McCay, Hugh McCurd, William Miller, Robert
MeWhiney, Andrew Murphy, Philip Nutart, Joseph Nilson, Culbert Nickelson,
John Orr, Thomas Parker, William Parker, Philip Pendergrass, John Patti
son, Charles Pattison, William Plunket, WiUiam Patterson, James Taylor Pol-
lock, James Parker, James Pollock, Thomas Patton, John Pollock, William
Reaney, William Roseberry, William Rusk, Mary Rogers, John Robison, Rob-
ert Robb, James Robb, William Rodeman, Widow Ross, Henry Smith, Ezekiel
Smith, John Scott, Robert Smith, William Sharp, Widow Steveson, Charles
Smith, Widow Sulavan, James Stakepole, John Starret, John Steel, John
Smith, WUliam Spear, Timothy Shaw, Peter Smith, Rev. John Steel, Joseph
Smith, Rowland Smith, WUliam Spear, for court house, James Thompson,
Samuel Thompson, Wilson Thompson, James Thomas, James Templeton,
WiUiam White, William Ward, Roger Walton, Samuel , William Watson,
William Wadle, Edward Ward, Francis West, William Whiteside, Widow
Welch, ThomasJWalker, Abraham Wood, William Wallace, John Welch,
James Woods, Nathaniel Wallace, Widow Vahan, John Van Lear, James
Young— 190.
Allen Township, 1762. — John Anderson, James Atkison, George Arm-
strong, Alex Armstrong, William Abernathy, George Armstrong, James
Brown, WUliam Boyls, James Beatty, Robert Bryson, WUliam Boyd, William
Crocket, George Crocket, John Clark, Roger Cook, James Crawford, Rowland
Chambers, Samuel Cunningham, Philip Cuff, James Crocket, William Crosby,
Thomas Davis, WiUiam Dickey, John Dunlap, William Elliott, Widow Frazer,
Henry Free, John Glass, Walter Gregory, John Grindle, Richard Gilson, John
GUkison, James Gregory, John Gibson, John Giles, William Hamersly, Robert
Hannah, Thomas Hamersly, Isaac Hendricks, Charles Inhuff, Nicholas. King,
James Long, Henry Longstaff, Hugh Laird, James McTeer, John McTeer,
WUliam McCormick, William Martin, John McMain, Rowland McDonald,
Widow McCurdy, Anthony McCue, Hugh McHool, Andrew MiUer, John Mc-
NaU, Samuel Martin, Thomas McGee, John NaUer, Richard Peters, Richard
Peters, Esq., Henry Quigley, Richard Rankin, Thomas Rankin, John Rutlidge,
Robert Rosebary, Isaac Rutledge, John Sands, Widow Steel, Thomas Stewart,
James Semple, Charles Shoaltz, Moses Starr, Peter Tittle, WiUiam Trindle,
28 HISTORY OF CUMBEBLAND COUNTY.
Alex Trindle, David Willson, John Willson (weaver), John Willson, Alex
Work, Ralph Whiteside, George Wingler — 81.
West Pennsboi-ough Township, 1762. — John Armstrong, Esq., Jacob
Arthur, Peter Ancle, Laurence Allport, John Byers, Robert Bevard, George
Brown, Thomas Butler, James Brown, Widow Bratton, William Blackstock,
James Bevard, William Bevard, John Buras, William Carothers, James
Oarothers, William Clark, John Campbell, Widow Crutchlow, David Cronister,
Matthew Cralley, John Denny, Ezekiel Dunning, William Dunbar, William
Dunlap, John Dunlap, John Dunbar, James Dunning, John Dunning, George
Davidson, John Dunning, William Dillwood, Robert Brwin, William Eakin,
Thomas Eakin, Thomas Evans, William Ervin, John Ervin, Alex Erwin,
William Ewing (at Three Springs), Thomas Ewing, William Ewing, Andrew
Forbes, Alex Fullerton, Andrew Giffin, James Graham, Rob Guthrie, James
Gordon, William Gattis, Thomas Gray, Samuel Henry, John Hodge, Adam
Hays, William Harkness, James Hunter, Joseph Hasteen, Thomas Holmes,
Barney Hanley, David Hall, Henry Hanwart, Joseph Kilgore, John Kerr,
Matthew Kerr, Charles Kilgore, Samuel Kilgore, John Kenner, William Lem-
mon, William Laughlin, Allen Leeper, William Leviston, William Logan,
George Little, George Leavelan, William Little, Samuel Lindsay, John Lusk,
William Leich, John McOlung, Robert Meek, James McFarlane, William Mc-
Farlane, Robert McFarlane, John McFarlane, Andrew McFarlane, David Mc-
Nair, John McClure, Edward McMurray, John McGeary, Patrick McClure,
Robert McClure, John McCune, Robert McQuiston, James McQuiston, James
McCay, Thomas McKay, Daniel McAllister, Archibald McAllister, James Mc-
Naught, Alex McBride, Samuel McCullough, David McAllister, John Miller,
Robert McCullough, John Mclntyre, John McNair, David McNair, Alex Mo-
Cormick, William MoMahan, Daniel Morrison, Matthew MoCleares, James
McAllister, Francis Newell, John Newell, Herman Newman, Alex Officer,
Richard Peters, Esq., WUliam Parsons, Proprietaries' Manor (700 acres
patented), William Dutton, Paul Pears, Richard Parker, William Parker,
Widow Parker, Joseph Peoples, Jacob Peoples, Michael Pears, John Patton,
Thomas Parker, William Quiry, David Ralston, Matthew Russell, Robert
Rogers, William Robison, Archibald Robison, John Robison, Samuel Reagh,
Patrick Robison, Singleton's Place, Robert Stuart, John Scroggs, Allen
Scroggs, John Smily, James Sea, Robert Swaney, John Swaney, David
Stevenson, Thomas Stewart, Robert Stewart, William Scarlet, William Stewart,
James Smith (attorney), Anthony White, Widow Willson, Samuel Willson,
Samuel Wilson, James Weakley, Robert, Walker, William Woods, James White,
Robert Welsh, Alex Young — 164.
Middleton Township, 1762. — Nathan Andrew, William Armstrong, James
Alcorn, Adam Armwick, John Beatty, John Bigham, William Beatty, William
Brown, .John- Beard, William Buchanan, John Brownlee, James Blair, Richard
Coulter, Widow Clark, William Campbell, John Crennar, Robert Caldwell,
Charles Caldwell, John Craighead, James Chambers, John Davis, George
Douglass, John Dinsmore, David Drennan, William Dunbar, John Dickey,
Walter Denny, David Dunbar, James Dunlap, Widow Davies, William Davison,
Jr., James Eliot, Robert Eliot, Jr., John Elder ("Disputed Land, " 150 acres),
James Eliot, Jr. , Andrew Eliot, William Forgison, William Fleming, Joseph
Fleming, Ann Fleming, Arthur Foster, John Forgy, Thomas Freeman, John
Gregg, Samuel Gaay, Widow Guliford, Andrew Gregg, Robert Gibson, Lod-
wick Ginger, Joseph Gaily, Joseph Goudin, Thomas Gibson, Nicholas Hughs,
Samuel Harper, William Henderson, Thomas Holt, William Hood, Jonathan
Holmes, Humphrey's land, Hamilton's land, Patrick Hason, Andrew Holmes,
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 29
Thomas Johnston, John Johnston, Archibald Kenedy, James Keny, Matthew
Kenny, John Kincaid, George Kinkaid, James Kinkaid, Eichard Kilpatrick,
William Leer, Eobert Little, John Little, George Leslie, Samuel Lamb, David
McClure, William McKnitt, Andrew McBath, William McClellan, Hugh Mc-
Bride, John McCrea, David McBride, "Meeting-house land," Hugh McCor-
mick, James McCuUough, Matthew Miller, James Matthews, James McAllister,
Francis McNickle, John McKnight, Esq., James Moore, William Moore,
James McManus, Guain McHaffy, John McHafly, Thomas McHaffy, Samuel
McCrackin, John Mitchell, Widow Mclntyre, John Neely, Matthew Neely,
John Patton, William Parkison, James Pollock, Kobert Patterson, William Pat-
terson, Richard Peters' land. John Patterson. William Riddle, Archibald Ross,
James Robison, John Reed, Robert Reed, William Reed, John Reed, Jr. , John
Robb, Adam Ritchy, David Reed, James Reed, William Riggs, George Riggs,
Jacob Stanford, Abraham Stanford, John Stuart (weaver), James Stuart, William
Smith, John Stinson, George Sanderson, Sr. , Robert Sanderson, Jean Sanderson,
George Sanderson, Jr. , James Sharon, John Smith, Alex Sanderson, Andi-ew
Simison, Randies Slack, William Shaw, James Smith, William Stewart, Robert
Stinson, Ezekiel Smith, John Stewart, James Smith, Widow Templeton,
Robert Urie, Patrick Vance, Solomon Walker, Daniel Williams, Samuel Will-
son, John Waddell, Widow Williamson, Francis West, John Welsh, Thomas
Wilsouj Esq., Samuel White, Thomas Woods, James Woods — 159. '
Hopewell Township, 1762. — Thomas Alexander, John Anderson, Widow
Andrews, Hugh Brady, Samuel Brown, Benjamin Blyth, William Bricer, Joseph
Brady, John Brady, Samuel Bratin, Hugh Brady, Jr., William Crunkelton,
John 'Cloff, James Chambers, George Clark, James Chambers, William Car-
nahan, James Carnahan, George Cunningham, Robert Chambers, Francis
Campble, Robert Campble, William Duncan, Thomas Duncan, Daniel Duncan,
Johji Daizert, James Daizert, Moses Donally, Widow Donally, Philip Dusky,
Henry Daviea, John Eager, John Egnew, Joseph Eager, John Eliot, James
Eliot, Robert Fryer, Clement Finley, Thomas Finley, William Gibson, Ann
Gibson, Andrew Gibson, Samuel Gibson, Widow Gibbs, Robert Gibbs, William
Gamble, Samuel Gamble, John Hanah, Josiah Hanah, Samuel Hindman, John
Hunter, William Hodg, James Hamilton, George Hamilton, John W. Hamil-
ton, John Taylor Hamilton, David Herrin, John Hannah, William Hunter,
John Jack, Joseph L-vin, James Jack, James Kilgore, Thomas Lyon, James
Long, Edward Leasy, John Laughlin, James Laughlin, James Little, Andrew
Lucky, John Laughlin, Widow Leasin, Josiah Martin, Daniel McDowel, James
McFarlan, John McFarlan, John McClintock, James McGafEog, Andrew Man-
kelwain, Samuel Morrow, Patrick McGee, Eobert McComb, Samuel 'Montgom-
eryTTkomas Montgomery, James Mahan, John Moorhead, James McCormick,
George McCormick, John Montgomery, James Montgomery, John McCune,
Jr., John McCune, Robert McCune, John McClean, Daniel Mickey, Robert
Mickey, John S. Miller, Samuel Montgomery, David McGaw, Philip Millar,
Isaac Miller, James McAnay, John Millar, James McCall, John Meason, Nail
McClean, George McCully, John Mclntire, Samuel Moor, Andrew Mankel-
wain, John Morris, William McGaffog, Widow Myers, William Moorhead,
Samuel Mitchel, Samuel Mackelhing, John Montgomery, David McCurdy,
Patrick McFarlan, James McDowel, Robert McDowel, Thomas McKiny, James
Mankelwain, Samuel McGready, Samuel Neaves, John Nisbet, Richard Nick-
elson, William Nickelson, James Nesbit, John Nisbet, William Plumstead,
Richard Peters, William Piper, Samuel Perry, Nathaniel Peoples, James
Pollock, William Powell, John Porter, Thomas Pordon, John Porterfield,
James Quigly, John Quigly, John Robison, William Reynolds, John Redman,
30 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
James Reynolds, Samuel Smith, George Sheets, Samuel Stewart, David Simi-
ral, William Stitt, Robert Simonton, Edward Shipper, Alex Scroggs, John
Stineton, Samuel Sellars, Nathaniel Scruchfield, Samuel Sorre, Hugh Torrins,
John Thompson, William Thompson, John Trimble, Widow Trimble, Joseph
Thompson, David Thompson, Widow Thompson, John Thompson, Joseph
Woods, John Wodden, William_ Walker, Robert Walker, Samuel^JWalker,
James Williamson, Samuel Wier, Samuel Williamson, James Work, William
Walker, James Walker, James Wallas, James Jocky Williamson, West &
Smith, James Young.
More Early Settlers. — Dr. Wing, at pages 24 and 25 of his History of
Cumberland County, mentions the following early settlers:
George Croghan, five miles from the Susquehanna River, on the north side
of the Conodoguinet, also owned lands in various parts of the county, and in
1748 was the owner of 800 acres, which extended nearly to the mouth of Sil-
vers' Run, on the Conodoguinet. Part of it had been taken up by Rob-
ei-t Buchanan, in 1743, and part ' by William Walker, who sold to William
Trent. Mr. Croghan also owned a large tract in Hopewell, north of Shippens-
burg. He was a trader with the Indians, did not cultivate his land, and
changed his residence frequently to suit the convenience of trade. He was
originally from Dublin, and lived afterward at Aughwick, in what is now
Huntingdon County. He was greatly trusted by Sir William Johnson as an
agent among the Indians.
Robert Buchanan, above mentioned, sold his first claim and removed farther
up the creek with his brother Walter, living in East Pennsborough. William
Buchanan kept an inn at Carlisle in 1753, and another Buchanan was a resi-
dent of Hopewell Township in 1748, adjoining the Kilpatrick settlement.
James Laws lived next to Croghan, opposite to the mouth of Silvers' Run.
At a spring adjoining on the south was James Silvers, from whom the stream
and spring were named. He had settled there with his wife, Hannah, before
1733, and owned 500 acres of land or more; was public- spirited and honor-
able; has no descendants bearing his name. Within ten or fifteen years from
the time he settled there located around him James Pollock, who built a grist-
mill at or near the confluence of the Conodoguinet and the stream which issues
from Silvers' Spring, John Scott, Robert and James Robb, Samuel Thomp-
son, Thomas Fisher, Henry Quigley and William Berryhill. Andrew and
John Galbreath owned land adjoining them on the east, and William Walker
on the west.
John Hoge settled very early on the site of Hogestown, and had numerous
distinguished descendants. Two brothers, named Orr, coming from Ireland
before 1788, settled near him. William Trindle, John Walt, Robert Redock,
John Swanzey, John McCracken, Thomas Fisher, Joseph Green and John
Rankin owned land in Pennsborough, and were at different times tax collect-
ors before 1747. John Oliver, Thomas McCormick and William Douglas had
farms in Hoge's vicinity, John Carothers at the mouth of Hoge's Run, and
William Douglas west of and opposite him up the Conodoguinet. In the same
neighborhood were John and Abraham Mitchell, John Armstrong, Samuel
Anderson, Samuel Calhoun, Hugh Parker, Robert Dunning, John Hunter
(near Dirty Spring), Samuel Chambers, James Shannon, William Crawford,
Edward Morton, Robert Fulton, Thomas Spray, John Callen, John Watts,
Michael Kilpatrick, Joseph Thompson, Francis Maguire and James Mateer.
James Armstrong lived farther west, and on the ridge back of the present
site of Kingston was the residence of Joseph Junkin, who early settled upon
a large tract. Robert Bell lived near Stony Ridge, and south of him were
HISTOBY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 31
Samuel Lamb, "a stone mason and an ardent patriot," John Trindle, near
Trindle's Spring, James Irvine, Mathew Miller, John Forney and David
Denny. At Boiling Spring there settled early Dr. Eobert Thompson, for-
merly of Lancaster, Joseph Graley, Patrick Hassen, Andrew, William, James
and George Crocket, David Eeed and John Dickey. Charles Pippin settled
on "Pippin's Tract," on Yellow Breeches, in or before 1742. West of him,
on the same stream, were John Campbell, who had a mill , Eoger Cook, David
Wilson, John Collins, James McPherson, Andrew Campbell, Andrew and John
Miller, Eobert Patrick, J. Crawford, William Fear, John Gronow, Charles
McConnel, Alexander Frazier, Peter Title (or Tittle, as sometimes given), Ar-
thur Stewart, Thomas Brandon, Abraham Endless, John Craighead, the last
earlier than 1746 on lands extending along the creek eastward from the Balti-
more Turnpike. Adjoining him on the southwest was James Moore, who had
a mill which is still in existence. On the Letort, near Middlesex, James Davi-
son lived in 1736, a little south of the fording place where the road from
Harris' Ferry crossed the run. The land in this vicinity is said to have been
thickly settled before Carlisle was laid out. Patrick and William Davison,
William Gillingham, James Gillgore (or Kilgore), Joseph Clark, Peter Wilkie
and John McClure owned land near the propesed site of Carlisle, part of which
the proprietaries bought back for the purpose of laying out the town upon it.
Eichard lived two miles southwest. "William Armstrong's settlement" was
on the Conodoguinet just below Meeting-house Springs. " David Williams, a
wealthy land-holder and the earliest known elder in the congregation of Upper
Pennsborough, James Young and Eobert Sanderson were probably included
in this settlement. ' ' Thomas Wilson was farther east, near the present Hen-
derson mill; next east was James Smith, and south, Jonathan Holmes, " an-
other elder and an eminently good man, " who lived near the Spring on land more
recently owned by Mrs. Parker, just northeast of Carlisle. Eowland Chambers
lived near the mouth of the Letort on the State road, and below or back of him on
Conodoguinet was a settlement where the first mill in the county was claimed
to have been erected. North and on the north side of the creek were Joseph
Clark and Eobert Elliott, who came from Ireland about 1737. Abraham
Lamberton came soon after, also Thomas Kenny. East of them were John
Semple, Patrick Maguire, Christopher Huston and Josiah McMeans. ' ' On the
glebe belonging to the congregation of Upper Pennsborough, about two miles
northwest from Carlisle, was the Eev. Samuel Thompson (1788), near which
were lands belonging to John Davis, Esq. ; and farther up the creek were Will-
iam Dunbar and Andrew Forbes, near whom a mill was afterward erected by
WiUiam Thompson. " About four miles west of Carlisle Archibald McCallis-
ter had an extensive purchase, the upper part of which was sold to John
Byers, Esq., as early as 1742. Samuel Alexander was on Mount Pleasant,
and east of him on and near the road to Carlisle were David Line, Andrew
McBeath, James Given, John Eoads, M. Gibbons, Jacob Medill, Stephen
Colis and Samuel Blyth. Farther south, near the present Walnut Bottom
road, were John Huston and two brothers, from Donegal, Lancaster County,
Samuel and William Woods. Between them and the Soath Mountain, as
early as 1749, were James McKnight, William Dunlap, Eobert Walker and
James Weakley, and in the same vicinity were James L. Fuller, John Mc-
Knight, Esq. , William Campbell, John Galbreath, Hugh Craner, John Wilson,
James Peoples, Eobert Queston, Thomas Armstrong, William Parkinson and
John Elder.
' ' In the settlement commenced by James Chambers (whose residence was
about three miles southwest of Newville) was one of the most numerous clus-
32 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
ters of inhabitants in the valley. It was very early (1738) strong enough to
form a religious congregation, which offered to pledge itself to the support of a
pastor. In each direction from the Big Spring the land was almost entirely
taken up before 1750; so that the people there presented strong claims to the
county seat. Among the earliest of these settlers was Apdrew Ralston [see
page 8, this Part], on the road westward from the Spring; Robert Patterson the
Walnut Bottom road; James McKehan, who came from Gap Station, Lan-
caster County, and was for many years a much respected elder in the church
of Big Spring; John Carson, John Erwin, Richard Fulton, Samuel Mc-
CuUough and Samuel Boyd. On the ground now occupied by the town of
Newville were families of the name of Atchison and McLaughlin, and near
them were others of the name of Sterrett, Blair, Finley, Jacobs, and many
whose locations are not known to the writer. *' '
The third brother of the Chambers family, who located near Middle Spring
(north of Shippensburg at the county line) soon had a numerous settlement
around him. A history of the Midcie Spring Presbyterian Church in 1876,
by Rev. S. S. Wylie, then its pastor, has the following: " There is good evi-
dence for the statement that at that time (1738) this section of this valley, be-
tween Shippensburg and the North Mountain, was as thickly settled as almost
any other portion of it. It is a matter of history that the first land in this
valley taken up under the ' Samuel Blunston license' was by Benjamin Furley,
and afterward occupied by the Herrons, McCombs and Irwins, a large tract
lying along the Conodoguinet, in the direction of and in the neighborhood of
Orrstown. At the house of Widow Piper, in Shippensburg, as early as 1735,
a number of persons from along the Conodoguinet and Middle Spring met to
remonstrate against the road which was then being made from the Susque-
hanna to the Potomac, passing through ' the barrens,' but wanted it to be made
through the Conodoguinet settlement, which was more thickly settled. This
indicates that at this time a number of people lived in this vicinity. I give
the names of some of them, on or before the year 1738: Robert Chambers,
Herrons, McCombs, Youngs (three families), McNutts (three families), Mahans
(three families), Scotts, Sterretts and Pipers; soon after the Brady family,
McCunes, Wherrys, Mitchells, Strains, Morrows and others. It was such pio-
neers as these who, with their children, made Shippensburg the most promi-
nent town of this valley prior to the year 1750. Many of the names given
above constituted some of the most prominent and worthy members of Middle
Spring Church. ' ' Dr. Wing gives names in this settlement as follows : Hugh
and David Herron, Robert McComb, Alex and James Young, Alex McNutt,
Archibald, John and Robert Machan, James Scott, Alex Sterrett, William and
John Piper, Hugh and Joseph Brady, John and Robert McCim.e and Charles
Morrow. The twelve persons who, in June, 1730, made the first settlement at
Shippensburg, were Alex Steen, John McCall, Richard Morrow, Gavin Mor-
row, John Culbertson, Hugh Rippey, John Rippey, John Strain, Alex Askey,
John McAllister, David Magaw, John Johnston.
Wild Animals and Fish. — Dr. Wing says, in his general work on Cum-
berland County: "These fields and forests were full of wild animals, which had
multiplied to an unusual degree with the diminution of their enemies — the
Indians. Deer were especially numerous, particularly on the mountains; but
bears, wolves, panthers, wildcats, squirrels, turkeys and other game were
everywhere plentiful. Along the creeks and smaller streams the otter, musk-
rat and other amphibious animals were taken, and their skins constituted no
small part of the trade with the Indians and early hunters. Fish of all kinds
»Dr. Wing's History, pp. 24-6.
t<
I
I A
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 35
"were caught in the streams, and large quantities even of shad are said to have
come up the Susquehanna and to have frequented the Conodoguinet in the
Eastern part of the county. Many of these were taken in the rude nets and
seines called "brushnets," made of boughs or branches of trees. Most of
these wild animals and fish have now disappeared, but the accounts of the
early settlers are filled with tales of their contests with each other, the Indians
and themselves." The same facts are substantially given in Eupp' s History
of Dauphin and other counties.
Customs and Habits. — Wearing apparel was " home-spun and home-made, "
and the men went about dressed in this, and in hunting shirts and moccasins.
Carpets were unknown. Floors were of the ' ' puncheon' ' variety — logs split and
hewed, with the smooth surface uppermost. Benches made of the same material
with legs in them answered in the place of chairs. Instead of crockery and
china-ware the table furniture consisted of plates, spoons, bowls, trenchers, and
noggins made of wood, or of gourds and hard-shell squashes; though in the
families in better circumstances pewter took the place of wood, and there was
nothing finer. The border settlers who could eat their meals from pewter
dishes were rich indeed. Says Rupp: "Iron pots, knives and forks, especially
the latter, were never seen of different sizes and sets in the same kitchen. ' '
The few sheep, cows and calves possessed by the first settlers were for some
years a prey to wolves, unless securely protected and watched. The raven-
ous wolves were bold in their marauding expeditions, and many a time they
came prowling around the houses at night, poked their noses into the openings
and looked in through the crevices in the log dwellings upon the families
within, while the discordant howling sounded like the yelling of demons and
made the darkness appalling. Woe be then to the domestic animal that was
not securely housed or penned, for in the morning only its glistening bones
would be left to tell that it ever existed. The country lying between the Con-
odoguinet and the Yellow Breeches, for a distance of ten or twelve miles west-
ward from the Susquehanna, was a barren, or tract devoid of timber, and
across this deer were occasionally seen in a race for life with a pack of snarl-
ing and hungry wolves at their heels. These cadaverous and cunning animals
were seldom taken in steel traps", a better plan offered for their capture was the
log pen, with sloping exterior, open at the top, with retreating inner walls.
The wolf could easily climb up^the outside, and get at the bait within — gener-
ally the carcass of a sheep which had previously furnished a wolf a meal — but
once inside they could not get out, and were at the mercy of the settlers.
Many were destroyed in this way, yet it was forty years or more before they
ceased to be very troublesome.
The pioneers were a "rude race and strong," or they never could have
withstood the terrible hardships and privations of life in a border region, with
wUd beasts and wilder men continually harrassing them and making their lot
■desperate indeed. There is that in the Anglo-Saxon blood which appears to
court difficulty and danger, and the resources of the race in time of trial are
wonderful beyond comparison. In this broad and beautiful valley, in the days
when the colonists were going through experiences which should finally cause
their separation from the mother country and the upbuilding of a magnificent
Eepublic, there were hours, months and years of extremest peril, of which he
who reads at this late day can hardly have coneeptioti.
Necessarily the buildings erected by the first settlers were simple and
unpretending, whether for dwellings, places for worship or schools. Their
supplies must be brought on horseback from Philadelphia, and across the Sus-
quehanna in canoes or simple boats. It may, therefore, readily be understood
36 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
that they did not make pretensions to style, though there was a degree of uni-
formity about their buildings, dress, furniture and mode of living, which their
isolation brought about as a matter of course. Lumber was not to be had for
any price; wooden pins took the place of nails; oiled paper answered for glass
in the windows. Says Dr. Wing: "They could dispense for a time with
almost everything to which they had been accustomed, provided they could
look forward with confidence to a future supply. Their cabins were soon
erected, and they did not scorn to receive suggestions from the rude savages
whose skill had so long been tasked in similar circumstances. The same for-
ests and fields and streams were open to them, and the Indian did not grudge
his white brother his knowledge of their secrets. These buildings were con-
structed of the logs to be had ofiP the banks of the streams or from the neigh-
boring hills ; the combined strength of a few neighbors was sufficient to put
them in position and small skill was needful to put them together, to fill up the
interstices between them, and to roof them with rude shingles, thatched straw
or the bark of trees, and in a little while the same ingenuity would split and
carve out of timber, and fashion the floors, benches, tables and bedsteads
which were wanted for immediate use. As the number of settlers increased,
these dwellings became of a better order. More skilled workmen began to be
employed, and better materials and furniture were introduced, but for the first
twenty years the people were contented with the most humble conveniencies.
A few houses were constructed of stone, but these were not common. The first
stone dwelling on Louther Manor, or in the eastern part of the county, was
said to have been put up by Robert Whitehill, after his removal over the river,
in 1772. The houses for schools and for public worship may have been of a
better quality, for they were not usually erected under such extreme emergency,
but they were of like materials and by the same workmen. Those, however,
who know the buoyancy of hopes which ordinarily characterize the pioneers of
a new country will not be surprised to learn that these were a happy people.
The rude buildings in which they slept soundly, studied diligently, and wor-
shiped devoutly, were quite as good for them, and were afterward remembered
as pleasantly as were the more costly edifices of their father-land. ' '
Flour was an article not easily obtained until after the erection of mills to
grind the wheat raised in the valley. The latter was found to flourish on the
soil of the region, easily cleared of the busheiB which grew upon it, and ' ' as
soon as it could be carried to market it became the most important article of
trade." Maize, or Indian corn, was for some time more abundant, and
afforded a good source of food supply. The Indians raised it and none was
exported, and the process of preparing it for eating was simple.
Buckskins were made into breeches and jackets of great durability, though
the working classes more commonly wore garments of hempen or flaxen tow,
or woolen. The men had wool hats, cowhide shoes, linsey frocks, and some-
times deer-skin aprons, while the women had frocks of similar materials, and
occasionally sun-bonnets. They managed to have a little better dress for Sun-
day, or for social meetings, in which they indulged for ' ' amusement and good
cheer." In out-of-door sports the Indians often came in for a share in the
exercises.
After the long French and Indian war, and the subsequent war precipitated
by Pontiac, there was a greater feeling of relief than had been experienced
since the settlements began, and prosperity became more general. Some fam-
ilies had by that time become possessed of considerable wealth, and were enabled
to maintain a style of living which those less fortunate could not indulge in.
This styl^ was naturally modeled after English customs. Dr. Wing, who quotes
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 37
as authority ' ' Watson' s Annals of Philadelphia, ' ' continues : "To have a house
in town for winter and another on a plantation for summer was not very unus-
ual, and in the proper season a large hospitality was indulged in. In many
families slaves were possessed, and even where a more ordinary style of servi-
tude prevailed there were not a few forms of aristocratic life. Some slaves
were found even on the smaller farms, but the great majority of servants were
Grerman or Irish 'redemptioners.'* As their term of service was commonly
not more than four or five years, and the price not more than the hire of labor-
ers for a less term, many farmers found this'an advantageous method of obtain-
ing help. As they were not much distinguishable from their employers and
afterward received good wages, they soon became proprietors of the soil, and
their children, being educated, passed into better society. In such a state of af-
fairs there was a perpetual tendency to a uniformity of conditions and of social
life. The great body of the people were moral, and all marked distinctions
among them were discountenanced, but those who followed rough trades were
not unwilling to be recognized. A style of dress and manners prevailed to
which our later American habits are generally averse, and which plainly dis-
tinguished between them and professional men and persons of independent
means. Each class had its special privileges, which amply compensated for in-
feriority of position. The long established relations which thus grew up were
the sources of mutual benefits and pleasures. The dress of those who aspired
to be fashionable was in many respects the reverse of what it now is. Men
wore three-square or cocked hats and wigs ; coats with large cuffs, big skirts
lined and stiffened with buckram; breeches closely fitted, thickly lined and
coming down to the knee, of broadcloth for winter or silk camlet for summer.
Cotton fabrics were almost unknown, linen being more common, the hose es-
pecially being of worsted or silk. Shoes were of calfskin for gentlemen, while
ordinary people contented themselves with a coarser neat's leather. Ladies
wore immense dresses expanded by hoops or stiff stays, curiously plaited hair
or enormous caps, high-heeled shoes with white silk or thread stockings, and
large bonnets, universally of a dark color. The dresses of the laboring classes
were different from these principally in the materials used. Buckskin breeches,
checked shirts, red flannel jackets and often leather aprons were the ordinary
wear. While at their work in the fields the appearance of the men and women
continued much as we have des1?ribed it at an earlier period. Before the Rev-
olution Watson tells us that ' the wives and daughters of tradesmen through-
out the provinces ' all wore short gowns, often of green baize but generally of
domestic fabric, with caps and kerchiefs on their heads, for a bare head was
seldom seen except with laborers at their work. Carriages were not common
and were of a cumbrous description. People usually rode horseback, and good
riding was cultivated as an accomplishment. At the country churches on the
Sabbath not unfrequently the horses on the outside were nearly as numerous as
the people inside the buildings. Stores in town were places of resort, and did
a more extensive business than they have done since the cities have been so ac-
cessible. Newspapers were rare, published generally only once a week and
reaching subscribers in this county nearly a week after date. Eight weekly
newspapers and one semi- weekly had been started in Philadelphia, but as the
post went into the interior only once a week, the latter was of little advantage
to our people. The sheets on which they were printed were small, and the
amount of news would now be considered very meager. The death of a sover-
eign about this time was not proclaimed in the province until nearly six weeks
after its occurrence, and Bouquet' s victory and treaty with the Indians were not
♦Emigrants hired out until their passage money, which had heen advanced to them, should be repaid.
38 HISTORY OF CHMBERLAND COUNTY.
known in Carlisle until between three and four weeks from those events. Visit-
ors to Philadelphia usually went in their own two-wheeled chaises or on horse-
back, occupying two or thi-ee weeks in the journey. The numerous coiu*ts and
transactions in land, as well as the lively social intercourse, made such journeys
fi'equent. The transportation of goods both ways rendered needful trains of
heavily loaded wagons (since called by the name of Conestoga or Pennsylvania),
with four, five or six horses. As the woods westward and over the mountains would
not allow of this method, either at Shippensburg or Smiths (Mercersburg), the
goods had to be transferred to pack-horses. 'It was no uncommon thing at one
of these points to see from fifty to 100 packhorses in a row, one person to each
string of five or six horses, tethered together, starting off for the Monongahela
countiy, laden with salt, iron, hatchets, powder, clothing and whatever was
needed by the Indians and frontier inhabitants. ' ' '
In the days of pack-trains, time about 1770-80, there were seen at onetime
in Carlisle as many as 500 pack-horses, going thence to Shippensburg, Fort
London and other western points, loaded w;ith merchandise, salt, iron, etc.
Bars of iron were carried by fir^t being bent over and around the bodies of the
horses. Col. Snyder, an early blacksmith of Chambersburg, once told (1845)
that he " cleared many a day from six to eight dollars in crooking, or bending
iron, and shoeing horses for Western carriers." [Kupp' s History of Cumberland
and other counties, p. 376.] The same authority says: " The pack horses were
generally led in divisions of about twelve or fifteen horses, carrying about two
hundred weight each, all going single file and being managed by two men, one
going before as the leader, and the other at the tail to see after the safety of
the packs. When 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 fre-
quently displaced. However, as the carriers usually traveled in companies,
the packs were soon adjusted and no great delay occasioned. The pack hors-
es were generally furnished with bells, which were kept from ringing during
the day drive, but were let loose at night when the horses were set free and
permitted to feed and browse. The bells were intended as guides to direct
their whereabouts in the morning. When wagons were first introduced, the
carriers considered that mode of transportation an invasion of their rights.
Their indignation was more excited and they manifested greater jrancor than
did the regular teamsters when the line of single teams was started, some
thirty [now seventy] years ago."
Formation of Townships and Boroughs. — The townships, as they now ex-
ist in the County of Cumberland, were formed at dates as follows:
Cook, from a part of Penn, June 18, 1872; Dickinieon, April 17, 1785;
East Pennsborough, 1745 (originally Pennsborough, 1785); Frankford,
1795; Hampden, January 23, 1845; Hopewg^^l735; Lower Allen, 1849,
(originally Allen, 1766); Middlesex, 1859; Mifflin, 1797; Monroe, 1825; New-
ton, 1767; North Middleton, 1810 (originally Middleton, 1750); Penn, from
part of Dickinson, October 23, 1860; Shippensburg, 1784; Silver Spring,
1787; Southampton, 1791;* South Middleton, 1810, (originally Middleton,
1750); Upper Allen, 1849 (originally Allen, 1766); West Pennsborough,
1745, to present limits in 1785, part of original township of Pennsborough,
1735; Carlisle Borough, 1782, new charter, 1814; Camp Hill Borough, Novem-
ber 10, 1885; Mechanicsburg Borough, 1828; Mount Holly Springs Borough,
1878; Newburg Borough, 1861; New Cumberland Borough, 1831; Newville
Borough, February 26, 1817, township in 1828, borough in 1869. Shippens-
burg Borough, 1819; Shiremanstown Borough, 1874 or 1875.
*0ne authority says before 1782, but we have found no record to that efiect.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 39
Lands. — The lands in this region at the time of the early settlements
were of two classes: those to which the Indian title had not yet been extin-
guished, and upon which white people were not allowed to settle until the
government should purchase them and open an office for their sale; and the
proprietary lands ' ' sometimes surveyed into manors and reserved for special
pui-poses and sometimes held open for private purchase," but belonging to
them (the proprietaries) in fee simple. Purchasers of land from the proprie-
taries, who had surveyed and divided them into lots, paid very low prices, some-
tim.es as low as one shilling sterling per acre, and even down to a merely nom-
inal valuation according to location. These purchasers often had to borrow
money to pay even the small sums required, and gave mortgages upon the
lands for security. They were generally able to meet their obligations in a
few years. Every acre of land sold by the proprietaries was also subject to an
annual rental, from one penny down, and sometimes a diminutive quantity of
wheat or corn, or perhaps poultry.*
It was not until the treaty of October, 1736, that the Indian title to lands
in Cumberland County was extinguished and vested in the heirs, successors and
assigns of Thomas and Eichard Penn. Paxton Manor had been set off in
1731-32 by Thomas Penn as an inducement to the Shawanees to settle here and
live at peace with the whites; the title to it was, however, acquired in 1736
with the other lands included in the deed, and it was then laid out. f Its
limits were described as follows in the return. May 16, 1765, of the warrant for
its resurvey, issued December 26, 1764 : ' ' On the west side of the Susquehannah
River, opposite to John Harris' ferry, and bounded to the eastward by the
said river; to the northward by Conodogwinet Creek; to the southward by the
Yellow Breeches Creek, and to the westward by a line drawn north, a little
westerly from the said Yellow Breeches to Conodogwinet Creek aforesaid, con-
taining 7, 507 acres, or upward. " The survey showed it to contain 7, 551 acres.
It embraced all the land between the two creeks, according to reliable author-
ity, extending westward to ' ' the road leading from the Conodogwinet to the
Yellow Breeches, ' past the Stone Church or Frieden' s Kirch, and immediately
below Shiremanstown. " Its first survey had been made very early (1731-32).
John Armstrong surveyed it in 1765, and divided it into twenty portions, and
in 1767 John Lukens surveyed it and divided it into twenty- eight tracts or
plantations of various sizes, aggregating about the original quantity of land in
the manor. These tracts were sold originally to the following persons : No. 1,
530 acres, to Capt. John Stewart; No. 2, 267^ acres. toJohnBoggs; 300 acres
to Casper Weber; 256 acres to Col. John Armstrong; 227 acres to James Wil-
son; 227 acres to Eobert Whitehill (including site of town of Whitehill); No. 3,
200 acres; No. 4, 206 acres, to Moses Wallace; No. 5, 200 acres, to John Wil-
son; Nos. 6 (267 acres) and 7 (283 acres), to John Mish; No. 8, 275 acres, to
Eichard Eogers; No. 9, 195 acres, Conrad Eenninger; No. 10, 183 acres, to
Casper Weaver; No. 11, 134 acres, to Casper Weaver; No. 12, 181 acres, to
William Brooks; No. 13, 184 acres, to Samuel Wallace; No. 14, 153 acres,
Christopher Gramlioh; No. 15, 205 acres, James McCurdey; No. 16, 237 acres,
Isaac Hendrix; No. 17, 213 acres, Eobert Whitehill; No. 18, 311 acres, Philip
Kimmel; No. 19, 267 acres, Andrew Kreutzer; No. 20, 281 acres, David Moore;
Nos. 21 and 22, 536 acres, Edmund Physick; No. 23, 282 acres, Edmund
♦The annual quit rent was placed at 1 shilling per 100 acres, payable in lawful money forever. Its collec-
tion was very difficult, however, ftir the people deemed it preposterous that they should have to pay it even
though it exempted them from all other proprietary taxes. Some were paid in Cumberland County though,
until some time after the Revolutionary War. The amount was payable to the heirs of William Penn. Gold
and silver was very scarce and the province issued paper money, which depreciated to half its face value.
Many farmers lost their tracts througu failure to pay mortgages, losing at the same time their earlier payments
and improvements.
tDr. J. A. Murray in article upon Louther Manor, in Carlisle Herald, early in 188.5.
40 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Physick; No. 24, 287 acres, Rev. William Thompson; No. 25, 150 acres, Alex
Young; No. 26, 209 acres, Jonas Seely; Nos. 27 (243 acres) and 28 (180 acres),
Jacob Miller. The manor included portions of Hampden, East Pennsborough
and Lower Allen Townships, as at present existing, and the western boundary-
would pass just east of Shiremanstown. Within its area are now situated the
towns and settlements of New Cumberland, Milltown (or Bberly' s Mills), Bridge-
port, Wormleysburg, Camp Hill and Whitehill Station.
The troubles between the proprietors of Pennsylvania and Maryland over
the boundary between the two provinces, with their final settlement by the run-
ning of "Mason and Dixon's Line," are set forth in Chapter X of the history
of Pennsylvania in this volume, and it is unnecessary to repeat them here.
At one time during the Revolutionary period, when the titles of lands in
Cumberland County were examined with a view to taxation, it was discovered
that a large quantity of land was yet vested in the proprietary family and no
revenue was derived from it. "The following tracts," says Dr. Wing, "were
described as belonging to them : in East Pennsborough a tract called Lowther
(formerly Paxton) Manor, containing 7,551 acres; in West Pennsborough these
tracts are called Jericho, containing 807 acres and 40 perches, another of 828
acres, and another of 770 acres and 20 perches; a tract adjoining the moun-
tains of 988 acres; one composed of several fragments, originally 6,921 acres
and 23 perches, and including the borough of Carlisle and then in the vicinity
of the town; one adjoining the North Mountain, 3,600 acres; another near the
Kittatinny Mountains of 55 acres; two tracts in Hopewell Township, most if
not all of which are probably now in Franklin County, 4,045 acres and 120
perches, and 980 acres — making in all 26, 536 acres. Much of the land which
had been sold had been subjected by the terms of sale to a perpetual quit
rent. During the war none of these quit rents had been collected, no further
sales could be effected, and no tax could be collected from this large amount
of property. Many persons, too, had settled upon such proprietary lands as
were unoccupied without the form of any title, and were making improvements
on them. November 27, 1779, the Assembly passed resolutions annulling the
royal charter, and granting to the Penn family as a compensation for the
rights of which this deprived them £130,000. This, however, did not affect
their ownership of lands and quit rents as private persons, so that they still
remain the largest land owners in the State. On a subsequent occasion
(1780) these private estates were forfeited and vested in the commonwealth,
by which act the State government became possessed of a large amount of land
which it bestowed upon officers and soldiers, or sold to private settlers for the
profit of the State. ' '
We have seen a copy of an original draft of a "proprietary manor southwest
of the borough of Carlisle, in Middleton Township, Cumberland County,
containing in the whole 1,927 acres, 34 perches, and an allowance of six acres
per cent for roads, etc. Resurveyed the 6th, 7th and 8th days of Janu-
ary, 1791. Pr. Samuel Lyon, D. S." This joined Carlisle on the southwest,
being bounded north by Gillanghan's tract, Armstrong's tract, Richard Peters'
tract and Richard Coulter's tract; east by lands belonging to Patrick and
William Davidson, Banton & Co., Stephen Foulk, Joseph Thornburgh and
William Patterson; south by James Lyon's and the heirs of George Lyre's
land; west by Lyre's heirs, William Reaney and John Carver. It was quite
irregular in form.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 41
CHAPTEE III.
Indian History— French and Indian War— Pontiao's War.
IN this connection it will not be necessary to enter into an extended history
of the Indian nations who at various periods claimed power over this region.
It will be sufficient to state that when the Cumberland Valley first became
known to the European races, and was looked upon as a place of future coloni-
zation, it was virtually in possession of the aggregation of tribes known as the
Six Nations. It has been said that at the opening of the seventeenth century
"the lower valley of the Susquehanna appears to have been a vast, uninhabited
highway, through which hordes of hostile savages were constantly roaming be-
tween the northern and southern waters, and where they often met in bloody
encounters. The Six Nations were acknowledged as the sovereigns of the Sus-
quehanna, and they regarded with jealousy and permitted with reluctance the
settlement of other tribes upon its margin."*
The Six Nations — originally the Five Nations until the Tuscaroras of
North Carolina joined them in 1712 — were the Onondagas, Cayugas, Oneidas,
Senecas, Mohawks and Tuscaroras. They were termed the " Iroquois' ' by the
French. The "Lenni Lenape," or the "original people," commonly called
the Delaware Nation, were divided into three grand divisions — ^the Unamis,, or
Turtle tribes; the Unalachtgos, or Turkeys, and the Monseys, or Wolf tribes.
The first two occupied the territory along the coast and between the sea and
the Kittatinny or Blue Mountains, with settlements reaching from the Hudson
on the east to the Potomac on the west. The Monseys, a fierce, active and
warlike people, occupied the mountainous coimtry between the Kittatinny and
the sources of the Susquehanna and Delaware Eivers. These three divisions
were subdivided into various subordinate classes bearing distinguishing names.
The Lenni Lenape tribes occupying this region soon after the first settlement
of Pennsylvania were the Tuteloes and Nantecokes, formerly in Maryland and
Virginia. The Shawanos, or Shawanese, a fierce and restless tribe which was
threatened with extermination by a more powerful tribe in the south, sought
protection from the northern tribes whose language was similar to their own,
and a portion of them settled near the forks of the Delaware and on the flats
below Philadelphia. Becoming troublesome they were removed by either the
Delawares or Six Nations to the Susquehanna Valley, and during the Revolu-
tion and the war of 1812 their terrible deeds became matters of historic record.
From them sprang the renowned chieftain Tecumseh (or Tecumthe). The
historian Bancroft, in speaking of the Shawanese, says: " It was about the year
1698 that three or four score of their families, with the consent of the govern-
ment of Pennsylvania, removed from • Carolina and planted themselves on the
Susquehanna. Sad were the fruits of that hospitality. Others followed; and
when, in 1732, the number of Indian fighting men in Pennsylvania was esti-
mated to be 700, one-half of them were Shawanee emigrants. So desolate was
the wilderness that a vagabond tribe could wander undisturbed from Cumber-
land down to the Alabama, from the head waters of the Santee to the Susque-
hanna." Some historians believe the Shawanese came north in 1678. They
*J)ay'a Hiatorical Collection orPenns^lTania, pp. 388, 389.
42 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
had a village in Lancaster County, at the mouth of Pequea (or Pequehan)
Creek, and their chief's name was Opessah, and there were several Indian
towns along both sides of the Susquehanna. Those who had settled at Pequea
removed a quarter of a century later to lands on the Conodoquinet, within the
present limits of Cumberland County, with also a village at the mouth of the
Yellow Breeches Creek. They deserted the villages about 1725, when the
whites began to look to it for homes, and removed westward to the Ohio. The
lands on the Conodoquinet were surveyed for the use of the Indians upon a
treaty of purchase being made by the proprietaries for their lands on the Sus-
quehanna, at the mouth of the Conestoga and elsewhere. ' ' The intrusion of
the white settlers upon their hunting ground," says Conyngham, "proved a
fresh source of grievance; they remonstrated to the governor and to the As-
sembly, and finally withdrew and placed themselves under the protection of the
French. Big Beaver, a Shawanee chief, at the treaty of Carlisle in 1753, re-
ferred to a promise made by William Penn, at Shackamaxon, of hunting
grounds forever." The treaty mentioned was one " of amity and friendship,"
made at Carlisle in October, 1753, with the Ohio Indians, by Benjamin Frank-
lin, Isaac Morris and William Peters, commissioners. The expense thereof,
including presents to the Indians, was £1,400.
Treaties. — Says Dr. Wing (pp. 14-15 History of Cumberland County) : ' ' For
one or two generations at least the land of Penn was never stained by an In-
dian with the blood of a white man. Deeds were obtained on several different
occasions during the years 1682-1700 for lands lying between the Delaware
and the Potomac, and south of the South Mountain. In 1696 a purchase was
effected through Gov. Dongan, of New York, in consideration of one hundred
pounds sterling, ' of all that tract of land lying on both sides of the river Sus-
quehanna and the lakes adjacent in or near the province of Pennsylvania.' As
the right of the Six Nations to sell this territory was not acknowledged by the
various tribes living on the Susquehanna, Conestoga and Potomac Rivers, other
treaties were entered into with the sachems of these tribes (September 30, 1700,
and April 23, 1701), by which their sale was expressly confirmed. So vague,
however, was the language used in these deeds that a question arose whether
the phrases ' lands on both sides of the Susquehanna and adjoining the same, '
would give any rights beyond that river, and it was thought best to effect an-
. other purchase before any settlement should be allowed on that territory. Ac-
cordingly the chiefs of the Six Nations met October 11, 1736, in Philadel-
phia, when they revived all past treaties of friendship and executed a deed
conveying to John, Thomas and Richard Penn and their heirs ' all the said
river Susquehanna, with the lands lying on both sides thereof, to extend east-
ward as far as the heads of the branches or springs which run into the said
Susquehanna, and all the land lying on the west side of the said river to the
setting 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. ' This
deed included all the lands comprised in the present county of Cumberland,
but was not executed until a few years after settlements had been commenced
there."
Previous to the purchase of 1736, a number of unauthorized settlements had
been made upon the Conodoguinet and Conococheague, mostly by persons
from the north of Ireland, and after the purchase, but before the lands were
sui'veyed, these settlements were encouraged for the purpose of preventing in-
truders coming in under Lord Baltimore's title. "These settlements," says
Day, ' ' gave rise to the complaints of the Shawanese. ' '
♦By other authority Kekachtanamin.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 45
After Franklin' s treaty with the Indians at Carlisle, in 1753, a dispute arose
between the governor and Conncil, and the Assembly, over a complaint made
by the Shawanese, ' ' that the proprietary government had surveyed all the land
on the Gonodoguinet into a manor, and driven them from their hunting ground
vrithout a purchase and contrary to treaty." The remarks made by Big
Beaver at said ti-eaty have been mentioned. They were mentioned by the As-
sembly in the dispute, but "by the governor and Council it was alleged that no
such thing had occurred, and that a treaty held in 1754, the same Shawanee
chiefs who were at Carlisle the year before made the strongest professions of their
friendship, without any complaint on account of the same tract of land. They
alleged, too, that the Shawanese never had any claim to the Conodoguinet
lands ; for that they were southern Indians who, being rendered uneasy by their
neighbors, had settled on these lands in 1698, with the permission of the
Susquehanna Indians and the proprietary, William Penn." However, no com-
pensation being made to the Shawanese, they removed as stated and put them-
selves under the protection of the French and became a source of terror to the
colonists because of their hostility during the great French and Indian war
of 1753-60.
Indians belonging to various tribes were met with by the early settlers.
Among them were the Shawanese, Delawares, Susquehannas (of which people
but a remnant was left, the tribe having been swept away by wars and small-
pox), Manticokes, Mingoes, Tuteloes, etc. A Mingo village is said to have ex-
isted on Letort Kun, in the neighborhood of Carlisle and the famous Lo-
gan, whose residences were many, if aU tradition be true, is said to have once
occupied a cabin on the Beaver Pond, at the head of Letort Spring. The
Shawanees were not so numerous as in former years, as many of them had
removed westward. They had professed that the lands, being barren, or devoid
of large trees were not suitable for a hunting ground, and for that reason they
had left, but indiscretion on the part of some of their young men, who had in
drunken frolics given ofFense to the Delawares, had undoubtedly been a great-
er reason, although both the Delawares and the Six Nations made investi-
gations, forgave their offenses, and invited them to return, which they would
not do. Even the proprietary, Thomas Penn, upon his arrival in 1732, ex-
tended the same invitation and assigned them a large tract of the land they
had previously occupied provided they would return. A few of them did so,
and lived peaceably with the settlers. In order to prevent whites from locating
upon the land given to the Shawanese, a tract containing 7,551 acres was sur-
veyed in 1732 and erected into a manor called Paxton. The Indians were
finally found unwilling to occupy this land, and it was surveyed December 26,
1764, and given the name "Louther Manor," in honor of a sister of "VVUliam
Penn, who married a nobleman of that name. The order for the resurvey was
given December 6, 1764, and returned May 16, 1765, the quantity being found
as above — 7, 551 acres. The bounds are described as follows : ' ' Bounded on
the east by the Susquehanna, opposite John Harris' ferry; north by tie Cono-
doguinet; south by the Yellow Breeches Creek, and on the west by a line
drawn a little westerly from the said Yellow Breeches to Conodoguinet Creek,
containing 7,507 acres or upward."
The state of mind the Shawanese were in over their pretended wrongs, and
the bargaining away of their land by the Six Nations with little regard for their
welfare, rendered them easy to win from their friendship to the English.
" More than once, " says Dr. Wing, ' ' when messengers were sent to them by the
Governor and the Six Nations, they confessed that they had been mistaken,
and promised that they would return, or at least live in peace where they were ;
46 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
but every year it became more and more evident that their friendship was
forced, and lasted only while they were in expectation of some benefits,
and that their hostility might be counted upon whenever an opportunity
of vengeance should occur. The Delawares had not as extensively gone beyond
the mountains ; the main body adhered to their chiefs, and were almost support-
ed by the government, but an increasing number of them were wandering off
and were making common cause with the Shawanees. The 'Indian Walk,' by
which a portion of their lands had been acquired, seemed at least sharp practice,
but the injustice had been more than compensated by subsequent dealings."
The use of liquor among the Indians was the cause of much trouble between
themselves, and to a certain extent between them and the whites. They knew
not how to govern their appetites, and more than once Indian murders occurred
which could be directly traced as the effects of the liquor the perpetrators had
swallowed. It burned any humanity out of them and made their naturally sav-
age dispositions wilder and fiercer. It is known that Sassoonan, king of the
Delawares, in 1731 killed his nephew while in a drunken frenzy, and was over-
come with remorse and shame when he became sober, and yet he could not
bring himself to ask that the sale of the poison to the Indians be entirely pro-
hibited, but only that it might be kept from his people, except as it was asked
for by themselves.
The French began their work of alienating the Shawanese from the Eng-
lish as early as 1730, desiring to secure their influence in the furtherance of
their own purposes. The following, from a message by Gov. Gordon to the
Provincial Assembly, August 4, 1731, as given in the provincial record, shows
' ' that by advices lately brought to him by several traders (from Ohio) in those
parts, it appears that the French have been using endeavors to gain over those
Indians (Shawanese) to their interest, and for this end a French gentlemjin
had come among them some years since, sent, as it was believed, from the gov-
ernor of Montreal, and at his departure last year carried with him some of the
Shawanese chiefs to that government, with whom they at their return appeared to
be highly pleased. That the same French gentleman, with five or six others in
company with him, had this last spring again come among the said Indians
and brought with him a Shawanese interpreter, and was well received by them. ' '
[Rupp's History of Cumberland and other counties, page 351. The same au-
thority says that "Hetaquantagechty, a distinguished chief, said, in a council
held at Philadelphia, August 25, 1732, that last fall (1731) the French inter-
preter, Cahichtodo, came to the Ohio River (or Allegheny) to build houses
there, and to supply the Indians with goods, etc. ' ' ]
Settlements by the Scotch-Irish upon unpurchased lands about the Jimiata
assisted in fanning the flame of Indian hostility. Yet, in what is now Cum-
berland County, these settlements must have been as stated by Mr. Rupp,
made ' ' by permission from the Indians, whom the first settlers conciliated, ' '
for there were no outbreaks here for more than thirty years after the pioneer
locations had been made. Yet it was evident that a crisis was impending.
The provincial government was hard pressed to provide presents for the In-
dians, in order to keep them peaceable and to maintain a line of frontier de-
fense against French incursions. Finally war was declared between France
and England,* and the storm, which had for so many years been gathering
force, broke with deadly fury upon the mountain region, and sad were the ex-
periences of the colonists before morning dawned upon a peaceful horizon.
Matters began to look dark for the settlers upon this declaration of hostil-
*0pen hostility was declared in March, IT44, although the actual strife in Pennsylvania did not break
out until 1T53, when the French established posts to connect the lakes with the Ohio.
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY". 47
ities. The French had encroached upon territory claimed by the English, and
the Six Nations were silent when messages were sent them concerning the
other tribes they had previously held in check. Chartier, the Indian trader,
formerly located at the mouth of the Yellow Breeches, had made his home with
the Shawanese and accepted a commission in the French Army. He was a
half-breed with Shawanese blood in his veins, and had great influence over that
tribe. A conference was held with the Six Nations at Lancaster June 24,
1744, when the latter pledged themselves to remain at peace and to do all in
their power to prevent the tribes which owed them allegiance from indulging
in hostile forays. But as a large portion of the Shawanees and Delawares had
gone beyond their jurisdiction, the treaty could not reach them, and it became
the inhabitants to cast about for means of security and defense. The foolish
differences between the governor and the Assembly for years prevented steps
being taken sufficient to allay fear. Finally, through the sagacity of Benjamin
Franklin, aided by James Logan, 10,000 volunteer militiamen were formed
into 120 companies throughout the provinces, and the expense was met by
voluntary subscriptions. The regiments thus raised were called "Association
regiments, ' ' and this was the beginning of a system which continued on into
the Revolutionary war. Bancroft states on the authority of Logan that ' ' the
women were so zealous that they furnished ten pairs of silk colors wrought
with various mottoes." The inhabitants of Lancaster County, for Cumber-
land was not yet formed, being largely Scotch-Irish and naturally warlike and
aggressive, entered heartily into the military spirit. A number of companies
was formed in the valley, the ofi&cers being chosen by the soldiers and com-
missioned by the governor. The several militia captains in the county were
sent letters, dated December 15, 1745, stating that news had been received that
"the French and their Indian allies were preparing to march during the win-
ter to the frontiers of Pennsylvania under the conduct of Peter Chartier, who
would not fail to do them all the mischief in his power. The news served to'
stir up the people, as may well be imagined, but the alarm proved groTindless.
March 29, 1748, a list of officers in an Associated regiment, raised in ' ' that
part of Lancaster which lay between the river Susquehanna and the lines of
this province, ' ' was presented to the provincial council. The officers had been
chosen by the men in their commands and commissioned by the governor, and
were as follows: Colonel — Benjamin Chambers, of Chambersburg; lieutenant-
colonel — Robert Dunning, of East Pennsborough ; major — William Maxwell,
of Peters; captains — -Richard O'Cain, Robert Chambers, of Hopewell; James
Carnaghan, of Hopewell; John Chambers, of Middleton; James Silvers, of
East Pennsborough; Charles Morrow, of Hopewell; George Brown, of West
Pennsborough; James Woods, of Middleton; James McTeer, of East Penns-
borough, and Matthew Dill; lieutenants — ^William Smith, of Peters; Andrew
Pinley, of Lurgan; James Jack, of Hopewell; Jonathan Holmes of Middle-
ton; Tobias Hendricks, of East Pennsborough; James Dysart, of Hopewell;
JohQ Potter, of Antrim; John McCormick, of East Pennsborough; William
Trindle, of East Pennsborough; Andrew Miller, of East Pennsborough ; Charles
McGill, of Guilford; John Winton, of Peters; John Mitchell, of East Penns-
borough; ensigns — John Lesan, John Thompson, of Hopewell; Walter Davis,
of Middleton; Joseph Irwin, of Hopewell; John Anderson, of East Penns-
borough; John Randalls, of Antrim; Samuel Fisher, of East Pennsborough;
Moses Starr, of East Pennsborough; George Brenan, Robert Meek, of Hope-
well; James Wilkey, of Peters, and Adam Hayes, of West Pennsborough.
No invasions of what is now Cumberland County occurred, and no murders of
citizens of this immediate valley are recorded during this period.
48 HISTORy OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
The home government were in doubt about the legality and expediency of
these associated organizations, but their doubts were easily removed, and the
council, in a letter to the proprietaries dated July 30, 1748, said: "The zeal and
industry, the skill and regularity of the officers have surprised every one,
though it has been for them a hard service. The whole has been attended by
such expense, care and fatigue as would not have been borne or undertaken by
any who were not warm and sincere friends of the government, and true lovers
of their country. In short, we have by this means, in the opinion of most stran-
gers, the best militia in America; so that, had the war continued, we should
have been in little pain about any future enterprises of our enemies. Whatever
opinion lawyers or others not fully acquainted with our unhappy circum-
stances may entertain of it, it is in our opinion one of the wisest and most useful
measures that was ever undertaken in any country. ' ' The peace of Aix-la-
Ghapelle, in October, 1748, did not affect the American colonies, for the
French continued to erect forts and take other steps until war was precipitated
in 1753.
In what is at present Cumberland County, forts — in some instances mere
trading-houses — were erected at various times from 1753 to 1764, and so far
as now known were as follows : Fort Le Tort, a trading house near Carlisle,
1753; Fort Louther, at Carlisle, 1753; Fort Croghan, a trading-house, eight
miles up the Conodoguinet from Harris' ferry, where the veteran trader,
George Croghan, resided; Fort Franklin, at Shippensburg, said to have been
commenced in 1755; Fort Morris, at Shippensburg, 1755; Forts Dickey, Fer-
guson and McAllister, all in 1764. (These are on authority of an historical map
of Pennsylvania issued by the Pennsylvania Historical Society. ) The defeat
of Gen. Braddock on the Monongahela, July 9, 1755, left the frontier in a
greatly exposed condition, and the people were quick to apprehend their dan-
Gov. Morris visited Carlisle July 10, 1755, for the purpose of sending on
supplies to Braddock and encouraging the people in the midst of their panic
over various Indian depredations and the removal of troops for their protec-
tion from the valley, and while there learned of the disastrous end of Brad-
dock's expedition. The troops in Pennsylvania were sent north, and the prov-
ince was left to take care of itself as best it could. Large quantities of pro-
visions had been accumulated at Shippensburg, Carlisle and other points,
which the retreating army had no pressing need for, and it was well for the
, inhabitants of the valley. Work on the military road, elsewhere described,
was abandoned, and the people looked to the future with dire forebodings.
' ' News of contemplated attacks upon the settlements along the frontier from
the Delaware to the Maryland and Virginia line came upon the people in
quick succession, and some actual massacres, burnings and captivities were
reported from the south, west and north. Even before Braddock' s defeat, and
when that general with his army had gone only thirty miles from Fort Cum-
berland, a party of 100 Indians, under the notorious Shingas, came to the
Big Cove and to the Conoloways (creeks on the border of Maryland in what is
now Fulton County) and killed and took prisoners about thirty people, and drove
the remainder from their homes. "* The fugitives spread the news, and terror and
consternation resulted among the inhabitants of the region, not lessened when
warning was given that an attack had been planned against Shearman' s Valley
and the settlements here. ' ' John Potter, " says Wing, ' ' the sherifp of Cumber-
land County, who resided in the vicinity which had been ravaged, gathered some
companies to resist the assailants, but it was only to witness the burning build-
ings, bury the dead and form a gathering of the fugitives ; the nimble foe was
*By Dr. Wing, from PennBylyanlii Arcbives, Vol. II, p. 375,
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 49
always at a distance on some other depredations before the pursuers reached
any point where they had been. James Smith (a brother-in-law of "William
Smith, the justice and commissioner on the road), a youth of eighteen, had
been captured with several others while engaged in conveying provisions along
the road, and a still larger number up the river Susquehanna was slain and
driven in. Twenty-seven plantations were reported as utterly desolated in
the southwestern part of this valley and vicinity, and no prospect seemed to
be before the people but that of being given up to the will of the savages."
When Gov. MoitIs learned in Carlisle of Braddock's defeat he was im-
portuned by the people to take some steps for their protection. He issued
writs to summon to a meeting on the 23d of July at Philadelphia, to devise
means to defend the frontier and provide for the expense; and upon request
of the people laid out ground for wooden forts at Carlisle and Shippensburg,
and gave orders to have them built and supplied with arms and ammunition.
He at the same time encouraged the inhabitants to form associations for their
own defense, and they scarcely needed a second bidding. Four companies of
militia were formed and supplied with powder and lead. John Armstrong and
"William Buchanan, of Carlisle, Justice William Maxwell, of Peters, Alexander
Culbertson, of Lurgan, and Joseph Armstrong, of Hamilton Townships, received
supplies to distribute among the inhabitants. Ttiere was great danger from the
enemy at the upper end of the valley, though no locality was safe. Petitions
were sent to the governor by numerous citizens in the valley, showing their in-
ability to provide adequate protection for themselves, and calling upon him
for assistance. The people at Shippensburg ofFered to finish a fort begun un-
der the late governor if they might be allowed men and ammunition to de-
fend it.
Dr. Egle in his History of Pennsylvania (pp. 89-90), says: "The conster-
nation at Braddock's defeat was very great in Pennsylvania. The retreat of
Dunbar left the whole frontier uncovered; whilst the inhabitants, imarmed
and undisciplined, were compelled hastily to seek the means of defense or of
flight. In describing the exposed state of the province and the miseries
which threatened it, the governor had occasion to be entirely satisfied with
his own eloquence ; and had his resolution to defend it equaled the earnest-
ness of his appeal to the Assembly, the people might have been spared much
suffering. The Assembly immediately voted £50, 000 to the King' s use, to be
raised by a tax of 12 pence per pound, and 20 shillings per head, yearly, for two
years, on all estates, real and personal, throughout the province, the proprie-
tary estate not excepted. This was not in accordance with the proprietary in-
structions, and therefore returned by the governor. In the long discussions
which ensued between the two branches of government, the people began to be-
come alarmed, as they beheld with dread the procrastination of the measui-es
for defense, and earnestly demanded arms and ammunition. The enemy, long
restrained by fear of another attack, and scarcely crediting his senses when he
discovered the defenseless state of the frontiers, now roamed unmolested and
fearlessly along the western lines of "Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania,
committing the most appalling outrages and wanton cruelties which the cupidity
and ferocity of the savage .could dictate. The first inroads into Pennsylvania
were in Cumberland County, whence they were soon extended to the Susque-
hanna. The inhabitants, dwelling at the distance of from one to three miles
apart, fell unresistingly, were captured or fled in terror to the interior settle-
ments. The main body of the enemy encamped on the Susquehanna, thirty
miles above Harris' feiTy, whence they extended themselves on both sides the
river below the Kittatinny Mountains. The settlements at the Great Cove
50 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
in Cumberland County, now Fulton, were destroyed, and many of the inhabi-
tants slaughtered or made captives, and the same fate fell upon Tulpehocken,
upon Mahanoy and Gnadenhutten. ' '
As an illustration of the desperate strait the people were in, the follow-
ing letter, written to the governor by John HaiTis, of Harris' ferry, October
29, 1755, is quoted: "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 sign of assistance. The
Indians are cutting us ofP every day, and I had a certain account of about
1. 500 Indians, besides French, being on their march against us and Virginia,
and now close on our borders, their scouts scalping our families on our fron-
tiers daily. Andrew Montour and others at Shamokin desired me to take care;
that there was forty Indians out many days, and intended to bum my house
and destroy my family. I have this day cut holes in my house, and it is de-
termined to hold out to the last extremity if I can get some men to stand by
me, few of which I yet can at present, every one being in fear of their own
families being cutoff every hour; such is our situation. I am informed that
a French officer was expected at Shamokin this week with a party of Delawares
and Shawnese, no doubt to take possession of our river; and, as to the state of
the Susquehanna Indians, a great part of them are actually in the French in-
terest ; but if we should raise such a number of men immediately as would be
able to take possession of some convenient place up the Susquehanna, and
build a strong fort in spite of French or Indians, perhaps some Indians may
join us, but it is trusting to uncertainty to depend upon them, in my opinion.
We ought to insist on the Indians declaring either for or against us. As soon
as we are prepared for them, we must bid up for scalps and keep the woods fuU
of our own people hunting them, or they will ruin our province, for they are a
dreadful enemy. We impatiently look for assistance. I have sent out two
Indian spies to Shamokin. They are Mohawks, and I expect they will return
in a day or two. Consider our situation, and rouse your people downward,
and do not let about 1, 500 villains distress such a number of inhabitants as is
in Pennsylvania, which actually they will, if they possess our provisions and
frontier long, as they now have many thousands of bushels of our corn and
wheat in possession already, for the inhabitants goes off and leaves all."*
Gov. Morris, moved by the sad tidings from the frontier, summoned
the Assembly to meet November 3, (1755), when he demanded money and
a militia law, after laying before the body an account of the proceedings of
the enemy. Petitions were constantly coming in for arms and ammunition,
and asking for the taking of such steps as should carry out the Governor's
ideas and afford protection to the inhabitants. With the Indians committing
depredations on the south side of the Blue Mountains, the obstinate Assembly
' ' fooled along " as if there were no necessity for action. The proprietaries
made a donation of £5,000, and the Assembly finally passed a bill for the is-
suance of £30,000 in bills of credit, based upon the excise, which was approved
by the Governor. The people held public meetings in various places to de-
vise means to bring the Assembly to its senses, and the dead and mangled
bodies of some of the victims of savage cruelty were sent to Philadelphia and
hauled about the streets, with placards announcing that they were victims of
the ' ' Quaker policy of non-resistance. ' ' The province of Pennsylvania erect-
ed a chain of forts and block-houses along the Kittatinny HUla, from the
Delaware to the Maryland line, and garrisoned them with twenty to seventy-
five men each. The whole expense was £85,000, and the principal mountain
*Egle'8 History of Pennsylvania, pp. 90-91.
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 51
passes were guarded by them. Benjamin Franklin and his son William were
leading spirits and raised 500 men, with whom they marched to the fi'ontier
and assisted in garrisoning the forts.
October 30, 1755, about eighteen citizens met at the residence of Mr.
Shippen, of Shippensburg, pursuant to a call by Sheriff John Potter, and re-
solved to build five forts: one at Carlisle, Shippensburg, Benjamin Chambers',
Steel' s meeting-house and William Allison' s, respectively. Fort Louther at
Carlisle, had existed in an uncompleted state since 1753, and Fort Franklin,
which stood in the northeastern part of Shippensburg, was begun aa early as
1740. The latter was a log structure, and its ruins were torn down about
1790. Fort Morris, commenced after the meeting, of citizens above alluded
to, was not finished until the 17th of December following, although 100 men
worked upon it ' ' with heart and hand " every day. It was built on a rocky
hill at the western end of town, of small stones, the walls being two feet thick
and laid in mortar. A portion of this fort was in e^iistence until 1836, when
it was torn down. Its construction was carried on during an exciting period.
Fort Franklin, the log structure, was enlarged by the addition of several sec-
tions, and in 1755 had a garrison of fifty men. Edward Shippen, writing to
William Allen June 30, 1755, tells of murders committed by the Indians
' ' near our fort. ' '
Twenty-five companies of militia, numbering altogether 1,400 men, were
raised and equipped for the defense of the frontier. The second battalion,
comprising 700 men, and stationed west of the Susquehanna, was commanded
by Col. John Armstrong, of Carlisle. His subordinates were, captains, Hans
Hamilton, John Potter, Hugh Mercer, George Armstrong, Edward Ward,
Joseph Armstrong and Robert Callender; lieutenants, William Thompson,
James Hayes, James Hogg, William Armstrong and James Holliday; en-
signs, James Potter, John Prentice, Thomas Smallman, William Lyon and
Nathaniel Cartland.
Four forts were built by the province west of the Susquehanna, viz. : Fort
Lyttleton, in the northern part of what is now Fulton County; Fort Shirley at
Angharich, the residence of George Croghan, where Shirleysburg now is, in
Huntingdon County; Fort Granville, near the confluence of the Juniata and
Kishicoquillas, in Mifflin County, and Pomfret Castle on the Mahantango
Creek, nearly midway between Fort Granville and Fort Augusta (Sunbury),
on the south line of Snyder County. Capt. Hans Hamilton commanded Fort
Lyttleton; Capt. Hugh Mercer, Fort Shirley, subsequent to the resignation of
Capt. George Croghan; Col. James Burd, Fort Granville, and Col. James
Patterson, Pomfret Castle. These forts were too far from considerable settle-
ments to be effectual, and in 1756 John Armstrong advised the building of
another line along the Cumberland Valley, with one at Carlisle. The old fort
(Fort Louther) at Carlisle was simply a stockade of logs, with loop-holes for
muskets, and swivel guns at each corner of the fort. In 1755 it was garris-
oned by fifty men; it probably received its name in 1756. Other forts were
erected in the valley outside of what is now, Cumberland County, and Col.
John Armstrong was at the head of the military operations. In 1757 breast-
works were erected by Col. Stanwix, northeast of Carlisle, near the present
Indian school (old United States barracks). CoJ. Stanwix wrote to Secretary
Peters, July 25, 1757, as follows: "Am at work at my intrenchment, but as I
send out such large and frequent parties, with other neccessary duties, can only
spare about seventy workingmen a day, and these have very often been inter-
rupted by frequent and violent gusts, so that we make but a small figure yet;
and the first month was entirely taken up in clearing the ground, which was
52 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
full of monstrous stumps. Have built myself a hut in camp, where the cap-
tains and I live together. ' ' *
An early vyriter (1757) upon the mode of warfare adopted by the Indians
thus describes their maneuvres: "They come within a little way of that part
they intend to strike, and encamp in the most remote place they can find to be
quite free from discovery; the next day they send one, or sometimes two, of
their nimble young fellows down to different places to view the situation of the
town, the number of people at each house, the places the people most fre-
quent, and to observe at each house whether there are most men or women.
They will lie about a house several days and nights watching like a wolf. As
soon as these spies return they march in the night in small parties of two,
three, four or five, each party having a house for attack, and each being more
than sufficient for the purpose intended. They arrive at their different desti-
nations long before day, and make their attack about day-break, and seldom
fail to kill or make prisoners of the whole family, as the people know noth-
ing of the matter until they are thus labyrinthed. It is agreed that the moment
each party has executed its part they shall retreat with their prisoners and
scalps to the remote place of rendezvous which they left the night before. As
soon as they are thus assembled they march all that day (and perhaps the next
night, in a body if apprehensive of being pursued) directly for the Ohio. Per-
haps at some of these houses thus attacked some of the people may be fortu-
nate enough to escape; these as soon as the Indians are gone, alarm the forts
and the country around, when a detachment, if possible, propose to pursue the
enemy. But as the whole or the 'chief part of the day is spent in assembling,
taking counsel, and setting out on the expedition, the Indians, having eight or
ten hours the start, cannot be overtaken, and they return much fatigued and
obliged to put up with their loss. Upon this the chief part of inhabitants ad-
jacent to the place fly, leaving their habitations and all they have, while per-
haps a few determine to stay, choosing rather to take the chance of dying by
the enemy than to starve by leaving their all. These must be constantly on
the watch, and cannot apply themselves to any industry, but live as long as
they can upon what they have got. The Indians avoid coming nigh that place
for some time, and will make their next attack at a considerable distance, where
the people are not thinking of danger. By and by the people who had fled
from the first place, hearing of no encroachments in that quarter, are obliged,
through necessity, to return to their habitations again and live in their former
security. Then in due time the Indians will give them a second stroke with
as much success as the first. ' '
The autumn of 1755 was fraught with terror to the citizens of Carlisle and
vicinity. November 2, John Armstrong wrote Gov. Morris: "I am of the
opinion that no other means than a chain of block-houses along or near the
south side of the Kittatinny Mountain, from Susquehanna to the temporary
line, can secure the lives and properties of the old inhabitants of this county;
the new settlements being all fled except those in Shearman's Valley, who,
if God do not preserve them, we fear will suffer very soon." Armstrong
wrote the same day to Richard Peters as follows:
Carlisle, Sunday night, November 2, 1755.
Bear &>.•— Inclosed to Mr. Allen, by the last post, I send you a letter from Harris';
but I believe forgot, through that day's confusion, to direct it.
You will see our melancholy circumstances by the Governer's letter, and my opinion
of the method of keeping the inhabitants in this country, which will require all possible
despatch. If we had immediate assurance of relief a great number would stay, and the
inhabitants should be advertised not to drive off nor waste their beef cattle, etc. I have
•By a letter from Col. Armstrong dated June 30, 1767, it is known that Col. Stanwix had begun these in-
trenchments shortly previous to that date.
^a;
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 55
not so much as sent off my wife, fearing an ill precedent, but must do it now, I believe,
together with the public papers and your own.
There are no inhabitants on Juniata nor on Tuscarora by this time, my brother Will-
iam being just come in. Montour and Monaghatootha are going to the Governor. The
former is greatly suspected of being an enemy in his heart— 'tis hard to tell— you can com-
pare what they say to the Governor with what I have wrote. I have no notion of a large
army, but of great danger from scouting parties.
Jamiaiy 15-22, 1756, another Indian treaty of amity was held at Carlisle,
■when Gov. Morris, Eichard Peters, James Hamilton, William Logan, Joseph
Fox (a commissioner from the Assembly) and George Croghan (interpreter)
■were present. But seven Indians only were present, including one chief from
the Six Nations and one or two from a portion of the Delawares. Neverthe-
less, it ■was found that the hostile savages were confined to the Delawares and
Shawanese tribes, and even among them there was a considerable minority op-
posed to the war. After taking all matters into consideration it was decided
by the Governor to issue a declaration of war against the Delawares, the Shaw-
anese not being included, because it was hoped they might be brought back to
theii- former homes. Therefore, on the 14th of April, 1756, a proclamation
of war was published against the Delaware Indians and all who were in con-
federacy with them, excepting a few who had come within the border and were
li-ving in peace. By advice of the Assembly's commissioners, who deemed any
steps, however extreme, wise when the punishment of the savages and the ces-
sation of hostilities was the object, rewards were ofPered as follows, as sho'wn
by the colonial records : ' ' For every male Indian enemy above twelve years of
age, who shall be taken prisoner and be delivered at any fort garrisoned by the
troops in the pay of this province, or at any of the county towns to the keep-
ers of the common jaUs, there shall be paid the sum of one hundred and fifty
Spanish dollars or pieces of eight; for the scalp of every male Indian enemy
above the age of twelve years, produced as evidence of their being killed, the
sum of one hundred and thirty pieces of eight ; for every female Indian taken
prisoner and brought in as aforesaid, and for every male Indian prisoner under ^
the age of twelve years, taken and brought in as aforesaid, one hundred and
thirty pieces of eight; for the scalp of every Indian woman, produced as evi-
dence of their being killed, the sum of fifty pieces of eight, and for every
English subject that has been taken and carried from this province into cap-
tivity that shall be recovered and brought in, and delivered at the city of
Philadelphia to the governor of this province, the sum of one hundred and
fifty pieces of eight, but nothing for their scalps, and that there shall be paid
to every officer or soldier as are or shall be in the pay of this pro^vince, who
shall redeem and deliver any English subject carried into captivity as aforesaid,
or shall take, bring in and produce any enemy, prisoner or scalp as aforesaid,
one-half of the said several and respective premiums and bounties. ' ' Very few
rewards were claimed under this proclamation, and it was not considered prob-
able that any Indians were killed for the sake of procuring the bounty.
The proclamation issued in May, 1756, subsequent to that against the Del-
awares, declaring war against France, was hardly necessary so far as the Amer-
ican territory was concerned, for, nothwithstanding the treaty of Aix-la-Cha-
pelle in 1748, the French had kept up their movements in this country, build-
ing forts and inciting the Indians to commit outrages upon the English set-
tlements, and winning the savages over to their own standards by arts well
plied.
The year 1756 was a dark one for the colonists, to whom the terrible ex-
periences of Indian warfare were nothing new. Murders were committed in
■what -was then Cumberland County but now Bedford, Union. Franklin, Dauph-
56 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
in, Perry and others, the leading spirits among the Indians being Shingas and
Capt. Jacobs. Samuel Bell, residing on the Stony Eidge, five miles below Car-
lisle, had a lively experience, which is thus told by Loudon: " Some time after
Gen. Braddock's defeat, he and his brother, James Bell, agreed to go into
Shearman's Valley to hunt for deer, and were to meet at Croghan's (now Ster-
ret's) Gap, on the Blue Mountain. By some means or other they did not meet,
and Samuel slept all night in a cabin belonging to Mr. Patton, on Shearman's
Creek. In the morning he had not traveled far before he spied three Indians,
who at the same time saw him. They all fired at each other; he wounded one
of the Indians, but received no damage except through his clothes by the balls.
Several shots were fired on both sides, as each took a tree. He took out
his tomahawk and stuck it into the tree behind which he stood, so that should
they approach he might be prepared; the tree was grazed with the Indians'
balls, and he had thoughts of making his escape by flight, but on reflection
had doubts of his being able to outrun them. After some time the two Indians
took the wounded one and put him over a fence, and one took one course and
the other another, taking a compass, so that he could no longer screen himself
by the tree ; but by trying to ensnare him thay had to expose themselves, by which
means he had the good fortune to shoot one of them dead. The other ran and
took the dead Indian on his back, one leg over each shoulder. By this time
Bell's gun was again loaded. He then ran after the Indian until he came
within about four yards from him, fired and shot through the dead Indian and
lodged his ball in the other, who dropped the dead man and ran off. On his
return, coming past the fence where the wounded Indian was, he dispatched
him but did not know that he had killed the third Indian until his bones were
found afterward. ' '
February 15, 1756, William Trent, in writing from Carlisle, stated that
' ' several murders or captures and house burnings had taken place under Par-
neir s Knob, and that all the people between Carlisle and the North Mountain
had fled 'from their homes and come to town, or were gathered into the little
forts, that the people in Shippensburg were moving their families and effects,
and that everybody was preparing to fly."* Shingas kept the upper end of
the county in a state of terror, and fresh outrages were reported daily. The
Indians killed, indiscriminately, men, women and children, and received rewards
from the French for their scalps; they boasted that they killed fifty white peo-
ple for each Indian slain by the English. Inhabitants of the Great Cove fled
from their homes in November, with the crackling of their burning roofs and
the yells of the Indians ringing in their ears. John Potter, formerly sheriff,
sheltered at his house one night 100 fleeing women and children. The cries
of the widows and fatherless children were pitiful, and those who had for-
tunately escaped with their lives had neither food, bedding nor clothing to
cover their nakedness, everything having been consumed in their burning
dwellings. ' ' Fifty persons, ' ' so it is recorded, ' ' were killed or taken prisoners.
One woman, over ninety years of age, was found lying dead with her breasts
torn off and a stake driven through her body. The infuriated savages caught
up little children and dashed their brains out against the door-posts in presence
of their shrieking mothers, or cut off their heads and drank their warm blood.
Wives and mothers were tied to trees that they might witness the tortures and
death of their husbands and children, and then were carried into a captivity
from which few ever returned. Twenty-seven houses were burned, a great
number of cattle were killed or driven off, and out of the ninety -three families
settled in the two coves and by the Conolloway' s, members of forty-seven f am-
*Dr. Wing, from Pennsylvania Archives.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 57
ilies were either killed or captured and the remainder fled, so that these settle-
ments were entirely broken up. ' ' Small wonder that such circumstances ex-
cited the people of the Cumberland Valley ! Preparations were made at Ship-
pensburg and Carlisle, where the people flocked in such numbers as to crowd
the houses, to give the enemy a warm reception, and 400 men (of whom 200
were from this part of the valley) marched under the command of Hans Ham-
ilton, sheriff of York County, to McDowell's Mill, in Franklin County, a few
miles from the scene of the slaughter, but the Indians had retreated. Rev.
John Steel, pastor of the ' ' Old White Chui-ch, ' ' of Upper West Conococheague,
raised a company among his parishioners for defense of their church and indi-
vidual property in 1755, and was commissioned captain. The church was after-
ward burned, the congregation scattered, and Mr. Steel removed to Carlisle
in 1758.
April 2, 1756, a body of Indians attacked and burned McCord's fort, on the
Conococheague, in what is now Franklin County, killing and capturing a total
of twenty-seven persons. The alarm extended to Shippensburg, and three
companies were raised in various parts of the valley, for the pursuit and pun-
ishment of the marauders, commanded respectively by Capts. Culbertson,
Chambers and Hamilton. Capt. Alex Culbertson' s company with nineteen
men from the other two, overtook the Indians west of Sideling Hill and a fight
ensued which lasted two hours. The Indians, from the report made by one of
their number who was captured, lost seventeen killed and twenty-one wounded.
The whites suffered severely. Among those killed were Capt. Culbertson,
John Reynolds (ensign of Capt. Chambers' company), William Kerr, James
Blair, John Leason, William Denny, Francis Scott, William Boyd, Jacob
Paynter, Jacob Jones, Robert Kerr and William Chambers; wounded, Francis
Campbell, Abraham Jones, William Reynolds, John Barnet, Benjamin Blyth,
John McDonald and Isaac MUler.
Another party, commanded by Ensign Jainison,. from Fort Granville, under
Capt. Hamilton, in pursuit of the same Indians, had about the same experience,
losing Daniel McCoy, James Robinson, James Peace, John Blair, Heniy
Jones, John McCarty and John Kelly, killed; and Ensign Jamison, James
Robinson, William Hunter, Matthias Ganshorn, William Swails and James
Louder, wounded — the latter afterward died of his wounds. Most of these
men were from the oldest and most respectable families in Cumberland
County.
All around the settlements in this county outrages were frequent and the
number of lives taken was appalling, considering the sparsely settled condition
of the country. Bands of Indians even ventured within a few miles of Car-
lisle. The military were employed in protecting men harvesting their crops
in 1756, and it was necessary for all persons to be ever on the alert to guard
against surprise and attack. In June, 1756, a Mr. Dean, living about a mile
east of Shippensburg, was found murdered in his cabin, his skull cleft vwth a
tomahawk. It was supposed a couple of Indians seen in the neighborhood the
day before had committed the deed. On the 6th of the same month, a shoit
distance east of where Burd's Run crosses the road leading from Shippensburg
to the Middlespring church, a party of Indiana killed John McKean and John
Agnew and captured Hugh Black, William Carson, Andrew Brown, James
Ellis and Alex McBride. A party of citizens from Shippensburg pursued the
Indians through McAllister's Gap into Path Valley, and on the morning of
the third day out met all the prisoners except James Ellis, and on their return
home, they having escaped. Ellis was never afterward heard from. The
pursuers returned with the men who had escaped, further pursuit being
useless.
58 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Many other instances of murders and kindred outrages by the Indians
might be mentioned, for the history of that dread time teems with them, but
it ia not necessary to recount them. Enough has been said to show the terri-
ble state the region was in, and the horrid tales are dropped to tell of an expe-
dition in which the whites took the initiative. *
Gov. Morris was superseded on the 20th of August, 1756, by Gov. "William
Denny, but before the latter' s arrival he (MoitIs), in view of the constant cries
for help from the frontier, and especially from East Pennsborough Township,
Cumberland County, and the upper portion of the county, whose inhabitants
sent in urgent petitions for aid, had arranged with Col. Armstrong for a move-
ment against the Indian town of Kittanning, on the Allegheny River, about
twenty miles above Port DuQuesne, in what is now Armstrong County. The
place was the chief stronghold of the red men, was the base of their operations
eastward and toward the Ohio, and was the home of both Shingas and Capt.
Jacobs. f There were also held a considerable number of white prisoners. A
small army was organized under the command of Lieut. -Col. John Ai-mstrong,
consisting of seven companies, J whose captains were John Armstrong,
Hans Hamilton, Dr. Hugh Mercer, Edward Ward, Joseph Armstrong, John
Potter, and Rev. John Steel. The command set out in August, 1756,
and at the dawn of the 7th (8th ?) of September made the attack on the Indian
town, which was totally destroyed, together with large quantities of ammuni-
tion. Capt. Jacobs and his nephew were killed, and few, if any, escaped the
avenging hand of the officer, whose rapid march and well executed plans won
for him the approval of his people. The corporation of Philadelphia voted
him a medal for his exploit. § This disaster to the Indians led them to remove
to the Muskingum, in Ohio, but served only for a short time to check their
operations in Pennsylvania. The year 1757 was fraught with unabated hor-
rors. Cumberland County, with others, was kept in a state of continual
alarm, although in May of that year another conference was held with the
Indiana at Lancaster to try and bring about peace. The western Indians,
*At one period (1750-.55) there was a noted person in tlie valley who figured conspicuously in moTementa
against the In Uans. He was known as ''Captain Jack," "the black hunter, ' *'the blAck rifie/* ''the wild hun-
ter of the Juniata," "the black hunter of the forest," etc, He was a white man, an early comer to the region,
;ind happy and contented in his occupations of fishine: and hunting, until the Indians, one day when he was
absent, burned his cabin and murdered his wile and children. Then he became imbued with a spirit of revenge,
and his exploits rendered him famous. He was a dead shot with the rifle, a terror to the Indians, and greatly
respected and appreciated by the scattered settlers, whose lives and property he was more than once the means
of saving. It ia said of him that "he never shot without good cause. His look was as unerring as his aim. He
formed an association to defend the settlers against savage aggressions. On a given signal they would unite.
Their exploits were heard of in 1756 on the Conococheague and Juniata."— [Egle's Hist, of Pa., p. 616.] He was
also sometimes called the "Half Indian." Through Coh Croghan he proffered his aid to Gen. Braddock, in the
latter's disastrous campaign, and Croghan, in recommending him to the General, said; "He will march with
his hunters; they are dressed in hunting shirts, moccasins, etc,, are well armed, and are equally regardless of
heat or cold. They require no shelter for the night, they ask no pay." This character, it appears, in a letter
written from Carlisle in 1754, as well as one the previous year by John O'Neal to Gov. Hamilton, was also
known as "Captain Joel." He was given a captain's commission in 17,'>3. The movements of himself and his
band of rangers were very rapid, and the mention of his name, like those of Brady, Boone, Logaton, Kenton
and others, struck terror to the hearts of his painted foemen.
tCapt. Jacoba was a large man, very powerful and exceedingly cruel. Shingas was not as large, but made
up for his stature in ferocity. Capt. Jacobs' nephew, who with him was killed in Armstrong's attack upon
' Kittanning, -was said to be seven feet tall.
t.Most authorities place the total number of men at 300; some give it 280.
gFrom Col. Armstrong's report of the affair to Gov. Denny it is learned that the casualties among the
volunteers were as follows: From hU own company — K-Uled, Thos. Power, John McCormick; wounded^ Lieut.-Col.
Armatrong (in the shoulder by a muaket ball), James Carothers, James Strickland, 'Thomas Foster. Capt. Hamil-
ton's company — KiUed, John Kelly. Capt. Mercer's company — Kitted, John Baker, John McCartney, Patrick MuUer,
Cornelius McGinnia, Theophilus Thompson, Dennis Kilpatrick, Bryan Croghan; wouTided, Bichard Fitzgibbons;
missing, Capt. Hugh Mercer (wounded, but found to have been carried away safely by his men), Ensign John
Scott, hJmanuel Menisky, John Taylor, John , Francis Philipa, Robert Morrow, Thomas Burke, Philip
Pendergrass. Qipt. Armstrong's company — Kitted, Lieut James Hogg, James Anderson, Holdcraft Stringer,
Edward O'Brian, James Higgins, John Leeson; tmunded, William Fridley, Robert Eobinson, John Ferrol,
Thomas Camplin, Charles ii'Neill; missing, John Lewis, William Hunter, William Baker, George Appleby,
Anthony Grissy, Thomas Swan. Capt. Ward's company— Kilted, William Welsh; wounded, Ephraim Bratton;
missing, Patrick Myera, Laurence Donnahan, Samuel Chambers. Capt. Potter's company — Wounded, Ensign
James Potter, Andrew Douglass. Capt. Steel's company — Missing, Terrence Cannabery. Total— killed 17;
wounded 13; missing 19—49 in all. Seven captives were recovered and a number of Indiana taken prisoners.
Thirty or forty warriors were slain.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 59
however, would hear to nothing, and it became evident that subduing them by-
force of arms was the only sure method. Col. Stanwix was at Carlisle build-
ing intrenchments, and Col. Armstrong had two companies, part stationed at
Carlisle and part at Shippensburg. These two officers did all in their power
to protect the citizens and punish the savages, but they were handicapped in
numerous regards. Murders were frequent in the upper part of Cumberland
(now Franklin) County, and the lower portion was not without its visitations of
bloodshed. May 13, 1757, William Walker and another man were killed near
a private fort called McCormick's, on the Conodoguinet, in East Penns-
borough; two men were killed and five taken prisoners near Shippensburg on
the 6th of June; Joseph Mitchell, James Mitchell, William Mitchell, John Fin-
lay, Robert Steenson, Andrew Enslow, John Wiley, Allen Henderson, William
Gibson and an Indian were killed in a harvest field near Shippensburg, July
19, and Jane McCommon, Mary Minor, Janet Harper and a son of John Fin-
lay were captured or missing at the same time; four men were killed July 11
near Tobias Hendricks', who lived on and had charge of Louther Manor, six
miles from the Susquehanna, in East Pennsborough, and two men were killed
or canied off near- the same place September 8, while out hunting horses.
July 18, in a harvest field a mile east of Shippensburg, belonging to John
Cesna, Dennis O'Neiden and John Kirkpatrick were killed, and Mr. Cesna. his
two grandsons, and a son of Kirkpatrick were made prisoners and carried off.
Others working in the field happened to be concealed from the view of the In-
dians, and escaped without injury. There was little rest from anxiety until after
the expeditions of 1758 and the capture of Fort DuQuesne, with the building
upon its ruins of Fort Pitt, which remained under English rule while the mother
country had jurisdiction over the American colonies. The troops were mostly
disbanded i.n 1759 by act of Assembly, which body imagined the war was
ended. Practjcally for this region it was so, although the two powers met in
conflict afterward on the northern frontier.
The inhabitants enjoyed for a brief period immunity from danger and re-
joiced that peace smiled upon the valley. A worthless Delaware Indian called
"Doctor John" who had for two years lived in a cabin near the Conodoguinet
and not far from Carlisle, was killed in February, 1760, together with his wife
and two children, by whites ; and though he had talked contemptuously about
the soldiers, and boasted of having killed sixty white people with his own arm
the event was looked upon as untoward by the inhabitants of the region, who
feared the vengeance of the tribe and steps were taken to apprehend and pun-
ish the murderers. Several arrests were made, but the more guilty parties fled
and were not found, whUe the others were released as they could scarcely be
convicted on hearsay evidence. Very likely the people were glad the Indians
were out of the way, for they had no pleasing recollections of their fiendish
fellows.
Presently, however, came the dread news that a more desperate war was to
be waged under the leadership of the wonderful western chieftain, Pontiac, and
close upon the heels of the alarm followed actual invasion of the country bor-
dering the valley, with a renewal of the horrid scenes of previous years. July
5, 1763, a gentleman wrote from Carlisle to Secretary Peters as follows : ' ' On
the morning of yesterday horsemen were seen rapidly passing through Carlisle.
One man rather fatigued, who stopped to get some water, hastily replied to the
question, 'What news?' 'Bad enough! Presque Isle, Le Beuf and Venango
have been captured, their garrisons massacred, with the exception of one officer
and seven men who fortunately made their escape from Le Beuf. Fort Pitt
was briskly attacked on the 22d of June, but succeeded in repelling the as-
60 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
sailants. ' Thus saying he put spurs to his horse and was soon out of sight.
From others I have accounts that the Bedford militia have succeeded in saving
Port Ligonier, Nothing could exceed the terror which prevailed from house
to house, from town to town. The road was nearly covered with women and
children flying to Lancaster and Philadelphia. Rev. Thomson, pastor of
the Episcopal Church, went at the head of his congregation to protect and en-
courage them on the way. A few retired to the breastworks for safety. The
alarm once given could not be appeased, ^\'e have done all that men can do
to prevent disorder. All our hopes- are turned upon Bouquet."
The following extracts of letters written fi-om Carlisle in July, 1763, and
published at the time in the Pennsylvania Gazette at Philadelphia, will also
serve to show the condition of affairs then existing in the valley:*
Carlisle, July 13, 1763.
I embrace this first leisure since yesterday morning to transmit you a brief account
of our present state of affairs here, which indeed is very distressing, every day almost
affording some fresh object to awaken the compassion, alarm the fears, or kindle into re-
sentment and vengeance every sensible breast; while flying families, obliged to abandon
house and possession to save their lives by a hasty escape; mourning widows, bewailing
their liusbands, surprised and massacred by savage rage; tender parents, lamenting the
fruit of their own bodies, cropped in the very bloom of life by a barbarous hand, with re-
lations and acquaintance pouring out sorrow for murdered neighbors and friends, present
a varied scene of mingled distress.
When, for some time after striking at Bedford the Indians appeared quiet, nor struck
any other part of our frontiers, it became the prevailing opinion that our forts and com-
munication were so peculiarly the object of their attention; that, till at least after harvest,
there was little prospect of danger to our inhabitants over the hills, and to dissent from
this generally received sentiment was political heresy, and attributed to timidity rather
than judgment, till too early conviction has decided the point in the following manner:
On Sunday morning, the 10th instant, about 9 or 10 o'clock, at the house of one
William White, on Juniata, between thirty and forty miles hence, there being in said
house four men and a lad, the Indians came rushing upon and shot White at the door, just
stepping out to see what the noise meant. Our people then pulled in White, and shut the
door; hut observing through a window the Indians setting fire to the house, they attempted
to force their way out at the door. But the first that stepped out being shot down, they
drew him in and again shut the door, after which one attempting an escape out of a win-
dow on the loft was shot through the head, and the lad wounded in the arm. The only
one now remaining — William Kiddle — broke a hole through the roof of the house, and an
Indian, who saw him looking out, alleged he was about to fire on him, withdrew, which
afforded Riddle an opportunity to make his escape. The house, with the other four in it,
was burned down, as one McMachen informs, who was coming to it, not suspecting Indians,
and was by them fired at and shot through the shoulder, but made his escape.
The same day about dinner time, at about a mile and a half from said White's, at the
house of Robert Campbell, six men being in the house, as they were dining three Indians
rushed in at the door, and after firing among them and wounding some they tomahawked
in an instant one of the men, whereupon one George Dodds, one of the company, sprang
back into the room, took down a rifle, shot an Indian through the body who was just pre-
senting his piece to shoot him. The Indian being mortally wounded staggered, and letting
his gun fall was carried off by three more. Dodds, with one or two more, getting upon the
loft, broke the roof in order to escape, and looking out saw one of the company, Stephen
Jeffries, running, but very slowly by reason of a wound in the breast, and an Indian pur-
suing, and it is thought he could not escape, nor have we heard of him since, so that It is
past dispute he also is murdered. The first that attempted getting out of the loft was fired
at and drew back. Another attempting was shot dead, and of the six Dodds was the only
one who made his escape. The same day about dusk, about six or seven miles up Tusca-
rora and about twenty-eight or thirty miles hence, they murdered one William Anderson,
together with a boy and girl, all in one house. At White's were seen at least five, some
say eight or ten Indians, and at Campbell's about the same number. On Monday, the 11th,
a party of about twenty-four went over from the upper part of Shearman's Valley to see
how matters were. Another party of twelve or thirteen went over from the upper part of
said valley, and Col. John Armstrong, with 'Thomas Wilson, Esq., and a party of between
thirty and forty from this town, to reconnoitre and assist in bringing in the dead.
Of the first and third parties we have heard nothing yet, but of the party of twelve six
are come in, and inform that they passed through the several places in Tuscarora and saw
the houses in flames or burnt entirely down. That the grain that had been reaped the
*See Rupp's History of Cumberland and other Counties, pp. 139-143.
HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 61
Indians burnt in shocks, and had set the fences on fire where the grain wasunreaped; that
the hogs had fallen upon and mangled several of the dead bodies; that the said company
of twelve, suspecting danger, durst not stay to bury the dead; that after they had returned
over the Tuscarora Mountain, about one or two miles this side of it and about eighteen or
twenty from hence (Carlisle, Penn.), they were fired on by a large party of Indians, sup-
posed about thirty, and were obliged to fly; that two, viz., William Robinson and John
Graham, are certainly killed, and four more are missing, who it is thought have fallen into
the hands of the enemy, as they appeared slow in flight, most probably wounded, and the
savages pursued with violence. What further mischief has been done we have not heard,
but expect every day and hour some more messages of melancholy news.
In hearing of the above defeat we sent out another party of thirty or upward, com-
manded by our high sheriff, Mr. Dunning, and Mr. William Lyon, to go in quest of the
enemy or fall in with and reinforce our other parties. There are also a number gone out
from about three miles below this, so that we now have over the hills upward of eighty or
ninety volunteers scouring the woods. The inhabitants of Shearman's Valley, Tuscarora,
etc., are all come over, and the people of this vallev, near the mountain, are beginning to
move in, so that in a few days there will be scarcely a house inhabited north of Carlisle.
. Many of our people are greatly distressed through want of arms and ammunition, and
numbers of those beat off their places have hardly money enough to purchase a pound of
powder.
Our women and children I suppose must move downward if the enemy proceeds. To-
day a British vengeance begins to rise in the breasts of our men. One of them that fell
from among the twelve, as he was just expiring, said to one of his fellows: "Here, take
my gun and kill the first Indian you see, and all shall be well."
Another letter dated at'Carlisle July 13, has the following: "Last night
Col. Armstrong returned. He left the party who pursued further, and
found several dead, whom they buried in the best manner they could, and are
now all returned in. From what appears the Indians are traveling from one
place to another along the valley, burning the farms and destroying all the
people they meet with. This day gives an account of six more being killed in
the valley, so that since last Sunday morning to this day, twelve o'clock, we
have a pretty authentic account of the number slain being twenty -five, and
four or five wounded. The Colonel, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Alricks are now on
the parade endeavoring to raise another party to go out and succor the sheriff
and his party, consisting of fifty men, which marched yesterday, and I hope
they will be able to send ofP immediately twenty good men. The people here,
T assure you, want nothing but a good leader and a little encouragement to
make a very good defense. ' '
July 28, 1763, the editor of the Pennsylvania Gazette printed the following:
"Our advices from Carlisle are as follows, viz. That the party under the
sheriff, Mr. Dunning, mentioned in our last, fell in with the enemy at the
house of one Alexander Logan, in Shearman' s Valley, supposed to be about
fifteen or upward, who had murdered the said Logan, his son and another man,
about two miles from said house, and mortally wounded a fourth who is since
dead; and that at the time of their being discovered they were rifling the house
and shooting down the cattle, and it is thought about to return home with the
spoil they had got. That our men, on seeing them, immediately spread them-
selves from right to left with a design to surround them, and engaged the sav-
ages with great courage, but from their eagerness rather too soon, as some of
the party had not got up when the skirmish began; that the enemy returned
our first fire very briskly, but our people, regardless of that, rushed upon them,
when they fled and were pursued a considerable way till thickets secured their
escape, four or five of them, it was thought, being mortally wounded; that our
parties had brought in with them what cattle they could collect, but that great
numbers were killed by the Indians, and many of the horses that were in the
valleys carried off; that on the 21st, the morning, news was brought of
three Indians being seen about 10 o'clock in the morning; one Pummeroy and
his wife, and the wife of one Johnson, were surprised in a house between Ship-
62 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
pensburg and the North Mountain and left there for dead; but that one of the
■women, when found, showing some signs of life, was brought to Shippensburg,
where she lived some hours in a most miserable condition, being scalped, one of
her arms broken, and her skull fractured with the stroke of a tomahawk; and
that since the 10th inst. , there was an account of fifty- four persons being killed
by the enemy!
"That the Indians had set fire to houses, barns, corn, wheat, rye, and hay
— in short, to everything combustible — so that the whole country seemed to be
in one general blaze ; that the miseries and distress of the poor people were
really shocking to humanity, and beyond the power of language to describe;
that Carlisle was becoming the barrier, not a single inhabitant being beyond it;
that every stable and hovel in the town was crowded with miserable refugees,
who were reduced to a state of beggary and despair, their houses, cattle and
harvest destroyed, and from a plentiful, independent people they were become
real objects of charity and commiseration; that it was most dismal to see the
streets filled with people in whose countenances might be discovered a mixture
of grief, madness and despair; and to hear now and then the sighs and groans
of men, the disconsolate lamentations of women, and the screams of children,
who had lost their nearest and dearest relations; and that on both sides of the
Susquehanna, for some miles, the woods were filled with poor families and
their cattle, who made fires and lived like savages, exposed to the inclemencies
of the weather. ' '
Letter dated at Carlisle July 30, 1763 : "On the 25th a considerable num-
ber of the inhabitants of Shearman's Valley went over, with a party of soldiers
to guard them, to attempt saving as much of their grain as might be standing,
and it is hoped a considerable quantity will yet be preserved. A party of vol-
unteers, between twenty and thirty, went to the farther side of the valley, next
to the Tuscarora Mountain, to see what appearance there might be of the In-
dians, as it was th6ught they would most probably be there if anywhere in the
settlement — to search for and bury the dead at Buffalo Creek, and to assist
the inhabitants that lived along or near the foot of the mountain in bringing
off what they could, which services they accordingly performed, burying the
remains of three persons, but saw no marks of Indians having lately been
there, excepting one track, supposed to be about two or three days old, near
the narrows of Buffalo Creek Hill, and heard some hallooing and firing of a gun
at another place. A number of the inhabitants of Tuscarora Valley go over the
mountain to-morrow, with a party of soldiers, to endeavor to save part of the
crops. Five Indians were seen last Sunday, about sixteen or seventeen miles
from Carlisle, up the valley toward the North Mountain, and two the day be-
fore yesterday, about five or six miles from Shippensburg, who fired at a young
man but missed him.
"On the 25th of July there were in Shippensburg 1,384 of our poor, dis-
tressed back inhabitants, viz. : men, 301; women, 345; children, 738, many of
whom were obliged to lie in barns, stables, cellars and under old leaky sheds,
the dwelling-houses being all crowded."
Indians were also occasionally seen in the valley after Bouquet had left,
and occasionally some of the inhabitants WQre fired upon within a few miles of
Carlisle. Where is the wonder that the stricken people looked so eagerly to
Bouquet for deliverance, or that they suspected and mistrusted every being in
the shape of an Indian, whether professedly frienc^ly or otherwise ! Such terrible
experiences were sufficient to foster all the fiendishness of revenge in the
breasts of the afflicted, and the great wonder at the present day is that they
did not resolve upon and enter into a war of extermination of the red race.
vu:/-^^^
HISTORY OF CUMBERIiAND COUNTY. 65
Upon the outbreak of the savages the Assembly had ordered the raising of
700 men to protect the frontier daring the harvest, but almost without effect.
The safety of the garrison at Fort Pitt was the cause of anxiety, and finally
Col. Henry Bouquet was ordered to march to its relief. This he did with
barely 500 men, the remnants of two shattered regiments of regulars — the
Forty-second and Seventy-second — lately, returned from the West Indies in a
debilitated condition, together with 200 rangers (six companies) raised in
Lancaster and Cumberland Counties. Although depending so greatly upon
him, the inhabitants of Carlisle and vicinity were in such a state of terror and
utter consternation that they had taken no steps to prepare provisions for him
and his little army, and they arrived at Carlisle to find matters there and along
the line of march in a desperate condition, though several quite heavy contri-
butions had been raised by various congregations in Philadelphia and sent for
their relief. Instead, therefore, of the inhabitants being able to lend him aid,
they were dependent upon him, and he was forced to lie at Carlisle eighteen
days until supplies could be sent for and received. By this time the people
had regained courage and confidence in themselves, although the appearance
of Bouquet' s army led them to expect little from its expedition. Most happily
were they disappointed, however, for the Colonel's successful march, his re-
lief of Fort Ligonier, his terrible thirty-six hours fight at Bushy Eun with the
Indians, who were defeated and driven from the field, his relief of Fort Pitt,
and his subsequent expedition against the Indians in Ohio, with the treaty on
terms of his own dictation, and the release of many white prisoners who were
returned to their homes, are all matters of history. Bouquet became the sa-
vior of the region, and to his memory let all honor be accorded. The Indians
committed outrages along the frontier in 1764, but an army of 1,000 men was
raised, of which a battalion of eight companies of 380 men, mostly from
Cumberland County — commanded by Lieut. -Col. John Armstrong, with
Capts. William Armstrong, Samuel Lindsey, James Piper, Joseph Armstrong,
John Brady, William Piper, Christopher Line and Timothy Green, with a few
under Lieut. Finley — was sent against them under Col. Bouquet, who pierced
to the very heart of their western stronghold, and compelled them to accede the
terms above mentioned. The battalion of provincial troops from this county
was paid off and mustered out of service, the arms were delivered to the authori-
ties, and the long and dreadful Indian war, with all its attendant sickening
horrors, was at an end.
The people had little confidence, however, in the Indians, and were not
disposed to place in their hands any weapons or materials which would give
them the slightest advantage over the whites, at least until their new relations
had time to become fixed. It had been agreed that trade should be opened
with the Indians, and large quantities of goods were gathered in places for the
purpose before the governor issued his proclamation authorizing trading. This
led to the destruction of a large quantity of goods in which Capt. Eobert Col-
lender, a flouring-mill proprietor near Carlisle, was part owner, the goods hav-
ing been started westward. A party under James Smith, who had done ser-
vice under Braddock, Forbes and Bouquet, waylaid them near Sideling Hill,
killed a number of horses, made the escort turn back, burned sixty -three loads,
and made matters exceedingly lively, when a squad was sent out to capture the
rioters. Smith afterward acknowledged himself too hasty. He was subse-
quently arrested on suspicion of murder and lodged in jail at Carlisle in 1769.
An attempt was made to rescue him, but he dissuaded the party, and upon his
trial was acquitted. He became a distinguished Revolutionary officer and
member of the Legislature. '
66 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Another occurrence, which might have resulted seriously for the settlers, was
the murder of ten fi-iendly Indians in the lower part of Shearman's Valley, on
Middle Creek, in January, 1768, by Frederick Stump and an employe of his
named Hans Eisenhauer (John Ironcutter). The authorities captured the
murderers and placed them in jail in Carlisle, although the warrant for their
arrest charged that they be brought before the chief justice at Philadelphia.
That step the people of Cumberland County resisted, claiming it was encroach-
ing upon their rights to try the men in the county where the crime was com-
mitted. They were detained at Carlisle until the pleasure of the authorities
at Philadelphia could be ascertained, and were rescued by a large armed party
on the morning of the 29th of January, four days after their arrest. The pris-
oners were carried away over the mountains and were never afterward found,
though it was the opinion that they got away and took refuge in Virginia. The
matter was finally dropped after the heat of the affair was over.
CHAPTER IV.
CoxTNTY Oeganization— Location of Cottnty Seat — Division of County
INTO Townships— County Buildings— Population— Postoffices in 1885—
Internal Improvements- Public Roads— Railroads.
CUMBEELAND COUNTY was named after a maritime county in England,
bordering on Scotland. I. Daniel Eupp, in a sketch of .this county in
Egle' s History of Pennsylvania, published in 1876, says : ' ' The name is derived
from the Keltic, Kimbriland. The Kimbrie, or Keltic races, once inhabited
the county of Cumberland, in England, " but we are inclined to think that the
word Cumberland signifies ' ' land of hollows, " from the Anglo Saxon word
' ' comb, " a valley or low place.
In the matter of pedigree Cumberland is the sixth county formed in Penn-
sylvania; Philadelphia, Bucks and Chester were established in 1682, Lancaster
in 1729 and York in 1749. Petitions having been presented to the Assembly by
numerous inhabitants of the North or Cumberland Valley, among whom were
James Silvers and William Magaw, in behalf of the inhabitants of the North Val-
ley, on the ground of their remoteness from the county seat, Lancaster, and the
di£&culty which the sober and the quiet part of the valley experienced in se-
curing itself against the thefts of certain idle and dissolute persons (who easily
avoided the courts, the officers and the jail of so distant a county town), pray-
ing for the establishment of a new county, an act was passed to that effect on
the 27th of January, 1750. Eobert McCoy, of Peters Township, Benjamin
Chambers, of Antrim, David Magaw, of Hopewell, James Mclntire and John
McCormick, both of East Pennsborough, were appointed commissioners to carry
out the provisions of the act. The territory embraced in Cumberland County
was set off from Lancaster, and its ample limits were thus described: "That
all and singular the lands lying within the province of Pennsylvania, to the west-
ward of the Susquehanna, and northward and westward of the county of York,
be erected into a county, to be called Cumberland; bounded northward and
westward with the line of the provinces ; eastward partly by the Susquehanna
and partly by said county of York; and southward in part by the line divid-
ing said province from that *f Maryland. ' '
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 67
It was also further enacted, in order to better ascertain the boundary be-
tween Cumberland and York Counties, that commissioners should be appoint-
ed on the part of the latter to act in conjunction with those of the former for
that purpose. The York County commissioners were Thomas Cox, Michael
Tanner, George Swope, Nathan Hussey and John Wright, Jr. The commis-
sioners of the two counties disagreed when they met to fix the boundary line.
Those from Cumberland wished the line to commence opposite the mouth of
Swatara Creek and run thence along the ridge of the South Mountain (or Trent
Hills, or Priest Hills) ; but to this the York County commissioners would not
listen; they wished the Yellow Breeches, or Callapasscinker Creek, to form a
portion of the boundary. The difficulty was finally settled by the Assembly in
an act passed February 9, 1751, which says: " But for as much as the ridge of
mountains called the South Mountain, — along which the lines, dividing the said
counties of York and Cumberland, were directed to be run by the several here-
inbefore mentioned acts, before the river Susquehannah, to the mouth of a run
of water called Dogwood Eun, — is discontinued, much broken, and not easily to
be distinguished, whereby great differences have arisen between the trustees of
the said counties concerning the matter of running said lines; by which means
the boundaries of said counties, between the river Susquehanna and the mouth
of aforesaid run of water called Dogwood Run, are altogether unsettled and so
likely to continue to the great injury of the said counties, and to the frustrating
the good purposes by the hereinbefore mentioned acts of Assembly intended for
the preventing hereof, it is hereby enacted, that the creek called Yellow Breeches
Creek, from the mouth thereof where it empties into the Susquehanna afore-
said, up the several courses thereof, to the mouth of a run of water called Dog-
wood Eun, and from thence on one continued straight line, to be run to the
ridge of mountains called the South Mountain, until it intersects the Maryland
line, shall be and is hereby declared to be the boundary line between said coun-
ties of York and Cumberland. ' '
Previous to this legislation a petition fi-om the commissioners appointed on
the part of Cumberland County to run the line had been presented to the As-
sembly setting forth facts as follows: " That the York commissioners, refusing
to run the line agreeable to the act of Assembly, the petitioners conceived it
their duty to do it themselves, and accordingly began opposite to the mouth of
the Swahatara [now Swatara — Ed.], on Susquehanna Eiver, and then took
the courses and distances along the highest ridge of the mountain, without
crossing any running water, till they struck the middle of the main body of
the South Mountain, at James Caruther's plantation; a true draught whereof
is annexed to the petition. That the draught of the line and places adjacent,
laid before the house by the York commissioners, as far as relates to the wa-
ters and courses, is altogether imaginary, and grounded on no actual survey;
those commissioners having no surveyor with them, nor so much as attempting
to chain any part of it. That the petitioners would willingly agree to the pro-
posal of making Yellow Breeches Creek the boundary, if that draught had any
truth in it; but as it is altogether false, and the making that creek the line
would actually cut off a great part of the north valley, reduce it to a point on
the Susquehanna, and make the county quite irregular, the petitioners pray
that the line in the draught to their petition annexed may be confirmed, or a
straight line granted from the mouth of Swahatara to the middle of the South
Mountain. ' ' This petition was read and ordered to lie on the table. — [ Votes
Assem., IV, 154, 8th mo., 18th, 1750, as quoted by Eupp.]
Had the line been established as prayed by this petition, the eastern end of
the county, as now existing, would have been about the same in extent as the
68 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COONTY.
■western; wlieareas now it is much less — or narrower. Mr. Chambers, one of
the Cumberland County commissioners, on the establishment of the line had
written as follows to Richard Peters, secretary, but all to no avail :
CuMBBBLAND CouNTT, October 8th, 1750.
Sir: I received your letter in which you enclosed the draughts of the line run by the
commissioners of York County and ours; and if the branches of the Yellow Britches and
Great Conewago interlocked in the South Mountain, as laid down in the aforesaid draught,
I would be of opinion with the Assembly that a line consisting of such a variety of courses
could not be a good boundary between two counties. I can assure you that the courses
that we. the commissioners of Cumberland, run, we chained, and have returned by course
and distance the ridge of the mountain, and can send our deposition that we crossed no
running water above ground, and that we have run it past Capt. Dills, till we are in the
middle of the mountains, as laid down in the red line in their draughts; so that our
draughts will show you that theirs is but an imaginary of the waters, done by some
friends of York County who had no regard for our countiy's welfare; for we sent our re-
turn to be laid before the Assembly at the same time that York County laid this one before
them that your Honor was pleased to send me. But our messenger did not deliver our re-
turn to the House, or if he had, I suppose they would not have troubled his Honor, the
Governor, to send any further instructions to us. for I humbly suppose that there cannot be
any better boundary than the ridge of the mountain; for, were there a line run to cross the
heads of the waters of both sides and the marks grown old, it would be hard for a hunter
to tell which county the wolf was killed in, but he may easily tell whether it was killed on
the descent of the North or South Valley waters. Likewise, a sheriff, when he goes to any
house where he is not acquainted and enquires at the house whether that water falls into
the North or South Valley, can tell whether they live in his county or not, which he could
not tell by a line crossing the heads of the waters of both sides till he made himself ac-
quainted with said line; so that if you will give yourself the trouble to enquire at any of
the authors of that draft that was laid before the Assembly, you will find that they never
chained any part of their line to know the distance, and therefore cannot be capable to
lay down the heads of the waters.
Sir, I hope you will send me a few lines to let me know if our return be confirmed,
or we must run it over again. But you may believe that the ridge of the mountain and
heads of the waters are as laid down in our return; and we run it at the time we went
with you to Mr. Croghan's, and did not expect to have any further trouble; and I yet
think that his Honor, the Governor,* will confirm our return, or order them to disapprove
of it by course and distance.
Sir, I am your Honor's most humble servant,
Benjamin Chambers.
Location of County Seat. — In the act organizing the county of Cumberland
the same persons appointed to run the boundary line, or any three of them,
were authorized to purchase a site for county court house and prison, subject
to approval by the governor. It was at the same time the desire of the pro-
prietaries to lay out a town at the same place. The matter of selecting a suit-
able site was very difficult, as no less than four locations were offered. At
length Thomas Cookson, Esq., the deputy surveyor at Lancaster, was sent to
examine the different places and report to the governor, after hearing the ar-
guments in favor of each. He reported mainly as follows:
Lancaster, March 1, 1749.
Honored Sir: — In pursuance of your directions I have viewed the several places
spoken of as commodious situations for the town in the county of Cumberland, and also
the several passes through the Kittochtinny and Tuscarora Mountains, for the conven-
ience of the traders to Allegheny. I shall take the liberty of making some observations
on the several places recommended, as the inhabitants of the different parts of the county
are generally partial to the advantages that would arise from a county town in their own
neighborhood. And first, the inhabitants about the river recommended the Manor, that be-
ing a considerable body of the propietaries' land, well timbered, and likely to be rendered
valuable should the town be fixed there; but the body of the county cry loudly against
that location as lying in a distant corner of the county, and would be a perpetual incon-
venience to the inhabitants attending public business, and a great charge of mileage to the
respective officers employed in it. The next situation is on Le Tort's Spring. This place
is convenient to the new path to Allegheny now mostly used, being at the distance of
four miles from the gap in the Kittochtinny Mountain. There is a fine stream of water
*GoT. James Hamilton.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 69
and a body of good land on each side, from the head down to Conodogwainet Ci-eek, and
the lands on both sides of the Conodogwainet are thickly settled. As these lands are set-
tled, if It should be thought a proper situation for the town, the people possessed of them
are willing to sell their improvements on reasonable terms, or exchange them for other
lands of the honorable proprietors'. There is a tract of about 2,000 acres of tolerably well
timbered land, without water, adjoining the settlements on Le Tort's Spring, which may
be serviceable to accommodate the town, and lies as marked in the plan.
If this place should not be central enough, the next situation is the Big Spring. It
rises a mile and a half to the northwest of the great road, five miles from Dunnings, and
seven from Shippensburg; runs into the Conodogwainet In about three miles, and has
good land on each side and on the Conodogwainet, and a great quantity of land to the
southward, which is tolerably well timbered, but has no water. The honorable proprie-
taries have a tract of 4,000 acres on the north side of the Conodogwainet, opposite to the
spring, and there is a gap in the mountain called McClure's Gap, convenient for bringing
the road from Allegheny to this place; and, with the purchase of two or three small im-
provements, the proprietaries might be accommodated with a sutHcient quantity of land
for that purpose.
As to Shippensburg, I have no occasion to say anything, the lands being granted;
and, indeed, if that were not the case, the lands about it are unsettled, for the want of
water, which must be a suflScient objection.
The next place proposed was on the Conococheaque Creek, where the road crosses
it. The lands to the eastward of it are vacant, the settlements being chiefly on the sides
of the creek. The situation is very good, and there is enough vacant land, as only the
plantations on the creek would need to be purchased. This place was proposed as more
convenient for the Indian trade, and opened a shorter and better passage through the
mountains. It is true a tolerable passage may be had, but it must be by various turnings.
Upon the whole, the choice appears to me to lie between the two situations of Le Tort's
Spring and the Big Spring.
Upon fixing the spot, directions will be necessary for a plan of the town, the breadth-
of the streets, the lots to be reserved and those to be allotted for the public buildings. In
the execution of which or any other service for the honorable proprietaries committed to
me I shall take great pleasure.
I am, honored sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Thomas Cookson.
The site upon Le Tort's Spring was finally determined upon, and Carlisle
sprang into existence; though, even after the courts were removed from Ship-
pensburg, there was considerable effort made to have the county seat located
elsewhere than on the Le Tort, various reasons being urged why other loca-
tions were better adapted for the purpose. The place was laid out in 1751,
and as late as May 27, 1753, it contained but five dwellings.
Division of County into Townships. — The records of the court of quarter
sessions of Lancaster County for November, 1735, contain the following; " On
the petition of many of the inhabitants of the North Valley on the west side of
the Susquehanna River, opposite to Paxton, praying that the parts settled be-
tween the said Eiver and Potomac River, on Conodogwainet, Yellow Britches
and Conegochegue Creeks may be divided into townships and constables ap-
pointed in them, it was ordered by court that a line running northerly from the
Hills to the southward of Yellow Britches (crossing a direct line by the Great
Spring) to Kightotining Mountain, be the division line, and the easternmost
township be called Pennsborough and the western Hopewell." In 1741 Hope-
well was divided "by a line beginning at the North Hill at Benjamin Moor's;
thence to Widow Hewres' and Samuel Jamison's and in a straight line to the
South Hill, ' ' the western division to be called Antrim (in what is now Franklin
County) and the eastern retaining the name of Hopewell. In 1745 Penns-
borough seems to have been divided, as the returns are then first made from
East Pennsborough and West Pennsborough. Dickinson was formed from a
portion of West Pennsborough in 1785; Silvers' Spring (now Silver Spring)
from part of East Pennsborough in 1787, and Middleton was divided into
North and South Middleton in 1810, the original township of Middleton having
been formed as early as 1750, when the county was organized. [See Chapter
IIL]
70 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
The first courts at Carlisle were held in a temporary log building on the
northeast corner of the Public Square, where St. John's Church now stands.
About 1766 a small brick court house was erected in the southwest quarter of
the Square. March 3, 1801, the county commissioners advertised for proposals
to build ' ' a house for the safe keeping of the public records of the county, " which
are known to have been nearly completed December 22, 1802. It was a build-
ing also of brick, adjoining the court house. In 1809 a cupola and bell were
placed upon the court house. An incendiary fire on the morning of Monday,
March 24, 184:5, destroyed these buildings, with the fire company's apparatus
in a building close by. The county records were mostly saved through the
efforts of the citizens. The court house bell, which fell and was melted in
the fire, was a gift from some of the members of the old Penn family and had
been greatly prized. Steps were at once taken to erect a new court house, and
the present substantial fire-proof brick building was completed in 1846, hav-
ing cost $48,419. It is 70x90 feet with a row of fine Corinthian columns in
front, and is surmounted by a belfry in which are a clock and bell.
A stone jail was built about 1754, on the northwest corner of High and Bed-
ford Streets and was enlarged in 1790. A petition to the Assembly for aid to
complete it in 1755 met with no response. Stocks and a pillory were also erect-
ed on the Public Square in 1754, and it was many years before their use and the
custom of cropping the ears of culprits were abolished. The present massive
jail, with a brown stone front and an appearance like that of an ancient feudal
castle, with battlemented towers, was built in 1853-54 at a cost of $42,960. It
stands on the site of the old one and has a yard in the rear surrounded by a
high and solid stone wall. The sheriff resides in the front part of the
building.
The poor of the county were for many years either "collected near the dwell-
ing of some one appointed to have charge of them, or farmed out to those who
for a compensation were willing to board them." It was not untU about 1830
that an alms-house was erected and then after much ' •' consultation and negotia-
tion' ' the fine farm and residence of Edward J. Stiles, about two miles east of
Carlisle, in Middlesex Township, were purchased for the purpose, and addi-
tional buildings have since been erected. Mr. Stiles was paid $13,250 for his
property. In 1878, at a cost of $83, 284, a building was erected especially for
the accommodation of the insane and idiotic. Many improvements have been
made on the farm and it is a credit to the county.
From the territory originally embraced in Cumberland County Bedford was
formed in 1771; Northumberland in 1772; Franklin in 1784; Mifflin in 1789
and Perry in 1820. These have been in turn subdivided until now, 1886, the
same territory embraces about forty counties, with won drous resources, great
wealth and extensive agricultural, mining, stock and manufacturing interests.
Cumberland County as now existing includes a tract thirty- four miles long and
from eight to sixteen miles in width. Of its total area, 239, 784 acres are im-
proved.
Population. — By the United States census for each year it has been taken,
the population of Cumberland County is shown to have been as follows: In 1790,
18,243; in 1800, 25,886; in 1810, 26,757; in 1820, 23,606; in" 1830, 29,226;
in 1840, 30,953; in 1850, 84,327; in 1860, 40,098; in 1870, 48,912; in 1880,
45,997.
The following table gives the population by townships and boroughs from
1830 to 1870, except for the year 1840:
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
71
Township or Borough.
1830.
1850.
1860.
1870.
Dickinson Township
East Pennsborougli Township. .
Frankford Township
Hampden Township
Hopewell Township
Newburg Borough
Lower Allen Township
Middlesex Township
Mififlin Township
Monroe Township
Newton Township
Newville Borough
North Middleton Township. . .
Carlisle Borough
Carlisle, East Ward
Carlisle, West Ward
Penn Township.
Shippensburg Township
3,505
2,186
1,282
901
3,094
1,605
1,241
1,273
1,053
3,446
1,845
1,401
1,329
1,326
2,336
1,134
1,431
1,562
1,349
530
1,933
3,708
1,574
1,772
1,666
885
2,335
4,681
1,383
1,530
1,460
1,849
1,978
715
1.046
5,664
3,913
2,751
Shippensburg Borough.
Silver Spring Township
Mechanicsburg Borough
Southampton Township
South Middleton Township. . . .
Upper Allen Township
New Cumberland Borough
West Pennsborough Township.
180
1,608
1,792
554
1,484
2,073
1,733
198
1,568
3,308
883
1.651
3,262
1,330
315
3,040
377
1,843
3,801
1,939
1,985
3,878
1,275
394
2,175
1,617
3,719
1,369
1,199
977
392
1,336
1,417
1,455
1,883
2,345
907
1,223
6,650
3,379
2,271
1,888
881
2,065
2,2.59
2,569
3,050
8,336
1,341
515
3,180
By the census of 1840 the county made the following showing: Number fur-
naces in the county, 6, producing 2,830 tons cast iron; hands employed in fur-
naces and forges, 400; capital invested, $110,000. Number horses and mules in
the county, 9,247; neat cattle, 24,204; sheep, 23,930; swine, 47,235; value of
poultry (estimated), S12,671. Bushels of wheat raised, 567,654; barley, 11,104;
oats, 654,477; rye, 247,239; buckwheat, 13,772; Indian corn, 645,056. Other
productions: Pounds woo], 47,133; hops, 4,812, beeswax, 680; bushels potatoes,
121,641; tons hay, 24,423; tons hemp, 11|; cords wood sold, 14,849; value of
dairy products, $100,753; orchard products, 118,860; value of home-made or
fancy goods, §24,660. Number tanneries, 31, which tanned 12,970 sides of sole
leather, 10,777 of upper, and employed 64 men on a capital of $89,175. Soap
manufactured, 230, 2 1 8 pounds ; candl es, 45, 060 pounds. Number of distilleries,
28, producing 252,305 gallons "alcoholic beverages;" breweries, 3, producing
12,000 gallons beer. Fulling-mills, 12; woolen factories, 9, making 126,800
worth of goods and employ 61 persons; 1 cotton factory; 1 paper-mill; 54
llouring-miUs, making 71,652 barrels floui-; 8 grist-mills; 63 saw -mills; 1 oil-
miU. Total capital invested in manufactories, 1390,601.
The census for 1880 shows the following exhibit for Cumberland County:
White population, 48, 807 ; colored, 2, 167 ; Japanese, 3. Of the colored popula-
tion Carlisle had 1,117, and of the total inhabitants in the county 45,322 were
natives and 655 foreign born. ■ Number farms in county, 2,983; acres improved
land, 232,093; value of farms, including land, fences and buildings, 119,776,-
980; value farming implements and machinery, $727,411; value live-stock on
farms, $1, 358, 224 ; cost of building and repairing fences in 1879, 186, 166 ; costs
of fertilizers purchased in 1879, 152,042; estimated value of farm products sold
and on hand for 1879, 12,509,572; bushels barley raised in 1880, 2,553; buck
wheat, 1,242; Indian corn, 1,219,107; oats, 937,166; rye, 33,055; wheat,
834,517; value of orchard products, $46,554; tons hay raised, 52,284; bushels
Irish potatoes, 144,418; bushels sweet potatoes, 9, 510; pounds tobacco, 448,118;
il HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
number horses, 10,737; mules and asses, 652; working oxen, 4; milch cows, 12,-
6]4; other cattle, 13,442; sheep, 8,772; swine, 32,773; pounds wool, 53,816;
gallons milk, 121,619; pounds butter, 960,516; pounds cheese, 2,352; number
manufacturing establishments, 308 ; capital invested, $2, 266, 409 ; total hands
employed, 1,892; wages paid, $535, 068; materials used, $1,727,681; value of
products, $2,850,640; assessed value of real estate, $12,223,355; value of
personal property, $2,054, 110; total taxation for 1880, with the exception of
one or more townships from which no reports were received, $185,480; indebt-
edness of county, bonded and floating, $142, 106.
In 1778, when the townships in the county were Allen, East and West
Pennsborough, Hopewell, Middleton and Newton, besides the borough of Car-
lisle, there were 111,055 acres of patented and warranted lands, 512 acres of
proprietary manor lands, and 206 lots in Carlisle, upon all of which the total
taxation was £120 38. 4d.
The population of Cumberland County, by townships and boroughs in 1880,
was as follows, according to the United States census report:
Carlisle Borough, 6, 209 (comprising Ward No. 1, 1,714; Ward No. 2, 1,202;
Ward No. 3,1,613; Ward No. 4, 1,680); Cook Township, 417; Dickinson Town-
ship, 1,741; East Pennsborough Township, 3,084; Frankford Township, 1,514;
Hampden Township, 1,000; Hopewell Township, 1,069; Lower Allen Town-
ship, 972; Mechaniosburg Borough, 3,018 (comprising Ward No. 1, 1,153;
Ward No. 2, 763; Ward No._3, 543; Ward No. 4, 559); Middlesex Township,
1,466; MifSin Township, 1,50/; Monroe Township, 1,905; Mount HoUySprings
Borough 1,256; Newbury Borough, 433; New Cumberland Borough, 569;
Newton Township, 1,843; Newville Borough, 1,547; North Middleton Town-
ship, 1,115; Penn Township, 1,521; Shippensburg Borough, 2,213; Shippens-
burg Township, 494; Shiremanstown Borough, 404; Silver Spring Township,
2,263; Southhampton Township, 1,992; South Middleton Township, 2,864;
Upper Allen Township, 1,400; West Pennsborough Township, 2,161.
In November, 1885, the county contained the following postoffices: Allen,
Barnitz, Big Spring, Bloserville, Boiling Springs, Bowmansdale, Brandts-
ville. Camp Hill, Carlisle*, Carlisle Springs, Cleversburgh, Dickinson, Eber-
ly' s Mill, Good Hope, Greason, Green Spring, Grissinger, Hatton, Heberlig,
Hoguestown, Hunter's Run, Huntsdale, Kerrsville, Lee's Cross Roads, Lis-
burn, Mooredale, Mechanicsburgh*, Middlesex, Middle Spring, Mount Holly
Springs, Mount Rock, Newburgh, New Cumberland, New Kingstown, Newlin,
Newville*, Oakville, Pine Grove Furnace, Plainfield, Shepherdstown, Ship-
pensburgh*, Shiremanstown, Stoughstown, Walnut Bottom, West Fairview,
Williams Mill, Wormleysburgh — total 47.
INTEENAL IMPEOVEMENTS.
Public Road, 1735. — The first public road in the " Kittochtenny" (or Cum-
berland) Valley west of the Susquehanna River, was laid out in 1735, by order
of the court of Lancaster, from Harris' ferry on the Susquehanna to Williams'
ferry on the Potomac. (See pioneer chapter for further items concerning the
road.) The commissioners to lay out this road, appointed November 4, 1735,
were Randle Chambers, Jacob Peat, James Silvers, Thomas Eastland, John
Lawrence and Abraham Endless. It was not finished beyond Shippensburg
for a number of years,and even at the time of Braddock's expedition (1755) "a
tolerable road " was said to exist "as far as Shippensburg." Indian trails were
the first highways, and some of them were nearly on the routes of subsequent
public roads.
♦Money order offices.
C^^t:^*-^^
S^^^^t^^i^p^^^c.-'^^X^
^.^,
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 75
Military road, 1755. —This was in no part in the present county of Cum-
berland, though at the time it was Cumberland. It extended from McDowell's
mill, near Chambersburg, "over the mountains to Eaystown (Bedford) by the
forks of the Toughiogheny, to intersect the Virginia road somewhere on the
Monongahela," being supposed indispensable for the supply of Braddock's
troops on the route to Fort DuQuesne, and after their arrival. The commis-
sioners appointed to lay it out were principally from Cumberland County;
among them were George Croghan, the Indian trader; John Armstrong, who
had come from Ireland about 1748, and was then (when appointed commis-
sioner) a justice of the peace; Capt. James Burd; William Buchanan, of Car-
lisle, and Adam Hoops, of Antrim. A route was surveyed from a gap in the
mountain near Shippensburg over an old Indian trail to Eaystown. Armstrong
and Buchanan were called from the work by other duties, and William Smith,
Francis West and John Byers were appointed in their places. The road was
from 10 to 30 feet wide, according to work necessary to construct it. 200 men
from Cumberland County worked on the road, the whole cost being nearly
£2,000. The road was completed to Raystown in the latter part of June.
Braddock's defeat rendered further work unnecessary and Indian troubles
caused a cessation of labor upon the roads.
The Harrisburg & Chambersburg Turnpike, passing through Hogestown,
Kingston, Middlesex, Carlisle and Shippensburg was begun by an incorporated
company in 1816, and was extensively traveled before the completion of the
Cumberland Valley Eailroad.
The Hanover & Carlisle Turnpike, * running southeast from Carlisle by way
of Petersburg in Adams County, to Hanover and thence to Baltimore, was be-
gun in 1812, and the Harrisburg & York Turnpike was built along the west
side of the Susquehanna.
The State road leading from Harrisburg to Gettysburg and crossing the
southeast portion of Cumberland County, was laid out in 1810. It is said that
' ' it met with much opposition at first, even from those who were appointed to lo-
cate it. They directed it over hills that were almost impassable, hoping thus
to effect its abandonment, but its usefulness has since been so thoroughly dem-
onstrated that these hills have been either graded or avoided. ' '
Among other very early roads were one from Hoge's Spring to the Sus-
quehanna Eiver opposite Cox's town, laid out in October, 1759, and another
from Trindle's spring to Kelso's ferry in January, 1792.
Cumberland Valley Railroad. Looking back over the past fifty years, the
half century's horizon includes the sum total of that almost fairy story of
magic that we find in the development of our entire system of railroads to
their present marvellous perfection. The crude and simple beginnings; the
old strap rails that would so playfully curl up through the car and sometimes
through a passenger; the quaint, little, old engines that the passengers had to
shoulder the wheels on an up-grade, where they would "stall" so often with
five of the little cars attached to them; the still more curious coaches, built
and fiinished inside after the style of the olden-time stage coaches, where pas-
sengers sat face to face, creeping along over the country — what a wonder and
marvel they were then to the world, and now in the swift half century what a
curiosity they are as relics of the past. The railroad forced the coming of
the telegraph, the telephone, the electric light, — the most wonderful onward
sweep of civilization that has yet shed its sunshine and sweetness upon the world
in this brief-told story of fifty years.
*The company to build this road was incorporated March 26, 1809, but work was not begun until 1812'
The portion between Carlisle and the York County line was built upon a public road laid out in 1793 and known
as " the public road from Carlisle through Trent's Gap to the York County line."
12
70 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
The history of the Cumberland Valley Eailroad spans the entire period of
railroad existence in this country. The first charter is dated in April, 1831.
The active promoters were, among others, Judge Frederick Watts, Samuel
Alexander, Charles B. Penrose, William Biddle, Thomas G. McCullough,
Thomas Chambers, Philip Berlin and Lewis Harlan. The designated termini
were Carlisle and the bank of the river opposite Harrisburg. In 1836 a sup-
plemented charter authorized the construction of a bridge at Harrisburg.
Surveyors completed the location of the line in 1835; the road was at once
contracted for and the work actively commenced in the spring of 1836. In
August, 1887, it was "partially and generally" opened for business. At
first, passengers and freight were transported across the river by horse-power,
and but a small force of this kind could do all the business easily. In 1835
an act was passed extending the line of the road to Chambersburg,
In 1856 the Cumberland Valley Boad was authorized, by the authority of
the States of Pennsylvania and Maryland, to purchase the Franklin Railroad,
which also was one of the early-built roads of the country. It was then a
completed road from Chambersburg to Hagerstown. The consolidation of the
two lines was effected fully in 1864, and at once the line was completed to the
Potomac — Martinsburg — the present Cumberland Valley Railroad; a distance
of 94 miles from Harrisburg to Martinsburg. An extension is now contem-
plated of twenty-two miles from Martinsburg to Winchester, which opens the
way for this road to the tempting marts and trafiic of the South and West.
The first president was Hon. Thomas G. McCullough, elected June 27, 1835.
His executive abilities and ripe judgment — for he had no precedents then to
follow, so he had to evolve a system for the young and awkward giant from
his own brain — show that he was the right man in the right place. In 1840,
Hon. Charles B. Penrose became the president. He resigned in 1841, having
been appointed solicitor of the treasury, when Judge Frederick Watts, now
of Carlisle, became the president, and filled the position ably and acceptably
until 1873, when he resigned to become the commissioner of agriculture, by
the appointment of President Grant, where he remained six years and retired
to private life, though still an efficient and active member of the board of
directors of the railroad.
Thomas B. Kenedy, the present incumbent, was elected to the position on.
the retirement of Judge Watts. He resides in Chambersburg, which has been
his home since early boyhood. The history of the other general officers of the
road is told wholly in the long life's labor of General E. M. Biddle, who is
now the secretary and treasurer, and who has filled the place so ably and well
since 1839. What a wonderful panorama in the world' s swift changes since
1839, has unfolded itself and has been a part of the official life of General
Biddle ! He owes now one great duty to this generation and to future man-
kind, and that is to tell the story of what he saw and was a part of — the
particulars of the little crude commencement of railroads and the steps leading
to their present greatness and boundless capabilities. A sleeping car was put
on this road in 1839 — a historical fact of great interest because it was the first
of the kind in the world. They were upholstered boards, three-deckers, held
by leather straps, and in the day were folded back against the wall, very sim-
ple and plain in construction, but comfortable.
The Dillsburg & Mechanicsburg Railroad is a branch of the Cumberland
Valley Railroad, extending from the towns indicated in its name. The length
is eight miles. It was organized September 2, 1871, and completed the fol-
lowing year. It has been a paying property from the first, and adds much to
the comfort and well-being of the people of the country it taps.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 77
The fiuancial affairs of the road are fully explained in the following:
First preferred stock $341,900 00
Second preferred stock 343,000 00
Common preferred stock 1,292,950 00
First Mortgage Bonds, due 1904 161,000 00
Second Mortgage Bonds, due 1908 109,500 00
Dividends and Interest due 41,313 70
Profit and loss 704,871 91
Total 13,794,535 61
Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad. The original, active promoters, the or-
ganizers and builders of this road were the Ahl brothers, Daniel V. and Peter
A. Ahl, of Newville. They procured the charter, furnished the money for
the preliminary work, cashed the bonds to a large extent, and contracted and
built the original road. The road was chartered June 27, 1870, as the Mer-
amar Iron & Railroad Company, its name explaining the original purposes
of the enterprise. The officers elected June 20, 1870, were Daniel V. Ahl,
president; Asbury Derland, secretary; William Gracey, treasurer; William
H. Miller, solicitor. The road was built from Chambersburg to Eichmond.
The project was then expanded, and the road built from Chambersburg to
Waynesboro, via Mount Alto. The charter members: Daniel V. Ahl, John
Evans, Asbury Derland, John Moore, W. H. "Langsdorf, George Clever, Sam-
uel N. Bailey, Alexander Underwood and James Bosler. A branch road was
surveyed and built from the main line to Dillsburg. When the construction
of the line was about completed the concern fell into great financial difficulties,
when the almost omnipotent Pennsylvania Road gathered it quietly to its fold
and shaped its destinies into the present line of road, and it took its present
name, The Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad.
The Northern Central Railroad passes along the shore of the Susquehanna,
crossing the eastern end of Cumberland County in which it has about nine miles
of road.
The South Mountain Railroad, built or completed in 1869, by the South
Mountain Iron Company extending from Carlisle to Pine Grove Furnace, is
seventeen and one-half miles long.
CHAPTER V.
MiLITAET— CTJMBEKLAND COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTION— THE WHISKEY INSUE-
BEOTioN— The War of 1813.
IpOR more than ten years after the close of the Indian wars the inhabitants
' of the county gave their attention to peaceful pursuits. Agriculture
flourished and the population increased. Great Britain finally attempted to
force her American colonies to comply with all her outrageous demands without
giving them any voice in the Government. They naturally objected. The
famous " Boston port bill " roused their ire. This county had few citizens
who stood by the mother country in such proceedings. July 12, 1774, a pub-
lic meeting was called, of which the following are the minutes:
" At a respectable gathering of the freeholders and freemen from several
tovmships of Cumberland Couaty in the province of Pennsylvania, held at
78 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Carlisle, in the said county, on Tuesday, the 12th day of July, 1774, John
Montgomery, Esq., in the chair —
1. Resolved, That tbe late act of the Parliament of Great Britain, by which the port of
Boston is shut up, is oppressive to that town and subversive of the rights and liberties of the
colony of Massachusetts Bay; that the principle upon which the act is founded is not more
subversive of the rights and liberties of that colony than it is of all other British colonies
in North America; and, therefore, the inhabitants of Boston are suffering in the common
cause of all these colonies.
2. That every vigorous and prudent measure ought speedily and unanimously to be
adopted by these colonies for obtaining redress of the grievances under which the inhabi-
tants of Boston are now laboring; and security from grievance of the same or of a still
more severe nature under which they and the other inhabitants may, by a further operation
of the same principle, hereafter labor.
3. That a congress of deputies from all the colonies will be one proper method for ob-
taining these purposes.
4. That the same purpose Will, in the opinion of this meeting, be promoted by an
a^eement of all the colonies not to import any merchandise from nor export any merchan-
dise to Great Britain, Ireland, or the British West Indies, nor to use any such merchan-
dise so imported, nor tea imported from any place whatever, till these purposes be obtained;
but that the inhabitants of this country will join any restriction of that agreement which
the general Congress may think it necessary for the colonies to confine themselves to.
5. That the inhabitants of this county will contribute to the relief of their suffering
brethren in Boston at any time when they shall receive intimation that such relief wiU
be most seasonable.
6. That a committee be immediately appointed for this county to correspond with
the commitee of this province or of the other provinces upon the great objects of the pub-
lic attention; and to co-operate in every measure conducing to the general welfare of
Briish America.
7. That the committee consist of the following persons, viz. : James Wilson, John
Armstrong, John Montgomery, William Irvine, Robert Callender, William Thompson,
John Calhoon, Jonathan Hoge, Robert Magaw, Ephraim Blane, John Allison, John Har-
ris and Robert Miller, or any five of them.
8. That James Wilson, Robert Magaw and William Irvine be the deputies appointed
to meet the deputies from other counties of this province at Philadelphia on Friday next,
in order to concert measures praparatory to the General Congress.
John Montgomebt, Chairman.
This meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church at Carlisle, and the
chairman (Montgomery) lyas an elder in the church. The meeting was called
on receipt of a letter from the Assembly, under action of June 30, calling upon
each county to provide arms and ammunition and men to use them from out
their associated companies, also to assess real and personal estates to defray
expenses. The Assembly encouraged military organizations, and promised to
see that officers and men called into service were paid. We quote Dr. Wing's
notes upon the men composing the committee :
"James Wilson was born in 1742 in Scotland; had received a finished edu-
cation at St. Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow, under Dr. Blair in rhetoric
and Dr. Watts in logic, and in 1766 had come to reside in Philadelphia, where
he studied law with John Dickinson, from whom he doubtless acquired some-
thing of the spirit which then distinguished that eminent patriot. When ad-
mitted to practice he took up his residence in Carlisle. In an important land
case, which had recently been tried between the proprietaries and Samuel
Wallace, he had gained the admiration of the most eminent lawyers in the
province, and at once had taken rank second to none at the Pennsylvania bar.
At the meeting of the people now held in Carlisle, he made a speech which
drew forth the most rapturous applause. Eobert Magaw was a native of
Cumberland County, belonging to a family which had early settled in Hope-
well Township, and was also a lawyer of some distinction in Carlisle. The
career on which he was now entering was one in which he was to become known
to the American people as one of their purest and bravest officers. William
Irvine was a native of Ireland from the neighborhood of Enniskillen; had been
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 79
classically educated at the University of Dublin, and had early evinced a
fondness for military life, but had been induced by his parents to devote him-
self to the medical and surgical profession. On receiving his diploma he had
been appointed a surgeon in the British Navy, where he continued until the
close of the French war (1754-63), when he resigned his place, removed to
America and settled in Carlisle, where he acquired a high reputation and an
extensive practice as a physician. William Thompson had served as a captain
of horse in the expeditions against the Indians (1759-60), had been appointed
a justice of the peace in Hopewell Township, and had lately been active in
the relief of the inhabitants in the western part of the province in their diffi-
culties with Virginia on the boundary question. Jonathan Hoge and John
Calhoon had been justices of the peace and judges in the county, and be-
longed to two of the oldest and most respectable familes in the vicinity of
Silvers' Spring. Ephriam Blaine we have known for his brave defense of a
fort at Ligonier, and was now the proprietor of a large property and mills on
the Conodoguinet, near the cave, about a mile north of Carlisle. John Alli-
son, of Tyrone Township; John Harris, a lawyer of Carlisle, and Kobert
Miller, living about a mile northeast of Carlisle in Middleton Township; John
Montgomery, a member of the Assembly, and Robert Callender, formerly an
extensive trader with the Indians, a commissary for victualing the troops on
the western campaign and the owner of mills at the confluence of the Letort
with the Conodoguinet, were all of them active as justices, judges and comnlis-
sioners for the coxmty. ' '
The three delegates from Cumberland County were at Philadelphia a few
days later, when the delegates from the various counties of the province as-
sembled, and James Wilson was one of the committee of eleven which brought
in a paper of ' ' Instructions on the present situation of public affairs to the
representatives who were to meet in the Colonial Assembly next week. ' ' The
proceedings of this meeting, the subsequent steps of the Assembly, and all
the proceedings up to the opening of hostilities, are matters of record not
necessary to introduce here. The committee of thirteen which had been ap-
pointed at Carlisle, July 12, 1774, kept busy, and through their efforts a
"committee of observation" was chosen by the people who bad general over-
sight of civil affairs, and few counties were more fortunate than Cumberland
in their choice of men. About this time the terms ' ' whig " and ' ' tory " began
to be heard, and the bitterness the two partisan factions held toward each
other after the declaration by the colonies of their independence, was extreme,
leading to atrocious crimes and terrible murders by the tories when they could
strike like cowards, knowing their strength. ' ' Few such, ' ' says Dr. Wing, ' ' were
found among the native population of this valley. There were indeed some
both in civil and in ecclesiastical life who questioned whether they had a right
to break the oath or vow of allegiance which they had taken on assuming some
official station. Even these were seldom prepared to go so far as to give actual
aid and comfort to the enemy, or to make positive resistance to the efforts
of the patriots. They usually contented themselves with a negative withdraw-
al from all participation in efforts at independence. Many of them were earn-
est supporters of all movements for redress of grievances, and paused only
when they were asked to support what they looked upon as rebellion. These
hardly deserved the name of ' ' tories, " since they were not the friends of extreme
royal prerogative, and only doubted whether the colonies were authorized by
what they had suffered to break entirely away from the crown to which they
had sworn allegiance, and whether the people were yet able to maintain this
separate position. Among these who deserved rather to be ranked as non-
80 HISTORY- OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
jurors were one of the first judges of the county, who had recently removed
over the mountain to what is now Perry County, and two clergymen who held
commissions as missionaries of the ' Venerable Society in England for the
Propagation of Eeligion in Foreign Parts. ' ' '
James Wilson, of Cumberland County, was in December, 1774, appointed
one of nine delegates to a second Congress to be held the next year in Phila-
delphia, and held the position until 1777. Both he and Eobert Magaw were
members from this county of the provincial convention which met at Philadelphia
January 23, 1775, and continued in session six days, during which time much
business of great importance was transacted.
Upon receipt of the news of the battle of Lexington (April 19, 1775),
Congress resolved to raise an army, and the quota of Pennsylvania was figured
at 4, 300. Word was sent to the committee of Cumberland County, and they
proceeded at once to organize companies of ' ' associators, ' ' many of which
were already formed on the old plan in use since the days of the Indian
troubles. A letter from this county dated May 6, 1775, said: "Yesterday
the county committee met from nineteen townships, on the short notice they
had. About 3,000 men have already associated. The arms returned amount
to about 1,500. The committee have voted 500 effective men, besides
commissioned ofiicers, to be immediately drafted, taken into pay, armed
and disciplined to march on the first emergency; to be paid and supported
as long as necessary, by a tax on all estates real and personal in the county;
the returns to be taken by the township committees, and the tax laid by
the commissioners and the assessors ; the pay of the officers and men as in
times past. This morning we met again at 8 o'clock; among other subjects
of inquiry the mode of drafting or taking into pay, arming and victualing im-
mediately the men, and the choice of field and other officers, will among other
matters be the subjects of deliberation. The strength or spirit of this county
perhaps may appear small if judged by the number of men proposed, but
when it is considered that we are ready to raise 1,500 or 2,000, should we
have support from the province, and that independently and in uncertain ex-
pectation of support we have voluntarily drawn upon this county a debt of
about £27,000 per annum, I hope we shall not appear contemptible. We
make great improvement in military discipline. It is yet uncertain who may
go."
From July 3, 1775, to July 22, 1776, John Montgomery, Esq., of Carlisle,
was an active and a prominent member of a committee of safety, consisting of
twenty-five men from different parts of the province, sitting permanently at
Philadelphia, and having management of the entire military affairs of the
province. The first troops sent out from Cumberland County, were under the
call of Congress in May, 1775, and were from the association companies, the
call by the committee of safety not being made until some months later. To
furnish arms and ammunition for the soldiers was the greatest difficulty, es-
pecially in Cumberland County. ' ' Each person in the possession of arms was
called upon to deliver them up at a fair valuation, if he could not himself en-
list with them. Rifles, muskets, and other fire-arms were thus obtained to the
amount of several hundred, and an armory was established for the repairing
and altering of these, in Carlisle. On hearing that a quantity of arms and
accoutrements had been left at the close of the Indian war at the house of Mr.
Carson, in Paxtang Township, and had remained there without notice or care,
the commissioners of Cumberland County, regarding them as public property,
sent for them and found about sixty or seventy muskets or rifles which were
capable of being put to use, and these were brought to Carlisle, repaired
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 81
and distributed. Three hundred pounds were also paid for such arms and
equipments as were collected from individuals who could not themselves come
forward as soldiers. All persons who were not associated, and yet were of the
age and ability for effective service, were to be reported by the assessors to
the county commissioners and assessed, in addition to the regular tax, £2 10s.
annually, in lieu of the time which others spent in military training. The on-
ly persons excepted were ministers of the gospel and servants purchased for a
valuable consideration of any kind. It was assumed that those who had con-
scientious scruples about personally bearing arms ought not to hesitate to con*
tribute a reasonable share of the expense for the protection they received. ' '
The first troops going out from Cumberland made up eight companies of,
generally, 100 each, and nearly all from the county. The regiment, which be-
came the First Kifle Regiment of Pennsylvania, was formed of men already
associated, and therefore the more easily organized for immediate service. It
was formed within ten days aft.er the news of the battle of Bunker Hill had
been received. The companies rendezvoused at Reading, where the regiment
was fully organized by the election of officers as follows: Col. William
Thompson, a surveyor who lived near Carlisle and had served with distinction
as an officer in the Indian war; Lieut. -Col. EdwardHand, of Lancaster; Maj.
Robert Magaw, of Carlisle. The captains of the several companies were
James Chambers, of Loudon Forge, near Chambersburg ; Robert Cluggage, of
Hamilton Township; Michael Doudel, William Hendricks, of East Penns-
borough; John Loudon, James Ross, Matthew Smith and George Nagle.
Surgeon — Dr. William Magaw, of Mercersburg, a brother to Robert. Chaplain
— Rev. Samuel Blair. The regiment marched directly to Boston, reaching
camp at Cambridge in the beginning of August, 1775, when it consisted of
3 field officers, 9 Captains, 27 lieutenants, 1 adjutant, 1 quartermaster, 1 sur-
geon, 1 surgeon's mate, 29 sergeants, 13 drummers and 713 privates fit for
duty, or 798 men all told. The officers were commissioned to date from June 25,
1775; term of enlistment, one year. This was the first regiment from west of the
Hudson to reach the camp, and received particular attention. They were thus
described by a contemporary: " They are remarkably stout and vigorous men,
many of them exceeding six feet in hight. They are dressed in white frocks
or rifle shirts and round hats. They are remarkable for the accuracy of their
aim, striking a mark with great certainty at 200 yards distance. At a review
a company* of them, while on a quick advance, fired their balls into objects of
seven inches in diameter at a distance of 250 yards. They are stationed in our
outlines, and their shots have frequently proved fatal to British officers and
soldiers who exposed themselves to view even at more than double the distance
of a common musket shot. ' ' Col. Thompson, with two of his companies under
Capts. Smith and Hendricks, went with the expedition to Canada, being pro-
bably part of the troops who went on the eastern route with Arnold. Decem-
ber 31, 1775, they were in the assault on Quebec, carried the barriers, and for
three hours held out against a greatly superior force, being finally compelled
to retire. Of the body to which this regiment belonged, Gen. Richard Mont-
gomery said: "It is an exceedingly fine corps, inured to fatigue and well ac-
customed to common shot, having served at Cambridge. There is a style of
discipline amongst them much superior to what I have been accustomed to see
in this campaign. ' '
By subsequent promotions Col. Thompson became a brigadier-general;
Lieut. -Col. Hand succeeded to the command of the regiment; Capt. Chambers
became lieutenant-colonel, and James Armstrong Wilson, of Carlisle, major, in
place of Robert Magaw, transferred. Part of the regiment was captured at
82 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Trois Eivieres and taken to New York, while Col. Hand barely escaped with
the balance. Gen. Thompson was finally paroled and sent home to his family
in 1777, but was not exchanged until October 26, 1780, when he and others
were exchanged for Maj. -Gen. De Eeidesel, of the Brunswick troops. He died
on his farm near Carlisle September 3, 1781, aged forty-five years, and his
death was undoubtedly' hastened by exposure while in a military prison.
Upon the expiration of the term of enlistment of this regiment, June 30,
1776, most of the officers and men re-enlisted "for three years or during the
war," under Col. Hand, and the battalion became the first regiment of the Con-
tinental line. The two separated parts of the regiment, one from Cambridge
and the other from Canada, were reunited at New York, though some of its
officers, like Magaw, were transferred by promotion to other portions of the
army. It was at Long Island, White Plains, Trenton and Princeton under
Hand. In April, 1777, Hand was made a brigadier, and James Chambers be-
came the colonel. Under him the regiment fought at Brandywine, German-
town, Monmouth and in every other battle and skirmish of the main army until
he retired from the service, January 1, 1781, and was succeeded by Col. Dan-
iel Broadhead May 26, 1781. With him the first regiment left York, Penn. ,
vrith five others into which the line was consolidated under the command of
Gen. Wayne, and joined Lafayette at Eaccopn Ford on the Eappahannock
June 10; fought at Green Springs on July 6, and opened the second parallel
at Yorktown, which Gen. Steuben said he considered the most important part
of the siege. After the surrender the regiment went southward with Gen.
Wayne, fought the last battle of the war at Sharon, Ga. , May 24, 1782, entered
Savannah in triumph on the 11th of July, Charleston on the 14th of Decem-
ber, 1782; was in camp on James Island, S. C. , on the 11th of May, 1783, and
only when the news of the cessation of hostilities reached that point was em-
barked for Philadelphia. In its services it traversed every one of the original
thirteen States of the Union. Capt. Hendricks fell during the campaign in
Canada. A few of the original members of the regiment were with it through
all the various scenes of the eight years of service. Col. Chambers and Maj.
Wilson both retired from the service because of wounds which incapacitated them
from duty. The regiment had a splendid record.
Additional regiments from Pennsylvania were called for by Congress in the
latter part of 1775, and the Second, Third and Fourth Battalions were raised
and placed under the command of Cols. Arthur St. Clair, John Shea and An-
thony Wayne. The Fifth Battalion was commanded by Eobert Magaw, who
had been major in the First, and was composed of companies principally from
Cumberland County. It was recruited in December, 1775, and January, 1776,
and in February, 1776, some of its companies were in Philadelphia, though
the main body of the regiment left Cumberland County in March. It departed
from Carlisle March 17, 1776, on which occasion Eev. William Linn, who had
been licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Carlisle, and had been ap-
pointed Chaplain of the Fifth and Sixth Battalions of Pennsylvania militia, de-
livered a stirring patriotic sermon, which has been preserved in print to the
present day. The command proceeded to Long Island, assisted in the con-
struction of defenses, and upon the retreat assisted other Pennsylvania regi-
ments in covering the same. They were afterward placed in Fort Washington
at the head of Manhattan Island, with other Pennsylvania troops, commanded
by such officers as Cols. Cadwallader, . Atlee, Swope, Frederick Watts (of Car-
lisle) and John Montgomery, the whole commanded by Col. Eobert Magaw.
Gen. Howe demanded the surrender of the fort, threatening dire consequences
if it had to be carried by assault. Col. Magaw replied that "he doubted
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 85
whether a threat so unworthy of the General and of the British nation would
be executed. " ' ' But, " said he, ' ' give me leave to assure your excellency that,
actuated by the most glorious cause that mankind ever fought in, I am deter-
mined to defend this post to the very last extremity. ' ' And that he did,
Washington witnessing part of the operations from the opposite side of the
Hudson. Finally, however, November 19, 1776, the gallant Colonel was com-
pelled to capitulate, and the strong position, with 2,818 men, fell into the
hands of the British. Col. Magaw remained a prisoner on parole until Octo-
ber 25, 1780, when, with Gens. Thompson and Laurens he was exchanged for
the British major-general, De Eeidesel. Many of Magaw' s men suffered
greatly in the British prisons, but they refused all temptations held out to in-
duce them to desert and enlist in the royal service. A few were exchanged in
1777, but most remained prisoners until nearly the close of the war.
The committee of correspondence for Cumberland County wrote to Congress
about the middle of August, 1775: "The twelfth company of our militia has
marched to-day, which companies contain in the whole, 833 privates; with
officers, nearly 900 men. 9ix companies more are collecting arms, and are
preparing to march. ' ' This committee of correspondence included, among others,
John Armstrong, JohnByers, Robert Miller, John Agnew and James Pollock; all
but Byers residents of Carlisle. (Mr. Miller, in 1768 until 1782, and later, ac-
cording to the records, owned a tan-yard, and he also is said to have been a mer-
chant. He was an elder in the church and held numerous offices. His daughter,
Margaret, married Maj. James Armstrong Wilson. ) The committee reported in
December, to the committee of safety, that they expected to be able to raise an
entire battalion in the county, and hoped they might be allowed to do so, in
order to do away with the discords generally prevalent among bodies of men
promiscuously recruited. They recommended as officers for such a regiment,
colonel, William Irvine; lieutenant-colonel, Ephraim Blaine; major, James
Dunlap; captains, James Byers, S. Hay, W. Alexander, J. Talbott, J. Wilson,
J. Armstrong, A. Galbreath and E. Adams; lieutenants, A. Parker, W. Brat-
ton, G. Alexander, P. Jack, S. McClay, S. McKenney, R. White and J. Mc-
Donald. The Sixth Regiment was accordingly organized, and William Irvine
received his commission as colonel, January 9, 1776. Changes were made in
the other officers, and they were as follows : lieutenant-colonel, Thomas Hart-
ley, of York; major, James Dunlap, who lived near Newburg; adjutant, John
Brooks ; captains, Samuel Hay, Robert Adams, Abraham Smith (of Lurgan),
William Rippey (resided near Shippensburg), James A. Wilson, David Grier,
Moses McLean and Jeremiah Talbott (of Chambersburg). The regiment
marched in three months after Col. Irvine was commissioned, and joined the
army before Quebec, in Canada. It was brigaded with the First, Second
and Fourth Regiments; the brigade being commanded first by Gen. Thomas,
and after his death, by Gen. Sullivan. The latter sent Col. Irvine and Gen.
Thompson on the disastrous Trois Rivieres campaign, when, June 8, 1776, so
many of the men were captured, together with the commanders. The portion
of the regiment that escaped capture fell back to Lake Champlain and wintered
under command of Lieut. -Col. Hartley. Most of the men re-enlisted after their
original term of service had expired (January 1, 1777), and the broken Sixth
and Seventh Regiments were consolidated into a new one under the command
of Col. David Greer. Col. Irvine, like the others on parol, was exchanged
May 6, 1777, and appointed colonel of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment.
May 12, 1779, he was 'made a brigadier-general, and served one or two years
under Gen. Wayne. In 1781 he was stationed at Fort Pitt. He died at Phil-
adelphia July 29, 1804. Capt. Rippey, who was captured at Trois Rivieres,
86 HISTORY OF CUMBEULAND COUNTY.
succeeded in making his escape. After the war he resided at Shippensburg,
where he kept a hotel.
May 15, 1776, Congress passed a resolution recommending ' ' to the respective
assemblies and conventions of the United Colonies, where no government sufS-
cient to the exigencies of their affairs has been hitherto established, to adopt
such government as shall, in the opinion of the representatives of the people,
best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular
and America in general." On the 3d of June, that body also devised measures
for raising a new kind of troops, constituting them the "flying camp," inter-
mediate between militia and regulars, to consist of 10, 000 men from the States
of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. The quota of Pennsylvania was
6,000 men, but as 1,500 had already been sent into the field, the immediate
demand was for 4, 500, and it was finally settled that the quota of Cumberland
County was 334, as so many had already been sent out from said county.
Meantime, the Assembly having dissolved, and the committee of safety declining
to act, it became necessary for the people to organize some form of government,
and on recommendation the several county committees met and sent delegates,
for that purpose, to a meeting held at Carpenter' s Hall, Philadelphia, June 18,
1776. Cumberland County was represented by James McLane, of Antrim
Township; John McClay, of Lurgan; William Elliot, Col. William Clark and
Dr. John Calhoon, of East Pennsborough; John Creigh and John Harris, of
Carlisle; Hugh McCormick and Hugh Alexander, of Middle Spring, This
conference continued in session one week, approved the resolutions of Congress,
declared the existing government in the province incompetent, and appointed
the 15th of July as the date for holding a convention at Philadelphia to frame
a new government based upon the authority of the people. Voting places for
■delegates fi-om Cumberland County, were established at Carlisle, with Eobert
Miller and James Gregory, of that town, and Benjamin Blyth, of Middle
Spring, as judges of election; at Chambersburg, with John Allison and James
Maxwell and John Baird as judges; at Robert Campbell's, in Hamilton Town-
ship, with William Brown, Alex Morrow and James Taylor as judges. The
election was held July 8, and William Harris, then practicing law at Carlisle,
William Clark, William DufBeld (near Loudon) ; Hugh Alexander, of Middle
Spring; Jonathan Hoge and Eobert Whitehill, of East Pennsborough; James
Brown, of Carlisle, and James McLane, of Antrim, were chosen delegates.
The convention met per appointment, July 15, and adopted a constitution,
which in spite of some informalities, was acquiesced in by the people for a
number of years. Among other acts of the convention it appointed a council
of safety, of which William Lyon was a member from Cumberland County.
George Chambers, in an excellent work upon the ' ' Irish and Scotch and
Early Settlers of Pennsylvania," published at Chambersburg in 1856, says of
the period at which we have now arrived : ' ' The progress of the war and the op-
pressive exactions of the British Government after a few months unsettled public
opinion on this question [that of separation from the mother country, Ed.]
and the necessity and policy of independence became a debatable question vrith
the colonists in their social meetings. At this time there were no newspapers
published in Pennsylvania, we believe, west of York. The freemen of the
County of Cumberland, in this province, were amongst the first to form the
opinion that the safety and welfare of the colonies did render separation from
the mother country necessary. The first public expression of that sentiment
and its embodiment in a memorial emanated from the freemen and inhabitants
of that county to the assembly of the province and is among the national arch-
ives." Mr. Chambers in further speaking of this memorial says: "The me-
HISTORY OF OUMBKRLAND COUNTY. 87
morial from Cumberland County bears evidence that the inhabitants of that
county were in advance of their representatives in the Assembly and in Con-
gress, on the subject of independence. The considerations suggested to them
had their influence on the Assembly, who adopted the petition of the memorial-
ists and withdrew the instructions that had been given to the delegates in Con-
gress in opposition to independence. As the Cumberland memorial was pre-
sented to the Assembly on the 23d* of May, 1776, it probably had occupied the
attention and consideration of the inhabitants of the Cumberland Valley early
in that month. As there was no remonstrance from this district by any dissat-
isfied with the purposes of the memorial we are to suppose that it expressed the
public sentiment of that large, respectable and influential district of the prov-
ince which had then many officers and men in the ranks of the Continental Army. ' '
When in Congress the motion for independence was finally acted upon, the
vote of Pennsylvania was carried for it by the deciding vote of James Wilson,
of Cumberland County, and of him Bancroft says (History of the United States
Vol. VIII, pp. 456—459) : ' ' He had at an early day foreseen independence as
the probable, though not the intended result of the contest; he had uniformly
declared in his place that he never would vote for it contrary to his instructions ;
nay, that he regarded it as something more than presumption to take a step of
such importance without express instructions and authority. ' For' said he,
' ought this act to be the act of four or five individuals, or should it be the act
of the people of Pennsylvania?' But now that their authority was communi-
cated by the conference of committees he stood on very different ground."
Mr. Chambers says: "The majority of the Pennsylvania delegates remained
inflexible in their unwillingness to vote for the measure, at the head of which
opposition was the distinguished patriot, John Dickinson, who opposed the
measure not as bad or uncalled for, but as premature. But when on the
4th of July the subject came up for final action, two of the Pennsylvania del-
egates, Dickinson and Morris, who voted in the negative, absented themselves,
and the vote of Pennsylvania was carried by the votes of Franklin, Wilson and
Morton against the votes of Willing and Humphreys. The men who voted in
opposition to this measure were esteemed honest and patriotic men but were too
timid for the crisis. They faltered and shrank from responsibility and danger
when they should have been firm and brave." The Declaration of Independ-
ence though adopted on the 4th of July was not signed until August 16 follow-
ing. The name of James Wilson was affixed to the document with those of the
other delegates, and Cumberland County has the satisfaction of knowing that
her citizens and foremost men had an important voice in the formation of the
Republic which is now so dear to more than 50,000,000 people.
After this step had been taken by the colonies there was no way of honor-
able retreat from the ground they had taken. The struggle was upon them,
and many were the dark and trying hours before it closed in their favor and
the nation was firmly established. It was with difficulty the ranks were kept
full. Many had enlisted for only one year, and some as emergency soldiers
for as short a period as three months. The appeals cf the recruiting officers
are described as most stirring, and the county of Cumberland, like others, was
kept in a constant state of excitement. By strenuous efforts the flagging
energy of the people was renewed. October 16, 1776, William Lyon, who
that day took his seat as member from Cumberland County of the council of
safety, proposed to the board of war to continue a larger force in the State, to
protect it both against British troops and ' ' the growing party of disaffected
persons which unhappily exists at this time, ' ' also to carry on the necessary
*Other authority says May 28.
88 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. ■
works of defense. It was resolved to raise four battalions of 500 men each
(for the immediate defense of the State), of militia from the counties of York,
Cumberland, Lancaster and Berks — -one battalion for each county. The news
from Trenton (December 3, 1776) and Princton (January 3, 1777) encouraged
the people and recruiting became more lively. July 4. 1776, a military con-
vention representing the fifty-three associated battalions of Pennsylvania, met
at Lancaster and chose two brigadier-generals to command the battalions and
forces of Pensylvania (Daniel Robardeau, of Philadelphia, and James Ewing, of
York). Cumberland County was represented at this convention by Col. John
Armstrong; Lieut. -Cols. William Blair, William Clark and Frederick Watts,
Maj. James McCalmont;Capt8. Rev. John Steel, Thomas McClelland, John Da-
vis, James McFarlane and George Robinson, and privates David Hoge, Ephraim
Steel, Smith, Pauling, Brown, Sterrett, Hamilton, Read, Finley, and Vance.
When the "Flying Camp " was formed, two regiments had been organized in
Cumberland County under Cols. Frederick Watts and John Montgomery, of
Carlisle, and sent to Washington at Long Island; they were captured with
others at Fort Washington, but the officers were soon exchanged and later
commanded regiments under a new arrangement. We quote at considerable
length from Dr. Wing:
"When Gen. Howe appeared to be about crossing New Jersey to get pos-
session of Philadelphia by land (June 14, 1776), messengers were dispatched to
the counties to give orders that the second class of the associated mUitia should
march as speedily as possible to the place to which the first class had been or-
dered, and that the third class should be got in readiness to march at a moment's
notice. These orders were at once complied with, but before the companies
from this county had started, the order was countermanded on account of the
return of the British troops to New York. It soon, however, became known
that the approach to Philadelphia was to be by transports up Chesapeake Bay
and Delaware River, and a requisition was made upon the State for 4,000 mili-
tia in addition to those already in the field. One class, therefore, was again
ordered from the county. On the 5th of October, 1776, the council of safety
resolved to throw into the new continental establishment two of the three Penn-
sylvania battalions, before in that service, to serve during the war, and the third
was to be retained in the service of the Staite until the Ist of January, 1778,
unless sooner discharged, and to consist of ten companies of 100 men each, in-
cluding officers. The privates of the three battalions were to continue in the
service of the State, -the officers according to seniority to have the choice of
entering into either, and the two battalions to be recruited to their full com-
plement of men as speedily as possible. By this new arrangement Pennsylva-
nia was to keep twelve battalions complete in the Continental service. Of
course this broke up all previous organizations, and renders it difficult to trace
the course of the old companies. We have seen that on the 16th of August
thirteen companies fully officered and equipped had left the county for the
seat of war, and six others were preparing to go. The regiments of Cols.
Thompson, Irvine and Magaw, we have noticed, and two or three others must
have been in existence about this time. One of these was commanded by Col.
Frederick Watts and Maj. David Mitchell, and another by John Montgomery,
who after the dissolution of the committee of safety, July 22, 1776, appears to
have taken charge of a regiment. Both of these regiments-were at the taking
of Fort Washington and were then captured. One of the volunteer companies
under Col. Watts, after the latter had been set at liberty and been put again
at the head of a regiment, was commanded by Capt. Jonathan Robinson, of
Sherman' s Valley, the son of George Robinson, who suffered so much in the
HISTORY OP CUMBEELAND COUNTY. 89
Indian war, and wto now, though above fifty years of age, had entered the
patriot army. This company was in the battle of Princeton, and was for some
time stationed at that town to guard against the British and to act as scouts to
intercept their foraging parties. Near the close of the year 1776, or the be-
ginning of 1777, battalions began to be designated by numbers in their respect-
ive counties and are made of the First, Second, Third, etc., of Cumberland
County. This was under the new organization of the militia of the State.
The first was organized in January, 1777, when ' Col. Ephraim Blaine of the
First Battalion of Cumberland County militia is directed to hold an election for
field officers in the said battalion, if two-thirds of the battalion, now marched
and marching to camp, require the same. ' Accordingly the Colonel was fur-
nished with blank commissions to fill when the officers should be chosen.
Capts. Samuel Postlethwaite, Matthias Selers, John Steel, William Chambers
and John Boggs are mentioned in the minutes of the council of safety as con-
nected with this regiment. Col. Blaine' s connection with the regiment must
have been brief, for he was soon transferred to the commissary department,
and we find it under the command'of Col. James Dunlap (from near Newburg,
and a ruling elder in the congregation of Middle Spring), Lieut. -Col. Robert
Culbertson, and connected with three companies from what is now Franklin
County, viz. : those of Capts. Noah Abraham of Path Valley, Patrick Jack of
Hamilton Township and Charles McClay of Lurgan. The Second Battalion
was at first under the command of Col. John Allison, a justice of the peace in
Tyrone Township, over the mountains, and a judge of the county, but after his
retirement (for he was now past middle life) it was for awhile under the com-
miand of Col. James Murray, and still later we find it under John Davis, of
Middleton, near the Conodoguinet. Under him were the companies of Capts.
William Huston, Charles Leeper (of the Middle Spring congregation), James
Crawford, Patrick Jack (sometimes credited to this regiment), Samuel Eoyal
and Lieut. George Wallace. While this regiment was under marching orders
for Amboy, near January 1, 1777, they took from such persons as were not
associated, in Antrim and Peters Township, whatever arms were found in their
possession* to be paid for according to appraisement by the Government. The
Fourth Battalion was under Col. Samuel Lyon, and had in it the companies of
Capts. John Purdy, of East Pennsborough ; James McConnel, of Letterkenny,
and, in 1778, of^ Jonathan Robinson, of Sherman's Valley; Stephen Stevenson,
who was at first a lieutenant but afterward became a captain. The Fifth Bat-
talion was commanded by Col. Joseph Armstrong, a veteran of the Indian
war and of the expedition to Kittanning, and in 1756-57, a member of the
Colonial Assembly. Most of this regiment was raised in Hamilton, Letterkenny
and Lurgan Townships, and its companies at diJBferent times were under Capts.
John Andrew, Robert Culbertson (for a time), Samuel Patton, John McCon-
nel, Conrad Snider, William Thompson, Charles McClay (at one period),
James McKee, James Gibson, John Eea, Jonathan Robinson, George Mat-
thews and John Boggs. John Murphy was a lieutenant and John Martin
ensign. Capt. McClay' s men are said to have been over six feet in height and
to have numbered 100, and the whole regiment was remarkable for its
vigor and high spirit. It suffered severely at the battle of "Crooked Billet,"
in Berks County, May 4, 1778, when Gen. Lacy was surprised and many of
his men were butchered without mercy. The Sixth Battalion was commanded
by Col. Samuel Culbertson, who had been a lieutenant-colonel in the First but
was promoted to the command of the Sixth. John Work was the lieutenant-
colonel; James McCammont, major; John Wilson, adjutant; Samuel Finley,
quartermaster, and Richard Brownson, surgeon, and Patrick Jack, Samuel Pat-
90 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
ton, James Patterson, Joseph Culbertson, William Huston, Robert McCoy and
John McConnel were at some periods captains.
" As the period for which the enlistments abont this time, when the inva-
sion of Pennsylvania was imminent, was usually limited to six months and
sometimes even to three aad two months, we need not be surprised to find that
at different times the same men and officers served in two or three different
regiments. As an instance J. Robinson says that he entered the service a
number of times on short enlistments of two or three months, and was placed
in diilerent regiments and brigades. The Seventh Battalion is believed to have
consisted of remnants of the old Fifth and Sixth Continental Regiments, and
was commanded by Col. William Irvine. These soldiers re-entered the service
as the Seventh Battalion in March, 1777, and were under the command of its
major, David Grier, until the release of Irvine from his parole as a prisoner of
war (May 6, 1777). In 1779 Col. Irvine was commissioned a brigadier, and
served under Gen. Wayne, but before this (July 5, 1777) Abraham Smith, of
Ltirgan Township, was elected colonel. Among the captains were William
Rippey; Samuel Montgomery, who became captain of Smith's company when
the latter was promoted; John Alexander, before a lieutenant in Smith's com-
pany; Alexander Parker; Jeremiah Talbott, who in the latter part of the year
1777 was promoted a major in the Sixth, and served in that position until the-
close of the war. He was the first sheriff of Franklin County (October, 1784)
and was twice re-elected. The Eighth Battalion was commanded by Abraham
Smith, who was chosen July 6, 1777, probably from Lurgan, and a member
of the congregation of Middle Spring. Its officers were largely taken from a
single remarkable family in Antrim Township. The head of this family had
settled very early, about 1735, two and a half miles east of where Greencastle
now is, and had died near 1755, leaving a large property and four sons. Each
of these sons entered the army. The eldest, James, was a lieutenant- colonel
of the Eighth Battalion, but afterward was the colonel of a battalion during a
campaign in New Jersey. John, the youngest, was the major, and Thomas,
the second son, was adjutant, and was present at the slaughter at Paoli, Sep-
tember 20, 1777, but survived to be promoted to a colonelcy and lived till
about 1819. Dr. Robert, the other brother, was a surgeon in Col. Irvine's
regiment, was in the South during the latter years of the war, was at the sur-
render of Yorktown, in October, 1781, and in 1790 was an excise collector for
Franklin County. Terrence Campbell was the quartermaster. The captains
were Samuel Roger, John Jack, James Poe and John Rea, who afterward be-
came a brigadier-general.
' ' Besides these we have notices of several companies, regiments and offi-
cers, whose number and position in the service is not given in any account we
have seen. Early in the war James Wilson and John Montgomery were ap-
pointed colonels, and in the battalion of the former are mentioned the compa-
nies of Capts. Thomas Clarke and Thomas Turbitt. Montgomery was in the
army at New York in 1776, and was at the surrender of Fort Washington, but
both he and Wilson were soon called into the civil department of the service,
and do not appear in the army after that year. Besides them were Cols.
Robert Callender, of Middlesex, now in advanced life, whose death early in the
war deprived his country of his valuable services ; James Armstrong, Robert
Peoples, James Gregory, Arthur Buchanan, Benjamin Blythe, Abraham Smith,
Isaac Miller and William Scott. Among the captains, whom we are unable to
locate in any particular regiment, at least for any considerable time, were Jo-
seph Brady, Thomas Beale, Matthew Henderson, Samuel McCune (under Col.
William Clarke for awhile, and at Ticonderoga), Isaac Miller, David Mc-
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 91
Knight, Alexander Trindle, Robert Quigley, William Strain, Samuel Kearsley,
Samuel Blythe, Samuel Walker, William Blaine, Joseph Martin, James Adams,
Samuel Erwin and Peter Withington. One of the companies which were early
mustered into the service was that of Capt. William Peebles. The officers'
commissions were dated somewhere between the 9th and the 15th of March,
near the time at which Magaw' s regiment left the county. The company was
in Philadelphia August 17, and was then said to consist of eighty-one riflemen.
It was in the battle of Long Island, August 27, when a portion was captured,
and the remainder were in the engagements at White Plains, Trenton and
Princeton. On his return from the war Capt. Peebles resided on Peebles'
Run, a little distance from Newburg, and was for many years an elder in the
congregation at Middle Spring. He was promoted to be a colonel September
23, 1776. Matthew Scott was the first-lieutenant, and among the captured at
Long Island, but he was exchanged December 8, 1776, and promoted captain
April 18, 1777. He married Peggy, the daughter of Samuel Lamb, a stone-
mason near Stony Ridge, who long surTived him and was living in Mechanics-
burg in 1845. The family of Mr. Lamb was distinguished for its ardent pa-
triotism. The second lieutenant was Robert Burns, promoted to be a captain
in Col. Hazen's regiment December 21, 1776. The third lieutenant was
Robert Campble, also promoted to be a captain at the same time in the same
regiment, and when wounded was transferred to an invalid regiment under
Lewis Nichola. The sergeants were Samuel Kenny, William McCracken,
Patrick Highland (captured), and Joseph Collier. James Carson, drimimer,
and Edward Lee, fifer, were also captured at Long Island August 27, 1776.
The privates were William Adams, Zachariah Archer, William Armstrong,
James Atchison (captured), Thomas Beatty, Henry Bourke, William Boyd,
Daniel Boyle (enlisted for two years, discharged at Valley Forge July 1, 1778,
and in 1824 resided in Armstrong County), James Brattin, John Brown,
Robert Campble, John Carrigan, William Carson, William Cavan, Henry Dib-
bins, Pat Dixon, Samuel Dixon (captured), Barnabas Dougherty, James Dowds,
John Elliott, Charles Fargner, Daniel Finley, Pat Flynn, James Galbreath,
Thomas Gilmore, Dagwell Hawn, John Hodge, Charles Holder, Jacob Hove,
John Jacobs, John Justice, John Keating, John Lane, Peter Lane, Samuel
■ Logan, Bobert McClintock, Alexander McCurdy, Hugh McKegney, Andrew
McKinsey, Charles McKowen, Niel McMullen, Alex. Mitchell, John Mitchell
(justice of the peace in Cumberland County in 1821), Laurence Morgan,
Samuel Montgomery, William Montgomery, David Moore, James Moore, John
Moore, James Mortimer, Robert Mullady, Patrick Murdaugh, John Niel,
James Nickleson, Robert Nugent, Richard Orput, John Paxton, Robert Petjl-
ing, James Pollock, Hans Potts, Patrick Quigley, John Quinn, Andrew Rals-
ton, James Reily, Thomas Rogers (captured on Long Island, died in New
Jersey, leaving a widow, who resided in Chester County), James Scroggs,
Andrew Sharpe, Thomas Sheerer, John Shields, John Skuse, Thomas Town-
send, Patten Viney, John Walker, John Wallace, Thomas Wallace, William
Weatherspoon (captain), Peter Weaver, Robert Wilson and Hugh Woods.
Total of officers ten, and of privates, eighty.
"A company of rangers from the borders of this county, who had been
accustomed in the Indian wars to act under James Smith, also deserves notice.
He had now removed to the western part of the State, and was a member of the
Assembly from Westmoreland. While attending on that body early in 1777,
he saw in the streets of the city some of his former companions in forest ad-
venture, from this region, and they immediately formed themselves into a
company under him as their commander. Obtaining leave of absence for a short
92 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
time from the Assembly, he ■went with them to the army in New Jersey,
attacked about 200 of the British, at Rocky Hill, and, with only thirty- six men,
drove them from their position ; and on another occasion took twenty-two Hes-
sions with their officers' baggage- wagons, and a number of our Continental pris-
oners they were guarding. In a few days they took more of the British than there
were of their own party. Being taken with the camp fever Smith returned to
the city, and the party was commanded by Maj. McCammont, of Strasburg. He
then applied to Gen. Washington for permission to raise a battalion of riflemen,
all expert marksmen, and accustomed to the Indian method of fighting. The
council of safety strongly recommended the project, but the General thought it
not best to introduce such an irregular element into the army, and only oiffered
him a major's commission in a regular regiment. Not fancying the officer
under whom he was to serve, he declined this, and remained for a time with
his companions in the militia. In 1778 he received a colonel's commission,
and served with credit till the end of the war, principally on the western frontier.
" Another partisan leader was Samuel Brady, originally from near Ship-
pensburg, and among those who went first to Boston. Though but sixteen
years of age when he enlisted, in 1775, in a company of riflemen, he was one
of the boldest and hardiest of that remarkable company. At the battle of
Monmouth he was made captain; at Princeton he was near being taken pris-
oner, but succeeded in effecting an escape for himself and his colonel, and
in many places displayed an astonishing coolness and steadiness of courage.
He so often acted on special commissions to obtain intelligence that he became
distinguished as the ' captain of the spies. ' In 1778 his brother, and in 1779
his father were cruelly killed by the Indians, and from that tipae it was said
of him, ' this made him an Indian killer, and he never Jchanged his business.
The red man never had a more implacable foe or a more relentless tracker.
Being as well skilled in woodcraft as any Indian of them all, he would trail them
to their very lairs with all the fierceness and tenacity of the sleuth hound.'
During the whole sanguinary war with the Indians he gave up his whole time
to lone vigils, solitary wanderings and terrible revenges. He commenced his
scouting service in 1780, when he was but twenty-one years old, and became
a terror to the savages and a security to a large body of settlers. He did not
marry until about 1786, when he spent some years at West Liberty, in West
Virginia, where he probably died about 1800. [See McKnight' s "Western Bor-
der," pp. 426^42.]
"The Patrick Jack, who is mentioned more than once above as connected at
different times with several regiments, was probably the same man who after-
ward became famous as the ' Wild Hunter, or Juniata Jack the Indian Killer.'
He was from Hamilton Township, and is said by George Croghan in 1755 to
have been at the head of a company of hunter rangers, expert in Indian war-
fare, and clad, like their leader, in Indian attire. They were therefore pro-
posed to Gen. Braddock as proper persons to act as scouts, provided they were
allowed to di-ess, march and fight as they pleased. 'They are well armed,'
said Croghan, ' and are equally regardless of heat and cold. They require no
shelter for the night and ask no pay. ' It is said of him as of Brady that he
became a bitter enemy of the Indians by finding his cabin one evening, on his
return from hunting, ' a heap of smoldering ruins, and the blackened corpses
of his murdered family scattered around. ' Prom that time he became a ran-
corous Indian hater and slayer. When the Revolutionary war began he was
among the first to enlist, and he afterward enlisted several times on short
terms in various companies. He was of large size and stature, dark almost as
an Indian, and stern and relentless to his foes. John Armstrong in his ac-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 95
count of the Kittanning expedition, calls him ' the half Indian,' but he could
have had no Indian blood in his veins. His monument may be seen at Cham-
bersburg, with this inscription: 'Colonel Patrick Jack, an officer of the
Colonial and Eevolutionary Wars — died January 25, 1821, aged ninety-one
years.' "
We shall now give a few of the important events of the war as relating to
Cumberland County without going further into details. In 17'i8 George
Stevenson, John Boggs, Joseph Brady and Alexander McGehan were appointed
a committee to attend to estates forfeited for treason, and the commissioners
for the county, James Pollock and Samuel Laird, were required to collect
from nou-associators the amounts they owed the State as a fair equivalent for
military services, also to collect such arms and ammunition as may be found
in their possession. In September, 1777, information had been given of plots
by ' ' tories ' ' to destroy public stores at York, Lancaster, Carlisle and other
points, and several prominent persons in the region were implicated. ' ' By a
proclamation of the Supreme Executive Council, June 15, 1778, John Wilson,
wheel-wright and husbandman, and Andrew Pursuer, laborer, both of Allen
Township; Lawrence Kelley, cooper; William Curlan, laborer; John M. Cart,
distUler and laborer, and Francis Irwin, carter, of East Pennsborough;
George Croghan, Alexander McKee, Simon Girty and Matthew Elliott, Indian
traders, were said severally to have aided and assisted the enemy by having
joined the British Army, and were therefore attainted of high treason and sub-
ject to the penalties and forfeitures which were by law attached to their crime.
The committee on forfeited estates rendered an account of several hundred
pounds which they had handed over to the proper officers to be used in the
purchase of arms, provisions, etc. , from which it would appear that some per-
sons had been found guilty of treason in the county. The names which have
come down to us either by tradition or documentary evidence were usually of
persons of no prominence, or of such as were then residing beyond the limits
of the present county of Cumberland." — l^Wing.]
An act of the Supreme Executive Council passed March 17, 1777, provided
for the appointment of one or more lieutenants of militia in each city or
county, also of sub-lieutenants, with duties which the act prescribed. John
Armstrong and Ephraim Blaine were successively appointed lieutenants for
Cumberland County, but both declined for sufficient reasons. April 10, 1777,
James Galbreath, of East Pennsborough Township, was appointed, and finally
accepted the position and performed its duties faithfully. He was succeeded
by John Carothers, and he by Col. James Dunlap, in October, 1779. Abra-
ham Smith held the office in April, 1780. The sub-lieutenants were Col.
James Gregory, of Allen Township; Col. Benjamin Blythe, near Middle
Spring; George Sharpe, near Big Spring; Col. Robert McCoy (died in May,
1777); John Harris of Carlisle; George Stewart, James McDowell, of Peters
Township (in place of Col. McCoy), all appointed in 1777, and Col. Frederick
Watts, Col. Arthur Buchanan, Thomas Buchanan, John Trindle, Col. Abra-
ham Smith and Thomas Turbitt appointed in 1780.
In June, 1777, the Supreme Executive Council appointed an entirely new
board of justices for Cumberland County, as some of the old ones had failed
to take the oath of allegiance required of them and several of the positions were
vacant. Those newly appointed were John Rannels (Reynolds), James Max-
well, James Oliver, John Holmes, John Agnew, John McClay, Samuel Lyon,
William Brown, John Harris, Samuel Royer, John Anderson, John Creigh,
Hugh Laird, Andrew McBeath, Thomas Kenny, Alexandria Laughlin, Samuel
McClure, Patrick Vance, George Matthews, William McClure, Samuel Cul-
ts
96 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
bertson, James ArniBtrong, John Work, John Trindle, Stephen Duncan,
Ephraim Steel, William Brown (Carlisle), Eobert Peebles, Henry Taylor,
James Taylor, Charles Leeper, John Scouller, Matthew Wilson and David
McClure. November 5, 1777, John Agnew, on the nomination of these
jastices, was appointed a clerk of the peace, and February 20, 1779, a com-
missioner for the exchange of money. These justices were required to "ad-
minister the oath of allegiance to every person who should vote for officers or
enter upon any office either under the State government or under the Conti-
nental Congress. " Prom 1777 to 1779 Col. William Clark was paymaster of
troops in Cumberland County. In 1777 he reported concerning the destitute
condition of the militia, and a committee was appointed consisting of John
Boggs, Abraham Smith, John Andrew, William McClure, Samuel Williamson,
James Purdy and William Blair "to collect without delay from such as have
not taken the oath of allegiance and abjuration, or who have aided or assisted
the enemy with arms or accoutrements, blankets, linen and linsey-wolsey cloth,
shoes and stockings for the army." Besides this committee, George Stevens,
John Boggs and Joseph Brady were appointed commissioners ' ' to seize upon
the personal estates of all Who have abandoned their families or habitations,
joined the army of the enemy, or resorted to any city, town or place within
the commonwealth in possession of the enemy, or supplied provisions, intelli-
gence or aid for the enemy, or shall hereafter do such things; and they shall
as speedily as possible dispose of all the perishable part thereof, and hold pos-
session of all the remainder subject to the future disposition of the Legisla-
ture."
Large numbers of wagons and teams and teamsters were employed to trans-
port the great quantities of stores and supplies from place to place as necessary,
and a special department was maintained for the organization and manage-
ment of this service. Cumberland County was required to furnish a large pro-
portion of supplies, wagons and teams, and sent out at one time 200, at an-
other 800, and at various times smaller numbers of wagons. Hugh McCormick
was appointed wagon-master in 1777, Matthew Gregg in 1778 and Robert
Culbertson in 1780. Dr. Wing states: "In November, 1777, the assessment
was upon East Pennsborough, Peters and Antrim Townships, each for twelve
wagons and teams; Allen for eleven, Middleton, West Pennsborough, Newton,
Hopewell, Lurgan, Letterkenny, Guilford and Hamilton each for ten. Each
wagon was to be accompanied by four horses, a good harness and one attendant,
and the owner was paid thirty shillings in specie or forty in currency, accord
ing to the exchange agreed upon by Congress. ' '
Early in 1776 a number of British prisoners captured on the northern fron-
tier and in the east were confined at Lancaster, but by order of Congress they
were removed in March, half to York and half to Carlisle. At that time
Lieuts. Andre, Despard and Anstruther were taken to Carlisle; and, as
stated by early writers, were confined in a stone building which stood on the
east side of Hanover Street, on Lot 161. These prisoners were exchanged in
the latter part of the same year, most of them being sent to New York, Novem-
ber 28, ' ' under the escort of Lieut. -Col. John Creigh and Ephraim Steel, two
members of the committee of inspection, with their servants and their ser-
vants' wives and their baggage, by way of Beading and Trenton to the near-
est camp of the United States in New Jersey. ' ' With the subsequent fate of
Andre, promoted to captain and then to major, everybody is familiar. A
large number of the Hessians captured at Trenton, December 25, 1776, were sent
to Carlisle, and while here were set at work building barracks, which became
noted in later years as a school for cavalry training and in other ways, and
stood on the site now occupied by the Indian school.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 97
"About the 1st of August, 1777," says Dr. Wing, "John Penn, James
Hamilton, Benjamin Chew, and about thirty others who had been officers un-
der the royal and proprietary government, and declined to take the oath of
allegiance to the new government, were arrested in Philadelphia, received by
the sheriff of Beading and by the sheriff of Cumberland County, and escorted
through this valley to Staunton, Va., where they were detained until near
the conclusion of the war."
In April, 1777, Gen. Armstrong, of Carlisle, was placed in command of
the militia of the State; resigning his position as first brigadier-general in the
Continental Army, he was "appointed first brigadier-general and a month after-
ward major-general of the State of Pennsylvania. Though advanced in years
he entered vigorously upon the work of protecting the State against the
enemy, and erected and maintained defensive works along the Delaware Eiver.
Portions of his command did splendid service at Brandywine and Germantown.
Five hundred men or more enlisted and went to the fort fi-om Cumberland
County early in 1778. The county was nearly bereft of men to cany on neces-
sary business or to guard the prisoners which from time to time were sent to
Carlisle. It was difficult to provide arms and ammunition until Prance
came to the aid of the colonies in 1778. " Hence the efforts in the beginning of
the conflict to establish at every available town shops for the manufacture of
rifles, muskets and even cannon. Old arms were repaired and altered so that
even fowling-pieces could be used for deadlier purposes, and bayonets were
prepared. Armories are spoken of in Carlisle and Shippensburg at which
hundreds of rifles were got in readiness at one time. A foundry was started
at Mount Holly and perhaps at Boiling Springs, at which cannon were cast,
and at which William Denning [Deming?] was known to have worked at his
inventions. Aware of the many failures which had followed all previous at-
tempts, under the most favorable conditions, to make cannon of wrought iron;
he is said to have persevered until he constructed at least two of such uniform
quality and of such size and calibre as to have done good service in the Ameri-
can Army. One of them is reported to have been taken by the British at the
battle of Brandywine, and now kept as a trophy in the Tower of London,
and another to have been for a long time and perhaps to be now, at the barracks
near Carlisle. (William Denning was a resident of Chester County when the
war broke out; enlisted in a company and was its second lieutenant for nine
months; was a blacksmith by trade, and very ingenious; was placed at head
of a band of artificers at Philadelphia, but removed to Carlisle upon the ap-
proach of the British Army ; iron from the South Mountain was made into gun-
barrels, bayonets, etc. , and Denning had a chance to exercise his ingenuity to
his greatest desire. In welding the heavy bars of iron for bands and hoops to
his wrought iron guns, few could be induced to assist him on account of the
great heat. He made four and six-pounders and attempted a twelve -pounder,
but never completed it. He resided at Big Spring after the war, and died
December 19, 1830, aged ninety-four years). So great was the destitution of
lead for bullets, that the council of safety requested all families possessing
plates, weights for clocks or windows, or any other articles made of lead, to
give them up to the collectors appointed to demand them, with the promise
that they should be replaced by substitutes of iron. Payments were acknowl-
edged for considerable quantities of lead thus collected in this county. Every
part of the county was explored to obtain sulphur and other substances in suf-
ficient quanties for the manufacture of gunpowder. Jonathan Kearsley, of
Carlisle, was for some months employed in learning the art and in the attempt
to manufacture saltpetre out of earths impregnated with nitrous particles in
98 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Dauphia County. After nearly three months of experiments he wrote that
the amount obtained was not sufiScient to warrant his continuance at the
work in that vicinity. Common salt finally became so scarce that Congress took
upon itself the business of supplying the people as well as the soldiers. Before the
construction of those vast establishments which have since been created for
the manufacture of these articles, the whole population was dependent on for-
eign countries, and now were cut ofP from all importation of it. Near the
close of 1776 a law was passed against those who endeavored to monopolize
the sale of salt, and a large purchase of it was made by Congress itself. A cer-
tain quota was assigned to each State, and then to each county under the
direction of the State authorities. The proportion which fell to Cumberland
County (November 23, 1776) was eighty bushels. On its arrival a certain por-
tion was delivered to each householder who applied for it with an order from
the county committee, ' on his paying the prime cost of 15 shillings a bushel,
expenses of carriage only added. ' ' '
August 17, 1776, by authority of a resolution of the Assembly passed a
month previous, the committee of inspection and observation for Cumberland
County drew an order on the council of safety for £200 for the relief of the
poor families of associators called into service. The greater part of the grain
raised in the county was sent away for supplies or distilled into liquor, and
the men were so scarce it was difficult to harvest and thresh the grain. Gen.
Armstrong, noting this condition of affairs, wrote on the 17th of February,
1777: "From the best information that I can get, the rye in both this and
the county of York is almost all distilled, as is also considerable quantities of
wheat, and larger still of the latter bought up for the same purpose; nor can
we doubt that Lancaster and other counties are going on in the same destruc-
tive way, so that in a few months Pennsylvania may be scarce of bread for her
own inhabitants. Liquor is already 10 shillings per gallon, wheat will im-
mediately be the same per bushel, and if the complicated demon of avarice
and infatuation is not suddenly changed or cast out, he will raise them each to
twenty! "
To Col. Ephraim Blaine, of Cumberland County, as assistant quartermas-
ter-general, under Gen. Greene, quartermaster-general, was due great praise
and much credit for his aid in. times of financial depression during the war.
His flouring-mill on the Conodoguinet, near Carlisle, was enlarged and kept
in operation to its utmost capacity for the benefit of the suffering army and
without profit to himself. His extensive fortune was ever at the disposal of
his country, and by his earnest and careful management he kept the soldiers
from actual starvation, more than once in the face of pronounced opposition to
his measures. His name became dear to his countrymen. The schemes of Con-
gress to provide money led to disastrous results, and many inhabitants of Cum-
berland County were very seriously embarrassed or completely broken up finan-
cially for years. Many dark days were experienced by the people of the
struggling republic during the war, and at times even mutiny and violence
were advocated or attempted; the Indian troubles of 1778 and succeeding
years brought to mind the terrible scenes of days gone by, and soldiers from
the county were sent with others for the punishment of the marauding mur-
derers. The sad end of the expedition of Col. Crawford, in 1782 against the
western Indians, called numbers into the service for vengeance, for Crawford
was known and loved in the valley, but the British recalled their Indian allies
from the frontiers of the northwest, and the troops organized to march against
them under Gens. Irvine and Potter were disbanded. The peace of 1783
brought relief to the land, and the war cloud was lifted.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 99
March 3, 1781, Samuel Laird and William Lyon were appointed auditors
of depreciated accounts, "to settle -with officers and soldiers in the county the
amount which should be allowed on their pay for the depreciated value of the
notes paid them. " Gen. William Irvine, of Carlisle, was made one of the board of
censors October 20, 1783, from Cumberland County, as was also James Mc-
Lene, of Chambersbui-g. The only meeting was at Philadelphia November
10, 1783, for the new constitution (1790) abolished it.
The Whiskey Insurrection, 1794. — When it became evident that some source
of revenue must be looked to besides the duties on imported goods, and Con-
gress decided to levy a tax (of 4 pence per gallon) on distilled spirits (March
3, 1791), believing that article to be of the least necessity, the tax was violently
opposed by people in the interior and western parts of Pennsylvania, where it
bore with most severity. There had been no market for the great quantities
of grain raised, and it was largely used to fatten cattle and hogs upon. When
distilled it was more easily transported over the mountains and found a ready
market, and in numerous sections every fifth or sixth farmer had a still-house.
[The consumption was not all away from home, either. — Ed. ] The excise
law was felt to be oppressive, as most of the money brought into the region
was sent out in the shape of excise duties. The people hoped the law would
be unexecuted and finally repealed, and the collectors were often thi-eatened,
intimidated, and as in the instance of Pittsburgh, roughly handled and their
property destroyed. The excitement spread and the fury grew by the aid of
mass meetings, pole raisings, and the like, and steps were taken for an armed
resistance to the authorities should a force be sent against the disturbers.
Braddock's Field, ten miles east of Pittsburgh, was designated as a place of
rendezvous for the rebellious troops. The general sympathy of even the most
prominent men was with those who openly opposed the law, but they did not,
as the end shows, believe in a resort to arms. President Washington issued
proclamations, September 15, 1792, and August 7, 1793, requiring insurgents
to disperse and directing that troops should be raised to march at a moment' s
wartiing before the 15th of September in the latter year. Those who had
been opposed to the law, but hoped a few trials of aggressors would lead to its
repeal, now joined hands with the Government. An army of 12,900 men was
called for from the four States most interested, and the quota of Pennsylvania was
5,200. Gen. William Irvine, of Carlisle, was one of a number of commission-
ers appointed to confer with such deputies as the deputies might appoint, but
they returned with an adverse or unfavorable report, though they were fol-
lowed by commissioners from the insurgents who were more reasonable than
those with whom they had conferred. The army was put in motion and final-
ly reached Carlisle. The softened commissioners met the President and com-
mander-in-chief at that point October 10, 1794, and assured him that it was
unnecessary to send the military to obtain submission and order, but he de-
clined to stay the march of the army, though promising that no violence would
be offered if the people would return to their allegi ance. Carlisle was the place of
rendezvous for the army. Cumberland County furnished 363 men and officers
who were brigaded with others from York, Lancaster and Franklin Counties,
under Brig. -Gen. James Chambers, of Franklin County. They encamped on
"an extensive common near the town (Carlisle) said to be admii'ably fitted for
the purpose."
A large number of distilleries then undoubtedly existed in Cumberland
County, where those opposed to the law had not been over- cautious in making
remarks or in demonstrations of disfavor. A liberty pole had been erected
in the Public Square on the night of September 8, 1794, with the words,
100 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
"Liberty and No Excise, & "Whisky," thereon. A few frieads of law and
order out it down the next morning, and the excitement was great. A large
number of country people, some bearing arms, came in a few days later, one
afternoon, and put up a large pole with the words, "Liberty and Equality."
They were mostly of the poorer class, although the county treasurer was a
leader among them and distributed money to buy whisky. Deeds of violence
were offered occasionally, the insurgents patroling the town to prevent the
pole being taken down. Col. Ephraim Blaine was pursued and fired upon by
three of them while conducting his sister, Mrs. Lyon, out of town, but fortu-
nately without injury. Threats were made against the militia should they turn
out, and affairs were rather desperate. Gen. Irvine, as commissioner, attend-
ed strictly to the business of his office, saying, ' ' I make a rule of doing what
I think is right, and trust to events for consequences." The presence of
troops in Carlisle brought the people to their senses. Gov. Mifflin arrived on
the 1st of October, and in the evening delivered a stirring address in the
Presbyierian Church. His arrival was in advance of the army, which reached
Carlisle October 3. A writer says ' ' the beloved Washington' ' approached in a
traveling dress, attended by his secretary, Alexander Hamilton, and proceeds:
"As he passed our troops he pulled off his hat and, in the most respectful
manner, bowed to the officers and men, and in this manner passed the line,
who were (as you may suppose) affected by the sight of their chief, for whom
each individual seemed to show the affectionate regard that would have been
paid to an honored parent. As he entered the town the inhabitants seemed
anxious to see this very great and good man; crowds were assembled in the
streets, but their admiration was silent. The President passed to the front of
the camp, where the troops were assembled in front of the tents; the line of
artillery, horse and infantry appeared in the most perfect order; the greatest
silence was observed. The spectacle was grand, interesting and affecting; ev-
ery man as he passed along poured forth his wishes for the preservation of this
most valuable of their fellow-citizens. Here you might see the aged veteran,
the mature soldier and the zealous youth assembled in defense of that govesn-
ment which must (in turn) prove the protection of their persons, family and
property. ' ' The court house was illuminated in the evening, and a transpar-
ency was prepared, bearing the inscriptions: "Washington is ever triumphant. "
' ' The reign of the laws, ' ' and ' ' Woe to Anarchists. ' ' President Washington
while here was the guest of Col. Ephraim Blaine. A number of the princi-
pal inhabitants presented him the following address on Monday of the week
following :
Cabusle, October 17, 1794.
To George Washington, Esq., President op the United States:
Sir: "We, the subscribers, inhabitants of this borough, on behalf of ourselves, our fel-
low-citizens, friends to good order, government and the laws, approach you at this time
to express our sincere admiration of those virtues which have been uniformly exerted with
so much success for the happiness of America, and which at this critical period of impend-
ing foreign and domestic troubles have been manifested with distinguished lustre.
Though we deplore the cause which has collected in this borough all classes of virtuous
citizens yet it affords us the most heartfelt satisfaction to meet the father of our country
and brethren in arms, distinguished for their patriotism, their love of order and attach-
ment to the constitution and laws; and while on the one hand we regret the occasion
which has brought from their homes men of all situations, who have made sacriflcos un-
equaled in any other country of their private interests to the public good, yet we are con-
soled by the consideration that the citizens of the United States have evinced to our
enemies abroad and the foes of our happy constitution at home that they not only have
the will but possess the power to repel all foreign Invaders and to crush all domestic
traitors.
The history of the world affords us too many instances of the destruction of free gov-
ernments by factious and unprincipled men. Yet the present insurrection and opposition
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND CO0NTY. 101
to government is exceeded by none, either for its causeless origin or for the extreme
malignity and wickedness with which it has been executed.
The unexampled clemency of our councils in their endeavors to bring to a sense of
duty the western insurgents, and the ungrateful returns which have been made by that de-
luded people, have united all gdod men in one common efEort to restore order and obe-
dience to the laws, and to punish those who have neglected to avail themselves of and have
spurned at the most tender and humane oilers that have ever been made to rebels and
traitors.
We have viewed with pain the great industry, art and misrepresentations which have
been practiced to delude our fellow-citizens. We trust that the efforts of the General
O-overnment, the combination of the good and virtuous against the vicious and factious,
will cover with confusion the malevolent disturbers of the public peace, and afford to the
well-disposed the certainty of protection to their persons and property. The sword of jus-
tice in the hands of our beloved President can only be considered an object of terror by
the wicked, and will be looked up to by the good and virtuous as their safegard and pro-
tection.
We bless that Providence which has preserved a life so valuable through so many
important scenes, and we pray that He will continue to direct and prosper the measures
adopted by you for the security of our internal peace and the stability of our Government,
and that after a life of continued usefulness and glory you may be rewarded with eternal
felicity.
There was no doubt of the sincerity of the foregoing address, and Wash-
ington, whom it could not fail to touch with a feeling of pleasure, responded
as follows:
Gentlemen: I thank you sincerely for your affectionate address. I feel as I ought
what is personal to me, and I can not but be particularly pleased with the enlightened and
patriotic attachment which is manifested towards our happy constitution and the laws.
When we look around and behold the universally acknowledged prosperity which
blesses every part of the United States, facts no less unequivocal than those which are the
lamented occasion of our present meeting were necessary to persuade us that any portion
of our fellow-citizens could be so deficient in discernment or virtue as to attempt to dis-
turb a situation which, instead of murmurs and tumults, calls for our warmest gratitude
to heaven, and our earnest endeavors to preserve and prolong so favored a lot.
Let us hope that the delusion cannot be lasting, that reason will speedily regain her
empire, and the laws their just authority where they have lost it. Let the wise and the
virtuous unite their efforts to reclaim the misguided, and to detect and defeat the arts of
the factious. The union of good men is a basis on which the security of our internal
peace and the stability of our government may safely rest. It will always prove an ade-
quate rampart against the vicious and disorderly.
In any case in which it may be indispensable to raise the sword of justice against ob-
stinate offenders, I shall deprecate the necessity of deviating from a favorite aim, to estab-
lish the authority of the laws in'the affections rather than in the fears of any.
George Washington.
Before Washington arrived at Carlisle, the accidental discharge of a sol-
dier' s pistol killed the brother of a man whom a party of soldiers were pur-
suing because of his action in conjunction with the insurgents, and another
countryman was killed in a quarrel with a soldier. The circumstances were
regretted by the President and his secretary (Gen. Hamilton). Several who
had acted with the insurrectionists were arrested and lodged in jail at Carlisle,
but they appeared to be little concerned at the consequences of their proceed-
ings.
Andrew Holmes, Esq. , a member of a company from Carlisle, in the com-
mand of Gen. Chambers, kept a private journal in which he recorded the
movement of the troops, and under date of Sunday, October 11, 1794, 2
o'clock P. M., he wrote as follows: "The Carlisle Light Infantry, together
with from 3,000 to 4,000 troops, cavalry, rifle and infantry, marched from
Carlisle to Mount Rock. The offlsers of the Carlisle lafantry were as follows:
Captain, George Stevenson; first-lieutenant, Eoberfc Miller; second-lieutenant,
William Miller; ensign, Thomas Oreigh; orderly sergeant, William Armor;
sergeant-major, George Hackett; drum-major, James Holmes; and fifty-two
privates, among whom were Thomas Duncan, David .Watts, Robert Duncan,
102 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
John Lyon, Nathaniel Weakley, George Pattison, Charles Pattison, William
Andi'ew, Abraham Holmes, Archibald Ramsey, Joseph Clark, William Dun-
bar, Archibald McAllister, William Crane, Jacob Fetter, Archibald Loudon,
Thomas Foster, Jacob Housenet, George Wright, Thomas Wallace, Francis
Gibson, Joseph and Michael Egolf, Robert MoClure and William Levis. At
Sideling Hill Capt. Stevenson was made a major, and William Levis, quarter-
master. ' '
The following brigade order, December 4, 1794, is from the same journal:
Tlie General congratulates the troops which he has the honor to ooramand, on their ar-
rival at Strasburg,*and feelini^ly anticipates the pleasure which the worthy citizen soldiers
and himself shall have in the company of their nearest connections. He also has the
pleasure of announcing to the brigade the entire approbation of the commander-in-chief
for their orderly conduct and strict discipline, which reflects the highest honor on both offi-
cers and soldiers. He is likewise happy in assuring his fellow-citizens that their soldierly
behavior during the whole campaign has merited his highest acknowledgments and as they
have supported the laws of their country he rests assured that they will, when they have
retired to private life, support civil society in every point of view. As the worthy men who
stepped forward in support of the happiness of their country and the support of the Con-
stitution of the Federal Government are to deposit their arms in this town to-morrow, the
commanding officers of the regiments composing the brigade will see that fair inventories
of every article are made to Mr. Samuel Riddle, brigade quartermaster, who is to give re-
ceipts for such delivery. And the quartermaster of the brigade is to detain a sufficient
number of wagons to transport the arms to the place pointed out in the orders of the com-
mander-in-chief of the 17ih ult. The officers commanding the several corps will meet to-
morrow morning to certify to the men as to their time of service and the balance due and
to becoire due. agreeable to General Irvine's orders of the 30th of JTovember.
By order of Gen. Chambers.
William Ross, Adjutant.
The company of Carlisle infantry was mustered out of service and arrived
at home December 5, 1794. Thus ended the famous "Whiskey Insurrection
of 1794."
The following account of Washington's visit is from a recent account pub-
lished by George R. Prowell in the Gettysburg Compiler :
' ' Much has been written that is inaccurate concerning the visit of Gen.
Washington to western Pennsylvania for the purpose of quelling the so-called
Whisky Insurrection in that section of our State in 1794. An original record
of the facts and incidents of that famous trip having lately come into my pos-
session, and in a condensed form, I feel a pleasure in hereby furnishing them to
the readers of the Compiler.
' ' President Washington, accompanied by a portion of his cabinet, left Phil-
adelphia, then the capital of the United States, for the west via Reading, on
Wednesday, October 1, 1794. He reached Harrisburg on the afternoon of Fri-
day, October 3, when he was presented with an address by the burgesses, to
which he replied the next morning. He reached Carlisle at 12 o'clock, noon,
October 4. The town was the place of rendezvous for the Pennsylvania and
New Jersey troops, and he remained in Carlisle from Saturday, October 4, to
Saturday, October 11, reviewing the troops. On the last named date he left
for the West, dined at Shippensburg and reached Chambersburg the sanle even-
ing. At this place tradition says he stopped and spent Sunday with Dr. Rob-
ert Johnson, a surgeon of the Pennsylvania line during the Revolution. He
passed through Chambersburg, and arrived at Williamsport, Maryland, on the
evening of October 13, Monday. Early the next morning he set out for Fort
Cumberland, where he arrived on Thursday, October 16, and the next day re-
viewed the Virginia and Maryland troops under command of Gen. Lee.
"On Sunday, October 19, Gen. Washington arrived at Bedford, where he
remained until Tuesday, October 21. The approach of the armed troops soon
*A village ten miles nortHwest of Chambersburg, where the troops were then encamped.
&^ ' ''Ski ^
V
I ■
^^ % JC;^^^0^>^^r.^.^ /%?,AP,
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTV. 105
caused a cessation of hostilities. On the last named date he set out on his re-
turn, spending the night of Friday, October 24, at Shippensburg, and the fol-
lowing night (Saturday) with Gen. Michael Simpson, in Fairview Township,
York County, who then owned the ferry across the river and what is now known
as the "Haldeman property" below New Cumberland. At this place he is
supposed to have spent a quiet Sunday, as he arrived in Philadelphia on the
following Tuesday morning.
" One time in the history of this great man's life he crossed the southern
border of Adams County. The facts of this trip I will be pleased to furnish
at some future time, giving exact facts and data fi'om original documents, which
are the only true sources of history. ' '
In the Northwestern Indian wars of 1790-94, under Gens. Harmar, St. Clair
and "Wayne, Cumberland County was represented by a number of daring men,
though no companies were raised or called for in Pennsylvania except west of
the Allegheny Mountains. Dr. William McCoskry, then of Carlisle but after-
ward of Detroit, served as surgeon in the expeditions of St. Clair and Wayne;
and Eobert McClellan, son of a pioneer in East Pennsborough, distinguished
himself as a scout, winning the title "Fleet Eanger" by his exploits and
daring.
In 1798, when a war with France was threatened, companies of militia
were by order of Gov. Mifflin held in readiness for immediate service, and
quite a speck of war cloud was visible above the horizon. Some of the people
sympathized with the French, and affairs might have become very serious but
for the accession of Napoleon Bonaparte to power in France, by which event
the aspect was changed and France withdrew from her offensive attitude. To
meet any emergency the Tenth Eegiment of Pennsylvania troops was organ-
ized under Thomas L. More, of Philadelphia, as colonel, and William Hen-
derson and George Stevenson, of Cumberland County as majors. These men
had been active in the Revolution. Maj. Stevenson had command of the
recruiting service in that portion of the State west of the Allegheny Moun-
tains. Alexander McComb — afterward a major-general and noted in the war
of 1812-15 — was an ensign in this Tenth Regiment, and Hugh Brady, also a
general afterward, was a lieutenant.
War of 1812-15. — Upon the call of the President for troops at the break-
ing out of the second war with Great Britian in June, 1812, Pennsylvania
responded quickly, and Cumberland County hastened to furnish her quota of
soldiers. There was little opposition to the war in the county, and four full
companies were speedily mustered and equipped at Carlisle, generally for six
months' service, ready to march wherever ordered.
Principal among these was the "Carlisle Light Infantry," which, as seen,
took part in the campaign against the whisky insurrectionists in 1794. It was
originally organized in 1784, by soldiers who had served in the Revolution,
and after its service in the second war it continued to exist until some time in
1854. From its organization its commanders were Capts. Magaw, George
Stevenson, Robert Miller, William Miller, William Alexander (who was captain
when the second war began, and had been, since July 1, 1802, printer and
editor of the Carlisle Herald, established that year), Lindsey, Thompson,
Spottswood, Edward Armor (1823), George D. Foulke (1827), John McCart-
ney (1829), William Sterrett Ramsey (1835), William Moudy (1839), Jacob
Rehrar (1840), George Sanderson (1842) and Samuel Crop (from November
24, 1845, to 1854).
Two small companies of riflemen — one from Carlisle commanded by Capt.
George Hendall, and the other from Mechanicsburg under Capt. Coover — were
106 HISTORY OF CUMBEKLAND COUNTY.
united into one company, George Hendall was chosen captain, and they went
with the Light Infantry to the Niagara frontier in 1814. It is said of them:
' ' Both companies participated in most of the battles and sorties of that hard
fought campaign. In the battle of Chippewa, they were a part of the detach-
ment of 250 Pennsylvanians under the command of Col. Bull, of Perry County,
who were sent with fifty or sixty regulars and 300 Indians, into the woods
to strike the Chippewa Creek about a half mile above the British works.
Here they were attacked by a party of 200 militia with some Indians, but
so impetuous was the charge with which oar troops met them that they were
compelled to give way in every direction and were pursued with great slaughter
up to the very guns of the fort. This little band of Pennsylvanians here found
themselves forsaken by the Indians, and in the face of the enemy' s main force
and assailed by four companies on the left and flank. They were of course
compelled to retire, but having gone about 300 yards they reformed and kept
up a heavy fire for about ten minutes, when, being raked by a cannon on the
right, outflanked and almost surrounded by the entire four companies now
brought against them they were obliged to retreat. They had depended on
and every moment expected a support from the main army, but as this was not
given them in season they retired in good order and keeping up a fire upon
their assailants. They had fought more than an hour, had chased their enemies
a mile and a half, and when exhausted by their exertions and extreme heat
they rejoined their regiment, which they met entering the field imder Col.
Fenton. They then re-entered the field and bore their part as if they had been
fresh from their tents. Not more than twelve men (and these on account of ex-
treme exhaustion) were absent from this second encounter. Eight of their men
had been killed in the woods and the number of their wounded was in the usual
proportion. One hundred and fifty of the enemy's militia and Indians were
left dead on the field. Col. Bull was treacherously shot down by the enemy
after his surrender, and Maj. Galloway and Capt. White were taken prisoners.
These two officers on their return home were received by their former compan-
ions with great rejoicings. The time of enlistm.ent for these companies was
short, being not over six or nine months, but whether they continued during
another term we are not informed. ' '
Besides these Cumberland County troops there were other men from the
county connected with the regular army on the same (Niagara) frontier. Among
them were George McFeely and Willis D. Foulke. The former became a lieu-
tenant-colonel in the Twenty-second United States Infantry, July 6, 1812, and
colonel of the Twenty-fifth April 15, 1814. He had in the early part of 1812
been in charge of the recruiting service at the Carlisle Barracks. He left that
place October 5, 1812, and proceeded to the Niagara frontier, with 200 men
of the Twenty- second Begiment. With his men he was sent to the old Fort
Niagara to relieve Col. Winder in the command of that station, arriving Novem-
ber 14. In the artillery duel with Fort George on the 21st the British had
the worst of the game. May 27, 1813, Lieut. Col. Winfield Scott ("to whom
he yielded precedence' ' ) invited him to lead the vanguard in the movement
into Canada. Col. McFeely was second in command in that expedition and
had about 650 men under him. They routed a superior force of the enemy
and captured Fort George, and subsequently suffered greatly during the cam-
paign. Lieut. -Col. McFeely was sent to Lake Champlain later, and in June,
1814, was promoted to colonel, to rank from April previous. Eeported to
Maj. -Gen. Jacob Brown on the Niagara frontier again, and joined his new
regiment under Gen. Scott. Held several responsible commands until close
of war. ' ' He was an excellent disciplinarian, had his troops under admirable
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 107
control, and was remarkable for his coolness under, the enemy's fire and his
patient hardihood under the severest sufferings."
The "Patriotic Blues" was another company, commanded by Capt. Jacob
Squier; first lieutenant, Samuel McKeehan; second lieutenant, Frederick Fogle;
and ensign, Stephen Kerr. The company was sent to Baltimore to assist in
repelling the British attack upon that city, and was attached to the Forty- ninth
Maryland Militia under Lieut. Col. Veazy. Took an important part in the
actions of September 12-15, 1814, and on the 16th, danger being apparently
over, left ■ for home with the assurance that they had performed their duty
honorably and well.
"There were other companies," says Dr. Wing, "which went to Baltimore
from the eastern towns in the county, and from what is now- Perry County.
It is said that these were in the detachment which was sent to lie in ambush
by the route on which the British troops were expected to advance on its way to
Baltimore. As Gen. Ross, the commander of these troops, was riding by the
spot where they were concealed, it is said that two sharpshooters raised their
pieces and were about to fire. An order was given them to desist, but before
one of them, whose name was Kirkpatrick, from over the m.ountains, could
understand the order, he fired his gun and the British general fell. The re-
sult was that a tremendous volley was fired into the thicket where they were
concealed; but confusion was thrown into the plans of the invading party by
the loss of their commander, and the idea of occupying Baltimore was given
up."
In order to protect Philadelphia from possible violence at the hands of an
invading force, a large body of troops was massed at that point, and among
them was a company known as the "Carlisle Guards," who marched under
Capt. Joseph Halbert early in September, 1814, and were encamped on Bush
Hill, near Philadelphia, for nearly a month,drilling, constructing intrenchments,
etc. They saw no enemy, but were subjected to as strict dicipline as troops
at the front. Capt. Halbert, on the 3d of August, 1811, had been commis-
sioned by Gov. Snider, a major of the Second Battalion, Twelfth Regiment
Pennsylvania Militia, in First Brigade, Second Division, including militia of
Cumberland and Franklin Counties. His commission was for four years from
that date.
THE MEXICAN WAR.
When the Mexican war broke out Carlisle Barracks was in command of
Capt. J. M. Washington, Battery D, Fourth United States Artillery. This
company of light artillery received recruits from various portions of the coun-
try, and finally left Carlisle for the seat of war June 23, 1846. The organiza-
tion was as follows: Captain, J. M. Washington; first lieutenant, J. P. J.
O'Brien; second lieutenant, Henry L. Whiting; acting assistant quartermaster,
Thos. L. Brent; surgeon, C. M. Hitchcock.
The company did valiant service with Taylor's army in Mexico. At the
battle of Buena Vista the battery was divided into sections, one of which, con-
sisting of three guns, under charge of Lieut. O'Brien, was captured, but not
till every man was shot down and every horse killed. Lieut. O'Brien was
wounded, but continued steadfast at his post till the last. In this engagement
the casualties to the section were as follows: Killed, privates, Edwin HoUey,
Green, Weakley, Rinks and Doughty. Wounded: first lieutenant, J. P. J.
O'Brien; sergeant, Queen; lance sergeant, Pratt; privates, Hannams, Puffer,
Beagle, Berrin, Floyd, Hannon, Baker, Brown, Birch, Butler, Clark and Rob-
bins.
On the 18th of January, 1847, an election of officers for an independent
108 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
company of volunteers occurred at Carlisle, resulting as follows : Captain, John
P. hunter; first lieutenant, Marshall Hannon; second lieutenant, Wm. H.
Gray; third lieutenant, Geo. L. Keighter.
This company, organized by Capt. Hunter under what was known as "the
ten regiments' bill, ' ' embraced recruits from Cumberland, Perry and Franklin
Counties, and probably some from others. They were enlisted to serve during
the war, and were rendezvoused at Carlisle Barracks. The company required
sixty-six men, but left Carlisle with some forty-six, additions having been made
to it en route for Mexico. It was known as Company G, Eleventh Infantry.
The following is the roster of enlisted men as it left Carlisle : first sergeant,
E. G. Heck; second sergeant, Wm. Blaine; third sergeant, Alex. P. Meek;
fourth sergeant, P. O. Baker; first corporal, S. W. Hannon; second corporal,
Wm. Hippie; third corporal, Jacob Bender; fourth corporal, John Thompson;
drummer, George King; fifer, Archibald Eowe; privates, Applegate, John
Brannon, George Boyer, Samuel Baxter, Wm. Biceline, Crell, James Carey,
Culp, Deung, John Evinger, Joseph Faust, James Gallagan, Graham, John
Gill, Samuel Guysinger, George Hikes, Higbee, Wm. Hudson, Leonard Hoff-
man, Wm. HoUinger, Hetrich, Wm. James, Kunkle, Casper Kline, George
Lamison, McCracken, Wm. Moore, Mclntire, Wm. McDonald, Misinger, Sam-
uel Peck, Lafayette Searcy, Amos Steffey, Scheime, Samuel Swigert, Stein,
George Shatto, Emanuel Weirich, Lewis Weaver, Wilde, Sam^uel Zell.
This company was first under command of Capt. Hunter, but on reaching
the field he was promoted to be major of the Eleventh Infantry, and Lewis
Carr, of Philadelphia, was chosen captain. Lieut. Gray finally became com-
mander of Capt. Waddel's company. Eleventh Infantry.
The company left Carlisle Barracks on Monday morning, March 29,
1847, for the field. Marching to town it was halted in front of the court
house, where the men were addressed by L. G. Brandeberry, Esq. , in a few
appropriate and well-timed remarks. They were then presented, each with a
new testament, by Mr. Samuel Ensminger, after which they marched to the cars
to the tune of ' ' The Girl I left Behind Me. " Going by rail to Harrisburg, the
company proceeded thence by canal-boat to Pittsburgh, whence it sailed by
boat to New Orleans, and thence to the mouth of Rio Grande River via Brazos
Island. After a time it sailed for Vera Cruz, but after eighteen days' deten-
tion on the Gulf, it was compelled to stop at Tampico, where it lost about one-
third of its number by yellow fever and other forms of disease. The company,
from no fault of its own, never reached Vera Cruz, and did not fight.
Other companies were organized in Cumberland County and their services
tendered to the Government, but not accepted. In this list is found a com-
pany of young men organized, in May, 1847, with the following officers : Capt.
R. M. Henderson; Lieuts. Hampton R. Lemer, Robert McCord.
In June, 1846, Capt. Samuel Crop tendered a company with full comple-
ment of men known as Carlisle Light Infantry.
Edward Watts, formerly a student of West Point, established a recruiting
station at Winrot's Hotel (now Mansion House) for a company of infantry.
This was in June, 1847.
Capt. R. C. Smead, Fourth United States Artillery, superintended recruit-
ing service at the barracks during several months in 1847.
Prom the time Capt. Washington relinquished command of the barracks
(June 23, 1846) George M. Sanno, barrack master, had charge of the public
property until the return of Col. A. C. May, August 25, 1847.
HISTORY OP OUMBEELAND COUNTY. 109
CHAPTER VI.
Military Continued — Carlisle Barracks— Cumberland County in the
War of the Rebellion.
IN 1777, by the aid of the Hessian prisoners captured by Gen. Washington
at Trenton, New Jersey, certain buildings were erected in the edge of Car-
lisle, and known thereafter as " Carlisle Barracks. " Of the buildings thus
constructed, one, situated at the main entrance to the ground and known as
the " Guard House " still remains. These buildings, increased as necessity
demanded, were used for military purposes afterward till they were diverted
to their present purpose for the Indian Industrial School. The officials who,
from time to time were stationed at the Barracks, constituted an active ele-
ment of Carlisle society, and subsequently figured conspicuously in the war of
the Rebellion.
The following officers served as commanders of Carlisle Barracks from
1838 to the commencement of the Rebellion, the facts being obtained from
the War Department at Washington:
Capt. E. V. Sumner, Capt. R. S. Dix, Second Lieut. A. J. Smith and
First Lieut. R. H. West, First Dragoons; First Lieut. W. H. Saunders,
Second Dragoons; Maj. C. Wharton, First Dragoons; Capt. J. M. Wash-
ington, First Lieut J. W. Phelps and Lieut. Col. M. M. Payne, Fourth
Artillery; Capt. Chas. A. May and First Lieut. A. Pleasonton, Second
Dragoons; First Lieut. R. C. W. Radford, First Dragoons; Lieut.-Ool.
P. St. G. Cooke and First Lieut. R. H. Anderson, Second Dragoons;
Capt. A. J. Smith, First Dragoons; Capt. Chas. F. Ruff, Mounted Rifles;
Col. E. A. 'Hitchcock, Capt. Geo. W. Patten, Capt. D. Davidson, Capt.
C. S. Lovell, Capt. S. P. Heintzelman and Capt. H. W. Wessells, Second
Infantry; Lieut. -Col. C. F. Smith and Col. E. B. Alexander, Tenth Infantry;
Lieut. -Col. G. B. Crittenden and First Lieut. Julian May, R. M. Rifles; Capt.
R. H. Anderson, Second Dragoons; First Lieut. D. H. Maury, R. M. Rifles;
First Lieut. K. Garrard, Second Cavalry; First Lieut. Alfred Gibbs, R. M.
Rifles; Maj. L. P. Graham, Second Dragoons.
Of the foregoing, it will be observed that Sumner, A. J. Smith, Pleason-
ton and Heintzelman were major-generals during the Rebellion, and held
prominent positions in the Union Army; R. H. Anderson was a major-general
in the Confederate service, and commanded a division of Hill' s Corps at the
Battle of Gettysburg.
Cumberland County, like other portions of the Cumberland Valley and the
Keystone State, always responded to any call which sought to defend the
Nation against any foes, external or internal. When the wires announced that
a portion of this country had raised the puny arm of revolt, and that the Na-
tional flag had been insulted by those whom it had previously protected and
honored, its citizens were fired with indignation, and responded, with patriotic
alacrity, to the call of President Lincoln, but recently installed as the legally
elected President of this great commonwealth, for 75,000 men to protect pub-
lic property and maintain the supremacy of the Federal Union. The firing on
Fort Sumter in April, 1861, and the surrender of Gen. Anderson to over-
110 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
whelming forces of secessionists, stirred the patriotic heart of the country. In
response to the President's call for 75,000 men to serve for three months, some
three companies proffered their services within a week fi'om the issuing of the
proclamation. One of these companies, with 100 brave men, started from Car-
lisle Saturday, April 13, and reached Harrisburg, the place of rendezvous, to
be mustered, on the 23d instant. Three other companies in Carlisle and one
in Mechanicsburg were awaiting orders to march to the front in a short time.
By the 9th of June, they were mustered into reserve regiments, and shortly
participated in the severest engagements of that early period of the
Rebellion.
Sumner Rifles. — The first company was the Sumner Rifles with the fol-
lowing organization: Captain, Christian Kuhns; first lieutenant, Augustus
Zug; second lieutenant, John B. Alexander; sergeants, John S. Lyne,
Barnet Shafer, John W. Keeney and John S. Low; corporals, Charles F.
Sanno, Charles H. Foulk, Thomas D. Caldwell and John T. SheafFer. It be-
came Company C of the Ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, under
the command of Col. Henry C. Longnecker, of AUentown.
Eleven days after its muster into service, viz. , May 4, this regiment was
sent for drill purposes to West Chester, where it remained in Camp Wayne tUl
the 26th, when it was transferred to Wilmington, Del., to aid the loyal people
of that State. Returning by way of Carlisle June 6, it was attached at
Chambersburg to the Fourth Brigade of First Division, under Col. Dixon
S. Miles. It performed faithful duty in West Virginia, in the region of
Martinsburg, Falling Waters and Williamsport, till July 21, when its term
of service having almost expired, it returned to Harrisburg to be mustered
out. Many of its men re-entered the service for a longer period.
A second company of three months' men was that enlisted at Mechanics-
burg with the following organization: Captain, Jacob Dorsheimer; first
lieutenant, David H. Kimmell; second lieutenant, Isaac B. Kauffman; ser-
geants, George M. Parsons, Benjamin Dull, Samuel F. Swai-tz and David R.
Mell; corporals, Theophilus Mountz, Wm. H. Crandall, John G. Bobb, and
Levi M. Coover. It was designated Company C, and was attached to the Six-
teenth Regiment, under Col. Thomas A. Zeigle of York. It also belonged to
the Fourth Brigade under Col. Miles, and had the same experiences as the
company from Carlisle. When its term of service had expired, it was the
first company from the Keystone State to re -enlist.
KESEKVE KEGIMENTS.
First Reserve. On the 20th of April, 1861, Gov. And. G. Curtin recom-
mended to the Special Legislature of Pennsylvania, ' ' the immediate organiza-
tion, disciplining and arming of at least fifteen regiments of cavalry and in-
fantry, exclusive of those called into the service of the United States." In
harmony with this suggestion, a law was passed, authorizing a body of soldiers
known as the " Reserve Volunteers Corps of the Commonwealth, " to consist of
thirteen regiments of infantry and one each of cavalry and artillery, and to be
mustered for three years or during the war, for State or National service.
Under this call, the Carlisle Light Infantry, in existence since 1784,
was reorganized and mustered in June 8, 1861, with the following commissioned
and non-commissioned officers: Captain, Robert McCartney; first lieu-
tenant, Joseph Stuart; second lieutenant, Thomas P. Dwynn; sergeants,
John A. Waggoner, Andrew J. Reighter, Robert McManus and Abram Heiser;
corporals, John A. Blair, William Corlaett, Frederick Deemer, Frederick K.
Morrison and Daniel Askew.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Ill
Capt. McCartney resigning in August, 1861, his position was taken in Oct-
ober following by Lieut. Dwynn, who was killed at South Mountain Septem-
ber 14, 1862. His successor was F. B. McManus, who retained command till
the company was mustered out, June 13, 1864. Lieut. Joseph Stuart was
killed at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862, and was succeeded by John A. Growl,
who was promoted from the ranks through the intermediate grades.
The Carlisle Guards, a second organization, was mustered June 10,
with the following officers: Captain, Lemuel Todd; first lieutenant, George
W. Cropp; second lieutenant, Isaiah H. Graham; sergeants, Wm. B. Wolf,
James Broderick, Robei-t B. Smiley, George A. Keller; corporals, T. B.
Kauffman, Isaac Gorgas, J. T. Bailey and Levi H. Mullen.
These companies became Companies H and I respectively, of the Thirtieth
Regiment, under the command of E. Biddle Roberts, colonel; H. M. Mclntyre,
lieutenant- colonel, and Lemuel Todd, major. The promotion of Capt. Todd
to the majorship gave the position of captain to George W. Cropp. The
place was subsequently filled, also, by T. B. Kauffman and Isaiah Graham.
After the battle of Bull Run, the Thirtieth Regiment was ordered to Washing-
ton, but stopping at Annapolis, it performed such efficient service in guarding-
railroad communication and preventing the smuggling of supplies into the
South, as to elicit special mention by Gen. John A. Dix. On August 30,
the regiment was sent, via Washington, to Tennallytown, Md. , where it united
with other reserves under Gen.. McCall. During the autumn and winter of
1861, it engaged in the Virginia campaign, neai; Dranesville, Manassas Junc-
tion and Fredericksburg. In the engagements at Mechanicsville and Gaines'
Mill, during the Peninsular campaign of 1862, the command suffered heavily,
losing some fourteen killed and about fifty wounded. Among the former
was Lieut. Stuart of Company H. Subsequently, at Centreville and South
Mountain, the regiment met its former foes and achieved new successes.
The same year it engaged in the severely contested battles of Antietam and
Fredericksburg, and the following year was a part of the grand army which,
at Gettysburg, turned the fate of the Confederacy July 1-8, 1863. Its services
continued with the Army of the Potomac through the campaign of 1863 and
early 1864 till Juno 13, when it was mustered out at Philadelphia. Its muster-
rolls, originally, had 1,084 men. Of this number, 139 were lost by sickness and
death on the field of battle, 233 were wounded, 258 were discharged for disa-
bility, and 148 re-enlisted as veterans.
Seventh Reserve. — A company known as the Carlisle Fencibles, was ready
for service in April, 1861. With a beautiful satin flag, bearing the motto,
" May God Defend the Right," the gift of Mrs. Samuel Alexander, grand-
daughter of Col. Ephraim Blaine, the company left Carlisle, on June 6, for
Westchester, its organization consisting of the following officers : Captain,
Robert M. Henderson; first lieutenant, James S. Colwell; second lieutenant,
Erkwries Beatty; orderly sergeant, John D. Adair.
Capt. Henderson, wounded both at Charles City Cross Roads and Bull Run,
was promoted to lieutenant- colonel, July 4, 1862, his position being filled by
Lieut. J. S. Colwell. The latter being killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862,
Lieut. Beatty became captain, Samuel V. Ruby and D. W. Burkholder became
first and second lieutenants, respectively.
Almost simultaneous with the organization of this company, one was raised
at Mechanicsburg, with Joseph Totten as captain; Jacob T. Zug, as first and
Geo. W. Comfort as second lieutenant, and John W. Cook as first sergeant
Capt. Totten was promoted to lieutenant-colonel soon after the departure of
the company, and was followed by Henry I. Zinn, who, resigning November 30,
112 HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
was succeeded by Samuel King. The latter remained with the company till it
was mustered out June 16, 1864. Jacob Zug lost an arm by a wound Decem-
ber 30, 1862, when he resigned as first lieutenant and was followed by Jacob
HefEelfinger. George W. Comfort was killed at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862.
These companies, on their arrival at Camp Wayne, became Companies A
and H of the Seventh Regiment of Reserves, whose oflBcers were: Colonel
Elisha B. Harvey, of Wilkes Barre; lieutenant-colonel, Joseph Totten; major,
Chauncey A. Lyman, of Lock Haven. The regiment was ordered to report to
Washington, D. C. , where on the 27th of July, it was mustered into the United
States Service, and- finally attached to the Brigade of Reserves under command
of Gen. George G. Meade. Having spent the autumn and winter in north-
ern Virginia, the regiment was given active service in the Peninsular cam-
paign. At Gaines' Mill it was called upon to meet an impetuous attack on
Butterfield's artillery. Though met by overwhelming numbers it saved the
caissons, Capt. King, however, being taken prisoner with twenty of his men.
The loss of the regiment was large, embracing about one-half of its effective
force. In the succeeding seven days' fighting, June 26 to July 2, it was con-
tinually occupying posts of danger and death, the muster revealing the fact
that the loss was 301, embracing, among the wounded, Capt. Henderson and
Lieuts. Zug and Beatty, and that only about 200 of the men who started. on
the campaign were ready for duty. Promotions changed the stations of officers,
and Capt. Henderson became lieutenant-colonel.
In August following this brigade was sent to the Rappahannock, and joined
io the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Gen. Pope. At Groveton,
after two days' severe skirmishing, the regiment was engaged in a spirited battle,
with heavy loss and the wounding of Col. Henderson. It followed the Army
of the Potomac again, under command of Gen. McClellan, the successor of
Pope, to Washington; thence through western Maryland to South Mountain
and Antietam. At the latter place (September 17), the Seventh took an im-
portant part, but suffered heavily in killed and wounded. The explosion of
a shell either killed or wounded mortally, Capt. Colwell and Privates John
Gallio, Leo Faller, David Spahr and Wm. Culp of Company A.
A few months later, viz., December 12, it participated in Gen. Burnside's
unsuccessful attack upon the Rebels at Fredericksburg. Crossing the riyer in
the face of the enemy, it was subjected to a galling fire from Stuart's battery;
but moving up the height, leaping ditches, it penetrated Longstreet's lines,
capturiag and sending back more than 100 prisoners. Though finally repulsed,
the captures by soldiers of Company A alone embraced the swords of three
rebel captains and the battle-flag of a Georgia regiment. Corp. Cart was
given a medal for capturing the colors. The losses to the regiment were heavy,
embracing 6 killed, 72 wounded and 22 missing. After this sanguinary bat-
tle the regiment was called to perform duty around Washington, where it re-
mained till the next spring, when it moved out on the Campaign to Richmond.
In the Wilderness, near Chancellorsville, 272 officers and men, pursuing the
enemy, were captured on the 2d of May, 1863. The soldiers were taken
to Southern prisons, notably Andersonville and Florence, where many of them
died under most pitiabld circumstances. The officers, taken to Macon, were sub-
sequently exposed to the fire.of Federal guns "at Charleston, to defend the city
against attack. A fragment of the regiment not captured, increased by re-
cruits furnished by Capt. King of Company H, participated in the Campaign
against Richmond in 1864. At the expiration of its service it was mustered
out June 16, 1864 at Philadelphia.
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HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 115
CAVALRY SERVICE.
In 1861, Cumberland County farnished Wo companies of cavalry at a
time when this branch of the service was fully appreciated. One of these was
known as Big Spring Adamantine Guards, and had had an organized exist-
ence for fifty years. It embraced 108 men, under command of Capt. S.
Woodbum. After a year's service he was mustered out by special order Au-
gust 28, 1862, when his position was filled by Wm. E. Miller, promoted from
the second lieutenancy. The first lieutenants in order were Wm. Baughman and
E. L. Cauffman. The second lieutenants in succession were Wm. E. Miller,
Louis R. Stille and Elwood Davis. It became a part of the Third Cavalry
under command for a time of Col. Wm. H. Young. Under the rigid disci-
pline of Col. W.. W. Averill, at Washington, it became highly efficient, and
engaged in the movement southward in March, 1862, participating in the siege
of Torktown. With Averill it participated in the severe campaigns of McClel-
lan near Richmond, at Harrison' s Landing, and during the Maryland invasion
at Antietam.
When Col. Averill was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, the regi-
ment was commanded (November, 1862) by Col. J. B. Mcintosh, its operations
being in Virginia mainly during the remainder of the year. When its term of
service expired, a veteran battalion was formed, which participated with the
Army of the Potomac in its active operations preceding, during and subsequent
to the Battle of Gettysburg, where the regiment did such valiant service against
Stuart's cavalry.
The second company recruited under authority of the War Department by
Wm. B. Sipes, of Philadelphia, was formed in small part from Payette, but
mainly from Cumberland County. It was joined to the Seventh Cavalry with
Geo. C. Wyncoop as colonel and Wm. B. Sipes as lieutenant-colonel. Of this
company, David T. May, of West Fairview, was the first captain. After his
death at Chickamauga, September 21, 1863, James G. Taylor became captain.
His death ensuing, Wm. H. Collins assumed the place. Joseph G. Vale, of
Carlisle, was first lieutenant, but in August, 1862, he was promoted captain of
Company M of same regiment. This regiment was sent west to the Depart-
ment of the Cumberland, where, in 1862-63, it did efficient service. It partici-
pated in the Chickamauga battle, in which Lieut. Vale was wounded. In 1864
most of the men re-enlisted at Huntsville, Ala. After various services in
Georgia and other States, it was mustered out at Macon, Ga. , August 13, 1865.
In 1862, two companies of cavalry were aiithorized by the Secretary of War
to be organized for three years' service. They were known as H and I of the
Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Company H was recruited by David H. Kim-
mel, afterward promoted (May 22, 1863) to be major. Wm. H. Shriver, pre-
viously a first lieutenant in Company I succeeded him for half a year, when his
resignation gave the position to Thomas W. Jordan. Company I was under
the command of. Capt. H. W. McCuUough, who was killed at Moore's Hill,
Ky., June 6, 1862, and was succeeded by Wm. H. Longsdorf, who, after two
years of service, became major, his former position falling to O. B. McKnight.
The regiment bore the name of " Lochiel Cavalry, " and was commanded
successively by Edward C. Williams, Thomas C. James and Thomas J. Jor-
dan. Its service was, during the first two years, mainly in Kentucky and Ten-
nessee, but subsequently with Sherman in his "march to the sea. "
The Anderson Troop was an independent company which was recruited
at Carlisle Barracks during the closing part of 1861, from various parts of the
United States. In it were some young men from Cumberland County. Of
this number, Edward B. InhofP, of Carlisle, was a representative, being ap-
116 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
pointed quartermaster-sergeant of the regiment. It operated in Kentucky and
Tennessee, with Gens. Buell and Rosecrans, until by the latter it was ordered
mustered out of service March 24, 1863.
NINE months' men ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTIETH REGIMENT.
The notion was still entertained in 1862 that the war would not continue
much longer, and that enlistments for a period of nine months would be suffi-
cient. The One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment, with five full companies
and a part of another from Cumberland County, was organized on this sup-
position. In this regiment, organized August 17, 1862, were the following
field officers: Colonel, Henry I. Zinn, Mechanicsburg; lieutenant-colonel,
Levi Maish, York County; major, John Lee, Cumberland County.
Company A was made up at Carlisle early in the summer of 1862, and
selected Wm. R. Porter as captain, which position he held during his term of
service. First lieutenant was John R. Turner, who was subsequently chosen
quartermaster of the regiment; second lieutenant, John Hays, finally becoming
first lieutenant and then regimental adjutant (February 18, 1863). John O.
Halbert was, at first, its orderly sergeant and then second lieutenant. He was
succeeded by Alphonso B. Beissel March 1, 1863.
Company D, recruited in and near Shippensburg, had as officers: Captain,
James Kelso; first lieutenant, Samuel Patchell; and second lieutenant, Daniel
A. Harris.
Company E was formed at Newville with Wm. Laughlin as captain; Joshua
W. Sharp, first lieutenant; and Henry Clay Marshall, second lieutenant. Capt.
Laughlin was killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, and Lieut.
Sharp succeeded him. He was succeeded as first lieutenant by John P. Wag-
ner. Henry Clay Marshall was appointed regimental adjutant August 17,
1862. First Sergt. Joseph A. Ege was promoted to be second lieutenant in
place of Wagner.
Company F, from Mechanicsburg, composed largely of three months'
men, had the following organization: Heniy I. Zinn, captain; John B. Zinn,
first lieutenant; W. A. Givler, second lieutenant; Levi M. Haverstick, first ser-
geant. When Capt. Zinn was appointed colonel, August 17, Lieut. Zian
was promoted to be captain; resigning this place, March 19, 1863, he was suc-
ceeded by Haverstick. Michael W. French rose from a sergeancy to first lieu-
tenancy. William A. Givler was killed at Antietam, and was succeeded by M.
W. French, and he by Wm. E. Zinn.
Company G was formed in and around Carlisle, with John Lee, captain;
John S. Lyne, first lieutenant; Thomas D. Caldwell, second lieutenant. Lee
was promoted to major; but after his resignation, February 5, 1863, was suc-
ceeded by John S. Low.
Company H was secured by Capt. John C. Hoffaker, mainly at New Cum-
berland and West Fairview. The first lieutenant was George C. Marshall,
and John K. McGann, second lieutenant. Capt. Hoffaker, resigning February
13, 1863, the lieutenants were regularly promoted, and Sergt. Chas. A. Hood
became second lieutenant.
The day after the organization of the regiment it was sent to Washington,
where it was assigned to French's division of Sumner's corps. Its first active
service was in the battle of Antietam, where it lost forty killed and 256
wounded. Though new and undisciplined, its brave conduct elicited the
strong commendation of Gen. French, its division commander. After camp-
ing for a time at Harper's Ferry, it moved to Fredericksburg, and engaged in
that sanguinary struggle, losing sixty -two killed or wounded, a large per cent
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 117
of its depleted ranks. Among the killed were Col. Zinn and Capt. Laughlin.
Lieut. Haverstick was again wounded. Its next service was in the campaign
around Chancellorsville, where Lieut. -Col. Maish and Lieut. John Hays were
wounded. Its term of enlistment having expired, the regiment was mustered
out at Harrisburg on the 21st of May, and its citizen- soldiers were welcomed
home with great demonstration of feeling.
THBEE years' MEN.
The three months' men, already spoken of, who had served under Capts.
Christian Kuhns and Jacob Dorsheimer, re-enlisted and were mustered for
three years' service. Christian Kuhns was captain of the reorganized com-
pany, and remained with it till April 2, 1863, when he was succeeded by First
Lieut. James Noble. The company was knovra. as Company A, of the Elev-
enth Regiment, and served as an integral part of the Army of the Potomac in
the Virginia campaigns. The second company, known as Company A, One
Hundred and Seventh Regiment, of which Thomas A. Zeigle, of York, was
colonel, was presided over by Capt. Dorsheimer for about a year, when he
resigned, and was succeeded by Theodore K. Scheffer and Samuel Lyon. The
regiment served also with the Army of the Potomac at Antietam, Chancellors-
ville, Gettysburg, and in the usual minor contests. These two Cumberland
County companies, faithful from the beginning to the close of the war, having
participated in the grand review at Washington May 23, 1865, were mustered
out of service with richly earned honors.
A number of men went from the county into Company A, of the One Hun-
dred and First Regiment, commanded at first by Capt. David M. Armour,
and afterward by James Sheafer. Active service was seen in North Carolina,
where some of the men were captured and compelled to undergo the horrors of
Andersonville.
In 1861 a part of a company was enlisted in Cumberland County, and
joined at Harrisburg with men from Cameron County, forming Company G, of
the Eighty-fourth Regiment. The company officers consisted of Capt. Mer-
rick Housler, First Lieut. James W. Ingram and Second Lieut. Daniel W.
Taggart. It operated in West Virginia during the early part of 1862, but par-
ticipated subsequently at Bull Run (second battle), Chancellorsville, Gettys-
burg, Wilderness and siege of Petersburg.
MILITIA OF 1862.
The terrible defeat of the Union Army at the second battle of Bull Run
afforded grave apprehensions of the devastation of southern Pennsylvania by
Lee's soldiers.. Gov. Curtin summoned 50,000, to be mustered at Harrisburg
at once, to serve as protectors for the border. Everywhere did the people re-
spond cheerfully to the call. Two columns, one of 15,000 at Hagerstown, and
another of 25,000 ready to march from Harrisburg, if needed, attested the pa-
triotic spirit of the Keystone State. Of these troops, so quick to respond,
Cumberland County furnished one regiment, which was held in service only
two weeks, viz. , September 11 to 25. Its officers consisted of Col. Henry Mc-
Cormick, Lieut. -Col. Robt. A. Lamberton and Maj. Thos. B. Bryson. The
alacrity with which these troops appeared on the scene of action called forth
warm praise from both Gen. McClellan and the governor of Maryland.
COMPANIES OF 1863.
Toward the close of 1862, some companies were gathered in the county,
but did not get into actual service till the early part of 1868. One of these
118 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
was organized for nine months' service, with the following officers: Captain,
Martin G. Hall; first lieutenant, Henry S. Crider; second lieutenant, Patrick
G. McCoy. It became Company F, of the One Hundred Fifty-eighth Regi-
ment, under Col. David B. McKibben, and with its regiment served in North
Carolina, principally assisting in the recovery of a Union garrison at Washing-
ton from the clutches of Gen Hill ; afterward it served with Gen. Meade in
in the Army of the Potomac till Lee was driven across into Virginia. It was
mustered out of service at Chambersburg August 12, 1863.
Company F, of the One Hundred and Sixty-second Regiment, Seventeenth
Cavalry, was raised by Capt. Charles Lee, for three years. The regiment,
colonels, Josiah H. Kellogg and Jamos Q. Anderson, was in Devin's (Iron)
Brigade, and served with Hooker at Chancellorsville, Buford at Gettysburg,
in eastern Virginia next year, with Sheridan in the Shenandoah VaUey, and
with Army of Potomac when peace was declared.
Company B, of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment of drafted mi-
litia, was formed in the eastern part of the county, with Abraham J. Rupp as
captain, and Henry Lee as first lieutenant. It served from November, 1862,
tiU it was mustered out July 28, 1863. There were also some men in the
Eighteenth Cavalry (One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania),
whose record can not be given.
COMPAKIES OF 1864.
Portions of the Two Hundredth and Two Hundred and First Regiments were
recruited from Cumberland County, one from the towns of West Fairview and
New Cumberland. Company K, of the Two Hundred and First Regiment was
mustered into service, for one year, at Harrisburg, August 29, 1864. Its
officers were: Captain, Alexander C. Landis; first lieutenant, Alexander Stew-
art; second lieutenant, John H. Snow; sergeants, Daniel F. Rohrer, John A.
Witmer, S. G. Glauser, Henry G. Walters and Richard G. Moore; corporals,
George Shields, Hiram C. Senseny, W. A. Clugh, Theo. Artz, Wm. H. Tritt
J. O. M. Butts, Geo. McCormick and Thos. V. Baker ; musicians, Wm. W.
Snyder, Jos. H. Snyder, Henry Dumbaugh and Henry Graves. This company
was formed from Shippensburg and vicinity. The two regiments operated
largely in eastern Virginia, and performed meritorious service.
Companies G, H and part of Company D, of the One Hundred and Second
Regiment were formed from the county, and were commanded, respectively,
by Capts. David Goehenauer, John P. Wagner and S. C. Powell. The regi-
ment guarded the Manassas Gap Railroad, to keep it open for carrying army
supplies.
Companies A and F, of the Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment, were
mustered September 16, 1864, under Capts. John B. Landis and Henry Lee.
Its colonel, Tobias B. Kauffman, Capt. Lee and Lieut. Hendricks, vyith nine-
teen men, were captured November 17, while defending the picket line, and
were held prisoners till the close of the war. The regiment remained in active
service till the close of the Rebellion by Lee's surrender.
BUSINESS MEN IN THE ARMY.
The public men of the county took an active part in support of the Govern-
ment during the war. Particularly was this true of the legal profession.
Says Dr. Wing, in his History of Cumberland County, p. 137: "At the very
first call, when the example of prominent men was of peculiar importance, a
large number of these gentlemen promptly gave in their names and entered in
most instances as privates until they were promoted to office. Igncfrant as
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 119
they all were of military drill, they at once submitted to the instruction of a
sergeant at Carlisle Barracks, and as soon as possible left their pleasant homes
for the severities of an ill-supplied and perilous service; In most cases this
was at the sacrifice of health and sometimes of life, and they were intelligent
enough to know beforehand what these sacrifices were likely to be. They
were not alone, for they were accompanied by many in every walk of life.
Among them were E. M. Henderson, John Lee, Lemuel Todd, A. Brady
Sharpe, Christian P. Humrich, C. McGlaughlin, George S. Emig, C. P. Corn-
man, Joseph G. Vale, Wm. E. Miller, J. Brown Parker, Wm. M. Penrose,
Joseph S. Colwell, S. V. Euby, Wm. D. Halbert, D. N. Nevin, J. B. Landis,
John Hays and J. M. Weakley. These took their places, not in some single
company or regiment to which special eclat might be awarded, but wherever
their lot happened to fall. As, however, the companies belonging to the One
Hundred and Thirtieth were in process of formation at that time, most of them
were connected with that regiment. ' '
BEPEESENTATIVES IN REGULAR ARMY.
Thus far the records have shown the work of men in volunteer service.
Cumberland County had an honorable representation in the regular army,
among whom we can specify the following only briefly :
Samuel Sturgis, born at Shippensburg in 1822, and graduated at West
Point, served tirough the Mexican war with distinction, gave valuable aid
afterward in suppressing hostile Indians, and with increasing and deserved
promotions to the rank of brigadier-general, aided greatly in quelling the
great Rebellion.
Washington L. Elliott, whose father, Com. Jesse D. Elliott, was second
in command at the naval battle at Lake Erie September 10, 1813, was bom at
Carlisle in 1825. After three years' study in Dickinson College, he graduated
at West Point in 1844. With the rank of second lieutenant he served efS.-
ciently in the Mexican war, and among the Indians with the rank of first
lieutenant and captain. He served during the late Rebellion, with the ranks
of major, colonel and brigadier- general, in both the Eastern and Western
Armies. In all the stations to which he was assigned, he demonstrated him-
self to be an able and trustworthy commander.
John R. Smead was born in 1830 and graduated from West Point in 1851.
When the war of the Rebellion began he was employed with Prof. Bache on
the coast survey. He entered the artUlery service, and as captain of a battery
in the Fifth Artillery, he participated in the campaign around Richmond and
in the second battle of Bull Run. At the latter place he was struck and killed
by a ten-pound cannon ball, August 31, 1862.
Alexander Piper, graduate of West Point in 1851, and an associate of
Smead, served through the Rebellion in various responsible positions, having
attained the rank of captain and become Smead' s successor after the battle of
Bull Run. He died October 30, 1876.
lee' s invasion in 1863.
The most exciting period of the war to the Cumberland Valley was that
connected with the invasion of 1863. The devastating and demoralizing fea-
tures of war were brought home to the citizen engaged in the lawful pursuits
of every-day life. The advance of the enemy to the Potomac in the region of
Williamsport or Harper's Ferry was always a signal for a stampede along the
valley in the direction of Harrisburg. Money and other valuables were removed,
horses and cattle were driven out of the country for their own safety and to
120 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
prevent giving aid to the Rebels, and a general restlessness and anxiety took
possession of the people. When in May, 1863, after the defeat of Hooker's
army at Chancellorsville, Gen. R. E. Lee made requisition on the Confederate
commissary department for rations for his hungry men, he was answered, ' ' If
the General wants provisions, let him go and look for them in Pennsylvania."
He came. On the 20th of June, Gen. Ewell' s corps began to cross the Poto-
mac at Williamsport and commenced to move in the direction of Harrisburg.
Chambersburg was reached by a portion of Ewell' s corps on the 23d, Gen.
R. S. Ewell himself arriving on the 24th.
Gradually the troops marched along the valley, occupying Shippensburg on
the 25th, and reaching Carlisle on Saturday, the 27th.
When the alarm of the Rebel approach was first sounded, companies of
civilians were organized byCapts. Martin Kuhn, JohnS. Low, A. Brady Sharpe,
David Block and Robert Smiley. These companies embraced the best elements
of the community, the pastors of the Episcopal and the Reformed Churches
entering as privates. In connection with these militia companies, Capt. W. H.
Boyd, First New York Cavalry, with 200 of his men, performed picket duty.
As Gen. A. G. Jenkins' advance of 400 cavalry came toward town, these
companies fell back. Jenkins was met en route by Col. William M. Penrose and
Robert Allison, assistant burgess, and was requested to make no dash upon the
town lest a panic among the women and children might ensue. He entered in
good order, his men being on the alert against surprise. He demanded of the
place supplies for men and horses. The citizens responded generously, and
the provisions were stored in the stalls of the market house. A good supply
of corn was also obtained from the crib of John Noble.
In the afternoon of the same day (Saturday), Rodes' and Johnson's divis-
ions of E well's corps arrived, Early' s division having crossed the mountains, via
Fayetteville, to York. The band at the head of the column played ' ' Dixie, ' ' the
men conducting themselves with much decorum notwithstanding their ragged
condition. Gen. Ewell established his headquarters in the barracks, he occupy-
ing the dwelling of Capt. Hastings, while his staff took the adjacent buildings.
The commanding general was well acquainted with the barracks and the town,
having been stationed there in former years. In consequence of this acquain-
tanceship, he spared the public buildings from being burned on the eve of his
departure.
He at once made a public demand for 1,500 barrels of flour, four cases
of surgical instruments, quinine, chloroform and other medical supplies.
They could not be furnished, however. Strict orders were issued against the
selling of intoxicating drinks to soldiers, and the pillaging of private property
by them.
Sunday and Monday were dreary days for the town. All communication
with the loyal world was cut off. On the Lord's day, services were conducted
at several of the churches by their own pastors. At the same time the chap-
lains of rebel regiments encamped in the college campus, and at the garrison
conducted services for their troops with great fervor. Guards were stationed
at the street corners, to preserve order and to receive any complaints made by
citizens. Some spirited discussions between soldiers and citizens on moral
and political questions were had, but with more courtesy and good feeling than
generally characterize such controversies. All conversation with Southern of-
ficers and soldiers led the people to believe that their movement was directed
toward Harrisburg and Philadelphia. On Monday evening, however, John-
son's division, encamped at McAlister's Run, began to move in the direction
of Stoughstown, Shippensburg and Fayetteville, the march being characterized
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 121
by a want of dicipline and the commission of heinous outrages upon unoffend-
ing people.
As early as 3 o'clock of Tuesday morning, the remaining troops from the
college campus and the barracks, accompanied by Gen. Ewell, began to move
along the pike in the direction of Mount Holly. The town was deserted by
rebel forces except 200 cavalry, who continued till evening doing provost duty,
when they also left. The pillaging around the barracks and the destruction
of public and private property were performed by dissolute characters, some
of whom proved to be deserters that afterward enlisted in the Union service.
It has been said the town was largely deserted by rebel forces. This needs a
little modification. About the time the people began to rejoice over the disap-
pearance of the rebel forces, a body of cavalry, under command of Col. Coch-
ran and numbering about 400, made its appearance at the gas works on the
Dillstown road, and took possession of the streets. These men, intoxicated
against orders, became unmanagable, and their stay in the town made citizens
restless. Thus closes the condition of affairs in Carlisle Tuesday, June 30.
The incidents of the following day are so graphically and carefully presented
by Dr. Wing that we give his account entire:
' ' Early on Wednesday morning, the town was gladdened by the return of
Capt. Boyd with his 200 men of the First New York Cavalry. They had
been at the extreme eastern part of the county, in the neighborhood of Fort
Washington, and had had, on Sunday evening, a slight artillery skirmish at
Oyster's Point, about three miles west of Harrisburg, with a small party of
Gen. Jenkins' men. That general had spent a night at Mechanicsburg, and on
Sunday advanced vrith a few men to reconnoitre the bridge over the Susque-
hanna ; but on seeing the preparations there, had deemed it prudent to retire.
This was the farthest point in the direction of Harrisburg to which the invad-
ing troops ventured to proceed. On hearing the rapid progress of the Union
Army under Gen. Meade, in his rear, Gen. Lee at once perceived that he
could not safely advance with such a force between him and the base of his op-
erations, and that a great battle was inevitable in the neighborhood of Gettys-
burg. Both armies had mustered in unexpected strength and discipline, and
neither could afford to dispense with any of its forces. Every regiment was
called in, and summoned in haste to the expected field of conflict. But there
were a few regiments in both armies near the river, to which the summons
could not be sent in time, and which, therefore, were unaware of the move-
ments of the main bodies. Early in the afternoon, Gen. W. F. (Baldy) Smith,
who had taken command in this valley, reached town. There were then under
him, two Philadelphia regiments, one militia battery from the same city, parts
of two New York regiments, and a company of regular cavalry from Carlisle ■
Barracks. While he was selecting a suitable place for his artillery, a body of
rebel troops made its appearance near the east end of Main Street, at the
junction of the Trindle Springs and York roads. One or two rebel horsemen
rode nearly to the center of the town, but hastily returned to their companions,
who sat in their saddles and gazed up the street at the Union infantry. A call
to arms was at once made, and the companies which had been disbanded dur-
ing the occupation of the town came together, and with other citizens armed
themselves as best they could, and formed a line of skirmishers along the Le-
tort. They kept up a desultory fire upon the advanced portion of the en-
emy and prevented them from penetrating our lines. Of course such an op -
position was soon driven in and silenced ; but for a while its true character
could not be known. It was not long before the whizzing and explosions of
shells in the air over and within the town, announced that a formidable en-
122 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
emy was at hand. No warning of this had been given, and it was soon accom-
panied by grape and canister, raking the principal streets and the central
square.
"As twilight set in, a flag of truce was forwarded to Gen. Smith, informing
him that Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, with a force of 3,000 cavalry, was ready for an
assault and demanded an immediate and unconditional surrender. The offer
was promptly declined, and was followed by the threat that the shelling of the
town would be at once resumed. 'Shell away!' replied Gen. Smith; and
scarcely had the bearer of the flag left, before a much fiercer bombardment com-
menced. And now began a general flight of the inhabitants into the country,
into cellars, and behind anything which was strong enough to afford hope of
protection. A stream of women and children and infirm people on foot was
seen, with outcries and terrified countenances in every direction. Some of
these fell down breathless or seriously injured by some accident, and lay in the
barns or by the fences through the ensuing night. To add terror to the scene,
the sky was lighted up by the flames of a wood-yard in the vicinity of the rebel
encampment, and about 10 o'clock the barracks and the garrison were burned
and added their lurid glare to the brightness. In the middle of the night there
was another pause in the firing, and another call for a surrender was made, to
which a rather uncourteous reply was made by Gen. Smith, and the shelling pro-
ceeded, but with diminished power and frequency. It is supposed that am-
mimition had become precious in the hostile camp."
Gen. ritzhugh Lee, now governor of Virginia, in a letter to the vrriter un-
der date of May 20, 1886, says of the attack on Carlisle: "On July 1, 1863,
I was ordered to attack and occupy the place, by Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, com-
manding cavalry corps of the Confederate Army, and did attack it on my arri-
val late' that evening — night put a stop to the fighting. At light next morning I
intended to renew the attack, but during the night received information that the
two contending armies were concentrating for a general battle at Gettysburg,
and, in pursuance of orders, left the vicinity of Carlisle before daylight, on the
2d of July, marching for Gettysburg. Carlisle was at that time defended by
Gen. William Smith, who commanded, I believe, the Pennsylvania Reserves;
he was known in the old United States Army as ' Baldy ' Smith. "
The battle of Gettysburg was fought. In a few days, demand was made
by the authorities for medical aid to be sent to wait upon the Union and rebel
wounded at that terrible field 'of death and suffering. The claims of humanity
prevailed, and Cumberland County responded generously. In addition to the
aid sent much was given at home; for the maimed soldiery of both armies had
to be cared for in the adjoining villages and cities. The college chapel and
recitation rooms of Dickinson and one of the central churches were converted
into regular hospitals, the latter being thus used for a considerable time.
THE SOLDIEHS' MONUMENT.
Subsequent to the close of the war, the erection of a suitable monument
to pepetuate the memory of the country' s fallen heroes was agitated. The ef-
fort to do justice to the soldier had been made by several towns. This stim-
ulated the desire to haVe a common monument centrally located. In 1868 a
meeting of citizens was called, and a committee appointed to formulate a feas-
ible plan for securing such a result. Subscriptions were taken and it was de-
cided that the shaft should be located on the Public Square in Carlisle. The
dimensions were, height thirty feet; base to stand on a mound four feet high,
ten and one-half feet square. The base was to be of Gettysburg granite, three
feet high and ten feet square, surmounted by a marble pedestal containing tablets
'ft'/' y^^-''-'-
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
125
for the names of fallen heroes. The work was done by Eichard Owens, Esq.
of Carlisle, and cost about $5,000. The shaft was erected February 9, 1871,
and with the iron fence which surrounds it is a place of much interest to pe-
destrians. The inscription is
In Honor of the Soldiers op Cumberland County
Who Fell in Defense of the Union
DtJKiNG the Great Rebellion.
This Monument is erected by those who revere the Patriotism,
and vdsh to perpetuate the Memory, of the Brave Men,
who aided in saving the Nation and securing the Blessings of Liberty to all.
The ' ' battle wreath " which encircles the shaft contains the names of the
following engagements: Mechauicsville, Drainsville, Gainesville, New Mar-
ket Cross Roads, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Bethesda Church, Spott-
sylvania, Wilderness, Gettysburg, Vicksburg. Evidently the artist must have
omitted Antietam and probably some other engagements.
NAMES OF FALLEN HEROES.
OFFICERS.
Col. Henry J. Biddle, Assistant Adjutant-General Pennsylvania Reserve Volnnteer Corps.
Col. Henry I. Zinn, One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Capt. John R. Smead, Fifth United States Artillery.
Capt. Thomas P. Owen, Conipany H, First Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.
Capt. James S. Colwell, Company A. Seventh Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.
Capt. William Laughlin, Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers.
Capt. D. G. May, Company K, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Capt. Hugh W. McCuUough, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Lieut. Jos. Stuart, Company H, First Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.
Lieut. Geo. W. Comfort, Company H, Seventh Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.
Lieut. Wm. A. Givler, Company P, One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Lieut. I. B. Kauffman, Company H, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Lieut. Theo. Mountz, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Lieut. Alf. F. Lee, Company E, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Lieut. Wm. B. Blaney, Second Iowa Cavalry.
Sub. John B. Goover, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Asst. Eng. William E. Law, United States Navy.
SOLDIERS.
FIRST PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE VOLUNTEER
CORPS.
COMPANY H.
Frank Hunt.
Joseph Ewing.
Wm. Watson.
John Sheafer.
John Black.
Saml. Baker.
John Clouser.
F. Morrison.
David Askew.
Wm. Donnelley.
Curtis Griffin.
G. Kauffman.
Fred Brown.
Wm. Quigley.
George Morton.
COMPANY I.
Frank Wilson.
Wm. Dunlap.
Wm. Spottswood.
Chas. F. Gould.
Levi Kennedy.
John Lusk.
Wm. Baxter.
John Baker.
Jos. Buttorf.
John Mathias.
John Shisler.
FIFTH PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE VOLUNTEER
CORPS.
G. W. Savage.
COMPANY G.
SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE VOLUN-
TEER CORPS.
COMPANY A.
Wm. Gulp.
Wm. R. Holmes.
•G. W. Brechbill.
John Callio.
Fred K. RiefE.
Henry T. Green.
B. Haverstick.
R. H. Spottswood.
Geo. I. Wilders.
Jacob Landis.
John T. Cuddy.
Joseph U. Steele.
Chas. Jarmier.
J. Harvey Bby.
Patrick Brannon.
Wm. B. Sites.
J. A. Schlosser.
Wm. M. Henderson.
Geo. W. Wise.
Wm. A. Low.
John T. Adams.
Ed. T. Walker.
D. Haverstick.
Wm. Nevil.
Saml. E. Smith.
Wm. Zimmerman.
John B. Kenyon.
James Miller.
S. Heffelflnger.
Van Buren Eby.
Wm. McCleaf.
Leo W. Faller.
David H. Spahr.
COMPANY D.
Michael J. Foucht.
126
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
COMPANY U.
Michael Hess.
Levi A. Bowen.
Jac. A. Welty.
Daniel M. Hoover.
John Lininger.
John Anthony.
Jonas Blosser.
Frank A. Smith.
Jos. B. Moouey.
John Devlin.
G. Beavei'son.
Isaiah Siders.
Saml. 8. Gooms.
Wm. H. Kline.
J. Richey Clark.
Saml. Wesley.
Thos. J. Acker.
D. W. Conrad.
Milton Warner.
Geo. W. Smith.
Max. Barshal.
Benj. Baker.
ELEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTBEES.
COMPANY A.
Geo. L. Reighter.
J. Christman.
James Warden.
Thomas Conway.
Moses Boss.
Thos. Morgan.
Wm. Fielding.
Wilson Vanard.
John Spong.
FORTY-SISTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTBEKS.
COMPANY F.
Thos. Lyne.
COMPANY H.
S. Kriner.
rOKTY-NINTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY A.
H. Strough.
PU'TY-PIPTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEBBS.
COMPANY B.
Jas. Tyson.
COMPANY C.
Wm. H. Vance.
COMPANY E.
J. C. Filey. Samuel Bear.
Geo. Sanno.
COMPANY F.
Fred Sanno.
SEVENTY-EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUN-
TEERS.
Geo. Grove.
COMPANY D.
Geo. H. Coover.
EIGHTY-FOURTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUN-
TEERS.
COMPANY C.
Samuel T. Kunkle Reuben Line.
Richard Lilly. Benj. H. Getz.
John Ritson. Benj. Hippie.
Adam SheafEer. Thos. Snoddy.
EIGHTY-SEVENTH PENNSYLVAHIA VOLUN
TBERS.
COMPANY E.
Michael Ritta. Charles Huber.
E. Beaverson. Henry Snyder.
Thomas Neely.
NINETY-NINTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLTJNTEERS.
COMPANY A.
Wm. H. Chapman.
ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEERS.
Levi Kutz.
Chris. Rothe.
COMPANY A.
ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY H.
J. Fahnestock.
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEERS.
P. R. Pislee.
COMPANY D.
ONE HUNDRED AUD FIFTEENTH PElffiCSTLVA-
NIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY G.
J. F. McMath.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVENTH PENN-
SYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.
E. Crandle.
Benj. Hoover.
COMPANY p.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTIETH PENNSYLVA-
NIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY A.
P. Faber. Wm. E. Greason.
Joseph P. Weaver. A. Bronswell.
Geo. W. Green.
COMPANY D.
N. Lenhard. W. B. Grabill.
Henry Miller. Geo. Brenizer.
Joseph Matthews. Geo. J. McLean.
M. S. Carbaugh.
J. W. Crull.
Wm. P. Woods.
Jesse K. Allen.
J. A. Stickler.
Thad. McKeehan.
COMPANY E.
Wm. A. McCune.
David L. MiUer.
Wm. Lockery.
Jos. Connery.
COMPANY p.
Geo. White. B. Barshinger.
P. Y. Kniseley. John Petzer.
Thos. English. Theo. R. Zinn.
H. P. Lambert. Keller Bobb.
COMPANY G.
J. Barkley. Jas. Withrow.
S. McMaughton.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
127
COMPANY H.
J. B. Snavely.
D. B. KaufEman.
ONB HUNDKED AND FORTY-THIRD PENNSYL-
TANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY B.
J. Heiser.
ONE HUNDRED AND EOBTY-BIGHTH PENNSYL-
VANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY A.
Isaac Bear.
ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-NINTH PENNSYL-
VANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY A.
Levi Rupp.
Cteo. Ensor.
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHTH PENNSYL-
VANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY A.
H. Oatman. David Barnhill.
J. Cunningham. Jacob Bricker.
Abraliam Myers.
COMPANY c.
John Sells. Wm. Wetzel.
J. A. McNaskey.
COMPANY F.
Eli Ford. D. A. Ziegler.
Zach. Ford Andrew Fickes.
Samuel Mixell. Joseph Stine.
Hugh Campbell.
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FOURTH PENN-
SYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.
ONB HUNDRED AND NINETY-FOURTH PENN-
SYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY H,
D. Moore.
ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-FIFTH PENNSYL-
VANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY P.
J. Plank.
TWO HUNDREDTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUN-
TEERS.
COMPANY B.
George Wolf.
James Krall.
D. Lenker.
Michael Smith.
John Askew.
Lewis B. Fink.
Henry Tost.
COMPANY I.
Wm. W. Heacy.
TWO HUNDRED AND FIRST PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY K.
R. C. Moore.
TWO HUNDRED AND SECOND PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY Q.
William Webb.
J. Cockenauer.
Joseph Reese.
D. Hippensteel.
Robert Qracy.
S. J." Cockenauer.
Jesse Swartz.
COMPANY H.
Alex. Fagan.
J. Burkhart.
J. Fahnestock.
8. J. Orris.
Daniel Stum.
James McGaw.
COMPANY c.
J. C. Grant.
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SEVENTH PENN-
SYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY B.
F. Eschenbaugh.
COMPANY D.
Samuel Lutz.
Joseph A. Shaw.
H. !Nonnemaker.
David Sheriff.
Theo. K. Boyles.
McE. Fanchender.
Uriah Stahl.
William P. Gensler.
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-EIGHTH PENN-
SYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY I.
William Sipe.
Joseph Millard.
TWO HUNDRED AND NINTH PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY A.
T. Hoerner.
John P. Leib.
COMPANY F.
E. Sykes.
S. HoUinger.
TWO HUNDRED AND TENTH PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUNTEERS.
COMPANY A.
L. Matchett.
THIRD PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.
COMPANY G.
A. Bucher.
128
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
COMPANY H.
SBTENTKENTH PENNSYLVANIA CATALET.
William Myers.
C. A. Holtzman.
Alex. Koser.
Edward Tarman.
George W. Trout.
Josli McCoy.
Samuel Golden.
Henry A. Martin.
William Bwing.
AbdilTrone.j
Cul'n Koser.
C. Vanderbilt.
Z. McLaughlin.
J. Nicholson.
Frank Cramer.
COMPANY M.
James Gilbert
SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVAIBY.
COMPANY K.
George W. Heck.
J. Livingston.
John Givler.
Arch. Mullen.
Hiram Gleaver.
EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALKY.
COMPANY C.
H. Irvine.
E. Speece.
J. Bishop.
Jacob Day.
COMPANY B.
COMPANY H.
Jacob Agle.
COMPANY I.
J. C. Creps.
C. Liszman.
Kobt. T. Laughlin.
Henry Shriver.
L. Keefauver.
S. McCullough.
H. L. Sennet.
Elijah Bittinger.
Joshua Dunan.
Wm. Bricker.
Jos. A. Shannon.
Chris. Felsinger.
Samuel A. Welsh.
Robt. T. Kelley.
David Woods.
COMPANY K.
S. Bowman.
ELEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALBY.
COMPANY K.
A. Y. Kniseley.
THIRTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.
COMPANY F.
Geo. W. Graham.
D. F. Hoerner.
Wm. H. Miller.
Benj. D. Hehn.
P. Huntsherger.
J. F. Eigenower.
Geo. Forney.
Joseph Rudy.
Anson Smith.
D. W. McKenny.
Jas. A. Kelso.
John Snyder.
John F. Gettys.
Wm. D. Kaufiman.
Jas. Y. Stuart.
Jacob Myers.
C. W. Nailor.
COMPANY H.
COMPANY L.
FIFTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALBY.
COMPANY H.
J. W. Buttorf.
J. Conley.
COMPANY B.
COMPANY F.
David Kutz.
Thos. Speece.
M. F. Shoemaker.
AbnerW. Zug.
S. C. Weakline.
Wm. H. Weaver.
D. E. Hollinger.
Solomon Sow.
John G. Burget.
Samuel Deardorf .
A. Herschberger.
J. W. KaufEman. •
Geo. W. McGaw.
B. StoufEer,
Geo. W. Whitmore.
Wilson Seavers.
Lewis Rin^walt.
Eman. Smith.
Robt. Kelley.
David Carle.
C. Evil hock.
NINETEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.
COMPANY A.
Samuel Grier.
COMPANY C.
W. F. Miller.
TWENTIETH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.
COMPANY A.
M. A Griffith.
F. F. Steese.
J. H. Christ.
Wm. Sheeley.
Wm. Balsley.
Andrew Bear.
JohnM. Kunkle.
COMPANY B.
COMPANY D.
COMPANY F.
Geo. W. Matthews.
TWENTY- SECOND PENNSYLVANIA CAVALBY.
COMPANY F.
J. Palm.
COMPANY M.
W. T. Fanus.
PENNSYLVANIA ARTILLERY.
PIBST BEGIMBNT.
Geo. W. Welsh. J. H. Baughman.
R. M. Houston.
SECOND BEGIMBNT.
Fred Faber.
THIRD BBGIMENT.
Peter Paul.
J. W. Christ.
Samuel Bortel.
Wm. Hawkes.
Wm. H. Albright.
TENTH UNITED STATES INFANTBY.
COMPANY C.
A. Webbert.
SEVENTEENTH PBNNSYLTANIA CAVALBY.
COMPANY F.
W. B. Flinchbaugh.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 129
GRAND AEMT POSTS.
One of the permanent organizations resulting from the late war is that of the
Grand Army of the Republic. It is a patriotic institution, whose primary ob-
ject is to watch carefully the rights and privileges of those who imperilled their
lives and fortunes in behalf of their country, and to assure the widows and
orphans of such fallen comrades that they shall not be forgotten. It is the
organized society of America to see that the sacrifices of life and blood and
treasure during the war shall not have been made in vain. Nearly every town
of importance has such an organization named in honor of some fallen com-
rade. We give the list in Cumberland County.
Capt. Colwell Post, No. 201, at Carlisle — This post was organized in 1881,
its charter bearing date February 24 of that year. Its charter members
consisted of the following persons: J. .T. Zug, Wm. E. Miller, Isaac El-
liott, Wm. Vance, A. C. Ensminger, John S. Humor, J. B. Haverstick, John
Albright, P. D. Beokford, Peter Monger, M. A. Hufner, John G. Bobb, J. L.
Meloy, James Campbell, D. A. Sawyer, R. P. Henderson, J. P. Brindle, Smith
McDonald, H. Linnehul, H. G. Carr, J. G. Vale and Wm. Bottengenbach.
The original corps of officers embraced W. E. Miller, C. ; J. L. Meloy,
S. V. C. ; P. D. Beckford, J. V. C. ; Jacob T. Zug, Q. M. ; J. B. Haverstick,
Adj.; J. S. Bender, Siirg.; Joseph G. Vale, O. D. ; J. P. Brindle, O. G. ; A.
C. Ensminger, S. M. ; John S. Humor, Chaplain.
The present corps (1886) consists of J. P. Brindle, C. ; Wm. Lippert, S. V.
C; H. G. Carr, J. V. C. ; Wm. E. Games, Chaplain; B. K. Goodyear, Adj.;
Wm. E. Miller, Q. M. ; J. S. Bender, Surg. ; Joseph Lider, O. D. ; Lazarus
Minnich, O. G. ; J. M. Goodyear, Q. M. S. ; D. A. Carbaugh, S. M. The post
has an active membership of 105, and is in a prosperous condition.
Capt. James S. Colwell, after whom the post was named, was born near
Shippensburg, Penn., August 19, 1813. His education in elementary subjects
was received at home and at Chambersburg. He graduated finally from
Princeton College, New Jersey, in 1839. Returning to his native county, he
read law in the office of Wm. Biddle, Esq. , at Carlisle, where he practiced,
after being admitted to the bar, till he entered the Army. He was mustered as
first lieutenant in Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves (Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania
Volunteers) April 21, 1861, and as captain July 4, 1862. He engaged in the
Peninsular campaign in 1862 ; was in the second battle of Bull Run of same
year; the battle of South Mountain and finally in the battle of Antietam, where
he was killed, September 17, 1862, by the explosion of a shell of the enemy.
He was a brave soldier, a worthy citizen and a faithful husband and father.
His widow still resides in Carlisle.
There is also a colored post at Carlisle, having a small membership, concern-
ing which, however, no facts could be obtained.
Col. H. I. Zinn, Post No. 415, Meehanicsburg, was organized March 4,
1884, by Asst. Adj. -Gen. T. J. Stewart, aided by Post No. 58, of Harrisburg.
It had forty- four charter members. Its first corps of officers embraced the fol-
lowing comrades: Col. Wm. Penn Lloyd, Com'dr; H. S. Mohler, S. V. C. ;
A. C. Koser, J. V. C. ; S. B. King, Q. M. ; L. F. Zollinger, Adj. ; E. K.
Ployer, Chap. ; E. N. Mosser, Q. M. S. ; A. Hauck, O. D. ; A. F. Stahl, O. G.
The post is a live one, and has a membership at present of 132, and com-
mands the confidence of the public. It was named in honor of Col. H. I.
Zinn, who was born in Dover Township, York Co., Penn., December 8, 1834.
He was the son of John and Anna Mary Zinn. On the 15th of September,
1855, he was married, by the Rev. J. C. Bucher, to Miss Mary Ann Clark, the
ceremony being performed at Carlisle. As the result of this union three chil-
130 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
dren were born, viz. : Elsie Myra, James Henry and George Arthur. The
first two died in 1862, of measles and diphtheria, respectively. Col. Zinn was
killed December 13, 1862, in the desperate battle of Fredericksburg, Va.
Corp. McLean Post, 423, at Shippensburg, was organized by Capt. Hav-
erstick April 7, 1884, with thirty-nine charter members. In its first corps
of officers were the following comrades: M. G. Hale, C. ; Wm. Baughman, S.
V. C. ; John S. Shugars, J. V. C. ; M. S. Taylor, Adj. ; J. K. C. Mackey, Q.
M. Since its organization Wm. Baughman and John Shugars have also held
the position of commander. The membership has increased to seventy-one,
rendering the post a flourishing one.
George Johnston McLean, whose name the post wears and reveres, was
born at Shippensburg March 7, 1842. He was a member of Company D,
One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded in
front of Marye's Hill, Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862. From this
wound he died nine days afterward in the hospital at Washington, D. C. He
was unmarried at the time of his death.
Kennedy Post, 490, at Mount Holly Springs, was organized August 15,
1885. First members were Henry WoUet, C. A. Burkholder, Moses Wag-
goner, Philip Harman, Samuel Sadler, Silas Tower, N. J. Class, Joseph S.
Early, B. F. Wollet, A. Adams, W. H. Brinn, James Cuddy, David A. Corn-
man, John Goodyear, Augustus Miller, David Taylor, Joseph Swords, Christ
Harmon, Joseph Wise, David Newman, William Kennedy, William Hummel-
bough, J. N. Allen, John Snyder, J. E. Mandorf, Alex Noffsinger, David
Noggle, A. T. Eichwine, William Bicker, George Slosser, W. M. Still, Philip
Snyder, Joseph K. Snyder, Eli B. Tower, John Ward, A. J. McGonnigal, G.
W. Kinter, John KaufiFman, WiUiam H. Hartz, Jacob Hoffert, John Bennett,
Frank Stoner, A. P. Eichwine, David Withrow and George Fair; present
membership, sixty-eight. First officers were Henry Wollet, Commander; C.
A. Burkholder, S. V. C. ; Moses Wagner, J. V. C. ; Joseph Early, Adj. ; Alec
Adams, Q. M. Present officers are Eev. J. G. Shannon, Commander; Samuel
Sadler, S. V, C. ; A. Miller, J. V. C. ; Phil. Harman, Q. M. ; William Goodyear,
Adjt. The society meets every Saturday night in the hall of the I. O. O. F.
Private B. F. Eisenberger Post, at New Cumberland, organized in the early
part of 1885. The original members were Henry and B. H. Eisenberger, John
Robinson, Henry Drager, Capt. J. W. Fight, A. D. Eepman, Henry Goriger,
Frank Mathias, M. K. Brubaker, Frank Hager, Sr., Frank Hager, Jr., Wash.
Shipe and Harry Free. Officers: John Kirk, Commander; B. F. Hager,
Secy. ; Jesse Oren, Adjutant.
CHAPTER VII.
Courts — County OrriciALs— Members of Congress, Senators and Assembly-
men.
DTJEING nearly 100 years succeeding the settlement of Pennsylvania,"
says a writer in 1879, ' ' few of our judges understood the principles of
the law, or knew anything about its practice before their appointment. Our
county courts were presided over by the justices of the peace of the respective
counties, all of whom were ex officio judges of the courts of common pleas and
quarter sessions of the peace, any three of whom were a quorum to transact
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 131
bTisiness. At the same time the provincial council and the high court of
errors and appeals, which was presided over by the governor of the province
for the time being, very frequently had not a lawyer in it. And yet the busi-
ness of that day was done, and well done, too. The judges were generally
selected because of their well-known integrity of character, extended business
experience and sound common sense, and by close observation and long ex-
perience became well acquainted with the duties of their positions and fitted to
adjudicate the important interests committed to their charge. Nor was the bar
inferior. Gentlemen, eminent for their legal abilities and oratorical powers,
practiced before them, and by the gravity of their demeanor and respectful
behavior shed lustre upon the proceedings and gave weight and influence to
the decisions rendered. Great regard was had for the dignity of the court,
and great reverence felt for forms and cerem^onies; and woe to the unlucky
wight who was caught in a ' contempt, ' or convicted of speaking disrespect-
fully of the magistrate or of his sovereign lord — the king. ' '
The usual form of record at the opening of court may be seen in the fol-
lowing:
At a Court of Common pleas held at Carlisle, for Cumberland County, the Twenty-
third day of July, in the fifth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, George the Third, hy
the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c.,
and in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred & sixty-five, before John Arm-
strong, Esq., and his Associate Justices, &c., of the Same Court.
As a matter of necessity the fii'st courts in Cumberland County were held at
Shippensburg, it being then the only town in the valley (1750) and therefore
the only place which could accomodate those who gathered at court. By a.
commission dated March 10, 1750, the following persons were appointed jus-
tices of the peace and of common pleas in Cumberland County: Samuel Smith,.
of Carlisle; William Maxwell, of Peters; George Croghan, of East Penns-
borough; Robert Dunning, of West Pennsborough; Matthew Dill and Benj.
Chambers, of Antrim; Wm. Trent, of Middleton; Wm. Allison, of Antrim;
Hermanus Alricks, of Carlisle; John MUler, of West Pennsborough; Robert
Chambers, of Hopewell; John Finley, of Lurgan; and Thomas Wilson, of
Middleton. Samuel Smith was president of the court. He had previously
been a member of the Assembly, sheriff and justice of the peace in Lancaster
County. He was succeeded by Francis West in 1797.
The date of the first court held at Shippensburg was "the twenty-fourth
day of July, in the twentieth year of the reign of his Majesty King George the
Second, Annoque Domini 1750. ' ' The last at that place was held in April,
1751. John Potter, who had come to America in 1741 and settled "in the
neighborhood of Shippen's farm," now Shippensburg, as early as 1746 or
earlier, had been appointed sherifP, * and on the original organization of the
county returned the writ of venire which had been directed to him with the
panel annexed, and the following persons were sworn as grand jurors: Wm.
Magaw, John Potter, John Mitchell, John Davison, Ezekiel Dunning, John
Holliday, James Lindley, Adam Hoops, John Forsyth, Thomas Brown, George
Brown, John Reynolds, Robert Harris, Thos. Tlrie, Charles Murray, James
Brown and Robert Meek. The record of this first session of the court shows
also that " Hermanus Alricks, Esq. , produced to the court a commission under
the hand of the Hon. James Hamilton, Esq. , governor, and the great seal of
the province, appointing him clerk of the peace of the county of Cumberland,
and the same was read and allowed and ordered to be recorded." The beauti-
*Mr Potter was twice sheriff, his oommissions hearing date October 6, 1760, and October, 1764. His son,
James was a lieutenant in the militia, and a captain in Armstrong's Kittanning, expired in 1766. Hfr
removed to what is now Centre County in 1772, and became distinguished both in military and civil circles.
132 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
fill penmanship of Mr. Alricks is as plain to-day on the old records as it was
when written.
The first court of common pleas and the criminal courts were, by order of
the Governor, first held at Carlisle, July 23, 1751, and under the above named
justices, and were held at that place regularly afterward. "The orphans'
court, however, for four or five years remained unfixed to any one place, and is
said to have followed the persons of the judges. " The justices were intended to be
appointed at least one from each township, and out of the number some one
was commissioned to act as president.
On account of some existing vacancies in the county, the Governor, in Octo-
ber, 1764, appointed a new board of justices, consisting of John Armstrong,
James Galbreath, John Byers, Wm. Smith (superseded January 15, 1766, for
participation in the afPair at Fort Loudon), John McKnight, James Carothers,
Hermanns Alricks, Adam Hoop, Francis Campbell, John Reynolds, Jonathan
Hoge, Robt. Miller, Wm. Lyon, Robt. Callender, Andrew Calhoun, James
Maxwell, Samuel Perry, John Holmes and John Allison. These were reap-
pointed in 1769, together with some others outside the present limits of the
county, except, perhaps, John Agnew and Turbutt Francis. John Holmes was
appointed sheriff, and James Jack, coroner, in 1765, and in October, 1768,
David Hoge was appointed sheriff, and William Denny, coroner (these appoint-
ments made by the Governor upon returns of election to him).
August 16, 1765, at a court of oyer and terminer, before Alex. Steadman,
of the supreme court, and John Armstrong and James Galbreath, Esqs.,
John Money was tried and convicted of felony and the murder of Archibald
Gray in March previous, and was not long after executed for his crime. One
Warner was very early tried and executed for the robbery and murder of a
man named Musselman, near New Kingston. The courts of the county have
been called upon to try a number of murder cases, and several legal executions
for murder have occurred in the county. A case in the first court held at
Shippensburg was recorded as follows:
Dominus Bex ) Sur Indictmt. for Larceny, not guilty & now ye deft ret her pi and
vs. > submits to ye Ct. and thereupon it is considered by the Court and
Bridget Eagen. ) adjudged that ye sd Bridget Hagen restore the sum of Six pounds
seventeen shillings & six pence lawful money of Penna. unto Jacob Long ye owner and
make fine to ye Governor in ye like sum and pay ye costs of prosecution & receive fifteen
lashes on her bare back at ye.Public Whipping post & stand committed till ye fine & fees
are paid.
The whipping post was, with the stocks and pillory, on the square near the
court house. Generally in the sentence where a culprit was to receive lashes
they were to be " well laid on, " as in the case of Wm. Anderson, convicted of
felony at the January term in 1751. Whipping was the ordinary mode of
punishment, and probably the executioner used his lash with telling effect.
In the court of quarter sessions for July, 1753, sixteen bills were presented
to the grand jury against a number of persons ' ' for conveying spurious liquor
to the Indians out of the inhabited portion of this province." The jury
ignored most of them. As a writer says: " To the noble red man civilization
had already become a failure. ' '
Cases of imprisonment for debt occupied the time and attention of the
early courts and lawyers, as page after page of the common pleas record testi-
fies. Entries like the following are by no means uncommon:
Upon reading the petition of A. B., a prisoner under execution in the public gaol of
this county, to the court, it is therefore ordered by the Court that the petitioner notify
his creditors to appear the day of next, and now (same date) the Court order the
above petitioner to be brought into court; and now, being brought into court, the Court
do thereupon remand him, the said A. B., to the public gaol.
By the Court.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 135
Sometimes it was so arranged that the prisoner was discharged, or ocoa-
sionally sold or bound to some one to work out the amount of his indebted-
ness, the person having advanced the same to the creditors.
COUNTY OFFICIALS.
Clerks of Quarter Sessions. — 1789, Samuel Postlethwaite ; 1794, John
Lyon; 1798, F. J. Haller; 1809, Charles Bovard.
I Clerks Orphans' Court, Registers of Wills and Recorders of Deeds. — John
Creigh, appointed April 7, 1777; resigned February 9, 1779, and succeeded
February 13, by William Lyon, who was also appointed to receive subscriptions
for the State loan. Mr. Lyon was also in 1777-79 Clerk of oyer and termiuer,
and prothonotary.
Clerks Orphans^ Courts, Oyer and Terminer, and Prothonotaries. — 1798,
William Lyon; 1809, WiUiam Eamsey; 1816, Robert McCoy.
Prothonotaries. — 1750-70, Hermanns Alricks, Turbutt Francis, John
Agnew; 1777, Wm. Lyon; 1820, B. Aughinbaugh; 1823, John P. Helfenstein;
1826, E. McCoy; 1828, WUlis Foulke; 1829, John Harper; 1835, George
Fleming; 1839, George Sanderson; 1842, Thomas H. Criswell; 1845, William
M. Beetem; 1848, James F. Lamberton; 1851, George Zinn, Jr. ; 1854,
Daniel K. Noell; 1857, Philip Quigley; 1860, Benjamin Duke; 1863, Samuel
Shireman; 1866, John P. Brindle 1869, Wm. V. Cavanaugh; 1872, David
W. Worst; 1875, John M. Wallace; 1878, Robert M. Graham; 1881, James
A. Sibbet; 1884, Lewis Masonheimer.
Registers and Recorders. — 1798, George Kline; 1804, Francis Gibson; 1809,
George Kline; 1816, William Line; 1820, F.-Sharretts: 1823-28, J. Hendell;
1829, John L;vine.
Registers (only). — 1834, James G. Oliver; 1835, Wm. Line; 1839, Isaac Ang-
ney; 1842, Jacob Bretz; 1845, James McCulloch; 1848, Wm. Gould; 1851, A
L. Sponsler; 1854, Wm. Lytle; 1857, Samuel M. Emminger; 1860, Ernest N.
Brady; 1863, George W. North; 1866, Jacob Dorsheimer; 1869, Joseph Neely;
1872, JohnReep; 1875, Martin GUswiler; 1878, J. M. Drawbaugh; 1881, C.
Jacoby; 1884, Lemuel E. Spong.
Corowers.— 1765-67, James Jack; 1768-70, William Denny; 1771-73,
Samuel Laird; 1774-76, James Pollock; 1777, John Martin; 1778, William
Eippey; 1779, WiUiam Holmes 1781, WUliam Rippey; 1783, John Eea.
Clerks of Court.— 1820, John McGinnis; 1823-26, John Irvine; 1828, F.
Sharretts; 1829, R. Angney.
Clerks and Recorders. — 1832, Eeinneck Angney; 1834, John Irvine; 1836,
Thos. Craighead; 1839, Willis Foulke; 1842, Eobt. Wilson; 1845, John
Goodyear; 1848, John Hyer; 1851, Samuel Martin; 1854, John M. Gregg;
1857, Daniel S. Croft; 1860, John B. Floyd; 1863, Bphraim Cormnan; 1866,
Samuel Bixler; 1869, George C. Sheaffer; 1872, George S. Emig; 1875, D.
B. Stevick; 1878, John Sheafifer; 1881, D. B. Saxton; 1884, John Zinn.
Sheriffs.— 1149, John Potter; 1750, Ezekiel Dunning; 1756, Wm. Parker;
1759, Ezekiel Smith; 1762, Ezekiel Dunning; 1765, John Holmes; 1768,
David Hoge; 1771, Ephraim Blaine; 1774, Eobt. Semple; 1777, James
Johnson; 1780, John Hoge; 1783, Sam'l Postlethwaite; 1786, Chas. Leeper;
1789, Thos. Buchanan; 1792, James Wallace; 1795, Jacob Crever; 1798,
John Carothers; 1801, Eobt. Greyson; 1804, George Stroup; 1807, John
Carothers; 1810, John Boden; 1813, John Rupley; 1816, Andrew Mitchell;
1819, Peter Eitney; 1822, James Neal; 1825, John Clippinger; 1828, Martin
Dunlap; 1831, George Beetem; 1834, Michael Holoomb; 1837, John Myers; 1840,
Paul Martin; 1843, Adam Longsdorf; 1846, James Hoffer; 1849, David Smith;,
138 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
1852, Joseph McDarmond; 1855, Jacob Bowman; 1858, Eobert McCartney;
1861, J. Thompson Eippey; 1864, John Jacobs; 1867, Joseph C. Thompson;
1870, James K. Foreman; 1873, Joseph Totten; 1876, David H. GiU; 1879,
A. A. Thomson; 1882, George B. Eyster; 1885, James E. Dixon.
Treasurers.— 1181, Stephen Duncan; 1789, Alex McEeehan; 1795, Eobt.
Miller; 1800, James Duncan; 1805, Hugh Boden; 1807, John Boden; 1810,
Eobert McCoy; 1813, John McGinnis; 1815, Andrew Boden; 1817, George
McFeely; 1820, Jas. Thompson; 1824, Geo. McFeely; 1826, Alex. Nesbitt;
1829, Hendricks Weise; 1832, John Phillips; 1835, Jason W.Eby; 1838, Wm.
S. Eamsey; 1839, Eobt. Snodgrass; 1841, Wm. M. Mateer; 1843, Eobt. Moore,
Jr. ; 1845, David N. Mahon; 1847, Eobt. Moore, Jr. ; 1849, Wm. M. Porter;
1851, William S. Cobean; 1853, N. Wilson Woods; 1855, Adam Senseman;
1857, Moses Bricker; 1859, Alfred L. Sponsler; 1861, John Gutshall; 1863,
Henry S. Eitter; 1865, Levi Zeigler ; 1867, Christian Mellinger; 1869, George
Wetzel; 1871, George Bobb: 1873, Levan H. Orris; 1875, A. Agnew Thom-
son; 1878, JohnC. Eckels; 1881, W. H. Longsdorff; 1884, Jacob Hemminger.
District Attorneys.— 1850, Wm. H. Miller; 1853 and 1858, Wm. J. Shearer;
1859 and 1864, J. W. D. Gillelen; 1865 and 1870, C. E. Maglaughlin; 1871,
W. F. Sadler; 1874, F. E. Beltzhoover; 1877, George S. Ewing; 1880, John.
M. Wetzel; 1883, John T. Stuart. ,
County Commissioners. — 1839, Alex. M. Kerr; 1840, Michael Mishler; 1841,
Jacob Eehrar; 1842, Eobt. Laird; 1843, Christian Titzel; 1844, Jefferson
Worthington; 1845, David Sterrett; 1846, Daniel Coble; 1847, John Mell;
1848, James Kelso; 1849, John Sprout; 1850, Wm. H. Trout; 1851, James
G. Cressler; 1852, John Bobb; 1853, James Armstrong; 1854, George M. Gra-
ham; 4,855, Wm. M. Henderson; 1856, Andrew Kerr; 1857, Sam'l Magaw;
1858, Nath'l H. Eckels; 1859, James H. Waggoner; 1860, George MUler;
1861, Michael Kast; 1862, George Scobey; 1863, John McCoy, three years;
Mitchell McClellan, two years; 1864, Henry Karns, John Harris; 1865, Alex.
F. Meek; 1866, Michael G. Hale; 1867, Allen Floyd; 1869, Jacob Ehoads;
1870, David Deitz; 1871, J. C. Sample; 1872, Samuel Ernst; 1873, Jacob
Barber; 1874, Joseph Bautz; 1875, Jacob Barber; 1878, Jacob Barber, Hugh
Boyd; 1881, Hugh Boyd, Alfred B. Strock; 1884, James B. Brown, George
Hauck.
President Judges.— 1150-51, Samuel Smith; 1757, Francis West; 1791,
Thos. Smith; 1794, Jas. Eiddle; 1800, John Joseph Henry; 1806, James.
Hamilton; 1819, Chas. Smith; 1820, John Eeed; 1838, Sam'l Hepburn; 1848,
Fred'k Watts; 1851, James H. Graham; 1871, Benj. F. Junkin; 1875, Mar-
tin C. Herman; 1884, Wilbur F. Sadler.
Associate Judges. — 1791, James Dunlap, John Jordan, Jonathan Hoge,
Sam'l Laird; 1794, John Montgomery; 1800, Wm. Moore, JohnCreigh; 1813,
Ephraim Steel; 1814, Jacob Hendel; 1818, Isaiah Graham; 1819, James Arm-
strong; 1828, Wm, Line; 1835, James Stewart, John LeFevre; 1842, T. 0.
Miller; 1847, John Clendenin; 1851, Sam'l Woodbum, John Eupp; 1856,
Sam'l Woodburn, Michael Cochlin; 1861, Eobt. Bryson; 1862, Hugh Stuart;
1866, Thos. P. Blair; 1871, John Clendenin, Eobt. Montgomery; 1872, Hen-
ry G. Moser, Abram Witmer.
MEMBEES OF CONGRESS, SENATORS AND ASSEMBLYMEN.
Representatives in Congress. — 1775-77, Col. James WUson; 1778-80, Gen.
John Armstrong; 1783 (to July 4), John Montgomerv; 1797-1805, John A.
Hanna; 1805-13, Eobt. Whitehill; 1813-14, Wm. Cr'awford; 1815-21, Wm.
P. Maclay; 1827-33, Wm. "Eamsey; 1833 (unexpired term), C. T. H. Craw-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 137
ford; 1535-37, Jesse Miller; 1838-40, Wm. Sterrett Eamsey; 1841-43, Amos
Gustine; 1843-47, James Black; 1847-49, Jasper B. Brady; 1849-53, J. X.
McLanahan; 1853-55, Wm. H. Kurtz; 1855-57, Lemuel Todd; 1857-59,
John A. Ahl; 1859-61, Benj. P. Junkin; 1861-65, Joseph Bailey; 1865-69,
Adam J. Glossbrenner; 1869-73, Richard J. Haldeman; 1873-75, John A.
Magee, also Lemuel Todd at large; 1875-79, Levi Maish; 1879-81, Frank E.
Beltzhoover; 1883, W. A. Duncan (died in office, and Dr. John A. Swope, of
Gettysburg, elected to fill vacancy December 23, 1884; also re-elected in No-
vember, 1885).
State Senators.— 1841-43, J. X. McLanahan; 1844-46, Wm. B. Ander-
son; 1847-49, Robt. C. Sterrett; 1850-52, Joseph Baily; 1853-55, Sam' I
Wherry; 1856-58, Henry Fetter; 1859-61, Wm. B. Irwine; 1862-64, George
H. Bucher; 1865-67, A. Heistand Glatz; 1868-70, Andrew G. Miller; 1871-
74, James M. Weakley; 1875-78, James Chestnut; 1878, Isaac Hereter; 1882,.
Samuel C. Wagner.
Representatives in Assembly. — 1779-80, Abraham Smith, Sam'l Cuthbert-
son, Fredk. Watts, Jona. Hoge, John Harris, Wm. McDowell, Ephraim Steel;
1780-81, S. Cuthbertson, Stephen Duncan, Wm. Brown, J. Hoge, John An-
drew, John Harris, John Allison; 1781-82, James McLean, John AUison, Jas.
Johnston, Wm. Brown, Robt. Magaw, John Montgomery, Stephen Duncan;
1782-83, S. Duncan, John Carothers, J. Johnston, Wm. Brown, Jas. McLene,
J. Hoge, Patrick MaxweU; 1783-84, Wm. Brown, of Carlisle, F. Watts, Jas.
Johnston, John Carothers, Abraham Smith, Wm. Brown, Robt. WhitehUl;
1814, Jacob Alter, Samuel Fenton, Jas. Lowry, Andrew Boden and Wm. An-
derson; 1815, Philip Peffer, Wm. Wallace and Solomon Gorgas; 1824, James
Dunlap; 1829, Wm. Alexander, Peter Lobaoh; 1833, Michael Cochlin, Sam'l
McKeehan; 1834, David Emmert; 1835, William Runsha (died suddenly in
oface), Chas. McClure; 1836-38, Wm. R. Gorgas, Jas. Woodburn; 1840,
Abraham Smith McKinney, John Zimmerman; 1841, Wm. Barr, Joseph Cul-
ver; 1842, James Kennedy, Geo. Brindle; 1843, Francis Eckels; 1843-44,
Jacob Heck; 1844, Geo. Brindle; 1845, Augustus H. Van Hoff, Joseph M.
Means; 1846, James Mackey, Armstrong Noble ; 1847, Jacob LeFevre; 1847-48,
Abraham Lamberton; 1848, Geo. Rupley; 1849-50, Henry Church, Thos. E.
Scouller; 1851, Ellis J. Bonham; 1851-52, Robt. M. Henderson; 1852-53,
David J. McKee; 1853, Henry J. Moser; 1854, Montgomery Donaldson, Geo.
W. Criswell; 1855-56, William Harper, James Anderson; 1857, Chas. C.
Brandt; 1857-58, Hugh Stuart; 1858-59, John McCurdy; 1859, John Power;
1860, Wm. B. Irvine, Wm. Louther; 1861, Jesse Kennedy; 1861-62, John P.
Ehoads; 1863-64, John D. Bowman; 1865-66, Philip Long; 1867-68, Theo-
dore Cornman; 1869-70, John B. Leidig; 1871-72, Jacob Bomberger; 1873-
74, Wm. B. Butler; 1874-75, G. M. Mumper; 1876-77, Sam'l W. Means;
1877-78, Samuel A. Bowers; 1878-80, Alfred M. Rhoads, Robt. M. Cochran,
Jr. ; 1882, Geo. M. D. Eckels, John Graham.
Representatives in Supreme Executive Council. — March 4, 1777, Jonathan
Hoge; November 9, 1778 (from what is now Franklin County), James Mc-
Lean; December 28, 1779, Robert Whitehill, of East Pennsborough ; 1781-
84, John Byers.
In the committee of safety John Montgomery was representative from
Cumberland County during the life of the committee. William Lyon was a
member of the Council of Safety until its close, December 4, 1777.
Commissioners in Assembly, efc.— Prom November, 1777, and later, Will-
iam Duffield, James McLean, William Clark, James Brown, Robert Whitehill,
John Harris. In 1777 John Andrew was commissioner of the county, while
138 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
James Lyon, William McClure, William Finley, James McKee, James Laird
and George Robinson were assessors. William Piper was collector of excise
in 1778, and Matthew Henderson in 1779, William Irvine in 1781, and John
Buchanan in 1782. James Poe became commissioner of taxes October 22,
1783, and Stephen Duncan county treasurer. J. Agnew was at the same time
clerk of the quarter sessions, over which court John Eannells, Esq. , presided
for some time subsequent to January 20, 1778, on which date the "Grand In-
quest for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the body of the County of
Cumberland" presented the following: "That the public Court House of the
County of Cumberland is now occupied by Capt. Coran and his men, who are
employed in the service of the United States, as a laboratory and store-
house, and has been occupied by the people in the service of the United States
for a considerable time past, so that the County of Cumberland can not have
the use of the said Court House, but are obliged to hire other places for the
county' s use — they are of opinion that the United States ought to pay to the
treasurer of the County of Cumberland, after the rate of £10 per month,
monthly and every month Capt. Coran hath been possessed of said Court House,
and for every month he or they may continue to occupy it, not exceeding the
20th day of April next; and of this they desire that Capt. Coran, or the com-
manding officer of the laboratory company, may have notice. Per Wm.
Moore, foreman."
CHAPTER VIII.
Bench and Bab— Provincial Period— From the Revolution Until the
Adoption or the Constitution of 1790 — Constitutional Period.
I.
PROVINCIAL PERIOD.
THE bar of Cumberland County had its birth in the colonial period of our
history — in the days when Pennsylvania was a province, and when
George II was the reigning king. Courts of justice had been established by the
proprietaries in the settled portions of the province, at first under the laws of
the Duke of York, and subsequently under the rules of the common law ; but
the necessity for them became greater as the population increased, as new sec-
tions were settled, and it was this necessity for the establishment of courts of
justice nearer than Lancaster, in this newly settled portion of Pennsylvania,
which was the principal reason for the formation of Cumberland County in
1750.
From this period begins the history of our bar. For nearly one hundred
years succeeding the settlement of Pennsylvania, few of the justices knew
anything of the theory or practice of law, until after they had received their
commissions from the King. Even the ' ' Provincial Council, ' ' which was the high
court of appeal, and which was presided over by the governor of the province,
had frequently no lawyer in it ; but by the time of the formation of our coun-
ty a race of lawyers had arisen in Pennsylvania, who ' ' traveled upon the
circuit" — many of whom became eminent in the State and nation — whose
names will be found in the early annals of our bar.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 139
COURTS AT SHIPPENSBUSa.
The first courts in the Cumberland Valley were held at Shippensburg; four
terms, dating from the 24th of July, 1750, to and including April, 1751. But
when Carlisle (Letort' s Spring, as it had been called) was laid out and chosen
by the proprietaries as the county seat, they were removed to that place.
At the first term of court in Shippensburg Samuel Smith, who had been a
member of the Colonial Assembly, and his associate justices presided ; John
Potter had been appointed the first sheriff, and Hermanns Alricks, of Carlisle,
a grandson of Peter Alricks, who came from Holland in 1682 with dispatches
to the Dutch on the Delaware, and who was himself, at this time (1749-50), the
first representative of Cumberland County in the assembly, produced his com-
mission from the governor of the province, under the great seal, as clerk of the
peace for the said county, which was read and recorded.
FIRST COURTS AT CARLISLE.
The first court held at Carlisle was in the year immediately succeeding the
formation of the county, and was ' ' a court of general quarter sessions, held at
Carlisle, for the county of Cumberland, the twenty-third day of July, 1751,
in the twenty-fifth year of our Sovereign Lord, King George II, over Great
Britain, etc. Before Samuel Smith, Esq., and his associate justices."
These first courts were probably held in " a temporary log building on the
northeast corner of the public square. ' ' The court house was used during the
Eevolution, and as late as January, 1778, by Capt. Coran and a company of
United States troops as a laboratory, so that the justices were compelled to
hold courts at temporary places elsewhere.
THE EARLY COURTS.
The justices who presided were commissioned, through the governor of the
province, by the King. The number of these justices varied from time to
time. The courts of quarter sessions and common pleas were held four times
each year, and private sessions, presided over often by the associate justices,
irregularly, as occasion called for.
At the beginning of our history the public prosecutor was the Crown, and
all criminal cases are entered accordingly in the name of the King, as: The
King vs. John Smith. This is until the Revolution, when, about 1778, the
form is changed to " Pennsylvania us. ," which is used until August,
1795, after which the form ''Bespublica vs. " is used until August,
1832, when the word "Commonwealth," which is now in use, appears.
The form of the pleadings at this early period may be considered curious:
The King )
vs. y Sur Indictment for Assault and Battery.
Charles Mcsrat. )
Being charged with avers he is not guilty as in the indictment is supposed, and upon
this he puts himself upon the court and upon the King's attorney likewise.
But now the defendant comes into court and retracts his plea, not being willing to
contend with our Sovereign Lord, the King. Protests his innocence and prays to be ad-
mitted to a small fine. Whereupon it is adjudged by the court that he pay the sum of two
shillings, six pence. October term, 1751.
Besides the ordinary actions of trespass, debt, slander, assault and battery
and the like, there were actions in the early courts against persons for settling
on land unpurchased from the Indians, and quite a number ' ' for selling liquor
to the Indians without license. ' ' For the lighter offenses there were fines and
imprisonments, and for the felonies the ignominious punishment of the whip-
ping post and pillory.
140 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COCNTY.
This was then the ordinary method of punishment and the form of the
sentence was, to take one of many instances, ' ' that he [the culprit] receive
twenty -one lashes well laid on his bare back, at the public whipping-post in
Carlisle, to-morrow morning, between the hours of eleven and twelve o'clock,
that he make restitution to Wm. Anderson in the sum of £18, 14 shillings
and 6 pence. That he make fine to the Governor in the like sum, and stand
committed until fine and fees be paid." — [January term, 1751.] "Twenty-one
lashes ' ' was the usual number, although in some few cases they were less.
The whipping-post seems to have been abandoned during the Revolution, as we
find the last mention of it in the records of our court in April, 1779. These
records also show that the justices of the courts, who seem to have been ex
officio justices of the peace, superintended the laying out of roads, granted
licences, took acknowledgments of deeds and registered the private marks or
brands of cattle. They exercised a paternal supervision over bond servants,
regulated the length of their terms of service, and sometimes, at the request
probably of the prisoners, sold them out of goal as servants for a term of
years, in order that they might be able to pay the fines imposed. In
short the cases in these early courts, whicl} had distinct equity powers, seem
to have been determined according to the suggestions of right reason, as well
as by the fixed principles of law.
FOUNDATION OP THE COUETS.
In order that we may get some idea of the foundation of the courts in Cum-
berland County — of the authority, in the days of kings, from which their power
was derived — it may be interesting to turn to the old commissions, in which
the power of the early justices was more or less defined.
A commission issued in October, 1755, appointing Edward Shippen, Sr.,
George Stevenson and John Armstrong, justices, is as follows:
GREETING: Know ye that reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty,
Integrity, Prudence and Ability, TTs Aare assigned you or any two of you our Justices to En-
quire by The Oaths or afiBrmation of honest and Lawful men of the said Counties of York
and Cumberland * * of all Treasons, Murders and such other Crimes as are by the
Laws of our said Province made Capital or felonies of death * * * to have
and determine the said Treasons, Murders, etc., according to Law, and upon Conviction of
any person or persons. Judgment or sentence to pronounce and execution thereupon to
award as The Law doth or shall direct. And we have also appointed you, the said Edward
Shippen, George Stevenson and John Armstrong, or any two of you, our justices, to de-
liver the Goals of York and Cumberland aforesaid of the prisoners in the same being for
any crime or crimes. Capital or Felonies aforesaid, and therefore we command you that at
certaint imes, which you or any two of you shall consider of, you meet together at the Court
Houses of the~8aid Counties of York apd Cumberland, to deliver the said goals and Make
diligent inquiry of and upon the premises, and hear and Determine all and singular the
said premises, and do and accomplish these things in the form aforesaid, acting always
therein as to justice according to Law shall appertain. Saving to us the Amerceiments
and other things to us thereof Belonging, for we have commanded the SherifEs of the said
Counties of York and Cumberland that at certain days, which you shall make known to
them, to cause to come before you all of the prisoners of the Goals and their attachments,
and also so many and such honest and Lawful men of their several Bailiwicks as may be
necessary by whom the truth of the matters concearning maybe the better known and en-
quired. In testimony whereof we have caused the Great Seal of our Province to be here-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 141
unto affixed. Witness, Robert Turner Morris, Esq. (by virtue of a commission from
Thomas Penn and Ricbard Penn, Esqs., true and absolute proprietaries of this Province),
"with our Royal approbation, Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province
aforesaid and counties of New Castel, Thrent and Sussex-on-Delaware. At Philadelphia,
the ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and flfty-
flve and in the twenty-ninth year of our reign. Signed, Robert T. Morris.
Another commission was issued April 5, 1757, to John Armstrong, appoint-
ing him a justice of the court of common pleas for the county of Cumberland.
The powers of these provincial justices were much more extensive then than
those which belong to the office of a justice now, and for some time the coun-
ty of Cumberland, over which their jurisdiction extended, included nearly all
of Pennsylvania west of the Susquehanna.
Many of the justices who were appointed never appear upon the bench.
Not less than three presided at each term of court, one as the presiding justice
and the others as associates. Sometimes only the name of the presiding jus-
tice is given; sometimes all are mentioned. They seem to have held various
terms, and to have rotated without any discoverable rule of regularity. The
justices who, with their associates, presided during the provincial period, until
the breaking out of the revolution, were as follows:
JUSTICES DURING THE PROVINCIAL PERIOD.
Samuel Smith, from July, 1750, to October, 1757 ; Francis West, from Oc-
tober, 1757, to 1759; John Armstrong, Francis West and Hermanus Alricks,
January, 1760; Francis West, July, 1760; John McKnight, October, 1760;
John Armstrong, April, 1761; James Galbreath, October, 1761; John Arm-
strong, January, 1762; James Galbreath, April, 1762; John Armstrong, July,
1762; Thomas Wilson, April, 1763; John Armstrong, from October, 1763, to
April, 1776.
The above embraces the names of all the justices who presided prior to the
Revolution, with the exception possibly of a few, who held but a single term of
court. It will be seen that from October, 1757, the judges rotated irregularly
at brief intervals until October, 1763, when John Armstrong occupied the bench
for a period of nearly thirteen years.
Of these justices John McKnight was afterward a captain in the Eevolution;
Francis West was an Englishman who went to Ireland and then immigrated to
America and settled in Carlisle in or before 1753. He was an educated man
and a loyalist. His sister Ann became the wife of his friend and co- justice,
Hermanus Alricks, and his daughter, of the same name, married Col. George
Gibson, the father of John Bannister Gibson, who was afterward to become
the chief justice of Pennsylvania. Francis West some time prior to the Revo-
lution moved to Sherman' s Valley, where he died in 1783.
Thomas Wilson lived near Carlisle.
James Galbreath, another of these justices, was born in 1703, in the north
of Ireland. He was a man of note on the frontier, and the early provincial
records of Pennsylvania contain frequent reference to him. He had been sher-
iff of Lancaster in 1742, and for many years a justice of that county. He had
served in the Indian wars of 1755-63, and some time previous to 1762 had
removed to Cumberland County. He died June 11, 1786, in what was then
East Pennsborough Township.
Hermanus Alricks was the first clerk of the courts, from 1750 to 1770, and
the first representative of Cumberland Counly in the Provincial Assembly.
He was born about 1730 in Philadelphia. He settled in Carlisle about 1749
or 1750, and brought with him his bride, a young lady lately from Ireland,
•with her brother, Francis West, then about to settle in the same place. He
142 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
was a man of mark and influence in the valley west of the Susquehanna. -He
died in Carlisle December 14, 1772.
But the greatest of these, and " the noblest Roman of them all, " was Col.
John Armstrong. He first appears as a surveyor under the proprietary gov-
ernment, and made the second survey of Carlisle in 1761. In 1755 we find
him commissioned a justice of the courts by George II, and from 1763 until his
duties as a major-general in the Revolution called him from the bench, we
find him, for a period of nearly thirteen years, presiding over our courts.
He was at this time already a colonel, and had already distinguished himself
in the Indian war. In 1755 he had cleaned out the nest of savages at Kittan-
ning, and had received a medal from the corporation of Philadelphia. When,
later the Revolution broke out, we find him, in 1776, a brigadier-general of
the Continental Army (commissioned March 1, 1776), and in the succeeding
year a major-general in command of the Pennsylvania troops. He was a warm,
personal friend of Washington. He was a member of Congress in 1778-80,
and 1787-88. It was, probably, owing to his influence, in a great measure,
that the earliest voice of indignant protest was raised in Carlisle against the
action of Great Britain against the colonies. ' ' He was a man of intelligence,
integrity, resolute and brave, and, though living habitually in the fear of the
Lord, he feared not the face of man. ' ' * He died March 9, 1795, aged seventy-
five years. He was buried in the old grave-yard at Carlisle.
PHOSEOUTOES rOH THE CEOWN.
In this provincial period these were our judges: George Ross, afterward
a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was the public prosecutor for the
Crown from 1751 to 1764; Robert Magaw follows in 1765-66, and Jasper
Yeates in 1770; Benjamin Chew, who was a member of the Provincial Coun-
cil, and afterward, during the Revolution, a Loyalist, was, at this time, 1759-
68, attorney-general, and prosecuted many of the criminal cases, from 1759 to
1769, in our courts. He was, in 1777, with some others, received by the
sheriff of this county, and held at Staunton, Va. , till the conclusion of the war.
PEACTITIONEES.
The earliest practitioners at our bar, from 1759 to 1764, were George Ross,
James Smith (afterward a signer of the Declaration of Independence), James
Campbell, Samuel Johnston, Jasper Teates and Robert Magaw.
From 1764 to 1770, George Stevenson, James Wilson (also a signer of the
Declaration of Independence), Jam.es Hamilton (afterward judge), David
Sample, David Grier, Wetzel, Morris, and Samuel Johnston, were the leading
attorneys. Up to this time Magaw, Stevenson and Wilson had the largest
practice. During this period, in 1770, Col. Turbutt Francis becomes clerk of
the court, as successor of Hermanns Alricks; and from 1771 to 1774, Ephraim
Blaine, afterward commissary in the Revolution, and the grandfather of the
Hon. James G. Blaine, of Maine, was sheriff of the county.
THE BAE IN 1776.
During this first year of our independence the practitioners at the bar were
John Steel (already in large practice), James Campbell, George Stevenson,
James Wilson, Samuel Johnston, David Grier, Col. Thomas Hartley (of York),
Jasper Yeates, James Smith, Edward Burd and Robert Galbreath. It is a
noteworthy fact that two of the men who practiced in our courts in this mem-
orable year were signers of the Declaration of Independence.
♦Chamber's tribute to the Scotch-Irish settlers, p. 88.
HISTORY OF CUMBBKLAND COUNTY. 145.
Hon. George Boss, who, at the age of twenty-two, was the first public
prosecutor for the Crown in our courts in Cumberland County, was the son of
George Boss, an Episcopal minister, and was born in New Castle, Del. , in
1730. He began the practice of law in Lancaster in 1751. He acted as prose-
cuting attorney for the Crown in our county from 1751 to 1764, and practiced
in our courts until October, 1772. He was a member of the Colonial Assem-
bly of Pennsylvania from 1768 to 1776, and when this body ceased, or was
continued in the Legislature, he was a member of that body also. In 1774 he
was one of the committee of seven who represented Pennsylvania in the Con-
tinental Congress, and remained a member until January, 1777. He was a
signer of the Declaration of Independence. He died at Lancaster in July,
1779. In appearance George Koss was a very handsome man, with a high
forehead, regular features, oval face, long hair, worn in the fashion of the day,
and pleasing countenance.
Col. James Smith is one of the earliest names found as a practicioner, in this
provincial period, at the bar of Cumberland County. There is a brief notice
of him in Day's Historical Collections. He was an Irishman by birth, but
came to this country when quite young. In Graydon' s Memoirs it is stated
that he was educated at the college in Philadelphia, was admitted to the bar,
and afterward removed to the vicinity of Shippensburg, and there established
himself as a lawyer. From there he removed to York, where he continued to
reside until his death, July 11, 1806, at the age of about ninety-three years.
He was a member of Congress in 1775-78. He was one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence. For a period of sixty years he had a large and lu-
crative practice in the eastern counties, from which he withdrew in about 1800.
During the Revolution he commanded, as colonel, a regiment in the Penn-
sylvania line. A more extended notice of him can be found in Saunderson's
or Lossings' Lives of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
James Wilson LL. D. is another of these earliest practitioners at the bar. His
name occurs on the records as early as 1763. He was a Scotchman by birth,
born in 1742, and had received a finished education at St. Andrews, Edin-
burgh and Glasgow, under Dr. Blair in rhetoric, and Dr. Watts in logic. In
1766 he had come to reside in Philadelphia, where he studied law with
John Dickinson, the colonial governor, and founder of Dickinson College.
When^ admitted to practice he took up his residence in Carlisle, and at once
forged to the foremost of our bar. At the meeting at Carlisle, in July, 1774,
which protested against the action of Great Britain against the colonies, he,
with Irvine and Magaw, was appointed a delegate to meet those of other
counties of the State, as the initiatory step to a general convention of delegates
from the different colonies. He was subsequently a signer of the Declaration
of Independence, and when the motion for independence was finally acted
upon in Congress, the vote of Pennsylvania was carried in its favor by the
casting vote of James Wilson, of Cumberland County. "He had," says Ban-
croft, in his History of the United States, " at an early day foreseen independ-
ence as the probable, though not the intended result of the contest," and al-
though he was not, at first, avowedly in favor of a severance from the mother
country, he desired it when he had received definite instructions from his con-
stituents, and when he saw that nearly the whole mass of the people were in
favor of it. In 1776 he was a colonel in the Bevolution. From 1779 to 1783
he held the position of advocate-general for the French nation, whose business
it was to draw up plans for regulating the intercourse of that country with the
United States, for which services he received a reward, from the French King,
of 1 000 livres. He was at this time director of the Bank of North America.
146 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
He was one of the most prominent members in the convention of 1787 which
formed the constitution of the United States. "Of the fifty-five dele-
gates," says McMaster, in his History of the People of the United States, "he
was undoubtedly the best prepared by deep and systematic study of the his-
tory and science of government, for the work that lay before him. The Mar-
quis de Chastellux, himself a no mean student, had been -struck with the wide
range of his erudition, and had spoken in high terms of his library. 'There,'
said he, ' are all our best writers on law and jurisprudence. The works of
President Montesquieu and of Chancellor D'Aguesseau hold the first rank
among them, and he makes them his daily study.' (Travels of Marquis de
Chastelhix in North America p. 109. ) This learning Wilson had in times past
turned to excellent use, and he now became one of the most active members of
the convention. None, with the exception of Gouverneur Morris, was so often
on his feet during the debates or spoke more to the purpose. ' ' * [McMaster' s
History Vol. I, p. 421.] By this time Wilson had removed from Carlisle and
lived in Philadelphia. He was appointed, under the Federal Constitution,
one of the first judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, by President
Washington, in which office he continued until his death. In 1790 he was
appointed professor of law in the legal college at Philadelphia, which, during
his incumbency, was united with the university. He received the degree
of LL.D., and delivered a course of lectures on jurisprudence which were
published. He died August 26, 1798, aged fifty-six.
Col. Robert Magaw, was another practitioner at this early period. He was an
Irishman by birth, and resided in Cumberland County, prior to the Revolu-
tion, in which war he served as colonel of the Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion.
In 1774 he was one of the delegates from this county to a convention at Phila-
delphia for the purpose of concerting measures to call a general congress of
delegates from all the colonies. He was a prominent member of the bar, a
brave officer, and a trustee of Dickinson CoUege from 1783 until his death. He
had a very large practice prior to the Revolution. He died January 7, 1790.
The name of Jasper Yeates appears upon our records as early as 1763, and
for a period of twenty-one years (1784) his name appears as a practitioner at
our bar. He resided in Lancaster. He was an excellent lawyer and practiced
over a large territory in the eastern counties of the State. On March 21, 1791,
he was appointed by Gov. Mifflin one of the associate justices of the su-
preme court, which position he fiUed until the time of his death in 1817. In
appearance he was tall, portly, with handsome countenance, florid complexion
and blue eyes. He was the compiler of the early Pennsylvania reports which
bear his name.
George Stevenson, LL. D. , was a prominent member of the bar in 1776.
His name appears upon the records as early as 1770. He was born in Dublin in
1718, educated at Trinity College, and emigrated to America about the middle
of the century. He was appointed deputy surveyor-general under Nicholas
Scull for the three lower counties on the Delaware, known as the ' ' territories
of Pennsylvania," which William Penn obtained from the Duke of York in
1682. He afterward removed to York and was appointed a justice under
George II in 1755. [See commission, page 7.] In 1769 he moved to
Carlisle and became a leading member of the bar. He died at this place in
1783. Some of his correspondence may be seen in the Colonial Records,
and the Pennsylvania Archives. He married the widow of Thomas Cookson,
a distinguished lawyer of Lancaster, who was instructed, in connection with
Nicholas Scull, to lay out the town of Carlisle in 1751.
*A3 a matter of curiosity we may mention; number of speeches were Morris, 173; Wilson, 168; Madison, 161;
.Sherman, 138; Mason, 136; Elbrldge Gerry, 119.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 147
Papt. John Steel was a prominent member of our bar in 1776. He had been
admitted, on motion of Col. Magaw, only three years previously, April term,
1773, and seems immediately to have come into a large practice. We find him
having a large practice again from 1 782 to 1785, shortly after which date his name
disappears from the records. Capt. John Steel was the son of Eev. John Steel,
known as the "fighting parson," and was born at Carlisle, July 15, 1744.
Parson Steel led a company of men from Carlisle and acted as a chaplain in
the Eevolutionary Army, whUe his son, John Steel, the subject of our sketch,
led, as a captain, a company of men from the same place, and joined the army
of Washington after he had crossed the Delaware. He was the father of
Amelia Steel, the mother of the late Eobert Given, of Carlisle. He married
Agnes Moore, a sister of Mrs. Jane Thompson, who was the mother of Eliza-
beth Bennett, the maternal grandmother of the writer. He died about 1812.
Col. Thomas Hartley, who appeared as a practitioner at our bar in 1776,
was born in Berks County in 1748. He received the rudiments of a classical
education at Reading, when he went to York at the age of eighteen, and stud-
ied law under Samuel Johnston. He commenced practice in 1769. He ap-
pears as a practitioner at our bar from April, 1771, to 1797. Col. Hartley be-
came distinguished, both in the cabinet and the field. In 1774 he was elected
member of the Provincial Meeting of deputies, which met in Philadelphia
in July of that year. In the succeeding year he was a member of the
Provincial Convention. In the beginning of the war he became a colonel
in the Revolution. He served in 1778 in the Indian war on the west
branch of the Susquehanna, and in the same year was elected a member of the
Legislature from York County. In 1783 he was a member of the council of
censors. In 1787 he was a member of the State Convention, which adopted
the Federal Constitution. In 1788 he was elected to Congress and served for
a period of twelve years. In 1800 he was commissioned by Gov. McKean
major-general of the Fifth Division of Pennsylvania Militia. He was an ex-
cellent lawyer, a pleasant speaker, and had a large practice. He died in York
December 21, 1800, aged fifty-two years. *
These were some of the men who practiced at our bar in the memorable
year 1776, men who by their services in the forum and the field helped to lay
broad and deep the foundations of the government which we enjoy.
II.
FEOM THE REVOLUTION UKTIL THE ADOPTION OP THE CONSTITUTION
OF 1790.
From the period of the Revolution, until the adoption of the constitution
of 1790, the courts were presided over by the following justices:
John Rannalls and associates, from 1776 to January, 1785; Samuel Laird
and associates, from January, 1785, to January, 1786; Thomas Beals and
associates, April, 1786; John Jordan and associates, from July, 1786, till
October, 1791.
Owing to the adoption of the Declaration, and the necessity of taking anew
the oath, most of the attorneys were re-admitted in 1778. Among these were
Jasper Yeates, James Smith, James Wilson, Edward Burd and David Grier.
Thomas Hartley was re-admitted in July of the succeeding year.
James Hamilton, who afterward became the fourth judge under the Consti-
*Brief sketches of him will be found in Day's Historical CoUectioDB, and in " Otzinachson, " p. 335-6. Also
in the Archives and Records.
148 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
tution was admitted to practice upon the motion of Col. Thomas Hartly in
AprU, 1781.
Among the names of those who practiced during this period between the
Revolution and the adoption of the Constitution of 1790, are the following:
Hon. Edward Shippen was admitted to our bar in October, 1778. He was
the son of Edward Shippen, Sr., the founder of Shippensburg, and was bom
February 16, 1729. In 1748 he was sent to England to be educated at the
Inns of Court. In 1771 he was a member of the "Proprietary and Governors'
Council." He afterward rose rapidly and became chief justice of Pennsyl-
vania. He was the father of the wife of Gen. Benedict Arnold. During the
Eevolution his sympathies were with England, but owing to the purity of his
character and the impartiality with which he discharged his official duties, the
new government restored him to the bench. His name appears upon our
records as late as 1800.
James Hamilton was admitted in April, 1781. He afterward became the
fourth president judge of our judicial district. He was an Irishman by birth,
and was admitted to the bar in his native country, but immigrated to America
before the Eevolution, and first settled for a short time in Pittsburgh, then a
small frontier settlement, but soon afterward removed to Carlisle, where he
acquired a large practice.
Hon. Thomas Duncan's name is found as a practitioner as early as 1781;*
The date of his admission to the bar is not known to us. He was of Scotch
ancestry, and a native of Carlisle. He was educated, it is said, under Dr.
Eamsey, the historian, and studied law in Lancaster, under Hon. Jasper
Yeates, then one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. On
his admission to the bar he returned to his native place and began the practice
of law; his rise was rapid, and in less than ten years from his admission he
was the acknowledged leader of his profession in the midland counties of the
State, and for nearly thirty years he continued to hold this eminent position.
He had, during this period, perhaps, the largest practice of any lawyer in
Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia.
In 1817 he was appointed by Gov. Snyder to the bench of the supreme
court, in place of Judge Yeates, deceased. He shortly after removed to Phila-
delphia where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 16th of
November, 1827.
During the ten years he sat upon the bench, associated with Tilghman and
Gibson, he contributed largely to our stock of judicial opinions, and the re-
ports contain abundant memorials of his industry and learning. These opin-
ions begin with the third volume of "Sergeant & Eawle," and end with the
seventeenth volume of the same series.
For years preceding the beginning of the present century and under five
of the judges after the adoption of the first constitution, namely: Smith, Eid-
dle, Henry, Hamilton and Charles Smith, Thomas Duncan practiced at our
bar. As a lawyer he was distinguished by acuteness of discernment, prompt-
ness of decision, an accurate knowledge of character and a ready recourse to
the rich stores of his own mind and memory. He was an excellent land and
criminal lawyer, ' ' although, ' ' says one, ' ' I think it could be shown by citations
from his opinions that his taste inclined more strongly to special pleading than
to real estate, and that his accuracy in that department was greater than in
the law of property. ' ' f
*Iu Dr. Nevin's "Men of Mark" it is stafted that he was educated at Dickinson College, which is evidently
an error, as that institution was not founded until two years later.
fPorter, in speaking of Duncan , in his essay on Gibson.
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 149
He was enthusiastically devoted to Ms profession, "His habits of investi-
gation," says Porter, in speaking of him as a judge, "were patient and sys-
tematic ; his powers of discrimination cultivated by study and by intercourse
with the acutest minds of his day; his style, both in speaking and writing,
easy, natural, graceful and clear, and his acquirements quite equal to those of
his predecessors on the bench. ' '
In appearance Mr. Duncan was about five feet six inches high, of small,
delicate frame, rather reserved in manners, had rather a shrill voice, wore pow-
der in his hair, knee breeches and buckles, and was neat in dress.
Upon a small, unobtrusive-looking monument in the old grave-yard in Car-
lisle, is the following inscription:
' ' Near this spot is deposited all that was mortal of Th9mas Duncan, Esq. ,
LL.D. ; born at Carlisle, 20th of November, 1760; died 16th of November,
1827. Called to the bar at an early age, he was rapidly borne by genius, per-
severance and integrity to the pinnacle of his profession, and in.the fulness of
his fame was elevated to the bench of the supreme court of his native State, for
which a sound judgment, boundless stores of legal science, and a profound
reverence for the common law, had peculiarly fitted him. Of his judicial labors
the reported cases of the period are th« best eulogy. As a husband, indulgent;
as a father, kind; as a friend, sincere; as a magistrate, incorruptible, and as a
citizen, inestimable, he was honored by the wise and good, and wept by a large
circle of relatives and friends. Honesta quam splendida." A panegyric
which leaves nothing to be said.
Stephen Chambers, who appears upon the records of the court occasionally
about 1783, although re- admitted later, was from Lancaster, and was a broth-
er-in law of John Joseph Henry, who was afterward appointed president judge
of our judicial district in 1800.
James Armstrong Wilson, whose name appears occasionally after the Eevo-
lution as a practitioner at our bar, was the son of Thomas Wilson, who resided
near Carlisle, and whom we have mentioned as a provincial justice. He was
educated at Princeton, where he graduated about 1771. He studied law with
Eichard Stockton, and was admitted to the bar at Easton. He was a major in
the Revolution. The earliest mention of his name in the records of our court
is about 1778.
John Clark, who was from York, Penn., appears occasionally as a practitioner
about 1784. He was a major in the Revolution, of large frame, fine personal
appearance, witty, so that his society was much courted by many of the
lawyers who rode the circuit with him in those days.
Ross Thompson, who had practiced in other courts, was admitted to our bar
in 1784. He lived some time in Chambersburg, but removed to Carlisle, where
he died at an early age.
John Wilkes Kittera, admitted in 1783, was from Philadelphia, but settled
in Lancaster. He was admitted to the first term of court two years later,
May, 1785, in Dauphin County.
Gen. John Andrew Hanna (1785), settled in Harrisburg at about the time
of the organization of Dauphin County. He is noticed favorably in the narra-
tive of the Duke de Rochefoucault, who visited the State capital in 1795. He
says that Gen. Hanna was then " about thirty-six or thirty-eight years of age,
and was brigadier-general of militia." He was a brother-in-law of Robert
Harris, the father of George W. Harris, the compiler of the Pennsylvania
Reports, and was an executor of the will of John Harris, the founder of Har-
risburg. He was elected to Congress from his district in 1797, and served
tiU 1805, in which year he died.
150 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Ealph Bowie, from York, was admitted to our bar at October term,
1785, and practiced considerably in our courts from 1798 till after 1800. He
was a Scotchman by birth and had probably been admitted to the bar in his
native country. He was a well-read lawyer and much sought after in important
cases of ejectment. He was of fine personal appearance, courtly and dignified
in manner, and neat and particular in dress. He powdered his hair, wore
short clothes in the fashion of the day, and had social qualities of the most
attractive character.
Of James Eiddle, Charles Smith, John Joseph Henry and Thomas Smith,
all of whom became judges, we will speak later.
Thomas Creigh, who was admitted in 1790, was the son of Hon.
John Creigh, who emigrated from Ireland and settled in Carlisle in 1761.
John Creigh was an early justice, and one of the nine representatives who
signed the first Declaration, June 24, 1776, for the colony of Pennsylvania.
Thomas Creigh was born in Carlisle August 16, 1769. He graduated in the
second class which left Dickinson College in 1788. He probably studied law
under Thomas Duncan, upon whose motion he was admitted. He died in Car-
lisle October, 1809. One sister, Isabel, married Samuel Alexander, Esq., of
Carlisle ; Mary married Hon. John Kennedy, of the Supreme Court of Penn-
sylvania, and Elizabeth, Samuel Duncan, Esq. , of Carlisle.
David Watts (1790), a son of Frederick Watts, who was a member of
the early Provincial Council, was born in Cumberland County October 29,
1764. He graduated in the first class which left the then unpretentious halls of
Dickinson College in 1787. He afterward read law in Philadelphia under the
eminent jurist and advocate, William Lewis, LL.D., and was admitted to
our bar in October, 1790. He soon acquired an immense practice, and became
.the acknowledged rival of Thomas Duncan, who had been for years the recog-
nized leader on this circuit. He died September 25, 1819.
We have now given a brief sketch of our bar, from the earliest times down
to the adoption of the constitution of 1790, when, in the following year,
Thomas Smith, the first president judge of our judicial district, appears upon
the bench.
III.
CONSTITUTIOlSrAL PERIOD.
From the adoption of this first constitution until the present, the judges
who have presided over our courts are as follows:
JUDGES.
Thomas Smith, 1791; James Riddle, 1794; John Joseph Henry, 1800;
James Hamilton, 1806; Charles Smith, 1819; John Reed, 1820; Samuel Hep-
burn, 1838; Frederick Watts, 1848; James H. Graham, 1851; Benjamin F.
Junkin, 1871; Martin C. Herman, 1875; Wilbur F. Sadler, 1885.
Hon. Thomas Smith first appeared upon the bench in the October ternl,
1791. He resided at Carlisle. He had been a deputy surveyor under the
government in early life, and thus became well acquainted with the land sys-
tem in Pennsylvania, then in process of formation. He was accounted a good
common law lawyer and did a considerable business. He was commissioned
president judge by Gov. Mifflin on the 20th of August, 1791. He con-
tinued in that position until his appointment as an associate judge of the su-
preme court, on the 31st of January, 1794. He was a small man, rather re-
served in his manner, and of not very social proclivities. He died at an ad-
vanced age in the year 1809.
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 151
Owing to the necessity of being resworn, according to the provisions of the
new constitution, the following attorneys ' ' having taken the oath prescribed by
law," were readmitted at this term of court: James Riddle, Andrew Dunlap,
of Franklin; Thomas Hartley, of York; David Watts, Thomas Nesbitt, Ralph
Bowie, Thomas Duncan, Thomas Creigh, Robert Duncan, James Hamilton
and others.
Hon. James Riddle first appears upon the bench at the April term, 1794.
He was born in Adams County, graduated with distinction at Princeton Col-
lege, and subsequently read law at York. He was about thirty years of age
when he was admitted to the bar. He had a large practice until his appoint-
ment as president judge of this judicial district, by Gov. Mifflin, in February,
179-. His legal abilities were very respectable, though he was not considered
a great lawyer. He was well read in science, literature and the law; was a
good advocate and very successful with the jury. He was a tall man, broad
shouldered and lusty, with a noble face and profile and pleasing manner.
Some time in 1804 he resigned his position of judge, because of the strong
partisan feeling existing against him — he being an ardent Federalist — and re-
turned to the practice of the law. He died in Chambersburg about 1837.
Hon. John Joseph Henry, of Lancaster, was born about the year 1758. He
was the third president judge of our judicial district and the predecessor of
Judge Hamilton. He was appointed in 1800. He had previously been the
first president judge of Dauphin County in 1793. In 1775 young Henry, then
a lad of about seventeen or eighteen years of age, entered the Revolutionary
Army and joined the expedition against Quebec. He was in the company un-
der Capt. Matthew Smith, of Lancaster. The whole command, amounting to
about 1, 000 men, was under the command of Gen. Benedict Arnold. Young
Henry fought at the battle of Quebec and was taken prisoner. He subse-
quently published an account of the expedition. Judge Henry was a large
man, probably over six feet in height. He died in Lancaster in 1810.
THE BAR IN 1800.
And now we have arrived at the dawn of a new century. Judge Henry
was upon the bench. Watts and Duncan were unquestionably the leading
lawyers. They were engaged in probably more than one-half the cases which
were tried, and always on opposite sides. Hamilton came next, six years later,
to be upon the bench. There also were Charles Smith, who was to succeed
Hamilton; Bowie, of York, and Shippen, of Lancaster, with their queues
and Continental dress, and the Duncan brothers, James and Samuel, and Thomas
Creigh, all of them engaged in active practice at our bar at the begraning of
the century. At this time the lawyers still traveled upon the circuit, and cir-
cuit courts were held also as will be seen by the following entry: "Circuit
Court held at Carlisle for the County of Cumberland this 4th day of May,
1801, before the Hon. Jasper Yeates, and Hon. Hugh Henry Brackenridge, jus-
tices of the Supreme Court. ' '
Among the prominent attorneys admitted to the bar during the time Judge
Henry was upon the bench, were John Bannister Gibson, afterward chief jus-
tice of Pennsylvania, George Metzgar and Andrew Carothers. Gibson was
admitted in March. 1803.
On the motion of Thomas Duncan, Esq. , and the usual certificates filed
stating that Alexander P. Lyon, John B. M. S. Gibson and James Carothers
had studied law imder his direction for the space of two years after they had
respectively arrived at the age of twenty-one. Com. Ralph Bowie, Charles
Smith and William Brown.
152 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
George Metzgar was born in 1782, and graduated at Dickinson College in
1798. He studied law with David Watts after he had arrived at the age of twenty-
one, and was admitted in March, 1805. Afterward he served as prosecuting
attorney, and was a member of the Legislature in 1813-14, and held a respect-
able position at the bar. He died in Carlisle June 10, 1879. He was the
founder of the Metzgar Female Institute in Carlisle.
Andrew Carothers was born in Silver Spring, Cumberland County, about
1778. He learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, but when about nine-
teen years of age his father's family was poisoned, and Andrew, who sur-
vived, was crippled by its effects in his hands and limbs to such an extent
that he was incapacitated for the trade which he had chosen. He had received
but the education of the country school, and it was not until he had become
unfitted for an occupation which required bodily labor, that he tui-ned his at-
tention to the law. He entered the office of David Watts, in Carlisle, and after
three years' study, was admitted to the bar December, 1805. In the language
of Judge Watts "He became an excellent practical and learned lawyer, and
very soon took a high place at the bar of Cumberland County, which at that
time ranked amongst its numbers some of the best lawyers of the State, Watts,
Duncan, Alexander and Mahan were at different times his competitors, and
amongst these he acquired a large and lucrative practice, which continued
through his whole life. Mr. Carothers was remarkable for his amiability of
temper, his purity of character, his unlimited disposition of charity and his
love of justice. ' '
On all public occasions and in courts of justice his addresses were delivered,
by reason of his bodily infirmity, in a sitting posture. He was active in pro-
moting the general interests of the community, and was for years one of the
trustees of Dickinson College. He died July 26, 1836, aged fifty-eight years.
THE BAB UNDEK HAMILTON.
Of James Hamilton, who appears upon the bench in 1806, we have before
spoken. Watts and Duncan were still leaders of the bar under Judge Hamilton.
Mr. Watts came to the bar some years later than Thomas Duncan, but both
were admitted and the latter had practiced under the judges prior to the con-
stitution; but from that time, 1790, both practiced, generally as opponents,
and were leaders at the bar under the first five judges who presided after the
constitution, until the appointment of Duncan to the supreme bench in 1817.
David Watts died two years later.
Judge Hamilton was a student, but lacked self-confidence, and was more
inclined, it is said, to take what he was told ruled the case than to trust to his
own judgment, and there is a legend to the effect that a certain act, which can
be found in the pamphlet laws of Pennsylvania, 1810, p. 136, forbidding the
reading of English precedents subsequent to 1776, was passed at his instance
to get rid of the multitudinous authorities with which Mr. Duncan was wont
to confuse his judgment.
Mr. Watts was an impassioned, forcible and fluent speaker. He was a
strong, powerful man. Mr. Duncan was a smaU and delicate looking man.
The voice of Mr. Watts was strong and rather rough, that of Mr. Duncan was
vreak and sometimes shrill in pleading. In Mr. Brackenridge' s "Recollec-
tions," he speaks of attending the courts in Carlisle, in about 1807, where
there were two very able lawyers, Messrs. Watts and Duncan. ' ' The former, ' '
says he, " was possessed of a powerful mind and was the most vehement speaker
I ever heard. He seized his subject with a herculean grasp, at the same time
throwing his herculean body and limbs into attitudes which would have de-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTr. 155
lighted a painter or a sculptor. He was a singular instance of the union of
great strength of mind with bodily powers equally wonderful.
"Mr. Duncan was one of the best lawyers and advocates I have ever- seen
at a bar, and he was, perhaps, the best judge that ever sat on the supreme
bench of the State. He was a very small man, with a large but well-formed
head. There never was a lover more devoted to his mistress than Mr. Duncan
was to the study of law. He perused Coke upon Littleton as a recreation, and
read more books of reports than a young lady reads new novels. His educa-
tion had not been very good, and his general reading was not remarkable. I
was informed that he read frequently the plays of Shakespeare, and from that
source derived that uncommon richness and variety of diction by which he was
enabled to embellish the most abstruse subjects, although his language was
occasionally marked by inacuracies, even violation of common grammar rules.
Mr. Duncan reasoned with admirable clearness and method on all legal sub-
jects, and at the same time displayed great knowledge of human nature in ex-
amination of witnesses and in his addresses to the jury. Mr. Watts selected
merely the strong points of his case, and labored them with an earnestness and
zeal approaching to fury; and perhaps his forcible manner sometimes produced
a more certain effect than 'that of the subtle and wiley advocate opposed to
him."
Among the attorneys admitted under Hamilton was Isaac Brown Parker,
March, 1806, on motion of Charles Smith, Esq. Mr. Parker had read law un-
der James Hamilton, just previous to the time of his appointment to the bench.
His committee was Ralph Bowie, Charles Smith and James Duncan, Esqrs.
Alexander Mahan, graduated at Dickinson College in 1805 ; August, 1808, read
under Thomas Duncan; committee David "Watts, John B. Q-ibson and Andrew
Carothers, Esqrs .... William Eamsey same date, instructor and committee.
In 1809 William Ramsey, Democrat, ran for sheriff of Cumberland
County. The opposing candidate was John Carothers, Federalist. At this
time, under the old constitution the governor appointed one of the two having
the highest number of votes. Ramsey had the highest number of votes
but Carothers was appointed. Gov. Snyder afterward appointed William Ram-
sey prothonotary, which office he held for many years. He had great influence
in the Democratic party. About 1817 he began to practice his profession and
acquired a very large practice. He died in 1831.
James Hamilton, Jr., was the son of Judge Hamilton. He was borb in
Carlisle, October 16, 1793. He graduated at Dickinson College in 1812. He
read law with Isaac B. Parker, who was an uncle by marriage, and was ad-
mitted to the bar while his father was upon the bench in April, 1816. He
was, from 1824 to 1838, a trustee of Dickinson College. For several years Mr.
Hamilton followed his profession, but being in affluent circumstances he
gradually retired from active practice. He died in Carlisle June 23, 1873.
John Williamson, was for many years a member of our bar. He was
the brother-in-law of Hon. Samuel Hepburn, with whom he was for a long
time associated. He was born in Mifflin Township, Cumberland County, Sep-
tember 14, 1789, and graduated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, in 1809. He
was admitted to our bar at the August term, 1811. He previously read law
with Luther Martin, of Baltimore, Md. , who was one of the counsel for Aaron
Burr, in his trial for high treason, at Richmond, Va. Luther Martin, the " Fed-
eral Bull-dog," as he was called, was a character altogether sui generis, with an
unlimited capacity both for legal lore and liquor. In the former respect only
his pupil somewhat (although in a less degree) resembled his preceptor. Mr.
Williamson seems to have been exceedingly well versed in law, with an intimate
16
156 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
knowledge of all the cases and distinctions, but the very depth or extensiveness
of his learning seemed at times to confuse his judgment. He saw the case in every
possible aspect in which it could be presented; but then which particular phase
should, in the wise dispensation of an all-ruling Providence, happen to be the
law, as afterward determined by the court, was a question often too difficult to
decide. His aid as a counselor was valuable, and as such he was frequently
employed. He died in Philadelphia, September 10, 1870.
John Duncan Mahan was admitted under Hamilton in April, 1817. He
was born November 5, 1796; graduated at Dickinson College in 1814, and im-
mediately began the study of law under the instruction of his uncle, Thomas
Duncan. He became a leader of the bar of Carlisle at a brilliant period, un-
til in 1833, when he removed to Pittsburgh and became a prominent member of
the bar of that city, where hp resided until his death July 8, 1861. When
Mr. Mahan was admitted to the bar Watts and Duncan were at the zenith of
their fame, and were retained in aU great cases within the circuit of their prac-
tice. But this was near the end of their career, as competitors, for at that
very time Duncan was appointed to the supreme bench, which he adorned
during his life, and Watts died two years later. Judge Duncan transferred
his whole practice to his then young student and nephew, John D. Mahan and
his eminent success justified his preceptor's confidence. His first step was into
the front rank of the profession.
Mr. Mahan was a man of rare endowments. What many learned by study
and painful investigation he seemed to grasp intuitively. He had the gift, the
power and the grace of the orator, and in addressing the passions, the sympa-
thies, or the peculiarities of men he seldom made mistakes. ' ' His every ges-
ture," it has been said of him, " was graceful, his style of eloquence was the
proper word in the proper place for the occasion,- and his voice was music."
He was afPable in temper, brilliant in conversation and was among the leaders
of our bar, under Hamilton, Smith and Eeed, at a time when it had strong
men, by whom his strength was tested and his talents tried.
A writer speaking from his recollections of the bar at about this period,
says: "John D. Mahan was its bright, particular star;, young, graceful, elo-
quent, and with a jury irresistible. Equal to him in general ability, and su-
perior, perhaps, in legal acumen, was his contemporary and rival, Samuel
Alexander. Then there was the vehement Andrew Carothers and young Fred-
erick Watts, just admitted in time to reap the advantages of his father's repu-
tation and create an enduring one of his own. And George Metzgar, with his
treble voice and hand on his side, amusing the court and spectators with his
not overly delicate facetice. And there was ' ' Billy Eamsey with his queue, ' '
a man of many clients, and the sine gwa non of the Democratic party.
Hon. Charles Smith was appointed to succeed Hamilton as the fifth presi-
dent judge of our judicial district, in the year 1819. Mr. Charles Smith,
was born at Philadelphia, March 4, 1765. He received his degree B. A. at
the first commencement of Washington College, Charleston, Md. , March 14,
1788. His father, William Smith, D. D., was the founder, and at that time
the provost of that institution. Charles Smith commenced the study of the
law with his elder brother, William Moore Smith, who then resided at Easton,
Penn. After his admission to the bar he opened his office in Sunbury, North-
umberland County, where his industry and rising talents soon procured for
him a large practice. He was elected delegate, with his colleague, Simon
Snyder, to the convention which framed the first constitution for the State of
Pennsylvania, and was looked on as a very distinguished member of that tal-
ented body of men. Although difPering in the politics of that day from his.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 157
colleague, yet Mr. Snyder for more than thirty years afterward remained the
firm friend of Mr. Smith, and when the former became the governor of the
State for three successive terms it is well known that Mr. Smith was his con-
fidential adviser in many important matters. Mr. Smith was married in 1719
to a daughter of Jasper Yeates, one of the supreme court judges of the State,
and soon removed from Sunbury to Lancaster, where Judge Yeates resided.
Under the old circuit court system it was customary for most of the dis-
tinguished country lawyers to travel over the northern and western parts of
the State with the judges, and hence Mr. Smith, in pursuing this practice,
soon became associated with such eminent men as Thomas Duncan, David
Watts, Charles Hall, John Woods, James Hamilton, and a host of luminaries
of the middle bar. The settlement of land titles, at that period, became of
vast importance to the people of the State, and the foundation of the law with
regard to settlement rights, the rights of warrantees, the doctrine of surveys,
and the proper construction of lines and corners, had to be laid. In the trial
of ejectment cases the learning of the bar was best displayed, and Mr. Smith,
was soon looked on as an eminent land lawyer. In after years, when called
on to revise the old publications of the laws of the State, and under the au-
thority of the Legislature to frame a new compilation of the same (generally-
known as Smith's Laws of Pennsylvania) he gave to the public the result of
his knowledge and experience on the subject of land law, in the very copious
note on that subject, which may well be termed a treatise on the land laws of
Pennsylvania. In the same work his note on the criminal law of the State is
elaborate and instructive. Mr. Smith was, in 1819, appointed president judge
of the district, comprising the counties of Cumberland and Franklin, where
his official learning and judgment, and his habitual industry, rendered him a
useful and highly popular judge.
On the erection of the District Court of Lancaster he became the first pre-
siding judge, which office he held for several years. He finally removed to
Philadelphia, where he spent the last years of his life, and died in that city in
1840, in the seventy- fifth year o^ his age.
Hon. John Eeed, LL.D., appeared upon the bench in 1820. Judge Keed
was born in what was then York, now Adams County, in 1786. He was the
son of Gen. William Eeed, of Revolutionary fame. He read law under Will-
iam Maxwell, of Gettysburg. In 1809 he was admitted to the bar and com-
menced the practice of law in Westmoreland Coimty. In the two last years
of his professional career he performed the duties of deputy attorney-general.
In 1815 Mr. Reed was elected to the State Senate, and on the 10th of July
1820, he was commissioned by Gov. Finley president judge of the Ninth
Judicial District, then composed of the counties of Cumberland, Adams and
Perry. When, in 1839, by a change in the constitution, his commission expired,
he resumed his practice at the bar, and continued it until his death which
occurred in Carlisle, on the 19th of January, 1850, when he was in the six-
ty-fourth year of his age. In 1839 the decree of LL.D. was conferred upon
him by Washington College, Pennsylvania. In 1833 the new board of trustees
of Dickinson College formed a professorship of law, and Judge Eeed was
elected professor of that department. The instructions consisted of lectures,
and of a moot court of law, where legal questions were discussed, cases tried,
and where the pleadings were drawn up in full — Eeed being the supreme court.
After a full course of study, this department conferred the decree of LL.B.
Many were admitted to the bar during this period, most of whom practiced
elsewhere, and many of whom afterward became eminent in their pro-
fession.
158 HISTORy OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
THE BAB UNDER JUDGE REED.
At this period, and later, the bar was particularly strong. Of the old
Teterans, David Watts was dead, and Duncan was upon the supreme bench.
But among the practitioners of the time were such men as Carothers, Alexander,
Mahan, Eamsey, Williamson, Metzgar, Lyon, William Irvine, William H.
Brackenridge and Isaac Brown Parker; while among those admitted, and who
were afterward to attain eminence on the bench or at the bar, were such men
as Charles B. Penrose, Hugh Gaullagher, Frederick Watts, William M. Biddle,
James H. Graham, Samuel Hepburn, William Sterritt Eamsey, S. Dunlap Adair
and John Brown Parker — a galaxy of names such as has not since been equaled.
Gen. Samuel Alexander was practicing at our bar in 1820, when Judge
Reed took the bench. He was the youngest son of Col. John Alexander, a
Revolutionary officer, and was born in Carlisle September 20, 1792. He
graduated at Dickinson College in 1812, after which he read law in Greens-
burg vsrith his brother, Maj. John B. Alexander, and became a prominent law-
yer in that part of the State. He afterward returned to Carlisle, and by the
advice of Judge Duncan and David Watts was induced to become a member of
our bar, at which he soon acquired a prominent position. In 1820 he married
a daughter of Col. Ephraim Blaine, but left no sons to perpetuate his name.
As an advocate Mr. Alexander had but few, if any, superiors at the bar.
In the early part of his career he was a diligent student and was in the habit
of carefully digesting most of the reported cases. In addition to this he was
possessed of a tenacious memory and seemed never to forget a case he had
once read. He was always fully identified with the cause of his client, and
possessed that thorough onesidedness so necessary to the successful advocate.
He possessed also great tact and an intuitive quickness of perception. In
the management of a case he was apt, watchful and ingenious. If driven
from one position, like a skillful general he was always quick to seize another.
In this respect his talents, it is said, only brightened amid difficulties, and
shone forth only the more resplendent as the battle became more hopeless.
Nor was oratory, the crowning grace and the most necessary accomplishment
of the advocate, wanting. He was a forcible speaker, with a large command
of language, and with the happy faculty of nearly always finding the right
word for the right place. His diction was choice, and in his matter, although
sometimes diffusive, in his manner he was always bold, vigorous and aggres-
sive. He had the power of sarcasm, was often ironical, and was a master in
personal invective. In this he had no equal at the bar. In the examination
of witnesses, also, he had no superior.
Mr. Alexander had a natural inclination for mechanics, and was passion-
ately fond of anything pertaining to military life. He was for years at the
head of a volunteer regiment of the county. He cared for this, strange as it
may, appear, more than for his profession, which, toward the close of his life,
seems to have become distasteful to him; at least with his abilities unim-
paired, he appeared but seldom in the trial of a cause. He died in Carlisle
in July, 1845, aged fifty -two.
Hugh Gaullagher, a practitioner at the bar under Reed, studied law with
Hon. Richard Coulter of Greensburg, and shortly after his admission com-
menced the practice of law in Carlisle. This was about 1824, from which time
he continued to practice until about the middle of the century.
He was eccentric, long limbed, awkward in his gait, and in his delivery
with an Irish brogue, but he was well-read, particularly in history and in the
elements of his profession. He was an affable man, an instructive companion,
fond of conversation, vrith inherent humor and a love of fun, and was popular
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 159
in the circle of his friends, of whom he had many. He was among the num-
ber of the old lawyers of our bar who were fond of a dinner and a song, how-
ever gravely they appear upon the page of history.
At the bar his position was more that of a counselor than of an advocate.
He was fond of the old cases and would rather read an opinion of my Lord
Mansfield, or Hale, or Coke, than the latest delivered by our own judges, ' ' not
that he disregarded the latter, but because he reverenced the former. ' '
He is well remembered, often in connection with anecdotes, and is as fre-
quently spoken of bv survivors as any man who practiced at our bar so long
ago. He died April 14, 1856.
Hon. Charles B. Penrose was born near Philadelphia October 6, 1798. He
read law with Samuel Ewing, Esq. , in Philadelphia, and immediately moved
to Carlisle. He soon acquired a prominent position at the bar. He was
elected to the State Senate in 1833, and at the expiration of his term was re-
elected. In this capacity he achieved distinction even among the men of abil-
ity who were then chosen for this office. In 1841 he was appointed by Presi-
dent Harrison, solicitor of the treasury, which position he held until the clos»
of President Tyler's administration. After practicing in Carlisle he moved
first to Lancaster, then to Philadelphia, in both places successfully pursuing
his profession. In 1856 he was again elected as a reform candidate to the
State Senate, during which term he died of pneumonia at Harrisburg. April
6, 1857.
"William M. Biddle was admitted under Eeed in 1826. He was born in
Philadelphia July 3, 1801, and died of heart disease in that city, where he had
gone to place himself under the care of physicians, on the 28th of Febru-
ary, 1855. He was the great-great-grandson of Nicholas Scull, surveyor-gen-
eral of Pennsylvania from 1748 to 1761, who, by direction of Gov. Hamilton,
laid out the borough of Carlisle in 1751. Mr. Biddle was originally destined
for mercantile pursuits, but the death of his cousin, Henry Sergeant, an East
India trader, who had promised him a partnership in business, put an end to
these plans and his attention was turned to the law. He went to Beading, Penn. ,
and studied with his brother-in-law, Samuel Baird, Esq. In 1826, shortly af-
ter his admission to the bar, he moved to Carlisle, induced to do so by the ad-
vice of his brother-in-law, Charles B. Penrose, Esq. , who had recently opened
a law office there, and was then rising into a good practice. Located in Carlisle he
soon acquired a large business and soon took a high position at the bar, which
he retained to the day of his death, a period of twenty-nine years.
Mr. Biddle was an able lawyer and had a keen perception of the principles
of law, which, when understood, reduce it to a science. He was endowed with
a large fund of wit, in addition to which he was also an excellent mimic, and
often indulged in these powers in his addresses to the jury. He was rather a
large man, of fine personal presence, great affability, endowed with quick wit
and high moral and intellectual qualities which made him a leader at the bar
at a time when many brilliant men were among its members.
Gen. Edward M. Biddle was born in Philadelphia; graduated at Princeton
College, and then removed to Carlisle, where he studied law under his broth-
er-in-law, Hon. Chas. B. Penrose, and in 1830 was admitted to practice in the
several courts of Cumberland County.
Hon. Charles McClure was admitted to the bar under Eeed in August, 1826.
He was born in Carlisle, graduated at Dickinson College, and afterward be-
came a member of Congi'ess, and still later, 1843-45, secretary of state of
Pennsylvania. He was a son-in-law of Chief Justice Gibson. He did not prac-
tice extensively at the bar. He removed to Pittsburgh, where he died in 1846.
160 HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Hon. William Sterritt Ramsey, one of the most promising members of the
bar admitted under Reed, was bom in Carlisle June 16, 1(510. He entered
Dickinson College in the autumn of 1826, where he remained three years.
In the summer of 1829 he was sent to Europe to complete his education and to
restore, by active travel and change of scene, health to an already debilitated
constitution. The same year he was appointed (by our minister to the court of
St. James, Hon. Lewis McClane) an attache to the American Legation. He
pursued his legal studies, visited the courts of Westminister, and the author
of Waverly at Abbottsford, to whom he bore letters from Washington Irving.
After the Revolution of three days in July, 1830, he was sent with dispatches to
France, and spent much of his time, while there, at the hotel of Gen. Lafayette.
In 1831 he returned to America and began the study of law under his father.
In the month of September of this year his father died. He continued to study
under Andrew Carothers, and in 1833 was admitted to the bar of Cumberland
County.
In 1838 he was elected a member of Congress by the Democratic party,
and at the expiration of his term was re-elected. He was at this time the
youngest member of Congress in the House. He died, before being qualified
a second time, by his own hand in Barnum' s Hotel, Baltimore, October 22,
1840, aged only thirty years. An eloquent obituary notice was written on the
occasion of his death by his friend, Hon. James Buchanan, afterward Presi-
dent of the United States, from which some of the above facts are taken.
S. Dunlap Adair was admitted under Reed in January, 1835. For fifteen
years he was a practitioner at the bar. He was born March 26, 1810. While
a youth he attended the classical school of Joseph Casey, Sr. , the father of
Hon. Joseph Casey, in Newville, and was among the brightest of his pupils.
He was apt in acquiring knowledge and particularly in the facility of acquiring
languages. He became a good Latin scholar, and, after his admission to the
bar, made himself acquainted with the German, French and Italian languages.
He was well read in English literature, and although not a graduate of any
college, his attainments were as varied as those of any member of the bar.
He studied law under Hon. Frederick Watts , and soon after his admission was
appointed deputy attorney-general for the county. He was a candidate of
his party in the district for Congress when William Ramsey, the younger, was
elected. He had a chaste, clear style, and was a pleasant speaker. In stature
he was below the medium height, delicately formed, near-sighted, and whether
sitting or standing had a tendency to lean forward. He was of sanguine
temperament, had auburn hair and a high forehead. He died of bronchial
consumption in Carlisle, September 23, 1850.
John Brown Parker, Esq. , was born in Carlisle October 5, 1816. He grad-
uated at the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, in 1834. He read
law with Hon. Frederick Watts for the period of one year, completing his
course of study in the law school under Judge Reed, and was admitted to prac-
tice in April, 1838. He was for a time associated with his preceptor, Hon.
Frederick Watts. He retired from practice in 1865, and moved to Philadel-
phia, where he resided for some years.
Capt. William M. Porter was born in Carlisle, this county, in 1808 ; read
law under Samuel A. McCoskry, and was admitted to the Carlisle bar in 1835.
He died in 1873.
In 1827 John Bannister Gibson, LL.D. , was appointed chief justice of
Pennsylvania.
He was born on the 8th of November, 1780, in Sherman's Valley, then
Cumberland, now Perry, County, Pennsylvania. He was of Scotch-Irish de-
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 161
■scent, and the son of Col. George Gibson, who was killed at the defeat of St.
Clair in 1791. In 1795 young Gibson studied in the preparatory school con-
nected with Dickinson College, and subsequently in the collegiate department,
when that institution was under Dr. Nesbitt, graduating at the age of eight-
een, in the class of 1798.
During this period he was in the habit of frequenting the office of Dr. Me-
■Coskry — one of the oldest practitioners of medicine in the place — and there
acquired a taste for the study of physic, which he never lost.
On the completion of his collegiate course, he entered on the study of law
in Carlisle in the office of his kinsman, Thomas Duncan, with whom he was af-
terward to occupy a seat on the bench of the supreme court. He was admit-
ted to the bar of Cumberland County in March, 1803.
He first opened his office in Carlisle, then removed to Beaver, then to
Hagerstown, but shortly afterward returned to Carlisle. This was in 1805,
and at this point is the beginning of a remarkable career.
From 1805 to 1812 Mr. Gibson seems to have had a reasonable share of
the legal practice in Cumberland County, particularly when we consider that
the field was occupied by such men as Duncan, Watts, Bowie of York, and
Smith of Lancaster, who, at the time of which we speak, had but few equals
in the State. Nevertheless it may well be doubted whether his qualifications
were of such a character as would ever have fitted him to attain high eminence
at the bar, His reputation, at this period, was not that of diligence in his pro-
fession, and it is quite probable that, at this time, he had no great liking for
it. In fact, at this period, of his life Mr. Gibson seems to have been known
rather as a fine musical connoisseur and art critic than as a successful lawyer.
He was a good draughtsman, a judge of fine paintings, and a votary of the violin.
In 1810 Mr. Gibson was elected by the Democratic party of Cumberland
County to the House of Representatives, and after the expiration of his term,
in 1812, he was appointed president judge of the court of common pleas for
the Eleventh Judicial District, composed of the counties of Tioga, Bradford,
Susquehanna and Luzerne.
Justice Gibson' s personal appearance at this time is within the recollection
of men who are still living. He was a man of large proportions, a giant both
in physique and intellect. He was considerably over six feet in height, with
a muscular, well-proportioned frame, indicative of strength and energy, and
a countenance expressing strong character and manly beauty.
' ' His face, ' ' says David Paul Brown, ' ' was full of intellect and benevo-
lence, and, of course, eminently handsome; his manners were remarkable for
■their simplicity, warmth, frankness and generosity. There never was a man
more free from affectation or pretension of every sort. ' '
Until the day of his death, says Porter, ' ' although his bearing was mild
and unostentatious, so striking was his personal appearance that few persons
to whom he was unknown could have passed him by in the street without re-
mark."
Upon the death of Judge Brackenridge in 1816, Judge Gibson was ap-
pointed by Gov. 'Snyder Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, where,
as it has been said, if TUghman was the Nestor, Gibson became the Ulysses of
ihe bench.
This appointment of Gibson to the bench of the supreme court seems first
to have awakened his intellect and stimulated his ambition. He partly with-
drew himself from his former associates, and was thus delivered from numer-
ous temptations to indolence and dissipation. He became more devoted to
study, and for the first time perhaps in his life he seems to have formed a
162 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
resolution to make himself master of the law as a science. Coke particularly
seems to have been his favorite author, and his quaint, forcible and condensed
style, together with the severity of his logic seem to have had no small in-
fluence in the development of Gibson' s mind, and in implanting there the
seeds of that love for the English common law, which was afterward every-
where so conspicuous in his writings.
It is pertinent here to remark that Judge Gibson, like Coke and Blackstone,
seems never to have had any fondness for the civil law. Whether this
was on account of the purely Anglo-Saxon of his mind, or on account of a want
of opportunity in the means through which to become thoroughly acquainted
with the most beautiful and symmetrical system of law which the world has
ever known, we can not say, but certain it is that he seems to have cast ever
and anon a suspicious glance at the efforts of a judge story, and writers of that
school to infuse its principles in a still greater degree into our common law.
We need but refer to the opinions delivered in Dyle vs. Eichards, 9 Sergeant
and Eawle, 322, and in Logan vs. Mason, 6 Watts and Sergeant 9, in proof of
the existence of these views in the mind of their author.
In an old number of the "American Law Register" there is a review of
Mr. Troubat' s work on limited partnership by Gibson. It was the last essay
he ever wrote, and in it he says : ' ' The writer of this article is not a champion
of the civil law; nor does he profess to have more than a superficial knowledge
of it. He was bred in the school of Littleton and Coke, and he would be
sorry to see any but common law doctrines taught in it. " But here Gibson is
speaking of the English law of real property, and he afterward says ' ' The
English law merchant, an imperishable monument to Lord Mansfield's fam^e,
shows what a magnificent structure may be raised upon it where the ground is
not preoccupied. ' '
Hitherto the bench of the supreme court had consisted of but three judges,
but under the act of April 8, 1826, the number was increased to five. But little
more than one yeai' elapsed before the death of Chief Justice Tilghman. Gib-
son was his successor. He received his commission on the 18th of May, 1827,
and from this time forward the gradual and uniform progress of his mind,
says Col. Porter, " may be traced in his opinions with a certainty and satisfac-
tion which are perhaps not offered in the case of any other judge known to our
annals. His original style, compared to that in which he now began to write,
was like the sinews of a growing lad compared to the well-knit muscles of a
man. No one who has carefully studied his opinions can have failed to re-
mark the increased power and pith which distinguished them from this time
forward. ' ' In the language of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens ' ' he lived to an advanced
age, his knowledge increasing with increasing years, while his great intellect
remained unimpaired."
From 1827 he remained as the chief upon the bench, until 1851, when
by a change in the constitution the judiciary became elective, and was elected
the same year an associate justice of the court, being the only one of the for-
mer incumbents returned. But although ' ' nominally superseded by another
as the head of the court, his great learning, venerable character and over shad-
owing reputation still made him," in the language of his successor. Judge
Black, ' ' the only chief whom the hearts of the people would know.
' ' His accomplishments were very extraordinary. He was born a musician,
and the natural talent was highly cultivated. He was a connoisseur in paint-
ing and sculpture. The whole round of English literature was familiar to
him. * He was at home among the ancient classics. * * * Hq
*He was well read, we have seen it stated, ia the Britisb classics, fond of English drama, and familiar with
the dramatists of the Kestoration.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 165
had studied medicine in his youth and understood it well. His mind absorbed
all kinds of knowledge with scarcely an effort."*
In regard to his mental habits, he was a deep student, but not a close
student ; he worked most effectively, but he worked reluctantly. The concur-
rent testimony of all who knew him is that he seldom or never wrote, except
when under the pressure of necessity, but when he once brought the powers
of his mind to a focus and took up the pen, he wrote continuously and with-
out erasure. When he once began to write an opinion he very rarely laid it
aside until it was completed. This, with the broad grasp with which he took
hold of his subject, has given to his opinions a consistency and unity otherwise
difficult to have attained. He saw a case in all its varied relations, and the
principles by which it was governed, rather by the intuitive insight of genius,
than as the result of labor.
These opinions very seldom give a history of decided cases, but invariably
put the decision upon some leading principle of law — referring to but few
cases, by way of illusftation, or to show exceptions to the rule. He was emi-
nently self-reliant. He appeared at a time when the law of our common-
wealth was in process of formation, and in its development his formulating
power has been felt.
Of his style much has been said. Said Stevens " I do not know by whom
it has been surpassed." It is a judicial style, at once compact, technical
and exact. His writing can be made to convey just what he means to express
and nothing more. His meaning is not always upon the surface, but when
it is perceived it is certain and without ambiguity. [It may be interesting ta
state that Chief Justice Gibson often thought out his opinions while he was
playing upon the violin. When a thought came to him he would lay down
his instrument and vsrite. As to his accuracy of language, he was in the habit
of carrying with him a book of synonyms. These facts have been told to the
writer by his son. Col. George Gibson, of the United States Army.]
It has been said that one ' ' could pick out his opinions from others like gold
coin from among copper." He was, for more than half hjs life, a chief or
associate justice on the bench, and his opinions extend through no less than
seventy volumes of our reports f — an imperishable monument to his memory.
Chief Justice Gibson died in Philadelphia May 3, 1853, in the seventy-
third year of his age. He was buried two days afterward in Carlisle.
In the old grave-yard, upon the tall marble shaft which was erected over
his tomb, we read the following beautiful inscription from the pen of Chief
Justice Jeremiah S. Black :
In the various knowledge
Which forms the perfect SCHOLAR
He had no superior.
Independent, upright and able,
He had all the highest qualities of a great JUDGE.
In the difficult science of Jurisprudence,
He mastered every Department,
Discussed almost every question, and
Touched no subject which he did not adorn.
He won in early manhood,
And retained to the close of a long life.
The AFFECTION of his brethren on the Bench,
The EESPECT of the Bar
And the confidence of the people.
Hon. John Kennedy, who had studied under the elder Hamilton and had
been admitted to our bar under Riddle in 1798, was appointed to the bench
•Judge Black's Eulogy ,on Gibson.
tFrom 2 Sergeant and Eawle to 7 Harris.
166 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
of the Bupreme court in 1830. He was born in Cumberland County in June,
1774; graduated at Dickinson College in 1795, and after his admission to the
bar, removed to a northern circuit, where he became the compeer of men like
James Ross, John Lyon, Parker Campbell, and others scarcely less dis-
tinguished. He afterward removed to Pittsburgh, where his high reputation
as a lawyer at once introduced him to a lucrative practice. From 1830 he
remained upon the bench until his death, August 26, 1846. His opinions,
extending through twenty-seven volumes of reports, are distinguished by lucid
argumentation and laborious research. Judge Gibson, who had known him
from boyhood, and who sat with him upon the bench for a period of over fifteen
years, said: "His judicial labors were his recreations. He clung to the com-
mon law as a child to its nurse, and how much he drew from it may be seen in
his opinions, which, by their elaborate minuteness, remind us of the over-
fullness of Lord Coke. Patient in investigation and slow in judgment, he
seldom changed his opinion. A cooler head and a warmer heart never met
together in the same person; and it is barely just to sSy that he has not left
behind a more learned lawyer or a more upright man." In David Paul
Brown' s ' ' Forum ' ' we find the following : " It is recorded that Sergeant
Maynard had such a relish for the old Year Books, that he carried one in his
coach to divert his time in travel, and said he preferred it to a comedy. The
late Judge Kennedy, of the supreme court, who was the most enthusiastic
lover of the law we ever new, used to say that his greatest amusement consisted
in reading the law; and indeed, he seemed to take almost equal pleasure in
writing his legal opinions, in some of which, Eeed vs. Patterson, for instance,
he certainly combined the attractions of law and romance." He is buried in
the old grave-yard at Carlisle.
Hon. Samuel Hepburn (seventh president judge), the successor of Judge
Heed, first appears upon the bench in April, 1839. Judge Hepburn
was born in 1807 in Williamsport, Penn., at which place he began
the study of law under James Armstrong, who was afterward a judge on
"the supreme bench. He completed his legal studies at Dickinson CoUege
under Eeed, and was admitted to the bar of Cumberland County in November,
1834. He was, at the time of his admission appointed adjunct professor of
law in the Moot court of Dickinson College by Judge Reed. Before he had
been at the bar five years, he was appointed by Gov. Porter, president
judge of the Ninth Judicial District, then embracing Cumberland, Perry and
Juniata, and he presided at times also, during his term in the civil courts of
Dauphin. He was at this time the youngest judge in Pennsylvania to whom
a president judge's commission had been ever offered. Among the important
cases the McClintock trial took place while he was upon the bench. After
the expiration of his term he resumed the practice of law in Carlisle, where he
still resides. The degree of LL. D. was conferred upon Judge Hepburn by
Washington College, Penn.
The most prominent practitioners admitted under Judge Hepburn were J.
Ellis Bonham, Lemuel Todd, William H. Miller, Benjamin F. Junkin, Will-
iam M. Penrose and Alexander Brady Sharpe.
J. Ellis Bonham, Esq., was among the ablest lawyers admitted under
Judge Hepbixrn. He was born in Hunterdon County, N. J. , March 31,
1816, graduated at Jefferson College, Penn. , studied law in Dickinson CoUege
under Eeed, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1889.
' ' He had no kindred here nor family influence. His pecuniary gains were
small during the first few years of his professional career, and he had little or
no aid outside of them, as his father was in moderate circumstances." He
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 167
had not been long, however, at the bar before he was appointed deputy attor-
ney-general for the county — a position which he filled with conspicious ability.
He had a taste for literature and his library was large and choice. He had
little fondness for the drudgery of his profession, but he had political ambition,
and his political reading and knowledge were extensive. He wrote for the
leading political journals of his party articles on many of the prominent ques-
tions of the day. " During his term in the Legislature he was the acknowl-
edged leader of the House, as the Hon. Charles B. Buckalew was of the Sen-
ate; and they were not unlike in mental characteristics, and somewhat alike in
personal appearance. They were decidedly the weakest men physically and
the strongest mentally in either House. ' '
After the expiration of his term he was nominated for Congress, and
although he was in a district largely Democratic, eminently fitted for the posi-
tion, and had, himself, great influence in the political organization, he was de-
feated by the sudden birth of a new party. He died shortly afterward of
congestion of the lungs, March 19, 1855.
In personal appearance Mr. Bonham was rather under than above the me-
dium height, delicately formed, with light hair and complexion. He was of
nervous temperament. His countenance was handsome and refined. As an
advocate he was eminently a graceful and polished speaker, attractive in his
manner, with a poetic imagination and chaste and polished diction. His
speeches, although they at times bore traces of laborious preparation, were ef-
fective, and on one occasion, we are told, many persons in the court were moved
to tears.
He died before his talents had reached their prime, after having been at
the bar for fifteen years and before he had attained the age of forty.
Hon. Lemuel Todd was born in Carlisle July 29, 1817. He graduated at
Dickinson College in 1839, read law under Gen. Samuel Alexander and was
admitted to practice in August, 1841. He was a partner of Gen. Alexander
until the time of his death in 1843. He was elected to Congress from the
Eighteenth District in 1854 on the Know-nothing ticket as against J. Ellis
Bonham on the Democratic, and was elected congressman at large in 1875.
He presided over the State conventions of the Eepublican party at Harrisburg
that nominated David Wilmot for governor; at Pittsburgh that nominated
Gov. Curtin; and at Philadelphia that advocated for President Gen. Grant.
Gen. Todd has practiced continuously at the bar except for a period during
the late war, a portion of which time he acted as inspector-general of Penn-
sylvania troops under Gov. Curtin.
William H. MiUer, for more than a quarter of a century, was an act-
ive practitioner at the bar of our county. He was a student of Judge Eeed,
and was admitted to the bar in August, 1842; William M. Biddle, S. Dunla,p
Adair and J. Ellis Bonham, Esqs. , being his committee of examination. His
initiate was difficult, but by perseverance and talent he succeeded in winning
a large practice and an honorable position at the bar. As a speaker he was
deliberate and dignified; as a man refined and amiable ; scholarly in both his
taste and in his appearance. As a lawyer he was cool and self-possessed, and
with deliberate logic and tact he ' won, as a rule, the implicit confidence of a
jury. He died suddenly of congestion of the brain in June, 1877.
William McFunn Penrose, was admitted vmder Hepburn. He was bom
in Carlisle March 29, 1825; graduated with honor at Dickinson College in 1844,
and was admitted to the bar in November, 1846. He was the eldest son of
Hon. Charles B. Penrose. As a lavryer he was eminently successful, learned,
quick and accurate in his perceptions, cogent in argument, fluent but terse as
/
168 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
a Bpeaker, he seldom failed to convince a jury. He had a keen perception of
distinctions in the cases, and of the principles which underlie them, and in all
questions of practice was particularly at home. He served for a time as
colonel of the Sixth Regiment at the beginning of the war. He died Septem-
ber 2, 1872, in the prime of life and in the midst of usefulness.
Hon. Eobert M. Henderson, born near Carlisle March 11, 1827. Gradu-
ated at Dickinson College in 1845. Read law under Judge Reed, and was ad-
mitted to the bar in August, 1847. He was elected, by the Whig party, to the
Legislature in 1851 and 1852. He served, by appointment in April, 1874, as
additional judge of the Twelfth Judicial District, and was elected to that office
in the same year. He became president judge of this district in January, 1882,
resigned his position in March of the same year, and returned to his practice
in Carlisle. He served as a colonel in the late war.
Alexander Brady Sharpe was born in Newton Township, Cumberland
County, August 12, 1827. He graduated with honor at Jefferson College,
Pennsylvania, in 1846. He read law under Robert M. Bard, Esq. , of Cham-
bersburg, and subsequently with Hon. Frederick Watts, of Carlisle. He was
admitted to the bar in November 1848, since which time he has practiced, ex-
cept during the period of the war, when he was in the service of his country,
a portion of the time serving upon the staff of Gen. Ord.
Hon. Frederick Watts became judge of our courts in 1849. He was the
son of David Watts, a distinguished member of the early bar, and was born in
Carlisle May 9, 1801. He graduated at Dickinson College in 1819. Two
years later he entered the office of Andrew Carothers, and was admitted to
practice in August, 1824. He remained for a time in partnership with his pre-
ceptor and acquired a lucrative practice. During a period of foi-ty-two years
from the October term, 1827, to May term, 1869, in the Supreme Court, there
is no volume of reports containing cases from the middle district (except for
the three years when he was upon the bench) in which his name is not found.
For fifteen vears he was the reporter of the decisions of that court, from 1829;
three volumes, " Watts & Penrose," ten volumes "Watts Reports," and nine
"Watts & Sergeant." On March 9, 1849, he was commissioned by Gov.
Johnston, president judge of the Ninth Judicial District, containing the
counties of Cumberland, Perry and Juniata. He retired in 1852, when the
judiciary became elective, and resumed his practice, from which after a long
and honorable career, he gradually withdrew in about 1860-69. In August,
1871, he was appointed and served as commissioner of agriculture mider Hayes.
As a man he had great force of character, sterling integrity, and, as a lawyer,
ability, dignity and confidence. He had great power with a jury from their
implicit confidence in him. He was always firm, self-reliant, despised quirks
and quibbles, and was a model of fairness in the trial of a cause. He is still
living in honorable retirement in Carlisle at an advanced age, being now the
oldest surviving member of the bar.
We have now brought the history of our bar with sketches, some of them
dealing with living members, down to the time when Judge Graham appears
upon the bench, which is within the recollection of the youngest lawyer. For
the future we must for obvious reasons satisfy ourself with briefer mention.
Hon. James H. Graham, born September 10, 1807, in West Pennsborough
Township, graduated at Dickinson College in 1827, studied law under Andrew
Carothers, Esq. , admitted to the bar in November, 1829. In 1839, after the
election of Gov. Porter, he was appointed deputy attorney-general for Cum-
berland County, a position which he filled ably for six years. After the amend-
ment of the Constitution making the judiciary elective, he received the nom-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 169
ination (Democratic) and was elected in October, 1851, president judge of the
Ninth Judicial District, comprising the counties of Cumberland, Perry and
Juniata. At the expiration of his term he was re-elected in 1861, serving
another full term of ten years. After his retirement from the bench he re-
turned again to the practice of law. He died in the fall of 1882. In 1862 his
alma mater conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. Perhaps the highest
eulogy we can pay is to say that for more than half a century at the bar or on
the bench, there was never, in the language of Judge Watts, a breath of im-
putation against his character as a lawyer, or upon his honor as a judge. "
Hon. Benjamin F. Junkin was admitted to the bar in August, 1844.
He lived in Bloomfield and became, with the younger Mclntyre, a leader
of the bar of Perry County. In 1871, he was elected the tenth president
judge of the Ninth Judicial District— then including the counties of Cum-
berland, Perry and Juniata. He was the last of the perambulatory judges.
On the redisti-ibution of the district under the constitution of 1874, he
chose Perry and Juniata, and therefore, from that period, ceased to preside
over the courts in Cumberland County.
Hon. Martin C. Herman, who succeeded Hon. Benjamin Junkin as the
eleventh judge of our Judicial District, was born in Silver Spring Township,
Cumberland County, February 14, 1841. He graduated at Dickinson College
in 1862. He had registered as a student of law previous to this time with B .
Mclntyre & Son, Bloomfield, then with William H. Miller, of Carlisle, under
whom he completed his studies. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1864.
He was elected by the Democratic party president judge of the Ninth Judicial
District, in 1874, taking the bench on the first Monday of January in the
succeeding year, and serving for full term of ten years, and was nominated by
acclamation in August, 1884.
Hon. Wilbur F. Sadler, twelfth and last judge, was born October 14, 1840;
read law under Mi-. Morrison at Williamsport, and afterward in Carlisle; was
admitted to the Carlisle bar in 1864, and acquired a large clientage; was
elected district attorney in 1871, and, in 1884, president judge of the Ninth
Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
The present members of the bar, with the dates of their admission, are as
follows :
J. E. Barnitz, August, 1877; Bennett Bellman, April, 1874; Hon. F.
E. Beltzhoover, April, 1864; Edward W. Biddle, April, 1873; Theodore Corn-
man, 1870; Duncan M. Graham, November, 1876; John Hays, 1859; Hon.
Samuel Hepburn, November, 1834; Samuel Hepburn, Jr., January, 1863; Hon.
Martin C. Herman, January, 1864; Christian P. Humrich, November, 1854;
W. A. Kramer, August, 1883; John B. Landis. 1881; Stewart M. Leidieh,
August, 1872; W. Penn Lloyd, April, 1865; John E. MUler, August, 1867;
George Miller, January, 1873; Henry Newsham, April, 1859; Eichard M.
Parker, November, 1876; A. Brady Sharpe, November, 1848; William J.
Shearer, January, 1852; John T. Stuart, November, 1876; Silas Stuart, April,
1881; J. L. Shelley, August, 1875; Alexander Bache Smead; Hon. Lemuel
Todd, April, 1841; William E. Trickett*, August, 1875; Joseph G. Vale, April,
1871; Hon. Frederick Watts (retired), 1829; Edward B. Watts, August, 1875;
Hon. J. Marion Weakley, January, 1861; John W. Wetzel, April, 1874; Muh-
lenburg Williams (Newville), November, 1860; Eobert McCachran (New-
viUe), 1857.
Among the early members of our bench and bar were men who fought
♦William E. Trickett, formerly professor of metaphysics In Dickinson College, and author of " Liens in
Pennsylvania."
170 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
and were distinguished in the Indian wars and in the Revolution. No less
than three who practiced in our courts were signers of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, and two were members of the colonial convention at its inception.
Three sat upon the supreme bench, one as Chief Justice, who has been justly-
called, in a legal sense, the " great glory of his native State. ' ' Since then many-
have become distinguished, in their day, on the bench, in the halls of legisla-
tion, or at the bar. In its prestige the bar of Cumberland County has been
equal to any in the State, and its reputation has been won in many a well con-
tested battle for a period of now more than a century and a quarter, so that,
whatever it may be to-day, it may well pride itself upon its past, and stand,
among the younger bars of our sister commonwealths, like a Douglas bonneted,
and bow down to none.
CHAPTEK IX.
Medical— Biographical— Physicians in Cumberland County Since 1879—
Physicians in Cumberland County Kegistered in Office of Protho-
NOTARY AT CARLISLE— CUMBERLAND COUNTY MeDICAL SOCIETY.
THE genesis of medical science, like that of chemistry, astronomy or gov-
ernment, is necessarily slow, and attended with much of empiricism.
Observations, even if correctly made, are either imperfectly recorded or not
recorded at all. The common people are destitute of scientific methods of in-
vestigation. Even if they were so disposed, they lack both the opportunity
and the ability to note, scientifically, the nature and symptoms of disease
together with their proper remedial agents.
It is not strange, therefore, that mothers and grandmothers of the olden
time should insist, on applying, externally, skunk oil or goose fat for the curing
of internal derangements. The day of herbs and salves . as panaceas was not
far removed from the period when special luck was supposed to attach to first
seeing the moon over the right shoulder ; when potatoes planted or shingles
laid in the dark of the moon would fail to serve their purposes; when water-
witches were deemed necessary to locate wells properly; and when bleeding
the arm for the ailments of humanity was considered absolutely essential to
health.
The superstition which sought cures in miraculous interferences in these
various tricks of sleight-of-hand" performances, and meaningless signs and
tokens, would readily believe that the hair of the dog -will cure his own bite;
that the carrying, around the neck, of a spider imprisoned in a thimble -will
cause whooping-cough to disappear; that washing the face in water formed
from the first snow of the season will remove frecHes ; that the weather of the
first three days of December will presage the weather of the three following
months; that the washing of the hands in stump water will cure warts; and
that if the ground hog sees his shadow on the 2d day of February, he will re-
tire to his den to endure a six weeks' cold siege.
The transition from these simple superstitions of the olden times to the
patent medicine cure-all remedies of the present day was an easy one. He
who imagined that warts could be removed or pain alleviated by the sorcerer's
pow-wow, or that skunk fat would cure pleurisy or consumption, would not be
slow to believe in the curative properties of some thorougly advertised patent nos-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 171
trum. The statements in patent medicine circulars would receive full credence by
those suffering the ills to which humanity is subject, and unknown and per-
haps absolutely worthless remedies would be used assiduously until the system
was thoroughly deranged. From the ravages of these patent nostrums, as well
as from the ignorance of the human system prevailing among the masses, the
medical profession had to save their patients. Everywhere people were per-
ishing from a lack of knowledge of the physical organization which they were
expected to preserve, and suffering humanity, racked with the pains of real
or imaginary ills, was ready to seek relief in any direction. Hence the diffi-
culty of placing medical science on a substantial basis in which its advocates
could practice intelligently and conscientiously, and yet receive a proper reward
for their labors. No class of pioneer citizens made greater sacrifices for hu-
manity, or deserve stronger marks of recognition, than the genuine medical
practitioners of a country. With the impetus given to the SBsculapian art by
their labors and sacrifices, it is safe to predict that the introduction of rudimen-
tary science into the public schools, and especially the teaching of anatomy,
physiology and hygiene, will finally usher in a period when the people shall
obey the laws of their being, and physicians, instead of being migratory drug
stores, shall be, as the term "doctor" literally implies, teachers of health
principles.
In this chapter brief sketches of most of the medical practitioners of Cum-
berland County, more or less noted in their fields of labor, are given.
CARLISLE.
Among the early physicians who practiced in Carlisle before the Revolution
was Dr. William Plunkett, but we know nothing more of him than that he re-
sided in Carlisle and is spoken of as "a practitioner of physic in 1766."
The most noted of all the pre-Revolutionary practitioners of medicine in
Carlisle was Dr. William Irvine. He was born near Enniskillen, Ireland, in
1740; was educated at the University of Dublin, studied medicine and sur-
gery, and was appointed a surgeon in the British Navy. In 1763, he immigrated
to America and settled in Carlisle, where he soon acquired a high reputation
and a large practice as a surgeon and physician. In 1774 he took a conspicu-
ous part in the politics of Cumberland County and was appointed as a delegate
to the Provincial Convention. He had a strong leaning toward a military life,
and was commissioned by Congress colonel of the Sixth Batallion and was or-
dered to Canada, where he was captured. He was afterward colonel of the
Seventh Pennsylvania Batallion. In 1779 he was commissioned a brigadier-
general and served under Wayne. In March, 1782, he was ordered to Fort
Pitt, to which place he marched with a regiment to protect the northwestern
frontier, then threatened with British and Indian invasion. He was engaged
in allaying the trouble arising from disputed boundaries between Pennsylvania
and Virginia. He was a member of the convention to form a constitution for
the State of Pennsylvania, and was appointed commander-in-chief of the
Pennsylvania troops to suppress the Whiskey Insurrection, and a commissioner to
treat with the insurgents. Dr. Irvine married Anne Callender, the daughter
of Robert Callender, of Middlssex, near Carlisle. He removed to Philadel-
phia in 1801, and died in July, 1804, aged sixty -three years. He was presi-
dent of the celebrated society of the Cincinnati until his death.
Another pioneer physician was Dr. Samuel Allen McCoskry, who settled
there in 1774. Others may have entered the valley in 1756, while in connec-
tion with the army, but we have no record of their having been engaged in a.
regular practice.
172 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Dr. McCoskry, born in 1751, where or in what month is not known; prac-
ticed medicine in Carlisle until he had achieved eminence in his profession;
and died September 4, 1818, and was buried in the old Borough Cemetery in
Carlisle. From the inscription on a tombstone, we gather that his first wife,
Ann Susannah McCoskry, died November 12, 1792, being thirty-eight .years
old. Dr. McCoskry was afterward married to Alison Nisbett, daughter of the
first president of Dickinson College.
Dr. Lemuel Gustine, was born in Saybrook, Conn., in the year 1749; settled
in the Wyoming Valley in 1769, or thereabouts; married the daughter of one
Dr. Wm. Smith, to whom one daughter, Sarah, was born. ,
In the scenes attendant upon the Indian invasion and massacre in the Wyo -
ming Valley, Dr. Gustine took a prominent part. He remained on the field of
that bloody conflict until further resistance became useless, when, on the night
following the capitulation of the "Forty Fort" to Maj. Butler, the commander
of the Tory and Indian troops, with his daughter and a few friends as com-
panions, he drifted down the Susquehanna to John Harris' Ferry (now Harris-
burg), where he landed, and proceeded to Carlisle. Here he commenced the
practice of medicine. He married Rebecca Parker soon afterward, and be-
came the father of six children. He continued the practice of his profession
to within a short time before his death, which occurred October 7, 1805. He
was buried in the old cemetery in Carlisle.
Dr. James Gustine, son of preceding, graduated at Dickinson College in
1798 ; studied medicine with his father, and afterward received the degree of
M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He commenced practice in Natchez,
Miss., returned to Carlisle ; and again went South, where he remained until
his death.
Dr. Samuel Gustine, second son of Lemuel, studied medicine with his fa-
ther, and went South with his brother James.
Dr. George Stevenson, son of Geo. Stevenson, LL.D. born in York, Penn.,
in 1759; attended classical academy at Carlisle; entered Patriot army in 1778,
as first lieulenant of Chambers' regiment; served with distinction at Brandy-
wine, and resigned commission to return 4,0 the aid of his family; studied
medicine under Dr. McCoskry; re-entered the army as surgeon, and served un-
til close, when he returned to his practice in Carlisle. He was commissioned
captain of infantry in 1793; created major in following year; aided in sup-
pression of famous Whiskey Insurrection in 1794, after settlement of which
removed to Pittsburgh, where he commenced practice of medicine; commis-
sioned major in Tenth United States Regiment, duriug the troubles with France;
returned to practice in Pittsburgh, where he became distinguished for connection
with many civil and political enterprises, in which he served in the following
capacities: Trustee of Dickinson College; member first boar(J of trustees of the
Western University of Pennsylvania, member first board of directors of Branch
Bank of Pennsylvania; president of United States Bank, at Pittsburgh; first
director of United States Bank, at Cincinnati; and for a long time president
of the city council of Pittsburgh. Dr. S. declined the presidency of the United
States Bank at Cincinnati, and in 1825 removed to Wilmington, Del., where
he died in 1829.
Dr. Samuel Fahnestook, a physician, practiced his profession in Carlisle,
from 1800 to 1820, when he removed to Pittsburgh.
Dr. George Delap Foulke, born near Carlisle, November 12, 1780; grad-
uated at Dickinson College in 1800; studied medicine under Dr. Potter, med-
ical professor in the University of Maryland; married Mary Steel, daughter of
Ephraim Steel, of Carlisle; practiced in Bedford, Penn., and afterward in
,1 \
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 175
Carlisle, where he died August 14, 1849, and was buried in the old cemetery.
Dr. George Willis Foulke, son of preceding, born in Carlisle, October 8,
1822; graduated at Dickinson College in 1845; returned to commence prac-
tice in Carlisle, but died suddenly on March 5, 1850, in the springtime of his
life.
Dr. Lewis W. Poulke, brother of preceding, born at Carlisle August 6,
1809; graduated at Dickinson College in 1829; studied medicine with his
father, afterward receiving degree of M. D. from University of Maryland ;
commenced practice with his father at Carlisle, but afterward removed to
Chillicothe, Ohio, where he continued in his profession.
Dr. James Armstrong, born at Carlisle in 1749 ; completed academic course
at Nassau Hall, N. J. ; studied medicine with Dr. John Morgan, of Philadel-
phia, afterward receiving the degree of M. D. from University of Pennsyl-.
vania; commenced practice in Winchester, Va., but becoming discouraged,
went to Europe, where he prosecuted the study of his profession in London;
returned to Carlisle, where he married Mary Stevenson, daughter of a promi-
nent settler; removed to Kishacoquillas Valley, from which place he was
elected congressman of the Third District of Pennsylvania; held the offices of
trustee of Dickinson College, trustee of the old Presbyterian Church at Carlisle,
associate judge of Cumberland County, and others of trust, which he filled
with credit. He returned to Carlisle to reside in the old family, mansion, in which
he had been born, and from which he was called to rest in the year 1828. He
was buried in the old cemetery at Carlisle.
Dr. John Armstrong, son of preceding, born in 1799; educated in Dickin-
son College and University of Pennsylvania; completed a medical course un-
der his father's tuition; married in 1825; practiced in Dillsburg, Penn., and
later returned to Cumberland; thence removed to Princeton, N. J., where he
died in 1871.
Dr. Ephraim M. Blaine, grandson of Col. Ephraim Blaine, of Revolution-
ary renown, was born in Carlisle, September 24, 1796; graduated at Dickin-
son College in the class of 1814; received the degree of M. D. from Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania in 1827 ; practiced in Carlisle for a number of years, and
finally entered the army as assistant surgeon, in which service he died March
13, 1835.
Dr. Adam Hays, born in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1792; educated at
Dickinson College; studied medicine with Dr. McCoskry and in the University
of Pennsylvania, where he took the degree of M. D. ; practiced as surgeon in
the army, at Chillicothe, Ohio, and at Carlisle; removed to Pittsburgh in
1829, where he died in 1857.
Dr. William Chestnut Chambers, born near Harrisburg in 1790; educated
at Dickinson College; prepared for his profession in the University of Penn-
sylvania; practiced in Carlisle for a number of years, when he engaged in the
iron and flour business; removed to Philadelphia in 1838, and died in 1857.
Dr. Alfred Foster, born in Carlisle in 1790; graduated at Dickinson Col-
lege; prepared for the practice of medicine in the ofSce of Dr. McCoskry; en-
tered army, where he engaged in hospital work until the close of the war of
1812; returned to Carlisle, and commenced the duties of practitioner, in which
labor he cbntinued until his death in 1847. He was buried in the old ceme-
tery of Carlisle.
Dr. John Creigh, born in Carlisle September 13, 1773 ; studied medicine un-
der Dr. McCoskry and in the University of Pennsylvania, being also a graduate
of Dickinson College; located as physician at Pittsburgh, but after changing his
residence a number of times, finally settled at Carlisle, where he continued in
17
176 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
his profession until his death, which occurred November 7, 1848. Dr. C. was
a prominent citizen, and took great interest in the afPairs of his county. He
was buried in the old cemetery.
Dr. John Steel Given, born in Carlisle January 3, 1796; educated and took
degree of M. D. in the University of Pennsylvania; settled at Carlisle, and
was killed by the bursting of a cannon on July 4, 1825.
Dr. Theodore Myers, born in Baltimore, Md. , May 27, 1802; took degree
of M. D. at University of Maryland in 1823; settled in Carlisle and engaged
in the practice of his profession; married Sarah A. Irwin, a lady of distinction.
Dr. M. died February 20, 1839, being in the prime of life. He was buried in
the old cemetery.
Dr. John Myers, brother of preceding, born in Baltimore January 23,
1806; graduated and received degree of M. D. in the University of Maryland j
settled at Carlisle as druggist and physician; entered the army hospital service,
and died in Winchester, Va.
Dr. John Elliot, born in Carlisle in 1797; educated at Dickinson College;
studied medicine under Dr. McCoskry and in the University of Pennsylvania,
taking the degree of M. D. from the latter; settled at Newville; returned to
Carlisle, where, after practicing a few years, was called by death June 12, 1829.
Dr. David Nelson Mahon, born in Pittsburgh, Penn. ; graduated at Dick-
inson College ; studied medicine under Dr. Gustine, of Carlisle, and afterward
was created an M. D. by the University of Pennsylvania; entered the navy
service as assistant surgeon in 1821 ; took leave of the sea after three years'
experience, and engaged in the practice of his profession at Carlisle, where he
died and was buried in the Ashland Cemetery in 1876.
Dr. Jacob Johnston commenced to practice in Carlisle in 1825, and con-
tinued untU his death in 1831.
Dr. John Paxton, born in 1796; received degree of M. D. from University
of Pennsylvania, after which he practiced in Carlisle until shortly before his
death, which took place in 1840, while he was visiting in Adams County, Penn.
Dr. William Boyd, a physician, settled in Carlisle in 1833, but removed
after several years' residence.
Dr. Charles Cooper practiced in Carlisle a number of years, but afterward
went West.
Dr. William Irvin, born in Centre County, Penn. ; graduated in the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania with degree of M. D. ; practiced in Carlisle until 1846,
when he left for China.
Dr. Stephen B. Kieffer, born in Franklin County, Penn. ; graduated at
Marshall College in 1848; entered the office of Dr. R. Parker Little, and in
1851 received the degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania; re-
ceived the degree of M. A. at the same time from his alma mater, Marshall
College; married Kate E., daughter of George Keller, Esq., of Carlisle, where
Dr. K. began the practice of his profession. He is a member of the County
Medical Society; was at one time president of the State Medical Society, and
in the centennial year was a member of the International Medical Congress
which met at Philadelphia. Dr. Kieffer was elected a fellow of the American
Academy of Medicine in 1877. He still resides at Carlisle, where he has es-
tablished a large and remunerative practice.
Dr. R. Lowry Sibbet, now living and practicing medicine in Carlisle, was
born near Shippensburg, Cumberland County, in the early half of the present
century. His ancestry are of Scotch-Irish extraction. His grandfather, Sam-
uel Sibbet, of Presbyterian and Republican proclivities, was deemed an unsafe
man in his native country, Ireland, and hence a reward of 50 guineas was
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 177
placed upon his head. Advised by Masonic friends of this movement, he set
sail secretly for the United States, landing in Baltimore in May, 1800. After
the lapse of a few months he was joined by his faithful wife and their children,
James, Robert and Thomas. The Cumberland Valley, with its Scotch-Irish
settlements, having been heard of, the family proceeded at once to the head
of Big Spring, where they were heartily welcomed by warm friends who had
preceded them. To the family were added Samuel, Margaret, Lowry and
Hugh Montgomery.
Thomas, the third child, was born October 5, 1797. In due time he mar-
ried Catherine Ryan, from which union sprang seven children, five of whom
still remain, viz.: Rachel A., Robert L., Henry "W., William R. and Anna
M. The parents and the two children are buried in the Spring Hill Cem-
etery of Shippensburg.
The subject of this sketch graduated in 1856 from Pennsylvania College
with the degree of A. B. , and three years subsequent, obtained from his almor
mater the degree of A. M. After several years teaching in a classical school,
he studied medicine with Drs. Stewart and Holland, of Shippensburg. He-
attended the usual course of medical lectures, and graduated from the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania in 1866. Having practiced for a time at Harrisburg and
New Kingston, he visited Europe in 1870, spending some two years in it&
universities and hospitals, distributed as follows: Seven months in Paris dur-
ing the siege; two in Berlin; ten in Vienna; two in London, and the remain-
der in Spain, Italy and Switzerland. After his return, the Doctor located at
Carlisle, and began a series of correspondence, which resulted in the organiza-
tion of the " American Academy of Medicine," — an associated corps of men
who have been regularly graduated from reputable institutions of learning.
As a member of this association, together with the county and State medical
societies, his labors have been given for the advancement of reforms in his
profession, notably the registration of all practitioners and the necessity of
medical men having both literary and professional diplomas. He is one of
those persons who never practically accepted the doctrine that it is not good
for man to be alone.
Dr. Alfred J. Herman, born in Montgomery County, Penn. , studied med-
icine under Dr. Rutter, of Pottstown, Penn. , and also received the degree of
M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, in 1846. Dr. Herman settled in
the Cumberland Valley soon afterward, and eventually removed to Carlisle,
where he continued the practice of his chosen profession.
Dr. William W. Dale was born in Lancaster, Penn. ; graduated from Jef-
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1838 ; moved to Carlisle in 1847.
Dr. Wm. H. Longsdorf was born in this county in 1834; graduated in
1856 from Jefferson Medical College, and, in 1857, from the Pennsylvania
Dental School; first commenced practice in this county in 1857.
Dr. William H. Cooke, born near York Sulphur Springs, Penn. ; educated
in Chester County, Penn. ; entered the office of Dr. Hiram Metcalfe, and after-
ward took the degree of M. D. from the Jefferson Medical College; engaged in
public speaking in the Western country; returned in 1859 to Pennsylvania,
and after marrying Elizabeth Richmond, settled at Carlisle, and commenced
practicing his profession.
Dr. Eugene A. Grove, born in Cumberland County, Penn., was a descendant
of Hans Graf, a noted Switzer. Dr. Grove received an education in the public
schools of Carlisle; studied medicine under Dr. S. B. Kieffer, and took the
degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, in 1870. He is en-
gaged in the practice of his profession in Carlisle.
178 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Dr. George Hemminger, born in Cumberland County, Penn. ; educated in
the county schools, a select school at Plainfield, and was a sophomore in Penn-
sylyania College when the war broke out, and he abandoned his studies to
defend the Union. In 1862 he entered the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth
Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers ; served with distinction in many severe
engagements; was captured and confined in Libby prison in 1865; was ex-
changed and rejoined his regiment, in which he served until the close of the
war. Dr. Hemminger, after his return, entered the office of Dr. J. J. Gitzer,
of Carlisle, and after studying some time, entered the Detroit Medical College,
and graduated there in 1869, with the degree of M. D. He located first at
Newville, Penn. , but afterward returned to Carlisle, where he is engaged in a
large practice.
Dr. Jacob S. Bender was bom in Bendersville, this county, in 1834; grad-
uated from Pennsylvania Homoeopathic College of Medicine in 1862; com-
menced the practice of medicine, after close of the war, between Omaha and
the Rocky Mountains, and there continued for four years; then came to Car-
lisle.
Dr. Wm. F. Reily, a native of Carlisle, born in 1851, graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1875; then located in Carlisle,
where he has practiced ever since.
Dr. J. Simpson Musgrave was born in Ireland; attended lectures at the
Toland Medical College, in San Francisco, Cal. ; entered the University of
Maryland, and finally graduated in the University Pennsylvania, with the
degree M. D. Dr. Musgrave located in Carlisle in 1877, but remained only a
short time.
MECHANICSBTJKG.
Dr. Asa Herring, born in New Jersey in 1792; moved to Mechanicsburg in
1815, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until 1828, when he re-
moved to Elizabethtown, Penn.
Dr. James B. Herring, son of preceding; born at Hamilton, Perm., March 4,
1829; graduated from University of Pennsylvania, in 1851, receiving the de-
gree of M. D. ; commenced practice in Mechanicsburg; married Elizabeth
Biegel; continued to practice, in partnership with Dr. Ira Day until his death,
November 9, 1871. He was buried in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, near Mechan-
icsburg.
Dr. Jacob Weaver, practiced in Mechanicsburg between the years 1825 and
Dr. James G. Oliver, born in Cumberland County, December 6, 1801; edu-
cated at Dickinson College; graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1828
with degree of M. D. ; practiced first at Oyster's Point, afterward at Mechan-
icsburg, where he also owned a drug store ; married Jane Carothers, and be-
came father of three children; continued his practice untU his death. May 31,
1836. He was buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery.
Dr. Ira Day, born in Eoyalton, Vt., in 1799; educated in Eoyalton
Academy; taught select school in Harrisburg, at the same time studying medi-
cine under Dr. Luther; graduated as M. D. from University of Vermont, in
1823; continued practicing medicine in Mechanicsburg; engaged in State and
County Medical Associations; was elected trustee of Dickinson College in 1833;
continued his practice until his death, in November, 1868. He is buried in the
cemetery near Mechanicsburg.
Dr. George Fulmer, born in 1829, the oldest practicing physician in Me-
chanicsburg, and one of the oldest in the county, is a graduate of Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 179
Drs. A. H. Van Hoff, W. A. Steigleman and Philip H. Long were practi-
tioners of medicine in Mechanicsbtirg some forty years ago.
Dr. E. B. Brandt, born in Cumberland; educated in county schools; grad-
uated from Jefferson Medical College in 1855 ; practiced in New Cumberland,
Shiremanstown and Mechanicsburg ; married Margaret Mateer in 1856; and is
stni engaged in his profession at Mechanicsburg.
Dr. Robert Graham Young was born in Louther Manor, Penn. , December
6, 1809, and educated at Dickinson College. He studied medicine with Dr.
John Paxton, and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania with the de-
gree of M. D. He practiced in Louther Manor, Shiremanstown and Mechan-
icsburg. He married Annetta Culbertson and became father of five children.
Dr. Young was one of the public-spirited and exemplary citizens of the com-
munity.
Dr. Martin B. Mosser was born in Upper Paxton, Dauphin Co., Penn. He
studied medicine in the office of Dr. E. H. Coover, in New Cumberland. He
graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1862, and entered the army as
assistant surgeon of the Fourth United States Artillery; was assigned to duty
in the United States general hospital at Philadelphia. He resigned in 1865,
and commenced civil practice at Shiremanstown. He married Rebecca Rupp,
and became the father of two children; removed to Mechanicsburg, where he
practices his profession.
Dr. Robert N. Short was bom in Kentucky in 1831 ; graduated from the
Southern Medical College in 1853, and from Miami Medical College in 1871;
moved to Centerville, this county, in 1861, and there practiced medicine and
surgery till 1865, when he came ■ to Mechanicsburg, where he has ever since
been in active practice.
Dr. L. P. O'Neale was born in Virginia in 1838; came to Mechanicsburg
from York County, Penn. , in 1870, and has here since been actively engaged
in the practice of his profession.
Dr. Levi H. Lenher, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., born in 1822;
graduated at Pennsylvania College, Philadelphia, in 1843; came to Church-
town, this county, in 1847, and there remained till 1872; then moved to Me-
chanicsburg; thence to Iowa; thence to Harrisburg, Penn., and finally again
to Mechanicsburg.
Dr. Jacob H. Deardorff, born in Washington Township, York Co. , Penn. ,
in 1846; graduated from Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1876;
located in Middletown, Penn., for two years and a half; then came to Mechan-
icsburg, where he has practiced medicine ever since.
OHURC&TOWN.
Dr. Charles Harrison Gibson, born in Perry County, Penn., graduated
from the Miami Medical College, with the usual degree of M. D. ; entered a
Cincinnati hospital as resident physician; removed toChurchtown in 1875, and
engaged in the duties of his profession.
HOGBSTOWN.
Dr. Isaac Wayne Snowden, born in Harrisburg, Penn., on the 5th of
March, 1794, being descended from an illustrious ancestry. He was educated
in an academy, prepared for the medical profession in the office of Dr. Nathan-
iel Chapman, of Philadelphia; entered the army as assistant -surgeon in 1816;
served in the Seminole war, being an intimate friend of Gen. Jackson; resigned
his position in 1823, and commenced the practice of his profession in Mifflin
County, Penn. ; married Margery B. Loudon, and removed to the lower part of
180 HISTOEY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Cumberland Valley ia 1832; established a practice here, in which he was en-
gaged until his death, which took place in 1850.
Dr. Joseph Grain, born in Lancaster, Penn. , December 25, 1803 ; educated at
Dickinson College; studied medicine under Dr. Whiteside, of Harrisburg, and
also graduated with the degree of M. D. at the University of Maryland; com-
menced practice in Hogestown in 1830; married Rebecca Wells, and became
father of four children; afterward married Ellen Chambers, by whom one son
was born. Dr. Crain continued in practice until his death, which occurred
April 18, 1876. He was buried in the Silver Spring Cemetery.
LISBDBN.
Dr. Lerew Lemer, born in Harrisburg, October 6, 1806; entered office of Dr.
Luther Eeily, and in 1832 took degree of M. D. from Yale College; com-
menced practice in New Cumberland; removed to Lisburn, where he lived
until his death, in 1876.
Dr. J. W. Trimmer, born in Adams County, Penn. , educated at Millersville
Academy and Dickinson Seminary, studied medicine with Dr. A. D. Dill, of
York Sulphur Springs; graduated from Rush Medical College in 1875; com-
pleted third course of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1876;
commenced practice in Lisburn, where he is still engaged in a large and grow-
ing practice.
SHIPPENSBDKG.
Dr. John Simpson, a physician, commenced practice in Shippensburg
about 1778, and continued until February 17, 1826, when he died.
Dr. Robt. McCaU practiced healing in Shippensburg up to 1799, when
his death is recorded.
Dr. Alexander Stewart, born in Lancaster County, Penn. ; practiced medicine
in Shippensburg from 1795 to 1830, when he died.
Dr. John Ealy, born in Shippensburg in 1788 ; commenced practice there
in 1809, and continued until his death, in 1831.
Dr. Elijah Ealy, son of preceding, also practiced in Shippensburg, but
afterward moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he died in 1851.
Dr. William A. Pindlay practiced in Shippensburg for a number of years
after 1815. He afterward moved to Chambersburg.
Dr. William Rankin, born at Potter's Mills, Centre Co., Penn., in October,
1795; graduated at Washington College in 1814; studied medicine with Dr.
Dean, of Chambersburg, Penn., and afterward, in 1819, received the degree
of M. D. from University of Penn. ; practiced in Campbellstown, but, in 1821,
removed to Shippensburg; married Caroline Nevin, and became father of five
children; practiced until his death, July 15, 1872.
Dr. David Nevin Rankin, son of preceding; born in Shippensburg;
studied medicine with his father, and graduated with degree of M. D. from*
Jefferson Medical College, in 1854; practiced in partnership with his father
until the war, when he entered, as assistant surgeon; after long and ardu-
ous service, settled at Allegheny City, where he still lives.
Dr. Alexander Stewart was born in Maryland, in 1809; graduated from
Washington Medical College, Baltimore, Md., in 1831; same year commenced
practice in Shippensburg, where he has since resided.
Dr. Thomas Greer and Dr. John N. Duncan practiced medicine in Ship-
pensburg; the former from 1834 to 1839, when he died; the latter from 1841
to 1850, when he removed to Chambersburg.
Dr. William M. Witherspoon, a native of Franklin County, Penn. , born in
1844; graduated from medical department of the University of Pennsylvania,
in 1869, and has been in active practice in Shippensburg ever since.
HISTORY OP CUMBEKLAND COUNTY. 181
SHIKEMANSTOWN.
Dr. W. Scott Bruokliart, born in Lancaster Co. , Penn. ; graduated from
Jefferson Medical College in 1870; practiced in Mountjoy Township, but re-
moved to Shiremanstown in 1874, where he still practices.
Dr. Jacob Black and Dr. William Mateer practiced medicine in Shire-
manstown some time near 1853.
NEWVILLE.
Dr. John Geddes, born in Cumberland County, August 16, 1776, studied
medicine with Dr. McCoskry, of Carlisle. He settled in Newville as a prac-
titioner in 1797, and died December 5, 1840.
Dr. John P. Geddes, son of the preceding, was born in Newville, October
10, 1799. He studied under his father, and graduated as M. D. from the
University of New York; settled at Newville and practiced his prefession un-
til his death in October, 1837.
Dr. Willi&m M. Sharp, born at Green Spring, in 1798; graduated at Dick-
inson College in 1815. He studied medicine under Dr. McCoskry, and re-
ceived the degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1819;
practiced in Newville until his death August 20, 1835.
Dr. Alexander Sharp, son of Wm. M. Sharp, born in Newville in 1826;
graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1850. He practiced in New-
ville until he died December 13, 1860.
Dr. William S. Rutger was born December 13, 1782, in Germany. He
studied medicine and embarked for America, landing at Baltimore in Septem-
ber, 1803 ; married Ann C. Afer in 1806, and practiced medicine in Baltimore,
but removed to Newville in 1812, being known as the "Dutch Doctor." He
removed to Illinois, where he died in 1847.
Dr.' J. C. Claudy, grandson of the above, born in Cxunberland County; stud-
ied medicine with Dr. David Ahl, of Newville, and afterward received degree
of M. D. from Bellevue Hospital Medical College; entered army as assistant sur-
geon; returned to Newville to practice his profession; married Lucinda Blean,
and still continues in his practice.
Dr. John Ahl, born in Bucks County, Penn. ; educated in Baltimore; prac-
ticed medicine in Eockingham County, Va. ; removed to Newville, where he
died April 9, 1844.
Dr. John Alexander Ahl, son of preceding, was born in Strasburg, Penn. ;
studied under his father, and took his degree, M. D. , from Washington Medical
College, Baltimore; commenced practice in Centerville, Cumberland County;
xemoved to Newville, where he engaged in various business enterprises, and
from which place he was elected to the Thirty-fifth Congress. Died in 1882.
Dr. David Ahl, bom in York County, Penn. ; entered West Point as cadet;
resigned in 1850, and entered office of Dr. Smith, of York, Penn. ; graduated
from University of Maryland as M. D. in 1853; moved to Newville, where, after
practicing a number of years, he died April 8, 1878.
Dr. Joseph Hannon, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, practiced in
Newville from 1844 for about ten years.
Dr. Mathew F. Robinson, born near Greencastle, Penn., April 26, 1820;
studied medicine under Dr. J. K. Davidson, of Greencastle, and took degree
of M. D. from Washington Medical College, of Baltimore, in 1847; practiced
in Mercersburg and later at Newvillp, where he died January 7, 1874.
Dr. John G. Barr, born in Newville in 1830; graduated at Washington,
D. C, with degree of M. D., in 1858; practiced in Newville until the war,
when he entered the army as surgeon, and died in 1865.
182 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Dr. Samuel H. Brehm, born in Cumberland County, Penn. ; received com-
mon and classical education; received degree of M. D. from Jefferson Medical
College, in 1866; commenced and still continues practice in Newville.
NEWBUBG.
Dr. David Smith was a resident practitioner of medicine in Nevrburg,
where he resided about twenty-nine years. He died in 1863, and is buried in
the cemetery near Newburg.
Dr. Alexander A. Thomson was born in Franklin County, Penn., in 1841;
graduated from JefPerson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1864; practiced
several years in Newburg, this county; now resides in Carlisle.
NEW CUMBEELAND.
Dr. John Mosser was born in Lancaster County, June 20, 1777 ; married
Elizabeth Neff, with whom he had eight children. He purchased property
in the vicinity of New Cumberland in 1815, and engaged in the practice of
medicine until his death, June 10, 1826. He is buried in Mount Olivet Cem-
etery, near New Cumberland.
OAKVILLE.
Dr. Israel Betz, born in Lancaster County, Penn. ; studied under Dr. W.
B. Swiler, of York County, Penn. ; graduated with degree of M. D. from Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania; settled at Oakville, where he still continues in his
practice.
BOILING SPEINGS.
Dr. Jacob Sawyer, born in Wilmington, Mass., December 26, 1794, edu-
cated in the village schools and also in Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H. ;
studied for the practice of medicine in the office of Dr. Hill, and in the medi-
cal department of Howard University, where he attended lectures given by
such distinguished physicians as Drs. Channing, Ingalls, and others; com-
menced the practice of his profession in Dillsburg, Penn. , where he succeeded
to the practice of his brother. Dr. Asa Sawyer; married Mary Ann McGowan,
daughter of David McGowan, of Boiling Springs, in 1825; exchanged prac-
tices with Dr. Thomas Cathcart, of Bloomfield, Perry County, in 1833; pur-
chased a farm near Boiling Springs, where he soon established a large country
practice; removed to Carlisle some time in 1857, where he was taken away by
death two years later. Dr. Sawyer had lived an active and eventful life, hav-
ing served as surgeon to the fifth division of State militia and as resident prac-
titioner in various parts of the State.
PLAINFIELD.
Dr. Joshua E. Van Camp, born in Perry County, Penn. ; educated in Louis-
ville Academy and Pennsylvania College; enlisted and served in One Hun-
dred and Thirty -third Eegiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in 1862; served
until close of the war, having been promoted to sergeant; graduated from
the University of Michigan in 1870, with degree of M. D. ; practiced in Markels-
ville, and later in Plainfield, where he still resides.
oyster's POINT.
Dr. Peter Fahnestock practiced at what is now called Oyster's Point about
the beginning of the nineteenth century.
A|A4„i.,
<^^^^%^ 4/-^
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 185
PHYSICIANS IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY SINCE ABOUT 1879.
Grove, Dr. George, Big Spring, born in Chambersburg, Franklin County,
in 1811; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, with honors,
in 1836. He is to-day the oldest practicing physician in the Cumberland
Valley.
Davis, Dr. J. C. , Mount Holly Springs, was born in this county in 1848 ;
graduated from Jefferson Medical College, in 1875; has here an extensive
practice.
Koons, Philip E., born in Shippensburg; residence at Allen postoffice;,
graduated at Jefferson Medical College, March 12, 1879.
Smith, Jacob H., a native of Cumberland County; present residence Dick-
inson Township; graduated at Jefferson Medical College, 1880.
Leberknight, Dr. F. B., Newburg; graduated at Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, about 1873, with honors; also at Bellevue Hospital Medical Col-
lege, New York, in 1879, since which date his practice has. been uninterrupted
in Newburg.
Cramer, David C, born in Newburg, Cumberland County, where he is lo-
cated in the practice; received his degree of M. D. from Jefferson Medical Col-
lege, 1880.
Fickel, James G. , a native of Adams County; resides in Carlisle; graduate-
of Hahnemann Medical College, 1878.
Koser, John J. , born in Shippensburg, where he resides ; graduated in the
University of Pennsylvania, 1881.
Marshall, J. Buchanan, a native of Adams County, resides in Shippensburg;
graduated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, N. Y., February, 1879.
Prowell, Eobert S., a native of Cumberland County; resides in New Cum-
berland; graduated at College Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, March 3,
1880.
Smith, S. McKee, born in Perry County; resides in Heberlig; graduated
at College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1880.
Conlyn, Edward S., born in Carlisle, where he resides; graduated at Hahne-
mann College, March, 1880; was in Ward's Island Hospital from April, 1880,
to October, 1881.
Longsdorf , Harold H. , born in Nebraska ; resides in Dickinson ; graduated
at College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, March 1, 1882 ; received the-
degree of M. A. fi-om Dickinson College, June 27, 1879.
Bowers, Moses K., a native of Mifflin, Penn.; resides in Boiling Springs;
graduate of Jefferson Medical College, March 30, 1882.
Deshler, Joseph J., born in Armstrong, Centre County; resides at Shippens-
burg; graduated at College Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, March 3, 1880.
Polinger, Eobert B., a native of Cumberland County; residence Carlisle;
graduated at Columbus Medical College (Ohio) March 1, 1883.
Ayres, Wilmot, born in York County; resides in Middlesex; graduated at
Baltimore Medical College, April 12, 1883.
Orr, James P. , native of Westmoreland County; residence New Cumberland;
graduated at Michigan University, March 6, 1879.
Kauffman, John H., born in Martinsburg, West Virginia; residence New-
burg; graduated at New York University, March 11, 1884.
McGary, Eobt. M. , a native of Shiremanstown, where he resides; gradu-
ated at Jefferson Medical College, March 29, 1884.
Diven, S. L., born at Mount Holly Springs; residence Carlisle; graduated at
University Pennsylvania May 1, 1884; received degree of A. B. and A. M., at
Dickinson College, 1878-81,
186 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Hobaoh, John XJ., a native of Perry County; residence Mechaniosburg;
graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, May 1, 1884.
Bowman, Dr. John D., Camp Hill, v^as born in 1832; graduated from Jef-
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia, about 1856, then commenced practice in
Camp Hill, remaining over sixteen years; then removed to Harrisburg, and in
1885 returned to Camp Hill.
Lauck, David A., a native of Cumberland County; residence Mechanics-
burg; graduated at University, Baltimore, March 3, 1885.
Rodgers, John R., born at Cumberland County; resides at Sterrett's Gap,
graduated at Western Reserve University, February 25, 1885.
Eckels, Geo. M. , born at Mechaniosburg, where he now resides ; graduated
at Pennsylvania University, May 1, 1885.
Casteel, D. T. , of Allen, Cumberland County; born in Garrett County,
Md. ; graduated at University of Maryland, 1885.
Stouffer, Alvin, P., of Shippensburg; born Goodville, Lancaster County;
graduated at Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, March 4, 1885. His diploma
was endorsed by Hahnemann Medical College.
Kasten, William J., of Boiling Springs; born in Baltimore; graduated at
University of Maryland, March 17, 1886.
Spangler, Jacob B., of Mechanicsburg; born in Greencastle, Penn. ; gradu-
ated at Jefferson Medical College, April 2, 1886.
PHYSICIANS IN THE COUNTY EEOI8TERED IN THE OFFICE OF THE PBOTHONOTABY AT
CARLISLE.
The following is a list of the physicians in Cumberland County, who, in
compliance with law, have registered in the office of the prothonotary at Car-
lisle, their names occuring in the order of registration:
Isaac Young Reed, Leesburg. John L. Baeher, Leesburg.
John A. Morrett, New Kingston. Robert Graham Young, Mechanicsburg.
R. Lowry Sibbet, Carlisle. Thomas Stewart, Sr., Carlisle.
Geo. W. Ziegler, Carlisle. Thomas Stewart, Jr., Carlisle.
John C. Claudy, Newville. Wm. H. Lauman, Mount Holly Springs.
Charles C. Hammel, Mechanicsburg. David C. Cramer, NewbHrg.
L. H. Lenher, Mechanicsburg. Robt. W. Ross, Shepherdstown.
Ephraim K. Mosser, Mechanicsburg. Matthew B. Rodgers, Middlesex Township.
John W. Trimmer, Lisburn. Wm. A. English, Shippensburg.
John W. Bowman, Camp Hill. Mrs. Susie A. English, Shippensburg.
Levi Pulk, New Kingston. Austin Best, Shiremanstown.
Eli B. Brandt, Mechanicsburg. Alvin I. Miller, Carlisle.
Jacob W. Roop, New Cumberland. Theophilus L. NefE, Carlisle.
George Grove, Big Spring. James G. Fickel, Carlisle.
Philip R. Koons, Allen. Robt. N. Short, Mechanicsburg.
R. M. Hays, Newville. Wm. B. Reynolds, Newville.
Jno. H. Sherman, Mount Holly Springs. Jno. J. Koser, Shippensburg.
Wm. W. Dale, Carlisle. Henry R. Williams, Hogestown.
Saml. P. Zeigler, Carlisle. Robt. P. Long, Mechanicsburg.
L. P. O'Neale, Mechanicsburg. George Fulmer, Mechanicsburg.
H. D. Cooper, Newville. Chas. H. Hepburn, Carlisle.
Adam B. Sechrist, Upper Allen Township. Geo. Hemminger, Carlisle.
Jacob H. DeardorS, Mechanicsburg. Robt. 0. Stewart, Shippensburg.
Thos. J. Stevens, Mechanicsburg. Jas. B. Marshall, Shippensburg.
Z. D. Hartzell, Newburg. Alex. Stewart, Shippensburg.
C. W. Krise, Carlisle. Wm. M. Witherspoon, Shippensburg.
Jesse Laverty, Sr., East Pennsborough Tp. David D. Hayes, Shippensburg.
A. A. Thomson, Carlisle. Wm. G. Stewart, Newville.
Jacob H. Smith, Dickinson Township. Joshua B. Van Camp, Plainfield.
W. F. Reily, Carlisle. Saml.Myers,West Pennsborough Township.
Michael L. Hoover, Silver Spring Township. Saml. H. Brehm, Newville.
Wm. H. Longsdorf, Carlisle. Robt. S. Prowell, New Cumberland.
A. J. Herman, Carlisle. Saml. M. Smith, Heberlig.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 187
Bobt. C. Marshall. West Fairview. B. P. Backus, Philadelphia.
8. H. C. Bixler, Bloserville. Moses K. Bowers, Boiling Springs.
M. M. Ritchie, Carlisle. J, K. Bowers, Reading.
Henry W. Linebaugh, New Cumberland. J. J. Deshler, Shippensburg.
Jesse H. Houck, Boiling Springs. Robt. B. PoUinger, Carlisle.
Israel Betz, Oakville. Wilmot Ayres, Middlesex.
F. B. Leberknight, Newburg. J. P. Orr, New Cumberland.
Austin W. Nichols, Camp Hill. Max Von Slutterheim, Newville.
J. L. Schoch, Shippensburg. Jno. C. McCoy, Harrisburg.
David Coover, Upper Allen Township. C. M. Pager, West Fairview.
D. W. Bashore, West Fairview. John Logan, Harrisburg.
W. S. Bruckart, Shiremanstown. John H. KaufEman. Newburg.
Wm. E. Cornog, Mount Holly Springs. Rgbt. M. McQary, Shiremanstown.
Jacob 8. Bender, Carlisle. 8. L. Diven, Carlisle.
Finley E. Rodgers, Mechanicsburg. John U. Hobach, Mechanicsburg.
Charles A. Howland, Shippensburg. Jacob Peters, Heriry Clay.
Jacob H. Boyer, Mechanicsburg. M. J. Jackson, New York City.
Edward S. Conlyn, Carlisle. David A. Lauck, Mechanicsburg.
Joseph T Hoover, Southampton Township. Jno. R. Rodgers, Sterrelt's Gap.
Joseph H. Mowers, Shippensburg. Geo. M. Eckels, Mechanicsburg.
Fred. Hartzell, Churchtown. C. J. Heckert, Wormleysburg.
Jacob R. Bixler, Carlisle. D. T. E. Casteel, Allen.
Saml. N. Eckee, Jacksonville. G. S. Comstock, Bloserville.
Joseph C. Davis, Mount Holly Springs. A. P. StaufEer, Shippensburg.
H. H. Longsdorf, Dickinson. W. J. Kasten, Boiling Springs.
Stephen B. KiefEer, Carlisle. Jacob B. Spangler, Mechanicsburg.
Levi Clay, West Pensborough Township. Eugene A. Grove, Carlisle.
CDMBEHLAND COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
On the 17tli of July, 1866, the Medical Society of Cumberland County was
organized, by the following gentlemen:
Drs. W. W. Dale, Saml. P. Zeigler, S. B. Keiffer, J. J. Zitner, A. D. Schel-
ling, A. J. Herman, E, K. Demme, Carlisle; James B. Herring, E. N. Short,
Eli B. Brandt, Mechanicsburg; Joseph Grain, Eichard M. Crain, Hogestown;
M. B. Mosser, Shiremanstown; John D. Bowman, White Hall; E. H. Coover,
New Cumberland; D. W. Bashore, West Fairview; E. C. Hays, W. W. Nevin,
Shippensburg; W. G. Stewart, Middle Springs; W. H. Lowman, Mount Holly
Springs; J. W. C. Cuddy, Mount Eock; David Ahl, M. F. Eobinson, G. W.
Haldeman, Newville.
The temporary ofiScers elected were Dr. J. Crain, president; Dr. G. W.
Haldeman, secretary.
A constitution and by-laws were adopted, consisting of fourteen articles in
the former and seven in the latter. Article III of the constitution reads:
" Any gentleman who is a resident of this county, having a good moral char ■
acter, and in regular standing with the profession, shall be eligible to member-
ship." The membership fee is fixed at $2. Meetings are held on first Tues-
days of January, May and September of each year.
As showing the nature of the topics discussed at regular meetings, the list
of subjects for the meeting held at the Indian Industrial School on Thursday
afternoon, June 24, 1886, is given: Obstetric Practice, Dr. Hiram Corson;
Hospital Clinic, Dr. O. G. Given, Uterine Displacements; Dr. M. K. Bowers;
Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Phthisis, Dr. S. H. Brehm; Luxations,
Dr. E. E. Koons; Narcotics — Their Uses and Abuses, Dr. E. L. Sibbet.
The present corps of officers embraces the following well-known gentlemen:
Dr. Geo. W. Zeigler, president; Drs. W. F. Eeily and L. H. Lenher, vice-
presidents; Dr. T. Stewart, Jr., recording secretary; Dr. E. L. Sibbet, cor-
responding secretary; Dr. S. P. Zeigler, treasurer; Drs. E. N. Mosser, J. J.
Koser, J. C. Claudy, J. W. Bowman and W. H. Longsdorf, censors.
188 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
CHAPTER X.
The Press— Of Carlisle— Of Shippensb trRG — Of Mechanicsburg — Of New-
viLLE— Of Mount Holly.
THE corner-stones of modern civilization are the family, the school, the
church and the State. Each of these has its functions to perform and
its mission to till in the world's progress. In proportion as each one accom-
plishes its work successfully, will the succeeding organization be better sup-
plied with competent agents and preparation to move forward to the
accomplishment of its destined mission. If the preparation — the preparatory
training — -in each be made satisfactory, a race of men and women will ultimately
be developed that will meet the demands of Holland's " Men for the Hour:"
" God give us men! a time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office can not buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor — men who will not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking;
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty and in private thinking."
The public press supplies the mental and moral pabulum for these four
cardinal organizations. It is a sort of general text-book for this educational
quartet — an omnium gatherum of this world's sayings and doings — a witches'
kettle into which are thrown more heterogeneous elements than Shakspeare
ever dreamed of — a sheet, not always let down from heaven, but containing
all manner of beasts and birds and creeping things, clean and unclean. Such
is the modern newspaper — the power greater than the throne. Formerly, the
public speaker enlightened the people upon the great political and other
questions of the day. Now he finds that the press has preceded him, and has
found an audience in every household of the land. It is the source of infor-
mation— the means of forming public sentiment. He can arouse enthusiasm,
perhaps, and direct forces, but he can not enlighten as before.
The press of Cumberland County has exerted an important influence in its
development. Regret is to be expressed that more complete files have not
been preserved of the various papers issued, for they afford, when perfect, the
fullest local history of a people to be had. Prom Dr. Wing' s excellent history,
as well as from a variety of other sources, the following facts are gleaned:
THE PRESS or CARLISLE.
The Carlisle Weekly Gazette, a small four-paged sheet issued in July, 1785,
on blue paper, by Kline and Reynolds, was the first publication of the kind in
the county, and probably the first west of the Susquehanna. It continued till
1815, and files of it, more or less perfect, are still preserved. Its subscription
price was 15 shillings ($2) per annum, or 6 cents per single copy. It advo-
cated the doctrines of the Federalists.
The Carlisle Eagle, according to one account, began in October, 1799, and
was published by John P. Thompson, deputy postmaster, until 1802, when he
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 189
was succeeded by Archibald Loudon, who continued in that capacity for about
two years, George Phillips acting as editor. In 1804, Capt. Wm. Alexander,
afterward an officer in the war of 1812, assumed editorial management under
the ownership of Mrs. Ann C. Phillips, and continued the same till about
1823-24, when the paper passed into the hands of Gen. B. M. Biddle and
Geo. W. Hitner who changed the name to Carlisle Herald and Expositor.
George Fleming, George M. Phillips, son of George Phillips, and Eobert M.
Middleton were successively its editors. Middleton, who was an able news-
paperman, was succeeded by Capt. E. Beatty, who edited the sheet from 1843
to 1857. After this period its name was changed again to Carlisle Herald,
and it was edited successively by A. E. Eheem and James Dunbar. By
process of time it passed into the hands of Weakley & Wallace; and subse-
quently was published by a regular organization known as the " Carlisle Her-
ald Publishing Company. "
In March, 1881, a paper known as the Mirror was merged into into it; and
for a time the Herald was issued semi-weekly under the name of Herald
and Mirror. The editors under the company have been J. Marion Weakley,
Esq., O. Haddock, Alfred H. Adams, William E. Trickell, Esq., and John
Hays, Esq., present editor. It has been rigidly consistent in its political
principles, being first Federal, then Whig, and ever since Eepublican.
The Cumberland Register was a small paper published by Archibald Lou-
don. The number dated June 22, 1814, is numbered No. 40, Vol. IX., showing
that the paper must have been begun about 1804.
The American Volunteer was started in 1814, during the progress of the
war with Great Britain, by Wm. B. and James Underwood, brothers, by
whom it was conducted conjointly till one of them died and the other conduct-
ed it until 1836, when George Sanderson bought it for about $300. By San-
derson it was carried on till 1845, when Messrs. Bratton & Boyer purchased
it. Boyer after a time withdrew and established a new paper, called The
American Democrat, rival, J. B. Bratton continuing the Volunteer. He edit-
ed it in connection with his duties as postmaster during the administrations of
Pierce and Buchanan, and up to 1865, when he associated Wm. B. Kennedy
with him in the enterprise. Kennedy continued it till 1871, when he sold
back to Bratton, who conducted the paper alone from 1871 to 1877. At that
time (April, 1877) Mr. Bratton sold it to Hon. S. M. Wherry, a farmer in South-
ampton Township, near Shippensburg, and an intelligent citizen, graduate of
Princeton, who owned it twenty months and then sold it (December, 1878) to
Jacob Zeamer, the present manager. The paper has been Democratic from
its origin, and still maintains its position.
In 1822, a paper known as the Carlisle Gazette jfraa started by John Mc-
Cartney. He continued it for three years when John Wightman seized the
editorial quill, and ran it for a time. Its subsequent career is wrapped in
mystery.
About the same time, religious journalism was represented by a weekly
known as The Religious Miscellany. It was published on the press of Flem-
ing & Geddes, and was announced as " containing information relative to the
Church of Christ, together with interesting literary and political notices of
events, -which occur in the world." After struggling "with its evil star " for
several years, it peacefully departed for the "sweet by and by."
In August, 1830, the Messenger of Useful Knowledge was issued from the
same press, in pamphlet form, under the editorial control of Prof. Eogers, of
Dickinson College. After one year's existence, it, too, quietly breathed its
last and slept with its ancestors.
190 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
The Valley Sentinel (daily and weekly) was started April 22, 1861, in
Shippensburg. The gathering clouds of the great civil war, the mustering
squadrons, the response to the country' s call to arms of the fathers and sons
of the country were taking away from home so many of our people, that the
citizens of this rich and beautiful valley felt that they must have a newspaper
to bring them frequent and correct reports from the army of those who had
gone away and left at home so many aching hearts. A meeting of prominent
citizens was had, and a stock company organized, and twenty-eight sub-
scribers to the stock secured $1, 100 to purchase the material for the office.
The material secured, William Kennedy, of Chambersburg, was placed in
charge. The first issue was April 22, 1861, published weekly. Democratic
in politics; and in this style was published until 1865, nearly 1,000 subscribers
being on its books.
In 1865 Mr. Kennedy retired from the Sentinel, and in partnership with Mr.
J. B. Bratton commenced the publication of the American Volunteer, in Car-
lisle, and the Valley Sentinel was put in charge of Joseph T. Eippey, a young
man, a practical printer from Baltimore. Mr. Eippey, tired of the enter-
prise, left it November 3, 1866, closing the office and stopping the publi-
cation.
November 26, 1866, a meeting of the stockholders tendered the editor-
ial charge to E. J. Coffey, of Cleversburg, who was then teaching school in
Sidetown. After a suspension of one month Mr. Coffey revived the publica-
tion December 5, 1866. Within the next year it was twice enlarged, the old
Washington hand-press replaced by a Cotterell & Babcock power-press, and
steam-power introduced, new type, and it became a thirty-two column paper
and flourished greatly. Mr. Coffey had in the meantime become chief owner
of the stock, so that on and after July 4, 1869, he became sole proprietor and
editor. President Johnson appointed Mr. Coffey United States revenue asses-
sor. In April, 1869, the greater portion of the Sentinel office was destroyed
by fire, and again in 1870 it had another fire visitation, but, phoenix-like, it
quickly arose from the ashes, each time with equal or greater facilities
added.
In 1871 Mr. Coffey sold the office and good-will of the Valley Sentinel to
Mr. T. F. Singiser, of Mechanicsburg, for the sum of 14,372, reserving the
collection of all outstanding dues to the office. At this time the circulation
had reached 1, 538 copies. Six months after the sale Mr. Coffey purchased
back the paper, and published it until March 10, 1872, when the concern was
forced into the bankrupt courts, and Mr. Coffey's connection with the paper
ceased. By order of the United States Court it was sold in May, 1872, and
George Bobb, A. H. Brinks, H. Manning and H. K. Peffer became the pur-
chasers. Under the new management the publication was resumed May 30,
1872, Mr. Peffer in editorial charge. January 16, 1873, the firm becam Pef-
fer, Brinks & Co., Mr. Manning retiring. In January, 1873, the Sentinel
proprietors purchased the entire material of the Democratic Safeguard, a de-
funct newspaper that had a brief and troubled career in Shippensburg.
May 22, 1874, the office of the Valley Sentinel passed to the hands of the
present owner, H. K. Peffer, and the office at once removed to its present
home — Carlisle. Only missing one issue it appeared as an eight-page, forty-
eight columns, and much improved every way. Sparkling, bright and newsy it
then started upon a new career. Its prosperity was unexampled ; in the spring
of 1881 Eheem's Hall was purchased, and at once converted into a most com-
modious and elegant home for the newly arrived paper, where it now issues
daily and weekly editions to its constituency of eager readers.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 191
Deaember 13, 1881, the proprietors made the bold venture of issuing a
daily paper, commencing as a five-column folio. It was welcomed by many
friends, but some feared it could not sustain itself. It has, though. Indeed,
so popular and prosperous was the daily that it has not only sustained itself,
but has been enlarged three times, the last improvement occurring August
17, 1886. It commenced a modest five column paper, and now it is a seven
column, every inch of its space crowded with the latest news, vigorous editor-
ials, choice literary and mioellaneous matter and paying advertisements.
It must not be supposed that the foregoing list exhausts the products of
the Carlisle press. In both the temporary and permanent form, publications
have issued " thick as autumnal leaves in the valley of Vallambrosa. " Some
of the books issued were works of considerable merit.
THE PEESS OF SHIPPENSBUKG.
For a brief period, during the early part of the present century, John Mc-
Farland, a politician of the Jacksonian school, published at Shippensburg a
small paper, the name of which is not recalled.
April 10, 1833, the Shippensburg Free Press made its appearance under
the watchful care of Augustus Fromm. On the 19th of the ensuing Septem-
ber David D. Clark and James Culbertson commenced the publication of a
rival paper called The Intelligencer. November 14, of the same year, the two
papers were consolidated under the title of Free Press, Fromm having sold
his establishment to his rivals. After a brief existence the Free Press was
permitted to die for the want of "the sinews of war." .
In May, 1837, the first number of the Shippensburg Herald was launched by
John E. Weishampel, and its existence guaranteed for about two years. After
Weishampel's exit from the editorial tripod, Henry Claridge revived the Her-
ald for a few weeks, and then allowed it "to sleep the sleep that knows no
waking."
On the 1st of April, 1840, the Cumberland and Franklin GazeWe, under the
supervision of William M. Baxter, did obeisance to a patronizing public, and
continued on the stage for more than a year, and then took an affectionate but
final farewell.
Toward the close of 1841 The Cumberland Valley, directed by William A.
Kinsloe, made its bid for public favor. On the 2d of November, 1842, its
ownership was transferred by sale to Robert Koontz and John McCurdy. After
about six months Mr. Koontz became sole owner. This relation continued for
a short time, when Mr. Kinsloe secured the paper a second time. By him it
was permitted to "depart in peace."
The Weekly News was born April 26, 1844, under the parentage of John
L. Baker, by whom it was sold, in a few years, to Jacob Bomberger. In 1851
T>. K. Wagner formed a partnership with Mr. Bomberger, and in 1856 sold
out his interest. Mr. Bomberger sold his interest to Edward W. Curriden,
who published it till 1863, when he disposed of it to Daniel W. Thrush, Esq.
In 1867 it passed into the hands of D. K. and J. G. Wagner, its present owners.
In 1845-46 Messrs. Cooper & Dechert established a Democratic paper
called The Valley Spirit, which they removed, in a year or two, to Chambers-
burg. It is now the Democratic organ of Franklin County.
The Shippensburg Chronicle was established on the 4th of February, 1875,
by B. K. Goodyear and Samuel R. Murray; and was conducted by them until
January, 1879, when Mr. D. A. Orr, now of the Chambersburg Valley Spirit
became editor and proprietor. It remained in his possession until Au-
gust, 15, 1879, when Messrs. Sanderson & Bro. became proprietors. These
192 HiaXORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
gentlemen conducted it until May 9, 1882, when it passed into the hands of
"Wolfe & McClelland, the former assuming editorial charge. Prof. Wolfe had
been a teacher for several years, and resigned his position in the Cumberland
Valley State Normal School to take full charge of the Chronicle. It is ably
managed and circulates among a good, thrifty class of people.
Valley Sentinel. — [See account of this newspaper under " Press of Car-
lisle."]
THE PEESS OF MECHANICSBUKG.
The first newspaper published in Mechanicsburg was called The Microcosm.
It began in 1835 under the foster-care of Dr. Jacob Weaver, but yielded up
its small-world spirit in a short time. The School Visitor, published a short
time afterward by A. F. Cox, soon shared a similar fate. In due course of
time (1843 or 1844) The Independent Press appeared under the direction of
Mr. Sprigman. Its spirit was independent but its body was dependent on
bread and butter, and hence its early decease.
In 1853 or 1854 the Mechanicsburg Oleaner was founded by John B. Flynn.
It was issued with considerable regularity till 1856, when it was sold to Samuel
Fernall, who, in turn, disposed of it, in 1858, to W. E. McLaughlin. He
changed the name of the paper to Weekly Gazette. After a time he sold his
interest to David J. Carmany, foreman of the office, who made some marked
improvements, and changed the title to The Cumberland Valley Journal. He
conducted it in the interest of the g. o. p. till January, 1871, when, owing to
ill health, he sold the establishment to Joseph Eitner, grandson of the old
governor of like name.
In March, 1868, a paper was started by a joint-stock company, and called
The Valley Democrat. Capt. T. F. Singiser was chosen editor and publisher.
In December, 1870, the Democrat was purchased by E. H. Thomas and E. C.
Gardner, the latter having a third interest and acting as local editor. By them
the name was changed to The Valley Independent. In September, 1872, Mr.
Thomas purchased the Cumberland Valley Journal and consolidated it with
his paper, naming the product The Independent Journal, by which title it is
still known, and under which it advocates non-partisan, independent senti-
ments.
In 1873 Mr. Thomas purchased of Mr. Gardner his interest in the news-
paper business, and then sold an interest to Maj. H. C. Deming, of Harris-
buig. In January, 1874, Messrs. Thomas and Deming established The Farmer's
Friend and Grange Advocate, a paper devoted to the interests of the Patrons
of Husbandry in the Middle States. It soon secured a large circulation, and
is now the oldest grange paper in the United States. In 1878 Mr. Deming
sold his interest to Mr. Thomas, who continued to be its editor and publisher.
The Saturday JowrwaZ was established in October, 1878, byE. H. Thomas,
Jr. It began and has continued as a Eepublican paper during political cam-
paigns, but ordinarily is a newsy society paper.
Journalism in Mechanicsburg has suffered many reverses, newspaper men
having suffered the following losses, as shown by the' books: Mr. Flynn, 13,000;
Messrs. Fernall and McLaughlin, $2,000; Mr. Singiser, 15,000; Mr. Car-
many, $4,500; Mr. Eitner, 13,500; E. H. Thomas, before securing a good foot-
hold $8,000.
About 1873, a paper called The Republican was started, but six months' ter-
restrial existence satisfied its desire for life. In June, 1877, J. J. Miller and
J. N. Young, started the Semi-Weekly Ledger, a Eepublican journal. After
the first year A. J. Houck was received as a partner, vice Young retired. The
paper was changed to a weekly, but finally disappeared from the scene of
earthly conflict.
'^^^-^^^-r^^
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTr. 195
Other ephemeral publications have issued from Mechanicsburg, but their
names being legion, can not be recalled. At present the entire field is held by
R. H. Thomas, proprietor of a mammoth publishing house, which has been
developed by pluck and perseverance.
THE PHESS OF NEWVILLE.
The first efEort to establish a newspaper in Newville, was made by a Mr.
Baxter in 1843, by the transfer of The Central Engine from Newburg. The
experiment proving unsuccessful, the enterprise continued but a few modths.
The next effort was made in 1858, when J. M. Miller began, in company with
John 0. Wagner, the publication of The Star of the Valley, a non-partisan
weekly, which January 1, 1885, J. C. Fosnot bought, his son, George B. McC,
conducting same for one year, when Mr. Fosnot united it with the Enterprise,
under name of Star and Enterprise, the double paper achieving a rare success.
In December, 1874, the Fosnot Bros, brought from Oakville, where it had
been established in May, 1871, a paper known as The Enterprise, commenced
by J. C. Fosnot, which was amalgamated with The Star of the Valley.
About 1858, The Weekly Native was started by J. J. Herron; but its fail-
ure to secure a proper patronage gave it a permanent leave of absence from
the field journalism.
In May, 1882, John W. Strohm began the publication of the Plainfield
Times, at Plainfield, this county, which, in November, 1885, he removed to
Newville, and called The Newville Times, having a large circulation. In Au-
gust, 1883, Mr. Strohm started a matrimonial paper, called Cupid's Corner,
which has proved a profitable venture.
THE PRESS OF MOUNT HOLLY.
Mount Holly has a paper known as the Mountain Echo, R. M. Barley,
editor, publisher and proprietor.
CHAPTER XI.
Edttcational— Legal Histoet— Early ScnooLS— Dickinson College— Mbtz-
GAK Female Institute— Indian Industrial School— Cumberland Val-
ley State Normal cjchool— Teacheus' Institute— County Superintend-
ents.
LEGAL history.
THE history of education in Pennsylvania may be said to date from the
beginning of Penn's colony on the banks of the Delaware.
In the first plan of government drawn up by Penn, in 1682, provision was
made for the ' ' governor and provincial council to erect and order all public
schools, and reward the authors of useful sciences and laudable inventions in
said provinces. "
In the year following a school for the education of the young was founded
by enactment of the provincial council; and, to further the design, it elected
one Enoch Flower to conduct the school work. The branches taught were
"reading, writing, and the casting of accounts." This was the first school
established within the present boundaries of Pennsylvania.
196 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
In 1698 a school was organized by the Society of Friends in Philadelphia,
in which all children and servants might be taught, and provision was made
' ' for the instruction of the poor, gratis. " Several charters were granted this
school by Penn, the final one in 1711, extending the privileges and rights so
as to form, in reality, a public school, the first in Pennsylvania.
The work thus begun was aided by private contributions, and it was as late
as April, 1776, that the first school law was adopted, which provided that a
' ' school or schools shall be established by the Legislature for the convenient
instraiction of youth, with such salaries to the masters paid by the public as
will enable them to instruct youth at low prices," and which set apart 60,000
acres of land as a permanent endowment for said schools, the income from
said land to be invested, and the said schools to be conducted by the Legisla-
ture as their discretion might dictate.
Thus it will be seen that the educational interest was left wholly at the
mercy of men who had little, if any, experience in educational matters, and who
were occupied with weightier affairs than the fostering of a young school system.
Even with State aid the schools were neglected, and had to be nourished
by the bounty of benevolent persons who contributed to the support of the
struggling interest. In 1788 a subscription of something near £40, signed by
the leading citizens and containing the following agreement, was taken in
Cumberland County: "Whereas, a number of children in the borough of
Carlisle, from the extreme indigence of their parents, are brought up in the
greatest ignorance; and, whereas, these people laboring under the unfortunate
condition of slavery, are, from circumstances, generally debarred from acquir-
ing a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the principles of morality; the
subscribers being of the opinion that a free school and Sunday evening school,
under proper regulations, would tend to the advancement of knowledge and of
good order in society, agree to pay the sums annexed to their names for one
year for the above benevolent purposes, ' ' etc. , which may serve as an illustra-
tion of the dependence upon personal aid.
But an advance was made by the Constitution of 1790, which stated that
' ' the Legislature should, as conveniently as might be, provide by law for the
establishment of schools throughout the State, in such manner that the poor
might be taught gratis. " The same provision occurred in the law of 1809,
which required the assessors to obtain the names of all children residing in
their districts, between the ages of five and twelve years, whose parents were
too poor to pay for their schooling, and to furnish each teacher a list of these
names. It then became the teacher's duty to instruct all such children as
applied for instruction, and to present the county commissioners with his
account for the tuition of these same children. This drawing of distinction
between rich* and poor aroused violent opposition among the opponents of the
measure, who termed it the "pauper system." The whole number of chil-
dren entered in these schools during the year 1833, the last in which this law
was in force, was only 17,467, and the expenditure, in their behalf, 148,466.25.
In 1834 a free school system was introduced throughout the whole State,
which continues, with certain modifications and amendments, to be the school
law of Pennsylvania. There were many opponents to the law, and, as its ac-
ceptance was made optional with each district, the first year in which the new
law was in operation only ninety-three districts out of 900 were reported as
having adopted it. The report of the State superintendent shows that in
Cumberland County, in 1834, thirteen districts accef)ted, three rejected, and
one not reported — certainly a good record, considering the general opposition
where in the State.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 197
In Carlisle, however, during the following year, there was ' ' no school in
operation — fund inadequate, and deemed prudent by the directors not to com-
mence at present. "
EAELY SCHOOLS.
As the first school had been started under Quaker control, the Gei-man set-
tlers who subsequently entered the valley were compelled to submit their edu-
cational affairs largely to the schoolmaster who opened the private school. As
a general rule, the school was conducted by the minister of the village church,
and the building used was also devoted to religious worship. Many of the
earliest schools were even conducted in barns, and very good schools they were
thought, too. The early teachers in Shippensburg were Andrew Gibson, John
.Chambers, Jacob Steinman, John Morrison, Michael Hubbley, Robert Mc-
Kean and Dr. Kernan, the latter' s school being of a higher grade than the
others. A select school was opened by two ladies named Mary Eussell and
Elizabeth Anderson, in 1824, which became very popular, and which contin-
ued, under the charge of Miss Eliza Eussell, untU the free school system was-
introduced, when it was closed, the proprietors taking charge of the district
school.
In Carlisle Samuel Tate, Capt. Smith, Mrs. Shaw, and others not known of
by the writer were the early teachers.
About the year 1809 a Methodist minister by the name of Boden conducted
a school in Silver Spring Tovwiship, but he was shortly succeeded by a young
Hessian named Henry De Lipkey, who, having been bufFetted about by the
fickle goddess, became soured on humanity, and dealt many a stroke upon the
backs of refractory urchins. John Stevenson, Michael Boor, Arthur Moore,
Adam Longsdorf and William Jameson, the latter said to have been a fine
mathematician, were also known among the early teachers in the township.
A church, erected by general contribution, was used as a school in AUen
Township, and was presided over by a Mr. McGlaughlin, William Kline, John
Foster, James Methlin and Solomon Tate. Other early teachers in the town-
ship were Messrs. Bausman, Durborrow and Pittinger.
According to ' ' Sypher' s History of Pennsylvania, ' ' the first school of a
higher grade was a classical school opened in Carlisle about the year 1760. It
was in charge of one Eobert McKinley, and continued until the war of the
B evolution, when both principal and students enlisted in the patriot army.
Another classical school was in operation in Carlisle iu the year 1781. It
was at first a "grammar school," but was enlarged and chartered as an acad-
emy.
An institution known as the Carlisle Institute was opened in 1831, which
acquired a large patronage. The date of its discontinuance is not known.
In Newburg, Hopewell Township, a school called " Hopewell Academy "
was opened in 1812 by Mr. John Cooper, a linguist of no mean reputation,
and numbered among its patrons such eminent men as Dr. Alfred Nevin, H.
M. Watts, once United States minister to Austria, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Mc-
Coskry, and others of equal prominence. This institution was maintained un-
til 1832, when the founder removed to Shippensburg.
Two classical schools were opened in Newville — one in 1832, by Joseph
Casey, and the other in 1843, by Mr. French. The latter changed owners
many times, and was finally converted into Big Spring Academy, under
the charge of W. E. Linn and Rev. Eobert McCachran, in whose hands it
perished.
About the year 1840 a select school was opened in Mechanicsburg by F. L.
Gillelen, and was continued by him with much success until 1853, when it was
198 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
purchased by Rev. Joseph S. Loose, A. M. He immediately removed it to a
better building, and termed it the Cumberland Valley Institute. This in-
stitution existed until recently, its various owners having been Mr. I. D. Rupp,
Messrs. Lippincott, MuUin & Reese, Rev. O. Ege, and his son, A. Ege, A. M.
Irving Female College, at Irvington (East Mechanicsbnrg), w^as founded
as a seminary for ladies by Solomon P. Gorgas, and was chartered as a col-
lege in 1857. It was conducted by Rev. A. G. Marlatt until his death in
1865, when Rev. T. P. Ege was elected. It was located in a comely brick
building, capable of accommodating forty boarding, in addition to the day
pupils.
Dr. R. Lowry Sibbet, a graduate of Pennsylvania College, commenced a
private school in Centerville, Penn Township, in 1856. It was conducted by
him for three sessions, during which he instructed in the Greek and Latin lan-
guages, higher mathematics and natural sciences. Dr. Sibbet severed his con-
nection with this school, and was succeeded by Rev. George Hays and Mr. E.
M. Hays, after which the school was discontinued.
Sometime about 1848 a classical school was opened in New Kingston by Mr.
A. W. Lily, a graduate of Pennsylvania College. His successor, Rev. J. H.
Cupp, did not continue long in the enterprise, and it was abandoned in
1850.
An institution called White Hall Academy, was opened in East Penns-
borough Township in 1851, by Mr. David Denlinger, under whose charge it
was operated until 1867, when it was changed to a Soldiers' Orphan School.
It was then purchased by Capt. J. A. Moore and Mr. F. S. Dunn, and was
conducted without change until 1875, when Messrs. Amos Smith and John
Dunn took charge. Capt. Moore is the present able and popular principal.
In 1860 the Episcopal Church founded a seminary for young ladies, called
the Mary Institute, in Carlisle. The principals have been Rev. Francis
J. Clerc, Rev. William C. Leverett and Mary W. Dunbar. It has been dis-
continued for some time.
In 1858, the Sunny Side Female Seminary was opened in Newburg,
with Mrs. Caroline Williams as principal. She married Rev. Daniel Will-
iams, a few years after, and imder his charge the school perished.
The Shippensburg Collegiate Institute, a reorganization of an old aca-
demy, was opened in Shippensburg, with Rev. James Colder as principal. He
was succeeded by Dr. R. L. Sibbet (who retired to engage in the study of
medicine), Rev. J. Y. Brown, Vaughan and Miss McKeehan.
DICKINSON COLLEGE.
The difficulties experienced by the early settlers of the Cumberland Valley
in securing a liberal education for their sons, who had formerly been sent either
to England or to the academies located in Philadelphia and in more remote
places, led them to contemplate the establishment of an institution to combine
all the advantages of the existing schools with that of being of much easier ac-
cess. With this end in view, the friends of the movement secured a charter
for a college in the borough of Carlisle, in which it says that "in memory of
the great and important services rendered to his country by His Excellency,
John Dickinson, Esq. , president of the supreme executive council, and in com-
memoration of his very liberal donation to the institution, the said college shall
be forever hereafter called and known by the name of Dickinson College. ' ' It
was placed under the control of a board composed of forty trustees. The sup-
port was to be derived from the Presbyterian Church directly, and also from
all friends of education who deemed fit to make donations.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 199
Prominent among the founders and first trustees, were John Dickinson,
first governor of Pennsylvania and first president of the board of trustees, and
Dr. Benjamin Eush, of Philadelphia. The first meeting of the board was held
in 1783, and in the following year a faculty was chosen, consisting of Rev.
Charles Nisbett, D. D., of Montrose, Scotland, as president, arjd James Eoss,
author of the well-known Eoss Latin Grammar, as professor of the Greek and
Latin languages.
After much hesitation and correspondence. Dr. Nisbett was induced to ac-
cept the position offered, and arrived at Carlisle on July 4, 1785, being wel-
comed with the sound of cannon and bells. The following day saw the open-
ing of the college in a small building, between Pomfret Street and Liberty
Alley.
With such a beginning, the school grew rapidly into prominence, and was
only retarded by the insufficiency of the funds. Strenuous efforts to increase
the income were made by the friends of the institution, and in 1791 they suc-
ceeded in securing an appropriation from the Assembly of $7, 500, which, with
an additional donation of $3,000 given in 1798, served to place it upon a firm
basis.
In 1802, when a new building had been completed on the new grounds
purchased in 1798, and when everything was prepared for the reception of
students, a spark carried by the wind from an ash pile far away, kindled a fire
which destroyed nearly everything. Before the smoke had blown away, a new
subscription list was in circulation, and on August 3, 1803, the first stone of
the new building planned by the public architect at Washington, Mr. Latrobe,
was laid.
The college was inspired with a new vigor, and for a number of years con-
tinued with increasing influence and prosperity. But troubles arose which led
to a change in the controlling influence in 1833. The Baltimore Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, learning of the difficulties into which the in-
stitution had entered, made proposals to a committee of the board of trustees,
and a final agreement was made by which the college and all connected with it
passed into the control of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Now the school revived. New departments were added, and the old ones
strengthened, until Dickinson College was placed in the front rank of institu-
tion for higher education. The following are the departments of study main-
tained: (1) Moral science, (2) ancient languages and literature; (3) pure mathe-
matics; (4) philosophy and English literature, including history and constitu-
tional law, (5) physics and mixed mathematics, and the application of calculus
to natural philosophy, astronomy and mechanics ; (6) chemistry, and its appli-
cation to agriculture and the arts; (7) physical geography, natural history,
mineralogy and geology; (8) modern languages; (9) civil and mining engineer-
ing and metallurgy.
Those who wish to obtain the collegiate degrees are required to devote the
earlier part of their course to the study of the classics and the pure mathemat-
ics, but during the latter half, the student is granted more freedom, and if he
desires to complete any of the special courses provided, he has the liberty to
do so, at the same time retaining his right to the degree of B. A. upon grad-
uation equally with those who have remained in the regular classical course.
The institution is well provided with all apparatus for the elucidation of
the principles of physical science; the libraries number about 28,000 volumes,
many of them very rare and valuable; the permanent endowment exceeds $170,-
000; and a valuable property, which is not productive at present, but which
will add materially to the income of the school in the near future.
200 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Within the last few years the course has been opened to the ladies, so that
now students of both sexes have equal privileges.
The Tome Scientific Building, a long, handsome, fire-proof structure, of
native limestone, with trimmings of gray stone, brought from the Cleveland
quarries, facing on Louther Street, was finished in 1885, a donation of Col.
Robert Tome, of Port Deposit, Md. , from whom it derives its name. The last
and most beautiful building added to the college in the near past is the Bosler
Memorial Hall, a pressed brick building, with handsomely carved brown stone
ornamentation, meant principally to contain the college library; begun in 1885
and finished in the succeeding. year. It is a donation from the widow of the
late James W. Bosler, of Carlisle.
Among the graduates of Dickinson College many have held responsible and
honorable positions. One has been President of the United States, one has
been Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of United States, one Justice of the
Supreme Court, one Governor of a State, two United States Senators, ten Rep-
resentatives in Congress, two district judges, three justices of the State
Supreme Court, eleven presidents and sixteen professors of colleges, one bishop
of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and sixty-eight ministers of the Gospel.
The following is a table of the officers and presidents of Dickinson College,
with the periods of their service:
Presidents of Board of Trustees. — John Dickinson, LL.D., 1783-1808;
Rev. John King, D.D., 1808-1808; James Armstrong, 1808-24; John B.
Gibson, LL.D., 1824-29; Andrew Carothers, 1829-33.
Since 1833, the president of the college has been, ex officio, president of the
board of trustees.
Secretaries.— Rev. William Linn, D.D., 1783-84; Thomas Duncan, 1784-
92; Thomas Creigh, 1792-96; James Duncan, 1796-1806; Alex. P. Lyon,
1806-08; Andrew Carothers, 1808-14; Isaac B. Parker, 1814-20; James
Hamilton, 1820-24; Frederick Watts, LL.D., 1824-28; Rev. S. A. McCosk-
ry, D.D., 1828-31; William Biddle, 1831-33; James W. Marshall, 1850-54;
Rev. Otis H. Tiffany, D.D., 1854^57; James W. Marshall, 1857-58; Rev.
William L. Boswell, 1858-65; John K. Stayman, 1865-68; Charles F.
Himes, 1868—.
Treasurers. — Samuel Laird, 1784-90; SamuelTostlethwaite, 1790-98; John
Montgomery, 1798-1808; John Miller, 1808-21; And. McDowell, 1821-33;
John J. Myers, M. D., 1833-41; William D. Seymour, 1841-54; James W.
Marshall, 1854-61; Samuel D. Hellman, 1861-68; John K. Stayman, 1868;
Charles F. Himes, 1868-82; J. W. Smiley, 1882-85; Henry C. Whitney,
1885-.
Librarians.— James Ross, 1784-92; William Thomson, 1792-1804; John
Borland, 1804-05; John Hays, 1805-09; Henry R. Wilson, 1809-13; Joseph
Shaw, 1813-15; Gerard B. Stack, 1815-16; Joseph Spencer, 1822-30;
Charles D. Cleveland, 1830-32; Robert Emory, 1834-40; John McClintock,
1840-48; James W. Marshall, 1848-60; William L. Boswell, 1860-65, John
K. Stayman, 1865-70; Henry M. Harman, 1870—.
College Presidents. — Charles Nisbett, D.D., 1785-1804; Robert Davidson,
D.D., 1804-09; Jeremiah Atwater, D.D., 1809-15; John McKnight, D.D.,
1815-16; John Mitchell Mason, D.D., 1821-24; William Neill, D.D., 1824-
29; Samuel Blanchard Howe, D.D., 1830-31; John Price Durbin, D.D.,
1833-45; Robert Emory, D.D., 1845-48; Jesse Truesdell Peck, D.D., 1848-
52; Charles Collins, D.D., 1852-60; Herman Merrills Johnson, D.D., 1860-
68; Robert Lawrenson Dashiell, D.D., 1868-72; James Andrew McCauley,
D.D., LL.D., the present efficient and scholarly president.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 201
MErZGAE FEMALE INSTITUTE.
The Metzgar Female Insitute, occupying a beautiful and commodious brick
structure, surrounded by pleasant shade trees and a rich variety of flowers, is
one of the attractions of Carlisle, and reflects great honor upon the memory
of the man -whose funds supplied it, Mr. Metzgar, an honored member of
the Cumberland County bar. It has attained a position among the educational
institutions of the county, as is shown by its constantly increasing attendance.
It was erected some five or six years ago.
INDIAN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
The Indian Industrial School, at Carlisle, under the management of Capt.
B. H. Pratt, Tenth Cavalry, is one of the pioneer institutions of the United
States to attempt the civilization of a savage race.
By act of Congress dated June 17, 1879, the extensive grounds and build-
ings known as the Carlisle Barracks were appropriated for the Indian school.
Sometime in 1876, Capt. Pratt conceived the idea that Indians could be edu-
cated and their labor and skill utilized. About that time, of the hundred pris-
oners at Port Marion, Florida, captured from the Cheyennes, Arapahoes,
Wichitas, etc. , a number were taken to Hampton, Va. , where they were organ-
ized into a school, thus originating the system of Indian industrial education
in this country. Carlisle was next to be developed.
In addition to the extensive buildings secured from the Government at the
time the school began, there have been erected, since, a chapel, 1879; hospi-
tal, 1881; new dining hall and laundiy, 1885; and a new wing to old dining
hall for printing office.
The first pupils received (eighty-four in number) arrived October 5, 1879,
irom the Rosebud and Pine Ridge agencies, Dakota. The fathers of those
boys and girls were leaders in their tribes (the Sioux). On the 27th of Octo-
ber, fifty more came from the Poncas, Pawnees, Kiowas, Comanches, Wichitas,
Cheyennes and Arapahoes ; and on the 6th of November, eight children arrived
from Green Bay agency, Wisconsin, and Sisseton agency, Minnesota.
The board of managers consists, at present, of Capt. R. H. Pratt, Tenth
Cavalry, superintendent; A. J. Standing, assistant superintendent; O. G.
Given, M. D., physician; S. H. Gould, chief clerk; Miss A. S. Ely and W. C.
Loudon, assistant clerks.
From the sixth annual report of the superintendent, dated August 18,
1885, the following facts are gleaned: Number of tribes represented, 38;
number of boys in school, 344; number of girls in school, 150. Total, 494.
These children are classed in nine sections, properly graded, for school
work, and study such subjects as are usually taught in public schools. Each
section is under the guidance of a special teacher, whose whole time is given to
its instruction and management. Every pupil is also given the choice of learn-
ing some trade, and is required to spend a certain length of time each day in
the mastery of his trade. On the whole, the Indian school is a successful in-
stitution, and well merits careful study.
This labor of the Indian School, even as early as the annual report of 1881,
amounted to $6,333.46, as governed by the regular contract prices of the In-
dian Department. The pupils are particularly apt in the ordinary English
branches, while many display also a very considerable skill in the departments
of practical mechanics. With such a record it is not surprising that this school
should have attracted very considerable attention, and that representatives,
both of the nobility and brains of England — the Duke of Sutherland and Ed-
ward H. Freeman, the celebrated English historian — should have been among
its visitors, soon after it was established.
202 HISTORY OF CUMBEULANU COUNTY.
CUMBERLAND VALLEY STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
This institution, located at Shippensburg, is the State school for the Sev-
enth District, comprising the counties of Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumber-
land, Fulton, Franklin and Huntington.
Its history is briefly this: An act of the Legislature, passed April 1, 1850,
authorized the board of school directors at Carlisle to establish a normal
school in these terms : ' ' And said board also have power to establish a normal
school of a superior grade in said district, provided no additional expense is
thereby incurred over and above the necessary schools for said borough, and
to admit scholars in said normal school from any part of the county, or else-
where, on such terms and on such plans as said board may direct; and the
board of directors in any other school district, in said county, may, if they
think proper, make an agreement with the directors in Carlisle to contribute
to the support of the same according to the number of scholars they may send
to said normal school. ' '
On the 16th of 'the said month a county convention was called, at which a
plan for a normal school was submitted. Of this convention Judge Watts
was chairman. The Carlisle school board issued a call to the other districts
for a meeting of delegates on May 7, to mature plans for said school, and an-
nounced May 15 as the time for a three months' session to begin; tuition be-
ing fixed at $8 per pupil. The attendance of delegates was not sufficiently
large to warrant the establishment of the school.
The previous agitation resulted, however, in a movement among the teach-
ers at the county institute held at Newville December 23, 1856. The action
was thus expressed: "Resolved, That a committee of one director from each
township be appointed, to take into consideration the establishment of a nor-
mal school in Cumberland County." The committee met at Carlisle, January
13, 1857, and determined its location at Newville, it having guaranteed the
necessary buildings. The management was vested in a board, consisting of
the county superintendent and one director from each school district. The
board agreed upon the opening of the school, April 3, 1857, with the following
faculty: Daniel Shelly, county superintendent, principal; W. E. Linn, S. B.
Heiges and D. E. Kast, instructors. George Swartz was chosen principal of
the Model School, and J. H. Hostetter and Miss Mary Shelly, instructors.
A three months' term was held, with ninety-one pupils in the Normal
School and 149 in the Model School. About $500 worth of school appa-
ratus was provided by contributions from the citizens. The session of 1858
continued five months, but those of 1859 and 1860 only three months each,
George Swartz being principal.
The attempt to secure a State Normal School for the Seventh District
began at Newville November 2, 1865, when, during the county institute, the
directors of the county instructed the county superintendent, George Swartz,
to address a circular to the various school boards in the district, asking them
to appoint delegates to meet in a general convention at Chambersburg January
10, 1866, to hear reports and take general steps for the establishment of such
a State school. No definite results accrued from this movement, but in the
spring of 1870 the preparatory steps for the location of the school at Shippens-
burg, its present site, were taken. A meeting was called and Hon. J. P.
Wickersham, State superintendent, was invited to deliver an address. After •
several meetings, an application to the court for a charter was granted in
April, 1870. Subscriptions to the amount of $24,000 had been secured. On
the first Monday of May the first election for trustees was held, resulting in the
choice of the following gentlemen: J. "W. Craig, Dr. W. W. Nevin, C. L.
Cx.Jc,J-^-''^^'^^K^
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 205-
Shade, John Grabill, John E. Maclay, E. C. Himes, Robt. C. Hays and A. G.
Miller. The capital stock was subsequently increased from 130,000 to
$100,000."
The excavation for the foundation was begun in August, 1870, and the
contract let for 174,000. The corner-stone was laid by the Masonic Order
May 31, 1871. The entire cost of the structure, which is 225x170 feet, three
stories high, together with grounds, heating apparatus, gas fixtures, etc. , was
$125,000, and of the furnishing about $2r),000.
The property was accepted as a State institution in February, 1873, and
the first session of the school began April 15, 1873, under the principalship of
George P. Beard, A. M. He continued in his position until July, 1875, when
he resigned. His successors have been Rev. I. N. Hays, B. S. Patten, S. B.
Heiges and J. F. McCreary, present incumbent.
teachers' INSTITDTE.
In no department of educational activity has so much improvement been
shown as in the methods and philosophy of instruction. In the private
schools, academies and colleges of the olden times, the great purpose was to
secure the accumulation of facts — the storing of the mind with useful knowl-
edge. In too many institutions is this false notion still entertained. The
relationship between crude facts and the child' s mind was not dreamed of.
The "what" of knowledge, or the subject-matter, was all that the teacher
sought. The "how," or the method of reaching and classifying these facts,
was reserved, in the natural order of things, for development at a later day.
In due course of time the subject of methods or the best way of doing certain
things, began to attract the attention of the more thoughtful; and still later in
educational progress, the "why," or the reason for certain processes, demanded
consideration of the professional instructor. All this is evidence that the
world moves — that progress is not confined to the domain of the material
world.
In the securing of these progressive steps, the teachers' institute in its va-
rious forms had much to do. In associations of those of like calling, friction
of minds never fail to secure beneficial results. At the convention of teachers
and other friends of education, held in the court house at Carlisle December
19, 1835, Dr. Isaac Snowden was chosen president. Important questions
were discussed, and arrangements were made to hold semi-annual meetings in
the future. In the program for the session to be held June 25, 1836, are to
be found these important subjects, which show that even at that early date the
leaven of educational improvement had commenced to work:
" 1. What is the best mode of securing a competent number of well qual-
ified teachers of common schools to meet the exigencies of the county ?
2. The influence of education on the character and stability of civil in-
stitutions, and the direction and modification which it gives the political rela-
tions.
3. The evils existing in our common schools, and appropriate remedies.
4. The influence of employing visible illustrations in imparting instruc-
tion to children.
5. Best mode of governing children, and of exciting their interest in their
studies.
6. Importance of a uniformity of text-books, etc. ' '
What was done at subsequent meetings does not appear, but the questions
introduced at this session are living questions, and the impetus given to edu-
cational work in the county was manifest.
206 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
From the interesting article in Wing's History of Cumberland County,
written by D. E. Kast, we quote : "At the call of the county superintendent,
the directors and teachers generally assembled in Education Hall, Carlisle, on
Saturday, the 2d day of September, 1854, for the purpose of holding a school
teachers' convention, for devising more favorable means for the promotion of
education generally in the common schools of Cumberland County. Ex-Gov.
Eitner presided at this meeting, and Mr. Dieffenbach, deputy superintendent
of common schools in Pennsylvania, was in attendance. A committee, ap-
pointed to prepare business for the meeting, reported a series of resolutions,
the subject-matter of which engaged the attention of the assembly during its
sessions. Provision was made for the permanent organization of a county in-
stitute, by appointment of a committee to report a constitution for its govern-
ment. ' '
On the 21st of the following December (1854), the "Cumberland County
Teachers' Institute" was permanently organized, with ex-Gov. Ritner in the
•chair and an attendance of 94 teachers out of 160 at its first session. Among
those present on that occasion, were Hon. Thomas H. Burrowes, who aided in
its deliberations, and Dr. Collins, president of Dickinson College, who lectured.
The subject of methods of teaching was freely and profitably discussed. The
sentiment of the institute was expressed in the following characteristic resolu-
tion: " That as teachers and members of this institute we will cordially co-
operate with our superintendent in his laudable efforts to elevate the standard
of teaching and advance general education throughout the county. ' '
Annual sessions from that time to the present have been held at some point
in the county, the time between the holidays being usually preferred. The
benefits to the county have been quite marked, justifying the wisdom of those
who inaugurated the agency of professional culture.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS.
School systems, like other activities, need efficient supervision and execu-
tion. The establishment of county superintendency met this want. At first
it met with some opposition, as might be expected; but it has come to be ac-
cepted as an indispensable feature of the school system. The names of the
officials who have filled this position are as follows :
Daniel Shelly, from 1854 to 1860, two terms. He was efficient in the per-
formance of his duties, and succeeded in arousing general educational interest.
D. K. Noel, a prominent teacher of the county was elected, in May, 1860,
as his successor ; but ill health ensuing, he resigned in a few months, and was
succeeded by Joseph Mifflin, who was appointed to fill his unexpired term.
Mr. Mifflin was a teacher, but, prior and subsequent to his superintendency,
had given attention to civil engineering. At the expiration of his term of of-
fice, he was followed, in 1863, by George Swartz, a teacher who, by self -exertion
and perseverance, had attained honorable distinction in his calling. He held
the position for six years, and performed its duties creditably. In 1869, owing
to some legal difflculties connected with the election, W. A. Lindsey was ap-
pointed to the position, and continued to discharge its duties till 1872, when
D. E. Kast was chosen to fill the place. He did this acceptably, and was re-
elected in May, 1875, to serve the public three years longer, which he did till
1878, when Samuel B. Shearer was chosen for the position, and has satisfac-
torily discharged its duties ever since.
HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 207
CHAPTER XII.
Religious— Presbyterian Chtjrch— Episcopal Church— Methodist Church
—Roman Catholic Church— German Reformed Church— Lutheran
Church— Church of God— German Baptists— United Brethren- The
Mennonites— Evangelical Association.
THE religious sentiment was strongly developed in the primitive inhabit-
ants of the Cumberland Valley. Its settlers made early and adequate pro-
vision for the preaching of the word of God. Family instruction in the in-
spired record was supplemented by the public proclamation of the gospel at
such times and places as the sparsely settled condition of the country war-
ranted. The simplicity of that primitive worship secured a religious fervor
not seen in these days of costly edifices and fashionable services. The sacri-
fices made by both minister and people guaranteed a worship largely free from
hypocrisy.
The log meeting-house, with its humble appointments, was, perhaps, more
thoroughly consecrated to the worship of Him, who ' ' prefers before all tem-
ples the upright heart and pure " than the stately structures of modern times
are. Says Dr. Wing : ' ' The period of religious indifference and unbelief had
not yet arrived. In the countries from which the people had come, there were
doubtless formalism and 'moderation,' but every family would have felt dis-
honored had they been found without the forms of public worship. And now,
when these wanderers into the wilderness were far away from any place of
worship, a sense of special desolation was felt by every one. A large part of
their social as well as religious life was gone. With but few books or periodi-
cals, the most probable occasion of hearing from the great world and the peo-
ple they had left was through the letters and arrivals of others. It was in
the Sabbath assembly that the sweetest and best enjoyments of the week might
be hoped for. The deepest and most urgent longings of their hearts were to-
ward the weekly assembly and what they called the 'house of God.' No
Booner, therefore, were they sheltered from the weather, than they began to
inquire for a place of worship.
" It would be interesting to have some account of the place where these
^odly men first met and sought the God of their fathers. We are not sure
Siat we can make any near approach to the satisfaction [gratifying] of this de-
sire. We have traced the settlements over a district of not less than twenty
miles from east to west, and eight to ten from north to south. This could be
traveled only on foot or on horses ; for carriages were, for some time, out of
the question. The first meetings must have been at private houses, in barns,
or in the open air, and were perhaps confined to no one place. ' '
PEESBTTERIAN CHUECH.
The early settlers of the Cumberland Valley having been Scotch-Irish,
were identified with the Presbyterian Church. This condition of things ex-
isted for nearly thirty years, the first exception to this unity of church fellow-
ship being the preparatory steps to establish an Episcopal congregation by
Eev. William Thompson, an English missionary, as early as July, 1753.
208 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
All this region was, at first, under the spiritual watch care of the Presbj-
tery of Donegal, which was organized about 1732, and whose limits extended
as far west as did the boundaries of Lancaster County at that time. The
nearest places for regular preaching at that early date were in Dauphin
County, where several congregations enjoyed the pastoral care of Eev. Will-
iam Bertram. On the 16th of October, 1734, it was "ordered that Alexander
Craighead supply over the river two or three Sabbaths in November." Men-
tal and moral light have always followed the direction of physical illumination.
Though not regularly ordained to preach at that date, his ministrations were
the only ones the ' ' settlements over the river ' ' (the region west of the ' 'Long,
Crooked Eiver") enjoyed for a time. In April, 1735, however. Rev. John
Thompson was appointed to aid Mr. Craighead in the instruction of " the peo-
ple of Conodoguinet or beyond the Susquehanna," as the settlement near Car-
lisle ' was known. The site of this preaching is supposed to have been about
two miles northwest of Carlisle, and since known as ' ' Meeting House Springs. "
Though it is claimed by some that " Silvers' Spring " was the site of this first
preaching, it is quite certain that the Meeting House Springs was the first con-
gregation established west of the Susquehanna.
These two congregations, viz. : Meeting House Springs and Silvers' Spring,
were subsequently known as ' ' Upper and Lower Pennsborough, ' ' and must
have had an existence as early as 1734. The following year, 1735, the people
of Hopewell Township, just formed, applied for permission to erect a house of
worship at a place called Big Spring (now Newville), but their request was
not granted for a time on account of its being but eight miles from Pennsbor-
ough. Within a year or two, however, this place of worship was erected, and
shortly after, if not simultaneous with it, another place of divine service was
established about five miles north of the present site of Shippensburg, and
known as the Middle Spring Congregation. Thus it will be seen that within
eight or ten years after the first crossing of the Susquehanna (viz. : 1734 to
1744), some four regular congregations were established and supported within
what is now Cumberland County, as follows: Meeting House Springs, Silvers^
Spring, Big Spring and Middle Spring. These congregations sought from the
presbytery to which they belonged, only ministers of the gospel, pledging and
furnishing houses of worship and adequate support.
The first settled pastor was Eev. Thomas Craighead, father of Alexander,
already mentioned. He was properly installed at Big Spring November 17,
1737, and preached also for Middle Spring. The second regular pastor waa
Eev. Samuel Thompson, who began his charge of Meeting House Springs and
Silvers' Spring (Upper and Lower Pennsborough) November 14, 1739.
We shall present briefly the leading facts connected with these several
congregations, commencing with'
Silvers' Spring. — This was so called in honor of Mr. Silvers, one of the first
settlers of that region. The first occasional preaching was by Eev. Alexander
Craighead and then by Eevs. Bertram, Thomas Craighead and Goldston.
The regular preachers and pastors were: Rev. Samuel Thompson from 1739'
to 1745. His resignation was on account of "bodily illness." He waa
recommended as "generous and industrious in preaching to the congrega-
tion, either on Sabbath days or week-days, according to his convenience and
their necessity." Eev. Samuel Caven, from 1745 to the time of his death,
November 9, 1750, in the forty-ninth year of his age. Eev. John Steel, from
1764 to his death in 1779. He was employed at £150 per year. Silvers'
Spring agreeing to pay half that sum. At first six men, and afterward forty-
two men, signed a promissory note guaranteeing his pay. Eev. Samuel Waugh,
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTr. 209
1782 to 1808; Eev. John Hayes, 1808 to 1814; Eev. Henry E. Wilson, 1814
to 1823; Eev. James Williamson, 1824 to 1838; Eev. George Morris, 1839 to
1860; Eev. W. H. Dinsmore, 1861 to 1865; Eev. W. G. Hillman, 1866-67;
Eev. W. B. MoKee, 1868 to 1870; Eev. E. P. Gibson, 1872 to 1875; Eev.
T. J. Ferguson, 1878—.
The church edifice at Silvers' Spring, a substantial stone building, 45x58
feet, was erected in 1783 under the pastorate of Eev. Waugh. The original
house, predecessor of the present one, was a small log building. The congre-
gation was regularly incorporated by an act of the Assembly September 25,
1786, the trustees named being Andrew Galbreath, Samuel Wallace, Daniel
Boyd, John Wather, Hugh Laird, Samuel Waugh, William Mateer, Francis
Silvers and David Hoge.
Big Spring. — ^This congregation was originally known as "Hopewell." Its
origin has already been given. The pastors in succession were: Eev.
Thomas Craighead, 1737. He died in the act of pronouncing the benediction
after a very eloquent discourse. As he enunciated the word "farewell" he
sank to the floor and expired without a groan or a struggle. He was
succeeded for a time by Eev. James Lyon, of Ireland. Eev. George Duffield,
installed in 1759. He also gave a portion of his time to Carlisle. Eev.
William Linn, successor, began probably about 1778, and continued till 1784,
when he resigned to accept the principalship of Washington Academy, Som-
erset County, Md. After a vacancy of two years Eev. Samuel Wilson became
pastor, which position, till his death, March, 1799, he filled acceptably. His
call, dated "Big Spring, Cumberland County, 21st of March, 1786," and
signed by 204 pew-,holders, is an interesting document: "We, the subscribers
of this paper, and members of the congregation of Big Spring, do .hereby
bind and oblige ourselves annually to pay Mr. Samuel Wilson, preacher of the
gospel, on his being ordained to be our minister, and for his discharge of the
duties of said office, the sum of £150, Pennsylvania currency, in specie, and
allow him the use of the dwelling-house, barn and all the clear land on the
glebe possessed by our former minister; also plenty of timber for rails and
fire-wood; likewise a sufficient security for the payment of the above
mentioned sums during his incumbency." April 14, 1802, Eev. Joshua
Williams was installed on an annual salary of £200. He was a graduate
of Dickinson College of the class of 1795, and began to preach in 1798,
having pursued theological studies under Dr. Eobert Cooper. With de-
clining health he continued his labors at Big Spring till 1829, when he re-
signed. Eev. Eobert McCachren, a native of Chester County, began his la-
bors as pastor about 1830, and continued in such capacity till October, 1851,
when he resigned. During his pastorate, 485 communicants were added to
the congregation. Eev. J. S. Henderson, 1852 to 1862. Eev. P. Mowry,
1863 to 1868. Eev. E. Erskine, D. D. , 1869, the present incumbent.
The first house of worship was built of logs about 1738, and stood in the
southern part of the grave-yard. The present stone edifice was built about
1790, and remodeled in 1842.
Middle Spring. — John the Harbinger, as we learn from the inspired record
"preached at Enon, near to Saline, because there was much water there."
In the early history of the Cumberland Valley churches were located near liv-
ing springs, for the accomodation of the vast concourse of people who as-
sembled on occasions of divine worship. Middle Spring, so called probably
from its intermediate position between Big Spring and Eocky Spring, has
rather an uncertain origin. The congregation began probably about 1740.
Some of the early church records mention the names of Allen Killough, John
210 HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
McKee, David Herron and John Eeynolds as elders in 1742; John Finley,
William Anderson and Eobert McComb, 1744; and John Maolay, 1747.
The names of its preachers can not be given with certainty. The following
are some of them; Eev. Mr. Calls, of Ireland, and Eev. Mr. Clarke of Scot-
land, both labored with the congregation for a time. The first regular pastor,
however, was Eev. John Blair, whose time and labors were divided equally be-
tween Eocky Spring, Middle Spring and Big Spring congregations from 1742
to 1749. He was a pious and learned man, and greatly endeared to his con-
gregation. As proof of this witness the fact that he was presented with a deed
for a farm of 250 acres lying near the church. When he resigned his position
the farm was sold and he went to New York City.
Erom 1750 to 1760 little is known of the internal history of the congrega-
tion. In May, 1765, a call was extended to Eev. Eobert Cooper, who accepted
the same in the following October, £100 currency being pledged to him.
Dr. Cooper was a graduate of Princeton College. His first pastorate was
that of Middle Spring, which he held from 1765 to the time of his resignation
April 12, 1797.
Eev. John Moodey, a graduate of Princeton College, succeeded to the pas-
torate of Middle Spring, having been installed October 5, 1803. He continued
his labors until 1854, a period of over half a century. In June, 1855, Rev. I.
N. Hays began his pastoral services, and continued them fourteen years, when
he removed to Chambersburg. He was succeeded in May, 1871, by Eev. D.
K. Eichardson, who officiated for about eighteen months, when he was fol-
lowed, June 11, 1872, by Eev. S. S. Wylie.
The first house of worship was a log building thirty- five feet square, erected
about the time of the organization of the congregation. This house proving
insufficient for the increasing congregation, a second one, 48x58, was buUt in
1765. This was succeeded in 1781 by a stone structure, 58x68, two stories
high. In 1847 a new brick structure was erected, which afterward was greatly
remodeled and improved.
The following officers and soldiers of the Eevolutionary war were members
of this congregation, or attendants of this church: Colonels — Benjamin Blythe,
Isaac Miller, Eobert Peebles, William Scott, Abraham Smith; major — James
Herron; captains — William Eippey, Matthew Henderson, Matthew Scott,
David McKnight, John McKee, William Strain, Joseph Brady, Eobert Quig-
ley, Charles Leeper, Charles Maclay, Samuel Blythe, Samuel Walker, James
Scott, Samuel McCune, Samuel Kearsley; lieutenant — Samuel Montgomery;
soldiers — John Heap, Esq., Samuel Cox, Esq., Francis Campble, John Eey-
nolds, Esq., Thomas McClelland, Joseph McKinney, James McKee, Eobert
Donavin, William Turner, Thomas McCombs, William Sterritt, John Woods,
Esq., Wm. Anderson, John Maclay, James Dunlop, Esq., James Lowry, Esq.,
William Barr, Archibald Cambridge, John Herron, David Herron, David Dun-
can, John McKnight, James McCune, David Mahan, John Thompson, Jacob
Porter, Isaac Jenkins, Samuel Dixon, John Grier.
Meeting-House Spring. — What has been said in a previous part of this
chapter concerning this congregation need not be repeated. Dr. Nevin, in his
"Churches of the Valley," says: "About the year 1736 the Presbyterians
erected a log church on Conodoguinet Creek, about two miles north of Car-
lisle, or West Pennsborough, as it was then called, at a place known ever
since as the ' Meeting-House Spring. ' No vestige of this building now re-
mains, nor are there any of the oldest surviving residents of the neighborhood
who are able to give anything like a satisfactory account of it. The members
of the large congregation which worhiped within its walls have long ago dis-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 211
appeared, and with them the memory of the venerable edifice, and the inter-
esting incidents, which were doubtless associated with its history, have well-
nigh perished. ' '
Carlisle. — The borough of Carlisle was founded in 1751. Shortly after
this event a Presbyterian congregation was organized in it, and a house of
worship erected. Relative to this edifice the following letter from John Arm-
strong to Richard Peters will be of historic interest :
Cablisle, 30 June, 1757.
To-morrow we begin to haul stones forjthe building of a meeting-house on the north
side of the Square; there was no other convenient place. I have avoided the place you
once pitched for a church. The stones are raised out of Col. Stanwix's entrenchment.
We will want help in this political, as well as religious, work.
As a means of raising funds with which ." to enable them to build a decent
house for the worship of God," the managers of the enterprise, about the
year 1760, obtained from Gov. Hamilton a license to inaugurate a lottery
scheme, which subserved its purpose, however objectionable.
In 1759 Rev. George Duffield was called to take pastoral charge of the
congregations at Carlisle and Big Spring, giving two-thirds of his time to the
former. At the same time there seems to have been, probably as the result of
a general division in the church throughout the synod, a rival Presbyterian
Church in Carlisle. Says Rev. I. D. Rupp, in his History of Cumberland
County: "A short time afterward (1761) the congregation in the country, then
under the care of the Rev. Mr. Steel, constructed a two-story house of wor-
ship in town ; and, some time before the Revolution, erected the present First
Presbyterian Church, on the northwest corner of the Centre Square. Mr.
Duffield' s congregation erected a gallery in Mr. Steel' s church, and the two
parties worshiped separately. ' ' These two congregations, known as the ' ' Old'
Lights" and "New Lights," were finally united, and in 1785 called Rev.
Robert Davidson to be pastor. This relation continued till the time of his
death, in 1812. He was assisted a portion of the time by Rev. Henry R.
"Wilson, professor in Dickinson College.
In 1816 Rev. George Duffield, a grandson of the first pastor, was called to
Carlisle. His labors for many years were signally blessed. In 1832, how-
ever, his work on " Regeneration" created much dissension, and resulted in a
trial by the presbytery of his orthodoxy. The decision was briefly: " Re-
solved, That presbytery at present do not censure him any further than warn
him to guard against such speculations as may impugn the doctrines of cm-
church, and that he study to maintain ' the unity of the spirit in the bond of
peace.' " Dr. Duffield' s relation with the church was severed, at his own re-
quest, in March, 1835.
Contemporaneous with Dr. Duffield' s difficulties with the presbytery were
serious troubles in the congregation. A petition, signed by Andrew Blair and
seventy- seven others, sought a separation from the old organization and the
formation of a new one. The request was granted, and the Second Presby-
terian Church of Carlisle was organized in the town hall January 12, 1833,
with the following officers taken from the old church : Elders — Andrew Blair,
John McClure and Robert Clark; deacons— Peter B. Smith, Robert Irvine,
John Proctor and Robert Giffin. Its pastors in succession have been Rev.
Daniel McKinley, 1833-38; Dr. Alexander T. McGill, 1839-40; Dr. T. V.
Moore, 1842-45; Rev. James Lillie, 1846-48; Rev. Mervin E. Johnston,
1849-54; Rev. W. W. Eels, 1854-62; Rev. John C. Bliss, 1862-67; and Rev.
George Norcross, since 1869.
The pastors of the First Church after Dr. Duffield have been: Rev. Will-
iam T. Sprole, Rev. Ellis J. Newlin, Rev. Conway Phelps Wing and Rev. J.
S. Vance, the present incumbent.
212 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
In Dickinson Township. — In 1810 application was made to presbytery by
James Moore and Joseph Galbraith for preaching in Dickinson TownsAiip for
a congregation known as Walnut Bottom. It was granted, and Rev. Henry
E. Wilson, of Dickinson College, aided them. In 1823 a congregation was
regularly organized by Rev. Messrs. Williams, Duffield and McClelland, with
about twenty members. The early pastors in succession were Revs. Mc-
Knight Williamson, Charles P. Cummins and Oliver 0. McLean. The build-
ing, brick structure, 45x56 feet, was erected in 1829 on ground given by Will-
iam L. Weakley, Esq.
In Newville. — First United Presbyterian Church of Newville (formerly
associate) was organized as early as 1760. Its pastors: John Rogers, 1772-
81; John Jamieson, 1784-92; John Craig, 1793-94; James McConnel, 1798-
1809; Alexander Sharp, D.D., 1824-57; Isaiah Faries, 1858-59; W. L.
Wallace, 1861.
In Carlisle. — About 1796, a lot of ground in Carlisle was transferred by
Thomas and John Penn, in consideration of £6, ' ' to Wm. Blair, Wm. Moore,
John Smith and John McCoy, as trustees of the Associate Presbyterian Con-
gregation, adhering to the subordination of the Associate Presbytery of Penn-
sylvania, of which the Rev. John Marshall and James Clarkson are members. "
Two years later an organization was established, and in 1802 a building was
erected upon the lot. Rev. Francis Pringle was called to be the pastor.
Gradually its members, never numerous, were absorbed by other churches, and
the house became the property of the Bethel Church.
In Mechanicsburg.—lhe rapid growth of Mechanicsburg in consequence
of the construction of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, rendered the erection
of a house of worship at that place a necessity. This was consummated in 1858,
and in October, 1860, a congregation was organized, deriving much of its
strength from the Silvers' Spring congregation. Under the efficient adminis-
tration of Rev. Samuel W. Reigart, who has been its pastor since 1868, this
congregation has developed great power in the community and in the denomi-
nation to which it belongs.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Mention was made in the first part of this sketch of the effoi-ts of Rev.
William Thompson, acting under the direction of an English missionary soci-
ety, to preach the gospel and establish a congregation as early as 1753.
In Carlisle. — The church of Carlisle worshiped in a stone building tUl
about 1825, when a new structure was raised on the site of the present one.
This structure underwent several remodelings until the present neat and com-
modious one has been reached. Its vestry has always embraced men of prom-
inence and worth in the community, embracing such individuals as Robert
Callender, Francis West, George Croghan, Samuel Postlethwaite, David
Watts, Stephen Foulke, Frederick Watts, John Baker, etc.
The rectors in regular succession have been the following named scholarly
gentlemen: Rev. Dr. John Campbell, 1793-1819; Rev. J. V.E. Thorn, 1819-21;
Rev. George Woodruff, 1821-22; Rev. Joshua Spencer, professor in Dickinson
College, 1823-29; Rev. George E. Hare, D. D., 1830-34; Rev. John Goodman,
1885-38; Rev. Patrick H. Greenleaf, 1838-40; Rev. Wm. H. Norris, 1840-50;
Rev. Jacob B. Morss, 1851-60; Rev. Francis J. Clerc, 1860-66. Since 1866
Rev. Wm. Leverett has held the position.
METHODIST CHUBCH.
In Shippensburg. — The Hon. John McCurdy, in his historical sketch of
Shippensburg, says: "In the year 1787 Methodism was introduced into this
' -^,'^if' '"^A^ .w ' .."
^^UyvaJ=. VrOdvL^
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 215
part of the Cumberland Valley by Eev. Joha Hagerty and Nelson Eeed. Up
to that time there was no organization of that denomination of people here,
and the congregation thpn formed was, it is said, the only one in the valley.
The first church was built about the year 1790, on the northwestern end of the
lot upon which the old brick church now stands. It was built of logs, one-
story in height, and was probably large enough to seat 200 persons. During
its early years the congregation was small, but at the commencement of the
present century it began to increase, and many of its members were amongst
the most prominent men of the place. Among them were Rev. John Davis,
John Scott, Esq., William Sturgis, William Brookins, Esq., William Devor,
Esq., John Duncan, Robert Porter, Esq., William McKnight, Benjamin Hunt,
Thomas and Caleb Atherton, with many others of equal standing and respect-
bility.^ "Their first camp-meeting was held in either 1810 or 1811, on the
farm about a mile northwest of Shippensburg;" the second, in 1813; a Sunday-
school was organized in 1815, but, proving lifeless, was suspended till 1834,
when it took on vigorous life. In 1825 a new brick church was erected, and,
after being used for half a century, was sold to the Colored Methodists, and
a new one built, in 1875, on King Street.
In Carlisle. — The Methodist Church in Carlisle became a separate charge
about 1823. A house of worship, the "old stone church," had been built, as
early as 1802, on the corner of Pitt Street and Church Alley. In 1815, a sec-
ond, a commodious brick structure, was erected on Church Alley. In course of
time, a still larger and better one was erected on the corner of Pitt and High
Streets, the site of the present house.
After Dickinson College passed from the hands of the Presbyterians into
the hands of the Methodists, an unusual impetus was given to the church in
and around Carlisle. Dr. John Price Dorbin, president of Dickinson College
from 1833 to 1845, was a popular pulpit orator, and drew large audiences at
his monthly supplies of the Carlisle pulpit. He was ably supported by such
ministers as the Eevs. Henry Kepler, 1835; Geo. D. CoQkman, 1836-37; T.
C. Thornton, 1838-39; Henry Slicer, 1840-41; Henry Tarring, 1842-43; John
Davis, 1844, and others.
In Newville. — The first Methodist Church in Newville was constructed of
brick in 1826, and the present one in 1846.' The first was erected largely
through the agency of Nathan Reed and Robert McLaughlin.
In Mechanicsburg. — Though preaching was conducted at Mechanicsburg as
early as 1819 by Revs. James Riley and John Tanueyhill, the church was not
organized till 1827, when Rev. Oliver Ege, the only member in that locality,
formed a temporary class. Two years later, however, a permanent class was
formed at the house of George Webbert, still an honored citizen of the town.
This class, Henry Shrom, leader, had, at first, but eighteen or twenty mem-
bers, but the number increased to 200. The pastors in charge at the time of
its organization were Revs. Thomas Megee and Thos. H. W. Monroe.
Preaching in the primitive times was conducted in private houses, then in
the old Union Church on Main Street, next in the first edifice erected in 1830
and 1831 on the southeast corner of Arch and Locust Streets. The building
is still standing and used for dwelling purposes. In 1853 a lot was procured
and a new house erected on the corner of Main and Market Streets; this house
was greatly improved by repairs in 1858 and 1885. Near the church is a com
modious parsonage, the gift of Daniel Coffman, an honored member. The
present membership of the churcli is 175; of the Sunday-school, under the
supervision of Oliver Mordorf, 180.
The following pastors have served the congregation, viz. : Revs. James
216 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Eeiley, John Boweu, Thomas Megee, John Donohue, Elisha Butler, William
O. Lumsden, Thomas Myers, Andrew I. Megee, Samuel Kepler, John Ehoads,
James Watts, J. E. Wheeler, James Sanks, William McMullin, T. H. W.
Monroe, William Guin, Cambridge Graham, S. B. Dunlap, Thomas McCart-
ney, J. Wesley Black, Job A. Price, J. C. Clark, John Stine, Thomas Dough-
erty, J. H. MoGarrah, J. M. Lantz, William Eink, P. F. Eyer, A. S. Bow-
man, John A. Woodcock, B. H, Mosser and B. F. Stevens, who is the pres-
ent incumbent.
Other congregations exist in the county, viz. : Mount Holly, New Cumber-
land, West Fairview, Rehoboth, etc., which are of more recent origin, and
whose history properly belongs to the townships in which they are located.
These congregations are the aggressive ones of the county.
BOMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
St. Patrick's Church, Carlisle, was for a time a supply station of the Jes-
uits of Conowago, to whom it belonged. In 1807 the present brick structure
was built, and somewhat enlarged in 1823. Its title became diocesan under
the administration of Et. Eev. Bishop Connell, and Eev. Diven became its first
priest. In 1858 the house was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in a short
time through the agency of Eev. Maher, of Harrisburg. Subsequent to his de-
parture it was a dependency, for a time, on Chambersburg and Harrisburg; but
in 1877 its separate existence was restored, and Eev. Louis J. McKenna be-
came its pastor. At present it is under the care of Eev. Father McKenny.
&EBMAN KEFOBMED CHUECH.
The Reformed Church, as it is now called in this country, had an early hold
upon the people of Cumberland Valley, its accessions coming mainly from the
large influx of German immigrants. For a time, meeting-houses were used con-
jointly with the Lutherans, who shared with them in religious watch-care over
the rapidly increasing German settlements. Without attempting to arrange
these congregations chronologically, we refer briefly to a few of the leading ones.
Some time prior to 1797 a congregation was formed in the lower part of the
county, near Shiremanstown, known then as ' ' Prieden' s Kirche, " " Salem,
or Peace Church, ' ' but latterly as ' ' The Old Stone Church, ' ' through the la-
bors of Eev. Anthony Hautz. The first structure was wooden, and was used
conjointly for church and school purposes.
The subscription paper for this house, now used for school purposes exclu-
sively, was dated April 4, 1797, and contained the following names and
amounts, ' ' Fredrich Lang, £2 5s. ; Jonas Eupp, £2 5s. ; Johannes Schopp,
£3; Johannes Schnevely, 15s.; George Wuermle, 15s.; George Wild, 7s. 6d. ;
Coni'ad Weber, 7s. 6d. ; Martin Thomas, 3s. ; Johannes Schwartz, lis. 4d. ;
Philip Heck, 7s. 6d. ; Adam Viehman, 7s. 6d. ; Jacob Colp, £1 10s. ; John
Merkle, £3 ; Casper Swartz, 7s. 6d. ; Christian Swartz, 7s. 6d. ; Abraham Wolf,
7s. 6d. ; Frederich Schweitzer, 7s. 6d. ; Martin Hausser, £5; Johannes JEberly,
£4 17s. 6d. ; Elizabeth Lang (Wittfrau), 15s."
On the 26th of May, 1797, the congregation obtained deeds for the
land connected wibh the schoolhouse from Henry Schnevely and Nicholas
Kreutzer. In 1798 the stone church was erected, under the superintendence
of the following building committee: Fred Lang, Jonas Eupp, Leonard
Swartz and Eev. Anthony Hautz, the architects being Martin Eupp and
Thomas Anderson.
May 18, 1806, a half interest in this church and school property was sold to
a neighboring Lutheran congregation, known as Poplar Church, for £405 17s.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 217
3d. The early pastors of this congregation were Revs. Anthony Hautz, J. G.
Bacher, Thomas Apple, A. R. Kreamer, Fritchey and John Ault. On
the 23d of June, 1866, this congregation held its last communion, most of its
members uniting soon afterward with St. Paul's Reformed Church, of Me-
chanicsburg.
In Shippensburg. — A Reformed coi;gregation was organized at Shippens-
burg about 1780. Somewhat later in the last century a lot for burial purposes
was secured by the Reformed and Lutheran congregations on the southeast
corner of Queen and Orange Streets. On this lot a log church edifice was
erected, which was used till 1812. About the same time a brick edifice was
built on the site of the present Reformed Church, and was used by the two
congregations for a number of years. In 1823 Rev. John Habblestine becom-
ing one of its pastors, preached doctrines not accordant with those of his peo-
ple. The church doors were closed against him, when he withdrew, with cer-
tain followers, and organized the Church of God. Subsequently these two
churches separated, each building an edifice of its own.
In Carlisle. — The Reformed Church in Carlisle was built in 1807. As a
means of giving vitality to the cause in this portion of the State, a movement
was inaugurated in 1817 to establish a theological seminary, a plan for the ex-
ecution of which was not, however, developed tUl 1820. Some 130,000 were
subscribed, conditionally, but never realized. Through the influence of the-
Carlisle Church and Bickinsf n College the institution was located in Carlisle,
and maintained a doubtful existence for four years, the subscriptions not prov-
ing sound. In 1829 the seminary was removed to York, and in 1835 to Mer-
cersburg.
LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Referring to the remarks made concerning the Reformed Church, it may
be stated that the growth of this denomination has occurred largely during the
present century.
In East Pennsborough. — David F. Eyster, in his account of East Penns-
borough Township, for Wing' s History, says : " The first church built in this
end of the county is one mUe north of Camp Hill and is called ' Hickory
Wood Church. ' It was built probably as early as 1765, by the Lutherans, of
logs, and in two departments, the lower story being used for school pur-
poses and the residence of the teacher, while the second story was kept ex-
clusively for divine services. The old church has been removed and another
one buUt, known as the 'Poplar Church.' "
The pastors of this congregation were Revs. Frederick Sanno, Benjamin
Keller, Augustus Lochman, Edmund Keller, Augustus Babb, N. J. Stroh, A.
Hight, C. F. Stover, J. R. GrofP and H. N. Fegley. A new brick building,
costing with bell included $9,104.91, was dedicated July 2, 1866.
In Neuwille. — The first Lutheran Church in Newville was built of brick in
1832; the second of brick in 1862. Names of pastors: Revs. D. P. Rosen-
muller, 1832-40; John Heck, 1841-45; E. Breidenbaugh, four years; Sidney
L. Harkey, two years; Joshua Evans, 1852-60; H. Baker, 1861-67; Harry
McKnight, 1867-71; H. Fleck, 1871-72; J. A. Clutz, 1872-73; H. J. Wat-
kins, 1874—.
In Shippensburg. — The church in Shippensburg is contemporaneous with
that of the Reformed, dating back to the close of the last century. (See
above. )
In Centerville. — The church in Centerville was built, in 1852, under the
pastorate of Rev. Charles Klink. Its pastors: D. P. Rosenmuller, John Rosen-
berg, Christian Kunkle, Charles Klink, S. S. Link, J. Wefley, A. Babb, S. L.
Guss, S. W. Owen, G. M. Garhart, G. D. Keedy, J. Deitrich, D. Swope.
218 HISTORy OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
In Carlisle. — The church in Carlisle was early blessed with the labors of
strong men, among whom may be mentioned Jacob Goehring, George Butler,
F. D. Schaeffer, A. H. Meyer, John Herbst. Commencing with 1816, the reg-
ular pastors were: Eevs. Benjamin Keller, 1816-28; C. F. Heyer, C. F.
Schaeffer, John Ulrich, J. N- Hoffman, Jacob Fry, S. P. Sprecher, Joel
Swartz, D. D. , C. S. Albert, — Freas, and H. B. Wile, the present incumbent.
On the 11th of March, 1851, the house of worship was consumed by fire.
Though it was not insured, a large structure was immediately erected. This
has been enlarged several times since, to meet the demands of the increasing
congregation.
A number of other congregations exist in the county whose histories are
referred to in their respective towns and townships.
CH0ECH OF GOD.
This organization began about 1830, under the leadership of Rev. John
Winebrenner, of Harrisburg. The first effort to establish a congregation in
Cumberland County was made at Shippensburg, Rev. John Habblestine taking
advantage of some dissension in the Reformed and Lutheran Churches to form
a new organization, to be known as the " Union Christian Church. " A consti-
tution . was adopted October 24, 1828, with John Heck, Jacob Dewalt and
John Blymire as elders; David "Wagner, Michael Ziegler, Henry Keefer and
John Taughinbaugh as deacons, and Jacob Knisley and John Carey as trustees.
They were subsequently under charge of Revs. Rebo, Dietrich Graves and
James Mackey. About 1834 or 1885 the name was changed to the "Church
of God."
The first house of worship was built in 1828 ; the next, a two-story brick,
was erected in 1870, at a cost of $17,000. Congregations were organized in
all parts of the county, and suitable houses of worship, called " Bethels," sup-
plied as follows: Milltown, 1833, by Elder Winebrenner; Walnut Grove
Schoolhouse, 1835, by Elder J. Keller; Shiremanstown, 1838, by Rev. Keller;
Newburg, 1834, by Elder James Mackey; Newville, 1837, by Elder David
Kyle; Green Spring, 1852, by Elder Kyle; Plainfield, 1854, by Elder Peter
Klippinger; Carlisle, 1864, a congregation of eighteen members.
GERMAN BAPTISTS.
This denomination, which occupies such a conspicuous position in country
places, had, for a time, no other place of worship than private houses, barns
and schoolhouses. Its congregations were served by an unpaid ministry. We
subjoin a sketch from notes prepared in 1878 by Elder Moses Miller: Adam
and Martin Brandt's, in Monroe Township; Daniel Basehoar's, in East Penns-
borough Township, and John Cochlin's, in Allen Township, were the first meet-
ing places, and the first communion meeting was held at Adam Brandt' s nearly
eighty years ago. Adam Brandt was the first minister chosen, though he did
not serve, and about 1820 John Zeigler and Michael Mishler were chosen, the
former of whom removed to Ohio some years afterward. In 1823 Daniel Bol-
linger, from Juniata County, became the first ordained elder in Cumberland
County, and gave the church a regular organization. He served some twenty-
five years, and died in 1855 at Lebanon, Ohio, whither he had removed in 1848.
Adam Steinberger was chosen about 1829, and Rudolph Mohler in 1832. Rev.
Christopher Johnson came to Dickinson Township from Maryland in 1828.
Daniel HoUinger and Samuel Etter were chosen about 1835, and David Horst
in 1841.
About 1836 the church divided into two sections, knovm as "Upper Cum-
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 219
berland" and " Lower Cumberland, " respectively, Baltimore Turnpike and
the Long's Gap road being the dividing line. The ministers of the " Lower "
Church have been Moses Miller, chosen in 1849, Adam Beelman, in 1851;
David Niesley and A. L. Bowman, in 1863; Jacob Hai-nish, in 1865; Cyrus
Brindle, in 1868; B. H. Nickey, in 1871. Eev. J. B. Garver came from
Huntingdon County in 1874 to within the limits of this congregation.
The first minister and the first ordained elder of the ' ' Upper' ' Church was
Christopher Johnson, and David Ecker, from Adams County, was (1836) the
second elder. John Eby was chosen in 1841 ; Joseph Sollenberger, in 1843;
Allen Mohler, in 1846; Daniel Hollinger removed to the "Upper" Church from
the "Lower "one in 1848; Daniel Keller, chosen in 1851; George Hollinger,
about 1858; Daniel Demuth, in 1860; Daniel Hollinger, in 1868; Caspar Hos-
felt, in 1873.
Until 1855 the Lower Congregation had no house of worship of its own,
but had an allotment in union houses built in Mechanicsburg in 1825, at Shep-
herdstown and at Cochlin' s, in some of which meetings are still held. In 1855
Baker' s Meeting-House was built on the Lisburn road, in Monroe Township;
Miller's a mile from Sterrett's Gap, in 1858, and Mohler' s, in 1861, six miles
southwest from Harrisburg, on the State road. In 1863 a good brick build-
ing was erected near Huntsville, and a few years later a union church was built
in Frankford Township, one-third of which the German Baptists own, and in
1875 a house of worship was put up by them exclusively at Boiling Springs.
Four miles north of Shippensburg is the Fogelsanger Meeting-House.
tmiTED BRETHREN.
This aggressive denomination owes its organized form largely to the efforts
of William Otterbein, " a pious and zealous preacher from Germany," and
began about the opening of the present century. Its numbers have increased
rapidly, and congregations may be found in all portions of the county. The
following have been some of the members who have served as its preachers:
Eevs. H. A. Schlichter, W. O. Quigley, A. H. Rice, W. H. Wagner, J. C.
Wiedler, J. German, J. P. Anthony, J. R. Atchinson, B. G. Huber, D. R.
Burkholder.
In Mechanicsburg — The church in Mechanicsburg began, in 1846, in the
labors of Rev. Jacob S. Kessler, who served three years. His successors in
work were the following reverend gentlemen : Alexander Owen, J. C. Smith,
Samuel Enterline, W. B. Wagner, William Owen, John Dickson, Daniel Eb-
erly, W. B. Raber, J. Philip Bishop, S. A. Mowers, C. T. Stearnthen, H. A.
Schlichter, J. T. Shaffer, J. B. Funk and J. R. Hutchinson, the present in-
cumbent.
From 1846 to 1857 the congregation occupied the old Union Church. In
the latter year a house was built by the congregation, and it answered all nec-
essary purposes till 1874, when the present brick structure was erected at a cost
of $6,000. The membership of the congregation is 220, and the pastor's sal-
ary $550.
In Shippensburg. — The congregation in Shippensburg began in 1866. In
June, 1869, a good house of worship was dedicated. The congregation has
been growing rapidly in numbers and influence.
THE MENNONITES.
This religious body began to appear in Cumberland County at the opening
of the present century {Cir. 1808). The first effort to establish a congregation
was made at Slate Hill, a mile south of Shiremanstown, under the labors of
220 HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
George Kupp, Sr., and Henry Martin. In 1818 was erected a large brick
building, which was reconstructed and improved in 1876. The congregation
increased quite rapidly, enjoying the labors of Jacob Mumma and Henry Eupp.
About the same time preaching began about two miles east of Carlisle,
resulting in the forming of a congregation which, in 1832, erected a building
since knowa as the " Stone Church. " Some of the preachers were John Erb
and Christian Herr, and latterly Henry Weaver and Jacob Herr. Under the
direction of such ministers as Messrs Rupp, Mumma, Martin, Abram Burgert,
Martin Whistler, and others whase names are not recalled, preaching has been
supplied, in German or English, at a number of places in the county: Martin's
Schoolhouse (1828), Union Church near Michael Cochlin's (1848), Union House,
at Jacob Herr's, near Boiling Springs, Diller's Mill, Union Church in Mechan-
icsburg.
The Reformed Mennonites, who claim to hold, in greater reverence, the
doctrines and usages of the primitive church than those from whom they sepa-
rated, have a number of congregations: One at Winding Hill, two miles and a
half from Mechanicsburg; One near Middlesex, and one at Plainfield. Some
of the early settlers, about 1825 or 1830, were Samuel Bear, Dietrich Steiner,
Peter Miller, Christian Genrich, Samuel Newcomer and others. Most of their
preachings have been conducted by men living without the limits of the Cum-
berland, George Keiser being a resident minister.
EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.
This society owes its commencement to Jacob Albright, who began to form
societies about 1800. The first church organized in Cumberland County was
in 1833, in the house of David Kutz, a mile or two east of Carlisle. Among
the first members were John Kratzer, Christian Euhl and David Kutz. Eevs.
J. Barber and J. Baumgartner were the first ministers. Letort Spring Church,
where the first organization was made, is a building of no ordinary pretentions,
and is attended by an influential congregation. There are several hundred
communicants in the county, and there are church buildings at following named
points: Carlisle, Cleversburg, Hickorytown, Leesburg, Letort Spring,
McClure's Gap, Middlesex, Mifflin, Mount Holly, Mount Eock, New Kingston
and Wagner' s. The Carlisle congregation had its inception in a class of some
dozen persons, which was formed in 1866, and for a time they held meetings
at the house of Eev. J. Boas; in 1867 the meetings were held in Eheem's
Hall. May 15, 1870, St. Paul's Evangelical Church, a substantial brick
building on Louther Street, was dedicated. This congregation has been
served by Eevs. J. G. M. Swengel, J. H. Leas, H. B. Hartzler, J. M.
Ettinger, J. M. Pines, H. A. Stoke, A. H. Irvine. The church is thriving
and prosperous.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 221
CHAPTEK XIII.
Political— Slavery in Cumbekland County, Etc.
THEKE is little to say concerning the political leaning of the inhabitants
of Cumberland County through the century and a quarter and more of its
existence. We have followed its soldiery through several wars and learned
how they fought and fell; we have seen that, with so few exceptions as hardly
to be accounted, the people have been at all times arrayed on the side of home
and country, and given of their means and of their life blood to attain their
preservation. Where these motives are uppermost there is little need of ask-
ing what is the political belief of the citizens, for they can not go far in the
wrong in any event. For many years the majority of the voters in Cumber-
land County have cast their ballots with the party of Jefferson and Jackson,
the Democratic majority at the local election in the autumn of 1885 being over
1,000. At times, however, the popularity of candidates on the side of the Re-
publican, or minority party, is sufScient to win for them responsible positions,
as in the case of the present president judge, Wilbur F. Sadler. ,
SLAVERY IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Many of the early residents of Cumberland County owned slaves, and on
the old assessment records we find property holders taxed often with one or
more ' ' negroes, ' ' according to their position and means. One instance only
is given, that of Carlisle, in 1768, when the following persons owned the num-
ber of negroes set opposite their respective names:
John Armstrong, Esq., two; Robert Gibson, one; John Kinkead, one;
John Montgomery, Esq., two; Robert Miller, Esq., three; James Pollock,
tavern-keeper, two; Charles Pattison, one; Rev. John Steel, two; Joseph
Spear, two; Richard Tea, two — total, eighteen.
Even ministers, it is seen from the foregoing, adopted the common custom
of owning slaves, as well as the people, yet the public feeling in the Colony —
or State — was never in favor of that form of bondage, especially among the
Quakers, the Scotch and Irish settlers looking at it more favorably and having
numbers of negroes, then not exceedingly valuable in market. It is said that
' ' slaves were generally allowed to share in all family and domestic comforts,
from long residence in families they attained to much consideration and affec-
tion, and seldom were made the subjects of cruelty. In many respects their
position in the families to which they belonged was preferable to that which
was awarded to hirelings for only brief terms of service. ' ' The attention of
the Assembly was called to the subject of slavery by the Supreme Executive
Council, James McLene* at the time representing Cumberland County, that
body referring to the matter February 15, 1779, in the following language:
" We would also again bring into your view a plan for the gradual abolition of
slavery, so disgraceful to any people and more especially to those who have
been contending in the great cause of liberty themselves, and upon whom
Providence has bestowed such eminent marks of its favor and protection. We
'Kesided In Antrim Tovnsbip, now Franklin County, and died March 13, 1806.
222 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
think we are loudly called on to evince our gratitude in making our fellow-men
joint heirs with us of the same inestimable blessings, under such restrictions
and regulations as will not injure the community and will imperceptibly enable
them to relish and improve the station to which they will be advanced. Hon-
ored will that State be in the annals of history which shall abolish this viola-
tion of the rights of mankind, and the memories of those will be held in
grateful and everlasting rememberance who shall pass the law to restore and
establish the rights of human nature in Pennsylvania. We feel ourselves so
interested on this point as to go beyond what may be deemed by some the
proper line of our daty, and acquaint you that we have reduced this plan to
the form of a law, which if acceptable we shall in a few days communicate to
you."
The Assembly did not act upon the matter at that meeting, but through
the exertions of George Bryan, the author of the proposed law in the council,
who subsequently become a representative in the Assembly, the bill was passed
March 1, 1780, by a vote of 34 to 21, and slavery was abolished in Pennsyl-
vania. The act provided for the registration of every negro or mulatto slave
or servant for life, before the 1st of November, 1780, and that " no man or
woman of any color or nation, except the negroes or mulattoes, " so registered
should thereafter, at any time, be held in the commonwealth other than as free.
Exceptions were made in the servants of members of Congress, foreign min-
isters, and people passing through or not stopping longer than six months in
the State. In 1790 Cumberland County had 223 slaves; in 1800, 228; in
1810, 307; in 1820, 17; in 1830, 7; in 1840, 24; and in 1850, none, those
registered as such by the act of 1780, and so continuing through life, having
passed away. Negroes were often advertised for sale in the early newspapers
of Carlisle, showing up their desirable qualities; and such notices appeared as
late as 1830.
During the exciting years last preceding the civil war of 1861-65 more than
one fugitive from the terrors of slavery was assisted on his way to freedom and
safety by sympathizing citizens of this county. The county was so near the
border of a Slave State that it was an easy matter for kidnapers to make bold
raids into it and carry ofE unsuspectingly colored persons over the border into
slavery. One incident occurred in Dickinson Township worth mentioning:
Some time in the spring of 1859 a mulatto named John Butler settled with his
wife and child in a small house near Spruce Eun. The child attended the
Farmers' Academy and the parents worked at such employment as they could
find. On the night of June 10 following they disappeared suddenly, under
circumstances which pointed to a case of kidnaping. Measures were taken
to secure the perpetrators of the crime and punish them. Emanuel Myers, of
Maryland, a noted negro catcher, was apprehended by the sherifF soon after,
while in Pennsylvania, and placed in jail at Carlisle. The people in Maryland
and South became angry over the matter, claiming he was decoyed into Penn-
sylvania to be captured. The Northern papers united in demanding that
Myers be tried and punished. His trial came off in August, the common-
wealth being represented by A. Brady Sharpe, Esq. , and Hon. Predk. Watts,
of Carlisle. Myers was found guilty, but promised to return Butler and his
family if he himself might be set free. Sentence was suspended, he was re-
leased on his own recognizance to appear at a subsequent session of court, and
soon after the colored family returned to Dickinson Township. The common-
wealth practically dropped the case then. The war soon followed, and slavery
was ended in the entire country.
J^/g^
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 225
CHAPTER XIV.
Ageicttltural — Cumberland County Agricultural Society— Grangers'
Picnic- Exhibition. Williams' Grove.
THE ad-vancement of science has beea seen in the improvements which
characterize the culitivation of the soil, and the progress that has marked
the introduction of agricultural implements. Farming, stock-raising, bee cul-
ture and fruit-growing were, formerly, largely matters of chance. Inherited
knowledge sufficed for the average husbandman. He plowed and sowed and
reaped as his ancestors did. Drainage, fertilization, the improvement of
stock, the use of improved implements of husbandry — these subjects did not
agitate his mind. Not so the intelligent modern farmer. He keeps abreast
of his age, and reads the latest and best literature bearing on his chosen field
of labor. A knowledge of physiology, botany, mineralogy, geology and vege-
table chemistry seems to be a necessity for him. He realzes that his occupa-
tion affords a superior opportunity for making and recording observations that
will be valuable, not only to him Ijut others similarly engaged. He rises above
the narrow selfishness that too often characterizes his fellow-laborers, and be-
comes a philanthropic scientist whom the future will rise up and call blessed.
To this class belongs Hon. Frederick Watts of Carlisle, who, though engaged
in the intricacies of the legal profession, always had both time and inclination
to advance the true interests of the farming community. He was both a theo-
retical and a practical farmer, and to him more than to any other man in the
Cumberland Valley may be attributed the improvements in agriculture in that,
region.
In June, 1839, Judge Watts was driving a carriage, containing himself and
wife, from New York to Philadelphia, no railroad at that time connecting the
two cities. Near Trenton, N. J. , he was met on the road by Lieut. William
Inman-, of the United States Navy, and asked, ' ' Watts, where are you going ? ' '
Being told, he took the Judge to his farm, on which was growing an excellent
quality of wheat. It proved to be a Mediterranean variety, three bushels of
which were brought by him a year or two previous from Italy, near Leghorn.
He sent Judge Watts six barrels of the seed, which were sown on his farm near
Carlisle. By these two men was introduced into the United States, and espec-
ially into the Cumberland Valley, this popular variety of wheat.
During the harvest qf 1840 the first McCormick reaper ever used in Penn-
sylvania, was taken by Judge Watts iato a twelve- acre field that would yield
about thirty-five bushels of wheat per acre. It was a trial of the machine.
There were present from 500 to 1,000 spectators to witness "Watts' folly,"
as it was called. The cutting of the wheat was rapid and perfect, but the
general verdict was, that "one man could not rake off the grain with sufficient
rapidity." A well-dressed stranger came up, and gave some suggestions
which aided the raker somewhat ; but even yet the team could not be driven
more than ten or fifteen rods before a halt was called to ease up on the raker.
Finally, the well-dressed gentleman stepped upon the machine, and raked off
the wheat with perfect ease, compelling the spectators to reverse their some-
what hasty decision and say, ' ' It can be done. ' ' The well-dressed man proved
226 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
to be Cyrus H. McCormick, the inventor of the American reaper. This little
episode marks the introduction of the reaper into the Cumberland Valley, and
relieves "Watts' folly" from the odium which first attached to it.
Similar difficulties attended the introduction of the left-handed, steel
mold-board plovr. Farmers had been accustomed to use a right-handed,
wooden mold-board implement, clumsy and burdensome, and were loth to
make a change. Repeated trials, however, brought the better class of imple-
ments into favor, and thus introduced a higher order of agriculture into the
county.
The County Agricultural Society, an account of which is given below, was
the legitimate outgrowth of these public exhibitions. Judge Frederick Watts
was its founder, and for many long years its president and chief patron. What-
ever of good it has accomplished for the farming interests of the county may
be ascribed largely to the efficiency which he imparted to its management.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY AOBICULTUBAL SOCIETY.
This society was organized in 1854, through the instrumentality of Judge
Watts. It has been a well managed and prosperous institution from its
first existence to the present, holding its annual meetings (the only failures in
this respect being one or two years during the late war), and the interest and
good influences that have marked its career are plainly evidenced all over the
county.
The society purchased the first lot of ground, containing six acres and six
perches, August, 1855, and have at different times made additional purchases,
until they now have enclosed and in a high state of improvement twenty -two
acres, a fine half-mile driving track, amphitheater, boarding houses, halls,
booths, pens and all other necessary buildings of a substantial and commodious
kind are on the grounds. In short, everything necessary to conduct a first-
class county fair has been prepared in an unstinted manner.
There are 200 life members, and the directors run the institute in a liberal
and generous spirit, paying out on an average, each year, in premiums, from
$2,000 to $2,500.
The following is a list of the officers of the society:
Firstcoi-ps of officers: President.Frederick Watts; vice-presidents. And. Fra-
sier, Skiles Woodburn, Daniel Coble, Geo. H. Bucher, Thos. Bradley, W. M.
Henderson; secretary, Richard Parker ; treasurer, Geo. W. Stouffer ; man-
agers, Chas. Tetzel, Samuel Myers, Robert Laird, Geo. Brindle, John Paul,
Jos. Calver, Wm. Schriver, Robert Bryan and Robert G. Young.
1855 — President, Geo. H. Bucher ; secretary, Robert Moore ; treasurer,
George W. Sheaffer.
1856 — ^President, Thomas Paxton; secretary, Robert Moore; treasurer,
Geo. W. Sheaffer.
1857 — President, Thomas Galbraith; secretary, Robert Moore; treasurer,
Geo. W. Sheaffer.
1858 to 1866 (inclusive)— President, F. Watts; secretary, D. S. Croft,
treasurer, Geo. W. Sheaffer.
1867 — President, Thomas Lee; secretary, W. F. Sadler; treasurer, Henry
Saxton.
1868— Same as 1867.
1869 —President, John Stuart; secretary, John Hays; treasurer, Ephraim
Cornmati.
1870 — President, F. Watts; secretaiy, Lewis F. Lyne; treasurer, Henry
Saxton.
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 227
1871— Same as 1870.
1872 — President, Charles H. Miller; secretary, Lewis F. Lyne; treasurer,
Henry Saxton.
1872 to 1886 — The last-named officers have held their positions contin-
uously, except Henry Saxton, who died in 1882, and was succeeded in 1883 by
the present treasurer, Joshua P. Bixler.
GKANflEE's PICNIC-EXHIBITION, WILLIAMs' GROVE.
From the smallest beginnings in 1873, this has now became a National in-
stitution. A few individuals, farmers mostly, were led to give this beneficent
institution their favorable attention by the efforts of Mr. E. H. Thomas, pro-
prietor of the JFarmer's Friend and Grange Advocate, of Mechanicsburg.
Thirteen years ago the Patrons of Husbandry selected Williams' Grove as a
place for holding social reunions, and held successful meetings at this point.
Then others saw the possibilities that might be made to shape and grow out
of these meetings; and with a view of bringing the farmer and manufacturer
in closer relationship, the picnic of 1874 was appointed, and the manufacturers
of the country were invited to bring the work of their shops and mills, and, with
the farmers, side by side to display the products of the farm and factory.
The beginning, of necessity, was small, because as wise as was its purposes it
had to be advertised to the country. But it told its own story, its fame rap-
idly extended throughout all the States, and soon it reached proportions that
may be called National. In 1885, without entering into dry details, there were
over 300 car loads of agricultural implements and machinery displayed upon
the grounds, and the people in attendance estimated at 150,000. Farmers
were present from twenty-nine States of the Union, and the manufacturers had
•quite as extended a representation. Goods sold upon the grounds, and orders
taken aggregated over 1300,000, and over $1,000,000 worth of machinery was
on exhibition.
E. H. Thomas, general manager, Mechanicsburg, opened the fair of 1886,
on Monday August 30, with an unprecedented attendance and the widening
interest evidently increasing and extending.
The grounds occupied are called the Williams' Grove picnic grounds.
There are forty acres in the inclosure. These are leased by the picnic exhibition
management; a co-lease is held by the D. & M. Eailroad, and frequently the place
under their management is used as picnic grounds. Two amphitheaters, a
National Grange Hall, a two-story hotel, and quite a number of smaller build-
ings used by exhibitors and visitors. Williams' Grove is on an island in the
Yellow Breeches Creek, on the D. & M. Eailroad, thirteen miles southwest of
Harrisburg. The constant addition of new improvements and spacious build-
ings, etc., make this the most elegant grounds in the country for these pur-
poses, and the spot is surpassingly beautiful and inviting. One admirable and
attractive feature of this inter-State exhibition is that it is a free show — no
admittance charge, and back of it are no grasping board of directors or stock-
holders eager only to make money. It is run at a minimum of expense, and
this is collected by a small fee from exhibitors, the booths and stands really
paying the larger part of the expenses. Several of the large manufacturers
are now about erecting permanent and spacious buildings upon the grounds,
and still others are soon to follow this good example. A twenty acre field
(wheat stubble) adjoining the grove has now been secured for trials of plows,
harrows, rollers, drills, etc.
The inter-State picnic institution is imique in its arrangement, having no
predecessor, and its success phenomenal. Away from the great cities, in the
228 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
cool and grateful shades of the groves, in the quiet retreat of the rich and
beautiful Cumberland Valley, here the real farmer and actual manufacturer
meet and learn to know and appreciate each other, and certainly it is the be-
ginning, already vast and extended in its proportions, of a happy fraternizing
and of mutual benefits to these two most important classes of men in our
Nation.
CHAPTER XV.
THE FOEMATION OF TOWNSHIPS.
THE Cumberland (then known as the North) Valley was first divided into
the townships of Pennsborough and Hopewell. This was in 1735, years
before the formation of the county, which was then a portion of Lancaster. At
this time the Indian title to the lands had not yet been extinguished, for it was
in October of the following year that the Penns finally purchased their title.
White settlers, by permission of the Indians, had come into the valley about
the year 1730, but they were few in number, and Cumberland County was not
formed until fifteen years after the formation of these two townships.
The First Proprietary Manor. — A small portion in the lower part of the
North Valley, and which was afterward a portion of Pennsborough Township,
was surveyed at a still earlier period (1782) into a " Proprietary Manor on
Conodoguinette, " the more effectually to keep off white settlers as opposed to
the rights of the Indians,' which had not yet been satisfactorily purchased.
This manor was also called ' ' Pastang " or " Paxton Manor, ' ' and after the
formation of Cumberland County " Louther Manor, " in compliment to a noble-
man of that name who had married a sister of William Penn.
About sixty families of the Shawanese Indians, who had come from the
south, settled there about 1698, by permission of the Susquehanna Indians, to
which the first proprietory, William Penn, afterward agreed. In 1753, com-
plaint is made ' ' that they had not been paid for the lands, part of which had
been surveyed into the Proprietory Manor on Conodoguinette."
This manor embraced all of what is now East Pennsborough, Lower Allen,
and a corner of Hampden Townships. In other words, it was bounded on the
east by the Susquehanna Eiver, opposite John Harris' ferry, and included all
the land lying between the Conodoguinet and Yellow Breeches Creeks, past
the Stone Church or Erieden' s Kirche, and immediately below Shiremanstown.
It was surveyed by John Armstrong in 1765, and by John Lukens, Esq., sur-
veyor-general under the Provincial Government, in 1767, at which time it was
reported to contain 7, 551 acres.
The two original townships, we have seen, were Pennsborough and Hope-
well. Pennsborough, which lay on the east, at its formation included the
whole of the territory which is now embraced in Cumberland County. Hope-
well, which lay on the west, included most of the land which is now embraced
in Franklin. Six years later (1741) the township of Hopewell was divided, and
the western division was called Antrim, after the county in Ireland. This ter-
ritory afterward became a portion or nearly the whole of what is now included
in Franklin County.
Soon after the formation of Pennsborough Township, portions of it began
to be called North and South, East and West Pennsborough, and in 1745, tea
BOROUGH OP CARLISLE. 229
years after its formation, and five years before the formation of the oqunty, it
seems to have been definitely divided into East and West Pennsborough. In
the years which have elapsed many townships have been formed, so that now
one portion of this original township lies west of the center, and the other at
the northeastern extremity of the county, separated by the many intervening
townships which have been formed from them.
One other township, Middleton, also originally part of Pennsborough, was
just before or coincident in its birth with the formation of Cumberland County,
so that when the county was formed, its map, including only that portion of it
which was known by the name of "North Valley," would have embraced
East and West Pennsborough, Hopewell, Antrim and Middleton Townships.
That is the map of this portion of Ciunberland County at its formation in
1750.
The date of the formation of the succeeding townships is as follows: Allen,
1766; Newton, 1767; Southampton, 1783; Shippensburg, 1784; Dickinson,
1785; Silvers' Spring, 1787; Frankford, 1795; Mifflin, 1797; North and South
Middleton, 1810; Monroe, 1825; Newville, 1828; Hampden, 1845; Upper and
Lower Allen, 1849; Middlesex, 1859; Penn, 1859; Cook, 1872.
The organization of boroughs was as follows: Carlisle, 1782; Newville,
1817; Shippensburg, 1819; Mechanicsburg, 1828; New Cumberland, 1831;
Newburg, 1861; Mount Holly Springs, 1873; Shiremanstown, 1874; Camp
Hill, 1885.
CHAPTER XVI.
BOEOUGH OF CAELISLE.
Its Inception— Survey — First Things— Meeting or Captives— Revoltition-
ARY PERroD— War of 1812— Growth of the Town, Etc.— The Borough
in 1846— McClintock Riot— War of the Rebellion- Situation, Public
Buildings, Etc.— Churches— Cemeteries— Schools, Institutes and Col-
lege—Newspapers—Manufacturing Establishments, Etc.— Gas and
Water Company — Societies- Conclusion.
THE town of Carlisle was laid out in pursuance of a letter of instruction
issued by the proprietary government to Nicholas Scull in 1751. With
the exception of Shippensburg and York, it is the oldest town in Pennsylvania
west of the Susquehanna River. It derives its name from Carlisle, in the
county of Cumberland, in England. That Carlisle, near the border of Scot-
land, is the prototype of this. Like it, it is built with rectangular streets,
from a center square, and is situated between two parallel ranges of lofty
hills, which inclose the valley, watered by the Eden and the Calder, where it
lies.* But, although the town of Carlisle was laid out according to the in-
structions of the commissioners as early as 1751, there were, of coui'se, earlier
settlers. One of these was James Le Tort, a French- Swiss, who was an In-
dian interpreter, and who erected and lived in a log cabin, probably as early
as 1720, at the head of the stream which bears his name, and which flows
through the eastern portion of the town. At some unknown period, also, be-
*Carlisle, In EDgland, was originally a Roman station, and its name is often used in the early border bal-
lads.
230 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
fore the founding of Carlisle, the Colonial Government had erected a stockade
fort, occupying ' ' two acres of ground square, with a block-house in each cor-
ner," which, two years after the town of Carlisle was laid out, had become a
ruin, and given place to another of curious construction within the precincts
of the town, which was known as Fort Louther. It had loop-holes and swivel
guns, and two years after (1755) a force of fifty men. It rendered important
aid in defense of the earlier settlers against the Indians, whose savage cruel-
ties and bloody massacres form such a striking feature in the early history of
the Kittatinny Valley.
The first letter of instructions for a survey of the town was issued by Gov.
Hamilton April 1, 1751. It was again surveyed by Col., afterward Gen.
John Armstrong in 1762. When the town was first located it extended
no further than the present North, South, East and West Streets, all the other
part now within the borough being known as commons. The courts of justice
were first held, for one year, at Shippensburg, but in the succeeding year,
after the formation of the county, they were removed to Carlisle. Thus, just
twenty-five years before the Declaration of Independence, before the imbecile
King, George III, whose stubborn policy provoked the colonies to assert their
rights, had yet ascended the throne of England, Carlisle was founded, in the
reign of George II, as the county seat.
The first tax upon the citizens of Carlisle, of which we have any record,
was laid in December, 1752, and amounted to £25 9s 6d.
A very pretty pen picture of the infant town of Carlisle in the summer
of 1753 is as follows. It was written to Gov. Hamilton by John O'Neal,
who had been sent to repair the fortifications, and is dated the 27th of May,
1753.
' ' The Garrison here consists only of twelve men. The stockade originally
occupied two acres of ground square, with a block- house in each corner.
These buildings are now in ruin. Carlisle has been recently laid out and is
the established seat of justice. It is the general opinion that a number of log
cabins will be erected during the ensuing summer. The nmber of dwelling
houses is five. The court is at present held in a temporary log building, on
the northeast corner of the ceatre square. If the lots were clear of brush
wood it would give a different aspect to the town. The situation, however, is
handsome, in the centre of a valley with a mountain bounding it on the North
and South at a distance of seven miles. The wood consists principally of
oaks and hickory. The limestone will be of great advantage to the future set-
lers, being in abundance. A lime kiln stands on the centre square, near what
is called the deep quarry, from which is obtained good building stone. A
large stream of water runs above two miles from the village, which may at a
future period be rendered navigable. A fine spring runs to the east, called
Le Tort, after the Indian interpreter who settled on its head about the year
1720. The Indian wigwams in the vicinity of Great Beaver Pond are to me
an object of particular curiosity. A large number of the Delawares, Shaw-
anese and Tuscaroras continue in this vicinity; the greater number have gone
to the west." In October of this year, 1753, a treaty was held at Carlisle be-
tween Benjamin Franklin and the other commissioners, and the chiefs of the
Six Nations and their allies of other Western tribes. The pai-ty of chiefs sat
upon the floor of the court house, smoking, as was the custom, during the-
entire treaty. Conrad Weiser and Andrew Montour were interpreters. One
complaint was that in exchange for their lands the white man had given them
nothing but rum, and indictments at about this period are to be found in the
old records of the court ' ' for illegal sale of liquor to the Indians who liv&
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 231
outside of the inhabited portion of this province." * In passing, we may-
mention that the whipping post and the pillory erected *in 1754 were then and
afterward the usual methods of punishment, and that they stood upon that
portion of the Public Square upon which the Episcopal Church now stands.
Besides the stockade forts which we have mentioned, there were also, some-
what later (about 1757), breastworks or intrenchments erected northeast of the
town by Col. Stanwix, and in this year also the first weekly post was estab-
lished between Philadelphia, then the largest city in the country, and Carlisle,
the better to enable his honor the Governor and the Assembly to communicate-
with his majesty's subjects on the frontier. In the history of the Indian wars
at this period Carlisle holds a conspicuous place. In the autumn of 1755,
particularly, the citizens were much alarmed in consequence of numerous mas-
sacres by the Indians. The defeat of Gen. Braddock at Fort DuQuesne in this-
year left the whole western frontier defenseless. In July of this year Gov.
Morris, who had succeeded Gov. Hamilton (under whose instructions the town
was laid out) came to Carlisle for the purpose of sending supplies to Gen.
Braddock, and to encourage the people in the midst of their panic, and it was
while he was there that he received the first tidings of the disastrous battle. It
was then that Col. John Armstrong, of Carlisle (afterward a general in the
Revolutionary Army and a friend of Gen. Washington) decided to take the
aggressive and to attack the enemy in their own stronghold. It fell to the lot
of the- infant town of Carlisle — then only five years old — to turn the tide and
to stay the current which threatened to sweep everything away. Col. Arm-
strong, with a party of 280 resolute men, started from that place, and by a rapid
march of some 200 miles, over lofty and rugged mountains, discovered and
destroyed the savages in their nest at Kittanning. For this gallant service
medals and presents were voted to Col. Armstrong and his officers by the cor-
poration of Philadelphia. The destruction of Kittanning by Col. Armstrong-
was in September, 1756.
Another Indian council was held at Carlisle on the 13th, 15th, 16th, 17th
and 19th of January, 1756, preceding the Indian catastrophe at Kittanning,
at which were present Hon. E. H. Morris, lieutenant-governor. Gov. James
Hamilton and several other commissioners. It was held to arrive at an under-
standing as to the action of the Shawanese and Delawares, who had been under
the control of the Six Nations, but who had joined the French. At this meet-
ing, where many belts of wampum, etc., as was the custom, were exchanged,
Conrad Weiser and George Croghan were interpreters. In May of the suc-
ceeding year (1757) a number of Cherokee warriors, who had come from
the South, came to Carlisle to aid the English against the French and their
savage allies. At this time it was often necessary that the farmers should be
protected during the harvest, in order that they might gather their grain.
August 20, 1756, Col. Armstrong writes: "Lyttleton, Shippensburg and Car-
lisle (the last two not finished) are the only forts, now built, that will, in my
opinion be serviceable to the public. The duties of the harvest have not per-
mitted me to finish Carlisle Fort with the soldiers; it should be done, other-
wise the soldiers can not be so well governed, and may be absent, or without
the gates, at a time of the greatest necessity. "
At this time (June 80, 1757) Col. Stanwix had begun and was continuing to
build his entrenchments on the ' ' northeast part of this town and just adjoin-
ing it." In a letter headed "Camp, near Carlisle, July 25, 1757," he writes
"I am at work at my entrenchments, but as I send out such large and frequent
parties, with other necessary duties, I can only spare about seventy working
* The expenses of this treaty, including presents to the Indians, amounted to £1,400.
232 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
men a day, and these have been very often interrupted by frequent violent
gust8, so that we make but a email figure yet, and the first month was entirely
taken up in clearing the ground, which was all full of monstrous stumps, etc."
From these brief pictures, thus painted by contemporaries, we may foim
some idea of Carlisle at this early date. Le Tort' s lonely cabin on the stream,
if it still remained; the stockade fort which had given place to the one which
was in ruins; the grass-grown streets; the number of dwelling houses (four
years before) only five ; the temporary log court house on the northeast corner
of the center square; the entrenchments near the town; the Indian wigwams
which were an object of particular curiosity; the "monstrous stumps"
which told of the primeval forest which was for the first time felled by the
hand of man — all point to a period recent in history, but fabulous, seemingly,
already, and as strange as can be found.
In 1760 considerable excitement was caused by the murder of a friendly
Delaware Indian, Dr. John and family, who had moved to Cumberland County
in the winter of that year and lived in a log cabin on the Conodoguinet Creek,
near Carlisle. News was immediately sent to Gov. Hamilton, and a reward of
£100 was offered for the apprehension of the parties concerned. The excite-
ment was intense, for it was feared that the Indians might seek to revenge the
murder upon the settlers.
Another panic occurred about two years afterward. At noon, on the 4th of
July, 1763, one of "a party of horsemen rode rapidly into the town, and told of
the capture of Presque Isle, Le Boeuf, and Venango by the French and In-
dians. The greatest alarm spread among the citizens of the town and neigh-
boring country. The roads were crowded in a little while with women and
children hastening to Lancaster for safety. The pastor of the Episcopal
Church headed his congregation, encouraging them on the way. Some retired
to the breastworks. Col. Bouquet writes, asking aid from the people of York
in building a post here, on the plea that they were protected by Cumberland.
Truly these were stirring times. The seed was sown and the harvest reaped
under the fear of the tomahawk and rifle. The early history of Cumberland
County is fraught with items of the deepest interest to all who hold in grate-
ful remembrance the trials and dangers of the first settlers of this beautiful
portion of our State.
We are now at about the close of the Indian war, but from the formation of
Carlisle down until this period (1764), there was continued danger and depre-
dations throughout the valley.
THE MEETING OF CAPTIVES.
In August of this year, Col. Bouquet, two regiments of royal troops, and
one thousand provincials asirombled at Carlisle. The Indians, who by this
time had been thoroughily conquered, were compelled to bring back all pris-
oners whom they had captured. The incidents of the meeting of relatives
who had been separated for year, which occurred upon the Public Square, has
been graphically told. Some had forgotten their native tongue. Some had
married with their captors, had grown to love their bondage, and refused to
leave their lords. One German mother recognized her long lost child by sing-
ing to her the familiar hymn "Alone, yet not alone am I, Though in this soli-
tude so drear," which she had sung to it in childhood. This incident happened
December 31, 1764. {HalKsche Nacht, 1033.)*
One of the most vivid panoramic pictures might be drawn of a scene
*Col. Bouqaet had advertised for those who had lost children to come to Carlisle, "and look for them." Sup.
Eupp's Hist. 402; which accounts, we suppose, for seeming discrepancy of dates.
/ ■
V- ■> ' if ^ jj
/a^nr^njtJ(^c>-^fJ^f
BOROUGH OP CARLISLE. 235
which happened before the old jail in Carlisle, at about 10 o'clock on Friday
morning, the 29th of January, 1768, when a large body of men, some of whom
were armed with rifles and others with tomahawks, endeavored, against the
earnest protests o£ Col. John Armstrong, Rev. John Steel, Robt. Miller, Will-
iam Lyon and John Holmes, the sheriff, to rescue two prisoners, Frederick
Stump and Hans Eisenhauer (known as " Ironcutter"), who were confessedly
guilty of the brutal murder of several Indian families, from the jail, in order
that the prisoners might not be sent for trial to Philadelphia; in which attempt
at rescue the mob succeeded, much to the regret and alarm of the government,
which was afraid it would awaken an outbreak of Indian retaliation.
BBVOLUTIONAETf PEEIOD.
We approach the period of the Revolution. The encroachments of the
Crown upon the rights of the colonists found ready resentment from the hardy
settlers of this frontier. In July, 1774, at a public meeting in Carlisle, resolu-
tions were adopted severely condemning the act of the English Parliament in
closing the port of Boston, and urging vigorous remedies to correct the wrong.
They also advocated a general congress of the colonies; non-importation of
British goods; pledged contributions for the relief of Boston; and urged that
' ' a committee be immediately appointed for this county, to correspond with
the committee of this province upon the great objects of the public attention;
and to co-operate in every measure conducing to the general welfare of British
America." James Wilson, Robert Magaw, and William Irvine were appointed
deputies to meet those from other counties of the province. The first was af-
terward a signer of the Declaration, the second a colonel, and the third a gen-
eral In the Revolutionary Army.
After the battle of Lexington prompt and energetic action was taken; men
were pledged, and in July following Col. Thompson's " battalion of riflemen "
embraced the first companies south of the -Hudson to arrive in Boston, and in
January, 1776, this command became the "First Regiment" of the United
Colonies, commanded by Gen. George Washington. John Steel, the elder, and
his son John Steel, Jr. , both led companies from Carlisle, the former acting
as chaplain and the latter joining the army of Gen. Washington after he had
crossed the Delaware. In short, fi-om the beginning to the end of the Revo-
lution, Carlisle was a central point of patriotic devotion and influence.
We may mention that the two most important facts connected with Carlisle
at about this period was the building of the old barracks by the Hessians cap-
tured at Trenton, in ,1777, and the founding of Dickinson College in 1783.
One year previous to this latter event (April 13, 1782) Carlisle had been
incorporated by an act of the Assembly. *
Maj. Andre's Imprisonment. — The town, inconsequence of its being seated'
on what was then the frontier and away from the theater of war, was used as
a place of detention for military prisoners. Maj. Andre and Lieut. Despardt
were confined here a portion of their time on parole of the town. While here,
in 1776, they occupied a stone house on Lot No. 161, at the corner of South
Hanover Street and Chapel Alley. They were on parole of honor of six miles,
but were prohibited from going out of the town except in military dress.
The Whiskey Insurrection. — In 1794 Gen. Washington, accompanied by Sec
retary Hamilton, rendezvoused at Carlisle with his army of 4,000 men and six-
•A new charter was granted March 4, 1814. , , „ j j „, j v j ... ,
tLieut. DeBpard was an Irish officer, afterward a colonel. He served under Nelson, and had a high reputa-
tion for rash hravery. He carried back from America Democratic sentiments, and was executed lor treason
in 180.3. Sir Walter Scott says: "Three dislineuished heroes of this class have arisen In my time: Lord Ed-
ward Fitzgerald Col Despard and ('apt. Thistlewood, and, with the contempt and abhorrence of all men, they
died the death of infamy and guilt." See Dr. Wing's History of Cumberland County, p. 93, note.
20
236 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
teen pieces of artillery, on his way to quell the whiskey insurrection. He was
enthusiastically received. The old court house was illuminated with trans-
parencies, speeches were made, and troop of light-horse and a company of in-
fantry promptly offered their services, and marched to Fort Pitt.
A Royal Exile. — In December, 1797, Louis Philippe, then twenty-four
years of age, accompanied by his two brothers, the Duke of Montpensier and
Count Beaujolais, passed through Carlisle on their way to New Orleans. An
incident of their brief stay in that place is related in " Chambers' Miscellany."
They arrived at Carlisle on Saturday, when the inhabitants of the neighboring
country appeared to have entered the town for some purpose of business or
pleasure, and drove up to a public house, near which was a trough for the re-
ception of oats. The Duke of Montpensier sat in the wagon, when the horses
became frightened and ran away, upsetting it and his highness, who was
somewhat injured. Getting back to the tavern he there acted as his own sur-
geon, and performed the operation of letting out some of his royal blood in
the presence of a number of bucolic admirers, who, believing him to be a
physician, proposed that he should remain at Carlisle and begin there his pro-
fessional career. At this time (1795), by the Universal Gazetteer, published in
London, we find that Carlisle contained "about 1,500 inhabitants and 300
stone houses, a college and a court house. ' '
WAR or 1812.
In the war of 1812 four companies were raised in Carlisle; two of which,
the "Carlisle Infantry," under Capt. William Alexander, and a "Rifle Com-
pany, ' ' under Capt. George Hendel, served for a term of six months on the
northern frontier. Another, the "Carlisle Guards," under Capt. Joseph
Halbert, marched to Philadelphia, and the fourth, the "Patriotic Blues,"
under Capt. Jacob Squier, served for a time in the entrenchments at Balti-
more.
GROWTH OF THE TOWN, ETC.
The town continued steadily to increase. Its population in 1830 was
3,708. Ten years later it was 4,350, of which 2,046 were white males, 1,989
white females, 138 colored males, and 177 colored females.
The common schools first went into operation in Carlisle August 15, 1836.
In 1837 the Cumberland Valley Railroad was built through High Street, at
the request of some, though not without vigorous protest of other citizens of
the town; and in the same year the old market-house, a low wooden structure
in the form of the letter L, laid oat upon the southeast section of the Public
Square, was also erected. It was the third building of the kind, and occu-
pied the site of the original " deep quarry" of 1753, where the present com-
modius brick structure now stands.
Dr. Crooks, in his "Life of Rev. John McClintock," writing long after-
ward, but thinking of these early days, gives the following, somewhat imagin-
ative, picture of Carlisle in 1839 :
' ' The valley in the midst of which Carlisle stands has often been com-
pared by the imaginative mind to the happy vale of Rasselas. Encircled
lovingly on either side by the Blue Mountain ridge, and enveloped in an at-
mosphere of crystal clearness, on which the play of light and shade produce
every hour some new and stirring effect, it was in a measure withdrawn from
the tumult of the world. The tumult might be heard in the distance, but
did not come near enough to disturb the calm of studious pursuits. ' '
' ' The town preserved the traditions of learned culture which has dis-
tinguished it from the beginning of the present century. Its population was
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 237
not enterprising; manufacturing was but little, if at all, known to it. The
rich soil of the valley poured out every year abundant harvests, and the bor-
ougti was no more than the center of exchange and the market for supplies.
' ' The steady pace and even pulse of agricultural life seemed here to tone
down the feverish excitement which is the usual condition under which Amer-
ican society exists."
Early on the morning of Monday, March 24, 1845, the court house which
had been erected originally upon that square in 1765-66, and afterward ex-
tended ia 1802, was destroyed by fire. The old bell, which had been a much
valued gift from the Penn family, gave forth its last sounds as it struck the
hour of one, ere it sank to silence in the flames below. This bell, it is said,
was originally sent from England as a present to the Episcopal Church or
Chapel, but was used, by general consent, for the court house, on condition
that it should be returned to the church at some future time.
THE BOKOUGH IN 1846.
The local statistics of the borough, January 1, 1846, are as follows: There
are 3 printing offices and papers — the Herald and Expositor (weekly), edited
by Mr. Beatty, and devoted to the cause of the Whigs; the American Volun-
teer, edited by Messrs. Boyers and Bratton, Democratic; the Pennsylvania
Statesman, by J. S. Gitt, a Democratic semi- weekly paper. The first paper
established in this county was edited and published by Mr. Kline in 1782, and
was called Kline's Carlisle Weekly Gazette. There are 10 churches, 48 stores,
a number of shops, 4 WEirehouses, 12 physicians, 3 foundries, common schools
sufficient, Dickinson College, under the superintendence of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church; a new court house, 25 shoe establishments, 4 hatters, 18 tailors,
2 chandleries, 2 auction stores, 7 cabinet-makers, 16 carpenters, 2 coach-
makers, 8 brick-makers, 20 bricklayers and masons, 2 bakeries, 5 cake bakers,
1 ropewalk, 1 grist-mill, 12 taverns, 3 distilleries, 5 tinners and coppersmiths,
5 tanners, 6 saddlers, 5 coopers, 2 breweries, 9 butchers, 6 painters, 3 chair-
makers, 11 plasterers, 3 dyers, 5 weavers, 2 silver-platers, 1 locksmith, 2 gun-
smiths, 1 lime burner, 3 wagon-makers, 3 stone-cutters, 14 blacksmiths, 5
watch-makers, 2 barbers, 3 dentists, 1 clock-maker, 3 jewelry shops, 1 mattrass-
maker, 2 threshing-machine manufactories, 3 boeird-yards, 3 livery-stables, 2
bookbinderies, 2 spinning-wheel manufactories, 1 brush-maker, 2 pump-
makers, 5 gardeners, 1 dairy, 1 stocking -weaver, 2 cigar-makers, 9 mantua-
makers, 6 milliners, 1 bird-stuffing establishment, 5 music-teachers, 4 justices
of the peace, 12 male school-teachers, 5 female school-teachers, a large market-
house, 15 lawyers, with a sufficient number of physicians, professors, and min-
isters of the gospel.
At this time (1846) the appearance of Carlisle was, as might be expected,
very diflFerent from what it is to-day. The present jail had not been built, the
present court house had been erected that year; the old open market-house,
with its low roof and pillars, stood upon the square; the Episcopal Church
stood where it now stands, but with its gothic steeple built at its eastern ex-
tremity, and with the square enclosed with iron chains, depending from heavy
posts. To the west, upon the other square, was, of course, the venerable
stone church, but without its modern tower; and beyond, where the house and
grounds of Mrs. Robert Givin now are, the long, low line of buildings, the
front one of which was used as a hotel. The pavements were of stone flags.
The railroad, as we have mentioned, ran through the street, but the square
was more open, and the town had a more rural and primitive appearance, more
in keeping with the imaginative picture we have presented of it.
238 ■ HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
MOOLINTOCK EIOT.
In June, 1847, oocurred in Carlisle what is known as the McClintock riot.
It was caused by the resistance made to the capture of three runaway slaves,
and resulted in the death of one of the men who had come for them, and in
the trial of a great number of negroes and of Dr. McClintock, who was, how-
ever, with some of the others, acquitted. *
We have now brought the history of Carlisle down to a period within
the recollection of many of its inhabitants. It is a history which is full of in-
terest; which embraces the early Indian days, the " Provincial" and the "Rev-
olutionary" periods, down to the present; during which time a great govern-
ment has been founded, and a great nation has sprung into existence. To
preserve that nation, Carlisle also did its duty.
WAK or THE EEBELLION.
During the late war Cumberland County was prompt in furnishing its quo-
ta for the defense of the National Government. Six companies left Carlisle
and participated bravely in a number of the most severely contested battles of
the war.
During a great part of the struggle the inhabitants of the valley were kept
in a state of constant alarm by reason of frequent threatened invasions of the
enemy, and stampedes often from an imaginary foe. There was almost, there-
fore, a feeling of relief when the Confederate forces actually made their ap-
pearance in the summer of 1863.
The first alarm of the approach of the enemy was early in June, but the
alarm subsided, and scarcely had the people begun to be lulled into a fatal se-
curity, when the news was received that the entire Rebel army was advancing
down the valley. Two New York Regiments, the Eighth and Seventy-first,
which had been stationed at Shippensburg, retreated to this place, and began
making active preparations for defense. Militia were organized, pickets were
thrown out, and rude breastworks were hastily constructed about a mile west
of the town. On Wednesday, June 24, the home companies proceeded to the
scene of the expected action on the turnpike. During the afternoon the cav-
alry pickets on the Shippensburg road were driven slowly in, and at evening
reported the enemy to be within four miles of the town. A scene of excite-
ment ensued, which lasted during the following day. College commencement
was held at an early hour in the chapel, and the class graduated without much
formality, troops were drawn up in the streets, and, altogether, the town wore
quite a military and rather disturbed aspect. On Friday it was more than
usually quiet, but on Saturday morning (June 27), the cavalry pickets fell
back through the place and announced that the enemy was at hand. It was
Jenkins' cavalry. They were met by several citizens and informed that the
town was without troops and that no resistance would be made. Accordingly
they advanced and entered the town quietly from the west, with their horses
at a walk, but with their guns in position to be used at a moment's warning.
A portion went to the garrison and the rest came back and stopped at the Mar-
ket House Square. The hotels were filled with officers and the streets with
soldiers. A requisition for 1,500 rations was made upon the town,
and was immediately supplied by the citizens. At 5 o'clock in the afternoon
the sound of music announced the arrival of Gen. Swell's corps, which came
by the way of the Walnut Bottom road, its bands playing "Dixie" as it
marched through the streets of Carlisle. They presented a sorry appearance.
*A full account of this riot and the trial which followed can be found in Dr. Crook's Life of Rev. John
McClintock.
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 239
Many of them were shoeless or hatless, most of them were ragged and dirty,
and all were wearied with their long march. A brigade encamped upon the
college grounds and others at the United States Garrison; guards were
posted, and strict orders to permit no violence or outrage were issued, and so
well enforced that scarcely a trace of occupation by a hostile force was visible
after their departure.
Upon the failure of the aiithorilies to comply with an extravagant requisi-
tion for supplies, squads of soldiers, accompanied by an officer, were com-
manded to help themselves from the stores and warehouses. On Monday, 29th,
the force showed symptoms of retiring, and before the dawn of the next day
the rumbling of the wagon train announced the movement of the army.
About 2 o'clock in the afternoon (Tuesday, June 30) some 400 of
Col. Cochran's cavalry entered the town from the Dillsburg road, and were
soon riding wildly through the streets, shouting, screaming and acting like
madmen. During the night the entire force of the enemy left, after having
destroyed the railroad bridge, and by Wednesday (July 1) the town was clear
of the last band of rebels, when, amid the acclamations of the people, the
Union troops entered with several batteries of artillery. *
The most exciting scene in this little drama was yet to come. At about
7 o'clock in the evening of this day (July 1, 1863), a large body of cavalry
(under Gen. Fitzhugh Lee) made its appearance at the junction of the Trindle
Spring and York roads, and at first were supposed to be a portion of our own
forces. Their boldness was well calculated to produce such an impression.
They came within 200 yards of the town, sat in their saddles, gazing
up the street at the stacked arms of the infantry. After a few shots had been
exchanged, they commenced shelling the town. The citizens were upon the
streets at the time. The utmost alarm prevailed. For more than half an
hour the bombardment was kept up, when they begun raking the town with
grape. At about dusk they ceased firing and dispatched a flag of truce with
a demand for the surrender of the town. This was indignantly refused. The
bombardment was renewed with greater violence than before. The scene
which followed it would be difficult to describe. Many persons began fleeing
from their homes, some to seek protection in the open country, and others to
find a refuge from the shells in the cellars of their dwellings. At about 10
o'clock a great sheet of flame spread over the sky in the northeast, and the an-
gry crackling of the fire, as it mounted heavenward, could be heard amid the
roar of the artillery. They had fired the barracks. Just when the scene was
grandest the artillery ceased, and, in the silence which succeeded, another flag
of truce was sent into the town, and another demand was made for its uncon-
ditional surrender. This was again refused. After shelling the town again,
more feebly, however, than before, and destroying, in addition to the barracks,
the gas works and some private property, the Confederate forces retired.
'Gen. Fitzhugh Lee withdrew with his forces that night over the mountains,
and in the afternoon of that ever memorable 2d of July, the people in Carlisle
could hear the heavy thunder of the guns at Gettysburg.
In the light of subsequent events there is no doubt that Carlisle could have
easily been captured, and that the shelling of the town was meant, in part at
least, only to cover the retreat of these Confederate forces, who were already
■under the shadow of the great catastrophe which was to follow.
SITUATION, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC.
The borough of Carlisle is situated in latitude 40^ 12' north, longitude 77°
10' west, eighteen miles west of Harrisburg, in the Cumberland Valley, bounded
*At sunriae Col. Body's cavalry, and half past 6 o'clock Gen Smith, preceeded by three regiments.
240 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
upon either side by the long ranges of the Blue or Kittatinny Mountains. The
town lies in the midst of a rolling country which is both beautiful and productive.
The borough is laid out into wide and straight streets, rectangular, well
macadamized, and with many trees which, particularly during the spring and
summer months, add greatly to the beauty of the town. The two principal
streets. High and Hanover, are eighty, and all the others sixty, feet in width.
The Public Square in the center of the town, bisected by the two principal
streets, is peculiarly attractive. It is handsomely laid out, ornamented with
trees, and has the court house, market-house, First Presbyterian Church and
St. John's Episcopal Church on its four corners.
A monument erected to the memory and inscribed with the names of the
officers and men who fell during the Rebellion, stands upon the southwestern
portion of the square. The court house, also upon the southwest corner of
the square, was erected in 1846, the one previously erected in 1766 and ex-
tended in 1802, to which the cupola, containing a clock, was added in 1809,
having been destroyed by fire. The present brick building has a massive por-
tico somewhat after the Greek style, supported by heavy white pillars, and is
surmounted by a cupola and clock for public uses. The commodious modem
brick market-house, erected in 1878, occupies the whole of the southeastern
section of the square. The county jail, on the corner of Main and Bedford
Streets, is a large and imposing brown stone structure with high turreted front
and round tower, and which might almost be mistaken for a Rhenish castle, if
it stood on the green slopes of that romantic river. It was built in 1854, on
the site of the old prison, which was erected just one century before, and which
was enlarged in 1790. The county almshouse, beyond the eastern border of
the town, is as large and commodious establishment, with farm attached. Be-
yond it, looking toward the town, to the right, and only about half a mile away
are the large lawns and long lines of yellow buildings, known heretofore as the
Carlisle Barracks. They were built by the Hessians captured at Trenton, in
1777. They have been occupied by troops, cavalry, artillery and infantry, or
have been used as a recruiting station during most of the time since the Revo-
lution. They have also been the home, at different times, of many of the offi-
cers, both Union and ex-Confederate, who were engaged in the late war. On
the night of July 1, 1863, they were almost totally destroyed by the Confeder-
ate forces under Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, but they have since been thoroughly re-
built, extended and beautified, and for the last five years have been used as a
training school for the education of Indians.
CHTJBOHES.
There are many churches in Carlisle, so that almost every religious denom-
ination is represented in the structures which they have erected, in which each
individual can worship God according to his conscience. Of these, for its solid
architectural beauty and its age, the old First Presbyterian stone church, on
the northwest corner of the square, is particularly worthy of mention. Al-
though built before the Revolution, two Presbyterian Churches had preceded
it. The first church edifice erected in Carlisle by what was then known as the
" old side, " a two-story building, stood at the northeastern intersection of
Hanover and Louther Streets, and was erected about 1758; and the church
erected by the " new side " was at the southwestern intersection of Hanover
and Pomfret Streets, and was probably erected about the same time. Rev.
John Steel was pastor of the former, and George Duffield, D. D. , was ordained
pastor of the latter in 1761. The next church edifice erected by the old side
— which is the present First Presbyterian Church — was begun in 1769 and
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 241
probably finished in 1772, at which time Dr. Dufleld removed to Philadelphia,
and the two congregations were afterward, in May, 1786, united. The large
additional stone tower was erected in 1873, but the main body of the build-
ing, with its solid masonry of grey limestone with marble trimmings, stands
as it was first constructed.
St. John's Episcopal Church, on the northeast corner of the square, was
built in 1825, near the site of its predecessor, erected about 1765, and is a
very neat and tasteful Gothic building. The chapel was added in 1885.
The Second Presbyterian Church, on the southeast corner of Hanover and
Pomfret Streets, is a fine specimen of the usual modern gothic type, and was
erected in 1872, on the site of the former erected in 1834. (In 1833 a por-
tion of the Presbyterian congregation, by reason of a doctrinal dispute, or-
ganized themselves into a separate congregation and worshiped in the county
haU till 1834, when their first church was built.)
Methodist Episcopal Church. — ^After the Revolution the Methodists met in
the market place, then in the court house, and subsequently in a small frame
huilding on Pomfret Street, in which place they formed a small class in 1792-93.
A few years afterward, in 1802, they btiilt a small stone house on Lot 61, at
the corner of Pitt Street and Church Alley, which was followed in 1815 by
a more commodious building on Church Alley; and this, in turn, gave way to
another of still larger proportions on the corner of Pitt and High Streets,
where the present church now stands. This was taken down in 1876, and the
present Centennial Church erected. In 1854 a portion of the members with-
drew, and after worshiping for a time in the chapel of Dickinson College,
erected the church edifice known as Emory Chapel, which, after the reunion
of the congregations, was used as the preparatory department of the college.
English Lutheran. — The German Beformed and Lutheran congregations
worshiped on alternate Sabbaths in the same church (which stood upon the
present German Reformed burying-ground) until 1807, when each congrega-
tion erected a house of worship for its own use. The Lutherans built theirs
near the corner of Louther and Bedford Streets, but it was burned down in
the destructive fire of March, 1851.* It was immediately rebuilt. It is their
present place of worship.
The German Reformed Church (built in 1 807) was located on the lot afterward
used as a preparatory school building of Dickinson College. Having sold it,
they built, in 1827, a church at the corner of High and Pitt Streets, which
they afterward sold -to the Methodist Episcopal congregation, and, in 1835,
erected the one which they now occupy on Louther Street. During the year
1866 they remodeled the church, greatly enlarged the building, which they
surmounted with a spire 127 feet in height. The style is gothic, with stained
windows and interior frescoed.
German Lutheran. — In 1853 the German portion of the Lutheran congre-
gation separated from the finglish, and erected a neat church on the corner of
Bedford and Pomfret Streets.
The Raman Catholic Church, on Pomfret Street, is built in the figure of
a cross. It was erected in 1807, and enlarged in 1823. The lot upon which
it stands was owned at an early day by the Jesuits of Conowago, who had upon
it a small log church, in which the Roman Catholic congregation worshiped
until the present one was built.
*0n a windy night, the 13th of March, 1851, occurred one of the largest fires that has ever devastated the
town. Some forty-two buildingB were destroyed, and among these was the English Lutheran Church, near the
corner of Bedford and Louther Streets. It was immediately rebuilt. On this occasion all the iomutes of what
was then the old jail, were liberated, necessity compelling the jailor to give them temporary freedom.
242 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
An Associated Presbyterian congregation was organized in 1798. They had
bought, two years previously, a lot from the Penns, and on it they erected a
stone church, on South West Street, in 1802, which was purchased and remodeled
in 1 806, and re-opened as the Church of God. It is now the Methodist Afri-
can Zion Church.
The Evangelical Association has a very creditable church upon Louther
Street, built in 1869. Besides these which we have mentioned, there are sev-
eral African churches in the town, and a very beautiful gothic mission chapel,
built in 1884, in the northeastern portion of the town, a donation of Mrs.
Mary Biddle, of Philadelphia.
CEMETERIES.
The two principal burial places of the borough are the beautiful Ashland
Cemetery — with its winding walks overshadowed by green trees — which was
dedicated as a place of burial, on Sabbath afternoon, October 8, 1865; and the
Old Graveyard, coincident with the borough in its birth, which contains the
monuments of very many old families and noted names.
SCHOOLS, INSTITUTES AND COLLEGE.
The public school buildings of the borough, eight in number, are ample in
size and well adapted to their purpose. (The common school system went into
operation in Carlisle August 15, 1836. There were then 16 schools and
928 scholars. In 1879 there were 20 schools and 1,003 scholars, 481 being
males and 522 females). The schools, now 21 in number, are judiciously
graded, and the high school will compare favorably in grade and thorough-
ness of training with similar institutions elsewhere.
The importance of education was fully appreciated by the earlier settlers,
and the church and the school were inseparable companions. A classical
academy was in existence in Carlisle prior to the Revolutionary war.
An account of the " Metzgar Female Institute," "Indian Industrial
School ' ' and ' ' Dickinson College ' ' will be found in the Educational Chapter
XI., page 195.
LIBEABIES.
The libraries in the borough consist of the Law Library, in the court house
building, which, containing not only the various State reports, but the English
reports also, and many text-books, is as complete as can be found in any town in
the State; the College Library, and the libraries of the two societies belonging to
the College; and the Hamilton Historical Library, for which a separate build-
ing, comparatively as yet without books, has been erected from funds left by
its founder, James Hamilton, Esq.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper published in Carlisle was called The Carlisle Weekly
Gazette, edited by Messrs. Kline & Eeynolds. It was a small four page paper,
the first number of which was issued in July, 1785. The present papers in
Carlisle are the Carlisle Herald, the American Volunteer and the daily and
weekly Valley Sentinel. The Carlisle Eagle (Federal) was commenced as
early as 1799, and was the progenitor in a straight line of descent, of the
present (Eepublican) paper. The American Volunteer was born September
15, 1814, and has always been consistently, or inconsistently. Democratic. The
Valley Sentinel (Democratic) was started in April, 1861, at Shippensburg. It
was purchased by Mr. H. K. PefPer, its present proprietor, in May, 1874, and
removed to Carlisle. The Daily Evening Sentinel was first issued in Decem-
ber, 1881.
BOROUGH OP CARLISLE. 245
MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, ETC.
^ Carlisle is still, as it always has been, chiefly the county seat and center of
a rich agricultural district, but of late years, with the more developed resources,
and more extended railroad facilities of the Cumberland Valley, it has grown
with its growth and awakened to the importance of the manufacturing indus-
tries also. The most extensive industrial establishments are the shoe, car-
riage and large car factories, the chain and spoke works, machine-shops and
foundry. The new car- works are very extensive buildings, erected in 1882,
lying within the eastern boundary of the borough. There is, of course, the us-
ual, or more than the usual, number of various mercantile establishments,
banks, etc. , of which the town seems always to have been well supplied.
GAS AND WATER COMPANY.
Carlisle is plentifully supplied with pure limestone water from the reser-
voir on the Conodoguinet Creek, and the streets of the town are also lighted
with gas, both reservoirs being under the control of an incorporated stock
company, started in 1853.
SOCIETIES.
The Young Men's Christian Association, of Carlisle, was organized March
21, 1859, by a number of leading Christian men in the town, when Mr. Joseph
C Hofifer was chosen president. The association opened a public reading^
room in Marion Hall on West High Street, on September 19, of the same year.
They had a library of 405 volumes, the gift of the citizens, and in their rooms
and upon their tables and files were found six daily newspapers, fifty weekly
religious and secular papers, and magazines. The association also sustained a
series of free lectures, which were largely attended, and it also maintained a
union prayer meeting, which was held weekly under its auspices. The asso-
ciation did a good work for the community by its free reading-room and relig-
ious work. The records show 1,944 visits to the rooms from the 19th of Sep-
tember, 1859, to March 21, 1860. After some time the rooms were closed, but
the religious work of the association was sustained, when, on Friday evening,
August 2, 1867, pursuant to a notice given at the young men's prayer meet-
ing, which was held on Monday evening, previous, a committee, consisting of a
number of leading church mem.berB, was appointed to take into consideration
the practicability of reorganizing the Young Men' s Christian Association. The
committee reporting favorably, the organization was at once effected, with Mr.
Jacob C. Stock as president, who filled the office until January, 1868. Public
reading-rooms were opened on the second floor of the Kramer building, on the
corner of West High Street and Court House Avenue. A circulating library
was again opened and six leading daily newspapers and eight monthly maga-
zines were provided, besides a number of weekly papers. A daily morning
meeting was instituted, cottage prayer meetings were carried on under the
direction of the association, and monthly sermons were preached for the bene-
fit of young men. Mr. H. K. PefPer was elected president for the year 1868.
In the spring of 1869 the association vacated their rooms on West High Street,
moving into the second-floor rooms, known as the " Halbert corner, " on the
southeast corner of North Hanover and Louther Streets. In connection with
the other religious services of the association, open air meetings were con-
ducted in different parts of the town on the Sabbath evening during the sum-
mer and early fall. Mr. John T. Green served the association as president
during the years 1869 and 1870. In the spring of 1870 the young men va-
cated their rooms, sustaining a religious work of the association and holding
246 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
their business meetings at the homes of members. Mr. J. 0. Stock was again
elected president, serving from 1871 to 1873 inclusive. The association insti-
tuted Sabbath afternoon meetings at the jail and also at the county almshouse,
and a tract distributor was appointed for the town work. In the beginning of the
year 1872, the association purchased the Mission Chapel located at the comer
of Nortli and East Streets, known as Dickinson Mission Chapel, the amount
paid being 1900. Mr. J. C. Stock was elected superintendent of the school,
which numbered about thirty scholars. The State Convention of the Young
Men' s Christian Association of Pennsylvania was held at Carlisle September
10 and 12, 1872, with 150 delegates in attendance. Mr. John H. Wolf was
elected and served as president of the association for the year 1874. Mr. An-
drew Blair was president during the year 1875, he was also elected by the as-
sociation as superintendent of the Mission Sunday-school. Mr. Samuel Coyle
was elected and served the association as its president from 1876 until his
death which occurred August 23, 1879, when Rev. William Halbert was chosen
president serving until within a short time of his death, in March, 1881. In
October, 1879, the association again rented and furnished rooms in the Patton
building, northwest corner of West High and North Pitt Streets. The Mis-
sion Chapel was sold to Mr. Andrew Blair in December, 1880, for the sum of
$500. In March, 1881, Mr. A. A. Line was elected president of the associa-
tion, serving until January, 1883. In April, 1881, the association moved into
the Given building, located on Church avenue, north of West High street.
December 5, 1881, the following resolution was passed by the association: That
Allan A. Line, president, Harry Wetzel, Levi Brenheman, Reuben Brubaker
and Charles E. Eckels, members of the executive committee, and W. Scott
Coyle, treasurer, and Mirvin McMillen, recording secretary, are hereby author-
ized and directed to sign the application of the court of common pleas for a
•charter of incorporation of this association under the corporate name of
"The Young Men's Christian Association of Carlisle, Pennsylvania." The
boys' work was established in the fall of 1882, when weekly entertainments
were held for them, consisting of talks of travel, chemical experiments on
scientific subjects, magic lantern entertainments, etc. In November, 1882, the
association with the assistance of W. A. Bowen, assistant State secretary of
Pennsylvania, raised a subscription of $1,000 to meet the current expenses of
the association for the coming year, including the employment of a competent
general secretary to have charge and oversight of the entire work of the asso-
ciation, the maintaining of a free reading-room, and the general enlargement
of the work. Mr. David R. Thompson was elected president of the associa-
tion for 1883. Prof. J. A. McKnight of Pennsylvania, was chosen as general
secretary to the association, at a salary of 150 per month. He took charge of
the association January 25, 1883.
The boys' branch was organized as a part of the association, which, in a
short time, numbered forty members. Also the ladies' auxiliary society was
organized as part of the association. August 13, 1883, the association moved
into Marion Hall building, on West High street, using the parlors on the first
floor for daily and evening reading-rooms, and having control of the halls and
rooms on the second floor front, also the large back building and spacious
yard. Mr. D. D. Thompson was elected president of the association for the
year 1884. In November, 1884, Prof. J. A. McKnight, the general secretary,
was called to the Allentown Association, when Mr. F. M. Welsh, of Philadel-
phia, acted as general secretary for the Carlisle Association, untU July, 1885,
when J. F. Mohler, of Carlisle, served as general secretary until the following
October, when Mr. A. B. Paul, assistant secretary of Columbus (Ohio) Associa-
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 247
tion,wa8 called to fill the position, and is general secretary at the present time.
Mr. John C. Eckels, Jr., served as president of the association for the year
1885, when his successor, Dr. George Neidich, was called to the chair for the
year 1886. The membership of the association has varied at different times
throughout its history, numbering from thirty to sixty, while at the present
writing it numbers 165, active, associate and sustaining. A decided step in
advance was taken when the association employed a general secretary for the
supervision of the work. Eeligious meetings are held for young men only on
Sabbath afternoons, with an average attendance of thirty. A class for Bible
study on Tuesday evenings. A meeting for boys semi-monthly on Friday
evenings, when they are provided with practical talks, wonder lectures and
entertainments. At stated times public receptions are held at the rooms for
members and contributors, for clerks and mechanics, and during the winter of
1885-86 a course of lectures and entertainments was arranged for the public,
which have given great satisfaction. The association, in its present appoint-
ment, is meeting the demands needed for the work among the youth and young
men of the community. {Communicated.)
Temperance Societies. — The subject of temperance received early attention
in Cumberland County. As early as 1829 a society, pledging its members to
total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks, was formed in Carlisle, the first
of the kind in the county. Distilleries were regarded then as legitimately
necessary business enterprises, and the drinking of ardent spirits was not only
approved by society, but a failure to do so was looked upon with disfavor. It
may well be conjectured that moral heroism was required to join a total ab-
stinence temperance organization at that time, when the Cumberland Valley
had some eighty distilleries.
But the cause of temperance grew, and with it a public conscience on the
subject. Men of position finally gave it their sanction and influence. Organ-
izations in various parts of the county sprang up, whose meetings were largely
attended. On Christmas Day, 1835, the annual meeting of a county organiza-
tion was held, at which such men as Rev. Dr. Durbin, of Dickinson College,
and John Reed, president- judge of the court of common pleas, participated,
and succeeded in passing the following resolution : ' ' Resolved, That the cause
of temperance is the cause of humanity, of philanthropy and of religion; and
that all laws licensing or in any way recognizing the traffic in, or sale of, ar-
dent spirits, are erroneous in principle and injurious in practice. ' '
Temperance has an unceasing warfare to wage. The conflict between the
stomach and the brain is a severe one; and with the unthinking, who seek pres-
ent gratification at the expense of personal and society welfare, victory usually
declares in favor of the stomach. Hence the beneficent results expected by
temperance advocates have not always been fully realized.
St. John's Commandery, No. 8, M. K. T. Number of present members,
seventy -nine. Names of present officers : Rev. Jeremiah M. Carvell, E. C. ;
Samuel R. Cloudy, Genlo. ; William R. Bailie, Capt. Gen. ; Joshua P. Bitler,
Treas. ; John G. Bobb, Recorder.
St. John's Chapter, No. 171, R. A. M., organized August, 1853. Charter
members: Dr. Charles E. Blumenthal, John Hyer, Dr. George Z. Bretz, Dr.
O. H. Tiffany, John Gutshall, James M. Allen, S. M. L. Consor, Ephriam
■Cornman, George Weise. Present number of members, sixty seven. Present
•officers: Charles W. Strohm, M. E. H. P.; Rev. Jeremiah M. Carvell, K. ;
Edward J. Gardner, S. ; John Hyer, Treasurer; John G. Bobb, Secretary.
Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197, F. &A. M., organized November 6, 1824.
Charter members: Willis Foulk, George Patterson, Jr. , and John Lease. Pres-
248 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
ent mombership, ninety. Present officers: Niles M. Fissel, W. M. ; E. J.
Gardner, S. W. ; John Olliver, J. W. ; W. Vance, Treasurer; Theodore Corn-
man, Secretary.
St. John's Lodge, No. 260, F. & A. M. Organized April, 1852. Charter
members: Dr. Blumenthal, John Hyer, Dr. Geo. L. Bretz, Dr. O. H. TifPany,
R. K. Burns, Michael G. Ege, Rev. Herman M. Johnson, William J. CoUisshaw,
H. J. Meek. Present number of members, eighty -two. Present officers:
Chas. W. Strohm, W. M. ; John A. Means, S. W. ; Joseph L. Herman, J. W. ;
William H. Bretz, Treasurer; John G. Bobb, Secretary.
Carlisle Lodge, No. 91, 1. O. O. F. Instituted December 22, 1843. Char-
ter members : Edward P. Lyons, N. G. ; Holmes Fernald, V. G. ; Thomas Con-
lyn, Sec. ; John C Williams, Ass't Sec. ; Peter Monyer, Treas. Present num-
ber of members, 119. Present officers: J. H. Gardner, N. G. ; Dr. I. M.
Bentz, V. G. ; Theodore Cormnan, Sec. ; H. G. Beetem, Ass't Sec. ; Robert
Sheaffer, Treas.
Conodoguinet Tribe, No. 108, 1. O. R. M. Established September 27, 1868.
Charter members: F. C. Kramer, C. C. Faber, Levi Leeds, John Yaiser, L.
Leidig, John Liszman, H. Gotverth, Wm. Elmer, P. Liszman, Peter Miller,
John Doner, A. More, H. Linekhul, Fred A. Chel. Number of present mem-
bers, 55. Present officers: Harry G. Beetem, P.; Louis Klucker, S. ; J. R.
Brown, S. S. ; Charles Faber, J. S. ; A. B. Ewing, K. of W. ; C. C. Faber, C.
of R.
Knights of the Golden Eagle, Carlisle Castle, No. 110. Instituted in July,
1886. Present membership, 75. Present officers: J. E. Barnitz, N. C. ; O.
F. Conly, V. C. ; William Vance, P. C. ; — - Weltzel, H. P.
Patriotic Order Sons of America, Washington Camp, No. 171, was chartered
June 18, 1886, with 43 names.
Sons of Veterans, Captain Beatty Camp, No. 35, was instituted January
80, 1883.
There was also instituted, in October, 1885, for social and insurance bene-
fits, the Improved Order of Heptasophs.
CONCLUSION.
We have given briefly, in the foregoing pages, a general outline of the his-
tory of this old and historic borough. The town, until of late years, has been
noted principally, not as a mercantile or manufacturing center, but as a place
of homes. In it there are many handsome residences, built by those who
have left the more busy scenes of active life, or those who have al-
ways lived retired lives, withdrawn, in a measure, from the tumult of the
world. Its capital has often been idle, and it has been conservative in
its business interests. On the other hand, the beneficial influences of its in-
stitutions of learning are clearly perceptible, while the social atmosphere of
the place, although much changed since the days when it was a military post,
makes it still a distinctive town in the Valley in this respect
BOROUGH OF MEOHANICSBURG. 249
CHAPTER XVII.
BOEOUGH OF MECHANICSBUEG.
Its Beginning— Growth— William Armstrong — Population— Wae of the
Rebellion— Schools and Educational Institutes— Churches— Newspa-
pers—Public Hall and Market House— Banking Institutions— Gas and
Water Company— Societies— Conclusion.
MECHANICSBUEGr is the second towa in population and importance in
the county. It lies almost midway between Carlisle and Harrisburg, on
the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and almost midway between the mountains
north and south, in a rich and productive portion of the valley.
It dates its early history as a settlement, from nearly the beginning of the
present century. In 1790 the woods or underbrush grew where the town
now stands, and the deer and other animals could be seen. About this tim.e,
or shortly afterward, there were two houses built at what are now opposite
ends of the town; the lower one an inn, built by one Frankenberger, and the
upper one by some one now unknown. Even as late as 1806 the greater part
of the site of the town was covered with underbrush or woods. A ' ' few strag-
ling houses were to be seen, ' ' of which only one or two remained in 1846.
Considering the date of the formation of the county, the town is therefore
of comparatively recent origin. Its beginning was unpretentious. The first
brick house was not buUt until after the war of 1812. This was a house built
about 1816, in the western portion of the town, by Lewis Zearing.
For some time after the settlement, which had begun in 1805 or 1806, the
place was known as Drytown, owing to the great scarcity, at times, of water, and
as Stouff erstown after Henry Stouffer, who owned the land in what became after-
ward, the central portion of the town. The houses which existed up to 1820,
had been built before any lots were regularly laid out and we have no evidence
to show that the place was known as Mechauicsburg prior to this time. TJp to
this year, 1820, the number of houses, we are told, had increased to twenty-five
or thirty; but about this time, or in the succeeding year, a number of lots were
laid out in the eastern portion of what is now the town, upon which some six
or eight houses were soon afterward erected. In 1828, Henry Stouffer laid
out some lots upon his land in the central part of the town, and a number
of dwellings were erected. In April (28th) of this year, it was incorporated
as a borough, and a new impetus was given to the place. From this time it
grew rapidly. Within the next three years some twenty or thirty houses were
put up. In December, 1831, Maj. Henry Lease and David Brenizer bought
eight or ten acres .of land, on the south side of Main Street, from George Stein -
bring, which they laid out in lots. From that time forward, for the next fif-
teen years, the town gradually increased, until in the year 1845, it had, accord-
ing to the description given of it by "Eupp," 133 comfortable- dwellings, 41 of
brick, 67 frame, 35 plastered; 4 churches: a Union, Methodist, Lutheran and
Bethel; a commodious schoolhouse, in which three public schools were taught;
3 taverns; 3 warehouses on the railroad; a foundry and machine shop; a num-
ber of mechanics' shops and of mercantile houses, and a population rising to
800. After its incorporation in 1828, a burgess and town council were elected.
250 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
This was on the 16th of May. Henry Ford was the first burgess and Lewis
Zearing the first president of the town council.
Nine years later (1837) the Cumberland Valley Railroad was finished
through the town, and opened for travel and transportation, thus giving to it
increased facilities for future growth. For a quarter of a century after its in-
corporation the town steadily improved, and from 1853 to the breaking out of
the Rebellion, its progress was still more marked, both in population and in
material development. During this period several new churches were erected,
Cumberland Valley Institute and Irving Female College were built, two or
three forwarding houses, a new town hall and engine house, and a large num-
ber of dwelling houses were put up, all adding greatly to the appearance and
prosperity of the town. During the period of the war there was but little
improvement, but after it was over the town started on what seemed to be
an unexampled period of prosperity. Houses sprang up as if by magic,
and the borough was extended. In one summer alone not less than 120
houses were erected, mostly by men of moderate means. Mechanics-
burg threatened to outstrip her sister towns. But this period of rapid devel-
opment was of short duration. She had grown too rapidly, and a reaction
came. This, however, lasted only for a few years, since which time the town
has continued steadily to improve. Within the last ten years new streets have
been added, and many handsome residences and villas have been erected.
Particularly is this true of the east and west ends, and the southern side of the
tovm, where its rapid improvement has been most marked. The whole new
portion of the town, south of Simpson Street, has been built up within the last
quarter of a century, and many of the handsomest residences in Mechanics-
burg have been erected within the last few years.
POPULATION.
The total population of Mechanicsburg, in the different years here given,
was as follows: 1830, 554; 1840, 670; 1850, 882; 1^60, 1,939; 1870, 2,569;
1881, 3,018.
In 1876 the population, in detail, was as follows: White male adults, 719;
white female adults, 947; white male children, 645; white female children,
645; colored male adults, 29; colored female adults, 39; colored male chil-
dren, 27; colored female children, 30. Total, 3,081.
WILLIAM ARMSTRONG.
In June, 1879, Mechanicsburg lost its oldest citizen in the death of Will-
iam Armstrong. He was a native of the northern portion of Ireland, born
April 6, 1779. When but three years of age his parents immigrated to this
country, landing at Philadelphia, and taking up their residence at Harrisburg,
in 1783, then but a small village. About the year 1792 Mr. Armstrong was
indentixred to Robert Harris, a grandson of John Harris, the founder of Har-
risburg, and with whom he lived until he was about nineteen years of age,
when he took French leave and landed in Carlisle, where he was soon after-
ward discovered by Mr. Harris, who used every effort to have him return with
him to his old home, but without avail; so, for a valuable consideration, 140,
Mr. Harris released the indentured lad, and ' ' Uncle Billy ' ' was a free man.
Whilst in the service of Mr. Harris, Mr. Armstrong, in 1794, then but a lad of
fifteen years, witnessed the father of his adopted country, George Washington,
crossing the Susquehanna on his way to the western portion of the State, with
a force of men to quell the Whiskey Insurrection that occurred in that year.
Mr. Armstrong was married by the rector of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of Carlisle, and soon after (1812} enlisted in the Carlisle Guards. He met
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 251
Kossuth, the Hungarian refugee, and heartily shook hands with the exiled
patriot. In 1853 he came to Meohanicsburg and took up his residence with
his nephew, Kobert Wilson, and with him continued to live till his death, which
occurred June 20, 1879, at the patriarchal age of one hundred years, two
months and fourteen days. The deceased was never sick during his century of
years, his death being the restdt, not of disease but old age. He was buried
in the Trindle Spring grave-yard with the honors of war.
WAK or THE KEBELLION.
Mechanicsburg contributed many brave soldiers to the war of the Eebellion,
and was among the towns of the valley invaded by the Confederate forces in
1863. Some 1,200 or 1,500 of Jenkins' cavalry entered the town at about
9:30 o'clock on Sunday morning on the 28th of June. They came in with a
flag of truce, which is explained by stating that they mistook Chestnut Hill,
where the new cemetery had just been laid out, for a fortification, and that
they supposed Union troops were near. They soon found to the contrary ;
captured the flag that had been floating in the center of the town, which had
been taken down and concealed; when they encamped below the town, the-
General making his headquarters at the Railroad Hotel. They then demanded
rations, which were granted, and after having remained for about three days
as uninvited guests they departed, without having done any injury either to
individuals or property. By Wednesday morning on the 1st of July, the
town was clear of the last band of Confederate troops, who went thence to-
Gettysburg.
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES.
Mechanicsburg has twelve public schools, systematically graded, which are
under the control of a competent body of directors. The schools are in build-
ings comparatively new, and are well furnished with all modern appliances.
Besides the public schools, Mechanicsburg had, until within a few years, two-
other educational institutions — the Cumberland Valley Institute at the upper,
and the Irving Female College at the lower end of the town. A brief history
of them is as follows: Some time prior to 1853 a select school was opened by
Mr. F. M. L. Gillelen, which passed into the hands of Eev. Joseph S. Loose,
A. M. , who removed it, in 1853, to a building erected for that purpose, which
has since been known as the Cumberland Valley Institute. In 1857 it passed
into the hands of Prof. I. D. Kupp, of local historic fame, and in 1855 into
the possession of Messrs. Lippincott, Mullen and Reese, who conducted it until
1860, when it was purchased by Rev. O. Ege, who, in connection with his
son, Alexander Ege, and several adjunct professors, conducted it until 1875,
since which time it has not been open for the reception of students.
Irving Female College, situated at Irvington, a name given to the eastern
end of the town, was founded by Solomon P. Gorgas, and incorporated as a
college by an act of the Legislature in 1857. Its first principal was Rev. A.
G. Marlatt, under whose management this institution for the education of
young women attained considerable popularity and influence. At his death, in
1865, it passed into the hands of Rev. T. P. Ege, who conducted it until
within the past few years, when, owing to the gradual diminution of patronage
or want of financial support, the college was closed.
CHUBCHES.
The churches of Mechanicsburg, ten in number, are as follows: Methodist
Episcopal, Presbyterian, Reformed, St. Luke's Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran,
United Brethren, Bethel, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, the old Union
Church and a handsome Episcopal Chapel in the new portion of the town.
252 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
NEWSPAPERS.
There have been a number of newspapers published in Mechanicsburg, an
account of which will be found elsewhere.
" The Microcosm," started by Dr. Jacob Weaver, in 1835, was the first pa-
per published in the town. The Independent Journal, which was treated by
consolidation of The Valley Democrat and The Cumberland Valley Journal,
by Eobt. H. Thomas, in October, 1872, is the paper still in existence, and still
edited by Mr. Thomas, who has also since (January, 1873) established the
Farmer's Friend. As Mr. Thomas is the Principal founder of the State Grange
of Pennsylvania he has made this paper the mouth-piece of that prominent
organization. The Saturday Evening Journal, a small local sheet, is also pub-
lished in the Independent Journal office, and furnished gratuitously to the sub-
scribers of the latter paper.
PUBLIC HALL AND MARKET HOUSE.
Franklin Hall and Market House, on the Public Square, at the corner of
Market and Main Streets, is a three-story brick edifice, surmounted by a tower
and town clock. The building was begun in 1866 and completed in 1867.
The hall was formally dedicated by a soiree under the auspices of Irving
Female College, on the evening of December 24, 1866. The third story of the
main building is used as a Masonic Hall; the second floor is the hall proper,
with a seating capacity for 600 persons; while the side and the two-story rear
extension on Market Street, are occupied by stores and the commodious market
house. The first market in this building was held on the 3d of November,
1866.
BANKING INSTITUTIONS.
The first bank in Mechanicsburg was started in 1859 by Levi Merkel,
Jacob Mumma and others, transacting business under the title of Merkle,
Mumma & Co. This institution was incorporated by the Legislature in 1861
as the "Mechanicsburg Bank," and, a few years later, when the National
banking system was inaugurated, it applied for and obtained a charter, in
March, 1864, as "The First National Bank," under which title it commenced
business in May following, with a capital of 1100,000. Its first president
was S. P. Gorgas; cashier, A. C. Brindle. It now occupies a handsome brick
and brownstone building on West Main Street.
The Second National Bank was organized under the United States banking
law, February 20, 1863, with a capital of $50, 000. Thomas B. Bryson was its
first president, and Levi Kauffman its first cashier. Both of the above banks
have been successfully conducted and have been of great benefit to the business
interests of the town.
GAS AND WATER COMPANY.
Mechanicsburg was first lighted with gas in September, 1868. The gas
works are owned by an incorporated company, and are situated at the eastern
limits of the borough. The town is also well supplied with water, from a res-
ervoir located in Upper Allen Township. Both the gas and water are under
the control of the same "Gas and Water Company," which was chartered in
1854. The water works were built in 1856.
SOCIETIES.
Eureka Chapter, No. 209, R. A. M., was organized July 8, 1866, with
the following charter members: Robert H. Thomas, Samuel N. Eminger and
George K. Mooney. Number of members, about thirty five. Present officers:
Josiah P. Wilbar, H. P. ; J. Morris Miller, K. ; Robert H. Thomas, Jr., S. ; E.
Eankin Huston, Treas. ; George Bobb, Sec.
^e^/e^t ^-
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 255
Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F. & A.M., had its charter granted June 16, 1856.
First officers: John Palmer, W. M. ; Ira Day (now deceased), S. W. ; Jacob
Dorsheimer (now deceased), J. W. Number of members about 106. Present
officers: Levere G. Pirestine, W. M. ; A. J. Loudon, S. W. ; H. S. Mohler,
J. W. ; J. 0. Miller, Sec. ; S. F. Houston, Treas.
MeohaniGsburg Lodge, No. 215, L O. 0. F., was organized December 21,
1846. Its first officers were Isaac Kinsey, N. G. ; John Palmer, V. G. ; Henry
Carns, S. ; John Emminger, A. S. ; Samuel Eckels, T. Number of members,
ninety-eight. The present officers are Martin Milleisen, N. G. ; Thos. M.
Mauk,V. N. G.; S. S. Diehl, T. ; R. Senseman, S.
Wildey Encampment, No. 29, L O. 0. F. , was organized at Carlisle, and a
new charter obtained July 11, 1878, Geo. Bobb, John Webbert, J. A. Sibbet,
Jos. Totton, Reuben Senseman, S. B. King, Christian Swartz and Simon S.
Diehl being petitioners. Number of members, twenty-nine. The present
officers are John Webbert, C. P. ; W. H. Hench, H. P. ; W. B. Railing, S.
W. ; J. N. Young, J. W. ; R. Senseman, S. ; S. S. Diehl, T.
Melita Lodge, No. 83, K. of P. , obtained its charter June 4, 1868, charter
members being, P. F. Singiser, William Matthews, J. S. Shopp, William Y.
Johnson, J. R. West. D. H. Westfall, G. K. Mooney, George W. Titzell, and
Henry F. Geyer. Has a membership of about seventy-five. Present officers
are S. R. Miller, C. C. ; Samuel Landis, V. C. C. ; Samuel Kline, K. of R. &
S. ; G. S. Markley, M. of F. ; Martin Arnold, M. of E.
Washington Camp of Patriotic Sons of Ainerica, No. 164, was organized
June 5, 1872, the first officers being P. P., A. Z. Hade; P., P. B. Grable; M.
of F. & C, J. J. Miller; Sec, S. J. Mountz; Treas., George W. Singiser.
Number of members September 17, 1886, 106. Present officers are P. P. , L.
W. Pierce; P., W. M. Koller; V. P., H. R. Bowman; M. of F. & C, E. C.
Rupp; Sec, E. C. Gardner; Treas., J. A. Hutton. (D. H. Barnhill of this
camp is District President.)
Order of U. A. Mechanics, Integrity Council, No. 197, was organized March
18, 1869. Number of members, about eighty-three. Officers: E. E. Mountz, S.
exC. ; Daniel White, J. ex-C. ; Henry Schriver, Councilor; S. A. King, V. Coun-
cilor; E. C. Gardner, Rec. Sec; F. P. Hall, F. Sec; S. M. Wagoner, Treas.
Knights of the Oolden Eagle, Cumberland Valley Castle, No. 109, was or-
ganized July 3, 1886; membership about lOL). Oifioers are H. H. Mercer, N.
C. ; T. M. Mauk, V. N. C. ; Israel Flohr, P. C. ; W. H. Coover, K. of E. ;
George HuUinger, C. of E. ; John Felker, M. of R.
There have also been organized, for social and insurance benefits, Royal
Arcanum and Improved Order of Heptasophs.
Allen & East Pennsborough Society for the Recovery of Stolen Horses and
Mules and the Detection of Thieves, was originally organized October 22, 1836;
revised and adopted June 7, 1854, and again January 7, 1865, and again Feb-
uary 22, 1873. and again February 22, 1886. Chartered November 14, 1870.
To Dr. J. F. Stadiger belongs the credit of bringing together a number of the
citizens of Allen and Bast Pennsborough Townships, at the public house of
Frederick Kuster, in Shiremanstown, on the 24th day of September, 1836.
The stealing of horses having become frequent, and the ordinary protection
found insufficient, the community, impressed with these facts, met to form
an association for mutual defense and assistance. Daniel Sherban was appointed
president, and Levi Merkel, secretary of this meeting. A committee was ap-
pointed to draft a constitution and bylaws, consisting of Dr. J. L. Stadiger,
Levi Merkel and William R. Gorgas, met October 26, 1836, agreeable to ad-
journment, at the house of Frederick Kuster, in Shiremanstown. Christian
21
256 HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Stayman was appointed president, and Levi Merkel, secretary, when Dr. Stadi-
ger, chairman of the committee, presented a constitution and by-laws. In 1837,
Samuel Shoop' s horse was the first one reported stolen, and from that time up
to the present, January 3, 1885, there have been only about forty stolen, less
than one a year and all these recovered except six.
Officers of the Society: Dr. E. B. Brandt, president; J. O. Saxton, vice-
president; C. B. Neisley, secretary; H. "W. Pressel, assistant secretary; Martin
Mumma, treasurer. Board of Managers: Henry Z. Zorger, 1 year; Jacob
Kutz, 1 year; Martin Brinton, 1 year; John H. Bowman, 2 years; John Fought,
2 years; Samuel Mumper, 2 years. Past presidents, each elected for one year
excepting where indicated: William E. Gorgas, October 22, 1836, to January
1837; Dr. J. F. Stadiger, elected January 1837; Jacob Shelly, 1838; William
E. Gorgas, 1839; Michael Hoover, 1840; John Thompson, 1841 (2 years);
Benjamin H. Mosser, 1843; George H. Bucher, 1844; Benjamin H. Mosser,
1845; Jacob Shelly, 1846; Christian Titzel, 1847; Benjamin H. Mosser, 1848;
Lewis Hyer, 1849; Simon Oyster, 1850; Joseph Mosser, 1851; Jacob Shelly,
1852; Benjamin H. Mosser, 18D3; Dr. Ira Day, 1854; Dr. E. G. Young, 1855;
Levi Merkel, 1856; John C. Dunlap, 1857; George Sherbahn, 1858; Eli
Grabil, 1859; John G. Dunlap, 1860; Dr. E. B. Brandt, 1861 (2 years); H. G.
Moser. 1863; James Orr, 1864; J. O. Saxton, 1865; Henry E. Mosser, 1866(2
years); William E. Gorgas, 1868; Dr. E. B. Brandt, 1869 (18 years).
Library and Ldterary Association. — At Mechanicsburg, in the autumn of
1871, steps were taken for the organization of ' ' The Mechanicsburg Library
and Literary Association;" and on April 4, 1872, a charter was obtained from
the Legislature. Additions were made from time to time until several thou-
sand choice volumes were secured, making it a well-spring of intellectual life to
the community.
CONCLUSION.
Situated, as Mechanicsburg is, in the midst of a purely agricultural region,
it is also one of the most enterprising industrial towns of its size in the State. It
has become a productive center for certain kinds of mianufactured goods.
Among its leading industries may be mentioned the manufacture of agricult-
ural implements; of carriages, particularly by the long-established firm of
Schroeder; the iron foundry of Houck & Comstock, the inception of which
dates back to 1847 ; and three spoke and wheel works, for the manufacture of
wheels, spokes, hubs, etc. , which has grown to be a distinctive industry of the
town. One of these, that of Frederick Seidle, won medals at the Exposition at
Philadelphia in 1876, at Paris in 1878, and at Atlanta in 1881, for superior work-
manship and goods ; while the shipment of any of these firms is not limited to
our own country, but extends to France, Germany, Eussia, England and Aus-
tralia.
Mechanicsburg has, besides these industries, which we have mentioned, a
planing-mill, wagon and plow works, tannery, two horse-net factories, boot and
shoe factory, a brick-yard, a grain-fan factory, and a number of other indus-
tries of lesser note. It is a handsome town for residence, the center of a rich
agricultural community, of growing importance as a manufacturing center,,
and, in every way, one of the most prosperous towns of its size in the State.
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG. 257
CHAPTER XVIIl.
BOEOUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG.
Its First Settlement — Early Reminiscences — List of Original Land Pur-
chasers — Early Hotels in Shippensbxjrg — Churches — Cemeteries —
Schools— Newspapers— Bank-Societies.
SHIPPENSBURG is the oldest town in the valley and, with the exception
of York, the oldest town in the State west of the Susquehanna River. The
first settlement at this place is said to have been made by twelve families in
June, 1730.* In May, 1733, there were eighteen cabins in the settlement,
which had, as yet, no name. These cabins were mostly at the eastern end of
the town, which was the first to present the appearance of a village. ' ' When
the town was subsequently laid out by the proprietor, the point where Queen
Street crosses King was selected as the centre. "
The following letter, written in May, 1733, will serve to give some vivid
idea of this settlement at that period:
May 2l8t, 1733.
Dear John: I wish you would see John Harris at the ferry and get him to write to the
Governor to see if he can't get some guns for us; there's a good wheen of ingens about
here, and I fear they intend to give us a good deal of troubbel and may do us a grate
dale of harm. We was three days on our journey coming from Harrises ferry here. We
could not make-much speed on account of the childer; they could not get on as fast as
Jane and me. I think we will like this part of the country when we get our cabbin built.
I put it on a level peese of groun, near the road or path in the woods at the fut of a hill.
There is a fine stream of waiter that comes from a spring a half a mile south of where our
cabbin is built. I would have put it near the waiter but the land is lo and wet. John Mc-
Call. Alick Steen and John Rippey built there's near the stream. Hugh Rippey's daughter
Mary [was] berried yesterday; this will be sad news to Andrew Simpson when he reaches
Maguires bridge. He is to come over in the fall when they were to be married. Mary
was a verry purty gerl; she died of a faver, and they berried her up on rising groun, north
of the road or path where we made choice of a peese of groun for a graveyard. She was
the furst lierriod there. Poor Hugh has none left now but his wife, Sam and little Isabel.
There is plenty nf timber south of us. We have eighteen cabbins hilt here now, and it
looks [like] a town, but we have no name for it. I'll send this with John Simpson when
he goes back to paxtan. Come up soon, our cabbin will be ready to go into in a week
and you can go in till you get wan bilt; we have planted some corn and potatoes. Dan
McGee, John Sloan and Robert More was here and left last week. * * * Tell
Billy Parker to come up soon and bring Nancy with him. I know he will like the coun-
try. I forgot to tell you that Sally Brown was bit by a snaik, but she is out of danger.
Come up soon. Yr. aft. brother
James Magaw.
In the year succeeding the Penn purchase of the land in the north valley,
Edward Shippen obtained (in January and March, 1737) patents for two tracts
of land, containing in all, 1,312 acres, onthefirst of which, west of the center and
not far from the southeastern border stood the nucleus of the village, which
thirteen years later, became, for a brief time, the county seat, and which, from
that time until this has been known as Shippensburg.
Edward Shippen, the founder and proprietor of Shippensburg, was born in
Boston July 9, 1703. He moved to Philadelphia, where he married Miss Mary
*Their names were Alexander Steen, John MoCall, Richard Morrovr, Gavin Morrow, John Culbertson
Hueh Eipney John Rippey, John Strain, Alexander Askey, John McAllister, David Magaw, John Johnston
Soon aiier, Benjamin Blyihe, John Campbell and Robert Caskey.
258 HlStORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Plumley, in September, 1725. His fourth son, Edward (born February 16,
1729), became chief justice, and, by the marriage of his daughter Margaret,
he was the father-in-law of Benedict Arnold. The elder Shippen removed
from Philadelphia and lived in Lancaster. He died in 1781.
For some time after the buying of the land by Mr. Shippen, the popula-
tion of the town seems to have increased rapidly. Three years after (1740)
the first fort was built. The whites, seeing that the Indians were becoming
alarmed at the rapid increase of population, met at the public house of the
Widow Piper, and determined to erect a fort. A time was fixed, the people
assembled, cut the logs, and erected the building on the northeastern side of
the town. This was in the spring, and in the autumn of that year Gov.
Thomas sent a garrison of twenty-two men to supply the fort. A well was af-
terward dug by soldiers and citizens within the outward inclosure of the fort,
the traces of which are still visible on Burd Street, just outside of what is
known as the "Fort Field." This log structure was named "Fort Frank-
lin," probably in 1755, to distinguish it from Fort Morris, which was then in
process of construction.
As early as 1740 or 1741 a log flouring-mill was built by William Leeper
(then of Shippensburg) on the west bank of the stream, south of the town. In this
year, 1740, the Campbells, Culbertsons, Duncans, Reynoldses, Eippeys, Mc-
Calls, 'Dunlaps, Pipers and Lowerys were among the leading families of the
place. *
It is not certain when the town was first laid out, but it seems to have been
as early as 1749. From the time of the Shippen purchase until February,
1763, the first inhabitants held their lots upon grants or permits issued by Mr.
Shippen. In the above mentioned year deeds, or leases as they were then
called, were issued by him, with the reservation of an annual quit-rent (of
$1.66§)'on each lot of sixty-four feet four inches in breadth. After his death,
in 1781, when the property descended to his sons, the quit-rent upon the re-
maining unsold lots was $4.
When the county of Cumberland was formed in January, 1 750, the first
coTirts of justice were held in Shippensburg. This was, indeed, ' ' the only
town in the valley, ' ' and, although it had not regularly been so appointed, it
was regarded as the county seat. There were but four terms of court held in
Shippensburg; the first on the 24th day of July, 1750, and the last April 24,
1751. f In this latter year the courts were removed to Carlisle (Letort's
Spring), which had been chosen by the proprietors as the county seat, which
action on their part caused great excitement and called forth a vigorous pro-
test from the inhabitants of the upper end of the county. In what house the
courts were held, in Shippensburg, is not known; there was, however, a pub-
lic whipping post, which is said to have stood at or near the intersection of
King and Queen Streets.
For some time after this period the growth of Shippensburg was slow.
This was not owing to the removal of the courts, but to that terrible period of
Indian depredation, which began in 1753, and ended in 1764.
Among the Indian depredations in 1757, near Shippensburg, are the fol-
lowing: "On the 6th of June, 1757, two men were murdered, and five taken
*Francls Campbell was a raan of culture, a ready aod forcible writer, and one of tbe first raercbants in
Shippensburg. He died in 1790. Daniel OunC'tn built a stone house on Lot 62, In which he kept a store and
tavern. His son Stephen represented the county in the Colonial Legislature, and was at onetime the heaviest
tax-payer in the place The others were names uf prumine uce, but there is not a male descendant of any on©
remaining in Shippensburg to-d*y. See sketch by late Hon. John McCurdy.
■fThis date is, by an error in the reiiords, marked 1750, which make the four terms at Shippensburg stand
thus: July 24, 1750; October 23, 1750; January 22, 1750; April 24, 175U. But those of July and October are the
first on the records, besides which the next regular term in Carlisle, July 23, 1751, follows naturally, if we cor-
rect the error.
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG. 259
prisoners, by a party of Indians, a short distance east of where Burd's Eiin
crosses the road leading from Shippensburg to Middle Spring. The names of
the killed were John MoKean and John Agnew, and those of the captured,
Hugh Black, William Carson, Andrew Brown, James Ellis and Alexander Mc-
Bride. All but Ellis, it appears, made their escape. These escaped prisoners
stated that Ellis was the only one who remained, as a white girl, whom this
band had captured in Maryland, previously becoming exhausted, had been
killed and scalped by them on the evening before they made their escape. On
the 18th of July, 1757, a band of savages surprised a party who were harvest-
ing in John Cessna's field, about a mile east of Shippensburg. They ap-
proached the field from the east through the woods, which bounded it on that
side, and, when within short range, fired, killing Dennis O' Neiden and John
Kirkpatrick; then rushing forward they captured Mr. Cessna, his two grand-
sons, and a son of John Kirkpatrick, and made their escape with their prison-
ers. There were other hands in the field at that time, but a thicket which
stood between them and the Indians concealed them from view. The next
day, in a field belonging to Joseph Steenson, nine persons were killed and four
taken prisoners."
When the town was laid out, the old Indian path became the main road,
and was chosen for the location of King Street. Three-fourths of the resi-
dents of the town, in 1751, lived upon that portion of this street, which lies
between Washington Street and the top of the hill west of the toll-gate.
In the spring of 1755 the road-cutters were at work opening a road west.
Braddock's army was in the field, and it was proposed to make Shippensburg
the base of supplies.
On June 14, 1755, Charles Swain writes to Gov. Morris from Shippens-
burg: "I arrived at this place on Monday, and judge there are sufficient
buildings for storing the provisions withoat erecting any; these will want but
a small repair, except the fastings, and to be had on easy terms, as they are
all left, to be possessed by any one who will inhabit them. The owners do not
seem inclined to take any advantage of their being wanted on this occasion.
I find not above two pastures here; these but mean as to grass, from drought;
but there is a fine range of forage for upward of four miles in the woods, quite
to the foot of the South Mountain; also a good run of water, that the cattle
will be continually improving after they come here. I shall use the methods
practiced here of keeping their beasts together; have a constant watch on
them; daily see to them myself. I can find but little cellaring here for secur-
ing the pork, but have pitched on a shady and dry spot in the woods for mak-
ing a cellar for what I can not store in such cellars as are in the town. There
are no bricks here, and little lime at present, so the making of ovens would be
difficult, and, if made of clay, then there would be some iron wanting. The
principal expense which seems to attend the magazine here will be the hire of
some person or persons to attend the cattle, also to watch the stores and pork,
etc. * * The coopers in these parts have plantations, and they but
occasionally work at their trades * * The mills, also, here have no
bolting cloths, so that they make only a coarse flour. ' ' In another letter,
dated July, 4, 1755 (just five days before Braddock's defeat), Mr. Shippen
says : "I shall give orders to Mr. Burd' s servant, a cooper, to take charge of
some cattle, as Mr. Swain shall direct. The cattle are provided with a range
of pasture. But the place which shall be agreed upon by the General (Brad-
dook) for the magazine, ought to be protected by at least twenty or thirty sol-
diers; and there should be a blockade built, otherwise they (the Indians) may
easily destroy the cattle, for they can march through the woods, undiscovered,
260 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
witliia tweuty miles of Shippeusburg, and they may come these twenty miles
one way on a path, leaving Jacob Pyatt's near Tascarora Mountain, on the
right hand and see but two houses till they are within two miles of my place."
Within a few days after the writing of this letter Braddock was defeated,
and the ominous danger-cloud which had threatened the inhabitants of the
valley, burst.
At Shippeusburg they began immediately to erect another fort. This fort
was called Fort Morris, after the Governor of the province. In a letter written
by Charles Swain to him, July 30, 1755, he says: "A defeat is, I believe, be-
yond doubt. I suppose that the people will now come fast into these parts,
and shall use all expedition in forwarding a fort. I have pitched on a piece of
ground of Mr. Shippen's, and the timber about here is all his; therefore
should be glad he was to write about it, if your Honor thought proper, that
there may be no afterolaps on his part." On November 2, of this year (1755),
James Burd writes to Edward Shippen, at Lancaster: "We are in great con-
fusion here at present. * * * This town is full of people, they
being all moving in with their families — five or six families in a house. We
are in great want of ammunition; but with what we have we are determined to
give the enemy as warm a reception as we can. Some of our people had been
taken prisoners by this party, and have made their escape from them and come
in to us this morning. * * * t^q have 100 men working at Fort
Morris every day."
He also wishes that they would send guns — "great guns, small arms and
ammanition" — from Philadelphia. This fort seems to have been completed in
1756.
"It stood," says Hon. John McCurdy, " on the rocky hill at the western
end of the town. The brick schoolhouse now standing there, which was built
some [forty-two] years ago, stands within the boundaries of the fort, the foun-
dation of a part of which can still be traced. ' ' The walls were built of small
stone, with mortar which became hard, and were about two feet in thickness.
The roof and timbers of the building were removed before 1821, and the re-
maining portion of the walls were torn down in 1836. *
In the sudden unslaught of the Indians, and the panic which ensued, in
1763, there was, on the 25th of July, 1,384 of these fugitives in Shippeusburg,
of whom 301 were men, 345 women, and 738 children, many of whom were
obliged to lie in barns, cellars and sheds, the dwelling houses being all crowd-
ed. Fort Franklin had, before this time, we are told, been enlarged with ad-
ditions, and during the Indian troubles of this period the various sections were
occupied by private families. It was afterward allowed to decay, and was torn
down about 1790.
At the time of these Indian troubles in 1763, and previous to it, various
parties, and, among others, those living around Shippeusburg, sent piteous
appeals to the Government for aid, but they seem often to have been power-
less, or to have turned a deaf ear to the supplications of these border inhabi-
tants.
In February, 1763, Mr. Shippen began to issue the first deeds or leases to
purchasers, and to those who had previously settled upon the lots. The list
of the original purchasers, with the number of the lot is as follows:
*0n the 19th of March, 1764, the Indians carried off five people iroiu within nine miles of Shippensburg,
and shot one man through the body The enemv, supposed to be eleven in number, were pursued sueci'ssfully
by about 100 provincials The houses of Jolin Siewari, AdaraSimms, James .McC.immoa. William Baird, James
Kelley, Stephen Caldwell and John Boyd were burnt. These people lost all their grain, which they had
threshed out with the intention to send it for saleiy further down among the inhabitants.— Oordon'i History of
Pennsylvania, p. 624.
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG.
261
1 Samuel Montgomery.
3 David Magaw.
3, 4 Francis Campble.
5 Peter Miller.
6, 7 William Piper.
8 John Cunningham.
9 Anthony Maule.
10, 11 Richard Long.
13, 13, 14 Francis Campble.
15 Alexander Sterrit.
16 William Cowan.
17 John Brady.
18 William Reynolds.
19, HO James McCall.
21 Robert Chambers.
32 John Cesna.
33 William Hendricks.
34 George Ross.
25 Andrew Wilkins.
26, 37 William Barr.
38 Andrew Wilkins.
29 Thomas Finley.
30 Humphrey Montgomery.
31 Thomas Finley.
32 Daniel Duncan.
33 Isaac Miller.
34 John Montgomery.
35, 36 Samuel Perry.
37 John Corbet.
38 Daniel Duncan.
39 Blank.
40 Daniel Duncan.
41 Archibald Flemming.
42 James Lowery.
43 Andrew Keith.
44 James McClintock.
45 William Leeper.
46 Blank.
47 David McKnight.
48 William Barr.
49 William Sutherland.
60, 51 John Miller.
52 Martin Holderbaum.
53 Samuel Tate.
54 William Brookins.
55 Samuel Duncan.
56 Matthew Adams.
67 William McConnel.
58 Blank.
59, 60 Meeting-house, graveyard.
61 Richard Long.
63 Henry Davis.
63, 64 Edward Lacey.
65 Archibald Mahan.
66 James McKeeny.
67 Jacob Kiser.
68 Blank.
«9 Dr. Robert McCall.
70 Blank.
71 George Taylor.
72, 73 Andrew McLean.
74 Church lot— free.
75 Benjamin CoppenhefEer.
76 Robert Reed.
77 Joseph Campbell.
78 John Reynolds.
79 Jacob Milliron.
80 Valentine Haupt.
81 Simon Rice.
82
88
84
85
86
87
90
91
93
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100,
103
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112,
114
115
116
117,
119
130,
183
128
134
185
136
127
138
129,
183
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
149
150,
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
163,
164
165
Adam Carnahan.
James Reynolds.
Robert Peebles.
Anthony Maule.
James Dunlap.
Gideon Miller.
Andrew Boyd.
Joseph Parks.
Tristram Miller.
John Redott.
Anthony Maule.
James Reynolds.
George Ehley.
William Duncan.
Anthony Maule.
John Mains.
Robert Brown.
John Heap. Meadow lot.
101 Samuel Rippey.
Lucinda Piper.
Samuel Rippey.
Robert Peebles.
John Smith.
Anthony Maule.
Johnson Smith.
James Piper.
Samuel Rippey.
William Wilson.
Margaret McDaniel.
118 Benjamin Kilgore.
Blank.
Anthony Maule.
William Camphell.
118 James McCall.
George McCandless.
121 Daniel Duncan.
Blank.
Blank.
David Ellis.
John Montgomery.
James Russell.
Blank.
Joliu Montgomery.
130, 131 Blank.
Thomas Atkinson.
Blank.
Robert Beatty.
Samuel Perry.
John Carnahan.
Samuel Perry.
John Cessna.
Alexander Askey.
John Mahan.
to (and including) 148 Blank.
Alexander Johnston.
151 John Dietriok.
Abraham Beidleman.
Anthony Maule.
Jacob Lightner.
John Gregory.
George McCandless.
Jacob Kiser.
John Davenport.
Joseph Mitchel.
Thomas Moore.
John Dietrick.
163 Frederick Shipley.
John Stall.
Christian Gish
262 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
166 Andrew Patterson. 171 Christian Qish.
167, 168 Blank. 172 Frederick Blieval.
169 Casper Sallsgibber. 173 Walter Welsh.
170 David Duncan.
The place in early days was sometimes spoken of as "Shippen's Farm."
As a specimen of the deeds, an indenture made on the 13th of March, 1764, ' ' be-
tween Edward Shippen of the Borough of Lancaster, of the one part, & Archibald
Machan, of the other," conveys, subject to the quit rent "a certain lot of
ground Scituate within a certain new town called Shippensburg, in the county
of Cumberland, containing in breadth sixty-four feet four inches, & in length
457, 4 inches. No 65, Bounded on the South by King Street & on the west by
Lot No 60 granted or intended to be granted to James Mackeney, & on the
east by Lot No 64 Granted to Edward Lacey & on the north by a fourteen
foot alley, &c. (Signed) Edward Shippen."
In the Revolutionary war Shippensburg was prompt to respond to the call
for men. Capt. Matthew Henderson, at the beginning of the war, raised a
company of 104 men in Shippensburg, and another, but not a full one, was
raised by Capt. Mathew Scott. It is said that at this time there ' ' was
scarcely an able bodied man in the place who was not enrolled in one or the
other of these organizations. "
In December, 1775, Capt. William Eippey, of Shippensburg, enlisted a
company, of which he was commissioned captain January 9, 1776, which be-
came one of the companies of the Sixth Eegiment, commanded by Col. Irvine.
With the brigade to which it shortly afterward belonged it was sent to Canada,
where, at Trois Rivieres, Capt. Eippey with his colonel and most of the men
were captured. Rippey made his escape, and after the war resum<^d keeping
the Branch Hotel in Shippensburg — down to the time of his death in 1819.
Until 1790 there was no postoffioe in Shippensburg. Previous to this
time the people depended simply upon private carriers. But by an act of Con-
gress in 1788, "posts" were established for the regular transportation of
mails between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh by the route of Lancaster, York,
Carlisle, Chamberstown and Bedford, from which mails were dispatched once
in each fortnight. The first postmaster, at the establishment of the first
"post" in Shippensburg, May 13, 1790, was Robert Peebles.
During the " Whiskey Insurrection " of 1 794 Gen. Washington passed
through Shippensburg, at which place he remained for some portion of the
day. It is said the citizens gathered to pay him their respects, but others, a
few days after his visit, in order to show their disapprobation of the use of a
military force to suppress the insurrection, during the hours of night, erected
a " liberty pole " on the corner where the council house now stands. This pole
was afterward cut down at night by the opposite party — or by parties "to
whom its presence was objectionable."
Although Shippensburg is the oldest town in the valley, it was not incor-
porated as a borough until January, 1819.
The population of the place at various times was as follows: In 1800,
it contained less than 800 inhabitants; in 1810, 1,159; in 1820, 1,410; in
1830, 1,308; in 1840, 1,473; and at present about 2,500. Although it has
not increased rapidly in population, the town in other respects has improved
greatly within the last quarter of a century.
EARLY HOTELS IN SHIPPENSBUBG.
The earliest public house in Shippensburg was, in all probability, that of
' ' The Widow Piper. ' ' It existed as early as 1735, when a number of persons
living in the vicinity met to protest against the new road running through
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG. 265
"the barrens."* Here, for many years, the public business was transacted,
and in it, it is possible, the first courts were held, f
"A brewery was started at a very early day in the building now known as
the Black Bear Hotel. This building was erected for that purpose, and the
business of brewing was carried on there for a number of years; at first by
Adam Carnahan, and afterward by James Brown. This house was subse-
quently converted into a tavern, and was first kept by a maa named John
Saylor, who was succeeded by Jacob Eaum, he by John Snyder, and he, in
1821, by Jacob Hartzell. J We find that this hotel was known as the " Black
Bear " as early or prior to 1792; for in the records of the court, August, 1792,
there is a petition for a " road fi-om the sign of the Bear in King Street past
Reynold's mill to Middle Spring Church," which was granted. And, among-
public papers owned lately by the late Jason Eby, kindly furnished to us by
Christian Humrich, Esq. , we find the original petition presented to the court
in August, 1792, as follows: "The humble Petition of Jacob Eahm, of Ship-
pensburg. Humbly Sheweth — That your Petitioner, having provided a Com-
modious House & accomodations for Travellers in the Town of Shippensburg,
Humbly prays your Honorable Coart to grant him a licence for the purpose
of keeping a house of intertainment in the said town," etc. §
There was also a hotel in Shippensburg prior to 1792, known by the name
of the "Black Horse." For in another petition to this term of court (August,
1792) from Patrick Cochran, we find " that the petitioner hath lately rented
and now occupies the commodious and long aceusto.med public house known by
the name of the Black Horse, in Shippensburg, where he is well provided
with liquor and all other necessaries for a public house, and also has had
many repairs made for the better accommodation of travellers. ' ' There was
also another hotel in Shippensburg, in and prior to 1792, know by the name of
the ' ' King of Prussia. ' ' The application is by Conrad Beamer, presented at
the same term of court (August, 1792), who prays that ' ' "Whereas your petitioner
continues to keep the old accustomed and commodious tavern known by the
name of the 'King of Prussia,' in Shippensburg," that the court will recom-
mend him to his Excellency the Governor for license to continue a public house
in the said place. One other petition is made, also August, 1792, by George
McCandless, who ' ' hath kept a house of entertainment in the house where he
now lives, the preceding year, and is desirious of continuing the same. ' ' And
this is all we know of the ' ' taverns " of ye Town of Shippensburg, ' ' before
the beginning of this century.
Following the Indian moccasin, "when the days of the pack-horse had
passed away, the Black Bear Hotel became the principal stopping place for
wagons engaged in the transportation of merchandise to the West. ' ' Ship-
pensburg was then lively with this traffic to and from Pittsburgh and Philadel-
phia. But the Conestoga teams, with their noise and bustle, have passed away.
They have ceased "to collect nightly in groups around the house," and the
recollection of them, even, has grown dim. |j
Sixty years ago there were six wagon-maker shops, each employing a num-
ber of hands, and nine blacksmith shops all busily employed.
* Historical Discourse rMiddle Spring) by Rev. S. S. Wylie.
t There ia, in the records a bill of sale from Jannet Piper, of Shippensburg, idnkeeper, in 1755.
i Hon. John McCurdy's sketch in Wing.
gThe petitioner of this is recommended by John Heap, a handsome signature, Jacnb Blocher, James Cis-
sire.(?) Samuel Quigley, James Moore, Patrick Cochran and Samuel Kippey; the latter by John Scott, Thomas
Wilson, Robert (Jolwell, Samuel Colwell, Alexander Beatty. William Bell, John White, Samuel Peebles, K
McCall, William Brookins, William Barr, John Heap and Samuel Mitchell, " residents of Shippensburg and
pans adjacent."
II Many of these wagons were made at Shippensburg and Loudon, and this was one of the most prominent
industries of the place.
266 HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
CHUBOHES.
The Scotch Irish Presbyterians who settled at Shippensburg belonged to
the church at Middle Spring, so that no church of that denomination was for
some time erected. Mr. Shippen and his agents, and the Goverment employes
at Forts Morris and Franklin, located at Shippensburg, were Episcopalians, and
"an effort was made to establish an Episcopal Church. This scheme, how-
ever, never promised to be successful, and when the agents withdrew, was
ajjandoned. ' ' *
In 1767 Lot 59 was conveyed by Mr. Shippen to Francis Oampble in trust,
for a Presbyterian Church, ' ' with yearly rent of one penny sterling, ' ' and a
log house was erected about 1768, but little used, and was turned into a
fichoolhouse, neglected, and finally torn down. The adjoining Lot 60 had
previously been set apart and used for the burial of the dead. There was
early a Reformed Associate Presbyterian Church in Shippensburg. "Lot 216
on the village plot was, June 2, 1794, deeded by the Shippen brothers to this
■church, and a stone meeting-house was erected on it about 1797, which was
subsequently enlarged," and is still standing. Its pastors were Kev. James
"Walker, ordained September 4, 1799 (of congregations of Shippensburg and
■Chambersburg, giving to each half his time), resigned August 8, 1820. Rev.
Thomas Strong, ordained (over the two churches) October 23, 1821, at which
time a union was formed between his congregation in Shippensbiu-g and the
members of the church at Middle Spring, who resided in or near the village.
On February 18, 1824, Rev. Henry R. Wilson, D. D. , was installed and re-
mained till October, 1839. He was born near Gettysburg in 1780; graduated at
Dickinson College under Nesbit; was chosen professor of languages in that
institution in 1806. He preached in the First Presbyterian Church at Car-
lisle, as colleague with Dr. Davidson. In 1814 accepted call at SUver's
Spring, from which place he went to Shippensburg. He died in Philadelphia
March 22, 1849.
He was followed by Rev. James Harper in 1840, who served till May 8,
1870, and was succeeded, in 1872, by Rev. W. W. Taylor, succeeded, in May,
1875, by Rev. W. A. McCarrell.
In April, 1839, a suit was brought for the exclusive right to the church
property by a few Associate Reform members still remaining in the town,
which was successful. The little society gradually dwindled away, and the
church building was leased to the borough for school purposes for ninety-nine
years, for $1,000. When this case was decided, the Presbyterian Congrega-
tion purchased a lot in another portion of the town and erected the neat brick
«difice in which they worship. A new church is now being erected.
Methodist Church. — The first church was built in 1790. It was a log struct-
ure, one story high, and stood on the northwest end of the lot where the old
brick church stands. At first the congregation was small, but it grew in strength
and importance, and has included in its membership many of the most prom-
inent residents of the town. In 1825, a new brick church was erected on the
southwest end of the old lot. It was used about half a century. The present
church, on King Street, was built in 1875.
German Reformed and Lutheran. — Some time during the latter part of the
last century a lot located on the southeast corner of Orange and Queen Streets
was selected as a place of burial by the Lutheran and Reformed denomina-
iions, and on it a log church was erected, which was used until about 1812.
*UDtiI the (Presbyterian) organization was effected, the Episcopal element was, perhaps, dominant in the
borough, through the influence of Mr. Shippen, the proprietor, who was connected with that denomination."
— Nevm's Churches of the Valley, p. 155.
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBDRG. 267
In about that year a brick church was erected, where the German Eeformed
Church now stands, and was at first used as a place of worship by both con-
gregations. After some time the two congregations separated, each erecting a
church edifice of its own.
A brick church was built by the denomination known as the Church of Ood
about 1828, which was torn down in 1870, when the present one was erected.
In 1868 the United Brethren built their present church on North Penn
Street.
CEMETEEIES.
The burial places of Shippensburg having become full of the bodies of
those who, during more than a century of its existence, had taken up their
abode "in the dark house and narrow bed" in the various inclosures. A new
burial place, known as the ' ' Spring Hill Cemetery, ' ' was incorporated Jan-
uary 18, 1861, and twelve acres of land, which were purchased for that pur-
pose, were laid out into lots. We may mention that the first burial in these
grounds was that of Robert McFarland, who had contracted a fever in the
army, and that of thirty-two soldiers who served in the late war are buried
beneath its sod.
SCHOOLS.
There are nine public schools in Shippensburg, which are taught for eight
months during the year; but the main educational institution is "The Cum-
berland Valley State Normal School," which was chartered in 1870 and
opened on April 15, 1873, with a registered list of 300 pupils. Its corner-
stone was laid on May 31, 1871. The building, which is about one-fourth of
a mUe north of town, is a handsome architectural design, and is situated on a
commanding eminence, surrounded by beautiful and spacious grounds, taste-
fully laid out. It was erected at a cost of over $125,000.
NEWSPAPERS.
There have been ten papers published in Shippensburg since the formation
of the town. One, the ' ' Valley Spirit, ' ' was, about 1846, moved to Cham-
bersburg, where it is still published. Another, the Valley Sentinel, was
bought by Henry K. Peffer, Esq. , who moved it to Carlisle, where it is still pub-
lished. The present papers in Shippensburg are the Shippensburg News,
established in 1844, and the Shippensburg Chronicle, started in 1875.
There is one National Bank in Shippensburg, which was established ^^nder
the title "The First National Bank of Shippensburg," in 1866.
SOCIETIES.
Cumberland Valley Lodge, No. 315, F. & A. M., was instituted Febraary
18, 1858, with following named charter members : Rev. James Colder, Rev. F.
A. Eupley, Henry Ruby, Sr. , Jacob Heck, John S. Blair, John Wunderlich,
R J. Lawton and Rev. D. A. Laverty. Present membership, twenty-nine.
Present officers: John Wolf, W. M. ; J. M. Gardner, S. W. ; S. M. Houston,
J. W. ; S. C. Henderson, Treas. ; W. M. Geesaman, Sec.
Lincoln Lodge, No. 38, A. Y. M. (colored), instituted in 1868 ; has about
eighteen members. Present ofdcers are Henry Johnston, W. M. ; George A.
Barnes, Jr. , S. W. ; Edward Arthur, J. W. ; William A. Barnett, Sec. ; Thomas
Miller, Treas.
Valley Encampment, No. 34, I. 0. O. F. , was chartered June 22, 1846,
with charter members William F. Carey, John C. Altick, William B.- Cochran,
268 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
John Fisher, J. H. M. Peebles, John A. Olippinger and John Bender. Pres-
ent membership thirty-eight. Present officers: G. F. Cressler, C. P.; G. S.
Clark, H, P. ; Elmer B. Shelley, S. W. ; R. W. Hockersmith, J. W. ; J. K. L.
Mackey, Scribe; W. J. Angle, Treas.
Cumberland Lodge, No. 90, I. O. O. F. , was organized December 12, 1843,
the charter members being William F. Carey, B. F. Irvin, William H. Hoo-
ver, John MoOardy and John C. Altick. Present membership, seventy-two.
Present officers: George W. Noftsker, N. G. ; J. E. Wolfe, V. G»; John
A. Fleming, Treas. ; J. K. L. Mackey, Sec.
Mount Alto Lodge, O. U. 0. F., No. 1941 (colored), was organized in 187&
with about twenty members. Discontinued working in 1885.
Royal Arcanum. — There was also organized, August 24, 1886, for social
and insurance benefits, a council of the Boyal Arcanum.
CHAPTER XIX.
BOEOTJGtH OF SHIEEMANSTOWN.
Locality — Origin of Name — Churches — Societies— Miscellaneous.
SHIEEMANSTOWN is situated on the main road leading from Carlisle to
New Cumberland, known as the Simpson Ferry Eoad, and within a short
distance of the Cumberland Valley Eailroad in a fertile and highly improved
portion of the county.
It is twelve miles east of Carlisle and five miles west of Harrisburg. It
derives its name from Daniel Shireman, one of the first residents and land-
owners of most of the place upon which the town is built, and who kept a
hotel there for a period of some years. The first house was built by John
Davis about 1812 or 1814. It was afterward used as a hotel, and stiU later as
a store, which was the earliest one kept in the town.
Shiremanstown was incorporated as a borough in August, 1874.
CHURCHES.
There are three churches. The first was originally a frame building, one
story high, erected as a union house of worship in 1838, but since enlarged
and remodeled by the Church of God.
United Brethren. — This society erected their church in 1854. It is two
stories high, the lower portion being built of limestone, and the upper part of
brick.
Messiah's Church. — This is also two stories in height; was erected in 1867,
and is the handsomest church edifice in the town. The seats and doors are
made of polished chestnut. Its bell, cast in 1787, is the oldest one now in
Cumberland County.
societies.
Irene Lodge, No. 425, K. of P. , instituted in March, 1874, has a member-
ship of about fifty-seven. The officers are D. Y. Zimmerman, P. C. ; D. C.
Eberly, C. C. ; William Welty, V. C. ; John G. Bentz, P. ; L. O Sheaffer, K.
of E. and S. ; W. H. Zearing, M. of F. ; J. Morris Miller, M. of E. ; J. E.
Straining, M. of A.
COOK TOWNSHIP. 269
Beneficial Society of Shiremanstown was organized in 1841, with the follow-
ing officers: William E. Gorgas, president; Dr. William Mateer, vice-presi-
dent; Levi Merkel, treasurer; Daniel Shelley, secretary. Membership num-
bers about seventy. Present officers are Dr. W. S. Bruckart, president;
Christian Stoner, vice-president ; David C. Mohler, secretary; Joseph A.
Willis, treasurer; A. H. Dill, financial secretary.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The borough, besides its warehouses, wagon shops and stores, has also a
large, commodious, brick schoolhouse, built in 1868 by Lower Allen Township
before the borough was incorporated.
The Cumberland Valley Railroad passes through the borough from east to
west, and does considerable business at this point.
CHAPTER XX.
COOK TOWNSHIP.
COOK TOWNSHIP, at present the youngest township in Cumberland Coun-
ty, was formed from the southern part of Pennsylvania in the year 1872.
The whole of it is mountain land, well timbered, and containing at places large
quantities of valuable iron ore. There are several streams in the township, the
most important of which is the Mountain Creek, which, after being formed by
the junction of two smaller streams near Pine Grove, flows in a slightly north-
easterly direction through the mountainous portion of Dickinson Township;
then almost north, through South Middleton, untU it empties into the Yellow
Breeches Creek.
The State road from Carlisle to Gettysburg passes through the wild and
uncultivated mountain scenery of this township, as does also the Harrisburg &
Gettysburg Railroad, which was originally built, in 1869-70, as the South
Mountain Road, from Carlisle to Pine . Grove, by the South Mountain Iron
Company, for the development of their extensive property at that place. In
1883, under the name of the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railroad, it was ex-
tended from Hunters Run, a station on the former road, to the celebrated
"Round Top," on the battle-field, three miles beyond Gettysburg. It was
opened for travel on April 21, 1884* J. C. Fuller was the first president
and William H. Woodward the first general superintendent, secretary and
treasurer, a position which he still holds. The road has established a popular
and pleasant park near Pine Grove Furnace, in the midst of the wild moun-
tains, and which is one of the most attractive places of its kind which is to be
found in the county.
The chief property, however, of the company, in the township, is the Pine
Grove Furnace and the Laurel Forge, with about 25,000 acres of land, some
small part of which, however, is in Adams County. These Pine Grove Iron
Works are located on Mountain Creek about ten miles north of Mount Holly
Springs. It is not known when the first furnace was erected at this place.
The tract of about 150 acres was originally granted by Thomas and Richard
* In August of this first year, over SO.OOO people were carried over the road In ten days to the encampment
of the National Guards of Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
270 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Penn, in July, 1762, to Samuel Pope, and on the 7th of October of that year
it was conveyed by him to George Stevenson, who was a partner at that time
in the Carlisle Iron Works, at Boiling Springs. George Stevenson was born in
Dublin in 1718, educated at Trinity College and came to America about the
middle of the last century. He was a prominent man — a judge at one time of
the counties of York and Cumberland by a commission in 1755 under the
reign of George II. He was later a prominent lawyer at Carlisle. In con-
nection with William Thompson (afterward a general), and George Ross, a
signer of the Declaration of Independence, he became a large land-owner and
manufacturer of iron, and erected, in 1764, a furnace and forge (known as
Mary Ann Furnace) in York County. In 1769 he removed to Carlisle and en-
gaged in the iron business at Mount Holly. He married Mary Cookson, the
widow of Thomas Cookson, the deputy surveyor who laid out the town of Car-
lisle. In 1772 George Stevenson conveyed this Pine Grove property to Find-
lay McGrew, in which deed it is described ' ' as being the same tract as was
surveyed by William Lyon, Esq. , and whereon the said Findlay McGrew hath
lately erected a saw mill, ' ' etc. ; and in the year following, McGrew conveyed
said tract to Jacob Simons, who, in December, 1782, conveyed it, together with
another tract which he had improved, to Michael Ege and the two Thornbergs,
Thomas and Joseph. It is in this deed that the property is called the Pine
Grove Iron-works — a name by which it has been known ever since. Michael
Ege continued to own this property until his death in 1815, after which it was
confirmed, by proceedings in partition, to his son Peter Ege, since which time
it has passed through various hands, until it came into the possession of the
present owners.
The only postofBce in the township is called Pine Grove Furnace, and the
only iron way is the South Mountain Railroad, spoken of fully above.
CHAPTER XXI.
DICKINSON TOWNSHIP.
DICKINSON TOWNSHIP was formed from a portion of West Pennsborough
Township, April 17, 1785. At its formation it included the townships of
Penn and Cook, and in all probability extended from South Middleton on the east
to Newton on the west; and from the "great road leading from Harrisburg to
Chambersburg on the north, ' ' to the Adams County line on the south. It is
a rectangular township, now bounded by South Middleton (east), Penn
(west). West Pennsborough (north), Adams County (south), and is about twelve
miles long, north and south, and about five miles wide. The character of its
soil is, in the north, undulating limestone land, which portion is covered with
fine farms in a high state of cultivation. The southern portion, beginning at
the Yellow Breeches Creek, is sand and gravel land, which industry has made
productive; while the extreme southern section of the township is a mountain
region, covered with a light growth of oak, chestnut and yellow pine. The
Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railroad and the South Mountain branch, also the
Mountain Creek pass through this southern section, while the Harrisburg &
Potomac Railroad, running almost parallel with the Yellow Breeches Creek,
passes through the center of the township.
DICKINSON TOWNSHIP. 271
The original settlers of this township were Scotch-Irish. They seemed
to have settled first upon the Yellow Breeches Creek, upon which stream they
purchased from the Proprietaries large tracts of land. Many of the descend-
ants of these original settlers still live upon those lands.
One of the earliest land-owners in this section was Michael Ege, the elder,
who came into Cumberland County at a very early period. He owned a tract
which extended from somewhere about Boiling Springs, to what is now Hay's
Station, on the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad, a distance of about twelve
miles. The bulk of this land lay between what is known as the first and sec-
ond range of hills along the tJhe South Mountain, which, in Dickinson, extend
down on the north side of the mountain a considerable distance into the valley,
at some places as far north as the Yellow Breeches Creek. This property was
distributed among his children, but, with the exception of the Carlisle Iron-
works, the whole of it passed out of their hands in the first generation. A
large portion of this Ege tract, perhaps all of that which went to Mrs. Wilson,
a daughter of Michael Ege, a considerable time after her death, and after
much of it had been improved and made into farms by the purchasers, was
claimed by Mrs. Wilson's heirs. This claim gave rise to very protracted liti-
gation. It involved the title to perhaps a hundred farms or pieces of property
in what is now Penn Township. After various conflicting decisions it was
finally decided in favor of the purchasers and against the Wilson heirs.
Among the early settlers of the township were the Houcks, or two families
of Houcks. They owned what was known as the Salome Forge. The Gal-
breaths were an old family, as were also the Weakleys and the Lees. The
Weakleys probably settled in this section as early as 1732, and owned large
tracts of land four generations ago, including that now known as Barnitz Mill.
Another branch of the Weakley family settled just above the Cumberland
Furnace, and owned the land about Spring Mills, now called Huntsdale, and
considerable farm land north, extending to the Dickinson Presbyterian Church,
which is built upon land donated for that purpose by (William L. Weakley)
one of the family.
Three generations ago the Lees, *(four brothers, Warren, Thomas, Holiday
and George), lived on the Walnut Bottom Road. The easternmost of these
farms was afterwards owned by the late Sterritt Woods. These men were
large, fine physical specimens of men, social, and who were fond ' ' of the
chace dancing, fiddling and hospitality." Another old family were the
Woods'. There was a large cluster of them in what is now the central por-
tion of Dickinson Township. They owned large farms, probably in all about
1,000 acres. Of this family, within the recollection of men living,
was Richard Woods, Squire, and Capt. Samuel Woods, who is said to have
been the determined juror who was instrumental in acquitting Prof. McClintock
when he was tried for inciting the riots in Carlisle. Capt. Woods was a
large man, who weighed probably over 201) pounds, walked always
with a stoop, was quiet, almost forbidding in his manner, but was in reality
one of the most benevolent and kindest men that ever lived. Another, David
Glenn, came from the north of Newville, and settled in this portion of the
county in about 1825. He owned from the Walnut Bottom Road out to the
Yellow Breeches Creek. He is described as a strict Covenanter.
Gen. Thomas C. Miller came (about 1830) and remained in the township
until his death. He was the father of William H. Miller, Esq. , a prominent
*The Lee family, of Dickinson Township, acquired the title to their lands by the old English ceremony of
livery of seiaen— or feudal investiture, the only instance of this kind which we know ot in Cumberland
County.
272 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
lawyer, still well remembered, of Carlisle. He had been a volunteer officer in
the war of 1812, fought at Lundy's Lane and along the Canada border, after
which he settled in Adams County, when he was elected to the Senate in the
days when Thaddeus Stevens was a member of that body. He then came to
Cumberland County and bought the Cumberland Furnace property, quite close
to Huntsdale, just on the eastern border of Penn Township. He was a tall,
venerable, fine looking man, proud, a good talker, and possessed of unusual
ability. During the days of slavery, the South Mountain afforded a hiding
place for colored people who attempted to escape from bondage, and Dickin-
son Township received its full share of these fugitives. In the year 1859,
just before the breaking out of the Rebellion, occurred the last case of this
kind. Three negroes, John Butler, wife and child, came in 1859 to reside in
Dic'<inson Township, and lived in a small house near the Spruce Run. They
had been slaves in Maryland, but had been manumitted by will at the death
of their owner. The estate, as it turned out afterward, was insolvent, and
the administrators sent their deputies to capture the human property, who
were regarded as assets of the estate. At about midnight on the 12th of June,
these negroes were stolen from their homes. Prompt measures were taken by
the citizens of the township to. discover the perpetrators of the crime, and
among these, Richard Woods and John Morrison were particularly active.
Myers, the principal kidnaper, was arrested just before reaching the Mary-
land line, and brought to Carlisle for trial.
This incident gave rise to an important case, in which the question was
whether they had a right to invade the free soil of Pennsylvania for such a pur-
pose. Judge Watts and A. Brady Sharpe were concerned with the district attor-
ney for the commonwealth, while able counsel, among whom were Bradley
Johnston and Johnston Meredith, represented the rights of the State of Mary-
land. Myers was convicted, but the sentence was suspended and the colored
people returned, when they went back to Dickinson Township, where they
have since lived. In a previous case, where the slaves of one Oliver passed
through the township, one of its citizens was made to pay dearly for his hav-
ing given them shelter during the night.
There are no villages in the township, and very little manufacturing, as
its interests are almost purely of an agricultural character. There are stores
at several points, and grist-mills and saw-mills sufficient to supply local de-
mands.
The hotel known as the Stone Tavern was built by James Moore about
1788, and was at one time known, we are told, as the "Cumberland Hall
Tavern."
CHURCHES.
There are but two churches in the township; one near Barnitz's Hills,
which belongs to the Methodist Protestant congregation, and which was
erected originally about 1844, but has since been rebuilt and improved; and
another church located on Spruce Run. Most of the people of Dickinson at-
tend services in the churches at Carlisle or in Penn Township.
After the Seceder Church was built in Carlisle in 1802, in which Rev.
Francis Pringle, from Ireland, was pastor, the Woodburns, the Rosses, the
Moores, and a number more of the most substantial and leading families of
the congregation, lived at a considerable distance in the country, and for their
convenience it was deemed expedient to provide a preaching place in the coun-
try, where public services could be occasionally held. Mr. Moore, of Dickin-
son Township, donated an acre from the corner of his farm, about six or seven
miles from Carlisle, as a site for a meeting-house and grave-yard, and here, in
J
EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 275
1809 or 1810, a stone church was built. We are informed it was nearly op-
posite the Stone Tavern. The building, which was but a preaching station
does not now exist.
SCHOOLS, ETC.
The common schools, twelve in number, are well sustained and attended,
and are taught by efficient teachers. Besides the regular terms of six months,
private schools are also maintained in some of the districts during the summer
months.
The postoffices in Dickinson Township are Mooredale, Barnitz and Uriah.
There is one station on the Gettysburg & Harrisburg main line named Starners,
and a station on the South Mountain Branch, called Henry Clay.
CHAPTER XXII.
EAST PENNSBOEOUGH TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF CAMP HILL.
EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP was originally a portion of Penns-
borough Township, which, at that time, embraced nearly all of the terri-
tory which is now Cumberland County. As early as 1737 it began to be called
east and west, and shortly afterward north and south parts of Pennsborough,
but it was not until 1845, when the latter were dropped, that the division of the
tovTnship into East and West Pennsborough seems to have been definitely rec-
ognized. The little fragment of it which now remains as the extreme north-
eastern portion of the county, and which still retains its maiden name, is
bounded by the Blue or Kitfcatinny Mountains on the north, the Susquehanna
River on the East, Lower Allen on the south, and on the west by Hampden
Township.
EAELY HISTOKT.
At a very early period the Shawanese Indians settled, with the consent of
William Penn and the Susquehanna Indians, upon this west side of the SXia-
quehanna River. They became disafPected, and under two chiefs, Shingas and
Capt. Jacobs (killed afterward at Kittanning). they took up the hatchet against
the whites, assigning as their reason for so doing that satisfaction had not been
made to them for lands surveyed into the Proprietary's manor on the Conodo-
guinet Creek. About 1728 they removed to the Ohio River, and placed
themselves under the protection of the French. The whites began to settle in
this (Paxton) manor, which embraced all the portion of the township south of
the Conodoguinet Creek, about 1730. Most, if not all of them, were Scotch-
Irish, and after 1736, when this land was finally purchased from the Indians,
the influx of immigrants was rapid. One year later (1736) the first road was
begun westward.
On the west shore of the Susquehanna River one Kelso lived, and, in con-
nection with John Harris, managed the ferry. The lots of the Paxton manor
which lay within the township were:
No. 1, containing 530 acres. It first belonged to Capt. John, Stewart;
since to John Rupley, Jacob Rupley and Jacob Moltz; later to Halderman's,
George Rupley' s heirs and others.
22
276 HISTORY OF CUMBERLANU COUNTY.
No. 2, 207 J acres belonged to John Boggs; later to Christian Erb, Biohel-
berger and McCormick; 300 acres belonged first to Caspar Weaver, now owned
by Eichelberger heirs, Eichelberger &Mus8er; 256 acres originally belonged to
Col. John Armstrong, now to Hummel' s estate and E. Wormley (they
formed the present site of Wormleysburg) ; 227 acres belonged originally to
James "Wilson, and 227 acres to Robert Whitehill.
Tobias Hendricks had charge of Louther manor, and lived on it, in what is
now East Pennsborough. He was the son of Tobias Hendricks, of Donegal,
and hence their names have been confounded. He came into the valley at a
very early period, possibly prior to 1725. In a letter to John Harris, bearing
date May 13, 1727, he speaks of his father as "at Donegal," requesting Mr.
Harris to forward a letter to him. He also alludes to " a trader ' ' at the Potomac,
of whom he bought skins, and of ' ' the grate numbers coming this side of ye
Sasquahannah. ' ' The valley was then being rapidly settled, for at this period
the Scotch-Irish immigration had begun.
From another source we learn of the Hendricks family, as follows:
' ' Scarcely, ' ' says the vreiter, ' ' had the echoes of the thundering at Lexing-
ton, on the 19th of April, 1775, ceased reverberating, ere the brave sons of the
valley, under the gallant Hendricks, were on the march to the relief of the be-
leagured city of Boston. Capt. William Hendricks was the grandson of Tobias
Hendricks, an Indian trader, and possibly the first actual white settler in the
valley, who located at what is now knovni as Oyster' s Point, two miles west of
Harrisburg. Here Tobias Hendricks died in November, 1739, leaving a wife,
Catherine, and children, Henry, Eebecca, Tobias, David, Peter, Abraham and
Isaac. William Hendricks was probably the son of Henry, who retained the
' ' old place ' ' where our hero was born. The company of Capt. Hendricks was
raised in about ten days, and as soon as orders were received was on the march,
reaching camp the first week in August, 1776. When the expedition against
Quebec was decided upon, the company of Capt. Hendricks, of Pennsborough,
was one which was detached from Col. Thompson' s battalion of riflemen, and
ordered to "go upon the command with Col. Arnold, ' ' better remembered now
as Gen. Benedict Aj-nold. Capt. Hendricks fell in front of Quebec, and his
remains were interred in the same inclosure with those of the lamented Gen.
Montgomery. Many of those who went never returned. Some were killed
and others were disabled by the severe exposure of that winter' s march througk
the wilderness of Maine.
No. 17, 213 acres. First belonged to Robert Whitehill; afterward to Dr.
Joseph Craine and Joseph Sadler.
No. 18, 311 acres. Belonged fii'st to Philip Kimmel; now by numerous
parties, and is the present site of the north part of Camp Hill.
No. 19, 267 acres. First owner, Andrew Kreutzer.
No. 20, 281 acres. First owner, David Moore.
Nos. 21 and 22, 536 acres. First owner, Edmund Physick.
No. 23, 282 acres. First owner, also Edmund Physick.
The following is a list of names of the original settlers on Paxton, or Lou-
ther, manor: Capt. John Stewart, John Boggs, Moses Wallace, John Wilson,
John Mish, Richard Rodgers, Conrad Renninger, Caspar Weaver, William
Brooks, Samuel Wallace, Christopher Gramlich, James McCurdy, Isaac Hen-
drix, Robert Whitehill, Philip Kimmel, Andrew Kreutzer, David Moore, Ed-
mund Physick, Rev. William Thompson, Alexander Young, Jonas Seely, Jacob
Miller.
Lands lying west of this had been settled still earlier than this manor,
which had been reserved by the Proprietary Government as a special reserva-
EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 277
tion for the Indians. John Harris had bought from the Penns, at an early-
date, seven or eight hundred acres of land on the west side of the Susquehan-
na Elver, and just north of the Conodoguinet Creek, which included the present
site of West Fairview. In 1746 Michael Grouse also had purchased 435 acres
fi-om the Penns, lying north, in the great bend of the creek. North of this
tract are the Rife farms, at the western boundary of which is Holtze's Run,
a small stream which rises at the base of the Blue Mountains, and falls into
the Conodoguinet Creek a short distance below, where Holtze's mill once
stood.
To the north of the township, where the chain of the mountains is broken
by the broad river, whose bright waters are studded with green islands, the
scene is of surpassing beauty, and were it not for the many furnaces and forges
along the river, which are marked by " a pillar of cloud by day, and of fire by
night, ' ' we might almost expect to see some painted savage emerge upon its
' waters in his bark canoe. For there were Indian villages here in these lower
parts of the county, which are still traditionally remembered; "on the banks
of the Susquehanna, Yellow Beeches, Conodoguinet and other places."
' ' There was an Indian town, ' ' says Rupp, ' ' opposite Harris' s, * *
another at the mouth of the Conodoguinet Creek, two miles above. "*
There are few families of the original Scotch-Irish settlers left. Four-fifths of
the inhabitants of the township to-day are of German descent. Among them
we find, as early as 1761, such names as Renninger, Kunckle, Bucher, Kast,
Herman, Kimmel, Brandt, Kreutzer, ShofP, Coover, Ruff, Schneble and Kis-
ecker, all of which are familiar names at the present day.
Among the prominent citizens of East Pennsborough Township may be
mentioned ex-Gov. Bigler, of Pennsylvania, and his brother, John Bigler,
once Governor of California. Both of them spent their boyhood in this town-
ship, and their father kept for many years what was known as the ' ' Yellow
Tavern, " which has since been converted into a private dwelling.
VILLAGES.
The villages in the township are West Fairview, Wormleysbui-g, White-
hill and Bridgeport.
Fairview, now' called ' ' West Fairview, ' ' was laid out by Abraham Neidig,
Esq., in 1815. It is pleasantly situated at the spot where the Conodoguinet
Creek flow's into the Susquehaana River. It has more than 300 houses, four
schools, three churches, one hotel, and an extensive rolling-mill and nail fac-
tory, now owned by the heirs of James McCormick (deceased), which gives
employment to many of the inhabitants of the town. In 1700 to 1720 the In-
dians bad a village here. West Fairview Lodge, No. 612, I. O. 0. F., at this
place has a membership of about fourteen.
Wormleysburg was laid out by John Wormley, Esq. , after whom it is
named, in the fall of 1815. It contains about forty dwellings, two schools and
two churches. For years it was the center of a large lumber trade. The
principal dwellings were erected by the proprietor and his sons. Mr. Worm-
ley was for many years the proprietor of the ferry which bears his name, and
which still stands.
Whitehill is a post village on the Cumberland Valley Railroad, one mile
west of the Susquehanna River, and is called after Hon. Robert Whitehill, the
original owner of the land upon which the town is built. After purchasing
these lands from the Proprietaries, he erected, in 1771, the first stone house
•See Eupp's History, p. 352.
278 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
built in the manor of Louther. At this time there were but few houses in it.
He was elected a member to the convention in Philadelphia in 1776, in which
the Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress, and was a mem-
ber of the convention which adopted the old constitution of Pennsylvania.
For years he served as a representative of the people of Cumberland County,
both in the State and in the National halls of legislation.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The postoffices in East Pennsborough Township are West Fairview,
Wormsleysburg and Camp Hill. The Cumberland Valley Eailroad crosses
the southern portion of the township from east to west.
BOROUGH OF CAMP HILL.
Camp Hill is beautifully situated on the higher grounds just north of the
Comberland Valley Railroad, two miles west of the Susquehanna River. It
is noted as the place where Tobias Hendricks had an Indian reservation as
early as 1750. Four people were killed by the Indians near this place in July,
1757. From 1851 to 1867 the town was known as White Hall, from an
academy of that name; but since 1867, when a postoffice was established at
this place, it has been known by its present name. The "Soldier's Orphan
School " is at this place. The town was organized as a borough in September,
1885.
CHURCH AND CEMETBHY.
The first church erected in this lower portion of the county, about one mile
north of Camp Hill, was a log one, erected in about 1765. It was two
stories high, the lower portion being used as a school and residence of the
teacher, and the upper story for religious worship. The old church was re-
moved, and the present one, known as the Poplar Church, erected. There is
an old grave-yard connected with the church, with partly obliterated inscrip-
tions dating back to 1789.
CHAPTER XXIII.
FRANKFORD TOWNSHIP.
FRANKFORD TOWNSHIP, originally included in West Pennsborough,
was formed in 1795. It lies in the northwestern portion of the coun-
ty, bounded on the north by the North Mountains, east by North Middleton,
south by West Pennsborough, and on the west by Mifflin Township. The
Conadoguinet Creek forms the line of its boundary on the south, and the
whole land of the township is intersected with small streams. The soil is of
a slate and gravely character, but under improved methods of cultivation it
produces good crops of cereals and fruit in abundance. The earliest settlers
were principally Scotch-Irish. Among them were Aliens, Armstrongs, Bells,
Benders, Butlers, Browns, Dillers, Douglases, Ernsts, Espys, Galbreaths,
Goods, Gillespies, Gettyses, Hayses, Leckeys, Logans, Lutzes, Lairds, McCom-
FRANKFORD TOWNSHIP. 279
mons, Mountzes, Niokeys, Powers, Sharps, Stoners, Woods, Wagners and
Wards. Of these only the names of Douglas, Hays and Logan occur in the
tax-list of West Pennsborough (which then included Frankford) in 1750.
Butler and Brown and Woods occur in the list for 1762. When the Germans
began to settle in Frankford is not known, but it was probably as early as the
formation of the township.
THE BUTLEE FAMILY.
Among the names which we have mentioned (many of which are not now
represented in the township or county), there is one family of National fame,
worthy of especial mention. Thomas Butler, and Eleanor, his wife, emi-
grated from the North of Ireland in 1740, and settled first in York County,
subsequently removing to a tract of land " adjoining ye Blue Mountains," in
West Pennsborough, now Frankford Township, Cumberland County. Here
Thomas Butler died in July, 1791, and little more is known of him save that
he was the father of a remarkable family of sons. For our account of them,
which follows, we are indebted to an article on "The Butlers of the Cumber-
land Valley," by Eev. J. A. Murray, of Carlisle, published in the first num-
ber of the Historical Register.
There were five sons, all of whom so favorably distinguished themselves in
the American Revolution that afterward Gen. Washington recognized them
as ' ' The Five Butlers, a gallant band of patriot brothers. " They were gen-
erally called the "fighting Butlers." They claimed to be of noble blood, and
traced their descent to the house of Ormond. *
These five sons of Thomas Butler were Richard, born April 1, 1743, fell
in battle November 4,1791; William, born in January, 1745, died May 16, 1789;
Thomas, born May 28, 1748, died September 7, 1805; Pierce (sometimes Per-
cival), born April 6, 1760, died September 9, 1821; Edward, born March 20,
1762, died May 6, 1803. There was also a daughter, Eleanor, born about 1754.
Richard Butler's first military experience was as an ensign of Capt. James
Hendrick' s company. First Pennsylvania Battalion, in Col. Bouquet' s expedition
of 1764. At the beginning of the Revolution he entered the Pennsylvania
Line as major of the Eighth Regiment; was promoted lieutenant- colonel March
12, 1777, and was transferred to lieutenant-colonel of Morgan's rifle command
June 9, 1777, whom he afterward succeeded. He was esteemed by Gen.
Washington and Gen. Wayne as one of the ablest partizan officers of the Rev-
olution and most familar with Indian life and aflfairs. He was also, it is said,
familiar with a number of their dialects, and was requested by the commander
to compile a vocabulary. He was sent with his rifle command to protect the
flank and rear of Gates from the Indians under Brandt, and after fighting suc-
cessfully at the battle of Saratoga (October, 1777) was ordered back to head-
quarters. He fought at Monmouth, was assigned as colonel of the Ninth
Pennsylvania, with which regiment he took a prominent part in the capture of
Stony Point, where, says St. Clair (in a letter to Reed, July 25, 1779) "my
friend Col. Butler commanded one of the attacks and distinguished himself. ' '
After the revolt of the Pennsylvania Line, the Ninth Regiment generally re-
enlisted under their old colonel in the Fifth Pennsylvania, who commanded
in the campaign under Gen. Wayne in the South. In October following, in
view of Col. Butler's valuable services prior to and at the capture of York-
town, he was honorably designated to plant our flag upon the British works
*Jame8BaUer, Duke of Ormond, was theifirat of the Anglo-Irish family of Butlers on whom the ducal title
was conferred. Lord Dunboyne, of the house next in remaiader to the house of Ormond, said : " I consider
thefive American Eevolutionary Butler brothers as addinfj lustre to the Dunboyne pedigree." See also ac-
count of Pierce Butler (as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787) in McMaster's History of the
United States.
280 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. He detailed for this purpose his en-
sign, Maj. Ebenezer Denny, from Carlisle, but Baron Steuben unexpectedly
appropriated this honor, for which reason Butler ' ' sent the arrogant foreigner
a message, as every one expected, and it took all the influence of Eochambeau
and Washington to prevent a hostile meeting."
' ' On a plan of Carlisle, made in 1764, the Butler home is then and there
indicated as being on Lot 61 West Main Street, north side, and third lot from
Pitt Street. ' ' In 1789 Col. Butler removed to Pittsburgh, and much of his
career follows. The first hotel and a street, at an early period in that city,
were named after him, as were also the county and town of Butler, in Penn-
sylvania.
He was prominent in securing the formation of Allegheny County; was
appointed to various positions; was commissioned one of the justices of the
court of common pleas of Allegheny County November, 1788, resigned 1790,
having been elected to the Assembly. He was commissioned (October, 1788)
with Col. John Gibson (father of John Bannister Gibson, Chief Justice of
Pennsylvania) to purchase Indian claims to the triangle on Lake Erie. He
was appointed, after the failure of Gen. Harmer's expedition, major-general,
and second in command (under Gen. St. Clair), and fell, when that army was
defeated on the Miami, in the very bloody battle fought against the allied In-
dians under Brandt, on the 4th of November, 1791. Two'of his brothers,
Cols. Thomas and Edward Butler were also in this disastrous battle, and the
first was severely wounded. ' ' After Gen. Butler, ' ' says Dr. William Denny,
in his memoir of his father, Maj. Ebenezer Denny, "had received his first
wound, he continued to walk in front, close along the line, with his coat off
and his arm in a sling, encoui-aging the men, and retired only after receiving
a second wound in the side. The Commander-in-chief . sent Maj. Denny with
his compliments to inquire how he was. He found him in the middle of the
camp in a sitting posture, supported by knapsacks; the rifle balls of the In-
dians, who now surrounded closely the whole camp, concentrated upon that
point. One of the wounded General' s servants and two horses were shot here.
He seemed, however, to have no anxiety, and to the "inquiry of the aid- de-
camp he answered that he felt well. Whilst making this reply, a young cadet
from Virginia, who stood by his side, was hit on the cap of the knee by a
spent ball, and cried so loudly with the pain and alarm that Gen. Butler ac-
tually shook his wounded side with laughter. This satisfied Maj. Denny
that the second wound was not mortal-that the General being very fleshy
the ball might not have penetrated a vital part. He always believed that he
might have been brought away and his life saved. Probably his own aid-de-
camp, Maj. John Morgan, may have offered to bring him off, as was his duty,
and the wounded General declined, conscious that his weight and helplessness
would only encumber his brave young friend for no use, and hinder him from
saving himself. " " About the time to which reference is here made, ' ' says Dr.
Murray, "it is reliably stated that the youngest brother, Capt. Edward But-
ler, removed the General from the field and placed him near the road by which
he knew the army must retreat, and on returning to the field found his other
brother, Maj. Thomas Butler, shot through both legs. He then removed
him to the side of the General, who, learning that the army was in retreat,
insisted on being left alone, as he was mortally wounded, and that he should
endeavor to save their wounded brother. He consequently placed Thomas
on an artillery horse, captured from a retreating soldier, and taking a sad leave
of their gallant and noble brother ' they left him in his glory. ' ' '
A letter from Edward Butler to his brother Pierce, who had moved to the
FRANKFORD TOWNSHIP. 281
South, dated Port Washington, November 11, 1791, says: "Yesterday I
arrived here with our worthy brother. Major Thomas Butler, who is illy
wounded, he having one leg broken, & shot thro' the other. * * * He
has borne the hard fortune of that day with the soldierly fortitude you might
have expected from so brave a man. We left the worthiest of brothers. Gen
Eichard Butler in the hands of the savages, but so nearly dead that I hope he
was not sensible of any cruelty they might willingly wreak upon him. " Chief
Justice Hugh H. Brackenridge, who spent the last years of his life in Carlisle,
where he died and was buried, wrote some lines on Gen. Wayne, in which the
name of Butler occurs:
"The birth of some great man or death
Gives a celebrity to spots of earth;
We say that Montcalm fell on Abraham's plains;
That Butler presses the Miami bank;
And that the promontory of Sigeum
Has Achilles' tomb."
Gen. Eichard Butler's will, dated September 29, 1785, is recorded in
Book E,page 251, at Carlisle, and as it is curious and interesting we will quote
some portions of it. It was evidently written in haste and before some dan-
gerous expedition. It begins:
" It being proper for all men to consider the interest of their families, and to do jus-
tice to all people with whom they have had dealings, which can never be done to so much
advantage to the parties concearned as when men are in health and out of bodily pain —
which I thank God is my present situation. Therefore, in the name of the great God of
heaven, creator of the universe, before whom I believe all men will be judged for their
conduct in this life, I, Richard Butler, being in perfect health and senses, think it my
duty (as I am going far from my family and into some degree of danger more than gen-
erally attend at my happy and peaceful home) to make some arrangement of my worldly
affairs as I wish and desire may take place in case of my death, which I hope for the sake
of my family, the great and almighty God will avert."
The will speaks of his " much loved and honored wife Mary Butler ' ' and
children William and Mary. An inventory attached to the will shows his es-
tate to have consisted of a house and lot in Carlisle, furniture, plate, etc. ;
iract of land in Westmoreland county, adjoining land of late Col. George
Croghan; tract on Allegheny River, below and adjoining land of Col. Croghan;
"tract on Plumb Creek, including the large forks of Plumb Creek, etc. ; two lots
in town of Pittsburgh, adjoining the lots of William Butler; two lots in the
town of Appley, on the Allegheny Eiver,near the old Kittanning: " One thou-
sand acres of land, being a donation of the State of Pennsylvania, and six- hun-
dred acres of land, a donation of the United States in Congress — these dona-
tions are for my services as a Colonel in the United States ; ' ' various notes,
etc. The testator wishes his executors to construe the will ' ' in the most na-
tural construction of the expressions, as I well know the writing is not done in
the most methodical way, or form, not having time even to copy or correct it. ' '
The executors were his wife Mary, his brother William, his "respected friend
Thomas Smith, Esq., attorney at law, Carlisle, and my friend John Montgom-
ery"; date September 29, 1785.
Col. WUliam Butler, second son of Thomas, was born in York County;
served during the Eevolution as lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth Eegiment
Pennsylvania Line, but acted as colonel, as the colonel of that regiment was a
prisoner on parole.
Col. Thomas Butler was born May 28, 1748, in West Pennsborough, now
Prankford Township, Cumberland County. He was an eminently brave sol-
dier. In 1776 he was studying law with James Wilson, one of the signers of
the Declaration, at Carlisle. He entered the war as first lieutenant of the Sec-
ond Pennsylvania Battalion, under Gen. St. Clair, January 5, 1776; became
282 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
captain in the Third Regiment in the line; fought in almost every battle in
the Middle States, retiring from service January 1, 1781. At Brandywine
(September 11, 1777) he received the thanks of the Commander-in-chief on the
field of battle for his intrepid conduct in rallying a detachment of retreating
troops, giving the enemy a severe fire. At Monmouth he received the thanks
of Wayne for defending a defile in the face of a heavy fire, vrhile his brother's,
Col. Richard Butler' s, regiment made good their retreat. After the war he
returned to his farm, but left it in 1791 to fight the Indians on the frontier.
He commanded a battalion in the disastrous battle of the 4th of November, in
vyhich his eldest brother fell. Though his own leg had been broken by a ball,
yet, on horseback, he led his battalion to the charge. He was subsequently
promoted as major (1792) and as lieutenant-colonel (1794); was in command of
Port Fayette (Pittsburgh) during the whiskey insurrection; was sent to Ten-
nessee, 1797, to dispossess intruders on unpurchased lands and treat with In-
dians.
"Col. Butler," says Dr. Murray, "was subsequently quite well known for
disobeying the order to cut off queues, the amusing history of which may be
here stated. The Butlers were the stanch friends of Washington and his
school, and not very partial to Wilkinson and his clique. The famous mili-
tary order to cut ofp queues, issued by Wilkinteon, was chiefly designed for Col.
Thomas Butler, whose queue was dressed and head powdered (even during a
campaign) before reveille. When the order reached the command, where it
was especially intended, the subordinate officers, who generally wore the of-
fensive appendage, called upon Col. Butler to get his advice and opinion for
their guidance ; and to the question ' What must we do ? ' he replied: 'Young
gentlemen, you must obey orders. ' And when asked if he designed cutting
off his queue, answered: 'The Almighty gave me my hair, and no earthly
power shall deprive me of it.' For this he was twice tried by court martial;
first mildly reprimanded, and secondly suspended for one year, but before the
sentence was pronounced he was gathered to his fathers (died at New Orleans
September 7, 1805). And this gallant, sturdy, veteran son of Cumberland
County died and was buried with his beloved queue. ' ' The most interesting
fact is to come. The facts which we have briefly mentioned were ' ' worked up
with great humor by Washington Irving, in ' Knickerbocker' s History, ' Gen.
Wilkinson being the original Von Puffenburgh, and Keldermeester (master of the
cellar) being a Dutch translation of Butler. ' ' The passage in Irving is as
follows: " The eel-skin queue of old Keldermeester," recounts Diedrich, "be-
came instantly an affair of the utmost importance. The Commander-in-chief
was too enlightened an officer not to perceive that the discipline of the garri-
son, the subordination and good order of the armies of the Nieuw Nederlands,
the consequent safety of the whole province, and ultimately the dignity and pros-
perity of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States General, imperiously de-
manded the docking of that stubborn queue. He decreed, therefore, that old
Keldermeester should be publicly shorn of his glories in presence of the whole
garrison ; the old man as resolutely stood on the defensive, whereupon he was
arrested and tried by a court-martial for mutiny, desertion, and all the other
list of offenses noticed in the articles of war, ending with a ' videlicet, in wear-
ing an eel-skin queue three feet long, contrary to orders.' Then came ou
arraignments and trials and pleadings, and the whole garrison was in a fer-
ment about this unfortunate queue. As it is well known that the commander
of a frontier post has the power of acting pretty much after his own will, there
is little doubt but that the veteran would have been hanged or shot, at least,
had he not luckily fallen ill of a fever through mere chagrin and mortification.
rxU^U^^c^
fRANKFORD TOWNSHIP. 285
and deserted from all earthly command with his beloved locks unviolated. He
obstinately remained unshaken to the very last moment, when he directed that
he should be carried to his grave with his eel -skin queue sticking out of a hole
in his coffin. ' '
The will of Col. Thomas Butler, filed in the records of the county, is
dated September 20, 1787. It begins "I, Thomas Butler, of West Penns-
borough Township, in the county of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania,
Gunsmith," etc. It bequeathes to his loving son, Eichard Butler, and
spouse, and to his loving son, "William Butler, and spouse, certain prop-
erty; to his wife, Eleanor, his personal property, with excepted legacies;
to his daughter, Eleanor, one hundred pounds, ' ' now in the hands of my
son, Edward Butler," also fifty pounds, "now in the hands of my son,
Pierce Butler." Also to said Eleanor Butler all claims of cow-cattle at the
stand in the barn, and her riding horse, also five pounds a year while she
remains single. To my "loving and worthy son, Capt. Thomas Butler,
all my real estate in West Pennsborough, [now Frankford] Township,"
county of Cumberland, etc. To loving wife, Eleanor, twenty pounds yearly.
To my loving son, Pierce Butler, the sum of one hundred and seventy-five
-pounds. To Edward Butler the sum of one hundred and seventy-five pounds.
His wife, Eleanor, and sons, Thomas and Edward, executors.
Col. Pierce Butler was born April 6, 1760, in West Pennsborough (now
Frankford) Township, Cumberland County. He served in the Pennsylvania
Line of the Revolution; was with Morgan at Saratoga and at siege of York-
town and other engagements. He moved from Cumberland County, after the
war, to the South. He was adjutant-general in the war of 1812. He was the
father of William Orlando Butler, who succeeded Gen. Winfield Scott in
Mexico, and ran for Vice-President (Democratic ticket) in 1848.
Mr. McMaster, in his "History of the People of the United States," thua
mentions Pierce Butler, in speaking of the delegates to the convention in
1787: "Another Irishman, Pierce Butler, was in the South Carolina delega-
tion. Butler was a man of ability, and had attained to some eminence in his
State; but no distinction was to him so much a matter of pride as his blood,
for he boasted that he could trace unbroken descent to the great family of
Ormond" ; and in a note he adds : ' ' Butler was often twitted in the lampoons
of late years with noble descent. As one of the ten delegates who voted
against Jay's treaty, he is described as
"Pierce Butler next, a man of sterling worth,
Because lie justly claims a noble birth."*
Col. Edward Butler, youngest son of Thomas, was born (March 20,
1762) on the homestead in West Pennsborough, now Frankford Township,
Cumberland County. He served as a valiant soldier in several regiments of
the Pennsylvania Line. In the operations on the Miami, he was adjutant
general under Wayne. He die4 in Tennessee in 1803. He was the father of
Edward G. Washington Butler, of the Mexican war, who still lives, vener-
able in years (aged now, 1886, eighty-six), in Louisiana, and who married the
daughter of Lawrence Lewis and Eleanor Parke Custis, of Virginia, then the
nearest living relative both of Gen. and Mrs. Washington — her father being
the son of Fielding Lewis and Elizabeth Washington, the General's only
sister; and the mother being the daughter of Mrs. Washington's only son,
John Parke Custis, and of Julia Calvert, granddaughter of Lord Baltimore.
Such was one of the distinguished families, whose first American home was
under the shadow of the North Mountains, in the county of Cumberland.
*The Democratiad— A poem. Philadelphia, 179S.
286 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
VILLAGE,
There is only one village in the township, Bloaflrjfili©^ called, like so many
of the smaller towns of the voilley, fenn a family who owned the land upon
"whicli it is "built. The first house was erected at Bloserville in 1847. There
is a postoffice here.
CHAPTER XXIV.
HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP.
HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP was formed from East Pennsborough Township
in 1845. It is bounded on the north by the mountains which form the
dividing line between Cumberland and Perry Counties; on the east by East
Pennsborough Township ; on the south by Upper and Lower Allen Townships,
and on the west by Silver Spring Township.
The soil is well adapted for agriculture, and large crops of wheat and other
cereals are raised annually. The Conodoguinet Creek here winds with more
than its usual serpentine curvatures, from the center, but extending into the
southern portion of the township, the land to the south being of the usual
limestone formation, while that to the north is black, sandy loam land near the
creek, and red slate farther away. Hampden Township lying near the Susque-
hanna Eiver, was one of the first portions of the north valley into which white
settlers began, about 1730 or 1731, to push their way. These were at first
Scotch-Irish, and later Germans.
They began settling in that portion of the township north of the Conodo-
guinet, and also south of the creek and west of the road leading from the
Conodoguinet to the Yellow Breeches, past ' ' Frieden' s Kirche " and immedi-
ately below Shiremanstown. The portion east had been reserved as a proprie-
tory manor, and upon it, at this period, the whites were not allowed to take
up land. The part west of the above road was called the " barrens," because
it was poorly timbered.
Among the earliest of the Scotch -Irish settlers were two brothers, John and
William Orr, who went from Scotland into Ireland and came from Parish Cal-
ade, County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in Hampden Township on the north
side of the creek, as early as 1743. The north side was the only side of the
creek that then had timber — fine large trees, consisting of hickory, white oak,
black oak, walnut, poplar, beech, buttonwood, locust, swamp oak, chestnut
and other varieties.* There were plenty of fish in the stream — plenty of shad
and a great deal of game on the north side of the creek, because it was wood-
land, while on the south side it was low, marshy land and brush. There were
deer on the south side. As late as 1785 there were plenty of shad, and parties
would come to catch them with seines. The Youngs were also early settlers
and lived in the next bend above the creek. Other names will be given when
we speak of the lots of the Louther (then Paxton) Manor.
One of the earliest, evidently, of the German settlers in this township was
Jonas Kupp. After having come from the fatherland, and, in order to be-
come a ' ' denizen, ' ' taken the prescribed oath — among other things, ' ' of hav-
*Soine sixty or seyenty years ago, says the writer's informant, " Mr. James Orr," there were thirty-three
varieties of timber, large and small, on " the Orr farms."
HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP. 287
ing taken the Lord' s Supper ^itliin three months before holding of the court. ' ' *
(see Rupp' s Biographical Memorial, p. ^Sf- =he removed first to Lebanon and
then into Cumberland County.
The pen picture of that early flitting we prefer to give in the language of
one of his descendants: "The time of his removal " says I. D. Eupp in his
biographical sketch, "had come. On a bright sunny morning the flitting moved
orderly and slowly from the happy home, around which clustered hallowed
memories, to be, for a while, cast among strangers beyond the Big River.
The first place where they halted was at the newly laid out Fredericktown
(Hummelstown), nine miles east from Harris' Perry, to partake of provisions
and to bait the horses and stock. The same day, just before nightfall, they
reached Harris' Ferry, so named after John Harris, who settled here about 1718
and 1719. Here they tarried for the night. Early the next morning they
forded the broad Susquehanna — for the water of the stream at this season of
the year was shallow. Onward they went, five miles westward, when they
reached, at high 12, the new home."
' ' Providence Tract ' ' is the original recorded name of the tract or parcel of
land which Jonas Rupp purchased from George Thawley. Part of this tract
was taken up by William McMeans, Jr. , December 10, 1742, and part thereof
May 13, 1763. McMeans sold, October 4, 1768, 211 acres to George Thaw-
ley, who sold the same, in the fall of 1772, to Jonas Rupp, for £400.
' ' The improvements consisted of a log cabin, a mere apology for a log
bam, and fifteen acres of cleared land, principally inclosed with a brush fence
and saplings. ' '
In the. spring of 1773 Rupp erected a house one story and a half high, of
hevm logs, close to a well which he had sunk. This house is still standing.
In the course of ten years 100 acres were cleared and "his farm," says his de-
scendant, "was soon distinguished from those of his Scotch-Irish neighbors, "f
MILLS, BEIDGES, ETC.
Along the winding courses of the Conodoguinet Creek there are a number
of flour and grist mills in the township. The first is Bryson' s, situated in
the extreme western portion of the township. It is on the south side of the
creek and is supplied with water by the Silver Spring, which here empties into
the Conodoguinet. It occupies the site of what was formerly known as ' ' Briggs'
mill. ' ' Further down, almost in the center of the township, on the north side and
at the beginning of the great bend of the creek, is the Good Hope mill, now
owned by J. B. Lindeman. It was built by Jonas Rupp about 1820. Across
the creek from this mill John Whisler built a woolen factory, which is still
standing, and which was once connected with an oil-mill. At an early date it
seems to have been the habit of every householder living in the country to
raise a patch of flax, and oil seems to have been one of the early products of
this section.
Three bridges cross the Conodoguinet Creek in this township; one at
Eberly's (built about 1842), one at Lindeman' s (built 1823), and one in the
southern section of the second bend, built, principally, by James Orr in 1834
and 1835. This latter is known as Orr' s Bridge.
THE INDIANS.
The Indians had a number of villages in this lower portion of the county.
They had a number of wigwams on the banks of the Conodoguinet Creek, north
*The certificate of the oath above alluded to is dated September 22, 1765.
t'*A house built by tlie first Grermaiia in Pennsylvania," says Rupp, '' was easily distinguished from that of
his Scotch-lnsh neighbor's house, by its huge chimney, always in the center of the edifice." — Biog. Mem. p. 44.
288 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
of the turnpike three milea from the Susquehanna, on lands now owned, or
lately owned by Albright, Rupp, Merkel, John Shoop and others. There
were also several cabins half a mile north of Frieden' s Kirohe, in Hampden
Township. " An aged aunt " says Rupp (History, page 352) "late of Hamp-
den Township, informed me that she remembered well the evacuated Indian
huts north of Frieden' s Kirch, and those at Ruby' s. " The Indians had a path,
crossing the Conodoguinet, near those wigwams toward Yellow Breeches.
PAXTON MANOB IN HAMPDEN.
A small portion of the manor of Paxton was embraced in Hampden Town-
ship. This, extending from the road past Frieden' s Kirche, and between the
two creeks to the Susquehanna, was reserved by the Proprietary government
as a special reservation for the Indians, and consequently was not bo soon set-
led by the whites as the adjoining lands. Of the twenty-eight lots or parcels
of lots into which it was divided, some few fell in Hampden Township. These
were:
Lot No. 23, called Westmoreland, containing 282 acres, 36 perches
and allowance, a warrant for which was issued to Edmund Physick dated
December 10, 1767; patent August 15, 1768; afterward owned in whole or
parts by Hershberger, Funk, Nichols, Bollinger, Rupp, Ruby, Shopp, and
lately by Albright, Rupp, Meckel, Shopp and others. The Indian wigwams
"three miles fi-om the Susquehanna," above alluded to, were on this tract.
Lot No. 24, 287 acres: Rev. William Thompson, Daniel Sherbahn, John
Sherbahn; lately William Stephen, Samuel Eberly and others. The cabins
" half a mile north of Frieden' s Kirche," above alluded to, were on this tract.
Lot No. 25, 150 acres: Alexander Young, Robert Young, late Dr. Robert
G. Young.
Lot No. 26, 209^^ acres: for this tract, called "Manington," a warrant
dated 17th of May, 1767, was granted to Jonas Seely, who conveyed,in Decem-
ber, the same year, to Conrad Maneschmidt, to whom a patent was issued Aug-
ust 15, 1774. Maneschmidt and wife conveyed, September 20, 1774, a
portion of this tract to Ulrick Shopp, and it is still owned by his descendants.
Outside of the portion of the township which was embraced in this manor,
John Wisler owned a large tract on the south side and vsdthin the first bend
of the creek. About half a mile farther down and on the north bank was the
residence of Daniel Basehore, who settled there about 1791, on what was then
known as the Rye Gate Tract. It was while attempting to rob Mr. Basehore' s
house that Lewis, the robber, was taken prisoner, and lodged in the Carlisle
jail. South of this Rye Gate tract there was another tract called " Steyning,"
containing 187 acres, which was surveyed to James McConnell by warrant
January 15, 1768 — for which a patent deed was issued January 16, 1808,
to Jonas Rupp, which was afterward owned by David Rupp, Sherbahn, Early,
and (now) the Erbs.
CHIIBCHES.
Frieden' s Kirche. — The history of the old stone church known as ' ' Frieden's
Kirche" is as follows: A German Reformed congregation had been organized in
the lower part of the county, and, in 1797, they agreed to build the house
(now occupied exclusively as a schoolhouse) for the purpose of holding their
religious meetings, and for school purposes until another structure should be
built. This house was built of logs, with one portion designed for the teach-
er's residence. In this same year (May 26, 1797), the congregation purchased
land connected with the schoolhouses from Henry Snively and Nicholas Kreut-
zer; and, in 1798, the stone church was erected under the supervision of a
HAMPBEN TOWNSHIP. 289
building committee, consisting of Frederick Lang, Jonas Eupp, Leonard
Swartz, and Eev. Anthony Hautz, then stationed at Carlisle and Trindle Spring.
Mai-tin Eupp and Thomas Anderson were the builders. ,
A Jjwtheran and German Reformed Congregation had been organized in
1787 or 1788, who had a log house for public worship in Louther Manor, sev-
eral miles northeast of Prieden's Kirche, known as " Poplar Church, " so called
because it stood in a grove of lofty poplar trees. In May, 1806, this congre-
gation, on the payment of £405 17s. 3d. (being one-half of the cost of Fried-
en' s Kirche, land, building of schoolhouse, and inclosing the grave-yard), became
consolidated with the German Eef ormed congregation of Frieden' s Kirche. At
this time the following persons constituted the vestry of the congregations:
German Eeformed — Frederick Lang, Jonas Eupp, Frederick Schweitzer, Chiis-
tian Swiler, Henry Manessmith and Martin Eupp; Lutheran — Nicholas
Kreutzer, John Wormley, Christoph Eichelberger, Andrew Shuely, Christofel
Gramlig and Daniel Scherban.
April 20, 1812, the joint congregations purchased five acres more on which
the present dwelling house, contiguous to the church stands. In 1830 another
small parcel of ground was purchased to enlarge the grave-yard. In 1864
about two more acres were purchased from Thomas Oyster for the same pur-
pose.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.— ^In 1865 the Lutherans pur-
chased from the German Eeformed congregation their interest in a portion of
ground near the old church, and commenced the erection of a new brick build-
ing, which, under the name of "St. John' s Evangelical Lutheran Church," was
completed and dedicated July 2, 1866. June 23, of this year, the German
Eeformed congregation held their last communion service in the old church,
which still stands, after having withstood the storms of nearly ninety years, in
a good state of preservation. It is used for a Sunday-school, and occasionally
for funeral services, but it is now chiefly valuable as an antique relic of the
past.
The other churches in the township are the Salem Church; Methodist, on
the turnpike, about two and one-half miles north of Mechanicsburg, erected in
1825; the Good Hope Church (Church of God denomination), erected in 1848;
and the Mount Zion Church, on the State road leading from the river to Ster-
ritt's Gap, about four miles from West Fairview, which is a large frame
building erected and dedicated in 1857.
HAMLETS.
There are two small places in the township. One is called Good Hope,
which consists of a few dwelling houses, a wagon and blacksmith shop, a store,
which has been kept there for sixty years, and a postoffice— the only one in
the township — established about thirty-three years ago. Sporting Hill is a
cluster of less than a dozen houses, one of which was formerly a store, and
another a hotel. It is about five and a half miles west of Harrisburg, on the
turnpike road leading to Carlisle. ' ' During the French and Indian war, ' '
says Eupp, ' ' a man was shot by the Indians near this place. Several persons
met on public business at Mr. Wood's, late John Bverly's; one of the com-
pany went down toward McMean's (Kreutzer' s) spring, where he was shot and
scalped. ' '
MISCELLANEOUS.
Hampden is well supplied with good school buildings, five in number, and
with numerous good roads in every portion of the township. The oldest of
these date as follows: From Harris Ferry westward, November, 1734; from
290 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Hoge'B Spring to the Susquehanna River, October, 1759; from Trindle Spring
to Kelso's Ferry, January, 1792.
The Cumberland Valley Railroad runs along the southern border of the
township, dividing it from Upper Allen and Lower Allen Townships.
CHAPTER XXV.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF NEWBURG.
rriHE township of Hopewell, a twin sister of Pennsborough, was formed in
.J_ 1735. These were then the only two townships in the North Valley, and
this county was still a portion of Lancaster. They were divided by a line
crossing at the " Great Spring," now Newville. Hopewell included then not
only the corner of Cumberland, but most all of what is now Franklin County.
Later (1741) this township of Hopewell was divided by a line "beginning at
the North Hill, at Benjamin Moor's; thence to Widow Hewres' and Samuel
Jamison's, and on a straight line to the South Hill," and it was ordered that
' ' the western division be called Antrim, and the eastern, Hopewell. ' ' The ter-
ritory of Antrim was nearly or altogether coincident with what was afterward
the county of Franklin. Hopewell was gradually reduced to its present limits
by the formation of Southampton, on the south, in 1791, and Mifflin, on the
east, in 1797.
The land in the township is of a rolling character, of slate or dark slate
formation, and, since lime has been freely used as a fertilizer, has become quite
productive. The Conodoguinet Creek runs in a northeasterly direction through
the southern portion of the township.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The early settlers of this upper portion of the county are invariably the
Scotch or Irish, or the admixture of both, who, becoming dissatisfied and .
moved by the spirit of adventure, like Homer' s heroes, passed
"The shadowy mountains and the roaring sea"
to found themselves new homes in the, then, almost unknown recesses of this
North Valley.
" Roll back the shadows of the crowning years,
And, lo ! a sylvan paradise appears !
As bright and bounding then as now thy flow.
Fair Susquehanna, ever murmuring low.
But where the farm land basks, where busy town
Beneath its guardian spires has nestled down.
Stood darkling forests, then of sturdy oak.
Tall pine and poplar, echoing to the stroke
Of men by fever of adventure moved,
Or dream of gain, to leave the fields they loved,
And with fond wives and prattling cljildren roam
Far to these wilds to build anew a home."
Ab early as 1731 settlements were made along the Conodoguinet, within
the limits of what is now Hopewell Township. There is good evidence that,
as early as 1738, this section of the valley between Shippensburg and the
North Mountain was as thickly settled as almost any other portion of it.*
♦The number of freeholders in Hopewell in 1751 was 134.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 291
"There is a well authenticated tradition," says Eev. S. S. Wylie, in his
address at the "historical exercises" at Middle Spring Church, in 1876,
"handed down in the Johnson family of our church, that John Johnson, the
grandfather of George Johnson, with his wife behind him, rode from his resi-
dence, three and one-half miles above Shippensburg, along a narrow bridle
path, through almost continuous forest, passed the former residence of Wen-
del Foglesonger, crossed Middle Spring at the dilapidated Creamer Mill, and
attended preaching in the woods in the vicinity of this church years before
there was any house erected; and we know the first meeting-house was built
in 1738." ^
George Croghan, the celebrated Indian interpreter, owned a large tract of
land in Hopewell Township, a little north of Shippensburg. On or before
1730, one of the Chambers brothers (Robert), settled at Middle Spring. It is a
matter of Jiistory that the first land taken up in this valley under the ' ' Blunston
license" was by Benjamin Purley, and afterward occupied by the Herrons,
McCombs and Irwins, a large tract lying on the Conodoguinet Creek in the
neighborhood of Orrstown. In evidence of the early settlement of this vicin-
ity, at the house of Widow Piper in Shippensburg, as early as 1735, a number
of persons from along the Conodoguinet and Middle Spring met to remonstrate
against the road which was then being made from the Susquehanna to the
Potomac, passing through the barrens, but wanted it to be made through the
Conodoguinet settlement, which was more thickly inhabited. This indicates
that at this time a number of people lived in this vicinity. Some of these, who
settled here before the year 1738, were Eobert Chambers, Herrons, McCombs
(McCoombs), Youngs (three families), McNutts (three families), Mahans (three
families), Scotts, Sterritts, Pipers; soon after the Brady family, the McCunes,
Wherrys, Mitchells, Sirains, Morrows and others. It was such pioneers as
these who, with their children, made Shippensburg the most prominent town
of this valley, prior to the year 1750. * Here, in this northwestern portion of
the county, settled, prior to this time, besides the names which we have men-
tioned, the Quigleys, Laughlins, Nesbitts (Allen, John, and John, Jr.), Hannas,
Bradys, Martins, and, if not so early, soon after, the Jacks, Hendersons and
HemphiUs. Many of these families were represented afterward in the Revo-
lution, and after defending the frontier against a savage enemy, they turned to
defend their country against a foreign foe. It may seem almost incredible, but
it is known to be a fact, that of the members or adherents of the Middle Spring
Church (now in Southampton, but then in Hopewell Township) there were five
colonels, one major (James Herron), fifteen captains and twenty-eight privates.
Their patriotic pastor, Robert Cooper, surcharged with patriotism, preached
earnestly for the cause, and then, like Steel, King and Craighead, went as a
chaplain to the field of actual conflict. (His commission is dated December
24, 1776.) He acted as a soldier, bore arms, marched and countermarched
through the Jerseys on foot so long as he was able, and stood in the line of
battle with the men at Trenton." Among the ofiScers in the number to which
we have alluded were Col. Benjamin Blythe, who lived at the head of Middle
Spring, and was a noted Indian and Revolutionary soldier; Col. Robert Pee-
bles, who lived on the farm since owned by Gen. David Middlecoff; Col. James
Dunlap, who lived near Newburg. Among those also were Capt. Mathew
Henderson, Capt. William Strain, Capt. Joseph Brady, Capt. Robert Quigley,
and Capt. Charles Deeper, killed at the battle of Crooked Billet, May, 1778.
The Rev. Dr. Cooper, to whom we have alluded lived on and owned the
farm a short distance south of Newburg now owned by David Foglesonger.
*See BeT. S. Wylie's historical discourse (1876) at Middle Spring.
292 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
This farm he purchased of John. Trimble on the 7th of June, 1776. It con-
tained about 207 acres. The stone end of the house, adjacent to the road,
was built for him, it is said, by the congregation. Col. (then captain) Peebles
marched with one of the earliest companies which was mustered into the field.
It was in the battle of Long Island, August 27, when a portion was captured,
and the remainder fought at Princeton, Trenton and White Plains. On his
return from the war Col. Peebles resided on Peeble's Eun near Newburg.
The Brady s. — Among the earlier settlers in this township was one, some of
whose descendants were destined to become of historic interest. This was Hugh
Brady, who emigrated from the North of Ireland about the year 1730, and
settled first in the State of Delaware, but soon after in Cumberland County,
on the banks of the Conodoguinet Creek, within five miles of where Shippens-
burg now stands. * At this time the county was settled only by a few Scotch
and Irish emigrants, simple, religious and sincere. Here he raised a family
of nine children: John, Joseph, Samuel, Hugh, William, Ebenezer and James;
and daughters, Margaret and Mary.
Of these, John was the father of Capt. Samuel and Gen. Hugh Brady.
He was born in Delaware in 1733, but came with his father when they founded
their home in Cumberland County. In the quiet preceding the storm of the
French and Indian war he followed the usual vocation of frontier life, the
primeval forest yearly bowing to the settler's ax. John and his brother Hugh,
we are told, studied surveying. His personal appearance has come down to us
by tradition; he was six feet bigh, well-formed, had coal black hair, hazel eyes
and was of rather dark complexion.
About the year 1755 he married Mary Quigley, of Hopewell Township,
also of that Scotch-Irish extraction whose ancestors had read their Bibles by
the camp fires of Cromwell's army, and, in the year 1756 his eldest son, the
celebrated Indian fighter, Capt. Samuel Brady, was born in Shippensburg in
the midst of the tempestuous waves of trouble that rolled in upon the settle-
ments of this valley in the wake of Braddock's defeat.
During this critical period John Brady was very active against the Indians,
and, as a reward for his services, was appointed a captain in the provincial
lines, which, at that time, was a mark of no small distinction. In the Penn-
sylvania Gazette of April 5, 1764, there is an account of the Indian depreda-
tions in the Carlisle region on the 20th, 21st and 22d of March, "killing peo-
ple, burning houses, and making captives;" adding, " Capts. Piper and Brady,
with their companies, did all that lay in their power to protect the inhabitants.
No man can go to sleep within ten or fifteen miles of the border without being
in danger of having his house burned and himself or family scalped or led into
captivity before the next morning. The people along the North Mountain are
moving farther in, especially about Shippensburg, which is crowded with fam-
ilies of that neighborhood. " John Brady's life was eventful. He served, as
we have seen, in the French and Indian war; went as a private with Col. Arm-
strong from Cumberland County in his expedition against Kittanning; was
commissioned July 19, 1763, as captain of the Second Battalion of the Penn-
sylvania Eegiment; fought in the Revolution; was commissioned (October 12,
1776,) one of the captains of the Twelfth Regiment; was wounded at Brandy-
wine (where his sons, Samuel and John,) the latter only sixteen, who was
wounded, fought by his side) and, after leaving this county, he became one of
the most prominent pioneers and defenders of the West Branch Valley.
When he left Shippensburg he located himself at the Standing Stone, a
*From a letter written by a descendant we learn: " He settled on the farm now (1869) owned by Joseph
Whistler, adjoining the estate of the Smith heirs on the west." His name appears in the list ol taxablea for 1761.
■^
-€.-<Jo--^
-c
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HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 295
celebrated Indian town at the confluence of Standing Stone Creek and the
Juniata Kiver. The present town of Huntingdon stands in part on the site of
Standing Stone. From thence he removed to the west branch of the Susque-
hanna River, opposite the spot on which Lewisburg or Derrstown, in Union
County, stands. He also resided near Muncy, where he erected, in the spring
of 1776, the semi-fortified residence known afterward as "Fort Brady," near
■which place he was shot from his horse and killed by the Indians on April 11,
1779, a centenary celebration of which event was held at Muncy in 1879, at
which time a monument was erected to his memory.
Capt. Samuel Brady, better known as " Capt. Sam," whose name is familiar
in history and in fiction as an inveterate Indian killer and captain of the
"rangers" or spies, was born in Shippensburg in 1756, and was the oldest of
the five sons (James, J ohn, Gen. Hugh and Robert Quigly Brady) of Capt.
John Brady, whom we have mentioned.
He entered the Revolutionary Army at the age of twenty ; was in the sur-
prise at Paoli, where he narrowly escaped being taken prisoner; fought at
Monmouth, ^and in 1779, at the age of twenty- two, was promoted to a captaincy
by brevet.* He was afterward ordered to join the command of Gen. Broad-
head and to march to Fort Pitt, where he remained until the army was aban-
doned. In 1778 his brother James was cruelly murdered and scalped by the
Indians, and some time after this he began a career which, interwoven as it is
with fiction, is certainly one of the most remarkable which can be found any-
where in the annals of Indian warfare. On the Susquehanna, the West
Branch, Beaver's Creek, the Ohio and Alleghany, out as far as Sandusky
(where he was sent with despatches by Gen. Broadhead), the stories of his
adventures, bravery and hair-breadth escapes were told.f Says one (John
Blair Linn, Esq.,) "When border tales have lost their charm for the evening
hour, or when oblivion blots from the historic page the glorious record of
Pennsylvania in the Revolution of 1776, then, and then only, will Capt. Sam-
uel Brady of the rangers be forgotten."
Capt. Samuel Brady, the son of Cumberland County, is emphatically the
hero of western Pennsylvania, around whom the concealment of romance has
most been woven. The fact that his father and brother (who is described as a
handsome and noble man) were both killed by the Indians, and that he is said
to have sworn eternal enmity against them, has given rise to a popular but
erroneous idea of his character. He has been considered as a devoted Indian
killer, reckless of all sympathy and destitute of all humanity, whereas he was
a gentlemanly, fine-looking man, ' ' possessed of a noble heart and intellect of a
high order. ' ' As Gen. Hugh Brady, his brother, said of him, ' ' Never was there
a man more' devoted to his country, " and few rendered her more important
service. Active, vigilant, cool in the midst of danger, with deliberate courage
and capacity for physical endurance, knowing all the wiles of Indian warfare,
he followed and watched them until his name became a terror to his foes, but
a comfort to those on the defenseless frontier who were in danger of their
depredations. If he was vengeful, which is doubtful, he had cause. He was
a patriot and a protector to the unprotected.
In appearance he was five feet, eleven and three-quarters inches in height,
with a perfect form, lithe and active; somewhat reticent in conversation. His
walk was peculiar, agile; his step light; his form erect, as was always his
posture in sitting, he sat upright. His face was handsome, his manner quiet,
*The DartT from whom the writer obtained this information has this commission in hia possession.
tSee '■Otzinachson," or History of the West'Branch Valley, by J. F. Meginess, or the chapters relating to
him in " Border Life." '
296 HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
and in speaking or turning he moved his head less than his eyes. His manner
and conversation, as it has come doven to the living from one who knew him,
was, in their language, "that of as fine a gentleman as I ever met."
Of his brother. Gen. Hugh Brady, as he was but a descendant of a pioneer
of Cimiberland, we have naught to say, except that he was an educated kind-
hearted gentleman and lion-hearted officer, who fought under the "mad" Wayne,
and of whom his friend and admirer, Gen. Winfield Scott, said, ' 'God never
made a better man or a better soldier. ' ' The lines from the poem of Eev. George
Duffield, of Carlisle, vsritten on the occasion of his death, might apply equal-
ly to others of the family we have mentioned:
"And manly eyea may weep to-day
As sinks the patriot to his rest;
The nation held no truer heart
Than that which beat In Brady's breast."
Hugh Brady, one of the seven sons of Hugh Brady the elder, who emi-
grated from Ireland, married Jean Young, whose father and mother lived on
and owned the plantation lately owned by the heirs of Alexander Kelso. They
had nine children, one of whom, Hannah Brady, married Samuel McCune and
another, Rebecca, married his brother Hugh McCime. Both had large fami-
lies. James the eldest child of Samuel and Hannah (Brady) McCune, mar-
ried John Sharpe, a son of Alexander Sharpe of Green Spring, members of
an early and one of the most prominent families of that portion of the town-
ship now embraced within the bounds of NeWton. Two of the sons, James'and
Joseph, settled in Northumberland County. The former was an eminent citi-
zen of Greensburg, represented the county in the State Senate and was at one
time secretary of the commonwealth.
From a letter written some few years ago we learn that Moses Hemphill
bought the two farms of the Bradys on the Conodoguinet Creek. ' ' These
farms were bounded as follows: On the north by the Eev. Dr. Cooper, at the
present time by D. Foglesonger; on the east by the Owens, at present by J.
Filer and the Chamberlains ; on the south by the Conodoguinet Creek and the
Duncans; and on the west by Hendersons. The mansion farm of the Bradys
is now owned by John Clippinger, and the Hugh (son of Hugh Brady, the orig-
inal settler) Brady farm adjoining is now owned by- Benjamin Newcomer.
The farm owned by James Brady is now owned by Moses Hemphill. ' ' There
are none now of this family remaining in the county, but we have thought it
well to preserve this record of a family whose sons were worthy of their sires.
HOPEWELL ACADEMY.
A classical school, known as ' ' Hopewell Academy, ' ' was founded by the
learned and genial John Cooper (son of Rev. Robert Cooper, D. D. , of the
Middle Spring Church), about the year 1810, "which, notwithstanding," says
Dr. Alfred Nevin, ' ' the barren hill on which it stood, and its secluded sur-
roundings, sent forth many from its unpretending portals to act well their
part." The academy stood near Newburg. Its founder, who was also its only
teacher, was a graduate of Dickinson College under Dr. Nesbitt. The name
of the school was derived from the township in which it was located. The fur-
niture consisted of a stove (manufactured by Peter Bge at the Pine Grove Fur-
nace) a table, professor's chair and benches. It stood about 150 feet in the
rear and to the east of the mansion house of the farm on which it was located.
The road from Shippensburg to Newburg at that time ran directly by the aca-
demy building. The logs of the structure were used in the erection of a house
near the spot on which the plain, substantial building so long stood.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 297
The students of this academy came, many of them, from a distance, and
others from the more immediate vicinity of the school.
Sorae came from Carlisle, others from Shippensburg or Newville, others from .
more distant points. Some, within a reasonable distance, came daily to the
school on horseback. This " academy," like the much earlier "log college"
in Buck's County, or the Academy of Blair, (founded by Rev. John Blair, after-
ward pastor at Middle Spring) at Fagg's Manor, was the last of these unpre-
tentious schools which helped to lift the standard of education and sent men
out into the world whose career afterward reflected honor upon these nests
where they were fledged.
Among the students of Hopewell Academy, to prove that we have made no
idle boast, were such names as Alexander Sharpe, D. D., a prominent Presby-
terian divine; Rev. John Kennedy, at one time professor of mathematics and
natural sciences at Jefferson College; John W. McCullough, D. D. ; the three
Williamson Brothers, James, Moses and McKnight, from the vicinity of New-
burg, all of whom became clergymen; Judge William McClure, of Pittsburgh;
H. M. Watts, minister to Austria: Bishop Samuel A. McCoskry of the Episcopal
Church; Charles McClure, afterward secretary of the commonwealth; Com.
Gabriel O'Brien, who was afterward lost at sea; John and Alfred Armstrong,
from Carlisle; Isaac Gr. Strain, lieutenant in the United States Navy, who ex-
plored the Isthmus of Darien; Jack Hemphill, who studied law with Andrew
Carothers, Esq. , of Carlisle, but died at middle life in Newburg; the Revs. D. E.
Nevin, Edward H. Nevin, D.D., and Alfred Nevin, D.D., LL.D., who was ad-
mitted to the bar at Carlisle, but entered the ministry, and who is still living
and well known; Thomas McCandlish, who died and is still well remembered
in Newville. These and many others whom we have not mentioned, were
among the number known by the neighbors at that time as " Cooper's Latin
scholars. ' ' The disipline of the school was not remarkable for strictness, but
there were few temptations. The ' ' entertainments ' ' of the neighborhood
were very few and simple. ' ' Often in the evening, ' ' says Dr. Nevin, ' ' some of
the boys would be pitching iron rings by the roadside, near the gate, whilst
others on the porch were playing checkers, and others still, with the violin and
flute, were making sweet strains of music to float out upon the gentle breeze,
over the quiet and beautiful landscape that lay beneath. Now and then a fish-
ing in the creek was resorted to as an expedient for enjoyment. With well
prepared torch-lights, nets and poles, all the students would march about dark
to the Conodoguinet, and spend five or gix hours wading in that beautiful
stream, often returning with success, at midnight, to their homes, sometimes
with no success, but always with glad hearts, making the surrounding woods
echo with their songs."* Such were the harmless recreations, the simple
amusements, at this primitive academy, in the township of Hopewell, — scenes
such as some modern Goldsmith might delight to picture. The academy closed
its existence about the year 1832.
MISCELLANEOUS.
There are, at present, six public schools in Hopewell Township; the time
for the "log colleges," in remote places, away from the great thoroughfares
of civilization, with the ceasing of their necessity, have passed away. In the
mean time the township is noted only for its fine farms and industrious agricul-
tural community.
*Dr. Nevin's addresa at Middle Spring, 1876.
298 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
BOEOUGH OF NBWBURG.
Newburg is the only village in Hopewell Township. It is situated on
slightly elevated ground on the main road leading from Carlisle to Roxbury,
about one mile northwest of the Conodoguinet Creek. It was laid out in 1819
by Thomas Trimble. There were then but three or four hoases in the place.
One at the western end was Mr. Trimble' s ; another, at the eastern, was occu-
pied by George McCormick; and a third by John Carson and Joseph Barr.
In 1845 it is described by Eupp as "a post village in Hopewell Township; *
* contains twenty or more dwellings, two stores and a tavern. " It has now
three churches, three dry goods stores, one drug store, one tavern, tannery and
other shops, and a population of about 400. It was organized as a borough
in 1861.
In 1858, a school known as "The Sunny Side Female Seminary " was begun
at Newburg. It was regularly chartered by the Legislature and issued diplo-
mas, but lasted only for a few years.
CHAPTER XXVI.
LOWEE ALLEN TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OP NEW CXJMBEE-
LAND.*
LOWEE ALLEN TOWNSHIP was formed by the division of Allen Town-
ship in 1850. It lies in the extreme southeastern portion of the county,
and is bounded on the north by Hampden and East Pennsborough, on the east
by the Susquehanna Eiver, on the south by the Yellow Breeches Creek, and on
the west by Upper Allen Township. The whole of the land of which this
township is formed was, long before the formation of Cumberland County, a
portion of the proprietary manor known as ' ' Paxtang. ' '
From a period unknown the Susquehanoc Indians inhabited the woods on
the western shore of the river, and long before the first white man had crossed it,
or the first ax had made the primeval forest ring, some sixty families of Sha-
wanese, who had come from the far south, had settled here upon the river's bor-
der. There they remained until about 1727 or 1728, when they removed to
the Ohio, and placed themselves under the protection of the French. They,
and the Delawares, who also lived on this side of the Susquehanna, assigned
as a reason for this course that satisfaction had not been made them for land
surveyed into the proprietary manor on Conodoguinet. A number of Indian
villages existed in this lower portion of the county, three in Lower Allen Town-
ship. One was a little north of the spot where the Yellow Breeches Creek
empties into the Susquehanna (now New Cumberland) where James Chartier
had a landing place; another Indian village was a short distance north of the
house now occupied by William Kohler; and the third on an elevation in the
neighborhood of Milltown, where there was an Indian burial place, the graves
of which, it is said, were easily distinguishable in the early days of some of
the present inhabitants.
Of the earliest white settlers who crossed over the river into the North Val-
ley, we have no knowledge. They were probably ' ' squatters, ' ' who settled
on lands west of the Susquehanna prior to the final Penn purchase in 1736,
""For Borough of Shiremanstovn see page 268.
LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 299
and who have left no record of their names. On the west shore of the Sus-
quehanna, at a very early period, one Kelso lived, and, in connection with
Harris, managed a ferry. This building is the oldest of its kind in the Cum-
berland Valley. It was built prior to 1740, and possibly before 1730. In
1739 Alexander Frazier bought of the Penn heirs a tract of 200 acres on
which the present mills and a part of the town of Lisburn are situated. The
elder Harris, at his death, owned land in the Cumberland Valley, including
Gen. Simpson's place below Yellow Breeches, extending to the South Mount-
ain. Among the earliest settlers Isaac Hendrix lived upon the manor, as
did also William Brooks, of Scotch-Irish origin, who purchased Lot No. 12 of
the manor plot, situated on the Yellow Breeches Creek about three mUes from
the Susquehanna River, and erected thereon a grist-mill and saw-mill, which
were very important at that early period. He was a Presbyterian and a very
correct man in all his dealings.
In 1740, Peter Char tier, the Indian interpreter, who was of mixed French
and Shawnee Indian blood, purchased from John Howard and Richard Penn,
600 acres, bounded on the north by Washington Kinster's and George Mum-
per' s lands, on the east by the river, on the south by the Yellow Breeches, and
on the west by property belonging to Andrew Ross and the Flickinger heirs.
William Black, from Scotland, purchased property in 1773, now belonging to
the above mentioned heirs; and John Mish, a native of Wurtemburg, in 1770,
bought 283 acres. Lot No. 6 of the manor, where the Zimmermans live, and
built upon the bank of the Yellow Breeches Creek a house and tannery, prior
to the period of the Revolution. About this time (1770) John Wilson pur-
chased 200 acres. Lot No. 5 of the manor, now owned by the heirs of Wm.
Mateer, and extending from the Feeman to the McCormick farm. The land
lying between this tract and the bridge at Harrisburg was purchased by Moses
Wallis in 1768-70. It is Lot No. 4 of the manor, and is now owned by the
McCormicks. Extensive quarries of limestone are on this land.
John Fleck, who died at. the age of sixty-five, in the year 1795, was in his
day the largest land-owner in this portion of the county, and must have settled
there at a very early period. The great-grandfather of William R. Gorgas
came from Holland near the beginning of the century, but did not settle in the
valley and township till 1791. Michael T. Simpson, prominently connected
with the war of the Revolution, established the Simpson ferry four miles below
Harris' , and was a prominent man of the times.
The pioneer settlers in the eastern portion of Cumberland County were
principally from the North of Ireland, although some came directly from
Scotland and some few from England.
After a time a number of German settlers mingled with them. The fertil-
ity of the soil and the beauty of the newly settled valley attracted them into it,
where they established homes, and where, by their industry and frugality, they
have increased in wealth and numbers, so that they have in a great measure
displaced the descendants of the original Scotch-Irish.
The character of the soil in Lower Allen is principally limestone. In the
neighborhood of Lisburn, on the Yellow Breeches Creek, the middle second-
ary red shales and sandstones pass across from York County, overlapping the
limestone to a limited extent. The predominant interest is the agricultural,
and fine farms, highly cultivated, are to be seen in every part of the township.
Iron ore, of excellent quality, has been fouad in detached portions, and some
10,000 tons were taken from the farm of William R. Gorgas, to supply in part
the Porter Furnace at Harrisburg prior to 1846. For various causes, however,
we believe they have been long abandoned.
300 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
LISBUEN.
Lying in a loop of the Yellow Breeches Creek, in the extreme south, is Lis-
burn, the oldest village in the township. The portion of it north of the public
road was laid out 120 years ago by Gerard Erwin, and that part south of the
road in 1785 by Alexander Frazer and James Oren. The mills, the old forge
and a portion of the town are all located on a tract of land which was conveyed
by the heirs of William Penn to William Frazer in 1739. The names "New
Lisburn, " " Lisborn ' ' and ' ' Lisbon ' ' are found in various deeds and convey-
ances as far back as 1765, and in them lots are numbered to correspond with a
plat of the town which had been made previous to that time. One is ' ' From
Ealph Whitsett (Whiteside) to William Bennett for a lot where Jacob Flicker-
nell has built his brick house, ' ' which was possibly the first brick house erected
in the township. The Lisburn Forge, near the present mill, was built in
1783. It is said of this town that fairs used to be held annually in it to which
the people resorted, dressed in the fashions of the ' ' old country. ' ' Among
the more prominent men connected in early days with the history of this vil-
lage were Alexander Frazer, the original proprietor, William Bennett, Ealph
Whiteside (or Whitsett), James Galbraith, Adam Brenizer, Eobert Thornberg,
Michael Hart, Benjamin Anderson, Andrew Mateer, Peter McKane, J. Snyder
and John McCue.
Of the above names, James Galbraith, the younger, settled in Donegal about
the year 1719. He was an Indian trader, and commanded a company of rang-
ers during the French and Indian war. He was also a member of the Assem-
bly for a num.ber of years. He moved to the Susquehanna, established a ferry
below Paxtang, but shortly after purchased large tracts in Pennsborough (now
Lower Allen) about the year 1761. He went into the Eevolution, and was
chosen lieutenant-colonel for Cumberland County, but on account of his great
age was unable to continue active duty in the field. He died June 11, 1787,
aged eighty-three years. He left to his son, Eobert, a farm in Allen Town-
ship. His granddaughter by his son, Andrew, married Chief Justice Gibson.
MILLTOWN.
Another cluster of seventeen or eighteen houses in the township is known
as Milltown or Eberly's Mills. It is pleasantly situated in a dell on the Cedar
Spring, three miles southwest of Harrisburg. It is on land originally owned
by Eev. William Thompson. Caspar Weaver (or Weber) ,who owned two lots
of the original manor, erected a mill at this point more than a 115 years ago.
A grist-mill was erected by George Fahnestock in 1817, which is still
standing. A building which was once a clover-mill was, years ago, fitted up
as a machine shop, and in it worked Daniel Drawbaugh, who claims to be the
original inventor of the telephone, a claim which, after very expensive and
protracted litigation, has, either rightly or wrongly, been recently decided
against him.
Of the other mills, a quarter of a mile east of Milltown stands the stone
one erected by Henry Weber in 1817. The Lisburn Mills were probably first
erected as early as 1751, for in that year a portion (some twenty acres) of the
Frazer Tract was dedicated to that purpose, and a log mill erected on it. The
property belonged to a son of the original proprietor until 1765. Garver's
mill was built in 1826 by Jacob Haldeman, who owned it until 1863. The
woolen factory on the creek, two miles northeast of Lisburn, was erected upon,
the site of an old oil, grist and saw-mill in 1857. The old Liberty Forge on
the creek, one mile north of Lisburn, was erected some time during the last
century. There are a number of other mills in the township, but the list
LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 301
which we have given embraces those which are the most ancient and inter-
esting.
CHURCHES.
There are three churches in the township, the Mennonite, the Bethel at
Milltown, and the Union Church ot Lisburn. The Mennonites began to come
into the county about 1800, or shortly after, and held meetings at the Slate
Hill, one mile south of Shiremanstown, in Allen Township. Their brick church
was erected here about the year 1818. The church at Milltown was erected
upon an eminence near that place in 1842, and the Union Church at Lisburn
in 1829.
CEMETEBIES.
There are a number of old burial places in the township. Of some of these
no record of their origin remains. The one at Lisburn, on the southeastern
slope of the high grounds near the creek, is probably one where the early
settlers of this section deposited their dead. There is a public cemetery near
the Stone Tavern, and a private one near Paul Gehr's residence; one on the
farm of John Feeman contains the graves of the Black family, and must have
been among the first established in the township. Another is on an eminence
known as Bunker Hill, and contains the graves of the Miller family, also dat-
ing from the earliest settlement.
There is yet another grave-yard, the origin of which has passed away, seem-
ingly, from, the recollection of the living. For our information we are in-
debted to a note left by the late Dr. Robert Young, whose grandfather, Alex-
ander Young, settled on a lot in Louther Manor in 1769. Says he: "The
Scotch-Irish settlers at an early date, somewhere before 1740, and possibly
prior to the location of the meeting-house at Silvers' Spring, had selected a
burial place near to a beautiful spring, about two miles 6om the Susquehanna
River, on the Simpson, ferry road, on laad long owned by Mr. George Rupp,
an estimable citizen and minister of the old Mennonite Society. ' ' [It lies just
south of the road and a little distance west of the Cedar Spring. ] ' ' This
ground was brought to the notice of the writer, when quite young, by those who
were then old men. ' ' At this period the stones had fallen to the ground, and
long after, in 1875, the ground was covered with scrubby thorns, briars and
long grass.
SCHOOLS.
John Black, one of the early settlers who came into the valley about 1773,
erected a log schoolhouse within half a mile west of his residence, for the edu-
cation of his own and his neighbor' s children.
Another school was then, or afterward, where New Cumberland now is, and
these were the only schoolhouses in the township until 1815, when the Cedar
Spring Schoolhouse was built and maintained by private subscription until the
introduction of the common school system. At this latter place, in 1850, a
new and substantial bnilding was erected, with a basement intended for a
primary department. The schoolhouse, one mile northwest of New Cumber-
land, known as "Mumpers," was built in 1846, on the spot where a more sub-
stantial brick edifice was erected in 1864.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Cumberland Valley Railroad runs along the entire northern boundary
line of the township, and the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad passes through
the center portion. The postoffices are Shiremanstown, New Cumberland, Lis-
burn and Eberly's MiUs.
302 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
BOROUGH OF 'NEW CUMBERLAND.
New Cumberland is beautifully situated on the west bank of the Susque-
hanna River and at the mouth of the Yellow Breeches Creek, in the ex-
treme southeastern corner of the county. It was formerly known as Halde-
man's town, after Jacob M. Haldeman, by whom it was laid out in 1814. As
late as 1730 a Shawnee Indian village occupied the site where New Cumber-
land now stands. Here, also, was the landing place of Peter Chartier, a cele-
brated Indian trader, to whom a large grant of 600 acres, including the pres-
ent site of New Cumberland, was made by the three Penns in 1739. He was
of- mixed French and Shawnee Indian blood, and many of these latter, over
whom he had great influence, he persuaded afterward (1744) to join the French.
Some eight years before the town was laid out Mr. Haldeman purchased a
forge at the mouth of the creek, added a rolling and slitting- mill, and soon
became one of the foremost iron men in Pennsylvania. The product of his
forge, for many years, was sold to the Government for purposes at Harper's
Perry.
There was then no bridge over the creek at New Cumberland, and none
over the Susquehanna at Harrisburg. The ferries were valuable properties,
and their owners usually made historic names.
In the early history of the place, large quantities of coal and lumber were
brought .to New Cumberland, on the river, by means of rafts, which supplied
Cumberland Valley and other territory; and flour, grain, iron and whisky were
received in great quantities, and sent, by means of ' ' arks, ' ' upon the river, to
Port Deposit, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
A large grain depot was erected by Mr. Haldeman in 1826, which supplied
a terminal market for the Cumberland Valley. Here the great teams which
were used in those days might have been seen discharging their loads of
grain, and reloading with lumber ere starting again upon their homeward trip.
At this time the lumber trade was carried on extensively. Prior to 1814 there
were two lumber yards, one just north of the town belonged to John Crist
and Robert Church, and another, on the south side of the creek, to John Poist,
who built and kept what was known as the White Tavern. Mr. Church mar-
ried Miss Bigler, and their daughter Mary became the wife of Gov. Geary, and
presided at the executive mansion during his term of office.
In 1831 New Cumberland was incorporated as a borough, and, about a
year later, the turnpike road through the town was established, with its daily
stages, to Washington and Baltimore. At this time no railroad had yet been
built in this portion of the country, although the time was fast approaching
when one of the first ones built in the United States was to extend through a
portion of the Cumberland Valley. This, however, did not reach New Cum-
berland. The York & Cumberland Railroad was opened for business in 1851,
and from that time the long line of teams gradually disappeared from the
streets, the lumber was taken away by the cars, the hotels were no longer
crowded with the boisterous raftsmen and teamsters, and many of them in the
town and vicinity have since ceased to exist. The lumber business, with some
periods of depression, 'continued steadily to increase, reaching its highest
point in 1857, when seven firms were engaged in that business. From this
time, however, there has been -a gradual diminution in the trade, which is
now represented by one firm.
New Cumberland has now about 140 dwellings, 2 churches, 2 hotels, a
number of stores, 1 flour, 2 saw-mills, and a large planing-mill, while new
homes are being yearly erected.
'^OM/
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP. 305
The jBrst church was built in 1828, and was the only one in the town for a
period of over thirty years. The present Methodist JEpiscopal Church was
erected in 1858, and the United Brethren in 1873.
In the early days, about 1816, the Eev. Jacob Gruber, who is still re-
membered by many on account of his striking eccentricity, and Rev. Rich-
ard Tidings, both itinerant Methodist ministers, established an ' ' appoint-
ment ' ' in New Cumberland.
Many of the denizens of New Cumberland find steady employment in the
Pennsylvania Steel Works, which are on the other side of the river, just oppo-
site the town. They may be seen crossing it at almost all hours of the day or
night.
Gen. Geary made this place his home during the period of the war, and
lived in New Cumberland at the time he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania.
CHAPTER XXVII.
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP.
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP was formed from a portion of North Mid-
dleton, by a decree of the court, confirmed November, 1859.
It is bounded on the north by the North Mountains, on the east by Silver
Spring Township, on the south by South Middleton Township, and on the west
by North Middleton Township.
The Conodoguinet Creek flows, with a slightly southern bend, until it
reaches Middlesex, where, suddenly taking an almost northerly direction, after
several smaller bends, it leaves the township. The character of the soil is the
same as that of North Middleton, — the slate land lying to the north and
the limestone to the south, with the creek as the dividing line.
The Cumberland Valley Railroad runs through the southern and richer
portion of the township.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The lands upon the creek were probably the ones where the early settlers
founded their first homes. Where the Letort stream empties into it was a
large tract, owned by Rowland Chambers, and back of him on the Conodo-
guinet was a settlement, where, some claims, the first mUl in the county was
erected. North of this, and beyond the creek, were lands of Joseph Clark and
Robert Elliott, who came from Ireland about 1737. Soon after Abraham Lam-
berton settled on lands lately in possession of his descendants, north of the
Rowland Chambers' tract, while still further north Thomas Kenny settled on a.
tract which is now principally in the possession of the heirs of John Wilson.
East of them were John Semple, Patrick Maguire, Christopher Huston and
Josiah McMeans. Other parties living in different portions of this neighborhood
in 1793, were William Sanderson, Alexander McBeth, Robert Kenny, James
Lamberton, David Elliott, Hugh Smith, Robert Morrison, Ralph Sterritt.
We find the names also of James Giffen (Given) 1798; Robert Elliott, 1799;
James Flamming; 1799; John McClintook, 1801.
Sterrett'sGap was originally called Croghan's Gap, after George Croghan,
one of the Indian interpreters of these early days; but whether he ever resided
306 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
there, or in any portion of what is now this township, we have not been able
to determine.
The family of Clarks were early settlers in Middlesex, and owned a tract
now owned by the Clendenin heirs, just above the Carlisle Sulphur Springs.
The first brick house built in this part of the county, about one-half mile or
more south of Sterrett' s Gap, is said to have been built by Philip Zeigler, and
is still in the possession of the descendants of that family. Near this, about
one mile east, on the public road leading from the Sulphur Springs, was erected
the old log house, still standing, with its loopholes through which its inmates
watched the Indians. This Zeigler tract was originally owned by Mr. Kenny,
who was, we are told, a man of considerable acquirements, and fond of hunting.
MIDDLESEX.
Middlesex, situated at the confluence of the Letort and the Conodoguinet,
is one of the oldest settlements in the county. The name "Middlesex" was
originally given to a tract of land containing abut 560 acres, located at the
mouth of the Letort Spring, and afterward to the village which was built
partly upon it. Some of the first buildings erected — several dwelling houses,
a grist-mill saw-mill, fulling-mill and distillery — were on this tract. Others
were built near it. All these, with the exception of the fulling-mill, were
built prior to 1757; most, if not all of them, by John Chambers, Sr., the
owner of the tract at that time.
Later, from the Chambers family, the Middlesex estate came into the pos-
session of Capt. Robert Callender, one of the largest fur traders in Pennsyl-
vania. He held a captain's commission in the French and Indian war; was a
colonel during the Revolution; distinguished himself, it said, at Braddock's de-
feat; and was a liberal contributor to all the then improvements in Carlisle, a
man well educated and highly esteemed. He was one of the justices of Cum-
berland County in 1764. He commenced to trade with the Indians at an
early day, and built the large flouring-mill at the mouth of Letort Run, now
Middlesex. In 1774 he was appointed colonel for Cumberland County; died
in 1776, and is buried in the old grave-yard at Carlisle. Capt. Robert Cal-
lender maiTied, first, a daughter of Nicholas Scull, surveyor-general of Penn-
.sylvania from 1748 to 1759. His daughter Anne, by this wife, married Gen.
William Irvine, of Revolutionary fame. His second wife was a. sister of Col.
Gibson, the father of Chief Justice John Bannister Gibson, by whom he also
had a number of children.
In 1791 the Middlesex estate was purchased at sheriff's sale by Col. Eph-
riam Blaine, from whom it passed to his son, by whom it was conveyed (1818)
to James Hamilton, Esq. , and afterward (1831) to Hon. Charles B. Penrose,
who erected the paper-mill there in about 1850. The first dwelling house
stood near the present site of this paper-mill, and was still standing twenty
years ago.
In 1846, according to Rupp, the village consisted of eleven dwellings, one
of which was a tavern, a store, a saw-mill, a grist-mill, plaster and oil-
mill and a woolen factory, at that time owned principally by Mr. Penrose. It is
now a scattered village of about twenty -five or thirty houses.
We learn from Rupp that one of the first Indian .tracts westward led past
Middlesex. It extended from Simpson's Perry (four miles below Harris') on
the Susquehanna River, crossed the Conodoguinet at Middlesex, and thence
over the mountain, by way of Croghan's, now Sterrett' s Gap..
CARLISLE SPRINGS.
Carlisle Springs is the name of a postoffice village near the North Moun-
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 307
tains, in the northwestern corner of the township. It was, for many years,
one of the most popular watering places in the county. There is at this place
a splendid spring of sulphur water, still flowing into its marble basin, in a now
neglected grove. The first hotel, a smaU two-story frame building, was erected
by Hon. William Kamsey, who was the owner of the land before 1830. In
1832 his executors conveyed this property to David Cornman, who continued
to own it for a period of about twenty-one years, during which period it be-
came a very popular summer resort..
A large hotel, which would accommodate several hundred boarders, was
erected by Morris Owen and A. P. Norton about 1854, which was destroyed
by fire about 1867. A small hotel, near the site of the former one, was built
shortly afterward, but has since been converted into a private residence.
From this place a small stream, known as the Sulphur Springs Run, flows in a
southeasterly direction until it empties into the Conodoguinet Creek at Mid-
dlesex.
MISCELLANEOUS.
There are eight schools in the township, three bridges crossing the creek,
good roads, and many fine farms, with substantial buildings, bearing evidence
■to the prosperity and thrift of its inhabitants.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP.
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP was formed from the eastern portion of HopeweU
in 1797, and was called after Thomas Mifflin, then Governor of Penn-
sylvania. It is bounded on the north by the North Mountains and on the
south by the Conodoguinet Creek, while Frankford Township lies upon the
■east and Hopewell on the west.
The soil is a mixture of clay, gravel and slate, such as lies along the base
of the North Mountains, which has become fertUe by cultivation. Four
streams run from the mountains through the township, and empty into the
Conodoguinet Creek.
From what we have said of Hopewell, in which Mifflin was included, it
will be seen that this portion of the county was settled at a very early period.
Before the time of the white settlers there was an Indian trail, of a local
character, through Doubling Gap, and a more important one through the
Three Square Hollow, in the northwestern corner of the township, which was
a branch of the great trail leading from the Ohio to the Susquehanna. This
trail came down through the Three Square Hollow, crossed the Conodoguinet
Creek near the mouth of Brandy Run, passed along the Green Spring to the
head of the Big Spring, and thence southeastwardly toward Monaghan (Dills-
burg) and York. Along this traU, between the two branches in the fork of
Brandy Run, it is said that evidence of an old Indian burial ground existed
many years ago, and there are traditions that an Indian village existed in the
same neighborhood, and that the peninsula in the long bend of the creek, now
owned by Matthew Thompson, was used for raising the Indian corn which, in
connection with game, constituted their food. In support of these traditions.
308 HISTORY OP CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
says Eev. James B. Scouller, to whom we are indebted for the above, are the two
facts that the first settlements made in Miiflin were along this trail, and all the
massacres which took place during the old French war were in its vicinity.
The time of the first settlement in Mifflin is earlier than has been supposed. *
We have in onr possession a letter from Mr. W. C. Koons, a descendant, on
the maternal side, of the Camahans, who were among the earliest settlers in
the township, which we will lay before the reader:
' ' The first settlers in Newton and Miffiin Townships, then included in
Hopewell, were Robert Mickey, William Thompson and Andrew McElwain.
They were brothers-in-law, and came at the same time to make their homes in
this part of Cumberland Yalley. Robert Mickey located near the source of the
west branch of Green Spring, in Newton Township ; William Thompson on the
great bend in the Conodoguinet Creek, and Andrew McElwain (or Mcllvaine)
on the "Fountain of Health" farm, both in Mifflin Township. There is
uncertainty as to the particular year of their settlement; but by receipts given
to Robert Shannon by John Penn, dated respectively 1732, 1733, 1734, and a
deed, on full payment, dated 1735, it is certain that their coming was not later
than 1729, as they had preceded Shannon by three years. StUl, as the papers
indicate that it was not unusual for the settlers to occupy their lands for yeara
before warrants or patents were issued, it is quite possible that the settlement
may have been made several years previous to 1729. Soon after they were
joined by Stevenson, Shannon, the Camahans, Nicholsons, Williamsons and
others. These were aU Presbyterians, and during hostilities with the Indiana,
they were in the habit of carrying their fire-arms with them to church for pro-
tection in case of assault.
The Williamson Massacre. — "The Williamson massacre, as to date and
details, is a matter of tradition, as far as known. We find it put down as hav-
ing occurred in 1753 or 1754. The family lived on the farm adjoining the
Andrew McElwain tract on the east side. The evening preceding the mas-
sacre several men from the Camahan Fort were stopping at Andrew McEl-
wain's, distant about three miles from the fort. About dusk Mrs. McElwain
went out to look after some cattle. Nearing the stock-yard she heard the
sound of footsteps, as of men getting over the fence at the opposite side. Be-
lieving them to be Indians she returned to the house and informed the inmates
of what had occurred. The men from the fort remained keeping watch during^
the night. About daylight the sound of guns was heard from beyond the hill
in the direction of the Williamsons, nearly a mile distant. Immediately all
started for the fort, and after proceeding a little way it was discovered that a
babe had been left in the cradle. Two of the men returned, brought the child
away,f and all reached the fort in safety. Shortly after their arrival a number
of men was sent out from the fort to look after the Indians. Reaching the
Williamson farm they found that the whole family — some eight or nine persons,
Mrs. Williamson exepted — had been murdered. I may add, that the only
material difference between this and other versions of this bloody affair which
have come to my notice, is, that Mrs. Williamson, carrying a child with her,
escaped.
" Another incident connected with the strife between the hostile Indians and
the early settlers I may mention, although nftt so fully informed as to its
details. The Nicholsons lived near the Whisky Run, on what is probably
best known as the farm once owned by Rev. John Snoke. The event is put at
*ReT. James B. Scouller, well versed in the local history of the township, places the date of the earliest
settlers In Mifflin, in his sketch in Dr. Wing's History, at 1734-36, " because at the time the wave of population
flowed up the valley on the north side of the Conodoguinet."
t" This rescued babe," says Rev. James B. Scouller, ** was the grandmother of James M. Harlan, of
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 309
about 1755. During the night the Nicholsons were disturbed by the barking
of their dog. The married brother opened the door to see what was the
matter. Instantly he was shot by the Indians, fell dead at the door, was
drawn inside and the door closed. The Indians made several attempts to get
into the house, but in each case were successfully resisted. • The unmarried
brother, assisted by the dead man's wife, kept up a constant fire. They had
three guns; the women, while the fight went on, made bullets and loaded the
guns. The Indians retired, leaving no dead, but blood marks seen in sev-
eral places on the ground the next morning proved that they had suffered
severely.
' 'The brother and widowed mother each mounted a horse, the former carry-
ing the body of the slain man before him, and the latter a child before her,
and another behind, rode to Shippensbiirg, and buried him there."
Says the writer of the above: "I feel as if I ought to say that I have relied
very much upon my own recollection of what I heard my mother, who was
born in Mifflin Township in 1795, and her brother William, who was born ten
years before, say in reference to the fort, the defense made by the Nicholsons
and the Williamson massacre. 1 am indebted to Mr. Andrew McElwain, of
Fannettsburg, Penn. , for the names of the first three settlers.
' ' The places they had located I had known from my boyhood. My recollec-
tion of the Williamson affair is confirmed by Mr. McElwain' s statements, and
it is upon his say entirely that the number of the murdered is put at ' eight or
nine.' I have a very clear recollection of mother's statement respecting the
killing of Mr. Nicholson, the defense made by the brother, and heroism of
the woman who assisted him in loading the guns and molding bullets while
the fight went on. But as to the statement which I have added upon informa-
tion obtained from other sources, in respect to carrying the dead body on
horseback to Shippensburg for burial, my memory supplies nothing. I do not
make this qualification, however, with a view to cast discredit upon the alleged
fact, but simply to indicate that it is well nigh impossible that my mother ever
told it to me. With this explanation before you [the township historian] it
will be for you to judge of the authenticity and value of these reminiscences. ' '
Besides the early settlers whom we have mentioned, the Laughlins Browns,
McLaughlins, Agers, Bradys, were all probably settled in what is now Mifflin
Township; before 1751 the names of all are found in the tax-lists of Hopwell
(which then included Mifflin) of that year. To these we may add probably the
Porterfields and Lightcaps. Seemingly at a later time came the McElhennys,
Bells, ScouUers, Sterritts, Morrows, Lusks and others. Most of these families
have departed. The Nicholsons were extensive slaveholders, and when Penn-
sylvania abolished slavery they removed to Kentucky. One of the descendants
of the Shannon family has been Governor of Ohio. Of the Carnahans a de-
scendant says : "I have no means of fixing the precise date of the Carnahan
settlement, nOr can I say that the two brothers, James and William, came the
same year. Both, however, settled previous to 1740, and the probability is,
that it was but a few years, at most, after the settlement of the first comers
(1729). They were Scotchmen. ■ James bought land in Newton Township,
William in Mifflin. James and William Thompson joined lands on opposite
sides of the creek, and William Carnahan located a little lower down the
stream, the upper part of his tract, however, adjoining James', with a tract
belonging to one of the Williamsons intervening between his and William
Thompson's on the Mifflin side. James had two sons, Adam and James. The
son, James, was a captain in the Eevolutionary war. Joseph Koons has in his
possession the sword which he carried during the war. Adam Carnahan died
310 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
in 1800. His brother, James, and Robert Carnahan (son of William) were his
executors, and at this death the name of the Carnahans disappears from New-
ton Township. * Eobert ordy remained in Mifllin. He was married to Miss
Judith McDowell, who was born in Philadelphia a few days after her parents
landed (1763), and died May 21, 1835. They had four children — two sons,
William and Robert, and two daughters, Margaret and Jane. William, the
elder son, immigrated to Indiana in 1835 (died 1869, aged eighty-four). Eob-
ert went to Cincinnati (died ). Margaret married Robert McElhenny.
They moved to Columbus, Ohio, but, he dying soon after, she returned to the
old home in MifHin. Jane married Isaac Koons.
Block-Houses. — There was a number of smaller forts or block-houses in
Mifflin Township. One, probably the oldest, built about the beginning of the
French and Indian war, is said to have been located on the creek near the
mouth of Brandy Run, on the Carnahan farm. (See sketch of Newton Town-
ship. ) Others, some of them built at a later date, seem to have been located
as follows: One on the Lusk farm, near Sulphur Spring; one at McComb's,
near Doubling Gap; one on the old Knettle farm, near Center Schoolhouse,
remains of which existed in 1809; and another on the old Zeigler farm, the
chimney of which, it is said, is still standing, now the chimney of the house of
James M. Harlan.
During the Revolution there lived, in the Brandy Run region, the celebrated
Capt. Samuel Brady, the Indian fighter and commander of a company of rang-
ers. He was the grandson of Hugh Brady, the elder, who settled in Hopewell
Township, where we have given some account of Capt. Brady in connection
with that family. There Vfas also living in this section, it is said, one Joseph
Ager (or Aiger, as we find the name in the early, 175] , tax list), more famil-
iarly known as "Joe Aiger," who, returning one day to his home (about 1755),
found his father and mother murdered by the Indians. Over their dead bod-
ies, it is said, as of Brady, that he swore eternal enmity against all Indians,
and that he would take a hundred of their scalps for each parent who had been
murdered. Tradition states that he fulfilled his oath, and that he would wan-
der through the wilderness as far west as the Allegheny River and the valley
of the Ohio.
To return again to more certain ground. It can not now be told who settled
first along the Big Run. The deed for a tract at its mouth from the Penns to
John Scouller was given in 1762. A Mr. Thompson was located higher up,
between the Big and the Back Runs, most of which land was sold, in 1765 to
1770, to the Fentons, Mitchells, Mathers, and possibly some others. John
McCuUough was still further north, near the mountain, on the headwaters of
a branch of the Big Spring, on what was since known as the McDannell farm,
partly owned by G. Stewart. Adam Bratton and his three brothers-in-law,
James, Robert and Nathaniel Gillespie, all of whom had slaves, came into the
township in 1776. Bratton lived on the farm owned by his grandson Samuel,
James Gillespie lived partly in Frankford Township, Robert on the Wagoner
farm, and Nathaniel on the Brown or Snyder farm, where he established the
first tannery in the township.
In the records of the court for October, 1778, is the petition for a road
fi-om the dwelling house of Adam Bratton into the great road at William
Laughlin's mill, leading to Carlisle. Viewers: James and George Brown, Rob-
ert McFarlane, James Laughlin, Samuel McElhenny and John Reed.
Another petition in 1781, from Newton (Miiflin had not yet been formed),
*Capt. James probably went to Westmorelaod County. Of tbe Caroahans who went to Westmoreland
at Rn early date comes the Rev. .J. A. Carnahan, a pioneer preacher of Indiana, now deceased, and doubtlesa
it is to the Carnahans of that county to which the parentage of Dr. Carnahan, of Princeton, can be traced.
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 311
is for a road beginning at Hogg Eidge, at the foot of the North Mountain,
thence to Col. Chambers' mill; thence to William Laughlin's mill on the Big
Spring. Viewers: Hugh Patton, James Scroggs, William Hodge, Eobert
Sharpe, Robert McComb and Samuel McCormick. Another in 1781, is for a
road from Laughlin's mill to James Irwin's mill; thence to John Piper's mill;
thence to cross the spring at William Hodges ; from thence, by Mr. McCracken' a
tavern, past John Johnston's, to Squire Charles Leiper's saw-mill. Viewers:
Col. James Chambers, John Scouller, John Agnew, Allen Leeper, WUliam
McParlane, James Laughlin. Another, still earlier, in 1772, is the prayer for
a road from the Three Square Hollow, above Robert McComb' s, to Chambers'
null, by John Piper' s mill, to James Smith' s Gap, in the South Mountain.
Viewers: James Jack, Robert McComb, John. Piper, John Irwin, Robert Bell,
and James Carnahan. Another, in 1782, is for a road from the gap of the
Big Run, above Samuel McCormick' s, to John Scouller' s mill; thence to Will-
iam Laughlin's mill; thence to Thornberg's Furnace in South Mountain.
Viewers : David Sterritt, Adam Bratton, William Hodge and others.
James McFarlan located about 1,000 acres just below Doubling Gap, and
in this connection the following will be of interest: In the court records for
April, 1791, is the prayer for a road " from Thomas Barnes' sulphur
spring, in the gap formerly known as McFarlan's Gap," to Philip Slusser's
mill; thence to Samuel McCormick' s mill; thence to Carlisle. Viewers:
John Moore, John Scouller, William Galbreath, and others. The above
indicates to us, seemingly, the original name of Doubling Gap, or the name
by which it was known prior to 1791.
McFarlan' s land was divided between his two sons, John and William, and
his two sons-in-law, Robert Galbreath and Samuel Mitchell. William McFar-
lan sold his to Samuel McCormick, who built a grist and saw-mill upon it.
All these early settlers before the Revolution, with the exception, possibly,
of a few English, were Scotch or Irish. The Germans came into Mifflin at a later
period, and probably not before 1782-83. From 1790 they came in rapidly ;
until, to-day, they have gradually supplanted many of the descendants of the
original settlers.
SULPHUK SPRINGS, ETC.
Sulphur springs exist in various ponions of the township. Of these the
celebrated sulphur spring, in a beautiful grove in the midst of the mountains
at Doubling Gap, is best known and most worthy of mention. The place has
been a popular summer resort from the beginning of the present century, if
not from a still earlier period. The hotel, also in a grove, with lofty mount-
ains lifting their green tops to the blue sky on either side, is situated in a
scene of special beauty. The hotel itself will accommodate more than 100
guests. In front of it, beyond the shadowy gi-oves, which are separated by
the road which winds through this bending gap, rises one knob of the mount-
ains 1,400 feet, from whose Jofty top, "Flat Rock," the whole beautiful valley,
from the gleaming Susquehanna on the east to where the turning mountains
seem like subsiding waves to the southwest, lies like a panorama at your feet.
About one-third of the distance, as you climb the ascending path, is the re-
cess, under a shelving rock, known as the ' ' Lewis' Cave, ' ' so called because'
that celebrated highwayman and robber once used it for some time as a resort
and hiding-place from justice. This Was probably about 1816 or 1820. Un-
like the ordinary highwayman, ' ' Lewis the Robber, ' ' is said to have stolen from
the rich and given to the poor. This fact, in connection with his faculty of
making friends, his love of fun and adventure, has caused him to be remem-
bered as a sort of Robin Hood. One instance of rather humorous generosity
312 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTV.
is told, in which he loaned a widow money to save her property from the sher-
iff, but ' ' recovered' ' the same from the sherifp himself in the evening as he was
proceeding homeward to Carlisle. Some of the neighbors and Nicholas How-
ard, of Newville, who kept the hotel during those summer days, knew of his
retreat, but were fast friends of the generous outlaw. When the coast was
clear Howard would hang out a flag from an upper window, which could be
seen from the "Cave," and Lewis would come down, and, with some trusted
neighbors, have ' ' a jolly night at the hotel. ' ' When danger was on his track,
he kept concealed in his secret hiding-place, and was supplied with food. In
a diary kept by Samuel J. McCormick, who lived two miles south of Doubling
Gap, is the following: "On Tuesday, the 20th of June, 1820, the sheriff of
Franklin County arrived with a party in search of David Lewis (the robber),
and early the next morning proceeded to the mountain southeast of the Sul-
phur Springs, where they discovered a cave or den, where they found blankets
and other articles known to belong to Lewis. But, according to the best in-
formation, the inhabitants had decamped on the Thursday before. ' ' This was
only about three weeks before Lewis' death. It was known that Lewis had a
cave somewhere in the mountain to which he fled from time to time, but its
locality was not discovered before June, 1820. A confrere, who is described
as being coarse and cruel, sometimes encamped with Lewis at this cave, but
found no friends in the Gap. He was killed at the same time that Lewis was
wounded unto death.
Whisky distilling was a prominent industry of Mifflin more than a century
ago. Indeed so common was this habit of turning grain into this fluid form,
that a distillery might be seen on almost every farm. From this, two streams,
the Whisky and Brandy Buns, derived their names. The western stream is
called after the Gap from which it flows, the triangular shape of which sug-
gested, humorously, to some Irishman, its name, ' ' The Three Square Hollow, ' '
a name by which it is still known.
CHDECHES.
Beside the early Presbyterians there were a few Covenanters in the
township, the former attending service at Big Spring. When the German
Eeformed and Lutheran population came, they first erected a Union Church,
in which the ministers of each would preach alternately. About 1790
ground was given by Jacob Zeigler, near Council Bluff Schoolhouse, for . a
church and grave-yard. Here a log church was erected, with a high goblet
pulpit, on the projecting sides of which were painted the four evangelists.
Long afterward, 1832, the Lutherans organized in Newville, erected a church,
and soon absorbed the Mifflin membership, so that the old church was seldom
used and was finally abandoned. Later it was altogether removed.
Some Menonnite families in the upper part of Mifflin erected a log meet-
ing-house many years ago, which has since been turned into a private dwell-
ing. There are other churches in Mifflin, but more modern, and which need
no special mention.
MISCELLANEOUS.
There are eight schools in the township, quite a number of fine farms, and
an industrious agricultural community. No railroad touches Mifflin Township,
and it has but one postoffice, Heberlig.
^^^^^^4^
MONROE TOWNSHIP. 315
CHAPTER XXIX.
MONEOE TOWNSHIP.
MONEOE TOWNSHIP was formed in 1825, from the western portion of
Allen, which then extended to the Susquehanna River. It lies in the south-
ern tier of townships, and is bounded on the north by Silver Spring Township,
on the east by Upper Allen Township, on the south by York County, and on the
west by South Middleton Township. The northern chain of the South Moun-
tains extends over the southeastern portion of Monroe, bounding its fertile
fields with the long line of its blue horizon, and inclosing within its deep re-
cesses a number of valuable beds of iron ore, such as are to be found also in
other portions of the township. Beyond the ' ' Callaposiilk ' ' or Yellow
Breeches Greek, which flows in an easterly direction, not far from the base of
these mountains, are the slightly rolling hills of the rich limestone and loam
land, where fine farms and farm houses everywhere abound, whose fields, cul-
tivated as they are by the industrious farmer, offer an abundant hatvest.
The first settlers who came into what is now Monroe Township, when it was
a portion of Allen, were evidently the Scotch-Irish, although there are few, if
any, of the present inhabitants by whom their names are still remembered.
They were here soon supplanted by the Germans, who came into this portion of
the county (Allen Township) prior to 1775.
Of these earlier Scotch-Irish, whom seem first to have taken up the lands
along the streams, we know, however, that somewhere east, upon the YeUow
Breeches Creek, there was a settlement known as Pippin' s tract, where Charles
Pippin settled as early as 1742, and that, following the creek westward, were
John Campbell, the owner of a mill, Rodger Cooke, David Wilson, John Col-
lins, James McPherson, Andrew Campbell, Andrew and John Miller, Robert
Patrick, J. Crawford, William Fear, John Gronow, Charles McConnel, Alex-
ander Frazier, Peter Title, Arthur Stewart, Thomas Brandon, Abraham End-
less, and, last, John Craighead, who, as we know, settled upon the stream to
the west, in the adjoining township.
Of the Germans who came prior to 1775, all of whom we believe have de-
scendants still living in the township, were John Brindel, Martin Brandt, Ja-
cob Bricker, John and Jacob Cocklin, Samuel Niesley, Joseph Strack, Leonard
Wolf, Gideon Kober (Coover), Jacob Miller and a number of others.
George Beltzhoover, Sr. , the grandfather of George Beltzhoover, came into
the township from York County at a much later period (about seventy-five or
eighty years ago). Joseph Bosler now owns the George Beltzhoover, Sr. ,
tract. His son John lived on the south side of the creek, on land now owned
by his daughter, Mrs. Leidich, and his son, John Beltzhoover. The mill in
that vicinity, now owned by the Shaffner heirs, was built by Michael G. Beltz-
hoover, Jr. , upon the site of one bought of the Hopples, and the mill now
owned by Mjs. Leidich, on the creek just below Shaflfner' s, was for many years
known as Bricker' s Mill — after Samuel Bricker, who was owner of it nearly a
century ago. The lower part is stone and the upper part frame, which has \
been added within the recollection of the living. Even's Mill, on the creek
316 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
still below, was known as Brandt's Mill, and Givler's,, still further east, as
Clark's. Some families, eighty or one hundred years ago, were large land-
owners in the township. The farms now belonging to David Niesley, Herman
Bosler, of Carlisle, Mrs. Sample, and David K. Paul, were all owned by the
Brickers— Joseph, "William and Moses.
The farm at Lutztown, owned by Mr. Pressel, and the one owned by Samuel
Cocklin were once, some three-quarters of a century ago, the property of Peter
Bricker. The farms now owned by John Musselman, John Engle and Joseph
Bosler were owned by George, Abraham, and Martin Brandt. Clusters of
other family names can be found in the township, where the sons have often
been born on the same homestead, have cultivated the same fields, and walked,
almost literally, in the footsteps of their sires.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERY.
Of the Germans, many are Lutherans, but there are some German Men-
nonites, who have a house of worship west of Churchtown. There is also a
Dunkard Church and cemetery on the Lisburn road, about one mile north.
SCHOOLS, INDUSTRIES, ETC.
There are twelve schools in the township, most of them substantial brick
buildings. Besides the predominant agricultural interest and the iron ore, the
burning of lime is also an industry, and quite a number of kilns can be seen in
different portions of the township. The Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad
passes through the township from east to west, and the Dillsburg & Mechanics-
burg Railroad from north to south, through the eastern part. The postofficea
are Allen and Brandtsville.
VILLAGES.
Churchtown (Allen P. O.), the most important village in the township, is
situated near its center. It derived its name, about the year 1830, from an old
Lutheran and German Reformed Church, which was erected just east of the
present town about 1790.
About seventy years ago there was considerable woodland and only three
houses in the immediate vicinity of Churchtown. The first town lots were sold
by Peter Leivinger in 1830. He was owner of the land on the eastern side of
Main Street, between Church and High Streets, The plat of the town con-
tained eight lots east of and fronting on Main, five south and fronting on
Church, and one lot north fronting on High Street. The old house which has
for many years been occupied as a hotel, was erected by Jacob Wise about
1804, and was the first house built in Churchtown. The town has at present-
four churches: Mennonite, Lutheran, Bethel and United Brethren. It has
two public schools. Some of the earlier residents were Peter Leivinger, Daniel
and Rudolph Krysher, Adam Stemberger, David Diller, Jacob Ritner (son of
ex-Gov. Ritner, of Pennsylvania), George Lutz, John A. Ahl, Samuel and
John Plank.
It was at this place that Jacob Plank, the grandfather of A. W. Plank, now
a justice of the peace, came at an early date from Lancaster County, and in-
vented what was probably the first plow patented in Pennsylvania. Op.e of
these patents, about 1836, is entitled "J. Plank's improvement in the Plough,"
and bears the plain and characteristic signature of Andrew Jackson.
Allen Lodge, No. 299, K. of P. , has here a membership of about 100. G.
W. Eberly is R. & C. S.
Leidich's Station, on the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad, about two and
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 317
a half miles east of Boiling Springs, was called after George "W. Leidich, who
owned land in the vicinity, and was established in 1874.
The first grist-mill here was buUt by Mr. Wolf about ninety-seven years
ago. The farm at this place, now owned by George Beltzhoover, was patented
to Leonard Wolf the 19th of June, 1786, and was for a long time in the
possession of his descendants. The farm on the south side of the creek, now
owned by Jacob HofEer, was part of this Leonard Wolf tract, owned afterward
by his son Leonard Wolf, by whom it was sold to Michael Ege, from whom it
was purchased by Samuel HofEer, Sr.
Brandt's Station, on the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad, about three
miles east of Boiling Springs, was named after Michael G. Brandt, who owned
the land on which it is located, and was established in 1874. This land has
been in the possession of the Brandt family since 1765. Martin Brandt, grand-
father of Michael, was the first of the family who owned it. A saw-mill and
clover-mill were built here about 1828.
Worleytown is a small cluster of houses on the York road, not far from-,
the Yellow Breeches Creek. It dates from about 1815, and was called after
David Worley, who owned the land in the vicinity.
Eoxbury is a small cluster of houses upon the line which separates Mon-
roe and Silver Spring Townships.
CHAPTER XXX.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OF NEWVILLE.
"VTEWTON TOWNSHIP, originally included in Hopewell, was formed in
1 >l 1767. It is of a wedge-like shape, and is bounded on the north by Mif-
flin Township, the Conodoguinet Creek being the dividing line ; on the east by
West Pennsborough, Penn, and Cook Townships; its extreme point south
touching the line of Adams County, while on the west lie the townships of
Southampton and Hopewell.
In its southern portion, extending some two or three miles northward from
the base of the South Mountains, are what are known as the pine lands, of a
gravelly character, but which produce good crops of wheat. Then, through
the center of the township, for the breadth of several miles, is the belt of the
richer clay and limestone land, while to the north is found the slate formation
which, under the improved methods of agriculture, has grown to produce yearly
more abundant crops.
There are a number of small springs or streams in the northern and south-
ern portions of the township. In the south, among the mountains, rises the
Yellow Breeches Creek, which is here, however, only a small stream, the
name of which is more properly Pine Run. On its northeastern boundary is
the Big Spring, which empties into the Conodoguinet Creek, and near its western
the Green Spring, in the northern portion of the township. The lands known
as the "Barrens" lay near Oakville, a small region devoid of streams. The
road from Carlisle to Shippensburg passes through them. When the township
was first settled, the southern portion of it was covered with a dense growth
of yellow pine, with undergrowth of oak, hickory and chestnut. The center—
318 HISTOEY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
that known as the " Barrens " — was without timber; but about the middle of
the last century, small pine trees began to make theJr appearance on these
barren lands, until, about 1800, they were covered with a thriving growth of
valuable timlaer. Within the last half century much of this timber has disap-
peared and much of it has been needlessly destroyed.
In the early days, before the white settlers, there was an Indian pack trail
through the township, extending along the Green Spring, thence over to the
head of the Big Spring, and thence toward Dillsburg and York. There was
also, at a later day, a fort known as "Fort Carnahan," or as it was sometimes
called, ' ' Fort Jack. ' ' It was built on the James Jack farm, now owned by
James and Joseph Koons, situated in Newton Township near the Conodo-
guinet Creek, opposite the William Carnahan tract in Mifflin Township, now
owned by Parker Q. Ahl. There is no doubt about this being the fact, says our
informant, himself a descendant of the Carnahans. ' ' The Camahans, ' ' says
he, "spoke of its location with the greatest certainty." As late as 1840, evi-
dences of its foundations remained, and the channel cut from the Green Spring
to supply the fort with water even then could be traced. ' '
What a wonderful change has occurred since those days, seemingly so dis-
tant, of the Indian trail, or the log fort, not only here, but throughout this
whole universally admired region! As strange, they are in reality, as are
the sudden changes in a dream.
" Look now abroad — another race has filled
These populous borders; wide the wood recedes,
And towns shoot up, and fertile realms are tilled;
The land is full of harvests and green meads."
The earliest settlers in the township were, as everywhere in the county, the
Scotch-Irish. Among them were the McCunes, Sharps, Sterritts, Fultons,
Graceys, Mickeys, Scroggs, Kilgores, Beattys and others. Some of the
descendants of these are still in the possession of the homes where' their
ancestors settled. Much of the land in Newton Township had not been taken
up at the time of its formation in 1767. A tract of 100 acres, partly in NeW-
ton and partly in Mifflin Township, was taken up by Eobert McCoome in 1746;
one was located, of 100 acres, by John Herman in 1752; James Kilgore and
Samuel Williamson also each took up a tract this year; John and Hugh
Laughlin took up tracts, of 200 acres each, in 1766, and George Thompson
100 acres, while in the following year, 1767, when the township was formed,
tracts were taken up by Samuel Bratton, Matthew Boyd, William Carnahan,
Joseph Eager, Eobert Mickey, William Nicholson and others.
By far the largest amount of land, however, seems to have been taken up
in 1794, during which year twenty-five tracts of 400 acres each, aggregating
10,000 acres, were taken up by the following twenty-five persons: William
Auld, Horace and John Bratton, Samuel Dickenson, Thomas Heeling, Josiah
Lewis, Atcheson and John Laughlin, Adam and George Logue, James Lam-
berton, William and Henry Miller, James Moore, William McFarlan, Samuel
McClintock, William MoCracken, Mark and William McCasland, Benjamin,
David, George and Alexander McCune and George Wilson.
David Eawlston also took up a tract of several hundred acres on the Big
Pond during this year 1794. * Many tracts of land on the North Mountain,
from Doubling Gap to Sterrett' s Gap, were taken up by various parties in
1794. Nearly all of the early inhabitants of Newton Township were Scotch-
Irish Presbyterians, and among those who came at about or before this time
*There were probably earlier warrants than we have mentioned, as of some known to have existed we
can find no record.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 319
was a minister, who settled at Big Spring, whose graindfather, John Brown, a
pious carrier of Muir Kirk Parish, Scotland, was shot, in 1685, by Graham
of Claverhouse. It was not until near the close of the last century that a few
German families began to come into the lower portion of the township. They
settled on the pine lands along the mountain. Before 1802 they had erected a
small church, which was known as the Dutch Meeting-House. Among these
were the Seavers, Thrushes, Frys, Brickers and others. Until after 1830 the
German inhabitants of Newton constituted but a small portion of its population;
to-day they own much of the most desirable land in the southern portion of
the township.
Among the families still represented in Cumberland County by numerous
descendants, were the Sharps, who settled in Newton Township at an early
period. The ancestor was Thomas Sharp, but the first who came to America
was his son Robert. He came over at a very early age, and soon returned to
the North of Ireland, where they had immigrated at some previous period from
Scotland, and persuaded his father to bring his family over. This was not
later than 1746. * Thomas Sharp, the father, had married Margaret Elder,
the daughter of a Scottish laird, by whom he had five sons and five daughters.
All of these owned lands afterward in Cumberland County, in the neighborhood
of the Big Spring. These were Robert, Alexander, Andrew (killed by the In-
dians), John and James. Of the daughters one married John McCune, an-
other James Hemphill, another FuUerton, another John Smith of Lurgan
Township, now Franklin but then Cumberland County, and another
Harper, father of the late William Harper of Dickinson Township. All of
these sons, except Andrew, and all the husbands of the daughters, lived and
died in the neighborhood of the Big Spring. Their bones and those of their
children, and many of their children' s chUdren are buried there, in the old
grave-yard of the United Presbyterian Church at Newville. All of these sons
of Thomas Sharp were, with the exception of Alexander, commissioned officers
in the Indian war or the Revolution. Alexander went as a private. The chil-
dren of Alexander, who married Margaret McDowell, were Andrew, Rev. Alex-
ander Sharp, Dr. William M. Sharp, John, the father of Gen. Alexander
Brady Sharpe, of Carlisle, known as "John Sharp of the Barrens;" Col.
Thomas Sharp, elder, who died unmarried, aged nineteen, and Ellen, who
married Samuel McCune. Rev. Alexander Sharp married Elizabeth Bryson,
and his children were Dr. Alexander Sharp, who married Nelly Dent, a sister
of the wife of Gen. Grant, and Andrew, who was the father of the late Hon.
J. McDowell Sharp, bom in Newton Township, one of the ablest lawyers in
Pennsylvania, and one of the most prominent members of the Constitutional
Convention in 1872-73. Rev. Alexander Sharp lived on the Green Spring,
and was pastor of the church at Newville (Big Spring), from 1824 until the
time of his death in January, 1857.
Alexander Sharp, the son of Thomas, the ancestor, was the largest land-
owner in the township, his tract extending from near Newville to the turnpike
above Stoughstown, a distance of about four miles in length and several miles
in breadth, nearly all of which, variously divided, is in the hands of his de-
scendants to this day. It bordered on the north on the headwaters of the
Green Spring, the right to the watercourse of which stream was the cause of
the long war between the Sharps and Kilgores. That litigation, after old Mr.
Kilgore had been nearly impoverished by it, was brought to an end by the in-
*Two tracts one of 200 acres another of 20, are found in the list of land warrants as taken up by Thomas
Sharp in May 1746 James Sharp, a brother of Robert and son of Thomas, is one of the signers of a petition
from Cumberland County to Gov. Hamilton for aid against the Indians July, 1754. See Rupp's History of Cum-
berland County, etc., page 68.
320 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
tercession of Samuel MoCune (father of the wife of John Sharp of the Bar-
rens) who was known in the community as the peacemaker. Alexander Sharp
had a tannery, distillery, mills, etc. , and one of his apprentices at the tanning
business, which he carried on extensively, was Robert Garrett, of Baltimore,
father of John W. Garrett, former president of the Baltimore & Ohio Railv
road, and grandfather of Robert M. Garrett, the present president of that
road. He sent him, after his apprenticeship was over and before he was
twenty years of age, to Baltimore, where he had never been, to begin life,
secured for him a warehouse, turned much of the trade of the valley, then
carried to Baltimore in wagons, to his place of business, and laid the founda-
tion of the fortune of which he died possessed.
Andrew Sharp, the son of Thomas Sharp, the ancestor, was killed by the
Indians at what is now Sharpsburg, a town which was called after him. He
went from this valley to Indiana County in 1785, and located on Crooked
Creek, eight miles west of Indiana, on the famous Indian trail known as the
Kittanning Path, and which Gen. Armstrong followed in his expedition
against the Indians at Kittanning in 1756. He took with him his only child,
Hannah, born in Cumberland County February 14, 1784 (married in 1803 to
Robert Leason), from whom we take the following account of the killing of
her father, Capt. Sharp, which was given by her in a letter vmtten to
her grand-nephew, William Moorhead: "My father," says she, "was a mili-
tia captain, and served under Gen. Washington in the Revolution. He was
married to my mother, Ann Woods, in their native place, Cumberland County,
in 1783, and with a family of one child moved to Crooked Creek, in what is
now Indiana County, Penn. This being a new country, there was no chance
for schooling his children. My father, after living there ten years, was de-
termined on having them schooled. He swapt his place for one in Kentucky,
where my mother' s friends lived. We started to move to Black Lick River,
and got into our boat, but the water was low, and we had to land over a
day and a night. We started the next. Father had a canoe tied to the side
of the boat. It got loose. He went back for it. When he was away, there was
a man came and told us the Indians were coming. By that time father got
back. All the women and children were in the boat. The men went out to
tie up their horses. The sun was an hour and a half high. Seven Indians
fired upon them. They were hid behind a large tree that had fallen down.
The first fire shot off my father's eyebrow. When he was cutting one end of
the boat loose he got a wound in the left side. When he was cutting the
other end loose they shot him in the other side, but he got the boat away before
they could get in. He saw an Indian among the trees. He called for his gun.
Mother gave it to him. He shot him dead. The boat got into a whirlpool,
and went round and round for awhile, when the open side went toward land
and the Indians fired at us. They followed us twelve miles down the river.
They called to us to go out to them or they would fire again. Mrs. Leonner
and her son wanted to go out to them. They said the men were all killed or
wounded [i. e. , the seven who had gone ashore]. Father told him to desist
or he would shoot him. The Indians shot him dead that minute. He fell
across my mother's feet. There were two dead men and two wounded. One
of them died the next morning. There was no woman or child hurt. There
were twenty in all. They took my father' s horses. The others got theirs.
My mother worked the boat, and we got to Pittsburgh again by daylight. One
man went on before us and had doctors ready. When we got to Pittsburgh
there were a great many kind neighbors came to see us when we landed. We
lived awhile in the boat. We moved up to the city before father's death. He
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 321
lived forty days after he was wounded. There were three [wounds] in him,
one on each side and one in his back. * He died the eighth day of July in
the forty-second year of his age, in the year 1794. He was buried with hon-
ors of war in Pittsburgh."
His brother, Alexander Sharp, went from Cumberland County to see him,
but Capt. Andrew Sharp had died before he arrived in Pittsburgh. " My un-
file, " the writer continues, " stayed with us till there were wagons sent for.
We went over the mountains to Cumberland County, where our friends lived,
and stayed there three years, where we went to school, " when they moved
back to their old home in Indiana County. " It was a party of twelve Indians
that went to Pittsburgh to trade," we are further informed, "who killed Capt.
Sharp. The people would not trade with them. They got angry and killed
all they could that day. There were three men went down the river in a canoe
before us, one of whom was shot dead; the other two were wounded. One of
them died and the other got well. He lay in a room next to father's room.
He could come to see father. This was the last war which was in that part of
the country. It was in the year 1794 when all these things happened."!
We have given the above vivid account, not only because it concerns one
of the early pioneers belonging to one of the largest families, or cluster of
families, in Newton Township, but also as illustrative of the times, and as one
instance of the trials and tribulations of the early settlers, who, impelled by
the restless spirit of adventure which was in their blood, moved still farther
westward, and were driven back to Cumberland County by the remorseless
cruelty of the Indians.
Among the pioneers who settled at an early date in the upper portion of
the county were the Moorheads, some of whom resided in that portion which
is now Franklin. The name of John Moorhead is found in the tax list of 1750.
One of the earliest of this family was Fergus Moorhead, who, impelled west-
ward by the "Saxon hunger for land," left the county in 1769, the year in
which the land o£B.ce was opened for the sale of lands in the northwestern and
southwestern counties of Pennsylvania, and purchased, of the Penns, a large
tract, known in the patent, after the English fashion, as ' ' Suffi.eld, ' ' two miles
-west of the present town of Indiana, on the road to Kittanning. The smoke
of Moorhead' s cabin was the first that arose from the chimney of a legal land-
owner between the Conemaugh River and the old French fort at Le Boeuff.
He, like his co-settlers in the Cumberland Valley, was a Scotch Presbyterian,
who ' ' carried his Bible in one hand and his rifle in the other. ' '
Two of his brothers, Samuel and Joseph, accompanied him from their old
home in Cumberland County, to help in bringing the wagons, live- stock and
goods. On their trip they traveled partly on the road made by Gen. Arm-
strong and his men some twelve years before, when he led his expedition
against the Indians at Kittanning. Here he lived until the outbreak of the
Revolutionary war, when the Indians became hostile to the English. In 1775
he undertook to conduct a man, by the name of Simpson, from his home to
Fort Kittaning. Simpson was the bearer of dispatches from the government
to the commander of the Fort, who was Moorhead's brother. Near the Fort
they were waylaid by the Indians, Simpson was shot, and Moorhead taken
prisoner, carried to Quebec and sold to the British. When his wife had be-
come convinced that some misfortune had befallen him, she started through
the wilderness for Cumberland County, with one child in front of her on the
* It seems also from the letter that he was reooveriDg, but that the cannons fired on the 4th of July caused
tit was in August of this year (1794) that Gen. Wayne gained his decisive victory over the Indians.
322 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
horse and one behind her. She went by way of Fort Ligonier, and reached
the Cumberland Valley in safety. Just one year after being taken prisoner,
Moorhead returned to his father's home in Cumberland County from Quebec,
he having been exchanged as a prisoner.
At Fort Shippen, in the Cumberland Valley, he and his brother Samuel
(who also had gone away, built a grist-mill above Homer City, which was
burned, and he driven back by the Indians) signed a petition to Gov. Penn,
that means might be adopted to protect the frontier inhabitants. After the
close of the war he returned again to his new home, near Indiana, which he
found in ruins; but he soon built a stone house, which is still standing, and
which has ever since been occupied by his descendants. It was said to have
been built of memorial stones heaped by the Indians upon the graves of their
dead. One son of Fergus Moorhead, Joseph, was wounded at St. Clair's de-
feat; another, James, was killed at Perry's victory, on Lake Erie; another,
Fergus Moorhead, Jr. , was the paternal grandfather of Silas M. Clark, of the
Supreme Court.*
VILLAGES.
The township contains few villages. Jacksonville (Walnut Bottom P. O. ),
before 1825, consisted of but six log houses. One, a two-story house on the
hill, was kept as a tavern by an Irishman named John McCaslin. Some dis-
tance east was another, known as the ' ' Bull Ring ' ' tavern, kept by Michael
Hawk. The land on the north side of the road was the property of Peter
Fry, and the village w^s at first called Frystown. It was afterward called
Canada, and later Jacksonville. About 1820 the pine forest extended to the
town.
Stoughstown, on the turnpike in the eastern portion of the township, was ^
called after Col. John Stough, who kept a tavern there for many years, which
tavern was also, prior to 1846, kept by his son. The town dates back to nearly
the beginning of the century, and the tavern, for many years, was one of the
most noted as a relay house for the teamsters and the stages on the road. Near
Stoughstown is a large spring, from which a fine stream issues.
Oakville is a small post- village west of the center of the township and a
station on the Cumberland Valley Railroad. Prior to the building of this
road it had no existence.
MISCELLANEOUS.
There are small beds of iron ore at places, particularly in the southern
portion of the township. The Big Pond Furnace was built some three miles
southeast of Leesburg, or Lee's Cross Roads, about forty years ago, near the
Big Pond, a deep and somewhat stagnant pool, from which seemingly there is
no outlet, made by a mountain stream, on which are Seever's mill, Buchanan's
mill, and, after the Three Springs flows into it. Oyster's mill. This furnace,
however, at the Big Pond, was long ago abandoned.
The Cumberland Valley and the Harrisburg & Potomac are the two rail-
roads which pass through Newton Township. The postoflices are Newville,
Green Spring, Oakville, Big Spring, Stoughstown and Walnut Bottom.
BOROUGH OF NEWVILLE.
The borough of Newville is handsomely situated on the Big Spring, on
the line of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, some twelve miles westward of
*As to the Moorheads settlement in Indiana County, see also tlie sicetch of that county in Dr. Egle's His
tory of Pennsylvania, p. 793. The date is there given as 1772, but as we have obtained our information from a.
descendant, who gives the date as 1769, we prefer to let it stand.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 323
Carlisle. It was first incorporated as a borough by an act of the Legislature
on the 26th of February, 1817, but its inception as a settlement ante-dates
the century, and carries us back to the days of our Colonial Goverament.
In the earlier part of the last century there was something of a settlement
in the country surrounding the Big Spring, as a Presbyterian congregation
was in existence at that place prior to 1737. A warrant for a tract of about
ninety acres of land was issued by the provincial authorities on March 2,
1744, to four persons, namely: William Lamond, James Walker, Alexander
McClintock and David Killaugh, in trust for the Presbyterian congregation at
Big Spring, which had previously, about 1738, erected a house of worship.*
Upon this glebe the congregation built a parsonage, which was occupied until
after 1786, but prior to 1790 it was abandoned as a parsonage, and in 1794
laid out into village lots. A plan of the new town was drawn, which consisted
of one (Main) street, extending from the spring westward, with Cove and
Glebe Alleys running parallel on the north and south, crossed by Corporation,
High and West Streets, the former two extending northward to the boundary
of the glebe. The first lots were laid out upon these streets, and the remain-
ing portion of the tract was divided into larger parcels of from two to five
acres, for pasture or tillage.
The first sale of lots was September 9, 1790. Other sales occurred during
the eight or ten years succeeding, until all were sold. They were not put up
at auction, but were disposed of at fixed prices, most of them selling for |6
each, f The pasture lots were all sold April 9, 1795, at prices ranging from
124 to $27 per acre. About eight acres on the northeast corner of the glebe
were reserved for a parsonage, and subsequently purchased by the pastor, Eev.
S. Wilson. On all of these lots laid out for the new town, there was a reserved
incumbrance, with an annual quit-rent of 6 per cent to the church, most of
which annual quit-rents were extinguished in 1836. J
FIKST HOTELS, STOKES, ETC.
The first buildings were erected upon the eastern part of Main Street and
on North Corporation. Robert Lusk was one of the earliest citizens, and is said
to have been the first innkeeper in Newville. He built the third house from
the spring on Main Street, in which he opened the first tavern. This was
before 1792, for in the petition to the court for a license in August of that year
he speaks of having kept ' ' a house of entertainment in the house where he now
lives the preceding year, and is desirous of continuing the same." Samuel
McCullough, having provided himself with a house for keeping a tavern in the
town of Newville, also prays the court to recommend him to the Governor for a
license this same year. John Dunbar shortly opened a hotel in the third house
above Corporation Street, but at what exact date is to us unknown.
The first store is said to have been opened on North Corporation Street, on
the east side and north of Cove Alley. About 1797 Thomas Kennedy, father
of the late Judge John Kennedy, of the supreme court of Pennsylvania, and of
James Kennedy, for many years a justice of the peace in Newville, opened the
second store upon the opposite side of Corporation Street, in what is known as
the Woodburn row. ' ' Stephen Ryan then opened where Morrow' s brick
house stands, and was succeeded by Christian Geese. Joseph Colbertson next
•This same tract was confirmed to the church, by another patent, under the State authority, in 1794.
+A few lots, on account of exceptional advantages, brought much higher prices; as Lot No I, on account of
water privileges, S213, bought by William Laughlln, and one opposite, $50, bought by George McKeehan.
tThe incumbrance on the front lots was $-i2:22 each, making the an'iual quit-rent 81.33; on the back lots
$17.90 each, with quit-rent of $1.07; on outlets $13.33 per acre, with quit-rent of 80 cents. Owing to the annoy-
ance of collecting these rents, the trustees of the church accepted, In 1836, the payment of the incumbrance on
most of the lots, and granted to the owners titles in fee simple.
324 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
opened in the stone house on the southeast corner of Main and Corporation
Streets, which Gen. Samuel Finley had bui.H in 1799. Joseph Showalter,
Alexander Barr, William McCandlish, John Johnson, James Huston and oth-
ers followed. ' ' These were the early merchants of the town. The first resi-
dent physician was John Gedds. He came from Silver Spring, and settled in
Newville about 1792, after having studied medicine with Dr. McCoskry, of
Carlisle. Here he practiced until his death in 1840.
The village must have improved with tolerable rapidity, for in 1799, nine
years after the sale of the first lots, there were five tavern-keepers in Newville.
These were James Woodburn, Joseph Shannon, Thomas Clark, Thomas Martin
and Philip Beck. Two years later, 1801, James Woodburn built the Logan
House, which is still standing.
In the year 1800 the first posto£Sce was established. Before this time there
were no offices nearer than Carlisle and Shippensburg. For about twenty years
there was but one mail each way per week. Then there were two until the
building of the railroad in 1838, when the daily mail and the daily papers first
made their appearance. There is now Pullman cars and a variable number of
daily mails each way.
Coming down to about 1806 and after, we find that the appearance of the
town is within the recollection of the living. James Woodburn kept the hotel
on the corner of Main and Corporation Streets, tip two or three lots, John Dun-
bar kept a hotel. The names of two of the sehotels were ' ' The Indian Queen' '
and ' ' The Eagle. ' ' Opposite was Samuel Crowell, on the corner of Main Street,
not yet built up. Near the corner of Main and High, Philip Beck kept a tav-
«rn. On the extreme upper end of Main Street Patrick Dunfee and WUliam
MacMonagal had their inns. Besides these there were two on Corporation
Street, Thomas Clark and Andrew Thompson. The area of these public houses
embraced the extreme limits of the town. Few buildings had been erected
west of High Street. Clusters of buildings afterward grew up on the western
end of Main Street, and the two portions of the town gradually grew together.
The original portion of the town, however, was that lying just north or slightly
northwest of the old Presbyterian Church and cemetery.
INCORPORATION, ETC.
The town, which was first laid out in 1794, remained for more than twenty
years a part of Newton Township. Dissatisfaction existed as to the propor-
tionate assessments of property, and on application to the Legislature a bor-
ough charter was granted February 26, 1817. The town, however, con-
tinued to pay its proportion of road taxes to Newton Township until January
sessions, 1828, when the borough was formed into a township by the court. To
get rid of the inconvenience of two sets of officers — borough and township — a
more comprehensive charter was granted by the court in 1869.
Since the building of the railroad, the track of improvement has turned
south toward the depot, and westward along the line of the road, giving to the
plan of the town quite an irregular form.
What was known as Newtown was laid out prior to the war by the McFar-
lan brothers, John and William Gettys, and some buildings erected. Shortly
after the Ahl brothers laid out an addition to the borough, extending south-
westerly toward the railroad, on the Jerry McKibbon land, which two por-
tions of the town were taken into the borough of Newville in 1874, and now
constitute the South Ward. Until this time the boundaries of the old glebe
farm, which had been originally granted to the church, constituted the limits
of the borough.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 325
Newville, in 1845, is described by Rupp as having abont 100 dwellings,
several mills, taverns and churches (two Presbyterian and one Lutheran), and
three public schools. Previous to this, in 1840, it is described as having six
stores and three taverns. Its population at various periods has been : In 1830,
530; 1840, 564; 1850, 715; 1860, 885; 1870, 907; 1880, 1,650.
The town was divided into the north and south wards by a decree of the
court, confirmed July, 1874.
AN HISTOHICAX CHARACTEB.
One of the most interesting facts in connection with the history of the town
of Newville, is that the artizan, William Denning, who succeeded in making
the first wrought-iron cannon in America, lived, after the Revolution, in the
neighborhood of Newville, and was buried in the grave-yard of the old Presby-
terian Church at that place. No tombstone, however, marks the spot, although
some of the older citizens claim to have located it. He died December 19,
1830. The following account is given of him in Hazard's Register, Vol. VII:
' ' The deceased was an artificer in the Revolution. He it was who, in the days
of his country's need, made the only successful attempt ever made in the world
to manufacture wrought-iron cannons, two of which he completed at Middle-
sex, in this county, and commenced another and larger one at Mount Holly,
but could get no one to assist him who could stand the heat, which is said
to have been so great as to melt the buttons off his clothes. This unfinished
piece, it is said, lies as he left it, at either Mount Holly or the Carlisle Bar-
racks. One of those completed was taken by the British at the battle of Bran-
dywine, and is now in the Tower of London. The British Government offered
a large sum and a stated annuity to any person who would instruct them in the
manufacture of that article, but the patriotic blacksmith preferred obscurity
and poverty in his own beloved country to wealth and affluence in that of her
oppressors, although that country for which he did so much kept her purse
.closed from the veteran soldier till near the close of his long life, and it often
required the whole weight of his well known character for honesty to keep him
from the severest pangs of poverty. When such characters are neglected by a
rich government, it is no wonder that some folks think Republics ungrateful."
CHURCHES.
The First Presbyterian Church at Newville was erected aboTit 1738. It was
a log building, in the southern part of the grave-yard now used by the congre-
gation. The present stone structure was built about 1790. It was a plain
stone buUding, with three doors, and with the pulpit, on the north side. It
iad pews with high, straight backs. In 1842 it was handsomely remodeled in
modern style, and is now one of the handsomest churches in the valley. It is
built in a delightful grove near which, in the language of Dr. Nevin, "rolls
gently along the clear and lovely stream from which it has received its name,
and which for ages has been flowing on, apparently the same, whilst the crowds
that have been weekly gathering on its brink have, one after another, lain
down vsdthin the sound of its murmurs" to their long, last sleep. Thomas
Craighead was the first pastor, installed in 1738. He died in the pulpit after
the close of an eloquent sermon, while its last words were still upon his lips.
His remains were buried where the church now stands, the only monument of
his memory.
United Presbyterian Church. — This church, originally " Seceder," was built
of logs, according to the inscription on it, in 1764. This was followed by a
stone church about 1790, a brick 1826, a new brick in 1868. The present
326 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
liaudsome brick church edifice was built in 1882. It is upon an elevation in a
beautiful grove, and with its grave-yard just back of it. Upon a tablet in the
church building is engraved the dates which we have given: "United Pres-
byterian Church. Founded A. D. 1764— Erected A. D. 1882."
First Methodist Church. —This was built in 1826. It was of brick and
stood on the back part of the present lot on Main Street. The present one,
of brick, was built in 1846.
First Lutheran, Church. — This was built in 1832 on North High Street, and
the present one in 1862 on West Main Street.
"Bethel'" Church.— A Bethel Church was built in 1830, which is now occu-
pied by a colored congregation. The present Bethel Church on KaUroad
Street was built in 1859.
United Brethren Church. — This is located on Fairfield Street, and was
built of brick in 1867.
CEMETERY.
Owing to the necessity for new burial ground, the Newville Cemetery was
organized a few years ago. It is beautifully situated west of the town.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
For some years before and after the middle of the century, classical schools
were established in Newville. In 1832, Joseph Casey, the father of Judge
Casey, of the United States Court of Claims, opened a classical school, which
lasted for a period of eight or ten years. He had received his education at
Glasgow, and was a thorough Latinist. About 1843 another clasical school was
opened, which included all the ordinary academic studies. This was established
by R. D. French, who was succeeded, in 1846, by Mr. Kilburn; in 1849, by
James Huston; in 1852, by W. R. Linn.
Rev. R. McCachren erected an academy building at about this time, where
he and others taught until 1857, when it was succeeded by a normal school.
The Rebellion broke this up ; but even after the war a classical school was con-
ducted by F. L. Gillelon, who was succeeded by Dr. Stayman and W. H.
Thompson. At this time the academy building was used as a female school.
Both succumbed, however, either to the growing favor for larger colleges or
the public schools.
There are eight public schools in Newville, with fit buildings, one of which,,
a commodious brick structure with inclosed grounds, 'has been recently erected.
NEWSPAPEHS.
The first newspaper published in Newville was in 1843, but it was a small
sheet and of brief duration. The Star of the Valley was started in 1858 by J.
M. Miller. The Enterprise, which had been established at Oakville, in May,
1871, by the Fosnot Bros., was moved to Newville in December, 1874, and
the two papers were consolidated as The Star and Enterprise, under the man-
agement of J. C. Fosnot & Son, in January, 1886. It is an eight page weekly
paper. Tlie Times, which was begun at Plainfield, and known as the Plain-
field Times, in the winter of 1881, was moved to Newville in the winter of
1885; it is a neat eight-page weekly paper, conducted by J. W. Strohm.
The first bank in Newville was the " Newville Saving Fund Society. " It
was organized March 9, 1850 and dissolved March 31, 1858. A private bank-
ing firm was started by Eea, Gracey & Co. , in 1857, and was reorganized un-
der the United States charter in August of 1863, as the First National Bank of
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 327
Newville. It is in a handsome building on Railroad Street. Its capital is
$100,000.
PIKE DEJ>ABTMENT.
Friendship Fire Company, No 1, meets in the Council Room, East Main
Street, on the second Tuesday evening of each month. J. C. Fosnot, presi-
dent; J. M. Eeed, secretary.
Washington Fire Company meets on second Friday evenings of each month.
D. N. Thomas, president; Geo. L. Gussman, secretary.
SOCIETIES.
Big Spring Lodge, No. 361, A. Y. M., was instituted June 1, 1866, with
the following named charter members: J. A. Kunkel, Harry Manning, W. B.
Shoemaker, Peter A. Ahl, David Ahl, A. Byers, Samuel Byers, William Bor-
land, James Elliott, George M. Graham, D. H. Gilmore, J. S. Hays, H. S.
Ferris, G. H. Hammer, S. I. Irvine, William Klink, E. R. McAchlan, C. T.
McLaughlin, James McCandlish, J. P. Rhoads, Henry Snyder, S. A. SoUen-
berger, J. A. Woodburn, M. Williams, S. C. Wagner. Number of members
September 15, 1866, forty-four. Officers: Robert H. Stake, W. M. ; G. A. Rea,
S. W. ; John E. Mickey, J. W. ; A. Byers, Treasurer; S. G. Glauser, Sec-
retary.
Conodoguinet Lodge, No. 173, I. 0. 0. F., was organized May 28, 1846,
with the following named charter members: James F. Coxel, A. J. North, J.
B. Myers, H. S. Ferris, Archibald Bricker, J. G. Kyle, Joseph Fry, Lewis
Rhoads, George Blankney, E. E. Brady and John C. Kyser. Membership
numbers sixty. Present officers are D. P. Sollenberger, N. G. ; J. H. Ployer,
V. N. G. ; J. C. Fosnot, Secretary; B. F. Shulenberger, Treasurer.
Big Spring Encampment, No. 92, I. O. O. F., instituted February 23,
1855, has a membership of nineteen. Present officers are George Murphy, C.
P.; D. P. Sollenberger, S. W. ; G. B. Weast, J. W. ; J. G. Fosnot, Scribe;
B. F. Shulenberger, Treasurer.
Sawquehanna Tribe, No. 131, I. 0. B. M. , was instituted at Shippensburg
June 21, 1870, with the following named charter members: J. Berr Reddig,
William H. Lawrence, A. D. Rebok, O. M. Blair, Samuel S. Shryock and H.
M. Ash. The tribe removed to Newville December 2, 1875. Its present mem-
bership numbers about twenty, and its officers are Joseph JefPries, Sachem;
Josephs. Tolhelm, Senior Sagamore; J. W. Taylor, Junior Sagamore; J. C.
Fosnot, Chief of Records; D. N. Thomas, Keeper of Wampum.
The "I. L. C," a social and literary club, meeting weekly, was organized
June 24, 1884, with the following named members: W. B. Stewart, G. B.
Landis and E. D. Glauser. Present membership numbers fourteen, and the
officers are George Fosnot, President; George Landis, Vice-President; E. D.
Glauser, Secretary; W. B. Stewart, Treasurer. This club has a library.
328 HISTORY OF CUMBEELAND COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXXI.
NORTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP.
~V]~ORTH MIDDLETON was originally a portion of Middleton until that
XN township was divided into North and South Middleton, in 1810, when
it became a separate township. It then embraced also Middlesex, which was
formed from it subsequently.
It lies just north of Carlisle, bounded on the north by the Blue Ridge or
the North Mountains, on the east by Middlesex, on the south by South Mid-
dleton, and on the west by West Pennsborough and Frankford Townships.
The Conodoguinet Creek flows, with very abrupt and irregular curvatures,
through the southern portion of the township, the land lying on the south side
being the usual limestone, and on the north slate, formation. There are very
many fine farms in the township, and particularly on the south side of the
creek.
EARLY SETTLERS.
This township, like all or most of the others in Cumberland County, was
originally settled by the Scotch-Irish, but at a later period many Germans
came into it, so that, to-day, very few of the descendants of the original set-
tlers are left. In this sense it stands in marked contrast with some other sec-
tions of the county.
One of the very earliest settlers, not only in this township, but among those
who first pushed their way into the North Valley, was Richard Parker, many
of whose descendants are still living. He, with Janet Martha, his wife, emi-
grated from the Province of Ulster, Ireland, in 1725, and settled three miles
from Carlisle, acquiring land by patent near the Presbyterian Glebe Meeting-
House on the Conodoguinet Creek iti 1730.
That the Parker family settled west of the Susquehanna in 1725 there is
sufficient evidence in the land office, where, among the records, is the applica
tion of Richard Parker in 1734 (the year his tract of land was surveyed to him),
for a warrant for the land on which he had " resided ye ten years past," which
would carry the date of his settlement on the Conodoguinet Creek, near Car-
lisle, back to 1724. And indeed it is probable that even at this early period
there were quite a number of settlers between this point and the Susquehanna.
In 1729, when the county of Lancaster was organized, which then in-
cluded Cumberland, there were " over Sasquehanna, " Hendricks, Macfarlane,
Silvers, Parker and others, who claimed a residence of from five to ten years,
and possibly some periods which were stUl further back, but which are now
unknown. Emigrants did not wait for the purchase of the lands by the pro-
prietories from the Indians, especially the aggressive Scotch-Irish, who were
' ' not wanted, ' ' where the lands had already been acquired, but were directed to
push forward to the frontier.
Thomas Parker, the son of Richard, was also born in Ireland, but came
over with his father. He died in April, 1776. A number of the members of
this family served in the Revolution; and the widow of one, Maj. Alexander
Parker, who laid out the town of Parkersburg at the mouth of the Little Ka-
NORTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 329
nawha, and who is buried at the Meeting House Springs, afterward married
Charles McClure, near Carlisle, one of whose children, Charles, who was secre-
tary of the commonwealth under Gov. Porter, married Margaretta Gibson, the
daughter of Chief Justice Gibson, of Pennsylvania.
Comparatively few of the names of the early Scotch-Irish settlers in this
township are within the recollection of the living. At an early period Patrick
and William Davidson, William GiHingham, James Kilgore, Joseph Clark,
Peter Wilkie and John McClure owned land near the proposed site of Carlisle,
and portions of it had to be bought back by the Proprietaries. "William
Armstrong's Settlement," on the Conodoguinet, was just below the Meeting
House Springs. David Williams, a wealthy land-owner and the earliest known
elder of that church, James Young and Eobert Sanderson were probably in-
cluded in that settlement. In following the creek, Thomas Wilson resided
further to the east, near Henderson's mill, while adjoining him on the east was
James Smith, and on the south Jonathan Holmes, by the spring and on the
land now owned by Mrs. Parker. Turning westward again upon the creek,
just one mile or more north of Carlisle, and just to the left of the "Cave"
hUl, was the home of Col. Ephraim Blaine, * an officer in the Indian war, a
patriot in the Eevolution, and the grandfather of the Hon. James G. Blaine,
of Maine. Turning northeasterly from Carlisle, at some early period. Com.
O' Brian owned a large tract of about 700 acres, including the tract up-
on which the almshouse stands and several farms. Mr. Stiles afterward came
into possession of about 300 acres of this tract, where the almshouse now
stands, and erected his home, which was known as ' ' Clermont. ' ' It was after-
ward purchased by the county for its present purpose. On the glebe belong-
ing to the Meeting House Springs, was the Rev. Samuel Thompson (1798),
near which were lands belonging to John Davis, Esq., who at one time (1777)
commanded the Second Battalion of Cumberland County troops in the Revolu-
tionary war. Still further up the creek were William Dunbar and Andrew
Forbes, near which place a mill was afterward erected by William Thompson.
Among the Scotch-Irish who, in the year 1793, lived in the surrounding
neighborhood of the Meeting House Springs, were the following : James Doug-
las, John Dunbar, Alexander Blaine, John Gregg (died 1808 or 1809), Rob-
ert Sanderson, John Logan, James Milligan, Ross Mitchell, John Forbes; and
at a still earlier period than this, Stuart Rowan, who died there. Other names
we meet, with the dates, are as follows: William Parker and David William-
son, 1794; William Templeton, 1795; Alexander Logan, 1797; Andrew Logan,
1798; William Douglas and William Dunbar, 1799; George Clark, 1803;
John Reid, William Dinney, James Cameron, 1805; Samuel McKnight,
1807. t
But there is a list of still older names of the " heads of families " in this
section, for which we are indebted to a manuscript fragment, made by the
Rev. Dr. Robert Davidson, who, in connection with Dr. Charles Nesbitt the
first president of Dickinson College, was the first pastor over the United Pres-
byterian congregations of Carlisle. The manuscript is dated November 26,
1816, and is headed, " Names of the Heads of Families belonging to the differ-
ent districts of the Presbyterian Church in Carlisle."! '^^® ^i^^i which is
possibly unfinished, is as follows: John Templeton, Andrew Logan, Matthew
Agnew, Margaret Logan, David Parker, Andrew Gregg, John Forbes.
*He lived alao In Carlisle, and, it is said, that it was at his house that Washiogton stopped during his brief
visit at the time of the insurrection. The old stone homestead, just west of the Ciive hill, is still standing.
fThese dates, taken from authentic documents, indicate that the parties lived in these years, but how much.
earlier or later (often) we do not know.
t All of these early Scotch-Irish were Presbyterians.
330 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
And these notes of a few families as they were then (1816) constituted: (1)
John Templeton and Jane Templeton, May McKee and Sarah Kennedy. (2)
Alexander Logan and Jane Logan, William, Alexander, John, Mary Jane and
Elizabeth — three young children. (3) Margaret Logan, Margaret Davidson
and Eleanor Logan, with black man Coesen. (4) Mathew Agnew and Re-
becca Agnew — two small children.
Families living north in the township, in 1793, in the neighborhood,
including Orane's Gap, were as follows: Eichard Crane, William Clark, John
Sanderson, John Templeton, Widow Stuart, Robert Chambers, Robert Patton,
Widow Harper, William Fleming, Patrick Davidson, James Sanderson, Widow
Randolph, Joseph Kennedy, William Davidson, Jr. , James Douglas.
We meet the namefe with dates attached, as follows: Joseph Kennedy, 1795;
Hugh McCormick, 1795; Thomas Guy, 1797; John Kincade, 1797; John Flem-
ming, 1798 ; James Mooreland, 1799 ; James Flemming, 1801 ; John Stewart,
David Williamson and Job Randolph, 1802; John Williamson and Robert
Blaine, 1803; Davidson Williams,* 1804; Joseph Clark, 1805; John Goudy,
1805, Paul Randolph, 1806.
Some of these families consisted, in December of the year 1816, as follows:
(1) Patrick and Ann Davidson — George, Patrick, John, James, Sarah, Eliza
and two small children. (2) Richard Grain, Sr. — Elizabeth Grain, WiUiam
Grain, Abner Crain and Maria Dill. (3) Joseph Clark and Mary W. Clark
— Mary Clark, Ralph Simson, George Grain, and servant girl, Margaret. (4)
Thomas and Sarah Guy. (5) Samuel and Elizabeth Guy — two children. (6)
Paul Randolph — William, John, Ann, Susan. (7) James and Margaret Flem-
ming— William, John, Margaret and a girl. (8) Rebecca Sanderson — Mrs.
Simkins, Miss Sanderson, Mr. and Mrs. McMichael. (9) Richard Crain, Jr.,
and Sarah — Jane, Eliza Ann, Sarah, Richard. (10) Job Randolph — William,
Sarah, Eliza Ann, Fanny, Paul and Job. (11) R. Clark and Ann — Alexan-
der Gregg, Widow Crain, Margaret Crain, John, Robert, Ann and Margaret.
(12) John and Deborah Kincade — Jane and Susanah, and Francis Kelly.
(13) William Manwell and wife — Sarah, Jane, Elizabeth and Mary.f
THE CAVE.
One of the greatest natural curiosities in the county is " The Cave." It
is just one mile north of Carlisle, on the Conodoguinet Creek, in a large lime-
stone bluff, which is covered with evergreen trees. The entrance to it is a
symmetrical, semi-circular archway, about eight feet high and ten feet wide,
from which there is, a nearly straight passage of about 270 feet to a point
where it branches in three directions. The passage is high enough to admit
the visitor erect until he reaches this point. The passage on the right is broad
and low, but difficult of access on account of its humidity. It leads to a
chamber of very considerable length, which is known as the Devil's Dining
Room. The central one is narrow and tortuous, and can not be entered for
more than a distance of thirty feet, when it terminates in a perpendicular
precipice. The passage on the left, at a distance of three or four feet, turns
suddenly to the right, and measures in length about ninety feet, with a suffi-
cient opening to permit a small lad to creep along it, after which it becomes
too narrow for further progress.
About seven feet from the entrance are several small pools, probably caused
by the drippings from the roof, which are called the Seven Springs. Apart
from the picturesqueness of the spot, traditions and legends have been asso-
*At this time deceased.
tHere ends the manuscript of Dr. Davidson; for which we are indebted to the Eev. Dr. Joseph Vance, the
present pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Carlisle.
NORTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 331
ciated with it. It has been stated that human bones have been found in it.
It was a place of retreat for Lewis the robber, and probably for Indians at a
still earlier period. Several examinations have been made of it, and organic
remains of many species cf animals were found in it. Among the bones were
found those of almost every species of mammals of the State, besides those of
one or two species not now found in Pennsylvania, but known in regions not far
remote. The bones seem to indicate that the size exceeded that of the same
species of the present time. It is stated that, within the recollection of many
living, the cave has grown smaller, probably on account of the accumulation
of earth in it.
MEETING HOUSE SPRINGS.
About two miles northwest of Carlisle there is a beautiful spring of crystal
water, which flows from under limestone rocks, at the bottom of a bluff on the
south side of the Conodoguinet Creek.
Near this spot, on the high ground, the Presbyterians, about the year 1736,
erected a log church in "West Pennsboroagh," as it was then called, by rea-
son of which the place has ever since been known as the ' ' Meeting House
Springs. ' ' The church was one of the very earliest erected in the valley, and
years before the formation of the county or the existence of Carlisle. No ves-
tige of this building now remains, nor are there any of the oldest surviving
inhabitants of the neighborhood who are able to give anything like a satisfac-
tory aooouat of it. AH has passed away. The members of the large congre-
gation which worshiped within its walls, have all, long ago, disappeared, and
with them the memory of the venerable edifice aad the interesting incidents
which were, doubtless, connected with its history.
THE GEAVE-YARD AT MEETING HOUSE SPRINGS.
The old grave-yard, however, still remains, with its dilapidated and neg-
lected tombs, needing the chisel of some modern antiquary to make plain their
almost illegible inscriptions. Some of them which are still decipherable are
dated as far back as 1736. On some there are armorial bearings, which indi-
cate the fondness of our fathers for the family distinctions of their transat-
lantic home. Some families claim to know the spot where their ancestors are
buried; such are the Agnews, Forbeses, Dunbars, Lairds, McAllisters, Grey-
sons, Parkers, Yonngs and others; but, in many cases, the inscriptions do not
tell us who are buried here.
The place reminds us forcibly of the quaint words of an English writer:
"Gravestones tell truths scarcely sixty years; generations pass while some
trees stand, and old families last not three oaks. ' '
As a matter of interest we may state that not more than sixty years ago
there was a woodland which began within, probably, half a mile northwest of
Carlisle, and extended all the way to Meeting House Springs.
This burial place is in a handsome grove of lofty trees, and is inclosed
with a stone wall on the high ground of the almost precipitous limestone bluff
which here rises above the creek. The tombstones are of an extraordinary
character; one small one remaining, of dark slate, most of limestone or brown
sandstone, with rude lettering, and some having upon them the rude sculpturing
of animals, faces. Masonic emblems or coats of arms. Many are reclining, some
lyino- down. In order that some who have lived and are baried here shall not
wholly be forgotten, we have attempted, with considerable difficulty, to deci-
pher some of the inscriptions.
On a leaning granite one, which stands alone in the northeast corner, in
large, rude letters some nine inches long, we read: "Here lys the Body of
332 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
John and Alexander McKehan." It has no date. Others are as follows:
' ' Here lys ye Body of Janet Thompson, wife of ye Eev. Samuel Thompson,
who deceased Sep. ye 29, 1744, aged 33 years." "Alexander McCulloch,who
deceased January ye 15, 1746, aged 50 yrs. " Another reads : "Here lies the
body of James Young, seiner, who parted this life Feb. 22, 1747, aged 79
years." Another reads: "Here lys ye body of Mejrr donnel, who departed
this life Oct. 15, 1747, aged 64 yrs." On a small, dark slate stone, on which
is sculptured around, cherub face, we read in letters still distinct: "Thomas
Witherspoon, who departed this life Mar. 22, 1759, aged 57." The flat tomb,
which is without date, reads: "Sacred to the memory of Major Alexander
Parker and his two children, Margaret and John. ' '
Others are as follows: "Ronald Chambers, -died Dec. 24, 1746, aged 60."
"William Graham, died April 24, 1761, aged 67." "John Flemming, died
Apr. 22, 1761, aged 39." "James McFarlan, born Dec. 24, 1685, died Oct.
31, 1770." "John Kinkead, died Aug. 4, 1772, aged 51." "Mary Kinkead
[daughter], died Aug. 1758, aged 17." "James Weakly, died June 6, 1772,
aged 68." "Jane Weakly [wife], died Nov. 30, 1768, aged 53." "James
Weakly [infant son of Samuel and Hetty], died Sept. 4, 1777."
Besides these, of later date, we find the names of Drenna, Saunderson,
Crocket and others who were well known.
The remains of an Indian, it is said, were discovered a few years ago in
digging a grave near the stone wall in the western portion of this burial
ground.
Among those buried in this grave-yard in the present century is Samuel
Laird, Esq., who died in September, 1806, in the seventy -fojirth year of his
age. He was an associate justice in 1791, and one of the commissioners for
the county to collect money which non-associators were expected to contribute
in lieu of military service in 1778. Upon his tomb we read:
"Of simple manners, pure, and heart upright.
In mild, religious ways he took delight;
As elder, magistrate or judge he still
Studied obedience to his Maker^s will.
A hushand kind, ^ friend to the distressed.
He wished that all around him might be blessed:
A patriot in the worst of times approved,
By purest motives were his actions moved."
MISCELLANEOUS.
Col. Ephraim Blaine erected a mill, lately known as Henderson's mill, on
the Conodoguinet Creek, about a mile north of Carlisle. Within the past year
this mill has been taken down. On its corner-stone was the following mark:
Er
B
1772
which is construed to mean that it was erected by Ephraim Blaine, 1772.
There are six schools in the township, several mills, four bridges (one iron)
over the creek, many roads, some of them in good condition. There is no
town or railroad within the township, Carlisle and the Cumberland Valley
Eailroad lying just on its southern border; but there are fine farms every-
where, even on the rolling lands which extend back to the North Mountains.
There is a postoffice in the township named Grissinger.
PENN TOWNSHIP. 333
CHAPTER XXXII.
PENN TOWNSHIP.
PENN TOWNSHIP was formed from the western portion of Dickinson in
1860. Cook Township has since been formed from the southern part of
Penn, reducing it to its present limits, and inchiding nearly all of the mountain
land which was formerly a portion of that township. It is bounded on the
east by Dickinson Township, on the south by Cook Township, on the north by
West Pennsborough Township, and on the west by Newton Township.
Its physical features, as thus reduced, are the same as those of the upper
portion of Dickinson: On the north side of the Yellow Breeches Creek heavy
limestone land, very fertile, and which yields to the labor of the husbandman
abundant harvests; on the south side a gravely or sand formation, but which,
when well tilled, is also well adapted to agriculture. Many excellent farms,
in a high state of cultivation, are to be found in almost every portion of the'
township. This land is also well watered by numerous springs or streams, all
of which empty into the Yellow Breeches Creek, which flows in an easterly
direction through the township. Most of these have their source in the South
Mountains; while, at a point where the Walnut Bottom road crosses the New-
ton Township line, are what are known as the Three Springs, the water flow-
ing from under the limestone rocks at a distance of a few rods apart.
These springs are somewhat south of the Quany Hill — a sandstone ridge
which extends in an easterly direction through Southampton, Newton, and
the northern portion of Penn Townships. Of late years they sometimes
run dry in the summer months, but it may be interesting to state that before
the time when so much timber had, sometimes needlessly, been destroyed,
they were much larger and more copioijs streams. This fact is within the
recollection of some who are stUl living.
The principal stream, however, is the Yellow Breeches Creek, which rises
in the mountains and, small comparatively until it reaches this point, twice
crosses the Walnut Bottom road — the second crossing being at the dividing
line between Penn and Newton Townships. Its original Indian name was
"Callipascink," meaning rapid or "horseshoe bends."*
We find it was known as the ' ' Yellow Breeches, ' ' however, as early as
1740. How it derived this " uncouth appellation " is not now known. One
explanation is that the words are a corruption of Yellow Beeches — a number
of which once grew upon its banks. Another rather improbable account, but
which has received some credit, is as follows: In speaking of the second
crossing on the Walnut Bottom road, to which we have alluded, a resident of
the township writes: "I was born and raised within 300 yards of that place,
and from a boy have known the stream to be called Pine Eun down to this
second crossing, and from there dovm Yellow Breeches Creek. I have been
told time and again, in my boyhood days, tjiat the name was given to it because
a family living at that place (known as "Three Springs "), on a washing day,
*In" Trego's (ieography Geology, etc., of PenDsylvania," published 1843, he says (page 33) :"The present
uncouth appeJIation given to this beautiful stream renders it very desirable that its original Indian name should
be restored. This seems, however, now to be lost, for after the most diligent research we have been unable to
dlBcover it."
334 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
hung out a pair of leather yellow breeches, which were stolen by a roving
band of Indians, after which, in speaking of certain places, this one was
known as the place or creek where the Indians had stolen the yellow breeches,
from which the creek itself, in time, derived its name — but above this point it
is still known as ' Pine Eun.' " We have thought it worthy to state this leg-
end here, for, if it be true, then this stream derived its name from an inci-
dent which happened in Penn Township.
Iron ore, in detached quantities, is found in various portions of the township,
while at Huntsville is the site of the. old Cumberland Furnace, built by Michael
Ege, but which has long since been abandoned. Grist-mills and saw-mills
are along the streams, but for local uses only, while many of the older ones
have disappeared.
The population of Penn is more dense than in Dickinson, but fewer of the
descendants of the original settlers remain, and there is a larger infusion of
the German element, which came into it at a later period. Michael Ege, at
one time probably the most extensive land-owner and iron master in Pennsyl-
vania, owned tnuch of the land on the south side of the creek, which descend-
ed at his death to his daughter, Mrs. Wilson, and which extended also into Dickin-
son Township, in the sketch of which we have given an account of its division af-
ter protracted litigation. One of the Weakley families owned land in the
neighborhood of the Dickinson Charch, and up toward CentervilJe, some gen-
erations ago, and there were other family names which are the same as those
which are found in Dickinson Township. As the pioneer settlers seemed always
to have preferred the lands which lay adjacent to the springs or along the
streams, there can be little doubt that such portions of this township as lay
along the Yellow Breeches Creek or the Three Springs, were settled at a very
early period.
Among the older families are the McCuUoughs, and, as a matter of inter-
est, we may mention that Alexander McCullough, who married Elizabeth Mc-
Kinstry and was father of James, went to'California in 1855, and joined the
famous Walker's expedition, where he lost his life.
VILLAGES.
Small vUlages are numerous in Penn Township. Along the Walnut Bot-
tom and the Pine roads are clusters of houses which have as yet no name, but
along the former are Cumminstown, called after Eev. Charles Cummins, the
second pastor of Dickinson Church ; Centerville, so named, it is said, because
it is midway between Carlisle and Shippensburg; and Hockersville, called after
John Hooker, who owned a farm and tavern-stand some years ago at this
place. On or near the Pine road are Huntsville, formerly Spring Mills, a
station on the Harrisburg & Potomac Eailroad; Brushtown, trom the brush
that surrounded it; and Milltown, a mile east, so called because of the num-
ber of mills (a fulling-mill, grist-mill, saw-mill, plaster-mill, clover- seed- mill
and a whisky distillery), which were once in that immediate vicinity. Cen-
terville is described in 1845, by Eupp, as "a small village on the Walnut Bot-
tom road in a well improved, fertile region of the country; it contains a store
and tavern." It has now a church, schoolhouse, postoffice, shops, and about
200 inhabitants.
CHUECnES.
There are six churches within the limits of Penn Township. Of these the
oldest is what is known as the Dickinson Church, belonging to the Presbyterian
congregation. As early as 1810 an application was made, subscribed by
James Moore and Joseph Galbraith, for a pastor to supply what was called the
PENN TOWNSHIP. 335
"Presbyterian congregation of Walnut Bottom," but it was not until 1823
that a congregation was organized in Dickinson Township, and not until 1826
that a call was giyen to Rev. McKnight Williamson, their first pastor, who
continued to serve until October, 1834. He was succeeded, in the following
year, by Kev. Charles Cummins, who served for a period of ten years, and
after whom, as we have seen, the small village derives its name. The place is
still better known, however, as the Dickinson Church. At the close of Mr.
Williamson's pastorate, the session consisted of Samuel Woods, John Ross,
William Woods, Jr., George Davidson and David W^. McCullough; at the
close of Mr. Cummins' , the elders were William Woods, Jr. , Robert Donald-
son, William G. Davidson and Lewis Williams.
At first the congregation worshiped alternately in the stone church belong-
ing to the Covenanters and in the log church of the German Reformed and
Lutheran congregations, both of which were in Dickinson Township. Since
the formation of Penn, the Dickinson Church is included in that township,
although its name was derived from the one in which it was erected in 1829.
It stands on a slight eminence, at a point where the road leading from Mount
Rock to Spring Mills crosses the Walnut Bottom road, eight miles west of
Carlisle. The lot of ground upon which it is erected was given for that pur-
pose by William L. Weakley. The situation is a beautiful one, and the build-
ing itself, with its neat interior, does credit to the taste and liberality of the
congregation. The Lutheran Church at Centerville is a handsome brick
building, erected in 1852 ; while south of the Dickinson Church and near the
creek is the church of the German Baptists — known as Dunkers — erected in
1863. The other churches of the township are smaller and have been more
recently erected than those which we have mentioned.
SCHOOLS.
A private school or academy was begun at Centerville in 1856, by Robert
Lowry Sibbet, a graduate of Pennsylvania College, in which were taught
Greek, Latin, the natural sciences and higher mathematics. The school was
for a time quite successful. Mr. Sibbet was succeeded by Rev. George P.
Hays. After a few years, however, it ceased to exist. Of the students of this
school two are ministers, one a missionary in Japan, three are lawyers living
in Carlisle, one a physician, and several have been teachers. Of its teachers,
Dr. Sibbet is now practicing medicine in Carlisle, and his successor was after-
ward president of Washington and Jefferson College.
At present there are ten public schools in the township, and although the
school term is six months, in many of the districts they are kept open three
months longer by subscription.
The Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad traverses through the center of the
township. The postoffices are Dickinson and Huntsdale.
336 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
SILVEE SPRING TOWNSHIP.
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP was formed from East Pennsborough in
1757. It contains about thirty-five square miles, part slate and part lime-
stone land, and is bounded on the north by the North Mountains, on the east
by Hampden, on the south by Monroe Township and a small portion of tipper
Allen and Mechanicsburg, and on the west by Middlesex Township. The town-
ship is named after Silvers' Spring, a limpid body of water which rises in it,
and which was called after James Silvers, who, with his wife Hannah, came
into this valley about 1730 or 1781. He took out a warrant in October, 1735,
for a tract of land, containing 532 acres, which adjoins the old Silvers' Spring
Church, and extends into the loop of the Conodoguinet Creek, embracing land
now owned by Mr. Kauffman, Mrs. Briggs, Mr. Bryson and Mr. Long. Here
Mr. Silvers settled and lived. But, although the springs was called originally
after James Silvers, common consent seems to have changed the name both of
the spring and of the township to the more appropriate designation of ' ' Silver
Spring. ' ' This spring is one of the most beautiful in the Cumberland Valley.
It rises from out limestone rocks, spreads into a large and somewhat circular
crystal sheet, and, after serving several mills, empties itself into the Conodog-
uinet Creek.
This Conodoguinet Creek flows just north of Hogestown, in such circui-
tous loops or bends, that, although the general direction of the creek through
the township ia east and west, it is often here more nearly north and south;
and although the township is only five miles across, the course of the creek
measures more than twice that distance. The windings of the creek enclose
the farms of James McCormick, J. C. Sample and Samuel Senseman.
This portion of the township adjoining Silver Spring and Hogestown was
settled at a very early period. About 1730 John Hoge bought a large tract of
land, including that on which Hogestown stands, and settled upon it.
There were other settlers here in 1733, and the records show that the land
between this and the river was, at least, partially occupied at this date. Most
of these early settlers seem to have located on the slate land — on account of
the spring, leaving the richer lands, called ' ' barrens, ' ' unoccupied. These
early settlers were all Presbyterians. The old church was erected here at
about this time. The congregation is spoken of as " over the river. ' ' No road
had yet been built. It was not until November 4, 1735, that the court of Lan-
caster County appointed a commission of six men, among whom was James
Silvers, to lay out a road from Harris' Ferry toward the Potomac River. They
reported February 3, 1736, but their view was opposed " by a considerable
number of the inhabitants on the west side of the Susquehanna in those parts,"
and another commission of viewers was appointed, who reported May 4, 1736,
that ' ' they had reviewed the easternmost part of said road and found it very
crooked and hurtful to the inhabitants, and therefore altered it and marked it.
From the ferry near to a southwest course about two miles, thence westerly
course to James Silvers' , thence westward to John Hoge' s meadow, ' ' etc.
This road was nearly identical with the turnpike, and as it passed James
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP. 337
Silvers' place, it would locate his house on Mrs. Brigg' s f arm, aow occupied by
George Messinger.*
OKIGINAL SETTLERS.
Of the early settlers of this portion of Silver Spring we have some interest-
ing reminiscences. Two Loudon brothers, James and Mathew, came from
Scotland; one settled in Sherman's Valley, but was driven out by the Indians.
Mathew Loudon came to Silver Spring, married Elizabeth MoCormick about
1760, and settled on the tract now occupied by the Cathcart heirs. The Hogea
lived upon their property, but not where the town now stands, and the McCor-
micks, northeast of the town, on the Conodoguinet Creek. The Irwins also
owned tracts just southwest of the present town. The McOormicks now own
a large brick house, just east of town, which belonged to the Hoges. Of this
latter family there were two brothers, David and Jonathan. David lived just
across the spring south or southeast of the town; Jonathan, just across the
run, northeast, along the pike. Of the Galbreaths there were also two broth-
ers, Andrew and John. Andrew lived just below Bryson's (now Eberly's)
farm, and John, up the creek, north of Bryson's farm. Mr. Oliver's family
lived west of Hogestown, on the ridge, and were intermarried with the
McOormicks. Wm. Walker owned two farms which joined the Oliver farms.
He married Betsy Hoge. Reese also owned a farm beyond the ridge, joining
the Loudon tract, which was purchased by Archibald Loudon in 1788. Imme-
diately west of that was Mr. Christopher Herman's farm, while the Junkin
tract (owned by Joseph and Benjamin) laid just south. The Irwins' lands
near joined the Hermans', Loudons' and Armstrongs' tracts. There were four
Irwin brothers, WUliam, Armstrong and John Irwin, all of whose tracts joined,
and James, who owned the land which now belongs to Mr. Huston, where the
mill is on the Conodoguinet Creek. An old mill stood where the iron bridge
now spans the creek, known originally as Kreider' s mUl, the farm of Kreider' a
brother was opposite, and the Coble tract, belonging to Daniel and David, lay
just north of this latter. Below the iron bridge joining the Kreider farm was
Ashleys, and just below it, down the creek, were the two Bell farms (David and
Robert), now owned by Benjamin and Samuel Voglesong. Just north of
Hogestown, on the road leading to Sterritt's (originally Croghan's) Gap, waa
the Trimble farm, while recrossing the iron bridge, just joining the Douglas
farm, was the old Carothers' farm, belonging to John Carothers, who, with
iis wife and whole family, was poisoned by a jealous domestic, Sallie Clark, j"
Of the four sons, John (who married Sallie Hoge) was afterward sherifp, and
Andrew, who was crippled by the poisoning above mentioned, became one of
the leading lawyers of Carlisle.
Martin Herman, a native of Germany, landed in Philadelphia July 12,
1752, and settled in Cumberland County on the 15th of April, 1771, on a tract
of land called St. Martins, in Silver Spring Township, which farm has been in
the possession of that family for a period of 115 years.
Besides the names of the early settlers whom we have mentioned, were the
Walkers, Clendenins, Hustons, Trimbles, Semples, Fishers, Waughs, Math-
ers, Barnhills, Beltzhoovers, Hendersons and McHoes, and on the south side
of the creek were the Trimbles, Longsdorfs,, Kellers, Kp,stB, Kings, Slonechers,
Junkins, Hoges and others.
SOME EARLY EVENTS.
During the Indian wars, from 1753 to 1758, there were many murders and
depredations throughout the valley. In Rupp (p. 128) we find: "May 13,
*See Rev T. J. Ferguson's Historical Discourse on Silver Spring Church.
tThis incident was made the subject of a poetical effusion by Miss Isabella Olliver, a volume of whose
poems was issued from the press of Archibald Loudon, of Carlisle, in 180IS.
338 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
1757, William Walker and another man were killed near McCormick's fort, at
Conodoguinet. ' ' The following account, as it concerns Silver Spring, we take
from a former sketch : ' ' The early settlers were much annoyed by Indians,
and consequently settled in groups as much as possible for self -protection. One
of these was at a place called Roaringtown, on the bank of the Conodoguinet,
where there is a very fine spring. It is on the farm now owned by Samuel
Adams, two miles west of Hogestown. Mr. John Armstrong, one of the old
citizens, born about 1700, whose wife was a daughter of Jonathan Hoge, fre-
quently told us that he could see from his house, near the Stony Ridge, groups
of Indians prowling about through the barrens several miles distant; also wild
animals, which were another source of annoyance to anxious mothers, whose
children would stray from home. An uncle of Judge Clendenin, late of
Hogestown, went, in company with two others from his father's residence, in
the northeast part of the township, where Emanuel Neidich now resides, to
watch a deer lick, some two 'miles up along the mountain foot, on the farm
where Michael Garman now lives, and whilst waiting, in the dusk of evening,
for the deer to come down from the mountain to drink, and lick the salt placed
there to attract them, they were fired upon by Indians in ambush, who severe-
ly wounded Clendenin. They fled for home, but his strength failing from loss
of blood, his companions secreted him in the bushes and made their escape.
He was found in the morning cold and lifeless."
It was one of the members of the Bell family, mentioned elsewhere, of
whom the following is told: "Among the many achievements," says Loudon,
"against the Indians in our wars with them, few exceed that performed by
Samuel Bell, formerly owner of the noted farm on the Stony Ridge, five miles
below Carlisle, which was as follows: Sometime after Gen. Braddock's defeat,
he and his brother, James Bell, agreed to go into Shearman' s Valley to hunt
for deer, and were to meet at Croghan's, now Sterritt's, Gap, on the Blue
Mountain. By some means or other they did not meet, and Samuel slept all
night in a cabin belonging to Mr. Patton, on Shearman's Creek. In the morn-
ing he had not traveled far before he spied three Indians, who at the same
saw him. They all fired at each other; he wounded one of the Indians, but
received no damage, except through his clothes by the balls. Several shots
were fired on both sides, for each took a tree; he took out his tomahawk and
stuck it into the tree, behind which he stood, so that, should they approach,
he might be prepared. The tree was grazed with the Indians' balls, and he
had thoughts of making his escape by flight, but, on reflection, had doubts of
his being able to outrun them.
"After some time the two Indians took the wounded one and put him over a
fence, and one took one course, and the other another, taking a compass, so
that Bell could no longer secure himself by the tree ; but by trying to ensnare
him they had to expose themselves, by which means he had the good fortune
to shoot one of them dead. The other ran and took the dead Indian on his
back, one leg over each shoulder. By this time Bell's gun was again loaded;
he then ran after the Indian until he came within about four yards from him,
fired and shot through the dead Indian and lodged his ball in the other, who
dropped the dead man and ran off. On his return, coming past the fence
where the wounded Indian was, he dispatched him, but did not know he had
killed the third Indian until his bones were found afterward."
HOGESTOWN.
This village is situated on a small stream known as " Hoge's Run," which
rises at the Stony Ridge, and empties into the Conodoquinet Creek at a beauti-
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP. 33&
ful grove called "Sporting Green." It was called after John Hoge, who
owned all the land on which the town is built and a large tract surrounding.
The old stone tavern was for years the only house, and was owned by the Hoge
family. The first house built after that was a small log one near the old
road, and was erected about 1820. The McOormicks and the Hoges had a
stockade at a very early date. John Hogue (or Hoge) married Guintheleum
Bowen (said to have been a descendant of the royal family of Wales), who,
after her marriage, still retained and was known by her maiden name. It ia
stated that it was the money obtained from the sale of her jewels which pur-
chased their lands.
NEW KINGSTON.
New Kingston is a post village in Silver Spring Township, on the pike, six
and a half miles east of the county seat. The Cumberland Valley Kailroad
runs within half a mile of the place.
The first owner of the lands upon which the town is built was Joseph
Junkin, Sr. He came from Counties Down and Antrim, Ireland (his lands
lying on both sides of the line), about 1736 or 1740. At Oxford, Chester
County, he met and married a Scotch girl, Elizabeth Wallace, and soon after
crossed Harris' ferry, into the wilderness of Cumberland (then Lancaster)
County. He took up a tract of 500 acres, which includes the siie upon which
New Kingston is now built, and erected the stone house which still stands,
east of the town, on what was afterward known as the Walker tract. He had
a number of children, among whom were Joseph and Benjamin, who afterward
owned a portion of this land. Joseph (born in 1750), built the house now owned
and occupied by H. W. Kanaga, in 1775-77, in which he resided until he re-
moved to Mercer County in 1806. He was a captain in the Revolutionary war,
fought at Brandywine, and was wounded in a skirmish shortly after.
The date of the original patent of this land to Joseph Junkin, Sr. , wa&
about the year 1740, and, after his death it was divided into three parts.
One tract was owned by- John Carothers, who in 1814 sold it to John King,
In the spring of 1818 King laid out the village, which was called after him,
Kingston, a name which it retained. A postoffice was established here in 1851,
called New Kingstown.
The three stone houses were built long before the town was laid out, but.
in 1818 a number of dwellings were erected, probably six, by John Wynkoop,
Henry Miller, George Williams, Thomas Ashley, Henry Monesmith and John
Shoemaker, and possibly one other. These houses were all log buildings.
The second tract was owned by Joseph Junkin, Jr., the son of the original
patentee, who built the stone house above referred to, in the western portion
of the town. The building of this, it is said, had been delayed on account of
his absence as a captain in the Eevolutionary war daring the period of its erec-
tion. This tract and property he sold in 1805 to Joseph Kanaga, Sr., after
whose death it descended to his son, Joseph Kanaga, Jr. , who, after the town
was laid out, built the first frame house for a store. It is now owned by
Henry W. Kanaga, the grandson of the original purchaser. The brick house
in Kanaga' s addition was built by H. W. Irvin.
The third tract was owned by Benjamin Junkin, Jr., also a son of the orig-
inal patentee, who is said to have built two other houses — the hotel, and the
dwelling which he occupied until his death. Part of this tract came into the
possession of John King, by whom it was conveyed (1830) to Peter Kissinger,
who, in 1841, laid it out into the town lots which now compose the greater part,
of New Kingston.
The town is conveniently situated on the pike road which leads from Car-
340 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
lisle to Harrisburg, amid the cultivated farms of this beautiful portion of the
valley, and is not distant from the railroad, which passes to the South. It has
a hotel, postoffice, stores, three churches, schools and a population of between
300 and 400 inhabitants.
Silver Spring Lodge, No. 598, 1. O. 0. F. , was organized April 20, 1867, with
twenty charter members. Its present membership numbers about fifty, and
the officers are now (September 15, 1886): E. E. Anderson, P. G. ; J. D.
Bishop, N. G. ; H. W. Morrison, V. N. G. ; W. H. Humer, Sec. ; Jacob Ma-
thias, Asst. Sec. ; J. A. Senseman, Treas.
THE FIRST covenanters' COMMUNION IN AMEBICA.
Nearly all of the early Scotch-Irish who came into this valley were Presby-
terians, reared in connection with the synod of Ulster, but there were some
Covenanters among them, even at the early date. They were not numerous
at this time in Ireland, where some secession churches were then being es-
tablished.
In this valley there were only a few clusters of families scattered here and
there in different in different localities, and at first without auy fixed place of
worship. Sometimes, without an ordained minister, they met at each other's
houses. They could not and did not fraternize with the Presbyterianism
arouad them. At about this time two places of worship were established —
one at Paxtang, east of the river, and the other on the Stony Eidge, in Silver
Spring Township. When the weather allowed they met in their "tent," as it
was termed, and, when it was not propitious, in their cabins. This "tent"
was pitched in a shady grove, and consisted simply of an elevated platform for
the minister, a board nailed against a black oak tree to support the Bible, a few
rude benches for seats, and some boards overhead to protect the speaker from
the sun and rain. Thus accommodated they worshiped for hours at a time, and
their communion services sometimes lasted nine hours. Eev. John Cuthbert-
son, a Scotchman by birth, from Ireland, preached for the first time in the val-
ley on Wednesday, August 21, 1751 or 1752, at Walter Buchanan's, near the
present New Kingston, midway between Carlisle and the river. His text was,
Proverbs viii, 4 : " Unto you, O men, I call ; and my voice is to the sons of man. "
He also baptized Joseph Glendenning, John M'Clelland and Jane Swansie,
infant children of residents of that neighborhood. August 23, 1752, Mr. Cuth-
bertson held his first communion in America. It was at Stony Eidge, or the
Walter Buchanan or Junkin ' ' tent, ' ' in Cumberland County. The communi-
cants came to the table singing the Twenty-fourth Psalm. About 250 persona
communed, and this comprised very nearly all the Covenanters in this county,
for the place was central, the season pleasant, and they gathered in from their
different settlements, the Covenanters also of adjoining counties.
This was the first time that the followers of Cameron and Cargill ever
gathered at the communion table in the new world or outside the British isles.
Their next pastor was Eev. Matthew Lind, of the Covenanter congregation
at Aghadoe, near Coleraine. He came in December, 1773; locating at Pax-
tang, and assumed the pastorate of that church and of the Stony Eidge. Wal-
ter Buchanan was the only elder in Stony Eidge when Mr. Lind was installed.
About that time Joseph Junkin was ordained. He lived upon the present
Katiaga farm; built his present stone house, and had the "tent" upon it dur-
ing his life time. Still later it was known as " Widow Junkin's tent." This
little church was always a colony, surrounded by a population which had no
sympathy with them. Later, when the Germans came in, they literally crowd-
ed out the Irish, and in a few years both congregations were completely ex-
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP. 341
terminated — so completely that there is scarcely a tradition of their existence
left among the present inhabitants.
The Bells, and the Swansies, and the Junkins attached themselves to the
Big Spring congregation; but in time they, too, passed away, and not a single
descendant of the original stock is now known to reside in the neighborhood.
The late Dr. Robert Q. Young, of Mechanicsburg, in speaking, in a man-
uscript note in our possession, of some account of this Covenanters' "tent,"
says: "The description of this tent is strictly correct, as handed down to us,
but there is inaccuracy in the location. The writer of this note, now in his
sixty-seventh year, during his boyhood and youth was familiar with its loca-
tion, and his recollection is corroborated by that of an old citizen, formerly a
resident of that vicinity. Oar statement is that 'Widow Junkin's tent' was
about 300 yards from the turnpike road, near to the foot of the Stony Ridge,
and almost directly opposite to an old stone house, at the time occupied and
owned by Mr. Thomas Bell, in which he had for many years kept a hotel for
the accommodation of the traveling public. The 'old citizen' above men-
tioned says that this ' tent ' was an object of nearly every day observation while
he resided in the vicinity of New Kingston, and that it disappeared about the
year 1830. The recollection of the writer confirms his statement. My pater-
nal grandfather attended divine services when held here, being a descendant
of that branch of the Presbyterian Church familiarly called the Covenanters. ' '
THE SILVER SPRING CHtFBCH AND CEMETKEY.
The church at Silvers' Spring, now known as the ' ' Silver Spring Presby -
terian Church, ' ' was probably, in its inception, the first church established in
the valley. The earliest mention made of this congregation, in which they are
first spoken of as the "people over the Susquehanna," is in October, 1734.
Later they are called "East Pennsborough, " and finally "Silvers' Spring."
The. present stone church, which is built only a short distance from the spring,
and is surrounded by a handsome grove of trees, was built in 1783. A wood-
en one had been erected here, according to Rupp, forty years before. Its in-
ception was at a time when no public road had yet been made through the
valley, but when the thoroughfares were the bridle-paths of the Indians. It
seems that there was a still earlier building, but not upon the site of the pres-
ent ones, for Col. A.. Loudon Snowden states, in an address at the centennial
anniversary, in 1883, that although the present church is now less than ' ' a
mUe, in a direct line, from the creek, the original log structure in which our
ancestors worshiped was much nearer the stream than the present building. *
Indeed, the traditions which my father received from some of the old settlers,
and gave me, make the location within a very short distance from the same,
a little way above where Sample' s bridge now stands. ' '
The pastors of this church have been Revs, Samuel Thompson, 1739-45 ;
Samuel Caven, 1749-50; John Steel, 1764-76; Samuel Waugh, 1782-1807;
John Hayes, 1808-14; Henry R. Wilson, 1814-23; James Williamson,
1824-38; George Morris, 1838-60; Wm. H. Dinsmore, 1861-65; W. G. HiU-
man, 1866-67; W. B. McKee, 1868-70; R. P. Gibson, 1872-75; T. J. Fer-
guson, 1878.
*We have already entered into a period of fabulous antiquity. " The church edifice which preceded the
present one," says Dr. Nevin, in his history of " The Churches of the Valley " [published in 1852], " and which
was the first meeting-house at Silvers' Spring, was, we have been informed by one who learned it from his
grandparents, a small log building, near the place where the present house stands. No record of the building
of that house, or of the organization of a church in it, can be found; and, as the members of the on^regation
at that time are, of course, all dead and gone, it is Impossible to tell with certainty when these things were
.done. It is, however, far more than probable, from the facts which we have already given, and from tne epi-
taphs which are found in the cemetery, that the old log building, in which the first settlers in what is now the
•eastern part of Cumberland County, with its beautiful landscapes and thriving villages, assembled for the wor-
ship of God, was erected about one hundred and twenty years ago." [CSiwches of the Valley, p. 75.]
342 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
A bnrial place in the grove is connected with the church, and some of the
inscriptions can be read with dates as early as 1747, if not earlier still.
Within a few years past a handsome memorial gothic chapel has been erected
in the grove by the McCormick family. The circular grove of trees in which
these churches stand is one of the most beautiful which can be found in the
valley, and we do not wonder that the beauty and the hallowed associations of
this spot gave birth to the following poem, from the pen of an unknown
author, which was published about thirty-five years ago in the Gazette, a paper
published in Mechanicsburg:
SILVER SPRING.
'Twas on a quiet Sabbath,
One warm midsummer day,
Wlien first, with childish eagerness,
I trod Its moss-grown way;
Yet paused with every footstep,
Lest my coming might intrude
On the spirit-haunted trysting-place
Within its solitude.
For, where the grass grew tallest
In a myrtle-covered dell.
And softest, deepest shadows
From waving branches fell.
Lay, in unbroken stillness,
Old Scotland's exiled dead.
O'er whose mysterious slumbers
An hundred years had fled.
No pompous, proud mausoleum
Or sculptured marble tomb
Threw round this spot a mockery
Of dark, funereal gloom;
But through the tangled walnut boughs,
Half veiled, but not concealed,
Like a sentinel on duty,
An old church stood revealed.
*
A beaten, narrow, thread-like path
Wound through the thick green wood.
And, following where it seemed to lead,
I, in a moment, stood
Beside a rill so beautiful,
Of coloring so rare,
I surely thought the sunshine
Had been imprisoned there.
A ledge of gray, uneven rocks
Rested against the hill;
And from their veins the water gushed
With such a gleeful trill —
Such liquid, silver, soothing sounds —
I almost held my breath,
Lest e'en a whisper might disturb
The harmony beneath.
The quiet dead, the old stone church.
And myrtle-covered dell.
Each had its tale of thankfulness
For living love to tell;
What wonder, then, that pleasant
Recollections always cling
Around the sunny Sabbaths
I spent at Silver Spring.
SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. 343
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Cumberland Valley Eailroad passes through the southern portion of
the township, in a west by northerly direction from Mechanicsburg, till within
a short distance of Middlesex Township line, when it takes a sudden south-
westerly coarse.
The postoffices in Silver Spring Township are 'New Kingstown and
Hogestown.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP.*
SOUTHAMPTON is the extreme southwestern township of the county, and is
bounded on the north by Hopewell, on the east by Newton," and on the south
and west by the lines of Adams and Franklin Counties. It was formed,
originally, one year before the formation of Franklin County, from portions
of Lurgan and Hopewell Townships, in October, 1783. At this session of the
court a petition is presented praying the court to erect into one separate town-
ship such parts of the said townships of Hopewell and Lurgan as are included in
the description given, and that it "be called henceforth by the name of
Southampton, ' ' which petition was confirmed by the court.
In this petition complaint is made of the great length of the said town-
ships— namely, Hopewell and Lurgan — "which at present extend from the
North to the South Mountains at a distance of about fifteen miles." The cre-
ation of Franklin County, in September, 1784, disturbed the boundary of this
township, so that another petition of a number of the inhabitants of South-
ampton Township is presented to the court in Jaauary, 1791, setting forth that
the said township of Southampton was some years laid off from Hopewell and
Lurgan Townships into a separate township by the name of Southampton;
that, soon after, that, the "said township of Southampton was cut in two by a
line dividing Franklin from Cumberland County, " etc., and states that at a
meeting of the inhabitants of Hopewell and Southampton Townships it was
agreed that ' ' the future boundary between Hopewell and Southampton Town-
ships begin at Capt. William Strains' mill-dam; thence along the southeast
side of the laid out road leading from said Strains' mill to James Irvin's mill
until it intersects the line between Newton and Hopewell, ' ' etc. , and prays the
court to grant relief by confirming the said boundary; which was done, so that
"that part of the said township of Hopewell lying southeast of the road lead-
ing from Strains' to Irwin' s mill shall be henceforth called Southampton. ' '
CHAEACTEE OF SOIL, ETC.
The character of the soil in Southampton Township is, in the north, undu-
lating limestone land, more or less rocky, but productive, and in which, at its
settlement, was what was known as "barrens," a sort of prairie land where
the Indians had burned the forests, which grew up afterward into brush; this
limestone land containing oak, hickory, and several varieties of locust and
walnut, while on the gravel land south there were large forests of yellow pine
*For borough of Shippensburg, see page 2.57.
344 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
extending from the base of the mountains three miles into the valley. This
description is true of the whole south side of the upper portion of the valley
until it reaches almost the center of the county. This land is well watered
by numerous streams.
Some superior ore banks have been discovered in this township, and there-
fore it was that, long ago, furnaces were established. The first of these, built
by John Moore, of Carlisle, in 1824, on the stream near the foot of the Soath
Mountain, was one known as Augusta. Another, on the same stream, in the
forest below, was known as Mary Ann. A third, still later, about four miles
east of the latter, was called Big Pond. They have all long since ceased to
be in operation. Other mills, and for other purposes, have since been built in
the neighborhood of Middle Spring. Deposits of superior hematite iron
ore are to be found at different places in the township, while fine farms abound
on the limestone land.
One matter in connection with the township during the Bevolution is of in-
terest. Two powder-mills were erected, one near the foot of South Mountain,
and the other about a mile northwest of Shippensburg. The former was but
a short distance on the run above where the Mary Ann Furnace was subse-
quently built, and the other just below where the Zearfoss flouring-mill now
stands. Both mills were blown up, at different times, and in both cases re-
sulted in the death of the proprietors.
EARLIEST SETTLEBS.
The southwestern portion of this township was settled at a very early
period. Large tracts of land, lying between the southeastern boundary of the
first purchase made by Edward Shippen and the base of the South Mountains,
were owned by John Reynolds, Benjamin Blythe, Col. James Dunlap, John
Cesna and others. ' John Reynolds' tract joined that of Mr. Shippens on its
southeastern side, while south of the latter lay that of Mr. Blythe. Just
southeast of the Blythe tract lies the one which was purchased by Col.
Dunlap in 1767. East of this tract is the Cesna farm, upon which Dennis
O'Neiden and John Kirkpatrick were killed by the Indians July 18, 1757.
This farm was one of the first occupied in the township, and remained in the
possession of the descendants of Mr. Cesna until about the year 1827. On the
north and northwest of the second purchase of Mr. Shippen, were the Brum-
fields, Duncans, Wherrys, McCunes, Caldwells, Culbertsons, Morrows, Fin-
leys, Montgomerys and others. These were among the earliest settlers in the
valley, and most of them were men of intelligence and enterprise, constituting
such a group of these hardy Scotch-Irish as will bear comparison with any
which can be collected at the present day. *
VILLAGES.
There are three villages in the township, namely, Leesburg, Cleversburg
and Middle Spring.
Leesburg is situated on the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad, on the Wal-
nut Bottom road, four miles east of Shippensburg, and was originally settled
by Scotch-Irish families, such as the Maxwells, Highlands, Chestnuts and
others, who lived upon the lands upon which it is built, or just adjacent. It
contains at present ' a postoffice, a church, three stores, graded schools, and a
population of about 300 inhabitants. The town was called from George Lee,
who kept a tavern in a log house which stood on the south side of the Walnut
*The writer has to say that some of the above facts were obtained from the late Hon. John McCurdy who
seems to have made a careful study of this portion of the county.
SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. 345
Bottom road. This house, a farm house of Mr. Adam Keese, and a house
which stood on the north side of the road below that of Mr. Eeese, were the
only houses then standing within the present limits of Leesburg. The land to
the south and west of Lee's house, we are informed, was then covered with
heavy timber, consisting of yellow pine, white and black oak, and hickory, nor
was there any cleared land on either side of the Walnut Bottom road from
that point until within a mile of Shippensburg excepting two farms, the Beltz
and Rebrick.
Cleversburg is situated just south of the center of the township, about one
mile from the South Mountains, on land which originally belonged to George
Croft, but which was purchased afterward by George Clever. The town was
begun about 1860. It was called after George Clever, and was laid out upon
the lands of George Clever and Wm. Sibbet and others. Up to this time
(1860) there were but two houses, and a grist or flour-mill which is still stand-
ing. Clever owned the Gochenaur, or, originally. Croft, mill. The town
contains a postoffice, a furnace, two churches, schools, a grist-mill, and a
population of about 350. A branch railroad runs to the ore banks and furna-
ces from Cleversburg.
Middle Spring is located about two miles north of Shippensburg. It takes
its name from the spring and the old church which stands there. There is
here a store, postoffice, blacksmith's shop and a number of dwellings.
MIDDLE SPRING CHDEOH AND GRAVE "YARD.
For some reason all the old Presbyterian Churches of the Cumberland Val-
ley were erected near a spring or stream of water, and from their location they
derived their names. Of these Middle Spring is one. Of the exact date of the
origin of this congregation no record has been preserved; neither can it be as-
certained from any other source. A log church, thirty-five feet square, was
erected here about 1738, not far from where the present Middle Spring Church
now stands. In 1765 a new structure was erected, and enlarged from time to
time, which was succeeded in 1781 by the stone structure, which gave place, in
1847, to the new brick church, which has since been remodeled and improved.
Instead of, ourselves, attempting to describe these churches, we prefer to
use, almost verbatim, the words of one who is more familiar with them.
' ' Those, ' ' says Dr. Nevin, ' ' who are familiar with this locality, remember
well the green slope to the right on which the building stands; the grave -yard
in the rear; the beautiful wood stretching back, with its refreshing shadows;
the old miU-dam to the left; the fountain of fresh water bubbling up close by;
the murmuring stream, which rolls on under thick hanging foliage; and the
" Lower Grave-yard " a little to the north, along which the stream flows in its
course, chanting its sweet requiem for the dead." It was in this grave -yard
that the first church in this region was built. This was about 1738. It does
not now stand. It was demolished, and another log one built upon the spot.
This was considerably larger, being about forty-eight feet long and forty-eight
wide. In a little while this was extended, by removing three sides of the
building then in use, and embracing a little more space on either side, which
was covered with a roof, something in the form of a shed. Up the sides of
these additions to the main edifice, and over the roofs, were erected wooden
steps, by which access was gained to the gallery. This arrangement was made
for want of room in the interior of the building for the construction of a stair-
way. About the year 1781, the old stone church was erected, whose site, as
is well known, was just beside that of the present building. This was still
larger than its predecessor, fifty-eight by sixty-eight feet, and at about this same
346 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
time the grave yard immediately in its rear was located. This was done, not
only because the old one was already filled, but also because its soil was of a
gravelly description, and its lower section, by reason of its nearness to the
stream, was subject to frequent inundation.
The present brick church at Middle Spring was built, but seemingly, at
least, not without poetic protest, in 1747-48, as in the volume from which we
have quoted, among others, there appears this verse:
"That old stone church! Hid in these oaks apart,
I hoped the newer world would ne'er invade.
But only time, with its slow, hallowing art,
Would touch il, year by year, with softer shade,
And crack its walls no more, but. interlaid,
Mend them with moss. Its ancient sombre cast
Dearer to me is than all art displayed
In modern churclies, which, bj' their contrast,
Make this to stand forlorn, held in the solemn past."*
Of the list of persons, to show the warlike mettle of these men, members or
adherents of this church, who took part in the Revolution, we may mention
Cols. Benjamin Blythe, Isaac Miller, Robt. Peebles, William Scott, Abraham
Smith; Maj. James Herron; Oapts. William Rippey, Matthew Henderson,
Matthew Scott, David McKnight, John McKee, William Strain, Joseph Brady,
Robert Quigley, Charles Leeper (killed at Crooked Billet, May, 1778), Charles
Maclay, Samuel Blythe, Samuel Walker, James Scott, Samuel McCune, Sam-
uel Kearsley and Lieut. Samuel Montgomery (lost a leg at Crooked Billet);
John Heap, Esq. , Samuel Cox, Esq. , Francis Campble, John Reynolds, Esq. ,
Thomas McClellan, Joseph McKenney, James McKee, Robert Donavin, Will-
iam Turner. Thomas McCombs, William Sterritt, John Woods, Esq. , William
Anderson, John Maclay, James Dunlap, Esq. , James Lowry, Esq. , John Mac •
lay (mountain), William Barr, Archibald Cambridge, John Herron, David Her-
ron, David Duncan, John McKnight, James McCune, David Mahan, John
Thompson, Jacob Porter, Isaac Jenkins (one of five brothers who died in
camp of contagious disease, all of whom are buried in the Lower Grave-yard),
Samuel Dixon, John Grier. A number of the members of this church were
present in the meeting held in the Presbyterian Church, in Carlisle, June 12,
1774, to protest against the closing of the port of Boston.
MIDDLE SPRING CHUBCH LANDS.
The history of the lands which belonged to the Middle Spring Church is thus
given by Rev. S. Wylie, its present pastor: " On the 27th of May, 1767, there
was surveyed and sold to Francis Campble, Robert Chambers, William Duncan
and John Maclay, the tract of land in Hopewell Township, Cumberland County,
called ' Mount Hope, ' very much in the form of a wedge, with the head
extending along the Middle Spring, beyond the old grave-yard, and the sharp
point reaching almost to Mean' s Run in the direction of Shippensburg, contain-
ing 49 acres and 110 perches, for which they paid the State of Pennsylvania
the sum. of £9 and I63. This land was patented by these men September 17,
1790, and in November, 1793, they deeded it to the trustees of the Middle
Spring Church. On the 3d of December, 1818, there was sold of this land, at
public auction, nine acres and nine perches, lying along and including the
water-right of Middle Spring, to Samuel Cox, at $150 per acre. On the lOfch
of May, 1823, of the remainder twenty-four acres and fifty-three perches were
sold to Mr. George Diehl for the sum of $486.62. There thus remains some-
thing above sixteen acres of these lands, whi^h still belong to the church.
*From poem by Prof. W. M. Nevin : " The Guardian,'.' May, 1862.
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP; 347
" The old grave-yard belonging to this church was used from its earliest his-
tory. The oldest records now legible, however, only date back to 1770. The
'oldest names appear to be the Wrights and Johnsons. The present stone wall
was built before 1805. It had a shingle comb-roof and was painted red. The
upper or new yard was inclosed in 1842."
MISOELLANEODS.
Southampton Township is favored with two railroads, the Cumberland Val-
ley and the Harrisburg & Potomac, the former running through the more north-
erly part of the township, and the latter through the center portion. The
postoffices are Shippensburg, Middle Spring, Cleversburg and Lee's Cross
Boads.
CHAPTER XXXV.
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OF MOUNT
HOLLY SPRINGS.
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP was originally a portion of Middleton,
which was created from Pennsborough in 1750, but divided into its north-
ern and southern townships in November, 1810. It lies just south of Carlisle,
bounded on the north by North Middleton and Middlesex; on the east by Mon-
roe; on the south by the counties of York and Adams, and on the west by
Dickinson and a small portion of West Pennsborough. The character of the
soil is not the same in all portions of the township. In its southern extremity
the South Mountains slope gradually, like a great wave, broken into cre-
vasses and smaller valleys, until it reaches the rich limestone lands below.
There is a great contrast. The former is scrub pine and forest mountain land,
and was long ago described as "a wild and desert region covered with forests,
which yield fuel for furnaces in them or on their borders; but off ering little at-
traction to any except the woodcutter and the hunter, " while below the soil is
of almost exceptional fertility, with highly cultivated farms, good buildings and
large barns.
If one reaches the South Mountains he finds that the rocks are of a differ-
ent character from those of the level region. Lying along this range he meets
with compact white sandstone, some portions timbered, some barren, others
with laurel undergrowth and brush. At Pine Grove, on Mountain Creek,
there is a detached bed of limestone land, with brown argillaceous earth and
hematite iron ore, which had always furnished a plentiful supply to the fur-
nace of that place.
Among the numerous branches of the Cumberland Valley Eailroad the
South Mountain, originally built to Pine Grove Furnace for the transportation
of the iron ores and manufactured products of that region, but now extended
to Gettysburg, is exceedingly interesting on account of the wildness of the
scenery. The view- as you pass along over these mountains toward Gettys-
burg is varied by intervals of forest, rude rocks, abrupt or broken declivities,
deep chasms, over which the road is supported by trestle work, reminding one
still of the unbroken and silent wilderness, but into which civilization is already
348 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
pushing its way. These remarks apply only to the southern or mountainous
portion of the township, for the greater part, the northern and limestone land
consists, as we have said, of fertile fields and farms.
EOADS AND STREAMS.
Of the numerous roads which lead in every direction, and many of which
are well macadamized, we may mention particularly the old Carlisle and Han-
over turnpike, which was for many years the principal route to Baltimore, and
which was laid out principally by parties who lived in South Middleton Town-
ship in 1812.
The streams by which the township is well watered are the Yellow Breeches
Greek, Letort Spring, Boiling Spring and Mountain Bun; the former flow-
ing through nearly the center of the township, east and west, and the two lat-
ter nearly north and south. *
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
This portion of Cumberland County, which is now South Middleton Town-
ship, was settled at a very early period. James Le Tort, a French- Swiss, and
one of the old Indian interpreters, lived in the township at the head of the
spring which bears his name, as early, it is said, as 1720. William Patterson
afterward owned this farm at the head of the Letort, and Hugh Stuart, the
grandfather of Jos. A. Stuart, also occupied this "Patterson tract." The
earliest warrant of land which lay in what is now South Middleton, of which
we have any knowledge, was one granted to George Brandon, in 1743, of a
tract of land which lay on the York County line on the turnpike.
The Craigheads were among the earliest settlers on the Yellow Breeches
Creek. Most, if not all, of these earlier settlers were Scotch-Irish. Such
were the Craigheads, Stuarts, Pattersons, Mahaffeys, Eges, Grahams, Moores,
Saundersons, McClures, Dennys, Holmes, and others, all of which names date
back to the formation of the county. Among other old families, besides those
mentioned elsewhere, are the Burkholders, Gliems, Myers, Zugs, Weakleys,
Bradleys, Givins, Ritners, Searights, Ahls, Flemmings, Kauffmans (whose
descendants laid out Boiling Springs), Peters, Goodyears, McFeeleys, Eisen-
haeurs, and others.
The name ' ' Trent' ' is found at a very early period, and the gap now known
as Mount Holly was originally called Trent's Gap. Of the present families
who live upon the lands originally settled, James B. Weakley occupies part of
the original tract taken up by his grandfather, James Weakley; William
Moore and the Craigheads also occupy a portion of the lands first settled by
their families. The only land in the vicinity of Boiling Springs which is still
in possession of (maternal) descendants of first settlers of it is that now owned
by A. M. Leidich. Andrew Holmes owned a large tract in the township, up-
on a portion of which Mr. George W. Hilton now lives. The Pattersons were
early settlers, and occupied a large tract on Letort. Stephen Foulk lived in
the township, on a farm near the toll gate, now owned by Joseph Stuart. George
A. Lyon, Esq., and James Hamilton, Esq., botli lawyers of Carlisle, owned
large farms in the township.
Above the Richard Peters' tract, west of Boiling Springs, large tracts were
taken up at a very early period by Joseph Gaylie and Patrick Hasson. On
the south side of the Yellow Breeches Creek large tracts, extending to the
mountains, were taken up by Charles and Guian MahafFey; while to the east of
*Letort Spring rises in tlie township, from a large fountain as its source, near Carlisle ; Boiling Sprine
Sows but for a short distance; Mountain Creek flows down through the winding orgesofthe mountains^
and, at a point near Craighead's Station, empties into the Yellow Breeches Creek.
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 349
Boiling Springs lands were taken up originally by James and Andrew Crock-
ert. In the vicinity of Boiling Springs there are three tracts which are par-
ticularly worthy of mention : The ore banks, a large tract adjacent, and the
land upon which the town of Boiling Springs is built. The three ore banks
seem to have been taken up at a very early period, and afterward the large
tract surrounding them. This latter is described as ' ' one tract in Middleton
[now South Middleton] Township, in the county of Cumberland, containing
1,644 acres, surveyed in the name of John Eigby & Co. on the 8th, 9th, 10th
and 12th days of July, 1762," and which was returned in pursuance of certain
warrants issued by the proprietaries of Pennsylvania, dated May 31, 1762, "to
John Kigby, Francis Saunderson, and Joseph, Samuel and John Morris, Jr. "
This tract was divided into sixteen equal parts. John Armstrong and wife
owned two in 1764, but re-conveyed them to Michael Ege in 1792. Two parts
belonged to Robert Thornburg, and the rest remaining in the original owners
or their descendants, the whole tract passed, by various conveyances, to Michael
Ege, the elder. The earliest mention in these various deeds or conveyances
of the Carlisle Iron Works is in 1765, but they had been evidently, at this pe-
riod, for a number of years in existence. The probabilities are that they were
started when this original grant was given, in July, 1762, if not at a still ear-
lier period. At these works, it is said, the earliest cannon manufactured in
the tlnited States were made, one of which is said to have been captured dur-
ing the Revolutionary war and removed to the Tower of London. The three
ore banks were described as having about twenty acres each, but these tracts
were embraced in an original sale of land made by William Penn to Adam
Kroesen, then of Holland, by deed of 7th of March, 1682, the right whereof
was afterward vested in Richard Peters, secretary in the land office in Phila-
delphia, who, in April, 1761, conveyed to Jacob Yoner, of Lancaster, 1,000
acres of the said land; but Jacob Yoner, in pursuance of a warrant from the
proprietaries, dated April 16, 1761, caused to be surveyed to him, instead of
the 1,000 acres, the three ore banks above mentioned. By deed of Jacob
Yoner, 6th of November, 1761, these banks, were conveyed to John Rigby and
Nathaniel Giles, and a patent of confirmation was granted, and by various
conveyances they became vested in the firm known as Rigby & Co. , which con-
sisted of John Rigby, Francis Saunderson, and the Morrises, of Philadelphia.
They afterward came into possession of Michael Ege, the elder, who was at
this time one of the most prominent iron men in Pennsylvania, at one time
owning the forges and furnaces at Pine Grove, at Mount Holly and at Boiling
Springs.
The third tract was the one upon which the Carlisle Iron Works and the
town of Boiling Springs is built. It is described as "a tract of 398 acres,
132 perches, and all called Boiling Springs, situated on the Yellow Breeches
Creek, granted by the proprietaries of Pennsylvania to Richard Peters, by pat-
ent dated 13th of October, 1762."
A portion of' this tract was granted to John Dickey, embracing the head of
Boiling Springs; another portion to David Reed, embracing the upper or
smaller spring, and about twenty-nine acres to Rigby & Co. for the Carlisle
Iron Works. It was a portion of this tract of land, originally granted in Oc-
tober, 1762, to Richard Peters, which, after being owned by John Dickey and
his descendants, came into possession of Michael Ege, the elder, and afterward,
by deed dated April 4, 1808, became the property of John and Abraham Kauff-
man.
SOME BAELT EEMINISCENCES.
The following letter, written by Thomas Craighead, Jr., in 1845, is full of
350 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
interesting reminiscences : ' ' John Craighead settled at an early dat-e on the
Yellow Breeches Creek, near Carlisle. * * * jjg married, spent
the fortune, all but a few webs of linen, with which he purchased from the
proprietor 500 acres of land on Yellow Breeches, which is now descended to
the fifth generation by inheritance, and the sixth is born on it. * * *
I have seen many a pack-horse loaded with nail-rods, at Ege's Forge, to carry
out to Somerset County and the Forks of Youghiogheny and Red Stone Fort, to
make nails for their log cabins, etc. I have known the farmers' teams to haul
iron from the same forge to Virginia, load back corn for feed at the forge. All
the grain in the county was not enough for its own consumption. I have known
fodder so scarce that some farmers were obliged to feed the ' thatch ' that was
on their barns to keep their cattle alive. James Lamb bought land in Sher-
man's Valley, and he and his neighbors had to pack straw on horses across the
mountains. He was on the top of the mountain waiting until those going over
would get up, as they could not pass on the path. I saw the first mail that
passed through Carlisle to Pittsburgh. * * * j happened, a
short time ago, to visit a friend, Jacob Eitner, son of that great and good man,
ex-Gov. Eitner, who now owns Capt. Denny's farm, who was killed during the
Eevolutionary war. The house had been a tavern, and, in repairing it, Mr.
Eitner found some books, etc. , which are a curiosity. Charge, breakfast, £20;
dinner, horse feed, £30, and some charges still more extravagant; but we know
it was paid with Congress money. So late as 1808 I hauled some materials to
Oliver Evans' saw-mill at Pittsburgh. I was astonished to see a mill going
without water. Mr. Evans satisfied my curiosity by shewing and explaining
everything he could to me. He looked earnestly at me and said: 'You may
live to see your wagons coming out here by steam. ' The words were so im-
pressed on my mind that I have always remembered them. I have lived to see
them go through Cumberland County, and it seems to me that I may see them
go through to Pittsburgh; but I have seen Mr. Evans' prophecy fulfilled be-
yond what I thought possible at that time; but things have progressed at a
rate much faster than the most gigantic minds imagined, and we are onwards
still."
Think of it! the old wagons, the thatched bams, the narrow roads, and we
may form some faint conception of those times.
SCHOOLS.
This township is among the most advanced in the matter of education.
There are nineteen schools, some graded, and with the schoolhouses in good
condition, supported for six months in the year by public and for three months
additional by private funds. So, here, as in every portion of the county, some
contemplative Jaques can see
* * * "the whining school boy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school."
KAILEOADS AND POSTOFFICES.
The South Mountain Railroad, from Carlisle to Pine Grove Furnace, was
built in 1869 and 1870 by the South Mountain Iron Company. In 1883 it was
extended to Gettysburg and organized under the name of the "Gettysburg &
Harrisburg Eailroad." It now extends from its junction at Carlisle to Eound
Top, beyond Gettysburg, which is one of the prominent points of that famous
field. J. C. Fuller was the first president; William H. Woodward, first super-
intendent, treasurer and secretary.
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 351
The Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad, which runs east and west, passing
through nearly the center of the township, was incorporated in May, 1869, as
the "Meramar Iron Company." Its name was afterward changed to its
present one. Work was begun on the road in October, 1871, and that part
which extends between Mount Holly Springs and the Dillsburg branch of the
Cumberland Valley Eoad was completed before 1875. Daniel V. Ahl was the
first president.
The Cumberland Valley Railroad runs partly along the northern border of
the township, forming the greater part of the boundary line between it and
North Middleton Township.
The postoffioes in the township are Mount Holly Springs , Boiling Springs,
Hatton and Hunter' s Run.
BOILING SPKINGS.
This place was laid out by Daniel Kauffman, son of Abraham KaufFman,
who owned all the land upon which the town is built, during the year 1845.
The first survey of the town was made in the fall of this year by A. M. Leidich,
who also purchased the first two lots, Nos. 1 and 2, where he now resides and
the one adjoining. At this time there were but two buildings, the stone tavern
built by Philip, and the stone farm house opposite, built by Frederick Brech-
bill. The village of Boiling Spring is beautifully situated in the rolling bluffs
of rich land which lie almost at the foot of the South Mountain. The town is
handsomely laid out, part of it fronting on the beautiful sheet of crystal water,
from which the tract originally, and the town afterward, derives its name.
Under this beautiful sheet of water there are subterranean springs, coming
from cylindrical rocks, where the water is thrown perpendicularly upward from
its rocky bed to the surface which it disturbs, at places, giving to them the
appearance of water which is ' ' boiling, ' ' thus suggesting naturally the name
by which it is known. The largest of these outlets is said to have a capacity
of about twenty hogsheads per minute. The main body of the water, however,
has an untroubled surface, and is deep and clear. Handsome shade trees near
it also enhance the beauty of this spring, the water of which flows into the
Yellow Breeches Creek near Island Grove, a beautiful spot not far distant from
the village. The town itself is laid out in wide streets, on which there are a
number of handsome residences: First, Second, Third and Fourth Streets
running east and west, and Front, Walnut and Cherry north and south. The
town has many shady trees and, situated as it is upon the beautiful spring from
which it derives its name, and with exceptionally beautiful scenery surround-
ing it, promises to become, if it is not already, as beautiful a town as can be
found in the Cumberland Valley. It has postoffice, railroad, iron works and
forge, three churches (one Lutheran, one Methodist and one Dunkard), one
double and two single schoolhouses, many private dwellings, and a population
of about 500.
The furnace which stands near the spring came into the possession of C.
W. and D. V. Ahl, in 1859, from the assignees of Peter F. Ege. It was op-
erated successfully until 1882, when a large anthracite furnace was erected by
0. W. Ahl and son, which is still being operated imder the firm name of C. W.
Ahl's Son. There are ore banks near the town, which were leased in 1873 to
the Pennsylvania & Beading Railroad Company, under the management of
• Asbury Derland, and other banks in the South Mountains, which are being
successfully operated by J. C. Lehman, a citizen of Boiling Springs.
352 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
BOROUGH OF MOUNT HOLLY SPRINGS.
Lying almost within the shadow of the South Mountains and at the entrance
to the gap from which it derives its name, is the beautiful borough of Mount
Holly Springs. The town lies partly in the mountain gorge called Holly Gap,
and partly in the mountains called Upper Holly, through which flows Mountain
Creek. Holly was the name originally given to the gap at a very early period,
on account of a large holly tree which stood where Upper Holly now is.
The borough now comprises what was formerly known as "Upper and
Lower Holly," "Kidderminster" and "Papertown." In the original plan of
the town, in 1815, it was also known as South Middleton.
It appears that prior to the year 1812 there were not over one-half dozen
houses between what is now called Upper Holly and the present paper-mills of
William A. and A. Foster Mullin. As to who built the first house we have no
record, but it is certain that the oldest house of any importance erected within
the present borough limits was the old stone mansion of Mrs. Jane Thompson,
which stands back in a yard nearly opposite the present Holly Inn, and which
was erected as early as 1812 or 1817. There was also, at a very early date,
an old log tavern-stand belonging to Mrs. Thompson, on the site of the pres-
ent Holly Inn, which was replaced in 1822 by a stone structure, which was
then an inn, and which still stands as a portion of the present hotel. Mrs.
Thompson was the mother of Elizabeth Thompson, who married the Rev. Jas-
per Bennett, who resided in the old stone mansion above mentioned till about
1857. Two small log schoolhouses occupied successively the lot where Mr.
Simeon Fisk's residence now stands, which was buUt also for a schoolhouse in
1855, and afterward used as such until it was purchased by him and converted
into a residence. A small story-and-a-half building stood near where the late
Mr. Samuel Schriver's house now stands, and was purchased by him many
years ago. It was then owned by Rev. Jasper Bennett, who owned all the
land within the borough, from the present HoUy Inn to where the Methodist
Church now stands, including that lot on the east side of Baltimore Avenue,
and most of the land on the west side. The Carlisle and Hanover Turnpike
was then what is now called Baltimore Avenue. A small log house stood where
William A. Mullin' s house now stands, and another where Daniel Stees' house
is erected, and these, with the old paper-mill of W. A. & A. F. Mullin, were
the only buildings in the place in the year 1812.
EAELY SETTLEMENT AND INDTTSTBIES.
Tradition has it that Elizabeth McKinney, grandmother of Mary Smithi
was the first settler in Holly Gap. Their house stood on the present site o^
the old stone house adjoining the residence occupied some years ago by A-
Mansfield. They moved out of the fort at Shippensburg which the people had
erected to protect themselves against the incursions of the French and Indians.
The building occupied by the McKinneys was a log structure, and was torn
down by Mr. Foulk preparatory to the erection of the present stone building.
An early settlement of the lands around Mount Holly Springs was occa-
sioned by reason of the large deposits of iron ore which were found in its vicin-
ity. Furnaces were built there at a very early period, and the manufacturing
of iron was for many years the sole employment of its inhabitants. The first
furnace of which anjrthing definite is known was built by Stephen Foulk and
WiUiam Cox, Jr. , about the year 1785. It was called the ' ' Holly Iron Works, "
and was situated near the present site of the paper-mill at Upper Holly. It is
quite probable that the first iron works were established at Mount Holly before
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 353
the year ,1765, and that these early works were frequently remodeled and
rebuilt. Tradition says that there was a furnace at Upper Holly before the
furnace built by Foulk & Cox, but nothing authentic on this subject can now
be definitely ascertained. In the year 1808 this furnace of Foulk & Cox was
sold at sheriff's sale, and was purchased by Michael Ege.
During the year 1812 George Ege, a son of Michael Ege, built a new
furnace near the site of the former furnace erected by Foulk & Cox. It was
known as the Mount Holly Furnace, and stood upon the site of the present
paper-mills at Upper Holly. It is stated on good authority that prior to the
erection of Holly Furnace, a forge for the manufacturing of cannon occupied
the furnace site, that a mill for the boring of the barrels stood near the toll
gate on the turnpike, and that the oldest cannon at present in the United
States was manufactured at this forge. A former historian says : ' ' The
lumber used in building the Carlisle Barracks was sawed upon a mill erected
in Holly Gap. The parties were Englishmen." More probably they were
Hessians, captured at Trenton, who built the Carlisle Barracks.
At this time there was very little improved land between Mount Holly and
Carlisle. In 1812 a paper-mill was erected by William Barber on or near the
site of the mill now owned by the Mullin brothers. It was subsequently owned
by Messrs. Barber & Samson Mullin, the grandfather of the owners of the
present mill. It afterward passed into the hands of Messrs Knox and McClure,
and was burned December 25, 1846. The present mill was then erected in the
succeeding year by William B. Mullin, the father of the present owners.
This earlier paper-mill was the first ever erected at Mount Holly Springs.
Paper-making now became the chief industry of the place, so that the name
Holly Iron Works was rarely applied to it, but it everywhere began to be
known by the name of Papertown.
About the year 1827 that portion of Mount Holly Springs in the vicinity
of the brick mUls now owned by the Mount Holly Paper Company, was called
Kidderminster, from a factory for the weaving of carpets there erected by
Samuel Givin, near the present site of that paper-mill. It was a five-story
brick building, and was afterward converted into a mill for the manufacture of
paper by Eobert and Samuel Givin, for which purpose it was used until its
destruction by fire in 1864. The present paper-mill in Lower Holly, belong-
ing to the Mount Holly Paper Company, and which was buUt near the site of
the old Kidderminster factory, was erected in 1866.
The large mill at Upper Holly was built by the Mount Holly Paper
Company at its organization in 1856. Its original incorporators were Samuel
Kempton, of Baltimore, William B. Mullin, Sylvester Megargee, of Philadel-
phia, and Eobert and Samuel Givin.
There was another old paper-mill to the north of the town, which was
destroyed by fixe, the ruins of which stiU stand.
The land belonging to the Mount Holly Paper Company, with many other
tracts sold to private individuals, belonged originally to Charles McClure, who
took out a patent in 1772. Later the Eges owned much of the mountain land.
The Givins came into their estate by deed dated 1827, Mr. James Givin, of
Ireland, being the original settler and grantee. The handsome residence of
Eobert Givin, which stood in the beautiful grove northwest of the brick mUl, ■
was consumed by fire in March, 1865.
WAE OF THE REBELLION.
Mount Holly Springs responded promptly to the proclamation of the Presi-
dent for troops to put down the Eebellion, so that many of its citizens are
354 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
found in the various regiments. On the call for the State troops in 1862, one
company (Company G, Twelfth Regiment), under the command of Capt.
Charles H. Mullin, was raised entirely from the town.
If, in this connection, we may for a moment drop the dignity of the his-
torian, we would like to picture a panic — one of those little comedies in the
real tragedy of war, which occurred here in this part of the great world-stage,
in the first act, in the year 1861. The object of history is not only to pre-
serve dry skeleton statistics, but to present to the reader also panoramic pic-
tures of the past; and whether they make us laugh or cry does not much
matter, in this world where the two are kin, and both are brief. Well, the
report reached here that the Confederate Army was advancing; that they were
marching toward Holly Gap from Hanover Junction, that the Carlisle Bar-
racks was one of their objective points, and that they were spreading desola-
tion without delay and consternation with ruthless hands. A company,
quickly organized, under Capt. Robert McCartney, of Carlisle, marched to
protect the village. "Upon reaching the town they took a fortified position in
the Gap, ready to sweep like a besom of destruction upon the foe. To achieve
this mighty victory (alas, the grandest scene of all the war was played within
their hearing), and to immortalize themselves like those sturdy Spartans in a
pass of old, they came with flint-lock muskets, many minus locks, and others
armed with knives for closer conflict in the mountain passes. The company
had come prepared to die in the last ditch, and many of the farmers joined to
show "the mettle of their pasture;" but after holding peaceable possession of
the Gap, they finally concluded that the reports which had disturbed them
were untrue, and when the first rays of the morning sun had dispelled both
the mists of the mountain and the fears of invasion, they departed, some of
them, we have no doubt, reluctantly, to their homes, where some remained, hav-
ing no doubt become unfitted to perform further military duty on account of
disease contracted at the bloodless battle of Mount Holly Gap.
The signs of the severer conflict were to follow. In 1863 Gen. EweU's
corps passed through the town on their way to Gettysburg to reinforce Gen.
Lee. Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry also passed through the town. Many of the
Pennsylvania and New York militia marched through the streets on their way
to Gettysburg. Taking the Confederate and Union soldiers together, not less
than 40,000 men passed through Mount Holly Springs during the montiis of
June and July, 1863.
INCOHPOKATION, ETC.
Mount Holly Springs was incorporated as a borough in 1873. It is a
beautiful, clean town, with one long principal macadamized street, on which
are a number of handsome residences. The place is not only noted for the
manufacture of fine paper, but is an old and established summer resort, dating
from a very early period. Its situation is delightful; protected by the moun-
tains, cool in summer, particularly in summer evenings, it lies amid scenery
which might afford an inspiration to an artist. The Mountain Creek, flowing
rapidly down through the long gorge from its high recesses, here rests in wider
crystal sheets, "where the green mountains bending hang their heads," and
are reflected as in a mirror. These sheets, particularly the Upper Holly Dam,
afford both boating and piscatorial sport, as well as ample motive power for the
mills. From Upper Holly the stream runs in a deep bed beside the turnpike,
and under the shade of many trees, and with the mountains on either hand.
There are few more beautiful places in Pennsylvania; and it will, on account
of its situation and scenery, its pure mountain air and summer climate, con-
tinue to attract the weary who are longing for recreation or rest, and the lover
of nature who seeks to live where she lavishes her beauties.
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 355
The borough lies almost due north and south, and the longer streets, "Wal-
nut, Chestnut, and Baltimore Avenue, run almost parallel with the creek, in
this direction. The streets running east and west are Butler, Pine, Harman
and Railroad." The principal street is Baltimore Avenue, which consists of all
that portion of the turnpike road embraced within the borough limits. It is a
wide, level street, a mile or more in length, sixty feet in width, beautifully-
macadamized with fine gravel taken from the mountains. With the exception
of our large cities, there can be found no finer street in the State.
Mount Holly Springs lies twenty miles southwest from Harrisburg, the
capital of the State, and six miles south of Carlisle, the county seat. It is
connected with Carlisle and Harrisburg by two railroads. A daily line of
stages runs to York Sulphur Springs, Carlisle, and other points, so that its
mail facilities are equal to those of any like inland town elsewhere. It is now
a thriving and prosperous town, and bids fair to become a still more beautiful
and important one in the future. The various paper-mills afPord continual em-
ployment to hundreds of operatives, who, in their turn, contribute to the de-
velopment of its resources.
CHUECHES, SCHOOLS AND NEWSPAPEB.
The churches of the borough are the Evangelical Lutheran Church, on Bal-
timore Avenue, and the Methodist Episcopal Church, a commodious structure,
erected in 1860, also on Baltimore Avenue. There are five schools — four white
and one colored — in the borough. The press is represented by the Mountain^
Echo, a weekly paper, established by E. Melvin Early in 1872.
The hotels in the borough for the accommodation of the public will compare
favorably with those of larger towns and cities, and of these the " Central " and
the "Holly Inn," which was for many years known as the "Mullin Hotel,"
but which has been remodeled and refitted, and is now under the charge of a
stock company, are particularly worthy of mention.
SOCIETIES.
Holly Gap Lodge, No. 277, K. of P. , was organized December 8, 1870, with
the following named charter members : S. P. Goodyear, J. L. Wolf, Samuel G.
Givin, T. J. Wolf, Jacob Hemminger, F. L. Goodyear, M. S. Goodyear,
Chas. H Mullin, J. L. McAllister. Number of present members, seventy-five.
Present officers: Dr. E. B. Pollinger, V. C. ; James A. Stees, P.; Lincoln
Vinck, M. A. ; S. P. Goodyear, K. of E. and S. ; G. E. Klopp, M. of F. ;
Thomas Haycock, M. of E. ; Thomas Wolf, P. C.
Mount Holly Lodge, No. 650, I. O. O. F., was organized November 17, 1868,
with the following charter members: John Humes, N. G. ; Chas. H. Miller,
V. G. ; James L. McAllister, Sec. ; Henry Mullin, Asst. Sec. ; Jacob Hem-
minger, Treas. Present officers are A. Simpson, N. G. ; John A. Bosler, V.
G. ; S. P. Goodyear, Sec. ; Edward C. Beach, Asst. Sec. ; Thomas Wolf,
Treas.
Canada Post, No. 490, G. A. B. , was organized in August, 1885, with the
following named charter members: Alexander Adams, W. H. Brinn, Jos. S.
Early, N. J. Glass, John Goodyear, Geo. W. Kinter, John Cauffman, Jacob
Hoffert, Wm. H. Hatz, A. Noffsinger, J. E. Mondorf, D. A. Nagle, A. T. Rich-
wine, W. H. Ricker, Geo. Slusser, Milton Still, S. J. Sadler, Philip Snyder,
James Snyder, Eli Toner, Silas Toner, Henry Wallet, John Ward, Moses Wag-
ner, Benj. P. Wallet, Philip Harman, Augustus McGonigal. Present number
356 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTT.
of members, sixty-one. Present officers: Rev. J. Wise Shannon, C. ; Augustus
Miller, S. V. C. ; Samuel Sadler, J. V. C. ; Daniel Wallet, O. D. ; Milton
Still, O. G. ; P. Herman, Q. M. ; James Snyder, Q. M. S. ; Wm. Goodyear,
Adjt. ; Benj. Wallack, S. M. ; John Ward, Chaplain.
There are also Patriotic Sons of America, Washington Camp, No. 181, a
Building and Loan Association, a Literary Society, a Cornet Band, etc.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP.
ALLEN TOWNSHIP was formed from East Pennsborough in 1766. It
then embraced what is now Monroe, Upper and Lower Allen Townships.
Monroe was taken from Allen first in 1825, and in 1850 the remainder was di-
vided into Upper and Lower Allen.
Upper Allen is ■ bounded on the north by portions of Silver Spring and
Hampden; on the east by Lower Allen; on the south, where the Yellow
Breeches Creek is the dividing line, by York County ; and on the west by Mon-
roe Township.
EARLY SETTLERS, MILLS, MINES, ETC.
The earliest settlers were Scotch-Irish, principally from Lancaster County,
of which this, then, was the frontier, although the Germans began to come in-
to this lower portion of the county about 1760.
Among the earlier Scotch-Irish who settled here before the year 1762 were
the Quigleys, Dunlaps, Rosebarys, Brysons, Triudles, McCues, Gregorys, and
others.
The names of other early settlers were the Hunters, Musselmans, Switzers,
Taylors, Harknesses, Brysons, Longneckers, Brenizers, Mohlers, Shelleys,
Bitners, Rupps, Hecks, the Gorgas family, Cochrans, Coovers, Beelmans,
Eberlys, the Eckels famUy, Browns, Myers, Lambs, and others.
The Pattersons were an old family, and lived on land since owned by Mosea
C. Eberly. The Grahams settled where James Graham owns ; the Wertzes on
the farm since owned by Milton Stayman; the Dunlaps on land since owned by
Mrs. Coover, on the Lisburn road; and the Coovers, originally from Switzer-
land, on a place in the possession of their descendants. The Mohlers, Daniel
and his uncle. Christian Mohler, purchased their land in Cumberland County
in 1800.
The Cocklin farm, known as "Spring Dale," was purchased from the
Penns in 1742 by Andrew Miller, who sold it in 1772 to Jacob Cocklin, who
came in 1733 from the western part of Germany, and settled first in Lancas-
ter, but afterward in Cumberland County. The Yellow Breeches Creek forms
the southern boundary of the two Allen Townships. The first mill, it is said,
was built of logs, and was owned by Richard Peters until 1746. It was torn
down, and other mills (the last now owned, or lately owned, by Levi Lautz)
have been successively erected upon its site. The farm on which this mill is
located, 295 acres, including the mill, was once purchased by John Anderson
from Richard Peters for £50. The Quigleys located close to what is now Bow-
mansdale and built a mill there, which was known as Quigley's mill. This
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 357
^as owned by Henry Quigley before 1818. The Bryson estate came in on the
east, and on the west the Niesleys, who also erected a mill, now known as
Hertzler's mill. About a mile and a half east of the Quigleys was the Swit.
zers, and they also owned a mill on the site of what is now Gingrick's mill.
The present one was erected in 1837. This mill (also known as Underwood's)
was purchased from Richard Peters, between 1740 and 1750, by Frederick
Switzer, who joined the army, and was absent during the Eevolutionary war,
and bequeathed it to his son, from whom it has passed through various hands.
Three prominent families which came into this section at a very early pe-
riod were the Grahams, the Harknesses, and the Browns. The two latter es-
tates reached almost from Mechanicsburg to the Yellow Breeches Creek. The
Graham estate lay east of the Harknesses, and the Browns south.
Of this Harkness family, as we have material from a sketch of one of the
Lamberton family, and as it contains points of general interest, we will here
give an account.
William Harkness was born October 1, 1739, in the North of Ireland, and
when quite a boy immigrated with his father, William Harkness, Sr., and
settled among the Presbyterians of Donegal, in Lancaster. He married, in
1771, Priscilla Lytle, of the same Scotch-Irish stock, and living in the same
settlement. After the close of the harassing Indian wars (by the treaty of
Col. Bouquet) which ravaged the Cumberland Valley until 1764, William Hark-
ness, Jr., bought of the proprietaries, on August 1, 1766, land now in Allen
Township. The Indian titles having been extinguished, and the boundary
diflSculties with Maryland adjusted, the proprietary advertised that the office
for the sale of lands west of the Susquehanna would be opened on August 1,
1766, the settlers prior to that holding their lands under license certificates.
Judge Huston says the number of applications issued on that day was 669.
The application of William Harkness was number thirty-eight. The survey
was on January 24, 1767, and patent issued subsequently.
Prior to this he and his neighboring settlers were often engaged in defend-
ing their homes against a savage enemy, and in the work of the harvest-fields
there, and in the Sherman' s Valley, carried their rifles with them. They were
armed agriculturists. The name of William Harkness is found on the list of
taxables of Cumberland County as early as 1753. Later, in 1776, he entered
the colonial service as an ensign, and together with Mr. Lytle, his brother-in-
law, was amongst the conflicts at Brandywine and Germantovm. At the latter
place Mr. Lytle was killed by his side.
After the war Mr. Harkness, by purchase, added to his property until he
possessed a large estate of some 700 or 800 acres. On it he erected a large
stone dwelling house, among the first of that kind in the valley, and other
buildings, and devoted himself to agriculture and other business pursuits.
His house was famous for its hospitality.
At this time there was slavery in Pennsylvania. In the registry of the last
297 slaves registered under the requirements of an act to explain and amend
a former ' ' Act for the gradual abolition of slavery, etc. , in Pennsylvania, ' '
passed the 1st of March, 1780, among the records of Cumberland County we
find the well-known names of Armstrong, Buchanan, Butler, Carothers, Craw-
ford, Clarke, Craighead, Bryson, Duncan, Blaine, Dunlap, Irvine, Galbreath,
Gibson and others, and that William Harkness returns those born on his estate.
Some who desired it he afterward manumitted at the age of twenty-one, seven
years before the time fixed by law, having previously sent them to school and
in other ways given them preparation for self-dependence. Others lived long
afterward on his estate — the children of some until the death of his son, Will-
iam Harkness, in 1851.
358 HISTOKY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
William Harkness died May 4, 1822; Priscilla, his wife, October 31, 1831.
Both are buried in the old grave-yard at Silver Spring. Their daughter, Mary,
became the wife of Major Eobert Lamberton, of Carlisle.
Another family, the McCues, dating back of 1762, lived a short distance
south of the Graham estate, and between them lay the large estate of the
Poormans. Another family who were large land-owners were the Gregorys —
also dating beyond 1762, and the last of whom (so far as we know), Walter
Gregory, was buried in the Silver Spring grave-yard in 1730. They owned the
estate part of which is now owned by Harry McCormick, where the bridge
crosses the Yellow Breeches Creek, on the line of the State road leading from
Harrisburg to Gettysburg. One Rosebary (probably Eobert Eosebary) mar-
ried one of the daughters, and built a mill, which for more than a century has
been known as Eoseberry' s Mill. The bridge at that point was also known as
Roseberry's Bridge. Another family who owned large landed estate was the
Myers family, on the Trindle Spring, just above Mechanicsburg. Here, also,
were the Trindles and the Lambs. The Trindles lived at Trindle Spring and,
adjoining them on the southwest, the Lambs. Samuel Eckels settled in the
township about 1809. He erected a house not far from what is known as
Winding Hill, near the Mennonite Church, on the State road.
Besides the mills which we have incidently mentioned there were a number
of carding and fulling-mills, a number of which are stUl in existence, and the
business of raising wool was once an extensive industry in the Allen Town-
ships.
The oldest buildings, according to an account given by Henry S. Mohler,
are a log house and barn on the farm belonging to the Garrett heirs. They
are supposed to be more than a hundred and thirty years old. On this farm,
nearly sixty years ago, there were over 200 cherry trees, under which, in the
season, used to be celebrated what was called ' ' cherry fairs, ' ' when ' ' cherry
bounce ' ' circulated freely, and when the owner derived more profit from the
sale of his fruit than from his crops of grain. The first stone house in the
township was on the farm now owned by H. G. Mosser, but it has since been
replaced by a more imposing brick structure. The first stone house which is
still in existence, was built on the farm now owned by Joseph Bosler, near the
close of the Revolutionary war. Another was built in 1790 on the farm of
H. M. Cocklin. The first stone barn was built in 1801, on J. W. Byer's farm,
and the first of brick was in 1812, on the farm of Jacob Gehr, near Lisburn,
but was destroyed by lightning in 1837.
Nearly half a century ago, a mine of hematite ore was discovered in Upper
Allen Township, a short distance west of Shepherdstown, from which several
thousand tons were taken, about 1848, for the iron works at Boiling Springs and
for the Dauphin Furnace. Boulders containing iron ore have been found in
other portions of the township. Eich deposits of magnetic ore were discov-
ered in 1853, on several farms on the Yellow Breeches Creek south of Shep-
herdstown, while men were digging the foundation for a barn. There is littie
doubt that there are a number of places where iron ore can be found, and that
they will be worked in the future, if the time arrives when it will prove remun-
erative. There is also much lime burned in Upper Allen, sometimes as many
as fifty kilns being kept in constant operation.
The distilling of whisky was also, at one time, a prominent industry. When
the railroads and canals were unknown most farmers converted their grain into
this form, in order +hat it might be conveyed to market at the least possible
expense. At this time such goods were sent to the large cities by means of the
great Conestoga wagons, which traveled often in company and took a week or
UPPER ALLLEN TOWNSHIP. 359
more to make their trip. At night the drivers would stop to rest and build their
camp-fire on the road. Now that the reason has ceased, there is no distillery
in operation in the township, although the remains of former ones can be seen
at several places.
VILLAGES.
Of the villages in the township the first was known as Stumpstown, but it
never had more than six houses, and, in 1810, a store, which has been aband-
oned.
Shepherdstoum, near the center of the township, is a post village of about
175 inhabitants, three miles south of Meohanicsburg, on the State road. It
was called after William Shepherd.
Kohlerstown. — In 1867 a small cluster of houses was built on the State
road, half a mile from Mechanicsburg, which was called "Kohlerstown," af-
ter the family by whom it was originally settled.
Bowmansdale is another small village in the southern portion of the town-
ship, called after Jacob Bovrman, a former sherifP of Cumberland County, and
the principal proprietor.
CHURCHES, BURIAL PLACES, ETC.
The oldest church in the township, known as the ' ' Western Union Church , "
on the Lisburn road, was erected in 1835, but the grave-yard connected with
it has been used as a place of interment for more than a hundred years. An-
other Union Church was built at the eastern end of Shepherdstown in 1844,
which was also used for school purposes. The Reformed Mennonites have a
church, erected in 1851, on Winding Hill, so called because of the road which
winds around it. Near it are the water works which supply Mechanicsburg.
The ' ' Mohler Meeting-House' ' is a large structure built by the German Bap-
tists in 1861. On the farm of John Dunlap is a grove which has long been
used for Methodist camp-meeting purposes, from 1820 until 1862, and twenty
acres of which grove, at his death, were bequeathed to them for such purposes
forever. The grounds are elevated, sloping toward the east. Of the grave-
yards besides the one which we have mentioned, the oldest is on the farm of
Henry Yost, and there are, at different points, three private ones, for the Zug,
Lautz and Mohler families. The Chestnut HUl Cemetery, on a beautiful
rounded elevation in this township, for the use of the people of Mechanics-
burg and vicinity, is under the control of an association which was incorpo-
rated in 1852.
SCHOOLS.
The first schools of which we have any knowledge were taught in private
houses. The first building erected for school purposes was built at a date
unknown, but before 1800, on the farm now owned by David Coover. It was
of logs, covered with thatched straw, with slabs or three-legged stools for seats,
and no desk, save for the teacher. In 1805 another was built upon the same
farm; in 1809, another on the farm of John Beelman, near Shepherdstown;
and two years later, another on the farm of the late Judge Moser. These were
the earliest schools of which we have any record.
For the following recollections of his school-boy days we are indebted to
William Eckels, of Mechanicsburg, who was born in Upper Allen Township.
It throws a gleam of light upon the primitive methods of education which were
in vogue at the beginning of the century. ' ' Of the places remembered most
distinctly," says he, "beyond the home domicile, are the two schoolhouses sit-
uated about equal distance from the place of my birth and childhood days.
360 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
These structures were known as Bryson's and Taylor's schoolhouses. The
former stood in a large piece of woodland, not far from the new barn recently
erected by William M. Watts on the north side of his farm. It was a rude
structure in every way, being lighted only by windows inserted between the
logs on each side, ten inches high. But, with all its apparent discomforts, it
served the double purpose of a place for preaching and school for many years,
until accidentally burned down about fifty years ago.
' ' The other schoolhouse stood on the Taylor farm, now owned by Judge
Moser, and is still standing and is used as a place of shelter for farming imple-
ments. This house was considered quite modern in its day, with its pyramid
roof and its two square windows in front, with twelve lights, 8x10. Its pres-
ent dilapidated condition is a sad and forcible reminder of the flight of time to
those who, long years ago, came there to enjoy the benefits of the rude system
of education which then prevailed in the county, and who often made the sur-
rounding forest ring with the boisterous play and the merry laugh of child-
hood. Like the former, this, too, was a place for preaching, as well as for
' ' school ;' ' and of the ministers whom my earliest recollection recalls as being
at the former place, was the eccentric Lorenzo Dow and the grave old Scotch-
man, Dr. Pringle, who was pastor of the Seceder Church, of Carlisle. Many
quaint stories were related of Lorenzo Dow, which interested children and
kept him in their memory at an early age. Dr. Pringle was noted mainly for
the gravity of his manner of conducting the services of the house of worship,
and his severe dignity at all times. Perhaps no two men were more unlike,
in the same calling, than were Dow and Pringle." To such worthies (whose
names, to the older inhabitants, are still ' ' household words' ' ) these school boys,
at the beginning of the present century, listened; characters whose severe
earnestness and sinew — grit — made amends for culture, and was more fitting
for the comparative wilderness in which they worked.
There are at present nine school buildings in the township, of which eight
are of brick or stone, and all more or less fitted, according to our modern ideas,
for their purpose.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Cumberland Valley Bailroad runs across the northern border of the
township. The postoffices are Shepherdstown and Bowmansdale.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP.
PENNSBOROUGH was one of the two original townships which were formed
in the North Valley as early as 1735. This was fifteen years before the for-
mation of the county. For some few years after it was divided, for purposes
of convenience, in the early tax-lists, into north, south, east and west parts of
Pennsborough, until, in 1745, it seems to have been definitely divided into East
and West.
In the years which have intervened since its formation, West Pennsborough
has been gradually reduced to its present limits. It first lost Nevrton, on the
west, in 1767; then Dickinson, which included Penn, on the south, in 1785;.
and Frankford, on the north, ten years later.
WEST PENNSBORO0GH TOWNSHIP. 361
FIRST SETTLEMENTS, ETC.
The names of the earliest settlers found on land warrants between the
years 1743 and 1786, indicate that they were all of Irish or Scotch-Irish de-
scent. Such are the names of Atcheson, McFarlane, Dunbar, McAllister,
Dunning, Ross, Mitchell, Davidson, M'Keehan, and others. Not a single
German name can be found until about 1790, when the German Mennonites
began to move into Cumberland from Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Some
of these, as the Dillers and the Bears, not only purchased large tracts of land,
but erected substantial stone dwelling houses and barns upon them, and began
to improve their farms in such a manner as made them a worthy object of imi-
tation to the earlier settlers. Some few of the Hessians captured by Wash-
ington at Trenton in 1777 settled in this township, and were represented by
such names as Washmond, whose descendants lived until 1840, or later, on the
farm now owned by Levi Clay, and the Rhines, who owned the property now
belonging to William Kerr.
The earliest settlers here, as in other portions of the county, seem to have
preferred the land upon the springs or along the streams in the various por-
tions of the township. The lands, therefore, which lay upon the Big Spring on
the west, the Conodoguinet on the north, the Mount Rock Spring on the south,
or McAllister's Run, seem to be those which were first settled by the early pio-
neers.
' ' The earliest settlement, ' ' says Hon. Peter Ritner, ' ' was made by a fam-
ily named Atcheson at a place now owned by J. A. Laughlin, a descendant of
the original settler, and at the ' Old Fort, ' on land now in the possession of
WUliam Lehman, formerly of Abram Diller. This fort was built at an early
day (perhaps 1733) to be a refuge from the Indians." It probably antedated
the final purchase of Penn, for it was spoken of as " the Old Port " in the or-
iginal warrant for the 200 acres upon which it stood, which was taken out by
James McFarlane in 1743. " One of the grandparents of the present genera-
tion of the Laughlin family was born in this fort. Abram Diller buUt an ad-
dition of stone to the original structure, covered the log portion with weather-
boards, and occupied the whole as a dwelling house. In 1856 the entire build-
ing w as accidentally burned. Adjoining the original tract on the eastward
was another containing 400 acres, which was also taken up in 1743 by James
McFarlane, and has since been known as the "New Farm." Both tracts were
sold by him, in 1790, to Abram and Peter Diller, whose descendants are still in
possession of a portion of the New Farm. None of the houses built by the orig-
inal settlers are now standing, the log cabins of the Atchesons and Laughlins
having long since given place to substantial stone dwellings.
The farm near Mount Rock which was purchased by ex- Gov. Ritner, and
which is now the residence of his son, Peter Ritner, is on a tract for which a war-
rant was taken out in 1732. John Davidson had land patented on Mount Rock
Spring as early as 1745, and the name of McKeehan is found as early as 1751.
A place several miles east of Mount Rock, on the turnpike, belonging to J. Z.
Paul, was settled by John Rhoads July 22, 1762.
The settlement commenced by James Chambers, whose residence was about
three mUes southwest of Newville, was one of the most thickly populated in the
valley. It was as early as 1738 able to form a religious congregation and to
call a pastor — ^the eloquent and celebrated Thomas Craighead. In each direc-
tion from the Big Spring the land was almost or entirely taken up before 1750,
so that, says Dr. Wing, the people there presented strong claims to the county
seat. Among the earliest of these settlers was David Ralston, on the road
westward from the spring; Robert Patterson, on the Walnut Bottom road;
362 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
James McKeehan, who came from Lancaster County, for many years an elder
in the church of Big Spring; John Carson, who lived on the property of Judge
Montgomery; John Erwin, Richard Pulton, Samuel McCuUough and Samuel
Boyd. In the ' ' reminiscences ' ' of Kev. Dr. Junkin, first president of Lafay-
ette College, whose father, Joseph Junkin, was one of the earliest settlers in
Silver Spring Township, we find the following: "In the summer of 1799, my
father lived on a farm, which he owned, two miles east of Newville, having
removed to it for the purpose of making improvements, having meanwhile
leased the homestead at New Kingston. That summer I went to school to Will-
iam McKean in a log schoolhouse, near to one Myers' house, a tenant of Mr.
Leipers. Joseph Ritner was then Myers' hired boy. I saw him many years
afterward in Harrisburg,when he was Governor of Pennsylvania. My parents
belonged to the Associated Reformed Church at Newville, of which, at that time,
the Rev. James McConnel, a ' United Irishman, ' was pastor." Joseph Ritner,
the eighth and last Governor under the Constitution of 1790, was born in Berks
County March 25, 1780. He was the son of John Ritner, who emigrated from
Alsace on the Rhine. At the age of sixteen he came to Cumberland County,
and was, for a time, a hired hand on the farm of Jacob Myers, which lay on
the road leading to Mount Rock, one mile east of Newville. In the year 1800
he married Susannah Alter, of West Pennsborough Township. He then
removed to Washington County, from which, in 1820, he was elected to the
House of Representatives, and served six consecutive terms. In 1824 he was
elected speaker of that body, and was re-elected the following year. In 1835
he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania. On the expiration of his term he
purchased the farm now owned by his son, Peter Ritner, on Mount Rock
Spring, where he resided untU his death in October, 1869. Gov. Ritner was
a great friend of the common school system, and his bold and unhesitating
condemnation of slavery brought forth, in his message of 1836, in admiration
of that ' ' one voice ' ' that had spoken, a patriotic poem of praise from the pen
of Whittier:
" Thank God for the token! one lip is still free.
One spirit untrammeled, unbending one knee!
Like the oak of the mountain deep rooted and firm,
Erect when the multitude bends to the storm."
and in which, after using the name "Ritner," he pays a beautiful tribute to
" That bold-hearted yeomanry, honest and true,
Who, haters of fraud, give labor its due;
Whose fathers of old sang In concert with chime
On the banks of Swatara, the songs of the Rhine."
Jacob Alter, whose daughter Susannah became the wife of Gov. Ritner,
came from Lancaster County, and settled on the Conodoguinet Creek, at Alter' s
mill, in 1790. His son, Jacob Alter, Jr., was elected to the Legislature in
1814, and was for quite a number of consecutive terms a member of that body.
In the January Court, 1789, viewers were appointed to lay out a private
road from John Moore's house to his farm on the "Rich Lands," and from
thence to Mount Rock, etc. , in all a distance of two miles and 128 rods. The
viewers were: George McKeehan, John Miller, James Heal, Joshua Murlin and
Mathew Davidson. The road was confirmed.
The oldest-burial place in the township is supposed to be the one on the
tract which was known as the New Farm, near the Old Fort, in the center of
which there is a plat with graves, but nothing left to tell who lie below. In
the later extension of it, there are more recent graves, on the three sides of the
old plat, and on some of the older grave-stones inscriptions in the German Ian-
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 363
guage. These, however, do not date beyond the century, but there are others
where the inscriptions are entirely obliterated.
The iirst flour-mill in the township of which we have any definite informa-
tion, was built in 1770, and still stands at Newville on the old Atcheson tract.
Piper's mill, on the Big Spring, also in the western portion of the township, was
built in 1771. There was, however, an old mill built upon the Conodoguinet
Creek at a very early date, which some claim to be the oldest in the township.
It was once known as Alter' s mill. The warrant of the entire tract now owned
by the heirs of William Alter was taken out by Richard and John Woods, in
1786, who sold the land to Landis and Bowman the same year in which their
patent was granted. The mill was in existence at that date, and in 1798, it is
spoken of as "the Landis' mill, formerly Woods'." The present mill was
built by William Alter in 1832. Other mills in the township are as follows:
On the Big Spring, Manning' s, above Piper's; Ahl' s, formerly Irvine's, between
Piper' s and Laughlin' s ; and Lindsey' s, formerly Diller' s. On the Conodoguinet
are King's, f ormerly'Shellabarger' s ; McCrea's, formerly Alter' s ; Greider's, for-
merly Diller' s, and Lindsey' s, formerly Forbes'. Alter' s mill was at one time,
also a local trading-post, where sugar, coffee, salt, etc. , were kept for the accom-
modation of the people. There was also a saw-mill, a clover-mill and a distil-
lery on his property, but the flour -mill alone remains.
There was at one time quite a number of whisky distilleries in the town-
ship, such as Alter' s, McFarlane's, one at Mount Rock, one at the spring where
Peter Ritner lives, and another on the Weaver property, four and a half miles
west of Carlisle. The first house of public entertainment is said to have been
kept on the property of Henry Bear, about midway between Carlisle and New-
ville. The land was patented by a man named Mitchell in 1786, and the place
was named Mitchellsburg. The house was known as the ' ' Irish House, ' ' and
was a place of extensive resort and drinking. It is said that a barrel of whisky
was sometimes consumed in one day. No vestige of this house remains. Tav-
erns were kept at a later day at Plainfield and on the main road leading from
Carlisle. Philip Rhoads kept one three miles west of the latter place, and
John Paul where John Z. Paul now lives. This last was a relay house, where
the stages stopped. Mount Rook was a favorite stopping place, also, for the
heavy wagons then in use. Palmstown had a tavern, and Jacob Palm kept a
relay house on the now Myers' farm. Since the introduction of the ' ' iron
horse," these teams and taverns are no longer on the turnpike; they have
passed away with the necessities of the early days which gave them birth.
VILLAGES.
Small villages are numerous. On the Cumberland Valley Railroad, which
runs through Pennsborough, the first station, seven miles west of Carlisle, was
occupied in 1839 by. John and David Alter, and was called "Alterton. " It is
now called ' ' Kerrsville. ' '
In 1856 John Greason laid out a station on his farm, now known as
"Greason." The first house was built at this place some thirty-seven years
ago, and the station has become the nucleus of a village. These are the only
stations. The land on which Palmstown is located was surveyed in 1785, on a
warrant granted to John Turner. In the patent it was called ' ' Mount Pleas-
ant. ' ' In 1800 the land was purchased by Jacob Palm, who kept a tavern in
the first house erected at that place. The building has since received addi-
tions and is still standing, at present the property of Jacob Chiswell. The
town has never been regularly laid out, but is simply a line of houses along
the road.
27
364 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
The land where Springfield, at the Big Spring, stands, was patented to
William McCracken and Samuel Finley at an early date, and the town was
laid out probably as early as 1790. After building the first mill, Mr. McCrack-
en sold out, in 1809, to Robert Peebles. The tract consisted of 130 acres
' ' deeded in fee, except the part on which Springfield stands, for which the said
Robert Peebles was to receive quit-rents. ' ' These quit-rents were extinguished
only about thirty years ago. At one time, before the turnpike was constructed,
Springfield was a more important place, and where more business was transacted
than at present, there being in operation a flour-mill, three taverns, four dis-
tilleries, two stores, and the usual number of mechanic-shops. The first road
laid out westward toward the Potomac crossed here at the Big Spring. There
is now in the town two schools and a church belonging to the United Brethren.
The situation is romantic, and the town has probably about 200 inhabitants.
The western part of the land on which Plainfield stands was patented to
Jacob Alter in 1793 ; the eastern, at an earlier date, to Richard Peters, the secre-
tary, under the Provincial Government, in the land office in Philadelphia. In
Alter' s patent the tract he purchased was called Plainfield. In 1794 forty-
three acres of this tract were sold to Frederick Rhoadacker, who seems to have
kept a hotel there, and to have made the first improvements. It was not, how-
ever, until 1812 that several parties — viz. : Jacob Weigel, blacksmith; Henry
Weige], wagon-maker; John Howenstein, cooper; and probably some others —
purchased lots from the owners, and began to ply their respective trades. The
place was then, or afterward, known as ' ' Smoketown, " because the black-
smiths, manufacturing their own charcoal, kept the atmosphere surcharged with
smoke. This name is used as late as 1845, when the town consisted "of a few
houses. " When a postoffice was established at Plainfield its original name
was restored.
Mount Rock, on a slight eminence, evidently so called from the large lime-
stone rocks which protrude from the surrounding hills, is beautifully situated,
seven miles west of Carlisle, near a large spring which issues from a limestone
rock, the water from which, after flowing for a short distance, sinks again into
the earth, and, passing under a hill, re-appears on the north side, and pursues
its course to the Conodoguinet.
Here, some seventy years ago, were two Miller families, Presbyterians, in-
termarried with the McCuUoughs and McFarlands. One, John, kept a hotel at
Mount Rock. Here, also, were the McKeehans, who had lands adjacent to
Mount Rock, and the Davidson family, who owned lands upon the spring —
both descendants of the early pioneers who settled in this county. About a
half a century ago the hotel at Mount Rock was the " Furgeson House," and
among the families living there were the Millers, whose land lay principally in
Dickinson, the Tregos, Bixlers, Spanglers, Zinns, and others. The township
elections and the musterings and reviews of the old militia were also held there.
Now, the old tavern has been turned into a private dwelling and the distillery
into a warehouse. There is also a Union Church here, built sometime subse-
quent to 1846.
MISCELLANEOUS.
About 1845 the Legislature passed an enactment meant to divide the town-
ship, so that the eastern portion should be called ' ' West Pennsborough Town-
ship," and the western "Big Spring Township." This, however, was op-
posed by the inhabitants, and the act was repealed in the succeeding Legisla-
ture.
The postoffices in the township are Plainfield, Big Spring, Greason, Kerrs-
ville and Mount Rock. The Cumberland Valley Railroad passes from east to
west through the township, almost dividing it in two.
^am^
6//^c
<^<S^^^<^
Biographical Sketches,
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE.
WILLIAM BARNITZ, president of the Farmers Bank, Carlisle, is a native of York
County, Penn., born near Hanover, July 29, 1817. His great-grandfather, John George
Carl Barnitz, born December 14, 1733, undoubtedly in France (now^the Prussian provinces
of Alsace and Lorraine), settled in York County, where his death occurred in 1796. His
children were Jacob, Daniel, John and George (twins), Michael, Susan and Barbara. John
was born in York County in 1758, and died April 16, 1828, after having served as captain
in the Revolutionary war. At the age of eighteen years he became ensign of Capt.
Stokes' company and Col. Swope's regiment of the famous "flying camp," and was
wounded at Fort Washington. He was register and recorder of York County from 1785
to 1834. His wife was a daughter of Archibald McLean, of York County. (Charles A.
Barnitz, a son of Jacob, was an eminent member of the bar of York County, and served
as a member of the Twenty-third Congress.) Daniel was a major in the war of the Rev-
olution; John was a colonel in the Revolution; George was an associate judge of York
County; Michael located in Lancaster County; Susan married a Mr. Eichelberger, of
Baltimore, Md. ; Barbara married a Mr. Lauman, of York. Daniel Barnitz, the grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, married Susan Eichelberger, and to them were born
ten children — six sons and four daughters. Jacob was born April 6, 1777, and was married
to Miss Mary G. Etzler, and settled on a farm near Hanover, which he purchased in 1800
(now owned by a son, Daniel), and in 1836 removed to Cumberland County, where he
purchased mill property, located on Yellow Breeches Creek, of John Weakley, now owned
by a son, Jacob E. He was a man of great energy, projected and held stock in the old
Baltimore Turnpike, and took great interest in educational matters. His death occurred
in 1863, aged eighty-six years. To Jacob and Mary G. (Etzler) Barnitz were born six sons
and four daughters, namely: Henry, Charles, Mary (married Michael Carl, of Hanover),
Susan (died unmarried), Jacob Elder, Daniel, Eliza (married Michael Bucher, of Hanover),
William, Alexander, and Jane R. (died unmarried). Our subject was educated in Pennsyl-
vania College, at Gettysburg, and Dickinson, at Carlisle. Subsequently he was for a time
engaged in teaching schools at Frankford, Penn., and in Delaware; then returned to Car-
lisle, and in 1851 was married to Miss Caroline M. Wonderlich, who was born in Middle-
sex, Cumberland County, a daughter of John and Susannah (Hettrick) Wonderlich, old
settlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Barnitz have three sons and one daughter: John
A. H., clerk and book-keeper in the Farmers' Bank, a graduate of Dickinson College; Jacob
E., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere; S. Marion, a student in the Moravian Female
Seminary, at Bethlehem, Penn. ; and U. Grant, attending Dickinson College. Mr. Barnitz
was one of the original stockholders in the bank of which he is now president. He pos-
sesses a large farm in North Middleton Township, and is engaged in manufacturing tile.
He is a plain and unassuming gentleman and a practical business man, enjoying the con-
fidence and esteem of the community in general. He and his family are members of the
Lutheran Church.
JACOB EDWIN BARNITZ, attorney, Carlisle, was born in that place November 9,
1854, son of William and Caroline M. (Wonderlich) Barnitz. He is a graduate of the high
school and of Dickinson College— class of 1875. He began the study of law in the office
of A. B. Sharpe, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1877, since which time he has
been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1884 he was a delegate to the
Democratic State Convention, and has held several local offices of trust in Carlisle. He is
a member of Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197, F. & A. M., and K. of P., True Friends
Lodge, No. 56.
368 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
JACOB S. BENDER, M. D., Carlisle, was born at Bendersville, Adams County,
Penn., September 31, 1834. His grandfiither, Conrad Bender, a native of Germany, came
to Pennsylvania wben a young man, and settled at Hanover, In York County, and there
married. He had two sons, Jacob and Henry, who laid out the town of Bendersville, and
four daughters. Jacob married Miss Eva Schlosser, who died in 1859, upward of sixty
years of age. Jacob's death occurred in 1865, aged eighty-four years; he was the father
of eleven children, seven of whom are living: Conrad; Catherina, wife of Wilson Naylor;
Elias, who is a farmer in Holt County. Mo. ; Susan, wife of Tobias Schlosser, a den-
tist in Hagerstown, Md. ; Hannah, wife of John Cullings, a farmer near Bendersville; John
Wesley, a dentist at Shippensburg, Penn., and Dr. Jacob 8. Our subject worked on his
father's farm, attending school in the winter seasons until eighteen years of age; then en-
tered Hagerstown Academy, where he pursued his studies for three years, and began to
study medicine with his cousin. Dr. J. J. Bender, and was graduated from the Pennsyl-
vania HomcEopathic College of Medicine in the spring of 1863. Soon after his gradua-
tion he was appointed assistant surgeon (with the rank of first lieutenant) in the Twenty-
ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and remained in the service until the close of
the war. He was with Sherman on his "march to the sea;" was at the battles of Gettys-
burg, Lookout Mountain, Marengo, Ga. ; Resaca, Ga.; Pumpkin Vine Creek, Ga. ; Peach
Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, and at the various other engagements and skirmishes in
which his regiment participated. He was mustered out with the regiment at the close of
the war; then went to Colorado and Nebraska, where for four years he was engaged in
practicing medicine between Omaha and the Rocky Mountains. After this experience he
located in Carlisle, where he has since practiced his profession. October 21, 1876, he was
married to Miss Laura Conlyn, a native of Carlisle, and a daughter of Thomas and Esther
(Barber) Conlyn. One child has been born to this marriage — Esther McKinley Bender.
Dr. Bender is a member of Post No. 201, G. A. R., and he and wife are identified with the
Presbyterian Church of Carlisle.
JOHN M. BENTZ. dentist, Carlisle, is a native of Cumberland County, born at Car-
lisle, September 24, 1854. He was graduated from the high school of that place at the
age of seventeen, and soon thereafter began the study of dentistry at Carlisle. He subse-
quently entered the Pennsylvania Dental College, of Philadelphia, from which he was
graduated in 1874, before he was twenty- one years old. After his graduation he located
in Altoona, Penn., and there remained one year, when he removed to Carlisle, where he
has been quite successful in his business, increasing, from time to time, until he now has
a large practice. November 11, 1884, he was married to Miss Lulie Norbeck, of Lancas-
ter, Penn., a native of Gettysburg, Adams County. Dr. Bentz was elected a member of
the council of Carlisle in 1883, and re-elected in 1886. He is a member of the I. O. O. P.
and Carlisle Lodge, No. 91, I. O. H. 'The parents of our subject were William and Jane
(Mell) Bentz, both natives of Carlisle; the former a dry goods merchant. To Mr. and
Mrs. William Bentz were born the following children: Abner W.. a printer by trade; Jo-
seph G., a telegraph operator; Samuel, a hardware merchant; William, a farmer; John
M. ; George C, a druggist, of Leadville, Col., and steward of St. Luke's Hospital; Eliza-
beth, wife of R. L. Broomall, late counterfeit detector of the United States mint; and
Mary M., who resides with her mother. The father (William Bentz) died in 1875, aged
fifty-five years. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., Carlisle Lodge No. 91. Weirich
Bentz, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Ephratah, Lancaster Co., Penn., in
1788. He was a son of Jacob Bentz, a native of the same county, and he, too, a son of
Jacob, who emigrated from Germany, and settled near Ephratah. Weirich Bentz learned
the wagon-maker's trade in York County, and when a young man removed to Lebanon,
Penn., where he married Elizabeth Zollinger, a native of Harrisburg, a daughter of Jacob
Zollinger.
GEN. EDWARD M. BIDDLE, Carlisle, was born in Philadelphia. He is a de-
scendant of William Biddle, who was a friend of William Penn, and one of the original
proprietors of West Jersey, and who settled in that province in 1681, and under various
purchases became entitled to 43,916| acres of land. He fixed his residence at what is now
known as Kinkora, on the bank of the Delaware River, and took up an adjacent island
of 278 acres, which is still known as Biddle's Island. William Macfunn Biddle, the
father of the subject of this sketch, was a great-great-grandson of the early proprietor,
and resided in Philadelphia. The mother was Lyd'ia, youngest daughter of Rev.
Elihu Spencer, D. D., of Trenton, N. J. She removed to Carlisle in 1827. and built the
house in which her son, Edward M., still resides. Mr. Biddle, our subject, received a
classical educati-m, and graduated at Princeton College, with distinction, in the class of
1827. After graduating he removed from Philadelphia to Carlisle, his present residence,
and here pursued the study of law under his brother-in-law, Hon. Charles B. Penrose, and
in 1830 was admitted to practice in the several courts of Cumberland County. Subse-
quently he embarked in other business pursuits, and then, in connection with a partner,
erected the Big Pond Iron Furnace, in Cumberland County, and for several years carried
on its business. In 1836 Mr. Biddle was married to Miss Julia A. Watts, the youngest
daughter of the late David Watts, Esq., of Carlisle, and sister of Hon. Frederick Watts.
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 369
They have had eight children, six of whom survived: David W., Charles P., Frederick
W., Edward W., William M. and Lydia S. In 1839 Mr. Biddle was appointed secretary
of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, and in 1840 was made treasurer and secre-
tary, which position he has held continuously to the present time. In 1858 he was elected
major-general of the volunteers of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Division, composed of
the counties of Cumberland, Franklin and Perry. In 1861, upon the breaking out of the
Rebellion, he was tendered by Gov. Curtin, and accepted, the position of adjutant-general
of Pennsylvania, and organized for service the earlier Pennsylvania regiments which
were put into tlie field. At the expiration of a year he resigned, his personal business
requiring his entire attention.
EDWARD W. BIDDLE, Carlisle, was born in Carlisle May 3, 1852, son of Edward
M. and Julia A. (Watts) Biddle, natives, the former of Philadelphia, who, in 1827, came
with his mother to Carlisle, and the latter a native of Carlisle, a daughter of David and
Julia (Miller) Watts, she a daughter of Gen. Henry Miller, of Revolutionary war fame
and from Cumberland County. The father of our subject has been secretary and treasurer
of the Cumberland Valley Railroad since 1840. Our subject attended the public schools
until twelve years of age, when he entered the preparatory department of Dickinson
College, and two years later the college proper, from which he was graduated at the age
of eighteen years, being a member of the clas? of 1870. He was then engaged in the sur-
veying corps on the Dillsburg & Meehanicsburg Railroad for six months, when he began
the study of law in the office of William M. Penrose, Esq., was admitted to the bar in
1873, and has since been occupied in the practice of law. He was attorney for the com-
missioners of Cumberland County during the years 1879-81. Mr. Biddle was married
February 2, 1882, to Miss Gertrude D. Bosler, of Carlisle, a daughter of J. Herman and
Mary J. (Kirk) Bosler, former of Cumberland County and latter of Mifflintown, Juniata
Co., Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Biddle two sons were born: Herman Bosler, born April 14,
1883, and Edward Macfunn, born May 29, 1886. Mrs. Biddle is a member of the Second
Presbyterian Church.
ABRAHAM BOSLER (deceased) was born in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland
Co., Penn. His paternal grandfather, John Bosler, when a young man, emigrated from
Hanover, Germany, alone. He settled between Elizabethtown and Maytown, Lancaster
County, Penn. , in 1761, and there married Miss Longenecker and had a large family. His son
John married Catherine Gish, of Lancaster County, and removed to Cumberland County,
settling in Silver Spring Township in 1791. They had three sons and two daughters, viz. :
Jacob D., M. D., who married Ann D. Herman; John, who was married twice (his first
wife was a daughter of the Rev. Jacob Keller, and his second a daughter of George We-
bert); Nancjy also married twice, her first husband being John Rife, and her second,
Melchoir Webert; Catherine, who married Dr. Fahnestock; Abraham, whose portrait
appears at the head of this sketch, was the youngest child of John and Catherine (Gish)
Bosler. On February 20, 1830, he married Eliza Herman, of Silver Spring Township, who
was a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Bowers) Herman. (See sketch of Hon. M. C.
Herman, this volume.) Abraham Bosler, early in life, engaged in merchandising at Ho-
gestown, and a few years later formed a partnership with Francis Porter in the produce
business, shipping largely in arks and boats on the Susquehanna River to Baltimore, Md.
Mr. Bosler, in the spring of 1851, sold his property in Silver Spring and moved to South
Middleton Township, where he purchased a farm, mill and distillery, and was here act-
ively engaged in business until 1871, when he retired and moved to Carlisle, in which
place he died December 21, 1883, in his seventy-eighth year. His wife survived him two
years, and died in her seventy-sixth year. Early in life Mr. and Mrs. Bosler connected
themselves with the Old Presbyterian Church at Silver Spring, and with certificates of
dismissal from that church, upon their removal from Silver Spring, became members of
the Second Presbyterian Church of Carlisle. They were both liberal supporters of this
church and deeply interested in its prosperity. They had eight children, all born in Sil-
ver Spring Township: John Herman, James Williamson, Benjamin C., Joseph, Elizabeth
Bowers Mary Catherine. George Morris and Charles, the last dying in infancy.
JOHN HERMAN BOSLER, of Carlisle, is the oldest living representative of the fam-
ily. He was born December 14, 1830. His early life was spent upon his father's farm.
At the age of seventeen he went to Cumberland Academy, and from there entered Dick-
inson College. He left college to enter into a partnership with his father in the milling
and distillery business, in which he remained for five years. He then withdrew to engage
in the iron business in Huntington County, where he remained for two years, during
which time he was married, on October 1, 1856, to Mary J., eldest daughter of James and
Martha (Saiger) Kirk, of Mifflintown. Juniata Co., Penn. Shortly after his marriage he
returned to Cumberland County, and from that time was engaged in the milling, distilling
and produce business until 1870. In this year he and his youngest brother, George, estab-
lished a cattle ranch on the plains of the great West, which they have continued to the
present time. They were the pioneer representatives of this business from Cumberland
County. Mr. Bosler is one of the most active and successful business men of Carlisle.
He is at present president of the Carlisle Manufacturing Co., a director in the Carlisle
370 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Deposit Bauk, and director of the Ogallalla Land & Cattle Co. of Nebraska, as well as be-
ing engaged in other large western enterprises. Mr. and Mrs. Bosler are members of the
Second Presbyterian Church of Carlisle. They have had ten children, six of whom are
living, viz.: (Jertrude D., wife of E. W. Biddle, attorney at law, of Carlisle; Herman E.,
who is a graduate of Dickinson College, and at present is manager of Snake Creek Cattle
Ranch in northwestern Nebraska; Eliza McClellan, Jennie M., Fleeta Kirk and Kirk.
JAMES WILLIAMSON BOSLER (deceased), late capitalist, of Carlisle,is deserving
of more than a passing notice in this work. He was born April 4, 1833. He assisted on
the farm until he entered Cumberland Academy, at New Kingston. Two years later he
entered Dickinson College and remained through his junior year. During vacation he
conceived the idea of gomg West, which he did with the approval of his parents. He
taught school at Moultrie, Columbiana Co., Ohio, during the winters of 1853-54. He then
went to Wheeling, W. Va., where he read law and was admitted to the bar. He then
moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where he formed a partnership with Charles E. Hedges, to
engage in real estate business. They then established the Sioux City Bank, under the
firm name of Bosler & Hedges, and later they engaged in furnishing goods, cattle and
general supplies for the Interior and War Departments of the Government, on the north
Missouri River. The partnership was dissolved in 1866, and Mr. Bosler continued the
business until the time of his death. During his residence in Sioux City he was an active
politician, and in 1860 was sent as a delegate to the Charleston Convention. Having, by
dint of energy and business capacity, acquired a considerable fortune, he returned, in
1866, to his native county in Pennsylvania and built a beautiful home in the suburbs of
Carlisle. Here he continued to reside until his death. He was a member of the Repub-
lican National Committee of 1880, and he, John Roach, ship builder, and Senator Chaffee, of
Colorado, were a committee appointed in charge of the interest of Hon. James G. Blaine,
at the Chicago convention in that year. For many years he was Mr. Blaine's warm per-
sonal friend. After the nomination of Garfield, he became one of his strong supporters.
In 1883 he was nominated by the Republicans of the Nineteenth District for senator.
This district had 1,800 Democratic majority and he reduced it to 130. He was at the time
of his death, December 17, 1883, president of the Palo Blanco Cattle Company, of New
Mexico, and of the Carlisle Manufacturing Company, and director of the Carlisle Gas and
Water Company. No man was ever more generally beloved in a community than Mr.
Bosler in Carlisle, for his benevolence was as broad as his means were great. With a
strong intelligence and remarkable judgment he united great kindness of heart. In 1860
he married Helen, a daughter of Michael G. and Mary (Herman) Beltzhoover. They had
five children, four of whom are living: Frank C, Mary Eliza, De Witt Clinton and Helen
Louise. Mrs. Bosler and son, Frank, are members of the Second Presbyterian Church,
of Carlisle.
BENJAMIN C. BOSLER, as his brothers did, passed his early years on his father's
farm, attended Cumberland Academy for several years; then went to California, where he
died in 1863 in his twenty-ninth year.
JOSEPH BOSLER was born March 23, 1838. He attended the common schools and
the academy at New Kingston and the grammar school of Dickinson College. He also
spent his early life on his father's farm, with the exception of several years passed with
his brother James in Ohio^ In 1868 he joined said brother in Sioux City, Iowa, and
engaged with him in merchandising and Government contracting until 1866, when he
returned to Carlisle and formed a copartnership with his brother, J. H. Bosler. This
partnership lasted eight years, during which time they were interested in stock and real
estate in the West. Joseph still continues this business. November 4, 1868, he married
Sarah E., daughter of Thomas Newton and Margaret (Billmeyer) Lemen, of Berkeley
County, W. Va. Mr. and Mrs. Bosler have had seven children, five of whom are living:
Margaret, Joseph, Jr., Eliza Herman, Mary and Susan Lemen. Mrs. Bosler and daughter,
Margaret, are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, of Carlisle.
ELIZABETH B. BOSLER is unmarried and is living in her father's home in Carlisle.
MARY C. BOSLER married Joseph R. Stonebraker, of Baltimore, Md., in 1874. They
have had five children, four of whom are living; James Bosler, Harry, Joseph and Eliza
Herman.
GEORGE MORRIS BOSLER was born May 14, 1846. After leaving the public schools
he attended Tuscarora Academy, in Juniata County, Penn. He has been a partner of his
brother, J. Herman Bosler, in the cattle business in the West for the past sixteen years, in
the practical management of which he has taken an active part. In January, 1880, he
married Martha J., daughter of George W . and Mary (Hedges) Robinson. Mr. and Mrs.
Bosler have three children: Eliza Herman, Abram and George Morris, Jr. Mrs. Bosler is a
member of the Second Presbyterian Church, of Carlisle.
JOHN B. BRATTON, retired editor, Carlisle, was born in Mifflintown, Juniata Co.,
Penn., and learned the art of printing in the Juniata Free Press ofiice. He worked as a
journeyman printer for three years, and in 1840, in connection with two partners, started
the State Capitol Gazette, at Harrisburg. At the end of one year he bought out his
partners; was elected State printer three times. In 1845 he sold the Gazette and bought
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 371
tlie Amenoan Volunteer, of Carlisle, wMch paper he conducted ably for thirty-two years,
when he sold out to S. M. Wherry. In 1848 he was a prominent candidate for the respon-
sible office of canal commissioner, and came within a few votes of securing the nomina-
tion by the Democratic State Convention. He had carried the Southern tier of counties
(Perry, Fulton, Franklin, Cumberland, Adams and York) without missing a delegate, but
Simon Cameron (then a Democrat and a delegate to the convention) was hostile to Mr.
Bratton and worked hard for his defeat. Seth Clover was nominated by a trifling major-
ity. In 1867 Mr. Bratton was a candidate for State senator and carried his county, Cum-
herland, triumphantly. Four of his instructed delegates, however, voted for his
competitor. Col. Chestnut, who was nominated and elected. In the year following Mr.
Bratton was a candidate for Congress, and carried the county; but here again bad luck
followed him, six of his instructed delegates forsook him and voted for Col. Haldeman,
who was nominated by the skin of his teeth and elected. Two years later Mr. Bratton
again contended against Haldeman and defeated him, under the Crawford County systern,
by 700 majority, but Haldeman was again nominated by receiving the votes of the six
conferees from York and Perry to Bratton's three from Cumberland. In 1880 Mr. Bratton
was again a candidate for Congress, but was defeated by F. B. Beltzhoover, who was
elected and re-elected. Mr. Bratton was postmaster of Carlisle under Presidents Pierce
and Buchanan, and of the latter he was a pei-sonal friend. He was a member of the
town council, and for several years president of that body. He is at this writing a
<iirector of the Carlisle Gas and Water Company; is a member of the board of education
of Carlisle and president of the body; a director in the Carlisle Deposit Bank; a director
of the Carlisle Land Association and president of the body; also a director in the Hamilton
Fund Association. ' Mr. Bratton has filled efficiently all offices of trust to which he has
been called by his fellow-citizens, and has been elected to more non-paying offices than
any man in Cumberland County, holding often, during the last thirty years, four, five and
sometimes six of these thankless offices at the same time. He has been a strong and con-
sistent Democrat, a recognized power in his party. As an editor he was trenchant, often
bitter, and during the period of his greatest strength, when he was editor of the Volunteer,
that paper was quoted from, editorially, in almost every State in the union. Mr. Bratton
is now living in retirement in Carlisle.
WILLIAM H. BRETZ, proprietor of the livery stables, Carlisle, is a native of Cum-
berland County, born in Carlisle, September 3, 1832, a son of Jacob and Mary (Dipple)
Bretz, former born in Harrisburg, in 1806. Jacob Bretz, who was a coachmaker, came
to Carlisle when a young man, was there married, and soon after went to Gettysburg,
where he remained two years; then returned to Carlisle and engaged in the manufacture
of coaches, which business engaged his attention until 1855 or 1856, and subsequently he
was engaged in the manufacture of brick. He held the office of register of Cumberland
County one term, and is now the court crier of that county. His wife was born in Carlisle,
in 1809, and died December 25, 1883, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They
were the parents of eight children, who lived to be men and women, seven living: Eliza J.,
widow of Dr. J. F. Freichler; William H. ; Mary A., wife of William H.Cornman, liveryman,
Carlisle; Margaret A., wife of George G. Boyer, superintendent of car works of Harris-
burg, and president of Harrisburg & Steelton Railway Company; George M., photog-
rapher, of Pottsville, Penn.; Laura C, widow of John T. Crozier, formerly chief clerk
of Mount Holly Paper Mills; Fannie G., wife of Sylvester Garwood, manager for the
Western Union Telegraph Company, Philadelphia. The subject of this sketch received
instruction in the common schools of Carlisle and the preparatory department of Dickin-
son College, from which institution he withdrew, after having passed the examination for
college, to enter a drug store, which business he learned, subsequently purchasing the
store, which he carried on until 1856. In 1857 he went to Kansas, and there cast a vote
to make that a free State; eight months later he returned to Carlisle, and for a period was
engaged in the butcher's business. In 1866, he embarked in the livery business, with
his brother-in-law, William H. Cornman, and four years later purchased Mr. Hilton's sta-
ble, on the corner Church Alley and Pitt Street. In 1874 he bought his present property
on the corner of Main and Pitt Streets, where he has a building 90x60 feet, which he
built, and where are kept twenty fine horses, a full line of buggies, carriages, omnibuses,
coaches, sleighs, etc., and where he is fully prepar.'d to accommodate the public. May
23 1868 Mr. Bretz married Miss Martha Stumbaugh, who was born near Cashtown,
Adams County, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Keffer) Stumbaugh. Mr. and Mrs.
Bretz are members of St. John's Episcopal Church. Mr. Bretz is identified with St.
John's Blue Lodge, No. 260, Chapter 173, and Commandery No. 8, K. T. He started
in life dependent on his own resources, and by industry and good management has ac-
quired a competency, possessing, in addition to his stables, a farm of 104 acres in North
Middleton Township, a nice residence on North Street, and other property in Carlisle.
HON. THEODORE CORNMAN, attorney, Carlisle, was born in that place May 11,
1836; attended the public schools of his native place, and served an apprenticeship at cab-
inet-making in the same town; and at the age of nineteen began teaching, and taught ten
years in the public schools of Carlisle and two years in North Middleton Township, and
372 BIOGRAPHICAL SIOITCHES:
during three years of that time read medicine in the office of Dr. S. B. KiefEer, and also,
■while leaching, studied law. In 18G8 he was elected to the Legislature from Cumberland
County, and was re-elected to the same in 1869. At the clo.se of his second term he re-
turned to Carlisle, and entered the law office of C. E. McLauf;:hlin, with whom he furthered
his studies, and was admitted to tlie bar in 1870, since which time he has been actively en-
gaged in Ihc practice of his profession. In 1881, he, in partnership with William Vance
and Samuel Site, organized the Enteriirise Manufacturing Company of Carlisle, under the
firm name of Vance & Company, manufacturers of sashes, doors, blinds, etc. In 1884 he
was elected a director of the school board of Carlisle, and is now serving in that capacity.
In 1875 he received the nomination of his district for Congre.ss, but withdrew in favor of
Col. Levi Maish. December 20, \»r>Q, Mr. Cornman was married to Miss Lydia Miller, a
native of York Couniy, and a daughter of Daniel and Eve Miller, old settlers of York
County. Our subject and wife have had four children, viz.: George W., a tinner, who
died in August, 1885, aged twenty-five years; Charles T., of the firm of Kissell & Corn-
man, dry goods merchants of Carlisle; Sarah E., who died young; and Theodore, a clerk
and telegraph operator. The mother died in October, 1878, a member of the Reformed
Church. In December, 1880, Mr. Cornman married Miss Annie E. Green, a native of
Cumberland County, and a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Parks) Green, also natives of
Cumberland County. Mr. and Mrs. Cornman are members of the Reformed Church. Mr.
Cornman has passed all the chairs in Masonry and all the chairs in the I. O. O. F., and is
a member of the I. O. H. In politics he has always been a Democrat. John Cornman,
the father of our subject, was born in North Middleton Township, this county, in 1788,
and died in 1861. He was reared on a farm, but subsequently moved to Carlisle, where
for years he was engaged in the hotel business. His marriage with Anna M. Wonderlich,
of Cumberland County, was blessed with ten children, five now living: Ephralm, Ellen
(who married Robert Harris), Frederick, Theodore, Joseph; those deceased are Daniel,
Margaret (intermarried with John H. Fredrick), John, Alexander and Franklin. The
father was a member of the Reformed Church, and the mother of the Lutheran. The
father, John Cornman, was a son of Valentine Cornman, a native of Germany, who set-
tled in Cumberland County In an early day and engaged in farming.
WILLIAM W. DALE, M. D., Carlisle, stands prominent among the city's public-
spirited citizens. He was born in Lancaster, Penn., a son of Col. Samuel and Elizabeth
(Gundaker) Dale, the former of whom (Judge Dale), was among the many worthy public
men of that locality, having served with distinction (holding colonelcy) in the war of 1812;
seven years as a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania; for many years associate
judge of Lancaster, and in other worthy local official positions. At his death he left five
sons, who have borne important parts in the public, social, and industrial lives of their
localities. They are Judge M. G. Dale, of Edwardsville, 111. ; Col. Samuel F. Dale, of
Franklin; James Dale, druggist, who died in Mechanicsburg, Penn.; Charles, and the
subject of our sketch, who completed a good literarj' training m Lancaster County Acad-
emy and Franklin College, and was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, of Phila-
delphia, in 1838. He then came to this county, and, after spending same years at Me-
chanicsburg, andlatterly at New Kingston, removedhere in 1847, where he has contributed,
in no small degree, to the advancement of professional work and to the development of
the social and industrial life of Carlisle.
JAMES RAMSAY DIXON, sheriff-elect of Cumberland County, and a resident of
Carlisle, was born in Mount Holly, April 11, 1834, a son of David and Christina (Young)
Dixon, the former a son of Andrew Dixon, a machinist, and a native of Scotland, who set-
tled in Cumberland County, and who left two sons, David and James R. The subject of
this sketch left his father's business (blacksmithing) to engage in butchering, with which
he has since been successfully connected at this place. He married Mary J., daughter of
Samuel and Charlotte Allgeir, the union being blessed with one son and three daughters:
Ellen (deceased), Andrew (associated in business with his father), Laura (wife of Charles
Meek, a merchant) and Ella. Mr. Dixon is a strong supporter of the Democratic party,
and until the last convention, at which he was nominated and subsequently creditably
elected to the sheriffalty of his county, he has always refused public office. He is a
worthy Mason and a member of the Royal Arcanum.
DR. JAMES 6. FICKEL, physician and surgeon, of Carlisle, has been identified with
the city all his life. He was born at Petersburg, Adams County, September 14, 1853, and
when three months old was brought by his parents, Benjamin F. and Lucy A. (Bender)
Fickel, natives of Adams County, to York County. His father was a farmer and a miller,
and his grandfather, Henry Fickel. was born in England, and soon after came with his
parents to Adams County, where he carried on farming. Benjamin F. Fickel moved to
York County in 1853, and his death occurred in Adams County. He and his wife were
members of the Lutheran Church. Four children — two sons and two daughters — were horn
to them, viz.: Dr. James G., Isabella, (wife of William Leer, a farmer in Latimore Town-
ship, Adams County), Henry F. (a farmer, who married Miss Christiann Shank, of York
County, daughter of Jacob and Harriet (Ernst) Shank); Ann L. (wife of Louis Arnold, a
farmer of York County.) Dr. James G. Fickel, the subject of this sketch, attended school
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 373
in York County until fifteen years old, when he went to New Berlin, Union Co., Penn.,
where he attended the Union Seminary for two years. Then he went to Philadelphia and
entered the Hahnemann Medical College, from wliich institution he graduated in 1878.
He then returned to Carlisle, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of
the profession. September 5, 1878, the Doctorwas married to Miss Ella ArnoM, who was
born in York County, a daughter of Dr. George P. and Sarah (l^aw) Arnold. Mrs. Fickel
died February 22, 1884, the mother of one child, Almeda J., and July 21, 1885, Dr. Fickel
married Miss Mary A. Sierer, a native of Monroe Township, Cumberland Co., and daughter
of Adam and Elizabeth (Niesly) Sierer. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. From
time to time the Doctor's practice has steadily increased, and, although a young man, he
now enjoys an extensive practice, having more than he can really attend to, the reward
of study and honorable treatment of the people in general. Hi' enjoys the confidence and
esteem of the community at large, among whom he is gaining prominence as a physician.
ANTHONY FISHBURN, retired farmer, Carlisle, is a great-grandson of Philip Fisch-
born, born in Plannich der Churfatz, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, May 7, 1722 and whO'
immigrated to America and settled in Derry Township, Dauphin Co., Penn., in 1749. He
married Miss Catherine E. Bretz, whose birth occurred September 27, 1724, and to them
five sons and four daughters were born: Margaretta, John Philip, Ludweg, Peter, Magda-
lena, Anthony, Dietrich, Catherine and Anna Maria. John Philip Pishburn was born in
Derry Township, Dauphin Co., Penn., November 15, 1754, and was twice married; first,
August 14, 1780, to Miss Barbara Greiner, who bore him six children, as follows: Cather-
ine E., Magdalena, John, Anthony, Margaret and Anthony (second), two of whom only
lived to maturity — John and Anthony (second). The mother died June 19. 1790. John
Philip married, December 25, 1792, for his second wife Miss Anna M. Hack, who was born
June 9, 1771, and became the mother of twelve children, ten of whom lived to be grown:
Eve, Barbara. Jacob, Michael. Elizabeth. Benjamin, Jonas, Sophia, Thomas and Joshua.
John, son of John Philip and Barbara (Greiner) Fishburn, was born in Derry Township,
Dauphin Co., Penn., December 12, 1784; married Miss Catherine Carmana November 26,
1809, and to them were born six sons and four daughters (nine of whom lived to be men
and women): Philip, John, Anthony, Barbara, Hannah C, Helena, Rudolph, Adam, Reu-
ben and Maria. The father died April 11, 1861, and the mother, who was born April 9,
1791, died March 15, 1874. Anthony Fishburn, their son, and the subject of this sketch,
removed with his parents from Dauphin County to this county in 1832, and settled in
Dickinson Township. He was occupied at farming with his father until his marriage,
February 15, 1842, with Miss Salome Ann Le Fevre, when he settled on his farm in Dickin-
inson Township. She was born June 12, 1824, in West Pennsborough Township, being a
daughter of Lawrence and Salome (Line) Le Fevre, the former of whom was born near
Wrightsville, York Co., Penn., a son of George and Anna Barbara (Slaymaker) Le Fevre
(the Slaymakers being of German and the Le Fevres of Freneh descent). George Le
Fevre was a grandson of Isaac Le Fevre. a French Huguenot, who immigrated to America
to escape religious persecution. He landed in Boston in 1708. and settled in Lancaster
County, Penn., in 1712, having been married in France to Miss Catherine Fierre, a daugh-
ter of Daniel and Maria (Warrenbuer) Fierre. Isaac Le Fevre, with his sons, came
to Chester, now Lancaster County, and located near Strasburg, where some of their
descendants still reside. Philip, Isaac Le Pevre's second son. born March 16, 1710,
in Boston, had eight- children: Isaac, George, Adam, Jacob, Catherine, Esther, Eve and
Elizabeth. George married Anna Barbara Slaymaker, who bore him twelve childrenr
Elizabeth, Lawrence, Isaac, Mary, Jacob, George, Adam, Peter, Anna Barbara, Samuel,
John and Daniel. Lawrence was married twice; first to Miss Veronica Alter, in May,
1792, and they had the following named children : Margaret and George died young, Jacob,
Elizabeth, John, Isaac, Fannie, Esther, David Alter and Joseph Ritner. The mother died
October 15, 1817. Lawrence Le Fevre married for his second wife Miss Salome Line, Oc-
tober 29, 1822, and they had one daughter, Salome Ann. wife of Anthony Fishburn. To-
our subject and wife have been born three children: Philip H., born January 23, 1843, and
died February 11, 1845; Anna Maria, born January 19, 1851, died March 8, 1855; and
Louisa Elbe, born December 26, 1860, resides at home with her parents. Mr. Fishburn
retired from the farm March 19, 1885, and built his present brick residence on the south-
east corner of Pomfret and West Streets. He is one of the representative men of Cum-
berland County, with whose interests he has been identified since he was sixteen years of
age, and stands high in the estimation of all as an upright citizen and Christian gentle-
man. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
ADAM PISHBURN, retired farmer, Carlisle, is a son of .Tohn and Catherine (Car-
many) Fishburn, natives, the former of Dauphin County, and the latter of Lebanon
County, Penn. Our subject is the fifth son, and eighth in a family of ten children, nine
of , whom lived to be men and women, and was born three milfs east of Hummelstown,
Dauphin Co., Penn., March 6, 1826. The family, in 1832, moved to this county, and
settled on the farm in Dickinson Township now owned by Adam. Our subject remained
on the homestead, attending school in the winter seasons, and at his father's death inher-
ited the farm, where he remained until 1883, when he purchased his present property on
374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
West South Street, Carlisle, building the house. Mr. Fishburn was twice married; first,
January 26, 1854, to Miss Ellen J. Kenyon, a native of Dickinson Township, a daughter
of Samuel M. and Sarah Jane (Kinkaid) Kenyon, and to this union was born, December
19, 1854, one son, Samuel K., now a resident of Dickinson Township, and engaged in
farming on the old homestead. His marriage occurred April 15, 1879, with Miss Annie
M. Lee, a native of Dickinson Township, and a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Myers) Lee. Both are members of tlie church; he of the Lutheran, and she of the Epis-
copal. They have two children: Mary L. and Fred C. The wife of our subject died De-
cember 28, 1854, and Mr. Fishburn December 8, 1859, married Miss Catherine E. Heflel-
bower, a native of Newton Township, but reared in West Pennsborough Township, a daugh-
ter of George and Catherine (Au) HefEelbower, natives of Cumberland County. Two
children were born to this union, both dying in infancy. Mr. Fishburn is one of the en-
terprising, representative farmers, business men and citizens of the county, and stands
high in the estimation of all as an honest man and a Christian gentleman. Both he and
his wife are members of the Lulheran Church.
JAMES K. FOREMAN, farmer and stock-dealer, Carlisle, is a native of Cumberland
County, Penn., born in Southampton Township January 29, 1837, a son of Jacob W. and
Catherine A. (Bughman) Foreman. Jacob W. was born and reared in Maryland, a son of
Peter and Catherine (Heck) Foreman, who, too, were natives of Maryland, and all of whom
settled in Southampton Township. Cumberland County, about the year 1829. Mrs. Jacob
W. Foreman was a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Russell) Bughman, her father being
one of the first Methodists in Southampton Township, and who assisted in organizing the
first Methodist Episcopal Church in that section. He was of German parentage, and a na-
tive of Lancaster County. His wife, a native of Ireland, came to Cumberland County
when a girl, with her brother, John Russell, and her sisters Polly and Martha. Jacob W.
Foreman and wife had nine children: Catherine (deceased), married Benjamin Baxter;
George Keyner, a farmer of Southampton Township; James Kelso; Rachael, wife of Ja-
cob H. Rebuck; Samuel (deceased); Joseph W., who resides on the old homestead; Mar-
tha (deceased wife of Henry Hoch); Isabelle, wife of Calvin B. Little, stock-dealer in
Southampton Township; Gorilla, wife of Hiram Highlands, forwarding merchant and farm-
er of Leesburg. Our subject learned the carpeuter's trade with his father, which he fol-
lowed, contracting and building until 1870, when he was elected sheriff of Cumberland
County, and moved to Carlisle. He performed the duties of his office three years, since
which time he has been engaged in farming and dealing in stock. July 39, 1858. he was
married to Miss Margaret Atlierton, a native of Shippensburg, and daughter of Henry and
Mary (Culp) Atherton, and granddaughti-r of Jacob Gulp, and to them have been born
eight children: Lilly, Nannie J., wife of Harry Spangler, an engineer in the United States
Navy; Jacob H., a clerk in the Farmers Bank of Carlisle; Kattie, wife of Harry Hertz-
ler, a liveryman of Carlisle; Vermont, M. Blanch, Frank (Miss) and Malon Sydney. Mr.
Foreman is one of the representative citizens of Cumberland County, with whose inter-
ests he has been identified a lifetime.
FRANKLIN GARDNER, proprietor of the Letort Axle Works, Carlisle, was born in
York County, Penn., December 11, 1830, a son of Martin and Mary (Thomas) Gardner,
both of worthy German ancestry of York County. At the age of twenty Franklin came
here, where he learned the business with which he has since been very worthily connect-
ed. He married, here, Sarah Jane, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Hager) Abrahims, who
came from Lancaster County here, the union being blessed with five sons and five daugh-
ters: Carrie is the widow of William Maize, Esq., and has two sons and two daughters;
Annie is the wife of H. L. Bowman, of Philadelphia, and has one son; Edward J. is su-
perintendent of the Carlisle Manufacturing Company; Alice is the wife of Jacob R. Bee-
tem, of Columbia, Penn. ; John H. is associated in business witb his father, and has a
daughter; Laura, the youngest, is at home. They have buried William, Martin M., Sal-
lie and Charles. Mr. Gardner has been a worthy member of the First Lutheran Church
for over thirty-five years, and is at present a member of its vestry. He Is an Odd Fellow,
in good standing; is a member of the board of directors of the Gas & Water Company, of
Carlisle, as also of the Carlisle Manufacturing Company. He has always led an honora-
ble life in his business, and has the pleasure of seeing his children worthy members of so-
ciety and well associated in business.
GEORGE GIBSON, third son of Chief Justice Gibson, of Pennsylvania, and grand-
son of Col. George Gibson, of Revolutionary fame, who was killed at St. Clair's defeat,
was born at Carlisle, Penn., April 4, 1826, and received his education at Dickinson College,
Carlisle, Penn. April, 1853, saw him appointed a military storekeeper in the Quarter-
master Department of the Army, which position he retained until May, 1867, rendering
service in the Quartermaster General's office at Washington, also at Albuquerque, New
Mexico, Schuylkill Arsenal, Philadelphia, when he was appointed a captain in the Eleventh
Regular Infantry, and assigned temporarily to duty in Washington as approving officer
of requisitions made upon the clothing, camp and garrison equipage by the troops congre-
gated about that city. June, 1863, saw him serving with his regiment in the field (Army
of the Potomac), being shortly afterward assigned to duty with Gen. Sykes as commissary
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 375
of musters and inspector-general of the Fifth Corps. He also served as acting assistant
inspector-general of the provisional brigade at Gen. Meade's headquarters, rejoining his
regiment at Richmond at the conclusion of the war, upon its being assigned to the duty
of garrisoning that city. Here he was placed in cliarge of all matters pertaining to the
colored people of that city and the adjoining county of Henrico, and shortly afterward
was made acting assistant inspector-general of the Department of Virginia, under Gen.
Terry, and of the First Military District of Richmond, Va., under Gen. Schofleld. While
serving in the latter capacity he was temporarily placed in command of the sub-district
of Ft. Monroe, comprising that post, as well as Norfolli, Camp Hamilton and Yorlitown.
January, 1868, he was promoted major of the First Infantry, and placed on duty, by orders
of the Secretary of War, in the War Department, as recorder of a board of claims. June,
1869, saw him assigned to the Fifth Infantry and command of Ft. Hays, Kas., being
shortly afterward placed on duty at Ft. Leavenworth, under Gen. Pope, as acting assistant
inspector-general. Department of the Missouri. From this place he was transferred, by
orders of the War Department, to Memphis, Tenn., as a disbursing officer, under direction
of the adjutant-general of the army, where he continued until July, 1876, when he was
gaced in command of the cantonment on Tongue River, M. T. (afterward Isnown as Ft.
K!eogh), where he remained up until the time of his promotion as lieutenant-colonel of the
Third Infantry (March 20, 1879), when he was assigned to the command of Ft. Missoula,
M. T. Here he remained until his final promotion to the colonelcy of his old regiment,
the Fifth Infantry, at Ft. Keogh, August 1, 1886, at which place he is now serving.
ROBERT GiVIN (deceased), late banker and manufacturer of Carlisle, was a native of
Cumberland County, born at Carlisle June 11, 1810, son of James and Amelia (Steele) Givin,
former a native of Coleraine, Ireland, and the latter of Cumberland County, Penn, James
Given was for many years a dry goods merchant of Carlisle. Our subject received his ed-
ucation in his native village, and January 13, 1841, was married to Miss Sarah H. Gibson,
at Romney, W. Va., the place of her birth. Her parents were David and Eliza (Armstrong)
Gibson, natives, he of Winchester, W. Va., and she of the vicinity of Romney, W.
Va. David Gibson was a merchant and farmer. After the marriage of our subject and
wife they moved to Mount Holly Springs, in Cumberland Co., Penn., where Mr. Givin,
with others, had established the Mount Holly Paper Mills, of which company he was
I)resident from its organization until his death, which occurred February 9, 1879, at Car-
lisle, to which point he had previously removed. At the organization of the Farmers
Bank, Mr. Givin became its president, and remained as such until his death. The chil-
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Givin were David Gibson Givin, who died when a young man;
James (deceased); Samuel G. (deceased), who married Miss Ella Mark; Robert H., and
Amelia S., who resides with her mother. Mr. Givin was an active, energetic business man
and citizen, always taking special interest in anything that promised progress to his coun-
ty. He was a man of the highest honor, enjoying the confidence and respect of all. As
a friend, neighbor and citizen he possessed all the noblest qualities. His widow lives in
her elegant residence in the Farmers Bank building. She and her daughter are members
of the Second Presbyterian Church.
BENJAMIN K. GOODYEAR, deputy clerk and recorder, Carlisle, is a native of
Cumberland County, born in Shippensburg December 25, 1836, a son of David and Anna
(Kenower) Goodyear, both natives of South Middleton Township, Cumberland County;
former a pump manufacturer, who, in 1840, moved to Adams County, where he opened a
hotel at Graeffenburg Springs. Tliey had nine children: Mary A., wife of Oliver P. Mel-
horn, an engineer, killed at Middletown by an expiosion in tube works; Regina C, mar-
ried to G. E. W. Sharretts, a clerk in the treasury department at Washington, D. C, since
1856; Benjamin K. ; Naoma J., married Joseph S. Ewry, a business man of Lafayette,
Ind. ; Corella E., widow of Jacob Weigle, who was a blacksmith and machinist; Cordelia
R , wife of William Wormley, a merchant of Lafayette. Ind.; Eliza, deceased; Hadessa,
wife of William Barber, a farmer near Martinsburg, W. Va. ; Henrietta F., unmarried,
and residing at Shippensburg. Benjamin K., until sixteen years of age, attended school
in Adams County and in the city of Lancaster; then spent two years in the preparatory
department of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster. He then began the study of
law in the office of Stumbaugh & Carlisle, at Chambersburg, and was there admitted to
the bar in 1861. That same year he went to Carlisle, was admitted to the courts of the
county in November, and continued practice until August, 1862, when he enlisted as a pri-
vate in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry; was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1863, by a
gunshot in the right shoulder, which caused a compound fracture of the clavicle. He
was sent to Point Lookout Hospital, Maryland, where he remained three weeks, and was two
months at Stanton Hospital, Washington, D. C. In April, 1863, he was mustered out of
the service and returned to Cumberland County, where he engaged in teaching school
until the spring of 1864. He then assisted in raising Company G of the Two Hundred and
Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he enlisted in August, 1864
{refusing to accept a commission), and remained in the service until the close of the war.
After that he was for a time engaged in teaching school at Shippensburg, and for three
376 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
years acted as agent for the Adams Express Company at that place; then came to Carlisle,
and was appointed deputy sherifE under James K. Foreman, serving as such until 1874. In
that year he moved to Pine Grove Furnace, and tooli charge of the company's store for
the South Mountain Iron Company, where lie remained until the works closed in Novem-
ber of that year; then located in Sliippenaburg, and, in connection with his brother-in-
law, Samuel R. Murray, established the Democratic CAroajWc, which they conducted until
1878, when Mr. Goodyear purchased Ins partner's interest, and some two months later dis-
posed of the paper to Alonzo P. Orr. From January 1, 1877, until January 1, 1880, Mr. Good-
year acted as deputy to D. H. Gill, then sherifE of the county; at the expiration of which
time he took charge of the Antietam Iron Works near Sharpsburg, Md., serving in that
capacity until April 1, 1884. He next took charge of the Codorous Flint Mill, in York
County, until September 15, 1884, when the property changed hands, and he returned to
Carlisle. January 5, 1885, he was appointed deputy clerk and recorder under John Zinn,
which position he still holds. December 34, 1868, Mr. Goodyear was married to Cecelia
F. Steinraau, of Shippensburg, a native of that place, and a daughter of Adolphus Stein-
man. The children of our subject and wife are William A., Anna M. and Oro B. Mr.
Goodyear is a member of Cumberland Lodge, No. 90, I. O. O. F., of Shippensburg, and a
member of Capt. Colwell Post, No. 301, G. A. R. Mrs. Goodyear is a member of the
German Reformed Church of Shippensburg. Our subject never identified himself with
any Church.
HON. WILLIAM RITTENHOUSE GORGAS, now of Harrisburg, is a native of
Cumberland County, born on the homestead in Lower Allen Township, May 8, 1806, a son
of Hon. Solomon Gorgas, a native of Bphratah, Lancaster Co., Penn., born January 23,
1764, the eldest of three sons and one daughter, viz.: Solomon, Jacob, Joseph, and
Maria, who married Hon. Charles Gleim, of Lebanon County, Penn. The father of Hon.
Solomon Gorgas was Jacob Gorgas, a native of Germantown, Philadelphia Co., Penn.,
whose father, John Gorgas, emigrated from Holland about the year 1700, and located at
Germantown. John Gorgas was naturalized by an act of the Legislature in about 1708 or
1709. Jacob when a young man located at Ephratah^ where he married a Miss Mack, and
to them were born the four children named above. He was a clock-maker and farmer.
Solomon, his eldest son, who, too, was a watch and clock-maker, was married to Miss
Catherine Fahnestock, a native of Chester County, Penn., and to them were born four
sons and three daughters: Daniel F., born September 30, 1793. died January 17, 1848;
Christina, born July 37, 1794, died September 31, 1804; Mary, born July 7, 1797. married
to Peter Bernhart, and died June 17, 1875; Sally, born January 19, 1800, married to Sam-
uel Bowman, and died in August, 1878; William R. ; Joseph M., born June 13. 1809, and
died May 13, 18.53: and Solomon Perry, born August 31, 1815, now a resident of Mechan-
icsburg. The father, in 1804, removed to Cumberland County, locating in Lower Allen
Township, and kept the first tavern and store in that section of the country. He was a
man of sound judgment, and was practical, being self-made and self-educated. In 1831-
23 he served as a member of the Legislature from Cumberland County, being a Democrat
in politics. His death occurred September 21, 1838, and that of his widow August 9, 1853.
Both were identified with the German Seventh-day Baptist Church. Our subject grew
up on a farm and worked with his father until thelatter's death, obtaining such schooling
as the neighborhood afforded, when he took charge of the farm. Beginning with the
year 1836, he was three successive times elected a Democratic member of the Legislature
from Cumberland County, being a member during the celebrated " Buck-shot war." In
1842 he was elected a member of the State Senate, and served for a period of three years,
after which he returned to his farm. Mr. Gorgas was one of the original members and
directors of the Merkel, Mumma & Co. Bank, which became a State Bank, and finally
the present First National Bank of Mechanicsburg, of which he is still a director. Since
1845 he has been a director of the Harrisburg National Bank, and of the Harrisburg
Bridge, Company. He is a director of the Harrisburg Market Company and the City
Railway Company, and president of the Harrisburg Burial Case Company; and also presi-
dent of the Allen and East Pennsborough Fire Insurance Company. In 1877 Mr. Gorgaa
moved to Harrisburg, and in 1883 he received the Democratic nomination, by his party in
that city, as their representative to the State Legislature, and, notwithstanding the city
was Republican by a majority of 500, he was only defeated by eighty-eight votes. March
5, 1840, Mr. Gorgas was married to Miss Elizabeth Hummel, of Harrisburg, a native of that
city, and a daughter of David and Susan (Kunljel) Hummel, and to this union have been
born eight children: David H.,who died at the age of sixteen years; Kate F., unmar-
ried; Susan K., who died at the age of five years; William L., now a clerk in the Harris
burg National Bank; Mary E.. unmarried; Solomon R., a physician and surgeon, who gradu-
ated at Jefferson Medical College, and was resident physician at the Philadelphia Hospi-
tal eighteen months; Elizabath E., who died at the age of nine years; and George, a drug-
gist, of Harrisburg, and a graduate of the College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia.
JAMBS HUTCHINSON GRAHAM, LL.D. The subject of this sketch was of
Scotch-Irish descent. He was born September 10, 1807, on the paternal domain granted
his great-grandfather Jared Graham, by Thomas and Richard Penn, in 1734. James Gra-
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 377
ham, the grandfather of James H., built the log house on the site of which the latter
was born, and which was used as a refuge against the Indians by the early settlers.
James Graham had five sous: Jared, Thomas, Arthur, Isaiah, (the father of James H.)
and James. Isaiah G-raham was a man of very strong mind, a leading politician of tlie
State, and for many years a ruling elder in Big Spring Church. He was elected to
the Senate in 1811,and re-elected. He was appointed associate judge by Gov. Findlay in
1817, and filled the position until his death in 1835. James Hutcuinson Graham received
•his preparatory training for college at Gettysburg Academy under Dr. McConaughy, en-
tered Dickinson College as a member of the junior class and graduated with honor in
1827. He studied law with Andrew Carothers, Esq., then-the leader of the Carlisle bar,
and was admitted to practice in November, 1839. He was a careful and laborious student,
patient and painstaking in his investigation of questions, and he soon acquired a large
and lucrative practice. In 1839 he was appointed deputy attorney -general for Cumberland
County, a position he filled for six years, declining a reappointment. In 1850 he was elected,
on the Democraiic ticl^et, president judge of the Ninth Judicial District composed of the
counties of Cumberland, Perry and Juanita, and re-elected for a second term in 1860. His
service on the bench during a period of great political excitement marked him as one of the
foremost jurists of his State. In 1862 Dickinson College conferred on him the degree of
Doctor of Laws, and he was chosen professor of law in that institution, a position he
occupied at his death in 1882. Judge Graham was a very useful man in the community
in which he lived. He was one of the earliest members of the Second Presbyterian
Church of Carlisle, and was for many years president of its board of trustees. He was a
director and president of the Carlisle Deposit Bank until his elevation to the bench, and
filled many trusts with scrupulous fidelity and honor. The high esteem in which he was
held by the bar is well expressed in the resolution presented by Hon. Lemuel Todd at the
meeting of the bar on the occassion of his death: "That the purity and consistency of
his life in all its relations, his firm and conscientious performance of all personal, pro-
fessional and judicial obligations, and his modest and unpretentious conduet and deport-
ment were so marked and real as to challenge and possess the respect and esteem of the
bar and all who were associated with him." Judge Graham left a large family to sur-
vive him, among whom are Lieut. Samuel L. Graham, United States Navy, Frank
Gordon Graham of the Kansas City Times, and Duncan M. Graham, Esq., of the Car-
lisle bar.
MARTIN GUSWILER, Carlisle, collector of internal revenue for the Ninth District,
Pennsylvania (residence Mechanicsburg), is a native of Cumberland County, born in
Meohanicsburg, December 31, 1846, a descendant of two of the oldest families of Cumber-
land County, and of the State. His great-grandfather, John Guswiler, immigrated to
America from Germany at an early day and settled at Shiremanstown, and his son, John,
a farmer, was born in Cumberland County; married a Miss Rupp, and settled near Shire-
manstown. He had two sons, John and Martin, the latter of whom was a physician and
married Miss Mary Eberly, to whom was born one son. Van, who married a daughter of
Judge Fisher, of York County. John Guswiler, father of the subject of our sketch, was
a coach-builder in Mechanicsburg, and established the present coach and carriage works
of George Schroeder & Sons, of that place. His death occurred in California, in 1849 or
1850, while prospecting. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Singiser, of Mechanicsburg, daugh-
ter of George and Mary (Halbert) Singiser. To them were born three sons, two of whom
died young. After the death of Mr. Guswiler, the widow married Maj. Samuel B. King,
of Mechanicsburg, late of the firm of Miller & King, manufacturers of sashes and doors.
Our subject, who was about five years of age at the time of his father's death, was schooled
in the piaoe'of his nativity, graduating at the high school when nineteen, and soon there-
after was engaged in a cigar manufactory in the same place, wliich claimed his attention
until 1863. In that year he enlisted as a private in Company D, One Hundred and Twen-
tieth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Capt. Singiser. He was made sergeant of
the company, and served with the command until the expiration of his term of service in
1864 when he returned to Mechanicsburg and resumed his former business, which he fol-
lowed until 1876, when he was elected register of deeds by the people of Cumberland
County, carrying his town by over a hundred majority, notwithstanding he was a Demo-
crat. This position he retained three years and returned to Mechanicsburg, where he was
engaged in the wholesale tobacco business until January, 1882, when he became deputy
sheriff of Cumberland County, under George B. Eyster, and served as such until July 4,
1885 when he was appointed collector of internal revenue for the Ninth District of Penn-
sylvania, which position he still retains. Mr. Guswiler was three successive times elected
to the office of chief burgess of Mechanicsburg, notwithstanding the fact that it is Repub-
lican- he also held the offices of councilman and judge of elections. His marriage with
Miss Eliza M. Allen took place al Mechanicsburg, in November, 1865. She was a native
of Newberry, York County, a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Eply) Allen, natives of
York County, and residents of Mechanicsburg (the father a retired shoe manufacturer).
To our subject and wife five sons have been born: George M., John, Martin, Jr., Frank B.
and Mervin. Mr. Guswiler is an active and energetic business man, and has the confl-
S78
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
dence and respect of the community at large. He has been a member of the Democratic
standing committee of Mechanicburg since 1866, and was in 1879 and 1883 sent as a dele-
gate to the State convention.
JOHN" HAYS, president of the Carlisle Deposit Bank, and a prominent and successful
member of the bar, is a descendant of ihe Hays and Blaine families, two of the oldest and
most prominent in the State. His paternal great-grandfather, Adam Hays, was a descend-
ant of a Holland family, who immigrated to America at an early day, and who became
members of the Swedish settlement at New Castle on the Delaware. Adam Hays was
born at New Castle, and immigrated to Cumberland County, Penn., and settled on the
north bank of the Conodoguinet Creek, in Frankford Township, in 17.30. His sons, Adam
and Joseph (the latter the grandfather of our subject), were born in Cumberland County.
Joseph married and had three sons: Adam, John and Joseph. John was born in August,
1794; was a farmer in early life, and at thirty years of age engaged in the iron trade. He
married twice: first, Misa Jane Pattieson, of Cumberland County. They had one daughter,
Annie E. (She also married twice; her first husband was Lieut. Richard West, a nephew
of United States Judge Taney; her second husband was Lieut.-Col. J. W. T. Garder.)
Mrs. Jane (Pattieson) Hays died in 1823 or 1823, and Mr. Hays married Mrs. Eleanor B.
Wheaton, a daughter of Robert Blaine. She was a grand-daughter of Col. Ephraim Blaine,
of Cumberland County, who was born in Ireland, and came with his parents to Cumber-
land Colinty in 1745, when he was but a year old. Col. Ephraim Blaine was a prominent
man and served his county and country. He was a friend and confidant of Washington,
and was sheriff of Cumberland County in 1771, and during the Revolution was deputy
commissary-general with the rank of colonel. Mr. and Mrs. John Hays were members of
the Presbyterian Church. He died April 29, 1854, and she January 9, 1839. They had
two sons and one daughter: Robert Blaine Hays, Mary "Wheaton Hays ( who married
Richard O. MuUikin, of Baltimore), and John Hays, the subject of our sketch. The last
named graduated from old Dickinson College in the class of 1857, and that year entered
the law office of Hon. R. M. Henderson, and was admitted to the bar of Cumberland
County in August, 1859. In 1862 Mr. Hays entered Company A, One Hundred and Thir- '
tieth Volunteer Infantry; was promoted first lieutenant, then adjutant of the regiment,
and then adjutant-general of a brigade. He was mustered out May 1, 1863. He was
wounded in the right shoulder at Chancellorsville by a musket ball, and had seven other
balls that cut his clothing and killed his horse under him. He was in the battles of An-
tietam and Fredericksburg. The Second Corps, of which his regiment was a part, lost
5,500 men at Antietam. The entire regiment was commanded by the gallant Col. H. I. Zinn,
as the regiment was not organized at the time and had no field or staff ofiBcers. At Fred-
ericksburg Col. Zinn lost his life. After his regiment was mustered out. Mr. Hays re-
turned to Carlisle and formed his present partnership with his preceptor, Hon. R. M. Hen-
derson. Mr. Hays married Miss Jane Van Ness Smead, August 8, 1865. She was born in
the city of New York, a daughter of Capt. R. C. Smead and Sarah (RadclifEe) Smead.
Her father was a graduate of West Point, and captain in the Mexican war. He died of
yellow fever while on his way home at the close of the war. Capt. John R. Smead, broth-
er to Mrs. Hays, was in command of a battery in the battle of the second Bull Run, where
he was killed Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Carlisle,
and have two sons and three daughters: Anna A., Elizabeth S., George M., Raphael S.
and Eleanor B. Mr. Hays is a prominent and successful business man. He is a Republican,
and was a delegate to the National Convention in 1880. He was one of the original trus-
tees and mainly instnimental in the management of the building of the Metzgar Institute
of Carlisle, of which his uncle, George Metzgar, was the founder. Mr. Hays is a member
of the board of directors of the Carlisle Gas & Water Company; vice-president and chair-
man of the executive committee for the Carlisle Manufacturing Company.
JACOB HEMMINGER, county treasurer, Carlisle, was born on the homestead farm
in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County, July 1, 1838. His grandfather, John
Hemminger, emigrated from Germany to Lancaster County, Penn., when a young man,
and married Miss Barbara Rhemm, of that county, and to them were born three sons and
one daughter: John, Jacob, Samuel and Nancy; the latter married to George Stubbs, of
Cumberland County, in 1800. John, the eldest son of John and Barbara (Rhemm) Hem-
minger, married Miss Eliza Heagy, and settled on the old farm two miles and a half west
of Carlisle, where were born their twelve children, viz.: Jane A., wife of Lafayette Pfef-
fer, of Dickinson Township; John a farmer near Waynesboro, Franklin County; Sarah
(unmarried), of Carlisle; Samuel (deceased); Catherine, wife of J. E. B. Graham (they re-
side near Lincoln, Neb.); William, who died in 1873 (his widow resides in Newville);
Joseph, who died in 1883 (his widow resides in Dickinson Township); Mary, the wife of
William McCullough, a resident of near Shippensburg, Cumberland County; Hettie, wife
of Joseph Beetem, of Carlisle; Jacob, of Carlisle; George, M. D., of Carlisle; and Susan-
nah (unmarried), of Carlisle. Jacob Hemminger, when a youth, worked on bis father's
farm, and received such schooling as is generally given to farmers' sons. January 22,
1863, he was married to Miss Ellen Drawhaugh, a native of Cumberland County, and a
daughter of George and Barbara (Bloser) Drawbaugh, old settlers of the same county.
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 379'
Our subject was engaged in farming until 1868, when lie opened a general store at Mount
Holly Springs, and, in 1870, was elected auditor of Cumberland County. In 1872 he re-
turned to his farm, and there remained, when he again removed to Carlisle, and engaged
in merchant tailoring and general mercantile business, in connection with real estate and
auctioneering; the mercantile business he closed out in 1881, and to the other department
added fire insurance. In 1884 he was elected treasurer of Cumberland County. To Mr.
and Mrs. Hemminger have been born four children: Sarah E., Wilmer A., Charles P. and
John R. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hemmina-er is a mem-
ber of the K. of P.
GEORGE HEMMINGER, M. D., physician and surgeon, Carlisle, is a native of Cum-
berland County, Penn., born on his father's farm two and one-half miles west of Carlisle,
September 8, 1840. His parents were John and Eliza (Heagy) Hemminger, the latter a
daughter of John and Eliza Heagy. John Hemminger was also the name of the grand-
father of the Doctor, and for his history, with that of his son John and family, the reader
is referred to the sketch of Jacob Hemminger. Our subject grew up on the farm, and re-
ceived the rudiments of an education in the neighborhood schools. In 1861 he entered
Pennsylvania College as a freshman, and one year later passed examination for the sopho-
more class. In August, 1862, he, in company with seven of his classmates, went to Har-
risburg, where, on the 16th of that month, they enlisted in Company B, One Hundred
- and Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. George was assigned to the Mid-
dle Department with duty at the Relay House, Maryland, where he remained until June 16,
1863. He was in the Second Brigade, Third Division and Corps (in June), escorting stores
to Washington, D. C. From the 1st to the 5th of July he was at Wapping Heights, Va. ;
July 23, he was at Kelly's Ford; November 7, at Brandy Station; November 8, at Mine
Run; from November 26 to December 2, at Locust Grove. In March, 1864, he was in th&
Sixth Corps, same brigade and division; May 5 and 7 he was at the battle of the
Wilderness; at Spottsylvania, from the 12th to the 19th of May; Cold Harbor, 1st to 3d
of June; at the Trenches, Bermuda Hundred, June 17; destruction of the Weldon Rail-
road June 32, 33; Monocacy, Md., July 9; February 17, 1865, in prison at Danville;^
next to Libby prison, Richmond, until March 25, when paroled and returned to the regi-
ment April 10. He then marched to Danville, and thence with the army of Gen. Sher-
man to Washington, D. C, where he was in the grand review June 8. 1865. Returning
to Carlisle, he entered Dickinson College, where he pursued his studies one year; then
read medicine under Dr. J. J. Gitzer; later he passed one term in the medical department
of the University at Ann Arbor, Mich., and entered the College of Medicine at Detroit,
Mich., from which institution he was graduated in 1869. After his graduation he located
at Newville, and there practiced his profession six years. From there he went to the city
of Baltimore, Md., and formed a partnership with his old preceptor, Dr. J. J. Gitzer,
with whom he remained until the fall of 1875, when he returned to Carlisle, and has here
since been actively engaged in the practice of medicine. February 11, 1871, the Doctor
married Miss Annie Powell, a native of Maryland, a daughter of Col. Samuel R. and
Mary A. (Kelly) Powell, of Baltimore. To Dr. Hemminger and wife one son, George R.,
was born at Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn., April 25,1873. Dr. Hemminger stands
high as a physician and a citizen. He was a member of the Cumberland County Medical
Society. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.
HON. ROBERT M. HENDERSON, was born March 11, 1827, in the same house
where his father was born, on what is now known as the McDowell or Miller farm, one
mile east of Carlisle, Penn. In 1882 his parents moved to the old farm on which his fa-
ther still resides, a part of which is now in the borough of Carlisle. Our subject worked
on his father's farm, and was one of the first to graduate in 1838 from the high school of
Carlisle under the present common school system. In 1845 he graduated from Dickinson
College, studied law with Hon. John Reed, and was admitted to the bar August 35, 1847,
and at once began the practice of his profession in Carlisle. In 1851 he was elected, by
the Whigs of Cumljerland County, a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and re-
elected in 1852. He was appointed additional law judge of the Twelfth Judical District
of Pennsylvania, in April, 1874, and was elected to the same office without opposition, in
November of the same year. January 1, 1883, he became president judge of the dis-
trict. In March, 1883. he resigned this position and resumed the practice of law in Car-
lisle. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he raised Company A, Seventli Pennsylvania In-
fantry Volunteer Reserves, and was elected and commissioned captain of this company,
April 21, 1861. He served through the Peninsular Campaign, and was wounded in the
left shoulder by a minie ball, at Charles City Cross Roads, Va., June 30, 1862. July 4, 1863
he was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry Vol-
unteer Reserves, and returned with his regiment from the Peninsula, when the reserves
joined the Army of Northern Virginia under Gen. Pope. The regiment remained with
that command, was engaged in the second battle of Bull Run,:and during the battle, on
the eve of August 30, 1862, while making a charge. Col. Henderson was shot through
the body with a minie ball, and carried from the field. He rejoined his command January
2, 1863, at Belle Plain, and remained with his regiment until May 1, 1863, when he was
380 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
appointed provost-marshal of the Nineteenth District of Pennsylvania, under an act of
Congress, and lield that position until the close of llie war. March 13, I860, he was made
brevet colonel and brevet brigadier-general for services and gallantry on the Peninsula dur-
ing the seven dnys flglils and Ht the second Bull Run. Judge Henderson, as a soldier,
judge and citizen always discharged the duties imposed upon him faithfully. He and his
wife are members of the First Presbyterian Churcli, of which for many years he has been
trustee. In 1871 he was elected ruling elder in the church, which position he still retains.
Judge Henderson married June 7, 1853, at Baltimore, Md., Miss Margaret A. Webster, a
native of Baltimore, a daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Thornl)urg) Webster, natives
of Maryland and of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have five children: William
M., a miller and merchant of Carlisle; John Webster, attorney and partner in the oflSce of
Henderson & Hays; Margaret T.. residing at home with her parents; Elizabeth P., wife of
H. C. McKnight, a wholesale merchant of Pitt-^l)urgh, and Rebecca, at home. William M.
Henderson, father of the judge, was born May 28. 1795, and is still living at the advanced
age of ninety-one years, possessed of ail his faculiies. He is a son of .Matthew and
Margaret (Miller) Henderson, natives of Pennsylvania. Matthew Henderson moved to
Perry County, where he died near Gibson's Rock. William M. Henderson worked at
milling and farming all his life. He married Elizabeth Parker of Cumberland County, a
daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Williams) Parker, Scotch Presbyterians and early
settlers of CumberUind Countv.
JUDGE MARTIN C. HERMAN, attorney at law. Carlisle, was born on the old
family homestead near the village of New Kingston, Silver Spring Township, this county,
February 14, 1841. This farm was purchased in 1771, by his great-grandfather, Martin
Herman, who was born in Germany, and when a young man immigrated to America, land-
ing in Philadelphia in 1754, where he remained a few years; then moved to Lancaster
County, Penn., where he married Miss Anna Dorothea Boerst, and engaged in farming until
1771, when he purchased the old farm in Silver Spring Township, this county, where he
died in 1804, aged seventy-two years. He and his wife, members of the Lutheran Church,
had four sons and four daughters. The sons were Christian, John, Jacob and Martin.
Christian was born in Lancaster County, Penn., Octolier 20, 1761, and died October 23,
1829. He was a farmer; a soldier in the war of the Revolution, he fought in the army
under Washington at the battle of Germanlown, passed through the trials and suf-
ferings at Valley Forge, and participated in the important engagements of this branch of
the Continental Army up to the siege of Yorktown, being present at the surrenderor Corn-
wallis. He married Miss Elizabeth Bowers, of York County, Penn., in 1793. They were
members of the Lutheran Church; had a family of eleven children, eight of whom lived to
be men and women and had families, the sons being: Joilin, Jacol). Martin, Christian and
David; the daughters were Mary (married to Michael G. Beizhoover); Anna (married to
Dr. Jacob Bosler, of Dayton, <.)hio), and Eliza (married to Abram Bosler, of this county).
Martin Herman, by occupation a farmer, was born on the old farm in Silver Spring
Township, this county, July 10, 1801, and inherited the farm by will from his father. Chris-
tian Hi'rman, and died May 22, 1873. He married in February, 1827, Miss Elizabeth Wol-
ford, who was born in 1803, in York County, Penn., a daughter of the Hon. Peter and
Elizabeth (Albert) Wnlford, former of whom was a prominent man of York County,
Penn., having represented that county in the Legisliiture. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Herman
were members of the Lutheran Church. She died July 30, 18.53. They had six children:
Margaret, wife of Ezra M. Myers, of Adams County, Penn. ; Margery 'A., wife of the Rev.
A. W. Lilly, of York, York Co., Penn.; .Vlary J., wife of Crawford Fleming, of Carlisle;
P. Wolford, a farmer, who owns and resides on the old farm in Silver Spring Township,
this county; Martin C, our subject; and David B., born December 39, 1844, killed by
hostile Indians on the North Platte River, Neb., May 30 1876, while he was in charge of
a cattle ranch. He was a member of the Cumberland County bar, admitted in 1867.
Judge Martin C. Herman, our subject, worked on the old farm with his father, and
attended school during the winters, until the age of sixteen. He t len entered the academy
at York, Penn., presided over by George W. Ruby, and remained there until the close of
ther summer term of 1858. He then entered the freshman class of Dickinson College, in
September, 1858. from which he graduated June 36, 1863. In his junior year at this insti-
tution he took the silver medal for oratory at the junior prize contest, and on June 24,
1863, delivered the seventy-sixth anniversary address of the Belles-Lettres Society; but
prior to this, in January, 1868, he registered "as a law student in the office of B. Mclntire
<& Son. at Blootn eld, P rry Cnunty, Penn. In April, 1863, he transferred his registry as
a student of law to William H. Miller, of Carlisle; studied law with him, and was admi' ted
to the bar of Cumberland County, .fanuary 13, 1864; began the practice of law in Carlisle,
and has been actively engaged in that profession ever since. He was elected by the people
of Cumberland County president judge of the Ninth Judicial District, composed of the
county of Cumberland, at the general election of 1874, at that time being not quite thirty-
four years of age. He took the bench on the first Monday of January. 1875, and served
for ten years until the first Monday of January, 1885. Was renominated by acclamation in
August, 1884. He was married June 5, 1873, to Miss Josie Adair, a native of Cumberland
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 381
County, Penn., and a dauehter of S. Dunlap Adair (deceaaed), at one time a brilliant
and leading lawyer of the Cumberland County bar, and who married Miss Henrietta Gray,
daughter of John Gray, of Carlisle. Mr. and Mrs. Herman have four children: Adiiir,
Henrietta G., Joseph B. and Bessie H. Mrs. Herman is a member of St. John's
Episcopal Church, and the Judge is one of the vestrymen,. He is not only a representa-
tive of one of the oldest and best families of Cumberland County, with which he has been
identified all his life, but is one of the self-made men, standing at the head of his profes-
sion, and having the confidence and esteem of all.
ALFRED J. HERMAN, M. D., physician and surgeon, Carlisle, was horn near Potts-
town, Montgomery Co., Penn., in May, 1815, a son of Frederick L. and Mary (File) Her-
man; former a native of Germany, latter of New Jersey. Frederick L., when a young
man, was sent to America as a missionary of the Reformed Church, of which he was a
minister. Eight sons and five daughters were born to Frederick L. and Mary Herman,
Alfred J. being next to the youngest son. Our subject, until sixteen years of age, at-
tended the college at Pottstown, which had been established by his father for the educa-
tion of young men for the ministry; then began the study of medicine with Dr. David
Rutter, of Pottstown, who, some two years and a half later, received a professorship at Chi-
cago, and young Herman then accepted a partnership with Dr. 81emm,a physician of Kutz-
town, Berks County, Penn., and in 1846 was graduated from the University of Medicine at
Philadelphia. He practiced medicine in connection with his partner at Kutztown until
the fall of 1846, when he settled in Middlesex, Cumberland County, where he remained
some four years; then located at Sterrett's Gap with the intention of establishing a hydro-
pathic institution, but was kept too busy with his patients. In 1852 he located in Carlisle,
where he has since followed his profession. At the organization of the Cumberland
County Medical Society, Dr. Herman took an active part, and has since taken a deep in-
terest inits success. He has served as its resident physician, and otherwise officiated in
its meetings. In January, 1886, he was elected an honorary member of the society. He
is also a member of the State Medical Society of Pennsylvania, and a life member of the
American Medical Association, to the latter of which he has been tliree times a delegate.
Dr. Herman stands high as a physician, and has enjoyed an extensive practice. He is a
member of the Reformed Church.
CHRISTIAN PHILIP HUMRICH, attorney, Carlisle, was born in that place March
9, 1831, of parents John Adams and Mary Ann (Zeigler) Humrich. The former was born
In Lancaster City, and the latter in Montgomery County, this State. .Tohn A. was a son
Christian Humrich, a native of the Palatinate, in Germany, who came to America about
1800, and was naturalized in Lancaster County, Penn., on .Tune 14, 1802. He was a sad-
dler by occupation. He married in Lancaster City, and moved to Cumberland County in
1807, where he opened a hotel (now the Pennsylvania Inn; then the "Black Bear"), which
he kept over thirty years. His death occurred in Carlisle in 1842. at the age of ninety-four
years. His children were Philip, Maria, John, Catharine and John Adams. The last, too,
was a saddler and harness-maker by trade, and, later in life, farmed. He di(!d in February,
1880, aged eighty years. John Adams and wife had four sons: Christian Philip, John A.,
Samuel K. and William A. John died in 1863. All the rest are living in Carlisle. The
parents were members of the Lutheran Church. Christian P. attended the first common
school in Carlisle (opening August 13, 1836), and at the age of sixteen years attended
Dickinson College, graduating in 1852. He then began the study of law with Judge Rob-
ert M. Henderson, and was admitted to the bar November 14, 1854, since which time he
has been actively engaged in the practice of law. He has been twice nominated district
attorney by the Republican party, also received the nominatiori for Representative, but
that party being in the minority, was defeated at the election. He has served as school
director since 1857, and has been secretary of the school board since 1860. May 13, 1859,
Mr. Humrich was married to Miss Amanda R. Zeigler, a native of Cumberland County,
and a daughter of Jesse and Mary (A. PefEer) Zeigler, old settlers of that county. To our
subject and wife have been born nine children, six of whom are living, namely: Charles
P., insurance agent, Carlisle; Ellen K., Carrie A., Blanch Z., Mary A. and Christian P.,
Jr. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Humrich was first
an old-line Whig, and on the organization of the Republican parly, espoused its principles,
and has ever since been one of its strong supporters.
ADAM KELLER, cashier of the Carlisle Deposit Bank, Carlisle, was born in Phila-
delphia, December 9, 1843, a son of Adam and Mary (LoUer) Keller, natives of Philadel-
phia. He graduated from the Central High School of that city, in 1861. and entered as a
clerk, in Philadelphia, in a notary's office, where he remained until the spring of 1863,
when he engaged in mercantile trade at Harrisburg until 1865, in which year he entered
the law ofBce of Col. William M. Penrose, at Carlisle, and w is admitted to the bar of
Cumberland County. He engaged in the practice of law until 1869, when he was elected
cashier of the Second National Bank at Mechanicsburg. In February, 1877, he was elected
cashier of the Carlisle Deposit Bank, of Carlisle, which posi'ion he has filled and con-
tinues to fill, to the present time, to the satisfaction of all. He married at Carlisle, Penn.,
December 9, 1869, Miss Katherine Wilkins Stevenson, who was born in Carlisle, a daugh-
28
382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ter of Dr. Thomas Collins and Eliza (DuncanlStevenson, Dr. Thomas Collins Stevenson,
an able practicing physician, was a son of Dr. George Stevenson, a very learned and
courteous gentleman, alone time president of the old United States Bank, at Pittsburgh.
He married a Miss Maria Barker, of Delaware, a granddaughter of Gov. Thomas Collins,
of that State, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Keller are members of St. John's Episcopal Church, of
Carlisle. He is treasurer of the parish and a vestryman. He and his wife have had
three children; two daughters (now deceased), Bi'ssie Duncan and Mary LoUer, and one
son, Thomas Collins Stevenson Keller, born July 2, 1884, who is living. Mr, Keller
stands high in the estimation of all as a strict businessman and an upright gentleman.
STEPHEN BARNBTT KIEFFER, A. M., M. D., Carlisle, was born in Franklin Coun-
ty, Penn., and spent the earlier part of his life on his father's farm. He comes of a line of
ancestors dating back through five generations, descending from Abram Kieffer, a French
Huguenot, from Strasburg. He entered Marsliall College as a student in 1844, and grad-
uated with honor in 1848. He subsequently read medicine in Mercersburg, Penn., and
graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1851, after which he immediately located,
for the practice of his profession, in Carlisle. Since that time he has devoted all his en-
ergies to his profession, in which he takes a sincere interest. In his professional life Dr.
Kieffer combined both medicine and surgery, and as a surgeon he has made some of the
most interesting and diflBcult operations in this portion of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kieffer was
honored with the degree of A. M. by his alma mater in due course of time; was president
of the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania; is a member of the American Medi-
cal Association; and was a member of the International Medical Convention in 1876.
Principally, in his life, he feels honored in having been largely instrumental together,
especially, with Dr. R. L. Sihbet, in inaugurating the national movement, which ha^ re-
sulted in the establishment of the American Academy of Medicine, the grandest medical
association of the United States. Besides, Dr. Kieffer has contributed frequently to the
leading medical journals, both in the interest of medicine and surgery. He has frequently
delivered orations before various medical associations, and a few years ago was chosen by
his alma mater to deliver the address before the alumni of Franklin and Marshall College,
where, taking for his subject, "The Relations of Science and Faith," he made a masterly
philosophical oration. Large-hearted, sympathetic with suffering, social in instinct, he
is popular as a citizen, and is, undoubtedly, one of the real leaders of his profession in
Pennsylvania.
JOHN B. LANDIS, Carlisle.was born on his father's farm in Upper Allen Township,
one mile south of Mechanicsburg, August 21, 1841. He worked on the farm and attended
school until he was seventeen, when he began teaching, and taught in York and Cumber-
land Counties five sessions; then entered the select school of Prof. S. B. Heiges, where he
completed his studies. In April, 1860, he began the study of medicine with Dr. R. H.
Long, of Mechanicsburg, with whom he remained until August, 1862, when he enlisted as
a private in Company F, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, and was later made a corporal. He participated in the battles of Antietam and
Fredericksburg, and in the latter received a shell wound in the neck and shoulder. He
was sent to Point Lookout Hospital, Maryland, and on February 12, 1863, was discharged
for disability, when he returned home. Subsequently he assisted in raising Company A,
Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, of which company
he was made captain in September, 1864, serving as such until the close of the war.
From September 29 until November 24, 1864, he was in command of Redoubt Carpenter
on the Bermuda Hundred front, on the south bank of the James River. His regiment
was next stationed in front of Petersburg, at Meade Station. He participated in the
battles of Fort Steadman March 25, 1865, and Petersburg April 2, 1865, besides various
skirmishes, and was mustered out with his regiment May 31, 1865, and returned to his
home in Mechanicsburg. In 1866 Capt. Landis was appointed military instructor for the
White Hall Soldiers' Orphan School, andin April, ]867,received the appointmentof deputy
collector of internal revenue for the Fifteenth District of Pennsylvania, which he resigned
September 30, 1876, to enter the Carlisle Deposit Bank, accepting the position of cashier.
This position he held until February, 1877, when he resigned on account of impaired
health, and after a year's rest began the study of law in the office of John Hays, Esq. , of
Carlisle. In 1881 he was admitted to the bar, and has since been actively engaged in the
practice of his profession. The Captain was elected treasurer of the Carlisle Gas &
Water Company July 1, 1882, and has been a member of the town council since the spring
of 1881. On June 9, 1870, he was married to Miss Barbara H. Merkel, a daughter of Hon.
Levi and Susannah (Martin) Merkel, former of whom was a banker of Mechanicsburg and
the organizer of the present First National Bank there. To our subject and wife have
been born four sons and two daughters: Victor (who died in infancy), Norman, Merkel,
Naomi, Olive and Kenneth. Mr. and Mrs. Landis are members of the First Presbyterian
Church, in which he is an elder and trustee. The father of Capt. Landis was Jacob
Landis, a native of York County, a farmer and mill-wright, who married Miss Mary Moh-
ler, of Cumberland County, a daughter of Daniel Mohler, of Lancaster County. Capt.
Landis has the following brothers and sisters: Anna, wife of George Brindle, a retired.
BOROUGH OP CARLISLE. 383
farmer of Franklin County; Daniel, minister and farmer of York Connty; Mary, the wife
of John Senseman, farmer of Cumberland County; Leah, wife of John Knisely, farmer in
Upper Allen Township; David, a coQtractor and builder of Huntington, Penn.; Philip, a
farmer of Osborne, Kas., and Susan, wife of Andrew Knoderer, a farmer of Upper Allen
Township.
ALBERT ALLAN LINE, residence Carlisle, was born in Dickinson Township, this
county, al)out five miles west of Carlisle, January 20, 1850, a son of Emanuel and Cathe-
rine (Myers) Line, the former born in Dickinson Township, this county, and the latter at
Rossville, York County, Penn. Emanuel Line was a son of Emanuel, Sr., and Elizabeth
(Myers) Line, both natives of Cumberland County. Our subject is the youngest of three
children, and the only surviving one. He married October 12, 1876, Miss Mary L. Johnson,
a daughter of Samuel A. Johnson of Philadelphia, Penn. Mrs. Line died December 25,
1877. Mr. Line's family is of Swiss origin, having immigrated to America and settled in
Lancaster County, Penn., at a very early date. He is superintendent of the First Luthe-
ran Church Sunday-school at Carlisle, secretary of the Cumberland County Sunday-school
Association, secretary of the Cumberland County Temperance Alliance, director of the
Farmers' Bank, Carlisle and a member of the directors of the Carlisle School Board, in-
structor at Mountain Lake Park, Maryland Summer School Amateur Photography. He is
also a member of the board of managers for the Y. M. C. A., Carlisle, and chairman of
committee on boys' work, Y. M. C. A.
WILLIAM H. LONGSDORF, M. D., Carlisle, was born in Cumberland County,
Penn., March 24, 18:i4. His grandfather, Henry Longsdorf, was a native of Germany,
and in an early day came to Cumberland County, where he purchased land from William
Penn, and located two miles west of Mechanicsburg. Adam, a son of Henry, was born
on this land in Silver Spring Township, and was occupied as a farmer; served three years
as sheriff of the county from 1844, and died the year following. He married Mary Sense-
man, born in Cumberland County, her parents having removed thither from Lancaster
County, and to this union were born four sons and three daughters, William H. being the
fourth child and only one now living. Our subject lived on the old homestead until fif-
teen years of age, saving a residence of about five years in Carlisle, during his father's
term of service as sheriff. At the age of fifteen years he entered Dickinson College, where
he pursued a course of study for three years; then read medicine with Dr. Dale, and, in
1856, graduated from Jefferson Medical College, and in the spring of 1857 from the
Pennsylvania Dental School, at Philadelphia. He then located in the practice of medi-
cine at Bellevue, Neb., where he remained until the faU of 1858, when he went to Denver,
Col., then a place of four cabins and forty men. Here he prospected and practiced medi-
cine one year, and in July, 1857, returned to Cumberland County, where he continued
practicing until August, 1861, when he was commissioned first lieutenant of Company I,
Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry Volunteers. He was subsequently promoted major of the
regiment, and discharged January 19, 1864, with both legs broken at the ankles. Dr.
Longsdorf participated in some eighty engagements, among which were the battles of
Perryville, Ky., Cliickamauga, Ga., Shelbyville, and siege of Knoxville, Tenn. The Doc-
tor, on being discharged from the service returned to Cumberland County, and after a
time resumed his practice, continuing until the fall of 1881, when he was elected treasurer
of Cumberland Count}', the duties of which he performed for three years, when he again
became engaged in the practice of his profession, at Carlisle. April 7, 1857, he was married
to Miss Lydia R. Haverstickj a native of Cumberland County, daughter of Benjamin and
Lydia (Mylin) Harverstick, old settlers of that county, now residents of Mechanicsburg.
To Dr. Longsdorf and wife have been born two sons and four daughters: Harold H.,
born in Nebraska, a graduate of Dickinson College, also of the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, of Baltimore, Md., now practicing medicine at Centerville; John E,, deceased
at the age of twenty-one years; Zatae S., Hilda, Jessica, W. D., and Persis — the last five
reside with their parents. Zatae and Hilda are attending Dickinson College, they being
among the first female students admitted to the institution, and Zatae being the first fe-
male student to contend for the Pearson Oratorical Prize and took the first prize, the parents
are members of the Second Presbyterian Church. Dr. Longsdorf is a Mason, and has
passed all the chairs in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of Carlisle. He ranks
among the leading physicians and surgeons of Cumberland County, and is an esteemed
and respected citizen. He is among the original members of the Cumberland County
Medical Society.
JAMES ANDREW McCAULEY, D.D., LL.D., president of Dickinson College, was
born near Elkton. Cecil Co., Md., October 7, 1833. His earliest educational advantages
were had in the schools of the neighborhood; but the family removing to Baltimore, in
his boyhood, his education was continued in the city. Quitting school at seventeen, he
took a position in a business house, without, however, serious thought of adopting busi-
ness as a life pursuit; for, thus early even, monitions of duty to preach had been, at times,
distinctly heard. These monitions pervaded the years spent in business, acquiring, at
length, a constancy and force, which, in the end, he came to feel it were a peril not to
heed. Business was accordingly relinquished, and preparation for the ministry com-
384 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
menced. After a year of preparatory study he entered, in 1844, the freshman class at
Dickinson, and. at the suggestion of the faculty, doubling work the second year, he grad-
uated the second in schoiastic rank in the class of 1847. The two years succeeding gradu-
ation were spent in teaching, as private tutor, in one of the old historic families of Mary-
land. Admitted to the Baltimore Conference in 1850, and assigned a charge adjacent to
the city, he was, midway the year, transferred to the principalship of the W esleyan Fe-
male Institute, a school of high grade for ladies, located at Staunton, Va., whose patron-
age the Conference had assumed. To the development of this new enterprise he gave un-
sparing labor, with the result of conspicuous success. The cares and labors incident to or-
ganization and constant supervision affected his liealth, and at the end of the third year,
though in the midst of great prosperity, he was constrained to seek release. A period of rest
and travel restired his health, and in the spring of 18.14 he resumed the work of the pastor-
ate. Except two charges in Virginia — Front Royal and Fredericksburg — his ministry,
till 1873, was chiefly exercised in Baltimore and in the District of Columbia; from 1869, as
presiding elder of the Washington District. In the summer of 1872 he was elected presi-
dent of Dickinson College, which position he has since continuously held. His term of
service here has witnessed great improvement in all the interests of the college. Besides
the addition to its endowment of more than $100,000, and the thorough repair of its old
buildings, three new structureshave been erected, at an aggregate cost of $115,000. On
two occasions — first in 1872, and again in 1884 — he was chosen to represent his conference
in the general conference, the highest council of the church. In 1872 he was designated
by this body its fraternal messenger to bear the greetings of the American Church to that
of Great Britain. In 1874, in association with Bishop Harris, he performed this duty, vis-
iting the Wesleyan Conference, at Cambourne, Cornwall. On completing this service,
various parts of England and the continent were visited, including the Universities of Ox-
ford and Heidelberg. In 1868 his alma mater conferred on him the degree of D.D., and,
in 1883, Lafayette College the degree of LL.D.
HON. CHARLES McCLURE (deceased) was a native of Cumberland County. His
father, Charles McClure, was born in Cumberland County, 1739, and was the son of John
McCIure, of Scotland, who died in Cumberland County October 9, 1757, aged sixty-one
years. Charles McClure, the father, married Miss Mary Blair, who died without is-
sue. He subsequently married Emelia Blair, cousin of his first wife, and by her
had two children: John, a farmer and literary man, and Mary, who became the wife
of Joseph Knox, a merchant of Carlisle. One daughter of John is now the widow of
J. F. D. Lanier, who was a wealthy banker of Nesv York City. Of Mary's children two
are now living: Qeorge, an attorney of Philadelphia, and Rebecca Steele, wife of a prom-
inent lawyer of Chicago. Charles McClure, Sr., was the third time married, his last wife
being Mrs. Rebecca Parker, widow of Gen. Parker, of the war of 1812, the result of which
union was two sons and two daughters: Charlotte, who married Dr. Adam Hays, of Car-
lisle; Rebecca, who married Elisha White, an attorney of Carlisle; Judge Wdliam Mc-
Clure, of Pittsburgh, who married Miss Lydia Collins, and Charles McClure, the subject of
this sketch. The latter was graduated from Dickinson College; read law in Carlisle, and
was there admitted to the bar. He was elected a Represent>itive to the State Legislature
in 1834, and subsequently served two terms in Congress. His death occurred in 1846, a}
the age of forty-two years. His wife was Miss Margaretta Gibson, daughter of Chief Jus-
tice John Bannister Gibson, one of the most prominent and learned men of the State;
born in Perry County, Penn., a son of Col. George and Ann (West) Gibson; she an intelligent
and highly-educated lady for her time, a daughter of Francis West, the first magistrate of
Cumberland County. Col. George Gibson was a native of Lancaster County, commanded
a regiment through the Revolutionary war, and was killed at St. Clair's defeat. Novem-
ber 4, 1791. He was a great linguist and possessed much wit; was a splendid officer, and
beloved by everyone for his jovial nature. His brother John, also an officer in the Revo-
lution, was familiar with the customs of the Indians and their language, and it wa^ he wbo
translated and published the famous speech of the Indian chief Logan. Col. George Gib-
son and wife had four sons: Francis West, a farmer, who lived to be ninety years old;
George, a commissary-general of the United States Army, who organized the commissary de-
partment of the army, for which purpose he was sent to Washington. He was the intimate
friend and adviser of Andrew Jackson while President of the United States, with whom he
had served, as his quartermaster-general.in the war of 1813. and by whom he was called"hon-
est George Gibson." Gen. Gibson was a very generous warm-hearted geutleman, always re-
mained a bachelor, and died in his eighty-seventh year, at Washington in 1861, in full posses-
sion of all his faculties. William, who died young, from yellow fever contracted in the West
Indies; and Chief Justice John Bannister Gibson. The latter was a young child when his
father died, and the mother being left in straitened circumstances, though possessing a
farm in Perry County, inherited from her father, managed to keep her sous together and
instructed them herself, to which training the Chief Justice said he was indebted for all
that he was. Subsequently the mother moved to Carlisle, where John's education was
furthered at Dickinson College through the efforts of his elder brother George. John read
law with Judge Thomas Duncan, of Carlisle, who became one of the judges of the su-
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 385
preme court of the State; and was admitted to the bar in Cumberland County; was later
appointed one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the State, and served on the bench
with his preceptor. At the death of Cliief Justice Tighlman, of Philadelphia, Judge Gib-
son was appointed to the position. President Jaclison desired to appoint him to the su-
preme bench of the United States, and promised him the first vacancy; but owing to great
political claims of Judge Baldwin, Chief Justice Gibson yielded to his appointment. The
wife of Chief Justice Gibson was Miss Sarah Qalbraith, of Cumberland County, and a
daughter of Maj. Andrew Galbraith, an officer in the Revolutionary war, who was made
a prisoner by the British. Chief Justice Gibson and wife had eight children, five of
whom lived to be men and women: Mrs. McClure, widow of Charles McClure; Mrs.
Roberts, wife of William Milnor Roberts, a distinguished civil-engineer, who died in Brazil,
while acting as chief of the engineering works of Brazil; Sarah, wife of Capt. Richard H.
Anderson, of the United States Army, of Charleston, S. C., afterward lieutenant-general
in the Confederate Army; Col. George; and John Bannister, the latter a lieutenant in the
United States Army, died from disease con tracted in the Mexican war. Of these, George Gib-
son, colonel of the Fifth Infantry, United States Army, now stationed at Fort Keogh,
M. T., and Mrs. Charles McClure are living. Our subject's widow has three sons: Charles,
brevet-colonel, who served in the Union Army, during the war of the Rebellion, ascaptain,
and until 1880 in the Regular Army, when he was appointed paymaster, with the rank of
major, in the United States Army (married Miss Annie, daughter of Gen. George and Eliz-
abeth (Graham) Getty; George Gibson, paymaster's clerk in the United States Army (he
was for sixteen years in the Third National Bank of New York City); and William Mc-
Clure, a banker and broker, New York City (married Miss Ella, daughter of Theo. Crane,
a deceased merchant of New York City). Our subject was, and his widow now is, iden-
tified with the Episcopal Church.
LEWIS MA.SONHEIMER, prothonotary, Carlisle, was born in Waynesboro, Frank-
lin Co., Penn., December .'5, 1840. When he was seven years old his parents moved to
Carlisle, where he attended school until fourteen, when he learned the confectionery busi-
ness, and later engaged in the same, remaining until early in the war of 1861-65, when in
August, 1863, he enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regi-
ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After ten months' service he was discharged
and returned to Carlisle, and for three years was engaged in the livery business. He next
carried on a meat market for three years, when he began clerking in a dry goods and gro-
cery store, which position he held until 1874 or 1875, when he opened a grocery, which he
carried on for seven years. In January, 1883, he was appointed deputy clerk for the
county prothonotary, and in November, 1884, was elected to his present office by the peo-
ple of Cumberland County, without opposition. May 5, 1864, Mr. Masonheimer was mar-
ried to Miss Eliza Wetzel, a native of Cumberland County, and daughter of John and Cath-
erine (Wise) Wetzel, of the same county. Five children have been born to this union: Harry
L. (died at the age of eight months), Kate M. , John E. , Laura E. and Wilbur. Mr. and Mrs.
Masonheimer are members of the Reformed Church; he is a member of True Friends Lodge
No. 56, K. of P. Our subject is a son of John and Elizabeth (Dysert) Masonheimer—
former a native of Maryland, and a shoe-maker by trade ; who was married in Adams County,
Penn., and became the father of six children: George U., a boot and shoe-maker and
dealer, in Boyle County, Ky. ; Mary, a resident of Carlisle; Kate, wife of William B. Crouse,
of Waynesboro, Penn.; James M., a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; John H., accident-
ally killed in Carlisle, at the age of twelve years, and Lewis. The mother and father
were identified with the Reformed Church.
JACOB L. MELOY, grocer, Carlisle, is a native of Cumberland County, born one
mile east of Carlisle October 15, 1843, a son of Samuel and Catherine (Haverstick) Meloy,
also natives of Cumberland County; the former, by trade, a blacksmith. Thev wer' the
parents of the following named children: George H. (now a farmer of Cumberland Coun-^
ty), Jacob L., William M. (now a cigar-maker of Greason, Penn.), and Miss Mary E., of
Carlisle. When our subject was six years of age his parents moved to Harrisburg, and
when only nine, his father died, and at that early age Jacob L. began earning his own
living. He worked for farmers in Perry and Cumberland Counties until April 1, 1860,
when he went to Carlisle and lived with James Hamilton (deceased), with whom he re-
mained one year, when he entered the sash and door factory of Frank Gardner, with the
intention of learning the trade; but, on the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, he
left his employment and enlisted in Company A, whicb was organized at Carlisle, and
tendered its services to the Government April 19. 1861, but which was not accepted, on
account of the already full quota, until June 8 of that year. However, in the meantime
the company was maintained, drilled and kept ready for service, and mostly, too, at the
individual expense of the members; and when discharged, the men were credited with en-
listment from April 31, 1861. Mr. Meloy served throughout the war, and was mustered
out March 23, 1865, having participated in the following engagements, and been confined
in the prison' pens mentioned: The seven days' fight before Richmond; the battle of
Charles City Cross Roads, where he was made a prisoner, June 30, 1862, and was confined
at Richmond and Belle Isle, Va., until August 6, of the same year; battles of Gaines' Mill,
386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, in the pursuit of Stuart's cavalry, battles of Freder-
icksburg, the Wililerness, where he was taken prisoner and confined in the prisons at
Lynchburg and Danville, Va., and at Andersonville, Qa., from May 23 to September 17,
and at Florence. 8. C, from September 24 to December 8. 1864. At the close of the war
he returned to Carlisle, and entered the j^rocery store of William Blair & Son, as a clerk,
April 1, 1885, and with them he remained until January, 1871, when he opened a store of
his own. on Pitt Street, in the 16x30 room formerly occupied by Peter Faust. He started in
a small way, with a stock of only $300, but, by close application to business and fair dealing,
he won the confidence of the people, and some five months later bouglit the southeast cor-
ner lot, Pitt and South Streets, where he has his present store. His trade increased, from
time to time, until he did a business of 138,000 a year. In 1879 he was appointed postmas-
ter, which position he held nearly five years. In April, 1880, he sold his store to Mahon &
Mundorf, but in 1886 repurchased. In 1832, at the organization of the Carlisle Manu-
facturing Company, he became one of its directors, and in 1884 was elected secretary of
the board. Mr. Meloy was one of the orisjinal members of the Cumberland County t'er-
tilizing Company, and on its organization as a company was elected its pre.sident, and has
since remained as such. He is a member of the G. A. R., and was the first senior vice com-
mander of Capt. Colwell Post, No. 301, and subsequently was elected commander of the
post. November 16, 1866, he was married to Miss Martha B. Zimmerman, of Carlisle she
being a native of the vicinity of Carlisle, and a daughter of Abrah.im and Keziah (Copper-
stone) Zimmerman; former of Schuylkill County, and latter of Adams County. Our sub-
ject and wife had born to them four sons: Andrew D., Thomas M., Charles L. and Harry
W. Mr. Meloy is one of the self-made and successful business men of Carlisle. He was
a member of the town council two terms, and took an active part in the organization of
the Carlisle Board of Trade, and was elected its first secretary; but at the end of two terms
declined re-election, on account of other duties. He is a member of the State Firemen's
Association, and secretary of the Carlisle Firemen's Union, and vice-president of the Car-
lisle Live Stock Company, Wyoming Territory.
CAPT. WILLIAM E. MILLER. Abraham Miller came to this country in 1788, and
settled in Lebanon County, Penn. He laid out what was formerly Millerstown, but is now
known as Annville. During his residence there he was engaged as an iron master. He
came to Cumberland County about 1765. purchased lands in Allen "Township, along the
Yellow Breeches Creek, where he built mills, and near which he resided. One of these, a
fulling-mill, remains standing at the present day. He served as a soldier during the Rev-
olutionary war. He married Rebecca Epwright, of Harrisburg, an English lady by birth,
by whom he had six sons and one daughter. , His sixth son, Abraham, was born at and
became possessor of the homestead. His wife was Elizabeth Boyer, a daughter of Fred-
erick Augustus Boyer, a German by birth, who took degrees at Heidelberg, and who
also served as a soldier during the revolution. Abraham, the younger, had five sous and
two daughters. Andrew G., the father of the subject of this sketch, was born at the old
homestead in 1811. He became a merchant. During the years 1869-71, he served his dis-
trict (the eighteenth) in the Senate of the State. He married Eleanor Umberger, whose
paternal ancestor, John Leonard Umberger, came to this country in the ship • 'Hope" in 1733.
He had six children: William E., Mary, Jqhn R., Ellen, Henrietta M. and Andrew G.
Mary, died in infancy; John R. and A. G., both graduated at Princeton, and are now prac-
ticing lawyers at the Carlisle bar; Ellen, married H Lee Snyder, an officer of the United
States Navy, by whom she had two children: Richard Henry Lee and George McKnight;
Henrietta, married George Bridges, of Shippensburg, Penn., and has one son— John; John
R., married Caroline O. Rankin, a daughter of Dr. William Rankin, of Shippensburg,
Penn., and had one daughter, who died in infancy, and one son— Hugh Rankin; A. G.,
married Jane Kennedy, a daughter of Joseph Kennedy, of Shippensburg William E.,
the eldest son, was born at West Hill, Cumberland County, February 5. 1836. He was
reared on the farm, and owing to the limited means of his parents and to the fact that his
father was a great invalid for many years, he received but a limited common school edu-
cation. Young Miller showed a fondness for military life In his youth, and at the age of
sixteen joined a military horse company, known as the "Big Spring Adamantine Guards,"
which company was organized in 1814, and when the war of the Rebellion broke out was
among the first to tender its services to the Government, through the Governor of the
State, A. G. Curtin. Cavalry was not included in the three months' call, so that the serv-
ices of this company were not accepted until the later call for three years' troops was
made. August 8, 1861, this troop left Newville. Cumberland Countv, for Washington, D.
p., where, on the seventeenth of the same month, it was sworn into the United States serv-
ice, in the yard in front of the war office, by Lieut. EI wood, and became Company H, Third
Pennsylvania Cavalry. Up to this time William E. Miller served as a private, but was
mustered into service as a second lieutenant. Owing to our limited space it is impossible
to give a full account of the achievements of this officer, and we will, therefore, relate but
a few of the more important events in his military career. He was one of the few officers
that survived the rigid discipline at the training school of Camp Marcey during the winter
of 1861-62, under Col. W. W. Averill, a graduate of West Point. In the spring of 1862 he
BOROUGH OF CAKLISLE. 387
accompanied his regiment to the Peninsula, and, upon the arrival of the army at Fortress
Monroe, was assigned the advance to Yorktown, where he received his baptism of fire, on
the same ground, where, nearly a century before, his great-grandfather closed bis military
career under Gen. Washington. A singular coincidence that his great-grandson should
draw his sword in defense of the same Union, and on the same ground, where, nearly a century
before, the great-grandfather had concluded fighting for its establishment. After leaving
Yorktown Lieut. Miller's regiment again led the advance to Williamsburg, where it par-
ticipated in the fight on the left under Gen. Heintzelman. Torrents of rain fell during this
battle, and the night following was the essence of darkness, rainy and muddy. During
this night, Lieut. Miller was summoned to Gen. Heintzelman's headquarters, and handed
a dispatch with the following sententious order: "This dispatch is for Gen. McClellan.
You may find him at Yorktown, or you may find him on the road between this and York-
town, or you may find him anywhere along the line of this army, but you must find him,
and a reply must be at these headquarters before daylight to-morrow." The task was
accomplished, and Lieut. Miller received the congratulations of both Gens. McClellan and
Heintzelman. So much, indeed, was Gen. McClellan impressed witb this occurrence, that,
though he never saw Miller until nineteen years afterward, he at once recognized him and
recalled the circumstance. Lieut. Miller participated in all the sad scenes that followed
on the Peninsula. He took an active part in the invasion of Maryland, and September 16,
1863, led Gen. Hooker's advance across Antietam Creek, and drew the first fire from the
■Confederate guns. During the 17th he was assigned an independent command, and acted
under orders from Gen. Hooker direct. At a critical period in the battle, when Lieut.
Thomas' battery was charged by Jackson's troops, Lieut. Miller came to the rescue and
aided in saving the guns. For his gallantry on this occasion he was made captain, being
promoted over all the first lieutenants of the regiment. In the campaign of 1863, Capt.
Miller took a conspicuous part in the battles of Brandy Station, Aldie, Middleburg and
TJpperville; and at Gettysburg, on the 3d of July, won distinctinu by a gallant and
timely charge, made in violation of orders, on Wade Hampton's flank, which contributed
largely to the defeat of Stuart in his attempt to gain the rear of the Federal right fiank.
After participating in thirty-seven cavalry engagements, Capt. Miller, with his regiment,
was mustered out of service August 24, 1864 In 1856 he was married to Elizabeth Ann
Hooker, by whom he had two children: Caroline O. R. and Elizabeth. The latter died in
the spring of 1863, while he was encamped in front of Yorktown, while the former grew
to womanhood and married George K. McCormick, with whom she now lives at Knox-
ville, Tenn. In 1859 Mrs. Miller took malignant typhoid fever, and died. June 85, 1868,
Capt. Miller was again married, this time to Anna De Pui Bush, of Tioga County, Penn.,
a daughter of J. S. Bush, a wealthy and retired lumber merchant. This lady is possessed
of considerable literary attainments and position, and is the author of a reference book,
"Who and What," and many minor stories. Since the war Capt. Miller has been engaged
in the hardware business at Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn. He is social, but retiring
and modest, firm in his opinions, and unchangeable in his convictions. He is highly es-
teemed by his neighbors and friends, as he was respected and admired by his comrades in
arms. Some estimate may be formed of the man by the remarks made by his old com-
mander. Gen. D. McM. Gregg, at the dedication of the cavalry shaft at Gettysburg, Octo-
ber 15, 1884: "Of course everybody expects to hear from Capt. Miller, whose name is so
inseparably and honorably connected with our shaft. Possibly having built so well, on
the very ground on which he fought so well, he will try to escape talking, which he can
do well also. How pointedly he can write you can all attest." Capt. Miller takes an ac-
tive part in all public enterprises; has served two terms as chief burgess of his town; was
the original commander of Post 301, G. A. R. ; is a member of the Military Order of the
Loyal Legion of the United States, president of the Carlisle Board of Trade, and vestry-
man of St. John's Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM HENRY MILLER (deceased) was born near Millerstown, Adams Co.,
Penn., January 15, 1830. He attended the Pennsylvania College until about the age of
eighteen, when his father moved to this county and bought the Cumberland Furnace,
now .owned by the Crane Iron Company. He soon after entered the law office of Judge
John Reed, and was admitted to the bar. He married. May 30, 1843. Miss Jane Rebecca
McDowell, who was born in Carlisle, Penn., a daughter of Andrew and Rebecca (Wilson)
McDowell. Mrs. Miller is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, of Carlisle. Mr.
McDowell was born near Pittsburgh, and clerked in Philadelphia when a young man. He
married iu Perry County, Penn., and after that event came to this county. He was a son
of Alexander and Nancy (Archer) McDowell, the former of whom was a civil engineer,
and a son of Andrew McDowell, a Scotchman, who married, in Pennsylvana, Miss Sarah
Shankland, of Port Lewis. Del. They settled in this county and became rich, owning
iron works and a great many slaves. Rebecca Wilson, mother of Mrs. William Henry
Miller, was a daughter of Maj. James Armstrong Wilson (a major in the Revolutionary
war), a graduate of the Princeton College, who was admitted to the bar at Easton, Penn.,
where he afterward practiced. He was a large land owner and farmer of this county,
where he was born. He married Miss Margaret Miller, a native of Carlisle, Penn., and a
388 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
daughter of Robert Miller, a rirh tanner. His wife was Elizabetli Calhoon, a native of
Juniata County, Penn. Mr. William H. Miller died June 18, 1877, a member of the Sec-
ond Presbyterian Church of Carlisle.
"His place, in all the pomp that fills j
The circuit of the Summer hills,
Is that his grave is green."
JOHNSTON MOORE, of Carlisle, is a descendant of James Moore, who came to
America from Ireland in 1730, and purchased large tracts of land along the Yellow
Breeches Creek. At the death of James Moore, which occurred about the close of the
eighteenth centurj', he left four sons and three daughters. The third son, John, who was
born August L>9, 1740, and died October 18, 1832, married Eleanor Thompson, who wag
born in 1746 and died May 15, 1817. At their death they lefi five sons and two daughters.
James Moore, Esq., the eldest son, born in 1765, was married January 28, 1808, to Nancy
Jolmston, of Antrim Township, Franklin Co., Penn., a daughter of Col. Thomas Johnston,
a distinguished ofiicer of the Revolution. (It may be mentioned here that these Johnstons
are descendants of the celebrated Johnstons of Dumfrieshire, Scotland. James, the great-
grandfather of Johnston Moore, came to America in 1735. They were also among the noted
military families of Pennsylvania.) Dr. Robert, a brother of Col. Thomas Johnston, and
who was an intimate friend of Washington and La Fayette and a member of the Society of
the Cincinnati, joined the American forces before Boston, and continued with them until
the surrender of Cornwallis, at Yorktown. James Moore, Esq., died in 1813, and his wife
in 1823, leaving one son, Johnston .VIoore, born September 5, 1809. After the death of his
parents he lived with his aunt, Elizabeth Johnston McLanahan, at her home, Prospect Hill,
near Greencastle. He was educated a^ Dickinson College, Carlisle, and during this time
lived with his guardian, Andrew Carothers, Esq. At the age of eighteen he took possession
and management of his estate, including the original lands which had descended to him
from his great-grandfather James, and which he still holds. On the 15th of July, 1836,
he married Mary Veasey Parker, daughter of Isaac Brown Parker, of Carlisle. They
had three sons and six daughters. All of these children are dead except three daughters.
Johnston Moore's life has been passed quietly in the management of his estate and in pur-
suit of his favorite sports, hunting and fishing. He owns one of the finest trout preserves
in the State, " Bonny Brook," one mile and a half from his home. He is a vestryman of
St. John's Church, and has lived since his marriage at his present residence in Carlisle.
GEORGE MURRAY was born near Fort Pitt, western Pennsylvania, March 17, 1762,
and was the only child of William and Susanna (Sly) Murray. He was left an orphan,
and in early life settled in Carlisle, where he died May 6, 1855, in his ninety-fourth year.
On the 31st of June, 1804, he was married, by the Rev. Dr. Davidson, to Mary Denny,
daughter of William and Agnes (Parker) Denny, and sister of Maj. Ebenezer Denny, of
Revolutionary fame, who was born in Carlisle March 5, 1778, and there died April 10,
1845, in her sixty-eighth year.
Joseph Alexandek Murray, the youngest son of George and Mary (Denny)
Murray, was born in Carlisle October 2, 1815. His preparatory education had been ob-
tained in his native place and elsewhere, and in August, 1837, he graduated from the
Western University of Pennsylvania at Pittsburgh. In the autumn of the same year he
entered the Western Theological Seminary in Allegheny, Penn., and from it graduated in
the autumn of 1840. In October of the same year he was licensed to preach the gospel
by the Presbytery of Ohio, which then embraced the churches in and about Pittsburgh.
Soon after he received invitations to visit vacant churches, and accepted one 1o preach at
Marion, Ohio. This church he supplied for six months, from December, 1840, to May,
1841, inclusive, but finally declined a unanimous call to become its settled pastor. He
then visited his native place, and in Oitober, 1841, received and accepted a call to the
united congregations of Monaghan (Dillsburg) and Petersburg, and was ordained and
installed pastor of the same by the Carlisle Presbytery in April, 1843. This relation hap-
pily and usefully subsisted for about eighteen years. During his pastorate the present
church edifice was erected at Dillsburg. For years he served there also as school di-
rector, and was president of the board. During the same period he had received several
invitations to churches at other places, which he declined. Finally, however, in conse-
quence of impaired health, he resigned the charge. "The pastoral relation was dissolved
in October, 1858, and he then retired to Carlisle, but he often afterward ministered to the
chnrge in Dillsburg, and supplied for years the church at Petersburg. His health never
again permitted him to undertake the active work and assume the responsibilities of a
settled pastor, though he has often filled vacant pulpits and assisted his clerical friends.
Of all the members who belonged to tlie venerable Presbytery of Carlisle in 1841, when
he joined it, he is now the only one who is still in connection with it. The body now
numbers forty-two ministers and three licentiates, but only two are before him on the
presbytoria' roll, and because of their prior ordination, which was the basis for the recon-
struction of the rolls in the union of the two branches of the church in 1870. On four
different occasions he has been chosen by his presbytery as a commissioner to the Gen-
eral Assembly— in 1844, 1861, 1865 and 1875. On the last occasion he had also been
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE, 389
chosen by his synod, with the Hon. H. "W. Williams, to defend, if necessary, a decision of
said body before the General Assembly, and in this highest church court he was ap-
pointed one of the judicial committee. In 1876 he was chosen, by acclamation, modera-
tor of the Synod at Harrisburg. In 1869 his alma mater conferred on him the honorary
degree of D. D. In 1870 he was elected a corresponding member of the Numismalic and
Antiquarian Society of Philadelphia. In 1873 he was elected a member of the Historical So-
ciety of Pennsylvania. At a public meeting held in Carlisle in 1876 he was selected to pre-
pare an historical address pertaining to Cumberland County, to be delivered on the 4th of
July of said year, but circumstances prevented. In 1880 he was elected a member of the
American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia. In 1886 he was elected a director of
the Western Theological Seminary, in Allegheny City, Penn. In the same year lie was
appointed to furnish biographical sketches for the centennial anniversary of the Carlisle
Presbytery, but declined in favor of his alternate. He is president of the Cumberland
County Bible Society, also secretary of the Hamilton Library and Historical Association
of Carlisle. Several of his discourses and addresses have been published. He frequently
contributes to some of the periodicals of our country^ literary, historical and religious,
in which work he still continues, as well as preaches and ministerially officiates when de-
sired, and is able to do so. But in no instance would he accept of any work or po.fi tion I hat
would interfere with his high calling and character as a minister of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Dr. Murray has been twice married — first, April 25, 1843, to Miss Ann Hays
Blair, of Carlisle, daughter of Mr. Andrew Blair, born May 6, 1819, and died September
14, 1875; secondly, October 8, 1879, to Miss Lydia Steele Foster, of Philadelphia, born
March 9, 1836, In Carlisle, daughter of Mr. Crawford Foster, and niece of Dr. Alfred Fos-
ter, all natives of Carlisle. By the first marriage he had one child, born February 11,
1848; graduated in 1866 from the Mary Institute, Carlisle, then under the presidency of
the Rev. Dr. Francis J. Clere, and in January, 1868, married Prof. Charles F. Himes, Ph.
D., who has been an honored member of the faculty of Dickinson College since 1865.
GEORGE NORCROSS, D D., Carlisle, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church,
was born on his father's farm near Erie, Erie Co., Penn., April 8, 1838. His parents were
Hiram and Elizabeth (McClelland) Norcross, the former of Erie County, and the latter of
Crawford. George, our subject, is eldest in a family of five sons and one daughter: Will-
iam C, an attorney, of Monmouth. 111.: H. Flemming, attorney, of Chicago, 111., Isaiah,
a business man, of Monmouth; Thomas Rice, grain dealer. Liberty, Neb.; and Sarah,
wife of Henry Beckwith, died in 1863, are the other children. The family removed from
Erie County to Monmouth, 111., in 1844. George graduated at Monmouth College in 1861,
and the fall of that year entered the Northwestern Theological Seminary at Chicago,
where he remained one year. Returning to Monmouth he was elected to a professor-
ship in Monmouth College, which he held for two years, and during that time i-tudied
theology at the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Monmouth, and was
licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Warren, in April, 1863; preached at North Hen-
derson, 111., where lie remained three years, and during one winter of that time, attended
the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey. In the spring of 1866 he was cnlled
to the Presbyterian Church at Galesburg, 111., and preached there until January, 1869,
when, having been called to the Second Church of Carlisle, he moved hither. During his
ministry here the manse and new church building, corner of Hanover and Pomfret streets
have been erected. His labors in this church have been very successful ; from a mem riership
of 230 it has grown to 400, and is entirely out of debt. He was married, in Monmouth, 111.,
October 1, 1863, to Miss Mary S. Tracy, who died March 2.i, 1865; and on April 2'i. 1867,
Rev. Mr. Norcross married Mrs. Louisa Jackson Gale, widow of Maj . Josiah Gale, of Gales-
burg. To this union five children were born (four now living): Delia Jackson, born in
Galesburg; George born in Carlisle, where he died December 28, 1878, aged eight years;
Bessie, Mary Jackson, and Louisa Jackson Norcross. In 1879 Princeton College conferred
the degree of D. D. on Mr. Norcross.
JOSEPH WHEELER PATTON (deceased) was born at Bellefontc, Penn., De-
cember 23, 1803, the second child of three sons and two daughters, of Benjamin and
Phcebe Patton. When a young man, Mr. Patton came to Harrisburg, and first clerked for
Mr Haldeman, an iron merchant, and later for a Mr. Espy, a dry goods merchant. Sub-
sequently he rented the Mary Ann Furnace, located near Shlppensburg with which he
was identified >mtil 1835, when he became superintendent of the Lancaster Railway, a
position he held for six months, when he went to Maria Furnace in Adams County, Penn.,
where he was engaged in clerking for a short time, when he received, at the hands of Gov.
Ritner the appointment of superintendent of the Portage Railway, which be filled two
years residing at Carlisle, where he subsequently kept the Mansion House; thereafter
went to Mount Holly Furnace of which he was manager for Robert Givin. Later he and
Mr Mullin bought the Mount Holly Springs Hotel, from which Mr. Patton retired in
two years returned to Carlisle, and kept the Mansion House, with the exception of a
short time, until the war. He was then appointed provost-marshal under Col, R. M. Hen-
derson. He also served as collector of internal revenue for the Fifteenth District of
Pennyslvania for three or four years, after which he retired from active life. His death
390 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
occurred October 30, 1880, and thereby the people of Cumberland County lost one of their
prominent and useful citzens. Mr. Patton married, December 3, 1834, Miss Mary Noble,
of Carlisle, who was born in the old Mansion House, Carlisle, March 12, 1814, a daughter
of James Noble, who was born in Ireland, in December, 1775, and who at the age of
twenty years came to America with his father, John Noble, who settled in Carlisle.
James Noble marriid Miss Mary Cooper, of Carlisle. To the marriage of Joseph W. Pat-
ton and Miiry Noble one child (deceased) was born. The widow is a member of St.
John's Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Patton was treasurer for sixteen years, until his
death.
THOMAS PAXTON, retired, Carlisle, was born on his father's farm near Cumber-
land, Allegany Co., Md., May 24, 1807. His father, Samuel Paxton, came from Scot-
land when a young man, with his brothers, Joseph and James. Joseph located in the
western part of Pennsylvania, James somewhere in Virginia, and Samuel, the eldest of
the three, in Bedford County, Penn., but afterward moved to near Cumberland, Md.
Samuel Paxton was possessed of means, which, however, he lost before the birth of his
youngest son. He was a captain in the Revolution. He was twice married, his first
wife being a Miss Bageley, of Bedford County, Penn., who bore him three children: Da-
vid and Joseph, who removed to Kentucky, and Prudence, who died unmarried; and his
second wife was Miss Elizabeth Lesher, of English birth, who bore him four sons and
five daughters: Nancy, Racliael, Mary, John, Joseph, Ellen, William, Susan, and Thomas.
The latter was but an infant when his father died. He attended school until he was fif-
teen years of age, when he determined to become a business man. He secured employ-
ment on the Potomac, as chief clerk for Mr. George Hobbleson, who owned a line of
produce boats. About this time our subject's old friend, Gen. Thomas Dunn, was ap-
pointed by Gen. Jackson superintendent of the Government works at Harpers Ferry, and
young Paxton was employed as confidential clerk, in which capacity he remained until
1826, when Gen. Dunn was shot by an employe, whom he had discharged. Subsequent-
ly Mr. Paxton became superintendent for Gen. Ridgley's iron works, at Piney Woods,
five miles south of Baltimore, and as such served until the death of Gen. Ridgley, one
year later. Soon after this (in 1828) Mr. Paxton received a proposition from Adam Hauk,
of Cumberland County, to build a forge on Yellow Breeches Creek, in Dickinson Town-
ship, which he complied with. April 80, 1838, he was married to Miss Galbraith, of Cum-
berland County, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Moore) Galbraith, and he, after his mar-
riage, purchased and operated Moore's mill on the Yellow Breeches for about five years,
when he sold out, and began to build railroads, first building some two miles of the Cum-
berland Valley Railway, and graded six miles of the Baltimore & Ohio Road, between
Marlinsburg and Cumberland, Va. He next performed work for the Pennsylvania Rail-
way Company for four consecutive years, when he became employed on the North Penn-
sylvania Railroad, grading up through the coal regions, remaining for two years, when he
built the Mechanicsburg & Dillsburg road. Mr. Paxton owns a great deal of stock in
various roads east and west. He, in company with Robert Givin, organized the Farmers
Bank of Carlisle, and on the death of Mr. Givin, some years later, who was its president,
Mr. Paxton was elected his successor, remaining president of the bank some years, when
he resigned and retired from business. Mrs. Paxton died in 1848, the mother of two
children: Ellen, who died at the age of nine years, and Annie M., widow of Park Moore,
the eldest son of Johnson Moore, of Carlisle. October 18, 1859, Mr. Paxton was married
to Mrs. Olivia Farnsley, of Evansville, Ind., who was born in that place January 23, 1834,
daughter of John and Elvira (Riggs) Mitchell (a large property owner of Evansville, and
for many years president of the Branch of the State Bank of Evansville, from its organ-
ization until his death), and grand- daughter of Joseph Mitchell and Elizabeth Campbell,
the latter.of whom was a direct descendant of the celebrated Rob Roy and also of the
Laird of Glenfailoch. The first husband of Mrs. Paxton was Dr. David A. Farnsley,
whom she married December 21, 1854, he being a native of near Louisville, Ky. ,son of
David and Sarah (Merriweather) Farnsley. Dr. Farnsley died in April, 1855. Mrs.
Farnsley had one daughter, Albertina Olivia, who was born October 2, 1855, now wife of
Frank B. Bradner, attorney at law, Newark, N- J. To the last marriage of Mr. Paxton
were born two children: Thomas, who died in infancy, and Josephine E., who resides
with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Paxton are members of St. John's Episcopal Church.
H. K. PEFFER, editor and proprietor of the daily and weekly Sentinel, is a native of
Cumberland County, Penn. His parents were Adam and Mary (Kerr) Peffer, also natives
of the same county. Adam Peffer was of German parentage; MaryKerrof Scotch descent.
He was born in South Middleton Township January 13, 1827; was raised on a farm; and at
the age of twenty four immigrated, in 1853, to Warren County, 111., where for ten years he
■was engaged in farming. At the expiration of that time he took up his residence in
Monmouth, 111., where he formed a law partnership with Col. James W. Davidson,
which continued for three years. In 1863 he was elected to the Legislature as a represent-
ative from Warren County, and at the expiration of his term received the unanimous
nomination of his party for State senator. He was also, at the same time, named as one of
the presidential electors on the McClellan ticket in 1864. In the fall of 1865 he removed
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 391
■with his family to Carlisle, Penn., where, after spending a year in Texas and the South-
west, he permanently located. In 1871 he received the nomination of his party for State
senator — the senatorial district then embracing Cumberland and Franklin Counties. In
that year the Democracy was unsuccessful, the entire ticket, with one or two exceptions,
being defeated. In 1873 he was admitted to the Carlisle bar, but shortly after took charge
of the Valley Sentinel, which was then published at Shippensburg. In 1874 the Sentinel
was removed to Carlisle, when he became sole owner of the paper. In 1881 the daily
evening Sentinel was issued from the oflSce of the weekly, and was the first daily paper
ever issued in Cumberland County. In 1848 Mr. Peffer was married to Jane Mary,
daughter of Nathaniel Weakley. His family consists of following: Mary, William, Charles,
Adam and Kitty, all of whom are residents of the county.
WILLIAM GLANCY PEFFER, dealer in agricultural implements, Carlisle, and chief
burgess of the city, was born in South Middletou Township, Cumberland County, No-
vember 11, 1833, a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Glancy) Peffer, the former of whom was
a son of Henry, and he a son of Philip Peffer, a native of Germany. Mrs. Elizabeth
<Glancy) Peffer was a daughter of William Glancy, a native of Ireland. William G. was
reared on a farm, and with agricultural interests he has always been considerably identi-
fied; although he has carried on other lines of business, he has been ever active in the
development of the social and industrial life of his locality. He has served with credit in
official capacities in South Middletou Township, this county, and recently was elected to
his present office. He married here Rebecca 6., daughter of Andrew and Eliza Wash-
wood, of Dickinson Township, to which union two daugiiters and one son have been born,
viz. : Iva G. and Nettie, young ladies of clever literary and musical attainments, and Am-
brose, a student of medicine. Mr. Peffer has always contributed liberally to measures
tending to the welfare of his locality, and has drawn around him the respect of all classes
through his benevolence and kindness. The familj' attend worship at the First Presby-
terian Church.
WILLIAM McFUNN PENROSE (deceased) was born in Carlisle, this county, March
29, 1835, the eldest child of Hon. Charles Bingham and Valeria FuUerton (Biddle) Pen-
rose. He graduated from old Dickinson College, Carlisle, and, in 1857 married Miss Val-
eria Collins Mercbant, who was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., a daughter of Gen. Charles
Spencer Merchant, a native of New York, and a grandson of Rev. Elisha SpenCer. To
Mr. and Mrs. Penrose were born four daugiiters: Sarah Merchant, Valeria Biddle, Ellen
Williams and Jennie Anderson Merchant. X^iey reside with their mother on High Street,
Carlisle.
CAPT. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY PORTER (deceased), was born in Carlisle,
August 5. 1808, and died July 27, 1873. His grandfather, Robert Porter, with his family,
left Scotland and settled at Coleraine. Ireland. Robert Porter was stamp master of
County Down until the Rebellion of 1798, when he took part as a "United Irishman," and
was the friend of James Nappertandy, Thomas Sedley Birch, Robert Emmet, and Lord
Fitzgerald, who were all "United Irishmen," and leaders in the Rebellion. He and his
eldest son, William, the father of the subject of this sketch, were pursued by the king's
troops and obliged to flee for their lives. They found their way to a seaport, got on board
of a vessel bound for America, and after a three months' voyage, landed at Camden, New
Jersey. They, with the rest of the family, soon afterward settled on a small stream in
Lancaster County, called "Swatara," and after a time they moved to Perry County and
finally to Carlisle. Sarah Montgomery Porter, the mother of William M. Porter, was
born in Carlisle, near the close of the Revolution. Her family, the Montgomerys, were
from Scotland. William M. Porter read law under Samuel A. McCoskry, afterward
bishop of Michigan, and was admitted to the Carlisle bar in 1835. He practiced for a time,
but from 1836 to 1839 was editor of the Perry County Freeman, and from 1856 to 1861 of
the Carlisle Herald. In October, 1889, he was commissioned by Gov. David R. Porter as
captain of the Carlisle Light Artillery. In 1841 he was appointed postmaster of Carlisle,
and served four years under the administration of President Tyler. In October, 1862, he
was commissioned by Gov. Curtin as captain of Company A, One Hundred and Thirtieth
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until May 21, 1868, having been
in the engagements at South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chaucellorsville and
Petersburg. Before this time, 1851, Capt. Porter had been elected treasurer of Cumberland
County. He was a corresponding member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. His
last position was under Gov. Hartranft. in the office of Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Capt. Porter married Martha Vashon, by whom he had five daughters: Sarah J., now Mrs.
Petiuos; Fanny M., now Mrs. William Mullen; Mattie, now Mrs. Sellers; Ida H., now
Mrs. Crook; and Minnie, now Mrs. Buckingham. As a husband and father Capt. Porter
was kind, as an editor able, as a soldier brave, and as a citizen esteemed, quiet and unos-
tentatious. He is among the number of the citizens of Carlisle, who have died within the
memory of this generation, and who well deserve to be remembered.
CAPT. RICHARD HENRY PRATT, superintendent of the United States Indian In-
dustrial Schools at Carlisle, to which position he was appointed in September, 1879, is a
native of Rushford, Allec;any Co., N. Y., born December 6, 1840, a son of Richard S. and
392 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Mary (Ilerrick) Pratt. Richard 8. Pratt, who was a contractor and builder of canals,
constructed the Welland Canal, in Canada, and the Wabash Canal, in Ohio and Indiana.
To Richard S. and Mary (Hcriirk) Pratt were born three sons, of whom Capt. Pratt is the
eldest. In the summer of 1846, the family moved to Logansport, Ind.. where our subject
attended the common school and Logansport Seminary, and in 18.57 he began to learn the
tinner's and coppersmith's trades. He removed to Delphi, in 1858, where he remained
working at his trade until the breaking out of the late Rebellion, when, on April 16, 1881,
he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Indiana Infantry; was discharged July 29, 1861, and
re-enlisted in Company A, Second Indiana Cavalry, September 18, 1861, and served as
sergeant and first sergeant until April 19, 1864, when he was promoted first lieutenant of
Company C, of the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry. September 1, 1864, he was promoted cap-
tain of this company, and May 29, 1865, was mustered out of the service. Capt. Pratt
participated in the battles of Philippi, Va., June S, 1861; Laurel Hill, Va., July 7; Bel-
ington, Va., July 10, and Carrick's Ford, Va., July 13 and 14; in 1862, Shiloh, Tenn.,
April 6 and 7; Pea Ridge, Tenn., April 15; Monterey, Tenn., April 17; several engage-
ments around Corinth. Miss., April 30 to May 30; Tuscumbia Creek, Miss., May 31; Mo-
Miunville, Tenn., August 9; Gallatin, August 13 (where his horse was shot); engagements
about Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 30, 35, 27, and September 7, New Haven, Ky., captur-
ing the Third Georg^ia Cavalry in September; Perryville, Ky., and Crab Orchard, October
6, 7 and 8; Stone River, December 31 to January 3, 1863; in 1863, Murfreesboro, Tenn.,
March 10; Shelbyville Pike, June 6; Triune, Tenn., June 11; Shelbyville, Tenn., June
23; Tullahoma, June 25; Middlelown, June 24; Grey's Gap, June 37; Elk River Bridge,
July 3; Sparta, August 9; Chickamauga, Ga., September 19 and 30; Anderson's
Cross Roads, and pursuit of Wheeler (fighting daily); in 1864, Huntsville, Ala., in Octo-
ber; Shoal Creek, Ala., November 9; Lawrenceburg, Tenn., November 23; Campbells-
ville, Tenn., November 24; Nashville, November 15 and 16 (where he had a horse killed);
Hollow Tree Gap, Tenn., December 17; Linnville, Tenn., December 23; Pulaski, Tenn.,
December 85 and 26. At the close of the war the Captain returned to Delphi, Ind., and
there worked at his trade until September, 1865, when he went to Bement, 111., and one
year later to Minnesota, where he remained for a few months, and then returned to
Logan.-iport, Ind., and was tendered an appointment by Schuyler Colfax as second lieu-
tenant in the Tenth Regular Cavalry, which he accepted, and joined his company at Fort
Gibson, Indian Territory, in June, 1867, and July 31 of that year was promoted first lieu-
tenant of the same company, which office he held until February 7, 1883, when he was
promoted captain. April 30, 1864, Capt. Pratt was married to Miss Anna Laura Mason,
of Jamestown, N. Y., a daughter of Belden B. and Mercy (Whilcomb) Mason, to whom
have been born four children: Mason D., born January 23, 1865; Cora Marion, October
2, 1868; Nana Laura, July 27, 1871, and Richenda Henrietta, August 25, 1882. Capt.
Pratt belongs to St. John's Blue Lodge, No. 260. The Indian Industrial School, of which
he is at the head, and for whose improvement he has worked untiringly for years, owing
to his good management is a successful institution.
CHRISTIAN REIGHTER, brick mason, contractor and builder, Carlisle, was born
in that place January 10, 1820, son of George and Ann Catherine (Leibe) Reighter.
George Reighter, a stone and brick mason, contractor and builder, and a native of Craw-
ford County, Penn., removed to Berks County, and thence to Carlisle in 1813, where, in
1816, he was married to Miss Leibe, a native of Berks County, and a daughter of Chris-
tian and Catherine (Pranklinberger) Leibe. He died April 7, 1836, aged about thirty-five
years. His parents were Henry and Sarah J. (Sanders) Reighter, the former of whom, a
native of Crawford County, came in 1813 to Cumberland County, and in 1835 moved to
Pittsburgh. He was also by trade a brick and stone-mason. To George and Ann Cather-
ine (Leibe) Reighter were born six sons and one daughter: George L., who served in the
Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Coulter, and was killed at Freder-
icksburg; Christian; Henry B., who served in the Mexican war, and died from disease
contracted therein; Charles O., who served in Company A, First Regiment Pennsylvania
Veteran Reserve Volunteers, and waS wounded at South Mountain, and died from the
effects; John T., a painter in Philadelphia (Charles O. and John T. were twins); Mary C,
who died in 1851, the wife of Henry McCord, a farmer of Ohio, and Andrew J., a brick-
mason, who also served in the First Regiment Pennsy,lvania Veteran Reserve Volun-
teers, and died in 1879. The parents were identified— the father with the Episcopal, and
the mother with the Lutheran Church. Our subject, when young, learned the brick-ma-
son's trade in Carlisle, which he has since followed. February 1, 1850, he was married to
Miss Sarah Jane Dickinson, a native of Cumberland County, Penn., and a daughter of
David and Christian (Yingest) Dickinson, and to this union have been born two children:
Edward F., now engaged in the grocery business in Gettysburg, and Mary C, who resides
with her parents.
WILLIAM F. REILY, physician, Carlisle, is a native of Cumberland County, Penn.,
born at Carlisle, December 3, 1851. His grandfather, James Reily, who was born in Ire-
land and there educated for the priesthood, when a young man emigrated to America
and settled in Cumberland County, Penn., and was here married. William, a son of
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 393
James, married Miss Elizabeth Kernan and to them were born three sons and one daugh-
ter: Rev. Dr. Theo. M. Reily (professor of ecclesiastical history in the theological seminary
at Nashotah, Wis.), Thomas A. Reily (late second lieutenant in the Fifth United States
Infantry from 1867 to 1871, when he resigned and returned to Carlisle; also chosen cap-
tain of Company G, Eighth Regiment National Guard of Pennsylvania, at its organiza-
tion, and subsequently made lieutenant-colonel of the regiment), Euphemia Parker Reily
(who resides with her mother in Carlisle), and Dr. W. F. Reily. Our subject attended
the common school of Carlisle until eighteen years of age, when he entered Dickinson
College, and later entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at
Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in March, 1875. He then located at Carlisle,
where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He is a mem-
ber of the Cumberland County Medical Society, and of the Medical Society of Pennsylva-
nia. The Doctor and wife are members of the St. John's Episcopal Church, of which he
is one of the vestrymen. Dr. Reily is a past master of St. John's Lodge, No. 260, F. &
A. M. He has Oeen pliysician to the county asylum since 1885.
HENRY M. RITTER, merchant tailor, Carlisle, was born in that place February 6,
1847. He attended the public schools of Carlisle until thirteen years of age, and then
entered Dickinson College, where he remained one year. He next entered Eastman's
Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he was graduated in 1863. He
then returned to Carlisle and embarked in his present business, succeeding his father. He
carries a full and complete stock of fine imported and domestic goods. January 10, 1868,
Mr. Ritter married Miss M. Maybury Hassler, of Carlisle, a native of Philadelphia, and a
daughter of John P. and Amelia M. (Herr) Hassler. Mr. Hassler was a native of Frank-
lin-County, Penn., and for many years was cashier of the Carlisle Deposit Bank. Mrs.
Hassler was a native of Franklin County, a sister of the Hon. A. J. Herr, U. State
Senator, and a daughter of Daniel Herr, proprietor of the "Tremont," Philadelphia, and
the "Lochiel," Harrisburg. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter have two sons: John E. and Harry G.,
both born in Carlisle. The mother is identified with the Reformed Church. The parents
of our subject are Henry S. and Mary (Wonderlich) Ritter, natives, the former of Reading,
Berks County, and the latter of Camberland County. Henry S. Ritter, a merchant tailor
by occupation, opened, in 1837, the first merchant tsriloring establishment in Carlisle. He
and his wife are members of the English Lutheran Church. To them were born three
sons and five daughters, of frhom two sons and two daughters are living: Mary E (wife
of Robert McCartney, foreman of the printers in the office of the Mechanicsburg Journal),
Fannie A. (wife of John H. Rheem, a piano and music doaler at Ottumwa, Iowa), Henry
M., and Charles H. (tailor of Carlisle, who married Miss Anna Reep). Benjamin Crane,
great-grandfather of Henry M. Ritter, was a native of England, and in an early day set-
tled in Cumberland County, and was engaged in farming. Christiana Crane, his widow,
a native of Berks County, died in Carlisle, at the advanced age of one hundred and four
years, retaining her mind and being quite active to the last. Her death was caused by a
fall and from fright during the bombarding of Carlisle by the rebels in 1863, a shell burst-
ing in her room. The Ritters are of German descent. Samuel, the grandfather of Henry
M., was born in Reading. Penn., of which city he was a merchant and served as post-
master for a period of twenty years. His wife was Katherine Kast, a native of Reading.
HON. WILBUR F. SADLER, Carlisle, was born in Adams County, Penn., October
14, 1840, his paternal ancestor being among the first settlers of Adams County. Richard
Sadler emigrated from England about the middle of the last century and settled in that
part of Pennsylvania now forming Adams County. In 1750 he took out a warrant for
land which is still in the possession of some of his descendants. He was buried in 1764,
at Christ Church, Huntington Township, of which he was one of the early members.
His son, Isaac, married Mary Hammersly, and their eldest child was named Richard. He
married Rebecca Lewis, and their second son, Joshua, became the father of Wilbur F.
The subject of this sketch was brought by his parents to Cumberland County the year
following his birth. After the completion of his education, in 1863, he enlisted in a
cavalry company, which was mustered into the United States service for the "emer-
gency" at ttie time of Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the Carlisle
bar in 1864, and besides acquiring a large practice was actively connected with the educa-
tional and business interests of tbe place, serving as a director of the common schools,
trustee of Dickinson College, director of several corporations, and president of the
Farmers' bank. In 1869 he was nominated by the Republican party for the State Senate,
in the district composed of York and Cumberland; was elected district attorney two
years afterward, and president judge of the Ninth Judicial District of Pennsylvania
in 1884, having been defeated for the same office ten years previous.
WILLIAM SADLER, Heidlersburg, Adams County, was born November 16, 1816.
He is a son of William Sadler, who was born October 1, 1777. and died July 8, 1848. His
grandfather was Isaac Sadler, and his great grandfather Richard Sadler, who was a
native of England and settled near York Springs prior to 1750. His mother was Lydia
Lease. Mr. Sadler has been a resident of Heidlersburg for many years. His energy,
business foresight, facility of accumulation and wise investments have made his counsels
394 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
valuable and much sought in financial matters. He is a director of the Dillsburg Na-
tional.Bank.
JOHN SCHMOHL, Sb., baker, Carlisle, was born at Metzingen, Wurtemburg,
Germany, November 16, 1824, a son of Jacob and Catharine Schmohl, who came to
Cumberland County in 1846, former of whom died in 1868, and latter in 1859. The sub-
ject of our sketch learned his trade in the old country, and coming here embarked in
the business with which he has since been successfully connected. He was married here
to Elizabeth Fredericka, whom he buried in January, 1863, and who left him three sons
and three daughters: Philip, Lena, Jacob, John, Catharine and Lizzie. Mr. Schmohl
was again happily married, this time to Catharine Weidman, a native of Arnstaafer,
Hessen-Darmstadt (the place of nativity of his first wife), and who came to America in
1838, a daughter of Jacob Weidman, who died here in 1869, his widow following him in
September, 188S, aged eighty-seven years. Mr. Schmohl is one of Carlisle's public spir-
ited citizens, and has coutributed liberally to the support of the industrial interests of the
place. He is a prominent Knight of Pythias, and has done much toward keeping alive
the society here. The family attend services at the Lutheran Church.
ALEXANDER BRADY SHARPE, Esq., of Carlisle, son of John and Jane (McCune)
Sharpe, was born in Newton Township, Cumberland County, on the ISth of August, 1837.
His ancestors, paternal, and maternal, were among the first settlers in the upper end of
the county. His great-grandparents on his father's side, Thomas and Margaret (Elder)
Sharp, were Covenanters, who, because of their religious faith, were driven from Scotland
to the province of Ulster in the North of Ireland, about or shortly after the middle of the
seventeenth century, and resided near Belfast, in the County of Antrim, until about the
year 1747, when they immigrated with their children, consisting of five sons and four
daughters, to Cumberland County, Penn., and settled in Newton Township. His grand-
father was Alexander Sharp, of Green Spring, the youngest of the five sons. His mater-
nal great-grandparents were James McCune and Abigail, his wife, of Newton Township,
whose son Samuel married Hannah Brady, a daughter of Hugh Brady the second, whose
father, Hugh Brady, was an emigrant from Enniskillen, and one of the first settlers in
that portion of the county now embraced in Hopewell Township. He began his studies
preparatory to entering college with Joseph Casey the elder, father of Hon. Joseph Casey,
at Newville. in 1839, and after his death continued them at Academia, Juniata County,
and completed them with Vanleer Davis, at Chambersburg; entered the sophomore class
at Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Penn., in 1843, and graduated on the 23d of September,
1846, with the highest honors of his class. The college was then under the presidency of
Rev. Dr. Robert J. Breckenridge, and two of his classmates were Hon. William H. West,
of Oliio, and Hon. John M. Kirkpatrick. of Pittsburgh. On his return from college he com-
menced the study of law with Robert M. Bard, Esq., of Chambersburg, and completed fiis
course with Hon. Frederick Watts, of Carlisle. Hugh Gaullagher, Esq., W. M. Biddle,
Esq., and Hon. J. H. Graham, were the committee appointed to examine him, and on
motion of the last named he was, on the 21st of November, 1848, admitted to practice.
He remained with Judge Watts until the 1st of April, 1849, when he opened an office and
has since been engaged in the practice of his profession, except during the years of
the war of the Rebellion, when from the 21st of April, 1861, until the 28lh of January,
1865 (less the period from the 37th of December, 1862, to the 38th of August, 1863), he
was constantly in the service as a private or a commissioned officer. April 21, 1861, he
enlisted as a private in Company A, Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer
Corps, and served as such until the 25th of September, when he was commissioned second
lieutenant of Company E, and appointed adjutant of the regiment. , On the 4th of De-
cember he was relieved from duty with his regiment, which was a" part of the Second
Brigade (Meade's) of McCall's division, and ordered to report to Brig. -Gen. Ord, com-
manding the Third Brigade, who had appointed him aide-de-camp. He joined Gen. Ord
the same day and served on his personal staff until the General was wounded and dis-
abled temporarily for field service, when he resigned. After Ord's recovery he was, at the
General's instance, again commissioned a captain and assigned to duty with him, where
he served until he resigned on the 38lh of January, 1865. During the war he was in field
Service in the Army of the Potomac, of the Rappahannock, in the Army of the Tennes-
see, Army of West Virginia, Army of the Gulf, and in the Army of the James. He par-
ticipated in the engagement at Drainesville, on the 20th of December, 1861; the battle of
luka, September 18 and 20, 1863; Big Hatchie, October 5, 1863; Burnside's Mine Explosion,
July 30, 1864; Battle of New Market Heights, or Chapin's Farm, and capture of Fort Har-
rison, September 9 and 10, 1864. He was brevotted and promoted to the rank of captain
and aide-de-camp. United States Army, for gallant and meritorious service at the battle
of Drainesville, and on the 13th of March, 1865 (on the recommendation of Gens. Ord,
Meade and Grant) received the brevet ranks of major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel United
States Volunteers for gallant conduct at Petersburg and the various affairs before Rich-
mond, Va. On the 19th of December, 1854, Col. Sharpe married Katherine Mears Blaney,
a daughter of the late Maj. George Blaney, Engineer Corps, United States Army. He-
never held an office, and never was a candidate for any, political, judicial or otherwise.
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 395-
but he has political convictions coeval with the existence of his party, from which he has
never turned away, a sense of professional and social duty which has never yet caused
him to be ashamed, and an abiding faith in the doctrines of the church of his fathers.
DR. ROBERT LOWRY SIBBET, Carlisle, was born in Cumberland County, Penn.
His paternal grandfather, Samuel Sibbet, and grandmother, Alice Lowry, with their
brothers, John, James and Robert Sibbet, and tliree sisters, Mrs. Goiirley, Mrs. McCann
and Mrs. Copely, emigrated from the North of Ireland about the close of the last century
His maternal grandfather, Timothy Ryan, and grandmother, Rachel Williamson, also
emigrated from the North of Ireland about the same time. Samuel Sihbet was a man of
decided political convictions, and on account of his pronounced sentiments 50 guineas
were oSered for his head. He was, however, not without friends, and after bidding fare-
well to his wife and three children — James, Robert and Thomas— set out for America.
He reached Baltimore in the early part of 1800, in a concealed manner, being connected
with the Order of Freemasons. A few months later his devoted wife, having disposed of
their personal effects, ventured to cross the ocean with her three helpless children, and
landed safely at the same port. Having heard of the Scotch-Irish settlement in the Cum-
berland Valley, they proceeded at once to the head of the Big Spring where they were
welcomed by their numerous Presbyterian friends. To their small family were here
added Samuel, Margaret, Lowry and Hugh Montgomery. Thomas Sibbet was born in
County Armagh, Ireland, in 1797. Catherine Ryan, whom he married, was born in Cum-
berland County in 1793, and by this union were born Rachel A., Dr. Robert L., Henry
W., Rev. William R., Elder C, Joanna J. and Anna M. Sibbet. The subject of this sketch
graduated in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, with the degree of A. B. in 1856. He
afterward engaged in teaching a classical school, first in Centreville, and then in Shippens-
burg, in his native county, until 1862, when he began the study of medicine. He gradu-
ated with the degree of M. D. in the University of Pennsylvania, in 1866, and in the mean-
time the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him. He practiced his profession in Har-
risburg and afterward in New Kingston. In 1870 he visited Europe, where he spent two
full years in the universities and hospitals, being seven months in Paris during the entire
siege, two months in Berlin, ten months in Vienna and two months in London. After re-
turning from Europe Dr. Sibbet settled in Carlisle as a general practitioner, where he
still resides. In 1873 the medical society of the State appointed him chairman of a
committee on medical legislation, and it was mainly through his persevering efforts, in
the midst of great opposition, that the passage of the present registration law was secured.
In 1883, nine months after the law took effect, he collected statistics and made a report
to the society, which shows that 6,493 practitioners had voluntarily complied with the law
in the several counties, that 838 of these were practicing without graduation, and that
105 were females. At the same time he corresponded with a large number of promi-
nent medical gentlemen in the United' States, and in 1876 was instrumental in effecting
the organization of the American Academy of Medicine, an association founded on pro-
tracted courses of literary and medical study with degrees corresponding thereto. As a
recognition of these services he has recently been elected "vice-president of the section of
obstetrics in the Ninth International Medical Congress, to be held in Washington, D. C,
in 1887." He has been a frequent contributor t6 the literature of his profession, and has
now in manuscript form, nearly completed, a series of chapters on tlie Franco-Prussian
war and siege of Paris.
ALEXANDER D. BAOHE SMEAD was born in Carlisle, March 34, '1848. He is the
youngest child of Capt. Raphael C. Smead, Fourth United States Artillery. The latter
was a New Englander by Isirth, descended from a family established in Massachusetts
two centuries ago. His parents, Selah and Elizabeth (Cummings) Smead, removed to
Genesee County, New York, and from there the son' was sent to the West Point Military
Academy in 1831, graduating four years later. In 1839 he married Sarah M. Radcliffe,
daughter of John and Jane (Van Ness) Radcliffe, of Dutchess County. New York, a
woman of beauty and talent and of remarkable force of character. He thus allied himself
with several of the oldest colonial families of New York, which have furnished that State
with some of her ablest judges, both for the supreme and inferior courts, as well as men
prominent at the bar and in official life. Both of Mrs. Smead's parents were of Dutch ex-
traction, some of her father's ancestors having emigrated from Holland to New Amster-
dam as early as the year 1630, and their descendants intermarried with later English and
Huguenot settlers. Capt. Smead passed unhurt through the Florida and the Mexican
wars, but had barely reached American soil, on his return from the latter, when he fell a
victim to yellow fever contracted at Vera Cruz. Having, in 1847, been sent North for a
short time to Carlisle Barracks to recruit additional men for his regiment, he had left his
wife and children in Carlisle when he himself rejoined Gen. Scott's army. Her husband's
sudden death,inl848,leftMrs. Smead among comparative strangers and in very straightened
circumstances. But adversity could not overcome her energetic nature. Deciding to
make Carlisle her home, she at once took up her increased burden of responsibility, and
carried it to the end without flinching. She still (in 1886) resides in the town where she so
successfully reared and educated her sons and daughters. Raphael C. and Sarah M. Smead
396 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
had the following children: First — John R. Smead. He graduated at West Point in
1854 and was commissioni'd lieutenant in the Second United States Artillery, spent a
couple of years on the Indian frontier, acted as assistant professor of philosophy at West
Point, and was on topogmphical engineer duty wlion the war of the Refbellion broke out.
The disloyalty of the captain of the "National Rifles," of Washington, led to Capt.
Smead's detail, by thfir request, to reorganize and command them until Northern troops
could arrive for the defense of the Capital. With thi.s company he led the first advance
of tlie Union Army into Virginia. He was soon promoted captain in the Fifth United
States Artillery, commanded his battery through the Peninsular campaign, and was
killed in battle August 30, 1863. He married Annie B. Bge, of Carlisle, and left one child,
Raphael C. Smead. now a civil engineer. Second — Elizabeth C. Smead. She died in
infancy. Third— Elizabeth C. Smead. She has made music her profession. She has
been a member of the faculty of "Metzger Institute" since its foundation, andhas charge
of the de|)artment of instrumental music. Fourth— Jane V. N. Smead. Since 1865 she
has been the wife of John Hays, Esq., of Carlisle. Fifth — Raphael C. Smead. He was
book-keeper of the First National Bank of Carlisle, and died May 25, 1869, unmarried.
Sixth — Sarah Cornelia Smead. She resides with her mother in Carlisle. Seventh — A.
T>. B. Smead.
The latter graduated in 1863 from the public schools of Carlisle, then studied until
1863 at the preparatory school of Dickinson College, and in 1864 entered that college,
from which he graduated June 25, 1868, with the first honors. In the spring of that
year he was nominated hy tlie President for a commission in the Regular Army, and
passed an examination before a board of military officers convened for that purpose. On
August 1, 1868, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the Third United States
Cavalry. He was an officer of that regiment for over eleven years. He was stationed in
Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nebraska, Wyoming, Dakota and Mon-
tana; was much on active duty in the field and occasionally engaged in Indian hostilities.
He was promoted first lieutenant in 1871, and regimental adjutant in 1878. In 1879 he
resigned from the army for the purpose of practicing law, to the study of which he had
devoted much attention in connection with his military duties. His legal studies were
completed in Philadelphia, and he was admitted to the bar of that city as well as to that of
Cumberland County. He then settled in his native place for the practice of his profession.
Mr. Smead has spent ovi'r two years in European travel and study. He has long been a
member of the Second Presbyterian Church, of which he is also a trustee.
LEMUEL R. SPONG, register of wills, Carlisle, was born on a farm in East Penns-
horougli Township, Cumberland County, Penn., May 81,1855, a son of Joseph and Caroline
{Marsh) Spong, the former a native of the same county and township, and the latter of
York County. Joseph Spong was a son of John Spong, also a native of East Pennsborough
Township, and his (John's) father, John Leonard Spong, a native of Germany, who was
married there, immigrated to America, and settled in East Pennsborough Township, this
coun'y. John Spong, father of Joseph Spong, married Barbara Dewerton, of Dauphin
County, Penn., and had ten children. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Spong were burn four chil-
dren, all of whom are dead except Lemuel R. When our subject was six years of age his
father moved to West Fairview, Cumberland County, where Lemuel attended school until
he was thirteen years old, when he went to work for the Harrisburg Nail-works, with
which he remained in the capacities of office hoy, clerk and shipping clerk until 1878,
■when, in connection with the position he was holding, he acted as agent for the Adams
Express Company, and later became freight agent for the Northern Central Railroad.
From 1874 until 1885, during the fall and winter seasons, he was engaged in buying and
shipping all kinds of produce. Octolier 31, 1875, Mr. Spong was married to Miss Rosa
Mann, a native of East Pennsborough Township, this county, and a daughter of George
and Mary A. (Eslinger) Mann, both of this county.
HUGH STUART was born in County Antrim, Ireland, June 28, 1758; came to
America in 1784; and, in 1790, married Ruth Patterson and settled on the Patterson tract
of land on the head of Letort Spring, in what is now South Middleton Township. Ruth
Patterson was born in Scotland, in 1768. The children of this marriage were five sons:
Hugh, William, John, James and Joseph. Hugh and William died in early life; John
settled in this county; and James and Joseph went with their father to Bucyrus, Ohio,
in 1831, where they were the fl,rst settlers. Hugh Stuart, 8r., died there in 1854,
at the age of ninety-eight years. All of the family are now dead, except Joseph, who
still lives in Bucyrus, now in his eighty-seventh year. John Stuart, the third son, was
born at the head of the Letort. in October, 1794. January 4, 1816, he married Barbara Steen,
a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Cairns) Steen, also of Couiity Antrim, Ireland. Ten
children were born to this union, eight of whom lived to maturity, the sons being Hugh,
John, Joseph A.. James T. and William P.; and the daughters: Amelia, married to Thomp-
son Weakley; Elizabeth, married to William Wherry, and Martha A., married to George
Searight. John Stuart, the father, after his marriage, lived in Carlisle, and was engaged
in milling until 1837, when he moved to his farm in South Middleton. He was appointed
associate judge of Cumberland County, under the Constitution, in 1835, for life. After the
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 397
judiciary was made elective, he held the office by election until 1857. He died in 1870.
His eldest son, Hugh, was born in the latter part of 1816; was a farmer; a member of the
State Legislature during the two sessions of 1857 and 1858; in 1861 was elected associate
judge, and held the office by re-election until 1871. He died in 1880. Joseph A., the only
surviving son, was born in 1836, and still farms in South Middleton Township, this county.
He was married, in 1850, to Mary A. McCune, whose grandfather, of Scotch- Irish parent-
age, settled near Shippenaburg, on the farm where his descendants still live. Their chil-
dren living are John T. and H. S. Stuart.
JOHN T. STUART, prosecuting attorney of Cumberland County, and of the firm of
Stuart & Stuart, attorneys at law, Carlisle, was born in South Middleton Township May
23, 1851, son of Joseph A. and Mary A. (McCune) Stuart, worthy people of a very long
line of descent in this locality. Mr. Stuart spent two years in Susquehanna College, and,
after a short time at West liTottingham Academy, Md., entered Princeton in 1870, from
which institution he was graduated in 1874. He then entered upon the study of law, and
was admitted to the bar in 1876, and in 1883 was elected to his present Incumbency, which
he very creditably fills.
REUBKN SWARTZ, the general proprietor of the "Thudium House," Carlisle is a
native of Cumberland County, born three miles north of Hogestown, in Silver Spring
Township, February 11, 1845, a son of Peter and Catherine (Burtner) Swartz, both na-
tives of Silver Spring Township, and descendants of old families of Cumberland County.
When nine years old he went to live with his uncle at Bridgeport, this county, and re-
mained with him five years. He then learned the plasterer's trade at Mechanicsburg, where
he remained three years; then went to Canton, Ohio, and worked at his trade two years,
when he returned to Pennsylvania and located at Titusville four years. He formed a
partnership with Francis Le Rew, and they conducted the " White Hall Hotel," at Harris-
burg, Penn. Two years later, Mr. Swartz engaged in buying and selling horses and clerk-
ing at the " White Hall Hotel." In the spring of 1878 he came to Carlisle and leased the
" Thudium House," which he still conducts. In 1884 he formed a partnership with S. P.
Jackson, and dealt in horses and general stock.' March 11, 1878, he married Miss Alice
Simons. She was born and reared in Landisburg, Perry County, a daughter of George and
Catherine J. (Parkinson) Simons. Her father was in the Mexican war as a drummer-boy;
also served in the civil war. He was a son of George Simons, a soldier in the T\ar of 1813;
both were blacksmiths. To Mr. and Mrs. Swartz two sons were born, one living, William
L., born March 4, 1879. Mr. Swartz is a member of Cumberland Star Lodge, A. F. & A.
M., Carlisle. He keeps a first-class house in every respect, neat and well furnished, and
he and wife pay special attention to the comfort of their guests. They are justly popu-
lar and have hosts of friends. During the civil war, in 1864, Mr. Swartz drove a Govern-
ment wagon one year.
FRANK E. THOMPSON, of the firm of Dale & Thompson, grain and coal merchants,
Carlisle, was born in that place December 1, 1847, son of Joseph C. and Jane (Smith,
Thompson, natives of Carlisle, where they now reside, respected citizens, latter a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Joseph C. Thompson is a printer by trade, having
learned the business in the office of the American Volunteer and other papers of Carlisle,
and for many years he was foreman in the oiflce of the Volunteer and Carlisle Herald.
They had four sons and five daughters, of whom three sons and three daughters are living:
Annie, wife of A. J. Hecker. a carpenter and contractor, of Carlisle; Sallie S., unmarried;
Frank E. ; Harriet C.; J. Marlin, engaged in the transfer business, in Carlisle; John M.,
saddler of Carlisle, and Frank E. Our subject was educated at the schools of his native
place, and at the age of seventeen years began clerking in a dry goods store for Leidich &
Miller, of Carlisle, with whom he remained for a short time. He next worked for a brief
period' at the carpenter's trade, when he went to Harrisburg; where he clerked for three
years and later engaged as clerk with G. B. Hoffman, in the grocery business, with who'm
he remained for a short time, when he was appointed agent at Carlisle for the Adams
Express Company, which position he held for five years, when he resigned and bought the
interest of Mr. A. Bosler, in the grain and coal house of A. Bosler & Dale, and the firm
has since been Dale & Thompson. March 19, 1878, Mr. Thompson married Miss Annie S.
Black, who was born in Carlisle, a daughter of Robert M. and S^rah (Barnhardt) Black,
natives of Cumberland County, former an architect, contractor and builder, of Carlisle.
Mr and Mrs. Thompson have two children: Laura A. and Nellie. Mrs. Thompson is a
member of the Reformed Church, and Mr. Thompson is a member of St. John Lodge, No.
260 F & A M., St. John's Chapter, No. 171, R. A. M., K. T., St. John Commandery No.
8; is a member of Carlisle Lodge No. 91, I. O. O. F., and a member of the I. O. H. He is
among the enterprising and representative men of Carlisle.
ALEXANDER A. THOMSON, M. D., Carlisle, was born on the old family farm
near Scotland, Franklin Co., Penn., February 11, 1841. His great-grandfather emigrated
from Scotland to Franklin County, with his family of thirteen children,in 1777, and settled
midway between Shippensburg and Chambersburg, at a point now called Scotland, in
honor of his native place. His son, John, grandfather of our subject, married Hannah
Rea and six daughters and two sons were born to them: Nancy, married to John Ren-
' 29
398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
frew; Eliza, married to William Agnew; Margaret, married to a Mr. Lusk; Hannah,
married to Robert McKee; Sarah, married to Adam Brown; Ann, married to Dr. D. 8.
McQowan; Alexander, married to Margaret Kerr, and Samuel, the youngest, and father of
subject, married to Miss Mary Kyner, a daughter of George and Christina (Nye) Kyner.
Samuel and Mary (Kyner) Thomson were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church,
and had nine children, three sons and three daughters living: Elizabeth, wife of John
Wilson, a farmer, of Chester County, Penn.; Agnes, wife of George Dice, a grocer, of
Shippensburg; John R., a farmer, of Franklin County; Alexander A.; McLeod W.,
superintendent of " maintenance of way" on the Pennsylvania Railway, at Altoona, Penn.,
and Miss Mary A., who resides with Alexander A. When Alexander A. was twelve year»
old his father moved to Payetteville and bought an Interest in the female seminary and
the boys' academy, at Payetteville, and managed the boarding house for this seminary
for four years. Our subject took a four years' course in the latter institution, at the com-
pletion of which, in 1857, his father died, and Alexander A. was engaged the following
winter in teaching school at Payetteville, and in the spring began farming with his eldest
brother on the old homestead near Scotland. He followed agriculture three years; then
began the study of medicine with Drs. Stuart and Howland, of Shippensburg. Eighteen
months later he went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and there attended a course of lectures; then
read one summer with Dr. A- Harvey Smith, an eminent surgeon of Detroit, Mich. In
the fall of 1863 he entered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Penn., from which
Institution he was graduated in March, 1864, and the same spring located in the practice
of medicine at Newburg, Cumberland County. Here he remained in practice several years
and then moved to Cumberland, Md., where he, with his brothers, McLeod W., and Will-
iam Paxton, built the Cumberland Steel Works, which they operated one year, when the
Doctor sold out, and returned to Newburg and formed a partnership with .John C. Elliott,
under the firm name of Elliott & Thomson, in general merchandising for three year*
(until the fall of 1875). He was then nominated and elected, by the people of Cumberland
County, Republican treasurer, which oflSce he held three years, and m the fall of 1879 was
elected by the same party sheriff of tlie county, filling the incumbency three years. In
the spring of 1883 he engaged in the cattle business in Wyoming Territory, and the year
following' formed a partnership with James D. Greason in the same line. 'Two years later
they formed the Carlisle Livestock Company, of Wyoming Territory, of which Dr. Thom-
son was chosen president and manager, and he has since been engaged in this business.
December 15, 1864, Dr. Thomson was married to Miss Susan Rosetta Frazer, a native of
near Shippensburg and a daughter of Andrew and Annie (Wilson) Frazer, natives of
Dauphin County, and who became a member of Middle Spring Presbyterian Church. Dr.
and Mrs. Thomson have two children living: Frank Frazer, now attending Dickinson
College, and Nellie E., attending school. Mrs. Thomson is a member of the Second
Presbyterian Church, of Carlisle. The Doctor ranks among the leading successful busi-
ness men of Carlisle, and, starting In life dependent on his own resources, he may be said
to be a self-made man. As a public officer and business man, he has always had the con-
fidence and resDect of all.
JOHN R. Turner, architect, contractor and builder, Carlisle, has been identified
with the place since 1833, and is, perhaps, the oldest in this line at Carlisle. He learned
his profession with Jacob Spangler, with whom he served a regular apprenticeship, since
which time he has been actively engaged In his business. He was born at Franklin (four
miles southwest of Shippensburg) March 6, 1815, a sou of David Turner, who was born
and reared near Mount Rock, Dickinson Township, this county, and of Irish parents, who
settled in Cumberland County, and there died. When a young man David removed to
Franklin County, where he was married to Miss Rebecca Rudisill, who was born in what
is now Adams County, Penn., a daughter of Baltzer and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Rudisill.
Mr. and Mrs. David Turner settled in West Pennsborough Township, Cumberland County,
in 1823, and to them were born eleven children: Eliza (unmarried), Mary A. (married to-
John Cresler, a farmer near Shippensburg), Rebecca (widow of James Davidson, of Peoria,
111.), John R., Susan (widow of John Keller), Jane (widow of Joseph Heister Gibson),
Sarah (widow of Samuel Corl, of Bedford County). Lydia C. (wife Alpheus Hagan, resi-
dent of Brandonville, Va.), Margaret (widow of John R. Natcher, a contractor and
builder of Pittsburgh), Caroline (wife of George SuUufE, a contractor and builder of Alle-
gheny City), and Agnes (wife of Thompson Walker, a farmer of Cumberland County).
The parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. John R. received his schooling
mainly in West Pennsborough Township, and in the spring of 1833 went to Carlisle, where,
September 6, 1838, he was married to Miss Catherine Halbert, a native of Carlisle, and a
daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Du Boise) Halbert, former of whom came from Eng-
land, and latter a native of Carlisle. The grandfather of Mrs. Elizabeth Halbert (Abra-
ham Du Boise) immigrated to Holland, from France, during the French Revolution, and
subsequently to America, settling in Montgomery County, Penn. To our subject and
wife have been born three daughters: Virginia (wife of William D. Sponsler, a retired
merchant of Carlisle), Belle (residing at home), and Kitty (deceased, aged thirty-flve, and
unmarried). The parents are members of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Turner is-
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 399
identified with St. John Lodge, F. & A. M., Carlisle, and the I. O. O. P., Carlisle Lodge,
No. 91. He has been the architect and builder of many of the buildings in Carlisle and
elsewhere; was the architect and builder of the courthouse, Cumberland County, Stevens'
Hall, Gettysburg; architect for the Farmers High School Building, near Belief onte. Penn.
(now the Pennsylvania Farm School), architect of the market house in Carlisle, and was
also architect and superintendent of the court house of Clarion County, Penn., and now,
August, 1886, is engaged in superintending a first dwelling for H. Gould Beetem, having
furnished the plans and specifications. Mr. Turner has longbeen one of the city's active
and enterprising business men.
REV. JOSEPH VANCE. D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Carlisle,
son of Samuel and Mary Vance, of South Strabane Township, Washington Co., Penn.,
was born October 8, 1837. In 1853 he entered Washington College, now Washington and
Jefferson, and graduated in September, 1858. In the same month he entered the Western
Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Penn. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the
Presbytery of Washington in April, 1860, and graduated from the seminary in 1861. His
first charge was the Assembly Church, Beaver Dam, Wis., where he began his work in
July, 1861. In June, 1863, he was ordained by the Presbytery of Winnebago. In Janu-
ary, 1865, he entered the work of the Christian Commission, and was sent to Vicksburg,
Miss. In February he was appointed by Col. John Eaton , assistant superintendent of the
schools of the Freedman's Department in the district of Vicksburg, and served in that
capacity until the 1st of July. He was called to the Second Presbyterian Church of Vin-
cennes, Ind., in September, 1865, and continued as its pastor until it was united with the
First Presbyterian Church in April, 1873. Accepting a call to the church formed by the
union, he remained until July, 1874. During his pastorage in Vincennes he was stated
clerk of the presbytery, permanent clerk of the synod and a trustee of Hanover College.^
In April, 1866, he was married to Mary Hay Maddox, of Vincennes. She died in July,.
1871, leaving one child, Charles Thompson. During the summer of 1875 Dr. Vance sup-
plied the pulpit of the First Presbyterian Church of Reading, Penn., in the absence of its
pastor. The Rev. Dr. C. P. Wing having resigned the pastorate of the First Presbyterian.
Church, Carlisle, in October, 1875, Mr. Vance was, in November of the same year, invited
to supply the pulpit, and on the 30th of April, 1876, was installed pastor by a committee
of Presbytery, consisting of Rev. Drs. C. P. Wing, J. A. Mun'ay and George Norcross, of
Carlisle, and 'Thomas Creigh, of Mercersburg. In September, 1880, he was married to
Sarah H. Maddox, of Vincennes, Ind. Miriam C. is their only child. In June, 1884, the
degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by the Western University of Pennsylvania, and
also by Washington and Jefferson College.
HON. FREDERICK WATTS, retired lawyer. Carlisle. An eminent minister of the
gospel once said: " The leading lawyer is always the most prominent member of the com-
munity in which he lives." Whether this is always the case in large cities and commer-
cial centers, or not, it is, no doubt, generally so in agricultural communities. That
Judge Watts was the most prominent member of the community in which he lived for
more than a quarter of a century is not questioned. As early as October, 1887, he prac-
ticed in the supreme court of this State, and as late as the May term of 1869, and all
through that period of forty-two years (except the three years he was on the_ bench), there
is not a single volume of reports containing the cases from the middle district in which
his name is not found; to which add the fact that for fifteen years he was reporter of the
decisions of that court, and during that period, and before and after it, he was engaged
in a large office business, and in the trial of nearly all the important cases in the courts
below, in his own county and the county of Perry. But this did not satisfy his love for
labor. He was, during this period, president of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and
continued in that oflice for twenty-six years. To his professional duties, and those con-
nected with the railroad, he added constant activity in agricultural pursuits, not only in
managing his farms, but as president of the Cumberland County Agricultural Society, and
an active projector of the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania, furthering the general
agricultural interests of his county and State. Judge Watts was born in Carlisle, this
county. May 9, 1801, and is a son of David Watts, one of the most distinguished lawyers
of his day, and whose practice extended through all the middle counties of the State.
His mother was a daughter of Gen. Miller, of Revolutionary fame, who afterward com- '
manded the United States troops at Baltimore during the war of 1812. His grandfather,
Frederick Watts, was a member of the executive council of Pennsylvania before the Rev-
olution, and was one of the prominent men of the province and subsequent State. Our
subject,' having been duly prepared, entered Dickinson College, from which he was grad-
uated in 1819. He passed the two subsequent years with his uncle, William Miles, in
Erie County, where he cultivated his taste for agricultural pursuits. In 1831 he returned
to Carlisle, and entered the office of Andrew Carothers, as a law student; was admitted to
the bar inAugust, 1884, and soon acquired a lucrative practice. In 1845 he became presi-
dent of the Cumberland Valley Railroad. It is to his energy and able management that
the people of the valley are indebted for a road which, when he took hold of it, was in debt,
out of repair, unproductive, and in a dilapidated condition, but which, through his ener-
400 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
getic and economical management, has been brought up to a high state of prosperity,
having paid all of its indebtedness and been made to yield handsome returns. March 9,
1849. Mr. Watts was commissioned by Gov. Johnston president judge of the Ninth Judi-
cial District, composed of the counties of Cumberland, Perry and Juniata. He retained
the office until 1853. In 1854 he was elected president of the board of trustees of the Agri-
cultural College of Pennsylvania, in which capacity he still acts. During the year 1854
he projected the erection of gas and water works for Carlisle, and, having formed a com-
pany, was elected its president. He is a man of great force of character and abiding self-
confldence. Whatever he has undertaken he has done with all bis might, and whatever
be his belief he believed implicitly. He never sat down at the counsel table to try a case
that he did not impress the court and jury that he had perfect confidence that he would
gain it. His temper was completely within his control; his equanimity was perfect, and
he was ever ready to avail himself of any slip of his adversary. He had great powers of
concentration, and always prepared his law points at the counsel table as soon as the evi-
dence was closed. This he did with great facility, always directing them to the main
points of the case. His power with the jury was very great. He was known by every
man in the counties in which he practiced, and was regarded as a man of large intellect,
sterling integrity, and unblemished honor. To these he added the impression of perfect
belief in the justice of his cause, and this was effected by a manner that was always dig-
nified, and in speech that was clear, strong, convincing, and never tedious. He despised
quirks and quibbles; was a model of fairness in the trial of a cause, and always encouraged
and treated kindly younger members of the bar that he saw struggling honorably for
prominence, and when he closed his professional career he left the bar with the profound
respect of all its members. In 1871 he was tendered the appointment of commissioner of
agriculture, which he declined. The' offer was renewed, and he finally accepted the ap-
pointment, and entered upon its duties August 1, 1871. An admirable system pervaded this
department, and the three divisions were so arranged that the most detailed and accurate
information could be obtained with the greatest facility. The country had not in its
employ a more industrious, honest, faithful and large-hearted servant. He has ever since
devoted himself assiduously to the practical development of the agricultural resources of
the country.
EDWARD BIDDLE WATTS, attorney, Carlisle, son of Hon. Frederick and Henrietta
(Ege) Watts, was born in Carlisle, September 13, 1851. In 1865 he entered Dr. Lyons'
private school at West Haverford, ten miles west of Philadelphia, where he remained un-
til 1868, when he went to Cheshire, and entered the Episcopal Academy of the State, and
here pursued his studies until 1869, when, at the request of Dr. Horton, the principal of
that institute, he accompanied him upon a tour in Europe. Immediately upon his return
he entered Trinity College at Hartford, Conn., from which institution he was graduated
in 1873. He returned to Carlisle and read law with John Hays, an attorney of the place,
and was admitted to the bar of Pennsylvania, in 1875, and at once entered on the practice
of his profession, at which he has since been engaged in his native town. In 1885 he was
appointed attorney for the county commissioners of Cumberland County. Although a
young man, Mr. Watts ranks high in his profession, in which he has thus far made a suc-
cess. He is a member of the Eighth Regiment, National Guards of Pennsylvania, having
served as captain of Company G (Gobin Guards) 'since February, 1885. He is identified
with St. John's Episcopal Church.
HON. JOHN WISE WETZEL, lawyer, Carlisle, was born at that place, April 20,
1850, a son of George and Sarah E. (Shade) Wetzel. The subject of our sketch completed
a good common school education, and took a preparatory course of study in Prof. Robert
Sterrett's Academy here, and graduated from Dickinson College, in 1874. Meantime he
had entered the study of law in the office of the late C E. Maglaughlin, Esq., and was
admitted to the bar a short time before receiving , his decree from Dickinson College. Af-
ter his admission he located in practice here, and has since been deservedly successful.
He has always been an ardent Democrat, and has taken considerable interest in the
placing of able men before the people for office. In 1876 he was elected as a representa-
tive to the Democratic State Convention from Cumberland County; in 1882 he was elected
to preside as chairman of the county executive committee of his party for Cumberland
County; and in 1881 was elected district attorney for the county. He married Lizzie,
youngest daughter of John and Elizabeth Wolf, the union being blessed with a son.
Prank. Mr. Wetzel has succeeded through life by his own exertions, being a self-made
man. He gives liberally to all worthy objects, and is one of the active workers in the
development of the social and industrial interests of Carlisle. He is a member of the
Belles Letters, and Omega Chapter of the Chi Phi Fraternity of Dickinson College; is a
member of the board of trustees of Franklin and Marshall College; solicitor for the Board
of Trade and Building & Loan Association of Carlisle; solicitor for the Harrisburg &
Potomac Railroad, etc., etc. He is a worthy Mason and a member of the K. of P.
Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel are regular attendants of the services of the Reformed Church of the
United States.
BARRENS SYLVESTER WILDER (deceased), late proprietor of the "Mansion
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 401
House," Carlisle, was a native of Ohio. He was born December 18, 1883, and was a son of
Dwight and Harriet (Barrens) Wilder, the former a native of Massachusetts, and by occu-
pation a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Wilder three sons and one daughter were born,
of whom Barrens S., the subject of this sketch, was the second son and child, and when
but a small boy his parents moved to this county, and settled on a farm, where Barrens
grew up, attending school during the winters. December 30, 1859, he was married to
Miss Elizabeth Gurtner, who was born in York County, Penn., July 22, 1843, a daughter
of John and Susan (Wise) Gurtner, the former of whom was a blacksmith, a native of
Germany, and who came to this country when a child, and whose father, George Gurtner,
settled in York County, Penn. John and Susan (Wise) Gurtner were the parents of one
son and three daughters: Mary, who married Hezekiah Williams; John; Harriet, who
married Johu Barnet, and Elizabeth, the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Barrens S.
Wilder soon after marriage engaged in the hotel business, taking charge of the " Railroad
House," at New Cumberland, which they conducted for four years; then took the hotel at
Bridgeport, Cumberland County, with which they were id,entified until 1876, when they
removed to Carlisle, and took charge of the "Mansion House," where Mr. Wilder died
March 17, 1884. He was prominently connected with Masonry, having passed all the
chairs in the various degrees of the order to the thirty-second degree, and was also a
prominent member of the I. O. O. F. He was a member of the town council of Carlisle
for three years, and stood high in the estimation of all as an upright, honest citizen. To
Mr. and Mrs. Wilder five children were born, of whom the following named are living:
Clara, wife of John Klink, resident of Harrisburg, a telegraph operator by profession, but
at present employed as a clerk and book-keeper for Cumberland Valley Railroad Company;
Susie, Arabella and Robert A. All the children were born at New Cumberland, Cumber-
land County, and the youngest three reside with their mother.
CONWAY PHELPS WING, D. D., Carlisle, belongs to a family traceable through
five preceding generations to a progenitor who came from England in 1632 and settled finally
in Sandwich, Mass. He is the son of Enoch and Mary (Oliver) Wing, who went from
Conway, Hampshire Co., Mass., to Ohio in 1796, and settled on the right bank of the
Muskingum, twelve miles above Marietta. He was born there February 12, 1809, but re-
moved with his father in 1813, to Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y. At a very early age he
left home to pursue study preparatory to his collegiate course in the neighboring town of
Geneva, at an Episcopal academy, which soon afterward became Hobart College. After
two years there he entered the sophomore class in Hamilton College, where he graduated
in 1828. Nearly a year after this he entered a theological seminary at Auburn, where he
enjoyed the instruction of Dr. James Richards and graduated in 1881. He was licensed
to preach by the presbytery of Geneva, February 3, 1831, just before entering his twenty-
first year, and commenced preaching at once in Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., where he was
ordained and installed September 27, 1832. During the extraordinary revivals of religion
which prevailed in that region about that period, he was one of its active and successful
promoters. In 1836 he removed to Ogden, Monroe Co., N. Y., and in 1838 to the city of
Monroe, Mich., where his vigorous health gave way under his protracted labors, and he
was obliged to seek its restoration, first by a year's residence in St. Croix, West Indies, and
then by a more protracted sojourn in the Southern States. For a year and a half he
preached in Columbia, Tenn., and vicinity, and finding, on experiment, that he could not
safely venture upon a settlement in the North, reluctantly yielded to the solicitations of
his new friends in the South, and became pastor of a congregation in Huntsville, Ala.
Though he frankly informed that people that he was opposed to slavery and should do all
in his power wisely to abolish it they persevered in calling and sustaining him, believing
that his prejudices would soon be removed. He continued in his pastorate there with great
acceptance and usefulness untiljApril, 1848. He twice represented his presbytery there in
the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and earnestly resisted the attemjDts of a
party in that body to withdraw all Christian fellowship from the Southern churches. He
was the author of a long and elaborate report, adopted by the synod of Tennessee, in Oc-
tober, 1847, in reply to the objections of this party, and maintaining that, while humanity
and religion might require that some, under favorable circumstances, should emancipate
their slaves, many masters were so situated that such a course would be utterly inexpedi-
ent and unjust, and they were bound to retain them, and treat them with kindness and
love. After two or three years of experience, however, he found that public opinion
would not permit him to act up to his convictions of duty in the enforcement of church
discipline, against those who were guilty of immoralities against their slaves, and that he
was likely to be involved in complications which would be perilous. Though he urged
upon the slaves the apostolic duties of ordinary forbearance and submission, instances
sometimes came to his knowledge, in which a different course seemed to him quite justifi-
able, and where he^could not withhold his views. Such expressions of opinion, though
tolerated when uttered by native citizens, were not relished by those who were suspected
of Northern proclivities. He, therefore, became satisfied that it was his duty to give up
his pastoral relation, and although his own congregation expressed their unanimous reso-
lution to sustain him, and offered him extraordinary inducements to continue with them,
402 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
he saw no way of compliance consistent with a good conscience. Just as he had reached
this conclusion, a call reached him from the First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle,
which he immediately accepted. That people had heard him while on a visit nortii, in
1843, and now, on becoming destitute of a pastor, they invited him to settle among them.
He arrived at Carlisle and commenced his ministrations there April 28, 1848, but was not
installed until October 15, of the same year. His congregation, tliough not in ecclesiasti-
cal sympathy with the great majority of the Presbyterian Church in this region, grew in
numbers and prosperity during his entire pastorate of more than twenty-eight years. He
toolt a higb ranlj as preacher in the synod of Pennsylvania, was more tban once a candi-
date for tlie moderator's chair in the general assembly, and has served with acceptance
on moat of its important committees. He has been a member of eight general assem-
blies (besides two adjourned meetings), and has declined several invitations to prominent
churches. He was especially active in efforts for the reunion of the two great branches of
the Presbyterian Church, being a member of the convention of Presbyterians in Phila-
delphia in 1867, and of the assembly of reunion which met in New York and Pittsburgh in
1867. He was also a member of the joint committee of reconstruction for the organiza-
tion of the synods and presbyteries of the reunited church. In addition to the ordinary
worli of a pastor, from the duties of which he has always been scrupulously careful that
nothing should divert him, he has generally had in his. hands such literary engagements
as were consistent with it. He reads with a good degree of facility in seven aifferent
languages. In 1849, at the request of the faculty and students of Diclsinson College, he
supplied for one year the place made vacant by tue transfer of William H. Allen, LL. D.,
to the presidency of Girard College, and in 1856, he, in connection with Prof. Charles E.
Blumenthal, published a translation of Hase's History of the Christian Church (D. Apple-
ton &Co., New York, pp. 730), in the composition of which he bore the largest share.
For some years he contributed one article annually to the Presbyterian Quarterly Review,
among which the most noted were two on "Abelard." two on the " Historical Develop-
ment of the Doctrine of the Atonement," and one on the 'Permanent in Christianity,"
and one article, in the Methodist Quarterly on "Miracles and the order of Nature." About
a dozen sermons and discourses have been published by his people and his friends, as they
were preached on special occasions. He was also the writer of two elaborate articles on
"Federal Theology," and "Gnostics and Gnosticism," in McClintock & Strong's Encyclo-
pedia, and in 1867 he contributed to Dr. Schaff's American edition of Lang's Commentary
on the Bible, a translation with large additions of Kling's Commentary on Second Cor-
inthians. Notwithstanding these engagements, Dr. Wing's health became so completely re-
stored that, during his long pastorate, he lost on account of illness not more than six Sab-
baths. In 1869, however, his congregation perceived such tokens of impaired energy, that
they allowed him a suspension of labor for six months, during which time they employed
an assistant for the performance of his work. On two dififereut occasions after this, as
he found his strength giving way, he requested either an entire or partial dissolution
of his pastorate, but could not obtain the acquiescence of his people. It was not until
July 18, 1875, that, after a laborious service as a commissioner to the general assembly,
his congregation consented that he might henceforth take the place of Pastor Emeritus;
but after some consultation and experience he repeated his request for a complete disso-
lution of the pastoral relation. This was finally acquiesced in by the people, October 17,
1875, and was complied with by the presbytery, October 33, 1875, though for some years a
partial salary was continued to him. A severe illness in the autumn of that year proved
that this action had been taken none too soon; but on his recovery his health began to
improve, until, finally, he has been restored nearly to his earlier vigor. His subsequent
life has been almost as active as at any other period. On the Sabbath he ordinarily
preaches in some of the neighboring congregations, or in his former pulpit. He enters
with ardor into most of the theological discussions and practical measures of the day, in
which he almost uniformly advocates the side of real progress. He is especially fond of
exegetical and historical investigations. He has in manuscript extended comments upon
almost the entire Greek Testament, and has become thoroughly familiar with the " History
of Cumberland Valley." In 1879 he contriliuted the principal part of the "History of
Cumberland County " (published by J. D. Scott, Philadelphia, quarto, pp. 283), and re-
cently he has published two editions of a historical and genealogical register of the Wing
family in America. (Carlisle and New York, 8vo and quarto, pp. 333 and 500.)
CHARLES R. WOODWARD, of the firm of Woodward, Graybill & Co., mill-
ers, Carlisle, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in York, York County, December 8,
1844, a son of Capt. Robert C. and Sarah E. (Spangler) Woodward, the former a native
of Newburyport, Mass., and a son of Capt. Salem Woodward, of that place, a sea-cap-
tain, who ran a line of ships from Cliarleston, S. C, to Liverpool, England. Robert C.
Woodward sailed with his father for a number of years as a sea captain and as captain on
the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Cincinnati. He located in York County,
where he married Miss Sarah B. Spangler, and engaged in the grocery business at York
until 1850, excepting three years spent in California, prospecting, just prior to 1850, when
he came to Carlisle and formed the company of Woodward & Schmidt, forwarding and
BOROUGH OF CARLISLE. 403
commission agents, and erected the building now occupied by his son, Charles R. Rob-
ert O. died at Carlisle in August, 1877, and his widow in November, 1885. Their five
children were George (deceased), Ellen (deceased), Charles R., Robert 8. (deceased);
and Florence W., wife of the Rev. J. Hepbron Hargis, of Philadelphia. The par-
ents were identified with the First Presbyterian Church.^ Charles R. was but six years
old when his parents came from York. He attended the high school and Dickinson Col-
lege, of Carlisle, assisting his father as clerk until 1864, when he became a partner of his
father, with whom he remained until 1876, when he purchased his father's interest, and
became associated with John G. Bobb, as a partner of the firm of "Woodward & Bobb.
This firm continued until 1883, when Mr. John Graybill became a partner in the business,
and one year later the present firm was established (Mr. Bobb's interest being purchased
by Woodward, Graybill & Co.). In April, 1870, Mr. Woodward married Miss Jessie V.
EUiott, who was born in Wyoming Territory (the first white child born in that Territory), a
daughter of Gen. W. L. and Hattie (Jones) Elliott, of Cincinnati, now living in San
Francisco. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodward five children were born: Florence V., Jessie E.,
Robert C, Sarah E. and William G. The mother is a member of the Episcopal Church.
Mr. Woodward is a member of Carlisle Council, No. 502, Royal Arcanum. He is a director
of the Carlisle Deposit Bank, treasurer of the Carlisle Land Association, and is one of the
enterprising business men of Carlisle. In 1883 he and his partner built the Carlisle roller
flouring-mill, a three-story brick building, in which are fourteen pairs of rollers, being
otherwise fully equipped.
WILLIAM H. WOODWARD, general superintendent of the Gettysburg & Harris-
burg Railway, and treasurer of the South Mountain Railway & Mining Company, and of
the South Mountain Iron & Mining Company, office at Pine Grove Furnace, and residence
at Carlisle, is a native of Chester County, Penn. Soon after his birth the famijy
moved to the city of Philadelphia, where he attended the public schools until thirteen
years of age, when he began clerking in a drug store, in which he remained until fifteen;
at that early age, September 3, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-seventh Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; served through entire war, and was mustered out July
15, 1865, as sergeant-major of the regiment. The regiment to which he belonged was
attached to the Second Brigade, Second Division. Sixteenth Army Corps of the command,
rnost of the time. He was taken prisoner at Winchester, Va., June 15, 1865, from which
time until August following he spent in Libby and Belle Isle prisons, when he was
paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md., and soon after joined his regiment, this being his
only absence from the regiment during the war. He was mustered out of the service at
the close of the war, and returned to Philadelphia; then went to Plymouth, Luzerne
County, where he became employed as book-keeper and paymaster for J. C. Puller, of the
Shawnee Coal Mines, which position he held until 1871, when he was elected treasurer,
and subsequently, in 1877, general superintendent of the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railway.
In 1870 Mr. Woodward was married to Miss Emma McGee, of Philadelphia, who died in
1881, and to them were born one son and three daughters: Dora F., Bessie A., Harry P.
and Emma E. B. In February, 1883, he then married Miss Annie M. Bixler, of Carlisle,
a daughter of Joshua P. and Julia (Beetem) Bixler, former of the firm of Saxon & Bixler.
Mrs. Woodward is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Woodward is Past Master of
Cumberland and Star Lodge, No. 97, Carlisle; Past High Priest of St. John's Chapter and
St. John's Commandery, No. 8, Carlisle;. is also a member of Capt. Colwell Post, G. A.
R., of Carlisle.
JOHN ZINN, county clerk and recorder, Carlisle, is a native of Lancaster County,
Penn. ; was born in what is now Rhineholtz Station, February 36, 1830, a son of Isaac and
Catherine (Spotz) Zinn, former born in Lancaster County, and latter born just across the
county line in Berks County. Isaac Zinn in early life worked at coopering; in April,
1834, he, with his family, came to Cumberland County and settled on a farm near Barnitz
Mill, in Dickinson Township. They were the parents of six children: John, the eldest;
Eliza, wife of Jacob Hess, a resident of Penn Township; Hannah, deceased at the age of
three years; Catherine, wife of William W. Spandler, a farmer of Mifflin Townsbip;
William, who married Jane Fickes, and resides in Cumberland County; and George, who
married Lucy Straw, and resides on a farm near Centerville. John worked on the farm,
attending and teaching school until his marriage, September 16, 1858, with Miss Mary R.
Spangler, who was born at Mount Hope, Cumberland County, a daughter of William and
Nancy (SheafEer) Spangler. Mr. Zinn, after his marriage, settled on his father's farm in
Penn Township, and engaged in agriculture for three years; then for four years was oc-
cupied in teaching school after which, for thirteen years, he was engaged as a farmer in
Cumberland County. During two years he drove stage from Carlisle to Shippensburg,
residing at Centerville. Subsequently, and until he was elected clerk and recorder of
Cumberland County, in November, 1884, he was occupied in keeping a warehouse at
Longsdorf Station one year and a half, farming four years, and carrying on a general
store at Hockersville. To his marriage with Miss Spangler eight children were born:
AnnaM. C, wife of Parker H. Trego, of Carlisle; George B. McClellan, who married Al-
ice Coover, and resides in Cumberland County; Philip S., who married Miss Sarah Bar-
404 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
rick, and is a resident of Cumberland County; William I. N. ; Thomas E. E ; John W.,
■who died young; Harry 0. S. and Edward C. S. The Zinns have been identified with
this section of the county for many years. Jabob, the great-grandfather of John, was
born in Lancaster County. His eldest son, Peter, married a Miss Swigert, and was the
father of four sons and three daughters, of whom Isaac, the father of John, was one.
Our subject in 1867 was elected a justice of the peace of Penn Township; was re-elected
in 1873, and again in 1877, holding the office over thirteen years. He has discharged the
duties of his present office with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his constitu-
ents. Mr. Zinn is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Zinn died September 6, 1885,
a member of the Lutheran Church.
JACOB ZUG (deceased) was born near Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1793,
and died March 25, 1877, aged eighty-four years, one month and thirteen days. He was
a son of John and Margaret (Mohler) Zug, both of Lancaster County. Penn., and was a
freat-grandson of Ulric Zug, who, with his own and other Swiss families, immigrated to
'ennsylvania from the Palatinate of the Lower Rhine, on the invitation of Queen Anne,
renewed by George I, and encouraged by William Penn by the pledge of freedom of con-
science, his ancestors having, at an early day, left Switzerland for the Palatinate on ac-
count of religious persecutions. He landed at Philadelphia September 27, 1727, and im-
mediately settled in the northwest part of Lancaster County, in the township of War-
wick, now called Penn. There he located, by warrant from the proprietary government,
nearly 400 acres of land, where he and a number of his descendants lived and died. On
this homestead was born, in 1731, John Zug, the fourth child of Ulric and the grand-
father of Jacob Zug, the subject of this sketch. This John Zug died in 1831, aged ninety
years. He was seventy-two years a member, fifty-two years a minister, and forty-one
years an elder or bishop in the Church of the Brethren, properly styled the German Bap-
tist, and was one of the most faithful, devoted and honored ministers, a worthy man,highly
esteemed by all who knew him. The father of Jacob Zug was the second son of the aforesaid
John Zug, and was also called John. He was born on the same old homestead in Lancas-
ter County in 1763, and died one mile east of Carlisle in 1824. In 1806 Jacob Zug came
with his father to near what is now Mechanicsburg. at which time there were but three
houses within the village. In 1814 they sold their farm and removed to the junction of
Cedar Spring with Yellow Breeches Creek, where his father purchased a farm and mill,
which property they exchanged for a farm one mile east of Carlisle. Here Jacob Zug
started in life for himself, and in 1823 removed to Carlisle, where he lived until his death.
He took a deep interest in politics, but was never from choice a candidate for office. In
1835, at the urgent request of some of his friends he was induced to accept the nomina-
tion for the office of county commissioner, to which he was elected at a time when his po-
litical associates were in the minority. Subsequently he was called by his fellow-citizens
at different times to serve them as chief burgess and councilman. He was a man who
made many warm friends, and was loved and respected by all for his manly qualities. He
married Miss Elizabeth Kimmel, of Cumberland County, and to them were born five sons
and one daughter, who lived to manhood and womanhood: Samuel, who resides in De-
troit, Mich.; John, an attorney (deceased); Ephraim (deceased), late a merchant of Me-
chanicsburg; Elizabeth, now living in Carlisle; Augustus (deceased), aged twenty-seven
years; Jacob T., who was a lieutenant in the Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves,
and lost his right arm in the battle of Fredericksburg. The latter married Miss Annie E.
Eberly, of Mechanicsburg, and to them the following children were born: Frank D.,
Augusta and Ray, who reside in Carlisle.
RECEIVED TOO LATE FOR INSERTION IN PROPER PLACE.
AMERICUS R. ALLEN, M. D., Carlisle, is a graduate of the University of Pennsyl-
vania. He was born at Lee's Cross Roads, Cumberland Co., Penn., January 13, 1861, and
is the eldest son of Wm. H. and Anna (Clark) Allen, who had a family of five sons and
four daughters. Americus R. Allen worked at farming, and attended the common schools
and the Normal, at Shippensburg, Penn., until twenty-one years of age, when he was em-
ployed by the Bosler Cattle Company, and remained with this company, in Nebraska, one
year. lie then began the study of medicine, in the office of S. B. Keefer, A. M., M. D.,
Carlisle. After graduating at the university, he located in Carlisle, where he has since
e ngaged in the practice of medicine, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all.
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 40&
CHAPTER XXXIX.
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG.
REV. AUGUSTUS BABB, retired clergyman, has been pastor of the Evangelical Lu-
theran Church, Mechanicsburg, for the past fifty-three years. His great-grandfather was
born in Germany and came with his wife to America, settling in Berks County; they had
four sons and three daughters, who lived to be men and women; his son, Mathias Babb,
was the first to enlist in Gen. Heister's company (afterward govei'nor of Pennsylvania).
During the war of the Revolution he was a coppersmith and tinsmith; married Miss
Rosanna Bierley, and had three sons and five daughters. John, the eldest, born in Read-
ing, Penn., was also a coppersmith and tinsmith; married Miss Barbara Ann Henritze, a
native of Reading, Penn. He was a member of the Lutheran, and she of the German
Reformed Church. They had a family of three sons and four daughters: John, Mary,
Barbara, Augustus, Sarah, Mathias and Roseanna, all born in Reading, Penn. Augustus,
the subject of our sketch, was born January 19, 1810, and, when fourteen, was appren-
ticed to learn the cabinet-maker's trade until he was nineteen, when he entered the man-
ual labor school at Germantown, Penn. Some fourteen months later he entered Gettys-
burg Gymnasium, which became a theological seminary; there he finished a regular course,
and in May, 1833, was licensed to preach in Pendleton County, Va., and began his minis-
trations in Augusta County, Va. Pour years later he came to Mechanicsburg, and two
years later was appointed, by the West Pennsylvania Synod, missionary for Clearfield,
Jefferson, Armstrong, Clarion and Venango Counties, holding that position four or five
months, when, owing to a fall and subsequent ill health, he was appointed pastor of
Blairsville, Indiana County, Church, where here mained until 1845; then returned to Me-
chanicsburg Church, remaining here until 1851, when he became agent for the Pennsyl-
vania College at Gettysburg; a year later he resigned to accept the pastorship of Somer-
set Church, Somerset County, where he had four churches in charge. In 1856 he re-
turned to this county and took charge of the church at Centerville until 1860, when h&
went to Turbotville, Northumberland Co., Penn., to preach in German and English.
During a Thanksgiving sermon, after Lincoln's election, he gave offense to the Demo-
cratic brethren by saying that our form of government was a Republican form of gov-
ernment; so, in 1863, after the battle of Gettysburg, he took charge of his farm in Hock-
ersville; this county, where he farmed, and preached at different places, until 1870, when
he took charge of Blairsville, until 1875, when he returned to his farm, and two year&
later came to Mechanicsburg, where he has since resided. He married, June 27, 1833, Miss
Mary A. Hoffman, a native of Franklin County, Penn., daughter of James Hoffman, a
teacher. Mrs. Babb died August 11, 1838. Our subject was married, on the second occasion
August 6, 1840, to Jane Logue, born in Carlisle, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Ann
(Jumper) Logue, former of whom died at Fort Niagara in the United States service, Sep-
tember 19, 1818. Mrs. Babb died June 30, 1872. Our subject is one of the oldest min-
isters living. His life has always been one of activity, and through his efforts many have
been brought to Christ; and his name will be handed down to posterity as one who did his
duty as a Christian, a minister for the cause of Christ, and worshiper of God "who so
loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him should
not perish but have everlasting life."
GEORGE BOBB, grocer, member of the firm of George Bobb & Son, Mechanicsburg,
was born in Mechanicsburg, Penn., November 8, 1819, son of John and Margaret (Longs-
dorff) Bobb, old settlers of this place, where the former followed the trade of harness and
saddle-making. They had eight children, four living. When George, the second child
and eldest son, was thirteen years old, his father died, and his mother subsequently mar-
ried Peter Baker, of Carlisle, Penn. Our subject worked during the summers, attending
school winters, until he was sixteen, when he began to learn the stove and tinware trade
with Jacob Rupley. Six years later he bought the tin and stove store of Robert Wilson,
which he sold out in 1861 and opened a hardware store. In 1879 he sold out again and
opened his present grocery. In September, 1843, Mr. Bobb was married to Miss Margaret
Giffln, born in Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, daughter of Hon. James Giffln,
ex-member of the Pennsylvania Legislature from this county. Mrs. Bobb died May 13,
1884, the mother of two sons, one living, James G., born in Mechanicsburg, this county,
November 10 1844, a partner with his father in the grocery store; was married to Miss-
Mary C Quigley February 26, 1867, who was born May 21, 1848, in Beach Creek, Clinton
406 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Co., Penn., daughter of Hon. Cline, ex-associate judge of Clinton County, Penn., and
Agnes (Tliompson) Quigley, old settlers of Clinton County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. James
Q. Bobb have bad six children, five living: Agnes Q., George W., Mary C, James G., Jr.,
and Anna M. The subject of our sketch was married on second occasion, November 16,
1884, to Mrs. O. Grace Scliock, bora in Knox County, 111., in 1834, daughter of Dr. Charles
and Eliza (Morris) Hansford, natives of "Virginia. Mr. George Bobb was elected county
treasurer by the people of Cumberland County in 1871 for one term. He has held various
local oflBces of trust in Mechanicsburg. He and his son are members of Eureka lodge. No.
302, A. F. & A. M., Samuel C. Perkins Chapter, No. 309, and St. John's Commandery, No.
8, Carlisle; Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 315, I. O. O. P.; and George Bobb is a member of
Wildey Encampment, No. 39, Mechanicsburg. They are representative business men of
this city, and carry a full and complete stock of fine groceries, glass, queensware and
woodenware.
ELI B. BRANDT, physician and majror, Mechanicsburg, was born on the old home-
stead farm of his father and grandfather in Monroe Township, five miles south of Me-
chanicsburg, April 16, 1829, son of George and Barbara (Beelman) Brandt, the former of
whom was born on the old home farm in Monroe Township, and died in 1875, aged
eighty -four; and the latter, born in Upper Allen Township, this county, died in 1835, a
member of the Lutheran Church. They had a family of four sons and three daughters,
of whiim Eli B. is the youngest. Our subject worked on his father's farm, attending and
teaching school during winters until he was twenty-one, when he began the study of
medicine with Dr. L. H. Lenher, of Churchtown, Monroe Township, and graduated from
the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., in 1855. He located first at New
Cumberland, this county, thence went to Shiremanstown and to Mechanicsburg in 1868,
where he has since engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Brandt married at Har-
risburg, Penn., February 13, 1856, Miss Margaret C. Mateer, who was born in Lower Allen
Township, this county, daughter of William and Mary (Porter) Mateer, both born and
raised in Cumberland County, Penn. Dr. and Mrs. Brandt have had seven children,
two now living: Mary, wife of Oliver Yohn, dealer in pianos, organs and other musical
instruments; and Arthur D., unmarried and remaining with his parents. Dr. Brandt en-
listed as surgeon of the Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers May 39, 1863, and was mus-
tered out in August, 1864. He was elected president, in 1861, of the Allen and East
Pennsborough Society for the recovery of stolen horses and mules and the detection of
thieves; re-elected in 1869, and has held the office ever since. He is a member of the
Cumberland County Medical Society, of which he has been president and secretary, and
is also a member of the State Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association.
He has lived to see Cumberland County and towns undergo many interesting and im-
portant changes. His grandfather, John Brandt, was among the earliest settlers of
Cumberland County. The family is of German descent. The Doctor stands high in the
estimation of all who know him. He was elected mayor in 1878-79-80, and again in 1884
and 1885. He was a delegate to the national convention at Chicago in 1868, and a dele-
gate to Philadelphia in 1873. He was nominated Republican State senator of the Twen-
tieth Senatorial District in 1874.
LEWIS BRICKER, retired farmer, Mechanicsburg, was born in Newville, this county,
August 6, 1813, a grandson of David Bricker, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., who
married a Miss Erbe and moved to Newville in 1806, where he kept a hotel and died. He
had five children: Jacob; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Gebler; David; Mary, wife of Peter
Dock; and John. Jacob, the eldest, was born in Cocalico Township, Lancaster Co.,
Penn., December 25, 1781, and married Miss Mary, daughter of Martin and Mary (Cap)
Fry. He was a miller at Newville, and afterward built the Silver Spring mills, in Silver
Spring Township; he died April 3, 1868; his wife was a member of the Lutheran Church.
To this couple were born five children, one now living, Lewis. Lewis Bricker, the sub-
ject of this sketch, moved with his parents to Silver Spring Township, this county, when
nearly a year old, and, when he was old enough, worked on his father's farm and in the
mill here until his marriage with his first cousm. Miss Elizabeth Fry, who was born Janu-
ary 1, 1815, in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, daughter of Peter and Sarah
. (Hauck) Fry. After his marriage, Lewis Bricker settled on his farm in Hampden Town-
ship, this county. Mrs. Bricker was a member of the Lutheran Church. Of the twelve
children born to this union nine are living: Sarah, wife of John Smith, a baker and grocer
of Princeton, 111. ; Martin, married to Miss Martha Mosser, resides on a farm near Camp
Hill, this county; Mary, wife of George Martin, resides on a farm near Don Cameron,
Perry Co., Penn.; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Clark, on a farm in Silver Spring Township,
this county; Jacob, married to Miss Susan Long (they reside on the old family farm in
Hampden 'Township, this county); Theresa, wife of Franklin Fry, who works in the
bessemer steel works at Steelton, Penn.; Clara, wife of Dr. John Sibert, of Steelton,
Penn.; Ida, wife of Thomas L. Long, a brick manufacturer at Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Re-
becca, wife of John Becker, dentist, Steelton, Penn. Mrs. Bricker died November 2,
1874, and Mr. Bricker then married for his second wife Mrs. Emeline Smick, widow of
George Smick, a farmer, who died March 7, 1866, Mr. and Mrs. Smick had two children: one
BOEOUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 407
son, John W., born December 16,1853. is a miller in Adams County, married to Miss Hannah
H., daughter of Absalom and Sarah (Plank) Asper. Mr. and Mrs. Briclcer are members
of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the few old settlers remaining, and has lived to
see this county undergo many interesting and important changes. He stands high in the
estimation of all, and is a descendant of one of the oldest families in Pennsylvania.
ABNER C. BRINDLE, cashier of the First National Bank, Mechanicsburg, is a
descendant of one of the oldest families of Cumberland County and Pennsylvania.
His gi'andfather, George Brindle, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., came to
this county when a young man, and was married here to Miss Elizabeth Bricker.
They had six children: Susan. John, George, Peter, Elizabeth and Solomon. John,
the second born, married Miss Mary Baker. He and his wife were members of the
Dunkard Church. They had a family of twelve children, eleven now living : John,
Daniel (deceased), George, Elizabeth, Peter, Elias, Jesse, Mary, Leah, Rebecca, Susan
and Abner C. The subject of our sketch, the youngest in the family, was born six
miles southwest of Mechanicsburg, in Monroe Township, September 17, 1837. He worked
on his father's farm, attending and teaching school, and acting as clerk in a store until
1863, when he was employed as clerk in a wholesale tobacco house in Philadelphia,
remaining in the tobacco house and as clerk in a dry goods store until February,
1864, when he was appointed teller in the First National Bank at Carlisle, Penn., and in
February, 1865, was elected teller of the First National Bank of Mechanicsburg. In No-
vember, 1868, he was elected cashier and he has held that position ever since. In 1862 he
responded to a call from the governor of Pennsylvania, as a member of the Pennsylvania
State Militia, and in 1863 enlisted in the Forty-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania State Mil-
itia, under Col. John Murphy, and was mustered out at the expiration of the company's
term of enlistment, at Philadelphia, in September, 1863. Mr. Brindle married, December
5, 1868, Miss Mary E. Egbert, born in Perry County. Penn., daughter of I. R. and Sarah
(Carver) Egbert, the former a retired merchant, of Carlisle, both natives of Montgomery
County, Penn. To our subject and wife have been born two children, one living, Charles
E., born in Mechanicsburg September 30, 1870. Mrs. Brindle is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Our subject is a great-grandson of Peter Bricker. born in Lancaster
County, Penn., in 1735, and married to Miss Mary Barr; settled in Cumberland'County,
Penn., in an early day; he was a son of Peter Bricker, who came to this country from
Switzerland in the early part of the eighteenth century.
JOHN COOVER (deceased) as one of the early settlers deserves more than a
passing notice. Prominent in church, society and business, he and his descendants
have always been people of note. He was one of the founders of Mechanicsburg,
and was descended from the German family named "Kobar"— afterward changed
to Coover — who immigrated to this country as early as 1760. Soon after this date his
grandfather, Gideon Coover, bought a large tract of land, being of the "Manor on
Conodoguinet," situated by the Cedar Spring, south of Shiremanstown, Cumberland Co.,
Penn. One of his sons, Hon. George Coover, was married October 22, 1764, to Elizabeth
Mohler, by Rev. Nicholas Hornell, of York, minister of the High German Lutheran
Church, of which both were members. They lived on the plantation at Cedar Spring, and
had five sons and four daughters: George, Jr., Henry, Elizabeth, Susannah, Catherine,
Anne, Michael, Jacob and John. The subject of this sketch was born February 33,
1787. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he attended such schools as his
day afforded. About 1816 or 1817 he came to Mechanicsburg, and, with Adam Reigel
as partner (which partnership was subsequently dissolved), opened the first import-
ant store in that place, becoming thereafter a successful merchant; continuing therein
■engaged until 1849, when he disposed of his stock and retired from active business life,
always, however, taking a keen and decided interest in the public affairs of the borough, State
and Nation. Some years previous to this time he purchased a large tract of land, lying
immediately south of the borough of Mechanicsburg— bounded by the middle of Simpson
Street— which since his decease has been incorporated into the borough, and laid out b3[ l^'s
heirs, into town lots, with fine wide streets, and being slightly- elevated, is being rapidly-
built up, and bids fair to become the most beautiful part of the town. On February 4,
1819, he was married to Miss Salome Keller, who was born September 13, 1792, and
was the daughter of Martin Keller, who landed in Baltimore, Md., in 1786, emi-
grating from the Canton of Basle, Switzerland. About 1800 he removed to Cumber-
land County and purchased a large tract of land in Silver Spring Township, known
as "Barbaoe," situated one-half mile north of Mechanicsburg, which is still owned by
his descendants. The children of John Coover were six in number— one son, who died
in infancy and five daughters: Susan K. (widow of Philip H. Long), Sarah (married to
Ephraim Zug, who died in May, 1862, afterward married to William H. Oswald, who died
in January, 1884), Mariamne (wife of Richard T. Hummel, Huramelstown, Dauphin Co.,
Penn • A Elizabeth (married to Levi Kauffman, now deceased) and J. Emeline (widow
■of Daniel Coover). John Coover died May 13, 1862, and his widow January 3, 1883, and
they were both buried in the old family grave-yard at Barbace, by the side of Martin
Keller and Martin Keller's wife and mother. The old homstead built by John Coover,
408 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
situated on the northeast corner of Main and Fredericlc Streets, Mechanicsburg, and in
■which he and his wife lived to the date of their death, is still occupied by one of his
daughters Mr. Coover was a quiet, unassuming man, one who made many friends, and
of wide influence in his church and society. He was a great reader, and had a fine mind
and tenacious memory. His name was a synonym for honesty and integrity, and from
time to time ho filled the various municipal offices; was for many years justice of the
peace; and so great was the confidence reposed in him that he was constantly sought after
to act as executor and administrator in settling the estates of decedents, and many were
the children to whom he was guardian — as many as 100, it is believed. A consistent and
leading member of the German Baptist or Dunkard Church, he was good to the poor, a
kind husband and indulgent father. Generous to a fault, kind-hearted and true, he was
beloved by all who knew him, and his memory is deeply cherished for his sterling worth
and Christian character, of which his descendants may well be proud.
JACOB H. DEARDORFF, physician, Mechanicsburg, was born on his father's farm
in Washington Township, York Co., Penn., February 4, 1B46; son of Joseph F. and
Lovinia (Hoover) Deardorff; the former, a farmer, born in Adams County; the latter a
native of York County, Penn. ; they were members of the Lutheran Church. Of their eight
children (five sons and three daughters) Jacob H. is the youngest. He attended school
during winter and worked on his father's farm in summer until he was eighteen, when he
began teaching and at the same time attending school. He graduated from Fairbanks
Business College and the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia. March 9, 1876,
he located in Middletown, Dauphin Co., Penn., and after two years and a half he came to
Mechanicsburg, where he has practiced medicine ever since. The Doctor was united in
marriage, December 26, 1867, with Miss Mary A. Stouffer, born near Andersontown, York
Co., Penn., daughter of Washington and Sarah (Kline) Stouffer. The Doctor and
wife have three children: Clarence M., born in York County, Penn.; Raymond P., bom
in Lisburn, this county; Gertrude F., born in Slatington, Lehigh Co., Penn. Dr.
Deardorff is a member of the A. O. of M., Mechanicsburg. He has a first-class practice,
and stands high in the estimation and confidence of all who know him. His success as
a physician since he located in Mechanicsburg, has been most satisfactory to himself and
his patients. The Doctor's great-grandfather and grandmother came from Germany to
Pennsylvania. His father is still living at the advanced age of eighty-one and resides
near East Berlin, Adams Co., Penn.
LEVI F. EBERLY, of Levi F. Eberly & Sons, wholesale and retail dealers in all
kinds of lumber, sash, doors, blinds, etc., corner of High Street and the railroad, Mechanics-
burg, was born on the old family farm in Upper Allen Township, Cumberland Co., Penn.,
May 6, 1818, son of David and Catharine (Prankenberger) Eberly, the former born in Lan-
caster County, Penn., November 9, 1781, and died in 1861; the latter born in this county
in 1791, and died in 1869; both members of the Mennonite Church. They had three sons
and six daughters who lived to be men and women. Levi F., the eldest son and fourth
child, assisted his father on the farm until his marriage, October 24, 1839, with Miss Eliza
Shuey, who was born in Lebanon County, Penn., daughter of Christian and Magdalena
(Miley) Shuey, natives of that county. After his marriage Mr. Eberly engaged in farm-
ing in Lebanon County for five years, when he sold out and purchased a farm in Upper
Allen Township, this county. In 1859 he came to Mechanicsburg, and in 1861 established
his present business. Mr. and Mrs. Eberly are members of the United Brethren Church.
"They have four sons: W. Harrison, David H., Edward M. and Ira S. Of these, W. Har-
rison, born near Mechanicsburg November 16, 1840, at sixteen began teaching school, and
two years later entered the Cumberland Valley Institute; remained here, and in the Otter-
bein University, at Westerville, Ohio, for two years; was then appointed teller of the
Merkel, Mumma & Co. Bank, holding this position through the various changes of this
bank until 1864, when he was appointed clerk in the quartermaster's department for the
Government until the close of the war. In 1876 he was one of the projectors of the West
End Railway, which owned and operated the narrow gauge railroad that ran outside of
the Centennial grounds, so familiar to all visitors to that exposition. At the close of the
Centennial, he and others established the "Dime Express" in Philadelphia, and in 1878
he sold out and engaged in his present business with his father and brothers. W. Harri-
son Eberly was married. May 25, 1863, to Mary C. Power, born in Perry County, Penn.,
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Barns) Power. David H. Eberly was born October 14,
1843; married Miss Kate A. Waidley, born in Cumberland County, Penn. Edward M.,
born April 1, 1845, married Miss Margaret Zacharias, also a native of this county. Ira S.,
born December 8, 1847, married Miss Laura Maloy. Levi F. Eberly & Sons do an average
yearly business of $40,000. Our subject was one of the original members that organized
what is now the First National Bank of Mechanicsburg, and is a director in the same.
The family is of German descent, and came to Pennsylvania at a very early date.
SAMUEL EBERLY, retired lumber merchant, director of the First National Bank,
Mechanicsburg, is a representative of one of the oldest families in Cumberland County.
He was born on the old family farm in Monroe Township, February 24, 1822, son of Sam-
uel and Elizabeth (Hocker) Eberly, former born on the same farm in Monroe Township,
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 409
and latter born in Harrisburg, Penn. ; she was a granddauffhter of Andrew ShoU, who
emigrated from Germany in 1745, and settled near Richland Station, in what is now Leb-
anon County, but was then (1745) Lancaster County. Samuel Eberly, Sr., father of our
subject, was a farmer in early life, but later became a machinist and helped build the first
Potter threshing machine in the year 1838 or 1829. He died in 1845, aged fifty-seven years;
his widow died in 1861, aged seventy-five, a member of the German Reformed Church.
They had eight children, four daughters and three sons living to be men and women.
Samuel, who is the eldest son, attended school until he was twelve years old, when he en-
gaged in farming until he was seventeen, when he came to Mechauicsburg and learned the
carpenter trade, which he worked at here three years, afterward assisted his father in
the manufacture of threshing machines until 1846, when he formed a partnership with
Abraham Staufer and built a foundry. He engaged in that business until 1854, when he
sold out to his partner and erected asaw-mill, soon after adding a planing-mill, forming a
partnership with Frederick Seidle and Benjamin Haverstick, of Mechanicsburg. In 1863
he closed out the mill. Mr. Eberly then served in the army bridge corps as a carpenter
in the Army of the Potomac for three months; then returned to Mechanicsburg and
bought and sold old iron until 1870, when he and Samuel Hinkle engaged in the lumber
business at Rowlesburg, W. Va. Five years later they bought a saw-mill at Rowlesburg,
and took into partnership John M. Senseman, under the firm name of Eberly, Hinkle &
Co., and this business they continued until November, 1884, when Mr. Eberly sold out his
interest to Hinkle, Senseman and his nephew, John A. Hosteller. January 24, 1850,
our subject married Miss Rebecca Brown, born in Adams County, Penn., but who moved to
North Middleton Township, this county, with her parents, John and Susannah (Krysher)
Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Eberly are members of the Church of God. They had one son,
Albert, who died in infancy. Mr. Eberly ia a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 315 Mechan-
icsburg Lodge. He has lived to see this county undergo many interesting and important
changes; for when he came to Mechanicsburg, it was but a small place, and his foundry
was the first manufactory here. He is purely a self-made man, learning early in life to
depend on his own resources. His success has been the result of a long life of untiring
energy and pluck, combined with strict integrity and honor.
AUSTIN G. EBERLY, of Eberly & Orris, manufacturers of wheels and wheel mate-
rial, and all kinds of hardwood lumber, Mechanicsburg, is a native of this county, born in
Hampden Township, three miles north of Mechanicsburg, February 1, 1850, sou of John
and Barbara (Shelly) Eberly, both natives of this county. John Eberly, a farmer, a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church, died in 1883, aged seventy-one years; his widow, a member
of Messiah Church, is still living; they were the parents of six children, five living: Ben-
jamin, a traveling salesman, with headquarters at Mechanicsburg; Daniel W., a grocer
of Mechanicsburg; Anna B., widow of Jacob T. Zug, residing at Carlisle, Penn.; Austin
G., Lizzie B., wife of John B. Uhrich, died in 1880; John M., treasurer of the Columbus
Wheel and Bending Works, Ohio. Austin G. Eberly remained on the farm, attending
school winters, until he was sixteen, when he clerked for four years in the grocery store
of his brother in Mechanicsburg, and then bought his brother out and conducted the busi-
ness alone until 1880, when he formed a partnership with another brother, John M., in the
wheel and wheel material manufactory; his brother sold out to Adam Orris in 1884, and
the firm has since been Eberly & Orris. Austin G. Eberly married, October 5, 1876, Miss
Lizzie A. Coover, a native of Dunkirk, N. T., daughter of Jacob H. and Jane (Sarvent)
Coover, the former a native of this county, the latter of Piermont, Rockland Co., N. Y.
To this union have been born five children: Paul C, Austin C, Richard C, Olive C. and
Ira C. Paul C, Richard C. and Olive C. died of scarlet fever in the winter of 1884r85.
Mr. Eberly is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 302, A. F. & A. M., Samuel C. Perkins
Chapter, No. 309, R. A. M., St. John's Comniandery, K. T., No. 8, at Carlisle. He has
passed the chairs in both the Blue Lodge and Chapter. Mr. and Mrs. Eberly are members
of the Church of God, Mechanicsburg. He is one of the enterprising representative busi-
ness men of the place, and one of the leading manufacturers in the valley. His grand-
father, Benjamin Eberly, a farmer, married Elizabeth Kauffman. They were of German
descent, and early settlers of Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM ECKELS, retired postmaster, Mechanicsburg. The Eckels family is one
of the earliest of those sturdy pioneer Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who, driven by religious
persecution from the North of Ireland, were among the first to seek new homes and free-
dom for religious worship in this valley. Francis Eckels, Sr., came at a very early date
to this country, and settled in western Pennsylvania. Francis Eckels, Jr. , his son, was born
it is said, at sea, during the passage over. He married Mabel Flemming, of Cumberland
County, and died in August, 1814, at the age of sixty-five. Samuel Eckels, his son, and
father of our subject, settled in Allen Township, about three miles south of Mechanics-
burg. He was twice married: first to Agnes Monasmith, by whom four children were
born: Mary and Martha (twins), James and William. By his second wife, nee Mary
Cooper, there were Robert, William, Nancy, Elizabeth, Samuel and Margareta. Willaim
Eckels,' the subject of this sketch, was born on his father's farm, in what is now Upper
Allen Township, January 15, 1817. He learned the trade of cooper, and at twenty-flve
410 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
located at Cedar Springs, now Milltown, where he took charge of the cooper shops of
George Heck, distiller and miller. In the spring of 1846 he came to Mechanicsburg. In
1853 he was appointed postmaster by President Pierce, which position he hpld for a period
of five years. lie afterward erected a number of houses in Mechanicsburg, where he is
now living in retirement and comfort. December 34, 1846. he married Miss Sarah A.
Proctor, born in Carlisle, this county, November 4. 1830, daughter of John and Marv H.
(Officer) Proctor. Mr. and Mrs. Eckels had six children, three of whom are living: John
P., married to Miss Anna Hurst, now in the hardware business in Decatur, 111.; George
Morris, physician, engaged with his brother, Walter L. (the youngest son) in the drug
business in Mechanicsburg. George Morris Eckels, M. D., was born in Mechanicsburg,
Penn., April 39, 1857. He graduated at the College of Pharmacy, in Philadelphia, in
March, 1879; then returned to Mechanicsburg, where, in connection with his brother,
Wallef L., he purchased the drug store of hi.s old employer, Mr. Bridgeford, and estab-
lished the present firm of the Eckels Bros. In January. 1883, Dr. Eckels was elected
transcribing clerk of the House of Representatives at Harrisburg, which position
he held during the session. In September of that year he entered the medical department
of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, from which he graduated Mayl, 1885,
and afterward commenced the praclice of his profession at Mechanicsburg.
GEORGE MAFFLIN DALLAS ECKELS, teacher, Mechanicsburg, a member of the
Pennsylvania Legislature, is a native of Cumberland County, born near New Kingston,
December 33, 1844, son of Nathaniel H. and Margaret (Williams) Eckels, natives of this
county and members of New Kingston Lutheran Church. Nathaniel H. Eckels, a farmer
by occupation, taught school when a young man; served as county commissioner of this
county, 1859-61. He is a son of Hon. Francis L. and Isabella (Clendenin) Eckels, the
former of whom was elected, by tlie people of Cumberland County, representative to the
Legislature in 1840; he was also a farmer and justice of the peace, and a descendant of the
hardy Scotch-Irish Presbyterians who, driven from the North of Ireland by religious per-
secutions, sought homes in America and settled in Pennsylvania. The subject of our
sketch is the second son and child in the family of five girls and two boys that lived to be
men and women. His life, until sixteen, was passed on the farm, and in attending school,
winters; he then entered Millersville Normal School, where he remained three terms; then
taught school in this county for two winters, and was subsequently principal of the Wick-
ersham Academy at Marietta, Penn., for a year, when he returned to Mechanicsburg, and
taught in the public school here. In 1878 he formed a partnership with W. H. Humer, in
a general store at New Kingston, but sold out his interest to his partner in 1883. He was
elected Democratic representative to the Legislature by the people of Cumberland County-
March, 1883, re-elected in 1884, and is the present incumbent. He served on the commit-
tees of ways and means, general judiciary, education, constitutional reform, agriculture
and elections. He has taught two terms in the Cumberland Valley State Normal
School, located at Shippensburg, Penn., and at present holds the chair of pedagogics and
general history in that institution. Mr. Eckels was married, June 6, 1871, to Miss Anna
Humer, born in Silver Spring Township, this county, daughter of Daniel and Jane (Brown-
awell) Humer, also natives of Cumberland County. To this union have been born three
children: Minnie G., George H. and Nathaniel O. Mr. Eckels and wife are members of
the Lutheran Church, of the Sunday-school of which he has been superintendent for ten
years.
WILLIAM H. ECKELS. Jr., proprietor of a general grocery and provision store on
West Main Street, Mechanicsburg, was born on his father's farm, on the State road leading
to Harrisburg, Silver Spring Township, this county, January 5, 1830. His grandfather,
Nathaniel Eckels, a son of Francis Eckels, was born on the sea while his parents were
coming to America; they were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, who, on account of religious
oppression, were driven out of the North of Ireland, and were among those hardy pio-
neers who sought homes in America; they landed at Baltimore. Md., and settled in west-
ern Pennsylvania. Nathaniel Eckels was born in 1744, and died in 1830, in the eighty-
sixth year of his age; he had two sons: William and Francis, born near Carlisle, this
county. William first married Miss Rebecca Huston, born in Silver Spring Township,
this county, daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Huston, of Silver Spring Township,
members of the old Silver Spring Church. Mrs. Eckels died in 1830, one hour after the
birth of her son, William H., and she is buried on the Pine Hill, that being connected
with Silver Spring. Mrs. Eckels, her father and mother have been taken to the Silver
Spring grave-yard, where they now peacefully repose. Mr. and Mrs. William Eckels
were members of the old Silver Spring Presbyterian Church; they had five children —
three sons and two daughters — William H. being the only one living. Mrs. William
Eckels, Sr., dying in 1820, aged thirty-three, Mr. Eckels then married Miss Jane Starr,
by wliom he had four cliildren, one now living, James S., an attorney in Princeton,
111. William Eckels, Sr., married on third occasion Miss Hannah Starr, by whom he had
three children, one now living, John S., residing near New Kingston, this county. The
subject of this sketch remained with his father, engaged in farming until his marriage, in
January, 1844, with Miss Elizabeth Adams, a native of Hampden Township, this county,
BOROUGH OF MEOHANJCSBURG. 411
a daughter of Isaac and Jane (Anderson) Adams. Some two years after his marriage he
engaged in mercantile business at Sporting Hill, Hampden Township, where he remained
until 1862, when he opened a general store in Hogestown. His wife died in 1866, the
mother of three children, one living: A^es, wife of Samuel Sample, employed in steel
works in Steel ton, Dauphin Co., Penn. He and wife were raised in Silver Spring Town-
ship; the former was born in Hampden Township. Mr. William H. Eckels, after the
death of his wife, retired from business and settled on a farm near Hogestown, now
owned by Mrs. Gibble. He resumed business in Hogestown, three years later, with
L. B. Ewalt, and also had a branch store, two miles north of Huston's mills in Silver
Spring Township. In April, 1881, Mr. Eckels came to Mechanicsburg and formed his late
partnership with Andrew O. Sample and established the business. This partnership was-
dissolved by mutual agreement, Mr. Sample taking the entire stock, and Mr. Eckels open-
ing his present place of business, where he has succeeded in building up a fair trade. Mr.
Eckels married, in June, 1881, Mrs. Jennie Armstrong, born in Silver Spring Township,
this county, daughter of William and Rebecca Hershman, and to this union have been
born three children: Minnie, Blanch and Olive. (Mrs. Eckels had two children by her
first husband: Charles S., clerking for our subject, and Clara.) Mrs. Eckels is a member
of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Eckels is an enterprising, representative business man and
citizen. He has J)een a member of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Church of
Silver Spring Township for twenty-five years.
JOSEPH ELCOCK, retired merchant, Mechanicsburg, has been identified with Me-
chanicsburg since the fall of 1866. He was born on the old homestead farm of his father
near the " Half Way House." in Warrington Township, York Co., Penn., November 13,
1813; son of Richard and Mary (Wagoner) Elcock. Richard Elcock was born in Ireland
and came alone to America when nineteen years old, settling in York County, Penn. ; was a
weaver by trade, but followed farming in York County, where he was married, and lived
to be seventy-two years old; his widow lived to be about seventy-four; they were Presby-
terians. Tney had five sons and two daughters. Joseph, the youngest, attended school
and worked on his father's farm until he was sixteen, when he went to what is now Frank-
lingtown, York Co., Penn., where he learned the tailor's trade. Three years later he
started West on foot, and was gone twenty weeks. Settlements were few and far between,
and Mr. Elcock went as far as Oberlin, which was then a town three years old. To give
some idea of his pluck as a boy, he cleared $9 a month while gone by working at his trade,
buying and selling watches, etc. He returned home and worked at his trade in York and
Cumberland Counties, but subsequently managed his father's farm until the spring of
1838, when he took charge of the "Half Way House," owned by his father, which stood
on the old York road between York and Carlisle. Our subject was married here, Octo-
ber 10, 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Stroninger, who was born in York County, Penn., daughter
of Daniel Stroninger. Mr. and Mrs. Elcock left the hotel in 1840, and moved to their
farm near Mount Pleasant, where Mrs. Elcock died September 9, 1850. To this union
were born six children: Mary A., wife of David Biddle, a merchant of Mechanicsburg, a
member of the firm of T. J. Elcock & Biddle; Jacob R., who resides in Kansas, married ta
Miss Christianna, daughter of Daniel Kahm; John, engaged in the manufactory at Be-
ment, 111., married to Miss Ferrins; Theodore, unmarried, traveling in the West; Thomas
J., of T. J. Elcock & Biddle, merchants, Mechanicsburg; Eliza J., wife of David Myers, a
farmer residing near Mount Pleasant, York Co., Penn. On January 1, 1852, Joseph Elcock,
our subject, married Miss Mary Branamon, born near Bowmansdale, Cumberland Co.,
Penn., daughter of Jacob and Mary (Ginter) Branamon. Mr. Branamon was a miller and
farmer, and he and his wife were old settlers of York County, Penn., members of the
Church of God. Mr. and Mrs. Elcock have had four children, two living: Lillie, wife of
Samuel Hauck. a hardware merchant and manufacturer, a member of the firm of Seefert
& Hauck, Mechanicsburg, Penn. ; Samantha Lizzie, born February 20, 1854, died August
13, 1879; Sarah Ellen, born September 4, 18.58, died March 29, 1881; and Anna F , residmg
at home with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Elcock have been members of the Church
of God for the past forty-four years. Our subject remained on his farm in York County,
engaged in pottery manufacturing and farming until 1855, when he opened a store in
Mount Pleasant, and ran this in connection with his farm and pottery until 1866, when he
came to Mechanicsburg and engaged in mercantile trade. From 1875 to 1878 he conducted
a furniture store. He engaged in the plow manufacturing business in 1878, and patented
the Cumberland Valley Plow, and also the " Self-sharpening Cumberland Valley Plow,"
which business he continued until June, 1883, when he sold out to the present manufac-
turer Robert Shapley. Mr. Elcock helped organize the Second National Bank of Mechan-
icsburg, and is still a director of this bank. He is purely a self-made, practical man, full of
activity and life. He never used tobacco in any form, and was never under the mfluence
of liquor When a boy he drove teams from his father's farm, in York County, to Balti-
more Md., hauling flour to merchants in that city (this was before the railroads were
built). Mr. Elcock is of Irish and German descent; his mother's people came from Ger-
many to America in an early day. ,-. ■ Tn- v
JAC'OB EMMINGER, retired farmer, Mechanicsburg, was born near C^uincy, Wash-
412 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
inKton Township, Franklin Co., Penn., October 21, 1816, son of David and Magdalena
(Miller) Emminger, natives of Silver Spring Township, this county, and Washington
Township, PranMin Co. Penn., respectively, and parents of ten children. Jacob, the sec-
ond son and third child, was ten years old w^hen he came with hisparents to Silver Spring
Township, this county, where he worked on his father's farm, attending school during
winters. He was married on the old farm, January 2, 1840, to Miss Sarah Lehn, a native
of Silver Spring Township, this county, daughter of David and Christina (Barnhart)
Lehn. After his marriage Mr. Emminger farmed in Silver Spring Township until 1861,
when he bought his present place in Upper Allen Township, where he remained until
1869 and then moved to Mechanicsburg and purchased his home on the corner of Market
and Green Streets. To Mr. and Mrs. Emminger were born six children, four now living:
Susannah E. (wife of Jacob D. RafEensberger, a music dealer in Mechanicsburg), Mary C.
(wife of John C. Bowman, justice of the peace and merchant in Mechanicsburg), Naomi
J. (wife of Henry Hertzler, a farmer in Upper Allen Township), Martin L. (who resides at
Yonkers, N. Y., a grocer and merchant, married to Miss Mary J., daughter of Dr. Ring-
land). Mrs. Emminger died in March, 1874, a member of the Lutheran Church. Our sub-
ject is not only a representative of one of the oldest families of Cumberland County, but is
one of the enterprising farmers and citizens. He stands high in the estimation of all
who know him as an upright Christian gentleman. He is a member of the Lutheran
Church.
SAMUEL N. EMINGER, ex-clerk to the county commissioners, Mechanicsburg, is
a native of Cumberland County, born in Silver Spring Township, February 19, 1889. His
grandfather, Andrew Eminger, born in Germany, but who came to this country at a very
early date, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; he married Miss Christiana Bruner and
settled in Silver Spring Township, this county. Our subject's father, David Eminger,
married Magdalena Miller, born in Franklin County, Penn., and had a family of seven
boys and four girls. He was elected director of the poor in 1888, and afterward ran as a
Masonic candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated in the anti-Masonic raid by twelve
votes. Samuel N. attended the schools of Mechanicsburg and afterward at Eminger's
schoolhouse, Silver Spring "Township, and was one of the students in the first Cumberland
Valley Institute, under Mr. Franklin Gillan, when it was opened on the Van Huff prop-
erty, now opposite Eckel's drug store. He attended two years. In 1844 he learned the
trade of coach-maker under his brother-in-law, George Hauck, and from 1849 to 1851
traveled in Virginia and the Carolinas, Tennessee and Florida. He returned to Mechan-
icsburg and bought the first patent and brought the first wire tooth sulky rake into Cum-
berland County about 1852, and started to manufacture them in company with George W.
Miller, but subsequently sold his interest to Frederick Seidle who had then a factory in
Mechanicsburg. In 1855 Mr. Eminger was nominated deputysheriff under Sheriff Bow-
man. He resigned in the fall of 1856 and was elected register of wills in the fall of 1857,
serving three years. He was appointed by Judge Graham jury commissioner, and
served three years. In 1864 he was appointed special agent of the Treasury Department
under Andrew Johnson. He resigned on the 1st of March, 1868, and his resignation was
accepted in June following. From this time till 1873 he was with D. M. Osburn & Co.,
who were engaged in manufacturing reapers. From that time (1873) on, he was in the
sheriff's ofBce till 1877; served as deputy register under Martin Guswiler, and after, until
elected clerk to the county commissioners in 1879, which office he filled until 1885. He
married, September 4, 1856, Rachel, daughter of George and Mary (Halbert) Singheiser,
by whom he had four children, three living: Arabella (married to D. A. Ulrich, of Upper
Allen Township, this county); H. Foster, and Luella (a graduate of the high school).
During the war Mr. Eminger enlisted in Company F, First Pennsylvania Volunteer In-
fantry, when they were called temporarily for the defense of Pennsylvania; was elected
lieutenant and promoted to quartermaster. The company served only for a short time.
Mr. Eminger is a member of Eureka Lodge, A. Y. M., Past Master by service, and also of
the I. O. O. F., No. 215. In politics Mr. Eminger is a Democrat, and has for many years
been strongly identified with the politics of the county. He has twice been chairman of
the Democratic County Committee, and has been a delegate to manj' of the State conven-
tions. In 1878 he was elected councilman of the North Ward and served three years, not-
withstanding that this was a Republican ward.
DR. PEO. FULMBR, born October 14, 1829, son of Christian and Sarah (Pifer) Ful-
mer, and the oldest practicing physician in Mechanicsburg, having located here as a physi-
cian in 1853, is a graduate of Jefferson College, Philadelphia. Christian Fulmer, a stone-
cutter by trade, died in 1841 aged fifty-three, and his widow in 1860 aged seventy-two. They
had a family of three sons and two daughters, two living: Christian and George. The sub-
ject of our sketch attended school in Mechanicsburg, under Prof. John Hinkle, until he was
sixteen years old, when he began teaching in this county, continuing in the profession until
he was nineteen; then read medicine with Dr. P. H. Long, and in 1858 graduatedfrom Jef-
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia, after which he formed a partnership with his
preceptor, Dr. Long, and continued that partnership until 1860. when they dissolved, since
which time Dr. Fulmer has practiced alone. In 1861 he passed an examination at the
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 413
State capital, Harrisburg, and received a certificate of examination from Surgeon-General
Phellips, signed by Andrew G. Curtin, governor, and registered to hold liimself in readi-
ness for duty, and, in 1861, was assigned to a regimeat, Chattanooga, Tenn., but on account
of his practice and his family, he did not accept the commission. Dr. Fulmer was mar-
ried, February 18, 1854, to Miss Susan Long, sister of Dr. P. H. Long and daughter of
Philip and Elizabeth (Springer) Long. To this union have been born five children, three
now living: Emma M. graduate of the Irving Female College, married to Dr. M. K. Bow-
ers, Harrisburg, Penn.; Robert B. born in Mechanicsburg, Penn., September 18, 1865; and
Bertie M., residing at home with her parents. Dr. Fulmer is a member of the Lutheran
Church. He is one of the oldest practitioners of medicine in Cumberland County.
EUGENE C. GARDNER, editor and book-keeper for the "Thomas Printing House,"
and insurance agent, Mechanicsburg, was born at York Springs, Adams Co., Penn., July
16, 1847, son of Benjamin F. and Sabina (Moul) Gardner, old settlers of York Springs.
The family consisted of four children, of whom Eugene C. is the only one living. Our
subject was but ten years old when his father died. His mother resided with her father,
Conrad Moul, proprietor of "York Springs Summer Resort" until 1858, when she located
in Mechanicsburg. Eugene C. Gardner attended the common schools and the Cumberland
Valley Institute. In 1865 he was employed as a "typo" on the Cumberland Valley Jour-
nal. In 1867 he was appointed local editor of the Valley Domocrat. owned by Hon. T. F.
Singiser. In February, 1871, Mr. Gardner, with R. H. Thomas and A. H. Brinks, purchased
the VaUey Democrat and changed the name to the Valley Independent, and a year later
they purchased the Cumberland Valley Jotirnal and consolidated the two papers into the
present Independent Journal. In 1874 Mr. Gardner sold out his interest to H. C. Demming,
of Harrisburg, Penn., and has since been engaged in the fire and life insurance business.
In 1878 he accepted his present position as local editor of the Independent Journal. Our
subject was united in marriage. June 5, 1871, with Miss Sue A., daughter of Robert and
Sarah (Schock) Wilson. Mrs. Gardner is a member of the Lutheran Church. To this
union have been born four children: Earl "W., Pauline S., Bertha E. and S. Grace. Mr.
Gardner is secretary of Integrity Council, No. 197, O. U. A. M. ; secretary of W. C, No.
164, P. O. S. of A. ; and is president of the Washington Fire Company, Mechanicsburg. In
politics he is a strong supporter of the Republican party.
SOLOMON PERRY GORGAS, banker, Mechanicsburg, is one of the pioneer chil-
dren of Cumberland County, born August 31, 1815, on the old homestead farm, in Lower
Allen Township, the youngest in the family of four sons and three daughters of Solomon
and Catharine (Fahnestock) Gorgas, natives of Pennsylvania, who were married in Lan-
caster County, Penn., and came to this county about 1803, settling on the old farm now
owned by their son, William R., in Lower Allen Township. Solomon Gorgas, Sr., was a
prominent man of his day; was elected by the people of this county to the Legislature
two terms; he opened a store and hotel on his farm in Lower Allen Township (the only
store and hotel in that part of the county for many years), and died here September 31,
1838, aged seventy-four years, seven months and four days. His widow died August 9,
1853, aged seventy-nine years, five months and six days. Both were members of the Sev-
en Day Baptist Church. Solomon P. Gorgas married, May 8, 1845, Miss Elizabeth Eber-
ly, born in Hampden Township, this county. March 31, 1823, daughter of Benjamin and
Barbara (Kauffman) Eberly, natives of this county. Our subject farmed in Fairview
Township. York Co., Penn., until 1850, when he came to Mechanicsburg, this county, and
in 1855 purchased fifty -six acres of what is now a part of the east side of the city. In 1859
Mr. Gorgas, in company with Levi Merkel, Jacob Mumraa. Jacob, Levi F. and Samuel
Eberly, William R. Gorgas, John Nisley and John Brandt, formed a banking company,
under" the firm name of Merkel, Mumma & Co., witii John Brandt, president, and Levi
Kauflman, cashier. In 1861 the bank became the Mechanicsburg Bank, chartered under
the State law, Levi Merkel, president. In February, 1864, the bank was chartered as the
First National Bank, with Solomon P. Gorgas, president, and re-chartered in February,
1883. To our subject and wife have been born nine children, of whom one son and three
daughters are living: Kate E., wife of Dr. J. Nelson Clark, of Harrisburg, Penn.; Will-
iam P., formerly connected with the First National Bank, in Mechanicsburg, now resid-
ing in St. Louis, Mo.; Anna B., wife of Jacob H. Kohler, a member of the firm of J. B. Koh-
ler & Co., manufacturers, Mechanicsburg, Penn.; and Mary E., wife of William C. Hicks,
proprietor of the "Peoples Tea Store," at Harrisburg, Penn. Mr. Gorgas has been identi-
fied with this couiity for the past seventy years. He built the Irving Female College, of
Mechanicsburg. He and his wife stand high in the estimation ot all who know them.
They reside in the house in which they were married forty years ago. Mrs. Gorgas is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is not only one of our old set-
tlers, but one of the honest, upright, solid business men. He has held various local offices
of trust in his town, and has lived to see Mechanicsburg and Cumberland County undergo
many interesting and important changes. - .
GEORGE HAUCK, county commissioner, member of the firm of Hauck & Comstock,
machinists, etc., Mechanicsburg, is a representative of one of the old families of Cumber-
land County, born on the old homestead of his father and grandfather, in Meadow Valley,
414 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Lancaster Co., Penn., July 6, 1823. His parents, George and Hannah (Senseman)
Hauck, were born In Meadow Valley, Penn. His father, who was a farmer, was a son of
George Hauck, who came from Germany and settled in Meadow Valley, Lancaster Co.,
Penn., in 1760. He was a shoemaker by trade, but followed farming. George Hauck
was the fifth child and third son in a family of nine children, six of whom attained
maturity. Our subject was but two years old when he came with his parents to Silver
Spring Township, settling on a farm four miles northwest of Mechanicsburg, where
George remained, attending school winters until he was seventeen years of age, when he
began to learn viragon-making at New Kingston, this county. In 1843 he came to Mechan-
icsburg and finished his trade in the coach-making establishment of his brothers, and in
1845 bought a half interest in the business. His brother Adam dying in 1855, George
Hauck bought out his interest, and later he and his brother Samuel bought out the half
interest that their deceased brother owned in what is now the Hauck & Comstock foundry.
In I860 George Hauck sold out his coach-making establishment and that same year he and
his Ijrothers bought out the partner's (Jeremiah Senseman's) interest and ran under the
firm name of S. & Q. Hauck until 1880, when they sold a half interest to George 8. Com-
stock, the business then being under the firm name of Hauck & Comstock. Mr. George
Hauck has always been an active business man. He was elected county commissioner of
Cumberland County in November, 1884; in September, 1885, he was elected director of the
Allen and East Pennsborough Fire Insurance Company, and treasurer in October, 1885. Mr.
Hauck has been director of the First National Bank since 1863, and has served as president
and director of the Mechanicsburg Gas and Water Company since 1856. He is a self-made
man, having learned early in life to depend upon his own resources, and stands high in
the estimation of all as an honest citizen and gentleman. Although a commissioner of
the county he is not a politician. Mr. Hauck is a Universalist in belief; his wife is a
member of the Lutheran Church. They have ten children, four living: Sarah E. (wife
of John A. Eberly, a land agent residing at McPherson, Kas.); David A. (married to Miss
Mary Singiser, who died in 1884), is a foreman in the machine shops of Hauck & Corn-
stock; Abner J. (married to Miss Anna Henry) is car accountant in the car department of
the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railway at Cape Charles, Va. ; Susan A. (wife of
John A. Keesberry, chief clerk, car accountant's office of the Pennsylvania Railroad at
Philadelphia). The Hauck family is of German descent.
GEORGE W. HAUCK, dealer in stoves, tinware and hardware, Mechanicsburg, was
born in Mechanicsburg, Penn., May 6, 1841, son of Adam and Susannah (Wonderly)
Hauck. Adam Hauck was an iron manufacturer and at one time a partner of Jeremiah
Senseman, with whom he did business under the firm name of Senseman & Hauck, which
afterward became S. & G. Hauck and is now Hauck & Comstock. Adam and Susannah
Hauck had four children. George W., the second child and son, attended the common
schools and Cumberland Valley Institute until he was nineteen. He began to learn the
tinner's trade at the age of fifteen, and from nineteen until twenty-six worlced at his trade in
Cincinnati (Ohio), Rochester, Wabash (Indiana), Harrisburg and other places. In 1867 he
formed a partnership with his uncle, F. Wonderly, and engaged in the stove and tinware
business until 1869, when Mr. Haucli bought out Mr. Wonderly, and soon after formed a
partnership with his brother S. F. Hauck, which continued until August, 1878, when he
bought out his brother's interest and has since conducted the business alone. He and his
brother, S. F. Hauck, and J. K. Seifert and S. H. Coover organized the Huston Net Com-
pany, afterward purchasing Mr.Coover's interest, and the net industry is now owned and
conducted solely by G. W. and S. F. Hauck, doing business under the name of Huston Net
Company. George W. Hauck, married, January 5,1869,Miss Alice Starr, of Quaker descent,
born in Lisburn, this county, daughter of Reuben T. and Elizabeth (Lloyd) Starr. Mrs.
Hauck is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To this union have been born
three children, two now living: Walter L., born August 6, 1875, and E. Starr, born March
19, 1877. Mr. Hauck has one of the finest and most modern houses in the county, on South
Market Street, where he and his family reside. He is one of the enterprising, responsible
citizens and business men of Cumberland County. His family is of German descent, his
ancestors having settled in Pennsylvania in a very early day. Mr. Hauck is a charter
member of K. of P. Lodge and O. U. A. M., Mechanicsburg.
SAMUEL P. HAUCK, of Seiferl & Hauck, wholesale and retail hardware merchants
and fly-net manufacturers, Mechanicsburg, was born in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co.,
Penn., August 30, 1850; son of Adam and Susan M. (Wonderly) Hauck, also natives of
this county, and who had three sons and one daughter. Samuel F., the youngest, at-
tended school until he was sixteen, when, he went to Harrisburg, Penn., and clerked for
U. R. Buck & Bro., grocers; worked for them and at the tinner's trade until 1869, when he
formed a partnership with his brother, George W., and opened a tin and stove store in Me-
chanicsburg. In 187.3 he, in company with others, formed the Hauck Bros. & Co. Patent
Faucet Company. In 1879 he sold out his interest in the stove and tinware business, formed
his present partnership, and established his hardware trade. In 1881 he engaged in the
leather fly-net manufacture under the present firm name of "The Huston Net Company."
Mr. Hauck was married in December, 1870, to Miss Ella Hertzler, a native of near Shepherds-
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 415
town, this county, daughter of C. D. Hertzler. To this union was born one son, Ralph S.,
who died aged eight months. Mrs. Hauck died in September, 1875, and November 4, 1880,
Mr. Hauck married Miss Lou E. Elcock, born in Siddonsburg, York Co., Peun., daughter
of Joseph and Mary (Breneman) Elcock, Mechanicsburg. Mrs. Hauck is a member of the
Church of God. Mr. Hauck has a beautiful brick residence fitted up in the most modern
style, where he and his family reside. He is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 303, A. Y. M. ;
I. O. O. F. and I. O. O. H., Mechanicsburg. He is one of the leading enterprising represen-
tative citizens of Cumberland County, where he has been identified all his life. He has
the confidence and respect of all and is known as an honest, upright business gentleman.
BENJAMIN HAVERSTICK, retired farmer, Mechanicsburg, was born on the Co-
nostogo River within three miles of Lancaster City, Lancaster Co., Penn., March 3, 1801,
son of Michael and Eve (Bender) Haverslick, natives of Lancaster County. Their par-
ents came from Germany. They were members of the German Reformed Church. They
had five children — three sons and two daughters: Michael, George, Maria (wife of Socra-
tes Myers), Nancy (wife of Adam Kindig) and Benjamin. The subject of our sketch,
the youngest, remained on the farm with his father until his marriage, November 38,
1824, with Miss Lydia Meylin, who was born four miles south of Lancaster, Penn., March
8, 1807, daughter of Abraham and Anna (Shank) Meylin, also natives of Lancaster
County, and members of the old Mennonite Church. After marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Haverstick moved to Cocalico Township, Lancaster Co., Penn., and engaged in farming
until April, 1834, when they settled on a farm one mile west of Mechanicsburg, in Silver
Spring Township, this county, and there followed agricultural pursuits until 1875, when
the farm was rented. They have since resided in Mechanicsburg. They are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the ten children born to this couple, six survive:
AnnaM., born November 3, 1835, was married, December 29, 1846, to John A. Hensel,
since deceased; Hiram A., born November 10, 1828, was married July 4, 1855, to Miss
Nancy J. Johnson, and is a farmer in Marion County, Ind. ; Benjamin, who married Mary
L. Suavely, was a member of a Pennsylvania volunteer regiment under Col. Rush, was
wounded and captured by the rebels, and died June 15, 1868, from exposure while in serv-
ice; Martin M., married Miss Sarah Jane Wonderly, and residing on a farm in Vernon
County, Mo.; Lydia R.. married, April 7, 1857, to Dr. William H. Longsdorf, ex-county
treasurer, and major of a Pennsylvania cavalry regiment from Cumberland County; Bar-
bara Eve, born June 83, 1838, died December 30, 1839; Levi M., married to Miss Emma E.
Frantz January 4, 1870, was captain of an infantry company under Col. H. J. Zinn, and
was wounded at the battle of Antietam and at Fredericksburg, where his colonel was
killed— his widow resides at Rock Island, 111.; Mary E., married November 38, 1866, to
John A. Longsdorf, resides in Mechanicsburg, Penn.; Fannie and Carrie (twins), the for-
mer, married to Edward Weibly, died September 80, 1883, aged thirty-six years, four
months and four days; the latter, married to William Williamson October 14, 1869, re-
sides in Mechanicsburg, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Haverstick have been married
sixty-one years, and enjoy good health. They stand high in the estimation of all,
and are among the few old settlers who have lived to see this county undergo so many in-
teresting changes. .
JESSE C. HAYS, retired merchant, Mechanicsburg, was born m Newberrytown,
York Co., Penn., Julv 34, 1818. His grandfather, Jesse Hays, was born in Wales, and
came alone to America when a young man, settling in Chester County, Penn., but after-
ward moved to York County, same State, and took up large tracts of land in Fishing
Creek "Valley. He married Miss Margarey Mills. Though Jesse Hays and his wife were
at first Methodists, they subsequently became Quakers; their family consisted of three
daughters and one son: Lydia, wife of Joseph Willett; Susan, married first to a Mr.
Clark and then to a Mr. Carskaddon; Hannah, a maiden lady, and Mills. Mills Hays,
the last-named, was born in Newberrytown, York Co., Penn., and in early life fol-
lowed coopering, but afterward taught school; served as justice of the peace for eighteen
years and was elected, later, to the office of associate judge of York County, Penn., fill-
ing this position for five years. He died in 1858, aged seventy-two years; he married
Miss Eve CruU, of York County, and had two sons and three daughters, who lived to be
men and women, and of whom two daughters and one son are now living: Sidney, widow
of William Epley, resides in Newberrytown; Jesse C. and Jane, wife of Samuel P. Har-
mon- they reside in Newberrvtown, York Co., Penn. Our subject attended school in
Newberrytown until he was eighteen, when he began teaching, and after following this
profession eight winters engaged in mercantile trade with his father. In 1848 he bought
out his father's interest and engaged in business for himself until 1865, when he sold
out He was elected justice of the peace of Newberry Township m 1863, and held that
oflace five years; was also postmaster eight years. In 1869 he came to Mechanicsburg,
where he has since resided. Mr. Hays was married, May 13, 1853, to Miss Mary Miller,
born in Newberry Township, »York Co., Penn., February 15, 1837, daughter of Sam-
uel and Mary (Reeser) Miller, old settlers of York County, and Whose parents came from
Germany. Mr. Hays attends the Presbyterian Church; Mrs. Hays is a member of the
United Brethren Church. To them have been born two children: Mills M., born in New-
416 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES;
berrytown, York Co., Penn., married to Mis8 Clara Bowers, is a cigar maiuifacturer,
and Mame, at present attending Miss Woodward's school at Harrisburg. Mr. Hays is an
enterprising business man and representative citizen of Meclianicsburg, wliere he has
been a resident since 1869. He has a nice residence on West Main Street, where he and
his family reside. In politics he is a Democrat.
SAMUEL F. HOUSTON, harness-raalier, at present engaged in fly net manufacture,
Mechanicsburg, was born September 13, 1833, in Silver Spring Township, this county, on
his grandfather's (Michael Saxton's) farm; is a son of James (a farmer) and Mary (Saxton)
Houston, also natives of this county, attendants of the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church.
They had three sons and one daughter, Samuel F. being the second son and third child.
His father dying when our subject was but four years of age, the latter was raised by
Henry W. Irwin in Silver Spring Township until he was twelve years old, when he was
apprenticed to Samuel Fisher to learn the harness-maker's trade, at New Kingston, where
he served four years; then traveled west in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri; then
returned to New Kingston and carried on a shop of his ow^n six years (until 1859), when he
located in Mechanicsburg, and engaged in the same business here until 1863; then acted as
salesman for George De B. Keim, ex-sheriff of Philadelphia, in the hardware business
until 1864; then clerked in a dry goods store at Harrisburg until 1866; then formed a part-
nership with George Beelman and engaged in the grocery business until the spring of
1871, when he sold out to his partner, and opened a grocery store in Mechanicsburg, con-
tinuing this till 1881. In 1883 he established his present net manufacture, where he em-
ploys from eight to ten hands, and manufactures over forty different kinds of leather nets.
Mr. Houston owns the store building (occupied, the first floor by M. H. Spahr and John
A. Kauffiman; the second floor by Mechanicsburg Library and Literary Association, John
L. Shelly and J. N. Young; the third being lodge rooms of P. S. A. and K. of G. E.,
respectively), some building lots and his house on Main Street, where he and his family
reside. Our subject was married, December 26, 1865, to Miss Sallie A. Beelman, born in
Monroe Township, this county, daughter of John and Susan (Coover) Beelman. To this
union have been born three sons: J. Milton, born July 2, 1867; Glen R., born June 26,
1871, and George B., born November 26, 1874. Mr. Houston is a member and treasurer of
Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M., also a member of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and
member of Samuel C. Perkins Chapter, No. 215, R. A. M., and member of Grand Chapter
of Pennsylvania. He has held various offices of trust in Mechanicsburg; was councilman
one term, burgess three terms, and was treasurer of Mechanicsburg Loan and Building
Association for nine years. 'The family of Houston is of Scotch-Irish descent, and our
subject's ancestors were among the hardy Scotch-Irish people driven out of Ireland
on account of their religion, seeking homes in America and settling in Pennsylvania.
GEORGE HUMMEL, grain and coal merchant, Mechanicsburg.
EDWIN W. HURST, leading merchant tailor of Mechanicsburg, was born in Phila-
delphia, Penn., December 31, 1829, son of Jacob Bricker and Susan (Hershfeldt) Hurst.
Jacob B. Hurst was born near Dillsburg, Y'ork Co., Penn., son of John and Catharine
(Cocklin) Hurst, who were the parents of three sons and four daughters: Edwin W., the
eldest; Jacob, a merchant, of Mechanicsburg, Penn.; Lydia, wife of William Spahr,
superintendent of the city railway stables, Harrisburg, Penn. ; Ellen, wife of William Nel-
son, a farmer near Dillsburg, York Co., Penn.; Kate, wife of Robert Mateer, hardware
merchant, Harrisburg, Penn.; Templeton B., who married Miss Jennie Lyman, a daugh-
ter of Col. Lyman, attorney at Lock Haven, Penn. (he, Templeton B., served all through
the war of the Rebellion); Mellie, wife of George W. Hackett, a hardware merchant at
Sunbury, Penn. Our subject, when an Infant, was brought by his parents to Dillsburg,
Penn., where his father engaged in the tailoring and merchant tailoring and was post-
master and who later opened a general store. Edwin W. assisted his father, learning the
tailoring of him. He was married in August, 1851, in Newville, Penn., to Miss Sarah Mil-
ler, born in Fishing Creek Valley, York Co., Penn., daughter of Henry and Catharine
(Roth) Miller; former a son of John Miller. In 1855 our subject went to Philadelphia,
Penn., and worked at his trade some ten years, then came to Mechanicsburg and did the
merchant tailoring for his father who had opened a dry goods store here. In 1872 he
established his present business here. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church. They have six children: Annie C, wife of John P. Eckels, of Decatur, 111., a
traveling salesman for Morehouse, Wells & Co., wholesale hardware dealers, Decatur,
111.; J. Harry, born in Dillsburg, York Co., Penn., February 31, 1854, married December
23, 1879, to Miss Sarah A. Eberly, born in Upper Allen Township, daughter of Jacob and
Mary (Hertzler) Eberly, (he, J. Harry, is a tailor of Mechanicsburg, has had two children,
one now living: Hattie Maude Hurst) ; Ida, who died aged two years; Charles M., hard-
ware merchant, junior partner in firm of Morehouse, Wells & Co., and who married
Miss Rella Shockley, and resides at Decatur, 111.; Maude, who died aged eight years;
Robert T., born in Mechanicsburg, Penn., died in 1876, aged three years. Our subject is
a member of Humane Lodge, 343, I. 0. O. F., York County, Penn., and a member of the
American Mechanics, and Knights of the Golden Eagle, and Commandery, and a member
the G. A. R., Capt. Zinn Post, No. 415. He is an enterprising representative businessman,
and stands high in the estimation of all who know him.
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 417
JACOB HURST (originally spelled Horsh), dry good merchant, Mechanicsburg, is a
native of Yorls County, Penn., born at Dillsburg August 13, 1832, son of Jacob B. and
Susan (Herobfeldt) Hurst, former of whom born near Dillsburg York Co. Penn., January
7, 1808, was a son of John (who was a farmer) and Catharine (Cocltlin) Hurst, who were
the parents of four sons and three daughters, who lived to be men and women. Jacob B.
was raised on a farm until he was fifteen, when he began to learn the tailor's trade with
William Gilbethorp; four years later he went to Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and after
working at his trade a number of years returned to Dillsburg and opened a tailor shop on
his own account in 1831. He afterward (in 1855) opened a general store, and in the spring
of 1866 came to Mechanicsburg and established the dry goods liouse of J. B. Hurst & Son.
He was a director of the First National Bank and a man of high honor and sterling
worth. He and his wife were earnest Christians and members of the Presbyterian Church,
in which he was elder for a number of years. Jacob B. Hurst stood high in the estima-
tion of all as an upright, honest Christian gentleman. He departed this life November 18,
1875; his widow is living in Mechanicsburg. This couple had seven children, three sons
and four daughters: Edwin W., a merchant tailor of Mechanicsburg; Jacob, our subject;
Lydia B., wife of William A. Spahr, a stock-dealer, residing in Harrisburg; Mary E.,
wife of William B. Nelson, resides on a farm near, Dillsburg, Penn.; Templeton B., of
East Saginaw, Mich,, an ex-soldier from Company H Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania
Reserves; Kate M., wife of Robert B. Mateer, ahardware merchant ofHarrlsburg, Penn.;
Melizena M., wife of George W. Hackett, a hardware merchant of Sunbuiy, Penn. The
subject of our sketch attended school until he was fifteen, then assisted his father in the
merchant tailoiing and general store at Dillsburg until the fall of 1865, when he came
with his father to Mechanicsburg and formed a partnership with him, under the firm name
of J. B. Hurst & Son. Three months after his father's death he purchased the entire stock
and has since conducted the business alone; he now carries a full line of dry goods and
notions, carpets, etc., valued at |17,000. September 5, 1872, Mr. Hurst married Julia
Wilson, born in Carlisle, Penn., daughter of Robert and Sarah (Shock) Wilson. To Mr.
and Mrs. Hurst have been born two children: Wilson and Corliss. Mrs. Hurst is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is one of the leading business men of Cumber-
laud County, and stands high in the estimation of all as an upright business man. The
family is of German descent, and is one of the oldest In Pennsylvania.
E. RANKIN HUSTON, the leading painter of the eastern portion of Cumberland
County, is a son of William Huston, who was a most excellent farmer and worthy citizen,
and on his mother's side a direct descendant of the historic Enders family of Dauphin
County. Samuel Huston, the paternal great-grandfather, emigrated from Scotland in the
early part of the eighteenth century; was a farmer and settled in what was tlien East
Pennsborough Township, but which is now included in the township of Silver Spring. The
tract of land on which the original house was built has been known since as the Huston
homestead, and occupies a pleasant site some three miles north of the village of Hoges-
town. His maternal great-grandmother was Isabella Sharon. Samuel Huston died in
1800, and his widow, Isabella, in 1804. Both are buried in the Pine Hill burying-ground.
They had two sons: John and Jonathan. His paternal grandfather was Jonathan Hus-
ton, a farmer, whose wife was Margaret Rankin Mclntire, a native of Ireland. They had
eleven children: Rebecca Eckels, John, John, Samuel, Samuel, Isabella, Isabell (Shafer-
Klng), William, Jane C. Talbert, Mary Swiler and Margaret Eckels. The father of this
family died November 10, 1830, aged seventy years, and the mother, August 24, 1846, aged
seventy-six years, and both are buried at Silver Spring. William Huston, the father of
our subject, was born on the old homestead, on the original settlement, December 19,
1799. He spent his youth on the farm; learned the carpenter's trade, and for a number
of years enjoyed quite a reputation as a bridge-builder in the western part of this State.
March 29, 1838, he married Mary Ann, daughter of Peter and Catherine Phillips, nee En-
ders. William Huston was not only a model farmer and ingenious mechanic, but a gen-
tleman of sterling character and great physical endurance. He was a descendant of that
class of Scotch-Irish settlers who came into the Cumberland Valley from the eastward,
and who have left everywhere the unmistakeable evidence of thrift and enterprise. Per-
haps to them more than any other class this portion of the Cumberland Valley owes its su-
periority its fine sense of right and high standard of moral excellence. He died April 29,
1883 and his remains repose by the side of his parents, in Silver Spring. Mary A., his
wife was born September 32, 1817. She was a member of Trindle Spring Lutheran
Church and her life bore the testimony of the sincerity of her profession. Gifted by na-
ture with qualites which were rare and desirable, she was appreciated by all who knew
her She was amiable and kind, and in the consistency of her life an ornament to Chris-
tianity She died October 7, 1881, and was buried at Silver Spring. They had one daugh-
ter who died in infancy, and one son, E. Rankin Huston, who was born September 28,
1848 at the old homestead, and spent his earlier years on a small farm, one-half mile
north of Mechanicsburg. During the winter season he attended the public school of the
district until he had mastered all the branches embraced in its curriculum. He subse-
quently entered the Pennsylvania College of Trade and Finance, from which he gradual-
418 BIOQEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ed in the class of 1867. Afterward he gave himself up to the study of painting and dec-
oration, and his marked success evidences the wisdom of his choice. December 4, 1873,
he married Mary B., youngest daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Wcibley) Walters, who
was born January 33, 1850. Two children are the results of this union; Carrie I., born
September 11, 187-1, and Mary E., born August 10, 1878. Mr. Huston has resided in Me-
chanicsburg since 1873, and is held in deservedly high esteem by his fellow-townsmen.
He is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M. ; treasurer of Samuel C. Perkins
Chapter, No. 209, R. A. M., of Mechanicsburg; St. John's Commandery, No. 8, K. T., of
Carlisle; Grand H. R. A. Chapter of Pennsylvania; Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 315, I. O.
O. F. His great-grandparents on his maternal side were Jacob and Mary Phillips, who
were born in Germany and immigrated to Pennsylvania. Jacob Phillips was a soldier in
the Revolutionary war three years; was wounded in the head and face, and died in 1783.
Mary, his widow, died in 1807, and both are buried in the Catholic cemetery at Carlisle.
Peter Phillips, his grandfather, was born in Cumberland County May 8, 1781. In his
younger days he learned the carpenter's trade. He enlisted as a private in the war of 1812.
His eminent qualities as a soldier were fitly recognized in his rapid promotion, having
become, soon after entering the service, first lieutenant. He participated in the battles
of Chippewa, Lundy's Lane, and various other engagements with the English and their
Indian allies, narrowly escaping on several occasions from falling in the hands of the
savage foe. He was wounded by Indians lying in ambush. Returning to his home in the
fall of 1814, he again resumed his trade. April 6. 1806, he married Catharine, daughter of
Philip C. and Anna Enders. She was born March 18, 1783, in Lancaster County, and
died November 38, 1844, and is buried near Belleville, Ohio, leaving behind her tender
memories of her liindness of heart arid graces of character. Peter Phillips died October 5,
1860, and was buried atTrindle Spring Church. The Enders family, of which our subject
is a lineal descendant, was quite distinguished in the part of Germany in which it resided.
Philip C. Enders, the great-grandfather of E. Rankin Huston, was ifiorn July 23, 1740, in
Braunsigweilen, Germany. After completing his education he entered the military serv-
ice of his sovereign, and participated in numerous battles of the seven years' war. For
gallantry and other soldierly qualities he was promoted to a captaincy in the royal cavalry.
He resigned his commission, and on May 13, 1764, married Anna, a daughter of Conrad
Degen, and a few months later came to America. His first settlement was in Philadel-
phia, and later he moved to Lancaster County. In 1788 he purchased a tract of over 1,300
acres in Upper Paxton, Dauphin County, and moved there with his family, where he con-
tinued to reside until his death, February 36, 1810. Anna, his wife, died in 1796. He
was in many respects a remarkable man, and has left his mark on the subsequent history
of Dauphin County. He was the founder of FetterhofE's Church, erected the first saw-
mill in the valley, organized and taught the first school in that section of country, and
was the leading spirit in all public enterprises. It is thus seen the family of which E.
Rankin Huston is a representative, is one of the original and leading families of this part
of the State, and closely identified with all movements of its general prosperity.
JAMES S. HUSTON, inventor, farmer and manufacturer, Mechanicsburg, is a great-
grandson of Samuel Huston, who was born in Ireland, and came to America when a young
man, settling in Pennsylvania, where he married. His son, Samuel, born in Cumberland
County, Penn., in 1776, married Miss Nancy Clendenin, and had five sons: Samuel,
Robert, William, John and James (twins). They were members of the old Presbyterian
Church at Silver Spring. Of their children James was born in Silver Spring 'Township,
this county, became a farmer, and in the course of time married Miss Mary Saxton, who
bore him four children — three sons and one daughter: John, Sarah, Samuel F. and James
S. The subject of our sketch, who is the youngest, was but two years old when his father
died; he then went to live with his uncle, William Saxton, and remained with him work-
ing on the farm and attending school until he was sixteen, when he was apprenticed to the
harness-making trade at New Kingston, this county, for three years; thence went to Hoges-
town, but after one year returned to New Kingstown, and two years later moved to Woos-
ter, Ohio, but in a short time came to Mechanicsburg and opened a harness shop. In 1869
he invented the Huston fly net used by the Huston Fly Net Company of Mechanicsburg,
and also invented the Huston Net No. 3, used by I. 0. Deihl, of Shippensburg, Penn.
He then engaged in the manufacture of fly nets until 1881. when he sold out and embarked
in farming and milling, purchasing the Boucher Millat Hogestown, which was burned in
September, 1885. June 15, 1856, Mr. Huston married Miss Sarah Huntsburger, born in
Lower Allen Township, this county, daughter of Jonas and Leah (Tyson) Huntsburger,
and to this union have been born four children, 'one living— Arthur J. — born in Mechan-
icsburg May 35, 1865. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Huston is an
enterprising business man; starting in life without a cent he deserves much credit for his
success. His grandfather, Samuel Houston (or Huston) and Samuel Houston, the founder
of Houston, Tex., were cousins.
LEVI KAUFFMAN, deceased (see portrait). Prominent among the honored
dead of Cumberland County there is none more worthy of representation than
the subject of this sketch.. His family have, from a very early date, been closely
BOKOaGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 419
identified with the history of Pennsylvania. Christian KaufEman, his great-grand-
father, immigrated to America from Germany about 1730, and settled in Manor
Township, Lancaster Co., Penn., where he died March 1, 1799. He was married to Bar-
bara Bear, whose death occurred January 18, 1801. They had six children, of whom
Isaac, the second son and grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Manor
Township, Lancaster Co., Penn. , in 1763, and died January 4, 1836. In the year 1786 he mar-
ried Catharine Baughman, who died July 9, 1833. Their youngest son, the Hon. Andrew
I. KaufEman, father of Levi KaufEman, was born August 24, 1803, at the old homestead in
Manor Township, Lancaster County, and spent the greater part of his life in that town-
ship. He represented Lancaster County in the House of Representatives In the State
Legislature, and was closely associated with Hon. Thaddeus Stevens and Hon. Thomas
H. Burrows, In the establishment of our justly prized common school system. In 1850 he
became a resident of Cumberland County, and in 1853 removed to Mechanlcsburg, where
he engaged In mercantile pursuits, and continued therein until his death, which occurred
December 14, 1861. Andrew I. KaufEman was married, March 24, 1835, to Catharine Shu-
man, who was born July 16, 1806, and was the only daughter of Christian Shuman, of
Manor Township, Lancaster Co., Penu. She died at Mechanlcsburg May 18, 1875.
Levi Kauflman, their fourth son, the subject of this sketch, was born at Little Wash-
ington, Lancaster Co., Penn., September 13, 1833. At the age of thirteen he left home
and entered the drug store of Dr. George Ross, at Elizabethtown, as an apprentice. At
the end of four years he received, from Dr. Ross, a strong testimonial of his ability as a
druggist, for aptness, intelligence and Integrity of character. Mr. KaufEman remained In
the drugbusiness in Elizabethtown until April, 1854, when he removed to Mechanlcsburg,
and opened a new drug store In that place. A year or two later, In connection with his
father, Hon. Andrew I. KaufEman and Henry G. Rupp, he entered the hardware bus-
iness, connecting the drug store therewith, and continued therein until 1859, when he
accepted the position of cashier In the banking house of Merkel, Mumma & Co., subse-
quently chartered as the First National Bank, of Mechanlcsburg, Penn. This position he
resigned in 1863, when he was appointed by President Lincoln collector of internal rev-
enue for the Fifteenth District of Pennsylvania, comprising the counties of Cumberland,
York and Perry. He held that position until September, 1866, when he resigned rather
than endorse the odious policy, known as "My Policy," of President Johnson. His letter
of resignation, published in the Philadelphia Preaa of that date, gave clear evidence of his
sterling patriotism. Early in 1864 Mr. KaufEman assisted in organizing and became cash-
ier of the Second National Bank of Mechanlcsburg, and held that position until he
resigned in the latter part of 1869. The State Guard, a daily newspaper, started at the
State capital during 1867, was a project of Mr. KaufEman, and one in which he invested
a large sum of money; not proving a financial success he abandoned its publication in
1869. From 1870 until the time of his death, which occurred February 10, 1883, Mr. KaufE-
man was engaged in the fire insurance business, having the State central agency of sev-
eral large companies, his principal ofBce being at Harrisburg, Penn. Mr. KaufEman never
hesitated to perform any duty imposed upon him by his fellow citizens, his church or
society. As burgess, town councilman, school director, and member of the Ijoard of
trustees of Irving Female College, he was always on hand to take his full share of work
and responsibility. He was noted for his public spirit and local pride In the town of his
adoption, and many of the public and private improvements erected In Mechanlcsburg
were due to his foresight and energy. He was liberal to a fault. For more than thirty
years he was a member of the Church of God, and faithfully filled the oflSces of superin-
tendent of the Sabbath-school, deacon and elder. He frequently represented his church
in the annual eldership of east Pennsylvania, and on several occasions was a lay dele-
gate to the triennial sessions of the general eldership of the church. Mr. KaufEman was
a man of strong will, great energy, dauntless courage. Inflexible In the right, and afraid of
nothing but of being wrong. Fond of the sports of his children, as they were of playing
and being with him. While abounding in anecdote, jovial at table, with pleasant voice,
it was In harmony with the nature and power of Mr. KaufEman, who was a hero In action in
every condition of life, and possessed of a will and energy that fitted him to be a leader in
€very party to which he belonged. Politically Mr. KaufEman, like the others members of
his family, was a Republican, and assisted in the organization of that party In Pennsylva-
nia He took a keen interest and active part in the primary and general elections, fre-
quently participating as a delegate in the party conventions. In 1864 he was a delegate to
the National Republican Convention at Baltimore, and assisted in the nommation of Lin-
coln and Johnson. His eldest brother, Hon. C. S. KaufEman, oE Columbia, Penn., rep-
resented Lancaster County in the State Senate from 1878 to 1882. Lieut. Isaac B. KaufE-
man his second brother, served faithfully in the war of the Rebellion in the Ninth Reg-
iment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and died June 7, 1863, from disease contracted
in the service His brother, Andrew J. KaufEman, Esq., a member of the bar of Lancas-
ter County, was appointed, by President Arthur In 1883, collector of internal revenue for
the Ninth District of Pennsylvania. ^ ,„„ » .„,. ^ .^ ^ j
Mr. KaufEman was married, February 5, 1856, to A. Elizabeth Coover, daughter of the
420 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
late John Coover, Esq., of Meclianicsburg. (See page 407.) Mr. and Mrs. Kauffmanhad
five children, two of whom — Harvey and Willie — died in infancy. Their eldest son, Per-
cival C, was born in Mcchanicsburg August 13, 1857. He is a graduate of the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia; studied law in the office of Hon. Wayne Mac Veagh;
was admitted to the bar in Juno, 1879, and is now the junior member of the firm of Trout-
man & Kauffman, attorneys at law, at Hazlcton, Luzerne Co., Penn., representing, as
counsel, many of the largest individual coal operators and companies in tlie anthracite
region. Their second son, Walter Lee, was born in Mechanicsburg August 9, 1860. He
attended Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn., for several sessions, and is now assistant to
the superintendent of the American Tube & Iron Co., and has charge of the offices of the
company at Youngstown, Ohio. Miss Edith B. Kauffman, their only daughter, resides
with her mother, at their residence on West Main Street. This family ranks among the
first families in the county.
COL. DAVID H. KIMMEL, proprietor of restaurant and private boarding house,
Mechanicsburg, is one of the pioneer children of Cumberland County and is a represen-
tative of one of its oldest families. His grandfather, Valentine Kimmel, born in Lan-
caster County, Penn., came to Cumberland County, Penn., when a young men. His fa-
ther was a native of Germany and one of the earliest settlers of Lancaster County, Penn.
Col. D. H. Kimmel, was born in Shippensburg, this county, March 1.5, 1835, the second
son and seventh child in the family of two sons and seven daughters, of George and Mary
fSwiler) Kimmel, natives of this county, members of the Church of God, in which the
former was an elder and a deacon for forty-five years; he was a farmer by occupation.
Our subject attended school winters and worked on his father's farm until he was seven-
teen, when he came to Mechanicsburg, and learned the tinner's trade with George Bobb
and Robert Wilson. He worked at the trade seven years, then formed a partnership in
the boot and shoe business with D. A. Holmes, under firm name of Kimmel & Holmes,
for three years; then engaged at the tinner's trade until the breaking out of the Rebellion,
when he was one of the first to shoulder a musket and enlist his services in defense of
his country. He raised Company H, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, com-
manded by Col. Ziegle, the first company organized for three years' service in the State
of Pennsylvania. He was mustered out, by an order from the War Department, for the
purpose of raising Company H, of the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was elected cap-
tain, and subsequently major, then lieutenant-colonel, and latterly colonel, remaining until
close of the war, his regiment being one of the last mustered out. He was in 104 bat-
tles, besides skirmishes; was with Sherman in his celebrated march to the sea. Col.
Kimmel and his regiment composed of Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Lancaster and
Schuykill County boys, made one of the grandest charges on record. This was at the
battle of Reedyville, 'Tenn., September 6, 1864, when they charged Gen. Debarell, who
had 1,800 men and Col. Kimmel 240. The Colonel charged the General eight miles, pass-
ing clear through the enemy's lines, capturing 400 horses and 300 men; of the
Confederates there were 33 killed and wounded, while the loss in the Colonel's
regiment was but 7 killed and wounded. A few days afterward Gen. Debarell sent
Col. Kimmel word if he would meet him on an open field he thought that he (Debarell)
and his 1,800 men could whip the Colonel and his regiment. The Colonel sent back word
that he and his boys would meet him anywhere, and for him to appoint a place and date.
(The Colonel's regiment rode gray horses, and was known as the " Gray Horse.'') Strange
as it may seem, the Colonel, though a large man, weighing 300 pounds, never received a
wound, though he had a horse killed under him at Raleigh, N. C, when charging John-
ston's rear. Of the original company of 106 men raised in Cumberland County, three-
fourths were killed. The Colonel has complimentary letters from Gen. W. H. Sherman,
Gen. Stanley, Gen. Kilpatrick, Gen. Gordon Granger, Gen. Jackson, and others. At the
close of the war our subject returned to Mechanicsburg and formed a partnership with
George Bobb, under firm name of Bobb & Kimmel, and engaged in the hardware business
for three years; then opened his present hotel and restaurant. November 36, 1857, he
married Miss Kate Hoover, a native of Mechanicsburg, Penn., daughter of John and Mary
(Martin) Hoover, old settlers of Cumberland County. To this union have been born the
following named children: Frank H., born March 3, 1859. a traveling salesman for PoweU
& Co., wholesale grocers, Harrisburg, married to Miss Mary Welzel, of Carlisle; Minnie
E., residing at home with her parents; John G., born March 3, 1868, assists his father in
business; Sarah B., residing at home. The Colonel is a member of Col. H. I. Zinn
Post, No. 415, G. A. R. He has in his possession a Confederate flag, captured at the battle
of Milledgeville, Ga. In his charge there he captured thirty-four guidons or small flags.
The colonel stands high in the estimation of all, as a brave soldier, honest business man,
and good citizen.
JONAS KOLLER, farmer, P. O, Mechanicsburg, was born in Shrewsbury Township,
York Co., Penn., November 15, 1831, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Koller, also
natives of York County, the former of whom, a mill-wright and farmer by occupation,
died at the age of seventy-seven years and seven months, and the latter when aged seven-
ty-one years. They were members of the Lutheran Church. They had five sons and
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 421
four daughters. Jacob Koller had been previously married to a Miss Peterman, by whom
he had two sous and two daughters. Jonas Koller, the subject of this sketch, is the
youngest son and eighth child by the second marriage, and was but thirteen years old
when his parents came to Cumberland County and settled near Oysters Point in East
Pennsborough Township. In 1848 they moved to their farm near Shepherdstown, in Upper
Allen Township, where Jonas attended school during the winters and worked at farming
and the trade of wagon-making, until his marriage with Miss Catherine Bingaman, March
9, 1856. She was born in Shepherdstown, this county, October 26, 1831, a daughter of
Charles and Susan (Keiper) Bingaman, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., who settled
in Shepherdstown soon after their marriage. They were members of the Reformed
Church, and had six daughters who grew up. Charles Bingaman, who was a contractor
and builder, died in 1876, aged seventy-four years. After his marriage, Mr. Jonas Koller
settled at KoUerstown one-half mile south of Mechaniosburg, where he and his father
built the first of two houses and the town was named for them. In 1873, our subject
moved to his present farm of fifty-flve acres in the eastern part of Mechanicsburg, where
he has a beautiful residence. Mr. and Mrs. Koller have had five children, four now liv-
ing: James B., Mary H., Jacob H. and William M. The boys comprise the firm of J. B.
Koller & Co., proprietors of the Cumberland Valley Spoke Bending, and Wheel Works.
Mrs. Jonas Koller is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Koller became a Mason in
early life, and later a Knight Templar and a member of St. John's Commandery, No. 8, at
Carlisle. He and his family stand high in the estimation of all. The family are of Ger-
man descent, our subject's great grandfather having come from Germany and settled in
York County, Pennsylvania, at a very early date.
ALFRED C. KOSER, proprietor of "Koser's City Market," near corner Main and
Market Square, Mechanicsburg, a representative of one of the oldest families of Cumber-
land County, was born on Main Street, Mechanicsburg, Penn., May 13, 1847, son of John
and Sarah (Rockafellow) Koser. John Koser, born in Mechanicsburg, Penn., was a
butcher by trade. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was one of the first to shoul-
der a musket in the defense of his country, enlisting, in the spring of 1861, in Capt. Dor-
shelmer's company of infantry for three months; returned home and re-enlisted, as ser-
geant of Company C, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was among the killed or missing
at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., in the summer of 1863. He and his wife had four
children. Alfred C, the only son and eldest in the family, was but fifteen when his
father was killed, but at that early age he enlisted in Company A, Twentieth Pennsylva-
nia Cavalry. He weighed 160 pounds and claimed he was eighteen, passed and was pro-
moted to corporal, thence to commissary-sergeant, and remained with this company six
months; re-enlisting, he served to the close of the war. War reports as follows: "Private
Company C, "Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, One Hundred and Eighty-first Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers; enlisted second lieutenant, January 88, 1864; enlisted at the age of fifteen
years, transferred to Company A, promoted to corporal and commissary-sergeant. Service
— ^Assigned to First Brigade, Second Division, Eighth Corps, March 30, 1864; engagement
at Newmarket. Va., May 15; Harrisonburg, June 4; Piedmont, June 5; Buffalo Gap, June
6; Staunton, June 10; Midway, June 11; Rose Mills, June 13; Cedar Creek, June 12; Lex-
ington, June 13; New Glasgow, June 14; Otter Creek, June 16; Quaker Church, June 17r
Lynchburg, June 18 and 19; Liberty, June 30; Salem, June 31. Detailed to service in
charge of orderlies at Harper's Ferry, July 3 and 18; Ashby's Gap, July 19 and 31; Win-
chester, July 20; Kernstown, July 28 and 24; Martinsburg, July 35 and 26. Second Brig-
ade. First Cavalry Division— August 7; Berryville Pike, August 10; Fisher's Hill, August
15; Front Royal, August 16; Berryville, August 21, September 3 and 4; Smithfield, August
25, 36 and 29; Winchester, September 19; Fisher's Hill, September 23; Luray Valley, Sep-
tember 24; Brown Gap, September 96; Waynesboro, October 3; Tom's Brook, October 8^
and 9; Cedar Creek, October 19; Nineveh, November 13; Roods Hill, November 23; Som-
erset, December 31; Gordonsville, December 33; Jack's Shop, December 33; Waynes-
boro, February 28, 1865; White House, March 27; Stony Creek, March 80; Dinwiddle
Court House, March SI; Hatcher's Run, March 31; Five Forks, April 1; South Side Rail-
road, April 3 and 3; White Oak Road, April 4 and 5; Harper's Farm, April 6; Amelia
Court House, April 6; Sailors Creek, April 7; Appomattox Station, April 8; Appomattox
Court House, April 9. Mustered out, June 10, 1865. Had two horses shot under him
—one killed at the battle of Lynchburg, Va., and the other had most of his neck shot
away at Five Forks, Va." At the close of the war, July 1, 1865, he returned home and
established his present business. Mr. Koser was married at Mechanicsburg, in December,
1868 to Miss Annie M. Markley, who was born at Shiremanstown, this county, daugh-
ter of Henry and Susan (Raudenbaugh) Markley, natives, respectively, of Cumberland and
Lancaster Counties, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Koser have one daughter: Grace Ella, born in
Mechanicsburg October 11, 1869, now attending school at Mechanicsburg. Mrs. Koser is
a member of the Church of God. Our subject is a junior vice-commander of Col. H. I.
ZinnPost No. 415, G. A. R., Mechanicsburg. He has held various local offices of trust;
was elected city councilman by the people of his ward for three years. In politics he is-
a Republican. His people are of German descent.
422 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
JOSEPH LEAS, justice of the peace, Mechanicsburg, was born on his father's farm
in Greenwood Township, Perry Co., Penn., January 27, 1832, son of Benjamin and Jane
(Mathews) Leas. Benjamin Leas, born October 21, 1759, was twice married; on first
■occasion to Miss Susannah Bowers, by whom he had thirteen children, seven sons and
three daughters living to be men and women. His first wife died March 14, 1814, and he
then married Mrs. Jane (Mathews) Purcell, who bore him three children — two sons and
one daughter: George, who resides in Shirleysburg, Huntingdon Co., Penn.; Joseph, our
subject, and Susannah, widow of Daniel Eshelman, residing in Greenwood Township,
Perry Co., Penn. Benjamin Leas died February 31, 1828, and Jane, his second wife, died
February 2.'5, 1857. Joseph Leas began clerking in Millerstown in the spring of 1838. In
1841 he clerked in Frankstown, Blair Co., Penn., one year; then followed same occupa-
tion at Dillsburg, York County, two years. In 1844 he went to West Hill, Cumberland
County, returning in 1845 to Dillsburg, and in October, 1847, he came to Mechanicsburg
and clerked for his brother, a merchant and postmaster. In 1854 Mr. Leas was elected
justice of the peace, and has held that office ever since. In May, 1865, he was elected
borough treasurer, and has held the office ever since, except one year (1879). He is presi-
dent of the Mechanicsburg Gas & Water Company, and is a director in the Second National
Bank. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Sarah Shurr, born in York County, Penn., and
who died, leaving one daughter, Laura R., who resides at home with her father. Mr.
Leas married Miss Emmaline H. Gould, a native of this county, daughter of Henry and
Elizabetli (Rice) Gould, and to this union were. born three children: Harry G. (deceased),
Fannie G. and Charles W. Mr. and Mrs. Leas are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Our subject owns a house on North Market Street, where he and his family reside, and
other property in Mechanicsburg. He was but six years old when his father died, and
early started to earn his own way in life. At fourteen he drove horses on the canal line
between Hollidaysburg and Philadelphia. His brother, Hon. George Leas, was elected a
representative to the Legislature from Huntingdon County, Penn., and his half-brother,
William B., was elected associate judge of Huntingdon County, Penn. The Leas are of
German descent.
LEVI H. LENHER, physician, Mechanicsburg, is a native of Pennsylvania, born
near Ephratah, Lancaster County, October 19, 1833, son of John and Mary (Hauck) Len-
der, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., who had four sons and two daughters, who lived
to be men and women. John Lenher, a machinist, was a member of the firm of Lenher &
Pennel, Lancaster Locomotive and Machine Works, and built the first locomotive west of
Philadelphia, called the "Hugh Keys." Levi H., the second child and eldest son, when
fourteen years of age, entered the Franklin and Marshall Academy, at Lancaster. At six-
teen he began to read medicine with Dr. John L. Atlee, and graduated at the Pennsyl-
vania College, Philadelphia, in 1843. He then located at Ephratah, Lancaster Co., Penn.,
where he remained until October, 1847, when he moved to Church town, this county,
where he resided until 1873, when he came to Mechanicsburg; went thence to Belmont,
Wright Co., Iowa, where he remained three years; then to Harrisburg, Penn., for three
and a half years; when he returned to Mechanicsburg and has here since resided. The
Doctor was married September 25, 1845, to Miss Mary A. Martin, born in Lancaster
•County, Penn., daughter of William and Jane Martin. Mrs. Lenher died April 38, 1867,
the mother of two children: J. W. Clarence, a clerk in the Pennsylvania Railway
recorder's office at Philadelphia, and Mary, who resides at home with her father. Janu-
ary 28, 1869, the Doctor married Mrs. Susan Burnette, born nearLititz, Lancaster Co.,
Penn., and to this union have been born two children: Elsie Hortense and Victor. Dr.
Lenher is a member of the K. P. Lodge, Churchtown, the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M.
He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. The Lenher family is of
•German origin, and early settlers of Lancaster County, Penn. Dr. Lenher stands high in
the estimation of all who know him as a physician and Christian gentleman. He is a
member of the State Medical Society of Pennsylvania and the Cumberland County Medi-
cal Society.
WILLIAM PENN LLOYD, attorney at law, ex-United States collector of internal
revenue, etc., Mechanicsburg, was born in Lisburn, Cumberland County, Penn., Septem-
ber 1, 1837, only son of William and Amanda (Anderson) Lloyd, both of Cumberland
County, former of whom learned the trade of cabinet-maker, engaged in the drug busi-
ness, and was postmaster of Lisburn for thirty years. William P. Lloyd worked on a
farm and at cabinet-making, with his father, until his eighteenth year. He attended the
ipublic schools, Dickinson Seminary, Cumberland County Normal School, and Whitehall
Academy — a single session at each of the last three-named institutions, amounting in aU
to about one year of academic Instruction— teaching in the winter and attending school in
the summer. At the age of eighteen he began teaching, and at twenty he began the study
of law under Col. William M. Penrose, then a prominent lawyer at Carlisle, and continued
teaching and studying until the outbreak of the Rebellion, when he raised a company for
the three months' service, but the quota of the State being filled before it was ready to be
mustered in, it was disbanded, and in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, First Penn-
sylvania Reserve Cavalry. He served sixteen months as a private, was promoted to hoa-
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 423
pital steward of the regiment, then to first lieutenant of Company E, and next to adjutant
■of regiment, acting as assistant adjutant-general of brigade. In this capacity he served
until September 9, 1864, when the regiment was mustered out at expiration of its three
years' term of service. He was engaged in the battles of Drainsville, Harrisonburg,
Cedar Mountain, Gainesville, Second Bull Run (both days), Fredericksburg, Brandy Station,
Aldie, Gettysburgfsecond and third days), Shepherdstown, New Hope Church, Todd's Tav-
ern, Childsberg, Richmond Heights and Meadow Bridge, Haws Shop, Cold Harbor, Bar-
ker's Mill, Trevillian Station, White House, St. Mary's Church, and a score or more of
skirmishes. Col. Lloyd returned home to Lisburn, and on the organization of the State
Guards, under Gen. Hartranft, was appointed inspector-general, with rank of lieutenant-
colonel. He resumed teaching and the study of law until April 18, 1865, when he was
admitted to the bar of Cumberland County. He has since been admitted to practice in
the courts of Dauphin, York and Perry Counties, the supreme court of Pennsylvania, and
district court of the United States. September 16, 1866, he was appointed collector of
internal revenue for the Fifteenth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, comprising the
counties of York, Cumberland and Perry. The important and responsible duties of the
position were discharged by Collector Lloyd in such a manner as to win the unqualified ap-
proval of the General Government, and was made the subject of highly commendatory
remarks by Gen. Cameron in the United States Senate. He resigned the coUectorship
August 1, 1869, to accept a position in the Dauphin Deposit Bank at Harrisburg, remaining
nearly fifteen years, and until January, 1884, when he quit the bank and went to work on
his farm near Mechanicsburg. A year later, regaining his health, which had suffered
from confinement in the bank, he opened his present law office (January 1, 1885). He is
one of the executors and trustees of the estate of the late Hon. Henry G. Moser, a director
of Harrisburg Bridge Company, and of the Mechanicsburg & Dillsburg Railroad Com-
pany. He has been commander of Col. H. I. Zinn Post, No. 415, G. A. R., since its or-
eanization, March 4, 1884. He is the author of the "History of the First Pennsylvania
Reserve Cavalry," a very complete work, giving a graphic history of the three years'
aervlce of this regiment during the late Rebellion, etc. Mr. Lloyd was married. May 33,
1865, to Miss Anna H., daughter of Israel L. and Margaret (Moser) Bover, and their fam-
ily consists of three children: Weir B., Mary E. and George E. Col. Lloyd is a Mason, a
member of Eureka Lodge of Mechanicsburg, and a Knight Templar, St. John's Com-
mandery. No. 8, Carlisle. His family is Welsh and English on the father's side, and
Scotch-Irish on the mother's side. He himself Is known extensively as a prompt and
capable business man and a genial and affable gentleman.
THOMAS H. MAUK, undertaker, Mechanicsburg, was born within eight miles
of Stuttgart, at Lauffen, on the River Nager,Wurtemberg, Germany, December 23, 1833,
a son of Gottleib and Gottleiben (Metzler) Mauk. The former was a cabinet-maker and
undertaker, and the father of two girls and two boys: Gottleiben, Dorothea C, Thomas
H. and Jacob. The last named resides at Broken Bow, Custer Co., Neb. Dorothea C. is
the widow of Christian Metzgar, and resides in Philadelphia. Gottleiben resides in Ger-
many. Thomas H. was but seven years old when his father died. He attended the com-
mon schools until fourteen; he then learned the cabinet and undertaking trade until he
was seventeen at Lauffen; then went to Stuttgart and worked until 1852; when he came
with his brother Jacob to America, landing in New York after a voyage of eight weeks.
Later he came to Philadelphia, where Thomas worked at his trade two years; then moved
to Churchtown and remained eight months, after which he came to Mechanicsburg and
worked for Samuel Worst, cabinet-maker and undertaker, three years. He then went to
Shiremanstown and opened a shop of his own, and while there was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Houmburg, May 3, 1856. She was born in Hessen-Cassel, a daughter of Beltzer and
Charlotte (Holts) Houmburg. In 1859 Mr. Mauk came to Mechanicsburg and worked for
Samuel Worst until 1865, and in 1866 formed a partnership with William S. Diehl in the
furniture and undertaking business. In 1882 Mr. Mauk sold his interest in furniture but
retained the undertaking business, which he has since continued. He has the leading es-
tablishment of the kind in this part of the country. He is a member of Shiremanstown
Beneficial Society. He and his wife are members of the Bethel Church. They have had
ten children, viz. : John J. married Miss Malinda Myers, and is engaged in the undertak-
ing, cabinet and furniture business at Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Thomas M. married Miss
Louisa Walker, of Bendersville, Adams County, and is engaged in the cabinet and furni-
ture business at Mechanicsburg, Penn.; Charles H. is engaged in the undertaking and
cabinet business at York Springs, Adams Co., Penn.-; Kate S. resides with her parents,
as do Mary E., Edward G., Samuel T. and Elizabeth C.
JAMES McAllister RALSTON, retired, Mechanicsburg, is a descendant of the
Ralstons and McAllisters, two of the oldest families of Cumberland County and Pennsyl-
Tania. Among those hardy Scotch-Irish Presbyterians who, on account of religious op-
pression, sought homes in western Pennsylvania, was Andrew Ralston, who located at
Big Spring, near Newville, this county, as early as 1728. He was a native of County Ar-
magh, Ireland, and came over to America at the outset of the Scotch emigration.
Shortly after the opening of the land office he applied for a warrant, stating that he had
424 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
occupied the land "ye past eight years." A license was directed to be issued, and below
is ijiven a verbatim copy, as in the original, in this connection: "Lancaster Co 8 8, by
order of the proprietary — these are to license and allow Andrew Ralston to continue to
improve and dwell on a tract of 200 acres of land on the Great 8pring, a branch of the
Conedogwainet, joyning to the upper side of a tract granted to Randel Chambers for the
use of his son James Chambers, to be hereafter surveyed to the s'd Ralston on tbe common
terms other lands in those parts are sold, provided tlie same has not been already granted
to any other person, and so can be had without prejudice to other tracts before granted.
Given under my hand this third day of January Ano: Dom: 1V36-7 — SA: Blunston. Pen-
slvania, S. 8. "Endorsed:'' License to Andrew Ralston — 200 acres — this land was subse-
quently surveyed to him by the surveyor of Lancaster Count}', Samuel Blunston." There
is no date of the death of Andrew Ralston. He left three daughters and two sons. One
of his daughters married one Hayes, another married one Mickey. David Ralston, the
eldest son, remained at Big Spring on his father's farm. He was twice married, first to
a Miss Scott, secondly to a Miss McClintock; both wives died at Big Spring. He removed
to Westmoreland County, Penn., in 1806, and died there, in 1810, near Greensburg. By
his first wife David Ralston had the following named children: Elizabeth, married to
Thomas Jacob; Jane first married to a Mr. Donald and second time to Mr. "Taylor;
Eleanor, married to Mr. Miller; James, married to Ruth Carson; Andrew, married to Miss
Kirkpatrick. By his second wife David Ralston had the following named children: Agnes,
married to Mr. AUsworth; Margaret, married to Mr. Moorhead; Ann, married to Mr.
Banks; Mary, unmarried; Sarah, unmarried, and David, Jr. His son, David Ralston, was
born at Big Spring, near Newville, this county, September 26, 1784; married Miss Lacey
McAllister; he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church; they had four
children: James McAllister, born near Newville, this county, January 14, 1823; David,
Andrew, Mary E., wife of David Line. The father of these children died March 8, 1849,
and the mother in 1863 in her seventy-third year. James McAllister Ralston, the eldest
child, was raised on a farm, and when in his seventeenth year (in 1839) moved with his
parents to the old farm (now owned by him) four miles west of Carlisle, and which was
located by his great-grandfather, Archibald McAllister, 1728, who purchased over 1,000
acres of land on both sides of McAllister Spring from William Penn. The old foundation
of the second mill built west of the Susquehanna River 120 years ago is on the above tract.
He, Archibald McAllister, married Miss Jean MoClure, near Carlisle, and their children
were as follows: Daniel, who settled in West Virginia; John and James, who went to Sa-
vannah, Ga., and settled where Fort McAllister now stands; Richard, who laid out the
town of Hanover, York Co., Penn., which was called McAllister until changed to Han-
over, about 1825; Archibald, settled at Fort Hunter above Harrisburg, in Dauphin Countv,
now called Rockville about 1750; Mary, married to Mr. McKnight; Jean, married to Mi.
Ormsby, and settled in what is now Pittsburgh; and another married Mr. Williamson, and
Andrew. The last named, Andrew McAllister, was born in the old McAllister farm in
1731. He married Miss Margaret Young, a daughter of James Young, and both husband
and wife died in 1804, aged seventy-three and sixty-one, respectively. The children of An-
drew and Margaret (Young) McAllister were: Elizabeth, wife of James Parker and who
moved to Lexington, Ky., in 1800; Jean, married to Joseph Pierce, they settled in this
county; Mary, married to Thomas Mclntire; Archibald, unmarried; Margaret, who went
with her eldest sister to Lexington, Ky., and married a Mr. Calhoun; James, unmarried,
who resided on the old farm; Sarah, who died unmarried; Eleanor, unriiarried: Lydia,
married to Joseph Jacob; and Lacey, the youngest, who, as above stated, married David
Ralston, the father of James McAllister Ralston, the subject of this sketch. During the
last three days of June, 1863, Johnston's division of Gen. Ewell's corps of the Rebel Army
encamped on the McAllister (now J. Mc. Ralston' s) farm, and was then ordered to proceed
directly twenty-five miles south, to participate in the battle of Gettysburg. Ewell's divis-
ion contained the "Louisiana Tigers," and also the Virginia artillery.
LEVI MERKEL (deceased) founder of the First National Bank, Mechanicsburg, is
deserving of more than a passing notice in this work, as a man of noble principles, one
who stood high in the estimation of all, a good neighbor and friend, and an upright, hon-
est business man and Christian gentleman. He held many important trusts during life,
and was the financial counselor of the widow and orphan. "The inexperienced sought his
advice, for he was kind-hearted and true, and had the entire confidence and respect of
all. Upon the organization of the common school system he became its warm friend, and
held the position of school director for many years. In the constitutional convention of
1838 he voted against the use of the word "white" in the constitution, for which he was
much censured at the time, but lived to see the signature of the President of the United
States appended to the emancipation proclamation. In the same convention the resolu-
tion restraining the power of the banks was fought step by step by the adherents and
tools of the United States Bank, which had become a Pennsylvania State Institution, and
they left no stone unturned to secure its defeat or postponement. It passed by the decid-
ing vote of Mr. Merkel, who voted against his own political nartisans— principle with him
was everything, policy nothing. The wisdom of this vote was soon demonstrated in the
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 425
history of the bank. Among his effects is a boolt containing the signatures of every mem-
ber of the convention, with marginal notes, showing the age and birthplace of each, his
business or occupation, etc. His prominent characteristic was his rigid adherence to
principle and to his convictions of what was right. On this ground he judged men, on it
he made his friends. Deception was not in his nature, in business he was exact; in judg-
ment clear and sound, in language always chaste, in habits frugal, in affection strong but
undemonstrative, in religion firm in faith in an all-ruling Providence. He wrote fre-
quentlv for publicatiou in religious papers, and his articles were full of strong argument
and beautiful thoughts. He was born near Bphrata, Lancaster Co., Penn., May 2, 1803,
the only child of Jacob and Mary (Carpenter) Merkel, natives of Lancaster County,
Penn., descendants of two of the oldest families of that county, and died at Carlisle,
Penn., on September 20, 1876. He was but four years of age when the family moved to
what is now Lower Allen Township, where he remained on the farm, attending school
and teaching until his marriage, on November 27, 1838, with Miss Susanna Martin, who
was born on October 13. 1810, on her father's farm near Shiremanstown (which adjoined
that of her husband's father). She was the daughter of David and Barbara (Hessin) Mar-
tin. They remained on the farm until the spring of 1858, when they moved to Mechan-
icsburg. To this union were born five sons and four daughters, of whom five children
are living: David R., a professor of music (at present engaged in farming on the old home-
stead farm in Lower Allen Township), married to Miss Sarah Eberly; Mary C, wife of C.
B. Niesley, a produce and grain merchant, Mechanicsburg; Barbara H., wife of John B.
Landis, Esq., at Carlisle; Naomi 8., who resides at the home of her mother; James Weir,
a banker, married to Miss Lilla A. Irvine, of Elmira, N. Y. The daughters are all mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church.
JOSEPH MILLEISEN, coal and lumber dealer, Mechanicsburg, was born in Lower
Paxton Township, four miles east of,;Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., Penn., September 19,
1813, on the old homestead of his father, where he remained until his marriage, in Feb-
ruary, 1844, with Miss Barbara, daughter of Christian and Mary (Brookhart) Martin, of
Cumberland County. Mr. Milleisen, in February. 1845, came to Mechanicsburg, where he
engaged in the grain and produce trade until 1859, when he established his present coal
and lumber business. Our subject has been actively identified with the best interests of
Mechanicsburg. He, with Dr. Ira Day, Jacob Mumma, S. P. Gorgas, John Brandt and
George Bilner organized the water and gas company which supplies the town. He
was elected and served as treasurer of the Gas and Water Company for three years, when,
retiring, his son, John, was elected in his stead. He has also held other local offices of
trust in Mechanicsburg, and is a director of the Mechanicsburg & Dillsburg Railroad. The
Milleisens are, as the name indicates, of German descent, and are members of the Re-
formed Church at Mechanicsburg. To our subject and wife were born seven children,
four of whom are living, and all were born in Mechanicsburg: George C, John J., Alfred
W. and Martin. George C, born January 24, 1847, married Miss Mary, daughter of John
and Prances (Bowman) Baker, who was born near Churchtown, this county, and to this
union were born two children: Fanny and Joseph. George C. lost his first wife by death
in 1872, and November 29, 1874, he married Miss Emma, daughter of Conrad Kime, of
Cumberland County. He is now in partnership with his father in the lumber and coal
business, under the firm name of Milleisen & Son. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.,
Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 815, Wildey Encampment, No. 39, and a member of the Im-
proved Order of Heptasophs, J. H. Conclave. No. 105 Mechanicsburg. John J., second
son of our subject, learned the druggist business, but was afterward appointed station
agent at Mechanicsburg for the Cumberland Valley R. R., which position he filled for three
years, when, after a short time passed in Shippensburg, he engaged in mercantile business at
Topeka, Kas., and in 1881 was persuaded by Mr. Talmadge, general manager of the Wa-
bash & St. Louis Railroad, to accept a position on this road, with headquarters at Jack-
sonville, 111. ; he married Miss Jennie, daughter of John Thompson. Alfred W., of the
firm of Milleisen & Keefer, is engaged in the hardware business here; is a mason and mem-
ber of the I. O. O. F. andHeptasoph societies; he married Miss Ida, daughter of Henry G.
Rupp, of Mechanicsburg. Martin is first teller in the Second National Bank of Mechan-
icsburg. Joseph Milleisen is one of the active and energetic business men of Cumberland
County, with which he has been identified for a period of nearly half a century. In poli-
tics he was first a Whig, but on the rise of the Republican party became a Republican, and
has since given that party his support. His brother Jacob is still living (the third gener-
ation of this family) on the old homestead in Paxton Township, Dauphin Co., Penn.
DAVID MILLER, grain and coal merchant, Mechanicsburg, was born May 14, 1825,
on the old homestead farm of his father in Windsor Township, fourteen miles north of
Reading, Berks Co., Penn. His parents, George and Mollie (Raver) Miller, natives of
Berks County, were members of the Lutheran Church; they had a family of eight chil-
dren— five sons and three daughters. David, the second son and child, worked on his
father's farm, attending school during the winters, until he was seventeen, when he went
to Leespbrt, Berks Co., Penn., and began to learn the trade of miller. After remaining
here three years and three months he attended school at Reading six months. He then
426 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
rented a water-mill on Maiden Creek, Maiden Creek Township, Berks Co. (before he was
twenty-one), and operated the mill three years; then he returned to Leesport and here
formed a partnership with William Major and bought the steam-mill (in which Mr. Mil-
ler learned his trade) some twelve months later. Mr. Miller sold his interest to his part-
ner, and in the fall of 1853 came to Mechiinicsburg, this county, and built the steam
flouring-mill now owned by the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, and used as a
warehouse. Mr. Miller operated this mill some seven years, in partnership with E. Zook
two years; then Mr. Zook sold his interest to Moses Eberly, and in 1861 Mr. Bberly pur-
chased Mr. Miller's interest. Our subject then engaged in the grain business, and some
four years later began to handle coal in connection with same. Mr. Miller was married,
October 18, 1853, to Miss Leali Forney, born in Berks County, Penn., daughter of John
and Lydia (Hartzler) Forney, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members
of the Lutheran Church. They have had seven children, three now living: Samuel F.,
clerking for his father, married to Miss Sallie Landers; Lillie, residing with her parents;
Annie M., wife of John Planck, dry goods merchant of Carlisle. Mr. Miller is a member
of Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M. ; is one of the directors of the Second Na-
tional Bank, and is one of Mechanicsburg's enterprising representative business men, and
stands high in the estimation of all who know him as an honorable citizen and Christian
gentleman. He is of Scotch and German descent; his great-grandfather came from
Scotland. Mr. Miller now owns and runs a flour-mill two miles south of Shermanstown,
York County (it is a mill of fifty barrels per day capacity), and a farm of fifty acres — the
mill stands in the center of the farm — and a dwelling-house in Mechanicsburg, and a
warehouse for handling grain.
DAVID R. MILLER, proprietor of Miller's Sash, Door and Blind Factory, Mechanics-
burg, was born on the old family farm in Silver Spring Township, this county, July 15,
1829, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Shupe) Miller, natives of Silver Spiing Township,
this county, and Dauphin Couilty, Penn., respectively. Abraham Miller, who was a
farmer and distiller, a son of John Miller, was born in Germany, and came to Lancaster
County, Penn., and afterward to Silver Spring Township, this county. He and his wife
were members of the Lutheran Church. They had five sons. David R., the eldest, re-
mained on the farm and attended schood during the winters until he was apprenticed
three years to learn the carpenter's trade, and contracting and building, in which he con-
tinued until 1848, when he began to work in the sash, door and blind factory of Seidle &
Eberly. Soon afterward he became foreman, and remained with this company until 1853.
He then worked at his trade in Franklin, Cumberland and Dauphin Counties until 1863,
when he, with F. Seidle, Samuel Eberly and others commenced bridge-building for the
Government. Then he worked in George FruUinger's factory, Harrisburg, and at carpen-
tering in Mechanicsburg until 1867, when he, with three others, built a sash, door and
blind factory. A short time after, Mr. Miller and S. B. King formed a partnership, pur-
chased the factory, and continued doing business under the firm name of Miller & King
until March, 1884, when James Pulton purchased Mr. King's interest, and soon after Mr.
Miller purchased Mr. Fulton's interest, and has since conducted the business alone. In
May, 1852, Mr. Miller married Miss Frances Brownewell, a native of Roxbury, Silver Spring
Township, this county, daughter of Henry and Barbara (Baker) Brownewell, natives of
Silver Spring Township, this county, and Adams County, respectively. Mr. and Mrs.
Miller are members, the former of the Lutheran and the latter of the Reformed Church.
They have three children: John H., assisting his father in the factory; Barbara E., at
home with her parents; and David J. L. Mr. Miller has been elected councilman by the
people of Mechanicsburg two terms. He is a member of the Mechanicsburg Lodge, No.
315, I. O. O. F. He is a self-made man, and learned early to depend on his own resources
for a living. He started without a cent, but went bravely to work, and by hard work,
honest dealing and close application to business has made life a success.
JEREMIAH H. MORRET, proprietor of the "National Hotel," Mechanicsburg, is a
native of Cumberland Cou'nty, born in Churchtown, Monroe Township, June 20, 1837,
and is a descendant of one of the oldest families in Pennsylvania. His grandfather,
Michael Morret, born in this county, was a blacksmith of Newburg, where he died; he
was the parent of four sons and three daughters: William, the third son, was born in
Newburg, learned the blacksmith trade and when a young man moved to Cliurchtown and
opened a shop there; he married Miss Sarah A., daughter of Adam and Polly Diller, and
had two sons and three daughters: Alfrida A., wife of Jacob Beisiline, a farmer at Oaks'
Point, this county; Jeremiah H.; Hezekiah, married to Angeline Harmon, lives in Frank-
lin County, Penn.; Lucilla, widow of Edward Westhaver, is a milliner at Mechanicsburg;
Mary J., wife of John Slonaker, an employe of the Cumberland Valley R. R. Company.
Mr. and Mrs. William Morret were members of the Lutheran Church, when Jeremiah H.
Morret was but three years old he moved with his parents to a mile north of Locust Point,
where he learned blacksmithing of his father, and there remained until November, 1863,
when he became a member of Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry. Ten months later he was mustered out and then returned to his
home near Locust Point. In the spring of 1863 he went to New Kingston and there
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 427
learned the painter's trade; three years later he moved to Carlisle, Penn., and clerked in
the"Thudium House" until December, 1867, when he clerked for John J. Ringwalt in
the "American House" until March 1, 1868, when he went to New Kingston and ran a
hotel, eating-house and livery stable. Five years later he came to Mechanicsburg and
here clerked for Mr. Ringwalt in the "American House," untilJuly, 1884, when he opened
his present hotel, on Main Street, a three-story brick building containing twenty-six rooms,
fine large drawing-room, parlor and sample rooms. Mr. Morret was married.March 16, 1874,
to Miss Rachael Daugherty, born in Upper Allen Township, this county, daughter of
George and Mary (Stallsmith) Daugherty. To this union have 'been born two sons and
one daughter: Jennie, William and Herman. Mr. Morret is a member of H. 1. Zinn
Post, G. A. R., No. 415, Mechanicsburg. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a perfect
gentleman and an admirable host. His hotel is a model of neatness.
HON. HENRY G. MOSER (deceased), late member of the Legislature, and associate
judge of Cumberland County, and whose portrait appears in this volume, was born in
Berks County, Penn., February 22, 1813. His family was one of the oldest and most
prominent in Berks County. His father, Jacob Moser, born in that county, a farmer by
occupation, married Miss Elizabeth Gresh, of Berks County, a daughter of George Gresh.
Jacob and Elizabeth (Gresh) Moser were of German descent, members of the Lutheran
Church. Their family consisted of four sons and seven daughters, Hon. Henry Q.
being the eldest. Our subject worked at farming, attending school in the winter in Amity
Township, Berks County, and it is said that his desire for knowledge was so great that he-
would carry a slate and pencil to the field, and there sit on his plow, while resting, and
would figure out some difficult problems. In this manner he obtained his education, and
at the age of seventeen or eighteen he began teaching school in Berks County, a profes-
sion he followed until 1835, when he became manager and clerk for the Glasgow Iron
Works (consisting of forge, furnace, mill and farm, near Pottstown, Montgomery Co.,
Penn.,) continuing there until 1837, when he came to this county and took charge of the
Iron Works, known as Liberty Forge, near Lisburn, and was one of those who purchased
the works. In 1846 he became sole owner of this property. In 1852 he sold a half interest
to I. L. Boyer, his brother-in-law, and in 1853 sold out his interest to Mr. Boyer; but in
1858 he became a partner with him, continuing in that relationship until 1864, when he
again sold out to Mr. Boyer, and retired from business. In 1865 he removed to Mechan-
icsburg, where he died May 20, 1884. In 1853 Mr. Moser was nominated and elected a
Democratic representative to the Legislature by the people of Cumberland County; was
also elected and served as associate judge of this county five years, and was the last asso-
ciate judge of the county under the Constitution of 1837. He held various other offices of
trust. He was for a number of years a director of the HarrisburgBridge Company; a di-
rector of the First National Bank of Mechanicsburg, tlie Gas & Water Company, and the
Mechanicsburg & Dillsburg Railway Company; was also president and treasurer of the
Allen and East Pennsborough Society for the Recovery of Stolen Horses and Mules, and the
Detection of Thieves. He was a recognized leader, and his judgment at all times was fair
and impartial. A man of great natural ability and force of character,, he had the confi-
dence and respect of all and his opinion was greatly sought and much valued; he was
practical, self-reliant, cautious and slow at arriving at conclusions, but prompt and ener-
getic in the execution of his designs. Mr. Moser came to this county a young man with
very limited means, but at his death was one of the wealthiest men in his county, having
accumulated a fortune, not by speculation, but by' careful business habits, wise invest-
ments and strict economy. While he was an active and successful business man, he did
not permit these relations to crowd out his duties as a citizen and a Christian. He was
warmly attached to the Lutheran Church, as were his ancestors, and to it he was a liberal
and generous contributor both of his means and influence, as well as to such other relig-
ions and social movements as met with his approval. Our subject was married twice;
first, November 6, 1838, to Miss Ester Ann Lorah, of Amity Township. Berks Co., Penn.,
a most estimable, Christian lady, to whom, as a helpmate, Mr. Moser attributed much of his
success in life. She died February 10, 1876, having had no children. His second mar-
riage was June 13, 1878, with Miss Margaret J. Urich, who was born in Upper Allen Town-
ship, this county, daughter of Jacob B. and Sarah (Ayers) Urich, old settlers of Cumber-
land County. Mr. and Mrs. Moser had two children : Ruth, born October 13, 1879, and
Margaret, born November 13, 1881. They reside with their mother in Mechanicsburg.
Mrs. Moser is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Dillsburg.
JACOB MUMMA, retired farmer, Mechanicsburg, was born six miles east of Hams-
burg, in Swatara Township, Dauphin Co., Penn., September 14, 1809. His parents, John
and Elizabeth (Frantz) Mumma, were natives of Pennsylvania, and members of the Men-
nonite Church. They had a family of four sons and two daughters. Jacob, the second
son and third child, remained on the farm with his father until his marriage, January 19,
1832 with Miss Elizabeth Nissley, born in Dauphin County, Penn., daughter of Martin
and Elizabeth (Kreider) Nissley. Mr. and Mrs. Mumma moved to Lancaster County,
Penn., in 1835, and engaged in farming until 1839, and there Mrs. Mumma died March 30,
1836. ' The family consisted of two sons and one danghter: Martin, who resides on the
428 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
old homestead farm of his father, one-half mile north of MechanicsbuTg; John, who re-
sides on a farm a mile south of Mechanicsburg, and Anna, wife of Levi Musselmim, re-
sides on a farm three miles southeast of Mechanicsburg. In the spring of 1839 Jacob
Mumma came to Cumberland County and bought a farm in Monroe Township, afterward
purchasing the old homestead farm in Silver Spring Township. Our subject was married
on second occasion December 1, 1836, to Mrs. Catharine Rupp, born in Cumberland
County, daughter of John and Anna (Snavely) Eberly, and who died May 1, 1861, the
mother of six children, four living: Jacob E., farmer and stock dealer; Amos, a miller in
Upper Allen Township; Eli, farmer in Upper Allen Township; Eliza, wife of Christian
Hertzler, a farmer in Hampden Township. Mr. Mumma married September 35, 1862. His
present wife, Mrs. Mary Hertzler was born in Lancaster County, Penn., daughter of Henry
and Elizabeth (KauEEman) Schoph. To this union has been born one daugliter, Emma,
who resides with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Mumma are members of the Mennonite
Church at State Hill. Mr. Mumma is one of the founders of what is now the First Na-
tional Bank of Mechanicsburg (the others are Levi Merkel, deceased, who had established
a private bank, John Brandt, John Sadler, Levi Eberly, Samuel Eberly, Jacob Eberly,
John Niesley, Solomon P. and William R. Qorgas). Mr. Mumma is one of the solid re-
tired business men whose life has been one of interest and success, and has been identified
with the county smce 1839. He is of German descent and his ancestors were among the
earliest pioneers of Pennsylvania, his great-great-grandfather having come from Switzer-
land to this country to settle in Lancaster County, Penn., as early as 1731.
CHRISTIAN B. NIESLEY, wholesale and retail coal and produce merchant, Me-
chanicsburg, engaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits, was born on the old fam-
ily farm in Middlesex Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., August 15, 1834. He attended
school and assisted his father on the farm until he was seventeen, when he taught school
winters and studied with a private tutor, and one year in the academy of Juniata County,
Penn. At twenty-one he went to Osborn, Ohio, and taught school there one year; then
engaged as manager and salesman for the Neff & Carson Nursery Company, of Dayton,
Ohio, one year; then took charge of the nursery business himself for several years, extend-
ing his trade into the Southern States. Having been successful he returned to Cumberland
C'lunty, purchased the farm his father had selected for him, and soon after settled in Me-
chanicsburg. He was married here, November 12, 1861, to Miss Mary C. Merkel, born in
Lower Allen Township, this county, daughter of Levi and Susan (Martin) Merkel. Mr.
Merkel, who was one of the first bankers in Mechanicsburg, organized what is now the
First National Banli. Since his marriage,Mr. Niesley has been engaged in commercial,
agricultural and horticultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Niesley are active members of the
Presbyterian Church. He was sent as commissioner to the last General Assembly at Min-
neapolis. They had two children, one son living — Charles Merkel, born in Mechanics-
burg August 9, 1865, graduate of Lafayette College, Pennsylvania, class of 1886. Mr.
Niesley takes a lively interest in common schools, and has been director for many years;
is chairman of the Pennsylvania State Sabbath-school Association, and he was one of the
organizers of the Cumberland County Sabbath-school Association, organized at Carlisle,
September 13, 1873; was elected chairman of the executive committee; then president,
serving three successive years, and has been associated with it officially ever since; and,
seeing the great need of better preparation by the Sunday-school teachers for their re-
sponsible position, he was one of the leading spirits in establishing and conducting the
Cumberland Valley Sunday-school Assembly at Williams' Grove, where some of the best
normal and primary instruction was given and some of the most noted lecturers of the
age were heard. Our subject is a son of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Niesley, natives of Lan-
caster County, Penn., the former of whom was born in Donegal Township November 8,
1797, and died March 13, 1869; the latter, born July 21, 1803, died August 8, 1877; they
were members of the Mennonite Church; bad four sons and two daughters, of whom
Christian B. is the youngest. Our subject's great-grandfather, Christian Niesley, came
from Switzerland, during the religious persecutions, with two brothers, and settled In
Lancaster County, Penn. Christian B. Niesley's maternal grandfather came to Lancaster
County, Penn., from Switzerland. The subject of our sketch is one of the enterprising
husiness men and representative citizens, and stands high in the estimation of all as an
upright, honest. Christian gentleman. He has one of the most beautiful residences in
Mechanicsburg, situated on Main Street, where he and his family reside.
LINDSAY PITTS O'NEALE, physician, Mechanicsburg, was born on his father's
plantation, in Essex County, Va., October 11, 1838. His parents, Albert G. and Anna
(Wearring^O'Neale, were both born in Essex County. Albert G. O'Neale was a captain
in the war of 1812, and his father, Thomas O'Neale, who was born in Dublin, Ireland,
was a merchant in that city until he joined the rebellion against England, and after it was
■quelled he immigrated to Essex County, Va., where he was married to Miss Elizabeth
Pitts, of English descent, and to this union were born two sons and three daughters:
Albert G., Elizabeth, Mary, Johnson and Emeline. Albert G. married Anna Wearring,
and had two sons: Thomas J. and Lindsay Pitts. During the late war of the Rebellion
the father lost all of his property. At the age of sixteen Lindsay P. O'Neale struck out
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 429
for himself; went to Baltimore, Md., and clerked in a grocery and drug store until 1858;
he then ran a stitching machine in his brother's boot and shoe factory, studying medicine
in the iheantime, until the fall of 1860, when he entered the York Academy, and here re-
mained until the spring of 1861, studying medicine until the fall of 1861, when he entered
the medical department of the United States Army. In 1864 he entered Washington
Medical College, of Baltimore, and studied and attended lectures until March, 1865, when
he located in York, York Co., Penn., where he practiced medicine until 1870, when he
settled in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co., Penn., and here he has since been actively en-
gaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. O'Neale was married here November 36, 1868,
to Miss MargarettaW. Eckels, who was born near Mechanicsburg, Penn.,daughterof Sam-
uel and Mary (Cooper) Eckels. Mrs. O'Neale is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Dr. O'Neale is a charter member of the Eclectic Association of the State of Pennsylvania,
and was president of this association two terms. He is also a member of the National Ec-
lectic Medical Association of the United States.
ADAM ORRIS, of Eberly & Orris, manufacturers of patent and wood-hub wheels,
etc., Mechanicsburg, is a representative of one of the oldest and best families of Cum-
berland County. He was born on the old homestead of his father, in Silver Spring Town-
ship, this county, two miles north of Mechanicsburg, March 31, 1838. His father, David
Orris, was of English descent, born in this county; first married Miss Susan Eichelberger,
also a native of this county, daughter of Adam Eichelberger, who was of German descent,
and by this union had eight children, of whom three are living: John, a retired carpenter
and hotel proprietor, residing in Mechanicsburg; Susan M., wife of William E. Beistline,
a boot and shoe manufacturer, of New Kingston, this county, and Adam. Mrs. Susan
Orris died in 1840, a member of the Lutheran Church. David Orris married, for his sec-
ond wife. Miss Susan Senseman, and by her had ten children, of whom the following sur-
vive: Elizabeth, Catharine, wife of Eli Dunkelberger; David; Samuel; Jennetta, wife of
Samuel Kast, and Levan H. David Orris died i-n 1869. The mother is still living. She
and her husband were always members of the Lutheran Church. Adam Orris, subject of
our sketch, attended school during winters, working on his father's farm in summer time
until he was sixteen, when he clerked in a general store at Hogestown until he was twenty.
He then clerked at New Kingston until 1862, when he entered the army, serving as ser-
geant-major of the One Hundred and Ffty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry. At
the expiration of his term of service he was mustered out and returned to New Kingston,
where he bought a half interest in the store of David Strohn, and one year later purchased
his partner's interest and conducted the business alone some two years, when H. H. Lamb
was admitted as a partner. In 1870 Orris & Lamb sold out to J. A. Heagy, and Orris
formed a partnership with Capt. Samuel J. Shoop. Tliey purchased 3,000 acres of timber
land in Franklin County, Penn., erected saw-mills and engaged very extensively in the
manufacture of lumber, etc. In May, 1885, Mr. Orris formed his present partnership with
A. G. Eberly. Our subject was united in marriage, March 1, 1864, with Miss M. Isabella
Fought, born in Silver Spring Township, this county, daughter of Peter and Margaret
(Armstrong) Fought, natives of Cumberland County. Mr. and Mrs. Orris are members of
the Lutheran Church. "They have two children; Talbert D., the eldest, attended the high
schools of Mechanicsburg, Ohambersburg Academy, and graduated from the Harrisburg
Business College in 1888. In March, 1884, he went to Philadelphia, and was employed as
salesman in the wholesale wall paper house of Elder & Bentley until July, 1885, when, at
his father's request, he became assistant and traveling salesman for Eberly & Orris. Miss
Maggie M. Orris resides at home with her parents. Adam Orris is one of the energetic, en-
terprising men and leading manufacturers of Mechanicsburg, and stands high in the esti-
mation of all as an upright, representative citizen and Christian gentleman.
FREDERICK K. PLOYER, bank cashier, Mechanicsburg, of German-American de-
scent, was born at Jackson Hall, near Ohambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., December 31,
1844, son of Jacob and Sophia (Kissell) Ployer, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to
Cumberland County about the year 1856, and settled on a farm near Newville. They were
members of the German Reformed Church. Of their family of seven children, Frederick
K., the eldest of six sons, remained on the farm with his father, attending school during
the winters until he was eighteen, when he began teaching in Cumberland County, con-
tinuing in the profession until the breaking out of the late war of the Rebellion, when he,
with his father and brother John H., enlisted their services. Frederick K., the subject of
this sketch, enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Regiment of Penn-
sylvania Volunteers February 4, 1864, and served with his regiment in the field from
May, 1864, to October, 1864, participating in the battle of New Cold Harbor, and all en-
gagements of the Fifth Army Corps at and during the siege of Petersburg in the summer
of 1864, most important of which were at Petersburg & Norfolk Railway, June 18 and 19;
Jerusalem Plank Road, June 30; Weldon Railroad, August 18, 19 and 30. His regiment
having been ordered to Philadelphia for duty, Private Ployer was detailed for special duty
at headquarters Department of the Susquehanna, and was ordered to report to Capt.
Francis H. Wessels, judge-advocate of the department of Harrisburg, Penn., where he
was engaged in clerical work with the military commission in the trial of the Columbia
31
430 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
County conspirators. From the conclusion of this work until the muster out of his regi-
ment at the close of the war, he continued as record clerk in the judge-advocate's office,
headquarters District of Pennsylvania. In August, 1865, Mr. Ployer returned to New
ville this county, and tauglit school until June, 1869, when he was appointed assistant as-
sessor of internal revenue of the Fifteenth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and con-
tinued in that position for four years; then located in Altoona, Blair Co., Penn., where he
was employed as assistant shop clerk of the Altoona machine shops of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company, and continued there until February 1, 1878, when he was appointed
teller of the Second National Bank of Mechanicsburg, Penn., and January 1. 1880, was
appomted to his present position as cashier. Mr. Ployer was married, January 18, 1870, to
Miss Sarah R. Lloyd, of Welsh descent on her father's and Scotch-Irish on her mother's
side born November 16, 1844, at Lisburn, this county, daughter of William and Amanda
Lloyd Mr. and Mrs. Ployer have one daughter, Nellie M., born December 13, 1872, now
attending school at Mechanicsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Ployer are members of the Presbyte-
rian Church. Mr. Ployer is a member of Big Springs Lodge, No. 361, F. & A. M., at
Newville; St. John's Chapter R. A. M., at Carlisle, Penn.; and is a Past Commander of
St. John's Commandery, No. 8, K. T., Carlisle; is also a member of Col. H. I. Zinn Post
No. 415, G. A. R., Mechanicsburg. He is one of the leading business men and is a repre-
sentative citizen of Mechanicsburg and Cumberland County.
REV. SAMUEL W. REIQART, pastor First Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsburg
(called from the church of Sunbury, Penn.), entered upon his pastoral duties October 25,
1868, although, at his own request, his formal installation by the presbytery was deferred
until June 15, 1869. He was born at Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Penn., July 29, 1837; son
of John Franklin and Caroline (White) Reieart, natives of Pennsylvania. J. Franklin
Reigart held various public appointments in Lancaster, Penn., including State offices. He
and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church; they had three, sons and two-
daughters. Samuel W., the eldest, graduated at the Lancaster High School and afterward
at "Franklin and Marshall College, in 1859, and took the second honor in his class; was
appointed principal of Lancaster High School in 1860, and held the position five years.
While teaching he read theology, under the direction of the Rev. Walter Powell; received
his degree of A. M. in 1863, and was licensed to preach the gospel by the presbytery of
Donegal (now Westminster) October 4, 1864, and the next year was called to the pastorate
of the church of Sunbury, and was oi'dained and installed as pastor of the church by the
presbytery of Northumberland, Penn., October 17, 1865, which position he held until
1868, when he was called to the church at Mechanicsburg, and here preached his intro-
ductory sermon October 25, 1868. He was married, December 31, 1860, to Miss Anna
E. Hodgson, born in Columbia, Lancaster Co., Penn., daughter of the Rev. Francis-
Hodgson, D. D., and Agnes (Long) Hodgson, the former of whom was for many years a
prominent minister and residing elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church, his field of
labor being principally in Philadelphia and New York. "To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W.
Reigart have been born five children, four now living: John Franklin, Agnes H., Caro-
line W. and Mary H. Our subject's labors have been very successful building up a strong
church from a weak one and increasing its membership over 300 souls. Mr. Reigart is a
descendant of one of the oldest families in the State, who settled in Lancaster County,
coming from Germany, more than 100 years ago.
JOHN RIEGEL, retired merchant, secretary of Allen and East Pennsborough Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, member of the Mechanicsburg Gas and Water Company, Me-
chanicsburg, la the oldest native born resident of Mechanicsburg, where he first saw the
light of the day, August 14, 1818. His parents, John Adam and Esther (Brandt) Riegel,
were born and raised in what is now Dauphin County, Penn. John Adam Riegel cam&
to Mechanicsburg, this county, in 1816, formed a partnership with John Coover, and
opened a dry goods and general store, the first one of any importance in the town. Mr.
Riegel was elected city burgess by the people of Mechanicsburg and held other offices of
trust, including that of trustee of the Union Church. He died January 11, 1851, aged
fifty-six years and some months. His wife was a member of the Dunkard Church. They
had three sons and five daughters, of whom two sons and four daughters are now living:
Levi; John; Margaret, wife of Daniel Ulrich; Sarah, wife of John Stine, a retired Meth-
odist Episcopal minister of Mechanicsburg; Eliza, widow of Dr. J. B. Herring; Mary,
wife of George Zacharias, residing in Mechanicsburg. Catharine, wife of Christian Brandt,
died in 1878. John, the second son and child, attended the schools of Mechanicsburg, and
clerked for his father until 1848, when he engaged in business for himself, and, at the
death of his father, succeeded him. In 1867 he closed out his business, retaining the
property which included the building occupied by the Second National Bank and his
residence, adjoining which is the old homestead once owned by Adam Riegel (deceased).
Mr. Riegel married at Lebanon, Lebanon Co., Penn., September 5, 1843, Miss Susan
Arlams Ingol, who was born in Baltimore, Md., April 28, 1826, only daughter of Samuel
and Susannah (Moulton) Ingol, natives of England and Newburyport, Mass., respectively;
they were members of the Congregational Church. Mr. and Mrs. Riegel are members of
the Lutheran Church (general council). They have had two children: Sarah Gertrude,.
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 431
•wife of Eev. Johnson R. GrofE, a Lutheran minister of Danville, Penn., and Nellie, horn
in 1847, first wife of Maj. Azor H. Nickerson and who died, in 1867, at Fort Boise^,
Idaho. Mr. Riegel is one of the pioneers of Cumberland County, and stands high in the
estimation of all as an upright business man and Christian gentleman. He held an office
in the school board twenty-one years. He has lived to see the borough undergo many
interesting and important changes and can remember when there were but twelve houses,
of which but one is now standing — the building on the northeast corner of Federal and
Main Streets, where he was born. Mr. Riegel is a grandson of John Adam Riegel, who
came with his brothers, Abraham and Samuel Riegel, from Germany and settled near
Hummehtown, Dauphin Co., Penn.
JESSE W. RINGROSE, proprietor of the Ringrose Fly-Net and Collar Manufactory,
Mechanicsburg, was born on the old homestead farm of the family, two miles northeast of
Berwick, in Luzerne County, Penn., August 30, 1847. E. Aaron Ringrose, his father,
was born in Northamptonshire, England, but came to this country while still a young
man, and settled in Luzerne County, where he engaged in buying and selling stock. He
married Miss Catharine, daughter of William B. Fowler, one of the old settlers of Colum-
bia County, Penn. The family consisted of eight children, of whom four sons and three
daughters are still living, of whom Jesse W. is the youngest. Our subject attended school
until he was fourteen years of age, when he began clerking in a grocery at Lock Haven,
which position he continued to hold until he was twenty, when he entered Andalusia Col-
lege, Andalusia, Penn., where he remained three years; he next engaged in a flour, bread
and cracker manufactory, in which business he remained for a period of about fifteen
months. He then sold out his interest in that business, and entered the Pennsylvania,
University of Medicine, at Philadelphia, where he remained for a period of two years,
until, his health failing, he went south to Martinsburg, W. Va., and opened a general
OTOcery store, in which business he continued until the death of his father-in-law, Henry
W. Irvine, in 1877, when he came to Mechanicsburg, and soon after invented a leather net.
Mr. Ringrose was married, January 28, 1875, to Miss Dessie A. Irvine, a daughter of CoL
Henry W. and Mary (Kanaga) Irvine, and born at New Kingston, this county, where both the
Irvine and Kanaga families are well known. Mr. Ringrose is a successful business man.
He first established his fly-net and collar factory at Mechanicsburg in 1881, since which
time his business has continually increased, and his facilities have been greatly enlarged,
until, to-day, he has one of the largest manufacturing establishments of this kind in the
United States. Mr. Ringrose is the patentee of most of the improved machinery used in
the manufacture of his nets, and which he will not sell or lease, it giving him an immense
advantage over other manufacturing establishments of the same kind. To give some idea
of the rapid growth of this business: Mr. Ringrose starting unaided (or with the help at
first of only one man); now uses steam-power, gives direct, permanent employment to
from 75 to 100 workmen, and employs three traveling salesmen. From a small beginning
the business amounted last year to $60,000, and has extended from a small field to a terri-
tory which covers nearly the whole of the United States.
JOHN J. RINGWALT, Mechanicsburg. The jolly, large-hearted, whole-souled pro-
prietor of the "American House" was born near Carlisle, this county, March 21, 1838;
son of Cyrus and Anna (Shaffer) Ringwalt, who were born in Lancaster County, Penn.,
and came to Cumberland Countv, settling near Carlisle; both were members of the Epis-
copal Church; they had a family of ten children, eight of whom are living: George, Kate,
Mary, John J.. Lydia, Cyrus, Emma and Lew. Our subject remained with his father on
the farm until 1868, when he took charge of the "Locust Point Hotel" between Mechan-
icsburg and Carlisle. One year later he took charge of the "American House," and three
years later of the "Bentz (now the "Florence") House," and in the spring of 1881 be-
came proprietor of the "American House" in Mechanicsburg. Our subject was married
here August 25, 1884, to Miss Maezey Wilson, born at Bridgeport, Cumberland Co.,
. Penn., daughter of Robert and Sarah (Schock) Wilson, old settlers of this county. Mr.
Wilson is ex-associate judge and clerk of Cumberland County courts.
Lew Ringwalt, brother of John J., was born in Monroe Township, this county,
April 8, 1851, and is now serving as clerk for his brother at the "American House," Me-
chanicsburg.' He was united in marriage with Miss Faunie, daughter of Theodore Chew,
a farmer near Barnesboro Station, N. J., and to this union was born a son who died in in-
fancy. Mrs. Lew Ringwalt died in New Jersey, in 1873, a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. „ T,r , . , . ,. ^ „ ,
JOHN L. SADLER, lumber manufacturer, Mechanicsburg, is a native of Cumber-
land County, Penn., born on the old family farm near Cummingstown, Penn Township,
this county' November 16, 1842. His grandfather, Richard Sadler, had moved from
Adams County to Centre County, Penn., when twenty-one years old; married Miss Re-
becca Lewis of Centre County, by whom he had five sons and three daughters. Joshua,
the second son of this couple, born in Centre County, married Miss Harriet Staley, of
. Adams County, and in 1841 moved to the old farm adjoining Cummingstown, and settled
in the woods where he cleared a farm and died in December, 1863, aged sixty-two years;
his widow died in January, 1868, aged fifty-two. They were members of the Methodist
432 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Episcopal Church, parents of three sons and one daughter, 'two sons living: Wilbur P.,
president judge of Cumberland County, and John L. In 1866 Mrs. Sadler moved to Car-
lisle. Our subject early went to Martinsburg, Va., and engaged in the manufacture of
lumber, and has followed this industry ever since at Hagerstown, Md., and New Cumber-
land, this county. He moved to Mechanicsburg in the spring of 1880. He was married,
Novemtjer 7, 1873, at Hagerstown, Md., to Miss Louisa F. Smith, daughter of John L.
and Magdalena (Hershey) Smith. Mr. Smith, a retired merchant, was elected associate
judge of the orphans' court of Washington County, Md., serving for three terms. To Mr.
and Mrs. Sadler have been born one son and one daughter: John and Harriet. Our
subject is a P. & A. M. and a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. He started in life
with limited means, conducting the farm for his mother four jears after his father's death,
and at twenty-two struck out for himself. He has made life a success, and stands high
in the estimation of all as an upright, honest business man. He is of Scotch-Irish descent
on his father's side, and German on his mother's side, her family having settled in Lan-
caster County, Penn., at an early day.
JOHN O. 8AXT0N, retired farmer, of Silver Spring Township, Mechanicsburg, Is a
representative of one of the oldest familes in Cumberland County, born Julj 3, 1833, on
the old homestead farm, in Silver Spring Township, near the town of New Kingston, son
of John and Nancy (Saxton) Saxton. John Saxton was born in Silver Spring "Township,
this county, and in early life engaged in farming, which he continued until his death;
he died in 1843, aged thirty-six years; his widow is still living in Mechanicsburg, with her
daughter, Miss Mary E. Saxton. Mr. and Mrs. John Saxton had three children. John
O., the eldest in the family and only son, worlsed on his father's farm, attending the com-
mon schools until he entered Dickinson College, where he remained three years; then
taught school four years in Harrisburg, Penn. ; then engaged in farming in Silver Spring
Township. November 15, 1866, he married Miss Ellen Dunlap, born in Lower Allen
Township, this county, daughter of James and Margaret (Mateer) Dunlap one of the old-
est families of Cumberland County. After this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Saxton moved to
Mechanicsburg. To this' union were born six children, one son and two daughters living:
Carrie S., born October 3, 1873; Lynn M., born December 4, 1874. and Maggie D.. born
October 13, 1878. John O. Saxton is president of school board of directors, was in town
council several terms, and has held various local offices of trust. In 1880 he was a Dem-
ocratic elector for president from the Nineteenth Congressional District of Pennsylvania.
He is one of the board of managers for the Cumberland County Agricultural Society; Is
past high priest of Mechanicsburg Chapter R. A. M. past officer of the I. O. O. P.
Lodge and Encampment, and has been district deputy grand master for Cumberland
County two terms. Has been treasurer of the Mechanicsburg Bible and Tract Society,
since its organization in 1871. He owns a farm in Silver Spring Township, this county,
of 145 acres; and Mrs. Saxton is owner of a farm in Lower Allen Township, this county,
of over 800 acres, besides a fine residence on corner Main and York Streets, Mechanicsburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Saxton are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has served
as secretary of the board of trustees. Mr. Saxton's family is of English and his wife's
people are of Scotch-Irish lineage, and they are among the oldest families in the county.
Gov. Pattison appointed him a delegate from the Nineteenth Congressional District to the
Farmers' National Congress held at St. Paul, Minn., in August, 1886.
JNO. SCHERICH, a justice of the peace, fire and life insurance agent, Mechanics-
burg, born near Lisburn, this county, April 7, 1812, is a representative of one of the old
families of Cumberland County, Penn. He is the only son of Christian arid Anna (Spitzer)
Scherich, natives of Lancaster County Penn., the former of whom, a farmer, came with
liis father. Christian Scherich, to this county, when he was young. Jno. Scherich, the eldest
of four children, worked on his father's farm near Lisburn until he was sixteen, when
he was apprenticed to the carpenter's, cabinet-maker's and painter's trades, at New
Cumberland and Shepherdstown, and at twenty years of age had learned his trade; having
aptness and energy soon became one of the first mechanics of his day. He then located
near Lisburn, where he carried on his trade. He superintended one section of the first
railroad bridge across the river at Harrisburg. He quit his trade about 1850, bought a tract
of land west of Lisburn, erected commodious brick buildings, and soon became one of the
first farmers of the county. In connection with farming he extensively carried on the
brick-making business for many years. In 1875 he came to Mechanicsburg and continued
in the insurance business, in which he had been engaged for more than forty years. He
was married, November 30, 1832, to Miss Rachael Millard, born near Lewisburg, York
County, March 14, 1814, daughter of Jonathan and Phcebe (Thornburg) Millard, old set-
tlers of York County. Mr. and Mrs. Scherich have been members of the United Brethren
Church for the past forty years. While at Lisburn their home was the home for all
Christian workers, always active in the cause of morals and religion. They have seven
children living: Christian, a carpenter, but engaged in the agency business at Lisburn,
married to Miss Eliza A. Floyd; Ann .Jane, wife of Elias Rhiver, apuddler at West Pair-
view; Jno. Andrew, a farmer near Lisburn, married to Miss Margret J. Hickernell; Phoebe
Samantha, wife of Geo. Forry, a farmer near Mechanicsburg; Jonathan H. Clay (mar-
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 433
ried to Rebecca Kerr), a farmer residing in Claj County, Nebraska; Rachael Ellen, wife
of Geo. Levingston, carpenter and farmer, at West Fairview; Winfield Q. (married to Miss
Mary A. McClure), a farmer near Cburchtown. Mr. Jno. Soherich's great-grandfather.
Christian, came from Switzerland and settled in Lancaster County, Penn.; he had two
brothers, one of whom settled in Canada, and from these come all the Scherichs in the
United States and Canada. The subject of this slcetch died March 37, 1886, at the age of
seventy-four years, and it can be justly said, that, for enterprise, energy and ability, he
was unsurpassed. Not only being a practical mechanic and farmer, but also a close
Scripture student, and notwithstanding his great asthmatic affliction, his place was seldom
vacant at church or Sabbath-school. He took an active part in the politics of the day,
and, with his great memory, could give statistics and could refer to most of the important
actions Congress and of the State Legislature for the past fifty years.
GEORGE SCHROEDER, carriage manufacturer, flim of G. Schroeder Sons & Co.,
Mechanicsburg, has been identified with this county since May 1, 1833. He was born at East
Berlin, Adams Co., Penn., January 33, 1816, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bowers) Schroe-
der, the latter a sister of Judge Mart Harmon Bowers, and a descendant of the Harmons,
one of the oldest families of Cumberland County. Henry Schroeder, a tailor by trade,
was born near Berlin, Germany, and came to America and alone to Pennsylvania when
eighteen years old. He located in East Berlin, Adams Co., Penn., where he married Miss
Malon, who died some four years after without issue. He was married on the second occa-
sion to Miss Elizabeth Bowers, of Adams Coanty. He and his wife were members of the
Lutheran Church. They had a family of three sons and two daughters, of whom two sons
and one daughter survive. When George, the second son and child, was about twelve
years old, his parents purchased a farm near Conowago Creek, four miles north of Gettys-
burg, and here our subject remained until he was seventeen, when he came to Mechanics-
burg and worked in Henry Kimmel's blacksmith shop one year; then bought out Thomas
Harris and carried on a blacksmith shop and engaged in coach-making, plating, etc. In
1845 he established his present business which he has increased from time to time until now
he has the largest carriage and buggy manufactory in the valley, giving employment to
from twenty-five to thirty men. Hehas over $45,000 invested in this business. Mr. Schroeder
was married at Lititz, Lancaster Co., Penn., September 13, 1834, to Annie Buch, daughter of
Henry Buch, a weaver by trade. To this union were born five children :Luzetta (wife of James
Irvin, a coach-maker, member of the firm), Harry B. (also a member of the firm; married
to Miss Susan Wicks, of Brockport, N. Y.), William (also a member of the firm; married
to Miss Mary Gesamon, and after her demise to Miss Laura Wise, of Mechanicsburg, tliis
county), Mary (widow of Simon Bowman; is a clerk in the Treasury Department, Wash-
ington, D. C). Ellen (wife of Theodore Singeiser, member of Congress from Idaho Terri-
tory). Mrs. Schroeder died in March, 1865, a member of Bethel Church. In 1867 Mr.
Schroeder married Mrs. Martha Leas, born in this county, daughter of Robert Galbreath
a descendant of James Galbreath, Jr., the founder of the family in Pennsylvania, and who
was of Scotch-Irish stock, having immigrated to Pennsylvania, settling in 1713, at Done-
gal, in what is now Lancaster County, where he bought large tracts of land from William
Penn. He married, in 1735, Elizabeth Bertram, who, with- her father. Rev. William Bert-
ram, came from Edinburgh, Scotland — all these people were Presbyterians. James Gal-
breath, Jr., was elected sherifE of Lancaster County in 1743 and judge of common pleas
in 1745, and for many years served as justice of the peace. He removed to Cumberland
County in 1760, and in 1763 was appointed judge of Cumberland County. He took an
active part in the French and Indian war of 1755-56, and during the Revolution, in 1777,
was appointed a colonel in this county, being at that time seventy-three years of age.
Mrs. Schroeder died in November, 1881, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church (she
was the mother of two children by her first marriage, one living, Dr. Harry Leas, of
Mechanicsburg). Mr. George Schroeder is not only one of the old settlers, but is an enter-
prising representative business man, standing high in the estimation of all who know him.
He is a purely self-made, self-educated man. Early learning to depend on his own' re-
sources, he went bravely to work, and by close application to business, honest dealing
and hard work, has made life a success. He owns six houses and lots, besides his own
residence and shops. Mr. Schroeder has three grandsons and two grand-daughters, chil-
dren of his son, Harry B.
FREDERICK SEIDLE, proprietor of P. Seidle's Wheel, Spoke and Bending Works,
Mechanicsburg, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., October 16, 1835, son of Frederick and
Magdalena (Bergner) Seidle, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, who came to Philadel-
phia in 1825. Frederick Seidle, Sr., engaged in the produce business in Philadelphia and
Lancaster until 1836, when he purchased the old farm in Silver Spring Township, Cum-
berland Co., Penn. He and his wife were members of the Mennonite Church; they had
two sons and four daughters. Frederick. Jr., the eldest son and second child, remained
on the fanu until he was eighteen, when he came to Mechanicsburg and served an appren-
ticeship at the carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trade. He was married, in November,
1850, to Miss Elizabeth Stevenson, born in this county, near Harrisburg, daughter of
David and Leah (Shriner) Stevenson, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Seidle attend
434 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the Presbyterian Church. They had three children, two living: Albert E., married to
Miss Marie Rogi^rs, and William D. They assist their father in the management of his
business. Mr. Frederick Seidle's life has been one of activity and toil. He started with
a very small capital, but by hard woric good management and honest dealing has made
life a success. He attended the Paris Exposition, receiving the Paris medal, and traveled
over France, Germany, England, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, visiting many carriage
manufacturing establishments, and tools enough orders to keep his manufactory running
over a year. In partnerKhip with Mr. Samuel Eberly he engaged in the building business
with all its kindred brandies and established the spoke and bending business, where he
also carries on the manufacture of the Seidle & Eberly hay rake, invented and patented by
himself, and which has a large sale throughout the entire West. In 1860 they closed their
business and engaged as bridge builders for the Government. After a year Mr. Seidle
returned to Mechanicsburg and resumed the hay-rake business until 1865, when he
reentered the spoke and bending industry, which has since grown to its present great
proportions.
RUFUS E. SHAPLEY, Jeweler, Mechanicsburg, was born in Hummelstown, Dauphin
Co., Penn., December 33, 1840, son of Edmunds and Eliza (McElrath) Shapley, whose
family consisted of eight children, four sons and four daughters. Edmunds Shapley, a
cabinet-maker by trade, lived for a time in Carlisle, and died in Mechanicsburg in May,
1876, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. Rufus E., the eldest son, attended school in Hum-
melstown until, when twelve or thirteen years of age, he moved with his parents to
Uniontown, Carroll Co., Md., where he attended school until he was eighteen, when he
began to learn the trade of cabinet-maker with his father. This was of brief duration,
however, as he commenced an apprenticeship to the jeweler's and watch-maker's craft in
Uniontown in 1859, at which he remained until, while on a visit to Hummelstown, he
enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
in 1862. While a volunteer in Pennsylvania he was also drafted in Maryland, and although
himself a soldier and not able to be in two places at the same time, was compelled to pay
$300 commutation on account of the Maryland draft. After ten months' service, on the
disbandment of his company, he was mustered out, receiving honorable discharge, and in
1863 located in Shippensburg, where he first engaged in the jewelry business upon his own
account. Two years afterward he came to Mechanicsburg, and here, after a brief partner-
ship of two years with the late J. W. Swartz, an old resident jeweler of the place, he
established his present business in April, 1867. Our subject was married February 14,
1864, to Emma E. Landis, born in Cambridge, Lancaster Co., Penn., daughter of Isaac and
Catharine (Wademan) Landis, both of Pennsylvania. To this union were born two chil-
dren: Laura C, born May 8, 1865, and Edith R., born January 8, 1874. Mr. Shapley is a
member of Eureka Lodge, No. 315, F. & A. M., Lodge Ko. 815, I. O. O. F., Col. H. L
Zinn Post, No. 415, G. A. R., Mechanicsburg. He is one of the enterprising representative
citizens of Mechanicsburg. The family, of English and Irish descent, is among the oldest
of the early settlers of the county.
ROBERT N. SHORT, physician, Mechanicsburg, was born on the Cumberland River,
Pulaski Co., Ky., September 6, 1831, the eldest son in the family of eight children of Mil-
ton and Mary (Tate) Short. When our subject was seven years of age his parents removed
to Lawrence County, Ind., where he worked on the farm, ati ending school during win-
ters. This and two years at Spring Creek Academy, and private tutorship under Prof. E.
F. Eaton, constituted his school advantages. In 1850 he began the study of medicine,
graduating from the Southern Medical College in 1853. He then attended a full course of
lectures at St. Louis University Medical Department, session of 1858-54, and subsequently
£raduated from Miami Medical College in 1871; practiced medicine in Jefferson Parish,
la., about two years; went thence to Palestine, Crawford Co., 111., two years; later
to Springville, Lawrence Co., Ind., in partnership with his brother, Wesley Short, M. D.. in
1861; moved to Centreville, this county, in October, 1861, devoting his time to the prac-
tice of medicine and surgery until October, 1865, when he located at Mechanicsburg,
Penn., where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr.
Short married, April 13, 1860. Miss Anna B.. daughter of Robert and Sarah (Schock) Wil-
son, and to this union were born the following named children: Sarah T., born December
11, 1861, died August 7, 1882; Robert W., born September 23, 1863 (a graduate of Mechan-
icsburg High School, at present attending the Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg., Dr.
Short is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 303, F. & A. M., Samuel C. Perkins Chapter,
No. 309, R. A. M., and St. John's Commandery, No. 8, K. T., and Mechanicsburg
Lodge, No. 315, I. O. O. F. ; has been a member of Cumberland County Medical Society
since its organization (1866), and was its presidont from 1876 to 1877. He has been a
member of the State Medical Society since 1867, and of American Medical Association
since 1880. He was appointed United States Examining Surgeon July 81, 1885.
JAMES A. SIBBBTT, eX-prothonotary, auctioneer, Mechanicsburg, is a representa-
tive of one of the old families of Cumberland County, Penn. His grandfather, John Sib-
bett, born near the city of Armagh, County Armagh, Ireland, was a shoe-maker by trade;
he and his brother Robert were the only sons of their father. Robert Sibbett was one of
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 435
the " united men " in the rebellion against England, but did not come to America; his
brother, John, when a young man, came to America and settled in Chester County, Penn.,
in 1788; was married here to Miss Bridget Montague, and came to Cumberland County,
Penn., in the spring of 1833 or 1824, locating at Churchtowu; a short time thereafter he
moved to Mount Holly Springs; he was a member of the first Presbyte'rian Church of Car-
lisle. To Mr. and Mrs. John Sibbett were born three daughters and seven sons: John and
James (twins), Robert, Samuel, Andrew, Thomas, Aaron, Molly, Jane and Elizabeth.
John, the eldest, born near West Obester, Chester Co., Penn., in 1792, married Miss Annie
Lightfoot, who was born in Maryland in 1801, and who moved with her parents to this
county aboutl807; he came to this county about 1817, and, being a shoe-maker, made the
first pegged shoes in Cumberland County, making his own pegs. He died August 7, 1832.
His widow died February 4, 1857. They had seven children, two living: Elizabeth, born
August 20, 1820, residing in Mechanicsburg, is a member of the Church of God, and James
A., the youngest, born in what is now Jacksonville, Cumberland Co., Penn., March 7,
1832. He worked on the farm, attending school winters, until he was eighteen, when he
began to learn the tailor's trade at Churchtown; was married. May 29, 1856, in Mechan-
icsburg, to Mrs. Jane Stroop, who was born in New Bloomfield, Perry County, May 20,
1834, daughter of Conrad and Sophia (Shober) Roth, old settlers of Perry County. Mr.
and Mrs. James A. Sibbett are members of the Church of God. They have had six chil-
dren: Robert B., an employe of the Cumberland Valley Railroad at Bridgeport, Penn.;
■Charles L., who died, aged twelve months; Curtis A., a painter of Mechanicsburg, married
to Mrs. Mary Koser; Harry L., Kate A. and Lizzie. At the breaking out of the late war
of the Rebellion our subject became a member of Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-
eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the army until honorably dis-
charged in October, 1863, when he returned home, and in the spring of 1864 came to
Mechanicsburg, soon after being employed in the quartermaster's department at Harris-
burg, under Maj. Richenboch until the close of the war. He then engaged with W. Y.
Johnson & Bro., forwarding agent, who owned individual cars, for two years: then
resumed his trade of tailor until 1880, when he was appointed census enumerator for the
Third "Ward of Mechanicsburg, by Hon. J. Simpson Africa. In 1881 Mr. Sibbett was nom-
inated and elected, by the people of Cumberland County, prothonotary of the county for
three years, since which time he has been engaged as auctioneer. He is a member of the
I. O. O. F. and the Encampment; a member of Capt. Colwell Post, No. 201, G. A. R.,
Carlisle. In politics he is a Democrat. He has a nice residence on North Market Street,
Mechanicsburg, where he and his family reside.
PETER SIPE, cooper, proprietor of flour and feed store, corner of Chestnut and
Simpson Streets, Mechanicsburg, was born in Franklin Township, York County, in Sep-
tember, 1829; son of Martin (a cooper) and Mary (Freisinger) Sipe, also natives of York
■County, and parents of twelve children, of whom Sarah, Jake, JLydia, Peter, Leah and
Maria are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Sipe, were members of the Lutheran Clmrch.
The subject of this sketch, who is the third child, was but eight or ten years old when
his father died, and at that early age started out to make his own way in life. He went to
live with Peter Wolford, who is now a capitalist in Minneapolis, Minn., and worked with
him at farming in York and Franklin Counties until he was fourteen years old, when he
came to Churchtown, this county, and worked on a farm for Henry Lutz, four years;
then went to work for Hon. William R. Gorgas, in Lower Allen Township, and while
farming for him was married. February 29, 1848, to Miss Caroline Wilson, born in New
Cumberland, this county, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Warts) Wilson. After his mar-
riage, Mr. Sipe learned the cooper's trade, under George Chapman, at Eberly's Mills, Mill-
town, Lower Allen Township, and there remained until 1865, when he moved to Harris-
burg, where he worked at his trade two or three years, and then removed to Wheeling,
W. Va. One year later he went to New Orleans, but after a short time returned to Har-
xisburg, and six months later came to Bryson's Mills. Silver Spring Township, this county,
and there remained until 1879, when he moved to Mechanicsburg, where he has since re-
sided. He and his wife have had seven children, six now living: Mary, wife of Charles
Murdock, a machinist, Mechanicsburg; Sarah, wife of John Strasbauch, a butcher, Me-
chanicsburg; Clara, wife of Joseph Bricker, a retired farmer; Barbara, wife of Sterling
Glace, of Mechanicsburg; Ella, wife of Peter Stone, a tailor, of Mechanicsburg; and
David L., a cooper, residing with his parents. Wm. Henry Sipe, the oldest son, was
killed at Fort Harrison, in the late war, in 1863. Mr. Sipe is a representative of one of the
oldest families in the State.
FRANCIS H. STRICKER, founder and rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Me-
chanicsburg, is a native of Germany, born in Rothenfelde, near Osnabruck, Province of
Hanover, November 24, 1845; son of Frederick W. and Charlotta (NoUmann) Strieker, the
former a merchant and manufacturer, of Rothenfelde; they were members of the Lu-
theran Church; they had four sons and four daughters. Francis H., the second son and
third child, was educated in Germany until he was eighteen years old, when he came to
New York City, and, in June, 1864, entered the Classical Institution at Gambler, Ohio,
for two years; thence went to the Divinity School in Philadelphia, until 1871, when he
436 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
entered the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, in New York City,
■whence he gniiluatcd in 1873. and the same year was ordained by Bishop Horatio Potter,
and went as a missionary to Hankow, China, where he remained two years, learning the
language in six months, so that he could read the service, and subsequently learned the
language suflBciently to preach to the people. At the close of his labors at Hankow he
traveled in China, visiting Shanghai and Hong Kong: from here, in February, 1876, he
went to Saigon, Anam; thence to Singapore; thence to Ceylon; thence across the Indian
Ocean to Aden, Arabia; thence up the lied Sea to Suez, and through tlie Sue^ Canal, to
Port Said, where he remained a short time; then crossed the Mediterranean to Naples,
where he also remained a short time; then went to Marseilles, France, traveling overland
through France to Lj'ons and Belford. where he visited the celebrated fortifications;
thence to Strasburg. Germany; thence to Mainz; thence to Coblentz and Cologne; remained
in Germany visiting Munster and Osnahruck. (It was in these two cities the peace of
Westphalia was negotiated.) He traveled over Germany, France and Switzerland, visit-
ing many of the important and historical cities. In August, 1876, he came to the Cen-
tennial at Philadelphia, Penn., and in October, same year, was given charge of St.
David's Mission Church, under Bishop Stevens, at that city, remaining there until
July, 1878. when he came to Mechanicsburg, and founded his present church. There
was no church when Mr. Strieker came here and only eighteen members.but he
went bravely to work, and with the assistance of these members, he has built up
his present congregation, and in 1880 they erected their elegant stone church.'corner of
Keller and Market Streets. The church has a fine organ, presented by Mrs. William
Watts, of Mechanicsburg. The edifice was opened in October, 1880, and consecrated free
of debt, in April, 1881. It is not only out of debt but has a surplus in the treasury of
several hundred dollars. Much credit is due Mr. Strieker for his untiring energy and suc-
cessful labor.
JOSEPH STROCK, retired, Mechanicsburg, was born near Churchtown, this county,
September 15, 1805, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wise) Strock, natives of this county; they
were members of the Reformed Church first, and latterly joined the Church of God. Jacob
Strock, who was a farmer, was accidently killed when aged seventy -three; his widow lived
to be nearly eighty years. They had five sons and four daughters, all of whom attained
maturity, and three sons and two daughters are now living: Mary, wife of John Zimmer-
man, a farmer and justice of the peace, Smithville, Wayne Co., Ohio; Joseph; George, a
retired farmer, Churchtown, Penn. ; Rachael, wife of Jacob Coover, residing on a farm near
Shepherdstown, this county; and David, a farmer in Clarke County, Ohio. Joseph, who
is the eldest son, worked on his father's farm, attending the old log schoolhouse in Church-
town until he was eighteen years of age, when he began the trade of cabinet-maker in New
Cumberland, and there remained two years. He then worked in Carlisle, New Cumberland,
Baltimore, Md., York, York Co., Penn., and Harrisburg, Penn., until the fall of 1829, when
he came to Mechanicsburg. He was married December 34, 1829, to Miss Margaret Neagley,
born in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., daughter of Daniel and Eliza-
beth (Stoner) Neagley, natives of Lancaster County, Penn. After his marriage Mr. Strock
worked at his trade in Mechanicsburg two years, then moved to Trindle Spring, where he
purchased a farm. He came to Mechanicsburg in 1871 or 1872, and purchased his present
home property. Mr. and Mrs. Strock had niije children, seven now living: Daniel N.,
born November 18, 1830, married to Miss Mary Rathburn, they reside in Princeton, 111.,
where he and his brother have a planing mill; Ann E., born November 20, 1832, married
first to Dr. Samuel Long, second to P. Vanest, of Ohio, and third to John Mumper, her
present husband (they reside on a farm in York County, Penn.); Mary A., born April 28,
1835, wife of William J. Shearer, a lawyer of Carlisle; William B., born November 16,
1836, unmarried, resides in Jackson County, Miss.; Sarah R.,' born July 26, 1838, married
John C. Reeser, of Monroe Township; Jacob N., bom June 13, 1841, married Miss Hettie
Brandt, and after her death Miss Sarah Gihler, they reside on the farm of his father at
Trindle Spring; Joseph H., born August 9, 1844, married first to Miss Etta Glime, and after
her death to Miss Lizzie B. Mumert, they reside in Princeton 111. The mother of these chil-
dren died May 29, 1852, she was a member of the Church of God. Mr. Strock married
March 1, 1859, for his second wife. Mrs. Eliza Bigley, born in North Middleton Township,
daughter of Frederick and Catharine (Snyder) Wonderly. Mr. Strock and wife are mem-
bers of the Church of God. Mr. Strock is one of the old settlers and enterprising citizens
of Mechanicsburg.
R. H. THOMAS was born in the city of Philadelphia January 28, 1834. His ances
try on his father's side descended from the Welsh-English, and on his mother's side from
the Scotch-Irish. He was educated in the public schools of Lancaster City, where his
father Rev. E. H. Tliomas had the pastoral charge of a large congregation. At the age
of fourteen years he apprenticed himself to the business of house and sign painting, and
wall decorating, which he followed during the summer months for some years, teaching
school during the winter season. Impaired health caused him to relinquish this occupa-
tion and turn bis attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1851 he took up his residence in
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, and, in 1854 was united in marriage with Miss Annetta,
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 437
daughter of Henry Kimmel, Esq., one of the old and prominent families of the Cumber-
landValley. Two children: R. H. Thomas, Jr., editor of the Saturday Journal, and Miss
Estelle Thomas, a prolific and entertaining writer, are the results of this union. In 1859
he became a Freemason, a member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, in 1863, and an
officer of the same in 1864, serving for thirteen consecutive years as district deputy
grand master. In 1862 he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue for the
Fifteenth District of Pennsylvania, and continued in that office until 1866. During the
civil war he served, on several occasions, in difierent emergency regiments, resuming his
duties at home as soon as the exigency which called him to the flelrl had subsided. On
Monday, June 30, 1863, he was appointed a special aid-de-camp by Gov. Curtin, with the
rank of colonel, and assigned to duty in the depai-tment commanded by Gen. Smith, who,
at that time had his headquarters at Fort "Washington, near Harrisburg. When the Con-
federate forces were driven south of the Potomac, and peace again reigned in Pennsyl-
vania, he retired from military duty and entered upon business pursuits. In 1870, he pur^
chased the Valley Democrat,! and changed the name of the paper to the Valley Independent.
In 1873 he bought the Cumberland Valley Journal, a rival newspaper, and consolidated the
offices and papers under the name of the Independent Journal. In the fall of 1873, he es-
poused the cause of the Patrons of Husbandry, an order then coming into prominence in
this state, and during the following summer organized a large number of subordinate
granges. Upon the organization of the State Grange, at Reading, in 1873, he was elected
secretary, and has acceptably filled that position ever since. On January 1, >1874, he be-
gan the publication of the Farmers' Friend and Orange Advocate, the organ of the Patrons
of Husbandry, and an agricultural journal of high charcter, extended circulation, and
great influence. Impressed with the idea that there ought to be a better understandings
between the farmers and the manufacturers of the country, he in 1874 originated and or-
ganized the Inter-State Picnic Exhibition, at Williams' Grove, Cumberland Co., Penn.,
which has, from the date of its inception, steadily grown in magnitude and importance
until it stands almost unrivaled in the history of agricultural exhibitions in this country.
The subject of this sketch filled the office of president of the State Editorial Association,
and is now, and has been for several years past, its secretary and treasurer. He is also one
of the officers of the International Editorial Association. He was the commissioner from
Pennsylvania to the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, held at New
Orleans during 1884 and 1885, and was likewise appointed a commissioner to the American
Exposition to be held in London, England, in May, 1887. In all the varied positions he
has been called upon to fill, R. H. Thomas has retained the full confidence of the general
public, and esteem and respect of all with whom his official duties brought him into rela-
tionship.
CHRISTIAN H. TITZEL, furniture dealer and undertaker, Mechanicsburg. Promi-
nent among the leading business men of Cumberland County is the esteemed citizen.
Christian H. "Titzel, who was born on the old family farm in Upper Allen Township, one
mile east of Mechanicsburg, July 7, 1845, a descendant of two of the oldest families of
Pennsylvania. 'The name is of German origin and his ancestors were among the first to
immigrate to Pennsylvania. Christian H. is a son of Christian and Polly (Rupp) Titzel,
the latter of whom subsequently married John Wonderlich and had eleven children.
Christian Titzel, father of our subject, was born in Tyrone Township, now in Perry
County, Penn., July 28, 1800, the only child born to John and Mary Magdalene (Hecken-
dorn) Titzel. He was a skillful mechanic, and for many years pursued his trade of house
carpentering and bridge building; in 1837 he began merchandising, and in 1835 purchased
a farm one mile east of Mechanicsburg; he served his fellow-citizens in various capacities,
settling up estates, and acting as guardian for children; was county commissioner of
Cumberland County from 1843 to 1846; he took a great interest in educational matters and
in everything pertaining to his church (Reformed); he died on the old farm December 85,
1861 ; his widow died October 1, 1883, a member of the Reformed Church. To this couple
were born seven children — four sons and three daughters: John Martin Titzel, D. D., born
at Mechanicsburg, Penn., March 19, 1833, is pastor of the Reformed Church at Lancaster,
Penn. (he is a graduate of Franklin College, Lancaster, Penn., and in 1857 received from the
theological seminary at Mercer, Penn., the degree of A. M. from his alma mater); Benja-
min, born October 13, 1833, is a farmer in Silver Spring Township, this county; Anna;
Mary Elizabeth resides in Mechanicsburg; George W., born October 11, 1842. died August
1880; Christian Heckendorn and Salome Frances. Christian H. Titzel's early life was
spent on the farm with his father and in attending school winters until he was eighteen
years old, when ITe served a two and a half years' apprenticeship with Samuel Werst. He
then purchased a shop in company with his brother and carried on business under the firm
name of Titzel & Bro. for three years, when he bought his brother's (George H.'s) interest,
and has since conducted the business alone. Our subject commenced with small capital,
but by hard work, close application and honest dealing has increased his business until
he now has the largest and most complete stock of domestic and imported furniture, etc..
In Mechanicsburg. He also, in connection with the furniture business, established aa
undertaker's establishment, and stands at the head of his profession in this line. Mr.
438 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Titzel married, November 9, 1860, Miss Clarissa M. Comfort, a native of Adams County,
Penn., daugliter of Daniel and Elizabetli (Brugli) Comfort. Mr. Comfort was a dry goods
merchant of Mechanicsburg for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Titzel have one son, Daniel
Comfort, born August 29, 1867, now attending the high school in Mechanicsburg; he is
possessed of a fine talent for music, which he cultivates; he assists his father in business.
Mr. C. H. Titzel is a grandson of Martin Rupp, born in Lancaster (now Lebanon) County,
Penn., September 15, 1769, married in 1797 to Anna Schnebele; he died July 18, 1843. Mr.
^nd Mrs. Titzel are members of the Reformed Church.
COL. JOSEPH TOTTON, proprietor of the oldest and most reliable livery, feed and
sale stables, Mechanicsburg, one of the representative men of Cumberland County, was
born in Dillsburg, York Co., Penn., July 8, 1833, son of John and Hattie (McClure) Tot-
ton. John Totton, by trade a shoe-maker, was born in Portadown, Ireland; enlisted in
the English Army and had served nine years (during the French war) when he was brought
to America in the war of 1818, but refused to flght the Americans and became a citizen,
settling in Dillsburg, York Co., Penn., where he was married. He died in Dillsburg in
1847, aged sixty years, and his widow died in 1849, aged fifty-eight, a member of the Pres-
byterian Church. The family consisted of six children — two sons and four daughters.
Joseph, who is the eldest, acquired an education in a little school house in Dillsburg, and
then learned shoe-making, and remained in his native town until 1854; then wenttoShip-
pensburg, but in 1857 located in Mechanicsburg. where he engaged in the manufacture of
boots and shoes until the breaking out of the late war of the Rebellion, when he raised
the Cumberland Guards, which became Company H, Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves, and
Mr. Totton was elected captain, and subsequently lieutenant-colonel. He remained with
the regiment one year, when, being compelled to resign owing to impaired health, he re-
ceived an honorable discharge. He came home, and a year later opened a livery stable
and established his present business. In 1873 he was elected sheriff of Cumberland Coun-
ty, and resided in Carlisle three years during his term of office, since which time he has
resided in Mechanicsburg. Mr. Totton married at Dillsburg, June 8, 1848, Miss Lydia
Wagoner, who was born in East Berlin, Adams Co., Penn., daughter of Samuel and Lydia
■(Oiler) Wagoner, the former a blacksmith, born in Adams County, and the latter born in
Hanover, York Co., Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Totton have had eleven children, nine now liv-
ing: David B., born in Dillsburg, York Co., Penn., October 30, 1849; James M., born in
Monroe Township, this county, September 25, 1851 (he assists his father in the livery busi-
ness^; George B., born in Dillsburg, York Co., Penn. (is a farmer in Silver Spring Town-
ship); Ellen, born in Shippensburg, Penn. (is the wife of Talbot Crain, and resides in
Hogestown. this county); Anna M. (resides with her parents); Maggie (with her parents);
Joseph, Jr. (book-keeper for C. N. Owen, Mechanicsburg); John and Frank (who both as-
sist their father in the business). Mrs. Totton is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Totton is a member of Mecanicsburg Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. P., and of Wildey
Encampment, Mechanicsburg, and is the oldest member of the I. O. O. F. in the town,
laving been connected therewith forty-one years; is a member of the G. A. R., Carlisle
Post, No. 301. Mr. Totton is one of the leading business men of the place. He is of Irish
descent on his father's side, and Scotch on his mother's side.
ALEXANDER UNDERWOOD, retired, Mechanicsburg, proprietor of Mount Hope
Magnet Ore Mine, near Dillsburg, York Co. Penn., was born on his father's farm in Wash-
ington Township, August 16, 1813, son of Amos and Lydia (Bales) Underwood, natives of
York County, and who had a family of eight children— six sons. Alexander, the second
born, when nine years old, went to live with a friend of his father, James S. Mitchell,
ex-congressman from Pennsylvania, and remained with him, attending school, until he
-was sixteen, when he was apprenticed to learn the saddle and harness-maker's trade with
Stephen Packer at York Springs, Adams County. Three years later he returned home, and
assisted his father (who was a farmer) until his marriage, November 30, 1837, with Miss
Matilda Mumper, who was born in Carroll Township, York Co., Penn., daughter of Abra-
ham and Mary (Lerew) Mumper, natives of York County. After marriage, Mr. Under-
wood worked at his trade in York Springs, Adams County for three years, then located on
«,farm fourteen miles west of Baltimore,'"Md., where he remained five years; then returned
to York, York Co., Penn., and engaged at his trade until 1868, when he bought 215 acres
in Carroll Township, York County, where he has his mine. He employs from twenty -five
to thirty men. He also has a mine which he leases to Augustus Longenecker. Mr. Under-
wood located in Mechanicsburg in 1871. He owns a fine two-story brick building on Main
Street, where he resides; a two-story frame residence and store on Main, near corner of
High; a two-story brick house on Main Street, near the female college; three building lots
on the corner of Market and Keller Streets; 340 acres farm land in Russell County Kas.,
and 640 acres in Ida County, Iowa. Mr. Underwood started without the aid of any one.
l)ut by hard work, close .application to business and honest dealing, has made life a success.
His great-grandfather, Alexander Underwood, a Quaker preacher, came from England
and settled in York County, Penn. Mr, Underwood has in his possession a cannon ball, a
relic of the Revolution. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
GEORGE WAGONER, of George Wagoner & Sons, leading dry goods merchants,
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 439
Mechanicsburg, was born near East Berlin, Adams Co. Penn., July 17, 1818. His great-
grandfather, Mathias Wagoner, a native of Ruthesheime, Hohenzollern, Prussia, had two
sons who came to America: Jacob, who settled in Virginia, and Peter, who settled in
"What is now York County, Penn. The latter's son, Peter, a farmer and hotel keeper,
married Miss Mary Arnold, and had six sons and seven daughters. Of these children,
Samuel, born in York County, Penn., a blacksmith by trade, married Miss Lydia Oiler, of
York County, and had three daughters and three sons, of whom George is the eldest.
They were members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject, when some seven years of
age, went with his father to East Berlin, Adams Co., Penn., and there learned blackstnith-
ing of his father. December 24, 1839, he married Miss Ann Smith, born near East Berlin
Adams County, daughter of Martin B. (a miller), and Mary (Swigert) Smith. Her grand-
lather, Abraham Swigert, was born in Alsace, France 'now Germany), April 13, 1748, and
died February 84, 1813, son of Jacob Swigert, one of the old French Huguenots. Mrs.
Wagoner's grandmother, Eleanor Housel, born April 31, 1764, died August 14, 1838. After
marriage, George Wagoner moved to York Springs, Adams Co., and worked at his trade
oneyear; then located between Dillsburg and Petersburg, York County, where he worked at
his trade one year; then located at Dillsburg, where he remained engaged at his
trade and in merchandising, until 1873, when he moved to Mechanicsburg, and here he
has since resided. He and his wife had five sons, two living, Samuel M. and Edward S.
Samuel M., born in Dillsburg, York Co., Penn., November 15, 1844, married, April 9, 1871;
Miss Anna Shriver, of Adams County, Penn., daughter of Benjamin and Maria (Forry)
Shriver(have two daughters: Cora M. and Florence K.). Samuel Wagoner, one of the
firm of George Wagoner & Sons, is a member of Mechanicsburg Lodge, No 315. 1. O. O. F. ;
Wildey Encampment, No. 89, Mechanicsburg; Treasury Integrity Council,No. 197, O. U. A.
M., of Mechanicsburg. Edward Wagoner, born in Dillsburg, York Co. Penn,, in July,
1847; married Mrs. Maria H. S. Dyson, a native of Dillsburg, York Co., Penn., daugh-
ter of Dr. George L. and Eliza (Eichelberger) Shearer (have one daughter, Maria S). Mrs.
Edward Wagoner is a direct descendant of John Daniel Duenkle, chief justice of the
courts of Strasburg, Germany. Edward Wagoner is a member of the Lutheran General
Synod, and his wife of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the firm of George
Wagoner & Sons and is also passenger agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company.
George Wagoner, subject of our sketch, is a member of Humane Lodge, No. 343, I. O. 0.
F., York County, Penn., and Berlin Beneficial Society, East Berlin. He and his sons are
■enterprising, representative citizens of Mechanicsburg. They carry a stock of $15,000,
and stand high in the estimation of all as upright business men.
HON. WILLIAM MILES WATTS (deceased) was born in Carlisle, Cumberland Co.,
Penn., August 1, 1809, and received his elementary education at Dickinson College, Car-
lisle. Before maturing he immigrated to Meadville, Crawford Co., Penn., and studied
medicine under Dr. Beemus. Finding this profession unsuited to his taste, he entered the
office of John S. Riddle, Esq., a distinguished lawyer of Meadville, and was there admit-
ted to the bar. He commenced the practice of law in Erie City, Erie Co., Penn.,
and was elected district attorney of that county; was a member of the State Consti-
tutional Convention of 1837, and also represented the county of Erie in that body. In
1888 he was elected to the Legislature by the people of that county as their representative.
The session of the Legislature, during the winter of 1838 and 1839, was made memorable by
the extraordinary political excitement throughout the borders of Pennsylvania, by the
outgoing of the Ritner administration and the incoming of the Democrats. There was
an angry and vehement contest in both the Senate and House of Representatives for the
• political control, and it was boldly asserted by the Democrats that gross frauds had been
perpetrated by the Whigs in the elections to the Senate and the House. Charles B. Pen-
rose, Jesse Borden, Thomas Cunningham and others, who had been elected to the Senate
by the Democrats, had, in consequence of their support of the recharter of the Bank of
United States, and the improvement and educational law, been drawn from their party
into the ranks of the opposition, and encountered its fierce displeasure. Thaddeus Ste-
vens the reporter and advocate of the obnoxious bill, William B. Reed, George Sharswood,
Henry Spackman, Joseph Fisher, George W. Tyson and others, representatives from
Philadelphia, were alike offensive, and thus originated the Buckshot war, which the Gov-
ernor was induced to resist by calling out the militia force of the State. At this fearful
crisis, Mr. Watts, being of athletic frame, undoubted courage and patriotic impulses, was
selected to prevent the forcible demonstration of Henry Spackman, who had been
■chosen speaker of the House by the Whigs. He encountered vigorous attacks, and firmly
defeated all efforts to remove the speaker. His personal and political affiliations were
with such intellectual and reliable men as Joseph Clarkson, William B. Reed, Edward
Olmstead, Joseph Fisher, George Sharswood, Frederick Praley, Jacob Gratz, Henry Carey,
Joseph Mcllwaine and others, who laid the foundation of the Pennsylvania system of in-
ternal improvements, of finance and the higher departments of collegiate and common
schools To the intellectual force and earnest efforts of such Philadelphians, and other
■conspicuous citizens of the State, are we indebted for our present prosperity and State
prominence. Mr. Watts, after relinquishing his official connection with the State, re-
440 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
turned to his birth-place and purchased one of the oldest iron-works in the State, belong-
ing to the family of Peter Ege, on the southern boundary of Cumberland County, called
"Pine Grove," and containing 80,000 acres. Here for many years he operated a forge,
furnace, grist-mill, and carried on otlier industrial pursuits. During the civil war, this
domain, lyiiis; northeast of South Mountain, between Carlisle and- Gettysburg, became the
track of the armies of the North and South, and was thus desolated by both. Mr. Watts
cheerfully surrendered the contents of his mill, the provisions and shelter of his house to
the Northern Government, and never chiimed, or allowed others to claim any compensa-
tion from either the Federal or Slate Governments for the large losses he sustained. Dur-
ing the administrations of Gov. W. F. Johnston and A. G. Curtin, Mr. Watts was an inti-
mate friend of both, and enjoyed their implicit confidence and affection. Each relied
much upon the political sagacity of Mr. Watts, and many things which led to important
results were advised by him. He was unswerving in his attachment to men whom he be-
lieved to be lovers of the country, and firm adherents of its Republican institutions and
the true policy of Pennsylvania, and was never remiss 'in his extraordinary influence to
define them against an assailant. Mr. Watts married Miss Anna M. Reed, at Carlisle,
June 28, 1847. She was born at Carlisle May 30, 1836, a daughter of Judge John and
Sarah A. (McDowell) Reed. The former was born at Millerstown, Adams County, thia
State, in June, 1786, and was appointed judge, under Gov. Findlay, of Cumberland, Frank-
lin and Adams Counties, and held that office for many years. He died Janiiary 19, 1850,
at Carlisle. His wife was born at Fort Harmer, May 21, 1787, a daughter of Dr. John and
Margaret Sanderson (Lukens) McDowell. Dr. McDowell was a surgeon in the Revolu-
tionary war. Mr. and Mrs. Watts had two sons and two daughters, viz.: Sarah R., wife
of William J. Rose, of Harrisburg; Julia, wife of George 8. Oomstock of Hauck & Com-
stock, manufacturers, Mechanicsburg; David Watts, engaged in iron at Harrisburg, Penn.,
married to M. B. Cameron; and Reed Watts, who died at the age of eleven years. Hon.
William Miles Watts was more than ordinary, both mentally and physically. His mind
was cultured by extensive reading and reflection, and his heart endued with all the graces
of affection and charity.
ALEXANDER WENTZ, postmaster, Mechanicsburg, was born in Jefferson, York
Co., Penn., only son and youngest child of Jacob B. and Catharine (Troxel) Wentz, the
former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland, who died at the age of ninety-
one. Jacob B. Wentz was a merchant, farmer and miller in the towns of York and Jef-
ferson, York Co., Penn., and for some time in the city of Baltimore, Md. He was a
member of the Masonic lodge at York, where he resided until his death. He died at the
age of seventy -five years, his widow at the age of ninety-one. Alexander Wentz, the sub-
ject of this sketch, remained with his father in York County, Penn., for some years and
was there elected county treasurer. In 1882 he opened a general store at Dillsburg, but
soon after located at Shepherdstown, this county. In April, 1868, he moved to Mechan-
icsburg, where he still resides. He was employed in the internal revenue office for. two
years, and on the 1st of July, 1885, was appointed postmaster of Mechanicsburg, which
position he now holds. Mr. Wentz has held various local offices of trust in Mechanics-
burg, all of which he has discharged faithfully and to the satisfaction of the public. He
aided in forming Mechanicsburg Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is a member of York Lodge,
F. & A. M . at York, Penn. He married Miss Isabella, daughter of David Stuart, of
Maryland, and to them were born two sons, one living, Annan, born July 14, 1877. Mr.
and Mrs. Wentz are members of the Presbyterian Church. He has been long known and
highly esteemed as an honest citizen and business man.
ROBERT WILSON, retired, Mechanicsburg, who has been identified with Mechan-
icsburg since the fall of 1830, was born in Baltimore, Md., November 29, 1810, only child
of Robert and Susan (Armstrong) Wilson. When our subject was but three years of age
his father (a native of Maryland) died, and after his death Robert, with his mother, moved
to Harrisburg, Penn., where she subsequently married John Wright, a tinner by occupa-
tion, by whom she had one son and two daughters. Robert Wilson learned the tinner's
trade with his stepfather. In the fall of 1830 he came to Mechanicsburg and opened a
tin and stove store. He was married here, December 22, 1831, to Miss Sarah Schock.
Mrs. Wilson still enjoys good health and is as lively as many young ladies are; she was
born in Berks County, Penn., August 6, 1811. To this union were born eight children,
seven living: George W. (married to Miss Susan Hoover, they reside in Mechanicsburg),
Elizabeth (wife of Dr. Robert N. Short, Mechanicsburg), William H. (baggage master on
the Cumberland Valley Railroad), Julia (wife of Jacob Hurst, a merchant here), Mary
(wife of John Ringwalt, proprietor of the "American House," Mechanicsburg), Ida (who
resides with her parents), and Susan (wife of Eugene Gardner, local editor of the Zrede-
pendent Journal. yiechSLuicaburg). Robert Wilson is a self-made, self-educated man; his-
life has been full of activity and enterprise. He was elected by the people of this county,
in 1842, county recorder and clerk of the courts for three years, discharging his duties
faithfully and to the entire satisfaction of all. He has filled various local offices of trust
in Mechanicsburg, and at one time was postmaster. In 1847 he, with Peter Ritner (son of
ex-Gov. Ritner, of Pennsylvania), were appointed collectors and general agents for the
BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 441
Cumberland Valley Railroad. At that time business on this road was conducted in a
very different manner than now, there being no station agents, and Messrs. Wilson and
Ritner were both freight and passenger agents, collecting, as conductors, for passengers
and freight. In 1869 Mr. Wilson retired from active business life, since which time he
has been acting as administrator for various estates. He has lived to see this county un-
dergo many interesting and important changes, and his life is an example to our young
men, who know but little of the difficulties and trials that the pioneers of this county had
to contend with. Mr. Wilson was a Whig in his younger days, but since the organization
of the Republican party has been one of its strong supporters. He and his wife are mem-
bers of Trinity Lutheran Church.
FREDERICK WONDERLICH, dealer in stoves and tin-ware, Mechanicsburg, was
born four miles nortlieast of Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., July 13, 1828, son of Fred-
erick (a farmer) and Catharine (Snyder) Wonderlich, also natives of this county, and
members of the Lutheran Church; they had a family of three sons and three daughters,
of wlvom Frederick and William (twins) are the youngest. When Frederick was two
years old his parents moved to Carlisle and kept hotel, and two years later (1833) came to
Mechanicsburg and opened a hotel. Our subject attended school and assisted his father
in the hotel until he was seventeen, when he began to learn his trade with George Bobb,
and two years later worked as journeyman at Carlisle, Churchtown; Landisburg, Perry
Co.; Petersburg, Adams Co.; Columbus, Lancaster Co.; Allentown, Lehigh Co.; Cata-
sauqua, Lehigh Co.j Penn.; Staunton, Va.; then returned to Mechanicsburg, in 1853, and
that year formed a partnership with his brother, William, and engaged in the stove and
tinware business until 1860, when he sold out to his brother and went to Mount Pleasant,
Iowa; four months later he went to Rochester, Fulton Co., Ind., where he purchased a
farm and engaged in agriculture until 1865, when he returned to Mechanicsburg, but that
summer worked at his trade in Harrisburg, Penn. In 1868 Mr. Wonderlich formed a part-
nership with George Hauck in the tinware and stove business, but at the expiration of
two years sold out and formed a partnership in the same business with his brother
George, who died in August, 1885. Mr. Wonderlich was married, in 1852, to Miss Catha-
rine Hartman (who died in 1858), a daughter of John and Susannah (Messinger) Hartman.
To this union were born two children: Harry H., married to Miss Amelia Gross (is a
butcher at Liberty Mills, Ind.); and George A., who died, aged four months. In 1860 our
subject married, for his second wife. Miss Jane Hartman, sister of his first wife, and they
have two daughters: Susan I., wife of George A. Bdleblut, a painter, of Mechanicsburg;
and Dora C, wife of James Koller, a manufacturer, member of the firm of J. B. KoUer
& Co. Mr. Wonderlich is a member of the American Mechanics Association and Shire-
manstown Benefit Association; his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church.
He is an enterprising business man and stands high in the estimation of all who know
him. His family is of German descent, his ancestors coming from Germany and settling
in what was then Lancaster County, Penn., at an early date.
CAPT. EDWARD P. ZINN, dentist, Mechanicsburg, was born in Bast Berlin, Adams
Co., Penn., August 3, 1827, son of John and Anna Mary (Beitzel) Zinn, the former of
whom, born near Dover, York County, a miller, shoe-maker and butcher by occupation, was
a son of Jacob Zinn, of York County, Penn. John and Anna Mary Zinn had thirteen chil-
dren— seven sons and six daughters — two sons and three daughters now living, Edward P.
being the fifth son and ninth child. Our subject was some five years old when his parents
moved to a farm near Dover, York County, and in 1840 he c^ime to the vicinity of Church-
town, this county, where he farmed until 1843; then moved to Churchtown, and worked
at shoe-making until 1846, in which year he went to New Bloomfield, Perry Co., Penn.,
where he opened a shop of his own. He was there married, January 1, 1848, to Miss Caro-
line Sophia Klinepeter, who was born in New Bloomfield, Perry Co., Penn., daughter of
Samuel Klinepeter. She died January 1, 1852, the mother of two children: One daughter,
who died in infancy, and one son, William B., who died aged thirty-one years. In 1853
Mr. Zinn went to Philadelphia, New York, and Savannah, Ga., traveling until the fall of
1853, when he located at Newburg, and worked at dentistry two years; then began prac-
ticing in Churchtown, where he remained iintilthe fall of 1855, when he l.>cated in Me-
chanicsburg. Mr. Zinn was here married, January 1, 1856, to Miss Margaret J. Pisle, a
native of Hopewell Township, this county, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Lesher)
Pisle. Mr. and Mrs. Zinn have had five children (four now living): Anson B., born in
Mechanicsburg, December 5, 1856, now proprietor of Zinn's bakery and confectionery;
Ida E., born in Mechanicsburg November 18, 1860; Annie M., born in Mechanicsburg
June 8, 1864, died June 5, 1874; Harry I., born in Mechanicsburg October 10, 1866, at
present engaged in the bakery business; Minnie B., born in Mechanicsburg February 16,
1871. Anson B. and his brother, Harry I.,, are members of P. O. S. of Washington
Camp, No. 164. Mechanicsburg. Edward P. Zinn is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 303,
A. yT M., and Post No. 58, G. A. R., of Harrisburg, Penn. In politics he is a Republican.
Mrs. Zinn and her daughter, Ida B., are members of the Lutheran Church.
HENKY ZINN, manufacturer of and dealer in boots and shoes, Mechanicsburg, was
born in York County, Penn., April 35, 1828, son of Jacob and Lydia (Newman) Zinn, na-
442 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
tives of York County, Penn., parents of nine children, seven living: George, David, Henry
(our subject), Lydia, Mary, William and Daniel. They were members of the Evangelical
Church. The mother dying, the father then married Mrs. Mary Greenwalt, by whom he
had one child, now living. Our subject remained on the farm in his native county until
he was eighteen, when he was apprenticed to learn to shoe-maker's trade at Manchester;
thence came to Mechanicsburg, in 1853, and established his present business. Mr. Zinn
was married here in December, 1853, to Miss Sarah Leidig born in Mechanicsburg, Penn. ,
daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Ritner) Leidig, natives of this county. Mr. and Mrs.
Zinn are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have had six children,
three now living: Laura, wife of Samuel Coover, a stock-dealer of La Cygne, Kas., and
Emma and Joseph, both attending school. Our subject is a grandson of Jacob Zinn, who
was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and settled in York County, Penn., at an early day.
The family is one of the oldest in Pennsylvania. His father's people are German, and his
mother's English. Mr. Zinn is not only one of our leading business men, but is also an
honest, Christian gentleman, who enjoys the confidence and respect of all.
CHAPTER XL.
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG.
J. C. ALTICK, druggist, Shippensburg, was born in Shippensburg, Penn., Novem-
ber 18, 1833, son of John and Elizabeth (Byerley) Altick, natives of this county, former of
whom was a manufacturer of wagons, plows and farming implements, in which branch of
industry he was engaged in Shippensburg for many years; he died in 1882. J. C. Altick,
the fourth In a f amfly of ten children, grew to manhood in Shippensburg, chose the drug
business for his occupation, and has been engaged in that line in Shippensburg for over
forty years. He is a Republican in politics, and has been burgess for two terms. He is a
prominent member of the I. O. O. F. ; is also a Master Mason.
JOHN L. EARNER, Shippensburg, was born in Juniata County, Penn., July 16,
1844, son of George and Lydia (Lehr) Barner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German
descent. His maternal grandfather, Peter Lehr, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his
paternal grandfather, Henry Barner, was a farmer. George Barner was a carpenter in
early life, and in later life was justice of the peace in Juniata County, Penn., in which ca-
pacity he served for thirty years. He was a prominent and influential citizen. Of his
nine children, John L. is the youngest. Our subject was reared in Juniata County, Penn.,
and attended the common school. At the age of twenty-three years he came to Shippens-
burg, this county, and engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of George H. Stewart,
where he remained for nearly two years, when Mr. Stewart sold the store. Mr. Barner
then accepted a clerkship in the Cumberland Valley freight office of J. B. Hurs & Co., re-
maining with them nearly two years; was then appointed freight and ticket agent for the
Cumberland Valley Railroad Company, which position he filled until August, 1881, since
which time he has been engaged in settling the estate of Ira Long (deceased), and also do-
ing business for his father-in-law, C. Long, a wealthy citizen of Shippensburg. Mr. Ear-
ner was married, in 1871, to Mary Ella, daughter of Christian and Hannah Ellen (Atkin-
son) Long, and to them was born, October 6, 1878, one son — George Stewart, named in
honor of our subject's first employer in Sliippensburg. Mr. and Mrs Earner are members-
of the German Reformed Church. He has served four years as justice of the peace in
Shippensburg. In politics he is a Democrat.
J. D. EASHORB, dentist, Shippensburg, was born in Franklin County, Penn., Octo-
ber 25, 1859, son of Emanuel and Elizabetli (Rebuck) Bashore, natives of Pennsylvania,
and of German descent. Emanuel Bashore was a tanner by occupation for nearly forty
years, and still resides in Franklin County, Penn. Of his five children Dr. J. D. is the-
youngest. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received his schooling in Franklin
County, Penn. At the age of nineteen years he commenced the study of dentistry, and
afterward attended the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, where he graduated in 1880,
and the same year he commenced the practice of his profession in Shippensburg, where
he has met with marked success. He was married, in 1883, to Madge L. Hartley, and they
have one child, B. Gorgas. The Doctor and wife are members of the Reformed Church in
Shippensburg, of the Sunday-school of which he is treasurer.
. CAPT. WILLIAM EAUGHMAN, grain dealer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born in this
county May 23, 1829, son of William and Mary E. (Fosnaughet) Eaughman, natives of
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBCRG. 443
this county, and of German descent. Of their family of six children, the subject of this
sketch is the fifth. Capt. William Baughman was reared on the farm, and acquired his
education in the common schools. He followed agricultural pursuits until the breaking
out of the war of the Rebellion; then enlisted, in August, 1861, in Company H, Third
Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was elected first lieutenant. After the battle of
Fredericksburg he was appointed captain of Company E, and served in that capacity until
the expiration of his term of service in 1864. At the close of the war Capt. Baughman re-
turned to Shippensburg, embarked in the grain business, and has remained here since.
The Captain was united in marriage, in 1852, with Mary C, daughter of Frederick Hep-
fer, and of German descent. Their children now living are Mary Irene, wife of W. J.
Angle; Ida Ann, widow of Walter F. Singmaster; Lilly May, wife of Edward Fenster-
macher, and Cora Burd, wife of William Miiflin. Capt. Baugliman and wife are mem-
bers of the Church of God. In politics he is a Republican. He has been assistant bur-
gess, and has also served as chief burgess of Shippensburg for two years. He is a mem-
ber of the orderof K. of P.; is also a F. & A. M.., and a member of the G. A. R.
B. D. BIGGS, produce dealer, Shippensburg, was born in Frederick County, Md.,
May 7, 1830, son of Benjamin and Delila (Groff) Biggs, natives of MaryJand, of German
and English descent. Of their family of ten children B. D. is the fifth. Benjamin Biggs
was a farmer all his life. Our subject was reared on the farm, and followed agricultural
pursuits for some years with success. He was married, in 1854, in Adams County, Penn.,
to Charlotte A. Chamberlin, daughter of David Chamberlin, and of German and English
descent. They have one child, Milton, now a young man, still at home. Mr. Biggs has
resided in Shippensburg since 1855, and for several years has been engaged in dealing in
produce. He is a liberal buyer and has met with success in his business. Mr. and Mrs.
Biggs are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Shippensburg. He has held
most of the church offices; has been Sabbath-school superintendent, and is an earnest
Christian worker. In politics he is a Republican.
O. M. BLAIR, general agent and dealer in agricultural implements, also plumber
and insurance agent, Shippensburg, was born in York County, Penn., March 1, 1848, son
of Thomas P. and Rebecca (Ferree) Blair, natives of Pennsylvania, former of Scotch-Irish
descent, and latter a descendant of the Huguenot stock. Thomas P. Blair was a farmer
by occupation, and a dealer in grain. He was a prominent man, and at one time served
as associate judge of Cumberland County, Penn. He died in Washington County, Md.,
in 1877, where he had resided only two years. His family consisted of six sons, four of
whom are still living, O. M. being fifth iij the family. Our subject was reared on the
farm and received a common school education in Cumberland County, Penn. At the
early age of fourteen years he took charge of his father's farm and followed agricultural
pursuits for ten years. In 1867 Mr. Blair accepted an agency for agricultural imple-
ments, and continued that in connection with his farming until 1873, when he engaged in
his present business. He was married, in 1873, to Nannie Gish, daughter of John Gish,
and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Blair are members of^the Presbyterian Church.
In politics he is a Democrat.
REV. W. B. CRAIG, Shippensburg, was born in Dauphin County, Penn., June 23,
1837, son of Hugh and Rachel (Boyd) Craig., natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish
descent, former of whom was a successful farmer. Of their two sons our subject is the
elder. Rev. W. B. Craig was reared on the farm, but had the advantage of a regular
college curriculum; he graduated at Jefferson College in 1853, and in 1856 graduated at the
Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny City, Penn. He then accepted a united call
from the churches of New Bloomfield, Sherman's Creek and Mouth of Juniata, Perry
County, Penn., remaining in his first charge nearly eleven years; he was then transferred to
Congruity, Westmoreland Co., Penn., where he remained five years; and in 1880 came to
Shippensburg, Penn., and here he has passed the early years of his life, where his parents
had resided for many years. He was married, in 1859. to Catherine H. Singer, a lady of
German descent. Of their five children four are now living: Hugh, reading law in Pitts-
burgh, Penn.; Samuel, attending school in Philadelphia, Penn.; Catherine and Rachel,
attending the State Normal School at Shippensburg. Penn. Mrs. Craig is a lady of cul-
ture, a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Rev. W. B. Craig is a Republi-
can, and during the late civil war was untiring in his devotion to the Constitution, the
Union and Freedom. • _ . . .
WILLIAM FEN8TERMA0HER, carriage manufacturer, Shippensburg, is a native
of Pennsylvania, born in 1834 in Schuylkill County, son of John and Elizabeth (Kutz)
Fenstermacher, natives of Pennsylvania, former a farmer by occupation. Of their fifteen
children, thirteen of whom grew to maturity, William is the ninth child. Our subject
was reared on the farm until eighteen years of age; then commenced learning the coach-
maker's trade, which he has followed for over forty years. He makes the manufacture of
coaches and buggies a specialty, and, since 1866, has also conducted a livery stable. Mr.
Fenstermacher'was married, in 1847, to Maria Kreider. Of their ten children four are now
living: Cyrus, a coach-maker; Elizabeth, wife of George Finston; Edmon S. and Emma.
Mrs. Fenstermacher is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a
Republican in politics, and has been a member of the town council two terms.
444 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
JOHN J. GETTEL, merchant, Shippensburg, was born in Franklin County, Penn.,
June 19, 1857, son of Miley and Mary (Wengert) Qettel, natives of Pennsylvania, of Ger-
man descent. Miley Gettel was a carpenter in early life, but later became a farmer. Of
his family of six clilldren, five of whom are now living. Jolin J. is the fourth. Our sub-
ject was reared on the farm, and acquired a common school education. He worked on the
farm until he was sixteen years of age; then cleiked in a slore for about three years, all of
which were spent in Shippensburg, and in 1876 he embarked in business, in Shippensburg,
as a general merchant. He has met wilh marked success, and carries an extensive stock
for a town of the size. Mr. Qettel was married, in 1879. to Zora L. Hollar, daughter of
Henry Hollar. They have three children: Raymond, Velva and Harold. Mr. and Mrs.
Gettel are members of the Church of God, in which he is deacon and also assistant super-
intendent of Sabbath-school. In politics he is a Republican; has been assessor for two years.
0. R. HARGLEROAD, butcher, Shippensburg, was born in Franklin County. Penn.,
November 14. 1847, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Retler) Hargleroad, natives of Franklin
County, Penn., former of German and latter of English descent. Our subject's grand-
father, John Hargleroad, a cooper by trade, was also born in Franklin County, Penn.
Jacob Hargleroad, father of our subject, in early life followed milling; at present he is
the proprietor of the National Hotel at Shippensburg. Of his ten children C. R. is the
third. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the common school, and also
academy. He assisted in his father's mill, learning the milling trad'', and operated the
mill for eight years. In 1875 he purchased the Clifton Flouring Mill in Franklin County,
Penn., and after running it for three years, sold it and came to Shippensburg. and here
dealt in horses. In 1880 he imported horses from Canada (it is said that these were the
first horses ever brought from Canada to the Cumberland Valley), and continued in this
business for two years; was also engaged in importing sheep, which branch of business he
still continues. His plan of operating is to import sheep and allow the farmers here to
raise them on shares, and in this way he has done much to improve the stock of sheep in
this vicinity. Since 1883 he has also done an extensive butchering business. Mr. Hargle-
road has been successful, flnancially. ever since starting in business for himself. He was
married, in 1865, to Julia, daughter of Benjamin Kyle, and of German descent. Their
children are John A., Bernice, Nellie. Bruce and Clara. Mrs. Hargleroad and the eldest
child are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Hargleroad is a
Republican. He is a member of the town council of Shippensburg.
JOHN J. KOSER, M. D., Shippensburg, was born in Franklin County, Penn., June
5, 1857, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wingert) Koser, natives of Pennsylvania, former of
French and German and t he latter of German descent. Originally the Kosers descended from
the Huguenots. Jacob Koseris a retired farmer and now resides in Shippensburg, this
county. Of his two children our subject is the eldest. The Doctor was reared on the
farm, and attended the common and State normal schools. His medical education was
obtained in the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with the degree of M. D.,
in 1881, and the same year he commenced the practice of his chosen profession in Ship-
pensburg, this county, and has met with more than average success. Dr. Koseris amem-
ber of Cumberland County Medical Society, also of the State Medical Association, and is
greatly attached to his profession.
WILLIAM A. LUTZ, Shippensburg, traveling salesman for Lewis Kraemer & Co.,
manufacturers of cotton and woolen goods, Reading, Penn., was born in this county Octo-
ber 1, 1857, son of David and Elizabeth (Brant) Lutz, natives of Pennsylvania, of Ger-
man descent. David Lutz, who was a farmer all his life, died in 1877; his father, John
Lutz, was also born in Franklin County, Penn., and his grandfather. Bernard Lutz (great-
grandfather of our subject), a native of Germany, came to America, being among the
early settlers of Lancaster County, Penn., William A. Lutz, the subject of this sketch,
is the eldest of a family of seven children, six of whom are still living, three boys and
three girls. He resided on the farm in Southhampton Township, this county, until he
was eighteen years of age, and acquired his education in the common schools. Not liking
farm-ljfe. however, he olitained a position as clerk in a dry goods store in Carlisle, Penn.,
in 1875, where he remained two years, and since then has been engaged as traveling sales-
man. He has been successful in business, and at present is the owner of three houses and
lots in Shippensburg, He was married, December 5, 1883, to Miss Laura A., daughter
of Henry C. and Caiherine Beidle, and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are mem-
bers of the United Brethren Church, of which he is trustee. In politics he is a Repub-
lican.
REV. WILLIAM A. McCARRELL, pjistor of the Presbyterian Church in Shippens-
burg. was born in Greene Cimnty, Penn., Auirust 20, 1846, son of Rev. Dr. Alexander and
Martha (McLain) McCarrell, natives of Wa.fhington County, Penn., of Scotch-Irish de-
scent. 'The Rev. Alexander McCarrell, D. D., wa.'* pastor of the Presbyterian Church at
Claysville, Washington Co., Penn.. for thirty-flve years. His children now living are:
S. J. M.. an attorney at law; Rev. J. J., a Presbyterian minister; Rev. Widiara A.; and
Thomas C, a Presbyterian minister. The subject of this sketch acquired his education at
Washington and Jefferson College, where he graduated in 1868. He then accepted a position
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG. 445
at Harlem Springs (Ohio), in Harlem Springs College, as professor of Greek and Latin,
and mental and moral science. Remaiaing there one yecr, he then entered the Theo-
logical Seminary at Allegheny City, Penn., from which he graduated in 1871, and in the
same year accepted a call to the churches of Gravel Run and Cambridge, Crawford Co.,
Penn., where he remained until 1875, whea he accepted a call from the Presbyterian
Church in Shippensburg. In 1876 he wroie a very creditable history of the Presbyterian
Church of Shippensburg. which has since been published. He is a frequent contributor
to the newspapers of articles on religious and moral topics. He was married, in 1871, to
Martha, daughter of Benjamin Means, and a native of Washington County, Penn., of
Scotch-Irish descent. Their children are Martha E., William Alexander, Margaret and
Ella R.
JOAB MARTIN, dealer in grain, coal and fertilizers, Shippensburg, was born in Ship-
pensburg, Penn., November 17, 1828, son of Paul Martin and Mary Fry Martin. Paul
Martin was the son of Thomas Martin, Thomas Martin was the son of Paul Martin, one
of eight brothers wlio came to this country from the North of Ireland in the year 1735,
and settled in Delaware County, Penn. ; in 1730, a part of the family of eight brotliers
moved into Cumberland Valley. Four of the eight brothers were Presbyterian ministers,
and in about the year 1727 left Delaware County, Penn., and settled in North and South
Carolina, where they were inter-married with the Preston family. Our subject's great-
grandfather, Paul Murtin, and his grandfather. Col. Thomas Martin, were both soldiers in
the Revolutionary war; and his father, Paul Martin, was a soldier in the war of 1813.
Joab Martin was married to Lucinda O. Hostetter, of Lancaster County, Penn., in 1863,
and they have six children: One son, Thomas Paul, studying medicine at the College of
Phvsicians and Surgeons, of Baltimore, and live daughters, of whom Mary O. is a graduate
of the State Normal School and his other four attend tlie borough schools. In politics,
Mr. Martin is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Martin and their two eldest daughters are
members of the Presbyterian Church of this place.
JAMES B. MARSHALL, physician, Shippensburg, was born near Fairfield, Adams
Co., Penn., January 1, 1856, son of Thomas and Jane Ann (Kyner) Marshall, natives of
Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent! Thomas Marshall was a farmer all his lite,
and was also a prominent Democratic politician. Dr. James B. Marshall is the fourth in
a family of five children. He acquired liis education in the common schools and in the
Normal School at Shippensburg, this county, and at the age of eighteen years he com-
menced the study of medicine in the ofiBce of Dr. Alexander Stewart & Son. In 1877 he
entered Bellevue Medical College, New York, where he graduated with the degree of M.
D. in 1879, and the same year commenced practice in Shippensbur=?, this county, where
he still continues. The Doctor is a member of Cumberland County Medical Society. In
politics he is a Republican.
DR. ALEXANDEK STEWART, retired physician. Shippensburg, Penn., was born
in Frederick County, Md., September 28, 1809, sou of John ami Rosana (Sheeler) Stewart,
natives of Maryland, of Scotch-Irisli descent. He is the eldest of a family of nine chil-
dren— only two of whom survive — and bears tbe name of his grandfather, Alexander
Stewart, who emigrated from the County Antrim, Ireland, in 1773, and settled in Fred-
erick County, Md. His father, John Stewart, was an only son and became a successful
business man and farmer. Through a long life he enjoyed the respect and esteem of his
community. Himself a man of more than ordinary acquirements, he gave to his children
whatever educaiional advantages he could command. Dr. Stewart was educated at
Mount St. Mary's College, and at the age of nineteen years commenced the study of med-
icine at Emmittsburg. His professional course was completed at Washington Medical
College, Baltimore, Md., from which institution he was graduated in 1831. The same.year
he began the practice of his profession in Shippensburg, where he has continued to reside
uninterruptedly until the present time. His skill as a physician was early recognized and
appreciated and he soon acquired an extensive practice. For nearly half a century he de-
voted himself untiringly, or, to a large degree, unselfishly, to the most exacting of all pro-
fessions. During all these years, his was a familiar and welcome presence in most of the
homes in Shippensburg and the surrounding country, in many cases through several suc-
cessive generations. It was only when impaired vision interfered with the active discharge
of his professional duties, that he ceased from his labors. To his medical skill he added
a personal character which made him conspicuous and beloved, and now in the retirement
of a serene old age he enjoys the afEectionaie regard of his fellow-men. Dr. Stewart was
married, in 1833, to Miss Margaret Grabill. of Frederick County, Md., who died in May,
1835, without issue; he then married in 1836, Elizabeth Hamill, daughter of Capt. George
Hamill, of Shippensburg. She died April 34, 1853. By this marriage there were seven
children, six of whom survive: George H. (who resides in Shippensburg and- is engaged
in business as a grain merchant), John (an attorney at law, residing in Chambersburg),
Alexander (farmer and grain dealer of Scotland, in Franklin County), Robert C. (a prac-
ticing physician in Shippensburg), Mary Augusta (wife of James B. McLean of Ship-
pensburg), and Charlotte Louisa (wife of John H. Craig, of Reading, Penn). In 1858, Dr.
Stewart was married to Miss Eunice G. Wilson, of Vermont, his present wife. Because
32
446 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of advanced age he has renounced all business cares and responsibilities except the presi-
dency of the First National Bank of Shippensburg, which position he has held for twenty-
one years, being the first and only president.
GEORGE H. STEWART, dealer in grain and real'estate, Shippensburg, was born in
Shippensburg, Penn., December 29, 1837, eldest son of Dr. Alexander Stewart, of same
town. George H. attended the schools in his native town, and also Millinwood Acad-
emy, Shade Gap, Huntingdon Co., Penn. From boyhood he had a strong desire to be-
come a business man. His first important business venture was in 1857, when he embarked
in the dry goods business, and met with more than average success. He also became in-
terested in tanning and in buying and selling real estate. His business outside of the
store grew so rapidly that in 1868 he sold his store, and devoted his time to dealing in real
estate and to the leather trade. In 1869 he became interested in the warehouse and grain
trade at Shippensburg, since which time he has done a large grain business, and dealt ex-
tensively in real estate. His residence stands on the site of the old Stone Tower Hotel,
near the Branch, where Gen. Washington stopped when passing through Shippensburg,
during the whisky insurrection of 1794. Mr. Stewart is a thorough business man, a gen-
erous and courteous gentleman, and is a liberal contributor to moral and Christian enter-
prises. He married, in 1863, Mary C, daughter of William McLean, of Shippensburg,
Penn. She died in 1884, a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.
DAVID KNIGHT WAGNER, of the firm of D. K. & John C. Wagner, publishers, Ship-
pensburg, was born in Shippensburg, this CQunty, February 6, 1833, son of David and Cathar-
ine Elizabeth (Gessner) W agner, former a native of Cumberland County, of German descent;
latter born in Hanover, Germany. David Wagner was a wagon-maker, and carried on
this business extensively in Shippensburg for many years, but after the Cumberland Val-
ley Railroad was built to this place he embarked in the grain and produce business, own-
ing his own cars. He was twice married, and had eleven children; he died here in No-
vember, 1845. Our subject (child by second wife) received his education in the public
schools of his native town, and early in life was employed as salesman; subsequently
learned the printing trade, and, in 1851, formed a partnership with J. Bomberger in the
publication of the Shippensburg News, but in 1856 he sold his interest, and, until 1861,
was employed a part of the time as traveling salesman. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in
the Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves as a member of the regimental cornet band, and served
until it was honorably mustered out of service, in 1863. He then worked at printing in
Bedford County, Penn., until 1866, when he purchased the Fulton Republican at McCon-
nellsburg, Penn., which he sold out in 1867, and the same year the present firm was
formed, and purchased and are publishing the Shippensburg Mews. They established the
News, book and stationery store in Shippensburg. Mr. Wagner was married, in 1869_, to
Susan, daughter of Mr. John Gish, late postmaster at Shippensburg. Mr. Wagner is a
Republican in politics. He served as member of the school board for several terms, and
is its late secretary. He is a member of Colwell Post, No. 201, G. A. R. ; of the Grand
Lodge of Odd Fellows of Pennsylvania, and also of the Masonic order.
JOHN CAREY WAGNER, of the firm of D. K. & John C. Wagner, and brother of D. K. ,
was born July 31, 1838, in Shippensburg, this county, and is the youngest member of the
family. He received his education in the public schools and academy in Shippensburg,
and in 1853 learned the printing trade. In the fall of 1856 he went to Knoxvllle, Tenn.,
and worked in the office of The Knoxville Whig (the editor at that time being Parson
Brownlow), remaining there until 1860, when he went to Newville, and engaged in publish-
ing The 8tar, in company with James M. Miller. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H,
Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving as sergeant until discharged at the expiration of
his term of enlistment. In 1864 he was detailed into the United States Telegraph Corps
(having learned telegraphy before he enlisted), and served in that capacity until 1866,
when he took charge of the Bankers' and Brokers' Telegraph Line, at Somerville, N. J.,
where he remained until 1868, when he returned to Shippensburg and took his present posi-
tion. He was married, December 29, 1869, to Miss Emma, daughter of John S. and Ra-
chael (Talbott) Morrow, of Newville, this county, of Scotch-Irish descent. They have
five daughters living: Ella F., Mary T., Blanche G., Isabella M. and Katharine A. Mr.
Wagner is a member of Conedoguinet Lodge, No. 173, and Valley Encampment, No. 34,
I. O. O. F., and of the Grand Lodge and Encampment of I. O. O. F. of Pennsylvania;
also a member of Colwell Post, No. 301, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican.
WILLIAM M. WITHERSPOON, physician and surgeon, Shippensburg, was born
in Franklin County, Penn., October 17, 1844. son of William Noble and Mary Ann (Lytle)
Witherspoon, natives of Pennsylvania, former a farmer of Scotch descent, latter of Irish
descent; their family consisted of seven children, four of whom are now living, William
M. being the third. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the common school,
also the academy at Chambersburg, Penn., and afterward taught school for one term. He
commenced the study of medicine, in Chambersburg, Penn., under the eminent physician
Dr. J. L. Suesserott, remaining with him one year and a half, and then entered the medi-
cal department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1869, and
has been in active practice in Shippensburg ever since. He was married, in 1881, to
BOROUGH OF NEWVILLE. 447
riora, daughter of John Bridges, a lady of Scotch descent. The Doctor and wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of Cumberland County Medical
Society. In politics he is a Republican.
CHAPTER XLI.
BOROUGH OF NEWVILLE.
JOHN ALEXANDER AHL, M. D. (deceased), was a gi-andson of John Peter Ahl, who
came to this country about the beginning of the Revolutionary war, and soon entered the
Continental Army as surgeon; at its close he began practicing in Rockingham County, Va.,
hut some years later was ordained in the Lutheran Church, preaching in it up to the time
of his death, which occurred in Baltimore at the advanced age of ninety-six years. John.
Peter Ahl had four sons and two daughters, his son John being father of Dr. John A. Ahl.
He was also a physician in Rockingham, where he married Nancy Ellen Vaughan, and re-
moved to Franklin County, Penn. Ten years later he came to Shippensburg, this county,
staying hut a few months; thence moved to Newville, where he practiced until his death,
which occurred April 9, 1844. He had five sons. John Alexander Ahl was born in Stras-
hurg, Franklin Co., Penn., August 13, 1813, and subsequently determined to follow his
father's profession, reading in his father's office and attending lectures in the University
of Maryland and in Washington Medical College in Baltimore, obtaining his degree theifi
in 1838. He practiced in Centreville, Penn., for ten years, then moved to Churchtown,
same State, where he obtained a lucrative practice, thence he went to Brandtville, Penn.,
practicing and milling and grain-dealing for about six years, when he came to Newville,
this county, engaging in paper manufacturing, and shortly thereafter associating with him
in the business his sons John S. and Q. P. Ahl. He was also extensively engaged in for-
warding business and in real estate with his brothers. A stanch Democrat, not having
held office before, he, in 1856, was elected to Congress by 1,561 majority over Gen. Lemuel
Todd, who had carried the district two years before by a large majority. He served his
constituents admirably, and on his return devoted himself with characteristic energy to
his large business interests, in which he was eminently successful, acquiring a large estate.
He was a presidential elector in 1860. On April 23, 1845, he was married to Elizabeth,
daughter of James Williams, by whom he had eight children: John Sherrod, Q. Parker,
Abram Williams, Elizabeth W., Laura Bell, Emma Louisa, Frank Woodard and Augusta
Vaun. Q. Parker, the second son and only child living, was born July 19, 1847; is unmar-
ried and lives with his mother in Newville. Dr. John Alexander Ahl died April 25, 1883.
An energetic and upright man, who often helped the deserving, he was a credit to his
family and name, and when he died left to his widow and son the priceless heritage of a
good name.
PETER AUGUSTUS AHL and DANIEL "VAUGHN AHL. The paternal ancestors
of these gentlemen were originally from Berlin, Prussia. The grandfather. Dr. John Peter
Ahl, came to America about the opening of the Revolution and settled in Bucks County,
Penn. He entered Washington's army as surgeon, and remained as such until the close
of the war. After the restoration of peace, he settled in Rockingham County, "Va., where
he practiced medicine for a number of years. Abandoning medicine, however, he was or-
dained a minister of the Lutheran Church, his field of labor being Baltimore, where he
remained in pastoral work until the time of his death, at an advanced age. He had four
sons and three daughters. John, one of the sons, adopted medicine as a profession, and
graduated from the schools of Baltimore; began his practice in Rockingham County, Va.,
where his father had practiced before him. There he married Miss Nancy Ellen "Vaughn,
and shortly after removed to Strasburg, Franklin .County, this State. He remained here
about ten years, and then removed to Shippensburg, and thence to Newville, Penn., fol-
lowing his profession in each of these places. He died at Newville in 1844, and his re-
mains rest in the old church-yard of the Presbyterians at that place. He left five sons
and three daughters: Samuel Snyder, Carey "Watkins, John Alexander, Peter Augustus,
Daniel Vaughn, Catharine Washington (married Rev. Jacob Newman, a minister of the
Lutheran Church), Martha Jefferson and Mary Etta, all of whom were reared and educated
in Newville. Samuel followed the occupation of hatter, and carried on the manufacture
of hats largely and profitably in his native place until his death. Carey engaged in
school-teaching, subsequently following the mercantile business, besides dealing in real
estate, and finally became a well known and successful iron master. John adopted medi-
cine as his profession, practicing successfully in Centreville, Churchtown and Newville.
448 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
He was also interested in the manufacture of flour and iron. Engaging in politics, he
represented the interests of the Democratic party of the congressional district composed of
the counties of York, Cumberland and Perry, during the administration of President
James Buchanan. Peter Augustus, one of the subjects of this sketch, was born in Stras-
burg, Franklin County, this State. He secured a good education, and chose the occupa-
tion of druggist. At an early age he entered upon his studies under the direction of Sam-
uel Elliott, a practicing druggist of Carlisle, remaining with him about two years. He
then abandoned the profession and engaged in mercantile pursuits. Daniel Vaughn, the
other subject of our sketch, and the youngest of the family, was born in Strasburg. He
early evinced a natural business talent and a speculative turn of mind, and at the age of
fifteen he was employed as clerk in the store of his brothers, Carey and Peter, at Church-
town, remaining several years as salesman in their stores in Churchtown, Shepherdstown
and Shiremanstown, in their native county. In this business he continued until the death
of Ills brother, Samuel, who requested that his brother Peter and himself return to New-
ville and reside with their mother and sisters, Martha and Mary. They complied with his
request, made their home with them, and cared for them during their lives. Prom this
time tlie history of the two brothers is identical. Together they remained, being unmar-
ried, and together they engaged in a great many large, varied and successful enterprises,
which gained for them a celebrity throughout the State. Originally without capital and
entirely self-made, they were characterized by a boldness in their financial undertakings
and a public spiritedness in their enterprises which won for them a wide reputation for
daring, energetic and successful speculators, railroad and iron men. Daniel, the younger
of the two, early displayed an inclination for stock-dealing and speculating in venture-
some enterprises. Their first large and successful dealings in stock was in connection
with Charles Beltzhoover, of Boiling Springs, Penn., with whom they carried on an ex-
tensive business as dealers and shippers of horses and mules. They continued the busi-
ness themselves, after the retirement of Mr. Beltzhoover, their retail sales of mules alone
amounting to as many as 600 head annually. Their stock was principally purchased in
the States of Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana and Illinois. In 1856, at the outbreak of the
Mormon war, they secured a contract from the Government for the delivery, at Fort Leav-
enworth, Kans., of 1,500 head of broken mules, for the transportation of the troops from
that place to Salt Lake City. These mules were nearly all purchased in the State of
Pennsylvania, and delivered at the required point, a distance of nearly 3.000 miles, in
sixty days. This was their first Government contract. They also, during the same year,
furnished 300 head of mules at Pike's Peak, for the Pike's Peak Overland Stage Company.
They continued in the mule trade until the breaking out of the civil war, amassing a
considerable fortune, having, in the meantime, entered into the iron trade, by the purchase
of the "Carlisle Iron Works," and acquiring, besides, a large amount of real estate, con-
sisting of mills, farms and mineral lands. The Carlisle Iron Works property comprised
some 10,000 acres of valuable timber and mineral lands. The furnace had fallen into dis-
use before their purchase of it from Peter F. Ege, its former owner. They rebuilt the works,
in connection with their brother, Carey, who held an interest in the property, and the man-
ufacture of iron was carried on by them largely and profitably for many years. They also
purchased the abandoned " Big Pond Furnace " property in Cumberland County, rebuilt
it and established the manufacture of charcoal iron at that place, anil continued its manu-
facture until the sale of the property, with their developed ore lands adjoining, to the Phila-
delphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. Daniel also held, at this time, an interest, in
connection with Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, in the Caledonia Iron Works, Franklin County,
and rebuilt it, after its destruction by Gen. Lee's army, during the memorable invasion
of 1863. The Mount Pleasant Iron Works, located at Richmond, Penn., now known as
the Richmond Furnaces, and the Beaver forges and furnaces, located at Fort Loudon, in
the same county, were purchased and rebuilt by them. After developing large quantities
of iron ore on these properties in connection with these works, they agitated and, with
other capitalists, carried to completion the construction of the Southern Pennsylvania
Railroad, having its terminus at Mount Pleasant, near Cowan's Gap, and connecting with
the Cumberland Valley Railroad at Ohambersburg. This short line was a link of the
great route projected by them through the southern portion of the State, from Harrisburg
westwardly, connecting with the Connellsville Road, and its western terminus beingPltts-
burgh. It was originally known as the Miramar Railroad & Iron Company, with Daniel
as its president. "The undertaking was abandoned, on account of the antagonism of its
rival, the powerful Pennsylvania. The abandoned line had been well chosen, as it was
practically the same route adopted and located by the present South Pennsylvania or Van-
derbilt Trunk Line. At these places they were large manufacturers of iron for a number
of years, but they finally disposed of the works, with a large amount of ore lands, to the
Southern Pennsylvania Railroad & Iron Company, Dailiel being one of its officers. They
also acquired and rebuilt the old Gov. Porter Furnace, in the city of Harrisburg, now
owned by the car manufacturing company of that city. The Antietam Furnaces, in Mary-
land, formerly known as the " Brinn " Iron Works, were purchased and rebuilt by them
during the war, and were profitably operated for a number of years. They also acquired
BOROUGH OF NEWVILLE. 449
large holdings of valuable ore lands adjoining these works in the States of Maryland and
Virginia, which they operated in connection with the mineral lands purchased of the
United States Government, at Harper's Ferry, the whole comprising about 2,500 acres.
The " Mammoth " Ore Banks, at Cleversburg, and ma,ny other rich and valuable lands
were owned and controlled by them during their active operations in tlie iron trade in
that locality, the development of which led to the organization of the Caledonia Iron
Land & Railroad Company, and subsequently merged into the Harrisburg & Potomac.
Daniel was its principal projector and its president, while to Peter belongs the honor of.
its construction, the road being practically owned and controlled by them. Upon the
completion of the railroad, their various ore lands in its vicinity became very valuable,
and large quantities were disposed of to the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Com-
pany, and to the Crane Iron Company, of Catasauqua, Penn. The road was eventually
absorbed by the Philadelphia & Reading, and is now owned and operated by that com-
pany, with Daniel as one of its directors. In connection with railroads they have also the
honor of being the projectors of the York Springs Railroad, and of exerting a considera-
ble influence in the location and construction of the Western Maryland extension into the
Cumberland Valley, which adds so materially to the manufacturing interests of Waynes-
boro and the prosperity of the other towns and the valley through which it passes.
During the war they furnished large supplies of various kinds to the Government, and,
in connection with William Calder.of Harrisburg, large numbers of horses and mules, at one
time furnishing a number of horses to Gen. Averill's command, while engaged in active
operations on the field at Culpeper C. H., Va. This achievement gained for Daniel the
title of colonel, by which he was ever after familiarly known. During the darkest days
of the Rebellion, when the integrity and financial condition of the Government was in
doubt, and when other prominent and leading contractors refused, they undertook and
furnished the army 1,000 horses and 1,000 mules in less than thirty days' time. Being of
a speculative nature, possessing unusual sagacity, shrewdness and foresightedness in their
enterprising projects, they secured and controlled large quantities of real estate in the
counties of Cumberland, Franklin, Adams, York, Huntingdon, Clinton, Fulton and
Perry, and the adjoining States of Maryland and Virginia, also valuable lands in Minne-
sota. They were extensively engaged in the manufacture of straw board paper, and pos-
sessed large milling interests in various parts of the country. The "Tyboyne Tannery,"
in Perry County, is owned and was operated by them a number of years quite profitably.
The famous Doubling Gap, White Sulphur and Chalybeate Springs in Cumberland Coun-
ty, owned by them, is a popular summer resort, largely patronized on account of the nat-
ural beauty of the surroundings and its healthy and delightful location. They also have
obtained control of the Cumberland Valley Friiit Farm adjoining, which has been beauti-
fied, the buildings repaired and is a valuable acquisition and desirable annex to these
springs.
Newville, the place of their early home, their residence now and during their re-
markable business career, has not escaped their enterprising spirit. The old hotel prop-
erty at the railroad station, with the land adjoining, was purchased by Peter. He rebuilt,
remodeled and enlarged it, and made it as commodious as any in the valley. The lands
between the station and the town were laid out in lots; and a beautiful street, with shade
trees planted along its sides, and adorned by large and spacious mansions and the neat
and attractive residences of the town business men and a stately church edifice. This
most beautiful town now takes the place of what was before broken hills and pasture
lands. Warehouses and dwellings were erected by them around the railroad station, and
their numerous farms surrounding the town were all handsomely improved by the remod-
eling and construction of elegant residences and large and commodious barns. Their en-
terprising spirit yet manifests itself, for, having attained to that age that they should
cease their labors and rest upon the fruits of their achievements, yet their active minds wiU
allow of no rest, and even now they are engaged in projecting a railroad from Perry Coun-
ty, via Doubling Gap Springs, to connect with the Cumberland Valley, Western Maryland
and the South Pennsylvania Railroads. Notwithstanding the occupation of their minds
in so many worldly enterprises, gigantic in their nature and wonderful in their results,
and the continued strain upon them in these undertakings, a reflection on their mortality
has not escaped them nor been forgotten. A large, beautiful and costly monument, of
elaborate design, surmounted by a figure of Faith, pointing heavenward, has been erected
by them in the old Presbyterian church-yard, underneath which lie the remains of their
beloved parents, a loving brother and two affectionate sisters, and where, in due course
of time, they also hope to repose in peace beneath it, a fitting monument to their genius
and ability and a commemorative history of the lives of these two enterprising and re-
markable men. . „ .„ „, ,. ^, .^, .
JOHN BLAIR DAVIDSON, bank cashier, Newville. The great grandfather of this
gentleman, John Davidson, was one of the first to take up land in West Pennsborough
Township this county. His farm is still in possession of a descendant, James A. David-
son He was born in 1743 and died in 1833. His son, John, was born in 1772; was mar-
ried to Elizabeth Young, and died in 1810, his widow dying in 1823; they had five chil-
450 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
dren : Eleanor, John Young, Samuel, Nancy and William. Of these, Samuel was born
April 20, 1804, and after getting such education as the schools of that day afforded he went
to Carlisle, learning the trade of a tanner with Andrew Blair. Mastering the trade he came
to Newville, and worked in a tannery, which he soon bought, and ran for a number of
years. An upright, generous man he often helped others to his own detriment. October 19,
1830, Samuel Davidson married Catherine Leckey, born May 21, 1807, daughter of Alexander
Leckey, of West Pennaborough Township, this countv. To this union were born three
children: Alexander Leckejr (deceased in 1832); John Blair; and Elizabeth A. (residing in
Newville). Mr. Davidson died in August, 1880, his wife in April of the same year. For
forty-four years he was an elder In the Big Spring Presbyterian Church. John Blair
Davidson was born December 34, 1833, in Newville, Penn. He completed his education
at Jefferson College, Washington County, Penn., graduating in 1852, and taught school
for ten years, at the end of which time he went into the quartermaster department, at
Washington, for five and a half years, where he learned those methodical habits which have
done so much to make him successful. In 1869 he returned to Newville, and entered the
First National Bank, and in 1882 was promoted to the responsible position of cashier.
In October, 1857, he married Margaret Ellen, daughter of William Burnside, of Centre
County, Penn., one of which family, Thomas, was judge of the Supreme Court of Penn-
sylvania. They have one son, Samuel A., born m October, 1860, who lives with his
parents. The family are all members of Big Spring Presbyterian Church. Mr. David-
son is characterized by straightforward, unremitting attention to his responsible duties,
which he discharges in a manner eminently satisfactory to the directors and to all with
whom he is brought into contact.
WILLIAM M. DAVIDSON (deceased) was a descendant of the Davidson family who
settled in West Pennsborough Township, this county, where they took up a tract of land
in 1750, still owned by A. Davidson. John, grandfather of William M., was born in 1743
and died in 1823. He married, when quite young, a Miss Graham, who died, leaving four
children. His second wife was Mrs. Lacey Sterrett, who had been a Miss Laughlin, of an
old and widely known family. They had five children, one of whom, named William, was
the father of the subject of this sketch. William Davidson was horn December 23, 1788;
was married November 3, 1814, to Miss Mary iJIiller, born November 19, 1791, and had the
following children: John Laughlin, born November 10, 1816, died February 8, 1837: Elea-
nor, born September 27, 1818, died September 2, 1838; Mary Jane, born May 9, 1823, died
in June, 1845; William Miller, born November 19, 1820, died March 8, la63. William
Miller Davidson was married October 28, 1845, to Miss Margaret Eleanor, daughter of
Dr. William M. [see sketch of Alexander Brady Sharpe, page 394] and Jane (Wilson) Sharp,
the latter a daughter of Rev. Samuel Wilson, pastor of Big Spring Church, Newville,
for fifteen years, and who died, while pastor, March 4, 1799. Dr. William M. Sharp was
born July 23, 1798, died August 20, 1835; his widow was born December 3, 1794, and died
June 27, 1876. Besides Margaret Eleanor Air. and Mrs. Sharp had three sons: Samuel
Wilson, born March 27, 1822, died December 6, 1877; Alexander Elder, born March 27, ,
died December 13, 1860; Joshua Williams, born May 24, 1831, died in Jaffa, Palestine,
April 7, 1881, and was buried in the Protestant Cemetery there. William M. Davidson
and wife had three children, all now living: Jane Wdson and Mary Miller, who live with
their mother in Newville, and Oliver Cromwell, who was born January 27, 1856, married
in November, 1879, to Miss Mary C, daughter of William Mills Glenn (have one child),
and live in West Pennsborough Township, just east of Newville. After her husband's
death Mrs. William M. Davidson continued to live on her farm until 1880, when, with her
two daughters, she came to Newville.
J. C. FOSNOT, editor Star and Enterprise, Newville, is a son of Jacob and Mary
Fosnot, natives of Cumberland County, and who had twelve children: William C, J. C.,
Peter T., Joshua V., Edward W., Lewis C, Henry J., Elizabeth A., Mary Jane, Margaret
E., Sarah C. and Martha M. Our subject was born October 3, 1831; learned the trade of a
weaver, and later clerked in his uncle's store in Newburg. In 1856 he bought the Oak-
ville store, which he kept for eighteen years, at the same time— three years, from 1866
to 1869 — being engaged in business in Baliimore. In May, 1871, in order to give employ-
ment to two brothers, he started the Oakville Enterprise, which, in December, 1874, he re-
moved to Newville, and has since then devoted himself assiduously to it with gratifying
results. Instead of a six-column, four-page, it is now a seven-column, eight-page paper,
the largest in the whole Cumberland Valley. January 1, 1885, he bought the Star of the
Valley, which his son George B. McC. conducted for one year, when Mr. Fosnot united it
with the Enterprise under the name of the Star and Enterprise. The double paper is
achieving a rare success. Odtober 5, 1855, Mr. Fosnot was married to Elizabeth Ferguson,
who has borne him six children: Laura Belle, Maggie R., Lou Ella, George B. McC. and
William J., and another daughter who died when six years old. Lou Ella is the wife of
Abraham J. Myers, farmer of Mifflin Township, this county. The rest are single, and liv-
ing with their parents, respected by the community among whom they live.
JOHN GRAHAM, tanner, Newville. This gentleman is of Scotch-Irish descent, his
great-great-grandfather, Jared Graham, having emigrated from the North of Ireland in the
BOROUGH OF NEYPVILLE. 451
eigliteenth century, locating in Lancaster County, Penn. His descendants have in their
possession a deed from "Thomas and Richard Penn, proprietaries of the Province of
Pennsylvania," dated March 13, 1734, to Jared Graham, of Salisbury Township, Lancaster
County, for a tract of land in the Manor of Maske, West Pennsborough Township, Cum-
berland Co., Penn., on the south side of the Conodoguinet Creek. He never lived on this
land, but continued to reside in Lancaster County, where he died. About 1745 his son
James removed to this tract, at that time called the baolt woods, which was conveyed to
him in 1763. His cabin was about thirty miles west of the Susquehanna. He died in 1807,
aged eighty-two, leaving five sons: Jared, Thomas, Arthur, Isaiah and James. Thomas
was the grandfather of our subject. On the death of his father Jared removed to Ohio.
James was educated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, where he graduated, and, having stud-
ied theology under the learned Dr. Cooper, was licensed as a Presbyterian minister, and
received a call from the congregation of Beulah, eight miles east of Pittsburgh, where he
remained thirty-eight years, until his death in 1844. On the death of his father the land
was divided between Thomas, Arthur and Isaiah. The two latter resided on the land, and
Arthur's portion is yet held by his descendant, Robert Graham. Isaiah's descendants are
represented by Duncan M. Graham, Carlisle. Thomas was married to Mary McKeehan,
who was born in December, 1778, and died January 23, 1843. They had but one child —
George, father of John Graham— who was born December 34, 1803, a short time before
the death of his father. He inherited the farm, on which he lived until 1866, when he
removed to Newville, having sold the farm. He died March 30, 1870. February 3, 1830,
he was married to Miss Eliza Alter, who was born January 16, 1805, and died February
26, 1870. They had nine children, three of whom, Laura, George and Jane, died in
infancy, and two, Lizzie and Mary, when nearing maturity. The others were George W.,
born December 6, 1840, who enlisted in his brother's Company P, Thirteenth Pennsyl-
vania Cavalry, and was killed at Ashby's Gap, Va., May 16, 1863; Thomas J. was born
November 35, 1830, and has been living in Colorado for twenty-six years past; Jacob A.,
born September 30, 1833. went into the army from Kansas, and afterward was captain of
the company of which George W. was a member when killed. John, the subject of our
sketch, was born August 4, 1843, on the homestead, attended district schools, and received
a commercial education at Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After a few months
spent in the West he returned to Newville, this county, bougiit a store, which he sold two
years later, to become book-keeper in the First National Bank in 1870, and resigned in
1876 when, in company with Joseph B. Hurst, he bought the Big Spring tannery, which
,they still own, and is also engaged in other business enterprises. November 10, 1870, he
married Miss Harriet McKee, of Newville, who died eleven months later. June 13, 1878,
he was married to Miss Isabella Sterrett, an amiable and accomplished lady, daughter of
Brice Innis Sterrett, of West Pennsborough Township, this county. In 1883 Mr. Graham
was elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature, and re-elected in 1884. He is now serving
his second term with eminent satisfaction to his constituents. The people among whom
his life has been spent speak of him in terms of highest praise, and none grudge him tlie
honorable position he has achieved. He and his wife are members of Big Spring Presby-
terian Church, of which he was trustee. In politics he is a Democrat.
JOHN HURSH, grain dealer and forwarder, Newville, is a grandson of Henry Hursh,
who was a farmer in Lancaster County, Penn., afterward living in York County some time
before the Revolutionary war; he died in 1837. His wife was Susanna Rudesil. They
had three sons: John, Joseph and Henry. Joseph, married to Mary Fisher, retained the
homestead, in which he died in 1849. Henry took a farm a few miles off, on which he
died in 1840. John was born in York County, Penn., in 1799, and lived on the farm until
his marriage with Barbara Bruckhart; he died in 1880, his wife two years before. They
had nine children: Henry, Susan, Daniel, Mary, John. Joseph B., Elizabeth, Abraham
and David. Susan, 'Daniel and Mary are deceased. Henry is married to Cassandra Dietz,
and lives in Hopewell Township; Elizabeth is the widow of Christian Rupp, and lives in
Mechanicsburg; Abraham is married to Fanny Prantz, and lives in Steelton; David is
married to Catharine Hale, and lives in Newville. John was born January 19, 1834, on the
farm in York County, where he lived until twenty-four years old, at which time he went
to Manchester, York Co., Penn., and engaged in dry goods business with his brother,
Joseph B., and when the latter went to' Virginia he took the business alone. In 1854 he
removed to Mechanicsburg, Penn., and January 1, 1856. to Newville, where he has since
resided, engaged in forwarding and dealing in grain, flour, salt, fish, coal, lumber, etc.,
etc Until 1870 he was in company with Joseph B., but since then has been alone. At
that time they had an interest in the flouring-mill of D. Shipp & Co., of Tamaqua, which
in the division his brother assumed, John retaining the business here, including the mill-
ing business on Big Spring. He and Joseph own together one-half interest in the Mount
Vei-non Mill on the Conodoguinet. In 1850 Mr. Hursh was married to Miss Sarah A.,
daughter of George Livingston, of York County. Penn., and born in 1833. They had five
children one of whom. John, born May 10, 1857, died young. Those living are Daniel G.,
born June 24, 1851, who was married December 17, 1874, to Annie C. Bert, of Newville,
and is his father's book-keeper; Susan, born October 17, 1852, is the wife of W. B. Oyler,
452 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of Newville; Sarah, born August 3, 1855, is the wife of Erwin C. Glover, of Detroit,
Mich., and .James, born Julj' 23, 1860, is married to Annie C. Kratzer, of Newville. Mr.
Hursh lias held many township offices, and is now and has been, for several years, treas-
urer of Newville Cemetery. He and Mh wife arid son Daniel, and daughter, Susan, are
members of the United Brethren Church, and in all the relations of life he has ever shown
himself to be a man of probity.
ROBERT McCACI-lRAN, attorney at law, Newville, is a representative of an old
Scoleh family, who came to this country early in the last century, at which time his great-
great-grandf'atlier emigrated, with hU wife, three sons and one daughter. His son, James,
married Mary Ralston, whom lie had known in the old country, and they had three sons:
James, John and Robert. In 1790 they purchased a farm on the Brandywine from the
Penns, and here they lived until, on the death of his wife, the father, having made other
arrangements for his youngest son, divided the farm between James and John, with whom
he lived until his death, Septemlier 23, 1822, aged eighty-seven. John, the grandfather of
Robert McCachran, was liorn about 1763, and in 1794 or 1795, was married to Isabella,
daughter of John Cunningham, who enlisted in the Revolutionary war, and was never
again heard of. John McCncliran died February 8, 1808, aged about forty-five, leaving
five children. His widow died February 12, 1851, at the residence of her son John, near
Newville, aged eighty-six. Their children were James, Elizabeth, Robert, John and Isa-
bella. Robert, father of our subject, was born in 1798. He had an ardent desire for a
liberal education, which he procured under great difBculiies in various places, finally com-
pleting the three years' course at the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J. He was
licensed to preach in 1827 and given a charge at Middleton, Penn., also attending to the
religious wants of the community for miles around. He was ordained May 19, 1829. In
1880 he took a journey in search of health, and in Newville was invited to preach in the
Big Spring Church, then without a pastor. This resulted in his becoming pastor of that
church in which he labored for twenty-one years, resigning in 1851. In 1834, he married
Jane, daughter of Atcheson Laughlin, head of one of the oldest and most widely known
and respected families of this region. She was born in 1799. They had two children:
Robert, born October 6, 1835, and Mary born in 1837 (wife of James Oliver); she died in
1875. Robert McCachran, Sr., died at Newville, February, 15, 1885. aged eighty -five
years; his wife died in 1872. Until 1853, young Robert attended a classical school taught
by his father. He then went to Jefferson College, and graduated from Lafayette College,
Easton, Penn., the following year. He engaged in teaching and read law in the office of
Judge Frederick Watts, of "Carlisle, and was admitted in 1857, but did not practice for
some years, having the management of his father's property. Having prepared himself
for the profession, he, in 1870, became civil engineer on the Harrishurg & Potomac Road,
and, in 1872, took a similar position on the Pennsylvania Railroad, resigning in 1875, to
look after his father's interests. In 1883 he began practicing as an attorney. In Decem-
ber, 1874, he married Martha McCandish, born in 1847, daughter of Thomas McCandish,
of an old Scotch family, who have been in this neightjorhood since early in the last cen-
tury. To this union were born six children: Thomas, born February 16, 1876; Mary,
born September 11, 1877; Jane, born October 28, 1878; Margaret, born December 21, 1879;
Robert, born November 28, 1881 (deceased) and Russell Atcheson. born March 1, 1886.
Mr. McCachran was a member of the Legislature four years, elected in 1878, and again in
1880, and is attorney for the borough. He is a K. T. He is a man of unswerving honesty
and is in every way trustworthy.
J. NORRtS and THOMAS E. MYERS, merchants, Newville, are grandchildren of
John Myers, an old and respected citizen of Georgetown, D. C. who died there in 18.53.
He, John Myers, had seven children: John H., a prominent citizen of Lexington, Va.,
where he died; Charles, a merchant of Georgetown, where he lived all his lifetime;
Thomas, the father of our subjects; Edward and William E., who were in business as
partners in Georgetown for several years (the former died recently in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
and the latter, some years ago at sea, while on a health trip); Louisa (deceased in 1873),
was the wife of Joseph Libbey. a prominent and wealthy merchant of Georgetown, and
Catharine S., unmarried, lives in Georgetown. Thomas Myers was born in 1818; in 1835
he entered the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in 1843 and 1844,
was stationed on the Carlisle Circuit and lived in Mechanicsburg, where he is well remem-
bered. In March, 1885, lie-preached by special request, before the Conference, his semi-cen-
tennial sermon, in the Butaw Street Church, Baltimore.Md. He has.for the jjast three years,
been stationed at Woodberry, Md., and is now agent of the Maryland Bible Society, at
Baltimore, Md. His remarkable tact and business ability have caused his being sent on sev-
eral occasions to struggling parishes to build new churches and parsonages, in which he
has always succeeded. Now, in his seventy-fourth year, he is as hale and vigorous as many
men of twenty years his junior. His deceased children are Lottie, a young lady, who died in
1876, and two other children who died in infancy. The living are J. Norris, Mary L., Thomas
E. and James R. Mary L. is the wife of John J. Frick, teller in First National Bank,
York, Penn. James R. is married to Laura V. Murray, and is in commission business in
Baltimore, Md. J. Norris was born in Lewistown, Penn., November 17, 1842. He at-
BOROUGH OF NEWVILLE. 453
tended the grammar school at St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., and completed his edu-
cation In Newton University, Baltimore. In 1858, he went into the hardware store of
Duer, Norris & Co., in that citjr, which he left, in 1866, to engage in business under the
firm name of Ullrich & Myers, giving up, severnl years after, on account of his health and
engaging as a commercial traveler. In 1879, with his brother, Thomas E., he came to
Newvllle, this county, and established the firm of Myers & Bro., which was dissolved in
1882, when he returned to Baltimore. While confidential clerk for a large importing
house, his health was impaired by overwork, and by his physician's advice he removed
to the country, and in February. 1886, the firm of Myers & Bro. was revived by his pur-
chase of the inteiest of his brother's partner. In 1876 he was married to Laura V., daugh-
ter of William M. Starr, of Baltimore, a man of brilliant attainments, who has occupied
many positions of honor and trust. He was a son of the wealthy Wesley Starr, who
built the Starr Methodist Protestant Church in that city and endowed its parsonage.
Mr. and Mrs. Myers have three children: William Starr. John Norris and Thomas Miller.
Mr. Myers is welcomed back to Newville by all who know him. He and his wife are com-
municants of the Methodist Episcopal Church and command universal respect. Thomas
E. Myers, our other subject, was born in Cumberland, Md., in 1850, and was educated
mainly in Baltimore. In 1866 he went into his brother's store there, and remained until
1872, when he became book-keeper in the largest retail hardware store in Baltimore, re-
maining until 1878. In 1879 he came to Newville, as stated above, and on tbe dissolution
of the firm, in 1882, formed a partnership with John M. McCaudlish, which was dissolved
the following year in consequence of the failing health of his partner, who went West.
He then formed a partnership with James S. Brattan, under style of Myers & Braltan,
which continued until the purchase of his partner's interest by his brother, J. Norris. He
was married, in 1883, to Miss Emma J., daughter of Rev. Thomas M. Keese, one of the
oldest members and a leading one of the Central Pennsylvania Methodist Episcopal Con-
ference, who died in March, 1883. To this union two children have been born: Lottie
Reese and Elizabeth Parrish. He and his wife are members of tbe Methodist Episcopal
Church, and, as an upright Christian business man, he bears an enviable reputation.
ROBERT S. RANDALL, bank teller, Newville, is a grandson of George and Mar-
garet (Steinbeck) Randall, natives of Philadelphia, Penn., whose parents came from Ger-
many. George Randall died in 1813 or 1813, and his widow in 1856; they had thirteen
children, five of whom died young. The others were John, David, George, Joseph S.,
Lawrence H., Sarah, Catharine and Mary. Lawrence H. Randall was born October 14,
1810, learned the trade of a tailor, and came to Newville, this county, in 1833, where he
carried on the business until 1875. He is a director of the First National Bank, of which
he was an incorporator. In 1833 he was married to Miss Mary Jane Dunlap, of Harris-
burg, and on October 14, 1883, they celebrated their golden wedding, in company with
twenty six of their descendants and a large number of other friends, receiving many
expressions of esteem and good-will. They had twelve children: Margaret, Scott, and
William, deceased; and Mary, wife of W. R. Tittler, of Newville; Sarah A., wife of Al-
bert H.Newman, of Catasauqua, Penn.; Edmund, married to Maria E. Williams and
living in Catasauqua; William L., living in Altoona; Laura, Marian J., Eva K., and Jo-
seph S., living with their parents; and Robert S., who was born June 81, 1840, and learned
his father's trade, and lived with his parents until 1862, when he enlisted at Chambershurg,
in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for nine months.
He was in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. where he was captured and
taken to. Belle Isle, at Richmond. He was one of the 5,000 pj-isoners paroled by the
rebels, who were afterward exchanged and were sent to Camp Parole, at Annapolis, Md.,
thence to Halrrisburg, where he was honorably discharged with his regiment in May, 1863.
On his return he entered a commercial college in Philadelphia to acquire a business edu-
cation, and then was in business with his father for ten years. In 1875, he went to Cata-
sauqua, Penn., where, with his brother Edmund, he published The Catasauqua Dispatch,
still conducted by his brother. Two years later he returned to Newville. this county, and
bought the Lewis Sumac and Bark Mill, which he ran for three years, when he aicepted
the position of teller of the First National Bank, which he retains. In 1868, he was mar-
ried to Florence, daughter of George Bricker, Sr., of Newville, who died in 1871, her two
children having preceded her to the grave. Mr. Randall re-married in 1882; his wife is
Maimee, a daughter of Maj. Edmund Hawkins, of Catasauqua, Penn. They have two
children: Ernest H., born October J8, 1888, and Lawrence E.. born June 12, 1885. Mr.
Randall belongs to Colwell Post, No. 201, G. A. R. ; has once been councilman, and is now
school director. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. As a
man of character and probity he has no superior in the community in whicli he lives.
JOHN W. 8TR0HM, editor Times, Newville, was born in this county December 6,
1855, son of George and Eliza Strohm, of Plainfield, Penn. George Strohm was one of four
brothers who came to this county from Lebanon County prior to 1838, in which year
he was married. He engaged in wagon and cabinet-making, and amassed a comforfcible
competence. He has had nine children: Beniamin F., married to Annie Grove; Mary A.,
■widow of Dr. Wilmer James, a prominent homoeopathic physician; Sarah J., wedded
454 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
to Robert E. Myers, living in Oliio; J. Silas, married to Catherine Bear; George
W., married to Cathrine Faust, of Carlisle; David E. married Sadie E. Paul; Horace L.
married Clara Jacoby: Lizzie G. is the wife of John Paul, and John W., our subject, was
married, March 23, 1880, to Alice, daughter of David and Rachael Sanderson, of this
county. One son, Orie Curtis, has blessed this union. Prior to his marriage, John W.
Strohm was engaged in mercantile business at Plainfield, this county, where, on May 11,
1882, he began the publication of the Plainfield Times, purchasing a complete outfit, in-
cluding steam press, and has made the paper a pronounced success, its popularity grow-
ing with each issue. In November, 1885, he removed it to Newville, and called it The
Neimille Times. It has a large circulation. In August, 1883, he started a matrimonial
paper called Cupid's Corner, which has proven a profitable venture. Mr. Strohm has
evmced his ability, and is a man of rank in journalism.
JOHN WAGNER, bank president, Newville, is the representative of the Wagner
family, from whom Wagner's Gap, in the Blue Ridge, took its name. His great-grandfather
immigrated in 1740, and his grandfather, Jacob Wagner, whose father and mother both died
on the ocean while on their way from Switzerland, first settled in Rock Hill Township,
Bucks County, J'enn., afterward removing to this county, where he took up a tract of 700
acres on what is known as Wagner's Road, leading from Carlisle to the Gap. He died
there in 1809. The farm is still owned by members of the family. His wife was Mary
Cathrine Bauer. They had nine children: John, Jacob, George, Abraham, Philip, Cath-
erine, Mary, Margaret and Henry. Jacob, father of John Wagner was born in 1760, and
on his father's death inherited half of the land where he lived all his days. In 1806 he
married Christiana, daughter of Nicholas Ferdig, of North Middleton Township, Cumber-
land County. They had four children: John, .Jacob, George and Elizabeth. Of these
Jacob, who succeeded to the mansion farm, married Ann, daughter of John Lane, Esq.,
and died near Carlisle in 1884; George married Sarah Strohm, and lived near Carlisle,
where he died in 1880, his widow is still living; Elizabeth (deceased in 1853) was the wife
of Peter Lane, a brother of Ann Lane (Mrs. Jacob Wagner); John, the only survivor, was
born April 30, 1808, in North Middleton Township, Cumberland County, Penn., and when
eighteen years old he went to Perry County, Penn., to learn the tanner's trade; thence to
Buffalo, N. Y., for a year, and then back to the farm. The following year he worked in
a tannery, which he subsequently bought in 1850, and ran until 1878, since which time he
has leased it. In January, 1871, he was elected president of the First National Bank of
Newville, an office which his associates have since insisted on his retaining. In 1836 he mar-
ried Jane, daughter of George Klink, of Newville. They celebrated their golden wedding
June 2, 1886. To this union nine children have been born. The deceased are Mary Ellen,
who became wife of John Cum, of California, and died in 1877; Jacob A. and Eva F.
died after reaching their majority. The living are John P., a contractor living in Iowa;
Samuel C. of whom a sketch appears below; Annie E., wife of S. I. Irvine, now living in
Sioux City, Iowa; Sarah J., wife of Thomas N. Henderson, merchant of Germantown,
Md. ; and Lydia, wife of Joseph S. Henderson, a farmer near Germantown (the Hender-
sons are sons of the former pastor of Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville); Re-
becca K. lives with her parents. Mr. Wagner has on many occasions held the office of
burgess, town councilor, and was school director for nearly forty years. He and his wife
are members of Big Spring Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder, and for thirty
years he was superintendent of the Union Sabbath-school. He and his wife are now en-
joying the fruits of a long unblemished life, with all the comforts that ample means can
procure and with the good-will of every member of the community.
SAMUEL C. WAGNER, grain and flour dealer, and State Senator, representing the
Cumherland and Adams District, Newville, a son of John and Jane (BHink) Wagner, was
born August 9, 1843. and was educated at schools and academies in the county, afterward
getting a business education at the Iron City Commercial College, Pittsburgh, Penn. In
1859 he kept books in a wholesale dry goods house in Leavenworth, Kas., for a few
months, wlien he returned to Newville, this county, and worked in the tannery of his
father until August 8, 1861; when, just eighteen, he enlisted in Young's Kentucky Cav-
alry, afterward the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry. He has a most brilliant record as a sol-
dier. Six months after his enlistment the young man was promoted to regimental com-
missary sergeant, and in a few months more was promoted again to second lieutenant of
Company I. In a short time he was again promoted to first lieutenant and regimental
commissary. On the reorganization of the cavalry, under Gen. Pleasanton, he was as-
signed to the staff of Gen. J. B. Mcintosh, commanding the First Brigade of Gregg's di-
vision of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He was afterward assigned to
fill a vacancy caused by the disability of Capt. Pollard, of Gen. Gregg's staff, at Warren-
ton, Va., in the winter of 1863. In the spring of 1864, when Gen. Grant began his move-
ment toward Richmond, he was ordered to report to Gen. Patrick, provost-marshal-gen-
eral of the Army of the Potomac, as commissary to prisoners, in which he remained until
mustered out in the fall of 1864, in front of Petersburg, where he was brevetted captain
for gallant services. He took part in the battles of Savage Station, White Oak Swamp,
Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill (where he was one of the last officers to leave the
BOROUGH OF NEWVILLE. 455
Hill), Antletam, Kelly's Ford, Stoneman's cavalry raid in rear of Lee's army, the cavalry
fight at Culpeper, where he had a narrow escape. He was on the left of the skirmish
line, when he was ordered by Col. Horace Binney Sargent, in command, to give report to
two officers on a hill, a short distance away, whom he supposed to he Gens. Gregg and
Mcintosh. Young Wagner told the colonel they were rebel officers, but was not believed,
the colonel sending his own orderly after him. On reaching and saluting the group he
found his suspicions verified, and was ordered to dismount, but instead he struck spurs to his
horse, threw himself flat on the animal's back, and galloped back amid a shower of bullets.
The orderly, who was behind him, sat erect, and was literally riddled with bullets. The
next fight he was in was at Sulphur Springs; then Auburn, Bristow Station, Salem, Upper-
■ville, and in all the cavalry skirmishes on the march to Gettysburg, at which place he was
wounded by a piece of rebel shell while fighting the rebel cavalry under Wade Hampton
and Fitzhugh Lee. On recovering he rejoined his command, near the Rappahannock,
and was in the advance when Grant crossed the Rapidan, and then took part in all the
fights in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, and the differ-
ent skirmishes in front of Petersburg. He was with the Army of the Potomac until mus-
tered out, as stated, by expiration of term, when he returned home, a veteran, barely
twenty-one years of age, having seen more service than fell to the lot of many a soldier.
He was then elected book-keeper of the First National Bank of Newville, which he re-
signed July 1, 1868, to engage in the grain and lumber business. This he disposed of in
July, 1884, when he bought the " Keller Mill," at the head of Big Spring, which he remod-
eled, making it one of the most complete roller flour-mills in the State. This he is still
•engaged in. In 1883 he was a candidate for nomination for State Senator in the district
composed of Cumberland and Adams Counties, under the Crawford County system,
against two veteran journalists of the county, when he received 600 more votes than botli
combined, and was elected after a memorable contest over James W. Bosler. His term
will expire January 1, 1887. In 1866 Mr. Wagner married Laura E., daughter of John M.
Woodburn, of Newville. They have eight children: Charles W., Jennie B., Annie L.,
Sallie G., George B., Walter E., Samuel C, Jr., and Thomas H., in ages from eighteen
to four years. Mr. Wagner is a Knight Templar, belonging. to St. John's Commandery of
Carlisle, and to Big Springs Lodge, No. 361, of Newville. He is also a member of Cavalry
Post, No. 35, G. A. R., of Philadelphia. A gallant soldier, a pure politician, and an upright
business man, he deserves the honors put upon him by his neighbors. In politics he is a
Democrat.
MUHLENBERG WILLIAMS, attorney, Newville, is a son of John Williams, who
was born in Middlesex Township (then North Middleton) in May, 1808, and who was a son
of Henry Williams, of Lebanon County, but who removed to North Middleton some years
after his marriage. He had ten children, viz.: Henry, who was married to Elizabeth
Zook, and who died in North Middleton, leaving no issue; David, who lived all his life on
part of the old homestead, married and died there; Frederick, who was a farmer, inherit-
ed a part of the old farm, married Susan Rheem, and died, leaving a son, Thomas, who is
farming the same place; Rudolph, who is now a druggist in Columbia, Penn. ; Jacob, who
was a cripple, was never married, and died on the farm; Thomas, who died before attain-
ing his majority; Samuel, who lived on the old homestead, which he afterward sold, and
then removed to North Middleton, where he died in 1885; Catherine, widow of Michael
Wise, of North Middleton, and now living in Carlisle; Elizabeth, wife of George Hetrich,
of Franklin County, wfeere she died; and John, the youngest of the family and father of
our subject, who learned the drug trade and went into business at Newville, where he con-
tinued a number of years. He afterward gave this up, and bought a farm close to the
borough, on which he has since lived. In 1883 he was married to Susan R., daughter of
George Wise, farmer of North Middleton Township, whose connection is very large. They
had twelve children, viz. : David W., who is married to Miss Adeline Knettle; Muhlenberg,
our subject; Eleanor, unmarried and living with her parents; John, who died in infancy;
Mary, wife of Jonas D. Huntzberger, of Newville; Catherine, wife of George Lehman, of
West Pennsborough Township; Susan R., wife of Samuel E. Heberlig, of West Pennsbor-
ough Township; Jennie, wife of John D. Brehm, living in Newton Township; Martha,
wife of David S. De Haven, living in Newville; Rudolph, married to Charlotte S. Faber,
and living in Newville; Lucretia, unmarried, living with her parents; Maggie N.. wife of
J. Hess, residing in Osborne, Mo. In his youth, Muhlenberg worked on his father's farm
in summer, going to school during winter, until twenty-one years of age, and the last two
winters he attended the academy in Newville, of which Rev. Robert McCachran was princi-
pal. He then taught school three sessions, and studied law in the office of William H.
Miller Esq., of Carlisle, where he was admitted to the bar November 14, 1860, being ex-
amined and 'recommended by Hon. Frederick W. Watts, Lemuel Todd and A. B. Sharpe,
Esqs. After he was admitted he began the practice of his profession at Newville, where
he has remained. May 23, 1873, he was married to Miss Lydia E.. daughter of William M.
Scouller, of Mifflin Township, and has five children, viz. : John, Nellie, William Scouller,
Lydia Belle and May. Mr. Williams has been identified largely with the politics of his
township, borough and county. He has been school director of the township three years.
456 . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and of the borough nine years; auditor three years. In 1866 he was appointed assistant
assessor of Division No. 10, of the Fifteenth Collection District of Pennsylvania, which of-
fice he held during the Johnson administration, and was elected to the Legislature in 1873.
He bears the reputation of being a skillful, adroit practitioner, who has the interest of his
clients very much at heart. Pie is rated as one of the ablest members of the bar of Cum-
berland County.
CHAPTER XLIl.
BOROUGH OF SHIREMANSTOWN.
JOHN R. BAKER, carriage-maker, Shiremanstown, was born October 30, 1845, and
is a son of John 8. Baker, now living near Shepherdstown, Upper Allen Township, where
John R. was born. The elder Baker was born in York County, Penn., in 1813, where he
lived with his parents, until he came to this county, over forty years, settling on the place
where he now lives. The family consists of the father (the mottier is but a few months
deceased), three sons and two daughters. John R., who is the second son, lived at home
until he was ten years of age, when he went to his grandfather's for three years. There
he was hired out until he joined the Union Army in the spring of 1863, when but sixteen
years of age, a volunteer in the Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, in the Army of the Potomac, in which he saw a great deal of service. He
participated in the battle of Winchester, the battles in the Wilderness, Mine Run, Spottsyl-
vania Court House, Cold Harbor, the capture of the Weldon Railroad, the battles of Cedar
Creek and Monocacy River, the siege and capture of Petersburg and the final fight at
Appomattox. His time had expired a few days before this last event, but he preferred to
stay and see the war out. Though but a boy he became a veteran, and in spite of the
many battles in which he participated, beside skirmishes innumerable, he never received
a wound. On the field of Appomattox he got his well-earned honorable discharge, and
afterward, with the rest of his comrades of the historic Army of the Potomac, was mus-
tered out of the service at Washington. On his return home he apprenticed himself to John
Palmer, of Mechanicsburg, to learn carriage painting. In 1873 he and his brother Henry
established a carriage factory at Camp Hill, in East Pennsborough Township. Here they
remained for eight years, when John R. bought Henry's interest, and after staying there one
year more, removed to Shiremanstown, where he has been engaged in the business ever
since, building up a large and constantly increasing trade by honest work. He was mar-
ried, in 1867, to Annie, daughter of Simon Dean, of Mechanicsburg, and they have seven
children— two boys and five girls. Mr. Baker is a member of the Winding Hill Reformed
Mennonite Church, and among his fellow-men bears a well-deserved reputation as a man
of probity whose word can always be relied upon, for what he promises he will perform.
Yet a young man, a long and honorable career lies before him.
DR. W. SCOTT BRUCKHART, Shiremanstown, was born March 10, 1848, near Colum-
bia, Lancaster Co., Penn. His father was born on the same farm, and his grandfather in the
same neighborhood. His great-grandfather was one of a colony which came to this country
from Switzerland early in the last century, coming directly to Philadelphia, Penn. From
there the party went to Virginia, but shortly after returned to York and Lancaster Coun-
ties, where many of their descendants are yet to be found; here he engaged in farming, as
did his son, the father of our subject, latter acquiring a competence by his industry. Our
subject's father and mother still live on the original farm; he is also interested in mining
enterprises in Chestnut Hill District; his wife was Catherine Habecker, of the same place;
they have seven boys living, of whom the Doctor is the eldest. Our subject stayed on
the farm until he was sixteen years of age, then taught school for three winter terms, at-
tending the normal school at Millersville in the summers. In 1868 he began the study of
medicine with Dr. A. K. Rohrer, of Mountville, one of the most prominent physicians in
that part of the State, regarded as high authority on the treatment of typhoid fever. Here
Dr. Bruckhart stayed for two or three years, taking at the same time a full course of lec-
tures in the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he graduated in March, 1870,
at the early age of twenty-two years. The following month he removed to Mount Joy,
Lancaster County, and commenced the practice of his profession. In February, 1874, he
came to Shiremanstown, where he has ever since devoted himself to the practice of his
profession. During this time several other physicians have located in the borough, at dif
ferent times, but all have retired from the field in turn, leaving Dr. Bruckhart the sole
BOROUGH OF SHIREMANSTOWN. 457
practitioner in the neighborhood, in which he has, by his skill and knowledge of his pro-
fession, as well as by his other good qualities, acquired the confidence and esteem of his
neighbors. In December, 1872, he married Attilla, daughter of John Strickler, of Mount
Joy, a retired farmer. They had three children, of whom only one, Paul Holmes, sur-
vives. The Doctor is a member of Columbia Lodge, No. 286, V. & A. M., and Corinthian
Chapter and Cyrene Commandery, No. 34, all of Columbia. He is also a member of Irene
Lodge, No. 425, K. of P., of Shiremanstown, and is likewise president of the Beneficial
Society of Shiremanstown, an incorporation of residents of the vicinity for mutual aid.
Dr. Bruckhart has held the office of school trustee ever since the second year of his resi-
dence in the borough, and has during all that time been secretary of the board. He also
served two years as burgess, and, as will be seen by the above, is one of the most active
members of society in this part of the county. He has, in a very marked degree, the con-
fidence and esteem of his neighbors, who will probably call upon him to serve them in a
higher capacity. He is well qualified to adorn any position for which he may be chosen.
CHRISTIAN HESS, retired farmer, Shiremanstown, a son of Christian and Elizabeth
(Martin) Hess, natives of Lancaster County, who were man-ied in 1808, and in 1811 re-
moved to Pairview Township, York Co., Penn., to a farm owned by the Rev. Samuel
Hess, his father. Christian Hess was born November 28, 1779, in Elizabethtown, Lan-
caster Co., Penn. They reared eight children: Samuel, the eldest son, born ia Lancaster
County, died at the age of fifteen; the other children, Nancy, Barbara, George, Christian,
Elizabeth, Henry and Susannah were born in York County. Our subject was married, in
1840, to Judith, daughter of Peter and Esther (Martin) Zimmerman, Rev. John Mumma
performing the ceremony. After marriage Christian Hess assumed charge of his father's
farm, working it on shares until 1857, when he purchased the homestead, paying for it in
installments. The children, eight in number, were all born ou the homestead in York
County, viz. : Elizabeth, Peter, Hetty (the two latter twins), Barbara, Mary, Rebecca, Samuel
and Catharine. Of these, Samuel is a minister of the Mennonite faith, and served a con-
gregation at State Hill, Lower Allen Township; Peter married Lydia Brechbill, of Lan-
caster County; Hetty married Jacob M. Zimmerman, of the same county; Barbara, Eliza-
beth and Mary are housekeepers for their parents, and Rebecca, wife of George F. Um-
berger, died a few years ago. The Rev. Samuel Hess, above mentioned, wedded Annie
Metzler, of Lancaster County, Penn. In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Christian Hess removed to
State Hill, where a nice farm was purchased, and which will probably be their home in
the future. The church near by makes it convenient for these aged Christians who, for
more than half a century, have gone hand in hand to the house of God, setting noble ex-
amples for their children, who, without exception, follow in their footsteps.
DAVID R. ME REEL, farmer (son of Levi Merkel, whose sketch see), P. O. Shire-
manstown, was born in the year 1835, on the farm on which he now lives, and which was
purchased and occupied by his grandfather, Jacob Merkel, in 1804, and has been in the
family ever since. Jacob Merkel built a house on the opposite side of the road to that on
which D. R. Merkel's new residence stands, and in 1813 built a stone barn, which is still
in use and in perfect condition. With the exception of the time spent in school, D. R.
Merkel lived on this farm until 186t), at which time he removed to the borough of York,
Penn., where he was professor of music in the Cottage Hill Female College for five years.
His health failing he returned to the farm, remaining three years. He then went to
Elmira, N. Y., and engaged in music-teaching for the succeeding six years, after which
he returned to the farm, which he now owns, and which he is making a model place. He
is a progressive gentleman, quick to adopt the best methods of obtaining desirable results,
and his success is evidenced by his surroundings. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Sarah
J., daughter of Samuel Eberlv, formerly of Hampden Township, this county. They have
one child, Romaine, married to M. W. Jacobs, Esq., attorney and counselor, of Harris-
burg, Penn. D. R. Merkel has never held any office except that of school director, which
was forced upon him. His whole time and attention is given to agricultural pursuits, for
which he has a genuine love. In personal character Mr. Merkel stands high, and shows
himself a worthy son of his illustrious father.
HENRY S. RUPP, nurseryman, Shiremanstown, was born in Lower Allen Town-
ship, this county, in 1826, and is the son of George Rupp, a native of Lancaster County,
Penn., where his father settled about 1790, when he emigrated from Germany. Henry S.
lived on his father's farm, in Lower Allen Township, until he was twenty-f(mr years old,
when he removed to where he now lives, buying the farm in 1855. He married, in 1852,
Nancy, daughter of Joseph Hursh, of York County, Penn. They have a family of four
sons and two daughters, one, Lizzie, being married to Amos Landis, of Upper Allen
Township; the others are unmarried. Henry S. Rupp gave his attention to farming until
1865, when he embarked in the nursery and florist business. He has at present over 5,000
square feet under glass, and forty acres of his farm of 100 acres are devoted to this busi-
ness, in which his sales are constantly increasing. His flowers and plants go all over the
country; his trees are sold mainly in southern Pennsylvania and Maryland. A special
feature of his business is the growing of primrose seed for the trade, of which seed he is
the largest grower in the country, most of the seed hitherto used having been imported.
458 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
He has now many customers for this seed among the florists, and the demand for it is
rapidly increasing. Two of his sons are associated with him in the nursery business:
John P. and David C. Mr. Rupp has never given much attention to politics, and could
hardly he induced to hold office of any kind. His neighbors speak of him as a man of
strictest probity in all his dealings.
JOHN K. TAYLOR, dealer in sundries, Shiremanstown. Since March, 1846, J. K.
Taylor has been a resident of Cumberland County, and during the intervening years has
been one of the representative business men. He was born in Newberry Township, York
Co., Penn., in 1826, a son of Libni and Mary (Krieger) Taylor, who, for nearly fifty years,
lived on the farm which was improved by them. He comes from English ancestry, of
the Puritanical type, on the paternal side, a-nd his maternal ancestors were natives of
Germany. Libni and Mary Taylor reared a family of seven children, of whom three sons
are living: Jacob K., John K. and Benjamin K. Upon arrival in Allen Township, in
1846, John K. Taylor became an apprentice to and learned the trade of blacksmith with,
Ezekial Worley, whose shop stood near the present site of Mr. Taylor's smithy. After
completing his trade our subject went to Milltown, and engaged for nine years in smith-
ing. He then purchased his Slate Hill property, and since that time has conducted a shop,
and has also engaged largely in dealing in meats, etc. In 1850 he was married to Elizabeth
Arter, of York County, Penn. They have no children, but their home is made happy by
their affection for each other, and the comforts which are always found in the home of
the prosperous man. John K. Taylor, who has always been a representative man in his
township, by dint of energy and shrewd business qualifications has accumulated consid-
erable property. He is one of the self-made men of Cumberland Valley, and has filled
nearly every official position in the township with honor.
CHAPTER XLIII.
COOK TOWNSHIP.
DANIEL KING, superintendent of South Mountain Mining & Iron Company, P. O.
Pine Grove Furnace, was horn in Queen's County, Ireland, January 1, 1844. His parents,
William and Catherine King, immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1841, but returned, in 18^,
to Ireland, where they still reside. Daniel King, after receiving a classical education in
Ireland, came to America in the early part of 1862, and in August of that year enlisted
in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was honorably dis-
charged in 1863, on account of disabilities incurred in the line of duty. After recovery,
in the same year, he re-enlisted and served sixty days in the Fifty-second Pennsylvania
Militia (raised during Lee's invasion) and on the disbandment of same again entered the
service of his adopted country, this time in the Naval branch, and served until 1865 in the
North Atlantic blockading squadron. After leaving the public service Mr. King engaged
in the study and practice of mechanical engineering at Paterson, N. J., Baltimore, Md.,
and Jersey City, N. J. In April, 1871, he located at Pine Grove Furnace, in this county,
as assistant superintendent of the South Mountain Iron Company, where he remained until
1873, when he entered the service of McCormick & Co., of Harrisburg, Penn., as furnace
and mine superintendent, a situation he held until 1876, during which time he developed
and operated several valuable mining properties in this and the adjoining counties of York
and Adams. From that time until 1879 he was exclusively engaged in mining iron and
copper ores in Sussex County, N. J., and Carroll County. Md. In October, 1879, he again
accepted the superintendency of the South Mountain Mining & Iron Company, which
position he has continuously held since. Our subject is a gentleman, studious and active,
conversant with all the details of his calling, and is recognized among the business men of
his acquaintance as a skillful metallurgical chemist and scientific and practical mining
engineer. In 1865, Mr. King was married to Miss Alice Fuller, of Paterson, N. J. They
have one son living — Charles King.
DANIEL LEEPER, superintendent of the wood and coal department of the South
Mountain Mining & Iron Company, was horn in Dickinson (now Penn) Tovroship, this
county, July 24, 1819. His father, James Leeper, of Lancaster County, Penn., came to
this county about the year 1812, and here married Eliza Fort, who was born in New Jer-
sey, and came as far as this county with her parents, on their way to Ohio. Her mother
took sick on the way and died at Centreville, and her father remained here some years,,
and finally returned to New Jersey. After living in this part of the State for a time,
DICKINSON TOWNSHIP. 459
James Leeper and wife finally located near Mount Union, Huntington Co.,'Penn., where
they passed the remainder of their lives, and now lie buried at Mapleton. Daniel Leeper
has made his home principally at Pine Grove since 1839, and has followed tlie occupation
of charcoal-maker during most of these years. In 1870 he was appointed superintendent
of the wood and coal department of the South Mountain Mining & Iron Company, which
responsible position he has ever since held. March 21, 1844, he married Nancy Warren,
a native of Adams County, Penn., but a resident of this county at the time of her marriage.
Their children are Mrs. Anna Eliza Helm, John, Mrs. Mary E. Sheatter, Amanda, Mrs.
Susan Hewitt, Daniel, Mrs. Sallie Danner, David and U. S. Grant Leeper. Our subject
enlisted, October 16, 1863, in the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He was in many en-
gagements around Suffolk, Va., and received an honorable discharge July 28, 1863. Mr.
Leeper is a stanch and life-long Republican, and takes a deep interest in public affairs.
He and his worthy wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a
class-leader for many years, and an exhorter. He is one of the old pioneers of this lo-
cality, a worthy and upright citizen, highly respected by the entire community.
COL. J. D. NORTH, merchant, P. O. Pine Grove Furnace, is a native of Ontario
County, N. Y. In early manhood he engaged in the wholesale dry goods business in New
York City, and, after spending two years in Caliiornia, re-engaged in the same enterprise.
He located at Hastings, Minn., in 1855, in merchandising and in the grain and commis-
sion business, and while there he built the largest grain elevator, at that time, in the
State. In 1863 he sold out, and embarked with his brother in the wholesale glove and
mitten trade. In 1869 he became largely interested in farming lands in North Carolina,
where he resided, as a planter and fruit culturist, until 1878. In that year he accepted an
invitation from the South Mountain Iron Company to locate with them. He has entire
charge of their extensive farms and mill, and also carries on the store in their building.
He also holds the appointment of postmaster of Pine Grove Furnace. Col. North first
married Miss Henrietta E. Claflin, of Buffalo, N. Y., and, she dying a short time there-
after, he subsequently married Miss Elizabeth B. Mulford, of New York City, who died
at Pine Grove Furnace January 9, 1881, leaving one daughter, Henrietta E., now attend-
ing school at Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y.
CHAPTER XLIV.
DICKINSON TOWNSHIP.
DAN HENRY AMES, farmer, P. O. Mooredale, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May
11, 1860. His father. Dr. Fisher W. Ames, was a native of Cincinnati and a graduate of
Ohio Medical College, and was for many years a very successful medical practitioner
in Cincinnati. Dr. Ames rendered valuable services to the Government, as surgeon of the
Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the war of the Rebellion. During Pres-
ident Grant's administration, the Doctor held the position of United States Consul at St.
Domingo, for about six years, and then resigned on account of ill health; he died in 1876.
His wife, Catherine (Hendricks) Fisher, died in 1872. Dan Henry Ames, after attending the
Cincinnati High School, completed his education at Buchtel College, Akron. Ohio. He pur-
chased a farm near Abilene, Kas., where he located in 1879, and while there he married,
December 9, 1880, Cyprianna Hutchison, a native of Dickinson Township, this county^
Her parents', William A. and Elizabeth Hutchison, now reside in Huntsdale, this county.
In March, 1881, Mr. and Mrs. Ames came to this county and located permanently in Dick-
inson Township, where they have a fine farm of 100 acres of land, on which they have
erected an elegant brick residence and substantial farm buildings; they also own another-
farm of 97 acres in same township. To Mr. and Mrs. Ames has been born one son,
Kenneth Fisher Ames. In politics Mr. Ames is a Republican. He is a gentleman of up-
right character and of modest demeanor, a man of excellent influence in the community.
RUDOLPH FISHBURN, P. O. Greason or Carlisle, was born in Dauphin County,
Penn, April 3, 1824. His parents, John and Catherine (Carmany) Fishburn, natives of
Pennsylvania,' settled in Dickinson Township, this county, in 1832. Their children were:
Philip (deceased), John, Anthony, Mrs. Barbara Myers, Mrs. Helena Myers, Rudolph,
Adam, Reuben and Mrs. Maria Lee. The parents of these children acquired a fine estate
of over 500 acres of land in this county. The father died in April, 1861, aged seventy-
seven years, and the mother in April, 1875, aged eighty-three years. They were upright-
460 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
pioneer people, and their memory •will long be cherished by those who knew them. Ru-
dolph Fishburn, the subject of tliis sicetcli, married, November 17, 1857. Mary Magdalena
Leiiman, a native of South Middleton Township, this county, born near Mount Holly
Springs. Hi'V father, Adam Lehman, a native of Tolpenhoclcen, Berlcs Co., Penn., came
to tbis county when a you g man, and married here Ivliss Magdalena liurlsholder, a native
of Soulh Middleton Township, this county, and tbey lived long and active lives in tiiat
township, until his death, May 25, 1845. His widow passed her last days with her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Fishburn. dying March 31, 1871, in her eightieth year. She and her husband were
members of the Lutheran Church at Carlisle. They acquired an estate of three farms, and
were among the prosperous and influenlial residents of this county. Of their ten chil-
dren six are living: Daniel, David, Mrs. Fisbiiurn, Mrs. Sarah Snner, Mrs. Margaret Wolf
and Samuel. Those deceased are John, Elizabeth. Adam and William. Since their mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Fishburn have resided on their present farm in Dicliinson Township,
where they have 110 acres of fine land, well improved, on which is an elegant stone resi-
dence. Mr. Fishburn is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a man of franli and
generous nature, anil has many friends. In politics he is a Republican.
SAMUEL 6ALBRA1TH (deceased), of Scotch descent, was born in County Antrim,
Ireland, in 1767, and came to the United States while quite a young man. There were four
brothers — Robert, Samuel, Joseph and J^hn. The subject of this sketch was a contractor
on public works, and as such was closely connected with the early development of the
country. In 1794 he settled in Cumberland County, buying, with his brother Robert, a
tract of land in Dickinson Township, to which he moved when he retired to private life.
He married a daughter of Squire Moore (John Moore), who died in 1813, leaving six
children — John, Eleanor, Samuel, Maria, Matthew and Thompson Moore. He died in
January, 1851.
THOMPSON MOORE QALBRAITH (deceased), youngest son of Samuel Galbraith, was
born November 10, 1813. He left school at fifteen years of age and at once commenced work
on his own account. Like his father, his first ventures, even before reaching manhood,
were on public works, being engaged at various times on the Erie Canal, Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad, Cumberland Valley Railroad (the heavy cut at Newvllle), the Pennsylvania
Railroad, at Perrysville, Mifflin, Huntington and Greensburgh, and the North Pennsyl-
vania Railroad. He returned to the Cumberland Valley, and commenced farming at the
old homesiead in the spring of 1854. where he remained until the time of his death, De-
cember 28, 1863. A modest, gentle, generous, unassuming, able man, he made many
friends, and had few, if any. enemies. The soul of honor himself, his charity and gener-
osity were at all times being exercised in behalf of his fellow-men. He was married, Oc-
tober 10, 1848, to Elizabeth Woods, of Salem, Ohio, a daughter of Robert H. Woods, a
Scotch-Irish Presbyterian, who came to America in 1818. Four children survived him—
William W., Emma W., Lois C. and Annie M., the eldest child, a son. dying in infancy.
Of these, Emma W. died March 25, 1871, as she was verging on womanhood; Annie M.
chose the study of medicine, and graduated with great credit at the Woman's Medical
College of Philadelphia, taking a post-graduate course, lasting two years, under some of
the most eminent specialists of Vienna and Munich; whilst Lois C. more modestly sought
happiness in the beaten paths.
WILLIAM WATTS GALBRAITH was born September 30, 1851, in Dickinson Town-
ship, this county. After receiving a common school education hewent totlie Pennsylvania
State College, graduating in the scientific course. In 1871 he commenced farming at the
old homestead, but quit in 1873 to go "to West Point. Graduating there in 1877, he was
was appointed second lieutenant in the Fifth Artillery, and served successively in Charles-
ton, S. C, Atlanta, Ga., and Port Schuyler, N. Y., until May, 1882, when he was ordered
to the artillery school, where he graduated in April, 1884, and was ordered to Governor's
Island, N. T. In July of that year he was detaileil professor of military science and tac-
tics—serving also as professor of mathematics— at the Pennsylvania Military Academy,
from which he was relieved, at his own request, July 1, 1885. Being again ordered to
Goveriior's Island, he was detailed togo with his battery loMount McGregor at the time of
Gen. Grant's death, and served with the Guard of Honor from July 28 until the inter-
ment, August 8. Promoted to a first lieutenancy in the same regiment, and ordered to
Fort Hamilton September 23, he served wiih the guard at Grant's tomb from December
15, 1885, to February 15, 1886. Serving, August 26, 1886, at Fort Hamilton, N. Y., in
command of Battery M, Fifth Artillery.
HARRY HANCE. mill.r. P. O. Huntsdale. was born in Frederick County, Md.,
February 26, 1849. His parents, John and Sarah (Elcholtz) Hanoe, were natives of York
County, Penn., and removed to Maryland, where they remained until their death; he died
July 10, 1867, and his widow May 9. 1872. Of their ten children our subject is the third.
At the age of sixteen years Harry Hance came to this county, and began learning the mil-
ling business at Bridgeport, which he has since followed at various places on the Yellow
Breeches Creek, with the exception of two years (from 1879 to 1881) spent at Wilson, Ells-
worth County. Kas. He located at Huntsdale, this county, in the spring of 1882, and here
he is interested in the production of the Cumberland Mills (formerly known as Chambers'
DICKINSON TOWNSHIP. 461
Mill). Harry Hance, who is sole manager and operator, is a skillful and scientific miller,
and his products have a first-class reputation among his patrons. He married, December
27, 1874, Jennie E. Swigert, of Mount Holly, this county, and to them have been born four
children, Nora Edi.h, Theodore, Blanche and an infant (deceased). Our subject is a life-
long Republican, and is now serving his township as school director. He is an upright
and worthy citizen and an enterprising and successful business man.
REV. JACOB H0LLIN6ER, minister and retired farmer, P. O. Mooredale, was born
in Monroe Township, this county, August 33, 1827. His great-grandfather came from
Switzerland to America in a very early day, and his grandfather, Jacob HoUinger, was
born in America. Daniel HoUinger (father of our subject), a native of York County,
Penn., married Catherine Dillinger, also a native of York County. Immediately after mar-
riage they settled in Monroe Township, this county. Of their eleven children nine grew
to maturity and six are now living: Daniel, in Plympton, Kas. ; Jacob; John, in Russell,
Kas.; Mrs. Elizabeth Hutchison; Mrs. Catherine Eckert; and Mrs Rebecca Martin. The
father of these children departed this life in 1859, and his widow survived until 1872. He
was a life-long minister of the German Baptist Church, and five of his sons, following in
their father's footsteps, became ministers of the gospel. He was an upright pioneer, and
his memory is cherished and honored by all who knew him. Rev. Jacob HoUinger, the
subject of this sketch, was married, October 4, 1849, to Mary A. Sheaffer, a native of Mon-
roe Township, this county, where her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Sheaffer resided until
their death. After their marriage. Rev. Jacob HoUinger and his wife settled in Dickinson
Township, this county, and in 1852 they moved to South Middleton Township, where they
resided until 1861, then returned to Dickinson Township, and have since resided here.
By industry and good management they have acquired a fine farm of 130 acres of well
improved farm land, and also own thirty-five acres of timbered land on South Mountain.
To them tiave been born eleven children, seven of whom are now living: John Edward,
George William, Mrs. Florence Hertzler, Mrs. Elizabeth Myers, Jacob S., Mrs. Anna Mary
Cooper, and Alice Eva. Our subject united with the German Baptist Church in 1854, and
was chosen a minister in the church in 1869, which relation he has sustained ever since. He
is a man of firm principles and strict integrity, a worthy citizen, highly respected by the
entire community.
ABRAM L. LINE, farmer, P. O. Moored ale, was born in Dickinson Township, this
county, March 2, 1841. George Line, great-grandfather of our subject, emigrated from
Switzerland to America with his parents, about 1710, when a young boy; they settled in
Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood, and married, in Lancaster County, Salome
Zimmerman; and in 1778 they came to Dickinson Township, this county, and purchased
land. Of their children, David remained in Lancaster County; John, William, Abraham,
Elizabeth, Susanna and Salome settled in this county. John married Anna B. Le Fevre,
and they remained on the family homestead until their death; their children were John,
George L., Mrs. Catherine Tritt, Mrs. Mary Coulter and Salome. George L. married
Maria Line, and succeeded his parents on the family homestead, and to him and his wife
were born four children: Mrs. Elizabeth Hemminger, John A., Emanuel C, and Abram
L. George L. Line was a very prominent man in public affairs, and was colonel of a regi-
ment in the old State militia; he died in 1885; his wife departed this life in 1869. Their
son Abram L. Line, the subject of this sketch, married, October 21, 1863, Sarah H. McMath,
a native of Carlisle, and daughter of the well-known merchant, James McMath, of Scotch-
Irish descent. Since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Line have resided on their present farm,
which descended to him from his mother's branch of the Line family, and has been in the
possession of the family for the last fifty years; it is a fine property of 120 acres of fertile
and weU improved land, and includes one of the finest picnic grounds in the county. To
our subject and wife have been born two children: George L. and Laura Augusta. Mr-
Line enlisted, in July, 1863, in Company A, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Penn-
sylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and served
in the historic campaigns in Virginia and Maryland; he took part in the hard-fought battles
of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and ChancellorsviUe; he received a slight
wound at Antietam, and was honorably discharged in May, 1863, after having risen, by
promotion, to the rank of fourth sergeant. Mr, Line was for many years a Republican in
politics, but is now an earnest Nationalist. He takes great interest in public affairs, es-
pecially in the cause of education, and has been called upon to serve his township as
school director. He is a man of genial, social disposition, an upright and worthy citizen,
highly respected by the community in which he lives.
DAVID LINE, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Dickinson Township, this
county. May 4, 1830, son of David, who was a son of William, who was a son of George
Line, the founder of the Line family in this county. Our subject attended the schools of
the home district, and completed his education by a course in Burns Academy at Good
Hope, Penn. Seven years of his early manhood were spent principally in Washington
County Iowa, during which time he returned home to attend school for one winter. He
married, November 30, 1864, Mary E. Ralston, a native of this county, a daughter of
David and Lacey (McAllister) Ralston, and soon after marriage they located where he now
462 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
resides, in Dicliinson Township, where he has a fine farm of 173 acres, being part of the
homesteads of both families. On this farm David Line has erected a handsome bricls res-
idence and very complete and substantial farm buildings. To our subject and wife were
born five childien: James Edwin, William D., Samuel A., Marion Myers, and Sarah Ella.
Mrs. Line died November 13, 1876. She was a sincere Christian, a devoted wife and
mother, and her death was mourned by a large circle of friends. She was a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Line and all his sons are members of the First Presbyterian
Church at Carlisle, Penn. Our subject devotes a great deal of attention to the education
of his children, and takes a deep interest in all enterprises for the mental and moral im-
provement of the community. In politics he is a Republican.
EMANUEL C. LINE, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born on the farm where he now re-
sides, in Dickinson Township, this couniy. May 8, 1837. His father, Geo. L. Line, was a
son of John Line, and a grandson of George Line, the original founder of the family in
this county. Jolin Line married Barbara Ann Le Pevre, and to them were born five
children, viz.: George L., John (deceased), Salome (deceased), Mrs. Catherine Tritt (de-
ceased), and Mrs. Mary Ann Coulter. George L. Line married his second cousin. Miss
Maria Line (daughter of Emanuel Line, and granddaughter of William Line), and they set-
tled on the family homestead, which was purchased, in 1778, by George Line (grandfather
of George L.) from Gen. John Armstrong, and has been in the possession of the family for
four generations. The old mansion residence, built of stone, was erected by Gen. Arm-
strong, in 1768, and is still occupied. Here Mr. and Mrs, George L. Line resided until,
their death. Their children are as follows: Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hemminger, John A.,
Emanuel C. and Abram L. Mrs. George L. Line died November 37, 1869, and Mr. Line
died November 5, 1885, aged eighty years, ten months and ten days. He was a useful and
highly respected citizen, and the memory of this couple is cherished by a large circle of
relatives and friends. Emanuel C. Line remained on the mansion farm, and took care
of his parents in their old age. He now owns here a fine property of 101 acres of well-
improved land.
JACOB ZITZER LINE, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Dickinson Township,
this county, September 33, 1854. His father, George Line, a son of Abraham and grand-
son of George, was born March 5, 1801, and married Miss Rebecca Myers, daughter of Ja-
cob and Susan Myers, and to them were born, Abram (deceased), George (deceased), Mrs.
Rebecca Long (Rebecca's twin sister died in infancy), Jacob Zitzer, Mrs. Anne Lindsey,
William, Mrs. Agnes Allen, and Mollie (deceased). The father of these children died Sep-
tember 9, 1877, and the mother now resides in Carlisle, Penn. Jacob Zitzer Line married,
December 38, 1876, Jane Margaret Lindsey, a native of West Pennsborough Township,
this county, and a daughter of John F. and Rachel (Woodburn) Lindsey, and after their
marriage they settled on their present farm, where they have 108 acres of fertile and well
improved land. To them have been born the following children: Mervin Lindsey, George-
Valentine and Leroy Zitzer. Mr. Line is a member of the Evangelical Association, his
wife being a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Carlisle. He is earnestly de-
voted to the cause of literature and education, and is a member of the ' ' Pansy " class of
the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. In politics he is a Republican, with strong
temperance principles.
JAMES V. LINE, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born on the farm where be now re-
sides, in Dickinson Township, this county, February 14, 1851. His grandfather, Abra-
ham, son of the well-known pioneer George Line, married Christina Eby, and their chil-
dren were as follows: Abram, William, Gabriel, George, Henry, Mrs. Ann Carothers,
Mrs. Sarah Kurtz, Mrs. Susan Tritt and Mrs, Betsy Le Fevre. William became the founder
of Linesville, Crawford Co., Penn., Henry married Francis Donor, and reared a family of
four children; Mrs. Frances Peffer, Mrs. Jane Myers, James V. and Laura; his wife died
April 19, 1875, and he followed her May 19, 1879, Henry Line was an influential citizen;
he acquired an estate of 532 acres of land, in four farms, James V. Line, the subject of
this sketch, married, January 30, 1874, Catherine Spotts, a native of Dickinson Township,
this county; her parents, Abram and Mary Spotts, now reside at Battle Creek, Ida Co.,
Iowa, Since their marriage Mr, and Mrs. Line have resided on the old homestead of his
father, and here he has a tine farm of 150 acres of fertile and well improved land. To our
subject and wife have been born two children: James Harvey and Millicent May. Mrs.
Lme is a member of the Lutheran Church, Mr, Line is a life-long Republican, He is an
enterprising and successful farmer, and enjoys the respect of the entire community,
SAMUEL C, LINE, farmer, P, O, Carlisle, was born in Dickinson Township, this
county, October 3, 1840, His great-grandfather, George Line, a native of Switzerland,
came to this county from Lancaster County, Penn,, in 1778, and purchased 540 acres of
land from Gen, John Armstrong, and resided here until his death. His sons and daugh-
ters were: William, David, Abraham, John, Mrs, Elizabeth McFeely, Mrs, Sarah Houk
and Mrs. Susanna Smith, William, a soldier in the Revolutionary war, mairried a Miss.
Bear, and they ended their lives in Dickinson Township, this county; their children were:
George, Nancy Musselman, Catherine Eby, Mary Spangler, Emanuel, Sally Tritt, Rachel
Snyder, Susanna Myers, David, Rebecca Givler, and Lydia Myers. David was bora
DICKINSON TOWNSHIP. 463
August 30, 1792; he married Miss Sarah Myers, and they located on the family homestead,
where they erected the present commodious mansion, and reared a family of eight chil-
dren: Mrs. Mary Ann Greason (deceased). Dr. William Line, George, Mrs. Matilda Huston
(deceased), David, Mrs. Sarah Jane Huston, Frances K. (deceased), and Samuel C. The
subject of this sketch, after attending the district school, completed his education at
Burns Academy, Good Hope, this county. He married, February 23, 1871, Miss Emma
Myers, who was born in Carlisle, Penn., while her father, John Myers, was holding the
office of sheriff of this county. John Myers came from Lancaster County, Penn., to Dick-
inson Township, this county, with his parents, when he was four years of age; married
Miss Elizabeth Fishburn, and to them were born thirteen children, eleven of whom grew
to maturitj^, Emma (wife of our subject) being the youngest. Mr. Myers located, with
his family, in McCulchenville, Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1845; there purchased the hotel-
stand, and remained during the remainder of his life; many of his descendants now reside
in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Line are now residing on the mansion farm,
which has been in the possession of the family for four generations. He has here a fine
place of 140 acres of fertile and well improved land. He is a life-long Republican in
politics. His wife is a membei of the First Presbyterian Church at Carlisle.
JOHN MORRISON, retired farmer, P. O. Barnitz, was born in Dickinson Township,
this county, July 1, 1818. His father, William Morrison (a native of Ireland) immigrated
to America, when a boy, with his parents, and came to this county when a youth, where
he was engaged for many years as door-keeper at the jail in Carlisle. About 1805 Will-
iam located in Dickinson Township, he being then twenty-one years of age, and here he
married Sarah Wolf, a native of this county; her father, William Wolf immigrated to this
country from Germany, when seven years of age, and resided in this county until his
death; both he and wife are buried at Boiling Springs. William Morrison died in 1834p
his widow survived him many years, and resided with her son John until her death; she
died February 20, 1872, aged eighty years; her children were Margaret, Mrs. Ann Knopp
(deceased), John, William (deceased), Samuel, and James (deceased). John Morrison, the
subject of this sketch, passed his early life on the farm in this county. He married,
February 24, 1843, Jane Lockhart, daughter of Samuel and Catherine Lockhart, natives of
this county, latter of whom died in 1876 at the advanced age of ninety years. Mr. and
Mrs. Morrison have resided in Dickinson Township, this county, ever since their marriage,
and located on their present farm in 1853; they own here a fine place of 130 acres of well
improved land, besides a tract of fifty acres of timbered land on South Mountain. They
have reared nine children: Mrs. Grizelle Hollinger (deceased), Winfield Scott, Mrs. Caro-
line Stouffer, William H., Mrs. Sarah Catherine Martin, Mrs. Anna Mary Martin, Frank
G., John S. and Martin L.
WiNFiBLD Scott Morkison was born May 12, 1844. He enlisted, August 11, 1862, in
the One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and after
taking part in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, received bis
discharge May 28, 1863, and afterward enlisted in the one-hundred days' service. He mar-
ried in December, 1865, Delia Frehn, and to them were born Harry Grant, Charles Monroe,
Stella Blanche, and Arthur Ray. Winfield Scott now holds the position of school director.
On the premises now occupied by him stands a willow tree, said to measure nine feet in
circumference, which sprang from a switch that was stuck in the ground by his sister Sarah
in 1863. John Morrison, the subject of this sketch.is a life-long Republican. He and Ids
wife and five of their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Personally,
John Morrison is a man of robust physique, and has a very social disposition. He is an
upright and worthy citizen, enjoying the respect and esteem of the entire community.
JACOB MYERS, farmer, P. O. Greason, was born in Dickinson Township, this
county. May 13, 1823. His grandparents, George and Maria Myers, located in this county,
coming from one of the lower counties, in very early times, and resided here until their
death; their son Jacob was reared here and married Susanna Line, daughter of William
Line, the fruits of which marriage were as follows: Mrs. Maria Line, David (deceased),
Mrs. Rebecca Line and Jacob. The father of these children was accidently killed by a
wagon running over him, while making a trip to Baltimore, Md., in 1824. His widow
survived him until February 9, 1873, when she died in her eighty-fourth year. The sub-
ject of this sketch, Jacob Myers, resided with his widowed mother until he reached man-
hood. He married June 4, 1846, Eliza B. Worley, a native of Adams County, Penn.,
born in March, 1825; her father, George Worley, died in Adams County, Penn., and her
mother afterwaj-d married John Paxton, and located in this county, where she resided un-
til her death. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Myers located on the present family homestead in 1847,
and here, by industry and good management, have acquired a fine farm of ninety-one
acres of fertile and well improved land, on which they have erected a fine residence and
made other valuable improvements. They own another farm of eighty-six acres, also in
Dickinson Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers have been born nine children: John T.,
Benjamin P., George M., Jacob F. (accidently killed by the caving in of an ore bank,
November 11, 1871), Washington Emorv, David H. (deceased August 7, 1878), William
L., Ida B. and Jennie E. Mrs. Myers died February 7, 1881. She was a devoted wife
464 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and mother, an earnest Christian, and her death was mourned by a large circle of friends.
Mr. Myers now resides on the homestead with his daughters. He is a member of the Ger-
man Baptist Church. He has devoted a great deal of attention to the education of his
children; his son David was for many years before his death a very successful and much
loved teacher in this county. Jacob Myers is a useful and worthy citizen, universally re-
spected wherever he is known. He filled the office of school director for many years. In
politics he is a Democrat.
GEORGE W. PAXTON, postmaster of Hunters Run, was born in Carroll County,
Md., in 1849. Being abandoned by his mother when he was an infant, he was brought to
Hunters Run, in this county, when he was nine months old, and was reared in the family
of Godfrey Fenner, one of the first residents of this part of the county. Our subject spent
his boyhood on a farm, cutting wood and doing the general work of a farmer's boy in this
mountain community. He attended the primitive schools of those times, and has since
acquired a good education by private reading and study. From his twelftn to his twen-
tieth year he worked with Mr. Philip G. Howe. In 1873 he engaged in merchandising at
Gardiner's store. South Mountain, locating in 1876 in Myerstown in his own building,
which he had erected for that purpose in the spring of that year. In addition to this en-
terprise he opened another store, in 1880, at Hunters Run Station, and also dealt in coal
and grain, and acted as freight agent for the South Mountain Railroad Company, and also
for the Adams Express Company. From 1873 till 1883 he was extensively engaged in
the manufacture of charcoal, selling to the South Mountain Mining and Iron Company, at
Pine Grove Furnace, Cumberland Co., Penn., and to C. W. Ahl & Son, of Boiling Springs,
Cumberland County, the contract for coal running as high as 150,000 bushels per year,
giving employment at certain times to 100 men in cutting cordwood, coaling, hauling, etc.
The amount paid for labor, for four years, ranged from $5,000 to $7,000 annually, the
most extensive work done and the greatest number of laborers employed having been
during the four years mentioned, the year 1882 representing the maximum. In 1881
he sold his store at Myerstown, but still retained ownership of the building, and continued
business at Hunters Run untd March, 1885. He began the manufacture of lumber, near
Hunters Run, in 1873 and continued it until 1885, when he sold the mill, which has since
been removed. In addition to all these business enterprises Mr. Paxton has done a very
extensive business in real estate, handling more real estate than any other ten men in his
vicinity. Mr. Paxton married, July 1, 1875, Anna M. Myers, a native of this county and
daughter of David and Julia Myers, and to them have been born four children: Ellis M.,
Morris T., Jessie Armeda and Irvine (latter deceased). Mr. Paxton is a Democrat in poli-
tics. He was appointed postmaster at Hunters Run January 38, 1883, which office he still
holds. He took a very active and energetic part in the encouragement and construction
of the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railroad, from Hunters Run to Gettysburg, which was
built and formally opened for travel in the early part of 1884. Our subject has led a very
active and successful business life, and has acquired a handsome estate. He and wife are
members of the Lutheran Church.
DR. J. H. SMITH, physician and surgeon, Mooredale, Penn., was born in Middlesex
Township, this county, October 26, 1854. His parents, George O. and Susan (Stickle)
Smith, moved to near Plainfield, West Pennsborough Township, this county, when he was
but two months old, and there our subject was reared on his father's farm, and attended
school. The Doctor early engaged in teaching, and taught for four terms. He completed
his literary education in the State Normal School, at Shippensburg, this county, and in the
fall of 1875 he took up the study of medicine, under Dr. A. J. Harmon, of Carlisle. He
entei-ed Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1877, and graduated therefrom March
18, 1880. Kovember 13, 1 880, he began the practice of his chosen profession at Whitehouse
(now Mooredale), Dickinson Township, this county, where he has built up an extensive
practice. Dr. Smith married, September 19, 1884, Miss Ella M. Zeigler of East Berlin;
Adams County, Penn. The Doctor is recognized as a skillful and scientific physician, and
enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire community. In politics he is a Republi-
can.
JOHN SOURS, farmer, P. 0. Barnitz, was born September 28, 1828, son 'of Samuel
and Sarah Sours. March 6, 1863, he married Agnes Caroline Donaldson, a native of Frank-
lin County, Penn., born in 1828; she came to Dickinson Township, this county, in 1830,
with her parents, Robert and Jane (Huston) Donaldson. Her father died February 12,
1867, aged eighty-seven years, and her mother departed this life July 30, 1872, aged
eighty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. John Sours have resided in this neighborhood ever
since their marriage. They now own the family homestead of 104 acres of well im-
proved land. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sours is a
man widely known for his wonderful memory of local historical events; he retains in his
memory, the exact day of most events which have taken place within his lifetime. He is
a worthy descendant of one of the oldest pioneers of this county. In politics he is a
Democrat.
WALTER STUART, farmer, P. O. Mooredale, was born in Dickinson Township,
this county, January 27, 1834. His gi-andfather, Samuel Stuart, one of the sturdy Scotch-
EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 465
Iriaii race, a native of Donegal, Ireland, came to America when a young man, and mar-
ried Miss Margaret Reed of this county. They located in the then village of Carlisle, and
there conducted a tavern for several years, and afterward retired to a farm in Dickinson
Township, this county where they resided until their death. Their children were: Samuel
(father of our subject), James, Walter, Mrs. Polly Greer, Ann, and Margaret. Samuel
married Nancy Donaldson, a native of Dickinson Township, this county, and they re-
sided on a farm in this township, until their death; she died June 32, 1866, and he died May
3. 1873, in his eighty-fifth year. Their children were: Samuel (deceased), Mrs. Eliza Jane
Hays, and Walter. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents during their
life and took care of them in their old age. He married, February 18, 1869, Julia Ann
Spangler, and they lived on the old homestead until 1879, when they moved to the farm
on which they now reside; they have here a property of 180 acres of fertile and well im-
proved land, besides the old homestead farm, and a tract of thirteen acres of timbered
land on South Mountain. To them have been born nine children: Samuel, Walter, Anna
May, Hays (deceased), Nancy Jane, Margaret Ramsey, John Knox, Ella M. and George
Spangler. Our subject has been a Rejjublican ever since President Lincoln's second term.
He takes a deep interest in public affairs, especially in the cause of education. He and
his worthy wife are members of the Presbjrterian Church at Dickinson. He is a worthv
descendant of one of the oldest pioneer families of this county, an upright citizen, enjoy-
ing the respect and esteem of his fellow-townsmen.
JOHN L. WILLIAMS, merchant and postmaster of Mooredale. this county, was
born in Leesburg, this county, February 18, 1847, son of the well-known and successful
merchant, Joseph Williams. Our subject received his education in the schools of the
home district, and, having been engaged in his father's store from childhood, he was
employed, at fourteen years of age, for William H. Allen, as clerk, until 1864. He next
clerked for Peter Garber, at Centreville, for one year, and after that he clerked for five
years at Chambersburg. In March, 1873, he established a general store at Mooredale,
which he still continues, under the firm name of Williams & Co. ; they keep a very com-
plete line of dry goods, groceries and provisions, boots and shoes, hats and caps, clothing,
hardware, queensware, notions, and an assortment of such other articles as are needed to
supply the wants of a country community. Mr. Williams has, by courtesy and strict busi-
ness principles, built up a large and prosperous trade, and has made himself popular with
all classes. He married, November 13, 1868, Susan Garber, daughter of Peter Garber.
They have four children: Harry J., Samuel G., Sarah B. and Catherine E. Mr. Williams
was appointed postmaster of White House in 1873 (the name of the office was changed to
"Mooredale" April 1, 1885),' and he still holds the office by re-appointment. He and hia
worthy wife are consistent members of the German Baptist Church. He is a man of strict
integrity, and an upright citizen, respected by the entire community. In politics he is a
Republican.
CHAPTER XLV.
EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF
CAMP HILL.
ROBERT C. BAMPORD, heater, P. O. West Fairview, is a native of Wheeling, W.
Va., born November 4, 1849. His father, Henry A. Bamford, was born at Antietam, Md.,
and his grandfather, also named Henry, emigrated from Belfast, Ireland, when sixteen
years old. The father of Robert C. was a horseman in Antietam, afterward removing to
Birmingham, Allegheny Co., Penn., and later to Sharpsburg, returning to Antietam. He
entered the Union Army, and was wounded at Harper's Ferry; recovered at Sandy Hook
Hospital, and was di-scharged for disability in 1863; then rejoined his family, who had re-
moved to West Fairview, this county, after the battle at Antietam, their house having been
used as a hospital, and when one morning nineteen Union soldiers were found dead in their
house, they left it. Henry A. Bamford was married to Maria Williams, a native of Wales,
and they had the following named children; William S., Robert C, Henry A., George B.,
Annie, Ann, Virginia (living), and Sarah and Ann Sophrona (deceased). Robert C. Bam-
ford was thirteen years old when his parents removed to West Fairview, this county, and
he at once went to work in the nail-mill here, where he is now a heater. In 1873 he was
-united in marriage with Mary J., daughter of George B. Brown, of Baltimore, Md. They
466 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
have four children living: Robert C, Mary Bessie, Qeoree Coleman and Alvah. Five are
deceased: Edwin A., Clarence B., Walter, Millie 8. and Millie Maria. Mr. Bamford is one
of the crack shots of the. county, having taken part in contests with Bogardus and other
well-known shots. He is a member of tlie I. O. O. F. His wife is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church and is known as a Christian lady.
HENRY BENDER, plate-roller, "West Fairview, who has resided here since 1851,
was born in Lancaster County, Penn.. March 6. 1844. where his fatner and grandfather
lived, the former having a farm near Elizabethtown, Penn. In 1851 Leonard Bender, the
father, went on a farm in East Pennsborough Township, this county, where he died in
1858, his wife and son dying the same year. At tbis time Henry, our subject, was seven
years old. For five years he lived with Joseph Huntsberger, of this township, going to
school. After he left here he worked in a number of places, at various occupations, until
1864, when he was employed in the plate-mill in West Fairview, where he has since re-
mained. In 1871 he was married to Sarah, daughter of George Mann, of this township;
she died in 1876 without issue, and in 1878 Mr. Bender married Miss Annie M., daughter
of William H. Rice, then of Mechanicsburgh, Penn. She was born at Bendersville,
Adams Co., Penn., in 1868, whence, on the death of her mother, she went to live with her
aunt in Franklin County, Penn., staying ten years, attending school. Prom there she
came to Mechanicshurg, where her father was living. Shortly after the family removed
to near West Fairview, where she was married. They have had twin girls, who died in
infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Bender are members of the Lutheran Church. She is an accom-
plished lady, highly respected by all, while Mr. Bender stands as high in the estimation of
the community as any person in it — a result due to his uniform good principles.
JOHN D. BOWMAN, M. D., Camp Hill, is a son of .lohn Bowman, and was born, in
1832, in the house where his father and brother, H. N Bowman, now live. With the ex-
ception of the time spent in school and in Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia,
Penn., of which he is a graduate, our subject remained at home until his marriage, in
1858, with Elizabeth B., daughter of David G. Eyster. of Camp Hill. They had seven
children, only two of whom were alive when their mother died in 1870. One is Florence
E., wife of J. W. Baxter, of Harrisburg; the other is Joanna, attending Metzgar Insti-
tute, at Carlisle, Penn. In 1871 the Doctor married Martraret A. Kisecker, of Franklin Coun-
ty, Penn., and they have one son and four daughters, all quite young. After his graduation,
in 1856, Dr. Bowman established himself in practice at Camp Hill, remaining over sixteen
years, and in 1872 removed to Harrisburg, where he built up a large practice, which he
kept up until, his health failing, he removed, in August, 1885, to his old home, where he is
rapidly recuperating, and where he expects to agam resume his profession. In 1863 he
was elected to the House of Representatives, and cast a vote to give soldiers in the army
the right to vote. In 1864 he was re-elected, and served his constituents faithfully, when
he abandoned politics and devoted himself to his profession. He is prominent in Masonic
circles, a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 302, and Samuel C. Perkins Chapter, No. 209, of
Mechanicsburg, and of Pilgrim Commandery, No. 11, of Harrisburg. He and his wife are
members of the Church of God. He is yet in the prime of life, and has plenty of time to
add to his already honorable career. His old friends and neighbors hope that now he has
returned to them, he will spend the rest of his days among them.
H. N. BOWMAN, justice of the peace. Camp Hill, is a native of Camp Hill, born in
1840. His father, John Bowman, now eighty-one years old, lives with him in the house
in which he was himself born in 1805 — probably the only person of his age in the county
living in the house in which he first saw the light. He is in perfect possession of all his
faculties, andean narrate many interesting reminiscences of the place, in which he has
lived all his life. H. N. Bowman lived at home until his marriage, in 1866, with Miss
Jennie M. Kline, of Lower Allen Township, this county. A year after that, in company
with Peter Nicholas, he built and stocked a general store at Camp Hill, which he subse-
quently owned and conducted alone for two years, when he sold it to Sadler & Bowman.
Our subject is a Democrat, the town being strongly Republican, but in 1880 he was elected
justice of the peace by a majority of twenty-eight, and re-elected in 1885 by seventv-one,
showing the estimation in which he is held by his neighbors. In 1883 he was a candidate
for nomination to the Legislature, receiving 1,630 votes to 1,800 for G. M. D. Eckels, the
successful man in the race (in which were seven candidates, Mr. Bowman being second).
In 1862 he enlisted in the First City Troop of Harrisburg, taking part in the battle of An-
tietam and minor engagements. He is a member of Post No. 58. G. A. R. In 1878 he be-
came connected, as one of the proprietors, witli the White Hall Soldiers' Orphans School,
acknowledged the best of the many admirable schools sustained by the State for the. edu-
cation and care of the orphans of her soldiers. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have buried two
daughters, and have three sons and one daughter living: Harry. Allie. Jessie and Addison
M. He and his wife are members of the Church of God, at Camp Hill. He is also promi-
nent in the Masonic fraternity, being connected with Eureka Lodge, No. 303, and Samuel
C. Perkins Chapter, No. 209, of Mechanicsburg, and Pilgrim Commandery, No. 11, of
Harrisburg. He takes a leading part in all enterprises tending to the advancement of his
native place, where he bears, deservedly, a very high character as an honorable man and
good citizen, in the first rank among the best men in the community in which he lives.
EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 467
SAMUEL C. CRAWFORD, painter, Camp Hill, has lived eight years in Camp Hill,
East Pennsborough Township, carrying on the business of house painting. He was born
in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1838. His father, William Crawford, a farmtr, and his
mother, Elizabeth (Cunningham) Crawford, were also natives of Lancaster. His grand-
father, Thomas Crawford, immigrated to this country from Cork, Ireland, many years
ago, and bought a farm in Lancaster County, near Good Hope Furnace, where his family
were all born, and where he himself died. They were John, James, Robert, Thomas,
William, David, Jane, Eliza and Maggie. William, father of Samuel C. Crawford, lived on
the farm, which he managed until his death; he died in 1840, aged thirty -seven. His widow
still survives him. They had three sons: Jeremiah, William, and Samuel C., the oply sur-
vivor. He was less than two years of age when his father died, but he continued to live
on another farm, with strangers, until he was fourteen, when he went to Lancaster, Penn.,
to learn the trade of a painter. He served three years and removed to Columbia, where
he worked until 1856; thence he went to Cross Creek and remained a year; then to West
Middleton, and later to New Orleans. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he was in Nash-
ville, Tenn., where he enlisted in the Union Army, and served until the close of the war,
when he returned to Pennsylvania, arriving in Harrisburg in August, 1865, and there he
stayed nine years. In September, 1870, he was married to Miss Sarah A., daughter of
John StoufEer, of Oysters' Point. They have had four children: Maggie W. (deceased),
Albert B., Philip S. and Saidee'E. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are members of the Church of
God, in Camp Hill. He is an intelligent gentleman, whose travels have enlarged his ideas,
and he bears, among all who know him, an admirable reputation.
MRS. ANNIE E. ESHELMAN, Camp Hill. This ladyis the widow of John Eshelman,
who was a farmer, and one of the best-known residents of this part of the county. He
was a son of Samuel Eshelman, who died in the old homestead, near Camp Hill, twenty
years ago. Samuel Eshelman had five daughters and one son — John, born, in 1821, on
the farm on which he spent his eiltire active life. The latter, when twenty-flve, married
Susanna Wolfl, who died in 1881, leaving no children. January 9, 1883, he was married to
Mrs. Annie Grissinger, and died October 6, 1885, leaving no issue. Some years prior to his
death he rented his farm and bought a fine brick residence in Camp Hill, where his widow
now lives. He left behind him an honorable reputation. His widow, born July 14, 1842,
is a daughter of Jbsiah and Elizabeth Nelson, of Upper Allen Township, this county,
where they still live. She lived with her parents until 1865, when she was married to
Jacob H. Grissinger, of Upper Allen Township, a farmer, justice of the peace and surveyor,
an honored citizen, who died December 3, 1881, leaving three children: Homer Nelson,
born in 1871; Bertha N., born in 1878; Bessie N., born in 1876, living with their mother.
One died young. After her husband's death Mrs. Grissinger went with her children to live
with her relative, Mr. Robert Cornman, of Silver Spring Township. A year later she mar-
ried Mr.Eshelman and removed to her present residence. With ample means and a family
of affectionate children, she is happily situated. She is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. As a conscientious. Christian lady she well deserves the esteem in which she is
held.
DAVID G. EYSTER, farmer, Camp Hill, is a great-great-grandson of George Byster,
who immigrated to this country in the seventeenth century, locating in Berks County, Penn.,
where he prospered. One of his sons married there, and was the father of Jacob, who
became the husband of Magdalene Burkhouse, and they were the grandparents of David
G. They lived in Abbottstown, York Co., Penn., and had three sons and one daughter.
His wife having died, Jacob Eyster, about the year 1780, leaving his oldest son (who was
a hatter) and his daughter in Abbottstown, took his two young boys to relatives at Adams-
town, Lancaster County, and started for Virginia to buy a farm, intending to return for
the boys and his girl, but was never after heard of. At this time a man was robbed and
killed on the Baltimore road, on which he was traveling, and his family supposed him to
be the murdered man. The boys stayed at Abbottstown for awhile, Abraham learning
the trade of a tailor, and George (father of David G.) going to his grandfather Eyster, in
Berks County, and afterward to Wolferts Mills. As soon as he was able he took up the
occupation of driving team on the Pittsburgh and Harrisburg road, which he followed for
eight years. He then went for four years into the milling business, during which time he
was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas Keisicker, of Berks County, Penn. Sub-
sequently he bought the farm of 350 acres in East Pennsborough Township, which is still
owned by David G., who is an only child. George Eyster died in 1846, and his widow a
few years later. David G. Eyster, who was born in 1808 at Milltown, Allen Township,
Cumberland County, three miles from Harrisburg, spent all his life as a farmer until, in
1859, he retired from active duties, renting his farm and building the house in Camp Hill, in
which he lives. In 1838 he married Miss Hannah Bechtel, who lived near Reading. To
this union seven children were born, three of whom are now living. The eldest, George
B is sheriff of Cumberland County; David is on a cattle ranch in Texas, and the daugh-
ter, Magdalene, lives with her father. The mother died in 1875. Mr. Eyster is liked in
the' community for his strong upright character, which commands universal respect.
H. M. GLESSNER, merchant. West Fairview, is.son of John Glessner, who emigrated
468 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
mained in Philadelphia three years, working as a shoemaker; then- he went to Lancaster
City.where he was married, inMay, 1841,to Margaret Berg,a native of Darmstadt, Germany.
In October, 1844, John Qlessner removed to vVest Ftiirview, Cumberland Co., Penn.,
where he carried on his business until 1861, when he established the grocery business in
the building, corner of the square, which has been carried on by his son, H. M., since 1874.
At one time he held the position of postmaster. He accumulated considerable means,
buying the store property and another near the river. After his retirement he was in ill
health, and died of apoplexy, August 36, 1876, aged fifty-nine years. His widow still lives in
their old home with her two youngest children. They had nine children: H. M., born Febru-
ary 7, 1847; William, born May 6, 1856, living with his mother; Jennetta, born March 7,
1842, wife of P. G. Sparrow, of Sharpsburg, Md.; Elizabeth, born February 28, 1844, wife
of Georpe Rowan, of Bellefonte; Elonora, born August 20, 1853, wife of C. C. Montelle,
of Nornstown, Penn., and Margaret, born February 16, 1861, single. Those deceased are:
John, Reuben B. and Margretta. H. M. Glessner attended school until 1861, when he
went into the nail factory, working as a feeder until the burning of the mill, when he
worked on the premises until March, 1867, when for five months he attended the business
college at Harrisburg; then clerked for his father until he succeeded him. In 1879 he
failed in business and compromised with his creditors for 40 per cent, but has since, like
an honorable man, paid every dollar of his indebtedness in full. This indicates, his
sturdy integrity, and is a record he and his family may justly be proud of. In 1871 he
married Margery Armstrong, of Mechanicsburg, this county, who died in 1873, leaving a
son, John A., now fourteen years old, and in 1877 Mr. Glessner married Emma L. Eck-
man, of Columbia, Lancaster Co., Penn., and they have had five children, two of whom
died within a few days of each other. The living are Thomas C, born in 1878; Milton F.,
born in 1882, and an infant daughter. Mr. Glessner well merits the regard shown him by
his neighbors. He is a member of the United Brethren Church.
JOHN B. HECK, surveyor, P. O. Wormleysburg, is son of John K. Heck, who was
born in Lower Allen Township, this county, in 1799, and who married Miss Sarah Bechtel,
born near Reading, Penn., in 1811, a descendant of the Adams family, who are so num-
erous and influential in Berks and Lancaster Counties, Penn. For twenty-two years
John K. Heck followed distilling, when he inherited a farm near Oyster's mills, in Bast
Pennsborough Township, this county, to which he removed and on which he lived until
his death, in 1877. He had an extraordinary strong constitution, but had a stroke of pa-
ralysis in 1852, and numerous others, until one finally terminated his life. His widow is
still living. They had three sons and four daughters. The living are John B., Bella,
Sarah, wife of D. W. Sheetz, M. D., of Northumberland; Hannah, wife of Wilson Miller,
of Shiremanstown, and William H., a practicing physician in Philadelphia. John B.
Heck was born at his grandfather's, near Oyster's mills, this county, April 3, 1840. When but
twelve yearsof age he took theoversight of both his father's farms; when thirteen hewent
alone to Bloomfield, paid the taxes on some unseated lands, and redeemed them. Because
of disease in his joints, in his fourteenth year he gave up school, but received private instruc-
tion at home, and obtained his higher education at Mount Pleasant College, Westmore-
land County. In 1855 he studied surveying, and the following year did some public work
in Perry County, and has continued the profession to the present time. The same winter
and for six consecutive years he taught school, at the same time overseeing his father's
farms. In 1869 he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of William P. Martin, of Fairview
Township, this county. They have one son, John F. , thirteen years old, and one daughter,
Elizabeth Helen, aged ten. Mr. Heck was twice a candidate for the nomination to the
Legislature, but, running solely on his merits, he was defeated by corrupt combinations.
In 1869, in a total vote of over 4,000 he was barely defeated by twelve votes. In 1875, _a
combination on the judicial nomination again defeated him. For several years after his
father's death he carried on the farm (which belongs to the estate still) together with doing
some surveying. He also has charge of the Bridgeport warehouse. He is a member of
Eureka Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Samuel C. Perkins' Chapter, of Mechanisburg, and of
St. John's Commandery, of Carlisle. An incident of his career is especially worthy of
mention. His father and neighbors felt the need of a bridge across the Conodoguinet,
and got a grant for one from the court, but for twenty years the commissioners refused
to build it. Our subject went quietly to work, and by his energy and shrewdness got it
built in 1868. It is known as Heck's bridge. But for him, it is safe to say this great
public convenience would not yet be built. He is public spirited and enterprising, and
has the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and deserves the success he has
achieved. Mrs. Heck is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JACOB L. HEYD, farmer, P. O. Camp Hill, was born in 1832 in Upper Allen Town-
ship, this county, son of George Heyd, who died in Mechanicsburg in 1876, aged eighty-
two. His mother was Leah, daughter of Jacob Grass, of Adams County, Penn. His
paternal grandfather, George Heyd, emigrated from Germany in 1760, settling in Lancas-
ter County, afterward moving to York County, Penn., and subsequently to Cumberland
County, where he died, and is buried not far from where his grandson lives. The father
EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 469
of Jacob L. was born in Lancastev County, and went with his parents to York County,
staying there six years, when he came to Cumberland County, and here lived more than
fifty years. Our subject lived with his father until, at the age of twenty-three, he was
married to Miss Catharine, daughter of Jacob Coover, who lived near Dillsburg, York
County, Penn. -His father gave up the farm to him, and he cultivated it for three years,
when he removed to his father-in-law's farm, in York County, and there lived three
years; then bought a small farm in Upper Allen Township, this county, which he owned
for fifteen years, selling it in 1877 and buying the fine 100-acre farm on which he now lives.
He has taken great pains to beautify his place and make it a comfortable home, as is
evinced by its surroundings, which are greatly superior to those usually found on a farm.
He has two sons living: Clinton G., twenty-two years old, book-keeper for a wholesale
hardware house in Harrisburg, and Coover W. fourteen years of age, attending school.
Mr. Heyd has three brothers and three sisters living: H. G., of Philadelphia; George W.,
belonging to the Baltimore Conference, and E. D., who lives in Dakota. Of his three
sisters, Elizabeth is a widow of Henry Krell; Bebecca is wife of Michael Myers, of Car-
lisle, and Mary is wife of Jacob Brant, of Upper Allen Township. Mr. Heyd was justice
of the peace in Upper Allen Township; he is now school director. He takes a warm in-
terest in educational matters, and was prominent in the movement to have Camp Hill made
a borough, to give its people increased school facilities. He and his wife are communi-
cants of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Mechanicsburg. In all the relations of life
he is known as a man of sterling character, whose uprightness and probity are well
spoken of by every person to whom he is known.
HENRY HOLLER, farmer, P. O. Camp Hill, is a grandson of Francis Holler, who
was born on the Atlantic Ocean in 1777. His parents settled in Lancaster County, Penn.,
on a farm, where ihey lived for some time, afterward removing to Manchester Township,
York Co., Penn., where Francis was married and lived until his death in 1861. He had
two sons and five daughters. One of his sons, Philip, removed to Huntingdon County,
and died there. The other, Francis, lived at home until about 1855, when he removed tO'
a farm in Fairview, York County, where he is still living, aged seventy-seven. He, Fran-
cis, married Annie Cook, and had a family of thirteen children, of whom eleven are still
living: Sarah, wife of Jacob Bardhardt; Jacob, married to Susan Coleman: Samuel Ma-
nassas, married to Rebecca Rawhouser; Francis; Annie, wife of Henry Mesias; and Will-
iam (all of whom live in York County); Catharine, wife of David Strine, of WlUiamsport,
Penn.; Charles, and Leah, wife of John Yetter (both of whom live in Dauphin County);
and Henry, the subject of our sketch, who was born on the homestead in Manchester
Township, York Co., Penn., in October, 1833, and lived there until his marriage, in 1864,
with Miss Mary, daughter of Daniel Drejer, of Fairview, York County. He then began
housekeeping, but worked on his father's farm for another year. For a year following
he farmed for John Horn, and then rented a farm in Silver Spring Township, this county,
where he stayed four years, and thence, in the spring of 1865, moved to the farm on which
he now lives. He has five children living (one died young), viz. : William, married to
Jennie, daughter of Stephen Simmons, of Hampden Township (he farms in East Penns-
borough); Ellen, A. Lincoln, Charles and Daniel living at home. Mr. Holler was drafted
for nine months, in 1863, but sent a substitute for three years. He has been a school di-
rector for six years, but never held any other office. He and his wife are members of the
United Brethren Church. He has proved himself a good citizen and a man of upright-
ness and honor.
WILLIAM L. LANTZ, merchant, P. O. West Fairview, Is a son of Philip Lantz,
whose father came from Germany and settled in the vicinity of West Fairview, Cumber-
land Co., Penn., many years ago. Philip Lanlz was born in East Pennsborough Township
and lived there all his lifetime. His father had six children: Jacob, a farmer in East
Pennsborough Township, this county; Catharine, wife of Jacob Bretz, of Hampden
Township, this county; Mary, unmarried, living in West Fairview, and Philip and two
daughters, deceased. Of these. Philip was born on the farm in 1830, and lived there until
his death in 1854; he married Catharine Sheetz, by whom he had five children; Jesse,
Catharine, William L., Joseph and one daughter, who died young. Philip Lantz's widow
lives in West Fairview. William L., our subject, was born April SO, 1850, and went to
school in West Fairview, this county, until he was eleven years old, when he was ap-
pointed a page in the State Legislature, holding the place seven years, attending school in
the intervals of the sessions. During the summer of 1865 he was a messenger in the Quar-
termaster Department at Washington. In 1868 and 1869 he was in the office of Jay
Cooke & Co., New York, and in 1870 returned to West Fairview, this county, and built
the store he now occupies, a dwelling opposite, and, with his mother, the residence in
which he now lives. In 1874 he married Henrietta, daughter of Henry Glessner, then re-
siding in Lancaster County, Penn., where she was born March 10, 1852. They have five
children: Harper, William, Harry, Carrie and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Lantz are members
of the Lutheran Church. His practical experiences peculiarly fit him for business, in
Tyhich he has been eminently successful.
GEORGE B. LONGENECKER, postmaster. West Fairview, was born in this town-
470 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ship, near West Fairview, and is a great-great-grandson of Abraham Longenecker, who
came here from Lancaster County in 1773. He located near the mountain, on the farm
now owned by John Roth. He paid $8.50 an acre for his land, while that in Mechanics-
burg and Shiremanstown could be bought for $1.85. When he moved in, the huts, for-
merly owned by the Indians, were still standing on the banks of the -small stream on
which he located. His son, Isaac, was the great-grandfather of our subject. He was born
in 1788, and on the death of his father, in 1819, he with a younger brother inherited the
farm. Isaac purchased his brother's interest, and worked the farm until shortly before
his death in 1840. Jacob, grandfather of George B., was born and lived here until he was
twenty-three years of age, when he married Miss Christiana Kuntz. They had five chil-
dren, viz.: George W., Benjamin F., Jacob, Catherine and Maria. The last three died
when quite young. Benjamin F., by trade a carpenter, is a resident of Marysville, Perry
County. George W., a farmer by occupation, is the father of George B.; he was born
November 19, 1834, and always lived in the vicinity of West Fairview until the spring of
1885, when he removed to Marysville, from which place he went to Illinois in the
spring of 1886. February 11, 1863, he married Miss Elizabeth Brenner. To this union
five children were born, viz.: Laura E., Lilly D., Alice M. and Bora C, who are with
their parents in Illinois. George B. is the eldest in the family. He was born May 4,
1863, in this township, and when only three years of age was taken by his grandparents,
with whom he continued to live until the death of his grandmother in May, 1885. He at-
tended common schools, and when sixteen years old began working in the nail factory in
his native town, where he remained until November, 1885, when he was commissioned
postmaster of West Fairview. Mr. Longenecker is an ambitious young man and a fine
penman. He is one who has the confidence and esteem of all who know him, and is
looked upon as one of the rising young men of the place. Of irreproachable character
and habits, he deserves the success he is achieving.
FRANKLIN MARTIN, contractor. West Fairview, is of the Scotch-Irish race who
settled the western part of the county. His grandfather, John Martin, who came to this
country many years ago, married, in 1800, Elizabeth Mencough, and settled near Gettys-
burg, Penn., where they lived many years, afterward removing to Dauphin County, and
later to East Pennsborough Township, this county, settling near West Fairview in about
18i0. John Martin died in 1841, aged sixty-two; his wife died in 1839, aged fifty-eight.
They had three sons and two daughters: Robert, born November 30, 1808, died November
1, 1830; Sarah, bom February 33, 1810, wife of Henry A. Gross, of Buck Lock, Daiiphin
County, Penn. ; Nancy, born September 14, 1811, died January 11, 1881; John, born Octo-
ber 5. 1814, died December 9, 1885; and William, born June 33, 1817, died August 33, 1877.
Of these, William had only three months' regular schooling, but so well improved his
spare moments that he became one of the best informed men in the region, assisted by a
remarkably tenacious memory. He learned his trade in a nail factory, and in February.
1844, was married to Miss Elizabeth Starr, of near Lewisberry, York Co., Penn., having
the year previous built and furnished the house on Main Street, West Fairview, where he
lived until his death in 1877. His wife was born December 39, 1831, and died February
30, 1884. They had seven children: Franklin, born in the house where he now lives, No-
vember 8, 1843; Jane M. and John A. (twins), born April 7, 1847, both of whom died in
infancj'; Sarah J., born September 5, 1848, wife of John B. Heck, of Wormleysburg, this
county; Elizabeth A., born April 33, 1851, wife of Silas W. Gleim, of Harrisburg, Penn.;
Sylvania, born September 33, 1858, died December 6, 1877; Susan A., born October 33,
1858, died January 13, 1868. Franklin attended public schools until 1860, when he went
to White Hall Academy, at Camp Hill, this county. In September, 1863, he enlisted in the
" Emergency Men," and was in the battle of Antietam. Returning a few days later,here-
«nlisted, before he was eighteen years old, for three years, or during the war, in the Third
Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. While garrisoning Fortress Monroe he was promoted to
second lieutenant, and later to first lieutenant, in which rank he served until mustered out
at Philadelphia, November 9, 1865. Although a veteran he was not yet twenty-one years
old, and he again went to White Hall Academy for a term, subsequently teaching for three
years. In April, 1867. he married Laura C, daughter of John Bowman, of New Buffalo,
Perry Co., Penn. They had seven children: Sarah Alice, born June 13, 1868; Martha
Bowman, born August 4, 1870, died August 11, 1873: William F., born October 6, 1873;
John B. F., born June 4, 1875, died May 30, 1881; Elizabeth Sylvania, born July 16, 1878;
George Warren, born April 6, 1880, and an infant but a few months old. In 1868 Mr. Mar-
tin engaged in lumber business in West Fairview, Penn., with H. M. Rupley. Their mill
burned in December, 1868, but ihey continued dealing in lumber, and rebuilt in 1869. Our
subject sold his interest to his partner in 1870, and for three years was cashier of a bank
in West Fairview, and subsequently superintendent of Isaac Frazier's two mills and
planing-mill at Goldsboro. He returned to West Fairview at the end of three years, and
bought the business from his former partner, running it until September, 1881, when he
sold the mill to the Harrisburg Nail Works, and entered into contract with them to fur-
nish their kegs, operating the mill here as well as another owned by them in Perry Coun-
ty. He is also engaged in the business of fire insurance. He and his wife and eldest
EAST PENNSBOKOUGH TOWNSHIP. 471
daughter are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he deservedly stands
high in tlie community.
DANIEL G. MAY, contractor. West Fairview, is a grandson of Joseph Gingrich, who
lived near Middletown, Dauphin Co., Penn., in the latter part of the eighteenth century,
and later removed to near Mifflin, in Juniata County, Penn. Joseph Gingrich was twice
married, having four children by his first wife and six by his second. One of the first
■wife's daughters, Magdalena, married, in 1820, Frederick May, of Middletown, Dauphin Co.
Penn., a farmer, born in that county. They had nine children: Joseph, Daniel G., Cath-
arine, Elizabeth, John, Jacob, Frederick, David and Barbara. They removed to Lancas-
ter County, and later to West Fairview, this county, where Mr. May built the house in
which our subject now lives, buying a farm of nearly one hundred acres, a large part of
which is now occupied as town lots. Besides farming he engaged in cabinet-making,
following tliese occupations until his death in 1856. His widow died in 1870, aged seventy-
three years. At this time but four of their children were living: Joseph, in Philadelphia,
Penn; Catharine, wife of Samuel Butner, of East Pennsborough Township, this county;
Jacob, in West Fairview, and Daniel G. The latter was born, February 3, 1835, in Lancas-
ter County, Penn. John Frederick, Barbara and Elizabeth are dead. Another son,
David, was captain of Company K, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was killed while
leading a charge at the battle of Chickamauga, in October, 1863. His men were greatly
attached to him, and, making three successive charges, recovered his body, which is interred
in the National Cemetery, at Chattanooga. Daniel G. worked for his father until he was
twenty-one, when he married Mary, daughter of John Rupley, of East Pennsborough
Township, this county. To this union five children were born: Luther, accidentally killed
in his twelfth year; Joseph, Harry, Susan and Rebecca, who died in infancy. In 1858 Mr.
May married — Eshelman, by whom he has two daughters, Ellen E. and Fanny, living in
Fairview, Penn. After his first marriage he moved to a farm owned by his wife, but in
1863 came back to the homestead, which he took at the appraisement, and has lived there
since. At various times he was engaged in brick-making, lumber-dealing, and in grocery
business, but subsequently adopted carpentering, which he now follows exclusively. He
is a self-made man. Without the advantages of school education he has raised himself
to an honorable position, and is high-minded and honorable — a man who was never known
to violate his promise.
THEODORE M. MOLTZ, merchant. West Fairview, is a native of Cumberland
County, as was his father, who was a son of Jacob Moltz, who was born in Manor Town-
ship, Lancaster Coiinty, March 4, 1784, and died of paralysis in West Fairview, this
county, in 1838. Jacob Moltz was a son of George Moltz, who emigrated from near Wur-
temberg, Germany, and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. Jacob Moltz removed to East
Pennsborough Township, this county, where he married Catharine Olewine. George,
their son, was born here in 1809, and in 1831 was married to Catharine Gehr, of Lisburn,
Penn., born April 30, 1811. For some years after marriage George Moltz lived at various
places, and in 1836 moved to what is known as the Haldeman farm. While on the old
homestead two children were born: Theodore M., born August 19, 1833, and Cyrus, born
February 3, 1834, died, in 1865, from disease contracted while in the army. On the Hal-
deman farm three more children were born: Ann Eliza, born January 1, 1837, died young;
Margaret Jane, born July 16, 1840, died in infancy, and George, born October 8, 1843,
now auditor of the United Pipe Line Company, at Oil City, Penn. July 23, 1855. George
Moltz, the father, was accidentally drowned in the Conestoga Canal, in Lancaster County,
Penn. His wife died August 17, 1850. Theodore M. lived with his grandfather until the
latter's death, when he returned to his father's farm until 1844, when his parents removed
to West Fairview, this county. The following summer he went to work in the nail fac-
tory, going to school three winters. At the age of sixteen he became a feeder and nailer,
which occupation he followed for twentv-five years. March 6, 1862, he married Florinda
Susan, daughter of Thomas McClune. They have two sons: George Thomas, born De-
cember 8, 1863, and Gouverneur Warren, born February 6, 1864. George Thomas, after
getting a common school education, went in 1878 to Millersville State Normal School for
two and a half years, and then for eighteen months to the Central State Normal School, at
Lock Haven, where he gi-aduated in July, 1883. On his return he was made teacher in
one of the six schools in West Fairview, and January 1, 1885, was appointed to tlie rs-
sponsible position of principal over all. For so young a man this is a high testunonial to
his worth and ability, and shows the estimation in which he is held by those who have
known him from childhood. In addition, he gives lessons to pupils on the piano and
-organ, in which he acquired proficiency while in the normal schools. Gouverneur War-
ren attended comip'on school until he was eighteen, when he went for a year to Seller's
Academy, at Harrisburg, after which he undertook the practice of photography, under the
teaching of Hon. D. C. Burnite, of Harrisburg, where he is now living with his parents.
In January. 1869, Mr. Moltz established his grocery and notion store on Main Street. In
May, 1869, he was made postmaster under Grant's administration, holding the position
until December, 1885. In addition to the performance of these varied duties, he studied
the art of photography, which he still carries on. It was here his son, G. Warren, got his
472 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
first lessons in tlie art. Mr. Moltz has also for twenty years been extensively engaged in
bee culture, and in all his undertakings has won that success which is assured by in-
dustry and intelligent application. He is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 303, P. & A.
M., of Mechanicstiurg. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been
chorister for nearly twenty years. His wife and younger son are also members, the son
being one of the deacons. A strictly trustworthy Christian, he will leave to his family the
priceless heritage of a good name.
JOSEPH ADDISON MOORE, late principal "White Hall Soldier's Orphan School,
Camp Hill, is deserving of more than a passing notice. He is a descendant of Robert and
Margaret Moore, who emigrated from the north of Ireland early in the seventeenth cen-
tury. One of Robert Moore's sons, William, with his sister Ann, the noted Quaker
preacher of that day, settled at Ringgold Manor in Maryland. In consequence of religious
persecution, after the settlement of that country by Lord Baltimore's colony, they aban-
doned their claim rather than violate their principles by litigating it. Another son of
Robert Moore, named James, married Jane Caughran, and settled in Adams County,
Penn., at a place now known as Bendersville. He gave his life for his country, being
killed at the battle of Brandywine. He left a son, who became Maj. John Moore, born in
February, 1761, who married Rebecca Curran, and lived in Juniata County, Penn. He
also was a Revolutionary soldier. He died in 1853 at the advanced age of ninety-two years.
His son, James, born in 1789, in Juniata County, Penn., was the father of ourpresent sub-
ject. He lived on the farm until he was twenty years old. when he began to read medi-
cine with Dr. McDonald, of Thompsontown, Juniata Co., Penn., and Dr. Cunningham, of
Concord, Franklin Co., Penn. In 1813 he began practicing in Shirleysburg, Huntingdon
Co., Penn., where he continued over thirty years at his profession, having a large practice
and acquiring the reputatiofi of a very skillful physician. In 1816 he was married to
Harriet Barton. He afterward removed to Wells Valley, Fulton Co., Penn., where he
continued to practice his profession until within eight years of his death, which occurred
March 27, 1873. His wife died in September, 1864, while all of her eight sons were in the
Union Army. The family is an extraordinary one, comprising eight sons and three daugh-
ters, all now living. They are Klmber A., residing in Nebraska; Rebecca A., wife of J.
B. Alexander, of Pulton County, Penn.; John C, living at Camp Hill, Penn.; Charles W.,
who is a practicing physician in Sterling, Neb.; Julia A., wife of William A. Gray, of
Adams, Neb.; Harriet L., of Sterling, Neb.; Joseph Addison, our subject; and James M.,
B. Frank, William H. and Curran E., all of whom are residents of Nebraska.
Joseph Addison Moobb was born in Shirleysburg, Penn., August 26, 1833. As said
above, the eight sons were all in the Union Army at the same time, two of them being
seriously wounded. Their record is not surpassed by that of any other family m the
country, and is one of which they and their children may be justly proud. This remark-
able family was represented in nearly all the great battles of the war, and the fact
that all are alive and well to-day is very remarkable. Immediately after the firing on
Fort Sumter, our subject enlisted in Company D, Fifth Pennsylvania Infantry for
three months, and was made first sergeant. At the expiration of his time, he raised
Company O, Twenty-eiglit Pennsylvania Infantry, and in August, 1861, took the field
as first lieutenant under colonel (afterward general and governor), John W.
Geary, under whom- he served all through the war, at one time for seven months
on his staff as division commissary. At Antietam, while as first lieutenant, in com-
mand of his company, two of his men captured two rebel flags. Here his command
suffered severely, one-third of his company being killed and wounded. Pour color-bearers
belonging to his company were shot. His company was shortly after transferred to Com-
pany B, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, and in February, 1863,
he was commissioned captain, commanding at Cedar Mountain, Chancellorsville apd Get-
tysburg in the East, and at Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Taylor's Ridge, Wauhatchie,
Chattanooga, Cassville, Rocky Pace Ridge, Dug Gap, Resaca and New Hope Church in
the Southwest. He was severely wounded at New Hope, and in consequence was inca-
pacitated for further active service, and was transferred to the barracks at Madison, Wis.,
until the end of his term of service. October 28, 1864. He was later brevetted major for
gallant and meritorious service. At the close of the war he resumed mercantile pursuits
m Pittsburgh, Penn., but in 1867 he was called by his old commander, then governor of
the State, to take charge of the White Hall Soldiers' Orphan School at Camp Hill, which
under his management became the leading school of the State, reflecting great credit on
his ability as a manager. He continued in charge of the school until September 1, 1886,
when, having leased the same, he retired from the responsible position which he had so
long and faitlifully filled. In 1869 he was married to Miss Lizzie, . daughter of Jacob
Kline, of Lower Allen Township, this county. They have one son, Joy Addison L., now
nine years old. Maj. Moore enjoys the unbounded respect of every one who knows him,
and in the community of which he is a leading member, no man stands higher in charac-
ter or is more deservedly respected.
HENRY D. MUSSER, merchant, WestPairview, was born near New Cumberland, in
York Co., Penn., December 30, 1828. His grandfather. Dr. John Musser, anative of Lancas-
EAST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 473
ter County, Penn., where he practiced medicine, but who later removed to York County,
where he bought a farm, was a noted physician and acquired a reputation for the treat-
ment of white swellings and kindred disorders; his wife was Elizabeth NefE, of Lancaster
County, Penn. Their children were Benjamin, Henry, John, Elizabeth, Mary, Susan,
Martha and Nancy, now the wife of Joseph Bowman, of Lancaster County, Penn. Ben-
jamin Musser, father of Henry D., born February 23, 1801, married Frances Snavely, of
Hampden Township, this county, who bore him thirteen children; Elizabeth, John S.,
Henry D., Catharine, Annie, Joseph R. and Josiah, living; and Benjamin, David, Jacob,
Levi, Daniel and Sarah, deceased. Benjamin Musser had charge of the farm until his
father's death, when it was sold to Mr. Garner, father of the present occupant. He then
removed to Hampden Township, Cumberland County, staying there three years, when he
went West to prospect, but returned and bought a farm and mill properly near Millers-
burg, in Dauphin County, Penn., where he lived seventeen years, when lie sold out and
returned to Cumberland County, to the farm now occupied by John N. Musser, staj^ed a
year, and then removed to near Fairview, Penn., where he died in 1854. His widow died a
few years later at White Hall, Penn. Heni-y D. attended common school, and qualified for
teaching at White Hall Academy. At eighteen years of age he began teaching, and taught
for six terms. On his father's death he took charge of the farm for a year, when, his
mother selling out, he began farming for himself in 1856, continuing until 1865, when he
and his brother Joseph engaged in mercantile business, in Fairview, for a year and a half,
during which time he also held the position of postmaster. He then retired until 1873, in
which year he again engaged in business where he now is. May 16, 1855, he married Mary
E. Rupley, born December 19, 1833, daughter of George and Magdalena Rupley, of East
Pennsborough Township, this county, and who on the death of her parents became pos-
sessed of one-half of their farm, which she and her husband still hold. They have two
children living: Charles Emery, born November 30, 1859, and Harry Clinton, born August
14, 1861. Three are dead: George, Whitfield and an infant daughter. Mr. and Mrs.
Musser are prominent members of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. Musser is president
of the Mite Society, and her husband has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for
twenty years. They are known as sincere Christians, whose character commands the
respect of the community.
AUSTIN TAYLOR PALM, teacher of mathematics. Camp Hill, is a son of Peter
and Maria Palm, natives of Cumberland County, and now residents of Chicago, 111. (Mrs,
Palm's maiden name was also Palm, but she is no blood relative of her husband's family),
five of whose children are deceased. Those living are Austin T. ; Warren, married and liv-
ing in Chicago; Sharon, married and living in Goldsboro, Penn.; Milton, married and liv-
ing in Springfield, Ohio; Eudora E. and Carondelet B. living with their parents. Austin
T. was born in West Pennsborough Township, this county, in June, 1835. He remained
at home working for his father, as a carpenter, until twenty years of age, when he began
teaching district school, for which vocation he had qualified himself by study and attend-
ing normal school. He continued in this profession until 1876, during a part of which
time he was principal of the high school at Mechanicsburg, and was also principal of pub-
lic schools of Columbia, Lancaster Co., Penn. In 1876 he was elected professor of math-
ematics in the State Normal School at Shippensburg, Penn. In 1883 he taught in normal
school in Morris, 111., and in the fall of that year went into the public schools of Harris-
burg but resigned in 1885 to take the position of professor of mathematics and of music
in the White Hall Soldiers' Orphan School, at Camp Hill. Mr. Palm was married, in 1859,
to Miss Maggie A. Machlin, of York County, who died in November, 1885, leaving no fam-
ily, her five children having preceded her to the grave. Mr. Pajm is known as a gentle-
nian of spotless integrity, frank and outspoken, and has an excellent reputation as a
teacher, excelling in discipline and in the gift of being able to impart what he knows.
HENRY M. RUPLEY, merchant. West Fairview, is a great-grandson of Johann
Jacob Ruplev, who emigrated from Unter Waslingen, Germany, in 1743, bought 600 acres
of land in East Pennsborough Township, this county, near what is now West Fairview
and died June 13, 1793. Jacob, son of Johann J. Rupley, married Anna Maria Rupp, and
died in 1806- she in 1837. They had four sons and two daughters. Of these, George was
born February 6, 1803, and lived all his life on the farm, dealing largely in stock. In 1830
he married Magdalena Musser, of Marsh Run, York Co., Penn., and died December 36,
1842 leaving one son and one daughter. His widow is still living in West Fairview. He
was 'school director, constable and supervisor, and many stories are yet told of his remark-
able marksmanship. His daughter, Mary Ellen, married Henry D. Musser of East Penns-
borouffh Township, this county. His son, Henry M., was born Dec;ember 7, 18d8, and
November 31 1861, married Mary M., daughter of John K. Heck, of East Pennsborough
Township this county. She was born September 30, 1843, and died September 13, 1864,
leaving a 'son George H., born September 1, 1863, who, after going through the common
school went to Selinsgrove for two years, and then to Ann Arbor (Mich.) Academy, sub-
sea uentlv serving a time in the Harrisburg Machine Shops; he is now a draughtsman in the
Carlisle Manufacturing Works, and is a young man of excellent character and prospects.
December 5 1867 Henry M. Rupley was married again; this time to Miss Phcebe A.,
474 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
daughter of Qeorgd W. and Elizabeth Ringwalt, of near Carlisle. She was born April 20,
1845. They have three children living: Arthur R., born November 13, 1868; Lucy Ellen,
born August 36, 1872, and Mary Magdalena, born December 12, 1882. One son. Max
Roland, born July 14, 1877, is dead. Arthur Rupley attends the normal school at Ship-
pensburg; the rest are at home. Until he was seventeen years old our subject attended
school winters, working on the farm other seasons. At that age he went to White Hall
Academy, Camp Hill, for two years. In January, 1865, he rented his farm and came to
West Fairview, buying, in 1867, a half-interest in the steam sawmill there, which was
burned a few months later, and rebuilt in 1869. On first coming to West Fairview he was
engaged in furnishing men for the last draft of the war; after that in a grocery, which he
gave up for the mill, and was in the lumber business until 1881, selling his interest In the
mill in 1882, on account of ill health. In 1868 he sold his farm. In 1884 he built his
present residence and place of business, where he conducts a general store. He has been
township auditor, judge of election, inspector, school director, constable, and is now serv-
ing his second term as justice of the peace. He is prominent in town affairs, and is uni-
versally esteemed.
WILLIAM SADLER, farmer, P. O. Camp Hill, is a grandson of Jacob Sadler, who
came to this country many years ago, and settled in York County, Penn., near the Mary-
land line, where he married, and had a family of eight sons and five daughters. He died
near Pittsburgh. Our subject's paternal ancestors were among the first settlers west of the
Susquehanna River. William Sadler died in 1765; he was one of three brothers who came
from England prior to 1750, and settled in that part of York County which is now included
in Adams County, near York Springs. William Sadler had a son, Jacob Sadler, who, in
his early life, resided in York County, near the borough of Little York. Jacob
Sadler had thirteen children — eight sons and five daughters — one of whom was Joseph
Sadler. Joseph, the father of our subject, was bom in York County in 1782, and
when he was quite young his parents removed to Allegheny County, Penn., where he
stayed until twenty years old; then he went to Lancaster County, and in two years after
to East Pennsborough Township, this county, where, in 1807, he was married to Mary
Gabel, of the same place. He then entered into farming and distilling, and had also what
is known as the "Pitt" wagons, carrying goods to Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Philadel-
phia. He accumulated property, part of which was the farm afterward the property of
his son William. His family consisted of six sons and two daughters: Jacob, John, Sam-
uel, Joseph, William, George, Susan and Mary. The three survivors, Jacob, William and
George, all live on the turnpike, at Camp Hill, within a quarter of a mile of each other.
William Sadler was born October 6, 1824, and worked on the home farm until he was of
age, when he was married to Mary, daughter of George Beidelman, of East Pennsborough
Township. He then hired his father's farm until the latter's death, in the summer of
1858, when he bought it from the estate. In 1882 he sold the farm and moved to Camp
Hill, where he stayed two years; then he bought the property known as " Oyster's Point"
and a small farm adjoining. Mr. and Mrs. Sadler have had the following named children:
Jacob, George and Austin, the two latter dying young, and Jacob, in 1880, at age of thirty-
three years, up to which time he had lived at home, except a short period spent in business
in New Cumberland; one daughter, Ellen, likewise died young. The living are Laura B.,
wife of Jacob Worst, of Upper Allen Township; Alice C, married to James E. Martin, of
Hampden Township; Annetta; Emma M. and Bffle M., who live at home. Mr. Sadler has
been county commissioner, school director for twenty-one consecutive years, assessor,
supervisor, judge and inspector of elections, and has discharged all the duties intrusted to
his care with a fidelity which has elicited the commendation of his fellow-citizens. He
and his family have the entire respect of all who know them.
WILLIAM H. SHAULL, carpenter and contractor, P. O. West Fairview, was born in
Hamden Township, this county, in 1838. His father, Henry Shaull, a native of Lebanon
County, born about the year 1811, was a son of John Shaull, who lived and died in York
County, leaving seven children. On his father's death Henry Shaull was bound out to
John Benson, of Colebrook Furnace, to learn blacksmithing, working there until after he
became of age. At twenty-three he was married to Catharine, daughter of John Garrett,
of Lebanon County, Penn., and for five subsequent years worked at Colebrook Furnace,
when he removed to Hampden Township, Cumberland County, and engaged in business
on his own account. Here he remained until his death; he died in 1877, at the age of six-
ty-six, leaving a family of five sons and two daughters: William H.; Sarah, wife of Sam-
uel Shaumberger; Levi; George F. ; Elizabeth, wife of John Basehore, of Hampden Town-
ship; Charles H. ; and Martha E. now deceased. William H. worked two years at his father's
trade, but at the age of eighteen went to Sterrett's Gap to learn carpentering. When his.
time was up he moved to Hogestown to work, but in August of the same year (1862) he
enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Regiment for nine months, and
a few weeks after was in the battle of South Mountain, and then in Antietam, where
he was struck in the head by a glancing bullet, which, fortunately did not penetrate the
skull. His regiment was removed to Harper's Ferry, and afterward sent up the Shen-
andoah Valley to Warrington Junction and thence to Fredericksburg to take part in the-
EAST PENNSBOKOUGH TOWNSHIP. 47&
fight there, in which they lost their commander, Col. Zinn. From Fredericksburg they
went to Chancellorsville, in which three day's fight they bore an active part. Thence they
were sent to Acquia Creek, and home to Harrisburg, where they were mustered out, after
an active campaign. Mr. ShauU re-enlisted in the Two Hundred and First Pennsylvania
Regiment for one year, but the regiment was most of the time employed guarding rail-
roads, supplies, etc., and at the end of the term was mustered out at Harrisburg. After
this Mr. Shaull worked at his trade for six years, when he established himself in his pres-
ent business as carpenter and contractor, at "West Fairview. He was married, in 1863, to
Miss Mary E. Bowers, of East Pennsborough. They have six boys and two girls: Martha
E. is married to George H. ShaefEer, of Baltimore; Harry, aged eighteen, works with his
father; William, Tillie. Franklin, Albert, Ira and Nelson are at home. Mr. Shaull is a
member of Post No. 58, 6. A. R. He and his wife belong to the United Brethren Church,
and he is held in esteem by aU who have been in any manner associated with him as a
man of honesty and worth.
LESLIE H. SINGISER, hotel-keeper, P. O. Wormleysburg, is a grandson of George
Singiser, for many years a forwarder in Mechanicsburg, Penn., and one of the first con-
tractors on the Cumberland Valley Railroad. George Singiser was well known and much
liked, beloved and respected for his probity and generous impulses. An enl erpri.ting man,
he took part in every movement calculated to advance the interests of the valley. He
died in 1854. His wife was Mary Halbert, of Carlisle, a Christian lady and fit companion
for such a man. She died in 1884, at Altoona. They had four sons and five daughters.
One of the sons, Andrew, succeeded his father, in 1863, and later engaged in the grocery
business in Mechanicsburg. He is a straightforward man, and is always willing to help the
struggling, which he has often done to his own detriment. Andrew Singiser married Miss
Annie Wyle, of Mechanicsburg, Penn., who wears woman's highest crown of a good wife
and mother. They have four sons and one daughter: George, Leslie H., Harry, Willie L.
and Alberta. Leslie H. was born in 1852. He lived with his parents until his twenty -first
year, when he was married to Miss Sallie, daughter of George Winemiller, of Upper Allen
Township, this county. He then carried on the green-grocery and general dealing busi-
ness for six years, when he gave it up to take position in the Cumberland Valley Railroad
office, which he held for three years, relinquishing it to engage in the livery, and after-
ward in a restaurant business, which he sold in November, 1884; in April following he
rented the hotel at the end of the bridge from Harrisburg to Bridgeport, where he is doing
a good business, as such a kind friend and generous man must. He is ably assisted by his
wife, who takes charge of the interior management. She is a prominent member of the
Reformed Church. They have two sons: George Alfred, aged eleven, and Murray, nine
years old. All who know this worthy couple are pleased with their success and wish
them long life and continued prosperity.
WILSON P. WALTERS, farmer, Camp Hill, is the grandson of John Walters, a na-
tive of the county, whose father settled here after his immigration from Germany. His-
farm was in what is now Hampden Township, near the mountain. His son John inher-
ited the farm, on which he died. He had four sons: John, Daniel, Joseph Henry and Ja-
cob. Daniel Walters, the father of our subject, was married to Margaret Weibby, of Car-
lisle. He took the home farm, but some years after sold it, and bought another near Me-
chanicsburg, where he died about 1873, in his seventy-seventh year; his widow died in
1876 aged seventy-five. Their children were Levi, Jacob, Margaret, Wilson P., John H.,
David, Mary and Sarah and Ephraim, who both died young. Levi died in Hampden
Township in 1885; Jacob died in 1858; Margaret is the wife of Jacob A. Basehore, of
Hampden Township; John H. is married to Miss Jennie Ziegler, and is now burgess of
Mechanicsburg. Wilson P., was born September 8, 1836. He worked at carpentering for
seven years, when he hired the Simon Oyster farm, which he worked for nineteen years,
at which time he bought from his father-in-law, Jacob Sadler, the one on which he now re-
sides. November 17. 1859, he married Miss Mary Sadler, who was born on the farm they
now own Thev have two children, Julia A., born January 18, 1861, now the wife of A.
O Sample, merchant of Mechanicsburg; and William Franklin, born December 2, 1863,
who is single and living with his parents. Mr. Walters has never held oflBce, but gives
his entire time and attention to his farm. He is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 303, A.
Y M of Mechanicsburg, and bears a high character for honesty and uprightness.
CHARLES F WILBAR, mail-carrier, West Fairview, was born in Wareham, Mass.,
October 3 1833 His father, Charles Wilbar, was born in that State, and there lived until
1837 when he came to West Fairview, this county, to take charge of the nail factory of J.
Pratt & Son the senior member of which firm was a brother of Mrs Wilbar. On the sale
of the works to James McCormick, Mr. Wilbar retired from active life. He died m 1865.
He was twice married; first to Miss Lydia Pratt, by whom he had one daughter, Jane P.,
who died in Boston in 1883. His second wife was a sister of his first, Agatha B. Pratt,
who died in Fairview in 1880. They had seven children, of whom one son and one daugh-
ter are deceased. Those living are Lydia Ann, wife of Rev. S. Dasher, of Harrisburg,
Penn • Charles F • Elizabeth, wife of Solomon A. Alexander, of York, Penn.; Josiah P.,
book-keeper at the nail factory, and Bethiah, wife of George Schutt, of Fairview. Charles-
476 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
F. Wilbar was educated in the public schools, and at eighteen began working in the keg
shops attached to the nail works, of wliich he was afterward foreman for twenty-three
years, retiring in 1881. Since July 1, 1885, he has carried the mail between Fairview and
Harrisburg. In 186J he married Eliza, born in 1834, daughter of John Holtz, of Fairview,
Penn. To this union the following-named children have been born: Charles Edward,
born November 7, 1865, now teaching in the village; Emma Loretta, born August 18, 1868;
Lily Viola, born January 30, 1872 — all living at home; and Harry F., who died September
29, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Wilbar, son and eldest daughter are members of the LutUeran
Church. An estimable couple, with a flue family, a pleasant residence and the respect of
their neighbors, they are happily situated.
HENRY K. WITMAJST, contractor, Wormleysburg. John Witmau, the grandfather
of our subject, was a native of Lancaster County, Penn. Although a farmer, he carried
on the business of weaving, operating four looms. He married Mary Yontz, also of Lan-
caster County, and had eight children: Elizabeth, Mary, Catharine, Anthony, John, Jo-
seph, Jacob and PhuI. Of these, John was born in 1799, and came, in 1809, to London-
derry Township, Dauphin Co., Penn., with his parents, who had purchased a farm there,
upon wliich they resided until they died. John Witman learned the trade of weaving,
which he followed for many years. His wife was Mary Irwin, by whom he had eleven
children: Henry K., Jolin, William, Paul, Joseph. Catharine, Lydia, Mary, Elizabeth,
Sarah and Phianna — all born and reared on the homestead. Henry K. Witman, the only
one of the family residing in Cumberland County, acquired a practical education early in
life, and when twenty-two years old was made foreman by a contractor grading the Leb-
anon Valley Railroad through Dauphin County. He afterward superintended the grad-
ing of the Northern Central in Northumberland County, and the Huntingdon & Broad Top
Railroad, in Huntingdon County, Penn. January 1, 1860, he superintended a "floating
gang "on the North Central. In this year he was married to Mary J. McCanna, of Chester
County, Penn., and began housekeeping in Bridgeport, Penn. He became foreman on the
North Central Railroad, holding that position until 1879, when he opened a stone quarry
on the McCormick estate, which he still works. In a wreck on the road, in 1863, he lost
his right arm, but with indomitable will kept his position and made a success in life. In
1864 he purchased a residence In Wormleysburg, Penn., which he sold in 1875, engaging
in mercantile business in Bridgeport until 1881, when he bought his present home. No
more desirable place could be had. It overlooks the broad Susquehanna and the flourish-
ing city of Harrisburg. He has four children: John, Harry, Lydia and Naomi, who may
feel a just pride in bearing a name that knows no stain. A competence, honorably ac-
quired, and a good income, enables him to surround his fam ly with all the comforts of
life. Books, music, etc., make cheerful their happy home, and he well deserves the esteem
accorded him by his neighbors.
CHAPTER XL VI.
FRANKFORD TOWNSHIP.
M. F. ANTHONY, farmer, P. O. Bloserville, is a grandson of John Anthony, who was
brought to this country an infant, about 130 years ago. from Germany. His parents settled
in Adams County, near Hanover, where he lived until his death He married Margaret
HuflEman, aud they had six children: Michael, Elizabeth, Margaret, Catherine, Lena and
John. Of these, John, the sole survivor, married Margaret Shaefler, of North Middleton
Township, and lives a few miles from Carlisle Michael, father of our sutiject, was born
June 83, 1791, and died October 5, 1859. His wife was Eva Doyhl, who was born June 1,
1792, and died January 15, 1864. They had six children, one dying in infancy. The
others were: Catliarine, wife of Henry Nefl!. of Newville; Margaret, wife of John Fen-
ton, of Newville; Sarah, wife of Joseph McDerraond, of Mifflin Township; John, who
died when fifteen years old, and Michael F., who was born January 2, 1826, two miles
from Carlisle, in North Middleton Township. He worked as a weaver for fifteen years,
when he began farming, first in Mifflin Township, for two years, then in Newton Town-
ship ei-ht years; lived a year in Newville, and then returned to North Middleton, where
he resided eight years, when he came to the farm whicii he and his wife own in Frank-
ford Township. In 1854 he married Miss Sarah Asper, who was born April 15, 1831, and
died January 15, 1864, the mother of one child, who died young. January 9, 1872, Mr.
Anthony married Mrs. Mary Ann Allen, widow of George Allen, who was a Miss Barley.
FRANKFORD TOWNSHIP. 477
They have two childrsn: Sarah Catharine, born August 3, 1873, and David Edward, born
March 1, 1880. Mr. Anthony is a member of the Lutheran Church, a man of high char-
acter and probity.
MRS. NANCY DRAWBAUGH, Bloserville, Is descended from one of the old fami-
lies of the county, as was her husband, John Drawbaugh, whose grandfather came from
York County a great many years ago and settled in what is now Lower Allen Township.
One of his sons, George, was the father of John, the husband of Nancy. George was born
in 1801 and died March 10, 1866. He was married, in 18 J3, to Barbara Bloser, of North
Middleton Township, where he was then living. She died in June, 1885. He was a
wagon-maker and a farmer in Frankford Township, but sold out and moved to another
place, which he owned, in South Middleton, near Carlisle. By careful management and
industry he acquired a competence. He was enabled to give his later children a start in
life, and at his death left a fine estate. He had seven children: John (husband of our
subject), born November 26, 1833; William, married to Margaret Bbright,who died, leaving
six children, and he then married Mrs. Maria Elliott, who has one child — they live in this
township; Elizabeth, wife of John Bowman, who lived with her father until his death;
Alexander Cornman, married to Emma Roberts, living in West Virginia; George B., mar-
ried to Eliza Basehore, living in West Pennsborough Township; David Porter, who died
unmarried; and Ellen, wife of David Hemminger, county treasurer. In early life John
worked on his father's farm, and three years after his marriage moved to a farm in West
Pennsborough Township, where they lived eleven years, when he bought a farm in North
Middleton Township. Here they lived four years, and selling this property removed to a
farm owned by his father, in West Pennsborough Township, where they lived three years,
and then bought and removed to the farm, where he died. October 7, 1883, and where his
widow and surviving children now reside. He was an honest hard-working man, who
provided well for his family, and lived and died with the respect of the entire community.
January 35, 1844, he married Miss Nancy Ziegler, born July 15, 1819, a daughter of Will-
iam and Margaret (Adams) Ziegler, of this township and MiflSin. They were an old and
well-known family, many of whom are to be found all over the county. Mr. and Mrs.
Drawbaugh had nine children: Ezemiah C, born June 35, 1845, the wife of Solomon W.
Lehn, living in North Middleton Township, this county; Anna Maria, born August 15,
1847, living with her mother; Catherine Agnes, born October 38, 1849, and died December
€, 1864; Samuel Wilson, born December 18, 1852, married to Sarah Barrick, and died Oc-
tober 9, 1883; Marearet Grizel, born December 9, 1853. wife of Martin Foos, and living in
Harrisburg; William Edgar, born November 3, 1855, and married to Isabel Sharp, and
living in Newton Township; George Albert, born July 3, 1857, and died November 6,
1883; John Freeman, born February 13, 1860. and died October 4, 1882; and David Porter,
born August 33, 1862, unmarried and living with his mother (he teaches the school at
Bloserville, and is a young man of exemplary habits and character.) The history of this
family contains a sad record of the ravages of death; the father, John, the sons, John
Freeman and Samuel Wilson, dying within one week, and another son, George A., follow-
ing them to the grave in less than a month. The widow lives in retirement with her un-
married son and daughter in a new house on a part of the farm, which she has rented, and
in the evening of her days is enjoying a well-earned rest from active cares. She is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN JACOB ERFORD, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, is a grandson of John Erford, who
emigrated from Germany, and took up a large tract of land in Bast Pennsborough Town-
ship. He had seven children— three sons, John, Jacob and Benjamin, and four daughters.
Jacob, father of our subject, was born in 1806, and lived on the home farm, where he
died in 1855. His wife was Susanna, daughter of John Hoover, of South Middleton Town-
ship, who died in 1858. They had five children: Julia Ann, born February 8, 1837 (she
became the wife of John Givler, who was killed in the army, and after his death married
John Kiehl), and died in 1881; John Jacob, our subject, born July 5, 1839; Elizabeth,
born December 3, 1843, is the wife of John Myers, and lives in West Fairview; Mary Ma-
tilda, born November 4, 1845, is the wife of David Wolf, of this township; Sarah Sophia,
born' August 30, 1849, is the widow of Joseph Hess, and lives in East Pennsborough. John
Jacob worked on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, when he attended the nor-
mal school in Newville, and afterward taught for two winters. He then returned to
farming. In 1863 he was enrolled as a soldier, serving over ten months, and was then
honorably discharged, when he again returned to farming, also raising and dealing in
poultry, in which he is yet engaged. In 1867 he removed to West Pennsborough Town-
ship, where he stayed five years. He has since made several changes, but for five years
past'has lived on his father-in-law's farm in this township, renting his own farm. Janu-
ary 1 1861 he married Rebecca, daughter of John Darr, who died on the farm now occu-
pied by Mr Erford. They have had ten children, one of whom, John Wesley, died in
infancy Mary Elizabeth is the wife of Elias E. Hoover, of this township. The rest are
living at home and are named as follows: Sarah Ann, born October 8, 1861; Emma
Catherine born February 35. 1866; Joseph Sylvester, born October 34, 1869; William
Francis born March 6, 1873: Ida Jane, born January 16, 1874; Clara Eleanora, born Feb-
478 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ruary SI, 1879; Ella May, born May 27, 1881, and Martha Blanche^born January 17, 1885.
Mr. Erford has been a justice of the peace for nine years; is assistant assessor of the
township, and is justly held in high esteem as a man whose word is as good as any man's
bond.
FRANCIS MENTZER, lumberman, Bloserville, one of the enterprising citizens of
the township, who has done much to develop the resources of the section in which he
lives, was born in the township he has lived in all his life. His ancestors on the paternal
side came from Hungary, and on the maternal from Germany, before the Revolution.
His great-grandfather, Jolin, was twice married. This branch of the family is descended
from the second wife, whose name was Christiana Wasineer. One of their sons, also
named John, grandfather of Francis, was born in Lancaster County December 15, 1780,
and died in this township February 5, 1861, aged eighty-one years. His wife was Eliza-
beth Ernst, a daughter of John Ernst, who came from Germany when eighteen years old.
She was born March 14, 1793, and died July 6, 1880, aged eighty-seven years. They had
nine children; Frederick, father of our subject; John, born November 12, 1818, married
Eliza Seitz, and after her death Eva Householder, and died in 1879; Henry, born July
29, 1820, married Polly Lemon, of West Pennsborough Township, where they are living;
Simon, born October 2, 1829, married Barbara Radabaugh, of this township, and lives
here; David, born November 24, 1832, married Ann Fi^, and lives in West Pennsborough
Township; George, born February 27, 1835, married Harriet Oiler, and lives on theBloser
mansion farm; Barbara is the wife of John D. Snyder of this township; Catherine was
the wife of William Kost, and both are deceased; and Sarah, who is unmarried, lives with
her brother George. Frederick, father of Francis, was born August 31, 1813. He lived
on his father's farm until after his marriage, when, after many changes, he bought the
Laied farm, now owned by his son, Francis. In 1864, he retired and bought a small place
south of Bloserville, removing to the village two years later, and died July 7, 1874. Be
was a thorough-going man, pretty sure to accomplish whatever he undertook, and
enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-citizens, and was several times elected to responsible
township offices. He was a religious man, a member of the Lutheran Church. January
26, 1837, he married Martha Bowman, of this township, whose father was born December
11, 1788, and died April 21, 1846. Her mother, Martha, also was a widow, a Mrs. Messner,
and originally a Miss Bloser, who died January 26, 1856, at the advanced age of ninety-
seven years. They had six children: William, born July 15. 1838, married EUen
De Sanno, and died February 28, 1865 (his widow, now the wife of William Lucas,
resides in Peoria, 111.); William was a practicing physician in Carlisle, a graduate of
Jefferson Medical College, and had visited the medical schools of the principal European
cities; John was born May 29, 1842, married Annie Keck, of Perry County, and was
accidently drowned in the Oorsodoguinet Creel?, (his widow and family still reside on his
farm in West Pennsborough Township); Abraham, born July 14, 1844, married Sarah,
daughter of Hezekiah Koch, of Mifflin, and is now living on Francis' farm; David, born
April 4, 1847, married Mina Chronister, of Adams County, and is living on the homestead
farm, also owned by our subject; Mary Elizabeth, born July 8, 1849, is the wife of A. P.
Schimp, and is living in South Middleton. Francis, who is the second son, was born
February 4, 1845. He lived at home until his marriage, when he began farming on two or
three farms, finally removing to Mount Rock, Penn Township, where he stayed seven
years, and in 1870 came back to the old farm which he had bought from his father two
years before. Here he remained six years, then in Bloserville eighteen months, during
which time he went West; on his return he went back to the farm and remained there until
the spring of 1885, when he removed to the place where he now resides. In 1884 he had
bought an interest in the business now carried on under the name of Stambaugh &
Mentzer. which he sold in the spring of 1886 to his son Frederick. November 22, 1860, he
married Mary, daughter of William Drawbaugh, of this township; she was born February
28, 1840, and died November 11, 1881, accidentally burned to death by her clothing taking
fire from an exploded lamp. They had following named children: Abner D., born
September 13, 1862; Frederick, born March 18, 1865, who has taught school and now suc-
ceeds his father in mercantile business at Bloserville; Martha E., born May 14, 1867;
William H., born May 21, 1870, and died July 15, 1870; Harvey, born December 17, 1871;^
Francis, born December 31, 1873; and Minnie Catherina, born September 30, 1876, all
living at home. December 21, 1882, Mr. Mentzer married Kate D. Mentzer, a cousin, a
daughter of John Mentzer, and born February 8, 1851. They had one child, Mamie, born
May 19, 1884, who died May 4, 1885. Mr. Mentzer has always been an active man. He
has built many houses and barns, is now engaged in the lumber business with his brother-
in-law, Joseph Drawbaugh, in Mifflin Township, has taken an active part in the affairs of
the townships, and has held several offices. He and his wife and several members of the
family are members of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Mentzer is universally esteemed
as an upright, trustworthy man and a consistent Christian.
WILLIAM JACKSON WALLACE, farmer, P. O. Newville. The grandfather of
our subject settled in this township some time after his immigration from Ireland, on
land of which the farm of William J. was a part. He was married here and reared a
HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP. 479
family. Those who arrived at maturity were: James, who was married to Susan McCrea,
and lived on the homestead, where he died; Thomas, who went to Ohio when young,
married a Miss "Watt, and died there; John, who lived on a farm adjoining the home-
stead, married a Miss Mary Thompson, removed to Newville, and died there in 1876; Jane,
who married a Mr. Shoemaker, went to Monmouth, 111., where he died; Margaret, who
died unmarried; Nancy, the wife of Thompson Mathers, of Mifflin Township, this county,
where she died; William, the youngest son, who was born in 1800, and lived on the farm,
until a few years before his death, at Newville, in 1874. He married Miss Mary Wherry,
of Hopewell Township, and had nine children: John W., who died at home unmarried,
aged about twenty-two; James M., who also died single; Margaret, the eldest of the girls,
who died young; Agnes S., living in Newville; Lizzie E., liilled by a train at Harrisburg;
Anna Mary, who died after reaching maturity; Ida X. and Laura M., twin sisters (the
former died when a young lady, the latter is living at Newville), and William Jackson,
the youngest of the sons. Our subject was bornMarch 20, 1839, and worked on the farm
until his marriage, when he moved to the farm, which he had previously purchased.
The homestead became his on his father's death. December 37, 1870, he married Miss
Mary G., daughter of Rev. James Shields, of Juniata County, who was born, September 11,
1843. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace had one son, James Shields, who was born September 8,
1873, died July 11, 1886. He had been school director for nine years, and was justice of
the peace for the five years previous to his death. He was a member of and ruling elder
in the United Presbyterian Church at Newville. He had the reputation, in his commu-
nity, of being a conscientious man, and a good citizen. His widow is a member of the
United Presbyterian Church at Newville.
CHAPTEK XL VII.
HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP.*
ABRAM A. BOWMAN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is a son of Abram Bowman,
now of Upper Allen Township, formerly of Fairview, York Co., Penn., where our sub-
ject was born November 37, 1851, and where he lived until 1878, when he removed to a
farm owned by Samuel Eberly, nearly adjoining his present residence. In 1881 Abram
A. and his father purchased a fine farm, on the road known as "Brandy Lane," from the
heirs of J. Best, and in 1884 the former bought the old Barnhart mansion fai-m, and now
farms both places, living on the first mentioned property. In January, 1875, he married
Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Eberly (one of the best known residents of Hampden Town-
ship), and they have one son, Samuel A. Although Mr. Bowman is still quite a young
man, yet he has already achieved a good measure of success. What property he has ac-
quired has been by his own unaided exertions, and, should his life be spared, the energy
and business capacity he has already exhibited, will undoubtedly place him in the front
rank of the citizens of this county.
DAVID DIETZ, farmer, P. 0. Shiremanstown, is ai native of York County, Penn.,
born in 1836, son of Daniel and Lydia (Sloner) Dietz. His grandfather was George Dietz.
His father and his grandfather were born on the same farm, making two generations
born on the same property. In 1837, when David was eleven years of age, his parents re-
moved to East Pennsborough Township, this county, buying the place known as the
"Carothers' farm," which has been in the possession of the Carothers family for one
hundred years. Here the father, Daniel Deitz, died in 1860, aged sixty years; his widow
died in 1866. David worked on his father's farm until his marriage, in 1850, with Caro-
line, daughter of Christian Sheely, of Hampden Township. A year later his father gave
the management of the farm to him, and he lived there until 1869, when he bought the
place on which he now resides, in Hampden Township, about one mile north of Shire-
manstown. He, however, still owns the old homestead, which is farmed by his son, Dan-
iel. David Dietz has had nine children, two of whom are deceased. Daniel is the eldest
living, and is married to Susan, daughter of William Mechling, and carries on his father's
farm; Simon, his second sou, is married to Barbara, daughter of Jacob Eberly, and car-
ries on farming. Three daughters are married: Mary Ellen, wife of John H. Smith, of
Mechanicsburg, Penn.; Annetta, wife of Jonas C. Rupp, of Monroe Township, and Car-
rie M., who married Frank S. Hertzler, of Lower Allen Township: the two younger
daughters are at home. Mr. Dietz was elected county commissioner in 1869, serving his
* See also borongh of Shiremanstown, page 456.
480 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
term of three years to the great satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. He has been school
director also for many years, the last three as secretary of the board. He has also been
assessor several times, besides filling several minor offices. In every position to which he
has been called he has discharged its duties with credit to himself and satisfaction of his
constituents. He and his wife are prominent members of 8t. John's Lutheran Church.
David Dietz is universally esteemed by all who know him, and bears a well-deserved repu-
tation as a man of uprietit character and the most unblemished integrity.
CHRISTIAN DIETZ, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, is the younger son of Daniel and
Lydia (Stoner) Dietz, and was born in York County, Penn., on the same farm where his
father and grandfather were born. He is flfty-three years of age, having been born in
October, 1833. His parents came to this county in 1837, buying the well-known " Caroth-
ers' farm," which had been owned by that family for 150 years. Here Christian lived
until the spring of 1851, when his father turned the farm over to his elder son David,
himself and family removing to a house he had built on that part of his own farm lying
in the then new township of Hampden. Here Christian lived until his marriage, in 1856,
with Elizabeth, daughter of John Wilt of East Pennsborough Township, he then removed
to a farm bought by his father, in 1852, from Anderson and William Orr. Here he stayed
until the spring of 1882, when he removed to a new house which he built at the lower
end of his farm, to which he had added fifty acres bought from James Orr, and this, with
the original Orr Farm of 160 acres, which he got from his father's estate, and ninety-five
acres which he purchased from Susan Sierer, gives him a fine farm of 305 acres in one
tract, making him about the largest land-owner in Hampden Township, and one of its
heaviest taxpayers. He has five children: George W., married to Lillie C., daughter of
Eli.C. Shuman (he farms his father's upper farm); Alice J., wedded to Frederick Mum-
ma, grocer, of Mechanicsburg; Rebecca E., Milton C, and Katie N., who are unmarried
and live at home. Mr. Dietz has held several township offices, and has been school di-
rector for eighteen years, assessor two terms, county auditor, and held several minor offices.
He has worthily discharged the duties of every position, and should his fellow-citizens
call him to a still higher post of honor, which seems probable, his life and charater,
which are open and known to all men, are a guarantee that he will faithfully discharge
the trust committed to his care.
SAMUEL EBERLY, retired farmer, P. O. Shiremanstown, is a native of this county^,
born near Mechanicsburg in 1830, son of John Bberly who came to Hampden Township
from Lancaster County, with his father, when a young boy. John Eberly's father bought
a farm of 388 acres of land (a part of which is now owned by the subject of this sketch),
where he lived, and on his death his son John inherited that part of the land, which, on
his (John's) death, was inherited by Samuel, and on which the latter has since resided.
In 1843 Samuel Eberly married Susan, daughter of Christian Garver. She died in 1851,
leaving one son and three daughters, of whom one has since died. The following year
Samuel Eberly married Prances, a sister of his first wife, and in this year he retired from
active larm labors, which he has never resumed. He built for himself, in 1877, a substan-
tial and commodious brick residence on the Pittsburgh & Harrlsburg 'Turnpike, which in-
tersects his farm. The house denotes that he is a man of taste and refinement, being much
■superior in appearance and internal arrangement to the majority of the houses in the
•valley. His family consists of his wife; his son, Simon, now forty years of age, who married
Ellen, daughter of Samuel Bashore, an old settler and near neighbor; Sarah A., wife of
John Strong, residing on a farm in Silver Spring Township, owned by Mr. Eberly; Mary,
wife of Benj. P. Zimmerman, who also lives on a farm, owned by her father, in Hamp-
den Tp. ; these are the children by his first wife, as was also Frances, who married J. B.
Lindeman (he built a house immediately adjoining Mr. Eberly's, and they had just moved
into it when Mrs. Lindeman died). By his second wife, who died February 33, 1886, Mr.
Eberly has five daughters: Elizabeth, wife of Abram A. Bowman of Hampden 'Township;
Kate, wedded to Jacob S. Miley, of Silver Spring Township; and Ellen, Emma, and Ida,
living at home. Mr. Eberly has accumulated large means. He owns five farms: The one
on which he lives contains 176 acres, for which he gave $12,000 to his father's estate; one
in Silver Spring Township, 136 acres, which cost $10,775; one of 138 acres in Hampden
Townsliip, for which he gave $14,000; one of 105 acres, in Silver Spring township, cost
him $13,573; and another in Silver Spring Township, costing $18,000. Besides these, Jje
bought, in 1869, a farm on the turnpike, of 132 acres, which cost him, including improve-
ments, over $30,000 (this latter farm he subsequently deeded to his son Simon, for much
less consideration). He has also property of other kinds. Since 1851 he has been largely
engaged in the business of settling estates, having been administrator, executor, trustee,
guardian, or agent for no less than fifty-two estates, few of which are now unsettled.
He has also written twenty-nine wills, his neighbors knowing his sterling worth, good
judgment, and strong common sense, insisting on him acting for them. He has written,
since 1861, 1,763 letters, of which he keeps a record. Mr. Eberly is practically a self-made
man. Starting in life with scarcely any education, he is a bright example of what may be
accomplished by rigid adherence to truth, justice and right, backed by industry. First, a
poor and comparatively uneducated lad, to-day no man in the community stands higher
HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP. 481
among all classes of people. That he may long be spared to his family, and for the benefit
of the people who depend so largely upon his family, is the sincere wish of all who know
him.
BENJAMIN ERB, farmer, P. O. Mechaniosburg, is the youngest son of Benjamin and
and Susan (Sadler) Erb, born in 1843, on his father's farm, a part of which he now owns
and lives upon; it embraces most of the land between two bends of the Conodoguinet
Creels, which bounds it on three sides. After his father's death Ben,iamin'8 elder brother,
Joseph, bought the farm from the estate, and two years later sold seventy-seven acres on
the point to Benjamin. Here Benjamin erected a new brick house and barns. His father
was a native of East Pennsborough Township, this county, and lived in Wormleysburg;
he bought a farm in that township, which he afterward sold. He then removed to the
farm now occupied by his sons. Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, lived at home
until he was twenty-six years of age, when he married Mary, daughter of Amos Hicks,
of Mechanicsburg, Penn. ; she died in 1876, leaving a son, Benjamin, Jr., now fifteen years
old. In 1881 our subject was again married, this time to Miami, daughter of Peter Plank,
of Mechanicsburg, Penn. They have one child, Charles, now three years old. After the
death of his father, Mr. Erb farmed his father's farm for two years, and then removed to
Shiremanstown; two years later he came back to his farm, and, after remaining here two
years, he removed to Mechanicsburg, where he resided for six years. After his marriage
with Miss Plank he came back to his farm and has since resided here. He is justly proud
of his farm, as well as of his fine stock. Mr. Erb has never held office, and could scarcely
be induced to accept any, but his neighbors may not be disposed always to acquiesce in
that decision. Should he be induced to accept a public position, his character is sufficient
guarantee that he will worthily fill it.
CHRISTIAN HERTZLER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born April 30, 1833,
near Millersville, Lancaster Co., Penn. His father, likewise named Christian, was also
born in Lancaster County, where he lived until our subject was four years old, when he
removed to Monroe Township, this county, where he resided until his death, about
twelve years since. On this farm young Christian worked until he was twenty-four years
of age, at which time he married Eliza, daughter of Jacob Mumma, of Mechanicsburg,
and took a farm of his father's, which he worked successfully for nine years, when he
resold it to his father and bought his present farm of 110 acres, adding largely to the
buildings and making it one of the best in the township, showing every evidence of thrift
and comfort. To Christian Hertzler, Jr., and wife have been born nine children, who
are now living, and two who died while quite young. The names and ages of those living
are Anna Mary, twenty-five, wife of Elias Shelley, of Upper Allen Township; Martin
Wilmer, twenty-three; Alice Jane, twenty-two; Ira Mumma, twenty; Cora May, fifteen;
Christian Elmer, thirteen; Ella Eliza, eleven; Jacob Ray, nine; and Ada Grace, four.
"The last named five attend the Pike School. Mr. Hertzler has not been an office seeker,
and has never held an office, except that of school trustee. In politics he is, like all the
Hertzlers, a stanch Republican. He and his wife are members of the Slate Hill Mennon-
ite Church, near Shiremanstown, and live up to their professions of religion, enjoying the
confidence and esteem of all who know them.
JOHN LININGER, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, was born near where he now lives,
in 1837, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Monasmith) Lininger, both natives of this county. His
frandfather was born in Franklin County, whence he came to this county, where his son,
acob, was born and reared, but about thirty-five years ago he removed to Iowa, where
he still lives. At the age of four years John was adopted by John Basehore, who owned
the farm where Mr. Lininger lives. John worked for his foster father until 1854, when
he went to Mechanicsburg to learn the trade of carpenter. At this he worked for four
years, when he married Miss Mary Jane Basehore, a niece of his foster father. John
then took charge of the farm until Mr. Basehore's death, in 1870, when the farm was be-
queathed him for a consideration. He has had three children, of whom one is now living:
John B., now (1886) twenty-six years of age, who is married to Susan, daughter of Henry
O. Booser, of East Pennsborough Township. Mr. Lininger has, for the past twenty
years, had to contend against the misfortune, which then happened to him, of losing his
right hand in a threshing machine. Five years ago Mr. Lininger was duly elected and
ordained a minister of the River Brethren, and is also actively engaged in the manage-
ment of his farm; on Sundays officiating in his ministerial capacity wherever services are
held, the Brethren having no church edifice in the district, services being mainly held in
the residences of members, and sometimes in edifices owned by other denominations.
Mr. Lininger is regarded, not only by members of his own church, but by all who know
him, as a man of strictest probity and integrity.
WILLIAM B. LOGAN, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, was born near where he now lives,
in 1845, son of William Logan, a native of Lebanon County, Penn., who came to this
county in 1843, and died in 1878. His grandfather, likewise a native of Lebanon, named
William, died during the war of 1812. Our subject lived on the home farm until 1867,
when he married Mary J., daughter of Christian C. Rupp, of Silver Spring Township,
this county. They have seven children: Abner C, Dessie Kate, John R., Frances, Lizzie
482 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Blanche, Ira N. and Mary. Two other children died in infancy. Mr. Logan taught
school from 1861 until 1883. On the death of his father, in 1878, he purchased his pres-
ent farm from the estate, remodeling the dwelling, building a new barn, etc., and then
rented it until 1883, when he occupied it himself, comliining farming with school-teach-
ing. In 1884 he was elected county auditor, which position he now holds. He and his
wife are communicants of Salem Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Logan is still a young
man, with every prospect of a useful and honorable career before him, and is universally
esteemed. He will fill, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents, any po-
sition to which he may be chosen. In politics he is a Democrat.
JAMES B. MARTIN, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, lives on the farm on which he was
born in October, 1851, on the banks of the Couodoguinet Creek, near Lindeman's mill.
His father, James Martin, is also a native of this county, and formerly cultivated the farm
on which his son James B. now lives, but retired in 1871, and now lives with his daugh-
ter, Elizabeth, wife of William Sherbaa, in Mechanicsburg, Penn. Our subject's mother
was Caroline, daughter of Peter Fessler, of Harrisburg, Penn. James E. Martin lived
with his father until the latter gave up the farm; then our subject went to live with Mr.
Sherban, at Oyster's Point. In 1881 Mr. Martin married Miss Alice, daughter of William
Sadler, of Camp Hill, Bast Pennsborough Township, this county, and they have one
child, Willie, a particularly bright little boy of three years. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Martin removed to the farm. Mr. Martin has, besides Mrs. Sherban, another sister,
Jennie, wife of John Funk, of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Martin has four sisters: Nettie,
Laura, Emma and BfiBe. Laura is wedded to Jacob Worst, of Upper Allen Township, this
county. The others are unmarried and live at home. Mr. Martin, it will be seen, is quite
a young man, who, it is to be hoped, has a long and useful career before him. He is in-
dustrious and careful, and a gentleman of excellent character, and deserves success.
JOHN M. RUPP, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is one of the descendants of John
Jonas Rupp, who came to this county from Reihen, Grand Duchy of Baden, in 1751, and
first located in Lancaster County, or what is now known as Lebanon County. He was
the progenitor of the numerous family of Rupps which are found scattered all over this
part of the country. From Lebanon he came to Cumberland County, and built the stone
house now occupied by the subject of this sketch, and lived there until his death. One of
his sons was Martin, grandfather of John M., who lived for a time on a farm near the
stone church, of which he was one of the principal builders. He afterward removed to
the Samuel Eberly farm, where John, father of our subject, was born January 17, 1801.
The following April John Jonas Rupp died, and Martin took possession of the house, and
at his death, in 1843, left it to his son John, who had married; in 1840, Anna, daughter of
John Markley, who kept the old Trendle Spring tavern. Mr. and Mrs. John Rupp had a
family of three sons and four daughters, all of whom died young, except Mary, wife of
Charles Hertzler, and John M. The subject of this sketch was born in March, 1844. He
and his sisters inherited the house and farm on the death of their father in 1872. Mr.
Rupp is thus the direct representative of the original founder of the family in this county.
In October, 1873, he married Ellen, daughter of Jacob Spidle, of Hampden Township, and
they .have two boys and two girls: John M., Jr., Jacob S., Maggie E. and Naomi; all at-
tending school. In early life Mr. Rupp dealt in patent rights; was also engaged in mining
enterprises, but now gives his attention and entire time to his farm, which affords him
ample occupation. His farm comprises 117 acres, and is one of the most fertile in the val-
ley. He is a member of the Allen & Bast Pennsborough Society for the Recovery of
Stolen Horses and Mules, and the Detection of Thieves. He is also a life member of the
Horticultural Fair Company of Mechanicsburg, where he makes yearly exhibits. Among
other curiosities which he has shown there is some soap made by his great-grandfather,
and a specimen of the first apple-butter ever made in the county. He is a member of the
Dunkard Church in Upper Allen Township, and is a man of excellent report among his
neighbors.
JOHN SHABPFBR, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, is a native of Hampden Township,
this county, born on the old Shaeffer farm, at the foot of the Blue Mountains, in 1829. His
father, John Shaeffer, was born on the same place, which his grandfather bought shortly
after arriving in this country from Germany. This property is still held by the family,
being now in the hands of John and his two brothers. At the age of twenty-one years
John Shaeffer went West, but returned two years later, and engaged in the profession of
school-teaching for the ensuing twelve years, farming in the summers. In 1862 he married
Elizabeth A., daughter of Christian C. Rupp, of Silver Spring Township, this county. In
1864 he gave up school-teaching and gave his whole time to farm work. In 1871 he again
began teaching, and taught for three years in Hampden, and one year in Hogestown.
Then he again farmed for two years in Silver Spring Township, and while a resident of
New Kingston, in that township, he was elected clerk of the courts and recorder, which
position he filled for three years. On the expiration of his term of oflBce, he bought the
farm on which he lives, and now gives his attention exclusively to it. He has three
daughters: Flora Jane, Bertha Frances and Alta Mary, who live with their parents.
In his oiflcial position Mr. Shaeffer made many friends by the thorough and conscientious
HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP. 483
manner in which lie performed his duties, and should he again be called to serve his fel-
low-citizens, which is likely, he will bring to the discharge of his duties tlie same sterling
qualities which have distinguished his past career. He is one of the citizens of the county
who must inevitably talie a leading part in the administration of its affairs. He and his
wife and two elder daughters are communicants of Salem Methodist Episcopal Church in
Hampden Township.
ANDREW SHEELY, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is one of the oldest residents of
the county, having been born near where he now lives, March 16, 1806. His father, John
Sheely, was also born on the same farm, and died before the war of the Rebellion. Our
subject's mother died while the Confederate forces were at Chambersburg, and, as Andrew
Sheely says, was buried somewhat hastily for fear of a raid. Our subject's grandfatlier,
also a' resident of this county, when a young man went to Germany in search of a fortune
said to have been left to him, but returned without it, and settled down to farming, in
which he was successful, owning four farms at the time of his death. Andrew Sheely has
seven children living — four daughters and three sons. His eldest son, William, in 1861, at
the age of twenty-one years, enlisted in the Twentieth Regiment Pennsylvania "Volunteer
Infantry, and three months afterward, while carrying dispatches, attempted to ford the
Potomac River on horseback, at a place known as "Sir John's Run," and was drowned;
his body was recovered by his comrades, was sent home and was buried in the cemetery
attached to St. John's Lutheran Church, near by. He was one of the first of Cumberland
County's heroes to give up his life for his country. One daughter of our subject ^s also
deceased — Fanny, wife of Martin Wise. The children now living are Catherine (wed-
ded to Solomon Beck, farmer, of Hampden Township), Elizabeth (wife of William Koser
of Mechanicsburg), Susan (wife of John Blair, of East Pennsborough Township), Samuel
{married to Margaret Bosley), Mary Ann (keeping house for her father), John (residing in
Shiremanstown and married to Becky, daughter of Benjamin Spong), Levi (married to
Sarah, daughter of David Sheaffer). Until he was about twenty-five years of age, Andrew
Sheely lived with his father. He then married Fanny, daughter of John Eichelberger, of
Lower Allen Township, and moved to the farm he now occupies, and on which he has ever
since resided. His wife died in 1884. Although in his eightieth year, Mr. Sheely carries
on his farm himself, and is hale and hearty. He is a consistent member of the Lutheran
Church and enjoys the respect and esteem of the entire community.
JOHN SHOPP, retired farmer, near Shiremanstown, was born July 6, 1794, on the
place where he now resides. His farm is one of the original tracts, called " Manington,"
for which a warrant was granted May 17, 1767, by Thomas and John Penn. After but
two intermediate transfers, it was purchased, September 30, 1774, by Ulrich Shopp, grand-
father of our subject, and has continued in the ownership of the family ever since.
Ulrich Shopp left, inter alia, a son John, who married a Miss Annie Hershey, and they had
eleven children: Elizabeth, Magdalena, Christian, John (our subject), Sarah, Samuel, Ja-
cob, Annie, Fannie, Catharine and David. They were a long-lived family. Magdalena
died when a child, David in his seventieth year, and the others at ages ranging from
eighty to eighty-nine years. John is the sole survivor. He was born in the small log
schoolhouse which now stands near St. John's Church, one-fourth mile from his farm,
but which at that time was near the site of his present residence. He followed farming
until about twenty years ago, when he retired, and has since been engaged in no special
active business. He has long been an active member of the United Brethren Church, the
first edifice belonging to that denomination in the neighborhood having been built on
land which he gave for that purpose, together with sufficient ground for a grave-yard. In
January, 1841, he married Nancv, daughter of Martin and Fannie Nissley, of Dauphin
County. She died July 7, 1841. March 16, 1843, he married Louisa, daughter of Rev.
John Crider, who was born October 11, 1806, near Chambersburg, Penn. They had two
sons, one of whom died in infancy; the other is J. H. Shopp, Esq., of Harrisburg, who
was born January 30, 1850. He was educated at Dickinson College, from which lie was
ffraduated in 1878. Afterward he read law, and was admitted to the bar of Dauphia
County, February 9, 1878. In 1881 he entered into partnership in the practice of law
with Hon. David Mumma, one of the prominent citizens of that place. April 8, 1884, Mr.
Shopp married Alice M., daughter of George Cunkle (deceased), formeily of Harrrisburg.
The elder Mr. Shopp has a singularly bright recollection of matters pertaining to the early
history of this section of Cumberland County, covering the greater part of the present
century, and communicates his recollections in a clear and entertaining manner. Through-
out his long life he has ever borne the reputation of a man of unblemished character,
and has had in a large degree the esteem and respect of his neighbors, who hope to see
him live to the full measure of a century. , „
ELI C. SHUMAN, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, is a native of Manor Township, Lancas-
ter Co., Penn., born January 1, 1830; his father, Jacob B. Shuman, and his grandfather,
Christian Shuman, were also natives of Lancaster County, as were also his mother and
grandmother. His mother's maiden name was Fanny Urban, and his grandmother's name
was Anna Brenneman. In 1854 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Bernard Mann, of the
same place, and continued to live on his father's farm until 1860, when his father bought
484 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the farm in Hampden Township, where they still live. He has a family of seven daugh-
ters and two sons. His daughter Laura is married to Jacob Bretz, son of Jacob Bretz,
Sr., a farmer, of the same township; Elizabeth is the wife of George Dietz, son of Chrn.
Dietz, of the same township; Catharine is the wife of David V. Kapp, son of Wm. Kapp.
of Silver Spring Township, this county; the other children are unmarried, their names are
Maggie, Harriet, Ida, Fannie B., B. Prank and Albert N. Mr. Shuman devotes liis whole
time to farming. He and his wife and two of the daughters are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, at Salem.
GEORGE W. SHUMBERGER, teacher and merchant, P. 0. Good Hope, is a well
known young man in Hampden Township, this county, where he was born and raised.
Both his parents are natives of this county and live in Hampden Township, where his
father carries on the tailoring business. George W. was born in 1855; remained at home
working for his father on a farm he was cultivating, until twenty years of age, when he
engaged in the profession of teaching, for which he had qualified himself by persistent
study, having attended normal school but one term. In 1878 he married Sallie, daughter
of John Simmons, of Silver Spring Township This union has been blessed with four
daughters. Our subject continued teaching until 1883, when he purchased the general
store at Good Hope, this county (formerly conducted by Samuel McGaw), and the same
year he was appointed postmaster. The following year he resumed teaching, which he
still continues, his wife assisting him in his other business. Mr. Shumberger has been
twice ejected justice of the peace, but would not serve; he has been township clerk and
auditor,and inspector of elections, the duties of which positions he performed with fidelity
and care. He is emphatically a self-taught and self-made man, universally esteemed for
his exemplary conduct and character. Both he and his wife are consistent members of
the United Brethren Church, of which he is an elder.
AMOS C. WERTZ, fence builder, P. O. Good Hope, is a native of this county, born
in Monroe Township in 1840. His father, Samuel Wertz, still lives, aged eighty years.
His mother, nee Elizabeth Fry. died six years ago. Both parents were natives of York
County, Penn. The father of Samuel Wertz was a native of Baltimore, Md., and died in
York County, Penn., when Samuel was but six years old. Samuel learned the trade of
shoe-making, and, notwithstanding his advanced age, still carries it on in Silver Spring
Township, his son Adam doing the more active part of the work. Amos C. Wertz, when
eleven years old, hired out on a farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to
Ohio, where he stayed four years, and from there enlisted, in 1863, in the Ninety-fourth
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Six weeks later he was captured and sent to the
Confederate prison at Versailles, Ky., where he was soon paroled, and, after experiencing
many hardships, made his way to Columbus, Ohio. He soon re-enlisted in the general
mounted service of the Regular Army, and his record is a brilliant one. In August, 1865,
he received his discharge (as sergeant), and on the back of it the officer mustering him out
has put a list of the battles and skirmishes in which our subject took part, numbering
thirty-five. This splendid record is one to which he can point with just pride. He
received several wounds, but fortunately has not been permanently disabled, although he
will always feel their effects. In 1869 Mr. Wertz was married to Rebecca, daughter of
William Miller, of Hampden Township, this county; they have no children. Mr. Wertz
has been school director and secretary of the board for four years, auditor six years and
collector two years. In every position to which he has been chosen he has faithfully dis-
charged its duties. An intelligent and upright man, a brave soldier and a good citizen,
he has always borne himself with honor, and has acquired the respect of all who know
him.
GEORGE WILT, farmer, P. O. Good Hope, is a native of East Pennsborough Town-
ship, this county, as was also his father, John Wilt. His grandfather came from Gtermany
many years ago. Our subject was born in 1823, and ten years later his father died on the
farm where our subject now resides, to which he had removed two years previously (it
belonged at that time to the estate of George Mann). At his death he left four children:
George; Catherine, wife of Samuel Newcomer, of Mechanicsburg; Mary, who died a few
years after the death of her father; and Elizabeth, wife of Christian Dietz. After the death
of his father George continued to live on the farm, which was rented to Frederick Muma,
who farmed it for seven years. About four years after her husband's death. Mrs. Wilt
bought the farm at an appraised valuation, and at the time specified took charge of it her-
self, and with the aid of her son conducted it for twenty-nine years; she then rented the
farm until her death in 1874. George bought his sister's interest in the farm, and became
sole owner. He has never married, is no politician, and has never held any office, except
that of school director, his farm of 156 acres demanding his whole time and attention.
He is spoken of by all who know him as a man of the highest character. •
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 485
CHAPTER XLVIII.
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF NEWBURG.
ZACHA.RIAS BASEHORE, farmer, P. O. Newburg. Of the remote ancestry of this^
branch of the Basebore family but little data can be obtained, but It is probable that tifiey were
natives of Lebanon County, Penn.. as William, the father of our subject, came from that
county. He was married in Cumberland County, Penn., to Susannah Orris, about 1837,
and had probably been a resident here as early as 1830. By trade he was a shoe-maker,
and soon after marriage settled in Lizertsburg, North Middleton Township. His wife was
born in this county, a daughter of Christopher and Margaret (Bistline) Orris, who for
many years were residents of Cumberland Valley. Zacharias, the eldest son, was born in
1840, and later other children followed, viz. : Isaac, Maria, and one that died in infancy.
In 1849 the death of the father occurred, and in 1854 the mother was laid to rest in the
village cemetery. The children were thus separated — Isaac was talien care of by Will-
iam Lutman, of Perry County; Maria resided with Alexander Corman, of North Middle- ^
ton Township, with whom she found a comfortable home until her marriage with George
Drawbaugh, a member of one of the old families of this county. Our subject had to earn
his own living from the age of nine. He was first put in charge of an uncle, Christopher
Orris, and two years later was indentured to Jacob B. Hoover, who was to find him suit-
able clothing in return for his work, and to give him a good freedom suit at the age of
fourteen. When our hero arrived at that age he found himself a lusty lad with a suit
worth 75 cents on his back, not a dollar in his pocket, hut with the world before him.
His first venture was an engagement to Jacob Nickey for $6 per month; that winter
he also attended school, and he had previously managed to pick up a fair education.
From this date he received better wages, and after his marriage commenced farming on his
own account. August 15, 1860, he was wedded to Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Julia
Chrisilieb, and a member of one of the most important families in Mifflin Township, this
county. Their domestic life was commenced on the John Ahl farm, in Mifflin Township,
and four years later Mr. Basehore sold his stock and engaged in difiEerent lines of trade,
rapidly accumulating money until his purchase of his present farm in 1879. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Basehore are Mina J , George B. Mc. , Sarah E., Laura J., John C,
Jacob C, Carrie M., Elizabeth and William. Mina J. is the wife of Daniel Mowery, and
Sarah E. is the wife of George Lsiughlin. The others still remain under the paternal
roof. Our subject is a self-made made, and is not only one of the wealthy and influential
men of the township, but is allied to a family which for more than a century ha^ been of
note and importance in the business and political world.
ADAM HEBERLIG, farmer, Newburg, is a great-grandson of Rudolph Heberlig,
who came from Switzerland before the Revolutionary war and settled in Berks County,
between Reading and Adamstown, Penn. He was twice married, and by the first wife had
four children: John and Rudy, and two daughters whose names are unknown. Of these,
John was married in Berks County, Penn., to Martha Schoenhour, and had six sons:.
Rudy, John, Jacob, Samuel, Benjamin, Joseph, and two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth.
In 1811 the family immigrated to this county and settled at Glenn's mill, near Newville,
■where they both resided until their death. John Heberlig, the father of our subject, was
married to Barbara Failor, December 30, 1821, who bore him four children: Jane John,
Joseph and Christopher. She died December 11, 1827. and January 29, 1829, he was again
married, this time to Margaret Failor, a sister of his first wife, and to this union were born
seven children: Adam, Benjamin, Margaret, Elizabeth, William, Mary J. and Benjamin
F. (the first son bearing the name dying in infancy). John Heberlig purchased 314 acres^
of land in Hopewell Township, this county, in 1829, and in 1854 he bought the farm now
owned by his sons Adam and Benjamin F., and in 1864 the farm where he now resides.
He has been noted during his long life for energy and perseverance, and, perhaps, no man
has done more for the improvement of this township— purchasing tract after tract of
land, making substantial improvements and erecting fine residences on each. His second
wife' died December 17, 1867, since when he has resided with his daughter, Elizabeth,
widow of Benjamin Hefflefinger. He was born February 23, 1795, has been a farmer all
his life, and when the writer called was shoveling snow with the ease of a man fifty year*
of age.' Of his immediate family only himself and one sister, Elizabeth Lehman, now a
widow of eighty-seven years, are living. Adam, eldest son of John Heberlig by second
wife was born October 16, 1829. He was reared on the homestead farm, and his educa-
486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
tion was obtained in tlio common schools of this township, and until his marriage he re-
mained with his lather. In 1854 he engaged with his brother Joseph in farming. April
17, 1856, he was united in marriage, by Rev. David Hefflefinger, with Elizabeth, daughter
of John and Jane (Beatty) Sohulenbarger, of Mifflin Township, this county. In October
of that year he brought his young wife to the pleasant home they now occupy, and here
were born their children: Margaret J., Mary A., Martha E., George B. Mc, Myra B.,
William M. and Annie L., all living except the eldest, who died November 19, 1861. Our
subject has been one of the most successful farmers of his township. He is known as a
leader in politics in his neighborhood. His well-known business qualifications were early
recognized by the people, and, in 1861, he was elected assessor, and with but short inter-
vals has been an official to date. In 1883 he was elected director of the poor, which office
he still holds. He has filled every office within the gift of the people of his township,
except three minor otfioes, which of itself is proof of his popularity.
JOSEPH F. HEBERLIG, farmer,P.O. Newburg, is tlie second son of John and Barbara
(Failor) Heberlig; was born October 12, 1825 in the old stone house near Glenn's mill in New-
ton Township, this county, on tUe place his father first settled after coming to Cumber-
land County. Until he was twenty-three years of age our subject worked for and made
his home with his father. His first business experience for himself was in 1852, when he
farmed the homestead on shares, and the next year in partnership with his brother Adam.
December 7, 1853, he was united in marriage with Catharine A., daughter of Peter and
Margaret Myers, of Adams County. Their married life was begun in the house which he
purchased in 1858, and there his children were born: John C, Margaret J. (married to
Samuel G. Lehuer, December 18, 1877), Peter H. (deceased) Andrew R. (married Emma
Spangler, December 36, 1882), Jeremiah H. (deceased) and Mary A. (deceased). Mr.
Heberlig has been quite a prominent man in the township from the beginning of his busi-
ness life. In recognition of his capabilities and worth he has been repeatedly elected to
office, and several terms has served as inspector, school director, judge of election, and
two terms as supervisor. As an enterprising agriculturist his farm gives the best evidence.
As a man the voice of his neighbors tell the story; as an official his re-election verifies all
that has been said.
BENJAMIN F. HEBERLIG, farmer, P. O. Newburg, is the youngest son of John
Heberlig; was born in 1844 on the ancestral farm. He remained with his father until
his marriage, in 1868, with Miss Harriet L., daughter of Henry and Catherine Holby, at
that time residents of Hopewell Township, this county. The ashes of both now mingle
with the silent dust, their demise occurring at the home of Mr. Heberlig. The home life
of the young couple was begun on the farm which is now their residence, and which was
a part of the third . tract purchased by his father. Seven children have blessed their
union, of whom Albert E., Anna J., Charles F., John W. and Bessie May, are living. In
1880 Mr. and Mrs. Heberlig removed to Hedgesville, W. Va., remaining there four years,
and while a resident there Mr. Herberlig was honored by being elected mayor, and since
his return to Pennsylvania he has served as judge of election. While in Virginia Mr.
Heberlig was engaged in the lumber business, of which he made a success. He owns and
operates a saw-mill near his present residence and within a few rods of the old site of a
mill built by his father in 1853. In 1869 he purchased his present Jf arm, and which will
probably be his home for years.
DAVID HEFFLEFINGER, cooper, Newburg.- It can positively be asserted that
Philip Hefflefinger was a resident of Cumberland County as early as 1780, and prior to
coming here, was a resident of Lebanon County; Penn., where he was married to Cath-
arine Eichholtz. He was a fifer during the Revolutionary war and participated in the
battles fought in that struggle. It is stated that on one occasion after his return home he
asked his mother to bake some cakes, such as soldiers made by cooking their dough in the
ashes. " Hunger is the bestcook, my son," said his kind old mother, " but I will bake you
some." After Philip Heffieflnger came to Hopewell Township, this county, he purchased a
farm, which for many years has been known as "Sodom," in consequence of two distilleries
and a tannery located there. On this farm Philip and his wife reared the following chil-
dren: Philip, Jacob, Samuel, John, William, David, Thomas, Mary, Elizabeth and Cath-
arine, of whom William is the only one now living. Thomas, the youngest son, the fa-
ther of our subject, was a farmer, but devoted part of his time to getting out coopers' sup-
plies and lumber of all kinds, from the fine timber which then abounded here. He was
born in 1804; was married in 1827, to Agnes Watson, born August 31, 1803, daughter of
William and Susannah (Weicklein) Watson, residents of Newton Township, where some
of the descendants yet reside. Thomas Hefflefinger purchased a small farm, half a mile
east of the paternal homestead, and in 1840 bought the Boyd farm in the same vicinity, and
on this farm lived until his death. His first wife died in 1868, and January 18, 1870, he
wedded Mrs. Martha Dougherty, of Roxbury, the ceremony being performed by Rev.
William Krouse. Mrs. Martha Hefflefinger's maiden name was Shoemaker, and she was
descended from old Roxbury ancestry. On the first farm were born William, David,
Thomas, Alexander, Joseph, John and a daughter (deceased). On the Boyd farm were
born Benjamin, Ann E., Agnes, Sarah J., Philip (deceased) and Adahzillah. The father
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 487
died in 1878 and his widow in 1880. David, our subject, was born September 5, 1839. His
boyliood was passed on tlie farm and his education was gained in the common schools.
He remained at home until of age, and in 1851 went to Orrstown, Franklin Co., Penn.,
and there learned brick-making. In the autumn of the same year he commenced the
cooper's trade in Greenwood. He was married, in 1855, to Elizabeth J., daughter of Cor-
nelius and Mary (Mumper) Baker, of Perry County, Penn. Henry Mum per was a prominent
distiller and farmer, wagoned on the road and so on to Baltimore, residing near German-
town, Penn. Of the ten children born to this union seven are living: Mary E. A., Sarah
A., William A., Annie L., John C, Thomas M., and Elice E. Frank H., an infant, and
David C, are deceased. Mary E. A. is the wife of George H. McCoy; Sarah A. wedded
Jacob A. Burkholder, and William A. married Emma Clippinger. In 1856 our subject
established a shop in Mifflin Township, this county, and also made bricks at the same
time in Perry, Franklin and Cumberland Counties. In 1860 he came to Newburg, and has
continued brick-making and coopering in the village to date. In all his undertakings he
has been successful and has accumulated a competence.
JOHN HENSEL, retired, Newburg, was born July 38, 1831, in this county, on a farm
{now his property) which has been in possession of the Hensel family for sixty-seven years.
Christian Hensel, his father, was born January 15, 1794, and came from Saxony, set-
tled there in 1816, and was married in 1830 to Mary Shoemaker, born March 17, 1785,
He had nothing when he came to this county; was a baker in Saxony and learned to still
in America, and before his marriage had saved $300, which he invested in 300 acres of
land. He built a distillery on the farm and for many years worked at his trade. John,
his eldest son, relates that when a small boy he attended the still sometimes during the
afternoons, and although a man sixty-five yeai-s of age has never tasted a drop of liquor,
has never used tobacco, and has never sworn an oath in his life. The land was very poor
at that time, but it has been brought up to a high state of cultivation and now brings
large returns. To Christian Hensel and his wife were born three children, of whom John,
born in 1881, and Elizabeth, born in 1833, reached adult age. The mother died in 1851
and the father in 1867. John Hensel was one of the few children anxious for the welfare
of their parents, and remained with his father until he died, and was forty-five years of
age before celebrating his marriage, October 33, 1874, with Sophia Nicholas, who secured
a husband noted alike for his honesty and kindness. This union has been blessed with
two sons: Charles C. and John H. ; the former born October 4, 1875, and the latter April
38, 1879. Mrs. Hensel is thirty-eight years of age, and perhaps no better mated couple can
be found in the township. She was a daughter of Charles Nicholas, who is now in the
West. John Hensel succeeded to his father's estate, to which he has added by good man-
agement. The Hensels have ever been noted for their liberality, and many poor people of
Hopewell have cause to remember their many acts of kindness.
HENRY HURSH, hotel proprietor, Newburg. Henry Hursh, grandfather of our
subject, was born in Pennsylvania 143 years ago, jand from the most authentic informa-
tion to be obtained was a resident, from the time of his birth, of Fairview Township, York
County. His father had three children: Abraham, Henry and Susan, each of whom
inherited large farms in that neighborhood. Henry was married as early as 1793, but to
whom can not be learned, and three children were born: John, Joseph and Henry. Of
these, John, the eldest, was born in 1794; married Barbara Brookart about 1817, and com-
menced married life on a part of the grandfather's homestead, to which was added, by sub-
sequent purchase, the Asten farm; and on this land were born nine children; Henry, our
subject; John, married to Sarah Livingston; Joseph, married to — Hogan; Abraham,
married to— Frank; Elizabeth, widow of George Rupp, and David, married to — Hale,
are residents of Cumberland County. The deceased are Daniel, Susan and Mary. Our
subject was born May 17, 1819, and remained with his father until his marriage, in 1841,
with Catharine, daughter of Henry Deitz, of York County, Penn. His father owned a
distillery, which Henry managed from the time he was old enough to attend to the busi-
ness until after his marriage, when he tried farming on his own account. In 1843 he and
his brother purchased the farm now owned by the Westhafer heirs. Farming was too
dull for Henry Hursh, however, and he erected on this farm a hotel, which was known as
the " Bulls Head," and was a great resort for cattle drovers, then very numerous in this
county; he was a popular landlord, and made money in the business. In 1853 he left the
"Bulls Head," and became proprietor of the "Big Springs Hotel," where he established a
fine reputation for the hostelry. This place had been a losing investment for its former
proprietors, but the cordiality and good business qualifications of the new host brought its
usual reward, and he reaped a golden harvest. He also engaged in the stock business
about the year 1855, with Col. Grticy and John Brown as partners. Later he purchased
the " Black Horse" hotel in Shippensburg, which he conducted for a number of years,
and then engaged in selling farming implements and cattle. Nothing proved so congenial
to him however, as hotel life, and again he took possession of the "Big Spring Hotel,"
and later the "Union Hotel," in Shippensburg. The next year he engaged in the whole-
sale and retail liquor business, in which he continued till the local option law was passed,
when he removed to Hagerstown, Md. After the repeal of that law he returned to Ship- .
488 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
pensburg, where he carried on the same business two years more. Again the hotel
business was an inducement to hira, and for the third time he became proprietor of the
" Big Spring Hotel;" and after his two years' lease had expired he took charge of a new
hotel at Shippensburg, Penn., and three years later ho took charge of the "Exchange,"
at Newburg. and he has lost none of his popularity as caterer to the tastes of the public.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hursh: Adaline (deceased), Daniel and Ann,
who is housekeeper for her father.
FREDERICK B. LEBERKNIGHT. physician, Newburg. The great-gi-andfather,
Leberknight, came from Germany; his son, Frederick, resided in Lighlersburg. Md.,
and was the father of seven children, of whom Daniel (the father of our subject) was by
trade a weaver, an occupation he followed in the village of Green Castle for forty years.
He was sober and industrious, and was not married until the age of forty, when he won
the affections of Mrs. Susan (Kuhn) Reymer, a widow, and at that time the mother of
seven children. To this union were born the following children: Daniel C. Frednrick
B., John and Adam. John died when twenty years of age. The father concluded to
rear his large family on a farm, and, after a few moves, settled on the Wilson farm, at
Back Creek, on the Loudon road, Franklin County, Penn., and there all were taught to work
and were given a practical education at the common schools. The mother of these chil-
dren died in 1854, and Mr. Leberknight married Mrs. Elizabeth Holland, who had at that
time one son — Koser. The fruit of this union was James G., Maggie, Martha, Sarah, and
Susan. In this large family, comprising four sets of children, the utmost harmony pre-
vailed. The last wife died in 1885, and the aged father is still living at Cheesetown,
eighty-one years old. Of the four sons by the first marriage, three were graduates of
Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Penn.; Adam K., is practicing at Orrstown,
Penn.; Daniel, at Lemaster's, Franklin County: and Frederick B., atNewburg. Oursubject,
prior to his graduation, taught school, and afterward studied medicine with Drs. Richards
& Montgomery, of Chambersburg. He entered Jefferson College in 1871, and after taking
two full courses, went to Lathrop, Mo., where he practiced one year. Returning in 1873.
he completed his course and graduated with honor. He then located in Newburg. this
township. In 1874 he was married to Sarah, daughter of Andrew and Charlotte A. Elder,
of Chambersburg, Penn. After a four years' practice at Newburg he went to Bellevue
Hospital Medical College, New York, and graduated there in 1879. Since that date his prac-
tice has been an uninterrupted one in this village. The Doctor and his wife have had two
children: Bessie, born six years after their marriage, died six weeks after birth, and Vernon
B.. born in 1883. The Doctor was the preceptor of all his brothers, and in connection
with his fine literary attainments, is a graduate of two of the best .Eastern medical col-
leges. His popularity is only equaled by his success as a physician.
JOSEPH McELWAIN, retired, P. O. Newburg. The remote ancestry of this family
in this country dates back much more than a century, for Ebenezer (father of subject)
was born to Joseph McElwain, near Eckhard's mill, about 1717. His parents had resided
in this country prior to that date. Although the territory on this side of Conodoguinet
Creek then belonged to the Indians, a number of whites were living on it, and sometimes
when a quarrel would arise the settlers would fly for safety across the creek, which was-
considered the boundary line. A building was burned near the residence of the McElwains
about 1730, and the occupants (Mr. White and family) were all murdered, except a little
child, who was rescued. Jean, a daughter, was born in 1802 (to Joseph McElwain), followed
by Mary, Joseph, Andrew, William, Elizabeth and Ebenezer. Ebenezer McElwain was
married, September 84. 1801, to Elizabeth Crow and after their marriage they settled
near '"Three Square Hollow," and there their children were born. Our subject learned
the trade of miller, and for many years operated a saw and grist mill erected by his father
in an early day. He was married, in May, 1848, to Elizabeth, daughter of James and
Elizabeth Cook, of Perry County, Penn. This union has been blessed with nine children, six
living: Sarah J., wife of John Mowery; Amanda, wife of Thomas Diven; Margaret, wife
of Ira Fylar; Mary, wife of Allen Kuhn; Joseph A. and Laura B. All were born on the
homestead, near the mill, where so many of their name have been born and reared. Jo-
seph McElwain has always been an exceptionally prosperous man, and during the years
spent in the Hollow amassed a nice competency. In 1875 he disposed of the mill and pur-
chased the fine farm on which he now resides. The log house was erected more than a
century ago, but it contains a family who have long been noted as among the best in the
land. Four generations have been born in Cumberland County bearing the name of Mc-
Elwain.
WINFIELD SCOTT McGAW, liveryman, Newburg, was born in the family home-
stead in Mifllin Township, this county, October 13, 1837, son of Samuel and Elizabpth
McGaw. His father was, undoubtedly, the most popular man of his day, in MifiBin
Township, and was elected county commissioner by an immense majority, and at the
expiration of his term (so well were his duties discharged) his constituents were almost a
unit in favor of his re-election. It had been an axiom, however, with the Democratic
party that a man should only serve in this position one official term, and the dissatisfac-
tion ensuing by putting forth another candidate caused a disruption of the party which
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 489
■was not healed for many years. Finely educated, possessed of a brilliant mind and
unquestionable honesty, Samuel McGaw was intrusted with the settlement of more estates
than any other man in the history of his township. In fact he allowed his own business
to sufler in consequence of his faithfulness to the interests of others. Too much can not
be said in his praise, or in that of his son George, who, as mentioned elsewhere, was a
brave soldier, and enacted the story of Damon and Pythias, for, in attempting to make the
last moments of a dying soldier (David Carl) comfortable, he was taken prisoner, when by
leaving him to die alone he could easily have escaped^ but true to the vow they had made
to each other before leaving home, his life paid the forfeit, for he starved to death in
Libby Prison, leaving a record of honor and courage. Our subject was educated in the
public schools, and remained with his father until the spring of 1861, when he took a
lengthy trip through the Western States. Returning in the autumn of the same year, he
made arrangements for commencing business. February 13, 1863, he was married to
Sadie A., daughter of Samuel and Barbara (liear) Stevick, of this county. Their married
life was commenced on the J. V. Bowman farm, in Whisky Run District. To this union
have been born six children: David S., Minnie B., Frank L., Joseph C, Mable G. (living)
and Thomas E. (deceased). Our subject continued agricultural pursuits, in Mifflin and
West Pennsborough Townships, until 1873, when he removed to the pleasant village of
Newburg, and for eight consecutive years carried the United States mail from Newburg
to Newville, since which time he has had the passenger route between Newburg and
Shippensburg. He is the only liveryman in Newburg, and Is as full of enterprise as were
his ancestors in the early days of this county's history. Perhaps no sketch will give
greater interest to this section of the county than that of the- McGaw family, who, from
first to last, have been among the most honorable and enterprising men.
JOHN and SAMUEL H. MITCHELL, farmers, Newburg. John Mitchell, the
grandfather, came from County Antrim, Ireland, about 1760, and settled on the faiin,
now the property of our subjects. At that time the lands in this neighborhood were
nearly all subject to pre-emption, and he received a warrant for about 300 acres. At that
date his uncle, Samuel Mitchell, resided on the tract now owned by Joseph Heberlig, but
just when Samuel Mitchell came to this country can not be ascertained. John Mitchell
was married, after locating his land, to Miss Mary Irwin, about 1773. The young couple
went to work with a will, and ere long a log house and log barn were erected, both of
which are yet standing, in a good state of preservation, and in the barn loft is still hay
and straw which were placed there before the Revolutionary war. The historian learns of
no buildings ante-dating them in the county that are still serviceable. The land was then
in its primitive state, but with combined energy and muscle John Mitchell soon had a few
acres cleared and ready for the plow. With prosperity came also a number of children
to gladden their home in the wilderness: Margaret, William, Mary, Martha, Jennette and
Elizabeth. Through his wife (Mary Irwin) John Mitchell acquired quite a considerable
fortune, as the Irwins were a wealthy and noted family of Scotch origin, who resided
near Middle Springs, Franklin (then known as Lancaster) County. Of John Mitchell's
children the only son, William (father of our subjects), was born September 2, 1777. He
was reared and educated under the old roof tree. During his younger days he was a
lieutenant in the militia formed to protect the State and county from invaders; he was
one of the most lithe and active men of his times, and enjoyed a great reputation as a
runner, and he was as fearless as he was fleet. He was married, about 1817, to Letty
McCune, being at that time about forty years of age. Her death occurred as early as 1819,
and in 1833 he was married to Mary Hanna. The deatli of John Mitchell occurred prior
to the second marriage of his son, his widow having preceded him a number of years.
William Mitchell purchased his sister's interest in their father's estate, and with his last
wife began a happy domestic life under the roof which had sheltered the family so many
years. Aside from his home duties William was quite a noted politician and swayed a
power in his neighborhood, and he was courted alike by Democratic and Republican
friends, for as " Billy " voted so voted a majority of his neighbors, and numerous candi-
dates for office owed their election to his earnest support. Of the children born to this
good man six are deceased and five living: Elsie J., widow of John Gilmore; John; Mary;
Samuel; Elizabeth, wife of John Swartz. Samuel was married, in 1866, to Margaret,
daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Wingert, and on the ancestral farm their married life
commenced, and there were born their children: Minerva J., Elizabeth M., Annie M. and
William W. (the latter was born in September, 1877, and his grandfather, William Mitchell,
in whose honor he was named, in September, 1777). John and Mary Mitchell have never
married, and make their home with their brother Samuel and his pleasant family, who
revere the spot where for more than a century the family have lived and where their
father and grandfather died.
ANDREW MOWERY, farmer, P. O. Newburg, was born in 1839. His grandfather,
Andrew Mowery, came from Germany, and settled more than a century ago at the foot of
the North Mountain, where Philip Miller now owns land. Prior to coming to this county
he located in York County, and there was married to Kath ina Bander. He was a wid-
ower at this time, and by his first wife had three sons: Michael, John and Peter; the lat-
490 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ter, who was a soldier, was killed in the war of 1812. His second wife bore him the fol-
lowing named children: Andrew, Jacob, Adam, Solomon, Elizabeth, Magdalena and
Catharine. By trade Andrew Mowery was a shoe-maker, and many a pair of shoes did he
make for the Indians. At the time he was living in York County the Indians became
very troublesome, and killed a number of white settlers, among whom were several women
and children. Andrew Mowery was one of a party of wliites who undertook to punish
the murderers, made a raid into an Indian camp and killed a number of savages. He died
in 1806, and his widow in 1826. Solomon Mowery, the father of our subject, was married
to Catharine Carper in 1813, and commenced domestic life In Hopewell Township, where
his half-brother Michael had a distillery. He was employed at this business for a num-
ber of years. To Solomon Mowery and wife were born these children: Mary, John,
Elizabeth, Adam. Sarah, Margaret, Catharine, Andrew, Samuel C, David C. ; the first
death in the family being that of John in 1885. The father died in 1870, and the mother
in 1871. Our subject worked for his father until twenty-three years of age, then rented
the farm where he now resides, and a year later moved to a farm near Newburg. In 1859
he purchased the farm on which his first money was earned after he began business. Un-
til 1875 his sister Mary was his housekeeper. June 14, 1875, he was united in marriage
with Annie M. C. Dunlap, of Mifflin Township, this county. Her parents, James and
Elizabeth (High) Dunlap, were married in Cumberland County in 1858, and still reside in
Mifiiin Township. To this union were born David B., James F., Harry E. M. and John
C. In 1858 Andrew Mowery was elected supervisor, and he has also served as an official
of the public schools. His acts, both in public and private, have been heartily indorsed
by those who know him. His aged sister, Mary, makes her home with the family, and
she surely could not find one more suited to her domestic tastes.
SAMUEL DALLAS MOWREY, justice of the peace, Newburg. The original Mowrey
in this coimty, came from Berks County, Penn., and settled in Hopewell Township, near
the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains; his name is supposed to have been Andrew, and
his youngest son, Adam, was the grandfather of our subject. Adam Mowrey was reared
and received his education in this township. He enlisted in the war of 1813, under Col.
Fenton, the regiment being armed with rifle, scalping knife and tomahawk, and adopted
nearly the same tactics employed by the Indians. He was in several noted battles: Fort
Niagara, Chippewa, Lundy's Lane and Fort Erie. After the war was over Adam Mowrey
returned here, and was soon afterward married to Mary Horting, of Berks County, Penn.
He brought his young bride to Hopewell Township, this county, and remained here dur-
ing the balance of his life. Three children were born and reared here: David, Christian
and Lavinia, wife of Mr. Givler. Christian was accidentally killed in a gold mine in
California in 1854. David married and reared a family in his native place. Adam Mow-
rey was twice married; on second occasion to Mary Finkenbinder. He died in January,
1874, and his widow in 1882. Samuel D. was born in Newburg, this county, in 1849, and
was reared and educated by his grandparents. At the age of fifteen he enlisted in Capt.
Lambert's company of Independent Scouts, in the 100-days' service, and after his return
learned the harness trade, but later engaged in teaching school in Newburg and adjoining
townships. Abandoning the profession, m 1879, he was elected justice of the peace, and
re-elected in the spring of 1884. November 27, 1879, he established a weekly publication,
known as The Telephone, and until January 1, 1884, was editor and proprietor. Then
purchased the business, and continues its publication. Mr. Mowrey has mastered
the science of civil engineering, which might now be appropriately termed his busi-
ness. For three years he was in the employ of the South Pennsylvania Railroad as
assistant "right of way" agent of the second, third and fourth divisions, and his field of
operation was from Newville to the Allegheny Tunnel. In 1869 he married Melissa Jane,
daughter of J. A. and Elizabeth Rea, of Cumberland County. Three children have blessed
this union: Archie B., Carrie E. and Moss M. In a home made bright with books, music,
and surrounded by the comforts which come to the energetic business man, and under the
care of highly educated parents, these children will surely do honor to the family name
which for so many years has been well known and honored^ among the old families of
Hopewell Township.
FERDINAND REINHARDT, tanner, Newburg, was born in Strehla, Saxony, in
1826. and is the only one of the family bearing the name residing in the country. He
emigrated from Hamburg to America in 1854, coming in, a sailing vessel. He had served
eight years as a soldier, and one year was yet due the crown, but he was allowed to depart
unmolested. His father was a tanner, and taught his son the business. The children of
that country are obliged to attend school eight years, consequently he obtained a compar-
atively good education prior to learning his trade. The father of our subject, John Gott-
fried Reinhardt, was first married to Christiana S. Pfltzer, of Strehla, and of the children
born to this union, Christiana, now the widow of Ernst Schuettze, resides with her brother,
coming from Saxony in 1876 (her husband for nearly fifty years was a school teacher in Qer-
inany). The first wife of John Reinhardt died in 1833, and the next year he wedded Chris-
tiana S. Hensel, by whom he had six children: Harriets., Ferdinand C, Amelia, Au^sta,
Ernst E. and Wilhelmina, all of whom came to Cumberland County, Penn. Ferdmand
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 491
landed in New York City April 14, 1854, and his uncle. Christian Hansel, residing near
Newburg, procured him a situation in the tannery at that village, and in April, 1856, in
partnership with his brother Edward, leased the tannery and embarked in business for
themselves. In 1859 they purchased the tannery where our subject now does business.
In 1871 the death of Edward occurred, and Ferdinand secured his interest. In 1873 our
subject was married to Mary J., youngest daughter of John Heberlig. They have three
children: Minnie S., John E. and Mary E., a bright and interesting trio. The business of
Mr. Reinhardt has been a prosperous one during his residence in America, for he had not
a dollar in his pocket when he landed at Newburg. His well known business qualifica-
tions and unswerving integrity have made him a man of mark in the community.
GEORGE H. RlfSSELL,editor,merchant, farmer,inventor and author, Newburg, Penn.
Was born April 27, 1835, at Laughlinstown.WestmorelandCo., Penn. His father. Dr. Alex-
ander H. Russell, was a distinguished physician of Westmoreland and Cumberland Coun-
ties. On his father's side his ancestry was Irish, and on his mother's it was German.
Our subject's education was not higher than that obtained at an academy. While going
to a select school in Newville, taught by John Kilbourn; the scholars played a trick on
their teacher with his (Russell's) dog. The teacher took the school to an account about it;
and they all denied it except "the boy," G. H. Russell, and instead of a whipping he got a
Washington monument; printed in acrostic form of letters, to commemorate him as a sec-
ond Washington for truthfulness. The acrostic was copyrighted. In 1857, 1858 and 1859
Mr. Russell engaged in the ice trade in Baltimore. While in this business he was the first
man in the United States to introduce the "new idea" of delivering ice on Saturday even-
ing for use over Sunday. The idea became popular, and was adopted in other cities and
towns. In the year 1860 he removed to Cumberland County, and engaged at country
store-keeping at Huntsdale, and subsequently in farming at North Newton. While en-
gaged in farming in the year of 1871, he called several meetings of the 'farmers at Oak-
ville, and lectured upon the necessity of farmers organizing against the encroachments of
monopolies and middlemen. These advanced ideas were printed in The Enterprise, pub-
lished at Oakville, and reprinted in other papers. It is alleged by some that these ideas
took sliape and action in the organization of the Grange, or Patrons of Husbandry. In
1875 Mr. Russell engaged in tanning leather at Newburg. In 1883 he called the attention
of the craft, through their trade organ, the S. and L. Reporter, to a new method in leach-
ing and steaming bark; upsetting old theories and producing great savings. These ideas
were hooted at, but subsequent tests proved Mr. Russell to be correct; and some of the
leading factories adopted his plans; which will no doubt become universal. Mr. Russell's
political views were reformatory and independent, and of the common sense kind. Not
a communist — he took sides for labor, and was identified with the Greenback Labor Party
from its first inception, and was always a member of its State Committee. In 1859 he in-
vented and patented a fire-place heater, among the first of its class. He subsequently
oljtained patents for a fruit can, a washer; and stove drum. In 1884 he became the editor
and proprietor of the Nenjoburg Telephone, and became noted as a writer of force and wit.
In 1882 he wrote his new discoveries in physiology on the "Functions of the Spleen." In
1883 he wrote his new discoveries in physiology on the "Ductless Organs and Their Func-
tions." In these works he claims to have discovered the functions of these organs, which
had previously been unknown. He claims, as his discovery; that the functions of these
organs are to regulate the circulation of the blood; and that they are the cause of sus-
pended animation of life; and that they act as a positive and negative for the purpose of
electrifying the blood, producing human electricity; besides many other ideas that are
new in physiology. Colleges, physicians and schools of medicine have received these
ideas and theories in astonishment; and while none have yet been able to controvert them,
some have admitted to him that pathological tests and observation proves his theory to be
true; and that they must stand until proven false. He says he desires to be the "chosen
vessel," to make these discoveries for the use of mankind, and esteems them to be "the
crown," the glory and the honor of his life! In a later work on physiology he explains
the cause of fever heat, which had previously been unknown. He takes ai deep interest
in common and Sunday-schools. In religion he holds that those Christians who settle
disputes by fighting are frauds, and that baptism, as taught by most churches, is idol-
atrous.
ENOCH STAVER, wagon-maker, Newburg. John Staver, the grandfather of our
subject, emigrated from Germany as early as 1795, in company with two brothers, and
all settled in Lancaster County, Penn. One was a minister, another a lawyer, and the
third. John, was a farmer. He was married probably a few years after his arrival, for his
son John was born in 1797 and Samuel in 1799, following whom came Solomon, Emanuel
and two others. Of these, Samuel married Elizabeth Rudy, in 1821, by whom he had ten
children: Matilda, Lydia, Sophia, Lucy, Nancy, Fanny, Rudy, Enoch, Samuel and John,
all of whom were born and reared in Lancaster County, Penn. In 1841, Samuel Staver
sold his farm and came with the most of his family to Cumberland County, settling near
the line of Franklin County, on the farm now owned by Andrew Gross. Later he dis-
posed of that tract and moved to Newburg, remaining there until his death in 1883, his
492 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
wife preceding him four years. Enoch, son of Samuel Staver, was born in 1831; learned
the wheelwright's trade in Orrstown, Penn., with Solomon Bashore, commencing in 1847.
He was married to Susannah, daughter of Adam Hamshoer, of Franklin County. Their
married life was commenced in the village of Newburg, and continues to this date in the
same social manner as when their troth was plighted. They have had six children: Alonzo,
James, Harvey, Cora and Charles are living, and Mary died in childhood. Alonzo mar-
ried Bertie Baucher, James married Fanny Qlosser, Harvey married Sallie Lautsabaugh.
For thirty-three years Mr. Staver has been a coach and wagon maker in Newburg, his
brother Felix being a blacksmith next door. He has in his possession a brass kettle which
had been the property of his grandmother, and has been an heirloom in the family for 153
years. Our subject has been several times elected to official positions in the village and
township, in all of which he has well discharged his duties.
CHAPTER XLIX.
LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF NEW
CUMBERLAND.*
JACOB BARBER, farmer, P. O. Lisburn. The many reminiscences of the early days
in the history of the various townships are replete with interest, and none more so than
that of the Barber family, which, since 1790, has been well known in this and adjacent
counties. The father of George C. Barber resided at Boiling Springs, Monroe Township,
before George was born, which event occurred in 1794. There were eight children in his
family: George C, Joseph, David, James, William, Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret.
■George C, the father of our subject, left home at the age of eighteen and went to York
County, the next year was married to Barbara Rinehart, of that county, and in 1839 re-
moved to New Cumberland, and in 1840 purchased the farm on which his son now
resides. To George C. and Barbara Barber were born nine children: William, Jacob,
John, Nancy, Martha, Elizabeth, Barbara, Susan and Sarah (the last named is the only
one who was born in Cumberland County). George C. Barber, by trade a mason, con-
tinued in that calling until 1840 and scores of buildings remain as monuments to his skill
in this and Dauphin Counties. In 1870 he died at the ripe age of seventy-six years, having
had the satisfaction of seeing his children grown to be useful men and women. Jacob
Barber was born in 1828; at the age of twenty-one he went to California, sailing from Balti-
more on the clipper "Plying Cloud." the journey taking one year and nine months. When
he arrived at Fiddletown, near Sacramento City, Cal., he purchased the necessary tools
and commenced digging for gold, and from the first was quite successful. Having formed
an attachment for Miss Elizabeth HofE, of York County, Penn., prior to his Western trip,
Mr. Barber returned to his native State in 1857, and in December of the same year the
marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Mooney, of Harrisburg. They commenced home
life on the Barber homestead, and have reared a family of four children: Mary E., Harry,
George C. and Charley. The well-known business qualifications of Mr. Barber early
brought him forward as a candidate for official honors and he was first elected supervisor,
which position he filled for three terms; three years he served as an official in the public
schools, a«id in 1873 he was elected county commissioner, re-elected in 1875, and again in
1878, for a term of three years. During all these years of public service Mr. Barber was
never known to do a thing that would detract from his good name.
COSMUS S. CLENDENIN, postmaster, Eberly's Mills, was born in Lebanon County,
Penn., in 1833, son of William and Mary (Snoke) Clendenin, who had three children:
William, Cosmus S. and Mary A. Our subject learned the trade of shoe-making with his
father, and continued in the business for a number of years. In 1856, he was married to
Lucinda W. Fox, and worked at his trade in his native county for twelve years before
removal to York County, Penn., where a farm was purchased and trade discontinued.
Mr. and Mrs. Clendenin have six children living: Clara A.. Emma M., William H., John
M., Lizzie M. and Ellen G. James O. died in infancy. All the children, except James O.
were born in Lebanon and Dauphin Counties, Penn. Our sutiject has been a successful
business man and has given his children the benefit of a liberal education. William H., a
merchant of Milltown, having the only store in the village, married Hattie, daughter of
Eli and Elizabeth Coxen, of York County; Clara is the wife of H. W. Zimmerman; Emma
*For borough of Shiremanstown, see page 456.
LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 493
is the wife of Wilson B. KaufEman; John M. married Phoebe Womer. In 1878 Mr. Clen-
denin disposed of his farm and came to Milltown and, in 1880, estal)lished himself in mer-
cantile business. The same year he was appointed postmaster, a position he h>is since
held. The mercantile business was transferred to his son, W. H., January 1, 1888. and
Mr. Clendenin will hereafter live a retired life, having no need to care for aught but the
duties of the postofflce. He was a member of the German Reformed Church for twenty-
six years, and then united with the United Brethren denomination. Politically he has
trained with the Republican party from its organization, but has no aspirations for offi-
cial honors.
DANIEL DRAWBAUGH, machinist, Bberly's Mills. From a German ancestry on
both sides has emanated a man whose name will not only become famous throughout the
civilized world, but from the obscurity in which his talent had been for so many years
hidden it comes with an intensity which brightens the pages of Cumhei land County rec-
ords and forever perpetuates the name of one of her most talented sons, who was born
and reared in Lower Allen Township. He is a son of John and Leigh (Blozier) Draw-
baugh, and was born July 14, 1828. His father was a blacksmith and also engaged in the
manufacture of edge tools and gun barrels. Daniel Drawbaugh was put to work at an
early age, for boys then were supposed to be worth only what they could earn— education
was a secondary thought, and his father paid no attention to matters of this kind. The
genius of his son was developed at an early age, and he became quite expert with a jack-
knife, fashioning a clock, etc., and many inventions made in his younger days were never
patented. At seventeen he learned coach-making with his brother, J. B. Drawbiiugh, and
while thus engaged largely improved the machinery used in that work. At fifteen he
had made a steam engine, which he disposed of only a few years ago. He also displayed
great talent for drawing from nature, and his portfolio is full of fine skutclies. He also
improved the methods of photographing on paper m an early day, but only engaged in
that business experimentally; wood engraving was also one his fortes. January 1, 1854,
he was married to Elsetta J., daughter of John and Mary (Thompson) Thompson. Mr.
Thompson was for several terms a member of the State Legislature, and was also com-
mander of a company of men during the Buckshot war. Daniel Drawbaugh and his young
wife commenced housekeeping in the house where he was born. They had eleven chil-
dren, of whom BmmaC, Laura V., lola O., Bella B., Maude C. and Charles H. are living,
and Dovan T., Naomi E., Emma C, Ida M. and Harry W. 8., are deceased. The long and
useful life of Mr. Drawbaugh promises to become of especial interest. Naturally of an
inventive turn of mind, he has perfected and had patented more than fifty useful appli-
ances and instruments. His crowning success in life was the invention of the telephone,
which has been claimed and for a time awarded to A. G. Bell, but a suit at law will deter-
mine his right to such invention. There is no doubt but that the principles of that me-
dium were first put in operation in the little workshop in the hamlet of Milltown. Should
this suit be decided in his favor, Mr. Drawbaugh at once becomes the most noted man in
Cumberland County; should the decision be adverse he is none the less a talented gentle-
man and has ea;-ned for himself a high place iu the inventive fraternity. Our subject
employs a number of men and operates quite a large factory in which electrical and other
apparatus form the basis of experimentation. His family has been reared in a style of
modern elegance and their education carefully looked after.
JOSEPH PEEMAN, retired. New Cumberland. In 1790, Adam Feeman. the grand-
father of Joseph Feeman came from Lancaster County, Penn., and purchased the farm
now the property of John Feeman, and here reared a family of four children: Valentine,
the youngest son, born in 1783 and died in 1843, married Margaret Shafir, by whom he
had eight children, of whom six reached adult -age; Jolin, Adam. Elizabeth. Joseph, Val-
entine and Susan. Of these, John, who has remained a bachelor, owns, the homestead;
Adam married Nancy Kirk; Elizabeth is the wife of Rudolph Martin; Joseph married,
in 1840, Eliza Prowell, who bore him six children, only one now living— Susan, wife of
Charles Hoot, and a resident of Harrisburg (Mrs. Joseph Feeman died in 1880, after forty
years of happy domestic life); Valentine married Matilda Lutz, of Harrisburg, Penn., and
Susan is the wife of James Eckels, of this county. The old homestead has been made a
beautiful farm by three generations of Feemans, who have converted it from a dense
woodland into a fertile tract of land. The old house, which was erected prior to the pur-
chase by Adam Feeman, has undergone extensive repairs; beneath its hcipitable roof
three generations have been born and reared. Comparatively few of the race now remain
who can hand down a name that for 136 years has been familiar in the history of the town-
ship. The two brothers, John and Joseph, live a retired life in the village of New Cum-
berland, and are both easy in a financial way, having lived an economical and unostenta-
tious life. , , T . ,
OWEN JAMES, retired, P. O. New Cumberland. It was with the greatest reluctance
that Mr. James allowed this brief sketch to appear. His modesty and good deeds are so
proverbial, however, that common report would furnish a voluminous history, did he not
seriously object. He was born in Lower Allen Township, on the old Peter Zimmerman
farm, March 15, 1815. His parents, Thomas and Hannah James, moved to the old home-
3S
494 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
stead, in Fairview Township, York County, two weeks after his birth, and from that date
Owen James resided there until he was twenty-two years of age. There were ten chil-
dren in the family: Lewis, Jane, Owen, Mary A., Eliza, William, Hannah, Thomas, Sarah
and Harriet. Their grandfather, Owen James, was a soldier in the war of 1813, serving
until the close of that campaign, and, upon his return home, in 1815, he was taken sick,
and died at Painted Post, N. Y. Thomas and Hannah James then took charge of the two
frandmothers, and with their ten children resided on the farm until the death of Thomas
ames in 1843. In 18.')8 Mrs. James left the farm and came to New Cumberland, all the
children having married, and made her home until death, in 1876, at the ripe age of eighty-
six years, with a sister, Mrs. Hannah Lee. Owen James for a time worked with his father
on the farm. In 1830 he was driving a team freighted with iron and nails between New
Cumberland and Duncannon. In 1833 he carted stone for the turnpike between York
Haven and Harrisburg. The next year he hauled lumber from York Haven for the Cum-
berland Valley Railroad bridge at Harrisburg. In 1837 Owen James left his home, and
without a dollar engaged as mason's helper at 50 cents per day. He engaged later in the
stock business, on a small scale, in which he prospered until 1840, when, aided by Messrs.
B. H. Mosser and George Crist, he engaged in the butcher's trade. From this time he
prospered, everything he touched seemingly turning to gold. In 1843 he was married to
Esther Prowell, of York County, Penn., daughter of James and Rebecca Prowell. Their
housekeeping was commenced across the street from their present residence in New Cum-
berland. In 1849 Mr. James formed a partnership with B. H. Mosser & Son. continuing
in same until 1864, when ill health caused his retirement. Since then, with the exception
of four years (1867 to 1871), Mr. James has done no active business, confining himself to
settling estates and managing farms for other parties. He still owns the farm which
belonged to his grandfather, the deed bearing the date 1783 for 100 acres and allowances.
Mr. and Mrs. James have never had any children, but their good and kindly acts have
endeared them to all who know them. Mr. James is the last of his name in this State, but
his fame as a man, a neighbor and a Christian are proverbial. He and his wife have, for
nearly half a century, been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have had
the pleasure of seeing the borough transformed from a stage of comparative vice to one of
the most moral places in the valley, made so by the continuous vigilance on the part of
the Christian people among whom they are numbered. From the first half-dollar earned
by the sweat of his brow Mr. James has accumulated a handsome fortune, not one dollar
01 which was dishonestly earned, nor to increase his gains was the poor man ever oppressed.
He is one of the few men in Cumberland County who has seen six 'generations come here,
and is still hale and hearty, although his locks are as white as the driven snow.
HENRY R. MOSSER, dealer in lumber, P. O. New Cumberland. From a line of
ancestry that came from Switzerland as early 1734 and settled in Lancaster County, Penn.,
comes the subject of our sketch. The most reliable information obtainable of this-f amily
begins with Dr. Benjamin Mosser, who purchased a large tract of land in Fairview Town-
ship, York Co., Penn., upon which three sons and a married daughter subsequently set-
^ed. The sons, John, Henry and Christian, were all prominent men in the neighbor-
hood. The eldest, John, practiced medicine for many years in the village of Newmar-
ket, and his descendants are numerous in Cumberland County at the present time. The
daughter, Barbara, above referred to, married Michael Kauffman, and they, too, have
many descendants in Cumberland and York Counties. Henry, one of the three sons,
married Susannah Neff, an orphan, reared and educated by William and Deborah Wright,
of Columbia. The Wrights were Quakers, and gave Susannah an education far superior
to that of the women of her day. Her father owned the Wrightsville ferry when Wash-
ington's army encamped at Valley Forge;' and when Congress assembled at York, Susan-
nah was six years of age, and Washington stopped at the Wrights' for breakfast. While
waiting for the repast the General lifted her upon his lap and entertained her with some
of his droll stories, and, although so young, she well remembered the circumstance, and
was fond of relating it to her grandchildren, of whom Henry R. was the second born.
Henry and Susannah (NefE) Mosser had a family of five children: Benjamin H., father of
our subject; Dr. Daniel Mosser, who for many years was bishop in the Reformed Men-
nonite Church in the United States and Canada, the author of most of the religious works
of that denomination; Rev. Joseph Mosser, of Salem, 111., for many years traveling agent
for the Illinois Bible Society; John N., a farmer in Cumberland County; Magdalena, now
the widow of George Rupley. Benjamin H. Mosser was married to Elizabeth Rupley, of
Cumberland County, Penn., daughter of John and Barbara (Stine) Rupley, of Berks
County, Penn. John Rupley, Esq., was quite a prominent man in his time, and was not
only a noted justice of the peace, but also served as sheriff of this county. 'There were two-
children born to BenjaminH. andhis wife, viz. : Susannah.wife of Dr. Augustus H.VanhofE,
a noted physician of Mechanicsburg, and also an honored representative from this county
to the State Legislature. Henry Rupley Mosser, the only son, was born in York County in
1828, and until twelve years old remained on the farm, obtaining the rudiments of a prac-
tical education in the common schools. Later, he attended the Strasburg Academy, m
Lancaster County, and the old York County Academy, from which he went, in 1848, to take-
LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 495
charge of the books and business of his father, in the village of Kew Cumberland, who
had established a lumber trade in that place in 1839. In 1850 Henry E. Mosser was ad-
mitted as partner in the lumber and grain business, Owen James being also asssociated,
and from that date the firm was known as B. H. Mosser & Co. In 1857 the senior mem-
ber of the firm retired, and in 1864 Mr. James also retired, leaving Henry R. Mosser sole
proprietor. The firm is now Mosser & Sadler, the latter being Judge Sadler, of Carlisle,
Penn. With the exception of a few years, Mr, Mosser has always been connected with
the lumber trade of Dauphin and Cumberland Counties, but has also a large saw-mill and
lumber establishment in Tioga County, in which he has associated with him Julius B.
Kauffman, who for many years was his confidential clerk and book-keeper. The firm of
Mosser & Sadler employ forty men, and their business is the leading enterprise in the
village. Henry R. Mosser was married to Margaret A. Yocum, in 1853, a daughter of
Jacob and Henrietta (Duncan) Yocum, of York, York Co., Penn. To this union were
born two children: Nettie E. and Rev. Benjamin H. Mosser, of Mechanicsburg. In 1859
Mrs. Mosser died, and in 1863 Mr. Mosser married R. Jennie Miller, of New Cumberland,
this county, by whom he has two children: Annie, a graduate of Dickinson Seminary,
Williamsport, and John C, who is preparing for college under the tutelage of Prof.
Seller, of Hamsburg, Penn. Mr. Mosser has lived a long and useful life, and perhaps no'
man living in the village has done more to advance its interests. For many jrears he has
been an active Republican politician in State and National affairs. In theological matters
he stands very high, and for more than twenty years has been superintendent of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Sabbath-school, and for six years president of the famous Cumberland
Sabbath-school Assembly, now a part of the Chautauqua system, located atMountain Lake
Park, on the summit of the Alleghenies, Maryland. He has been president of Cumber7
land Valley Camp Meeting Association, and represented the Central Pennsylvania Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Baltimore, in 1876, and also at the Cen-
tennial Conference, at Baltimore, in 1884, and which was the most noted Conference ever
held by that body, in which all the branches of the church and Sabbath-school work
were represented. For more than a quarter of a century he has ofiiciated as trustee,
steward and class-leader of the Methodist Episcopal Church in New Cumberland, and was
the first president of the Y. M. C- A. of this village. He is also treasurer of the Confer-
ence Education Society, in which capacity he has served since the organization of this
commendable enterprise to assist young men to obtain an education.
GEORGE W. MUMPER, farmer, P. O. New Cumberland, was born in Carroll Town-
ship, York Co., Penn., in 1828, son of John and Jane (Beelman) Mumper, who were the
parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living: Elizabeth, widow of Jacob Heiges, of
Dillsburg; Christina, widow of Daniel Bailey, Esq.; Michael, married to Eliza A. Coover;
Maria, widow of Maj. Jacob Dorsheimer; Margaret, widow of Col. S. M. Bailey, a noted
man in the military and civil history of Pennsylvania; John; Catharine residing with her
brother John; Samuel married to Mary King, of York County; George W.; Ann (deceased);
Mrs. Lydia Porter (deceased). November 2, 1854, our subject married Miss Mary J. Mateer
of Dillsburg, a daughter of William and Mary A. Mateer, who were the parents of three
daughters: Ann E., residing with Mr. Mumper; Margaret C, wife of Dr. E. B. Brandt, of
Mechanicsburg, and Mary J. Her parents were among the early settlers in Lower Allen
Township, and all the daughters were born on the farm now owned by Mr. Mumper; this
property has been in possession of the Mateers for more than sixty years, and has been
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mumper since their marriage, he at that time purchasing the in-
terest of the other heirs. To Mr. and Mrs. Mumper have been born six children: The two
eldest are deceased; Lulu B. (as was her mother before her) is a graduate at Lititz; George
B. is a graduate of Dickinson College; Samuel completed his course at Collegiate Institute
at York, and Mary A. graduated from Wilson College at Chambeisburg. Mr. Mumper is
prominent in political circles, both National and local, and was one of the first Represen-
tatives elected under the new Constitution in the county of Cumberland. He has for eigh-
teen years served on the school board, of which he has continuously been president, and
has taken a prominent part in everything that advances the business, social moral and ed-
ucational interests of his chosen county.
LEVI MTJSSELMAN, farmer, P. O. Shiremanstown, is the only representative of
this family in this county, and which came originally from Germany, but at what date the
first one settled in Lancaster County nothing is known. Christian Mussselman was born
in Lancaster County in 1796; came to Cumberland County in 1820, and took service with
Christian Hurst on the farm now owned by Mrs. Musselman. After the death of Mr.
Hurst Mr. Musselman married his widow, and by her had three children — two sons and one
daughter: One son died in infancy; Levi, andElizabeth, now the wife of Peter Musselman,
of Adams County, Penn. Levi Musselman was born, in 1827. on the Hurst farm, and has
always followed the occupation of farming. In 1849 he was married to Annie, daughter
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Nisley) Mumma, whosefamily history forms an important record.
Their married lijfe was commenced on the farm, now the homestead, and there John the
eldest son was born. A few years later Mr. Musselman moved to the Hurst farm, and
there Elizabeth and Fanny were born. Of the other children, Kate was born on the Chris-
496 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
tian Mumma farm, and Samuel, Jacob, Christian, Martin, Harry and Edward on the Mus-
selman homestead. Kate and Elizabeth are deceased, the former in her seventeenth and the
latter in her twenty-fourth year. John married Annie Zimmerman; Samuel married An-
nie Hess; Jacob married Grace Hartman; Fanny is the wife of Jacob Bucher. The mar-
ried life of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Museleman has been an unexceptionally pleasant one. They
have prospered financially, and have educated their children in that practical manner
which makes the men and women of Cumberland County famous.
QEOKQE N. RUPP, gentleman, P. O. Shiremanstown, is a grandson of George Rupp,
who was born in Lancaster County, Penn , May 21, 1772. May 6, 1800, he married
Christina, daughter of Daniel and Annie M. (Wolff) Boeshor, and in 1802 came to Cum-
berland County, and with his brother, Martin, purchased the farm now owned by John
M. Rupp. The children reared were George (father of qur subject), Daniel, Jonas, Mary,
Elizabeth, Jacob G., Martin G., John G., Jane, David G., Henry G. and Francis. George
Rupp, the eldest son, was born in 1802, and in the course of time married Mrs. Catharine
(Schopp) Neidig, who was born December 9, 1803. Previous to his marriage George Rupp
was a teacher in this county, and having a fine education became one of the most useful
men in the neighborhood, settling many estates, collecting taxes and other business of
importance was done by him in a manner which gained for him the greatest respect and
confidence of all who knew him; he died May 29, 1849. Our subject, the only child born
to his parents, inherited his grandfather's patronymic, and might be termed George the
Third; he was born March 1, 1847. His education was acquired in the schools of his na-
tive county, and from his youth he has been a practical farmer and successful business
man. February 28, 1871, he married Elenora G. Sadler, born December 13, 1850, daughter
of Joseph and Annie (Grove) Sadler, of New Kingston. By this union are two children:
George 8., born March 31, 1872, and Joseph P., born February 7, 1875. The married life of
Mr. Rupp was commenced on the farm, so many years the Rupp homestead, and which was
his by inheritance in 1868. Their circumstances from the first were auspicious, the farm
being one of the finest, the buildings the most commodious, and the situation unsurpassed
by any in the valley. To this was added the enterprise of the young couple, both having
received a practical training, and they have followed in the footsteps of their ancestors —
financially, socially and morally.
JOHN SHEELY, farmer, P. O. Shiremanstown. The grandparents of our subject
were Andrew and Barbara (Barnhort) Sheely, the former born August 11, 1752, the latter
November' 6, 1753, and were married August 31, 1777. Andrew Sheely was a soldier in
the Revolutionary war, and helped to fight the battles which gained the American people
their independence. Their children were Adam, John, Andrew, Ann M., Michael,
Christian, Frederick, Barbara, and another son Frederick (both of the name died during
boyhood). Of this honored family a number yet represent the name in this county. On our
subject's maternal grandparents' side was John P. Cromlich, born in 1797, and his wife,
Margaret Sipe, born in 1807, who had ten children: John, Frederick, Susannah, May, David,
Catharine, Elizabeth, William H., Jacob and Samuel. The father of our subject, John
Sheely, was born on the farm now owned by David Oyster in 1781. He was married to
Elizabeth Cromlich, probably in 1804, as the first child, Andrew, was born in 1806; the
other children were Frederick, Barbara, Elizabeth, John, Benjamin, Samuel, Susan, Annie
and Catharine. About the time of his marriage John Sheely's father, Andrew Sheely, pur-
chased and presented him with the fine farm on which his grandson now resides, and on
w^hich all his brothers and sisters were born. The Sheelys were all men of herculean
frame, and have been noted agriculturists from the date of their coming, and have been
Tery prosperous, each of the brothers now residing in the county counting their wealth by
the thousands. John, Jr., has remained a bachelor, not from lack of personal charms,
"but because he was so wedded to his agricultural pursuits that matrimony was forgotten
until his habits were so firmly fixed that he had no wish to become a benedict. The home
iarm is owned in partnership by himself, Benjamin and the heirs of Samuel Sheely,
whose widow, Mary (Cromlich) Sheely, and sister-in-law, Catharine, are housekeepers, the
farming being managed by John Sheely and the two sons of his brother, John H. and
Jacob M. The finest steer in Cumberland County is now their property, and special atten-
tion is given to the breeding of fine stock and poultry. The Sheelys are noted as money-
makers and savers, and are withal men of the strictest integrity and uprightness.
JOHN UMBERGER, farmer, P.O.Lisburn. As early as 1770 the name TJmbergerwas
known m this county, and, though the family is really of Scotch and Irish nativity, the
name is unquestionably Qeiinan. Leonard was the first one of the family to come to Lan-
caster County, Penn., which then included this territory. In Rupp's Efistory mention is
made of Leonard Umberger purchasing Rupp's great-grandfather at public sale, the cus-
tom in those days, the vessel owners having the right to dispose of tlieir passengers, in
this way to obtain their passage money. Leonard Umberger was the great-CTandf ather of our
subject, as he begat Adam who begat David, the father of John. Adam Umberger settled
In "Path Valley," now in Franklin County, in 1770, and by his wife, Catharine, had three
children: David; Elizabeth, married to Mr. Heckart of Dauphin County; John who en-
gaged in mercantile business in Harrisburg, but died while a young man. Adam Umber-
fi
LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 497
;er, who was a millwright, was preparing to build a mill near his home when he died; his
amily then returned to Dauphin County and settled near Linglestown. David, the eldest
soil, was born in 1775, and was indentured to Mr. Berry, in 1791, to learn the blacksmith's
trade (his motlier aboui that time married Michael Umberger, a brother of her first hus-
band, and moved to York County, near Lisburn). About 1796 David Umberger came to
Lisburn, purchased property and established himself in the blacksmith's trade. In 1798 he
married Dorothy Maish, of York County, Penn., by whom he had a large family, the
oldest child, Mary, was born in Lisburn in 1799, and a few years later David Umberger
(in 1809) sold his Lisburn property, moved to Warrington Township, York County, and
there purchased a farm and carried on an extensive smithy. On this farm were born Ann,
Elizabeth, Catbarine, David and Rebecca (twins) and Sarah. About 1813 he purchased
the Daniel Kabm farm, near Lisburn (where he resided until his death), alnd here were
born Ellen, John, Jane, George and Esther. John Umberger, our subject, was born in
1816; in 1841, he married Susan Miller, of York County, Penn., daughter of Jacob and
Susan Miller, and they commenced married life on the paternal homestead, and their two
children were born: David M., in 1843, and Eliza J., in 1845. In the spring of 1846, our sub-
ject, *with his family, came to this county, purchasing the farm, now his homestead, and
which has been made beautiful by his own industry; every fence, the handsome stone
house, commodious outbuildings, etc., were erected since the purchase, and the nice or-
chard was planted by the hands of himself and wife, and they have lived to see their la-
bors crowned by beautiful harvests, which have filled their purse. Rachael E., John, Jr.,
Agnes J., George F., Lewis C, William M., Franklin P., Lilly E., Charles E. and Clar-
ence S. were born on this farm. Always popular among the people. Mi'. Umberger has
been foremost in promoting every important feature of educational and social life. A life-
long Democrat, he has lived to see the rise and decline of numerous political parties, and
today hails with delight the supremacy his chosen party occupies. For nearly half a cen-
tury he and his wife have belonged to the Church of God, and have reared their family in
that faith. Rich in experience, ripe in years, they remain as they have lived, beloved by
all who know them.
GEORGE WALKER, retired, Lisburn. More than a century ago Benjamin Walker,
and his wife, Sarah (Morris) Walker, came from Wales to Chester County, Penn. ; later re-
moved to York County, finally settling near Rossville, and there purchased a farm and
erected commodious buildings. They were members of the society known as "Friends;"
and the church now standing, although more than a hundred years old, was the house in
which they worshiped, and from its sacred desk William Penn has preached to the pioneer
Chrisiians. On the farm their family of seven children was reared; Isaac, the youngest son,
married Mary Cramer, and their home was made during the early years of wedded life at the
mansion of his father. The subject of this sketchwas born in York County, Penn., another
son, John, and a daughter, Mary A., now the wife of SamueJ Gehr, of Camp Hill, were born
ia Cumberland County, after the removal of their parents to this county in 1825. Isaac
Walker (father of our subj ect) died in 1839, and his widow in 1864. Lewis, an elder brother
of Isaac Walker, worked for forty years in Harrisburg, married Mary A. Hull, of Lisburn,
in 1845, and had two children: Clara and Jacob M. In 1884, an unfortunate accident
caused the death of Mrs. Walker, since which time Lewis Walker has made his home
with his brother George. Our subject was one of the most enterprising young men in this
county. Choosing in early life the trade of shoe-making, he established himself at Lisburn.
His mother, younger brother and sister lived together until the marriage of the sister, in
1858, with Samuel Gehr, by whom she has two children: Geo. W. and John A. His aged
mother made her home with him until her death. With untiring energy he persevered in
his work until a handsome competence was accumulated, consisting of a fine farm and the
best residence property in the village. In 1866 Mr. Walker was married to Elizabeth ReifE,
of York County, and two children were born, who died in infancy. After ten years of
pleasant married life Mr. Walker was left a childless widower, and, in company with his
brother Lewis, his days are passed in the quiet home at Lisburn. But for an accident, in
1885, Mr. Walker would be as hale and active as a man of fifty. In forty years he has not
experienced an attack of sickness. He has a cheery home, surrounded by all the comforts
wealth brings to intellectual minds, and has a record without a stain.
EMANUEL ZIMMERMAN, retired, P. O. Eberly's Mills, the only son of Peter Zim-
merman, now living in Cumberland County, was born on the homestead, in this county,
December 8, 1818. His father was born in 1776, in Lancaster County, Penn., and there
married Esther Martin, also born in the same year. When the Zimmerman family came
to Cumberland County there was no bridge across the Susquehanna, and trains were
forded, and goods carried over in boats. The land now owned by the family was then un-
improved, and the fine houses and barns, with the exception of Henry Zimmerman's stone
house, have been erected since their coming. Of their twelve children, Emanuel is the
youngest and the second one born in this county. October 32, 1844, he was married to
Susannah, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Hess, born in York County, Penn., March
4, 1825. They commenced housekeeping on State Hill, in an old tenant house, now the
property of J. C. Comfort. In 1859 Emanuel Zimmerman made his first purchase of land.
498 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and every thing In the way of improvements has been done by him. The fine house and
extensive barns were erected in 1860, and are models of architecture. Mr. and Mrs. Zim-
merman are parents of five sons and four daughters: Joseph, George, Elizabeth, Anna,
Jonas, Mary, Rebecca, Levi and Isaac. Joseph Zimmerman married Mary J. Blair,
George married Adaline Crisinger, Elizabeth is the wife of Rudolph Hartzler, Annie is
the wife of John Musselman, Jonas wedded Susanna Shoop, Mary is the wife of David
C. Blair, and Isaac married Agnes Huston. Nearly half a century ago Mr. and Mrs. Zim-
merman were made members of the Mennonite Church; that was before their marriage,
and their love for their Creator has never been dimmed nor their family circle broken by
death. They have now seventeen grandchildren and a family of whom any parents may
feel proud.
HENRY W. ZIMMERMAN, farmer, P. O. Eberly's >Iill. The history of the Zim-
mermans in this county dates back more than a century. The grandfather of our subject,
Peter Zimmerman, came from Lancaster County, Penn., in 1814, and purchased the farm
now the property of Emanuel, Henry, Solomon and brothers. The original tract com-
prised 300 acres, on which was a stone house, now the residence of Henry Zimmerman,
and which was built in 1781 by the Meisch family. Peter Zimmerman married Es'ther
Martin, by whom he had twelve children: Christian, Henry, Peter, Samuel, Martin,
Emanuel, Esther, Mary, Barbara, Annie, Julia and Elizabeth. This large family was
reared on the the farm, and all the sons adopted agriculture as their vocations. Peter
Zimmerman, Jr., married Magdalena, daughter of Henry and Magdalena Weaver. Mr.
Weaver built the stone mill now owned by Calvin Etter, and which will no doubt remain
a monument to his enterprise for many years to come. Peter Zimmerman and his wife
commenced their married life in York County, opposite the homestead, and when that
place was sold he purchased it, and his son Henry and sister Magdalena have managed the
farm since. Peter Zimmerman, Jr., and wife had six children: Esther, Moses, Mary,
Henry, Peter and Magdalena. The loving wife and mother died in 1840, and four years
later Mr. Zimmerman was married to Barbara Hess, by whom he had six children: Sam-
uel, Christian, Amos, David, Benjamin and Elizabeth. The death of the father of this
large family occurred in 1874. Henry W. Zimmerman worked for his father until he was
thirty-five years years old. In 1875 he was married to Clara A., daughter of Cosmus and
Lucinda Clendenin. In 1875 our subject purchased the ancestral home, where his grand-
father had reared a family of noble sons and daughters, and who rank among the leading
farmers in Lower Allen Township. Henry W. and Clara A. Zimmerman have had four
children born to them: Cosmus (deceased), Harry, Elmer and Howard. In a comfortable
home, and encouraged by fond parents, they will no doubt do honor to the family name.
CHAPTER L.
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP.
WILMOT AYRE8, M. D., is a descendant of English and Scotch-Irish ancestry, and
was born in York County, Penn., September 25, 1847. His father, Samuel A. Ayres, mar-
ried Emily Robinson, of Baltimore. He entered the army during the civil war, and died
while being a second time a prisoner in the hands of the Confederates. Wilmot is the
eldest son, and graduated April 12, 1883. He immediately began the practice of medicine
in Middlesex and surrounding country. He succeeded no one, but built up an independ-
ent practice of his own, and has been highly successful as a practitioner. He is a mem-
ber of Cumberland County Medical Society.
HENRY C. BABBLE, proprietor of the Carlisle Springs, P.O. Carlisle Springs, was born
in York County, Penn., May 15, 1829. In 1837 he moved to Cumberland County, and hired
out on a farm until 1850, when he began to learn the tanner's trade, at which he remained
three years. He then married, March 16, 1853, Phoebe Worts, who bore him ten children,
nine now living: Emma L., Margaret J., Mary A., Sarah C, Clara E., Susie E., William
H.J Samuel C. and Tolbert Mc. After marriage he came to Middlesex Township, this
county, and worked four years on a farm. In 1857 he bought an old tannery at Sports-
burg, Silver Spring Township, this county, and conducted it for twenty-six years. Octo-
ber 3, 1882, he moved to Carlisle Springs, and bought the tannery from Samuel Sample,
which he has since conducted. He tore down all the old buildings and erected new ones.
He also runs a chopping-mill, and corn and rye mill in connection, the machinery being
all operated by steam power, the engine being an eight horse-power of the Qeiser man-
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP. 499
ufacture. He also owns the building in which he resides, a large two-story frame struct-
ure. His first wife died October 36, 1873, and March 3, 1876, he married Elizabeth Swartz.
Mr. Babble made his star^, in life by gathering chincapins, a small nut growing like chest-
nuts, when a boy in York County, and selling them in Dover. He owns seventeen
acres in Silver Spring Township, and thirty-six acres (and ten unseated) where he lives
at Carlisle Springs. He has labored hard, and can now boast of having as much as the
average man. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Cburch. Mr. Babble also
owns two residences in the village of Carlisle Springs. He turns out of his tannery, on an
average.each year 1,300 hides, which are shipped in the rough, principally to Philadelphia
and Boston. The tannery is 36x51 feet, two stories in height, with an L 30x14 feet; the
bark-shed is 24x50 and the mill-room 34x33, and the engine-room 16x18 feet; leach-room,
16x34; new bank barn, 36x50, 16 feet 3 inches in the square; scale-house, 16x22 feet.
DA.VID P. BRINDLB, farmer, P. O. Carlisle Springs, was born on his father's farm
September 30, 1833. George, his father, settled upon this farm at an early date, and married
Elizabeth Dewey, daughter of Peter Dewey, a Revolutionary soldier, who died in the
old house which is still standing on the farm. George was the father of six children,
three of whom are living, viz. : Capt. Peter Brindle, of Carlisle, Margaret and David P.
The last named married Sarah Barr, of Middlesex Township, Cumberland County,
December 13, 1856, and by her has three children, viz. : Amelia, Samuel and George W.
William Drennan originally took a large tract of land in this northern portion of what is
now Middlesex Township, but was then North Middleton, which included a part of the
whole of the farm now owned by Mr. Brindle. But that family, with the other eatly
Scotch-Irish settlers of this northern part of Middlesex, are extinct, and it has been the
later German settlers who, by their toil, have made the border of our valley " blossom
like the rose."
CHARLES CLBNDENIN, merchant, Carlisle Springs, was born in New York City
May 30, 1858, and is a son of James and Barbara (KeifEer) Clendenin, natives of Pennsyl-
vania and of English descent. James Clendenin was in the patent-right business in his
younger days, and later engaged in the tanning business, at Hogestown, Penn., for sev-
eral years. He then moved to Cumberland County and engaged in the same business,
erected all the buildings necessary for a tan-yard, and followed the trade until 1878, when
he sold out to Samuel Sample, and then engaged in mercantile business, at Carlisle
Springs, until the time of his death, November 19, 1885. He was the father of three chil-
dren, viz.: Ida C, wife of "W. E. Reddig, of the firm of J. & J. B. Reddig & Sons, of
Shippensburg; Charles, a merchant of Carlisle Springs, and James B., who resides in
Carlisle Springs. His brother John was elected judge of the county, but died before
taking his seat. James Clendenin owned a large tract of land at the time of his death.
He was a Democrat and took a great interest in politics, being the leader in his vicinity.
He was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, at New Kingston. Charles, our subject, was
reared to the tanning trade and was in the business with his father until the latter's death,
after which he bought the store and has since been engaged in commerce at Carlisle
V Springs. He carries a general line of merchandise, s\ich as will supply the country trade,
his stock being valued at $3,000, which is fully insured. March 24. 1881, Mr. Clendenin
married Julia F., daughter of John and Elizabeth Cameron. Our subject and wife are the
parents of two children: William and Elsie Clendenin. His wife is a member of the Lu-
theran Church. James R., our subject's brother, went to Shippensburg, in 1878, where he
engaged in merchandising for three years, and then went west, to Holden, Mo., a,nd spent
five years in the same occupation. Mr. Clendenin is also postmaster at Carlisle Springs,
having been appointed under the present administration. His father was also postmaster
for a number of years before his death.
CHRI8TIA:ff R. GLADFELTER, miller, was born in York County in 1838. He
moved first to Silver Spring Township, this county, and later to Middlesex Township, and
when a boy attended the schools of the time. He afterward followed farming until three
years ago, when his father, Moses, purchased the grist-mill at the confluence of the Letort
and Conodoguinet Creeks. Moses Gladfelter is descended from men of Revolutionary
fame. Three brothers came from Germany, two of whom served in the Revolutionary-
war. Moses is the son of George, and marrigd Miss Ruhl, of Cumberland County. To
them two sons and one daughter were born, of whom Christian is the eldest. The mill
which Christian now operates is of historic interest. In 1756 it was conveyed by John
Chambers to his sons, Randle and William. Just prior to the Revolution it was sold to
Robert Callender, an Indian trader, and a man of education and influence in those times.
• In 1793 it passed into the hands of Ephraim Blaine, grandfather of Hon. James G. Blaine,
of Maine, from whom it has descended down, through various parties and by various con-
veyances' to the present owners, who have remodeled and greatly enlarged it, so that it
is now one of the largest and most successful roller-mills in the county. Mr. Gladfelter
also purchased the handsome residence adjoining.
GEORGE W. JACOBS, farmer, was born on his father's homestead, on the northern
border of Middlesex Township, October 39, 1832. Jacob Jacobs, the grandfather, came
from Genaany and settled first in York, then in Perry County, Penn. Henry, his son.
500 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and the falher of George W., moved into Cumberland County, and was the first of the
family to seltle on the farm in Middlesex. Goorge W. Jacobs married Phoebe Wetzel, of
Cumberland County, December 25, ISW, by wliich marriage there were eight children, six
of whom (ire si ill iivinir on llie homestead farm.
DAVID MILLER, farmer, was horn in Lancaster County, September 18, 1825. He
is the third son of David, Sr., and Mary (Eshelman) Miller, who moved to Cumberland
County from Lancaster in 1833. He uttended the country schools of the day, followed
faiming with his father, and engaged foj many years in the nursery business on the large
farm at tlie Middlesex Station. He married Elizabeth Stouffer, a lady of refinement, and
the daughter of Jacob Slouller, of Franklin County, Penn. About the same time, Mr.
Stouffer purchased the Middlesex esmte Irom ihe lilaine and Penrose heirs. He was for
a time in parlnership with Mr. Stouffer in operaling the old paper-mill at that place, and
in tlie lime-burning and coal business. Mr. Stouffer's son Benjamin had supervision of
the flour-mill. A financial reverse crippled this estate; some branches of its business were
closed, while the rest passed into other hands. Mr. Miller is a man of large reading and
judgment, and fond of books, but wilh little time to cultivate his taste in that direction.
His family consisis of two sons and three daughters. He is now living on and has
charge of the "Indian Farm" for the training in agriculture of the Indian youths at the
training school, Carlisle. The farm lies just at the edge of the village of Middlesex.
ROBERT S. WITMER, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born near Shippensburg, Cum-
berland County, Penn., Dereml)er 9, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Hannah (Senseman)
Witmer, natives of Cumberland County, Penn., and of German descent. His grandfather
Joseph was born in Lancaster County, but came to Cumberland County when a boy,
and was one of the early settlers of the county. He settled near Middlesex Station,
where he lived until his death, in about 18.54. He was a farmer, and owned a large tract
of land. Jacob, subject's father, was burn on the homestead in 1814; was a farmer, and
a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. He died, in 1874, on the farm now occu-
pied by Robert S. Our subject was reared on a farm, and remained with his father until
his death. Mr. Witmer is one of the substantial and successful farmers of the county.
He owns 163 acres of good land. His mother is now in her sixty-eighth year, is yet
living, and resides with him. She is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Mr.
Witmer is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 91. Carlisle. He is a prominent man,
intelligent and enterprising; politically he is a Republican.
SAMUEL WITMER,' farmer, P. O. Middlesex, was born in Cumberland Coun-
ty March 4, 1825, and is a son of Joseph and Catharine (Eberly) Witmer, natives of
Lancaster County, Penn., and of German descent. His grandparents came to Cumberland
County in 1791, and settled in Middleton (now Middlesex) Township, where they owned
a good tract of land, and the house, erected by the grandfather when he first came to the
county, Is still standing. The grandfather was at one time quite wealthy, but his wealth
was considerably reduced on account of the excise tax, which he was obliged to pay on
whisky in which he dealt at that time. He lived on the old homestead until his death.
Joseph Witmer was born in 1785, and died in 1853. He was one of the successful farmers
of the day, made_ his own way in the world, and at his death owned 315 acres of valua-
ble land. He was a member of the Mennonite Church, the father of nine children,
three of whom are living: Mrs. Elizabeth Givler, Samuel and Mrs. Daniel Kutz. Samuel
was reared on the farm, and when twenty-nine years of age started in life for himself.
In partnership with his brother, Abraham, he farmed the homestead for fourteen years,
and in 1868 sold out his interest to his brother, and bought 94 acres of land, where he
now lives. His farm is well improved with good buildings, and he now owns 460 acres,
also a house at Middlesex Station, which was erected in 1874. It is a large, two-story
brick grain warehouse, and affords a commodious store-room and a good shipping point
for the vicinity. Mr. Witmer is ticket agent, freight agent and postmaster of the station,
the postofiice of which was established in 1878. Novembers, 1863, he married Clarissa,
daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Waggoner) Williams, and to them six children were
born, three of whom are living: Annie M.. Joseph and Abram. Mrs. Witmer is a member
of the German Reformed Church of Carlisle. Politically Mr. Witmer is a Republican.
His mother was one of twelve children, all of whom lived to be married and have
families.
JOHN WOLF, farmer, P. O. Middlesex, was born on the farm where he now resides
July 6, 1834, and is a son of David and Anna (Corman) Wolf, natives of Pennsylvania and
of German descent. His grandfather John was reared in this county, and in 1803 bought
the farm where our subject now lives, consisting of 160 acres, on which he made all the'
improvemenls. He built abarn 100 feet long, which was destroyed by fire in 1819, and the
same year he erected the stone one. 72x45 feet, which is still standing. He also operated
a distillery for a number of years on lliis farm, and hauled the whisky to Baltimore. His
wife was a very strong, healihy woman, being able to lift the barrels onto the wagon. He
was very successful In life. He died in 1823. David Wolf, his son, was reared on the
homestead, and later bought two farms. He owned 376 acres in this county, and 48 acres
in Perry County. He served as lieutenant of a rifle military company for many years; also
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP. 501
Leld the office of director of the poor of the county for nine years; was also school director
for a number of years; was in politics a Democrat. He died in 1878. Our subject was
reared on the farm, and remained at home until twehty-tbrce years of aj);e. January 8,
1857, be married Margaretta Wert, by whom he had one child — Joseph P. — who died at
the age of ten years. Mrs. Wolf died October 15, 1863. After his first marriage he settled
on the farm now occupied by his brother Joseph. Here his wife died, and after her death
he went baclt to the homestetid and remained some three years, when, November 10, 1864,
he married Catherine Wetzel, who bore him six children: David H., Uaymond S.,
Anna C, Mary E., Charles H. and Cora E. After his second marriage Mr. Wolf located
in Silver Spring Township, where he farmed three years; then moved to his father's farm
in West Pennsborough Township, and remained four years. In 1873 he bought the old
homestead, where he has since lived. In 1878 his house was totally destroyed by fire, and
in the same year he built a large two-story brick residence, at a cost of over |3,0b0. Il has
a 14-inch wall, and contains 67,000 brick. It is a beautiful structure, and kept in neat
order. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf are members of the Reformed Church. He has held the office
of school director; is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 598, of Silver Spring; has
held all the offices in his lodge.and is now filling the chaplain's chair. At present be owns
125 acres. On his farm there is a sand bank which yields very fine sand.
JACOB SWILER ZEARING, county commissioner, P. O. Middlesex, is a native of
Cumberland County, born in Shiremanstown, January 18, 1843. He attended school and
clerked in a general store until eighteen years of age, when he began clerking in the drug
store of Dr. C. W. Reiley, president of the Harrisburg Bank. For 8 years he was located in
Mechanicsburg, engaged in the drug business for himself. His present fine farm of 100 acres,
beautifully situated in Middlesex TOwnsliip, he purcha'^ed in 1875. Mr. Zearing was
elected auditor, by the people of Cumberland County, in November, 1882, which office ue
held three years, when he was elected to his present office of county commissioner. Mr. Zear-
ing is a son of Jacob and Eliza (Swiler) Zearing, both natives of Cumberland County.
The old gentleman died December 25, 1885, but his widow is still living, a member of the
Bethel Church. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Zearing had two sons: Jacob S., and Henry M.,who
resides at Shiremanstown. Our subject married, January 16, 1878, Miss Kale Witmer,
daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Senseman) Wilmer, l)Oth natives of this county, and to
this union were born two children: Robert W. and Katie H. The mother died February
2, 1881, a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Zearing is one of our leading represent-
ative citizens, and stands high in the estimation of the people of Cumberland County,
among whom he has lived all his life.
ABRAM J. ZEIQLER, farmer, was born on the old Zeigler homestead, November 5,
1842. His father, Abram Zeigler, Sr., was born in Montgomery County, and came ta
Cumberland County in 1801. He settled on the farm not far from the North Mountains,
in Middlesex Township, now occupied by our subject. The father married Elizabeth
Horner, of Cumberland County, and the son, in 1867, married Barbara Rebbert, of the
same county. The family consists of five children, ail of whom are Jiving on the home-
stead. This farm was onc^ a portion of a tract owned by one Kenney, an earl/ Scotch-
Irish pioneer. From him it (descended to tlie Zeigler family, the representatives of which
now own a number of fine farms in the northern portion of Middlesex Township.
HENRY H. ZEIGLER, farmer, is a representative of one of the old German fami-
lies which, at an early date, settled among the slate hills which extend for some miles
in from the North. Mountain. He was born on the old homestead, in this portion of Cum-
berland County, in 1843, Philip Zeigler, the grandfather, was the first pioneer. He set-
tled on the farm where Abram Zeigler now resides. Samuel, the fiither of Henry H, was
born there, and the old log building, part of which was built by David Elliott, with its
large chimney in the center, its small, one-pane window, and loop-holes through the logs
for rifles, is still standing. Philip Zeigler had a large family. Samuel, his son. was the
father of eight children, of whom four, two boys and two girls, are living. Of these,
Henry, our subject, is the eldest' of the boys. Henry H. married the daughter of Jacob
Wagner, of North Middleton Township, Cumberland County, in 1870. His family con-
sists of two sons and three daughters, all of whom are living on the homestead. The
farm where our subject resides was originally the property of David BUio-.t, a man of
wealth, and the owner of slaves in the early days. It was also subsequently owned by th&
Saundersons, who were connected with the Elliotts, Both of these families are now ex-
tinct, but their large tract has been but little subdivided.
■502 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
CHAPTER LI.
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP.
ALFRED CARL, farmer, P. O. Newville. George'Carl and his wife (who was a Heck-
a,dorn) came from Berks County, and settled near the Canigagig Ridge, in Perry County,
prior to 1809. They reared a family of children: George, Christian and Isaiah (twins),
John, Adam, Daniel, Eliza, Rachael and Fanny. Of this family, George learned the
blacksmith's trade, came to this county about the year 1834, and was married the same
year to Margaret Kulp, a native of Columbia, Lancaster Co., Penn., but who was a resi-
dent of White Hill when the nuptials were performed; she, as well as Mr. Carl, is of Ger-
man descent, her parents coming from Germany. The married life of the young couple
was commenced near the village of Loysville, Perry County, but they moved to White
Hill later, and in 1843 came to Mifflin Township, this county,lecating at the McCormick Mill,
in Doubling Gap, where George Carl built and conducted a smithy for twenty-one years.
Of his children, Alfred, Mary A., Elizabeth E., and Margaretta, were born at White Hill;
David R. was born on the MicCalister farm, and Francis E. and Julia A. on the homestead
near the mill. Of these, Alfred Carl was born in 1834, learned the trade with his father,
and October 14,1856, was married to Elizabeth L., daughter of John and Catharine Oiler, Rev.
Hefflefinger, of Newville, performing the ceremony. Andrew and Susannah (Sweetwood)
Oiler, grandparents of Mrs. Carl, were residents in this county from 1793; reared a family
of twelve children: William, Andrew, John, George, Daniel, James, Margaret, Maria, Cath-
arine, Elizabeth, Susannah and Letitia. Of these, John (father of Mrs. Carl) for many
years was a teacher in Prankford and Mifflin Townships. He married Catharine Heffle-
finger in April, 1834, and this union was blessed with six children, all born in this county:
Elizabeth, John, Catharine, William, George and Mary B. Alfred Carl and his wife com-
menced married life at West Hill, West Pennsborough Township, where he engaged in
blacksmithing. From there they removed to Plainfield, thence to Newville, and, in 1864,
to the mills in Mifflin Township, where he purchased the smithy of his father, who bought
himself a nice farm near by. For twenty-one years our subject carried on business there,
earning his money by the sweat of his brow. In 1885, he purchased his father's farm, and
now resides on it. To Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Carl have been born eleven children: Mary
E. (wife of Henry H. Hoover), Kate B., Margaret L., Lizzie D., Lottie T., George, Clara
A., Albert I., Charles T., Millie A. and Morris R. This large family, with the exception
^f Letitia, Lottie and Morris R., who are deceased, are now residing beneath the paternal
roof. Especial attention has been paid to their education, and all will surely follow the
good example showed them by their parents.
SAMUEL CHRISTLIEB, retired, Newville. In the year 1765 Frederick Carl Christ-
lieb (grandfather of Samuel) emigrated, with his wife, sons Frederick Carl and Jacob
and step-son George Buck, from Durkheim, Rhenish Bavaria, to America, landing at
Baltimore, Md. The sons, who were in their minority, located near the boundary line
between Pennsylvania and Maryland and close to the Susquehanna River, where they re-
mained for several years. The parents, soon after their arrival in Baltimore, found their
way to Newville, this county, and were among the earliest German settlers in this locality.
The mother died in a few years, and her remains were interred in the Big Spring burial-
grounds. A few years later the father died while en route to a physician's home in Vir-
ginia, where he hoped to get relief from the disease which caused his death. The family
did not become permanently settled for several years after their arrival in America.
Charles Christlieb and his step-brother George Buck came to Mifflin Township, and
their brother Jacob settled in Virginia. Charles Christlieb was born in Germany in 1750.
After his marriage with Catharine Umberger, of Lebanon, Penn., about 1780, he settled
in Mifflin Township, this county. To this union were born six sons and one daughter:
John, Charles, Solomon, George, Sarah (married to a Mr. Koutz), Isaac and Jacob (twins),
who were born in 1791. Charles Christlieb died in 1837, aged eighty-seven, and his widow
a few months later, aged ninety-three. Jacob, the father of our subject, was married,
April 13, 1824, to Julia Ann Morritt, by whom he had ten children: Samuel, Mary J.,
Ann, Elizabeth, Nancy, Sarah, David, Lavina, Levi and Ellen (twins). Jacob Christlieb
was a quiet but enterprising farmer, and was noted for his liberality and Christian spirit.
He was for almost three-quarters of a century a communing member of the Lutheran
Church, and from 1833 he was a member of Zion Church at Newville. He died at the
residence of his son Samuel, May, 9, 1884, aged ninety-three years, one month and
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 503
twenty-one days. His funeral sermon was preached by the Bev. S. A. Diehl, from a text
selected by himself, viz.: " Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for your-
selves, and for your children." Luke xxiii, 38. He came "to the grave in a full age,
like as a shock of corn cometh in its season." Three sons, seven daughters, forty-eight
grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren yet remain to do honor to his good name.
Our subject was born on the homestead October 10, 1836. In 1851 he married Matilda
Hershey , of Mifflin Township, and their wedded life was commenced on her father's farm,
where they remained twelve years. Their children, Bsemiah C, Ida M. and William A.,
were born on that farm; thence Mr. Christlieb moved to a farm near Ne wburg, remainin g
there two years, when he returned to his father's homestead, where he remained until
1883, when he purchased a neighboring farm and erected an imposing residence, a large
barn and commodious out-buildings, taking possession the same year. The eldest daughter
is the wife Of Henry J. Whistler; the other children reside at home with their parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Christlieb are a model couple and are reverenced in their neighborhood.
ALBERT S. GILLESPIE, farmer, P. O. Newville, born September 13, 1846, in
Frankford Township, this county, is a great-grandson of William Gillespie, a native of
Scotland, who immigrated to America about the year 1700, and settled in Cecil County,
Md., where he lived until the year 1766. He then sold his plantation there and purchased
a large tract of land in what is now known as Frankford and Mifflin Townships, Cumber-
land County. His family consisted of ten children: Robert, Margaret, Samuel, Eloner,
James, Nathaniel, George (who died in infancy), Ann, William and George. Of these, the
youngest son, George, married Sarah Young, of Cumberland County, and they reared a
family of ten children, all of whom were born in Frankford Township this county. Their
names are William, Elizabeth, Eloner, Mary. Nelly, Margaret, Ann, James, Samuel and
George. Of these the youngest son, George, the only one living, married Lucinda B.
Stewart, by whom he had eight children: Sarah B., Thomas G., Robert, Albert S. (our
subject), James, Elizabeth J., Samuel B. and Mary E. This large family was reared on
the farm, still George Gillespie's property, though a few years since he moved to Newville,
"where he lives a retired life. His wife died in 1875, having lived to see her children com-
fortably settled and the beautiful Cumberland Valley transformed into a miniature
paradise. Albert 8., our subject, was married September 19, 1878, to Amelia, daughter
of James T. and Martha Stuart, of this county. Rev. Erskine, a Presbyterian divine,
performing the ceremony. The housekeeping of the newly wedded couple was com-
menced on the farm since purchased by them, and which is now one of the most attractive
in the valley. The neat brick residence, fine barn and commodious out-buildings are
situated within a valley flanked on three sides by the Blue Mountains, which is picturesque
either in summer or midwinter. Their children, three in number are Joseph S., M.
Jane 8. and George Y. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie are members of the Presbyterian Church,
having remained true to the faith of their ancestors. He has refused to fill official
positions in the township, which, by reason of good judgment and a practical education, he
is eminently qualified for, but always lends his influence toward the advancement of the
business, social and educational interests of the township. The Gillespies were among the
first settlers in this part of the county.
JACOB HEMMINGER, retired, Newville, was born in Mifflin Township, this county,
March 16, 1810. His parents, Jacob and Susan (Ramp) Hemminger, were both born in
Berks County, Penn., and with their two children, Jolin and Elizabeth, came to Cumber-
land County in 1804, remaining the first year with Mr. Hemminger's brother near Carlisle,
Penn. About 1806 he purchased the farm where our subject now resides and on which he
was born. Two children, Mary and Catharine, were born on this farm prior to Jacob, and
Benjamin was born afterward. Catharine married Jacob Bowman and, with her brother
(of whom we write), represents the entire Hemminger family of the original stock. The
house now owned by our subject was built prior to the purchase of the farm by his father,
but has since been repaired and is yet a handsome substantial dwelling. Jacob Hem-
minger, Sr., was a prominent man in the Lutheran Church; he cared little for politics.
He was a tailor by trade, which occupation he followed in the winter, devoting the
summer to farming. He died in 1830 and his widow in 1863. Jacob Hemminger, Jr.,
purchased the homestead in 1838, and in 1844 wedded Mary, daughter of Henry and
Elizabeth (Sensabaugh) Brehm, of this township. Rev. John Heck performing the
ceremony. On the farm where he was born and reared, Jacob and his young wife com-
menced their domestic life, and there were born their six children; John D., Samuel H.,
Susan M., Elizabeth, Mary and Annie M. John D. married Maria Fry, and, after her
death, Mrs. Elizabeth Green; Samuel H. wedded Martha J. Lenny; Susan M. and Eliza-
beth reside with their father; Annie M. is the wife of Samuel J. Zeigler; Mary married
John E. Lehman. Our subject learned the wheelwright's trade of John Albert, who, in
1830, had a shop near Conodoguinet Creek. A few years later Mr. Hemminger established
a shop on his own farm, and has carried on the business steadily for more than half a
■century. He has been a successful business man, and has reared a family who do credit
to the old name they bear. The death of Mrs. Hemminger occurred in 1857, since which
time the daughters mentioned above have been housekeepers for their father. Our sub-
504 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ject voted for Gen. Jackson and Martin Van Buren, but after that time was a Whig, and
since the formation of the party has been an ardent Republican. He is one of the oldest
living residents of Mifflin Township, and bears a reputation for honesty and uprightness.
Eight grandchildren look up to the venerable man, and it is hoped that his last days will
be pleasantly spent on the ancestral manor amid peace, comfort and plenty.
W. H. McCREA, teacher, Newville, is a grandson of William McCrea, who left
County Tyrone, Ireland, for this country, in June, 1790, bringing with him his wife, Mar-
garet (Ballentine), daughter, Sarah, and an infant son, Walter,who died on shipboard and
found a grave in the broad Atlantic. They settled the same year near Newville, in West
Pennsborough Township, tliis county, and after residing tliere several years moved to the
vicinity of Bloaerville, in Frankford Township. William McCrea was a weaver by trade
and followed this occupation until his death. To him and his wife were born eight chil-
dren, all natives of this country but the two already mentioned: Sarah, wife of James
Wallace; Walter (deceased); Martha, wife of Alexander Logan; Catharine, wife of Robert
Giffln; Margaret, wife of James Hume; Jane, wife of Robert Fenton; William, married
to Mary, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Mentzer) Snyder, and John. Of these John
was born May 28, 1803, and followed the occupation of farmer until his flfty-first year.
June 15, 1854, he married Barbara M. Snyder (sister of his brother William's wife), the
Rev. Joshua Evans, a Lutheran divine, performing the ceremony. Several years prior to
his marriage, John McCrea had purchased the mill property and farm formerly owned by
Samuel J. McCormick, at sheriff's sale. Mr. McCormick was a noted man in the valley in
his day, his ancestors being among the first settlers of Doubling Gap. For a quarter of a
century the mills were operated under the supervision of Mr. McCrea, who disposed of the
property, in 1868, to Maj. Henry Snyder, but it is still known as the McCrea Mills. Two
children were born to John McCrea and wife: W. H. and Mattie E., who became the wife
of H. M. Koser, in 1882. John McCrea died March 19, 1879, at the ripe age of seventy-
six. He was born and reared amid the privations attending a pioneer's life, but in his
last years witnessed the substantial development of his beloved county. His first ballot
was cast in 1824 for Gen. Jackson, and from that date he never swerved from the Demo-
cratic party, in fifty-flve years never missing an election, either special or general. W.
H. McCrea, his son, was born January 13, 1856, in Mifflin Township. From his early
childhood he showed a fondness for books, and at an early age was sent to the brick
schoolhouse near the mill, and William M. Hamilton, who was for a number of years an
able instructor, gave him his first start. As our subject increased in years and knowledge
a desire came to him to impart his information to others, and he taught his first term in
the Blean Schoolhouse, Mifflin Township. The following year he received a course of in-
struction at the normal school in Shippensburg, after which, for five consecutive terms,
he taught in the Blean School, He accepted a position in the grammar school at New-
ville ^n 1880, and two years later was promoted to the position of principal, in which he
has since continued. As a practical educator he has but few equals and no superiors in
the county. Courteous, social, talented, and coming from ancestors noted in this county
as honest and practical men, the people of Mifllin "Township have reason to be proud of
W. H. McCrea who was born, bred, reared and educated in their midst, and here has de-
veloped into one of the most widely-known educators in the county.
LEWIS C. MEGAW, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a grandson of James and Sarah
(Murrell) McGaw, who were married in West Chester, Chester Co., Penn., November 27,
1804. James McGaw was a native of Belfast, Ireland, whence he emigrated in conse-
quence of participating in a rebellion against the crown of England. In 1817 he came to
Mifflin Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., with his wife and one son, Samuel, settling
on the John Cutshall farm. He also owned the farm, now the property of John Hurst,
which remained in the McGaw family from 1817 to 1883. He was in his day a prominent
local Democratic politician, and, although not a member, he was an ardent supporter of
the Presbyterian Church, contributing largely to the Big Spring Church. His son Sam-
uel was born April 17, 1807; was married about 1826 to Elizabeth Gurrell, who was born
in Newville, Penn., and whose entire life was passed in Cumberland County. Their
domestic life was commenced on his father's farm, where their children — Sarah, James,
Belle, Jane, Mary and Scott — were born. When Samuel McGaw came to the farm where
our subject now lives, he was accompanied by his mother, who made her home with him
until her death. On this farm were born the other children of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mc-
Gaw: John, George, Lewis C. and Ellen. All of the ten children reached adult age.
George enlisted in Company P, Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in 1861 : was captured at
Brandy Station in 1868, and confined in Libby Prison, from whence, a few months later,
the gallant soldier was carried an emaciated corpse. Lewis C. Megaw. our subject, was
born February 24, 1845. Leaving home in 1870 he began lumbering in Clinton and Potter
Counties, Penn. , and Allegany, N. Y. Returning to this county in 1876 he was married to
Miss Julia, daughter of George and Margaret (Kulp) Carl. Mr. Megaw and his young
wife commenced housekeeping on the farm where he was born and reared, and here four
children were born to them: Samuel, George, Florence and Grace. Mr. Megaw has
been an enterprising and prosperous farmer, and, like his ancestors before him, has taken
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 505
an active part in local politics. He has been elected an oflBcial of the township several
terms, which of itself is sufficient proof that he has served his constituents faithfully and
well. Coming from a family of the highest respectability and having a wife belonging to
a family that for more than a century has been identified with the growth and prosperity
of Cumberland County, it is with pleasure that a place is given them in the history. The
name was McGaw originally, but the children have by common consent changed it to
Megaw, but it still shines as brightly now as did that of James McGaw, who had to flee
for his life from the isle of Erin.
JOSEPH MINNICH, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a son of Daniel Minnioh, who came
with his parents from Perry to Berks County, Penn., in 1808. There were a number of
sturdy sons and daughters, and a farm was purchased, on which not only the grandparents
but also the parents of our subject lived and died. Daniel Minnich (son of George Minnich)
was married to Mary Kozer, in 1823, and about that date purchased the homestead in this
county. Their children were as follows: Jeremiah, John, Eliza, Daniel, William, Joseph,
David, George, Andrew and Columbus. Of these, Eliza is the wife of Daniel M. Derr, and
she and our subject reside in this county; William was a soldier during the late war of
the Rebellion, the others remaining on the farm. Joseph Minnich was married. May 18,
1865, to Catharine A., daughter of Samuel and Mary Collor, of Perry County, Penn., the
ceremony being performed by the Rev. Peter Song, a Lutheran divine. They commenced
house-keeping, in 1869, on the Westhafer farm, near Green Spring. The first years of
wedded life were spent on the farm with his parents, and there Ida B. and Annie M. were
born. The only son, Daniel, was born on the Woodburn farm near Newville. In 1880
Mr. Minnich purchased a nice farm near the pleasant village of Newville, and he is con-
sidered one of the prosperous farmers of Mifflin Township, ranking high in the estimation
of the public as a good business manager. The home is made pleasant by the comforts
which come to those who make their money honestly, and by the good taste of mother
and daughters. The parents are worthy members of the Lutheran Church and have reared
their children in that faith.
MICHAEL SHAMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Newville. It is safe to say that George
Shambaugh, the grandfather of Michael, came to Cumberland County prior to the year
1790. His parents, of whom no history can be obtained, had two sons and several daugh-
ters, but only the sons, George and Philip, can be located, both of whom settled in Prank-
ford Township, this county, and George's youngest son, John, born in this township, and
now ninety-two years of age, resides in Harrison County, Ohio. His sons were named
Jacob, George, John and Philip, and there was one daughter, Catharine, who married Ja-
cob Holtz, of Richland County, Ohio. Philip, the youngest son, married Elizabeth,
daughter of Adam and Mary Kessler, of Perry County, who was born in Frankford Town-
ship, this county, in 1798. At the time of his marriage Philip Shambaugh resided in Perry
County, and he commenced housekeeping in Toboyne Township, where he afterward
purchased a farm. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom John, Sarah,
Mary and Michael are living. Michael, the last named, was married, in the autumn of
1851, to Mary A., daughter of Daniel and Esther Cutshall, of Toboyne Township. Perry
Co., Penn. They commenced wedded life on the paternal homestead with but little of
this world's goods ($80), but they went to work with a will, and he soon purchased an in-
terest of one of the heirs^ and when the place was sold, after the death of his father, he
owned half the proceeds. Four children were born on the homestead — the first died in in-
fancy, then came Lavina J., Josiah and Isaac. Josiah married Bessie Kremer, Isaac
married Rebecca Dewalt. and Lavina is the wife of John Hoover. All have done well,
and Mr. and Mrs. Shambaugh may congratulate themselves on having such representa-
tives. In 1866 our subject and his family came to Mifflin Township, this county, and af-
ter renting his farm for one year, purchased it, and has since, by economical habits and
industry, earned enough to pay for the splendid tract, and on this farm the youngest son,
John F.,'was born. For an upright, conscientious man Mr. Shambaugh ranks high in the
estimation of his neighbors, and those who know him best testify to his mental and
moral worth. He has a fine farm and comfortable home, and has never made a dollar
dishonestly.
506 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
CHAPTER LII.
MONROE TOWNSHIP-
GEORGE BELTZHOOVER, farmer, Boiling Springs. The grandfather of the sub-
ject of this sketch, George Beltzhoover, the first of this name of whom we find any
record, served in the war of 1812; moved from York County to this county, and here
bought land. He was the father of eight children by liis first wife: Catharine, Michael,
George, Elizabeth, Jacob, John, Rachael and Sarah; by his second marriage with a Mrs.
Gross he had one son, Daniel, who lived to be over seventeen years of age. His son,
John, was born in York County, Penn., in 1798, came to this county with his father when
a boy, and became a farmer. He married Margaret Smith, in 1822, and had three chil-
dren: George, Anne and Mahala. Mr. and Mrs. John Beltzhoover were members of the
Lutheran Church; in politics he was a Republican. He was a land-holder (part of the es-
tate is still in the family), and lived on his farm near Boiling Springs over fifty years.
His house was the scene of one of the most cowardly and brutal robberies ever per-
petrated. At the time (July 29, 1878), his household consisted of his aged wife, over
seventy-six years of age, a female servant, sixty years old, and himself, about eighty.
The old gentleman and lady slept down stairs and were awake at the time the robbers ef-
fected an entrance, who bound him and his servant with a cord from the bed, after beat-
ing Mr. Beltzhoover with a club until his head was cut open. The old lady, though
treated roughly, was not injured severely, and was forced to act as their guide. Bureau
drawers were ransacked and were " thrown on her feet so that the nails came off her
toes," and their contents scattered on the floor; the house was thoroughly searched for
about two hours and over |100 in silver coin and greenbacks secured. The alarm was
given by the servant, who worked herself loose and made her escape while the robbers
were in the house, and saved the house from Are and probably the lives of the aged couple,
by bringing timely assistance. Word was sent to all the different places In the county
and a reward of $100 offered for their arrest. Constables Johnston and AJtland, of Dills-
burg, got on their trail the morning after the robbery and tracked them to a barn about
six miles below Dillsburg, where they were secreted in a hay-mow. On going in one en-
tered on his toes and the other on his heels. In the morning the constables searched the
hay-mow but failed to find them, but in the evening the barn was again visited, and on
hearing a slight noise in the mow they proceeded to the spot and probed with a pitch-
fork, when one of them said he would come out. Two rough looking men crawled from
their hiding place, and were immediately taken before Mr. and Mrs. Beltzhoover, who
identified them as being the party who twenty-four hours before had disturbed their ciuiet
home by cowardly ill-treating and robbing them. J. C. Lehman, Esq., of Boiling Springs,
before whom they were next taken, then committed them to j ail. One of the men came
from Pottsville and the other from Harrisburg, and their names were John Lemon and
John Myers, both of whom were recognized by the jail officials as tramps, both being
young men not over twenty-one years of age, heavy set, but not tall. On being searched
the money taken from Mrs. Beltzhoover was recovered, also a watch and chain, two re-
volvers and a razor. The money was equally divided between them. Mr. Beltzhoover
paid the reward at once. The prisoners were sent to the penitentiary. Mr. Beltzhoover
lived to be nearly eighty -four years of age, considered one of the best citizens of the county,
and always contributed largely of his means to build up the township. George Beltz-
hoover, son of the above, was born in Monroe Township, this county, in 1823, on his
grandfather's farm. He married, in 1846, Miss Maria C. Niesley, of this county, daughter
of Jacob Niesley, and this union was blessed with six children: Mary E., John A., Mar-
garet A., Maria C, Clara E. and Monroe C. Mr. and Mrs. George Beltzhoover are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican.
JOSEPH BERKHEIMER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in York County,
Penn., July 14, 1833. His grandfather, Valentine Berkheimer, was born in same county,
and was a fuller by trade. He married Elizabeth Lauchs, of York County, and had eight
children: John, Samuel, Henry, George, Andrew, Elizabeth, Catharine and Leah. He
was a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics, a strong Democrat. John Berkheimer,
our subject's father, a shoemaker by trade, was also born in York County in 1803; wag
married to Miss Lydia, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Sifert) Sloth ower. To this union
were born the following children: Joseph, Henry, Catharine, Susan, Elizabeth, Leah
and Rebecca. He was a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics, a Democrat. He
MONROE TOWNSHIP. 507
■was honest and industrious, a kind father and husband, and died in his seventy-sixth year.
Our subject, who learned carpentering, came in 1851 to this oounty, and followed his
trade. In 1853 he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Jacob and Fannie (Musserl
Eckert. This union has been blessed with seven children : John, Agnes, Alice, Joseph, Mar-
garet, Jacob and George. Subject and wife are members of the German Reformed Church.
In 1883 he moved with his family to his present residence. Politically, like his father, Mr.
Berkheimer is a Democrat. In 1864 he enlisted at Carlisle in Company F, Two Hundred
and Ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for one year; went with his
company to Baltimore; and thence to City Point; from there to Point of Rocks, where a
severe battle was fought; thirteen were killed or taken prisoners from Company F alone.
Mr. Berkheimer was in another battle at Mead's Station, where the regiment suffered
severely. Company F losing fourteen men — seven killed and seven taken prisoners — includ-
ing Henry Lee, of Carlisle, who was badly wounded. The war closing, Mr. Berkheimer
returned to Harrisburg, where he was mustered out in 1865. When he went to war Mr.
Berkheimer left a family consisting of his wife and five small children, who may now
point with pride to their father's record as a soldier. Mrs. Berkheimer's great-grand-
father Eckert came from Germany when a young man, and settled in York County, Penn.,
over a hundred years ago, and followed the business of a real estate dealer, but subse-
quently moved to Lancaster County, Penn., and there died. Of his four children, two
were sons: Michael and Philip. Michael was born in York County, a wagonmaker by
trade; married Catharine Young, of York County, and had the following named children:
Henry, John, Jacob (father of Mrs. Berkheimer), George, Henry, Mary and Elizabeth.
Michael Eckert was a member of the German Reformed Church, a sober, industrious man,
always attentive .to his business. Jacob Eckert was born in York County in 1803; learned
wagon-making; married Miss Fanny Mercer, of York County, and had a family of six
children: Michael, John, Joseph, Catharine (Mrs. Berkheimer), Susan and Fannie. In,
1838 Mr. Eckert moved to this county, and in 1878 to his present farm, and is now a ven-
erable gentleman, who has lived an honorable and valuable life.
GEORGE M. BRANDT, manufacturer and postmaster, Brandtsville. Martain Brandt,
the great-grandfather, who emigrated from Hummelstown, Dauphin Co., Penn., to Cum-
berland County, Penn., in 1773, built a stone house in 1776, a barn in 1777, and a large man-
sion in 1779. " The two houses are in good condition to-day, and are now owned by
Henry Hesey. He was a large land-holder, owning about 1,000 acres of land. He had
six children: Catherine, Martain, Betzy, Adam, David and Henrietta. Martain Brandt,
Sr., departed this life March 26, 1835, aged eighty-five years, five months and fifteen days.
Barbra Brandt, wife of Martain Brandt, departed this life February 26, 1855, aged seventy-
nine years, eleven months and sixteen days. Martain Brandt, Jr., grandfather of Geo. M.
Brandt, was born on the homestead, in this township, inherited from his father and which
has been in the family since 1773. He was also a manufacturer, and built a saw-mill and a
clover-mill. He married Miss Catherine Beltzhoover, of this county, October 16, 1810,
who bore him six children; Rachel, Michael G., Samuel, George, Henry and Sarah. He
met his death by an accident, caused by a runaway team, and died July 24, 1833, in his
forty-ninth year. His widow lived to be eighty-four, and was remarkably well and
active up to her last day. Michael G., the oldest son of this couple, born in the old
homestead August 23, 1816, was a farmer and manufacturer, carrying on the business of
his father. He married, April 5, 1846, Miss Eleanor, daughter of Jacob Emmett, of York,
York Co., Penn., and to this union were born seven children: Henrietta E., George
M., Jennie M., Jacob E., Samuel H., Lydia E. and Annie K. He erected the homestead,
workhouse, and, in fact, most of the buildings on the property. He manufactured both
red and yellow ocher and lumber. He was a very prominent man, and did a large busi-
ness in iron ore and other enterprises, among which was buying and selling" stock. He
and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he was a Republican. He
was a liberal man and did a great deal for the poor, and some of the neighbors depended
on him for any aid they might require, and he acted as bondsman for many men. When
the railroad was built through Brandtsville, he assisted the enterprise in every way. He
is well remembered for his mild and pleasant ways and honorable dealings. George M.
Brandt, our subject, was born on the old homestead July 3, 1848, and passed his early
days assisting his father. June 20, 1873, he married Miss Mary C. Lehman, of this
county and to this union were born seven children: Bertha G., Ellen E., Eva R., Laura
E., Mary C, Michael E. and Marcy G. Mr. Brandt lives with his large family on the old
homestead, and on land which has been in the family for 113 years. He carries on the
manufacture of lumber and red and yellow ocher, and conducts a coal yard and ware-
house besides two farms. He is postmaster of Brandtsville. In politics he is a Republican.
He is a man of most excellent reputation and standing as a business man.
DAVID L. CLARK, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, Penn. The family originated in
England. John Clark, the grandfather of David L., was born there in 1727, and came to
America when a young man; he married in this county, and became the father of seven
children four sons: John, Thomas, James and William, and three daughters. John
Clark Sr. entered 300 acres of land, and built the first flouring-mill in this county on the-
508 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Yellow Breeches Creek; lived to be nearly seventy-nine years old, and was greatly re-
spected for his sterliiiff worth. William Clarli, the father of our subject, was born in
Cumberland County, Penn., October 13, 1768; married Sarah Lamb, March 5, 1798, and
had eleven children — nine sons and two dauo;hters. He inherited half of his father's prop-
erty (150 acres of land and the mill), and was a prominent man in the community, serving
as justice of the peace for more than twenty years. One of his sons, Richey Claris, or
Dillsburg, Penn., inherited 72 acres of the original tract, and which has thus remained in
the Clark family for more than 140 years. David L. Clark, the present representative of
the family in this county, was born June 13, 1808. on the banks of the Yellow Breeches
Creek, at Clark's mill, this county. He married Elizabi-th Mumper May 1, 1828, and to
this union were born four sous and four daughters: William, John, Andrew A., David R.,
Sarah A., Margaret J., Hannah C. and Mary E. — all living but one that died in infancy.
Our subject lived one year at the mill after marriage, and then began farming on his
father's farm, near Mechanicsburg, where h<i remained eighteen years, and at his father's
^eath the farm bet-ame his l)y inheritance. 'He has resided, in all, thirty four years on this
one farm. In 1862 he built his present residence at the Trindle road. Mr. Clark has
been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for nearly fifty years, an elder in it
for the past twenty-five years, and is now the oldest male member of the Mechanicsburg
Church. Never an office seeker, he has held some minor offices, being a strong Repub-
lican in a Democratic county. That Mr. Clark has always been true to his convictions,
and had full faith in the Government in the dark days of its trials in 1863, is shown by the
fact that though while he was building his present substantial brick residence the great
battle of Gettysburg was being fought about 25 miles away, yet he continued his building
at the lime of Gen. Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania.
CYRUS DORNBACH, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The Dornbach family is of
German origin, and came to this country at a period long antedating the Revolutionary
■war. The great-grandfather of our subject was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and was
the first of the name of whom we hwve any record. George Dornbach (grandfather of
Cyrus) was also born in Lancaster County, Penn., married Mary Brenicer, of the same
county, and had the following children: John, Jacob. Elizabeth, Annie, Catharine and
Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. George Dornbach were members of the German Baptist Church.
Their son, John, was born on his father's farm, in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1799; was
a miller by trade. In 1829 he married Miss Sarah Mohler, of same county, and this union
was blessed with two children: Levi M. and Cyrus. In 1833 John Dornbach removed
with his family to this county, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Cyrus. He
was a German Baptist, as was also his wife. In politics he was a strong Republican. He
was a thorough-going business man, honest and upright in all his dealings, and at his
death owed no man a dollar. He was universally respected by his friends and neighbors,
being a kind hearted, generous man. Cyrus Dornbacli, Jr., was born on his father's farm,
in this county, in 1835. and has passed bis entire life on the same land. In 1861 he married
Miss Sarah Mater, of this county, and to them were born Ulysses G., John V., Alice S.,
Sarah M., Cora E.. Mabel D., Noah and Rosa C. Mrs. Dornbach is a member of the
United Brethren Church. Cyrus Dornbach is a Republican in politics.
CHRISTIAN FULMER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. Christian Pulmer, the grand-
father of our subject, was born near Strasburg, Germany. He was the father of two sons:
Christian and one who was killed in the French Army under Napoleon lionaparte in the
war for religious freedom which was waged against the Pope of Rome. Christian Ful-
mer was born in 1791; married Sarah Peifer and had six children: Elizabeth, Christian,
Charles. George, Barbara and Leah. About 1830 he moved to this country with his family,
the mother wishing her sons to escape the rigid military regulation of that country, where
all males of proper age are subject to enrolment. The family landed in Baltimore, and,
finding relatives, came by their advice to Mechanicsburg. this county, where Mr. Fulmer
found work at his trade. He later removed to Pittsburgh, Penn., remaining but a short
time, however. He died March 19, 1843. He was a very pious man, a member of the
Lutheran Church. Christian Fulraer, our subject, was born, (as was his father before him)
near Strasburg, Germany, and came to this country with the family when a lad of eleven
years. He underwent great privations when young, and could go to school Imt little.
His father being sick and very poor, young Christian early began to assist the family by
hard work and perseverance, helping his parents greatly until their death. Among our
subject's earliest remembrances is the time when he was with the other children at his
mother's knee, listening to the lessons taught by Christ in the New Testament. Mr, Fulmer
greatly reveres his mother's name, for it wasslie who taught him the principles of honesty,
saying that "An honest heart will prevail." In early life our subject learned the trade of
carpenter. In 1844 he married Miss Catharine Myers, and to them were born four children:
Edmond, Christian, Susan and Catiiarine. .After marriage Mr. Fulmer lived a short time in
Mechanicsburg and then moved to his present residence. At that time the farm was
small, but, by diligence, hard work and economy, more land was gradually bought and the
farm increased. He is a man wlio loves honesty and carefulness, and teaches his children
the principles of truth and uprightness. His son Edmond married Miss Mary Plough,
MONROE TOWNSHIP. 509
of this county, and has two children: Mary A. and Sarah S. His daughter Susan married
John Warner, of this county, and has two children: F. Christian and Blanche. Mr. Ful-
mer is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is a very religious man. He has had many
sorrows, but puts his trust in Him who doeth all things well for his final reward.
JOHN B. GARVBR, German Baptist minister, P. O. Allen, is a grandson of Benja-
min Garver, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., about the year 1771, his ancestors
having emigrated from Germany at an early date. Benjamin Garver was a farmer and land-
holder, and moved from Lancaster to Franklin County, Penn., at an early date, where the
following named children were born: John, Daniel, Samuel, Benjamin, Joseph, Susan and
Sarah. He lived to be sixty-five years of age. His son Benjamin, father of our subject,
was born in 1810 in Franklin County, Penn., and began life for himself as a teamster. In
1836 he married, and in 1837 bought a farm in Franklin County, Penn. He was the father
of eleven children: Elizabeth, John B., David, Levi, Benjamin, Samuel, Daniel, Christian,
Amanda, William and Abraham. Benjamin Garver moved to Huntingdon County, Penn.,
in 1831; was a member of the German Baptist Church. He was a sober, industrious man,
noted for his energy and honesty. John B., our subject, was born October 11, 1840, on
his father's farm in Franklin County, Penn. He received his education in the common
schools and at the academy at Shirleysburg, Penn. At the age of twenty-two, becoming
interested in religion, he joined the German Baptist Church. The next year he was elected
minister by the congregation. He began preaching immediately in Huntingdon County,
Penn. In 1863 he married Miss Sarah S., daughter of Samuel Loutz, of Huntingdon
County, Penn. To them were born two children : Ira A. and Loretta A. In 1870 his wife
died, and in 1873 he married Miss Sarah D., daughter of George and Sarah (Baker) Brin-
dle, of Cumberland County, and by her he has two children: Lizzie B. and Paulina E.
In 1875 Mr. Garver moved to this county and began preaching. He and his wife are
beloved by their congregation and the people for their Christian worth and high charac-
ter. Mrs. Garver is a member of one of the oldest families in Monroe Township, her
great-grandfather emigrating from Germany years ago. and was subsequently drowned
while crossing the ocean, on a visit. George Brindle (Mrs. Garver's grandfather) was born
in Cumberland County, Penn., and was a farmer, land-holder and distiller in Monroe
Township. He married Elizabeth Bricker, of this county, by whom he had six children:
John, George, Peter, Solomon, Elizabeth and Susan. He was a member of the German
Reformed Church. George Brindle (father of Mrs. Garver) was born in this township in
1796; married Sarah Baker, daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Keller) Baker, of Lancaster
County, Penn., by whom he had seven children: Cyrus, Elizabeth, Amos, Barbara,
Rebecca, George and Sarah D. (twins). Mr. George Brindle was a very prosperous man,
a member of the State Legislature, and held other offices of trust. He was administrator
of a number of estates and guardian of several families of children. He lived to the patri-
archal age of eighty-five, respected by all, and his death was deeply lamented by hia
many friends.
JOHN HERTZLER, farmer, P. O. Allen. The grandfather of the subject of our
sketch, a farmer during his lifetime, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1778. and
married Miss Mary Brubaker, of same county, by whom he had nine children: Annie,
Jacob, Mary, Christian, Elizabeth, John, Barbara, Abraham and Rudolph. He was a
respected member of the Mennonite Church. Abraham, the father of our subject, was
born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1812, and passed his early life on his father's farm.
In 1837 he married Miss Mary Bender, of Lancaster County, Penn. To this union were
born nine children: Rudolph, Christian, Michael, Charles, John, Elizabeth, Daniel, Mary
and Amos.' Abraham Hertzler moved to Cumberland County in 1853, and is now a vener-
able gentleman, the snows of many winters having whitened his hair and beard. He is a
devout Christian and a member of the Mennonite Church. John Hertzler, our subject,
was also born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1846, and came to this county with his
father when a boy. In 1876 he married Miss Martha Bowman, of York County, Penn.,
daughter of Christian and Susan Bowman, parents of the following children: John, Jacob,
Calvin. Samuel, Martha and Jane. Mr. Bowman is a member of the German Reformed
Church, and is still living in York County at the age of seventy-five years. Mr. and Mrs.
John Hertzler have two children; Earle B. and Elva Margaret. Mrs. Hertzler is a member
of the German Reformed Church. In politics our subject is a Republican. By his
unaided efforts he has accumulated enough to buy a good homestead, pleasantly situated.
Mr. Hertzler holds to the principles taught him by his father— honesty, industry and care-
fulness. His children may well be proud of these traits in the family character.
JACOB M. HERTZLER, farmer, P. O. Allen, is a grandson of Hertzler, who
was born in this country, and came to Lancaster County, Penn., when a young -man, set-
tling on a farm; he was the father of six children. Christian Hertzler. his son, born in
Lancaster County, Penn., in 1806, was a farmer by occupation; married Miss Barbara
Myers and to this union were born eight children: Abraham, Mary, Christian, Samuel,
Ellas, Barbara, Jacob M. and Benjamin, all now living, except Abraham. Christian
Hertzler moved to this county in 1839, and bought a farm in Monroe Township, which
is now owned by his son Elias. Mr. and Mrs. Christian Hertzler were members of the
36
510 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Mennonite Church. In politics he was a Republican. He was a kind, pleasant man,
governing his family more by love than fear, and was known for his honesty, industry
and generosity to the poor. He died in this county in his sixty-seventh year. Jacob M.
Hertzler, his son, was horn in this county in 1848, and received such education as the
Eublic school then afforded. In 1873 he married Miss Emma, daughter of George Beltz-
oover, of this county, and the union was blessed with four children; Barbara R., James
W., Emma L. and Jacob B. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler are members of the Lutheran Church,
in which he has served as deacon three years. He renders all the assistance in his power
to his church and the cause of Christ.
ELIAS HERTZLER, farmer, P. 0. Williams Mill. The founder of thi.9 family came
to this county from Germany at early day. The great-grandfather was born in Lancaster
County, Penn., on a farm. Christian Hertzler, the father of our subject, was born in
Lancaster County, Penn., in 1806, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Miss
Barbara Myers, and to this union were born eight children: Abraham, Mary, Christian,
Samuel, Ellas, Barbara, Jacob and Benjamin. Christian Hertzler moved to this county
in 1837, and bought a farm in Monroe Township, which is now owned by his son Elias.
Mr. Hertzler and wife were earnest members of the Mennonite Church; he was an ener-
getic and upright man, accumulated a good deal of property, and gave each of sons a
good farm. BUas Hertzler was born on the old homestead in 1837, and has spent his en-
tire life on the old farm. In 1865 he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Jacob Lehman,
of this county. This union was blessed with seven children: Clara Agnes, Sarah Jane,
Albert Alcidor, David Lehman, Catharine Barbara, Alice Gertrude and Edna. Mr. and
Mrs. Hertzler are members of the Mennonite Church. They met with a sad misfortune in
the death of three of their children in the fall of 1884, by diphtheria, in the short space of
a few weeks. This great affliction caused great sadness to their hearts, but, with trust in
Him who doeth all things well, they have borne their great burden with Christian pa-
tience and resignation.
E. J. HOOVER, druggist and farmer, P. O. Williams Mill. The great-great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch came to this country a great many years ago, and set-
tled in Dauphin County, Penn. His son Christian Hoover was born in Dauphin County,
married Susan Spidle, of Cumberland County, and had six children: John P. D., Chris-
tian, David, Elizabeth, Catharine and Susan. Christian Hoover and his wife were mein-
bers of the Lutheran Church. They first settled in Cumberland County, but later moved to
Franklin County, where Mr. Hoover died at fifty years of age. John P. D., one of the
sons of this couple, was born in Dauphin County, Penn., in 1789; married Hester Myers,
and had six children who attained maturity : Henry, Elizabeth, John, Mandilla, George
and Christian. John P. D. Hoover was a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics he
was' a Democrat. John Hoover, the son of J. P. D. Hoover, was born in Franklin County
Penn., in 1815; married Eliza Yessler, of Lancaster County, Penn., and this union was
blessed with two children: Susanna and Elijah J. He is aRepublican in politics. Elijah
J. Hoover was horn in 1844, in this county, learned the profession of druggist, and when
Abraham Lincoln made his first call for 800,000 men, was among those who responded,
enlisting, August 8, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry. This was the original company raised by Col. H. I. Zinn. He was in the bat-
tles of Antietam and Fredericksburg (where Col. Zinn was killed) and Chancellorsville.
He was mustered out in May 21, 1863. He re-enlisted January 4, 1864, as a veteran, in the
Third Pennsylvania Artillery, and was stationed at Fortress Monroe. Here he was de-
tached from his company and was put on the medical staff and served as acting steward in
fort dispensary, Fortress Monroe, and prison hospital. Newport News, and in medical
purveyor's office. Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Richmond, Va. He^vas
mustered out by special order, November 14, 1865. He then served under chief medical
oflBcer of B. R. F. & A. L. State of Virginia. He served until July, 1866. Returning
home he married, in 1868, Miss Martha Crist, of this county. To them were born two
children: Anna O. and Lizzie R. Mr. Hoover had the misfortune to lose his wife in 1873,
and in 1877 he married Miss Kate Stambaugh, of this county, and commenced farming.
He is a member of Post 415, G. A. R. He is a member of the German Reformed Church;
in politics a Republican. Few men in this county have such a record as Mr. Hoover, and
he justly deserves a place in its history for his patriotism.
JOHN HUTTON, farmer, P. O. Williams Mill. The Hutton family is of German
origin. The great-grandfather, a farmer, lived in York County, Penn.; his son, John,
who was born in that county was the father of four children: Elija, Jacob, John and
Eliza. Jacob, the second son (father of our subject), was horn in York County, Penn.,
in 1813, and was a farmer; in 1840 he married Miss Jane Strominger, and to this union
were born eight children: Rachael A., Andrew, Jacob, Daniel, Lucinda, John, Alice J.
and Paris. Jacob Hutton, Sr., was a Democrat in politics until the war, when he became
a Republican. He has always remained at home, and, although living within six miles of
a railroad, never rode on a train until about four years ago, when he took a short trip
with his son. He is a man of great will power and stern determination, and is much re-
spected in the community in which he lives, an upright and temperate man. Our sub-
MONROE TOWNSHIP. 511
ject was born in York County, Penn., in 1851, and passed his early life on his father's
farm. At the age of fourteen, he became patriotic, and would have enlisted if not pre-
vented by his father on account of his youth. At the age of eighteen young Hutton and
two companions were stricken with the California fever. He toolt French leave, well
knowing that his father would oppose the project, and with a few cents in his pocket man-
aged, by working among the farmers, to get as far as Columbus, Ohio. He went thence to
Burlington, Iowa, but becoming tired of his own daring, returned home, after an absence
of nearly a year, but, unlike the prodigal son, came back in good health, well dressed and
supplied with money. In 1876, he married Miss Catharine E. fieiff, of this county, daughter
of John K. EeifE, and a descendant of a very old family, of German origin. The great-
grandfather, Henry Eeiff, who came to York County from Lancaster County, Penn., and
formerly from Germany, was the father of two sons: Daniel and Henry (the latter the
grandfather of Mrs. Hutton), and tradition says brought a stocking full of gold, with which
to buy the property, now the old homestead, originally comprising 300 acres of fine tim-
ber land. Henry ReifE (grandfather of Mrs. Hutton) married Catharine Kilmore, of York
County, Penn., and over fifty years ago built the mill now called "Williams' Mill and the
buildings on the old homestead. John K., the father of Mrs. Hutton, was also born ia
York County, and came to this county with his father, married Catharine Dick, of York,
York County, and had three children: John H., Catharine E. and Frances M. D. John
K. ReifE was a member of the German Reformed Church, and died January 3, 1874, when
forty-seven years old. When Gen. Lee's army invaded Pennsylvania, a detachment of
troops took breakfast at the old homestead; they were polite, paid for their entertainment
with Confederate scrip, and were very gallant to the ladies, giving them as mementoes;
buttons cut from their uniforms. This is the third generation which has lived in the old
residence inherited from her father by Mrs. Hutton and conveyed by her to her husband.
Mr. Hutton has been quite an extensive traveler, visiting sixteen States, Washington and
the Gulf of Mexico, Luray caverns. Natural Bridge, Va., Mount Vernon, etc. He is a Re-
publican in politics, a member of the State Grange, and one of the managing committee of
the Granger's Picnic Exhibition, which is annually held at Williams' Grove, this county.
He comes of a large and robust race, stands six feet and two inches in height, and
weighs 310 pounds, the picture of stalwart manhood.
G. W. LEipiGH, farmer, P. 0., Allen. The founder of this family came from Ger-
many to America long before the war of the Revolution. Adam Leidigh, the first of the
name of whom there is any record, bought land in Monroe Township, this county, in
1791; he was a farmer and manufacturer. In politics he was an old line Whig; in relig-
ion a member of the Lutheran Church. By industry, he accumulated a handsome prop-
erty, and gave each of his sons a farm. He was the father of four sons: David, George,
Jacob and John. He was a prominent man in the community, and trustee for at least one
estate. From all that can be learned of him, he was a good business man and honorable in
all his dealings. Jacob Leidigh, his second son, was born in Cumberland County, Penn.,
January 15, 1788; was a farmer all his life, inheriting his land from his father. He mar-
ried Miss Sarah, daughter of Michael Leidigh, of this county, January 14, 1821 (she was of
no blood relationship) and to this union were born five children; Mary A., Sarah, Catha-
rine, George and Samuel. Mr. Leidigh was a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics,
an old line Whig; he died August 18, 1833. His widow, who lived for many years, after-
ward married Henry Gross, of this coun^, by whom she had one daughter: Eliza A.
Mrs. Leidigh died in her eighty-first year. G. W. Leidigh was born in this county July 13,
1828, and, his father dying when he was only five years old, John Brindle became his
fuardian. At twenty he learned the miller's trade of Jacob Goodyear, his brother-in-law.
n 1851, he married Miss Mahala, daughter of John Beltzhoover, of this county, and this
union was blessed with three sons: John B. (married to Miss Mattie A. Bowers, daughter
of Jere Bowers, of this county), George M. (married to Gertie R., daughter of L. V.
Moore, of this county), and Harry M., an attorney. In 1881, our subject bought the Junc-
tion Flouring Mill, one of the oldest on Yellow Breeches Creek, being built in the last
century, rebuilt in 1828, and again rebuilt by Mr. Leidigh, in 1865. The structure bids
fair to stand for many years to come. Mr. Leidigh has followed the business of a miller
for thirty-three years on the same creek, and for thirty-five in the old mill which he now
owns, and this makes him the oldest miller on Yellow Breeches Creek. During the war
of the Rebellion, when Gen. Ewell was stationed at Carlisle, a picket line was formed near
Mr. Leidigh's residence, and Gen. Ewell sent him a very stern order to the effect that if
any goods were smuggled or removed from the mill, he would burn the building to ashes.
It is singular that although the neighbors, who were more or less remote, were plundered,
not a single thing was taken from Mr. Leidigh's premises. Mr. and Mrs. Leidigh are
members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a hale, stalwart
man, wearing his years lightly. Has done a large milling business— probably more than
any other miller on the creek. He still continues active labor and lives in the same town-
ship where he was born and reared. Jt *u j: 1,- .
GEORGE B. LUTZ, farmer, P. O. Allen. The great-grandfather of our subject was
born in Switzerland, and immigrated to this country, on account of religious persecutions.
512 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
about the year 1772, and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. George Lutz, his son, was
born on board ship, while on the passage to this country. He early learned the wagon-
maker's trade, and came to this county about 1790, and began the business which his son
and grandson have since followed, in the same shop, for nearly one hundred years.
George Lutz married Miss Wolf, of this county, and to this union were born nine chil-
dren: Samuel, George, Baltzer, John, Henry, Philip, Catharine, Mary and Rosanna. He
was a member of the German Reformed Church, an old-line Whig, and lived to the patri-
arclial age of eighty-eight years. He was a remarkably hale and hearty man in his old
age, and retained his full vigor to his last day. He was respected by all who knew him.
John Lutz, his son, born in this county, followed the trade of his father. He married
Catharine Miller in 1830, and had ten children: Samuel W., Henrietta B., William H.,
Catharine, Emeline, Mary, John, George B., Chester C. and Myra. John Lutz was a
member of the German Reformed Church; in politics a Republican. It could well be said
of him that his word was as good as his bond. He was a good financier and, although
money came slowly in his day, he accumulated a handsome property. George B. Lutz
was born in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1848, and learned his father's trade, which he
now follows. In 1868 he married Miss Sarah, daughter of Henry Brecbill. of this county.
This union was blessed with five children: Cora K., John C, George O., Franklin B. and
Edna Q. By energy and industry our subject has accumulated a fine property, largely
increasing the business left him by his father. He is a practical mechanic and under-
stands every detail of his business. He can make, with his own hands, every part of a
buggy, including the wood- work, trimming and iron- work. He is a prompt, reliable
business man; in politics a strong Republican.
JACOB M. NIESLEY was born m Monroe Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., in the
year 1851. He was married, in the fall of 1872, to Mary E. Pressel, of the same township.
Having been reared a farmer, he followed this occupation for several years, when, on ac-
count of ill health, he left the farm and turned his attention to clerking, moving to
Churchtown and working for his uncle, George Brindle, in Boiling Springs, in whose em-
ploy he remained several years. He then clerked for J. Frank Moist, in Churchtown, in
J. N. Plank's building, and now in the same store, with A. G. Burtner as proprietor.
He now fills the important office of director of schools in his native town, following in
the footsteps of his grandfather, George Brindle, who once helped to direct the aflEairs of
the State, as Legislator, in 1843-44.
GEORGE O'HARA, farmer and teacher, P. O. Allen. Stephen O'Hara, the grand-
father of our subject, immigrated to this country and settled in Philadelphia, Penn.,
many years ago. He married a Miss Fruger, of Lancaster County, Penn., and was the
father of five children, the sons being James and Henry. James O'Hara, son of the above
and father of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, Pe'nn., October 15, 1799. He went with
his mother to Churchtown, Lancaster Co., Penn., after the death of his father, which oc-
curred when James was very young. He passed his early life on a farm and always fol-
lowed that occupation. About the year 1830 he married Miss Anna M., daughter of
George and Elizabeth Youndt, who were descended from the first settlers of Ephratah,
Lancaster Co., Penn. The original deeds to their lands bear the signature of one of the
Penns. They had six children: Leah, George, Jessie, Henry, Charles and Anna. Mrs.
O'Hara is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is still living at the advanced age of
«ighty-two. Mr. O'Hara was a strong supporter of the Republican party, making political
speeches on many occasions. He was a well-read man, although lie acquired his educa-
tion in the common schools and by his own unaided efforts. In 1857 he moved to Cum-
• berland County, Penn., and purchased land. He died at the age of seventy-six years. He
was generally respected as an honorable business man. He biought up his family to be-
lieve and practice the principles of truth and justice. George O'Hara, our subject, was
born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1835; passed his early life on the farm of his father,
and when about eighteen year of age began teaching school, and taught continuously for
twenty-five winters, following farming during the summer. His education was gained at
"White Hall Academy and Mount Pleasant College. In 1869 he married Miss Anna C. Ja-
cobs, of Cumberland County, and their union was blessed with five children: James,
Mary, Horace, Stuart and Charles. In 1880 he bought his present farm and residence.
Mr. and Mrs. O'Hara are members of the Lutheran Church, Politically he is a Repub-
lican. He is very much interested in the temperance question, took an active part in favor
of local option, and now votes the Prohibition ticket. Mr. O'Hara frequently made
addresses in the temperance cause, which he firmly believes will ultimately prevail.
DAVID K. PAUL, farmer, P. O. Allen, was born in this county in 1840. His father,
Henry Paul, was born in York County, and in the course of time learned the miller's
trade; he married Rachael Heikes, of Cumberland County, Penn., and to this union were
born six children: Catharine, John. David K., Henrietta, Anna and Emma. In politics
he was an old line Whig, but afterward a Republican. He was a man of mild disposition,
and while strict in his family was always kind and generous. Prompt in all his business
dealings, he had the confidence of all who knew him. It could truly be said of him that
his word was as good as his bond. He was a man of few words, and not given to idle
MONROE TOWNSHIP. 513
talk. He died, aged seventy-six years, after accumulating a handsome property, wliicli he
left to his children, one of whom now owns the original homestead. David K. Paul
passed his early life with his father. He married Jliss Lucy Stricliler, of Cumberland
County, daughter of Joseph Strickler, and to this union were born five children, all living:
Cora E., wife of William Givler, of this county; Emma N., Ida R., Henry S. and J.
Frank. Mr. Paul is a Republican in politics. In 1876 he bought his present homestead,
which is pleasantly situated, and the buildings are substantial structures, bidding fair to
last for many generations. Mr. Paul is regarded as a careful, honorable man by the com-
munity.
JACOB PLANK, the veteran plow-maker, was born within four miles of Reamstown,
in the northeastern part of Lancaster County, October 15, 1792. Here his father, Nicholas
Plank, who was one of five brothers and four sisters, was possessed of a small tract of
land, thirty acres in extent, and followed the occupation of a weaver. His grandfather
came from Switzerland. When Jacob was in his fifteenth year his father died at the age
of forty-five years. In 1809 Jacob engaged himself with Fred Gerhart to learn the busi-
ness of wheelwright or wagon-making. He set in on his apprenticeship on Christmas
day, 1809. In the summer of 1810 Mr. Gerhart sold his property in Lancaster County,
and moved to Cumberland County, which then bore the same relation to Lancaster County
as the far West does to Pennsylvania now-a-days. Mr. Gerhart bought a property lying
along the road leading from Mechanicsburg to Williams' Grove, in the lower part of what
is now Monroe Township. Jacob Plank was induced to accompany Mr. Gerhart to Cum-
berland County by a promise that three months should be taken off his term of appren-
ticeship, making the term two years and three months. Mr. Gerhart, while yet in Lancaster
County, made old-fashioned wooden plows, and a Mr. Zeigler, a blacksmith, left the same
neighborhood in Lancaster County, and came to Cumberland a year prior to Mr. Gerhart's
coming, made known the fact that Mr. Gerhart, "a good plow-maker," was coming to set
up business near his (Zeigler's) shop. Mr. Gerhart brought with him, besides Mr. Plank,
a Mr. Burkholter, a journeyman, who assisted in making plows. After arriving, the de-
mand for plows was so great that Mr. Gerhart prevailed upon Mr. Plank to stop working
at wagon-making and assist at plow-making. In the spring of that year George Lutz, a
wagon-maker, who then lived a short distance west of where Churchtown now stands (the
same place at which George B. Lutz, son of John, and grandson of George Lutz, is ex-
tensively engaged in the business of manufacturing wagons and buggies, etc.), hearing
that Mr. Gerhart had brought some journeymen with him from Lancaster County, came
to see if he could not employ the services of some. Mr. Plank then had eleven months to
serve before his term of apprenticeship would expire, and consequently could not go, but
Mr. Lutz stipulated with him that he should go as soon as his apprenticeship was com-
pleted. The following April, 1813, he was free, and on Easter Monday he set out on foot
to find Mr. Lutz's workshops, passing what is now Churchtown, which at that time was a
place without a name, and consisted only of one house and a blacksmith shop, standing
where the hotel is situated, and a log house standing where the store property of John Nl
Plank, son of Jacob Plank, is at present situated. Mr. Plank helped to build another log
house in this same village. It was erected by Judge William Line, and two days were re-
quired for the raising of it. 'The time, however, was mostly occupied at playing "long
bullets," a game that was veiy popular in those early days, and consisted in casting a
bullet weighing a half or three-quarters of a pound, the man throwing it the farthest win-
ning the game. The first work that Mr. Plank engaged at with Mr. Lutz was to make a
a new wagon, for which he received the sum of $9. In the year 1813 he made his first
grain cradle without any instructions from any one, merely using another cradle for a
pattern, after improving it to some extent. He sold this cradle for $7, which was con-
sidered a big price. The year following he made two more, and the next year he made
four. He remained with George Lutz over three years, and left him July 4, 1815, to enter
the employ of Adam Stoneber^er, who lived eight miles above Carlisle, inPrankford Town-
ship. Mr. Stoneberger's business was principally that of making wagons, but he also
made wooden plows and grain cradles, and had Mr. Plank work at the latter. He worked
with Mr. Stoneberger until 1817, when he went to the south side of the county and worked
several months at plow-making for Mr. Adam Heensey, after which he returned to Mr.
Stoneberger's, and remained until February, 1818. He then went to Mount Rock, to work
for Mr. Samuel Spangler at plows, and remained until the following August. November
28, 1818, he married Mary Reifsnyder, whose parents lived on the State road, one mile east
ofNewville. 'The next day he rented a house with the privilege of erecting a house on
the property for his use. That same fall he built his shop, and in the spring of 1819
moved to his new home and engaged in the business of plow-making in his own name,
having made a reputation as a plow-maker for himself while with Mr. Spangler at Mount
Rock. He made 106 plows here, but remained only a year, as he bought a property, con-
taining 100 acres, near the ridge in South Middleton Township. Here he moved in the
spring of 1820, built a large shop, and carried on the business of plow-making extensively.
In 1835 he applied for a patent on bis invention of a plow, which was granted June 2,
1886, and upon it are to be found the autographs of Andrew Jackson, then President of
514 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the United States; Jchn Forsyth, Secretary of State; B. P. Butler, Attorney-General, and
as witnesses the names of William P. Elliott and John Goodyear, Jr., the latter being at
one time prothonotary of Cumberland County. This is a rare old document, and one
which he prized very highly, and in order that it might be cared for, a few weeks prior to
his death in 1879, he presented it to his grandson, A. W. Plank, the inventor of the cele-
brated Plank, Jr., plows. Mr. Plank continued in the plow business until 1844, when he
bought a farm in the lower end of Monroe Township. His son Samuel had a shop on
the same place; owned and carried on the business of wagon-making and plow-making.
Samuel Plank remained on the place until the year 1852, at which time he bought the
property in Churchtown, built a large shop, and carried on plow-making successfully until
1879, when he retired from active business. During the time he manufactured plows he
invented the Plank Shifting Beam Plow, which has plowed more acres in the Cumberland
Valley than any other plow manufactured in the State. He made other valuable improve-
ments in the plow, and retired from the business. He was succeeded by his son, A. W.
Plank, who continued to manufacture the shifting beam until he found it necessary to get
up a new plow, which he did on four different patents, each plow proving a success.
These plows are noted for being easily conducted and turning all kinds of soil. Jacob
Plank lived to be eighty-seven years old, and was highly successful, and was pleased to
see his son and grandson successful in their plows. It will be fifty years June 2, 1886,
since his plow was patented, and there are at this time many of the Plank Coulter Plows
in use in this county. No farming implement has ever gained a stronger and more lasting
reputation in the Cumberland Valley.
GEORGE W. PRESSEL, retired farmer. Boiling Springs. The great-grandfather of
the subject of this sketch, John Valentine Pressel, came from Prussia to America Septem-
ber 18, 1733, and settled in Lancaster County, Penn., but later moved to York County,
Penn. The grandfather of our subject was born in that county in 1766; married Miss
Mobler, of Cumberland County (whose family is one of the oldest and best in the county),
and to this union were born four children: Michael, John, Joseph and Susanna. Mr.
Pressel, a farmer and land-holder, accumulated considerable property which he left to his
children, and some of this land has remained in the family for more than a hundred years.
He was a member of the German Baptist Church, known as Dunkards. John Pressel, his
son, born in York County, Penn., November 29, 1798, in course of time became a farmer,
inheriting his land from his father. He married Miss Abigail, daughter of Valentine
Paup, of York County, Penn., who came from Wales about the year 1780, and seittled on
the south side of Conowago Creek; he was a weaver by occupation, a Quaker in faith, and
a very kind father and husband. By this union John Pressel has four children: Eliza J.,
George W., Lewis J. and Henry W. He was a Lutheran in religion and a Democrat
politically. He was a very hardworking, industrious man, and owned at least 400 acres of
land. After 1831 he passed his life on same farm. He was a kind husband and loving
father. He assisted his son to buy farms, and was noted for his honesty and morality.
He died September 29, 1883, at the patriarchal age of eighty-five years. His widow, who
is still living, is in her eightieth year. George W., son of John and Abigail Pressel, was
born in York County, Penn. , October 27, 1827, in the old homestead built by his grandfather.
August 30, 1849, he married Miss Eliza A. Reed, who died M&y 10, 1862, and to this union
were born three children : Samuel A. , a farmer; Mary E., and John La Fayette (died October
30, 1862). Mr. Pressel, the second year of his marriage, moved to his present farm and
homestead in this county. He was married, on second occasion, October 27, 1863, to Mrs.
Catharine (Corman) Huchinson, and this union was blessed with four children: George
Brinton McClellan (died October 1, 1870), Penrose W. M., Charles H. and Orrin A. Of
Mr. Pressel's children, Mary E. is the wife of Jacob M. Niesley, and Penrose W. M. is
teaching in South Middleton Township, this county. Charles H. and Orrin A. are going
to school. Mrs. Pressel is a member of the German Reformed Church. Our subject is a
well educated man and has taught school. Mr. Pressel intends giving his children good
education. He is a surveyor and has studied civil engineering; has filled many local offices
promptly ,ibut never desired them; has been on different committees, to draft constitutions
for Sabbath-schools, the "Northern Sunday-School" and the"MountZion Sunday-School"
at Churchtown. Since the late Rebellion of the South he is very independent in politics
and in religious views very strong in faith with the Friends or Quakers.
JOHN F. SENSEMAN, farmer, P. O. Williams Mill. The great-grandparents of our
subject were born in Germany, and his grandfather was born in Lancaster County, Penn.,
and worked at his trade, that of a miller, near Ephratah. He was the father of eight chil-
dren: John, Joseph, William, Samuel, Daniel, Rebecca L. and Hannah. Samuel, the
fourth son (father of our subject), was born in Ephratah, Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1796,
and in early life learned carpentering. He married Miss Elizabeth Haines, also a native
of Lancaster County, and ten children were born to them: Susan, Jeremiah, John. Harriet,
Lydia, Samuel, David, Adam, William and Sarah. Samuel Senseman, Sr., moved to this
county in 1828, and bought a farm in Silver Spring Township. He and his wife were
members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he was a Democrat. The confidence of the
people in his integrity and ability is shown in the fact that in settling many estates every
MONROE TOWNSHIP. 515
dollar was strictly accounted for and the estates wisely administered. John F. Senseman
was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1822; he came with his father to this county and
passed his early years on the farm. In his life he had many experiences, having traveled
a great deal through his native country, engaged in different mercantile pursuits. In
1854 he married Miss Mary L. Ilandis, of this county. He then began agriculture, near
Mechanicsburg, and remained thirty-two years on the same farm. To our subject and
wife were born five children: Charles, George W., Harry, Anna and David E. In 1878
Mr. Senseman traveled in Europe, visiting its principal cities and the Paris Exposition.
In 1885 he purchased his present homestead, which is pleasantly situated, with fine, sub-
stantial buildings. Mr. Senseman is a self-made man in every sense of the word, and has
secured his property by industry. His life is a good illustration of what can be attained
by energy and perseverance.
GEORGE "W. SOUDER, farmer, P. O. Allen. The great-grandfather of this gentle-
man oame from Germany at an early day, settling in Perry County, Penh., and there his
son George was born. He was an agriculturist, and his farm at Shermansdale is still
owned by a lineal descendant, having been in the Bonder family for more than a century.
He (grandfather of subject) was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; married a Miss
Sheivly, of Perry County, Penn., and was the parent of four sons: Jacob, Henry, John
and George. Of these John was born on the old homestead, in this county, in 1811. He,
too, was a farmer; he married, in 1837, Miss Sarah A. Penical, of Perry County, Penn.;
moved to Cumberland County in 1838; and to this union were born the following named
children: Geprge W., Susan, Margaret, Henry, Caroline, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Mary.
After marriage, in 1837, John Souder moved to Cumberland County and settled on a farm
in South Middleton Township. In 1850 he removed to Silver Spring Township, and
there (from 1859 to 1865) purchased four farms, comprising 500 acres. His first wife died,
and, in 1885, he married Mrs. Dunkeberger, of Perry County, Penn. He is now a hale,
strong man of seventy-four j^ears, and is well known for his great energy, perseverance
and industry. George W., his son, was born in Perry County, Penn., m 1838, and was
hrought to this county by his parents when an infant. He lived with his father on the
farm until twenty-four years of age, and greatly assisted him in accumulating property.
In 1862 George W. Souder married Miss Emma E. Shoop, of this county. This union
has been blessed with seven children: David L., Amy B., George O., Cora L., John V.,
Jacob J. and Bertie I. D. L. , the oldest son, a teacher by profession, acquired his education
in the common schools and at State normals. He has been teaching near Fortress Monroe,
Va. After marriage our subject farmed a farm owned by his father, where he remained
five years, when he bought a farm near Mechanicsburg, and there he lived thirteen years.
In 1881 he purchased his present farm and homestead, which is pleasantly situated near
Churchtown. Mr. and Mrs. Souder are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics
Mr. Souder is a Republican. The entire family is well known for respectability and worth.
GEORGE W. STROCK, farmer, P. O. Allen, was born in Cumberland County, Penn.,
in 1854. His great-grandfather came from Germany, when a young man, and settled near
Churchtown, Cumberland Co., Penn., and bought 300 acres of land. He was the father
of two children: Joseph and Jacob. The date of his coming to this county is lost, but
the second home that he built here has the date 1775. Jacob Strock, his son, born in the
old homestead, married Elizabeth Wire, of this county, and to this union were born nine
■children: Joseph, George, Jacob, David, John, Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel and Rebecca. Of
these, John was born in this county in 1823; learned the trade of saddler, and was a
farmer and land-holder. He married Elizabeth Stephenson, of this county, and to this
union were born six children: Clara K., Howard K., George W., Mary, Alice and Laura
A. Mr. and Mrs. Strock were members of the Winebrennerian Church. He was a Re-
publican in politics. George W. was born in this county in 1854. In 1880 he married
Miss Barbara A. Herman, of Churchtown, Penn., daughter of George T. B. and Barbara
{Brindle) Herman. Mr. Herman was for many years a merchant in Churchtown, but has
now retired from business. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is
a Democrat. Mr. Strock and wife have but one child, John Roy. In 1884 our subject
bought his present home, which is pleasantly situated near Churchtown. He and his
wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Republican.
JAMES WILLIAMS (bom October 28, 1775) was the youngest son of John Williams,
who immigrated to this country from England many years before the Revolutionary war.
John Williams married Mary Wilson, and settled on the Yellow Breeches Creek, on the
farm now owned by his grandson Abram. He was one of the earliest settlers in the Cum-
berland Valley. He became a large land owner, and was one of the good men of his day.
He had ten children. At his death, part of his land became vested in his three sons:
Abraham, David and James. His youngest son, James, succeeded him upon the old home-
stead. He, like his father, was a farmer by occupation. He was married August 25, 1808,
to Elizabeth Myers, and had eight children: David M., Mary, Catharine, John, Elizabeth,
James, Abram and Henry H. He was a man of strong convictions, dignified in appear-
ance, and noted for his kindliness, honor and charity, and never had a law-suit. He
lived to be eighty-two years of age. Some years before his death he divided a part of his
516 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
real-estate between his four surviving sons. Abram succeeded his father on the mansion-
farm. The Williams family have always settled their own business, and there has never
been a public sale on the mansion farm. In religion they have been Presbyterian, and
liberal and earnest supporters of their church. In politics they have been Democrats, but
■would never accept office.
THOMAS U. WILLIAMSON, farmer, P. O. Allen. The Williamsons were among
the very oldest settlers of this county, and are of the hardy Scotch-Irish stock, which first
settled in Silver Spring Township. The great-grandfather of our subject was the first of
this name to settle in Cumberland County, buying a large tract of land from the Indians,
for which he gave a web of cloth and |200. He was a Scotch Presbyterian. His son
Thomas was three years old at the time of the settlement, and at the death of his father
he inherited land and lived on the old homestead all of his life. Thomas Williamson
kept the tavern on the Trindle Spring Road near the west end of the township, for many
years. He married a Miss Anderson, of Silver Spring Township, this county, and had
three children: James, Samuel and Susan. Thomas Williamson's first wife died, and he
subsequently married a Miss Brown, of this county, by whom he had three children: Re-
becca, Elizabeth and Thomas. He was also a Presbyterian. Of his children, James was
born on the old homestead, and there lived nearly all his life. He married Miss Mary,
daughter of Thomas Ulric. of this county, who bore him one son: Thomas U. This wife
died, and he married Miss Catharine, daughter of Joseph Kanaga, of this county. To this
■union nine children were born: Susan R., Anna M., James A., John J., William S., Samuel
H., Catharine A., Blsetta J. and Rebecca E. In political opinions James Williamson was
a stanch Democrat. He held several township offices. He was colonel of a regiment at
the time of the old militia, and lived to the good old age of eighty years. Thomas U.,
his son, was born on the old homestead bought by his great-grandfather from the Indians.
In 1855, he married Miss Maria E., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Beltzhoover) Her-
man. This union has been blessed with eight children: Mary E., Thomas U., James W.,
Jennie L., C. Herman, Cora M., Lillie G. and Linda F. Mr. Williamson began farming
in South Middleton Township, where he remained twelve years, and then bought a por-
tion of the old tract owned by his great-grandfather, where he lived for seven years; then
moved to his present residence in Monroe Township. Our subject served for ten
months as a member of Company A, Fifty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer In-
fantry, under Col. D. B. McKibbir, and was honorably discharged at Chambersburg, Penn.,
August 10, 1863. Politically Mr. Williamson is a Democrat. He and his wife are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church.
JONAS B. ZIMMERMAN, farmer, P. O. Allen. The great-grandfather of the sub-
ject of our sketch came from Germany and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. He was
a Mennonite, and fled, with his family, from religious persecution, leaving everything, good
homes and wordly possessions, to come to the land of William Penn, for they had heard
that in Pennsylvania every man could worship God after his own conscience. These
peaceful men underwent terrible persecutions for Christ's sake, and fled to a wilderness
that they might beat peace with all men. Mr. Zimmerman hadfour sons: Peter, John,
Christian, and Jacob, a bishop. Of these, Peter was born in Lancaster County, Penn. ;
was a farmer and land-owner; married a Miss Martin, of the same county, and to this
union were born twelve children: Christian, Peter, Henry. Martin, Samuel, Mannol,
Esther, Mary, Judah, Barbara, Anna and Elizabeth. Peter Zimmerman was a deacon in
the Mennonite Church, in this county, to which he had come in 1814 with his family. He
was a very honorable man, and brought np his family in strict religious principles. In
disposition he was very cheerful and happy, of a very friendly nature. It is said of him
that he never turned a wayfarer from his doors. He left 300 aeres of land to his sons, all
of which is still in the Zimmerman family. The father of our subject was born in Lan-
caster County in 1810, and came to this county with his father when he was only four
years of age. In 1836, he married Miss Susannah Plough, of York County, daughter of
John and Susan Plough, and to this union ten children were born: Anna, Jonas, Sarah,
Mary, Samuel, Esther, Martin, Leah, John and Sarah. Mr. Zimmerman was ordained to
the ministry in 1861, and preached sixteen years, and in 1877 died of typhoid fever, He
was a farmer, a strong, hearty man and could endure a great amount of labor, and of
great frankness and gentleness of manner. The church of which he was preacher flourished,
and he made a great many converts to the cause of Christ, and his memory is yet green
among the people, for he was a peace-maker and possessed loving and gentle ways that
won their love and respect. Jonas B, Zimmerman was born in 1838, and remained with his
father until he was twenty-nine years of age. In 1867, he married Miss Annie, daughter
of Jacob and Mary Hege, of Franklin County, Penn. This union has been blessed with
seven children: Ira H., Annie M., Samuel J., Benjamin J., Jacob H., Susan E. andMartha
R. Mr. and Mrs. Jonas B. Zimmerman are members of the church of their fathers. Our
subject, in 1879, bought his present home. He was a member of the committee that built
the new Mennonite Church.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 517
CHAPTER LIIL
NEWTON TOWNSHIP.*
JONATHAN BARRICK, farmer, P. O. Newville, is descended on his grandfather's
side from an old resident of Perry County, Penn., and on his grandmother's side from an
Sf-ffl-^'!?- ^^ ^^- *-'°'^°ty family. George Barrick, the father of our subject, was born in
Mittlm lownship, this county, where he became a farmer, also carrying on weaving. His
■wife was Mary, daughter of Philip Heckman. They had nine children: Andrew, who-
married Rebecca Shover, living in Hopewell Township; Daniel, married to Elizabeth
Kobinson, living in Newton Township; George, married to Catharine Whistler, living in
Ohio; John, who died in Illinois; David L., married to Margaret Whistler; Jonathan;
Henry, married to Margaret Gilbert; Ellas, married to Elizabeth Failor; Elizabeth, who is
W^e wife_ of Isaac Hershey. David L., Henry, Elias and Elizabeth are living in Mifflia
Township. Jonathan, who is the sixth son, was born March 15, 1836, his father dying
before he was six years old. He lived out until his majority. April 5, 1857, he was mar-
ried to Nancy Whistler, of Mifflin Township, and began farming on the place now owned
by his brother David; subsequently moving to a large farm, and again to a still larger^
until, in the fall of 1873, he bought a farm in Mifflin Township, on the creek, on which he
lived a year, when he removed to the John R. Sharp farm in this township, where he has
since lived. In January, 1882, he bought a farm on the opposite side of the creek from
his first purchase— the two aggregating 350 acres. He also owns thirty-six acres of tim-
ber land on the North Mountain. He has had thirteen children, of whom six died in in-
fancy. The living are Alfred, horn October 5, 1859, married to Elizabeth Jones, and liv-
ing on his father's farm in Mifflin Township; Emma, born September 9, 1861, wife of
Robert Ly tie, of Newton Township; Sarah J., born September 24, 1862, wife of Philip
Zinn, of Penn Township; Naome Catharine, born April 26, 1865, wife of Josiah Baum,
and living in Fayette County, Penn.; George Parker, born January 16, 1867; Annie A.,
born September 16, 1870; and Charles E., born March 6, 1875, the last three living at
home. Mr. and Mrs. Barrick are members of the United Brethren Church. Starting-
humbly in life, he has, by his correct habits and sterling character, acquired a fair share
of this world's goods and the confidence and respect of his fellow-men.
"W. LINN DUNCAN, farmer, P. O. Oakville, is a grandson of John Duncan, of
Southampton Township, Cumberland County, who died there many years ago, and who-
had eleven children: "William, John. Alexander, Samuel, David D. G., Mary, Jane, The-
resa, Eliza, Sarah and Rebecca. Six of these are still living. David D. 6., known all
over the county as D. D. G. Duncan, is W. Linn's father, and is living in West Penns-
borough Township, this county; his wife, Grizelda (Linn), was a native of Southampton
Township, Franklin Co., Penn., a daughter of William Linn, a prominent citizen and
leading elder in the Middle Spring Church, and well known in political affairs, in which
took an active part. Mr. and Mrs. D. D. G. Duncan also had eleven children: W. Linn,
Samuel A., David Glenn, John Knox, James Patterson, Mary Gilbreath, Emma Jang,
Elizabeth Ann, Sarah Ann, Flora and Eva. W. Linn, the eldest, Ijorn December 5, 1845,
in Southampton Township, this county, was raised on the farm on which his father now
lives, on the Big Spring. Getting his education in the public schools, he acquired a busi-
ness training in the Iron City College, Pittsburgh, and then lived on the farm until he was
twenty years of age, when, for a year, he was in the railroad office at Bergettstown, Penn. ;.
then returning to Cumberland County and buying a farm in Newton Township, near
Newville, where he stayed until 1871, when he rented it and traveled in the West- for three
years, then returning to Bergettstown. where, for four years, he was assistant secretary
and treasurer of the savings bank at that place. In 1879 he bought the old John Gracey
farm on the Ridge road, and has settled down as a farmer. This farm has been in only
three names since it was patented, and the papers relating to it are now in Mr. Duncan's
possession. December 19, 1867, he married Arabella Davidson, of West Pennsborough
Township, who died January 15, 1872, leaving three children, one of whom died in in-
fancy. The living are Hugh Linn, born October 25, 1868, and Hudson Davidson, born
February 9, 1870. September 31, 1876, Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Lydia Belle Tritt.
They have three children living: James Linn Patterson, born June 10, 1877; David Daniel
Glenn, born July 29, 1879; and Charlotte Grizelda, born November 27, 1882. One child,
*For borough of Ne-wville see page 447.
518 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Matthew B. Boyd, born October 36, 1880, was instantly killed by tiie sudden starting of a
horse ou which he was sitting with an older brother. Mrs. Duncan is a great-great-grand-
child of Isaac LeFevre, who fled from Prance late in the seventeenth century, to escape the
gersecutions inflicted on the Huguenots, landing in Boston. His son, Philip, was Mrs.
luncan's greatgrandfather, and Philip's daughter Elizabeth was her grandmother. She
(Elizabeth LePevre) married Peter Tritt, and her son Christian (Mrs. Duncan's father) was
born July 25, 1796, in West Pennsborough Township, where they had come many years
before, and where the family owned a farm for over a hundred years. Christian Tritt was
married to Lydia Stough and had twelve children. After her death he married Mrs.
Prances Charlotte McCuUoch, and had one child, Mrs. Duncan, who was born August 16,
1854. Her father died January 10, 1871 ; her mother is now living in Florida. Mr. Dun-
can has held many township offices. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his wife be-
long to Big Spring Presbyterian Church. He is a member of Big Spring Lodge, No. 363,
A. Y. M. He is known as an upright man and enterprising citizen.
ABRAHAM ERNST (deceased) was a native of York County, born June 4, 1838. His
father was also born in that county, and died there in April, 1885. He had lived several
years in Perry County and in Mifflin Township, this county, where Abraham was princi-
pally reared until he was thirteen years old, when he came to Jacksonville, Newton Town-
ship, and worked for James Kyle in the winter in the store and in the summer on his
farm, and part of the time engaged in other business. December 37, 1860, he married
Tabitha Ewing, who was born April 8, 1839. Her father, George Ewing, died on his farm
in this township in 1849. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ernst farmed in Mifflin Town-
ship for a year and in Franklin County for three years. In August, 1864, he and George
Clever, of Cleversburg, bought the store in Jacksonville (to which he moved the following
spring), and in 1867 built the new brick store, in which he carried on business until his
death. In 1874 he built a fine brick residence adjoining, in which he died March 5, 1883.
While living here he also bought a farm at Jacksonville. He and Mr. Clever also bought
a store and dwelling in Milltown, Dickinson Township, still owned by Mrs. Ernst; also
had stores at White House, Centreville, Lee's Cross Roads, and Morversville, Mr. Clever
being partner with Mr. Ernst in all business transactions up to the latter's death. Mr.
and Mrs. Ernst had eleven children, four of whom died in infancy. Those now living are
George Ewing, born June 19, 1861, who conducts the store, and is universally known as
an energetic, pushing and rising young merchant of excellent' habits and character; Anna
Ella, born November 21, 1862, wife of Dr. H. H. Longsdorf, of Centreville; Lincoln Will-
lams, born December 3, 1865, working his mother's farm; Bradford Patterson, born Feb-
ruary 30, 1868; Alice Belle, born May 25, 1862; Conrad Clever, born May 27, 1874, and
Oreu Roscoe, born May 36. 1880. Mr. Ernst, though taking much interest in political
affairs, never held office. He was a regular attendant at the United Presbyterian Church
at Newville, of which his widow is a member. He left to her and his children not only a
competence, but the better heritage of a good name.
DANIEL HEBERLIG, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a great-grandson of Rudolph
Heberlig, the founder of the Heberlig family in this country, who came from Switzerland
before the Revolutionary war, and settled in Berks County, Penn., between Reading and
Adamstown. Rudolph Heberlig was twice married, having by his first wife two sons, John
and Rudolph, and two daughters, names unknown. His second wife had no children.
John (grandfather of Daniel) was born in Berks County, Penn., and married Martha
Schoenhouer; they had eight children: Rudolph, John, Jacob, Samuel, Ben] amin, Joseph,
Mary and Elizabeth, all born in Berks County, Penn. In 1811 they removed to this county
and settled on a farm at Glenn's Mills, near Newville, where both the parents died. Ru-
dolph (father of Daniel) married Susan Hard, of Berks County, and had ten children:
•John, Jacob, Daniel, Rudolph, Samuel, Catharine, Susan, Elizabeth, Martlia and Mary.
The father of this numerous family died in 1863, the mother the year previous. Our sub-
ject was born May 30, 1812, and lived at home until his marriage, in March, 1886, with
Miss Sarah, daughter of Peter Utley, of Frahkford Township, and who was born in 1818
and died April 9, 1863. They had twelve children: Samuel, born January 17, 1838. living
in West Pennsborough Township, this county; Mary Jane, born September 38. 1840. mar-
ried to John Heberlig, of Newville, Penn. ; Margaret, born August 35, 1843, living with
her father; Rebecca, born May 28, 1844, died April 34, 1867; William, born July 9, 1846,
died November 28, 1851; David Porter, born June 28, 1848, died May 13, 1850; Susanna
E., born February 11, 1850, died December 3, 1850; Sarah Belle, born December 2, 1851,
died December 14, 1857; Anna Martha, born January 14, 1854, living at liome; Daniel,
born July 21, 1856, died February 6, 1857; Nancy Ellen, born August 7, 1858, died May 36,
1861, and John Edwin, born September 27, 1861, living at home. Mr.. Heberlig was mar-
ried to his second wife, Mrs. Rebecca E. Dobbs, December 11, 1879. They have no chil-
dren. After his marriage our subject farmed in Frankford Township, this county, for a
year, in West Pennsborough Township for a year, then in Frankford 'Township again for
ten years, and then removed to the Samuel W. Sharp farm, in Newton, where he lived for
eighteen years. In 1866 he bought the farm on the State road, on a part of which he
now lives retired, having built a new house on it. He, has never held public office, but
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 519
is satisfied with the reputation of an honest, well-to-do farmer. He and his wife and all
the family at home are members of the Lutheran Church in Newville.
ROBERT HAYS IRVINE, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a great-erandson of William
Irwin (as it was then spelled), one of the first settlers on the "Walnut Bottom," whose
widow, Eleanor, in 1745, left the farm, now owned by our subject, to her son Samuel,
who was a major in the famous " Light Horse Troop" during the Revolutionary war, and
was for years, before and after, a justice of the peace in Middlesex Township. He mar-
ried Mary, daughter of Samuel Miller, a svealthy settler in that township, whose will, on
file in Carlisle, is a curiosity. One of their sons, also named Samuel, was the grandfather
of Robert Hays. He married Isabella Kilgore, of Green Spring, in Newton Township,
and lived in the house now occupied by his grandson adjoinina; the Irvine Mill, on the Big
Spring. Here the father of our subject, as well as he, was born, and here the father of
Samuel first lived for many years, but afterward removed to Newville, where he engaged
in mercantile business for thirteen years. His wife was Maggie, daughter of R. M. Hays,
then of Oakville, now of Newville. They had two children, of whom one died an infant;
the other is Robert Hays, who was born February 11, 1863. The elder Irvine returned
to the farm in 1876, and here his wife and younger son died. Later he was married to
Annie, daughter of John Wagner, of Newville, and a year after removed to that place,
where he again engaged in business. In the fall of 1884 he sold out and went to Sioux
City, Iowa, where he now resides. In 1880 Mr. Irvine took the farm, which he has since
•carried on. He is a member of Big Spring Presbyterian Church, an upright and thrifty
man and a good citizen.
DANIEL KENDIG retired farmer, P. O. Newville, is a native of Lancaster County,
Penu., where his father and grandfather were both born. His father, Tobias Kendig, was
horn about 1770, and died in this township ia 1855. He was united in marriage with
Mary Bowman, of Lancaster County, Penn., and had eight children: Abraham, who died
in Ohio, nearly thirty years ago; Henry, who died in Newville in 1875; Elizabeth,
widow of Peter Rowe, of Newton Township; Rudolph, who died in 1880; Eman-
uel, who died in 1866; Tobias, who died before the family came to the county; Jacob,
who lives in Franklin County, and Daniel, who was born June 6, 1806. Our subject
learned the trade of shoe-making, and followed it for ten years, when he became a
drover, stock-dealer and farmer on the farm he now owns across the road from where he
lives. About twenty-three years ago he retired, renting his farm. December 10,
1835, he married Susanna Ruth, who was born July 29, 1805. and died April 18, 1873.
They had three children: John Francis, born December 4, 1837, who lives in this town-
ship; Daniel Bowman, born June 80, 1840, who died February 16, 1861, and William
Henry, born September 10, 1841, living on the next farm to his father. May 1, 1873, Mr.
Kendig married Elizabeth (Soheffler) Jacoby, widow of Peter Jacoby, by whom she had
two sons and one daughter: William, Maria and David. Mr. and Mrs. Kendig have no
children by their second marriage. Mr. Kendig has been supervisor, road-master, etc., in
this township. He and his wife are regular attendants of the Church of God, Green
[Springs. He is known as a shrewd, careful and honorable man.
HENRY KILLIAN, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a son of John Killian, a native of Lan-
•caster County, Penn., whose father settled there on his emigration from Europe. In 1833
John Killian came to Mifflin Township, this county, where he stayed seven years; then in
West Pennsborough Township for a. year; in Mifflin Township again for three years; thence
moved to Newton Township, where he lived eleven years on the Sharp farm. In 1845 he
bought a farm on the creek, to which he removed the following spring, and where he
died. He married Elizabeth Long, of Lancaster County. They had nine children: Chris-
tina, who was twice married and is now the widow of John Mellinger; Lydia, widow of
Samuel Geese; Charles, deceased; Abraham, married to Susan Sigler, and living in New-
yille, Penn; Eliza (deceased) was the wife of Blias Diehl; John, married to Catharine Iry,
died in Illinois; Margaret, who died in her brother Henry's house December 39, 1884;
Susan, also married to Elias Diehl (after her sister Eliza's death), and after his demise mar-
ried to William Shaefler, and died in September, 1884, and Henry. Our subject was born
November 3, 1813, in Lancaster County, Penn. December 30, 1836, he married Ann Eliza
Jones, a native of Silver Spring Tp., this county. For a year after, he lived in Franklin
County, Penn., and tlien for a year on a farm adjoining where he now lives. Thence he
went to the farm of Robert McFarland, staying fourteen years, when he and William
MoFarland bought a farm on the Big Spring, on which the latter erected a paper-mill.
A few years later Mr. Killian bought his partner's interest in the farm, to which he re-
moved, selling it three years later and buying the McKinney farm, on which his son John
now lives. Here he farmed nineteen years, when he retired and moved to his present
Tesidence, which he had previously built. He is the father of eight children: John, born
November 11, 1837, married to Wilhelmina Heberlig; Catharine, born April 3, 1840, widow
of Henry Livingstone; Samuel, born March 30, 1843, married to Mary Jane Drake, of
Stroudsburg, who died in Kansas (he returned to Newville, and is now husband of Alice
Staples, also of Stroudsburg, Penn.); Jacob, born October 15, 1844, married Susan M.
Brehm, and lives on a farm of his father; Eliza, born May 28, 1847, died December 33, 1855;
520 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Lucetta,born December 2,1849, wife of G.Allen Brehm; Henry, born April 5,1853.married to
Jane E. Westafer, living on another of his father's farms; and Lydia Belle, born October 30,
1854,- wife of David A. Cromleigh, now of Mechanicsburif. Mr. Killian has been school di-
rector, appraiser, and has held many other township offices. Beginning life without any
advantages, he and his wife have, by industry and thrift, accumulated a competence, now
ownitigfour farms. They have reaped the fruits of a well spent life, and in the evening
of their days are enjoying its comforts. Both are devout members of the Lutheran
Church.
WILLIAM CARNAH AN K00N8, farmer, P. O. New ville, is a grandson of Isaac Koons,
who came from Lancaster County, where he was born in 1760; his wife was Margaret E.
Swartz, also of Lancaster. About the close of the Revolutionary war they settled at a
place called "Thunder Hill," three miles northwest of Newville. He died August 15,
1830, in his seventy-first year, and his widow April 11, 1833, in her sixty-second year.
Their children were David, Isaac, John, Jacob, Adam, George, Philip, Joseph, Eliza-
beth, Catherine and Mary, They are all deceased. Isaac was the father of William Car-
nahan Koons, and was born in 1792. His wife was Jane Carnahan. They had nine sons
and one daughter, Margaret, who died young. The sons were Robert Carnahan, Isaac,
John McDowell, William Carnahan, Alexander Sharp, Thomas Sharp, Adam, James and
Joseph. Robert C. and Isaac went to Indiana, where they both died; Thomas 8 died on
the old homestead; John McD. is living in Indiana; Alexander S. is living in Nebraska;
William C, Adam, James and Joseph live in Newton Township. The father of this
family, Isaac, was a farmer and tanner on the Green Spring, in Newton Township, near
Conodoguinet Creek, where he purchased a farm in 1826, on which he built the house in
which his son Joseph now lives. Here he died November 19, 1874, aged eighty-two. He
was a plain man, kind, contented, outspoken, determined and preserving. His integrity
was unswerving, and his character above all suspicion of reproach. He began life a poor
boy, but by thrift and careful habits accumulated a considerable property, which, with
the heritage of a good name, he bequeathed to his children. His wife was born in 1795,
and died August 11, 1866, in her seventy-first year. She was a daughter of Robert Carna-
han, a son of William Carnahan, who came to Mifflin Township soon after the first settle-
ment, which was made in 1729 or 1730. Robert Carnahan was married to Judith McDow-
ell in 1784. Their children were William, Robert, Margaret and Jane. William went to
Indiana in 1835, and died there in 1879, aged eighty-three. Mrs. Koons was a quiet, pa-
tient, industrious, kind-hearted woman, and much of her husband's success in life was due
to the constant care which she exercised in the affairs of the house. William Carnahan
Koons was born February 27, 1827. and with the exception of attendance at the common
schools and two sessions at the Big Spring Academy, he had no other facilities for acquir-
ing an education. He worked on the farm until 1857, when, January 22, he was married
to Mary Jane, daughter of James Stewart, of Mifflin Township, where she was born Au-
gust 20, 1821. They had five children, three dying in infancy, and a son. William Carna-
han, born December 23, 1857, died June 24, 1875. The surviving son is James Stewart,
born December 7, 1859, who is unmarried and living with his parents. For four years af-
ter his marriage Mr. Koons farmed on shares, and in April, 1861, removed to the farm he
now owns, but which then belonged to his father. Here he has since remained, attending
strictly to his own affairs. When not at work he was busy with his books and papers.
A desire to maintain right and oppose wrong sums up and explains the rest.
JAMES McCULLOCH, farmer, P. O. Big Spring, is a great-grandson of John McCul-
loch, who emigrated from the North of Ireland, and settled in what is now Mifflin Town-
ship, but afterward removed to a farm near Newville, which is still owned by and in pos-
session of some of his descendants. He had three sons: John, William and James; and
five daughters: Susanna, married to Ezekiel Mitchell, who in an early day emigrated to-
Kentucky; Elizabeth, married to Robert McCormick, of Path Valley; Margaret, married
to James Hill, who also went West; Sarah, married to Richard Patton, and Jane, married
to James McKinstry. James was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He was
born in 1761 or 1762. Though quite young at the time, he drove a team in the army of the
Revolution. In or about the year 1790 he purchased 600 acres of land bordering upon
and extending back about one mile from Big Spring, near its source, nearly all of which
is still owned by some of his descendants. He was married June 7, 1792. to Mary Hen-
derson, daughter of Thomas Henderson, whose wife's name was Wharton. From this
union eight children were born, viz.: John, Thomas and William, each of whom owned
and occupied a portion of the home farm during life; James, once register of wills of
this county and afterward a physician, who died at Muncie, Ind. ; Sarah, married to
James Huston; Eliza, married to Andrew Coyle; Mary Jane, married to Samuel Piper,
and Margaret Anne, married to David Jackson McKee — of whom Mrs. Coyle, Mrs. Piper
and Mrs. McKee are the only survivors. Thomas McCuUoch, the father of James, was
horn April 2, 1797, on the farm where he spent most of his life, and where he died Febru-
ary 16, 1868. April 3, 1823, he was married to Isabella Blean, daughter of Robert Blean, an
only son of David Blean, who settled, in an early day, upon the farm on Big Spring, now
owned by David Duncan. Robert Blean married Mary Craig, and had ten children, nine
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 521
of whom reached mature age, viz.: John, David, Robert, William, Isabella (wife of
Thomas McCuUoch), Grizelle (wife of James Fulton), Mwry (wife of Alexander Thomp-
son), Jane (wife of George McBride) and Margaret (wife of John Worli). Of Thomas and
Isabella were born seven children, viz.: James, born January 5, 1824; Robert Blean, born
May 12, 1825, now living in Peoria, 111. ; Thomas Henderson, born September .1, 1827, for
many years a resident of Monm^ith, 111., but now of Omaha, Neb.; John Oraig, born Oc-
tober 28, 1839, who died August 24, 1850; David, born January 25, 1833, now an attorney
in Peoria, 111., where for eight years he was judge of the circuit court, and six years of
that time assigned to duty as one of the justices of the appellate court of the State; Mary
Ellen, wife of William S. Morrow, living in Cliambersburg, and Isabella, who died in in-
fancy. James owns and lives upon the farm owned by his father in his lifetime, having
never left the place of his nativity. February 4, 1847, he was united in marriage with
Miss Martha Brown, daughter of Joseph Brown, E<q., of West Pennsborough Township.
To this union three children were born, viz. : Isabella Craig, born November 5, 1848, wife
of J. Sharp Hemphill, now living on part of her father's farm; Nancy Jane, born May 30,
1850, living with her father, and Mary Grizelle, born June 20, 1853, died September 36,
1881, who was the wife of Prof. John C. Sharp, a noted worker in educational matters.
Mrs. McCuUoch died April 10, 1854, and is buried in the United Presbyterian Cemetery at
Big Spring, of which church both she and her husband were members. He is one of the
most prominent citizens of this township, a self-made man who, without the educational
facilities of the present day, has, by force of character, observation, reading and good
judgment, became one of the best informed men of this part of the county, and whose opin-
ion has weight among his neighbors. In politics he is a Democrat.
HUGH McCUNE. farmer, P. O. Oakville, is a grandson of Robert McCune, who came
from Ireland about the middle of the last century. The latter's son, Hugh, father of our
subject, was born in this county in 1773, and died in 1828. His wife was Rebecca (Brady)
McCune. Their children were as follows: Isabella, horn April 18, 1797, wife of William
Duncan, now deceased; Jane, born April 36. 1799, wife of James Boyd, and also deceased;
Hannah, born August 9, 1803, deceased; Robert, born September 28, 1804, married Nancy
Gibb, and died in Illinois; John, born May 24. 1807. married Jane Henderson, and died
in Hopewell Township; James, born February 5, 1809, married Matilda Williams, and
lives in Westmoreland County, Penn. ; Samuel, born April 2, 1811, deceased; Elizabeth,
born May 13, 1811, decensed; Joseph, born March 17, 1818, married Sallie Crider, and died
on the home farm, and Hugh, our subject, born December 15, 1815, on the place where he
now lives, in a brick house built by Hugh and Joseph. The property has never since
been out of the family. His father's farm is now owned enlirely by our subject, who has
never left it, and who is now recognized as one of the industrious and thrifty farmers of
the neighborhood, who have done much to develop the agricultural resources of the
county. By his strictly temperate, industrious and upright habits he has accumulated a
competence, and enjoys in a high degree the confidence and esteem of all. Though of
strong political convictions, he has never sought office, preferring to aid his party without
self-seeking. An old line Whig, he is now a Republican. He is a member of Big
Spring Presbyterian Church, and takes a warm interest in temperance matters and all
other good works.
SAMUEL ALBERT McCUNE, retired farmer, Oakville, is a great-grandson of James
McCune, who came here al)out the middle of the last century, with his brother Robert,
from Ireland, and jointly took up a tract of 437 acres of land, where his descendants now
live, and which is now in their pos.session. The subject of this sketch has a receipt dated
April 7, 1824, from ihe State Treasurer, for $10 patent fees for 185 acres of the original
tract, and it 'states that it is surveyed on two warrants to Robert and James McCune, one
dated May 13, 1763, and the other October 30, 1766. James' son Samuel was Samuel Al-
bert's grandfather. He was born where his grandson now lives, in 1770, and died Novem-
ber 16, 1813. His wife was Hannah Brady, born January 1, 1776, and died May 16, 1847.
They had eleven children, of whom two died in infancy. The others were Jane, born Oc-
tober, 1795, who became the wife of John Sharp; James, born January 33, 1799; Addie,
born December 9. 1798; Margaret, born April 9, 1801. was the wife of Moses Kirkpatrick;
Rachel, born July 27, 1803; Hugh Brady, born October 11, 1805; William, born January
23 1807; Rebecca, born October 8. 1811, and Samuel, born April 9, 1814. Of this numer-
ous family but one remains— Rebecca, single, and living in her nephew's house. Hugh
Brady, father of Samuel Albert, lived all his life on the farm. Starting poor he acquired
a farm' and other property in the West. He died in September, 1881. His wife was Isa-
bella Jane Kirkpatrick, who is now living with her daughter, Hannah M. Their ten chil-
dren were Jane Elizabeth, Eleanor Culbertson, Rebecca Shields, Hannah Malvina. Mar-
garet Samuel Albert, William Alexander, John Kirkpatrick, Cyrus Brady and James
Henderson. Hannah M. is the only daughter living. She is the wife of liobert Fultim,
of Big Spring. West Pennsborough Township. The sons are all living, except William
A who died May 37, 1883. Samuel A. was born May 18, 1843. After leaving school he at-
tended DufE 's Commercial College, in Pittsburgh. During school intervals he worked on
the faim, and the habits of industry acquired were strengthened by the strict religious
522 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
training of Godfearing parents. August 3, 1883, he enlisted in Company E, One Hun-
dred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and on the following 18th of September, in
the great battle of Antielam, received two wounds — one from a muslcet ball, in his right
arm, and another by being strucls in the right side by a piece of rebel shell. He was sent
to the hospital, and, when nearly convalescent, was attackpd with typhoid fever, and his
health being thus seriously impaired he received an honorable discharge. His uncle Sam-
uel, on his death, in February, 1881, left him the farm, on which he has had a tenant three
years past. Mr. McCune has been a member of the executive committee of the Cumber-
land County Temperance Alliance since its organization, and was one of the standing
committee of the Prohibition party in the last State election. He has been for several
years a ruling elder in the Big Spring Presbyterian Church, and has, ever since its organi-
zation, been a teacher in the Sabbath-school at Oakville. He is known as an upright
Christian man of blameless life and character.
HENRY MANNING, merchant, Oakville. This gentleman Is descended on the pater-
nal side from the family of the name who originally came from England, and who are re-
lated to the same family of whom the celebrated Cardinal Manning is the representative
head. The great-grandfather of our subject emigrated and settled in Lancaster County,
Penn., before the war of the Revolution. He married a lady of German extraction, and
hoth died there. His son George (Henry's grandfather) was born in Manor Township,
Lancaster Co., Penn., about 1788 or 1790, and died a few years ago, aged ninety. His
wife was Mary Kendig, member of a family still among the leading citizens of that place.
Their children were .John, Christian, Martin and Elizabeth, all now living. John (father
of our subject) was born in 1813, in Dauphin County, Penn., to which his parents had re-
moved. In 1833 he married Miss Lydia Gulp, of Lancaster County, Penn., and continued
to live on his father's farm until 1837, at which time he moved to Silver Spring Township,
Cumberland Co. Mrs. John Manning, on her mother's side, was of the Boughter family,
who were prominent in that region in the war of the Revolution, and of whom many an-
ecdotes are told in that locality; she died in 1864. To John and Lydia (Gulp) Manning were
born six children: Henry, horn October 29, 1834; Abraham, born in 1839, married to Miss
Emma Leeds, of Carlisle, and now living at Mount Joy, Lancaster County; John, born in
1842, married to Emma Sanderson, of Newville, and is now living in Chambershurg;
Sarah, born in 1846, is wedded to William Hauck, of Silver Spring Township, this county;
Lillie, born in 1852, is the wife of Levi Baer, of same township; and Anderson, born in
1856, is single, ticket agent at Oakville; Henry was born at Middletown, Dauphin
County; the rest in Silver Spring Township, this county. When sixteen years of age
Henry Manning left home to learn the milling trade, serving a two years' apm-en-
ticeship, when he went to Ohio for a year; then worked a year for I. B. Buy-
son of Hampden Township, this county, after which he began the business on his
own account at the old Silver Spring mill in that township. At this time he was
hut twenty years old. He carried on this mill successfully until 1863, when he entered
into partnership with J. H Singiser, of , Mechanicsburg, Penn., and bought the mill at the
head of the Big Spring. Mr. Manning sold his intetest to his partner in 1867 and pur-
chased the warehouse property in Oaliville, where he carries on the grain and forwarding
business. February 18, 1862, he was married to Maggie, daughter of George Beistline, of
Silver Spring Township, born May 19, 1839. They have one son now living: Edgar Stu-
art, born October 8, 1865, who lives with his parents. Another, George, born November
20, 1862, died October 20, 1865. Mr. Manning has always taken an active interest in polit-
ical affairs; but was never an office seeker. Of late his growing business interests do not
admit of much outside matters. He and his wife are members of Big Spring Presbyterian
Church at Newville. and he is known as an active business man and upright citizen.
ROBERT MICKEY, farmer, P. O. Oakville, is a great-grandson of Robert Mickey,
who came from Ireland and settled in what is now Newton Township, being one of
the first settlers in the valley, and he and his wife, Agnes, are both buried in the Big
Spring cemetery, at Newville. One of their sons, also named Robert, was grandfather of
our subject. He inherited that part of the original tract on which his grandson now lives,
and to which he added largely. He was born in 1746, and lived all his life on the farm,
where, in 1767, he built the stone house in which our subject was born. His wife was
Bzemiah Kelly, of York County. He died December 82, 1838, aged eighty-two years, and
his widow December 8, 1830, aged seventy-five years. Their children were Andrew,
Thomas, John, James, Mary, Agnes and Margaret, all now deceased. James, the father
of Robert, was born February 15, 1795, became a farmer, and never removed from the
house in which he was born. He died in the year 1835. April 15, 1818, he married Lu-
cetta Carothers, of Silver Spring Township, who was born August 11, 1801, and died March
20, 1862. They had six children, two of whom died young. One daughter, Ezemiah, born
April 36, 1830, became the wife of Joseph Moody, removed to Ohio, and died there. The
living are Mary Ann, born February 19, 1828, wife of William W. Prazer, and living in
Missouri; Hays, born August 6, 1833, married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Kelly, Esq.,.
of York County, and now residing in California: Robert, the eldest son, born January 14,
1823, until three years ago, lived m the house built by his grandfather, but, in 1880, built
NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 523
Ws present house, across the road from his birthplace. For several years before his death
his father's farm was rented, but when Robert was eighteen years of age he took a part
of it into his own hands for his mother, and a few years later bought the shares of his
two sisters, giving him three quarters of the mansion farm. He also owns the adjoining
property, known as the Thomas .Mickey farm. In November, 1846, he was married to
Elizabeth, daughter of John McCulloch, of this township. To this union thirteAi chil-
dren have been born, three dyin? young. The living are Sarah Belle, wife of James Hemp-
hill, living in Kansas; John E., merchant of Oakville (see sketch below); Lucetta Ellen, wife
of William Park, of Franklin County; Mary Elizabeth, wife of John Witherspoon, of Frank-
lin County; Robert Austin, married to Mary Belle McCoy, and living on his father's farm;
James Ira, married to Sarah Hood, and now with the Carlisle Manufacturing Company,
of Carlisle; Andrew Elmer, Eugene Sherman and Helen, all living at home. Quinu Thorn-
ton is a student at Lafayette College. Mr. Mickey has never filled office. He and hi&
wife belong to Big Spring Presbyterian Church, and as one of the leading citizens of
the township is held in high esteem.
JOHN E. MICKEY, merchant, Oakville, is a son of Robert Mickey, and was born
August 2, 1848, in the old stone mansion house; went to the district school, and workedon
his father's farm until 1876, when he engaged in the mercantile business in Oakville, in
the store formerly owned by his wife's father, J. K. Beidler. He has since conducted a
general store business, and, in connection therewith, for two years successfully carried on
the sewing machine trade, which he recently relinquished, his increasing store business de-
manding his entire time and attention. May 4, 1875, he married Miss Elizabeth M.,
daughter of J. K. Beidler. To this union three children have been born, viz. : Rosie Bere-
nice, born May 31, 1876; John Roy, born August 25, 1878; and Ruth B., born December
16, 1882. Mr. Mickey is a member of Big Spring Lodge, No. 361, A. Y. M., of Newville;.
of St. John's Chapter, No. 171, and St. John's Commanderv, No. 8, both of Carlisle. Mr.
Mickey has never held office, but takes a warm interest in political affairs. He and his
wife are members of the Big Spring Presbyterian Church, of Newville, of which he is a
trustee. He has also been superintendent of the Sunday school at Oakville for two years
past, and the testimony of all who know him is that he is one of the best citizens of the
place, a rising, pushing and energetic young man, perfectly trustworthy in all his deal-
ings. For his ancestral history, see sketch above.
J. D. REA, retired farmer, P. O. Newville, is a son of George and Isabella (Dunlop) Rea,
former- of whom was reared in Bedford County, Penn., and came to this county about
1830. To them were bora four sons and three daughters, all now deceased, except J. D.
Our subject received a good academical education and then chose the occupation of a
farmer. Soon afterward he married Elizabeth McCullough, and by this union were born
three children: G. Arthur, a farmer, now cultivating the mansion farm; Charles E., arrived
at manhood's years, and contemplates following the calling of his brother; and Mary,
finishing her education. Mrs. Rea dying in 1871, after a few days' illness. Mr. Rea mar-
ried, in 1874, Miss Annie H. Hall, of Jersey City, of which union there is now living one
son, Dudley Hall, now (1886) a lad of nine summers. This wife died in 1883, and our
subject married, in 1885, his present wife, nee Annie E. Sheller, daughter of Dr. Adam
Sheller, a prominent physician of Mount Joy, Lancaster Co., Penn. Mr. Rea still resides
on the home farm where he was born, and though he has ceased to perform the mechani-
cal part of agriculture, he retains the management and direction of his farms. He has
traveled considerably, both through the United States and over the continent of Europe.
The family are members of church.
THOMAS SHARP, farmer, P. O. Newville. The grandfather of this gentleman, Rob-
ert Sharp, came from Ireland before the Revolution, when quite a young man; afterward
returning and bringing with him the rest of the family, and locating between the forks of
the Delaware. He mamed a Miss Margaret Boyd, and a sister of his married a Hemphill.
He and his brother Alexander were wagoners in the Continental Army. After the war
Robert came to Cumberland County. He had five children: James, John, David, Thomas,
and Margaret, who was married to John Smith and lived in Franklin County, Penn.
John Sharp, the father of our subject, was born on a farm adjoining where Thomas lives,
in the latter part of 1773, and died July 12, 1863. His wife was Martha Huston. They
were married in 1814, and had seven children: Andrew, born August 25, 1816, and died in
infancy; Margaret, born April 18, 1818, never married, and died January 37, 1870; Andrew
(second) born March 19, 1830, married Eliza Jacobs, and died November 13, 1865; Martha,
born May 12, 1833, died September 27, 1861; Robert Boyd, born November 10, 1834, mar-
ried Mrs. Carothers, and died March 30, 1874; Franklin, born January 3, 1831, married Pau-
lina Jamieson, and is now a resident of Columbia City, Ind. ; Thomas, born May 29, 1837,
on the mansion farm, of which his present farm was then a part. He lived there until
1864, when he took his present place from his father's estate, and has since resided on it.
In December, 1863, he was married to Margaret Jane Jacobs, of Mifflin Township, this
county, and who died April 3, 1873, aged forty-seven years and twenty-five days. Octo-
ber 36, 1876, he married his second wife, Jennie B. M!aclay, of Franklin County, Penn.,
who died April 1, 1883, leaving no issue. Mr. Sharp never held office, is a member and
524 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
trustee of the United Presbyterian Churcli in Newville, and is regarded as a man of good
sound judgment, ripe experience and unblemisiied character.
R. L. 8MITH, of Oakville, is a son of David Smith and a great-grandson of Baltzer
Smitti, who came from Germany about the middle of the last century, and settled in Lan-
caster County, where he was married and had a family of twelve children. Of this numer-
ous family William, grandfather of our subject, alone survives. The family is somewhat
remarkable for the advanced age to which some of its members attain. Baltzer Smith
died when eiglity-six years old, and several of his descendants lived to be over ninety.
William, grandfather of R. L., was born July 1, 1806, near Oakville. In the fall of 18b0
he was married to Miss Susan Forehop, who died in 1879. and April 6, 1880, he married
Rebecca, widow of Thomas 11 effel finger, of Frankfort Township. His children are all by
the first wife. One died in infancy. The others are Samuel, David, William. Mary,
Susan and Elizabeth. The elder Smith bought his father's farm in 1839, and lived on it
for twenty-eight years after that, when he removed to Oakville, where he now lives.
David, father of R. L,, cropped his father's farm for seven years, and then bought it from
him in 1873, and has since lived in Oakville. R. L. is the only child. He is studying
medicine in the office of Dr. Israel Betz, of Oakville, and is intending to enter the profes-
sion as soon as practicable. He is a studious and capable young man.
H. A. T. STROHM, merchant and justice of the peace, P. O. Walnut Bottom. The
grandfather of this gentleman came from Germany about the close of the Revolutionary
war, and settled in Lancaster County, removing fifteen years later to this township.
He afterward sold his farm here, and went to Ohio, where several of his children had lo-
cated, and there he died about twenty-five years ago. He had nine children: David. Sam-
uel, Peter, Mary and Rebecca, deceased; and Levi, Philip, Henrj' and Elizabeth, living.
Levi, father of our subject, was born in 1830, and was married, in 1831. to Julia A. Coffey.
For twenty years he was a merchant, having four stores in Leesburg and in the adjoining
townships, and was also engaged in other enterprises. In 1877 he gave up merchandising
and retired to his farm in Southampton Township, where he now lives. He is an active
and prominent citizen of the township; he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. They had ten children, four of whom, Nora, Agnes, Flora and Mary,
are deceased; the others are James J., married to Maggie Baker, and living in Leesburg;
William B., married and living in Chambersburg; Wallace L., single and living at home;
Abby A., wife of Rev. S. M. Mountz,,pf Centre County; Clara, living with her parents;
and Henry A. T., who was born June 13, 1852, who went into his father's store when
quite young, and stayed there until he was twenty-five. In 1877 he began business for
himself at R.-ihoboth, and in 1879 removed to Jacksonville. October 33. 1878. he was
married to Martha M., daughter of Thomas Price, merchant of Lykers, Dauphin County, a
coal miner and operator, also, in Somerset County, and a prominent man. Mrs. Strohm
was born in 1854. They have had three children: Martha, born October 8, 1879, died in
infancy; Lottie Esther, born June 6, 1883, and Charles O., born November 24. 1884. Mr.
Strohm is a Democrat in politics, in which he takes an active interest, and is now justice
of the peace in Jacksonville. He is spoken of as an enterprising, active and trustworthy
man, who must rise in the community.
CHARLES TRONE. superintendent of the Big Pond Furnace estate. Lee's Cross
Roads, is a grandson of John Trone, a native of York County, whose father was from
Germany, and who was married to Polly Clay, of that county. They had the following
named children: Jacob. George, Conrad, William, Charles, fllenry, Catherine, Elizabetli,
Polly, Rebecca and Lydia. Our subject's father. George, was born March 6. 1795, and
followed the occupation of a carpenter and cabinet-maker In 1818 he married Susanna
Carl, of Hanover. They had ten children: Charles, who was the eldest, was born January
29, 1819; Abdel, born January 14, 1833, was a member of Company H, Third Pennsylvania
Cavalry, and was wounded at Warrenton, Va., and died from the effects at Brandy Station,
Va., January 18, 1864; Reunem F., born June 14, 1831, married and living in Columbus,
Ohio; George, born February 6, 1840. married Margaret Lee, of Shippensburg. now living
in Cincinnati; Anna Maria, born S'ptember 11. 1S30, wife of David Reese, of Newion
Township; Amanda C, born October 29, 1834, widow of Peter D. Hendricks, and living
in Michigan; Lucinda, born September 9, 1827, was wife of JohnStough, of Newville. and
died in December, 1878; Emma, born April 36, I83.i, is the wife of John D. Laverty, of
Philadelphia; Catherine L., born March 36, 1833, wife of John W. Donovan, living inOliio;
Elizabeth, born in 1888, became the wife of John D. Cole, of Shippensburg, and died in
Middletown. Md. When Charles was twelve years old his parents came to what is now
known as Cleversburg, Southampton Township, to a farm which his father sold in 1845,
engaging in business and afterward at his trade in Shippensburg. retiring some years
after, and died in Charles' house, July 18. 1876. aged eii^hly-one. His wife died March 39,
1874. Charles remained on the farm until his marriagH, when he taught scliool for two
years; then was clerk at Mary Ann Furnace, later going to Shippensburg until 1855, when
he came to the Big Pond Furnace, bringing liis family in 1864. At the time he came it
was owned by Schoch & Sons, who sold it, in 1869, to P. A. Ahl & Bro., who disposed of
it, in 1873, to the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company, who are still its pro-
NORTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 525
prietors. It was idle for several years, and in 1879 was leased by C. W. Ahl & Son, who
put It in running order, and would have 'had it in operation in a few days, when, unfor-
tunately it took fire, and the greater part was consumed. The property then reverted to
the Coal and Iron Company, and has never been rebuilt. In all these changes Mr. Trone
has been, and is now in charge of the property. November 2, 1843, he was married to
Anna Sierer, of Southampton Township, who died June 26, 1874. They had four children:
Annetta; George, who died in infancy; Mary Ellen, deceased; and Leila, wife of George
D. Clever, of Cleversburg. Mr. Trone is a member of Rehoboth Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which he is steward, and bears a high character for intelligence and integrity.
CHAPTER LIV.
NORTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP.
REUBEN FISHBURN, retired farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in
Dauphin County, Penn., June 5, 1828, son of John and Catharine (Carmony) Fishburn,
natives of Dauphin County and of German origin. John Fishburn was a farmer all his
life. Our subject is the eighth born in a family of ten children, nine of whom grew to
manhood and womanhood. He was reared on the farm and received his education in the
common school in Dickinson Township, this county, where his parents had moved in
1832 and spent the remainder of their days. Reuben wisely chose the occupation of his
father as his own, and has succeeded in accumulating a fine share of this world's goods.
His farm consists of 150 acres of land, mostly under a high slate of cultivation and with
first-class improvements. On this farm is situated the meeting-house and Spring Grove
grave-yard, said to be the oldest burying-ground in Cumberland County. Mr. Fishburn
retired from the active pursuits of life in 1881, but still resides on the farm. He has been
twice married, on first occasion, in 1855, to Rebecca Myers, who died in the same year.
In 1859 he married his present wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Elizabeth PefEer. and
who is of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Fishburn have two daughters: Anna and Edna,
residing at home. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has
been deacon for four years. In politics he is a Republican. He has served as school
director in this township.
GEORGE GETTER, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Germany
December 27, 1819, son of George and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Getter, also natives of
Germany, and who had a family of fifteen children, twelve of whom attained maturity.
Our subject's father, by occupation a farmer and carpenter, served as a soldier under
Napoleon Bonaparte, and after his discharge from the army worked at farming in Ger-
many until 1828, when he came to America, and being a poor man it took the most of
what he had accumulated to move his large family to Baltimore County, Md. He was
very devoted to his family, and the anxiety for their welfare, the sea voyage and exertion
of traveling so far, proved almost too much for him; but he was energetic, and soon ob-
tained a position on the Baltimore Railroad. He was accidentally kUled nine weeks there-
after, and the children were thus thrown on their own resources in a strange country. Our
subject, the tenth born, was one month in the poor house and while there attended school.
He was then bound out till he was twenty-one to a man living at Newville, this county.
After serving his terra of service he hired out to the same man three years longer. He
was married, in 1841. to Miss Mary, daughter of Henry Kendig, also of German origin.
Of the twelve children born to this union seven are living: Nancy Ellen, Henry K.,
David, Philip R., Weine, Leo and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Getter are members of the
Church of God, in'which he is elder, trustee and deacon. In business Mr. Getter has met
with marked success, and by his own exertions has acquired the well improved farm where
he now resides. Politically he is a Republican.
GEORGE B. WAGGONER, farmer and stock-grower, Carlisle, was born in Perry
County. Penn., July 4, 1845, son of Peter and Mary (Snider) "Waggoner, natives of Penn-
sylvania and of German origin. Peter Waggoner, who has made merchant milling the
occupation of his life, has met with marked success; he moved to Missouri in 1868, where
he resides at the present time, and is engaged extensively in the milling business. George
B., the sixth in a family of seven children, grew to manhood in Cumberland County, and
learned milling of his father. When troops were called for during the late civil war he
enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
and at the expiration of his time re-enlisted in an independent regiment which was raised
in Cumberland County, and in which he served until the close of the war. He was in sev-
37
526 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
eral battles and skirmishes, among which may be named Fredericksburg and Chancellors-
ville. After the war he went to Missouri, wiiere he followed farming for two years, but
on account of ill health he returned to Pennsylvania, and then entered the employ of C.
W. Ahl, for whom he worked eleven years in the iron ore mines, being foreman for five
years. In 1886 he bouRht his present farm of 120 acres in North Middleton Township,
where he now resides. In 1868 he married Mary A., daughter of Simon B. Mountz, and
of German origin. The children born to this union, now living, are William, Minnie,
Maud, Charles, George, Mary and Grace. In politics Mr. Waggoner is a Republican.
HENRY F. WAGGONER, carpenter, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Perry County,
Penn., .January 8. 1841, son of Henry W. and Elizabeth (Wagner) Waggoner, natives of
Pennsylvania and of German lineage. His father in early life was a carpenter, but in
later years followed farming. Henry F., the sixth in a family of twelve children (eleven
of whom attained maturity), was reared on the farm, attending the common school. He
worked with his father on the farm until he was eighteen, when he learned the carpenter's
trade, and followed this occupation until 1872, when he bought the farm of 97 acres well
improved land, in this township, from which he lately retired to follow his trade, his sons
carrying on the farm. The Waggoner family is prominently identified with the history
of this county, the grandfather, Abram Waggoner, being an early settler and widely
known; he served as a soldier in the war of 1812. During the late Rebellion, Henry F.
Waggoner entered the army, in 1862, as a teamster in Col. Hunt's reserve heavy artillery,
and served all through the Peninsular campaign, and until after the Pope campaign; then
returned home to assist on his father's farm, while his brothers were serving as volunteers
in the Army of the Potomac; then, in 1863, his brother B. F.'s term having expired, the
latter took the place, at home, of our subject, who enlisted in the army and served to the
close of the war. He was in the Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol-
unteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Fort Steadman and Petersburg. In
politics Mr. Waggoner is a Democrat. He has been inspector and constable of this
township four years. He was married, in 1868, to Rebecca, daughter of Phelix and Mar-
garet (Minich) Swigart, and this union has been blessed with eight children: Angeline C,
Elmer K., Estella J., Ida M., Loris F., Alvin B., Cora Ellen (deceased), and Althea Idene.
WILSON J. WAGNER, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in North
Middleton Township, this county, October 20, 1850, son of George and Sarah (Strohm)
Wagner, whose ancestors came from Switzerland. His father, who was a farmer all his
life, died in this county in 1877 at the age of sixty-six years; he was a thorough business man,
and met with marked success at farmmg, being at the time of his death worth about f 75,-
000, most of which he had made by his own exertions. He was a Democrat in politics,
but no oflBce seeker and could not be induced to hold any official position. His name was
originally spelled Waggoner, but he instructed his sons to spell their name Wagner. Our
subject, the second in the family of seven children (five of whom are still living), was reared
on the farm and received his schooling in North Middleton Township. He has made ag-
riculture his business, and is the owner of a farm of 127 acres with first class improve-
ments. Our subject has been twice married, first, in 1877, to Emma, daughter of William
Jacoby, who died in 1880, leaving two children: George and Sidney. Mr. Wagner was
married on the second occasion, in 1883, to Anna, daughter of John Armstrong. Politi-
cally he is a Democrat.
CHAPTEK LV.
PENN TOWNSHIP.
JOHN SAMUEL BURKHART, tinner, P. O. Dickinson, was born in Newville, this
county, March 8, 1839. His father, Jacob, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Burkhart, residents
of this county from childhood, married Martha, daughter of John and Elizabeth Diller,
who were also children of early settlers of this county. The ancestors on both sides were
of the old Mennonite faith. After attaining his majority our subject moved, with his
widowed mother and half brother, to Selins Grove, Snyder Co., Penn., where he entered
a missionary institute, to prepare for the ministry; he taught in the intervals and had the
care of the family. In August, 1862, Mr. Burkliart enlisted in the One Hundred and
Thirty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He took part in the battles of
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and was discharged in May, 1863, with the rank of
orderly sergeant, leaving a record as a brave and faithful soldier. Returning to Snyder
County, Penn., he was compelled to give up his course for the ministry, on account of an
PENN TOWNSHIP. 527
affection of the tbroat contracted while in the army. In 1865 he purchased a tin and stove
store, which was destroyed by fire February 25, 1872. Our suhject married Miss Elizabeth
A. Schock, February 25, 1868, and they returned to this county in May, 1872. After devot-
ing some years in looking after the interests of his mother's farm, and two years (1876-78)
in teaching, he established his shop in the village of Centreville, this county; he does a
general business, roofing, spouting, repairing and dealing in stoves, tinware, etc. Mrs.
Burkhart died April 29, 1882, a devoted wife and mother, an earnest Christian, and her
death was mourned by a large circle of friends. Of her eight children only three are now
living: Mt^ry Emma, Miriam May and Samuel Bruce. Mr. Burkhart is a life-long Repub-
lican; an earnest member of the Lutheran Church. He is an upright and worthy citizen,
highly respected.
SAMUEL CAROTHERS farmer, P. O. Dickinson, was born March 10, 1839, in Penn
(then Dickinson) Township, this county. His father, John M. Carothers, came from York
County, Penn., in early manhood, with his parents, Samuel and Jane (Nesbet) Caroth-
ers, and married Miss Sarah Jane Carothers, a very distant relative, a native of Huntingdon
County, Penn. She died in 1842, and John M. Carothers again married, in Adams County,.
Penn., moved to Franklin County, and finally to this county, where he died. Our sub-
ject, Samuel Carothers, was reared by his paternal grandfather, in Penn Township, this .
county, and began life farming his grandfather's place. He married, December 34, 1859,
Miss Rebecca Carl, daughter of Peter and Eliza Carl, early settlers of this county, he from
Perry County and she from Lancaster County, Penn. Since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Carothers have resided in Penn Township, this county, where they have a pleasant and
comfortable home and a tract of about 19 acres of fertile and well improved land. The-
widowed mother of Mrs. Carothers now resides with them. To our subject and wife have
heen born two sons: Samuel Henderson and James Elder, who have both made thorough
preparation for the profession of teaching, and ai-e doing useful service in that noble pro-
fession, giving excellent satisfaction as faithful and efficient educators. James E. is a
graduate of the Stale Normal School at Shippensburg. Samuel Carothers is a life-long
Democrat. He has served his township as assessor one year, and also as school director
and as supervisor. He and his worthy wife are consistent members of the United Breth-
ren Church. He is an upright and worthy citizen, respected and esteemed by all who
know him.
JACOB G. CROMAK, merchant, residence South Fairview, P. O. Dickinson, was
born October 9, 1843, in Penn Township, this county. His father, Jacob Croman, a native
of Berks County, Penn., came to this county when a young man, and married Margaret
Vance, a native of this county and daughter of John and Susan (Glenn) Vance, who 're-
sided in Penn Township, this county, until their death. Our subject's father was among
the early settlers of Brushtown District (now South Fairview), Penn Township, and built
the fifth house in the neighborhood. He was the father of seven children: Mrs. Sarah
Neff, John W., Mrs. Eliza Sellers, Mrs. Ellen Cooper, Mrs. Susan Schroyer, Jacob G., and
Isabelle (deceased). Jacob G. Croman enlisted, September 15, 1862, in the Seventeenth
Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, serving
in the historic campaigns of Virginia; he took part in the hard fought battles of Chancel-
lorsville, Beverly Ford, Alldee and Upperville, in Virginia; Gettysburg, Penn. ; Boonsboro,
Md.; Williamsport, Brandy Station, Culpeper, Stephensburft the various battles
in the Wilderness, Civilians Station, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Rock Fish Creek, Five
Forks and various other engagements up to Appomattox, where he personally witnessed
the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee. He was wounded while on picket at Garrisonville,
Va., and he also received a life-long injury by the fall of his horse at the same place. He
received his discharge in June, 1865, and left a record as abrave and faithful soldier, al-
ways ready for the call of duty. Returning home he married Miss Mary A. Rexroth, July
30, 1865; her parents, Henry and Mary Rexroth, natives of Saxony,, came to this county
in 1843, and resided many years in Pine Grove, Cook Township, where she was born: they
afterward resided in Penn Township until their death; the mother died in 1875, and the
father January 1, 1884, in his eightieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Croman have resided in South
Fairview, Penn Township, this county, ever since their marriage. He followed shoe-mak-
ing for three years; then established a store, which he still carries on. His children are
William Glenn, Anna M. C, Henry Carol, Rosa Maud, Jacob Herman and Grace. In
politics our subject is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Disciples
Church. Mr. Croman is a man of upright principles, a worthy citizen, respected by all
who know him.
JAMES DUNLAP, farmer, P. O. Newville, was born in Penn (then Dickinson)
Township, this county, February 30, 1819, son of William and Elizabeth (Sproat) Dunlap,
both natives of this county, and who resided here until their death; he died in October,
1836 and she in 1839. Of their children, six grew to maturity, three of whom are now
living: William, in Urbana, Ohio; James and Miss Nancy E., residing in New.ville, this
county The subject of this sketch has resided on the old homestead farm of his great-
grandfather Sproat all his life. He married Miss Lucetta Hays February 26, 1846. They
have a fine farm of about 200 acres of fertile and well improved valley land, besides a
528 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
farm of 145 acres in Newton Township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have been
born nine children, two of whom died in infancy. Those now living are: William 8.,
Kobert Hays, Mrs. Margaret Jane McCullough, John Armstrong. Lillie Belle, Pred 8. and
James Wallace. Our subject is a lifelong Republican. He and his worthy wife are
members of the United Presbyterian Church at Newville, this county. Mr. Dunlap has
taken a deep interest in the education of his children, and they are taking a high position
in business and social circles. He is a man of firm principles, an upright and worthy
citizen, a liberal patron of useful public enterprise, and is respected and esteemed.
ELIA8 B. EY8TER, P. O. Walnut Bottom, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio,
July 16, 1809, son of John and Susan (Booz)Eyster, natives of Berks and Adams Counties,
Penn., respectively, who, after their marriage, moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where
they remained until their death. They were among the earliest and most respected
pioneers of Ohio. Elias B. Eyster left Ohio when he was twenty-one years of age, and
came to Berks County, Penn. He there married, December 5, 1835, Miss Helena Dresher,
and in 1837 they came to Oyster Point, this county, within two miles of Harrisburg.
They kept the "Oyster Point Hotel" for five years, and then moved up the Cumberland
Valley to the place where they now reside, in Penn Township, this county. They pur-
chased "Long Meadow Hotel," and conducted it for a period of forty years (the house
was built in 1780 and is still standing and occupied). Elias B. Eyster was a genial and
popular landlord, and his house was a favorite resort for travelers seeking entertainment,
good-cheer and rest, in the good old days long past. In 1855 Mr. Eyster purchased the
mill on Yellow Breeches Creek, since known as Eyster's Mill, which he still owns, and in
addition he has acquired here five farms, aggregating over 500 acres of fertile and well
improved land, much of which he has given to his children. September 30, 1878, Mrs.
Eyster departed this life, aged sixty-six years, six months and eight days. To our sub-
ject and wife have been born the following named children: Thomas Jefferson (deceased),
Angelina, Elias G , Helena Jane, Mrs. Sarah Ann Moore, Charles J. (deceased), Mrs.
Frances Josephine Myers, Laura Elizabeth (deceased), Margaret M. (deceased) and Will-
iam L. Mr. Eyster is a life-long Democrat. He has filled most of the township offices at
various times, and has held the position of director of the poor for one term (1870-78).
He and his family attend the Lutheran Church. His wife has been a member of that
church neai'ly her entire life. Mr. Eyster has led an active and useful life, and is
honored and respected by his descendants and his fellow-citizens of this county.
ELIAS G. EYSTER, farmer, P. O. Walnut Bottom, was born March 37, 1840, at
Oyster Point, this county (near Harrisburg). He was brought to Penn Township, this
county, with his father's family when he was two years of age, and has resided here since.
His scliool course was interrupted in May, 1861, by his offering his services in defense of
the Government, in response to President Lincoln's first call for troops. His company
was not accepted at that time, hut was afterward, at the first call for three years' troops,
in August of the same year. Mr. Eyster was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and
took part in the historic campaigns in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He was
present at the active engagements of Williamsburg, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericks-
burg, Gettysburg, Mine Run, and the various battles of the Wilderness, up to Petersburg,
besides a large number of severe skirmishes. He received^ gunshot wound through the
neck in a skirmish at Hartford Church February, 1863, which laid him up for six months
and caused his absence from the battle of Chancellorsville. He was taken prisoner on the
last day of the battle of Gettysburg, and was confined for one month in Libby Prison and
Belle Isle. He received an honorable discharge from the army August 6, 1864, leaving a
ifine record as a brave and faithful soldier.
LEWIS GOODHART, farmer, P. O. Dickinson, was born April 15, 1833, in Penn
{then Dickinson) Township, this county. His father, Isaac, was a son of Jacob Goodhart,
who married Mary W. Shafner and settled in this county with his young family in very
early times. The valley was then new and wild, and they cleared up their own farm.
Our subject's father, Isaac Goodhart, married Miss Mary Magdalene Palm, daughter of
Jacob and Mary (Bishop) Palm, who came from Lancaster Countv, Penn. Mr. and Mrs.
Isaac Goodhart reared a family of ten children: Mrs. Eliza Gibbler (deceased), WUl-
iam, Beckie, Lewis, Mrs. Mary Piper, Mrs. Ann Bishop, Martin Alex P., Cyrus A.
(deceased), Marion Anson, and Mrs. Agnes Druzilla Hess. Lewis Goodhart was edu-
cated in the schools of the early times. April 11, 1844, he married Miss Charlotte Farner,
who was born in Franklin County, Penn., and came to West Pennsborough TownsMp,
this county, in girlhood, with her widowed mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Farner, her father,
David Earner, having died in Franklin County, Penn. Mr. Goodhart has resided in Perm
Township, this county, since his marriage. He owns a fine farm of 143 acres of fertile
and well improved land in the valley, and a fine tract of timber on South Mountain. To
Mr. and Mrs. Goodhart have been born ten children: Two died in infancy.and one, Frances
Emma, died at the age of thirteen years; those now living are Marion Alusoh, Mrs. Mary
Elizabeth Mitten, Mrs. Agnes B. Brandt, Calvin, Theodore, David G. McClellan and
Clarence Eugene. Two of the sons, Marion Anson and David G. McClellan, have pre-
pared themselves for the profession of teaching, and are now successfully engaged in that
PENN TOWNSHIP. 529
noble work. Our subject and wife and four of their children are members of the Presby-
terian Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served his township in various
otficial capacities. Mr. Goodhart is one of the self-made men of Penn Township.
Unaided, and under adverse circumstances, step by step, he has built himself up to his
present position in life, and is known and recognized as an upright man, enjoying the
respect and esteem of all who know him.
JACOB N. HERMAN, marble cutter and dealer, residence Hockersville, P. O. Dick-
inson, was born in Straban Township, Adams Co., Penn., March 4, 1843. His parents,
Col. Jacob and Sophia Herman, moved to York County, Penn., in 1864, where they re-
sided until their death; the former died in 1875, and the latter in 1876; they had a family
of ten children, five still living: George, in Sheridan, Nev.; David, in Adams County,
Penn.; Mrs. Irene Knaub, in York County, Penn.; Mary, in Jacksonville, and Jacob N.,
our subject. Mrs. Herman was a daughter of Jacob and Margretta Gilbert, whose resi-
dence was near Arendtsville, Adams Co., Penn. Col. Herman's occupation was house car-
penter and undertaker, which he carried on quite extensively. He was formerly an active
oflacer in the militia service of the State, having received four different commissions from
the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He served one year as lieutenant, seven years as
captain, seven years colonel, three years as brigade-major of the Second Brigade of the
Fifth Division, composed of the militia of the counties of York and Adams, Gen. Craig
Miller being commander of the Second Brigade of the Fifth Division. J. N. Herman en-
tered upon an apprenticeship with Micah Arnold, of York County, August 7, 1865, re-
mained there until the spring of 1866, wlien his employer bought out an establishment in
Mechanicsburg, where our subject finished his trade as marble cutter August 7, 1868. Mr.
Herman worked for Mr. Arnold from 1865 until the spring of 1877, with the exception of
a short time in Lancaster City and Glen Rock, Penn. His recommendation from his em-
ployer, Mr. Arnold, reads as follows: "Mechanicsburg, April 6, 1877. This is tp certify that
J. N. Herman has served three years apprenticeship with me at marble-cutting, and after-
ward has been foreman in one of my shops for about seven years, and I can recomraend
him as a first-class workman and a reliable man. (Signed) M. Arnold." (This is quite a
compliment to Mr. Herman's integrity and judgment as a skillful artist.) In the spring
of 1878 Mr. Herman moved to Middletown, Dauphin Co., Penn., to engage in the marble
business with S. A. Landis, of Mechanicsburg, as partner, but remained only there until
October 1, same year, at which time J. N. Herman moved to the upper end of this county,
to a place known as Big Spring; remained there one year and then moved to Jacksonville,
this county, which is on the line of the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad, and finally set-
tled in Hockersville, this county, in 1883. Here he has carried on a shop ever since, and
has an influential patronage in the surrounding community. Mr. Herman married Miss
Maggie Harper, a daughter of the Hon. William Harper of Penn Township, who died
March 3, 1873, a strong supporter of the Democratic party, and by that body was elected
two terms as member of the Legislature; his wife, Isabella Harper, died March 13, 1863.
J. N. Herman gave his services in defense of the government in September, 1864; he was
a member of Company I, Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers;
served in the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the memorable battle known as Fort
Steadman. _, . ,.
SAMUEL F. HUSTON, farmer, P. O. Mooredale, was born in Penn Township, this
county, February 17, 1859. His parents, James S. and Mary Jane (Brown) Huston, resided
in Penn Township until the death of the former in 1865; the latter died in 1876. Of their
children, Joseph B. died January 1, 1883; Mrs. Anna M. Caldwell, resides in Newton
Township, this county; John R. and Samuel P. reside in Penn Township, this county.
Our subject's grandparents, Samuel and Anna Huston, were natives of this county and
descendants of early settlers. Samuel F. Huston, the subject of this sketch, completed
his education in the schools of the home district, and, at the age of twenty-two years, en-
gaged in teaching. He taught for three terms, giving excellent satisfaction as a faithful
and efficient educator. November 1, 1883, he married Miss Maggie B. Sharpe, a native
of Newton Township, this county, daughter of Samuel M. Sharpe, and they have one son,
Samuel Sharpe Huston. Our subject is a life-long and enthusiastic Democrat. He and
Jhis worthy wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, at Newville, Penn. Mr.
Huston is an intelligent and enterprising young farmer, an upright and worthy citizen,
highly respected by the entire community. „ , ^ -r, ■ . r^^, u j
RT. REV. DANIEL KELLER, bishop or elder of the German Baptist Church, and
farmer P O Huntsdale, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., September 23, 1813. His
father and grandfather were also born in that county, his great-grandfather, a native of
Switzerland having established the family in America. Our subject's mother, Elizabeth
Hershberger was also descended from a Swiss grandfather, who came to this country,
and the two families have branched out far and wide in the New World. Elder Keller's
father John Keller, died July 37, 1875, at the age of nearly ninety-one years-all passed
in this State Elder Keller married, December 31, 1833, Miss Catherine Kline, of Lan-
caster County, Penn., born November 4, 1813, and they came to CentreviUe, this county,
in 1845 In 1878 they moved to a farm near Milltown (now Huntsdale), and in 1882 lo-
530 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
cated where they now reside, at Huntsdale, this county. Elder Keller has followed farm-
ing all his life, aud has been uniformly successful. He has dealt largely in farm property,
and was one of the first to establish the custom of liming the soil in this valley, by which
course the value of the land in this county has been greatly increased. Elder Keller now
owns a fine farm of 160 acres of fertile and well improved land in Penn Township, 330
acres in Russell County, Kas., and a large grist-mill on Yellow Breeches Creek, at Hunts-
dale, this county, also five dwelling houses and lots in Huntsdale. To Elder Keller and
wife have been born thirteen children, nine of whom are living: Benjamin, in Bhamokin,
Penn.; Mrs. Catherine Brandt, near Centreville, this county; Daniel Jr., in Ellsworth
County, Kas.; Mrs. Susanna Russell, in Newburg, this county; Henry, in Wilson, Ells-
worth Co., Kas. ; Mrs. Hedassah Coover, in Green Vale, Russell Co., Kas. ; Samuel, in Bour-
bon, Marshall Co., Ind.; Jacob, in Plympton, Dickinson Co., Kas., and Mrs. Sarah Myers,
at Huntsdale, this county. Nearly all of Elder Keller's family are members of the German
Baptist Church. He joined the church in 1848, was chosen preacher in same in 1850, and
ordained bishop in 1861. He is an influential member and a pillar of the church. In all
his dealings Elder Keller has been upright and straightforward, generous to those in need
and liberal toward public enterprises. He is a worthy and highly-respected citizen, and his
name will long be honored by succeeding generations in Cumberland County. Following
the non-resisting policy of the cliurch, the Elder takes no part in politics, but is disposed
to favor the Republican party. Elder and Mrs. Keller, in their course of life, have thus
far experienced much joy, and also much sorrow.
REV. DAVID LBFEVER, minister of the Christian Church and farmer, P. O.
Huntsdale, Cumberland County, was born March 5, 1823, in West Pennsborough Town-
ship, this county. In the year 1708 a Dr. Lefever came from France and settled in Bos-
ton, Mass., and from him, probably, sprung all of the Lefevers in the United States. He
was one of t>he famous Huguenots who fled from religious persecution to find a refuge in
the New World. The line from him down is Philip, George, Lawrence, John and David.
Lawrence moved from York County, Penn., to this county, with his father, in 1785, aud
resided here until his death. His wife was Veronica Alter, of the well-known Alter fam-
ily. (Shewassisterof thewifeof Gov. Joseph Ritner.) Theirson John married Miss Rebec-
ca Rine. He was a farmer by occupation, but took an active part in public affairs. Be-
ing one of the few native citizens who could speak the German language fluently, he was
appointed associate judge by Gov. Ritner about 1835, and, after rendering distinguished
services, he retired from the position with honor. He was a man of very correct and
methodical habits and kept an accurate diary for forty years. He was converted at the
age of forty years, and at once rode 51 miles to Beaver Creek, Washington Co., Md., to
be immersed. He did active duty in the Christian Church, as a preacher, until his death,
which occurred September 13, 1864. His widow died in December, 1875. Rev. David
Lefever is the eldest of their seven children, of whom he and Mrs. Maria Myers, of Adams
County, Penn., are the sole survivors. Our subject married, December 29, 1847, Miss Ma-
tilda Cunningham, a niece of Gov. Ritner, and they at once settled in Penn Township,
this county, and began to develop a home. They continued in a successful course until
they acquired 3 fine farms, comprising 875 acres of fertile and well improved valley land,
besides a tract of 115 acres of timber land on South Mountain. Mr. Lefever bought a
foundry, on the edge of Shippensburg, Penn., in 1870, which he still owns. He carried it
on for several years, residing in Shippensburg from 1876 to 1878. Mr. Lefever's wife de-
parted this life January 8, 1885. She was a devoted wife, the mother of nine children,
seven of whom are now living: Henry Rine, David Landis, Joseph C, Mrs. Margaret
Smith, Matilda, Mrs. Clarinda Eyster, and Fannie. Our subject united with the Chris-
tian Church at the age of nineteen years; was chosen elder in 1855; began preaching in
1864, and has continued in the work of the gospel ever since. He built, almost entirely
unaided, a handsome stone church on his land, and deeded it to the congregation. He has
been a Republican most of his life. In 1885 he espoused the cause of the Prohibition par-
ty, and has devoted himself actively during the campaign, delivering lectures on the sub-
ject of temperance. He is a speaker of great force and energy, and wields a great influ-
ence for good among a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
MICHAEL LONG, farmer, P. O. Walnut Bottom, was born February 7, 1881, in Lan-
caster County, Penn. His father, John Long, died in that county, and his mother, Mary
Long, came to Franklin County, Penn., whiere she remained until her death. Michael
Long married Miss Rebecca Geesaman, of Franklin County, Penn., February 1, 1854, and
they moved to Penn Township, this county, in the spring of 1857. locating at once on the
place they at present occupy, in the valley of Yellow Breeches Creek; here they have a
farm of 91 acres of valley land and 37 of timbered land on South Mountain. Their children
are Alfred Claton, William Joseph, Daniel Abram, Aaron Albion, Franklin Clarence and
Anna Belle. Mr. Long and his son established a store at Centre Valley in 1880, and
moved it to Bendersville in 1883, where it is at present located. They do a general mer-
chandising business, and are building up a prosperous trade. Our suliject and wife and
all their children, except the youngest, belong to the United Brethren Church. Mr. Long
is very active in his devotion to the interest of the Church, and has been a class-leader for
PENN TOWNSHIP. 531
many years. He is a man of generous impulses, a liberal patron of public enterprises, and
is one of the leading citizens of Cumberland County.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER McCULLOUGH, farmer, P. O. Newville, was born De-
cember 2, 1834, in West Pennsborough Township, this county, and is a son of Alexandef
and Elizabeth McCullough. December 27, 1866, subject married Miss Martha L. Clark,
and they located where they now reside in 1874. Here they have a fine farm of 121 acres
of land, also have a farm of 91 acres in Southampton Township, and a tract of 8 acres of
timber on South Mountain. Their children are James Clark, Berdie and John Bruce.
Our subject is a life-long Republican. He and his wife are members of Big Spring
Piesbyterian Church.
JOHN THEODORE McCUNE, retired farmer, P. O. Dickinson, was born April 9,
1844. in Southampton Township, this county, third child of Samuel and Mary Eleanor
<McClay) McCune. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Samuel McCune, entered land in
Hopewell Township, this county, which has been occupied by the family for three genera-
tions. John T. McCune, the subject of this sketch, enlisted August 12, 1863, in the One
Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was present at
the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. After the expiration of his
term of service, in 1863, he 'attended school at Academia, Juniata Co., Penn., for four
months, and then re-enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Militia. After serving six weeks he was honorably discharged, leaving a good record as a
faithful soldier. He next spent two years traveling in the stock business through the
Northwestern States with his uncle, A. S. McCune, of VanBuren County, Iowa. Return-
ing to this county, Mr. McCune married Miss Bethsheba MahafEy December 4, 1866, and
after spending four years in Virginia they have resided in Centreville, Penn., ever since.
They have a Que farm of 102 acres adjoining the village. They have one daughter, Lillie
M. Mr. McCune is a life-long Republican. He is a man of generous disposition, upright
character, respected by a large circle of friends.
HENRY K. MILLER, grain dealer, agent for the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad,
€tc., and postmaster of Huntsdale, was born August 18, 1849, in Middlesex Township, this
county, son of Joseph and 'Susanna (Kaufman) Miller. After attaining his majority he
spent about four years traveling through the Western States, visiting Missouri, Illinois,
Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Ohio, and in the spring of 1877 he formed a partnership with
Ms brother, D. H. Miller, in a grain warehouse at Huntsdale, he, Henry K., being the
principal manager. In May, 1885, our subject bought his brother's interest, and has been
carrying on the business since. He does a general commission and forwarding trade,
dealing in grain, coal, flour, seeds, salt, etc., and by strict attention to business has built
up a large and flourishing trade. In 1880 the postofBce Ernst was established, with Henry
K. Miller as postmaster, and in November, 1882, the name of the office was clianged to
Huntsdale. In 1882 our subject was appointed agent for the Adams Express Company,
and in October, 1885, agent for the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad Company, all of
which positions he now holds. January 30, 1879, Mr. Miller married Miss Anna Eliza
Hastings, of Penn Township, this county. Our subject and wife are consistent members
of the German Baptist Church. He is a life-long Republican, and takes a deep interest in
public affairs. He is an enterprising and successful business man, a liberal patron of
public enterprises, respected and esteemed by all who know him.
JAMES MOORE, retired farmer. Walnut Bottom, Cumberland County, was born De-
cember 10, 1805, in Dickinson Township, this county, and early began an apprenticeship at
the blacksmith trade in Latimore Township, Adams County, with John Miller. He followed
his trade as a journeyman for several years through Cumberland and Adams Counties.
He married Miss Elizabeth Ripton January 20, 1831. He carried on a shop at the turn-
pike and Stone Tavern, in Dickinson Township, for fourteen years, in Cumberland
County. His first wife had three children, all girls: Elizabeth, Isabella and Nancy.
Elizabeth died when eighteen years old; Isabella married Mr. Kurtz, and Nancy married
Mr. Miller. In April, 1844, Mr. Moore removed to the place where he now resides, in Penn
Township, at once locating here, and has been engaged in farming. He has acquired a
fine farm property of 131 acres of land in the valley, with two sets of buildings, and 300
acres of timber land on the side of South Mountain; and has also purchased 130 acres of
land in Clinton County, Ind.. His first wife died January 39, 1836, leaving the three daugh-
ters above mentioned, and our subject then married Miss Jane Smith, January 18. 1839.
She gave birth to seven children four sons, (William, James, John and David), and three
daughters (Margaretta J., Mary and Anna G. Moore). His second wife died in 1855, leav-
ing four living children of her own: James, in Clinton County, Ind.; Anna G. Mitten,
Margaretta J. Utley, and David, who was a soldier in Company H, One Hundred and
Ninety-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and died at Camp Mankins-
wood, Maryland, August 13, 1864, Mrs. Margaretta J. Utley died, leaving two children, a
son and daughter; the son is still living, and resides with our subject. This leaves two
children by the first wife, Isabella and Nancy, and two by the last wife, James and Anna
G. Mitten, still living; the other three of the last wife's children died— Wilham, at the age
of one year and one month; John, at the age of five years and two months; Mary, at the
age of four years and two months. James was in Boyd's cavalry in Virginia.
532 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
HENRY T. MYERS, tanner and currier, was born in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Ger-
many, in the year 1836. He immigrated, with his parents, two brothers and one sister, to
America in 1853, all landing at Boston, Mass. From there the family separated, going to re-
Tnole sections. Our subject, Henry 'I'., was apprenticed at Cape Cod, West Brewster, Mass.,
with Mr. William Winslow, one of the descendants of the noted Pilgrims that came over in
the "Mayflower," to learn the tanning and currier trade,f or a term of three years. After serv-
ing his apprenticeship he worked as journeyman at the same place for nearly another year.
He then, on account of the business panic which occurred in 1857, came to Carlisle, this
county, namely, Cumberland. Business being very dull, the first job he got was to saw
and split two cords of hickory wood for a doctor, James Irvin, the stipulated sum being
$1.50 for the job. He was paid $1 in gold and the half dollar in silver. He lost the gold
dollar before he got to his place of abode, and never could be persuaded to take another
job of that kind. However, not discouraged, he soon got employment at his
chosen avocation, namely, finishing leather. Two years later, March 15, 1859, he
marriedl Miss Victorene Williams, a native of North Middleton Township, this county,
two children being born to them. He enlisted in 1862^ in Company E, One Hundred and
Thirtieth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, then organizing in Newville for the United
States service for the term of nine months, the official record of that regiment, the
One Hundred and Thirtieth, being 409 men killed and wounded in action. He was dis-
charged by reason of having served his time. May 21, 1863, and he again re-enlisted in
1864, " the breakfast job now being over, " for another year. Discharged again inl865, he at
once located in Centreville, Penn Township, where he still lives, doing a good business in
the way of tanning. He had also carried on the harness trade for seven years, which he
relinquished in 1880. His son, George M., having learned the harness trade, is now carry-
ing on that branch. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers have been born nine children: John H.,
George M., Mrs. Annie E. Stouffer, Willis K., Agnes C.,Alex. C, Daniel K., Laura.!.,
and Henry T. (deceased). Mr. Myers has been a life-long Democrat; has been a mem-
ber of the school board of education for three years, and president for one year. He
was appointed by the Hon. Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, postmaster of Dickin-
son postoffice, on July 18, 1885, in which capacity he is serving the public at present.
Being well educated in the German language, he has acquired a good education in the
English by private study in his adopted country. Mr. Myers and his worthy wife have
ever encouraged education, and are consistent members of the German Baptist Church.
He is an active business man, and an honest and upright citizen.
JOHN F. MYERS, farmer, P. O. Dickinson, was born in Penn Township, this
county, November 20, 1845. His father, James Myers (a native of this county, a son of
Abraham Myers, and grandson of Abraham, one of the early pioneers of Dauphin Coun-
ty, Penn.), married Miss Barbara Fishburn, a native of Dauphin County, Penn., who came
to this county with her parents when thirteen years of age. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. James Myers located in Penn Township, this county, on the Chambersburg Pike,
and here they reared their family of ten children: Mrs. Catherine A. Leidigh, Sarah E.,
Abraham George, ,lohn Fishburn, Mrs. Barbara Elizabeth Keller, James P., William Al-
bert, Charles Calvin, Mrs. Annie B. Caldwell and Edwin E. The father, Jamer Myers,
departed this life in June, 1879. John F. Myers, the subject of this sketch, married, De-
cember 27, 1870, Miss Fannie Eyster, and they located permanently were they now reside;
thev have here a fine farm of ninety-three acres of fertile and well-improved land, with
a handsome residence, and good, substantial farm buildings thereon. Their children were
Laura H., Nora E. (accidentally killed In 1875, aged two years and ten months), William
Oliver, Josephine C., Nettie May, Harold E., Frankie (deceased) and John C. Mr. Myers
is a life-long Democrat. He and his wife adhere to the Lutheran faith. He is an enter-
prising and successful farmer, an upright and worthy citizen, highly respected by all who
know him.
WILLIAM ALBERT MYERS, farmer, P. O. Huntsdale, was bom in Penn Town-
ship, this county, July 5, 1851. His father, James Myers, was a son of the well-known
pioneer, Abraham Myers, who came from York County, Penn., to this county, and mar-
ried Barbara Fishburn, settling on the line of the Chambersburg Pike, where they re-
sided until his death, which occurred June 20, 1879; his widow now resides at Newville,
Penn. William Albert Myers, the subject of this sketch, married, December 18, 1879,
Sadie Keller, daughter of Daniel Keller, and born in Penn Township, this county. Mr. and
Mrs. Myers have one son living, Daniel .Keller Myers. They are owners of a fine farm in
Brushtown District. Mrs. Myers is a member of the German Baptist Church. Our subject
is a life-long Democrat, an enterprising and successful farmer, and an upright citizen.
SAMUEL PIPER, farmer, P. O. Newville, was born August 13, 1819, in West Penns-
borough Township, this county. His grandfather, James Piper, came to America, from
Ireland, with two brothers, and settled at Middle Spring, Franklin Co., Penn., in 1767,
and about two years later they located at Big Spring, this county. They followed the
usual course of pioneers in the wilderness and located along the principal streams. James
Piper's only son, James, Jr., father of our subject, adopted the calling of a miller and
carried on Piper's mill, which had been established by his father; this mill burned down.
PENN TOWNSHIP. 53S
and, in 1826, James Piper, Jr., built, on the same site, the mill which is still standing there
James Piper, Jr., married Miss Catherine Irvine, a native of Stony Ridge, east of Carlisle,
this county, and tiiey reared six children: Mrs. Mary Uunlap, Jane (deceased), John, Sam-
uel, Mrs. Elizabeth Mallory (deceased) and Jnmes; tlie parents resiiied at Piper's mills until '
their death; she died July 7. 1844, and he January 1, 1846. Samuel Piper, the subject of
this sketch, engaged in teaching early in life, and followed that profession for about six
terms. October 12, 1848, he married Miss Mary Goodhart, and, after spending two and a.
half years at the old family homestead, they resided for fourteen years on an adjoining
farm; in 1868 they located where they now reside; they have here a fine farm of 39 acres
of fertile and well-improved valley land. To our subject and wife have been born three
children: Samuel, who died in infancy; Mrs. Sevilla Goodhart, who died at Bowman's-
Dale March 29, 1885, and Lina, residing with her parents (she made thorough preparation
for the profession of teaching — graduated from the State Normal School at Shippensburg,
Penn., and is now successfully engaged in teaching). Mr. and Mrs. Piper have also reared
in their family his brother John's son, John Jr., who has also been teaching in Penn
Township for thirteen years. Mr. Piper is a life-long Republican. He and his worthy
wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a man of firm principles,
one of the leading and influential citizens of this county. By appointment of Gen. E. M.
Gregory Mr. Piper took the ninth annual census in Penn and Dickinson Townships, thi»
county.
HENRY C. RICE, mail contractor. P. O. Dickinson, was born June 19, 1844, near
Landisburg, Perry Co., Penn., where his parents, Zachariah and Nancy (Landis) Rice, re-
sided until their death. Our subject enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Regi-
ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, October 16. 1862; took. part in the campaign im
North Carolina, and was engaged in the battle of Kingston, that State; was discharged
in August, 1863, and re-enlisted August 31, 1864, in tlie Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer
Cavalry, serving under Gen. Kilpatrick; went through with Sherman to the sea. taking
part in many historic engagements in Georgia and North Carolina, and was honorably dis-
chargtd May 29, 1865. Mr. Rice married, November 13, 1866, Miss Catherine Zeigler, of
Chambersburg, Penn., daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Turner) Zeigler, who resided near
Carlisle, this county. Jacob Zeigler died April 18, 1882, at Greenview, 111.; his widovsr
died at Carlisle Springs, Penn., November 5, ISS,"). Mr. and Mrs. Rice are rearing, ia
their family, Gouverner and Lutie L. Natcher, children of Mrs. Rice's sister, Julia, de-
ceased wife of J. A. Natcher. Mr. Rice belongs to a family of extensive mail contractors.
His father was engaged for twenty-six years in that service. The mail route from Lan-
disburg to Newport has been in the hands t)f the Rices for the last thirty-three years,
and our subject has controlled the route from Carlisle to Dickinson for eighteen years,,
and the route from Carlisle to Landisburg for seven years. He has at this time seven
routes under contract, and an interest in thirty-one routes. In politics Mr. Rice is a Re-
publican. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
SIMON SNYDER, grain dealer, P. O. Dickinson, was born October 24, 1819, in
Frankford Township, this county. His remote ancestors were of German origin, but
his parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Mentzer) Snyder, were natives of Manor Township,
Lancaster Co., Penn. They came to this county in early life, after having spent some
years in Dauphin County. They were residing in Mifflin Township, this county, at the
time of their death. Tiie father died March 29. 1847, the mother in December, 1868.
Their children were George (deceased), Mrs. Elizabeth Failor (deceased), Mrs. Catharine
A. Camrey (deceased), Mrs. Mary I. McCrea (deceased). Mrs. Barbara M. McCrea, Simon,
Henry (a major in the militia, died December 10, 1883), Mrs. Sophia Wise, and Mrs.
Ellen N. Jacaby. Simon Snyder was reared on his father's farm, and enjoyed as good
educational advantages as the school system of those days afforded. He early engaged in
the profession of teaching, which he followed while completing his educational course at
Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, several terms, at Bloomfield Academy, two sessions,
and at Washington College, Washington, Penn., where he graduated with the degree of
A B , September 24, 1846. After completing his course he went South, engaging m the
profession of teaching. He had charge of the academy at Newburg, Jefferson Co., Ky.,
several years; next he was connected for several years with the Clinton Seminary, at
Clinton, Ky.; was then chosen principal of the Columbus Masonic Seminary, Columbus,
Ky., for three years. Returning to his native county, he engaged with his brother
Henry for several years, in mercantile business, near Newville. He then accepted a posi-
tion as cashier and book-keeper for a large milling firm. Smith & Smyser, of Louisville,
Ky where he remained during the war of the Rebellion. Returning to this county, he-
was'engaged from 1864 to 1874 with his brother in the grain business at Newville, and in
the latter year established in the same line of business, on his own account, on the Harria-
burg & Potomac Railroad, and was located at Barnitz nearly four years, at Jacksonville
six years and came to Dover's Station, his present location, in May, 1884. He does a
general commission business, dealing in grain, coal, etc. Simon Snyder has, by industry,
acquired an independent competence. He began his life as a citizen by voting for Gen.
Harrison in 1840, and has supported the Whig and Republican parties ever since. He has.
534 BIOQRAPHICifL SKETCHES :
enjoyed the friendship of mnny men eminent in public life. He was class-mate of the
celebrated Prof. James E. Murdock, and a fellow-student of James G. Blaine and of ex-
Secretary Benjamin P. Bristow. Mr. Snyder still retains their friendship, and he has the
respect of everv community in which he has lived.
PETER T'RITT, manufacturer, P. O. Huntsdale, was born June 24, 1821, in Penn
(then Dickinson) Township, this county, son of Christian and Lydia (Stough) Tritt, former
of whom was a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Le Fevre) Tritt, early settlers in this county,
coming from Lancaster County, Penn. ; they resided in Penn Township, this county, until
their death; the mother died in 1849, and the father in 1871. Peter is the eldest of their
fourteen children. June 10, 1845, the subject of this sketch married Nancy Nickey, a
native of Perry County, Penn. Mr. Tritt followed farming for nine years after his mar-
riage, and in March, 1855, located a saw-mill on Yellow Breeches Creek, below Milltown,
Penn Township, this county, and to this he has added a shingle-mill, planing-mill and
sash, door and blind factory, and is doing a large and prosperous business. To Mr. and
Mrs. Tritt have been born seven children, five of whom are now living: John A., Samuel
J. (the present county surveyor), Mrs. Lydia J. Shafer, Mrs. Elizabeth Feree and Peter
Stough. In politics Mr. Tritt is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the
Lutheran Church. Mr. Tritt is a man of correct business habits, upright and straightfor-
ward in his dealings. He is a worthy citizen, highly respected by those who know him.
JOHN A. TRITT, lumberman, P. O. Huntsdale, was born in Penn Township, this
county, September 23, 1847, His father, Peter Tritt, reared him to the lumber business.
Our subject married, in January, 1869, Miss Jennie B. Tobias, of Carlisle, this county, and
they have resided on their farm near Mount Rock, Penn Township, this county, for a
period of nine years since their marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Tritt have been born five
children: Alice E., Edgar P., Florena E., Maud J. and Melvin J. Mr. Tritt owns a cir-
cular-saw mill, connected with his father's general lumber manufacturing establishment,
at Huntsdale, this county. In politics he is a Democrat. He has filled the office of as-
sessor for one term. At present he is school director.
DAVID P. TRITT, farmer, P. O. Dickinson, was born in Penn (then Dickinson)
Township, this county, August 20, 1830. His grandfather, Peter Tritt, born March 5,
1755, died February 24, 1839, came from Lancaster County, Penn., about 1775, and was, it
is thought, from Spain; he carriedonthebusineasof wagon-making in West Pennsborough
Township, and served some time in the Revolutionary war, and was the founder of the
Tritt family in the Cumberland Valley. Our subject's grandmother, Elizabeth (LeFevre)
Tritt, was born December 8, 1751, and died February 7, 1835. Her grandparents, who
were French, landed in Boston in 1710, went to Newburg, N. Y., thence to Lancaster
County, Penn., and came to this county in 1775. Peter and Elizabeth Tritt had thirteen
children : Barbara, born May 10, 1778, died young; Jacob, born January 18, 1780, died
December 17, 1856; Peter, born January 28, 1782, died January 24, 1860; Elizabeth, born
January 18, 1784, died October 17, 1831; Joseph, born January 16, 1787, died May 30,1873;
Barbara, born March 19, 1789, died young; George, born November 8, 1791, died October
4, 1882; Catharine, born July 5, 1794, died January 9, 1871 ; Christian, born July 25, 1796,
died January 10, 1871; Anna, born November 21, 1798, died January 1, 1837; John, born
January 18, 1801, died in September, 1884; Samuel, born September 14, 1803, died February
22, 1873; William, born May 26, 18U7, died February 7, 1855. One of the sons. Christian,
married Lydia Stough, and they resided on a farm in Penn Township, this county; she
died June 9, 1849, and in 1853 he married Mrs. Francis Chariotte McCullough. David P.
Tritt, the subject of this sketch, the third son of Christian Tritt, attended the schools of
the home district and finished his course by a two years' attendance (1853-55) at Pennsyl-
vania College, Gettysburg. He was then appointed general agent for the Cumberland
Valley Fire Insurance Company, which position he held for four years. In 1858 he
located on a farm on which he now resides. He has acquired a fine farm of 120 acres as a
homestead, besides other property elsewhere. He married Miss Mary L. Fisher, of Hoges-
town, Silver Spring Township, this county, December 14, 1858, and she died February 7,
1863, leaving two children: Charles Edgar and Mary Ellen. December 25, 1865, Mr.
Tritt married, for his second wife. Miss Sarah Ann Harper, daughter of William Harper,
and their children are Edwin Greer and Lulu P. Mr. Tritt takes a deep interest in the
cause of education, and has given his children excellent advantages, both literary and
musical, and they are taking fine positions in school and society. Mr. Tritt is a life-long
Democrat, and in former years was quite active in public affairs, but now prefers to lead a
private life. He and his wife are members of the Dickinson Presbyterian Church, of
which he has been ruling elder for over fifteen years. He is a worthy descendant of one
of the oldest pioneer families, and is one of the leading and influential citizens of Penn
Township, this county.
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP. 535
CHAPTER LVI.
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP.
GEORGE W. BEST, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in 1850, in Monroe
Townsliip, this county. His father, John Best, of German origin, a resident of Mon-
loe Township, was born in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Penn. He
was united in marriage with Miss Anna Bitner, a native of York County, Penn., who
bore him thirteen children: Catharine, Elizabeth, Susan (deceased), Anna M., Joseph,
Sarah (deceased), Margaret (deceased), George W., Samuel, Martha, Agnes and two who
died in infancy. John Best who was a prosperous man, owning three farms, died at the
age of sixty-five years. He was a member of the United Brethren Church; in politics a
Republican. His son, George W., received his education in the common schools, and, in
1875, married Miss Clara L., daughter of Jacob H. and Rachael (Strock) Coover, who
were the parents of six children: Elizabeth, Francis E., Catharine A., Mary Z., Clara L.
and John A. Jacob H. Coover was born in Upper Allen Township, this county, and
lived on his farm there for many years; politically he was a Republican. He was busi-
ness manager of the East Pennsborough Fire Insurance Company and a good business
man. He and his wife were members of the Bethel Church. Mr. Best is a Republican in
politics.
JOHN BOBB, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is a grandson of Nicholas Bobb, who
came from Germany and settled in this county about the year 1795, and owned two farms.
Nicholas Bobb was the father of nine children: John, Daniel, Michael, George, Catharine,
Mary, Barbara, Elizabeth and Margaret. Of these, John came to this county with his fa-
ther when a young man. He was a carpenter by trade and afterward became a farmer.
He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Martin Longsdorf, of this county, by whom he
had four children: George, Margaret, John and Elizabeth. In 1800 Mr. Longsdorf built
the brick house at Trindle Springs, called the "Trindle Springs Hotel." It is of interest
that two of John Bobb's brothers married wives whose Christian names were Elizabeth
and had the same complement of children as himself — two sons and two daughters. He
was a member of the Lutheran Church. In early life' he worked at the carpenter and
cabinet-maker's trade, and erected several of the old buildings still standing in Silver
Spring Township. John Bobb, Jr., his son, was born in the township August 26, 1813. He
learned the trade of carpenter. In 1836 he married. Miss Margaret, daughter of Henry
and Mary Nagle, and to this union were born three children: Elmira M., Henry M. and
AnuaE. ; Henry M. the only one living. John Bobb, Jr., bought landnear New Kingston, this
county, in 1887, where he lived for seven years. He then moved to the Sailor farm, which
he purchased April 1, 1847, and there resided until 1875, when he bought his homestead
on Trindle Springs road and erected his present substantial buildings. The house is
pleasantly situated, and is likely to remain in the family for many generations. Mr. Bobb
is a strong Democrat, and in past years worked hard for his party. He has filled town-
ship oflBces, such as collector, assessor and school director, and has also beSn county com-
missioner. He has been administrator, executor and assignee for several estates, etc., and
has settled all these matters with wisdom and without the loss of a dollar. That he de-
serves the respect and confidence of the community is beyond a question.
Henry M. Bobb, the son of above, is an engineer. In May 1860, he married Miss
Margaret J. Armstrong, of Mechanicsburg, Penn. To this union were born seven chil-
dren: Ella S., wife of Charles Waggoner, of this county (have two children: Luella M.
and Mary A.); Minnie E.; John M. married to Emma Chapman, of Mechanicsburg; James
A. ; Henry A. ; George F. and Maggie M.
JOHN BRICKER, farmer, P. O. Hogestown. The Bricker family, which stands
among the first families of Cumberland Valley, sprang from strong German stock, who
settled in Lancaster County at an early date. Jacob Bricker, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in Lancaster County. He married Miss Mary Fry, of the same county,
and a few years later moved with his family to Cumberland (younty, and settled in Silver
Spring Township (this was about the year 1812). He soon bought the Silver Spring Mill,
prospered in business, and by his energy and thrift, accumulated $80,000, which he left at
his death to his two sons. The estate consisted of six farms, embracing over 900 acres of
land, the mill property, and a house in Mechanicsburg. His wife bore him two sons:
Lewis and Peter. A very stout man, he was very active and industrious, and noted for
his thrift and strong common sense. He lived to the patriarchal age of eighty-four years.
536 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Peter Bricker, tlie eldest son, was born in Lancaster County, Penn. He married Miss Kate
Buttorf, of Cumberland County. To this union were born six cliildren: George, Peter,
Jacob, Samuel, Mary and Susan. His father gave him a farm which he had purchased of
Gt'orge Bohh in 1839, and here he settled after marriage, and in the old house built by Mr.
Bobb In 1817 all his children were born. His wife died, and he then married Miss Mary
Bricicer, of Cumberland County. To them were born ten children: David. Lewis, Joseph,
John, Levi, Christine, Eliza, Catharine, Clara, and Ella. Peter Bricker continued to
reside on the same farm until 1860, when he moved to another of his farms, now owned by
Jacob Meily. By perseverance, prudence and energy, Mr. Bricker accumulated property
which, at his death, was valued at 1162,000, which was legally divided among his children.
John Bricker, our subject, was born in the old homestead July 11, 1848. In 1871 he mar-
ried Miss Sarah M. Gross, of this county. They have been blessed with eight children:
James, Peter, Lemuel, Clarence, Lawrence, Naomi, Bertie, and Mary. At his father's
death he went to live with his family in the old homestead, where twenty-nine members
of the Bricker family first saw the light of day and passed out to fight the battle of life.
Since 1829, when Jacob Bricker bought the old homestead, none but Brickers have tilled
the soil of the old farm. It is the cradle of the descendants of Peter Bricker. Like his
father before him, John is a prosperous man, and well known for his industry, thrift, and
honesty.
LEVI BRICKER, farmer, P. O. Hogestown, is a grandson of Jacob Bricker, who
was born in Lancaster County, Penn. The family is of German origin, his ancestors set-
tling in this country in a very early day, and Brickersville, in Lancaster County, was named
for the great-grandfather. Jacob Bricker, already mentioned, married Miss Mary Pry, of
Lancaster County, and had two children: Lewis and Peter. In 1812, when the latter was
about six years of age, his father moved to this county and settled in Newville, where he
followed milling. A few years later he purchased the Silver Spring Mill, which he owned
for over forty years. He removed to Mechanicsburg a few years before his death, which
occurred in 1867. He was a Republican in politics, a very sociable, prosperous and relia-
ble man, and left a large property at his death. Peter Bricker, his son. was born in Lan-
caster County in 1807. He too, learned the miller's trade. He married Miss Kate,
daughter of George Buttorf, of this county, and to this union were born six children : George,
Peter, Jacob, Samuel, Mary and Susan. His wife died, and he married Miss Mary Bricker,
of this county, daughter of David Bricker. To tliis union were born ten children: David,
Eliza, Kate, Lewis, Joseph, John, Levi, Clara, Christian and Ella. Even with such alarge
family, Mr. Bricker contrived, by energy and prudence, to accumulate a large property,
consisting of nine farms and the mill property in Silver Spring 'Township, estimated to be
worth $162,000. In politics he was a Republican. Our subject was born on the old home-
stead, in this county, September 29, 1850, and passed his early life on the farm. In 1874 he
married Miss Bella, daughter of George Breistline, of Cumberland County, and has two
children: Mary and Willie. After marriage Mr. Bricker began farming on his own ac-
count. Like his father before him, he is a Republican in politics. He is a reliable, hon-
orable business man.
JESSE BUCHER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. According to tradition the great-
grandfather of this gentleman and his two brothers emigrated from Germany to America
at an early date, and from them sprang the Buchers of Pennsylvania, t Christian Bucher
(grandfather of subject), was born on the farm where his father originally settled, near
Union Station, Lancaster Co., Penn. His son. Christian Bucher, was born on the old home-
stead, which had then seen three generations of this family within its walls. He learned
the trade of miller, which he followed in Lancaster County thirty-two years. In 1835
Christian Bucher married Miss Leah, daughter of George Youndt. of Lancaster County.
Penn., who bore him six children: Jesse, Lydia A., Elizabeth. John, Isaac and Henry (all
born in Lancaster County). In 18.i7 he moved with his family to Cumberland County, and
bought a farm of 216 acres, where he remained so long as he lived. He and his wife were
members of the Lutheran Church, He was a man of remarkable force of character and
■will-power; beginning life with nothing, by thrift and industry he accumulated a hand-
some property and was enabled to assist all his children to start in life. Jesse Bucher,
his son, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1836, and came to this county with his
father when a young man. He learned the trade of a miller, and followed it until he came
to this county. In 1863 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Kanogy)
Crow, of Perry County, Penn. This union has been blessed with thiee sons: Albert H.,
Henry W. and Stewart E. After marriage Mr. Bucher bought, in 1865, his present home-
stead, which is a fine farm of 137 acres. The sons, now young men, are all at home, and.
the entire family is noted for thrift and those qualities which go to make up a successful
life.
GEORGE CLEPPER, farmer, P. O. New Kingstown, is a grandson of Joseph Clepper,
of German descent, who lived in Lancaster County all his life. Joseph, his son, was bom
in that county in 1817, and when only three years old was brought by his step-father,
Jacob Holdemon, to Cumberland County, Penn. Joseph Clepper learned the miller's,
trade of Mr. Holdemon and afterward the millwright's trade. In 1844 he married Miss
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP. 537
Lydia, daughter of George and Hannah (Senseman) Hauck, of this county. To them
were born five children: George. Lydia A., Lucetla, Hannah J. and Joseph. In 1852, Jo-
seph Clepper entered agricultural pursuits, and passed tlie remainder of his life on the
farm. He died in 1873 at the age of fifty-six. He was a man of excellent moral princi-
Sles, highly esteemed by all who Isnew him. George Clepper, his son, was born in South
[iddleton Township, this county, in 1849. When about twenty-two years of age he visited
the principal Western States and cities. He returned after two years and a half to this
township, having had a varied experience as a traveler. He began farming in 1882 near New
Kingston, this county, on 213 acres, which, by industry and energy combined with the
skill of a practical farmer, he has converted into a model farm. The larger proportion of
his stock Is improved breeds. It is his custom during the fall to buy young Western cattle,
which he fattens for market, and he has now thirty- two head of steers in splendid condi-
tion, stall-fed and ready for market. This farm deserves more than a passing notice, as it
is an example of what can be accomplished in this county by industry, intelligent methods
and skill. Mr. Clepper is an upriglit man and thoroughly understands his business.
ROBERT CORvlAN, manufacturer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. Prominent among the
capitalists and manufacturers of Cumberland Valley stands the name of Robert Corman.
Beginning life as a poor boy, in this county, he, by his own industry and self-denial, has
risen step by step to his present position of wealth and honor. His grandfather, Ludrick
Corman, lived in Lebanon County, Penn., and was of German descent: he married a Miss
Nimomaker, also of Lebanon County, Penn., and had nine children: George, John, Jacob,
Abraham, Philip, Henry, Catharine, Mary and Eliza. He was a farmer by occupation;
in political opinions a Democrat. He enlisted in the Revolutionary war, serving under
Gen. Washington, and was one of the soldiers who passed the severe winter at Valley
Forge, and, shoeless, raggrd and hungry, braved almost death itself for the cause of free-
dom. A proud spirited gentleman of the old school he refused a pension for his services,
as he thought it unbecoming in a patriot to take money from his (at that time) poor coun-
try. Many years thereafter he was unfortunate, and a pension was applied for, his name
was found on the. roll, but so much time had elapsed that all who knew him as a soldier
were dead, and he could not be identified. Thus the soldier and patriot was not rewarded
in his old age by the Government his services had helped to create. John Corman. his
second son, was born in Lebanon County. Penn., April 9, 1778, and learned the trade of
cooper. He married Elizabeth Campbell, born in Cumberland County, Penn., June 14,
1788, a descendant of the famous Campbells of Scotland, a branch of which had settled in
Ireland, and our subject is therefore of German and Scotch-Irish descent. To John and
Elizabeth Corman were born nine childien: William, Robert, John, Agnes, Joseph,
Charles, Eliza, George and Campbell — all dead but Robert and John. Of these, George
was captain in Company F, Fifiy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and
lost his life in the second battle of Bull Run. His remains were not recovered, although
his brother Robert went to the battle-field to obtain them, but rest on Arlington Heights,
in the great tomb, with over 2,000 unknown soldiers. Our subject's father was an old-line
Whig; he was a man of wonderful memory, and some remarkable incidents are yet
remembered of this fafulty. He was a quiet man, and a very honorable, good citizen.
Robert Gorman's mother had great influence on his character, and when young taught
him to be self reliant, honest and industrious. He assisted her all he could, and she would
say, "Robert, the good Lord will reward you." In after years her words came true; for,
relyingon her advice, he amassed a fortune, and can well thank her for her part in his suc-
cess. Robert Corman was born Marrh 30, 1810, near Warm Springs, Perry Co., Penn.
At the age of four years he came with his father to Cumberland County. He lived with
his parents on the farm until about nineteen, when, becoming discontented with farm life,
he told his father he must make more money. Robert Bryson had offered to teach him
tanning, and he went to live with him as an appreniice, possessing nothing in the world
but an extra suit of clothes. He served three years with Mr. Bryson, and at the end of
this time the latter offered him 111 a month and board. He continued to work for him
for seven years as journeyman tanner, and during this lime his wages were increased to
50 cents per day. Even with these small wages young Robert had, by strict economy,
saved $700, which had been invested with Mr. Bryson on interest at 6 per cent. Becom-
ing discontented at not getting along faster, Robert started for Cincinnati, then a young
and growing city of 42,000 inhabitants, the journey thiiher being made by rail, steam-l)oat
and stage. Slill looking for work he went to Covington, Ky., and applied to a Mr. Grant,
who ran a tannerv there. Mr. Grant told him he could not give him employment as he
had only a small tannery, but few vats, and he and two little sons did all the work; one
ground the bark and the other handled the hides. The power was furnished by an old
horse. Mr. Grant spoke very kindly to Robert Corman, who was a little discouraged, and
bade him be of good cheer, that work would soon be found. This Mr. Grant was the father
of Ulysses S. Grant, and it is very possible that Gen. Grant himself was one of the little
boys helping his father at this humble occupation. Mr. Corman soon obtained work at
his trade, and at the end of two years and a half had saved $ 75 in gold. He next went to
Kittanning, Penn., and worked there at his trade, and in about eighteen months had saved
538 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
$700. Mr. Bryson, his old friend and employer, became embarrassed In business, and
wrote him, offering a one-third interest in his tannery, which was accepted, and iVIr. Gor-
man retained this interest eleven years, worliing industriously, and during this time saved
$13,000, bought 28 acres of lana and built himself a fine house. October 3, 1849, he
married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Ann (Blair) Bailey. To this union was
born one daughter— Laura— November 28, 1856; since married to Harry C. Gross, of Har-
risburg, son of Dr. Daniel Gross. In 1853 Mr. Gorman's partnership with Mr. Bryson was
dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Gorman then rented his residence for a number of
years to a nephew of Mr. Bryson, and hiring an old tan-yard at Trindle Spring, engaged
in the tanning business for seven years, and while thus engaged built what is known as
the "Florence House," in Carlisle, and which was the first four-story house in the city. He
erected this building in ninety days, driving from the tannery to Carlisle each day. Dur-
ing these years Mr. Brysou had again been unfortunate, and assignees were chosen. His
property consisted of a steam tannery in full operation, well stocked with about |40,000
worth of bark and hides, over 300 acres of land, a fine mansion and other buildings. This
large property was bought by Mr. Gorman at the assignees' sale for $18,000; the war being
in full progress no one would bid any higher. At the end of three years Mr. Gorman
wound up his business, and sold the property and stock for $59,000, making a clear profit
of $41,000. He then moved to Mechanicsburg and invested in 7-30 United States bonds,
by which he largely increased his wealth. In 1866 he went on a pleasure trip overland
to Galifornia, in company with Col. McCormick and John Haldmon, of Harrisburg, Penn.
He visited Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and California, and
at San Francisco took steamer for New York. His wife died in March, 1867. He then
bought an interest in the Trindle Spring paper-mill, which enterprise proved unfortunate
to the stock-holders, but no one else lost a dollar. Mr. Gorman then bought the property
and converted it into a tobacco warehouse, buying three adjoining farms, which he culti-
vated and commenced raising tobacco. December 11, 1884, he was married to his second
wife. Miss Eliza, daughter of Peter Bricker, of Silver Spring Township, this county.
Mr. Gorman is remarkably strong and active, and seems j^ounger than most men of fifty.
He has had a varied career, and is a man of mark. During his life he has taught sixteen
youths the art of tanning, and in his many business enterprises has employed a large num-
ber of men. To Robert Bryson and his family Mr. Gorman attributed much of his suc-
cess, for they gave good counsel, encouragement, and were kind to him in the dark days
of adversity, treating him like a son. Four principles to success are shown in our sub-
ject's active life — energy, industry, economy and honesty; and the young men of to-day
may well emulate his example.
ZACHARIAH DEITZ (deceased). The family of Deitz originated in Germany and
came to America in an early day. Daniel Deitz came from York County to Cumberland
County, Penn., and settled in Hampden Township. He married Lydla Stonner, of York
County, who bore him six children: David, Christian, Zachariah, Nancy, Mary and Betsey.
Daniel Deitz was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was a large land-holder, and
at his death left his property to his children. Zachariah Deitz, his son, was born in York
County, Penn., February 34, 1838, and came to this county, with his father, when a small
boy, and here passed his early life on his father's farm. March 11, 1863, he married Miss
Anna Roth, of Cumberland County, daughter of Ferdinand and Anna (Seifert) Roth.
This union was blessed with six children: John E., Norma A., Minnie C., Clayton Z.,
Ferdinand R. and Harry E. After marriage our subject came to Silver Spring 'Township and
bought the present homestead where all the children were born. Here he lived happily
for twelve years, blessed with good health, a comfortable home, loving wife and a fine
healthy family of children, when suddenly, by a sad accident, all was changed, and the
strong man and loving father was stricken to the earth, and, after a lingering Illness, died
in great suffering, leaving his wife to the task of bringing up and educating his young
children. This great labor she has performed with true fidelity and courage, and now
sees them nearly^rown to manhood and womanhood as a reward for her trouble.
JOHN E. 6IBBLE, farmer, P. O. Hogestown. This family originated in Germany
and came to this county at an early date. The grandfather of this gentleman was born
in Lancaster County, Penn.; was a farmer and the father of five children: Samuel, Chris-
tian, John, Fannie and Mary. He was a member of the German Baptist Church, com-
monly called Dunkards. He died in Lancaster County. Samuel, his son, was born in
1809, in Lancaster County, Penn. ; he married Miss Nancy Eshleman, daughter of John
Eshleman, of Lancaster County, Penn. To this union were born five children: Curtis,
Catharine, Fannie, Salinda and John E. In 1844 Samuel Gibble moved, with his family,
to this county and settled in Silver Spring Township. He was a very religious man, a
member of the German Baptist Church; in politics a Republican; he died aged fifty years,
greatly respected by all. John E. Gibble, our subject, was born in July, 1853, and passed
his early life on his grandfather's farm. In 1885 he was united in marriage with Miss
Mary A., daughter of Daniel Trortle, of Cumberland County. In political opinions he is
a Democrat. He resides on a good farm, pleasantly situated near Hogestown. where he
lives quietly with his wife and aged mother. He is a reliable man and a good farmer.
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP. SSQ*
GEORGE P. HAILMAN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. This family originated near
Heidelberg, Germany, and immigrated to America more than one hundred years ago, set-
tling in Lebanon County, Penn. John F. Hailman, the grandfather of the subject of our
sketch, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., and went to Dauphin County when but a
boy, with his father. He, John F., married Miss Elizabeth Miller, of Franklin County,
Penn., who bore him ten children: Sarah, Rebecca, Lydia, Susan, Elizabeth, Mary A.,
Mary J., David, Jonathan and Benjamin M., all born and reared on the old homestead,
which was owned by the family for more than one hundred years, and consisted of a fine
farm and residence, located within a mile and a half of Harrisburg. Benjamin M. Hail-
man was born on the same old homestead August 19, 1800, and lived on the old farm thirty-
eight years. In 1834 he married Miss Jane, daughter of George and Christianna Rupp, of
Cumberland County, Penn., and a descendant of John Jonas Rupp, the founder of the
Rupp family. (I. Daniel Rupp, the historian, was Mrs. Hailman's brother.) This union
was blessed with four children: Elizabeth, Christianna, George F. and John C. In 1838
Benjamin M. Hailman moved to Silver Spring Township, this county, and settled on the
farm belonging to Mrs. Hailman's father, where they lived until 1849, when they moved
to the present homestead. Mr. Hailman was a Lutheran, but always attended the Church
of God, of which his widow is a member. In politics he was a Democrat until the war,
when he became a Republican. He died at the age of seventy -nine. His widow is now
living on the homestead, pleasantly situated, and in her old age is surrounded by her
children and grandchildren. George F. Hailman, the son of this estimable couple, was
born in Silver Spring Township, this county, in 1840. In 1879 he married Miss Julia,
daughter of Henry and Caroline Kornbrust, a native of Germany. They are the parents
of two children: John G. and Carrie E. In political opinions our subject is a Republican.
He is a prominent farmer in his township, and desires no better reputation than that of
being a skillful farmer and an upright man.
JOHN E. A. HERMAN, farmer, P. O. Middlesex. Cumberland Valley has no name
of more antiquity and honor than that of Herman, and among the sons are men of high,
•rank and great ability. Martin Herman, a native of Germany, landed in Philadelphia,
Penn., July 2, 1753, and on the 15th of April, 1771, settled on a tract of land called " St.
Martin's," in Silver Spring Township, this county, and this land, where he lived and died,
has been in possession of his descendants one hundred and fifteen years. He had two-
sons: Christian and Martin. Of these. Christian was born on the old homestead, and in
the course of time became a large land-holder and prominent farmer, owning 640 acres of
land. He married Miss Elizabeth Bowers, and to them were born ten children: John,
Jacob, Mary, Ann, Martin, Christian, David, Elizabeth, Benjamin and Joseph. He was
a short, strong man physically, and died at the age of sixty-one years. Jolin, the eldest
son of Christian Herman, was born on the old homestead in 1797, and passed his early life
on the farm; was married, in 1818, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Rachel
(Leidigh) Beltzhoover, who bore him ten children: Christian, Rachel A., Henrietta, Ma-
nasseh, George T. B., John E. A., Margaret, Elizabeth, Joseph L. and Benjamin F. In
1821 he, John Herman, bought his father's farm, in Silver Spring Township, this county.
He was a member of the Lutheran Church, serving as deacon and elder for many years.
He died aged sixty-three. His son John E. A. Herman was born on the old homestead in
March, 1836. In 1859 he married Miss Eliza J., daughter of Daniel Fought, and to this
union were born two children: Mary E. and Bertha J. Mrs. Herman died in 1868, and
March 13, 1878, our subject married Miss Lizzie A., daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth
(Horner) Zeigler, of this county. In 1865 he purchased a farm in Monroe Township, this
county, where he lived three years. In 1870 he purchased his present home in Silver
Spring Township, a fine farm, pleasantly situated. Mr. and Mrs. Herman are members
of the Lutheran Church. He is a man of excellent business habits, energetic and upright.
In politics he is a Democrat.
MANASSEH HERMAN, farmer, P. O. New Kins^stown, was born in 1829, on the old
homestead, which has now been in the Herman family four generations; the farm is
called "Maple Hall," and on it Mr. Herman has passed his entire life. He was educated
at the common schools, and later took an academic course at New Kingston. He then
went West, and on his return, in 1859, married Miss Mary E. Meily, daughter of Jacob
and Mary (Fry) Meily, of Cumberland County. To them have been born five children :
Warren S., A. Lorena, Mary E., Rachael A. G. and Manasseh H. After marriage Mr.
Herman and wife went to housekeeping on the old homestead, and here they have reared
their family. Mr. and Mrs. Herman are devout members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran
Church, 'Mechanicsburg; the children are all members of the same church, with the ex-
ception of the youngest. In politics Mr. Herman is a Democrat, as was his father before
him. Mrs. Herman was one of the first graduates of the Irving Female College, Mechan-
icsburg. The eldest son is a graduate of the Carlisle High School, of the class of 1882. Mr.
Herman is a careful farmer and a reliable man. (For early history of the family see
sketch of John E. A. Herman). ,^ , , , .
JOHN W. HER8HMAN, farmer, Hogestown. The great-grandfather of this gentle-
man settled in Franklin County, Penn., more than 100 years ago, and his son, Frederick,.
540 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
■was born in that county in 1777. Frederick Hershman was twice married, and was the
father of five children by his first wife: John, Jeremiah, William, Daniel and Mary. His
wife died, and he married Miss Sarah Ackerson, of Franklin County, Penn., and to this
union were born four children: Joseph, Logan, Sarah J, and Annie. In 183.5 Frederick
Hershman moved to Cumberland County, where he owned a good farm near Shepherds-
town. He died in Silver Spring Township, aged ninety-four years. He was a man of
easy disposition, honest and upright; in politics a Democrat. William Hersliman, his
8on, was born in Franklin County, Penn., October 7, 1803, and learned tlie trade of a
miller; married Miss Rebecca, daughter of George Willson, of Franklin County, Penn.,
and this union was blessed with eighteen chilrlren: Elizabeth, Jeremiah W., John W.,
Catharine, Sarah, Isabella, Margaret, William, Armstrong J., Mary, Reliecca, Henry I.,
Angelina, Martha, Laura, Agnes, Nancy J. and one who died in infancy. In 1833 Mr.
Hershman moved to this county. He was a Democrat politically. He and his wife are
members of the Evangelical Cburch. He was well known as a man of integrlly. John
W., his son, was born in this county February 11, 1834, and learned the trade of carpen-
ter, which he followed for twenty-five years, and was the architect and builder of several
of the principal buildings in Mechanicsburg, Penn., viz.: Market bouse, Methodist Church,
"American House" and " Merchants' Hoti-1." In 1858 he married Miss Mary Arbegast,
of this county, by whom he his nine children: Raymond L., reading law in the office of
William Penn Lloyd; William M.; Elmer O., married to Miss Mary Lichtenberger; Anna
E., Minnie K., Harry N., Sarah J., Carrie E. and George W. In 1878 Mr. Hershman
commenced farming, an occupation which he has since followed. Politically he is a
Democrat.
SAMUEL HESS, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The Hess familv, who originally
came from Germany, settled in this country at a very early date. The Christian name of
the grandfather is not known, but he was a substantial farmer in Lancaster County, Penn.
He had tyvo sons, Michael and Christian, and he went to York County and bought each of
these sons a fine farm. Michael (father of our subject) was born in Lancaster County,
Penn.; married Barbara Lei h, of the same county, and after marriage moved to the farm-
in York County, which had teen the gift of his father. To this couple were born five
children: Abraham, John, Samuel, Michael and Annie. Mr. Hess whs a careful farmer,
and owned one of the finest farms in the whole county; he was acci<lentally killed. Sam-
uel Hess, his son, was born in York County, Penn., August 11, 1818. He was veryyoung
when his father died, and lived with his mother until his marriage, March 20, 184'), with
Miss Catharine Bitner. of York County, daughter of Samuel and Annie (Mish) Bitner.
This union was blessed with three chddren: Annie, Henry and Barbara. Mr. Hess bought
his present homestead about the year 18.58. In 1876 Henry Hess, his son, married Miss
Annie M., daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Morrett) Bobh, and to this union have been
born three children: Amos B., Berttie M. and Lizzie R. The entire family have won the
respect of their friends and neighbors for sterling worth, industry and honesty.
DR. MICHAEL L. HOOVER, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The grandfather of the sub-
ject of this sketch lived in this county in an early day. and was a farmer and land-holder.
He married Miss Catharine Wonderlick, of Cumberland County, and had five children:
John. Elizabeth, Annie, Mary and Catharine. He was a member of the Lutheran church.
John Hoover, his son, was born in this county in 1787, and married Lydia Leidig, of Leb-
anon County, Penn. He was a farmer, a member of the Lutheran Church, and lived in
the old homestead until his death, which occurred in his thirty- fourth year. His widow
lived to be s.venty-seven. To them were born four children: Michael L., John L.. Sarah
A., and Sarah E. Our subject, who was born in 1830. on the old homestead in this county,
when young, learned the carpenter's trade. In 1844 he married Miss Mary, daughter
of John W. and Catharine M. Millisen, of Dauphin County, Penn., and after marriage he
began farming. To this union were born ten children: Anna C, Myers J., Eva J., Adam
A., Sarah E., Margaret A., Laura V., John W., Clara A. and George M. Mr. Hoover had
sad trouble in raising his children, eight having sickened and died in early life. The
physicians employed were powerless to save them, and this determined Mr. Hoover to
study medicine hiniself, to save the remainder of his family, if possible. He bought med-
ical books and studied hard, and in liis own family became successful. His friends and
neighbors then pressed him to treat them, and gradually he gained a regular practice. He
never attended a medical school, though after lie attained success he was urged to do so,
and was offered ai diploma if he would attend medical lectures for a short time. Having
gained his medical knowledge by his unaided efforts he preferred to continue in his own
way, as he was uni formally successful. The people had confidence in him, and his success
justified his ideas. His son, John W., married Miss Alice L., daughter of Isaac Sadler,
of Carlisle, Penn.; Laura V. married George W. Hoover, of Churchtown, son of Jacob
Hoover (have two children: Guy H. and Frank J.); the youngest son of our subject, George
M., is a student at Franklin and Marshall College. Lanca-^ter, Penn.
JOHN JACOBS, farmer, P. O. New Kingstown. Among the prominent families of
Cumberland County is that of Jacobs, of Scotch-Irish descent. The grandfather of our
subject, who settled in York County, Penn., came from Ireland aud was a blacksmith by
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP. 541
trade. He was the father of four children: David, Elizabeth, Joseph, and one son who
died young. Joseph Jacobs, his son, was born in York County, Penn., in 1798, and came
to Cumberland County when a lad of about twelve years. He was a carpenter by trade.
He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Duey, of Cumberland County, Penn., and
to them were born three sons: David, Ephraim and John. Joseph Jacobs was a Demo-
crat in political opinions, was a member of the Lutheran Church, and died at the early
age of thirty-seven. John, his son, was born in this township in 1830, and was but four
years of age when his father died. By good management his mother secured a home,
and gave her son all the advantages in her power. In 1864 our subject was elected sheriff
of Cumberland County. In 1865 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Michael and Salome
(Senseman) Kost, of this county. This union has been blessed with two children: Salome
E. and Thomas Ralph. In 1866 Mr. Jacobs entered into partnership with Moses Bricker
in the Letort Forge, in which he was engaged ten years. He then moved to his present farm
and homestead. Mr. Jacobs is a stanch Democrat and has held several township offices.
He is a stalwart man of fifty-six years and of easy and dignified manners. He takes life
philosophically, and is one of the farmers who spend their evenings with the newspapers.
He is well known throughout the county as a man of character and ability.
JOHN P. KAST, teacher, P. O. Mechanicsburg. Among the prominent families of
Cumberland Valley and the earliest settlers appears the name of East, of hardy German
stock; the family retain many of the characteristics of the stalwart pioneers who first set-
tled in this beautiful valley. Michael East, the great-grandfather of our subject, emi-
grated from Germany in 1761, and bought land of the proprietary government about six
miles west of Carlisle, in South Middleton Township, this county. Here he settled and
remained until his death. He was the father of two sons, of whom, George, was born,
lived and died on his father's homestead. He, George East, was the father of four sons:
George, Philip, John and Jacob. Of these, Jacob was born in 1798, on the original home-
stead, where three generations of Easts had now been born. In 1820, Jacob East married
Miss Margaret, daughter of Benjamin Swartz, of Cumberland County, and to this union
were born nine children: Catharine I., J. Benjamin, Jacob E., Margaret, Samuel J., David
E., John P., Sarah and J. Theodore. Jacob East bought a farm m Silver Spring Town-
ship, where he settled and lived until his death. He was a Lutheran in religious belief;
in politics a stanch Democrat. He was a man of strong determination and great will
power, but though always strict with his family he kept his promises and was kind and
gentle to all. John P. East, his son, was born on his father's farm, in this county, in 1831.
He acquired his education in the common schools and at the Cumberland Valley Institute,
Mechanicsburg. He began teaching at nineteen. In 1856 he went to Nebraska, then
a Territory and considered in the far West, where he located land (which he still owns),
taught school, and subsequently was elected county superintendent of schools of Sarpy
County, and later passed his time farming and surveying. In 1859 he returned home and
resumed school-teaching. In 1865 he married Miss Sarah C, daughter of George and
Eliza (Hacket) Longsdorf, of this county. This union has been blessed with six children:
Ella L., George A., Laura M., Charles L., Foster F. and Wilber B. Mr. East has taught
school in all twenty-nine years, a record only equaled in this county by his brother, David
E., who has been engaged in school work for thirty-eight years, and the number of pupils
who have been instructed by the two brothers number thousands.
CURTIS EOST, justice of the peace, P. O. New Eingstown. Among the prominent
families of Cumberland Coun^ and the very earliest settlers appears the name of Eost.
They are of German descent. The great-grandfather, John George Jacob Eost, early set-
tled in this township, buying land of the Indians, and part of the old mansion place, so
called from being the old family residence, was bought from the Indians for three yards
of calico per acre. John George Jacob Eost, the son of above, was born in the old log
house which bears the date 1776 over the mantel. He married Miss Catharine Howk, and
to them were born two children : Michael and a daughter that died in infancy. Michael,
born January 14, 1807, married Miss Salome Senseman, of this county, and to this union
were born six children: Jacob, John, Mary, Adeline, Daniel and Curtis. Michael Eost
was a successful man and increased the paternal estate to 600 acres. In politics he was a
stanch Democrat. He was county commissioner for three years and held various town-
ship offices. Of a mild and pleasant disposition, he was beloved by all his family, and in
personal appearance his son Curtis greatly resembles him. He lived to the age of seventy-
four years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, as is also his widow, who is now
aged seventy-eiglit years. Curtis Eost was born May 10, 1838, on the old homestead,
where he remained until his marriage with Miss Margaret Arastrong, to which union were
born three children, all of whom died young. The mother died September 14, 1863. No-
vember 20, 1870, Mr. Eost was again married, this time to Miss Nancy, daughter of John
and Nancy-tBoyer) Losh, of Perry County, Penn. To this union have been born eight
children: Elsetta A., Abbie S., George L., Emma E., Cora E., Robert R., Maggie E. and
Rebecca W. Mr. Eost followed agriculture until 1884 on the farm inherited from his
father, and which has been in the family four generations. In 1885, he was elected justice
of the peace, and is now living in New Eingston. Mr. Eost is also a stanch Democrat and
38
542 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
has stood by his party in the dark days of defeat and in the bright sunshine of victory. He
is a prominent man in the community and is well known throughout the county. He has
the reputation of being a sensible and gentlemanly business man,
JOHN M. LOUDON, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The great-grandfather of this
gentleman was tlie first of tlie name of whom there is any record. He was of English
origin, and settled on the State Ridge, In Silver Spring Township, this county, and when
he died his farm was left to his children, but was afterward bought by his son, James,
who later sold it. In these early times the Indians were very numerous, and their depre-
dations troublesome. At one time when some children were going to school they saw a
party of Indians, and on reaching the sclioolhouse told their teacher, who did not seem to
fear any trouble, for he told them to recite one lesson, and then he would let them go
home. In a few moments the "red-skins" were upon them, and, though the teacher
begged for mercy for the children, they were all mercilessly killed and scalped but one,
who escaped to tell the horrors of the tale. At this time Silver Spring Township was
covered with small oak scrubs. The first settlements were made on the ridge, on account
of water being easy to reach there. James Loudon, grandfather of our subject, was born
on his father's farm. He married Mary Pinkerton, and by her had one son — Mathew —
who was born in 1813, on the old homestead. He (Mathew) married Catharine Myers, of
Monroe Township, this county, and to this union were born John M., Albert J. and Eliza-
beth. After his marriage Mathew Loudon began farming near Trindle Spring, where he
remained for about seven years. He then bought a farm in Silver Spring Township,
where he reared his family. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. In
Eolitics he was a Republican. In 1881 he bought the present homestead, then called the
ongsdorf farm. He was a careful, honorable man, and attended stricily to his business,
rearmg his family to the principles of industry and truth. John M. Loudon, his son, was
born on the old homestead May 27, 1841, and passed his early life on his father's farm,
faining his education in the common schools. In 1875 he was united in marriage with
[iss Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Jones) Ellis, English people, who first set-
tled in Tennessee. This union has been blessed with four children: Margaret E. , Mary
C, John Matthew and Lillie E. In politics Mr. Loudon is a Republican. He owns one
of the best farms in this township, and the entire family have the respect of the com-
munity.
GEORGE MESSIN6ER, farmer, P. O. Hogestown. The grandfather of this gen-
tleman, John W. H. Messinger, a tailor by trade, immigrated to this country about 1765,
when a young man of twenty, to make a home in the wilderness, settling in York County,
Penn., where he bought a farm. He married Miss Catharine, daughter of John Goswiler,
of Cumberland County, Penn., and to them were born ten children: Mary, Henry, John,
Jacob, William, Catharine, Susannah and Bostorra (twins), Daniel and Margaret. In
1804 John W. H. Messinger moved to this county, and settled in Silver Spring Township,
on the farm now occupied by John C. Ropp; after ten years he moved to Perry County,
Penn., and bought a farm, where he lived until his death; he died at the age of seventy-five
years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Jacob Messinger, his son (father of
our subject), was born in Cumberland County in 1804, and when but a lad went with his
father to Perry County, Penn. He married Miss Susannah, daughter of Abraham Jacobs,
of Perry County, and two children were born to them: Mary and George. Jacob Mess-
inger was reared a farmer, but later kept a tavern at Shermansdale, where he died, aged
thirty-three years, a member of the Lutheran Church. George Messinger, his son (sub-
ject of this sketch), was born in Perry County, Penn., June 31, 1825, As his father died
when he was but a small boy he early endured the hardships of having to live among
strangers. At the age of eighteen he learned carpentering. In March, 1847, he married
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fenical) Albright, of Perry County.
This union has been blessed with the following named children: Mary, William, Henry,
Henrietta, James D., Anna C. and Jeremiah A. Mr. and Mrs. Messinger had a sad loss in
the death of three of their children: Mary, the wife of John A. Kimkle, and the mother
of five children at her decease; Henrietta, who died at the early age of ten years; and
Amos C, who was stricken down just as he was entering manhood. These great trials
have been met with patience and Christian resignation. In 1868 Mr. Messinger moved to
this county, where he has since lived. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his
wife of the German Reformed. In politics he is a Democrat. He is an industrious, care-
ful farmer and an honest man. The Messingers still retain many of the characteristics of
the hardy stock from which they sprang.
JOHN M. SHOEMAKER, music teacher and farmer, P.O. Mechanicsburg. The great-
grandfather of this gentleman, Henry Shoemaker, emigrated from Germany to America
at the age of seventeen, and settled in Berks County, Penn. His son Henry was born in
Berks County, Penn., about the year 1751, and in the course of time became owner of a
fine farm in that county; he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; was thrice married,
twice in his native county, and by his first wife had two sons: Henry and Samuel. After
she died he married a Miss Staumbugh, of Berks County, Penn., and to this union were
born two sons: Jacob and John. (All the children were born in Berks County.) In 180T
SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP. 543
Henry Shoemaker moved, with his family, to Perry County, Penn., where he bought two
farms and a distillery. He was a very intelligent man, well educated for that day, and
the people were accustomed to look to him for advice on general subjects. By diligence
and thrift he accumulated a large property, v He was a Democrat politically; a member
of the Lutheran Church. John Shoemaker, son of Henry, and the father of our subject,
was born in 1803, and came with his father to Perry County, Penn., when but four years
of age. In 1825 he married Miss Elizabeth Bower, of Perry County, and to them were
born six children: Susanna A., Anna E., Sarah J., William H., John M. and Elvina C. He
began farming in Perry County, but in 1858 moved to Cumberland County, where he had
bought a farm, and remained the balance of his life. He was a Lutheran in religious be-
lief. He died at Mechanicsburg in 1880, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a
man of intelligence and probity. John M., his son, was born in Perry County, Penn., in
1845, and came to this county with his father when twelveyyears of age. He was a
farmer until he was twenty-six years old, when he went West and taught music, for
which he always had a talent. He was agent for the Estey organ, in which he was suc-
cessful. At the end of two years he returned to Cumberland County, and has since sold
organs, taught music and farmed. In 1885 he was united in marriage with Miss I. Lillie,
daughter of Harrison and Rachel (Herman) Bowman, of this county. Mr. and Mrs.
Shoemaker are members of the Lutheran Church at New Kingston, in which he has been
organist for many years. In 1881 our subject bought the old homestead, where he has set-
tled down to married life. His brother William H. owns an extensive organ factory at.
Harrisburg. The family comes of good stock and are people of sterling worth.
CHARLES SHREINBR, cabinet-maker and farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. His-
grandfather, Shreiner, a farmer by occupation, was born in Lancaster County; married
Sliss Barbara Fahreintrin, by whom he had four sons: Adam, Michael, Jacob and John.
Of these sons, John was born in Lancaster County. Penn., September 26, 1775; in early-
life he learned cabinet-making, and he married Miss Rosanna Grosh, of Lancaster County,
who bore him eight children: Samuel, Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth, Margaret, Catharine,,
Charles and Martin. In 1828 John Shreiner moved, with his family, to this county, set-
tling in Silver Spring Township. He lived to the age of seventy years, and was respected
by all for his sterling worth. Charles Shreiner was born in Lancaster County, Penn.,
January 19, 1815, and came to Cumberland County with his parents. He too learned the
cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for several years. He then worked at house-
carpentering twenty-two years, building a large number of barns, etc. in this part of the
valley. October 31, 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
John and Elizabeth (Longsdorf ) Bobb, of this county. This union has been blessed with
five children, all now married: Margaret (wife of A. C. Miller, of Harrisburg, Penn.),
John (married to Miss Elonora Morrett, of Hogestown, have five children: Charles T., D.
Morrett, Mary E., Clara M. and Clarence M.), Catharine (wife of John Beck, of Mechan-
icsburg), Samuel (married to Mary Porter, of Middlesex; have three children: Bessie M.,
Edith P. and Roy P.) and Martin (married to Emma LeReu, of Plainville, N. J.). Mr.
and Mrs. Charles Shreiner are members of the Lutheran Church, as were all his ancestors
before him. In politics Mr. Shreiner is a stanch Democrat. In 1872 he purchased his
present residence, which is pleasantly situated near Mechanicsburg. He is a man of
strict principles and bears the reputation of being very reliable and honorable.
JOHN SIMMONS, farmer, P. O. Hogestown. The Simmons family originated in
Germany, and immigrated to this country at an early date. George Simmons, a farmer
by occupation and the father of John, was born near the line of Dauphin and Lebanon
Counties, Penn. He married Miss Elizabeth Eckert, daughter of John Eckert, of the
same locality. To them were born six children: Catherine, John, Jacob, George, Samuel
and Elizabeth. About 1824, the father moved to and settled in this county. He was a
Republican in political opinions; a hardworking and upright man. John Simmons, our
subject, was brought to this county by his parents when he was a child. He grew up on
the farm, and received a common school education. In 1851 he went to Illinois, but did
not remain long. He married Miss Sarah Stine, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth
(Croll) Stine, of Dauphin County. This union was blessed with three children: J. W.,
John F. and Sarah E. His wife died, and Mr. Simmons then married her sister. Miss Mary
Stine who has borne him two children: Samuel and Emma C. In 1856, Mr. Simmons
moved to his present residence in this township. In political opinions he is a Republican.
He is considered a reliable and upright man. „ ^ ,, , . , „, ^
ABRAHAM SOLLENBBRGER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. The founder of the
American branch of this family came from Germany and settled in Lancaster County,
Penn at an early day. John Sollenberger (grandfather of our subject) moved to Cumber-
land County, with his wife and two sons, in 1795, and bought a farm in Monroe Township.
His wife was a Miss Barbara Yockey, of Lancaster County. She bore him ten children:
John Michael. David, Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth, Barbara, Sarah, Catharine and Abra-
ham ' They all married and were the parents of children. Mr. and Mrs. John Sollenber-
ger were members of the German Baptist Church. He was well known for his honesty,
and lived to the patriarchal age of eighty-four years. John Sollenberger, his son, was born
544 BIOaRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in Lancaster County, Penn., and came with his father to Cumberland County when but an
infant. In 1818, he married Miss Hettie Scott, of Franklin County, daughter of William
and Hannah (Howard) Scott. To them were born six children: Annie, Catharine, Abra-
ham, John, Samuel and Joseph. In 1856 Mr. Sollenberger bought the old homestead where
he lived until his death. He died, aged eighty-four years and ten months. He was a man
of excellent moral character. Abraham Sollenberger, our subject, was born on the old
homestead, which has now seen three generations at one time under its roof. In 1850 he
married Miss Anna Seidle, a native of Lancaster County, Penn. To them was born one
son, who died when but five years of age, a great misfortune, as they have since been
childless. They adopted a friendless little child, however, whom they have tenderly cared
for and educated, and who is now ten years old and is of a cheerful disposition and of
more than ordinary intelligence They have named her Annie May Sollenberger. In 1855,
Mr. Sollenberger purchased his present homestead, which is a fine farm near Mechan-
icsburg. He and his wife are members of the church of his ancestors (German Baptist)
and are well known for their kindness and good moral principles.
CAPT. J. S. SPONSLER, farmer, P. O. New Kingstown. The Sponslers, of Scotch-
Irish origin, first settled in New Jersey. The great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch came to Cumberland County at a very early date, and his son George was born in
this county in 1785, and owned a farm in North Middleton Township, on the Harris-
burg Pike, two miles east of Carlisle. George Sponsler married Miss Jane Mortier, of this
county, by whom he had six children: George, Jane, Margaret, Oliver, Jesse and Alexan-
der. His wife died, and he afterward married her sister, Mrs. Margaret Ruperd, a widow,
and to this union were born three children: Sarah, Frank and Alfred. After the decease
of his second wife Mr. Sponsler married Miss Susan Harman, of this county. He was a
Presbyterian in religious belief; in politics an old-line Whig. He was a man of strict
business habits, and bore an excellent reputation. His son George (father of our subject)
was born on the old homestead in 1810; married Miss Sarah Coover, of Mahoning County,
Ohio. To them were born five children: Eliza, William, Joel S., Harriet, Marilla. When
a young man of but sixteen, George Sponsler went to Ohio, and returned to Cumberland
County when about forty years of age. He is a member of the Evangelical Church; in
politics a Republican. Our subject was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1837, and
came with his parents to Cumberland County when a lad of ten years. He received a
common school education, and in 1856 married Miss Annie, daughter of John and Mary
(Gruver) Dull, of Franklin County, Penn. This union was blessed with six children:
John O., William S., Annie K., Robert P., George F. and Julia M. In September, 1863,
Mr. Sponsler enlisted in Company F, Seventeenth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry. He
left his quiet home, wife and family of small children to fight the battles of his country,
went to the front, and served with honor to the close of the war. His regiment, the
famous Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was one of those which won imperishable
renown, and its gallant deeds are memorialized on every field of battle, from the Rappa-
hanock to the James, and in all the battles (57) in which this regiment engaged Mr. Spon-
sler was present, among which Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Winchester, Appomattox and
the Wilderness were the most prominent. He was promoted for gallant services from pri-
vate to first sergeant, second lieutenant, lieutenant and captain. He was mustered out
June 20, 1865. After the close of the war Capt. Sponsler returned to Cumberland County
and settled down to the peaceful pursuit of farming in Silver Spring Township, and here
has remained on the same farm twenty years, and is well known throughout the county
as an honorable and industrious man. He is a Republican in politics.
SAMUEL VOGLBSONG, farmer, P. O. New Kingstown. The grandfather of this
gentleman immigrated to this country and settled in York County. John Voglesong, his
son (father of subject), was born in York County about 1783. He was a farmer and land-
holder, and married Miss Mary Lichty, of York County. To them were born ten children:
Henry, John, David, Samuel, Elizabeth, Susan, Benjamin, Sarah, Thomas F. and Mary
r. (twins.) About 1809, John Voglesong moved to this county and settled in Silver Spring
Township. He died in 1849 at the age of sixty-four years. Samuel Voglesong was born
in 1819, on his father's farm in Silver Spring Township. He remained at home after the
death of his father until he was thirty-two years of age. In 1851 he married Miss Eliza-
beth Hartman, daughter of Christian and Annie (Gontz) Hartman. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Voglesong are devout members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
By industry and thrift he has accumulated a handsome property, consisting of 379 acres
of land in this township, and is greatly respected by all who know him.
HENRY ZIMMERMAN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co., Penn.
The ancestors of this gentleman emigrated from Switzerland on account of religious per-
secution, and were glad to seek an asylum in the land of William Penn, where they could
worship God after the manner of their own conscience. These Mennonites Penn received
kindly, allowing them full liberty, and land to settle on in Lancaster County, Penn. Christian
Zimmerman, the great-grandfather, was a powerful man physically, and weighed over
400 pounds. His son, Peter, married a Miss Martin, and had twelve children: Christian,
Henry, Peter, Esther, Mary, Barbara, Annie, Martin, Samuel, Yontz, Elizabeth and
SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. 545
Emanuel. In 1813, Peter Zimmerman moved to Cumberland County, buying 300 acres of
land in Lower Allen Township. He died, aged eighty-six years. Christian Zimmerman
(father of our subject) was born in Lancaster County. He came with his father to this
county when a lad of thirteen years. He married Miss Lizzie Weaver, of this county.
The Weavers camp from Switzerland at the same time as the Zimmermaas, and were noted
for their longevity. To Christian Zimmerman and wife were born nine children : Henry,
Peter, Christian, Isaac, Solomon, Elizabeth, and three who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs.
Christian Zimmerman were devout members of the Mennonite Church. He died at the
age of seventy-two years, respected by all as an upright, honorable man. Henry Zim-
merman, our subject, was born in Lower Allen Township, this county, February, 17, 1824,
and lived with his father until he was thirty years old. In January, 1855, he was married
to Miss Mary Ann. daughter of William and Mary (Houst) Tate, and to this union was
born one son, David L., who remains with his parents. Mr. Zimmerman began farming
on one of the McCormick farms, and remained there for twenty-flve years, and In 1879 he
bought his present homestead. The family is well known for Industry and honesty, and
need no higher praise.
CHAPTEE LVII.
SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP.*
JEREMIAH ALLEN, Sr., retired farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born in Lehigh
County, Peun., April 4, 1818, son of Americus and Rachel (Swigert) Allen, natives of
Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, respectively. His grandfather, Jeremiah Allen, was a
captain in the artillery during the Revolutionary war, and received a slight wound at the
battle of Bunker Hill. Our subject's father, who was a farmer, and came to Pennsylvania
in an early day, enlisted in the war of 1813, but was never called into active service. Jer-
emiah Allen is the second child in a family of eight, seven of whom survive. His elder
brother, Samuel, is a farmer in Southainpton Township, this county, and is three years,
three months and three days older than Jeremiah. Our subject was reared on the farm,
and attended the common school in this county. He chose farming as his occupation,
and is now owner of 133 acres of well improved land, on which he resides. He was hap-
pily married, in 1844, to Angeline, daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Line) Myers, who were
of English descent, former of whom, a farmer, was born and reared in this county. To
our subject and wife were born eight children, seven of whom are now living: Eveline,
wife of James Waddle; Americus M., a fanner, and married; Isabella M., widow of Ira
Long (deceased); Margaret E., wife of Cyrus Railing; Jacob, married and a farmer;
William L., married, and manages the home farm; and Jeremiah P., married and a
farmer. In 1844 our subject and wife united with the Lutheran Church at Newville,
Penn. He takes an active interest in the Sabbath-school, and has been superintend-
ent, and for many years he was deacon and trustee of the church. He has served
nine years as school director. In his younger days he took an active interest in the I. O.
O. F. He was a member of the old-fashioned State militia, and has taken part in many
parades, sometimes using a cornstalk as a substitute for a gun.
WILLIAM H. ALLEN, dealer in horses, P. O. Lee's Cross Roads, was born near
Carlisle, this county, February 14, 1834, son of Americus and Rachel (Swigert) Allen;
former, a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, and latter a native of Lancaster
County, Penn., of Dutch and Welch descent. Americus Allen, who was a farmer, came
to this county in an early day. He was a captain in the war of 1813, but was never called
into active service. His parents were Capt. Jeremiah and Abigal (Putnam) Allen (Gen.
Putnam, of Revolutionary fame, was her great uncle), former of whom was a captain in
the Heavy Artillery, under Gen Putnam, during the Revolutionary war. The maternal
ancestors of our subject were generally farmers, and his paternal ancestors were generally
active and successful business men. Our subject's uncle, Samuel R. Allen, was a trader,
and dealt largely in merchandise in the West Indies islands; he was a native of Massa-
chusetts, and at the time of his death was a wealthy citizen of Boston. William H.
Allen, the subject of this sketch, the youngest in a family of eight children, was reared
on the farm, in this county, and attended the district school, also the academy at Ship-
pensburg. He has resided on the farm all his life, but his principal business has been
dealing in horses. He has bought, imported, shipped and sold, and traded in horses very
extensively for a number of years, and is an excellent judge of such stock. William H.
*For borough of Shippensbarg, see page 442.
546 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Allen was married, October 14, ISoS, to Anna, daughter of William Clark, and of Irish
and English descent, her grandfather, James Clart, was a wealthy pioneer farmer of
this county, owning several hundred acres of land at the lime of his death. To Mr. and
Mrs. Allen have been born nine children: Americus R., Abigal P. (wife of James Lamond),
William C, Albert E., Emma C, Daniel L., Annie A., Nellie and J. K. F. Mr. Allen is
a Democrat in politics; has been school director of his district.
G. EDGAR BEATTIE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Oakville, was born in New-
ton Township, this county, January 17, 1858, son of Samuel and Lucinda (Allen) Beattie,
natives of this county and of Scotoh-Irish descent. Our subject's grandfather, James
Beattie, came from Ireland in an early day and settled on a farm.
HON. JAMES CHESTNUT, farmer, P. O. Cleversburg, was born in Southampton
Township, this county, September 30, 1818, son of John and Charity (Kelley) Chestnut,
natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish and English descent. John Chestnut came
from Philadelphia, Penn., to this county, in 1766 and settled on a farm in what is now
Southampton Township, and here passed the remainder of his days. Hon. James Chest-
nut, the youngest in a family of eight children, was reared on the farm, attended the com-
mon school, and afterward the Washington Medical College, at Baltimore, Md. He prac-
ticed medicine for two years in this county, but, on account of his business relations, he
gave up his profession and devoted most of his time to farming and other business. He
is well known as "Col." Chestnut, having been elected colonel of militia, when quite a
young man, and served as such for six years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. In pol-
itics he is a Democrat; has served as school director in his district, and justice of tlie
peace in his township, and has represented this district (comprising Cumberland and
Adams Cijunties) in the State Senate for two terms, from 1876 to 1880. In 1846, our sub-
ject married Anna Eliza, daughter of George Maxwell, and a native of this county, of
Scotch-Irish descent. Of nine children born to our subject and wife eight are now living
— two boys and six girls.
GEORGE CLEVER, farmer, P. O. Cleversburg, was born In this county January 4,
1819, son of Conrad and Catherine (Walters) Clever, natives of Lancaster County, Penn.,
of German descent. Conrad Clever was brought to this county when he was six years of
age, and was raised here. He chose farming and lumbering as his occupation, and was
very successful. He died in 1861, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. He had filled
most of the town offices. He was a man of large stature and noted for his great strength,
a man of unblemished character. Of his four sons George is the youngest. Our subject
was broiight up on the farm; has made farming and lumbering the principal business of
his life, and has also engaged largely in the manufacture of iron and in shipping iron ore.
In 1850 George Clever laid out the town of Cleversburg, this county, and in the same year
he embarked in mercantile trade, in connection with his other business. He now owns
several stores in different parts of Pennsylvania, and also several farms, as well as real
estate in Cleversburg and other places. Mr. Clever was married, in 1845, to Miss Isabella
Kelso, a sister of Maj. Kelso, of Shippensburg, Penn., and a daughter of Samuel and--
Catherine (Stough) Kelso, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Clever have
been born eight children, of which four are living: Conrad, a minister of the Reformed
Church, in Baltimore, Md. ; Samuel K, residing at home; George G., married and a resi-
dent of Southampton Township, Penn. ; and Jennie S., residing at home. Oursubject and
wife are members of the Reformed Church, Shippensburg, in which he has been deacon
and trustee for many years. In politics he is a Republican, but not a politician. He has
served one term as jury commissioner.
GEORGE H. CLEVER, retired farmer,P. O. Cleversburg, was born in this county on
the farm where he now resides.son of George and Elizabeth (Hippenstell) Clever.natives of
Southampton Township, this county, of German descent, former a farmer. Our subject
now owns the farms where his parents were born. Our subject's fatlier was born in 1790,
and his mother in 1800. His grandfather, Barnhart Clever, was an early pioneer farmer
of this county, and the deed given him by William Penn, in 1788, is now held by George
H. Clever. At the time this deed was made out Southampton Township was called Hope-
well Township. Our subject, the fourth child and only son in a family of six children,
has followed farming as an occupation, and now owns 631 acres of land. He was married,
in 1849, to Sarah, daughter of Adam Warner, who was a farmer and of German descent,
a native of Pennsylvania. The children of this marriage are Elizabeth, wife of George
Miller; Cyrus, a farmer In Franklin County, Penn.; Emily, wife of William B. Bowers;
Susan, wife of John C. Raybuok (he is a farmer in Franklin County, Penn.); Henry B.,
married and a farmer, and Samuel A., attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Clever are mem-
bers of the United Brethren Church, of which church he has been class-leader and trustee
and has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He has also been an exhorter for
several yeai's. Mr. Clever is an earnest advocate of the cause of Christ, and has done
much good. He votes the Democratic ticket, and has served his township as justice of
the peace for fifteen years.
J08EPH CLEVER, farmer, P. O. Lee's Cross Roads, was born in Shippensburg in
October, 1835, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Buehman) Clever, natives of Southampton
SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP. 547
Township, this county, and of German descent, the former a farmer by occupation. Jo-
seph's grandfather, Barnhart Clever, was an early pioneer of this county. Our subject,
the third in a family of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity, received his
education in Southampton Township, this county, and has made agriculture his business.
He has resided on his present farm since he was two years of age, and is now the owner
of 182 acres of land. Mr. Clever was married, in 1859, to Georgianna, daughter of James
and Elizabeth (Djce) Waddle; the former was a farmer by occupation, and both of Irish
descent. Mr. and Mrs. Clever have eight children: Clara E., John D., Martha C, Julia
E., Harry W., Franklin E., Charles C. and Nellie M. Our subject and wife are members
of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served nine consecutive
terms as school director in his district.
JOHN COPFEY, farmer, P. O. Shippensburg, was born in Southampton Township,
this county, February 9, 1830, son of James and Mary (Highlands) Coffey; former a native
of Delaware County, Penn., of Irish descent, latter of this county, of Scotch-Irish descent.
James Coffey, a farmer by occupation, served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a
strict Presbyterian Church member, a man of large stature, and was noted for great
strength. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years, dying in 1879. He was
three times married, and reared a family of ten children, our subject being by the second
wife. John Coffey was reared on the farm; a strictlj' self-made man. He only attended
school six weeks in his life, and chose farming for his occupation. When first starting
out for himself he rented a farm, and has since resided on the same for thirty-two years.
He was married, in 1854, to Elizabeth Rank, daughter of Samuel Rank, of German de-
scent. Mr. and Mrs. Coffey have five children: Ella, wife of George A. Reese; J. B. and
W. J., partners, carrying on a clothing store in Shippensburg, this county; Delia C. and
■Charles. Mr. Coffey is a Democrat in politics; is the present assessor of Southampton
Township, a highly-respected citizen.
G. W. CRESSLER, farmer and stock-grower, Shippensburg, was born in Southamp-
ton Township, this county, February 22, 1844, son of John H. and Elizabeth (Clippenger)
Cressler, natives of this county and of German descent. John H. Cressler was a black-
smith by trade, but in later life followed farming, in which latter occupation he met with
marked success and owned, at the time of his death, which occurred in 1885, nearly 300
acres of valuable land in Southampton Township, this county (his widow still resides on
one. of the farms). He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a captain in the old-
time militia of Pennsylvania. His family consisted of seven children, four now living, G.
W. being the fourth. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the common
schools in Southampton Township, this county, and has made agriculture the principal busi-
ness of his life. He was married, in 1869, to Henrietta, daughter of Isaac Hannah, and
a native of Canada, of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Cressler have five children: Charles
E., John H., Clarence C, Myrtle and an infant not yet named. In politics Mr. Cressler
is a Democrat
D. S. CROFT, retired merchant, P. O. Lee's Cross Roads, was born in Southampton
Township, this county, October 7, 1816, son of George and Susan Croft, natives of Penn-
sylvania and of German descent, the latter of whom (whose maiden name was Susan
Ruply) was the widow of Dr. Fahnestock, of Carlisle, Penn., at the time of her mar-
riage with Mr. Croft. George Croft was a saddler by trade, but in later life he fol-
lowed the occupation of farmer. He was three times married, and reared nine children,
D. S. being his sixth. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the common
school; in early life he accepted a clerkship in the iron works, and, afterward, taught
school for several terms; then obtained a position as clerk in a store in 1838, and was em-
ployed in that capacity until 1852, when he embarked in business for himself, in Leesburg,
this county, where he kept a general store until 1857. when he was elected clerk of the
county courts, and served in that capacity until 1861, and was then appointed deputy
clerk, a position he filled for five years. Returning to Leesburg in 1866, he carried on the
general store until 1885, when he sold out and retired from active business. Mr. Croft is
a highly respected citizen and has many warm friends. He was married, in 1841, to Jane,
daughter of George Maxwell, and of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Croft are members of
the Presbyterian Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been school director.
HIRAM HIGHLANDS, grain and coal dealer, and ticket agent for the Harrisburg &
Potomac Railroad Company, at Lee's Cross Roads, was born in Southampton Township,
this county. November 12, 1850, son of William and Maria (Clever) Highlands, natives of
this county and of Scotch-Irish descent, former of whom was a farmer all his life, and
died in 1866. Of their family of nine children, eight of whom are still living, Hiram is the
eldest Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the common school, and followed
agricultural pursuits until 1884. He is owner of a well improved farm of sixty-four acres.
Mr Highlands embarked in his present business in 1884. and is an energetic, successful busi-
ness man. He was married, in 1873, to Cora Foreman, daughter of Jacob Foreman, a
prominent farmer in Southampton Township, this county. Our subject and wife have
five sons now living: William, Milton, Joseph, Calvin and Jacob. Mrs. Highlands is a
member of the Evangelical Association. In politics Mr. Highlands is a Republican.
548 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
WILLIAM D. McCUNE, retired farmer, P. O. Middle Spring, was born in South-
ampton Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., December 19, 1823, son of John and Sarali A.
(Duncan) McCune, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. John McCune was
born on the farm where his son William D. now resides, which farm was purchased in an
early day by John McC^une's father. John McCune, our subject's father, was a .soldier in
the war of 1812, and was a farmer of Southampton Township, this county. William D.
McCune, the eldest in a family of nine children, wa.s reared on the farm, received a.
common school education, and has made farming his business. He is owner of 300 acres
of land. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and
has been elder and trustee and for many years a teacher in the Sabbath-school.
SAMUEL TAYLOR, retired farmer, P. O., Lee's Cross Roads, was born in Franklin
County, Penn., October 15, 1815, son of John and Mary (French) Taylor, former of whom
was born in Adam.s County, Penn. His grandfather, John Taylor, a native of northern
Ireland, immigrated to Pennsylvania and was the first settler in Southampton Township,
he served in the war of the Revolution. Our subject's father was a cabinet-malfer by
trade, but his later years were passed in farming. He reared nine sons and two daughters,
all now living except two. Samuel Taylor learned the wagon-maljer's trade, in Franklin
County, Penn., and followed it for forty-five years. In 1835 he was married, and by this
marriage had five children; John (deceased) was a practicing attorney in Pittsburgh,
Penn.; Philip I., married and a farmer; Ringold, married (he is a carpenter and resides in
Columbus. Ohio); Francis A., a wagon-maker by trade, is married; and George E., a wagon-
maker. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of the Sab-
bath-school of which he has been superintendent, and has been class-leader in the church
for twenty-two years. He is a Republican in politics; has served six years as school
director. Mr. Taylor is a kind-hearted gentlemen, always ready to assist those who are in
sickness.
WHERRY. The origin of this family in America was Samuel Wherry, who emi-
grated from County Antrim, Ireland, in April, 1762; settled In what is now known as
Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, Penn., and married Elizabeth Ewing in 1776.
Both were Scotch-Irish. Samuel Wherry died in 1825, and Elizabeth (Ewing) Wherry
died in 1779, leaving one child, John Wherry, who was born July 2, 1777, married Mar-
faret Mitchell in 1801, and died April 8, 1837. Margaret (Mitchell) Wherry, his wife, died
une 28, 1837. These last-named left offspring: Samuel, born July 22, 1804; John Mitch-
ell, February 10, 1806; Isabella Mary, April 7, 1808; William, February 11, 1810. and
Elizabeth Wherry, July 22, 1813.
HON. SAMUEL WHERRY was the first child of John Wherry and Margaret
(Mitchell) Wherry, born July 23, 1804; married Margaret McCune February 9, 1832, and
died April 2, 1861. Margaret (McCune) Wherry died May 23, 1877. Mr. Wherry was a
man of marked nobility. His distinguishing qualities were purity, truthfulness, unaffected
simplicity, clearness of intellect with unbiased judgment, decision of character beneath
the mildest manner, modesty scarcely to be paralled, charity that knew no bounds but
prudence, a lifetime integrity without one stain, Christianity, not of sentiment merely, but
of the highest practical type, and conscientiousness in the discharge of duty that often
brought him the deepest pain by exposing him to the censure of men who were not worthy
to loose the latchet of his shoes. He was a notable farmef. He took a deep interest in
education, public and private. All his children received a thorough seminary and collegi-
ate education. He filled a large space in his church (Presbyterian). In 1853 he was
elected to a three-year term in the Senate of the State, and filled the office with credit to
the district and honor to himself. In 1860 Gov. Packer appointed him to the bench at
Carlisle, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Judge Woodburn. While yet holding
that commission he died, in his fifty-sixth year, leaving children: Eleanor S., Margaret J.,
Rev. John, Samuel M., Alexander 8., Robert S. and William R. Wherry.
HON. 8. M. WHERRY, the fourth child of Hon. Samuel Wherry, born January 5,
1839, graduated from Princeton June, 1860; completed the usual course of legal studies in
the office of Judge Watts, Carlisle; relinquished his chosen profession from necessities
growing out of his father's death; became a practical farmer April 1, 1863; married Esther
A. Stuart, daughter of Hon. Hugh Stuart, of Carlisle, January 27, 1864, and still resides
at the homestead. S. M. Wherry is best known as a progressive and successful farmer,
as the instigator and promoter of many educational schemes, as the quiet benefactor of
many who came to him in their distress, as the unseen helper of youths of both sexes,
who, without money or friends, were also without hope of a fair start in life. He was
elected to the Constitutional Convention of 1872-73, from the district of Cumberland and
Franklin Counties, served through the entire term of that distinguished body, and has left
bis record in its printed debates.
REV. SAMUEL S. WYLIE, pastor of Middle Spring Presbyterian Church, was born
in Washington County, Penn., December 2, 1844, son of David and Harriet B. (Simison)
Wylie, of Scotch-Irish descent, latter a native of Ohio. David Wylie, a native of Penn-
sylvania, was a Government officer in early life, and in later life became a farmer; their
family consisted of six children, Samuel S. being the fifth. Our subject was reared on the
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 549'
farm, and attended the common school until he was sixteen years of age; afterward he en-
tered Washington and Jefferson College, from which he graduated in 1867. He entered the
theological seminary at Allegheny City, Penn., in 1867, and graduated at that institution in
1870. He was licensed to preach in 1869, by the Pittsburgh Presbytery. After graduating in
his theological course, in 1870, he spent one year in teaching and as suoply preacher, in In-
diana County, Penn. He then went to Scotland, where he entered the Free Church Theo-
logical College at Edinburgh, and remained one year. On his return to America he was
ordained, and accepted a charge at Middle Spring, this county, where he has remained
for the pastfourteen years. Rev. Samuel 8. Wylie is a thorough scholar and an accom-
plished gentleman, and his efforts in his profession have been attended with marked suc-
cess in winning souls to his Master and gathering in his church and Sabbath-school many
Individuals and families. He has written a very authentic history of the Presbyterian
Church at Middle Spring, this county. This church was one of the first established in the
Cumberland Valley. Our subject was married, November 24, 1874, to Miss Jane M. Mc-
Cune, daughter of John MoCune, and of Scotch-Irish descent. They have been blessed
with three children: Two daughters, Harriet and Eva Theressa, and one son, Samuel D,
Mrs. Wylie is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
CHAPTER LVIII.
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF
MOUNT HOLLY SPRINGS.
C. W. AHL (deceased) was born in Franlilin County, Penn., February 82, 1811, son of
Dr. John Ahl, an eminent physician in that county, and who moved toNewville, this coun-
ty, where our subject received his education and, when but seventeen years of age, ob-
tained a certificate to teach, which profession he followed five years; then commenced
farming and dealing in real estate. He was a man of great executive ability and was
very successful. In 1859 he embarked in the iron business, opening mines on his lands in
Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, all of which proving successful he bought exten-
sive tracts of land, and, at his death, in 1885, was owner of prosperous mines, iron fur-
naces and valuable town property and 10,000 acres of land. Mr. Ahl was a man of more
than the ordinary ability. He was elected president of the Harrisburg & Potomac Rail-
road in 1879. He was married, in 1839, to Catharine, daughter of James Williams, and
of English origin, and to this union were born six children, four of whom are living.
Mr. Ahl, a Democrat in politics, was an enthusiastic politician but would never accept
office. The responsibility of conducting his large property was confided to his son Thomas
W., five years before Mr. Ahl's death, and he succeeded to the presidency of the Harris-
burg & Potomac Railroad. Thomas W. Ahl, was born in 1848, in Churchtown, this
county, and is the next to the eldest in his father's family; he received his education in
Dickinson College, Carlisle, whence he graduated in 1867; then embarked in the iron-
manufacturing business at Boiling Springs, and has proved himself to be a thorough busi-
ness man. In politics he is a Democrat.
GEORGE BISHOP, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Monroe
Township, this county, October 5, 1831, son of Jacob and Margaret (Swisher) Bishop,
who were also natives of this county and of German descent. (Jacob Bishop was a tailor
in early life but in later years a farmer.) They reared a family of eight ciiildren — four
boys and four girls. Our subject, the third born in the family, was reared on the farm,
acquiring a common school education in his native county. He chose farming as his avo-
cation, has met with more than average success, and is the owner of a well improved
farm, on which he now resides. He was married, October 18, 1855, to Elizabeth H., daugh-
ter of James and Sarah Armstrong:, natives of Pennsylvania and of English and German
origin. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop was blessed with two children, both of
whom are now deceased: Margaret A., wife of Daniel B. Hoerner (had one child also de-
ceased) and Sarah Jane, who died at the age of two years and ten months. Mr. and Mrs.
Bishop are members of the Church of God, and they are numbered among the best citizens
of the township. In politics Mr. Bishop is a Democrat. He has served as school director.
H. E. BRECHBILL, farmer. Boiling Springs, was born at Boiling Springs, Cum-
berland Co., Penn., April 29, 1836, the eldest son in the family of five children of
Philip and Clarissa (Gitt) Breohbill. The former, a native of Lebanon County, Penn.,
was of German origin, and the latter, born in Adams County, Penn., was of English de-
550 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
scent. Philip Brechbill, who spent most of his life in Cumberland County, was a farmer
by occupation and one of the first residents of what is now Isnown as the village of Boil-
ing Springs. Our subject was reared on the farm and received a good English education.
In early life he clerljed in a dry goods store, and also farmed for a time in South Middle-
ton Township; in later years he engaged in farming and milling, and was at one time a
merchant. Mr. Brechbill has been financially successful, aad at the present time is owner
of a flouring-mill in South Middleton Township and of a farm and considerable real
•estate in Boiling Springs, where he still resides. He was united in marriage, in 1866, with
Martha J., daughter of Joseph and Mary Brandt, a native of Peuasylvania and of German
and Irish origin. They have two children: Philip, in school, and Mary Emily Brandt,
attending the female seminary at Hagerstown, Md. Mr. and Mrs. Brechbill are consistent
members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been elder and Sabbath-school super-
intendent since its organization, in 1873, and was one of the prime movers in organizing
the society, taking an active interest in the church at Boiling Springs. He is a Republican
in politics. He is of a literary turn of mind, and supplies himself and family with the best
literature of the day.
ELI BUSHMAN, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Carroll County,
Md., January 19, 1836, son of Henry and Mary (Starr) Bushman, natives of Adams County,
Penn., and Maryland, respectively, and of English origin. Henry Bushman, who is a
farmer, resides on a farm, near Carlisle, and is eighty-five years old. He reared two chil-
dren; Eli and Louisa, wife of Mr. Lepperd. Our subject received his education in the
common school, and early in life learned the blacljsmith's trade, at which he worked,
however, but two years; since when he has devoted himself to agriculture, and now owns
a farm of over 103 acres, on which he resides. Eli Bushman was married, in 1847, to Eliza
Jane Adams, of Irish origin, and this union has been blessed with ten children, all of whom
are living; Theodore (a farmer, is married), Harry, Rebecca, John Scott, Sarah Ann,
George, Maiy, Kate, Ida and Calvin. Mrs. Bushman is a member of the Lutheran Church.
In politics Mr. Bushman is a Republican.
G. A. BUSHMAN, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in South Mid-
dleton Township, this county, January 21, 1860, son of.Eli and Sarah (Stevick) Bushman,
natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. Eli Bushman, who was a farmer, a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church, died in 1880. Of the family of eight children born to this
couple G. A. fs the fifth. Our subject was reared on the farm; receiving a common school
education, and wisely chose the occupation of his father, that of agricultural pursuits,
though he spent two years working on the railroad, with headquarters at Grand Rapids, -.
Mich. He was married, in 1884, to Gertrude, daughter of John Park, of German descent.
Mrs. Bushman is a member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is owner of 107 acres of
land, on which he resides ; his mother, who is still living in Carlisle, is also a member of
the Lutheran Church.
ISAAC A. CHRONISTER, farmer and stock-grower. P. O. Uriah, was born in
Adams County, Penn., but grew to manhood in York County, same State, and there ac-
quired his education in the common schools. His parents, Levi and Catharine (Asper)
Chronister, were natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin; the former a blacksmitli
in early life, and in later years a farmer. Isaac A. Chronister, the third in a family of
seven children, learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked several years, but now
devotes his time to agriculture. He owns the farm on which he resides in this township.
He was united in marriage, in 1875, with Leah, daughter of Joel Griest, a farmer and mil-
ler by occupation, and of English origin. To Mr. and Mrs. Chronister have been born
three children: Charles, Delia and George Levi. Mr. and Mrs. Chronister are members of
the Lutheran Church.
JAMES COYLE, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born in South Middleton Township, this
county, July 13, 1832, son of Joseph and Calista (daughter of Thomas Thompson) Coyle,
of English and Irish origin, and who were the parents of three children. Joseph Coyle, a
farmer, an early settler of Cumberland County, died in 1833. James, the eldest of the
children, was reared among strangers, in South Middleton Township, this county, and here
received a common school education. At the age of seventeen he commenced to learn
carpentering, and soon became a thorough mechanic; he has followed the busi-
ness of carpenter and contractor for forty-five years, building bridges, houses and
barns, and it is safe to say that he has erected more houses than any other man in this
county. He has now retired from active labor and resides on a fine farm of 100 acres.
He is a self-made man in every sense of the word, having acquired, not only his worldly
possessions by his own exertions, but his education. He states he has never drank any
intoxicating liquors nor used tobacco in any form. He is a remarkably well preserved man
for his age. Our subject was married, in 1846, to Mary Ann, daughter of Bemamin and
Rebecca (Dixon) Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania and of English descent. Mr. and Mrs.
Coyle have five children living: Jennie A., William G. (a contractor and builder), R.ebec-
ca (wife of Cliristian Leib), James A. and Charles T. The sons are all carpenters and
farmers, and all the children have been given the benefits of good schools. Mr. Coyle
and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, in which he takes
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 551
an active interest, and for years has been ruling elder. Our subject, in politics, is a Dem-
ocrat; has been auditor and supervisor, also school director in the township, and, in 1885,
was elected by a large majority a director of the poor in this county. He is a member of
one of the oldest, families here, his great-grandfather, Thomas Thompson, having enlisted
dn the Revolutionary war from Cumberland County.
J. C. DAVIS, M. D., Mount Holly Springs, was born in Cumberland County, Penn.,
April 16, 1848, son of John P. and Catharine (Shipp) Davis, also natives of this county.
John P. Davis, a farmer by occupation, at present resides in Penn Township, this county;
his family consists of four children. J. C., the eldest, was reared on the farm and at-
tended common school in his native county and Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg,
Penn., and after graduating taught school three sessions. He commenced the study of
medicine in 1873, afterward attended the Jefferson Medical College, and graduated thence
in 1875. Since completing his medical course the Doctor has built up a large and exten-
sive practice. He was united in marriage, in January, 1879, with Ella C, daughter of
Benjamin K. PefEer, and of German origin. To this union have been born two children:
Anna Zoe and John Keller. Dr. Davis and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
The Doctor, who is a Republican in politics, has served eight years as school director in
Mount Holly Springs, and while a member of that body was instrumental in getting free
text-books introduced into the public schools at Mount Holly. December 2, 1885, the
Doctor was called before the Teachers' Institute of Cumberland County, Penn., and deliv-
ered an address in favor of introducing free text-books in all the public schools in the
county. He is a member of the K. of P.
CAPT. CHARLES S. DERLAND, merchant. Boiling Springs, was born in Blair
County, Penn., October 16, 1840, son of John and Mary (Harpst) Derland, natives of
Pennsylvania and of German origin. John Derland was a book-keeper by occupation, and
was engaged nearly all his life in the employ of iron manufacturing companies. His
family consisted of three children, of whom Charles S. is the youngest born. Our subject
was reared and educated in his native county. In 1861 he enlisted, at Carlisle, in what is
known as "The Anderson Body Guards," and was successively promoted to be corporal,
sergeant, orderly sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant and adjutant, and afterward
captain, in which capacity he served until the close of the war, receiving an honorable
•discharge in November, 1866. His military record is truly a noble one; he participated in
several noted battles, the most severe one being that of Pittsburg Landing. Returning
home, after the war, Capt. Derland embarked m his present business. He was married,
in 1864, to Sarah, daughter of John Embick and a native of Franklin County, Penn., of
German origin. To this union have been born two children: Mary and Blanche. The
family are all members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Derland is a Republican in
politics.
SOLOMON DEWALT, retired farmer, P. O. Carlisle, is a native of Perry County,
Penn., where he was born May 18, 1818. His father, John Dewalt, a prominent farmer,
was a native of the Keystone State and of German origin. His mother, Margaret (Beard)
Dewalt, was a native of this county and of English lineage. They reared six children, of
whom Solomon is the second born. Our subject grew to manhood in his native county,
acquiring his education in the district school. At the age of eighteen years he commenced
to learn the tanner's trade, and in 1843 embarked in business, having for a partner Hon.
Jesse Miller, who was then Secretary of State of the State of Pennsylvania. "This partner-
ship continued for three years, when Mr. Dewalt sold out and followed farming in Perry
County, Penn., until 1866, when he came to this county, where he has since resided and
is owner of a fine farm. 'Mr. Dewalt has been twice married; first to Jane McKinley, who
lived only one year and died in 1842, leaving one child, Mary Isabella, now the wife of
John W. Lindsey; and he was married, on second occasion, in 1845, to Susannah, daugh-
ter of George Shibley, and of German origin. Of the five children born to this union
three are now living: Joseph A., a farmer; John S., a carpenter; Eliza Jane, wife of M.
B. Ocker; and George S., and Harry E., deceased. Mr. Dewalt is a Democrat in politics;
has been assessor and supervisor of North Middleton Township four years. He was first
lieutenant of the Landisburg Guards, of Perry County," Penn.
R. M. EARLEY, editor, publisher and proprietor of' the Mountain Echo, Mount
Holly Springs, was born in Leesburg, Penn., February 11, 1846, son of Robert and Jane
(McCormick) Earley, natives of Pennsylvania and of English descent; former a blacksmith
by trade, in later life a farmer. R. M. Earley, next the youngest in a family of six chil-
dren, received his education in theWilliamsport Seminary, and then taught school for one
year. In 1871 he established his present enterprise in Mount Holly Springs, and in the
same year married Martha Fishburn, of German lineage, and daughter of Philip Fishburn,
a farmer. To this union have been born two children: Frank Norman and Barton. Mr.
and Mrs. Earley are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Re-
publican. .„
H. M. EVANS, freight agent for the Harnsburg & Potomac Railroad Company,
Boiling Springs, was born in Carroll Township, York Co., Penn., December 31, 1851, son
of John and Elizabeth (Miller) Evans, also natives of York County. Our subject's mother
552 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
was of German descent; his father, of Welsh lineage, was a land surveyor, and for many
years followed his profession in York County. He, John Evans, moved to Newville, Cum-
berland County in 1863; was justice of the peace, and held several other ofBces of trust. He
died in 1888. H. M. Evan,s' paternal grandfather was an ofBcer in the war of 1812. Our sub-
ject is the elder in a family of two children, and grew to manhood in Cumberland County,
attending the school in Newville and afterward Dickinson College, whence he gradu-
ated in 1874. He then studied surveying, and worked at it with his father for a time, but
at the age of twenty-three accepted the position of freight agent, and has served in that
capacity ever since. He was married, in 1881, to Laura E., daughter of John Beetem, and
a native of this county, of German origin. To this union has been born one child: Maud
Elizabeth. Mrs. Evans is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Evans is a
Democrat.
W. F. GARDNER, merchant, P. O. Uriah, was born in South Middleton Township,
this county, September 15, 1856, son of Barney and Agnes (Day) Gardner; the former of
German origin, born in Adams County, Penn., in 1810, the latter also a native of Pennsyl-
vania, of English lineage. They were married in Adams County, Penn. Barney Gardner,
who was a farmer and merchant and successful business man, lived to be seventy years
old, his life being mostly spent on the line between Adams and Cumberland Counties. He
died in 1880. He was a Democrat politically. His widow still resides in South Middleton
Township. Our subject is the youngest of three children (John, Uriah and William F.),
and grew to manhood on the farm, receiving his education in the common school. Mr.
Gardner has been conducting a general store in the southern part of South Middleton
Township since 1875. He was married, in 1880, to Florence Mortorff, of English origin,
and daughter of Israel Mortorff, who was a successful business man. Politically our sub-
ject is a Democrat.
SAMUEL GIVIN, president of the Mount Holly Paper Company, Mount Holly
Springs, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., July 6, 1804, son of James and Agnes
(Steel) Givin; the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Pennsylvania. James Givin
came to this county in 1790, and for many years was a merchant in Carlisle and a promi-
nent man. In early life he was a Democrat in politics, but in later years became a Re-
publican. He was a member of Carlisle Town Council. Of the eleven children born to
James and Agnes Givin seven attained maturity. Samuel Givin, the seventh born, grew
up in Carlisle and there received his education, and early in life embarked in mercantile
business, in which he continued until 1838, when he built a mill at Mount Holly Springs,
near the site of the brick mill now owned by the Mount Holly Paper Company, and there
for several years manufactured carpets, whose beauty in design and texture are said to
have equaled the celebrated carpets of Kidderminster, England. In 1865 the paper com-
panjr was incorporated, with a cash capital of $200,000, and Mr. Robert Givin was elected
president, acting as such until his death in 1878. when Samuel Givin was elected presi-
dent, which office he still holds. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as presi-
dent of town council. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
P. HARMON, dealer in coal, grain and lumber, and agent for the Harrisburg & Po-
tomac Railroad Company, Mount Holly Springs, was born in South Middleton Township,
this co\mty, December 13, 1848, son of George (a farmer) and Julia (Baker) Harmon, na-
tives of York County, Penn., and of German origin; their family consisted of eight chil-
dren. Our subject, the fifth born, was reared on the farm and attended the schools of
his native county. Early in life he left the farm and clerked in a store in Mount Holly
Springs; then embarked in mercantile trade, keeping a general store for fifteen years,
most of the time in company with his brother, though he conducted business alone for six
years. In 1877 our subject embarked in his present enterprise. He was married, in 1872,
to Emily L. , daughter of Stephen F. Weakley, and of Irish descent. Her father was a
farmer, and was a strong Abolitionist in those days when it cost something to be an advo-
cate of that doctrine. The children of Mr. and Mrs. P. Harmon are Bessie, Percy and
Helen. Mrs. Harmon is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Harmon is
a Republican in politics; has served in the town council, and for three years was secretary
of the school board. During the Jate war of the Rebellion he enlisted, in 1865, in Com-
pany H, One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close
of the war.
E. P. HASKELL, farmer and proprietor of the Wood View Nursery, P. O. Uriah,
was born in Massachusetts May 27, 1810, son of Charles H. and Demaris (Plagg) Haskell,
natives of Massachusetts and of English origin. Charles H. Haskell was a farmer and
manufacturer of woolen goods. Our subject, the third in a family of ten children, after
receiving his education in the academy of his native State, at the age of seventeen learned
the trade, with his father, of manufacturing woolen goods, which he followed seventeen
years, a part of the time being in business in Delaware County, Penn. He also managed
the carpet manufacturing business at Mount Holly Springs, this county, for five years, and
afterward became general manager of the Pine Grove Iron Works, where he remained for
eight years, when he engaged as superintendent of the Ahl Iron Works for a year. After
this he moved on his farm, consisting of 205 acres, which he had purchased in 1850, and
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 553
embarked in tlie nursery busitiess, selling trees in New York and the Western States ex-
tensively, meeting with more than average success. Our subject has been twice married;
first in 1833, and, this wife dying in 1835, he was married, on the second occasion, in 1840,
to Miss Eliza Watsbaugh, of German and Irish origin, and their three children are
Amanda, wife of John Peters; Almira, wife of E. J. Hartzel; Harrison, who is married
and farming the home place. Mrs. Eliza Haskell died in 1867. She was a member of the
Oerman Reformed Church. Mr. Haskell was a member of the Presbyterian denomina-
tion, but now has his membership with the Lutheran Church. He has" always taken an
active interest in his church, serving as elder and deacon. Mr. Haskell has lived in Cum-
berland County since 1838, and for a number of years has been a member of the school
board.
GEORGE W. HBAGY, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born near New-
ville, Cumberland Co., Penn., September 24, 1837, son of John and Mary (Hemminger)
Heagy. The former a native of Adams County, of English origin, was a farmer; the lat-
ter, born in Cumberland County, was of German lineage. George W. is the youngest in
a family of seven children. His father died in 1856 in Cumberland County, where he had
resided since he was a young man. Our subject attended common school and farmed un-
til 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served as a
non-commissioned oflBcer; was in several hard-fought battles, had two horses shot from
under him, and was wounded while charging a rebel battery at the battle of Gettysburg,
but served his full time, and was honorably discharged. Since the war Mr. Heagy has
followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns 118 acres of land. He was married, in 1866,
to Annie E. Stuart, of English descent, daughter of John Stuart, a farmer. The children
born to this union are Mary, John, Robert, Minnie, Clark, Bessie, Florence, Maud and
Annie. Mr. Heagy is a member of the Reformed Church, and his wife of the Presbyterian
denomination. Jfflr. Heagy is a Democrat in politics; has served three years as county
auditor and three years as overseer of the poor, and several years as school director.
C. K. HERR, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Hatton, was born in Lancaster County,
Penn., February 19, 1834, the third in the family of five children of Christian and Mary
(Meyers) Herr, also natives of that county and of German origin. Christian Herr, a far-
mer and minister in the old Mennonite Church, moved to this county in 1834, and settled
on a farm in South Middleton Township, where he died in 1865. Our subject was reared
on his father's farm, and received his education in the district school. In the course of
time he chose agriculture as an occupation, and is now the owner of a farm of 102 acres,
where he resides. He was married, in 1856, to Catharine, daughter of Jacob Spangles, and
of German descent. To this union have been born ten children, nine of whom are now
living: Emeison, Barbara, Jacob and Harry (twins; they have a stove and tinware store
in Boiling Springs), Abraham, Christian, Mary, George and William. Mrs. Herr dying in
1878, Mr. Herr married, in 1881, Sallie S., daughter of John Kauflfman. Mr. and Mrs.
Herr are members of the United Brethren Church, of which he is a trustee. In politics
he is a Republican.
DAVID HOERNER, retired manufacturer, Hatton, was born in Dauphin County,
Penn.. May 34, 1811, the third born in the family of twelve children of John and Magda-
lena (Ebersole) Hoerner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin, and grandson of
Andrew Hoerner, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. John Hoerner was a major in the
war of 1813, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years. Our subject was a
major in the State militia, and had two sons, who lost their lives in the late Rebellion:
David, Jr., starved to death in Andersonville prison, and Thomas, killed in front of
Petersburg. David Hoerner, Sr., received his education in Dauphin County, Penn., and
at the age of eighteen commenced to learn the manufacturing of woolen goods, which
business he followed forty-five years. In 1847 he bought the woolen mills in South Mid-
dleton Township, which he successfully operated until 1874, since when the business has
been conducted by his son, Daniel B. Our subject was married, in 1831, to Barbara
Hoover, of German descent, and of the nine children born to this union the following
named are living: Jolin H., the owner of 1,300 acres of land, a wealthy, influential mer-
chant in Loudon, Penn.; Mary E., wife of Samuel Shelly; Sue B., who is living with said
David Hoerner, and William H., living in Central City, Col.; Barbara M., wife of J. K.
Graybill; Magdalena, wife of Rev. John P. Smith, a Methodist minister, and Daniel B., a
manufacturer of woolen goods. Mr. Hoerner is a member of the Lutheran Church, Mrs.
Hoerner of the United Brethren denomination. He is owner of a woolen-mill and a farm
of sixty acres, on which he resides in South Middleton Township. In politics Mr. Hoer-
ner is a Republican. During the late war of the Rebellion, in 1863, he went to Harris-
burg to inform Gen. Smith that the rebel general, Fitzhugh Lee, was in this vicinity. On
his return he states that he found himsell in the midst of the enemy, and saw Gen. Lee
sitting on a fence resting, and that the General, when he saw him, said: "Come, let us
have a talk." Mr. Hoerner accepted the invitation, climbed up on the fence, and for half
an hour argued the political questions of the day, all the time with a pass from Gen.
Smith in his pocket, which, if found, would have condemned him as a spy. When he re-
turned toward home three of the rebels accompanied him (as they said, to get something
554 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
to eat), but Mr. Hoerner threw them off the scent by stopping at a farm house three miles
from home, and asldng for a piece of bread and butter, and when they saw him beginning
to eat they left; so, by shrewdness and courage, he escaped.
D. P. HOOVER (deceased) was born in York County, Penn., February 13, 1835, son
of John (a farmer) and Julia Ann (Livingston) Hoover, natives of Pennsylvania and of
German lineage; they raised a family of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity.
Our subject, who was the seventh born, attended the district school, and at the age of nine-
teen learned blncksmithing, and after serving his apprenticeship followed his trade two
years. He came with his parents to this county in 1833, and had therefore resided here
for over a half century. He made farming the main business of his life and met with more
than average success. Mr. Hoover was married in 1845, to Sarah, dawghter of Jacob and
Esther (Gline) Burkholder, the former of whom, a farmer, was of German origin. The
union ot Mr. and Mrs. Hoover was blessed with twelve children, eight of whom grew
up and seven are now living; William M.. Caroline Amelia (wife of William E. Reed), I.
Willis, Anna, Esther, Samuel Philip, Matilda Clarissa. Mr. Hoover died July 24, 1886, a
member of tlie Evangelical Chuch in which he had held most of the oflSces, having served
as superintendent ot sabbath-schoool, class-leader and trustee; and had been a member of
the church council. He served his township as school director. Politically he was a
Democrat. His widow is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
ISRAEL HULL, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Mount Holly Springs, was born in
Lancaster County, Penn., February 33, 1831, sou of Peter and Anna (Metz) Hull, also na-
tives of Lancaster County and of Holland-Dutch descent. Peter Hull was a farmer by
occupation; his father Peter Hull, Sr., served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Israel
Hull, the fourth in a family of six children, attended the common school and worked on
the farm until he was seventeen years old; then learned wagon-making, which occupation
he followed until he attained his majority; he then, for several years, traveled extensively,
going over the road between California and Pennsylvania eight times (working in the mines
in California), and sailed on the ocean, visiting the Sandwich Islands, working in the ship-
yards there for ten months; he next embarked for San Francisco, Cal., arriving there a
few months previous to the discovery of gold. In 1850 he came to New York, and in the
same year to Mechanicsburg, Penn. Mr. Hull was married, in 1850, to Hannah, daughter
of John and Hannah (Orth) Ricker, also natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin.
To this union were born two children: Clara Jane and Margaret M. Mrs. Hull died in
1857. In politics our subject is a Republican. He is a member of Chico Lodge, No.
113, I. O. O. F.. of California. In business he has been successful and is the owner of a
well improved fai'm near Mount Holly Springs.
BENJAMIN KAUFFMAN, retired farmer, Boiling Springs, was born in Lancaster
County, Penn., August 7, 1805, son of Christian and Maria (Miller) KaTifiman, natives of
Pennsylvania and of German origin, and who were the parents of eight children, of whom
Benjamin is the youngest and the only surviving member of the family. Our subject was
reared on the farm, attended the subscription school in his native county, chose the
vocation of his father (who was a farmer all his life), and has met with marked success.
He came to Cumberland County, Penn., in 1834, and settled in South Middleton Township
on the farm where he now resides, and which now numbers 261 acres. He was married in
1838, to Martha, daughter of Jacob Bassler, also a native of Lancaster County and of
German origin. Of the eleven children born to this union seven attained maturity: Maria,
married to Charles Miller (both now deceased); Ann (deceased wife of John Bremer);
Benjamin (deceased), was married, a farmer; Tobias, married, resides in Iowa (he enlisted
at the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion in the Two Hundred and Ninth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry, was promoted to captain and subsequently to colonel; was
taken prisoner by the enemy and suffered all the horrors of Libby prison); Sarah, at home;
Martha, wife of John Strickler; Elizabeth, wife of Elias Moutz; Susan, wife of William
Ely. Mr. Kauffman is a member of the new Mennonite Church.
WILLIAM KLEPPER, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Mount Holly Springs, was
born in Adams County, Penn., March 31, 1834, son of Adolphus and Susan (Kime) Klep-
per. His mother was a native of Adams County, Penn., and of German origin. His
father, who was born in Germany, was a type-setter by trade, an occupation he followed
in early life, but later was ai farmer. Adolphus and Susan Klepper reared a family of
nine children, of whom William is the eldest. Our subject acquired his education in the
common schools of his native county,!chose farming as his vocation, and is now the owner
of 150 acres of land, on which he resides and which he has acquired by his own exertions.
He was married, in 1863, to Mary Jane, daughter of John and Mary (Brame) Weigle, and
a native of Adams County, Penn., of German descent. To this union were born the fol-
lowing children: Sarah Alberta, Anna Minerva (a teacher in South Middleton Township,
Penn.), John Adolphus, William Henry, Maggie V., Jacob Emery, Emma Jane, Rebecca
Irene and Clarence Reynolds. Mr. and Mrs. Klepper and two eldest daughters are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been deacon. In politics Mr. Klepper is a
Democrat. He has served as school director three years; township assessor, and as judge-
of the primary election, three times.
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 555-
B. P. LEHMAN, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Boiling Springs, was born near the
village of Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn., June 26, 1839, son of Jacob and Catharine
(Givler) Lehman, natives of this county and of German origin. Jacob Lehman died in
1870. Our subject is the eldest of five children who grew to manhood and woman-
hood. He was reared on the farm and received a common school education in his na-
tive county. Wisely chosing farming as an occupation, he has met with more than the
average success, and is now owner of 140 acres of land, with first-class improvements and
well stocked. Mr. Lehman has been twice married; on first occasion, in 1863, to Elizabeth
Burn, who died in 1872, and by this union has the following children: Dora (wife of John
S. Keenport), Jacob, Ida, Clara and Minnie. In 1874 Mr. Lehman married his second
wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, daughter of Philip Maul, and of German origin, and by her
he has two children: David and Charley. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman are members of the
Lutheran Church, in which he has served as deacon and Sabbath-school superintendent.
Politically our subject is a Democrat; he has served as school director and assessor of his
township.
J. C. LEHMAK, justice of the peace, Boiling Springs, was born in Cumberland
County, Penn., May 15, 1842, son of Jacob and Catharine (Givler) Lehman, also natives
of this county and of German origin. Jacob Lehman, who was a farmer and stock-dealer,
died December 26, 1870; his widow still survives. Their family consisted of seven chil-
dren— two sons and five daughters. The sons are J. C. and D. P., a prominent far-
mer in this township. Our subject, the second born in the family, was reared on the
farm, receiving a common school education. His first business transaction was dealing
in stock. In 1876 he built the business room now occupied by Capt. Derland and con-
ducted a store three years. In 1880 he bought twenty-eight acres of land, where he
thought he discovered indications of iron ore, developed it far enough to find his surmises
were correct, and then quietly (through an agent) bought more, and at the ipresent time
owns 3,000 acres. He has an ore lead nearly three miles long on his land, which is being
extensively developed by wealthy iron companies, among which may be mentioned the
well-known Pine Grove Company (working J. C. Lehman, No. 2), and the Crane Iron
Company, of which he is land agent for Cumberland County, (working J. C. Lehman No.
8). Mr. Lehman's lands bid fair to prove first-class in every particular. Our subject was
married, in 1871, to Lyde 0. (daughter of Wilson Fleming), a graduate of the State Nor-
mal School, who lived only one year after marriage ; she was a member of the Presbyterian
Church in Carlisle. Mr. Lehman is a liberal contributor to the church in Boiling Springs
and is trustee of the Methodist Church in this township. He is a Democrat in politics and
is serving as justice of the peace, being elected the third time.
CHRISTIAN LEIB, retired farmer, P. O. Boiling Springs, was born in South Mid-
dleton Township,' Cumberland County, Penn., February 4, 1816, son of John and Mary
(Wise) Leib, the former born in this county in 1781, a farmer by occupation. Our subject,
the eighth born In a family of twelve children, received his education in the subscrip-
tion school; chose farming as his occupation, and has met with average success, retiring
from business and living on his little farm, comprising 38 acres, for which he paid $200
per acre, and on which he has a neat, substantial residence. Christian Leib was married.
In 1836, to Nancy, daughter of Jacob Walter. This union was blessed with eight chil-
dren, three of whom survive: Mary, Christian W. (a farmer) and Charles H. (a merchant).
Mr. Leib's son, John, was a soldier in the Union Army, a member of the Two Hundred and
Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company A, and was killed at the battle of
Petersburg. Mr. Leib and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
he has been steward, class-leader and Sabbath-school superintendent. Politically Mr.
Leib is a Republican. He is a descendant of one of the oldest families of Pennsylvania,
and he and his wife have the respect and esteem of their many friends.
A. M. LEIDICH, surveyor and merchant of Boiling Springs, was born at "Leidich's
oll-miU farm," in Monroe Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., on the 18th of October,
1822. He Is a son of John and Mary (Diller) Leidich. His grandfather, Adam Leidich,
was of German lineage, and died at the "oil mill-farm" in 1828. His mother was a
daughter of Martin Diller, an early settler of this county and of German origin. John
and Mary Leidich had two children: Adam, the subject of this sketch, and D. J., a promi-
nent merchant of Carlisle, Penn. John Leidich died in ;1826, and Mary Leidrich died in
1886. A. M. Leidich commenced the study of surveying at fifteen years of age, and two
years later began the practice of his profession. He engaged In keeping a general store
at Boiling Springs in 1845, and continued in that business until 1874, with only an inter-
ruption of two years. In 1845 he laid out the town of Boiling Springs for Daniel Kauff-
man, who owned the land on which the the town was built. The same year, he bought
the lot on the corner of Main and Front Streets— the first lot that was sold in this town-
paying the then enormous sum of $200 for It, and built the brick store which is still stand-
ing Boiling Springs was so named as early as 1762. Our subject was married in 1847, to
Regina, daughter of Capt. Stewart McGowan, and great-granddaughter of Andrew Crocket,
who was prominent in the early history of this county. Mrs. Leidich's ancestors were
early settlers of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish origin. The children born to this union
556 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
are Stewart M., an attorney at law, in Carlisle, Penn.; Mary, wife of R. Craighead; Mar-
£arel, wife of Dr. Houk, of Boiling Springs, this county, and Emma J., at home. Mrs.
eidich died in 1873; she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle. Mr.
Leidich is a member of the same church. In politics he is a Republican. He was the
■first postmaster of Boiling Springs, appointed by Pre.sident Pierce, the mail then being
carried to Boiling Springs from Allen postofflce by Henry Erbin, who walked with it on
his shoulder, or, more frequently in his pocket. He continued postmaster until the elec-
tion of Abraham Lincoln.
M. H. LINDSAY, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Cumberland
County, Penn., June 23, 1887, son of Alexander and Eliza (Wilt) Lindsay; the former of
Scotch and the latter of English origin. Alexander Lindsay, who was a successful business
man, died in 1875. The family of Alexander and Eliza Lindsay consisted of ten children,
eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and seven are now living. Our subject,
the second born, was raised on the farm, in South Middleton Township, this county, and '
there attended the common schools. Since he reached his majority he has engaged in
farming, and is now the owner of the home farm, consisting of something over eighty-
two acres. He was married, December 19, 1867, to Miss Elmira, daughter of Jacob Hart-
man, and to this union were born two children: Rebecca (deceased) and Alice M. Mrs.
Lindsay is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Lindsay is a Republican.
J. W. LINDSEY, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Cumberland
County, Penn., December 21, 1835, son of Alexander and Eliza (Wilt) Lindsey, natives of
Pennsylvania and of Scotch descent. They reared a family of ten children, eight of whom
grew to manhood and womanhood, and seven are now living. Our subject, the eldest,
was reared on the farm, received his education in the common schools in South Middle-
ton Township, and has made farming his business in life. His father, who was a success-
ful farmer, died in 1875. Mr. Lindsey, who has met with good success as an agriculturist,
has lately built himself a neat, substantial residence on his farm, which consists of 88
acres. He was married in 1883, to Mary Bell, daughter of Solomon Dewalt, a prominent
farmer of this township. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey has been blessed with one
<:hild: Bessie Wilt. Mrs. Lindsey is a member of the German Reformed Church. Politi-
cally Mr. Lindsey is a Republican.
D. A. McALLESTER, merchant, Mount Holly Springs, was born in Perry Coun-
ty, Penn., August 13, 1841, son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Baughman) McAIlester,
natives, respectively, of Dauphin and Perry Counties, Penn. ; theif ormer of Scotch-Irish and
the latter of German origin. Alexander McAIlester, who was a blacksmith by trade, in
later life a farmer, died in Perry County, Penn., in 1880. Our subject is the seventh born
in a family of nine children, seven of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. He was
reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common school and in Bloomfleld
Academy. His first business venture was as a clerk in a dry goods store in Logansport,
Ind., where he remained six years; he then went East and clerked for two years; subse-
quently embarked in mercantile trade at Mount Holly Spi'ings, where he has since suc-
cessfully conducted a general store. D. A. McAIlester was married, in 1868, to Emma,
daughter of Jacob Steel, and of German origin. They have five children: C. J., Steel,
William, D. A. and Marie. Mr. McAIlester is a Democrat in politics. He was appointed
postmaster in 1885, and has served as treasurer of Mount Holly Springs. He is a member
of the K. of P.
A. MANSFIELD, superintendent of the paper-mills of the Mount Holly Paper Com-
pany, Mount Holly Springs, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., March 20, 1835, son of
William and Martha (Granger) Mansfield, also natives of that State and of English de-
scent; they were parents of two children. Albert, the eldest, received his schooling in his
native county, and for a time was employed in his father's store; afterward he learned
to manufacture paper in his father's paper-mill, and in 1859 came to Cumberland County,
Penn., accepting the superintendency of Mount Holly Paper-mill, which position he
still fills with honor to himself and credit to his employers. He was united in marriage,
December 3, 1850, with Miss Harriet E. Munson, born in Connecticut and of English origin.
This union has been blessed with one child, Eva D., now the wife of Clarence J. Reddig,
a merchant in Shippensburg, a graduate of Eastman National Business College, Pough-
keepsie, N. Y., and a member of the class of 1877 of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg,
Penn. He is well known throughout the State as a Sabbath-school worker. Mr. Mans-
field is a Republican in politics.
A. R. MAY, veterinary surgeon, P. O. Boiling Springs, born in York County, Penn.,
December 27, 1838, son of Daniel and Barbara (Rider) May; the former of whom was born
in York County, Penn., in 1795, and lived to be seventy-eight yearsold; the latter, born in
York County, Penn., inl801, still residing with our subject at Boiling Springs. DanielMay
was a miller in early life, but in later years a farmer. He was a very strong man, and dur-
ing the time he was milling for Mr. Frick at the .Big Conowago, in York County, Penn., he
carried nine bushels of wheat up two flights of stairs at one time. A. R. May, the sixth
born in the family, was reared on the farm, and received his education in the common
school. He subsequently studied medicine, commenced to practice as veterinary surgeon
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 557
in York County, Penn., and, in 1873, came to Boiling Springs, where he has been very suc-
cessful, and is as well known as any veterinary surgeon in the county. The Doctor usu-
ally passes for a "Dutchman," and though his parents and grandparents were Americans,
raised in York County among the Pennsylvania Dutch, he now speaks the English lan-
guage with difficulty. He is a Republican in politics. For several years Mr. May has
served as constable, and he has been mentioned as a candidate for sheriflE of Cumberland
County.
JACOB H. MEIXEL, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Boiling Springs, was born in
South Middleton Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., January 32, 1846, son of George
and Catharine (Hoover) Meixel, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. George
Meixel was born in this county, and is a farmer by occupation, but in early life was a
freighter; he now resides at Boiling Springs; he was a deacon in the Church of God. He
raised three sons and one daughter: Jeremiah F., a minister in the Church of God; Jacob
H., Zachariah T., teaching in the high school, Hanover, York Co., Penn.; and Sally, wife
of Charles W. Otto. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the
township schools, the Iron City Commercial College, and at the Commercial College of
Philadelphia, Penn. He is a first-class penman, and traveled through the West teaching
penmanship. He was married, January 11, 1876, to Crara, daughter of Peter Bricker, of
German origin. To this union were born four children, three now living: Jacob B.. Rol-
land H., George G., and Christ. Mr. Meixel is a Republican in politics. He enlisted
when he was eighteen years old. in Company I, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry, served his term of enlistment, and then re-enlisted in the One
Hundred and Forty-ninth Independents, and became a non-commissioned officer. Mr.
Meixel has traveled in two-thirds of the States of the Union. He is owuer of 214 acres of
land, is a first-class farmer, and raises thoroughbred chickens, turkeys, hogs and cattle.
ROBERT H. MIDDLETON, superintendent of the Harrisburg& Potomac Railroad,
Boiling Springs, was born in Mifflin Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., January 25, 1845,
son of Andrew M. and Nancy (Elliott) Middleton, also natives of this county and of
Scotch-Irish origin, and who reared a family of five children, Our subject, the second
born, lived on a farm until fifteen years old, attending the common school. His father,
who was a farmer, then moved to Newville, Penn., where Robert H. attended the academy.
In 1863 he went to Baltimore and attended the Commercial College, graduating the same
year. He then obtained a position with P. A. Ahl & Bro. as book-keeper, remaining with
them until 1865, when he went to Wabash, Ind., as book-keeper for his uncle, Thomas J.
Elliott, and there remained until 1868. On returning to Newville, he was again employed
as book-keeper for Ahl & Bro. until 1875, when lie accepted a position on the engineer
corps of the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad, was made road-master in 1876 and in 1877
was appointed to his present position. Our subject was married, May 10, 1870, to Elizabeth
A., daughter of Isaac Vanloan, of New York City; their children are Thomas E. and
Robert H., Jr. Mrs. Middleton is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is of Huguenot
origin.
WILLIAM MOORE, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Mount Holly Spiings, was born
in South Middleton Township, this county, November 28, 1835, in the house where he now
resides. His parents, William and Catharine (Reighter) Moore, were also natives of this
county and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was a farmer and miller, and his grand-
father, William Moore, also a farmer, was an early settler of this county. William Moore
is the youngest in a family of six children, of which he and his sister Mary Ann (now the
' wife of John Craighead) are the only ones now residing in the county. Our subject was
reared on a farm, acquired a common school education, and farming and milling have been
his chief business. He is owner of 174 acres of land. Our subject has been twice mar-
ried; first in 1858, to Catharine, daughter of Jacob Ritner and granddaughter of ex-Gov.
Joseph Ritner of Peonsylvania. To this union were born the following named children:
Robert, a cattle-deiler in Wyoming Territory; Emily and Bertha. Mrs. Moore died in
1866, and in 1869 Mr. Moore married, for his second wife, her sister Mary, and by this
union has four children: Jessie, Minnie, Norris and Hugh. Mrs. Moore's father was a land
surveyor and farmer, and his daughter Mary, being endowed with artistic taste, drew the
drafts of the tracts of land for him; she is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr.
Moore is a Democrat in politics.
ELIAS MOUNTZ, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Hatton, was born in Frankford
Township, this county, August 18, 1840, son of John and Susanna (Knisly) Mountz, natives
of Cumberland County, Penn., and of German descent; the former born in 1812, and the
latter in 1814. Our subject's grandfather, Martin Mountz, and his great-grandfather, Laz-
arus Mountz, were tillers of the soil, as was also his father. John Mountz served, at one
time, as captain in the militia; he died in 1879, his widow still survives him. Their fam-
ily consisted of ten children, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Elias
Mountz is the eldest in the family that attained maturity, and was reared on the farm,
attending the normal school. At the age of seventeen he commenced teaching, ^nd fol-
lowed this vocation for ten years in this county, teaching in the high school at Mount
Holly Springs and six terms in South Middleton Township; since he abandoned sohool-
39
558 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
teaching he has devoted his time to farming. Mr. Mountz is one of the few farmers who
keep a correct book account of all he buys and sells on his farm. He has been a very suc-
cessful farmer, and is one-half owner of a well improved farm, on which his brother now
resides. Mr. Mountz, in politics, is a. Democrat; has served as school director in this
township for nine year.s; in 1866 he was elected county auditor, and served in that capaci-
ty for three years. Our subject was married, February 23, 1865, to Eliza B., daughter of
fienjamin KaufEman, and this union has been blessed with thirteen children, ten of whom
are now living: Cicero K., Viola K., Elias K., Harry K., Olive K., Charles K., Minnie K.,
Elsie K., Stella K. and Annie K. Mr. and Mrs. Mountz are members of the United Breth-
ren Church, in which he is class-leader and assistant superintendent of the Sabbath-school.
CHARLES H. MULLIN, Mount Holly Springs, is secretary and treasurer of the
Mount Holly Paper Company, established in 1856, who do an extensive business in the
manufacture of fine letter and writing papers; they make the commercial safety paper
for checks, drafts, etc. He was born in South Middleton Township (now Mount Holly
Springs), this county, October 31, 1833, son of William B. and Eliza (Lightcap) Mullin,
natives of Cumberland County, and of Irish and English descent, respectively. Our sub-
ject's great-gi'andfather, who came from the North of Ireland to America in 1760, and set-
tled in Cumberland County, Penn., was a farmer by occupation, and served as a soldier
in the Revolutionary war, and his grandfather, who was a paper manufacturer in Frank-
lin County, Penn., came, in 1819, to what is now Mount Holly Springs, and bought the
paper-mill built in 1813 by William Barber and I. Knox, and which he carried on until
1838, when his son, W^illiam B. Mullin (subject's father), took charge of the business, and
continued it until his death, which occurred in 1869. In politics Mr. Mullin is a Repub-
lican. He was one of the electors on the Republican ticket that elected Gen. Grant Presi-
dent his first term; he was delegate to the National Convention in 1876, and has also been
delegate to all important State conventions since 1873. always taking a prominent part.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., and is a Knight Templar. During the late-
war of the Rebellion our subject enlisted, in 1861, in the Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves.
Mr. Mullin takes an interest in every thing that pertains to the welfare of Cumberland
County. In 1873 he was elected president of Cumberland County Agricultural Society,
which oflBce he still holds.
WILLIAM A. MULLIN, of the firm of W. A. & A. F. Mullin, manufacturer of book
paper. Mount Holly Springs, Penn., was born at that place August 18, 1835, the second
child of William Barbour and Eliza (Lightcap) Mullin, natives of Cumberland County.
Upon leaving school he associated himself with his father, and became a partner in the
business. May 1, 1869, the father died, and since 18.73 the firm has been known as W. A.
& A. F. Mullin. "William A. has paid much attention to the breeding of fine horses and
Jersey cattle. The Mullins have all been and are active business men. William A. mar-
ried, in October, 1863, Miss Fannie Porter, a daughter of Capt. and Martha I. (Hall) Por-
ter. Mrs. Mullin is a lady of rare attainments, and is both an artist and poet. They are
the parents of two daughters: Helen Hall and Nora Montgomery Mullin. Mrs. Mullin is-
a graduate of Irving Female College.
A. F. MULLIN is a member of the firm of W. A. & A. F. Mullin, manufacturers of
book and printing paper. Mount Holly Springs. The mill operated by this firm is one of
the oldest in the State, the business having been established by the grandfather and grand-
uncle of our subject. The mill was burned down in 1846, and the ground was then pur-
chased by "W. B. Mullin (subject's father) who, in 1847, erected a larger building, intro-
ducing modern machinery, and conducted the business until his death in 1869, since when
it has been operated by the present firm. A. F. Mullin was born at Mount Holly Springs,
this county, in the house where he now resides, September 14, 1837, sou of William B.
and Eliza (Lightcap) Mullin, and is third in a family of eight children— five of whom are
still living. Our subject attended school at Mount Holly Springs until he was sixteen,
when he entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn., where he graduated in his twenty-
first year. He then accepted the position of principal of the Cumberland Valley Institute
(1858-60); was principal of Dickinson College grammar school from 1860 to 1863, and then
went into the paper manufacturing business with his father, in which he still continues.
Mr. Mullin was married, in 1869, to Martha E., daughter of John S. Sterrett, and a native
of Pennsylvania, her parents having been among the pioneers of the State. Mr. and Mrs.
Mullin have three children: Lillian Sterrett, Charles L. and John Sterrett. Mrs. Mullin
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Mullin was formerly a Repub-
lican, but now casts his vote with the Prohibition party. He was a member of the town?
council, and is now of the school board. In 1876 he was a candidate for State Senator on
the Republican ticket, and, though defeated, ran 1,000 ahead of his ticket. Athough not
an oflBce seeker he is now (1886) a candidate for the Legislature on the Prohibition ticket.
JACOB NOFFSINGER, farmer and stock-grower. Mount Holly Springs, was born in
Berks County, Penn., May 24, 1834, son of Jacob and Catherine (Stahl) Noffsinger, natives
of Pennsylvania, and of German and English origin, who came to Cumberland County
soon after their marriage, and settled on a farm in South Middleton Township. Their
family consisted of seven children, Jacob being the third born and the only member of the-
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 559
family residing in Cumberland County. Our subject attended the scliools in this town-
ship; chose the occupation of his father (farming), and is the owner of the farm where he
now resides. He was united in marriage, in 1859, with Annie E. , daughter of Thomas and
Anna (Shucli) Bradley, the former of wliom was of Scotch-Irish origin, the latter a native
of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Noffsinger are parents of two children: Emma C. and Anna
E. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Noffsinger is a
Republican. He is a member of the A. O. XJ. W., and has been through the subordinate
lodge of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. NoSsinger's ancestors were Dunkards, and were prominent
members of the River Brethren Church — in fact were the originators and organizers of that
society.
SIMPSON OTT, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Southampton
Township, near Shippensburg, this county, in September, 1840; son of Jacob and Susan
(Barmaster) Ott, of German and English origin, and who reared a family of eleven chil-
dren. Our subject, the second born, was reared on his father's farm, receiving a common
school education in South Middleton Township. At the age of seventeen he commenced
the blacksmith's trade, serving a regular apprenticeship of three years. He was married,
in 1862, to Mary daughter of Israel Kertz and of German origin. The children born to
this union are William, Carrie, Florence and James. Mr. and Mrs. Ott are members of
the Evangelical Association, in which he has been Sabbath-school superintendent and i&
now Sabbath-school teacher. He has been a school director for years. Politically he is
a Democrat. Mr. Ott has been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits since 1863,.
and is owner of a farm of forty-eight acres near Carlisle, on which he now resides.
GEORGE OT'TO, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Boiling Springs, was born at Car-
lisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., March 11, 1833, son of John and Susannah (Smith) Otto,
natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent; former a blacksmith by trade. They reared
a family of seven children. John Otto was a soldier in the war of 1812, going from Car-
lisle in 1813, and his son, John, was in the late war, enlisting in 1861 and serving three
years. George, the second born, attended the common school in Carlisle, Penn., and at
the age of ten years commenced to work on the farm, and has made agriculture the busi-
ness of his life. In early life he frequently worked as a farm-hand for 40 cents per day,
and also for $5 per month, but by industry and economy he has succeeded in accumulat-
ing a handsome fortune, being now the owner of 260 acres of land. He was married,
November 12, 1850, to Henrietta, daughter of Adam Bitner, and of German descent.
They have five children living: Alphus S., a farmer; Charles W., a farmer and school-
teacher (he taught school fifteen years); Lewis C, who is teaching school; Anna Maria and
George B. In politics Mir. Otto is a Democrat: has served as school director. He is a
member of the society of American Mechanics, the K. of P., I. O. O. F., and is a F. & A. M.
ABRAM PHILLIPS, retired farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Carlisle, Cumber-
land Co., Penn., son of Patrick and Catharine (Williams) Phillips, natives of Ireland.
Patrick Phillips emigrated from his native country to America when he was sixteen years
old, chose farming as an occupation, and in 1803 received his naturalization papers at
Carlisle, where he had settled, and the house which he built in 1812 is still standing. He
was a successful business man, and at the time of his death, in 1849, owned a well improved
farm. Abram and his sister Martha where the only children born to their parents. Our
subject was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education, and has made agri-
culture his principal occupation. He is owner of the 100 acres of land where he now re-
sides. In politics our subject is a Democrat. He holds to the religion of his father
(Roman Catholic), and is a good neighbor and respected citizen. Mr. Phillips and his
sister are both single, and reside together on the farm.
D. S. RICE, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Barnitz, was born in Adams County,
Penn.. January 5, 1836, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Plank) Rice, natives of Pennsylvania
and of German origin. Our subject's paternal grandmother was born on the ocean while
her Barents were coming to America from Germany. His paternal grandfather was a sol-
dierin the Revolutionary war. Peter Rice, who was a farmer by occupation, was twice
married and had four children by his first wife and eight by his second (of the latter Da-
vid S. is the third born). Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, re-
ceiving a common school education. At the age of sixteen he commenced to learn the
blacksmith's trade, which he followed until 1863, when he enlisted in Company F, Fif-
teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, served as a non-commissioned officer, and was honorably
discharged at expiration of term of service. Since the war Mr. Rice has devoted his whole
time and attention to farming and stock-raising, and is owner of 96 acres of land on which
he now resides. He was married, in 1865, to Mary C. daughter of Benjamin Royer, a
farmer Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. The children
born to this union are Benjamin Elmer, Emma Eva Alma, Seth Edwin and Robert. Mrs.
Rice is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Rice is a Republican.
DANIEL RUDY, farmer and proprietor of the Sunnyside Dairy, P. O. Carlisle, was
born in Dauphin County, Penn., December 8, 1837, son of Jonas and Frances (Hoffman)
Rudy natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin, and who reared a family of nine
children of whom Daniel is the third born. Four of the sons— Joseph, Levi, Jonas and
560 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Frederick — served in tlie late war of the Bebelliori, and all returned home but Joseph, who
died at Andersonville, after an incarceration of one year and five days, in rebel prisons. Our
subject was reared on his father's farm and, with his parents, moved to South Middleton,
Township ml838. He acquired a common school education in his native county, and at tbe
age of twenty-two, attended the Slate Normal School. He then commenced to teach, with
the intention of following the profession, but, at the expiration of four years, his father died
(in 1861), and, being appointed administrator to the estate, he came home and toolj charge
of the farm. Mr. Rudy is owner of 108 acres of well improved land, and has operated the
Sunnyside Dairy since 1878. keeping from fifteen to twenty cows. In 1871 he married
Elizabeth Ernest, of German descent, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Ann (Batterman)
Ernest, and their living children are William Jonas, Jacob E. and Sallie A. Mr. and Mrs.
Rudy are members of the Reformed Church. He has held most of the township offices.
SA.MUEL SCHELL, carpenter, P. O. Boiling Springs, was born in York County,
Penn., July 9, 1880, son of Andrew and Anna Mary (Koontz) Schell, natives of Lancaster
County, Penn., and of German origin (his father was a carpenter and contractor by occu-
pation). Andrew Schell and wife had a family of ten children, and of their six sons five
were carpenters and the other a farmer. Our subject, who received his education in the
common school, early learned the carpenter's trade with his brother, he being the young-
est son, and has made that the principal business of his life. He was married, in 1855, to
Mary Magdalena, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Givler) High, who were also of German
origin. Her father was a doctor. Mr. and Mrs. Schell have two children: Adella, wife
of Lewis Zeigler, of Pittsburgh, Penn., and Jacob Franklin, who was born in York
County, Penn., Augast 30, 1858. At the age of sixteen he entered the Naval Academy as
cadet in the engineer corps at Annapolis, Md., and thence graduated in 1878, and was
then sent to sea and sailed in the ship which conveyed Gen. Grant in his trip around the
world. At present Jacob F. Schell is instructor in the engineer departnient of the
Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. Mr. Schell and wife are members of the United Brethren
Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM SENSEMAN, miller and dealer in coal. Boiling Springs, was born in
Cumberland County. Penn., September 20, 1837, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Haines)
Senseman, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., of German origin. Samuel Senseman, a
carpenter in early life but in later years a farmer, came to this county at an early date,
and settled in Silver Spring Township. William Senseman, the ninth born in a family of
ten children, lived on the farm and acquired a common school education, and has had to
paddle his own canoe since he was fourteen years of age. When he reached his majority
he went to Illinois, where he remained three years; then, in 1863, returned to this county.
He was married, in 1865, to Hattie, daughter of Benjamin Shuh, and of German origin.
In 1878 Mr. Senseman embarked in milling, which he continued for two years. From 1880
to 1884 he dealt in horses in company with A. R. May. In 1884 he again leased the mill
at Boiling Springs, and has since conducted his present business. Mrs. Senseman is a
member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject and wife have reared two orphans, giving
them good educational advantages: John Cunningham, unmarried, and residing at
Tecumseh, Neb., and Sadie Dean, now wife of Charles Rider.
ABRAHAM STRICKLER, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Carlisle, was born in Mid-
dlesex Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., July 15, 1834. son of TJlrick and Catharine
(Hatzler) Strickler, of German origin, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and Cumberland
County, Penn., respectively. Our subject, the eldest of two children born to his parents,
lost his mother when he was but four years of age, and his father, who never remarried,
■carried on the farm and kept house with hired help for eighteen years; he was a success-
ful farmer and business man, and succeeded in accumulating a goodly share of this world's
goods, and gave his children a good start in life. He died in 1871. Our subject, who was
reared on the farm, receiving his education in the district school, has made farming his
principal business, and has met with marked success, being the owner of a well improved
iarm of 200 acres. Abraham Strickler was married, in 1867, to Barbara Herr, of German
origin, and a daughter of Christian Herr, who was a farmer and Mennonite clergyman.
The children born to this union, living, are Jacob E., Mary and Emma (twins) and Bar-
bara. Mrs. Strickler is a member of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Strickler is a Repub-
lican in politics. He takes an active interest in educational matters, and has served for ten
years as school director, and has ))een treasurer of the board.
R. M. STUART, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Mount Holly Springs, was born in
South Middleton Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., October 19, 1849, son of John and
Jemima (McCune) Sluart, natives of Carlisle and Shippensburg, Penn., respectively.
John Stuart, a farmer by occupation, was twice married, and lias five children now living.
Our subject's grandfather, John Stuart, and his uncle, Hugh Stuart, were associate judges
of this county. R. M. Stuart, the eldest child by his father's second marriage, was reared
on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools and at the academy in Phil-
adelphia, Penn., where he graduated in 1869. He was married, in 1870, to Jennie H.,
daughter of William McCune, of Scotch-Irish origin, who was accidently killed by the
cars in 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Stuart have been born the following named children: Mary
SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP. 561 '
Louisa, Mima Eosalie, Jolm William, Robert Bruce, James Brady and Frank Hays.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church at Carlisle. Mr. Stuart is a Demo-
crat in politics; for four years was school director in the district where he now resides.
He is owner of a well improved farm of 140 acres.
SAMUEL B. SWIGERT, superintendent of machinery and paper-maker in Mount
Holly Paper Mills, Mount Holly Springs, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., Febru-
ary 23, 1839, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Sours) Swigert, natives of Pennsylvania, the
former a butcher by occupation, born in Lancaster, and the latter in Cumbei-land County,
of German origin. They reared a family of nine children, Samuel B. being the second.
Our subject was reared in South Middleton Township, this county; was educated at the
common school, and, after working at his trade six years, engaged with the Mount Holly
Paper Company, with whom he has since continued. He is an energetic man, the owner
of a neat, substantial residence in Mount Holly, where he resides. Our subject was mar-
ried, in 1860, to Anna C, daughter of Joseph Decker, and by her he has six children:
Minnie, Clara, Reed, Annie, Samuel and Benjamin P. Mr. Swigert is a Democrat in
politics, and has served as school director and as member of the town council. He is a
prominent member in Grand Lodge of the K. of P. at Mount Holly.
J. H. SWILER, merchant, proprietor of general store in Hickorytown, P. O. Car-
lisle, was born in Silver Spring Township, this county, July 33, 1835, son of John and Isa-
bella (Eckels) Swiler, natives of Pennsylvania, of English origin, and who were the par-
ents of three sons. In early life John Swiler was a teacher, in later years he was a farmer;
he died in 1839. Isabella (Eckels) Swiler died May 30, 1858, aged forty-seven years and
twenty-eight days. Our subject, the second child, was reared on the farm, received his
education in the common schools, and worked on the farm until he was seventeen years
old, when he entered a store at "West Fairview, this county, and clerked for one year,
for George W. Fessler. He then went to York County, Penn., and was there employed
as a clerk, in all, about five years. In 1859-60 he clerked for Joshua Gulp and J. J. Coble,
in Hogestown, Cumberland Co., Penn. In 1861 Mr. Swiler established his present in-
dustry, and by strict attention to business and honest dealing with his customers has suc-
ceeded well. He keeps a much larger stock than is usually carried in country stores. He
was married, January 9, 1861, to Martha E., daughter of George Beistline, and of English
origin. Their children are Sadie I., wife of Christian Bricker, and Maggie Florence.
Politically Mr. Swiler is a Democrat. He has been school director for nine years. He is
a member of Sdver Spring Lodge, No. 598, I. O. O. P.
GEORGE TANGER, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Hatton, was born in Lancaster
County, Penn., October 30, 1824, son of John and Ann (Cochnouer) Tanger, natives of
that county and of German lineage, both born in the year 1803, former of whom died in
1830 and latter in 1876. His father, who was a weaver by trade, died in 1830. Our sub-
ject, the eldest of three children, acquired his education in his native county, where he
resided until he was sixteen years of age, then came to this county and worked on a farm
for 40 cents per day, and in this way got a start in life; he is now the owner of 502 acres
of land, on a part of which he resides. He was married, in 1851, to Magdalena, daughter
of Christian Herr, and of German origin. To George Tanger and wife have been born
twelve children, eleven still living: Barbara, wife of Daniel B. Hoerner; Mary and Ann*
(twins), were married the same day, Mary to William H. Kenkel, and Anna to Jacob C.
Baker; Jacob (deceased); John, a farmer, married to Mary C. Carman; Susan, wife of
Jacob M. Keller; Martha, wifeof John W. Miller; George, at home; Christian, married to
Clara K. Gleim; Emma M., Abraham and Harry. Mr. Tanger is a member of the Church
of God; was formerly a Republican in politics, but is now a Prohibitionist.
B. F. THOMAS, farmer and veterinary surgeon, P. O. Mount Holly Springs, was born
in Adams County, Penn., June 30, 1832, son of Conrad (a millwright and carpenter) and
Mary (Irvin) Thomas; the former of whom, born June 14, 1800, lived to be seventy-five
years old; the latter, born June 7, 1804, is still living; they were natives of Pennsylvania
and of English and German origin. Our subject, the fourth in a family of eight children,
received his education in the district schools of his native county, and at twenty was ap-
prenticed to the blacksmith's trade, which has since been his principal occupation. He
came to this county in 1865, settled in South Middleton Township, and successfully followed
his trade until 1884. He is owner of the farm where he now resides, and is at present
following agricultural pursuits. B. P. Thomas was married, in 1854, to Margaret, daugh-
ter of Ferdinand and Eve (Weigle) Meals, natives of Adams County, Penn., and of Ger-
man origin The living children of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are William H., a blacksmith
here; Mary E., wife of W. H. Keeny; George B. McClelland, Harvey Edgar and Harry
Meal's Mr and Mrs, Thomas are members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject, a
Democrat politically, has been township auditor. He is a member of the I. O. OF.
JAMBS B. WEAKLEY (deceased) was born November 16, 1819, m South Middleton
Township this county, on the farm where he died, and which has been in the pos-
session («' the family since 1749. His father, Nathaniel Weakley, and his grandfather,
James Weakley, were both farmers. Our subject, the second born in a family of five
children, made farming the business of his life, and met with marked success. He was
562 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
married, in 1854, to Martha Eliza Bell, a native of Adams County, Penn., of Scotch-Irish
origin, and who died in 1881, leaving an only child, Martha J. (now the wife of Thomas
M. Craighead), who was born and reared in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Craighead have
one child, James Bell Weakley Craighead, wlio was his grandfather's pet. Mr. Craig-
head's ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania and prominent people.
Mr. and Mrs. Craighead are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Weakley died
February 38, 1886, a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he took an active in-
terest, and of which, at the time of his death, he was trustee.
THOMAS WOLF, boss in the finishing department of the Mount Holly Paper Manu-
facturing Company, Mount Holly Springs, was born in Mount Holly January 3, 1848, son
of George and Nancy (Wolf) Wolf. George Wolf was born in Germany, and there married
his first wife; his second wife (our subject's mother) was born in Cumberland County, Penn.,
and was of English origin. George Wolf was a millwright by trade, and, after coming to
America, worked considerably at his trade in Cumberland County, and also for the Mount
Holly Paper Company. Our subject, the eldest of a family of three children, received his
education in his native place, and in early life commenced work in the finishing department
in the Mount Holly Paper Mills, and, with the exception of two years that he spent in
Massachusetts, engaged in same kind of work, he has since been constantly employed
there, and now has full charge of the finishing room. Thomas Wolf was married, in 1869
to Annie M. , daughter of Isaac and Susan (Shefiler) Fleming, and of English descent. The
children born to this union are Grace A., Mary and George R. Mrs. Wolf is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Wolf is a Democrat. He is a member
of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 650, I. O. O. F., and a member of Holly Gap Lodge, No. 277,
K. of, P.
CHAPTER LIX.
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP.
JOSEPH R. BAL8LEY, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, a native of this county, is a
son of George Balsley, who was born in Harrisburg, Penn., in 1806, and came to this
county in 1812. The father of George Balsley died when the children were quite young,
so he was early forced to earn his own living. As he grew older he worked on a farm for
two brothers named Long, taking his wages out in flour, which he carried to his mother,
who kept a little bakery in Harrisburg, thus enabling her to maintain herself and chil-
dren. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Atick. From this period in his life George Balsley
gradually accumulated and stored his earnings until his first purchase of land, about 1843.
He learned the trade of coach and wagon-making with George Drawbaugh, in Frankford
Township, this county, and after his apprenticeship was ended established a manufactory
of his own at Milltown, Lower Allen Township, later, he purchased la.ndon Cedar Springs
Run, near Milltown, erecting a large manufactory, and had an extensive trade.
George Balsley married Miss Margaret Ressler, and reared a family of three children:
Catharine, Marian and Joseph (Elizabeth died in infancy). Catharine became the wife of
John Hickernell, of this county; Marian is the wife of William Westhafer; Joseph enlisted
in Company D,Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, June 23, 1863, and, although not partici-
pating in any of the great battles, was in a division that guarded outposts, acted as scouts,
and did other duties equally arduous, as will be seen by the records of the Virginia cam-
paign. After his term had expired, Mr. Balsley returned to Cumberland County. In 1866
he was married to Miss Mary M., daughter of John and Anna (Stambaugh) Gleim. Her
parents, for sixty years prior to her marriage, have been residents of this county, and reared
a large family of children, nine of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Balsley have resided
on the farm which has been under his management for seventeen years. He is a large ship-
per of stock, and has done extremely well, being a careful buyer of cattle, sheep and hogs.
Of the children of Joseph R. Balsley and wife, Annie, the eldest daughter, was born at
the Balsley homestead, now the Hartzler property, August 32, 1867; was married Decem-
ber 19, 1884, to W. Harlacher, a York County gentleman, well known as a commercial
salesman; Maggie was born in 1868, and died in 1871; Lillie was born in 1871; Ella was
born in 1873, and Edna was born in 1880. Mr. Balsley is a self-made man, generous, pub-
lic spirited, and foremost in all that advances the business and social prosperity of the
of the public.
CHARLES BARNES, manufacturer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is the son of Philip and
Eliza (Thompson) Barnes, of York County, Penn., descendants of the first settlers of that
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 563
county. Enoch Thompson, grandfather of our subject, served as a soldier in the war of
1812; the company of whicli he was a member, after enlistment, marched from Yorls to
Baltimore. He served during the entire war, and was a pensioner in the latter years of
his life; his wife, Catharine, was the mother of a large family, and died at aa advanced
age. William Barnes, the paternal grandfather of Charles, was married to Mary Whit-
come, of York County, and also had a large family, of whom Philip, the youngest, by
trade a tanner, was the father of our subject. Philip and Eliza Barnes had ten children:
Alexander, Catharine, Albert, Elizabeth, William, Amanda, Charles, Jennie, Margaret and
Frank. Of these, Alexander was the first man to enlist from Warrington Township, serv-
ing until the war closed; Albert, who also enlisted early in the campaign, was killed by
guerrillas while skirmishing in Virginia; William also served until the war closed. Charles
Barnes, our subject, was born February 20. 1850, in York County, Penn., and was appren-
ticed to learn the whip trade. He served his apprenticeship, and continued ten years longer
-with the firm of A. & J. E. Wells. July 31, 1870, our subject was married to Miss Mary
E. Burns, daughter of William and Evaline Burns, of Warrington Township, York Co.,
Penn., and to this union were born two children: Clara M. and Harry. Three years after
marriage Mr. Barnes came to Mechanicsburg and established a small business, manufac-
turing whips on a $25 capital. He hired one man, and when a small lot of whips was fin-
ished, peddled them through the country. During his first year he used only 250 sides of
leather, now he averages 2,000 per annum. The goods manufactured are solid leather
whips, and his is the only industry of the kind in the State. He has been very successful,
and now owns an attractive residence, besides his manufactory, which is run by steam, and
furnishes employment for twelve hands.
JACOB BOWMAN, farmer, P. O. Bowmansdale, was born in Lancaster County, Penn.,
in 1814. His widowed mother, Margaret (Barkey) Bowman, came to Cumberland County
the following year; she subsequently married Dr. Jacob Bowman, of Lancaster
County, and aftet his death came to Mechanicsburg, and afterward married John Karns,
by whom she had eight children. Our subject learned the blacksmith's trade with David
Sponsler, Sr., completing same in 1820. In 1842 Jacob Bowman was elected captain of
Mechanicsburg Volunteer Infantry. Another company was formed in 1849, known as the
" Quitman Guards," which was attached to" the First Battalion, Cumberland County Vol-
unteer Infantry. The captain received a major's commission, bearing the signature of
William F. Johnston, governor of Pennsylvania. The next official recognition received by
Maj. Bowman was his election as sheriff of Cumberland County. His commission bears
date October 31, 1855, and the autograph of Gov. James Pollock. After serving his term
faithfully and well. Sheriff Bowman was again elected to a military position as captain of
the "National Blues," a volunteer company formed at Mechanicsburg April 17, 1859. He
was the best drill master in this region, as is attested by his numerous commissions. No
braver, better, or more patriotic man ever graced the soil of Cumberland County. For seven
years Jacob Bowman was one of the directors of the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad. He
has built a fine warehouse, and has done much to further the interests of the village of
Bowmansdale by liberal subscriptions of money and donation of valuable tiine. As a
public-spirited citizen, ex-Sheriff Bowman has few equals and no superiors in this county.
He was married, in 1842, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Haymaher) Reeser,
and to this union were born nine children: Alfred, Annie Elizabeth, Sarah, Laura, Alice,
Clara, William P. and Raymond. Mr. Bowman is the second oldest ex-sheriff living in
the county, and is highly revered and universally beloved by her people.
DAVID BOWMAN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is a son of Daniel and Mary
(Smith) Bowman, who were long residents of Pennsylvania; Daniel being born in Lancas-
ter County, and his wife in Germany, from which country she came with her father and
step-mother at an early day. After their marriage Daniel Bowman and his wife settled
near Lancaster, in Lancaster County, Penn., but ten years later moved to Cumberland
County, and settled four miles southeast of Carlisle, and here two daughters, Ann and
Mary, were born (Benjamin, David and Abraham were born in Lancaster County). The
family subsequently moved to York County, just across the line, and there the parents
lived and died, leaving a large family, of whom Mrs. Annie Weaver, Mrs. Mary Mohler,
Mrs. Lydia Smith, Daniel and David are yet residents of the county. David Bowman
married, September 19, 1865, Miss Rebecca Miller, who was born in this township, on the
farm now owned by Israel Miller. Her parents, Peter and Catharine (Weltmer) Miller,
came to the county in 1832. They had seven children: Elizabeth, Susan, Daniel, Mary,
Peter, Rebecca and Israel (by a former marriage with Elizabeth Weltmer, Peter Miller had
three children: John, Catharine and Abraham). Our subject enlisted in Company K,
Ninth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, September 2, 1861; participated in twenty-three
engagements, among which were the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge,
Jackson, Atlanta and Raleigh. In these battles he never received a scratch, and, for
meritorious conduct, was promoted from the ranks to first lieutenant of the company in
January, 1863, and served faithfully until mustered out July 18, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Bow-
man's only child, Frank, was born October 11, 1866, and will complete his education soon,
and then probably follow in the footsteps of his father as an agriculturist. In 1871 Mr.
Bowman purchased his farm of fifty-three acres in this township.
564 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
HENRY M. COCKLIN, retired, P. O. Bowmansdale. In 1773 Jacob Cocklin came to
Cumberland County, Penn., and purchased the Spring Dale farm. Previous to his settle-
ment here, however, he had l)een a resident of Lancaster County, Penn., going there from
Germany in 1733. He had two sons (Jacob and David) and two daughters. Jacob Cock-
lin, Jr., was the father of Michael, Jacob, David, Catharine, Margaret, Mary and Chris-
tiana (his wife was Margaret Hoover, of Lancaster County, Penn.). Michael, the elde.stson
of Jacob, Jr., and Margaret (Hoover) Cocklin, rose to great prominence in tlie history of
this county, by reason of his erudition and merit. Reared on a farm, with but the limited
facilities for obtaining an education in the district schools, it is indeed remarkable that
this man should become so noted and gain such a reputation among the people of his
county and State for his wisdom, honor and public spirit. He was not married uotil his
thirty-third year, engaging in farming until that event. His marriage with Elizabeth
Hopple was celebrated in 1828, and their housekeeping was commenced on the Spring
Dale farm, which he then owned. Five children were born on the homestead which had
been so long in the possession of their ancestors, viz.: George, Mary, Henry M,, Andrew
J. and Sarah E. In 1832 Michael Cocklin was elected a member of the General Assembly,
and in 1834 was re-elected Having long noted the inefficiency of the school system then
in vogue, he, with other members of the Assembly, promulgated a plan which was carried
into successful operation, and the creation of a free school system was the result. After
his second official term had expired he resumed farm life. Twenty-two years later, and
much against his desire, the people of Cumberland County nominated and elected him
associate judge (in 1856), which position he so satisfactorily filled that he was again elect-
ed in 1861, and served another term of five years with equal honor to himself and his con-
stituents. The position was again tendered him, but was firmly refused, as his business
affairs demanded his entire attention. Retiring from the bench at the age of seventy-one
years with an unimpeachable record. Judge Cocklin found the old home farm a haven of
refuge and rest from the cares and annoyances of public life. He was always an indefati-
fable worker, and was administrator of many valuable estates. The management of the
arm was given to his son Henry at the time he was elected judge, and this continued un-
til 1884. In 1879 the death of Judge Michael Cocklin occurred, and his remains were in-
terred with due solemnity in the cemetery near the Union Church. His aged widow still
resides on the old homestead with her daughter, Mrs. Sarah E. Crist. Henry M. Cocklin,
our subject, was married, in 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Line-
bach) Himes. To this union were born six children: George M., Clara A., Mary J., Emma
E., Andrew R. and William H. Mrs. Cocklin died in 1869, and in 1870 Mr. Cocklin was
married to Mrs. Caroline F. (Gardiner) Cocklin, widow of Andrew J. Cocklin, by whom
she had three children: Adda I., Michael G. and Lura M. By Mr. Cocklin's second mar-
riage he has one child — Nevin Harbaugh. All the children reside in this county; the
three children by Mrs. Cocklin's first marriage residing in a home by themselves at Me-
chanicsburg. Our subject has been an active agriculturist for many years, and is one of
the originators and charter members of the Grange movement in this county. Naturally
of a retiring disposition he has persistently refused the official honors which have been fre-
quently offered him, and only by great persuasion was he induced to become a trustee of
the theological seminary of the Reforriied Church, located at Lancaster.
JACOB C. COCKLIN, farmer, Shepherdstown, is one of the few persons in this town-
ship who have in their possession the original title deeds bearing the signature of John,
Thomas and William Penn. In the document in Mr. Cocklin's possession, it is stated that
the transfer of 249 acres was first made to Andrew Miller for the sum of £38 12s. This
transfer was made January 14, 1742. The property first came into the possession of John
Cocklin in 1763. At the death of John Cocklin the farm was willed to Deterich Cocklin,
his son, who married Catharine Coover, and had five children, of whom Samuel, Maria
and Jacob C. are now living. There were only a few acres cleared of the original tract
purchased from William Penn, and where the cemetery is now located two children were
buried. All the forests have since been cleared away, and the beautiful farm in the valley
was made so by the hard toil of generations of Cocklins now passed away. Jacob C, the
youngest son of Deterich and Catharine (Coover) Cocklin, has always been a farmer, and
resided with his parents until tlieir death; the father died in 1846 and the mother in 1861,
both living long enough to reap the reward of their early labors, and died full of years and
Sood deeds. Jacob C. Cocklin was married, May 31, 1846, to Elizabeth, daughter of
'avid and Elizabeth (Keller) Nisewanger. Tliey commenced housekeeping on the farm
so long in the possession of the Cocklms, and have, from their earliest married life, been
both prosperous and contented. They are the parents of five children, of whom Kate,
John, Edward and Lizzie are living. John is married to Agnes Trimble, Edward married
Hettie Myers, and Lizzie is the wife of John Zeamer. The old home is one of the most
cheerful in the valley, and the family rank among the best and most highly respected in
the land. Mr. Cocklin has always been noted for his enterprise, and his children may feel
pardonable pride in not only his good record but also that of past generations of Cocklins.
JACOB H. COOVER, retired farmer, Shepherdstown. For more than a century the
name of Coover has been familiar in this county. The great-great-grandfather came from
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 565
Coburg, Germany, with four sons: Dederich, Gideon, George and Michael. They were
a lone-lived race, and all reared large families. Michael Ooover was a member of the
■first btate Legislature, serving two terms. Dederich was the grandfather, and his son
Dederich, the father of Jacob H. Coover, the subject of this sketch. Dederich Coover,
Jr., was born on the farm of his father, who, at that time, owned a section of land which
included the greater part of what is now the site of Shepherdstown, but which was then
a wild waste of land, for the pioneer's ax had made but few inroads in the great forests,
and only log houses were to be seen, few and far between. Dederich Coover, Jr., marrieij
Catharine Cocklin, who bore him seven children: John B., David, Jacob H., William,
Levi, Frances and Catharine. Our subject's paternal grandparents' family consisted of
seven sons and three daughters, all of whom were born in this township, and which, up to
date (1885) has been the birthplace of five generations of Coovers. 'The name was origi-
nally spelled Kobar, butlater was written and used by the descendants "Coover." Dederich
Coover, Jr., was a prominent personage in the county at an early date, being not only a
large farmer and land-owner, but also a distiller. He operated a still where IraD. Coover
now lives, nearly a century ago, and, later, one where his son William nowresides; a part
of the latter building is still standing. He was an active man, both in business and poli-
tics; was an old line Whig of the strictest type, and during the career of that party filled
a number of ofiBces in the township. Conscientious in all things, strictly honest and a
God-fearing man, he possessed great popularity among the people. Jacob H. Coover, our
subject, was born within one mile of where he is now living, February 3, 1808; early at-
tended school, and acquired an excellent education. His first schooling was obtained on
the Ira Coover farm, in a house furnished for school purposes by his father. He taught
school seven years prior to his marriage, and several terms afterward. March 1, 1836,
our subject married Rachael, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Strock, of Churclitown,
and commenced housekeeping on the farm which he had previously purchased, and which
is still in his possession, and there resided until within the past four years. Here were born
Emma, Elmira E., Catharine, Mary, Clara and John A. Jacob H. Coover has been one-
of the foremost citizens in furthering the business and social interests of the community.
For more than forty years he has been one of the directors, and for the past two years^
vice-president of the Allen & East Pennsborough Fire Insurance Company. (Of the original
oflScers, only one other— William R. Gorgas — is now living.) He has settled numerous es-
tates, and has always been noted for his integrity and fairness. To his children he will
leave an unsullied reputation and a name ranking among the oldest in the countv.
WILLIAM COOVER, farmer. P. O. Shepherdstown, was born, in 1818, on the Coover
homestead, in this county, and is the fourth sou of Deitrich and Catharine (Cochin)
Coover. Dederich Coover, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster County,
Penn., August 20, 1745; was a blacksmith by trade; and in 1773 engaged in business in
Upper Allen Township, and for many years did a large credit business, as is attested to by
the ledger in possession of William Coover. The first entries in this book were made in
May, 1773. All the accounts were closed and the book balanced in 1791, at which time he
was expecting to reap a large reward for his labors, but, unfortunately, he received his-
pay in Continental money, which was carefully treasured up until it became worthless,
and his prospects for a competence were rudely swept away. Dederich Coover's first mar-
riage, June 3, 1768, was with Maria Hank, and his second union. February 13, 1833, was
with Salome Horning, who lived almost a century. At the time of the Whisky Insurrec-
tion in Pennsylvania, Deitrich (William's father) was working at the forge in Harrisburg,
and Gen. Washington, who, with a detachment of cavalry, was passing, stopped to have
some horses shod.
SAMUEL R. COOVER, postmaster, Shepherdstown. There are numerous men in
this township bearing the name of Coover, but the branch of the family to which our
subject belongs is composed of himself and his brother George. Of the remote ancestry
of our subject but little is known. His father, George Coover, was born in Cumberland
County, Penn., in 1808, and while yet a young man learned the trade of furniture-making,
carrying on a manufactory in New Kingston for a long while. His success in business
warranted him in taking a wife, and, about 1831, he was married to Catharine Reeser, a
representative of one of the old families in this county. They commenced housekeeping
in New Kingston, and reared five children: Sarah, Mary, Elmira, George and Samuel R.,
all of whom now live in this county. In 1859 the subject of this sketch was apprenticed
to John Brownwell, at Roxbury, to learn the trade of shoe-making, which he completed.
In 1863 he enlisted in Company D, Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving until the ex-
piration of his term; then enlisted for 100 days in Company I, One Hundred and Ninety-
fifth Pennsylvania Infantry; re-enlisting for one year, at the expiration of the 100-days'
service, in Company B, One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Independent Battalion, Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. He was en-
gaged in irumerous skirmishes, but never wounded; most of his service was in the Vir-
ginia campaign. His brother George was also a soldier, and served during most of the
war. After our subject returned home he worked for several years at his trade. In 1867
he was married to Mary E., daughter of David and Mary (Zering) Worst, old residents of
566 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the county. Soon after his marriage Mr. Coover commenced business for himself in
Sliepherdstown, and is now conducting the only shoe store in the village, which might be
properly termed the pioneer store. To Mr. and Mrs. Coover were born five children, of
whom three are deceased, and two living: Samuel R., Jr., andEmma M. Mr. Coover has
always been a conservative man politically, but is a conscientious Republican, always
voting with that party. By reason of his well-known ability ao a business man, he was
commissioned postmaster at Shepherdstown in 1870, and has filled that position for fifteen
consecutive years. This office, notwithstanding the change in governmental policy, re-
mains in his undisturbed possession, which well bespealis the confidence of his political
opponents in his ability and fitness for the position. He is a member of Post No. 415, Q.
A. R. ; is a member of the United Brethren Church.
SAMUEL CRIST, farmer, P. O., Shepherdstown. The voluminous family history of
the talented Judge Michael Cocklin will be found elsewhere in the series of biographical
sketches, and to avoid repetition mention is not here made of it in this connection, except
in so far as it may relate to his daughter Sarah E., the wife of the gentleman whose name
Leads this sketch. Samuel Crist was born in Holtswamp, Adams Co., Penn., May 5, 1825.
His parents, John and Eve (Strayer) Crist, were natives of that county, the mother being
born near Dover. The father was for many yeats a mason, and numerous houses and
barns in Adams County yet remain as monuments of his skill. The children of John and
Eve Crist were ten in number; Andrew, Elizabeth, Sarah, Henry, Leigh, Lydia, Samuel,
Catharine, Susan and John. Our subject learned the trades of mason and plasterer of his
father, with whom he worked until 1855. In 1851 he was married to Henrietta C, daugh-
ter of Dr. Joseph Bauman, of Ephratah, Lancaster Co., Penn., who for many years was
both clerk and physician at the Pine Grove Smelting Works, being well known in Lancas-
ter and Cumberland Counties. By this marriage Mr. Crist was father of five children, all
now deceased: Elmira L., Annie M., Joseph M., Samuel and Clarence May. The death of
Mrs. Crist occurred March 25, 1863. In 1866 Mr. Crist came to Mechanicsburg, and for
one year engaged in the retail grocery trade. February 17, 1867, our subject married
Sarah E. Cocklin, the cermony being performed by the Rev. John Ault, at the Reformed
Church in Mechanicsburg. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Crist went to the
home farm of Judge Cocklin in this township, and here Mr. Crist was duly installed as a
farmer. Judge Cocklin and his wife were living a retired life on the Spring Dale farm,
and the paternal roof since then has given them shelter. There the children, Andrew
M., Caroline E., Henry D. and Ida M. were born. Mr. Crist has for forty years been an
active member of the Reformed Church, serving it in various official capacities. He was
also engaged in teaching for eighteen consecutive years, and has for six years served on
the school board, and at different dates has served as assistant assessor in his township.
October 16, 1863, Mr. Crist was drafted and served for nine months in Company I, One
Hundred and Sixty-sixth Pennsylvania Militia, doing duty at Suffolk, Va., and though he
engaged in numerous skirmishes escaped the dangers of the most memorable b&ttles of
the war. Our subject is one of the pioneer Grangers in this county, and is now a member
•of Monroe Grange, No. 362.
HENRY FORRY, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in York County, Penn., in
1823, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits since a mere lad. His parents, Ulrich
and Susannah (Low) Forry, of German origin, reared a family of three children: Maria,
Elizabeth and Henry. Henry Forry came to Cumberland County in 1871, and, having
lived near the line for twenty-six years, is as well acquainted with the people as a native.
He married, in 1844, Miss Matilda Shearer, of York County, and by her has three chil-
dren living: George, Henry and Susannah, all of whom were born in York County, and
are now married and doing well. Susannah is the wife of Samuel Burkheimer, and
resides on the old homestead, near her parents. Henry owns a farm in York County,
Penn., and George follows agriculture near Mechanicsburg. Mr. Forry purchased his
present farm in 1870, and has added largely to its improvements as well as to the original
tract, and now owns 100 acres of the finest land in the Cumberland Valley, which cost him
$280 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Forry live quite a retired life, renting the farm to Mr. Burk-
heimer, the income maintaining them in elegant style, and their last days are pleasantly
spent. They are both members of the Mennonite Church, and have hosts of friends who
well know their worth.
JAMES FULTON, mechanic, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in Dillsburg, York Co.,
Penn., in 1833. His parents, Alexander and Mary (Deardorf) Fulton, reared a family of
nine children: John, Mary A., Jane, Thomas, William, Catharine, David, James and Cal-
vin. Of these Thomas was a Methodist minister, stationed at Sinnamahoning, Clinton
Co., Penn., and while in that wild and unimproved country induced his brother David A.,
who was a carpenter, to join him, as there was great need of mechanics to erect homes for
the pioneers then rapidly settling in the neighborhood. James, who was then fifteen, ac-
companied his brother, with whom he learned the carpenter's trade. Fully one-half the
distance traveled was on foot, through a country without roads and very mouiitainous.
Little thought the lad that the uninviting forest to him, at that time, would be his home
lor many years, but though his labors at first brought him but a small Income yet he
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 567
became satisfied with the wild life led In that rapidly improving country, and almost
before he realized it had attained his majority and found himself the husband of a young
■wife, Margaret, daughter of Henry and Jane (Mason) Shaffer, one of the most prominent
pioneer families in that region. Her grandfather, James Shaffer, a Revolutionary soldier,
died at the ripe age of eighty years. Two years later James Fulton and his brother pur-
chased a tract of land and erected a hotel at WykofE's Eddy, then a great lumber center
where all the supplies were brought in by boats from Lock Haven, 50 miles distant. He
was proprietor of this hotel for ten years, during which time, the P. & D. Railroad
was completed. Selling his hotel property Mr. Fulton again commenced his trade, con-
tinuing same until 1883, when he came to Mechanicsburg and purchased a half interest in
Miller & King's planing mill. In October of the following year he disposed of his interest
in the mill. Mr. Fulton and wife have seven children : Mary J. , Eliza A. , William A. , Nancy
E., Kate, John H. and Alice, the last two mentioned being deceased. Our subject, a self-
made man, acquired his money by honest toil and good business management. He com-
menced working at his trade for 1 4 per month, increased the second year to |6, and the
third to $18 per month. He has accumulated a considerable fortune and is a liberal,
enterprising man. His pleasant home is situated near the borough limits, convenient to
business, on a site overlooking the mountain range and the beautiful borough of Me-
chanicsburg.
ABBAM E. GARRETT, stock dealer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. On what was formerly
known as the old BulUnger farm, but which has been in the possession of the Garrett
family for sixty-five years, resides Abram E. Garrett, one of the most widely known men
of the township. He was born on this farm in 1842. His grandfather, John Garrett, came
with his family from Lancaster County, Penn., in 1830, and purchased quite a large tract of
land. At his death the estate was divided among his children: Frederick, Jacob, John,
Andrew, Ann and Susan, of whom Andrew and Ann are now living. Frederick Garreti,
the father of our subject, inherited the homestead, and subsequently married Harriet,
daughter ©f Abraham and Susan Lobaugh, of Adams County, Penn. They commenced
housekeeping on the Reeser farm, but a fgw years later moved on the farm where a son
now resides, and which was noted in an early day for its immense cherry orchard. The
neighbors from adjoining villages and the city of Harrisburg came by scores to secure the
luscious fruit. (This was before the farm came into the possession of the Garretts.)
Frederick Garrett and his wife were the parents of eleven children: Anna, Catharine,
William, Susan, Elizabeth, Harry, Abram E., Amos, Lucy, Margaret and Emma, of whom
Abram E. and Lucy are the only ones living in the county. The death of Frederick Gar-
rett occurred in 1873, and that of his widow in 1883. Our subject received a practical
education in the schools of his district, and has been quite a noted man in the township
and county since the commencement of his business life. At the age of nineteen years,
August 23, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served
three years, mostly in the Army of the Potomac. He was engaged in some of the most
memorable battles of the war, beginning with the Seven Days' fight, in which the Union
Army was driven back from Richmond to the James River; the battle of Kelly's farm in
which 104 men of his regiment were killed or wounded in a four hours' skirmish; the
Blackwater River, Petersburg, Malvern Hill and Reame Station, where nearly halt the
men were lost. Where the bullets were thickest there was found this brave soldier, who
seemed to bear a charmed life. Once only did he feel a bullet, which just grazed his throat
as he was taking the saddle from a horse killed by a shot aimed at his rider. He was hon-
orably discharged August 23, 1864. In December, 1866,.Mr. Garrett was married to Mary J.
Karns, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Karns, of this county, and who was born and
reared at Roxbury, her familv being one of the old and prominent ones in that part of the
county; her father served as "county commissioner and in other ofiicial positions, and was
a prominent local politician. Mr. and Mrs. Abram E. Garrett were parents of seven chil-
dren, six now living: Harry G., C. Frederick, lola E., Andrew K., Ruth L. and Eli M.
The business life of our subject has been confined to farming and stock dealing, and for
years he has been one of the principal shippers at this point. His political infiuence in the
township has been felt for years, and many who have filled official positions owe their
election to his able management. He has, since his return from the army, been connected
with the affairs of his township in an official capacity, and no man has served with
greater zeal. For twelve years he has been secretary of the school board, and has been a
director in the schools for almost twenty years. He is a prosperous business man, a kind
father and generous provider for his family, and one of the most popular men m the
township. ^ . , i i,.. ,.1
JAMES GRAHAM, farmer, Mechanicsburg, In presentmg the name of this gentle-
man it can be pointed with pride to his long line of ancestry who have been for so many
years identified with the business interests of the county and township, whose titles to
lands bear the signature of William Penn, and have never changed ownership, save as
they have descended from father to son, and from uncle to nephew. His great-great-
grandfather, James Graham, settled on the farm now owned by our subject in 1685, hav-
ing emigrated from Ireland. James Graham, the grandfather of our subject, was the eld-
568 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
est son, and married Miss Lytle, of Lancaster County, Penn., who bore him five children,
and of whom John, the father of our subject, was the second son. John Graham was
married, in 1811, to Miss Helen Taylor, of Halifax, Dauphin Co., Penn., and two sons
and four daughters blessed their union, but all left home in the course of time except
James Graham, Jr., who was presented by his uncle, James Graham, Sr., with the farm
on which he has lived for so many years. He (James Graham, Jr.) was born June 35,
1823; was married, in the autumn of 1849, to Miss Louisa 8. Stalter, of liedford County,
Penn., and has three daughters living: Ella, married to Martin L. Granville; Louisa mar-
ried to A. B. Clarks, of the United States Navy, and Burdetla; three daughters are deceased.
Mr. Graham has served as assessor, and has acceptahly filled other township offices. He
and his wife have always been ardent members of the Presbyterian Church. They are
hale and hearty, and expect to enjoy many years of happiness.
HENRY HERTZLJER, farmer,' P. O. Shepherdstown. In 1850 Rudolph and Mary
(Shupp) Hertzler came from Lancaster County, Penn., and settled one mile north of Giv-
ler's mill, in Monroe Township, this county. They had five children: Henry, Mary and
Elizabeth (twins), Esther and Levi. Rudolph Hertzler died September 4, 1855, and in
1861 his widow married Jacob Mumma. Our subject spent his boyhood days on a farm,
and when twenty-one years of age began clerking in a grocery store in Indianapolis, Ind.,
where he had gone on a pleasure trip. When he returned to Cumberland County he ac-
cepted a position with J. A. Kauffman, in Mechanicsburg, continuing in that position
until his marriage, January 7, 1873, with Naomi J., daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Zane)
Emminger, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler the next year commenced housekeep-
ing on her father's farm, remaining there nine years. In 1883 Mr. Hertzler made his first
purchase of land, buying what was then known as the Milton Stayman tract, and which
was finely improved and located near schools and churches. Although a young man our
subject has for a number of years been officially connected with the schools in his town-
ship. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler have four children: Hugh L., born October 9, 1876; Frank
Revere, born July 16, 1878; Paul Mervin, born November 2, 1883, and Mary E., born July
10, 1884. Coming from such an honored ancestry on both sides the parents of these chil-
dren have reason to feel proud of their lineage, and the completeness of their family his-
tory equals, perhaps, that of any in the land.
MRS. ELIZA HORST, P. O. Shiremanstown, who for thirty years has been a resi-
dent of this township, is a native of Lancaster County, Penn. Her parents, Henry and
Anna (Landis) Mohler, had nine children, of whom she is the eldest daughter. After the
death of her father our subject came to this county, and January 80, 1849, while en route,
was married to Rev. Bavid Horst, a worthy man, who was born on the farm now owned
by his widow. Their married life was commenced under favorable auspices, and for a
number of years they lived in supreme happiness. No children came to cheer their home,
but two girls were adopted; one, Annie Mohler, a niece of Mrs. Horst, and the other, Kate
Callar, who was born in this township. Both are still living with Mrs. Horst, who has
been to them a loving mother and careful instructor from their early childhood. Rev.
David Horst continued as pastor of the Lower Cumberland Brethren congregation until
his death, September 15, 1863. He was renowned for his upright life and endeavors to
benefit his brethren in this community. He was an active worker for Christ's cause, and
large accessions were made to the church through his ministrations. Perhaps no man
has lived in the township whose death was more regretted or loss more deeply felt. He
left a competence for his widow, who still entertains with that old-time hospitality for
which her nationality and faith are so noted. "While this sketch was being written a
dumber of friends and relatives were visiting her, and, previous to their departure, en-
gaged in song and praise to that Power who keeps them in existence and sustains their
faith firmly in the hope of a blessed future. No more fitting tribute can be given to the
dejjarted husband than to say " He hath done what he could." His widow is a personifi-
cation of all the graces and attributes of a true Christian.
ANDREW 0. KNODERBR, farmer, P O. Shepherdstown, was born September 33,
1833,in Hellam Township, York Co., Penn. His grandparents, Andrew C. Knoderer and wife,
came with their three children, Harriet, Emma and Charles A., from France, and settled ia
York County, Penn., and there one daughter, Sophia,was born. By trade the grandfather of
our subject was a weaver, an occupation he followed in the village of York until his death.
Charles A., the only son, was married to Magdalena Scherrer, in 1835; and by her had ten
children: David, Leah, Sophia, Henrietta, Maria, Andreas and Abraham (twins), Daniel,
Charles and Lucy A. Of these, six are yet living, and five are residents of Cumberland
County. Andrew C. Knoderer is by trade a carpenter, which he worked at for some time
before coming to this county. In 1857 he married Elizabeth Phillips, of Adams County,
Penn., who bore him the following children: John, Jacob and Maggie. The mother died in
1861, and on August 4, 1864, Mr. Knoderer was married to Susan Landis of this county.
Her father was a man widely known and highly respected for his many virtues, and his
children are now received among the first families in the land. The first purchase of land
made by Mr. Knoderer, in this county, was in 1867, when he bought his present farm, and
which was enlarged from the York County farm, as Mrs. Knoderer received from her
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 569
father's estate a nice sum of money, which has been judiciously invested with that
of her husband, and their lands have become very valuable. To Mr. and Mrs. Kno-
derer have been born four children: I. Romaine, D. Frank, Milton A. and Annie L.
Frank is a carpenter, and works with his father, who is still an active business man.
During Mr. Knoderer's business career he has built thirty two bank barns in this and York
Counties, which will, no doubt, remain as landmarks years after his sphere of usefulness
has passed.
QEORGE H. MILLER, retired, Shepherdstown, one of the best known citizens of
this township, is the son of Adam Miller, who came to this county as early as 1805, being
then a mere boy; was employed in various pursuits and all tlie time accumulating money.
Later in life he went to Dauphin County. Penn., and there learned the shoe-maker's trade,
after which he returned to Upper Allen Township, this county, and opened a shop on the
Samuel Mohlerfarm and prospered financiallvr March 14, 1817, he was married to Sophia,
daughter of Henry Hanu, of York County, Penn., and housekeeping was commenced on
the Mohler farm, and there was born Ann, now the wife of John Qraybill, of Indiana.
In 1818 Adam Miller moved to the Eberly farm, near Shepherdstown, where he conducted
business for thirty -six years, and there were born and reared following named children:
George H., Catharine, Christiana, Sarah, Jacob, Eliza and Mary E. He purchased
another farm later, and moved on it about 1854, but afterward sold it and went to live
with his son, George, at whose home he and his faithful wife spent the remainder of their
days. George H. Miller was born July 33, 1819; was married, September 34, 1813. to Sus-
annah, daughter of Nicholas Urich, one of the pioneers of the Cumberland Valley. In
1844 George Miller and his young wife commenced on the farm, where for six years their
life was one of domestic peace and prosperity, and on this farm their children, George W.,
Susan E. and Adam U., were born. The death of Mrs. Miller, in 1849, was the first
sorrow that came to this household. Mr. Miller then moved, and September 9, 1851. mar-
ried Sarah Ann Beelman. who bore him the following children: Laura E., Matilda C.,
Sarah H., Elmer E. and Ida C. George W., Mr. Miller's son, enlisted in the Two
Hundred and Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served during the
late war of the Rebellion as first sergeant; his death occurred in February, 1870. Our
subject remained on the farm until 1884, when he removed to Shepherdstown, which he
will probably make his home the balance of his life. He has ever been a man on whom
the people could look with confidence. He has reared a family which do him honor, and
has given his children liberal educational advantages, and George and Laura have been
teachers. Politically Mr. Miller has always been a Democrat, and has held many ofl3oial
positions of trust in the township, and of him it may be said that he is a fit representative
of that Intrinsic worth which distinguished the families of a century ago.
HARRY J. MILLER, fanner, P. O. Mechanicsburg, one of the prosperous business
men whose family history can be traced back for two centuries, is of German origin, his
great-great-grandparents coming from Switzerland to Pennsylvania in 1733. George
Miller, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Switzerland in 1733, and with his
father, Michael, settled near Elizabethtown, in Lancaster County; united with the church
and was the first minister of the Big Swatava German Baptist Church. He died in 1798,
leaving ten children, of whom Henry begat Moses, who married Hannah Mohler, and by
her had six children: Sarah; Amos, died in infancy; infant daughter deceased; Harry J.,
born June 36, 1848; Solomon and Mary. On the great-grandmother's side George Klein,
the first minister at North Kill (now Little Swatava), was born at Zweibrucken, Germany,
in 1715, and settled at North Kill in 1750. Elizabeth, the daughter of George Klein, was
the mother of Moses Miller, who was the father of Harry J. Miller. Moses died June
36, 1885, aged sixty-five years, two months and twenty-nine days. "Our subject has trav-
eled over much of the Western country, and has ever been a close observer of the methods
and manners of the people. He received a liberal education, adopted the vocation of a
teacher, and for several terms taught in this township, near his boyhood's home, wliere
he gave satisfaction. In 1869 he formed the acquaintance of Miss Martha C. Button, of
Adams County, Penn., who was later married to Harry B. Palmer. After Mr. Palmer's
death, in September, 1880, Mr. Miller renewed the acquaintance, and November 11, 1883,
they were married (Mrs. Miller had three children by her first husband: Edgar, Bi'rtha
and Lillie, the latter died in 1880). To Mr. and Mrs. Miller was born, August 18, 1884, a
daughter, Orca Z. They reside on a handsome farm near Shepherdstown, which was
willed toMr. Miller by his father at the death of his mother, who ?till lives in Mechanics-
burg. In politics Mr. Miller is a Republican. He has done eflEective work for his party
in this neighborhood, though he has never held or desired oflioe for himself.
SOLOMON MILLER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, was born in the house in which
he resides, in this township. May 18, 1850, the son of Moses and Hannah (Mohler) Miller,
who were residents of Cumberland County fifty-eight years. His great-great-grandfather,
Ludwick Mohler, came, with his family, from Switzerland in 1730, settling near German-
town, and was the father of Henry, the father of John, the father of Daniel, who was the
father of Hannah Miller, the mother of our subject. On the father's side the great-grand-
father, Michael Miller, also came from Switzerland, and settled in Lancaster County, Penn.,
570 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in 1722. He begat George, 'who begat Henry, who begat Moses Miller, the father of our
subject. George Klein, the great-great-grandfather on the father's side, was a native of
Zweibrucken, Germany, born October 9, 1715. The Mohlers were one of the first families
in this county, and many of the residents of this township trace their origin to this name.
Solomon Miller, our subject, married Miss Hettie Hertzler, a daughter of Rudolph and
Mary (Shoop) Hertzler, both born in Lancaster County. [For- a sketch of Rudolph and
Mary Hertzler, see sketch of Henry Hertzler, page 568.] On her twenty-second birthday,
October 16, 1873, the ceremony was performed by the groom's father, Moses Miller, an el-
der in the German Baptist Church. Two sons, Clarence H. and Elmer R., have blessed
their union. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Miller have resided on the farm
where he was born.
DAVID S. MOHLER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, is a grandson of Christian and
Magdalena (Springer) Mohler, wlio were born in Cumberland County, Penn., the latter
March 7, 1780, and after their marriage resided in this county, mostly in this township.
They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom Samuel, the father of our subject,
was the eldest son, and only one, Mrs. Esther Hoover, is now a resident of this county.
Samuel Mohler married Miss Rachael, daughter of Henry Miller, of this county. Three
of Mrs. Mohler's brothers and one sister reside in Cumberland County. Four daughters
and two sons of the family of Samuel Mohler are now residents of this county. David S.
Mohler, the subject of this sketch, was united in man-iage, June 19, 1860, with Miss Mary
Bowman. October 15, 1863, he enlisted in Company C, Third Regiment Pennsylvania
Artillery, and served aa a musician during his term of enlistment, being stationed at Fort
Monroe, Va. He was honorably discharged, on account of disability, February 20, 1864.
After farming for seven years he engaged in mercantile business until 1879, at Shiremans-
town, this county, since when he has resided on the farm upon which he was born. Mr.
and Mi's. David S. Mohler have two children living: Ida M. and Myrta V.; the second
born died at his birth. Our subject has served his township as supervisor and for five
years as school director. For many years he was engaged in teaching vocal and instru-
mental music, and for seven years had charge of the Harmonic Society of Shiremanstown,
an organization noted throughout this and adjoining counties.
LEVI MOHLER, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, a representative of one of the first
families that settled in this township, was born August 20, 1845, on the old homestead, the
second son of Samuel and Rachael (Miller) Mohler, who were for many years residents of
this beautiful valley. Their children, ten in number, were all bom on the old homestead,
and Elizabeth, David, Mary, Priscilla, Levi and Hetty are still living in this county. Mrs.
Mohler died February 8, 1870, and Samuel Mohler June 1, 1885. Both were for many
years devout members of the German Baptist Brethren Church, and their children were
reared in that faith. The parents of Samuel Mohler, Christian and Magdalena (Springer)
Mohler, came from Germany to this county, and early settled on the farm now owned-by
our subject, and which has been in possession of the Mohlers over three-quarters of a cen-
tury. "They reared a family of fourteen children, who are now scattered over the States
and "Western Territories. Levi Mohler was educated in the common schools and adopted
farm life. He married, July 4, 1869, Miss Fanny Beelman, of York County, Penn.,
daughter of Rev. Adam Beelman, who for thirty years was a minister in that county.
The first year of Mr. and Mrs. Mohler's wedded life was spent with her parents, since
which time they have resided on the Mohler homestead. They are the parents of five chil-
dren: Harry B., Martha, Mary, Clara and Annie. The remote ancestors of Mrs. Mohler
were from Germany, but her father. Rev. Adam Beelman, was born in this county, and
her mother, Mattie (Hurst) Beelman, was a native of York County, Penn. This aged and
worthy couple are living, and Rev. Beelman supplies a pulpit, being the oldest minister
in the Lower Cumberland District of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. George and
Eve (Metzgar) Beelman, grandparents of Mrs. Mohler on the father's side, were the par-
ents of six children : George, Adam, John, Fanny, Sarah and Joseph. On the mother's
side her grandparents were Abraham and Elizabeth Hurst, who reared a family of nine
children: Christian, Fannie, Abram, Henry, Maria, Eliza, Nancy, Martha and Hetty.
AMOS MUMMA, grain dealer, I^. O. Shepherdstown. One of the first and most prom-
inent families in this county Is that of the father of Amos Mumma, and a lengthy history
of Jacob Mumma, the grandfather of our subject, appears in the borough history of
Mechanicsburg, and different branches of this family are represented in the several town-
ships in which they reside. Our subject is a son of Jacob and Catharine (Eberly) Mumma>
His mother's first husband, Mr. Rupp, a farmer, died soon after the birth of her third
child, when she became the second wife of Jacob Mumma, and bore him the following
children; Eli, Jacob, Amos, Fanny, Eliza and Samuel — all of whom were born in Cumber-
land County, and living at this time, except Samuel and Fanny. Amos Mumma was mar-
ried, November 17, 1868, to Marion E., daughter of Ciiristian and Lydia (Miley) Herman,
also of this county. The Hermans were among the first settlers near New Kingston, com-
ing in 1771, and the representatives of this family celebrated their centennial in 1871,
children of the sixth generation being present on that occasion. The original farm is now
owned by Wolf ord Herman, and the land has been in possession of the name since the-
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 571
first purchase by the great-grandfather. Of the immediate family of Christian Herman
are three children: Jacob, John and Marion. Amos Mumma and his wife liave four chil-
dren: Herman J., Alberta J., Levi H. and Lydia H. These children, as they grow older,
can read with pride the history of their lineage, which extends back from both branches
more than a century. Mr. Mumma has always been one of the most energetic and impul-
sive of men, brave and intrepid. He twice tried to enlist in the army during the late war
of the Rebellion, but his youth prevented the accomplishment of his intention. As a
man, a neighbor, and a citizen, Mr. Mumma has no superior, and is in all respects worthy
to bear the name of his illustrious ancestors.
JOHN MUMMA, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, the second son of Jacob Mumma,
was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1836, and resided with his father until 1863,
when he commenced business for himself on a farm near Mechanicsburg. Nine years
later he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Rudolph and Mary
(Schopf) Hertzler, old residents of Cumberland County, but natives of Lancaster County,
iPenn. To Mr. and Mrs. John Mumma have been born six children — all living: Charles
H., Mary A., Grace E., Blanche V., Jacob R. and John L Our subject first purchased
land in 1865, which he still owns. He bought the present homestead fifteen years later.
This farm is very attractive, and its comfortable surroundings and fine improvements,
make it indeed an elegant home. Mr. Mumma, one of the representative men of the town-
ship, is a member of one of its oldest families, and merits the greatest confidence reposed
in him by the public.
ELI MUMMA, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. was born, in 1850, on the old homestead
in Silver Spring Township, this county. His father, Jacob Mumma, has been so liberal'
with his money and enterprising in spirit that he has stood at the head of the business
industries and substantial improvements for fully half a century. Eli Mumma, the young-
est son of Jacob and Catharine Mumma, received a practical education in the common
schools, and has thus far passed his life on the farm, preferring agricultural pursuits to
either a trade or profession. November 25, 1873, he was married to Annie B., daughter of
Joseph and Sarah E. (Fritchey) Eberly, of Hampden Township, this county. To this-
union were born two sons and five daughters: Thomas C, Wilbur A., Annie B., Mary E.,
Martha F., Sarah E. and Emma J. — all of .whom reside in the county. The death of
Joseph Eberly, the father of Mrs. Mumma, occurred April 5, 1885, at the age of sixty-five-
years and seven months. The married life of Eli Mumma and his young wife was com-
menced on his father's farm under the same favorable auspices which have continued to
this day. In 1875 they moved to the farm on which they now reside. One child — Joseph
E. — was born on the grandfather's homestead; Mabel G. and Harry H. were born on their
father's farm in this township. Politically and socially Mr. Mumma is of that liberal
class whose object is to further the business and social interests in the community. Pos-
sessed of abundant means, a fine farm and happy family, he is surrounded by everything
to make him happy.
H. O. SHELLEY, miner, P. O. Shepherdstown, was born in Lancaster, Penn., but later
went to Dauphin 'County, where he owned a farm. In 1869 he commenced mining iron
ore in York County, Penn., where he continued until 1878, opening a mine on Dan Lan-
dis' farm in 1874, and which he sold in 1875, but in 1883 again leased and has operated
since. An analysis of the ore from this mine, in 1874, gave sixty-two per cent in the fur-
naces. The analysis made in 1884 showed fifty two per cent of the mixed oxides. In
1855 H. O. Shelley was married to Fanny Nisley, daughter of Henry and Mary Nisley,
and who was born on the island bearing that name in the Susquehanna below Middle-
town. In 1867, our subject came to Upper Allen Township, this county, and purchased
a farm, on which he moved in 1868, and which he has since operated in connection with
mining. The children of Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Shelley are five in number: Samuel mar-
ried Ella Coover, a daughter of one of York County's first families; Elias wedded Annie,
daughter of Christian Hertzler, of this county; David, Lizzie, wife of William Nisley,
of Mechanicsburg, and Annie. Mr. Shelley has repeatedly been solicited to become a
candidate for official positions, but has always declined, preferring to manage his own busi-
ness afEairs and thus keep aloof from such annoyances as small offices provoke. He is
one of the most highly respected men in his neighborhood, and lives in a style becoming
a man of education and refinement.
JACOB F. STAUFFER, contractor and builder, Shepherdstown, was born in York
Colinty, Penn., in 1841, son of Frederick and Maria (Orry) StaufEer, who were probably
married in 1830, and were the parents of nine children, of whom Jacob F. is the eldest
son; then followed Susan, Moses, David, Samuel, Joseph, Maria, Frederick and Lydia.
Our subject learned his trade in his native county and followed the business for twelve
years previous to coming to Cumberland County. He was married December 3, 1860, to
Sarah, who was the youngest of the ten children of Michael and Lydia Shellenberger, old
residents of York County. The children ,of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob F. Stauffer are David;
Ellen, wife of George Cromlich; Melinda, wife of Calvin Weaver; Lilly and Sally (born
in York County), and Harry, Benjamin F., Walter, Maggie, Birdie and Lydia who were
born in this township. In 1871 Mr. and Mrs. StaufEer came to this township and the
572 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ;
farm where they now reside was purchased. Since coming here, however, our subject
has given but little attention to farming, devoting all of his time to his trade. He built
several large edifices, which will stand for years, monuments to his skill and industry,
notably the Mennonite Church on Slate Hill; a fine residence for 8amuel Bberly, also one
for Daniel Bbersole; a residence for George Hummel, and has recently completed a nice
church for the Mennonito congregation at Churchtowri. By strict attention to business
Mr. Staufler has prospered financially, and is recorded as one of the substantial men of
the Cumberland Valley.
JOHN 8WAHTZ, tailor, Shepherdstown, was born in Silver Spring Township, this
county, and from the age of fourteen years has been a resident of Shepnerdstown. His
parents, John and Nancy (Mohler) Swartz, lived near the tan-yard in Silver Spring Town-
ship. John Swartz, Sr., learned the carpenter's trade of John Snavely (who died in 1849)
early in life, and worked on the State House at Harrisburg. John Swartz, Sr., was born
in this county in May, 1791, and died in August. 1866. His wife, Nancy Mohler, was
born in September, 1799, and died in December, 1846. They had seven children, of whom
John, Jr., is the fifth born. At the age of fourteen our subject came to Shepherdstown
and became an apprentice to his uncle, Michael Hoover, who carried on a tailor shop in
that xjllage. When his trade was completed, in 1848, John Swartz, Jr., assumed control of
the shop, and from that day to this has conducted business for himself. February 8,
1855, our subject married Magdalena Hetrich, born in East Hanover Township, Lebanon
•Co., Penn., June 25, 1834, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Urich) Hetrich. Mr. and Mrs.
Swartz commenced house-keeping where they now reside and there their children were
born, viz.; Sarah A., born September 14, 1856; Albert H., born June 17, 1859; William 8.,
born April 8, 1864, died October 30, 1864; and Harry C, born September 9, 1867. The
children received liberal educations and Albert has chosen the profession of teaching.
Harry follows in the footsteps of his father and is a tailor; Sarah, is the wife of A. H.
Mohler, doing business at Shepherdstown. Mr. Swartz was drafted during the late war
•of the Eebellion, but furnished money to procure a substitute, as he was a man of peace
and not in favor of war. He has filled numerous township oflSces with credit; has been
a member of No. 215, I. O. O. F., since 1851. During a residence of forty-three years
Mr. Swartz has not been absent from Shepherdstown for two weeks at one time. His
business, his family and his home are located there, and no man in the valley is more con-
tented.
HIRAM WATTS, farmer, Shepherdstown, is the only one "of his immediate relatives
who came to this county, but his name is well known in this and adjacent counties. He
was born in York County, Fenn., January 21, 1824, and is second son of Andrew and Eliz-
abeth Watts, who resided on a farm in Newberry Towaship, that county, and were the
parents of two sons and seven daughters. Our subject came to Upper Allen Township,
this county, in 1846, engaging with George Nebenger to work on a farm. December 3,
1848, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of Charles and Susan (Keiper) Bingaman, for-
merly of Lancaster County, but who came as early as 1820 to Shepherdstown (then known
as Jennystown). Of the two sons and six daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Bingaman, Mrs.
Eliza A. Morrett, Mrs. Catharine Kohler, Mrs. Rebecca Blosser and Mrs. Watts are still
living. The year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Watts commenced housekeeping near
Shepherdstown, and afterward built tbemselves a cottage in the village. For eleven
years he worked at the carpenter's trade, earning the money which gave him a start in
the business world, and in 1855 commenced farming. He prospered, and, in 1876, pur-
chased the nice farm on which he now resides, and there were born his children: Lewis,
Charles, Lizzie, Ira and Clara. Lewis married Mary Miller, and resides at Dillsburg; he
is engaged in the drug trade. Charles is employed m the office of the Cumberland val-
ley Railroad at the same place. All the children are finely educated, and well fitted to at-
tend to any business or grace any position in society. The parents live on the farm, sur-
rounded by their children, and enjoy the comforts which come to those who have lived
long, useful lives. When it is taken into consideration that Mr. Watts left the parental
roof at the age of eight years, made a living, accumulated a fine property, and, besides,
has maintained and educated a family that ranks second to none in the land, he certainly
deserves great credit. He was judge of elections in 1857, and for many years served in an
official capacity on the school board.
WILLIAM WE8THAFER farmer, P. 0. Mechanicsburg, is of German ancestry.
His grandfather, Abram Westhafer, who settled in Lancaster County about 1792, was
married to Catharine Eschleman, and reared a family: George, Jacob, Peter, Susannah
and Rebecca. Peter Westhafer married Maria Baker, a resident of York County, Penn.
<where he was then living), and who died three years later. August 20, 1829, he married
Annie M. Stave. In 1860 Peter Westhafer and wife came to this county and settled near
the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, on the Bosler farm. 'Their children, Jacob, William, (four
deceased,) Leigh, Lucy A., Catharine, John, Edward, Eli, Abraham, Susannah and Mag-
gie, were all born in York County. Of this family William, Lucy, Leigh and Kate live in
Cumberland County at the present time. Most of Peter Westhafer's time was spent in
farming, although he was by trade a shoe-maker; he, also kept the National Hotel in Me-
UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 573
chanicsburg at one time, and afterward owned and operated a dry goods and grocerj
store. He was considered one of the most enterprising men in the county, and always did
his share to advance the business and social interests of the community. He died greatly
regretted; his widow still resides in Mechanicsburg. William Weslhafer was married, in
1861, to Miss Marian, daughter of George A. and Margaret (Ressler) Balsley, one of the
oldest and most highly respected families of the county. George A. and Margaret Bals-
ley were married February 19, 1833, by the Rev. Nicholas Stroh, and were the parents of
seven children, only three of whom are now living: Joseph, Mrs. Westhafer and Catha-
rine. Our subject commenced farming for himself in the spring of 1861, on the old Bosler
farm, and from the start has been very successful; everything he touched prospered, and
his profits accumulated until he. bought a couple of lots and erected a house at the corner
of Marble and York Streets in 1865. His next purchase of real estate was on the opposite
side of the street and a lot of twelve acres near Mechanicsburg which he still owns. In
1878 he moved to the Levi Eberly farm, and is now making money as easily as he did in
his younger days; besides his farm interests he is also an extensive dealer in live stock.
To Mr. and Mrs. Westhafer have been born three children: George B., born in 1863, and
William B. and Grant 8. (twins), born October 5, 1871. All are active promising young
men, who have received a practical education, and are worthy to bear their father's
name. Mr. and Mrs. Westhafer have been consistent members of the United Brethren
Cliurch since 1878. Politically our subject is a Republican.
SARAH WORLEY, Shepherdstown.is a daughter of George and Anna M. Daugherty,
one of the old and prominent families of York County, Penn., where they were bora
and bred, and reared a family of nine children: Sarah, Ann, Maria, John, George, Will-
iam H., Emma J., Rachael E. and Thomas L. Though these children were all born in
York County, all live in Cumberland County except Emma and Thomas L. Our subject
was born April 33, 1838. March 26, 1854, she was married to William W. Kline, a son of
William and Jane (Goudy) Kline. They commenced housekeeping near Siddensburg,
where Mr. Kline, a millwright by trade, worked at his business for some time. They
came to Shepherdstown in 1855 and took charge of the only hotel in the place, and there
prospered. To Mr. and Mrs. Kline were born five children: Mary H., born January 28,
1855, is the wife of John E. Acker, of Mansfield, Ohio; Benjamin, married to Ella T.
Brubaker, manages a hotel at Hogestown, this county; Jane A., William R. and Ella M.
W. W. Kline entered the army in 1861, served nine months, and then re-enlisted in Com-
pany A, One Hundred and Ninetieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He par-
ticipated in the thickest of the fight at the bloody battle of Gettysburg, and In many a
hotly contested skirmish of the Virginia campaign. While his regiment was guarding the
railroad at Weldon, N. C, it was captured by the rebels and the men confined in Libby
prison, the name of which is yet spoken of with horror by every one who was unfortunate
enough to experience the suflerings entailed upon the miserable victims confined within
its walls. Three months after his captivity, November 35, 1864, the veteran soldier, kind
husband and loving father was borne from that miserable place an emaciated corpse.
Death had released him from suffering further privations; hunger, thirst and cold were
remembered no more; of wife and children were liis last thoughts. In 1868 Mrs. Kline
was again married, this time to J. B. Worley, a well known business man of this county,
and after their marriage again engaged in hotel business in New Cumberland, and pros-
pered. No children were born to this union. In 1875 Mr. Worley died, leaving his widow
and step-children well provided for. The mother of Mrs. Worley, who still lives with
her son George, has attained the ripe old age of eighty years.
DAVID W. WORST, justice of the peace, Shepherdstown, was born October 3, 1839.
His father David Worst, who was born in Frankford Township, this county, December
26, 1797, was a carpenter by trade, and carried on business in this county, many substantial
■buildings still standing as monuments to his industry. He also went to Cuba and erected
a large .number of sugar houses for planters on that island. January 30, 1834, he was
married to Mary Ann Zearing, who was born November 7, 1814, and was a lineal
descendant of the celebrated Rupp family. David and Mary Ann Worst were the parents
of the following named children: Jacob, Sarah A., Daniel. David W., Eliza A., Susan A.
Sarah A Jacob H. and Mary B., all of whom were born in Mechanicsburg, Penn.,
David Worst, Sr., died in 1850, and his widowsubsequently married John Linmger Decem-
ber 39 1851 and bore him three children: Catharine, Elizabeth and Alice V. David W.
Worst our subject, at the age of eleven years was turned out to shift for himself, and
was engaged by John Houser on a farm. At the age of eighteen he commenced a clerk-
ship with Messrs Goswiler & Zook, in Shepherdstown, continuing with them a number of
vpars May 31 1866, he was united in marriage with Annie M., daughter of ex-Sherifl
Bowman and by this union are the following named children: Carrie I., Annie G., Mary
■p Edith G and Martha W. All are making rapid progress with their education and
form a pleasant family circle, where books, music, etc., are prominent features. Mr.
Worst's popularity in his county is shown in the fact of his being elected prothonotary of
Oiimberland County in the autum of 1873, which position he held three years with honor
to himself and credit to his constituents. The people residing in his township nominated
574 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
him justice of the peace in 1877, and re-elected him in 1882, his official tfirm expiring in
1887. and during his public life he bears a clean record. He is a straight Democrat and
one of the most prominent local politicians in his township. Liberal in every thing which
advances the interests of society, he is ranked among the best citizens and most public
spirited men of the county in which he has for a number of years been a central figure.
CHAPTER LX.
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP.
JONATHAN BEAR, farmer, P. O. Plainfield, was born July 4, 1819, in West Penns-
Ijorough Township, Cumberland Co.. Penn. His father, Samuel, a son of John Bear,
married Miss Sarah, daughter of Philip Zelgler. and settled in what is now known as
Bear's District, West Pennsborough Township, and here resided until his death, which
occurred April 30, 1855, in nis sixty-eighth year; his widow died in Plainfield December
26, 1871, aged eighty years and five months. They reared eight of their ten children: Mrs.
Catharine Steiner, Jonathan, Mrs. Mary Seitz, Rebecca, Elizabeth. John (deceased). David
and Philip (deceased). January 11, lS49, our subject married Miss Maria, daughter of
Henry and Polly (Bear) Bear, from Lancaster County, Penn. They resided on the farm
near Conodoguinet Creek until August, 1884, when they moved to their present residence,
and now own a fine farm of 132 acres, besides a beautiful home of six acres where they
reside. To them have been horn nine children, of whom the following are now living:
Abner, Mrs. Mary Eppley, Sarah and Lizzie. Ellen died at seventeen years of age, Em-
ma when fifteen, Samuel when nineteen years old, and Refeea and Catharine when small.
Mr. Bear and family belong to the Reformed Mennonite Church. He takes great interest
in the education of his family and has given them good opportunities.
HENRY BEAR, retired farmer, Plainfield, was born March 17, 1824. in West Penns-
borough Township, this county. About 16SiD Michael Bear, a Mennonite minister, of
Switzerland, fled from persecution to accept the generous offer of William Penn of ahome
in Pennsylvania. He settled in Berks County and has a large number of descendants.
Michael, his son, had a son, Henry, who came to West Pennsborough Township, this
county, in 1804, with his sons, Michael, John and Samuel. Of these, Michael was twice
wedded, and by his first marriage (with Miss Esther Alter) had two children: Benjamin,
who died in Summit County, Ohio, and Mrs. Esther Stephens, who died in this county.
His second wife, Hannah Wax, was a daughter of Peter Wax, a Revolutionary soldier,
who settled in Frankford Townsliip. this county, coming from Schuylkill County, Penn.,
and lived to be ninety-four years of age; his wife died aged eighty-seven. Mr. and Mrs.
Bear settled near Plainfield. To them were born seven children, five of whom attained
maturity: Henry, Mrs. Margaret Qreason (deceased), Maria, Maurice (deceased) and Mrs.
Rachael LeFevre, of Carlisle. Mr. Bear was a very effective local preacher of the United
Brethren faith; he died very suddenly December 16, 1849, while officiating in the pulpit,
being striken down by apoplexy. He was a very active man, and exerted a wide influ-
ence for good. Henry Bear, who hag lived on the home-farm all his life, owns a fine
farm of eighty acres besides his handsome residence and farm of four acres where he re-
sides. He was married, February 3, 1848, to Miss Margaret LeFevre, who died about two
and a half years afterward. He next married. May 15, 1856, Miss Catharine Longnecker,
and by her has one daughter, Mary. Mr. Bear, of Federalist descent, was formerly a
Whig, afterward a Republican. He takes a deep interest in public affairs, and has ren-
dered important services as a campaign orator. As a speaker he is clear, logical and forci-
ble, and carries the weight of his own convictions in his addresses. He is one of the lead-
ing influential citizens of Cumberland County.
JOHN K. BEIDLER, merchant, Plainfield, was born April 2, -1828, in Lebanon
County, Penn., son of John and Anna (Kaflfman) Beidler. the latter of whom died in that
county. His father, who afterward married again, located iil West Middleton Township,
this county in 1840, and now lives a retired life in Plainfield, this township, aged eighty-
three. Ourysubject married, in November, l8ol, Miss Sophia Zeigler, of Middlesex
Township, this county. He enlisted, in August, 1862. in Company F,, Seventeenth Regi-
ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry; was assigned to the Army of the Potomac under
Gen. Hooker, and took part in many of the historic engagements of the Virginia cam-
paigns. He received an honorable discharge In 1863, on account of- disabilities received
in the service. He left a fine record as a brave and faithful soldier, always ready for the
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 575
call of duty. In 1866 Mr. Beidler established, and for three years carried on, a general
store at Sterrett's Gap, Perry Counly; three years conducted business in Plalnfield, this
county; then for three years at West Hill, and then purchased property at Oajiville and
built a fine store building. There Mrs. Beidler died in March, 1877, leaving one daughter,
Mrs. Lizzie M. Mickey, now livins at Oakvijle. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Beidler again lo-
cated at West Hill. He was married, on second occasion, Deceml)er 6, 1877, to Miss Anna
M. Matthews, of Berks County, Penn., and by this union has one son, Earl.J. Mr. Beid-
ler owns a fine business property in Plalnfield and carries a complete stock of dry goods,
groceries, hats, caps, boots, shoes, hardware, notions, and a full line of general merchan-
dise. By strict attention to business principles and courtesy to all, he has built up a large
and flourishing trade. Personally Mr. Beidler is a man of portly build and fine physique;
genial and social in his disposition, he makes friends wherever he goes. He is recognized
as one of the leading business men and influential citizens of Cumberland County.
WILLIAM BLOSER, retired, Plainfield. was born December 11, 1818, in West Penns-
borough Township, this county. Henry Bloser came, with his family, from Lancaster
County, Penn., to Frankford Township, this county, in very early times. His son, Dan-
iel, was twice married; on the first occasion to Eve Keihl, a native of this county, and
settled near Hays Mill, this township. Mrs. Daniel Bloser died in 1834, and he subse-
quently married Sarah Rex, and moved to Richland (now Crawford) County, Ohio, in about
1840, where they resided until she died, when he lived a retired life with his son until his
death. Our subject, the second born by the second marriage, and only one living of his-
mother's five children, received his education in the schools of the home district and early
apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, which he has followed nearly all his life. He
married, February 14, 1851, Miss Sarah Waggoner, a native of Frankford Township, this
county, and to tliis union were born nine children, five of whom are living: Mary, Mrs.
Kate Corman, Elizabeth, Mrs. Alida Smith and Anna. Mrs. Bloser died November 5,
1866, and Mr. Bloser subsequently married, April 7, 1868, Miss Mary A, Kendig, a native
of this township, and who moved to Franklin County, Penn., at six years of age, with her
parents, Emanuel and Anne (Bowers) Kendig, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., but
residing in Cumberland County from childhood. They resided at Orrstown at the time
of their death; Mr. Kendig dying April 11, 1863, and his widow, February 3, 1869. To Mr.
and Mrs. Bloser were born one son (William Edward) and one daughter (Nora, deceased).
Mr. Bloser has been industrious and successful in life and has acquired a fine farm of 304
acres in Frankford Township. In addition to this he owns a fine home in Plainfield and
a handsome plat of four acres, on which is established the Plaintield Cemetery, located in
1867. Mr. Bloser and his worthy wife and family are members of the Church of God, and
he has been an elder ever since the church was established. He is a life-long Republican
and an earnest advocate of the principles of temperance.
WILLIAM C. BRADLEY, retired, P. O. Newville, was born near West Chester,
Chester Co., Penn., in 1813, son of Joseph and Hannah (Carpenter) Bradley, who were
the parents of eight children, of whom William C, Jason, Thomas, Caroline and Emmor
are living. Our subject received a liberal education, and his first venture in a business
way was with Robert Coleman, at Martlck Forge, in Lancaster County, in 1836. At that
time the Colemans were the best known iron manufacturers in the State, and from a small
beginning the business has grown, until now their interests are second to none in the
United States. For a number of years our subject was book-keeper, and afterward managed
the business at Lebanon, Speedwell and Martick Forge. Fronj Speedwell he went to
Oregon, Baltimore County; from there to Columbia, Lancaster County; and thence to Har-
risburg, where he took charge of Mr. McCormick's iron works, and, later, was interested
in the manufacture of iron near Harper's Ferry on the Potomac. At numerous places in
the Cumberland Valley and along the Potomac, he has managed the business of Hon.
Thaddeus Stevens. Mr. Bradley has chiefly been interested in the iron trade, and is well
known by all the manufacturers. He was married, in 1840, to Harriet Thomas, and this
union was blessed with eight children, of whom five are living: Sallie (wife of T. C. Babb,
of Philadelphia, Penn.), Susie (wife of George C. Kelly, of Lewisburg), Caroline, Albina
and Harriet, who reside with their father in the pleasant mansion near the borough of
Newville. Mrs. Bradley died in 1879, and the daughters now make the old home pleasant
for their father; and amid the many comforts which surround men of wealth and refined
tastes, bis days are serenely passed. Our subject's life has been an active one, but his
step is still elastic, though his hair is white as snow. He has now retired from active busi-
ness and bears a name never smirched with dishonor.
FRANKLIN PIERCE BREHM, manufacturer, Plainfield, was born September 30,
1853, in Frankford Township, this county, where his father, Henry Brehm, still resides.
Our subject followed farming until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began learn-
ing coach-making under George Strohm, of Plainfield, this county, completing his appren-
ticeship in three years, and then worked four years for Mr. Strohm. He located at Good
Hope, this township, in 1880, and established a general coach house, which be continued
until he built his present large and commodious establishment in the fall of 1885, into
which he moved in the first week of December following. He has a large three-story
576 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
building, 45x60 feet, well fitted up, where he carries on a very extensive business, manu-
facturing buggies, carriages, spring wagons, sleighs, etc., employing from nine to twelve
hands. His goods have an excellent reputation, and besides supplying the home demand,
he has quite a large shipping trade throughout the East and West. In addition to his busi-
ness property, Mr. Brehm has built himself a very handsome residence not far from the
station. He married, February 7, 1873, Miss Katie A. Beidlow, and has two children:
Bessie Maude and Harry LeRoy. Mr. Brehm is an enterprising business man and an up-
right and useful citizen. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and has been for seven
years superintendent in the Sabbath-school at Plainfield. In politics he is a Democrat.
DAVID BRICKBR (deceased), a native of Lancaster County, Penn., was a son of
David Bricker, who immigrated to that county from Germany with his brother Christo-
pher before the Revolutionary war. He raised his family in that county, and there re-
sided until his death. He had a son — Christopher— who was a soldier in the Revolution.
David Bricker, our subject, married a Miss Erb; came to Newville, Cumberland Co.,
Penn., in 1794, and acquired an estate of over 400 acres, including a part of the town of
Newville. He lived to be nearly ninety years of age, his wife having died about four
years before his death. They raised a family of six children : Levi (died in Westmore-
land County, Penn.), John, Jacob (died in Mechanicsburg), David, Mrs. Mary Dork and
Mrs. Margaret Ann Heffleman, all died at Newville, this county. The second son, John,
married Miss Eliza House, and settled in the Cross Roads District, in West Pennsborough
Township, and here resided until his death. He died February 16, 1875, at the age of
eighty-four years; his widow now resides in Newville. They raised a family of five sons:
JohnH. ; William H., of Beaver Palls, Penn., the present register of Beaver County; P.
D., an attorney at Jersey Shore, Penn.; Samuel, of North Vernon, Ind. ; George 8., of
Newville.
JOHN H. BRICKER, farmer and nurseryman, P. O. Newville, was born March 13,
1836. He married Miss Catharine Shannon June 8, 1858, and after living in Monroe Town-
ship about four years, settled on the present home farm. Mr. Bricker enlisted, in August,
1861, in the Third Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry; was assigned to the Army of the
Potomac, and took part in the Virginia campaigns of that year, receiving disabilities in
December necessitating his discharge. Returning home he has devoted himself to the arts
of peace. He established a nursery on his farm in 1867, and now does a large and suc-
cessful business, supplying the large home trade and shipping to the West and South.
Mrs. Bricker died February 18, 1873, leaving two children: William, of Williamsport,
Penn., and Mary. Mr. Bricker afterward married, in September, 1875, Miss Julia
Bolen, and to this union have been born two children: John P. and Ellen. Mr. Bricker
is a supporter of the Republican party; takes a deep interest in the cause of education,
and has served his township as school director for about twelve years; is an upright and
useful citizen, and enjoys the respect of the community.
HENRY J. BRINKERHOPF, merchant and postmaster, Mount Rock, was born
November 19, 1855, in Gettysburg, Adams Co., Penn. His father, John J. Brinkerhofl, a
native of same county, and a descendant of one of the oldest families in the county, mar-
ried Miss Sophia Saltzgiver, of the same county. He was a merchant; died in 1855, leav-
ing a daughter (now Miss Clara Grammar, of Altoona), and a sou (Henry). Mrs. Brinker-
hoff afterward married John Peoples, and now resides at Lisburn, Penn. Our subject
was brought up in the family of his uncle, M. G. Saltzgiver, in Cumberland County, prin-
•cipally in Dickinson, M^onroe and Newton Townships. When about seventeen years old
he began clerking in a general store in Leesburg, afterward carrying on a store for three
years, at Huntsdale, for Mr. Ernst. In 1878 he embarked in business for himself at Bar-
nitz Station, this county. In March, 1883, he established himself at Mount Rock, under
firm name of BrinkerhofE & Co., and here keeps a full stock of dry goods, groceries, boots,
shoes, hats, caps, notions and a complete line of articles necessary to supply the wants of
the community. By his courtesy to customers and strict attention to business he has built
up a large and flourishing trade. He was appointed postmaster of Mount Rock at the
time he took charge of the store; was also instrumental in establishing the postoffice at
Barnitz, which he held during the time he lived there. Mr. Brinkerhofl was married, in
1875, to Miss Anna M. Watson, of Stoughstown. To this union have been born three
children; George Erskin, William Henry and Sallie Bertha. Our subject is an earnest
Republican, and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is an enterprising and success-
ful business man and an upright, useful and respected citizen.
THOMAS R. BURGNER, miller, P. O. Plainfield, was born July 14, 1888, in Lebanon
County, Penn,, son of Jacob and Anna Maria (Raub) Burgner (tiie latter was a member of
an old and influential family in this county). They located on the old homestead of Mr.
Burgner's family, where Mrs. Burgner still resides at an advanced age, but in robust
health. Mr. Burgner died July 13, 1886, aged seventy-four years. Our subject, the eldest
in a family of ten children, learned the miller's trade in 1854; enlisted, October 17, 1862)
in the Third Pennsylvania Artillery, and was assigned to the Army of the James. Early
in 1863 he was recommended, and passed an examination, for the position of military li-
brarian, and had charge of the historical collections and artillery-school stores at Fortress
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 577
Monroe, Va., until the expiration of his term, and during this time he also held the posi-
tion of reporter for general courts-martial and military commissions. He was discharged
October 17, 1865, bearing an excellent military record. Our subject was married, Decem-
ber 1, 1857, to Miss Lizzie Ecliert, of Newville, this county, a daughter of John Eckert,
who was born near Carlisle, this county, moved to Virginia in 1860, and died in 1880 at the
age of eighty years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Burgner were Mary Agnes, John E.,
of Nebraska, Alice C, Francis Henry (deceased), Lizzie A., Emma C, Ida Margery,
Beckie Ray, Thomas U. S., Carrie Lucretia and Arthur LeRoy. Mr. Burgner has spent
three years in the nursery and mercantile business at Shiremanstown, six years in the em-
ploy, as miller, of T. B. Bryson, of Mechanicsburg, and for the past twelve years has
been engaged in milling on Conodoguinet Creek, this township. He was elected auditor
of Cumberland County, on the Republican ticket, in 1875; re-elected in 1878, and during
his term of service many reforms were accomplished in county affairs, due to his energy
and Interest in the welfare of the people. Personally Mr. Burgner is a gentleman of portly
and commanding physique, genial and courteous disposition, and has a host of warm
friends in Cumberland County.
HENRY CARL, postmaster and mechanic, Plainfield, was born April 14, 1836, in
Spring Township, Perry Co., Penn. His father, John Carl, a native of same county,
married Miss Elizabeth Smee; was a carpenter and weaver, and resided in this locality un-
til his death in 1880, when seventy-three years of age. His widow, who survives him, re-
sides on the same place, and is seventy-six years old. Of their children, Mrs. Catharine
Snyder, Mrs. Sarah Ellen Hood, Mrs. Jane Sponsler and John A. reside in Carlisle; Eman-
uel lives in Landisburg; Mrs. Amelia Fenicle and Adeline are still in Perry County. Our
subject came to Cumberland County at sixteen years of age. He was married February
23, 1860, to Miss Sarah A. Watson, and after farming for twelve years moved to Plainfield
in 1873, and here he has followed his trade, that of a carpenter and joiner, ever since.
He was appointed postmaster of Plainfield October 1, 1885, and at the time established a
confectionery in the same room. He has been industrious and successful in life, and has
accumulated a comfortable home property in Plainfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Carl were born
four children: Charles Edwin, William W., Anne E. and EfBe M. Mr. Carl has ever been
a Democrat. He has served this township three years as school director. He and his
worthy wife are members of the Church of God.
WILLIAM CAROTHERS (deceased) was born January 13, 1789, in West Pennsbor-
ough Township, this county, son of Andrew and Margaret (Geddes) Carothers, early set-
tlers of Cumberland County. Our subject was twice married; on first occasion to Miss
Ann, daughter of Abraham Line, one of the sons of the original George Line. They set-
tled at once on the family homestead, on the Chambersburg Pike, and here Mrs. Caro-
thers died in 1838. To this union were born four children— two of whom died in infancy,
Ann Rebecca died soon after her marriage with James M. Carothers, and Margaret Jane.
Mr. Carothers, who afterward married Miss Esther McFeeley, died March 9, 1870, in his
eightieth year, his widow following him January 19, 1873, in her eighty-ninth year. Mr.
Carothers, who was an enterprising and successful farmer, acquired a fine farm of 200
acres, on which he had a handsome residence and substantial farm buildings. He was a
conscientious member of the Presbyterian Church. Miss Margaret Jane Carothers, the
daughter who survives, now owns the family homestead, where she resides, and is also the
possessor of a fine farm of 184 acres of fertile, well-improved land. She is a consistent
member of the Evangelical Association, and is a lady of estimable Christian character,
having the respect of the community.
JAMES M. CAROTHERS, farmer, P. O. Plainfield, was born August 4, 1839, in the
house where he now lives, in West Pennsborough Township, this county. His father, Will-
iam M., a son of Armstrong Carothers, and also a native of this township, married Miss
Fanny, daughter of George Clark, of Frankford Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., and
granddaughter of William Clark, a colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolu-
tion. About 1838 William M. Carothers and family located in the McAllister District,
West Pennsborough Township, this county, and here resided until his death. Their chil-
dren are as follows: George, in Frontier County, Neb; Jane; Armstrong, who died in Wood
County, Ohio; William W., in Big Spring, this county; Mrs. Martha Eliza Duffy, in
Mount Holly Springs, this county; Rev. Martin J., a presiding elder in the Evangelical
Association at Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn. ; Mary (deceased) and James M. Will-
iam M. Carothers ended a useful life July 31, 1864, and his esteemed widow followed him
November 29, 1872, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. They were an upright pioneer
people and their memory will long be honored. Our subject completed his education
under Prof. R. K. Burns, at Plainfield Academy, this county, and early adopted the pro-
fession of teaching, which he followed for six years, leaving an honorable record as a
faithful and efficient teacher. He remained at home and took care of his aged parents
until their death. He has purchased the interest of the other heirs in the homestead, and
owns a fine farm of fifty-two acres of fertile and well-improved land. Mr. Carothers was
married March 30, 1866, to Miss Ann Rebecca, daughter of William and Anne (Line)
Carothers, and who died October 14, same year. She was a lady of estimable Christian
578 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
character, and ber early death was mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Carothera
wa8 married on second occasion February 23, 1871, to Isabel J. Kernan, of this township,
and has one daugliter. Mary J. Mr. Carothers is a lifelong Democrat, with strong tem-
perance principles. He and his worthy wife are consistent members of the Evangelical
Association, in which he is class-leader.
JAMES A. DAVIDSON, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, was born July 11, 1837, in "West
Pennsborough Township, this county, son of Alexander Davidson. He whs brought up
on his father's farm, and received his education principally in the schools of tlie home
distiiet. September 1, 1853, he married Miss Nancy C, daughter of William Nettle, of
this township, and they have resided on the family homesteacf here ever since. To them
were born ten children, seven now living: Mrs. Jane Ellen McKeehan, Lucy Cordelia,
Mary Alice, Mrs. Nannie Merrette Green, William Alexander, Anna Amelia and Carrie
R,)becca. Mr. Davidson is a lifelong Republican, and takes a deep interest in public
affairs. He has served his township acceptably as school-director, assessor, and in other
capacities, and is a highly respected citizen.
JOHN S. DAVIDSON, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, was born March 3, 1839, in West
Pennsborough Township, this county. His father, Alexander Davidson, also a native of
this county, and a son of John Davidson, married Miss Jane, daughter of John and Jane
Wooilburn, of Dickinson Township, this county, and settled on a farm in the Kerrsville
District, where they acquired an estate of about 500 acres of farm land. In 1858 they
retired from active labor and located in Newville, where they resided until their death,
Mr. Davidson dying October 19, 1863, aged seventy-eight, and his widow August 19, 1879,
aged eighty-years and eight months. To them were born eight children. Our subject
completed his education in the academy at Lititz, Lancaster Co., Pena.; was engaged in
mercantile business in Plainfield, this township, from 18)1 to 1859, and while there, Janu-
ary 1, 1836, was married. In 1859 he retired from mercantile business and located on the
farm of 150 acres, where he now resides, and which, in early times, was owned by Rev.
Joshua Williams, a Presbyterian minister, who built the handsome residence in which he
resides. Mr. Davidson is a director in the First National Bunk of Newville, as was also
his father before him. He is a Republican in politics, and takes a deep interest in public
affairs. He has served the township many years in the school board, and was appointed
government assessor of internal revenue for Dickinson, West Pennsborough and Frank-
ford Townships.
HENRY DONER, retired farmer, Plainfield, was born August 4, 1818. in West Penns-
borough Township, this county. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Doner, of Lancaster
County, Penu., located in Prankford Township, Cumberland County. Penn., in 1805, and
after four years finally settled in West Pennsborough Township, where they took up a
new farm, which they cleared and developed. They raised a family of ten children, all of
whom married: Mrs. Elizabeth Hale died at Upper Sandusky, Ohio; Abraham (deceased);
Daniel died in Johnson County, Iowa; John, in Pennsborough Township; Nancy Wag-
goner, of Newville; Jacob; Mrs. Fannie Line (deceased); Mrs. Maria Rudy, of Dauphin
County, Penn.; Henry and David. Mr. Doner died l^ebruary 25, 1853, in his seventy-sec-
ond year; his widow followed him March 7, 1875, at the advanced age of ninety-six
years, two months and twenty-six days. They were industrious pioneers, and their mem-
ory will long be honored. Our subject was brought up on the farm on which he now
resides, and received his education in the schools of the home district. August 8, 1848,
he married Miss Mary Ann Leidick, of Silver Spring Township, this county, where she
was born March 3, 1830, daughter of John and Margaret (Albert) Leidick, natives of this
county, where they passed their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Doner have resided on the
homestead farm ever since their marriage, and own a fine farm of 133 acres of fertile and
well improved land, with elegant residence and outbuildings. To them were born four
children: Elizabeth Ann, who died at seven years of age; Mrs. Margaret Ellen Bear, liv-
ing on the homestead; Henry Calvin, who died in his twenty-second year, and Mrs. Laura
May Moyer, who died in her twenty-first year. Mr. and Mrs. Doner are consistent mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Doner is a Republican in politics. He is an upright,
useful citizen, a man of firm principles, and enjoys the highest respect and esteem of the
community.
DAVID DONER, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, was born April 6, 1830, in West Penns-
borough Township, Cumberland Co., Penn., son of Daniel and Elizabeth Doner. He was
brought up on bis father's farm, and received his education in the schools of the home
district. He married, October 36, 1845, Miss Susan Miller, who was born in York County,
Penn., and moved to Mifflin Township, this county, in girlhood, with her parents, Henry
and Elizabeth Miller. After living eighteen years on their farm on the banks of the
Conodoguinet Creek, this township, Mr. Doner finally located on the State road, where
henow resides and owns a fine farm of 114 acces, with handsome residence and farm
buildings, besides another place of 106 acres on the creek. To Mr. and Mrs. Doner were
born four children: Daniel Henry, who died in childhood; Joseph, who died at twenty-
four years of age; Mrs. Elizabeth Bear, living on the home place, and Alfred M., of Plain-
field. Mrs. Doner died April 5, 1885. Mr. Doner is an earnest Republican. He has lead
WEST PENNSBOROUQH TOWNSHIP. 579
an active industrious life, devoting himself mostly to the management of his farm. He
is an upright man of strict integrity, highly respected by the whole community.
ROBERT H. FULTON, farmer, P. O. Newville, is the grandson of Francis Fulton,
who was born June 21, 1765, and with his parents came from Scotland and settled in
Juniata County and had a large family of children. Francis Fulton was married to Sarah
McKinstry, born March 17, 1768, and they settled at " Quai'ry Hill," now in Penn Town-
ship, this county. "At tliat time the Indians, who claimed a large part of this county,
were very troublesome, and they captured grandfather's father and mother and all the
rest of the family, except grandfather, and burned the house and killed one little boy.
Grandfather was pursued, but he wrapped his clothes in a bundle, placed it on his head,
and swam the Juniata River and crossed over to Cumberland County. The rest were
taken to a French settlement and sold, and after some time were released and settled
where the city of Cincinnati now stands. Grandfather never knew what became of some
of his brothers." On the Quarry Hill farm were born twelve children: Jennie, the eldest,
born July 13, 1786, followed by Mary, John, Elizabeth, James, Sarah and Annie, all born
prior to 1800; Nancy, born January 16, 1803, now the widow of John Duncan, and resides
at Peoria, 111.; Francis H. Isabella; Keziah, and Matilda. All this family lived and died
in this valley except Nancy Bell and John. James (father of our subject) was born
October 10, 1795; was married to Grizzella, daughter of Robert Blean. of this county, and
commenced domestic life on his wife's father's farm, and there the first daughter, Mary,
was born. In 1834: James Fulton purchased the Duncan tract, purchased in 1788 of James
Irwan and Isabella, his wife. On this farm was born Sarah (the first of the children
married), wedded Robert Hood; Mary Craig, is the wife of Rev. John S. McCullough;
Francis, married Mary Jury; David B. died unmarried; Martha, unmarried, is a resident
of Springfield, and James married Kate Bistline. Our subject, who was reared on the
farm and educated in the Big Spring Academy, enlisted, in 1863, in Company C, One
Hundred and Fifty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Col. D. B. McKib-
ben. Most of Mr. Fulton's service was in North Carolina, but tlie regiment also did duty
in front of Richmond. He was promoted from corporal to sergeant of his company, and
received his discharge August 18, 1863. November 36, 1863, his marriage with Minnie H.
McCune occurred, and the young bride was taken to the old stone mansion, so many years
in the possession of the Fiiltons, and which to-day is one of the oldest inhabited houses
in the Cumberland Valley, and as substantial as ever. Robert Fulton and wife had fol-
lowing named children: Hugh Brady McCune (born November 14, 1864:), Ellie Blean,
Jennie Belle, Albert William, Robert Howerd, Orthelia, Mary Bell and James Bruce
(Jennie B. and Orthelia are deceased). This interesting family are the representaiives of
the grand old name they bear. Mr. Fulton and wife are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Newville, in which he has been a trustee for a number of years.
ROBERT M. GRAHAM, farmer, P. O. Plainfleld. The Graham family is one of the
oldest and most reputable in the county. Four of its members have been associated with
the legal profession for more than three-quarters of a century, serving also continually in
official positions. William Graham (father of subject) was born in 1811, in Frankford
Township, this county, son of Arthur and Nancy (McClure) Graham, and was married, in
1836, to Nancy Davidson, who bore him six sons; Robert M., John D., James M., Will-
iam F., Arthur H. and Alfred M. All the sons, excepting Alfred M. (deceased), murried
and reside in Cumberland County. The eldest son, Robert M., was born November 13,
1837, and, from eleven years of age, resided with his uncle, Robert M. Graham. He
received a liberal education in the schools of his township, and when twenty-one com-
menced teaching school and for seven years followed this profession in Frankford Town-
ship,this county (F. K. Ployer was one of his pupils). Having been raised on a farm, and
preferring agriculture to a professional life, he sulisequently took charge of his uncle's
farm. In 1868 he was married to Rebecca J. McKeehan, whose ancestry dates back more
than a century. She is a daughter of Joseph and Jane M. (Skiles) MoKeehan. The mar-
ried life of Robert and his young wife was commenced on his uncle's homestead, which
has descended from father to son since the days of William Penn, from whom they have
the original grant. On this farm were born their children, Joseph M., William F. and
Clemens McParland. Our subject's present home was the paternal homestead of Mrs.
Graham, to whom it descended by inheritance. The first official term served by Robert
M. Graham was commenced in the aulumn of 1878, when he was elected prothonotary and
retained as deputy by his successor and still continues in this office. In 1884 he was elected
justice of the peace in this township, and as a conscientious official, public-spirited citizen
and good business man, he has few equals, and his neighbors unite in saying of him that
" truly he is a man of the times."
JAMES D. QREASON, farmer, P. O. Greason, was born April 2, 1832, in West
Pennsborough Township, this county. His father, James Greason, born November 35,
1776 in this county, was a son of William and Agnes (Waugh) Greason. James Greason,
Sr. completed his literary course in Dickin'*on College, Carlisle, graduating in 1795, being
a school-mate of President Buchanan. After graduaiing he pursued a legal course at Car-
lisle, and was admitted to the bar. He married Miss Mary Carothers, of this county.
580 BIOQKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
about the latter part of the year 1804, and at once retired to a farm in Silver Spring Town-
ship, but goon moved to a fnrm in West Pennsborough Township (a portion of the Caro-
tht^'s estate), to which he added, until he finally possessed about 800 acres in the Qreason
School District. He erected buildings on most of the farms during his life. He died July
4, 1855, his wife having preceded him in 1854. Our subject completed bis education in
the academy at Shippensburg, and, in the spring of 1843, opened a drug store in that town,
where he continued until 184."), when he established himself in the same line of business
at Nashville, Tenn. He returned from there in December, 1847, and has lived in Cumber-
land County ever since. January 10, 1854, he married Miss Elmira J. Bitner, and located
at once on tlie family homestead, where they now reside, and where his father lived from
1826 until his death. They have here a fine farm of 150 acres, on which they have erected
a fine residence, and also own 110 acres adjoining, and also 135 acres from his father-in-
law's estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Qreason have been born two children: Henry Bitner
(deceased in infancy) and Ralph. They have also brought up in their family Miss Grace
Eppley, Mrs. Greason's cousin.
JOHN GREIDER, retired farmer, Plainfleld, was born October 1. 1812, in Silver
Spring Township, Cumberland Co., Penn. His parents, Jacob and Anna (Bowers) Greider,
natives of Lancaster County, Penn., were among the early settlers of Silver Spring Town-
ship, this county. Jacob Greider was stricken down with apoplexy in 1827; his widow
survived him until 1858, and was nearly eighty-five years old when she died. Of their
nine children three are living: Henry, of Kosciusko County, Ind. ; Mrs. Anna Railing, of
Des Moines, Iowa, and John. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm, and
attended the schools of the home district. He was married, September 4, 1834, to Miss
Catharine, daughter of John and Catharine (Keiser) Heikes, the former a native of York
County, and the latter of Perry County, Penn., and who settled in West Pennsborough
Township, this county, in very early times, and now lie buried on the farm. Of the six
children of Mr. and Mrs. Heikes all lived to an advanced age: Mrs. Rachel Paul, George,
Mrs. Elizabeth Leas, Mrs. Catharine Greider, David, Mrs. Rebecca Weisley — all now
deceased but Catharine. Mr. Greider, after farming for three years, kept store three
years at West Hill and in 1844 located on Conodoguinet Creek, and has resided here
since that year. They possessed a fine estate of 800 or 400 acres at one time, most of
which they have divided among their children, but still own the West Hill Mill, which is
a fine property. To Mr. and Mrs. Greider have been bom eight children — six of whom
are now living: Mrs. Rachel Zolen (of Steele City, Neb.), Jacob, John, David and Mrs.
Anna Diller (twins, now living near Steele City, Neb.) and George (of Belle Plain, Kas.).
Mr. Greider, though a Republican in politics, has not cast a vote since he voted for Henry
Clay, in 1844. He was an acquaintance and admirer of Bayard Taylor. He has been
a man of very active life and industrious habits; has been a careful and extensive reader,
a close observer of men and affairs, and being a natural orator has been called to preach at
funerals, etc , for the past twenty-five years. His children, aU well educated, are taking a
high position in business and society.
GEORGE GROVE, physician, Big Spring, has been one of the most active members
of the medical profession, and is to-day the oldest practicing physician in the Cumberland
Valley. He was born August 11, 1811, in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., son of Ja-
cob and Elizabeth (Welsh) Grove, three of whose daughters, all widows, are still living:
Mrs. Nancy Seibert, of Chambersburg; Mrs. Jane Pfeffer and Mrs. Mary Jeffries, of Phila-
delphia. Our subject received his scholastic education in Chambersburg; graduated with
honor, in 1836, at the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Penn., his diploma bear-
ing the signatures of some of the most noted men in the State: Granville S. Pattison, M.
D.; George McClellan, M. D., father of Gen. George B. McClellan, and also of Samuel
McClellan, M. D., who is one of the finest obstetricians in the United States. Dr. Grove
was married, April 6, 1837, to Miss Louisa Horn, of Hagerstown, Md., who bore him four
daughters and two sons (both named George, the first of whom died in infancy, and the
second enlisted in Company D, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, when only
seventeen, and died a few weeks later in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn.). The daughters
are Josephine, Mary, Elizabeth and Emma L. Josephine and Emma are living, and in every
respect inherit the noble qualities of their mother, who died October 27, 1847. Dr. Grove
subsequently married Mrs. Martha Burkhardt, who bore him one son, Diller, now a resi-
dent of Carlisle. The Doctor's third wife was Mary A. E., daughter of John and Louisa
Trego. He was an iron manufacturer and merchant of Cumberland Valley. After fifty
years of active practice the Doctor is still hale and vigorous, his hair is raven black, and hia
step is as sprightly and elastic as that of ayouthof twenty. Possessed of a liberal education
and brilliant mind, he has for many years been considered an authority on medical matters
in this and neighboring counties, and his position is a really enviable one among the faculty
in the State. His daughters have also received a liberal education, and their accomplish-
ments afford additional pleasure to their father, who has devoted so much of his valuable
time to them.
JOHN C. KEISER, merchant, Plainfield, was born September 29, 1883, in Perry
County, Penn., son of Jacob and Catharine (Ritter) Keiser, natives of that county, who
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 581
located in West Pennsborough Tp., Cumberland Co., Penn., in early times, but afterward
moved to Perry County, and there resided until their death. Our subject, the youngest
in a family of four sons and three daughters, at ten years of kge entered the store of his
brother-in-laws, D. & J. Kochendofer, at Loysville, Perry County, and there remained
until he was twenty years old. He spent four years in the West, engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits in Rock Island, 111., and Davenport, Iowa. He came to Cumberland
County and established a general store at Qreason, in 1859, which he has carried on ever
since, locating at different times at West Hill, Good Hope, Mount Rock, Heberlig and
Plainfield. He settled down permanently at his present stand in Plainfleld in the spring
of 1885, and here keeps a full stock of dry goods, groceries and general merchandise. He
has built himself a fine residence and store building, and has, besides, a farm of eighty
acres in Benton County, Minn. By strict attention to business Mr. Keiser has built up a
large trade with the surrounding community. He married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Humer,
of Carlisle, Penn., in 1860, and they have had five children: David K., Mrs. Cora C.
Smith, Mary B. (deceased), Anna R. and Grace R. Mr. Keiser is a Republican in politics.
He held the appointment as postmaster at Plainfield from 1875 to 1877; Mount Rock from
1878 to 1880; Heberlig in 1881. Mr. Keiser is one of the active enterprising business men,
and is respected by all who know him.
WILLIAM KERR, anativeof Huntingdon County, Penn., was born October 30,1791, and
came to West Pennsborough Township, Cumberland Co., Penn,, in 1835, and on June 86,
the same year, married Miss Eliza Belle, daughter of David and Isabel Sterrett, natives of
this county and very prominent pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr lived one year in Hunting-
don County after their marriage, and then settled permenently in West Pennsborough
Township, this countjr, in 1826, and here acquired a fine estate. Mr. Kerr was a very act-
ive, public spirited citizen, devoting most of his attention to the management of his es-
tate. He was one of the original founders and a member of the board of directors of the
banking house of Kerr, Brenham & Co., since known as the First National Bank of Car-
lisle. His useful life ended September 20, 1874, his wife having preceded him December
33, 1844. Of their children four attained maturity: Elizabeth Jane and Mary Isabel (both
deceased), William A. and David S., living.
William A. Kerb, farmer, P. O, Kerrsville, was born November 30, 1839; ac-
quired his education in the academies of Huntingdon, Mount Joy, Lancaster County;
Juniata County, and Good Hope, of this township. He married, January 10, 1854, Miss
Elizabeth B. Orr, of Franklin County, Penn., and then settled down where they now re-
side. To this union have been born two children: Mary Eliza and William Orr.
David Sterrett Kerr, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, was educated in common school
and Mount Joy Academy, and has resided on the homestead farm all his life. These gentle-
men have made many valuable improvements in the estate handed down from their an-
cestors.
T. FRANK KING, proprietor of VallCT View Mills, P. O. Newville, was born April
19, 1836, in Georgetown, now a part of Washington, D. C. His father, John H. King,
a native of the eastern shores of Maryland, was a son of a sea captain, and his mother
■was born in the Carlisle Garrison, this county. John H. King early engaged in mercan-
tile business at Georgetown, and there married Miss Ellen Harriet, who was born in Mon-
roe Township, this county. Her parents were also natives of this county. After a long and
prosperous business career, Mr. King retired to Georgetown Heights, where he resided un-
til his death, about 1855; his esteemed widow survived him until March, 1885, dying while
on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Anna Ingraham, of Palmyra, Wayne Co., N. Y. Our
subject received his education in the academies and colleges of Washington City; came to
Carlisle, this county, at about nineteen years of age, and learned his profession at Hender-
son's Mills. He married Miss Anna C. Bowers, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Bow-
ers, of Carlisle, the ceremony being performed December 17, 1857, by Rev. C. P. Wing.
After living at Georgetown three years; at Seneca Mills, Md., about two years; near Spring
Mills, this county, two years; Bucher's Mills, Silver Spring Township, two years; New-
ville, two years; and two years at Roxbury, Franklin County, they purchased the Shella-
berger Mills on the Conodoguinet Creek, West Pennsborough Township, this county, in
1873, and have resided here ever since. Here they own a fine mill with four run of burrs,
doing a fine trade with the surrounding community, and shipping to more remote points.
Mr. King is also deeply interested in the culture of bees, and has an extensive apiary of fifty
hives, from which he realizes from one to two tons of honey annually. To Mr. and Mrs.
King have been bom two children: Mrs. Margaret Mentzer and Harry M. Our subject has
been successful in life, and has acquired a fine property in residences and lots in Newville,
besides the mill and farm where he resides. He is past master in the F. & A. M., and a
member of the Improved Order of Red Men.
GEORGE LANDIS, farmer, P. O. Newville, a son of George and Elizabeth Landis,
was born in Franklin County, Penn., January 30, 1836, his father dying a few days before.
Our subject came with his mother and other children (Jacob and Anna) to Mifflin Town-
ship, this county, in February, 1826. They were quite poor, and after coming to Mifflin
Township the mother supported her family by the labor of her own hands until they were
I
582 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
able to care for themselves. Mrs. Landis was married to John Negley about 1831, and by
him liiul one son: John, now a resident of South Middleton Township, this county. George
Ltindis remained with his step-father, worliingfor hi.s board and clothes, until he was thir-
teen years of age, when he was indentured to Andrew Snoke to learn the blacksmith's
trade, which apprenticeship he completed in four years, and then found himself the pos-
sessor of ,$100, having received $i'> per year for his services, he furnishing his own clothes.
He worked the next year for his brother .lacob, for $3 per month, nearly all of which he
saved, and then for five years worked in Newville, saving during that time enough money
to establish himself in business. Having won the affection of Elizabeth H. Hoover, they
were married, February 17, 1848, and in the spring moved to Mifflin Township, this coun-
ty, where Mr. Landis worked four years at his trade, and then purchased the farm now
owned by George Hosier. Full of enterprise, he rapidly improved his farm, for which he
)aid $1,S00, and a few years later sold it for $6,000. Since then he has purchased other
arms, and now owns not only his fine homestead in this township, but another farm in
Mifflin Township. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Landis, eight now liv-
ing: Margaret E., widow of John Lay; Eliza J., wife of P. A. Ployer; Levi F., married to
Mary A. Brehm; William H., married to Elizabeth Brehm; George A., married to Ella
Strohm; John M.; Harvey and Samuel (the last three named are still single). The success
of Mr. Landis has been phenomenal. He still does his own smithing, has followed the
trade in all forty-seven years, and is one of the oldest blacksmiths in the county.
JOSEPH A. LINDSAY, miller, P. O. Newville, is a great-grandson of Samuel Lind-
say, of Scotch origin, who early settled in this township and married Jane Martin, about
1766, and Ijy her had five children: William, Robert, Jane, Margaret and Nancy. Robert
Lindsay, who was a noted teacher in this county, married Elizabeth Conley, February 21,
1797, and was father of the following named children: Nancy, Joseph C., Samuel and
Lacy. Of these children Joseph C. (father of our subject), was born in West Pennsbor-
ough Township, this county, in 1802; learned the miller's trade at the Shellabarger Mills
(with the owners of that mill), and during his lite-time followed that occupation and at the
time of his death liad engaged forty years continuously in the business. He (Joseph C.)
was married December 34, 1829, to Elizabeth Shellabarger. born September 15, 1809, by
whom he had five children: Ann M., John, Lacy. Mary J. and Robert (the latter was
burned to death in the Hays Mill in Frankfort 'Township, this county, March 2, 1849).
The death of Joseph C. Lindsay's first wife occurred February 19, 1841, and September 20,
1845, he married Mrs. Barbara (Bear) Stevick (who by her first husband was the mother
of David B. and Sarah A . wife of W. Scott McGaw; David B. Stevick married Ellen
Black and resides in Carlisle). Mr. Lindsay's second marriage was blessed with one
child: Joseph A., born June 27, 1846. The second wife died in 1885. Our subject learned
his trade with his father and, after the death of the latter, purchased the mill, in 1880.
He was married, in 1867, to Clara, daughter of John and Rebecca Rhodes, residents near
Middle Spring, Franklin Co., Penn. Of the five children born to this union two are liv-
ing: Ralph and Laura.
GEORGE LINE, farmer. P. O. Greason, was born July 6, 1836, in Dickinson Town-
ship, tliis count}', son of David Line and grandson of William and great-grandson of
Oeorge Line, which William Line served as a minute man in the Revolutionary war. He
was in the service at the time of the Trenton and Princeton battles, and to his lot it fell
to take some of the Hessian prisoners as lal)orers on the farm. His sword is still held as
a relic of the family. William Line married Maria Bear, and their children were Emanuel,
George, David, Mrs Mary Spangler, Mrs. Catherine Eby, Mrs. Nancy Musselman, Mrs.
Sarah Tritt, Mrs. Susan Myers, Mrs. Rebecca Givler, Mrs. Lydia Myers and Mrs. Rachel
Snyder. David, sou of William Line, married Miss Sarah Myers, who bore him the fol-
lowing children: John (deceased). Dr. William Line (of Nebraska City, Neb.), George,
David. Samuel C, Mrs. Mary A. Greason (deceased), Mrs. Matilda Huston, Mrs. Sarah
Jane Huston and Frances (deceased). David Line died January 31, 1864; his widow fol-
lowed him June 1, 1882, aged eighty-one years. George, the son of David and Sarah
(Mvers) Line, married, November, 18cil, Mrs. Isabella W., daughter of Jonathan and Amy
(Spear) Huston, the former of whom, a native of this county, was a son of John and Mar-
garet (Huston) Huston; the latter, a native of Maine, came here with her mother and step-
father, Mr. Wheeler, who went the next year to Morgan County, Ohio. After living in
South Middleton Township, this county, until 1872, Mr. and Mrs. George Line settled per-
manently in West Pennsborough Township, this county, where they now reside and have
a fine farm of 136 acres, besides 100 acres in South Middleton Township, which 100 acres
is a part of the tract pnrcha>.ed from Gen. John Armstrong in 1778. Their living chil-
dren are Arthur Wing and Dionysius Page; four died of diphtheria within two weeks,
in October. 1862. Mr. Line has lived a long and useful life in this county; is a Repub-
lican in politics with strong temperance principles; is an upright, useful citizen.
JOHN A. LINE, farmer, P. O. Greason, was born April 9, 1834, on the homestead
farm, Dickinson Township, this county. During the time when the French Huguenots
were settling in Switzerland, George Line, a native of Switzerland, sailed, with liis wife
and son, for America, but died on ship-board, and his widow located in Lancaster County,
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 583
Penn., where tlie young lad George grew up, and in course of time married Salome Zim-
merman. He was for many years proprietor of the famous Green Gardens, in Lancaster
County, purchasing the property of Gen. Jolm Armstrong, in Dickinson Township, this
county, and settling here in 1778. He paid £9,000 Continental currency for the farm. Of
George and Salome Line's sons, George L. died November 5, 1885, David died in Lancaster
County, and William, Abraham and John lived in Diclcinson Townsliip, this county.
John married Miss Anna Barbara Le Pevre, and had three daughters: Salome (deceased),
Mrs. Catharine Tritt (deceased), and Mrs. Mary Coulter, now living in Vermillion, Mar-
shall County, Kas. ; and three sons: George L., Daniel, burned to death in childhood, and
John, who settled in Warren County, 111. George L. Line married Miss Maria Line,
daughter of Emanuel Line and granddaughter of William Line, and to this union were
born four children: Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hemminger, John A., Emanuel C. and Abraham L.
Mrs. Line died November 37, 1869. John A., the eldest son, completed his education by
takinga short course at Good Hope Academy and in White Hall Academy, near Harris-
burg, Penn. He married, December 29, 1868, Miss Mary B. Bowman, and March 30, 1869,
they settled where they now reside, in West Pennsborough Townsliip, this county, and
have a fine farm of 83 acres of fertile and well-improved land. Their children are Miriam
(deceased), Herman Bowman, Charles Eugene and John Raymond. Mrs. Line is a
consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Line, formerly a Republican in politics,
is now a Prohibitionist. He has served his township in various official positions. He
took a thorough course in civil engineering and does a large business as surveyor in this
county.
JOHN K. LONQNBCKER, farmer, P. O. Plainfield, was born September 39, 1839, in
West Pennsborough Township, this county. His father, Benjamin Longnecker, a son of
Isaac Longnecker, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and an early settler in the lower
part of Cumberland County, was born near Fairview, this county, and there married Miss
Mary Reif, a native of Middleton. Dauphin Co., Penn., and settled permanently in Plain-
field in 1833, where they died — Mr. Longnecker March 11, 1869, and his widow in 1885,
aged eighty -five years. They reared nine of their eleven children: Mrs. Nancy Howen-
stine, of IJecatur, 111.; Mrs. Mary Bear, of Wichita, Kas.; Mrs. Catharine Bear; Mrs.
Eliza Strohm; Mrs. Susan James (deceased); Mrs. Rebecca Carl (deceased); Sarah; Ben-
jamin P., of Decatur. 111. ; and John K. At nineteen our subject engaged in teaching,
and after following the profession four years, completed his education in the State Nor-
mal School, at Millersvillc; then continued teaching at Plainfield seven years, making
eleven years in all in the place. He enlisted Octobi^r 16, 1863, in the One Hundred and
Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; served under Gen. Poster, at Mid-
dlebury, N. C., I being detailed as clerk in the quartermaster's department during the en-
tire term of service. He married Miss Sarah Belle PefEer, of Dickinson Township, this
county, January 5, 1865, and then settled where he now resides, on the old family home-
stead. 'They own here a farm of 70 acres, with handsome residence and buildings, all of
which they have acquired by their own industry. To them have been born four children:
Benjamin H., Mary R., Myrtle B. and Willie P. (deceased). Mr. Longnecker is a Repub-
lican in politics. He has served as school director five years and takes a deep interest in
the cause of education.
BENJAMIN McKEEHAN, farmer, P. O. Kerrsville, Is a grandson of Benjamin Mc-
Keehan, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, whose first settlement in Cumberland
County, Penn., was near the Conodoguinet, in what is now West Pennsborough Town-
ship. At that time he was only eleven years of age, but three brothers came with him:
John, James and Alexander; they were the possessors of plenty of ready money, for an
immense tract of land was purchased, extending from within a half mile from Newville
to Mount Rock. Benjamin McKeehan was a Revolutionary soldier, and after the close
of the war returned to this township; a few years later he married Margaret Wilson, and
their first daughter. Mary, was born June 15, 1783, followed by the birth of Chrissy in
1784, Jane in 1787, John in 1789, William in 1793, and Margaret in 1797. This pioneer
couple died, the father October 33, 1814, and the mother April 34, 1839. The youngest
son (father of our subject) was married, in 1833, to Rebecca, daughter of James McManes,
who came from Ireland when a young man, and settled near Plainfield; was married to
Ann Holtsoppel, and had the following children: Irvin, Esther, Rebecca and John. To
William McKeehan and wife six children were born: Margaret, Benjamin, Thaddeus S.,
Orizzell, Reheoca C. and Jane M. Thaddeus S. was a volunteer in Company E, One
Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry, and fell in the memorable bat-
tle of Antietam, upon which bloody field he was buried. William McKeehan lived a long
and useful life, and died in April, 1871. His good widow finds a pleasant home with her
son and daughter in the old mansion where her married life has been spent, and has
passed her eighty-first birthday, having lived to see Cumberland Valley transformed from
a forest into elegant farms, dotted with fine residences and prosperous villages. The
children are of that intelligent class that may be expected from those who carry in their
veins the blood of a Revolutionary soldier.
JOHN D. MAINS, farmer, Newville, was born in 1853, at Shippensburg, within a
short distance of the Cumberland County line. His great-grandfather, Marshall M.
584 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Mains, came with his family from BucIjb County, Penn., almost a century ago, and of his
children Marshall M. (grandfather of subject) married, and had the following children:
Marshall M.,. William, Qriselda and Sarah; of these William and Marshall inherited the
large farm near the then village of Shippensburg. The elder son married Sarah M. Bell,
by whom he had five sons and two daughters: Thomas B. (enlisted in the Second New
York Cavalry, and, for bravery, was promoted first lieutenant of a colored regiment, and
met his death while gallantly fighting in the battle of the Wilderness), William J., James
M., John D. (ovir subject), Robert K., Jane M. and Margaret S. On the maternal side
Mrs. Mains was a direct descendant of the Dunlaps, who for more than a century lived in
West Pennsborough Township, and in their day were a numerous and influential family.
John D. was in hia third year when his mother died, and he then came to reside with
John, Sarah, Nancy and Mary Dunlap, who lived in Mr. Mains' present residence, and
here he was reared and educated. Sarah Dunlap, who was born in the old log house
that stands near by, in 1792, died at the patriarchal age of ninety-three. John D. Mains
became heir in part to the original Dunlap estate. Our subject chose farming; was mar-
ried, December 1, 1875, to Emma J., daughter of David G. and Griselda (Linn) Duncan.
Their married life has been passed on the fine farm previously mentioned, and their chil-
dren—Glenn D., Sarah G., Robert M. and Thomas B.— were the first born in a house that
for three-quarters of a century has been occupied by a renowned family.
ALEXANDER S. MONTGOMERY, farmer, P. O. Newville, is a grandson of James
Montgomery, who was married, April 30, 1813, to Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander and
Sarah Scroggs, who, at that date, owned all the land on both sides of the spring in the
neighborhood where our subject resides. Alexander Scroggs, who, in an early day,
always carried his trusty rifle on his back while plowing, one day discovered what he
thought to be a painted savage following him while at work. The sharp crack of the rifle
announced the shot that laid the marauder low, and after washing ofi the paint, Mr.
Scroggs found that a white man instead of an Indian had attempted to murder him. On
this farm bushels of arrow-heads have been unearthed, which were probably made and
hidden by the Indians in an early day. Alexander Scroggs died in 1836, aged nearly sev-
enty-seven years; his wife died in 1804. They reared a numerous family, the descendants
of whom are all now deceased but our subject, who is also the last of the Montgomery
family. James Montgomery and wife had two children: Robert and Sarah J. (married to
A. L. Irvin in 1839). Robert was born September 13, 1814, and married, in 1847, Rachael
Thompson, who was born in 1813, and to this union were born Elizabeth, Alexander S.
and Jane. The eldest daughter is the wife of S. M. Skinner, with whom Jane resides.
All were born in the ancestral Scroggs mansion, which, in an early day. was used as a fort
in which the family were frequently sheltered from the Indians. Robert Montgomery,
the father, died April 11, 1879, and his wife October 30, 1862. Alexander 8.. the only son
of this couple, was born March 17, 1851; was married November 14, 1877, to Clara,
daughter of John and Maria Elliott, residents at that time of Plainfield, this county.
The union of this young couple was blessed with three children: Sarah J., Rachael M.
and Clara E., all of whom were born on the homestead, where four generations of the
family have been born, and of which Mr. Montgomery is sole heir, who, no doubt, vrill,
in his turn, transmit it to his children. In 1873 Robert Montgomery was elected associate
judge, serving out his term with distinction. As a man and jurist he occupied the high-
est place in the estimation of the public, for his oflBclal life was characterized by many
acts of kindness and public spirit.
MRS. EMILY W. MYERS, P. O. Newville, was born near Big Spring, Cumberland
County, Penn., July 12, 1849, youngest daughter of Joseph and Mary S. (Woodburn)
McKee, and was married, July 31, 1872, to John B. Myers, son of John B. and Eve
(Bower) Myers, and born October 31, 1834. The original John B. Myers was of German
descent; came to this county from Lancaster County, Penn., more than a century ago. He
was the father of the following named children: John B., William A., Samuel, Catharine,
Anna, Elizabeth, Maria, Sarah and Agnes. He purchased a farm (a part of the original
Schuyler tract), and was one of the few who were able to withstand the terrible financial
depression following the Revolutionary war, when the Continental money became worth-
less, and men holding thousands of dollars were reduced to poverty by the depreciation
of this currency. Full of enterprise Mr. Myers pushed bravely on, and instilled in his
son the same enthusiasm characteristic of his race and name, and succeeded in holding
the property and becoming quite wealthy. After the marriage of John B. Myers, Jr.,
and wife, they commenced their domestic life on the pleasant homestead where the widow
still resides. Up to the age of forty-five years he had long resisted the match-making
mammas, but the many charms of Miss McKee won him from the ranks of batchelordom,
and to the time of his death occasion never arose for regret that he had formed this
alliance with a daughter of one of the oldest and most noted families in Cumberland Valley.
Mr. Myers was a successful farmer. He and his wife, devout members of the United Pres-
byterian denomination, were prominent in church work. Retiring in manner Mr. Myers
had great love for home, his wife and his children — Mary E., Harriet J., Joseph Mc, John
B., Sarah J. and Maggie Y., all living but John B. and Maggie. March 21, 1884, the
death of the kind husband and father occurred, since which time Mrs. Myers has man-
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 585
aged the farm, her husband having such confidence In her ability that she was left sole
executor, and well does she preform her trust. Her home is neat, cheery and attractive,
and the bright children evince a careful training.
In connection with this sketch Mrs. Myers says: "I consider it very important in
writing the biography of the lives of different persons to linow f or what purpose they
have lived, whether the life of each has been a success or a failure, a blessing or a curse.
In writing my own history, I would, in the spirit of meekness and deep hum ility, say
that my object in life has not been to accumulate riches, neither have I coveted the hon-
ors and emoluments of this world, nor was it any good in me but through the free grace
and loving kindness of our Heavenly Father. I was led in very early life to accept the
Savior, and ever since my heart's desire and prayer have been that I might be instrumental
in leading precious souls to Christ, independent of rank or station, color or nation. Much
of my time and means has been employed in devising ways by which the cause of mis-
sions might be more rapidly advanced, thereby bringing glory to God and so rescue the
perishing. And last, not least does my soul go out to the glorious temperance cause, and
oh! how I long to be helpful in emancipating the millions of precious souls who are held
captive under the terrible curse of the rum traflBc, and which is sweeping over our beloved
land like a mighty flood; the sin, if not being repented, will bring down the vengeance of
an offended Deity, and cause this great Nation to be obliterated from the face of the earth.
I would add, in conclusion, when we were married my husband was not a Christian. I
officiated as priest at the family altar and at the family board, and, having grace admin-
istered to discharge my duty faithfully, I soon had the sweet consciousness of being the
feeble instrument in my husband's conversion, and had his dying testimony as I saw his
spirit leave the clay tabernacle to that ' house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.' These few facts I have hastily penned, in the hope they may be productive of
good as a stimulus and encouragement to some devoted wife who has an unregenerate hus-
band, and as a legacy to my children to follow in my footsteps only in as far as I have fol-
lowed Christ, and my earnest desire has been that each of tbeir lives may be one constant
sacrifice to labor for the Savior who has bought them at such an immense cost, even the
shedding of His own precious blood."
BENJAMIN MYERS, retired, P. O. Big Spring, was born April 8, 1816, on the home-
stead owned by John Armstrong. Rev. Abraham Myers was the first of the Myers fam-
ily to come to this county, probably in 1760, and was the first minister of the United
Brethren faith in this locality. He subsequently married a Miss Baker, who bore him
tliree sons: Abraham, Benjamin and John. The reverend gentleman not only engaged in
farming, but for many years rode over a large territory while preaching, and his own
house was one of the regular appointments. He died about 1835. Abraham, the eldest
son, was born in 1789 on the farm now owned by Mrs. James Greason. He was married
to Nancy Myers, whose parents were also early settlers in the valley. Mr. and Mrs.
Abraham Myers settled on the farm now owned by John Armstrong, and there reared a
family of seven children: Samuel, James, Benjamin, Abraham, William G., Mary A. and
Elizabeth. Of this family, William G., an M. D., practiced medicine for many years in
this county, and now resides near Carlisle with his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Hosier. The
other sons were farmers, but Benjamin is the only one residing in this township. In 1847
our subject married Mary, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Raber, of York County, Penn.
(both now deceased), and to this union were born Samuel, George, Alfred, Joseph, John,
Benjamin, Abraham, James, Ellen, Annie, Concordia W. and Flora. Mr. Myers' married
life was begun on his father's homestead, but three years later he purchased an adjacent
farm, and in 1855 bought his present home, wliere for so many years he has lived and
prospered. Some of the children are in the West, doing well, and those remaining with
the parents make joynus the old home hallowed by so many pleasant memories.
LEVON H. ORRIS, farmer, Newville, was born October 10, 1834, in Lizertzburg.
His great-grandparents, with their children, were forced to fly from Ireland, leaving be-
hind them a large estate. When Christopher Orris (grandfather of subject) was a mere
lad he came to North Middleton Township, this county, and remained in the employment
of Abraham Wagner until his marriage with Anna M. Bistllne. John, the eldest son, was
born in August, 1S09, followed by Elizabeth, Margaret, Maria, Christopher, Sarah A.,
Catharine, Susan, George B. and Zacharias. When the war of 1812 broke out Christopher
Orris started to Carlisle, intending to volunteer, but the tears and entreaties of his wife and
young children caused him to relinquish the idea. He was a good man and reared his
family in the Lutheran faith, of which church he was a member. John Orris was married
October 10, 1833, to Elizabeth Koser, whose people were among the first settlers in the
neighborhood, and many of the relationship are yet residents of Cumberland County.
Levon H., Margaret and Rebecca were born prior to their parents' removal to Frankford
Township, near the Lutheran Church, where the other children were born: John, Eliza
J. and Sylvester, all now deceased, Sylvester dying in defense of his country at Alexan-
dria, Va., during the late Rebellion. Levon H. Orris learned the tailor's trade with his
father, working for him until 1855, when he married Nancy A., daughter of Moses and
Maria'(Sullenborger) Whistler, when he began farming in Mifflin Township on his wife's
land. In 1859 he purchased a nice farm in Frankford Township, this county, residing
586 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
there twenty-one years, during which time John 8., Harvey H,, Levon H. and Nannie M.
were born (the birth of the first child occurring ten years after marriage). Mr. Orris has
not only been a very enterprising man, but a liberal one, and many have liad cause to re-
member him with gratitude. Mr. Orris lias filled many ofiBces of trust, and was chosen to
represent the Democratic parly as treasurer from a list of twenty-two candidates, was
elected by a good majority in iy73. and served his official term with credit. In 1881 he
purchased his present farm near Newville, and pays attention entirely to agriculture and
stock-raising.
MERViN LIND8EY RALSTON, farmer, P. O. Carlisle, was born in West Penns-
borough Township, tliis county, February 1.5, 1857. His futlier. Andrew Ralston, a son
of David and Lucy (McAllister) Ralston, was born in MifHin Township, this county, Oc-
tober 6, 1827, and was married February 26, 1852, to Jane E. Lindsey, a native of West
Pennsborough Township, this county, and daughter of James Lindsey. She died Feb-
ruary 36, 1857. Of their children, Mervin L., the subjectof this sketch, is the only sur-
vivor. After the death of his first wife, Andrew Ralston married Miss Anna B. Mc-
Elwaine, who died, leaving three ehildren: Joseph B., Ella N. and Harry M. Andrew
Ralston departed this life July 1, 1885. After the death of his mother Mervin L. Ralston
was reared in tlie family of his uncle, James M. Ralston, in Dickinson Township, this
county, until he was nine years of age; since then he has resided on his father's old farm,
which he now owns, having purchased the other heirs' interest in the same. He has here
a line farm of 102 acres of fertile and well improved land. March 15, 1883, Mr. Ralston
married Josephine DuflEy and they have one daughter: Florence L Our subject is an en-
terprising, successful young farmer, an upright and useful citizen, highly respected by
the community in which he lives.
JOSEPH RITNER (deceased), ex-governor of Pennsylvania, was born where the city
of Reading, Berks Co., Penn., now stands, March 25, 1780. His grandfather, John
Ritner, a descendant of one of the notile families of Silesia, located for some time in
Alsace, then a part of France, but afterward came to America and settled in Berks County,
Penn.; his son, Michael, who was a soldier of distinction in the Revolution, serving until
its close, swam Long Island Sound, being one of the very few that escaped by that route,
and he was in the service at the time of the birth of his illustrious son. He followed the
trade of weaver, locating in turn at Lancaster, Carlisle and York, where he died. Our
subject, at twelve years of age, was hired out by his father to Jacob Myers, a farmer
near Churchtown, this county, but who afterward moved to near Newville, and there Joseph
Ritner lived until his marriage. May 26, 1801, wi'h Miss Susan, daughter of Jacob Alter.
In 1803 they moved to Westmoreland County, Penn., with her father, of whom Mr. Ritner
bought a tract of land in Washington County (about six miles west of Washington and
three north of Taylorstown), and there devoted himself to the development of his estate;
he served under Qen. Harrison in the war of 1813; was nominated to the Legislature, with-
out his knowledge, in 1831, on the Democratic ticket, and triumphantly elected. He was
re-elected six consecutive terms, serving as speaker three terms, lieing unanimously elected
the last time — the only instance on record in this State. He was a candidate of the Dem-
ocratic Anti-Masonic party for governor in 1839, 1833 and 1835, being elected the last
time. The acts of his administration were in the highest degree beneficial to the people
of Pennsylvania. It was during this time (in 1836) that the present efficient school law
was finally enacted and the State debts reduced over $100,000, a striking contrast to the
administration immediately preceding and succeeding. He took a decided stand against
the formation of monopolies in coal, land and railroads; opposed re-chartering State
banks, then making application, and pointed out the evils that would result if they were
successful. His veto was disregarded, and the evils he predicted speedily followed, causing
general financial distress throughout the State. The great statesman, Thaddeus Stevens, was
his intimate friend, and the plans marked out by Gov. Ritner were generally followed by
Mr. Stevens. Of the circumstances of his last race, in 1838, it is sufficient to say that had
there been a more fair and honest election the State might have been spared the unfortu-
nate administration of Gov. Porter. At the close of his term Mr. Ritner purchased the
bank farm, formerly owned by Gen. Foster, at Mount Rock, West Pen nsborough Town-
ship, this county, where he resided the remainder of his life. He was an intimate friend
of Gen. Harrison, who favored him whenever the opportunity offered. He devoted his
attention to managing his estate until his retirement in 1848, continuing to take an active
interest in public affairs. He lived a temperate and regular life, enjoying robust health.
Personally he was of medium stature and portly build, weighing about 240 pounds during
the latter half of his life. Pie passed away painlessly, through natural decaj', ending his
eventful and useful life October 19, 1869, in his ninetieth year. Gov. Ritner was a man of
clear, quick perceptions, strong and persevering will, and of unimpeachable honesty,
ever interested in the welfare of the people. He was opposed to the institution of slavery,
a foe to secession, and at the decline of the Whig party became a Repul)lican. During
his service in the Legislature he was cotemporary with Dr. Jesse R. Burden, William M.
Meredith, Joel B. Sutherland, Jonathan Roberts, James L. Gillelen and other illustrious
men, from among whom he was chosen to the highest positions and received the most dis-
tinguished honors. Gov. Ritner's beloved wife died in 1853. They reared nine children,
WEST PENNSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP. 587
all of whom reared families but one— Josepli, a graduate of the Uniled States Military
Academy at West Point, but who resigned from the army, married, and took a professor-
ship in Washington College; afterward received a commission as first lieutenant in the
army, but died at home, in 1833, before assuming his duties; he hart served with great dis-
tinction in the Black Hawk war. Abraham, a conductor on the Cumberland Valley Rail-
road, died at Chambei-sburg, Penn., in 1853; Henry was killed by a railroad accident at Bur-
lington, Iowa, in 1863; Michael died in Bloomtield, N.J. , in 1873, was a civd engineer on the
Morris & Essex Railroad; Jacob, a farmer, died in South MiddletonTp., this county, in 1871;
Mrs. Susan Kreichbaum died in 1854; Emma died in 1876; Mrs. Margaret Alter is now liv-
ing at Kirkwood, Mo. ; and Peter, the only surviving son, and who was born September 13,
1818, in Washington County, Penn., completed his education under Prof. Alfred Armstrong,
of Harrisburg, Penn., came to West Pennsborough Township, this county, with his
father, in 1839, and here cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison in 1840, and has supported
the Whig and Republican parties ever since. He remained on this farm with his father,
which place he purchased in 1856, and still owns, having here a fine farm of 156 acres.
He married, February 16, 1843, Miss Mary Jane, daughter of William Davidson, and who
died June 5, 1845, leaving one son, William D., now a clerk in the Treasury Department
at Washington, D. C. Mr. Ritner married, in 1848, Miss Amelia Jane, daughter of Alex-
ander Davidson, and she died October 18, 1870, leaving four children: Anna M., Mary D.,
Walter Clark and Joseph Alexander, having lost three in infancy. Mr. Ritner subse-
quently married, November, 1873, Mrs. Jane Mary McKeehan. Mr. and Mrs. Ritner and
daughters are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a worthy descendant of a noble
father, a man of education and wide influence.
JACOB G. SHAW, farmer, P. O. Newville, was born in Penn Township, this county,
July 10, 1838. His grandfather came to Cumberland County in 1793, emigrating from Ire-
land, was married to Hannah Rippet in 1803, and had the following children: John F.,
Isabella, Mary A., James R., Alexander, Joseph and Benjamin. (The last named was
killed by Indians while trading between Fort Leavenworth and Santa Fe.) James R.,
subject's father, a native of Penn Township, this county, married Catharine Goodheart,
after attaining his majority, and had four children: Hannah A., Mary M., Jacob G. and
Joseph A. (he was one of 'the brave soldiers who fell during the civil war; he enlisted
in 1862, and after his term had expired re-enlisted for three years in Company D, One
Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and in 1864 met his death
at the battle of Weldon Railroad, Va.) Jacob G. was reared on a farm, attended the pub-
lic schools, completing his education in the normal school, and for twelve years engaged
in teaching in this county. December 21, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane
M., daughter of William and Rebecca McKeehan, of West Pennsborough Tp., this county,
and who were among the most prominent of the pioneer families' in Cumberland Valley.
To this union have been born the following named children: Ira E., Ralph Mc. and Jesse
H. One term of school was taught after Jacob G. Shaw's marriage, when his inclination
turned to agriculture, and he purchased the handsome farm on which he resides, and in
1872 donned the habiliments of a grander, and with the energy characteristic of his people
has made this business a success. He is now serving his third term as an official in the
public schools of this township. „, . „
ISAAC D. STEINBR, farmer, P. O. Plainfield, was born July 26, 1845, m Upper Allen
Township, this county, son of Dietrich and Mary (Kaufman) Steiner, natives of York County,
Penn., who located in Upper Allen Township, this county, about 1830, and here resided
nntil their death, Mr. Steiner dying in 1863, and his widow in 1864; they reared seven of
their eleven children. Our subject, the next to the youngest, was brought up on his
father's farm and attended the schools of the home district. He followed lumbering six
years in Cameron, Elk and Clearfield Counties, Penn., and one year in northern Michi-
gan. Returning to Cumberland County, he married.'December 28, 1875, Miss Rebecca
Jane Waggoner, of North Middleton Township, this county, daughter of the well-known
Jacob Waggoner. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Steiner have resided in Middlesex
Township six years and in West Pennsborough Township eight years. Their children are
Anna Mary, Robert W. and Clara Blanche. Mr. Steiner is a Republican in politics and
takes a deep interest in public affairs. He has served his township in various offices of trust.
GEORGE STROHM, manufacturer, Plainfield, was born September 18, 1815, in Leb-
anon County Penn., son of George and Mary (Nipe) Strohm, natives of the same county,
and who settled in Frankford Township, this county, in 1819, where they spent the active
part of their lives but afterward moved to North Middleton Township, where George
Strohm Sr died January 6, 1864, in his eighty-second year, and his widow February 5,
1866 in'her'seventy-flfth year. They were the parents of the following named children:
Mrs.' Susan Shaw (deceased), George, Mrs. Mary Wagner, William, Mrs. Sarah Wagner,
Mrs Eliza Wagner Mrs. Anna Wetzel. John (died at Decatur, 111.), Mrs. Catharine
Priest (deceased) Mrs. Leah Barnetts(of Decatur, 111.). Mrs. Rebecca McKeehan (deceased)
and David (died at Decatur, 111.). Our subject was united in marriage, February 1,1838, with
Miss Eliza Longnecker, and resided on the farm until 1848, when he followed fence-mak-
ing for several years. About 1854 Mr. Strohm began wagon-making at West Hill, this
township gradually enlarging his business (by making buggies, sleighs, carriages, etc.)^
588 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and in 1860 established his present coach shop at Plainfleld, this county, purchasing a
farm, adjoining, of 36 acres, to which he has since added 37 acres more. His trade has
steadily increased, so that he is now occupying three buildings and employing from eigtit
to ten hands. He has admitted into partnership his son, David, who has worked in the
establishment for twenty-one years, since he was twelve years old. They do a large busi-
ness, making carriages, buggies, spring wagons and sleighs, and keep a complete line of
light vehicles. Their goods have an excellent reputation for first-class material and supe-
rior workmanship, and they supply a large domestic trade for Cumberland. Perry and
Adams Counties, besides shipping to the Bast and West. To Mr. and Mrs. Strohm were
born nine children: Mrs. Mary Ann James, Benjamin (of Battle Creek, Iowa), Mrs. Sarah
Jane Myers (of Carey, Ohio), Joseph Silas, George (of Battle Creek, Iowa), David E.,
John W., Horace L. (of Anthony, iKas.) and Mrs. Lizzie G. Paul (of Wellington, Kas.). Mr.
and Mrs. Strohm are members of the Church of God. He is an upright, useful citizen,
and enjoys the respect and esteem of the community.
JOSHUA E. VAN CAMP, physician and surgeon, Plainfleld, was born February 32,
1844, in Perry County, Penn., son of William and Melvina (Huffman) Van Camp, natives
of the same county. Amongthe Holland settlers in Delaware was a family of Van
Camps. Three of the sons, William, Maj. Moses and Jacobus, were farmers, and were
among the Indian fighters of the early colonial wars and also of the Revolution. Their
history is very fully depicted in Dr. Egle's History of Pennsylvania. William, above men-
tioned, was the great-grandfather of our subject through his son Andrew and grandson
William, who all lived in Perry County, Penn., and the original estate is still in posses-
sion of the family. The property is on the Juniata, within four miles of Newport. There
our subject was brought up among the wild beauties of one of nature's most charming
spots. After completing the course the schools of the home district afforded him, he took
a literary course at the Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. He took up the study of med-
icine in the spring of 1867, under Dr. J. E. Singer, of Newport, and graduated from the
Michigan University, with the degree of M. D., March 30, 1870. After practicing two
years in Markelsville, Perry Co., Penn., he located in Plainfleld, this county, in 1873, and
practiced his chosen profession. He has made a fine reputation as a skillful and scien-
tific physician, and has built up a large and influential practice. In the fall of 1880, the
Doctor established a drug and grocery store, which he still carries on. He was married,
November 8, 1870, to Miss Rachael M., daughter of David Keiser, of Middlesex Township,
this county, and to this union have been born three children: David W., Anna M. and
Rosa Alberta. During the late war, Dr. Van Camp enlisted, in August, 1863, in Company
H, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and parti-
cipated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Cliancellorsville; re-enlisted in September,
1864, in Company E, Two Hundred and Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan-
try, and took part in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Fort Steadman, Black Water and the
final charge on Petersburg. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, with
rank of sergeant.
RICHET WOODS, the first of this name to locate in this neighborhood, came from
Scotland, more than a century ago, and took up the lands on which the family still resides.
Richey Woods remained a bachelor; his nephew, Nathan Woods, married Jean Means
and reared five children: Nathan J. Ramsey, Richard C, Joseph McCord, Martha J. and
Margaret R. Of these Nathan J. Ramsey married Charlotte H., daughter of Jonathan
and Eliza Holmes, of this county, and granddaughter of Commodore Richard O'Brien, a
man, the merits of whose public services were acknowledged by four successive Presidents.
He died February 16, 18:24. Nathan J. Ramsey Woods engaged in teaching school at
Huntingdon, Penn., but after his marriage came to the ancestral home of his father and
engaged in farming. On the manor farm have been four generations of the Woods, the last
being the children of our subject: Nalhan, Holmes. Elizabeth, Jennie, James, O'Brien and
Lottie, of whom James, O'Brien and Lottie survive. Nathan J. Ramsey Woods was an ardent
Democrat, a Presbyterian by faith, and a practical business man. He died January 28,
1866. The massive stone structure in which the family reside was completed in 1813, and
in all possibility will remain a landmark and as a monument to uncle Richey for a cen-
tury to come.
ANDREW YOUNG, farmer, P. 0. Plainfleld, is a native of York County, where he
resided until 1853. His father, Abraham Young, who resided in York County during the
war of 1813, married Miss Elizabeth Glessing and reared six children, five of whom are
living: Mrs. Lydia Yinger, J )lin, Joshua, Andrew and Mrs. Catherme Ward. Mr. and
Mrs. Young located in West Pennsborouah 'Township, this county, in 1853, and here resided
until their death, the former dying in IS"?!, and the latter in .Tune, 1878, «ach about eighty
years of age. Our subject remained on the family homestead, taking care of his aged
parents. In the fall of 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Warner, of this
county, who died February 14, 1871, leaving three children: Charles Edwin (deceased), an
infant son and Arldie Jusiina. Mr. Young'was again married. March 19, 1878, tills time
to Miss Eliza Jane, daughter of George C. Carothers. The children born to this union are
Pearlie Catharine and an infant, latter deceased. Mr. Young owns the homestead farm
consisting of seventy acres of well improved land. He is a life-long Republican. Mrs.
Young is a member of the Evangelical Association.
PART III.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
lA
History of Adams County,
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTOEY.
I.
THE interest excited among the good people of Adams County in the year
of the Nation's Centennial, by the action of Congress and the President of
the United States, was most timely fortunate in arousing the attention of those
citizens who could rescue from a fast coming total obliyion many of the im-
portant facts and dates of the early settlement and times of this portion of the
State. The history harvest had grown over-ripe, an'd already the golden grains
had begun to fall to the ground and waste, before the Centennial reaper and
gleaner came. Nearly a century and a half had been reeled off into Time' s swift
flying shuttle. Generations had been born, grew to lusty, struggling life, and
then joined the silent multitude. The busy, ceaseless loom of the universe had
beaten and interlaced as one the webb and woof of history, the record of living
man, that strange eventful story that historians are always telling and that is
never told.
But for this action of the Centennial year, the best efforts now of the histo-
rians would have been but shreds and patches of history of the eventful times
of the earliest settlers ; an incoherent story, mostly, ' ' without form, and void, ' '
so swiftly does Time cover with impenetrable oblivion the flitting ages.
Innumerable details of the first half century had already been irretrievably
lost; details that the annalist of a hundred years ago would have deemed
tedious or trifling, and probably passed by in silence; but the very abun-
dance of these details now would be the richest materials to the hands of the his-
torian, of absorbing interest, ' and laden with instruction to the people of
this generation. Among others the Hon. Edward McPherson, H. J. Stable, D.
S. Buehler, John A. Eenshaw (of Pittsburgh), Hon. John K. Longwell, of
Westminster, Md. , Eev. J. K. Demarest, Eev. W. S. Van Cleve and J. S. Gitt
have gathered and at times have had published in the Gettysburg Compiler,
and in the Star and Sentinel, many valuable facts, from ancient family papers,
documents and the oldest records in this county, and in York County, and the
recollections of themselves and the many descendants of the early pioneers, now
4 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
growing to be tremulous, veneraljle and white haired men. Their publications
in the local papers created a wide-spread interest among all classes of people,
and ancient Bibles, old account books and yellowed manuscripts, that had lain in
darkness and untouched for generations, were eagerly overhauled, and valuable
facts brought to light; old grave -yards were visited and the fast fading inscrip-
tions upon the crumbling stones above the dead were closly scanned and many
dates and facts here secured for the historian, that the rust of a decade more of
years would have blotted out forever. There are many others than those named
above to whose intelligent researches and recollections of the olden times these
pages are deeply indebted, and to whom we here return generous thanks;
many of these the reader will find in the credits given to them on the pages
where facts furnished are given. To the leading citizens of the county every-
where are due lasting obligations for the valuable and willing aid and the cor-
dial reception given the corps of laborers engaged in the preparation of the
work.
II.
We have attempted in this work to do more than to merely give in the order
the annals of the people, commencing with the earliest settlers and bringing
the account to the present time — we present the varied pictures of that pan-
orama of the generations, and then assign events and their results, and draw
truthful deductions, and trace actions to that large and broad field that adds
something to real history, the molding and influencing the human mind, that
subtle power that has slowly but surely laid the foundations and built thereon
the present and the coming civilization that is sun-lit with man's best future
hopes and aspirations, and whose distant murmurs are music to the true phi-
losopher's soul, like unto the " multitudinous laughter of the sea waves."
The difficulties in the pathway of the annalist, or the historian, are great
and varied. He shoiild be a stranger to all the prejudices, passions, loves and
hates, idols and the despised of those of whom he writes. He must accept no
conclusions of the greatness or meanness of the contemporaries, as the interested
and prejudiced judgments of men of the times of which he writes. He must
hear all sides patiently and then form his conclusions without a trace of the bias
of those who bring him the account. He must keenly distinguish between real
greatness and noisy notoriety, and, hence, he must not be a man-worshiper.
He must absorb all the facts and reject the coloring that comes of precon-
ceived prejudices.
To these he must add the power to picture to his readers the people as they
actually lived, dressed, worked, played, loved and hated, moved and acted,
publicly and privately, and this picture should be like the impression of the
picture upon your mind of the friend from whom you have just parted on the
street.
When this has been done, there then comes the most difficult part of all;
namely, to apply effects to causes, and trace these subtle and far-reaching in-
fluences and correctly join them together, interpret them to demonstrations
about which there can be no more future field for argument and disputation
than there is about a demonstration in a problem in mathematics.
The historian cannot stop with the relation of the mere facts as he finds
them in tradition and in the annals as written by eye witnesses of occurring
events. He must interpret all afresh, and properly divine causes and tenden-
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 5
cies. _ So immeasurably large is the field before him that he cannot institute
new inquiries as to facts, but must accept these as they come to him, though
he may well know how uncertain the most of them are. He sits in the high
court of last appeal, recasting the characters of the men and women who lived
and acted in the periods of which he investigates, condemning and praising,
and telling why they acted as they did, and what has come to their fellow-man
as the results of their existence here upon the earth.
III.
It is impossible to form a just judgment of these men if we confine our
investigations and circumscribe our view to the day they are found in this new,
wild country. Such a study would fill us with error, and we would rise from
the perusal of such a history with grotesque and irrelevant conclusions, and
that would be unjust to the memories of our forefathers and a wrong to our-
selves and future generations.
There must be some general comprehension of that age — the bent of the
world's controlling peoples, and the mighty religious struggles that were at
that time culminating in drama, tragedy, blood and revolutions, and in the
end liberty for all mankind. When William Penn was traveling through the
Old World hunting for recruits for his province, it must be remembered that the
"flaming sword" was uplifted high; a religious frenzy had seized the people;
the soldiers marched the public streets and drove the people to attendance upon
divine worship ; turmoil and frenzy reigned supreme, and the wildest insanity
was turned loose. There was no separation between theory and practice,
between private and public life, between the spiritual and temporal. Inspired
corporals in the army clambered into the pulpits and launched the thunders of
God's wrath at the heads of their superior officers. The historian Neal, in
speaking of England, says : ' ' They wished to apply Scripture to establish the
kingdom of heaven upon earth ; to institute not only a Christian Church, but a
Christian society; to change the law into a guardian of morals, to compel men
to piety and virtue ; and for a while they succeeded in it. " * * Then the
discipline of the church was at an end. There was nevertheless an uncommon
spirit of devotion among all people; the Lord's Day was observed with re-
markable strictness; the churches were crowded three and four times a day;
there was no traveling on the roads or walking in the fields.
Religious exercises were set up in private families; family prayers, repeat-
ing sermons, reading the Scripttires and singing psalms were so universal that
these were the only sounds you could hear in. the city on the Lord's Day.
Theaters were razed and actors whipped at the cart's tail. Parliament set
apart one day of each week to the consideration of the progress of religion,
and the species of speeches delivered the moment this subject was entered
upon were wild, incoherent, ranting and savage denunciations of real and
imaginary sins against subtle and curious dogmas; and bills of attainder and
the penalties of the stocks, whipping post, burning holes in the tongue with
hot irons, slitting the ear and nose, throwing into dungeons, and banishment
and death for the most trivial offenses of speech or acts were the daily and
hourly transactions everywhere. In order to reach crime more surely they
punished pleasure. Human ingenuity was exhausted in the hunt for victims
to consign to the mo.st shocking punishments.
But they were unlike all other religious fanatics who had yet appeared, for
0 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
while tbey were austere against others, they were equally so against them-
selves, and they practiced the virtues they exacted. Two thousand ministers,
after the Restoration, resigned their cures and faced certain starvation for
themselves and families rather than conform to the new liturgy. In turn the
persecutions heaped upon them were shocking and cruel. And from here
came the people to this country, of whom Taine, the historian of ' ' English Lit-
erature ' ' says : ' ' But others, exiles in America, pushed to the extreme this
great religious and stoic spirit, with its weakness and its power, with its vices
and its virtues. Their determination, intensified by a fervent faith, employed
in political and practical pursuits, invented the science of emigration, made
exile tolerable, drove back the Indians, fertilized the desert, raised a rigid
morality into a civil law, founded and armed a church, and on the Bible as a
basis built up a new State. ' '
The English, the Dutch, the Scotch-Irish, the Germans, the Welsh, Swiss,
Danes and French came together here to be welded by the logic of fate into
one people. The Anglo-Saxon, most fortunately, dominated all and shaped
the ideas that controlled and influenced this heterogeneous mixture of opposites.
All brought with them their variety of religious sects, their hates and jealous-
ies of each, their intense prejudices of races and religions, their gloomy fanati-
cism and severe morals. But the supreme force in welding into one this mass
was the love of liberty among all, and the vivid recollection of the persecutions
that had exiled them to this new world.
Here were some of the controling conditions antecedent that have resulted
in the glories of this great age. This was the alembic which distilled the new
spiritual life, the new race, the new civilization, the epoch and age that, like
the genial rays of the spring sun, has circled the globe and made vocal with
joy where all was icy despair and dreariness. Bearing these great antecedent
facts in mind, we can proceed with the story.
^j>sA3—
>s
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTEK II.
The Indians— Febnch and Indian Wak— Mary Jamison, The Indian Queen
— Hanoe Hamilton— McCokd's Fort— Associated Companies in York
County in 1756.
THE discoverers of America found the Indians in possession, in the Indian's
way, of this Continent, or to that portion of it that was known to them.
Their ideas of possession of the land, personally, were nearly as vague as that of
the wild animals that would use certain districts, when unmolested, for breed-
ing purposes, and other portions as feeding grounds, to which they would mi-
grate with the seasons. In their natures they were wUd and roving, and their
round of life was simply one of ignorant savages breeding ignorant savages.
Hunt for something to eat and war for fun and glory was the measure of his
type and race. They seemed to possess nothing that could advance them even
toward the light of civilized beings. They were lazy, cowardly, filthy and
densely ignorant, and every evidence we now possess of them leaves the inev-
itable conclusion that, had this country remained unknown and unoccupied by
the white man through all ages, the Indians would have continued stationary,
and persistently non-progressive.
The French and Indian war upon the English settlements commenced in
1755. The particulars of that bloody struggle and much of the story of the
terrible sufPerings of the border settlements are given in the preceding part
of this work, in the history of Cumberland County. The people of what is
now the territory of Adams County were fortunately spared the terrible ex-
periences of all the other border settlements. The invaders came from the
north, and the South Mountains seemed to have placed bounds to a great ex-
tent to their savage visitations, and there were but few of the roving bands, in
small squads, that made stealthy raids upon the helpless people. We, there-
fore, content ourselves with a short account of what transpired here, so far as
can now be gleaned fi'om the different historians of those days.
Hazzard, in Vol. V, Penn. Reg. says: "In 1775, the country, west of the
Susquehanna, possessed three thousand men fit to bear arms, and in 1756, ex-
clusive of the provincial forces, there were not one hundred; fear having driv-
en the greater part into the interior. ' ' This plainly indicates how the terror-
stricken people were compelled to abandon their homes and every thing, and flee
for their lives.
Louden' s Narrative, after reciting a long list of captures and massacres,
says: "May 29, 1759, one Dunwiddie and Crawford, shot by two Indians, in
Carroll's tract, York County." These were Adams County men, whose names
figure prominently in the records of the first settlers here. How briefly is the
murderous story told ! There is something blood curdling in its very brevity.
Prom that we can judge that such reports were flying over the country in ap-
palling iteration. On the same page in the same paragraph is this entry:
"April 5, 1758, one man killed and ten taken, near Black's Gap on the South
Mountain. April 13, (same year) one man killed and nine taken near Archi-
bald Bard's, South Mountain." The chronicler, it seems, was making a fu-
tile endeavor to enumerate the killed and captured and scalped, and names of
8 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
the victims were lost in the multitude, something like the glory- of a soldier
whose grave is marked "unknown."
Again, "July 27, 1757, one McKisson was wounded, and his son taken
from the South Mountain. ' '
"August 17, 1757, William Waugh's barn burnt in the Tract (the Manor),
York (Adams) County, by the Indians. ' '
April 13, 1758, the house of Richard Baird (Bard), who owned a fai-m and
resided on the southeast side of South Mountain, near the mill now known as
Myer' s mill, on Middle Creek, about one and one half miles from Fairfield, was
sun'ounded by nineteen Delaware Indians, and the occupants of the house
made prisoners, as follows: Richard Bard, his wife and babe six months old;
a bound boy; a little girl named Hannah McBride; Thomas Potter, nephew of
Bard's; together with Samuel Hunter and Daniel McManimy, who were at the
time working in a field; and also a lad, "W^illiam White, who was coming to the
mill. Having secured their prisoners the savages plundered the house and
fired it and the mill.
July 3, 1754, a battle was fought at Ft. Necessity, or Great Meadows,
about fifty miles west of Camberton, Md. The French and Indians won a sig-
nal victory over the English.
Immediately after this battle the situation became very alarming to the set-
tlers. The borderers in what is now Adams County erected a block-house
near the present village of Arendtsville.
Mary Jamison — The Indian Queen. — The strange story of Mary Jamison is
a tragedy and romance in strong colors and remarkable contrasts. It could
only have happened upon the borders in the early times.
One of the earliest settlers in the southwest of Adams County, near the
source of Marsh Creek, was Thomas Jamison (his wife was Jane Erwin). The
first of the Scotch-Irish in that part of the county came in 1735-36, while Jami-
son and wife came in 1742 or 1743. When they sailed from Ireland they had
three children — two sons and a daughter. During the voyage on the ship an-
other daughter, whom they named Mary, was born, and whose birth upon the
storm-tossed ocean foreshadowed the terrible and sad experiences of her life.
Thomas Jamison was a thrifty, industrious man and an excellent and
greatly respected citizen, and he soon had a fine large farm and was com-
fortable in this world's goods. Two more sons were born to the family after
reaching this country. In 1754 he moved his residence upon another part of
his land and this brought him into the Buchanan Valley. One of his closest
neighbors was James Bleakney, who survived and lived until 1821, and died at
the age of ninety-eight years. And it was Bleakney' s granddaughter, Mrs.
Robert Bleakney, who lived to a great age, from whom was learned by
the present generation the important facts of the Jamison family. She gave
the facts to Mr. H. J. Stahle and informed him that she had heard her grand-
father often tell all the details, and the year the terrible tragedy was visited
upon them. She pointed out the farm and the place where the Jamisons had
lived, and the two trees under which the man murdered by the Indians had
been buried.
Of her capture Mary Jamison said: " Our family as usual, was busily em-
ployed about their common business. Father was shaving an axe-helve at the
side of the house; mother was making preparations for breakfast; my two eld-
est brothers were at work near the barn; the little ones, with myself, and the
woman with her three children, were in the house. Breakfast was not yet
ready when we were alarmed by the discharge of a number of guns that
seemed to be near. Mother and the woman before mentioned almost fainted
■n^i hy S.BffaII A Sons 62 TunanSt
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 11
at the report, and every one trembled with fear. On opening the door the
man and horse lay dead near the house, having just been shot by the Indians.
They first secured my father, then rushed into the house and made prisoners
of my mother, m.y two younger brothers, my sister, the woman and her three
children, and myself, and then commenced plundering the house. The party
that took us consisted of four Frenchmen and six Shawanee Indians. They
took what they considered most valuable, consisting principaliy of bread, meal
and meat. Having taken as much provision as they could carry, they set out
with their prisoners in great haste, for fear of detection, and soon entered the
woods. " The two eldest boys, Thomas and John,* fortunately escaped. They
were at the bam when~i;he band attacked, and hid in a hollow log and were
not discovered. Eventually they went to Virginia, to their maternal grand-
father.
The captors with their ten captives rapidly traveled westward. They
would lash the children cruelly to make them keep up, and all day and all
night they gave them no water or food. Toward noon of the next day they
passed a fort, now Chambersburg, and the evening of the second day reached
the border of a " dark and dismal swamp, ' ' into which they were conducted a
short distance to camp.
In some way the savages ascertained that they were pursued. A deter-
mined band of Jamison's neighbors, headed by a Mr. Fields, had started in pur-
suit and were gaining on the fugitives. Fearing to be overtaken if they continued
to encumber themselves with so many prisoners, the savages (white and red)
massacred and scalped eight of them, viz. : Thomas Jamison, his wife, their
daughter Betsey, their two sons, Robert and Matthew, Mrs. Buck and two of
her children. Mary Jamison and the little son of Mrs. Buck were spared.
The naked and mangled bodies of the slaughtered victims were found in that
dismal swamp by the parties that had gone in pursuit.
Mary was taken by the two Indian squaws in a small canoe down the Ohio
Eiver to a small Seneca Indian town called "She-nan-jee." There she was ar-
rayed in a suit of Indian clothing, was formally adopted as a member of the
family, and received the name of ' ' Dick-e-wa-mis, ' ' which, being interpreted,
means ' 'a pretty girl. ' '
The Six Nations gave to Mary Jamison a lai'ge tract of land, known as
the Garden Tract, and this grant was confirmed afterward by the Legislature
of New York.
On the 19th day of September, 1833, life' s long nightmare dream was over,
and Mary Jamison peacefully sank into that dreamless and eternal sleep. She
was buried in the grave-yard of the Seneca M^sion Church, and a marble slab
erected over her grave.
WhUe these acts were being perpetrated by the Indians, the white men of
now Adams County were not mere idle spectators, or terror-stricken fugitives
from their homes. During this French and Indian war Capt. Hance Hamilton
raised and commanded in person 200 men, who were his neighbors, and many
of whose descendants are now here.
On the 4th of March, 1756, McCord' s f ort, on the Conococheague, was burned
by the Indians, and twenty- seven persons were killed and captured. Pursuit
was made and the enemy overtaken at Sideling Hill where a stubborn battle was
fought. The losses in Capt. Hamilton's command were — killed Daniel McCoy,
James Robinson, James Peace, John Blair, Hemy Jones, John McCarty, John
Kelly and James Lowder, and five others (names not given) were wounded.
In the Penn. Archives is given by Richard Peters, then Secretary of the col-
ony, a "list of the associated companies in York County in 1756." In all
12 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
there were at that time eight companies, and four of these were Adams County
men, certainly commanded by Adams County men who had recruited the com-
panies, and at that time men were cautious to enlist, only under men they per-
sonally knew. The following were the companies : One, Hugh Dun woody, captain;
Charles McMullen, Lieutenant; James Smith, ensign; 66 privates. Two, James
■Agnew, captain; John Miller, lieutenant; Sam Withrow, ensign; 60 privates.
Three, David Hunter, captain; John Correy, lieutenant; John Barnes, ensign;
100 privates. Four, Samuel Gordon,* captain; William Smiley, lieutenant;
John Little, ensign; 100 privates. Thus there were at that early time 326
men fi-om what was this sparsely settled territory.
In a list of officers published in the Province, say in 1756, with date of com-
missions, we find the following in the Second Battalion: "Capt. Hance Hamilton,
commission dated January 16, 1756, Lieut. James Hays, commission. May
22, 1756, ensign John Prentice, commission, May 22, 1756."
CHAPTER III.
The Mason and Dixon Line— German, ScoTcn-lKiSH and Jesuit Imjiigkation
IN 1734 — Lord Baltimore and William Penn— Border Troubles— Tem-
porary DI^'IDING Line- Mason and Dixon— Their Survey— Thomas
' Cresap— " DiGGEs' Choice" — Zachary Butcher.
AS stated elsewhere the proprietary of the province was compelled to send
settlers west of the Susquehanna, at an earlier period than was intended,
in order to head ofP the encroachments that began to be made by those claim-
ing from Lord Baltimore. The Germans came into what is now Adams
County, in 1734, led by Andrew Shriver. The Scotch-Irish came about the
same time under the lead of Hance Hamilton. The Catholics (Jesuits) simul-
taneously (possibly before) came into the southern portion of the country from
Maryland. They were (that is their priests, when traveling over the country
of south Pennsylvania and portions of Virginia and Maryland, over a
century and a-half ago) subjected to many persecutions and often outrageous
assaults, more than once mobbed and beaten, and the writer has an account of
•one who, pursued by a mob, mounted his horse and swam the river as the
bullets were flying thick about him. Two hundred years ago it seems nearly
all men were illiberal in their religion, and believed in ghosts and witches.
They would persecute all of opposing sects, and then persecute themselves
with the fantastic antics of imaginary witches. They had active imaginations.
They wrangled, argued, discussed and fought savagely about the wildest and
silliest mysticisms. The most of them had been driven to the wilderness, by
the cruelest persecutions, to a land of liberty — to enforce with an iron hand
their own incomprehensible dogmas.
Fortunately, beyond all else, Lord Baltimore, a Catholic, and William Penn,
a Quaker, became the proprietors of the adjoining provinces of Maryland
and Pennsylvania. In the history of many centuries of the world, here were
two of the finest types of great and humanitarian statesmen — two men of
peace, guided in their religious and temporal affairs by the lofty conceptions
of that higher religion of the common brotherhood of man that is so incompar-
ably superior to those impassable lines of divisions of sects into mere names
and church formulas.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 13
Under the control of the average ruler or statesman of that day, the dis-
pute in regard to the true line dividing the tvro provinces virould have rushed
swiftly to a bloody issue. So indefinite were the grants to Penn and Calvert from
the English king that each was honest in claiming ground that the other be-
lieved to be his own. Then on each side of the line of contention were peoples of
different religious denominations, and the difference was the serious and highly
inflanmiable one of Catholic and Protestant, each of which could point to their
martyrs, horrid persecutions, long, implacable and bloody wars of faith
against faith. Here was every element, every circumstance to lead to a terri-
ble calamity to the people of the two young provinces, to the country and to
mankind. Sectional lines and hates first arose among the people in reference
to the dividing line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Long before States
were formed, long before our Union was dreamed of, here was the little cloud
no larger than your hand that was the true type of sectional contention that
eventually culminated in the bloodiest civil war of history.
The border troubles commenced in 1683 and raged with stubborn obstinacy
for nearly a centuiy — the Catholics of Maryland with the battle cry "Hey for
Ste. Marie!" and the Puritan shouting as he fought, "In the name of God,
fallonr S S .
In 1739 Thomas and Richard Penn, grandsons of William Penn, and Fred-
erick, Lord Baltimore (great-grandson of Cecelius Calvert), jointly organized
the first commission to run a temporary dividing line between the provinces.
The commission never completed its labors. Consultations and negotiations
between the proprietaries continued at intervals. Partial surveys would be
made, but these were unsatisfactory to each party, and then steps would be ta-
ken for an additional survey.
On the 4th day of August, 1763, the Penns and Lord Baltimore employed,
in England, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, two eminent mathematicians
and suTi'eyors, to take charge of the work. They arrived in Philadelphia and
received their instructions in December, 1763. Early in 1764 they commenced
their labors, and the work in the field was completed in 1767, and finally
marked in 1768.
In the autumn of 1764 they had completed the preliminary surveys neces
sary to get their proper point, and ran the parallel of latitude line west to the
Susquehanna, thus commencing the famous line which bears their name and
which is now the dividing line between Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The actual work of Mason & Dixon extended 244 miles from the Delaware,
and within thirty-six miles of the whole distance to be run. At this point, in
the bottom of a valley marked on their map ' ' Dunkard' s Creek, ' ' they came
to an Indian war-path, and here their Indian escort informed them that the
Six Nations said they must stop. The remainder of the line was run by other
surveyors in 1782, 'and marked in 1784.
A stone, marked on one side with the arms of the Penns and on the other
side with those of Baltimore, was set every five miles. The stones had all been
prepared and sent from England. The amount paid by the Penns alone under
these proceedings, from 1760 to 1768, was £34,200, Pennsylvania currency.
The border troubles at first were solely between the peoples of the Penns
and Baltimore. The noted champion of Maryland was the famous Capt.
Thomas Cresap, a squatter at Wright's Ferry, on the west bank of the Susque-
hanna. A serious fight of himself and son (afterward Capt. Michael Cresap,
the slayer of Logan, the Mingo chief) with the Pennsylvanians in 1739, in
which Thomas Cresap was captured and led, a fettered but defiant captive, in
triumphal procession to Lancaster, where he was held a prisoner, and indicted
14 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
and threatened with trial for murdor, and this finally led to a settlement be-
tween the provinces and arbitration of all questions in dispute, and the releas©
of Capt. Cresap. The troubles among the people changed about this somewhat
in form. Cresap had told the Dutch not to pay taxes to the Penns, and
Maryland felt too doubtful of her title to bo very exact in collecting her taxes.
In time there became a fixed belief amonw the people that they occupied a neu-
tral and independent strip of land, and they began to feel that they owed alle-
giance to no one. They trespassed on "Digges' Choice," who held his grant
from Baltimore, and they resisted Penn' s authority on the Manor of Maske.
In 1757, at a place on "Digges' Choice" near what is now Jacob Ballinger's
Mills, in Conowago Township, in a dispute about the land titles, in which there
were warlike demonstrations on both sides, Dudley Digges was fatally wounded
by Martin Kitzmiller. Fortunately for Kitzmiller the Pennsylvania authorities
first secured possession of him as prisoner, and the Maryland authorities were
thwarted in their afforts to secure him as their prisoner, and he was taken to
York and tried. He was acquitted, as it was claimed by the prisoner and be-
lieved by the jury, that the killing was accidental. Such were the sectional
prejudices a century and a half ago, that Kitzmiller' s friends would have been
loth to have trusted his fate to a Maryland jury.
In ] 741 Zachary Butcher, deputy surveyor of Conowago, was ordered by
the governor to do some surveying on the ' ' Manor of Maske. ' ' This ' 'manor' '
had been established by Penn in 1740. The land title disputes are well por-
trayed by a quaint letter to the governor from the surveyor, from which the
following extracts show the temper of the people : * * * " the Inhabi-
tants are got into such Terms, That it is as much as a man' s Life is worth to go
amongst them, for they gathered together in Conferences, and go in Arms every
Time they Expect I am anywhere near there about, with full resolution to kill or
cripple me, or any other person, who shall attempt to Lay out a Mannor there. ' '
The settlers threatened personal violence to Pean's surveyors, and would
break the surveyor's chain and drive him off. These manor disputes were all
settled by compromises in 1765, the boundaries of the different manors marked
off, and the names of the settlers on these tracts of land designated, and the
long continued border troubles were happily ended.
CHAPTER IV.
First Settler, Andrew Shriyer— Extracts from Hon. Abraham Shri-
ver's Memoir— Early Settlers— French Huguenots— Their Settle-
ment IN Pennsylvania.
THE border troubles about the dividing line between Penn and Lord Bal-
timore were the real cause of the first adventurous pioneers coming into
what is now Adams County. Lord Baltimore, as he construed his grant from
the crown, extended his possessions several miles north of what is now the
dividing line between the two States, and Penn claimed that his grant extended
to the south, and covered even a fa-action more territory than is now within the
State limits to the south. This rivalry of contention was the real stimulating
cause of the first settlers coming at the time they did. The particulars of
these proprietary grants are given in detail in preceding chapters, and in this
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 15
chapter we will only inquire as to who it was that first opened, the way here
to his fellow white men.
Mr. John A. Benshaw, of Pittsburgh, in a communication to the Star and
Sentinel, dated March, 1876, makes the claim upon what seems to be docu-
mentary testimony, which, so far, bears the best evidence yet found on this
question, that Andrew Shriver (ancient spelling, Schreiber), was the first actual
settler in the county. Mr. Eenshaw says:
"The memoir from which these facts are gathered was prepared by Hon.
Abraham Shriver, now deceased, for many years resident judge of the County
Court of Frederick City, Md. , being the result of his researches from various
sources within his reach, and covers a period from the year 1673 to the year
1829, the latter being the date of the original manuscript . "
The memoir states that Andrew Schreiber (Schriver or Shriver) and fam-
ily were natives of Alstenbarn in the Electorate Palatine, Germany, and immi-
grated to this country in the year 1721, landing at Philadelphia, afterward
removed into the country in the neighborhood of Gashehoppen, near the
Trappe, on the Schuylkill, where they made their home for some years.
The father, Andrew Schreiber, died here, and one of his sons, ' ' Andrew,
then learned the trades of tanner and shoe-maker, and, having completed his ap-
prenticeship in the year 1732, continued to work at his trade for one year, in
which time he earned £18. In the spring of 1733, being then twenty-one
years of age, he married Ann Maria Keiser, and the following spring (1734)
moved with his wife to Conowago, then in Lancaster, now Adams County,
where, after paying for sundry articles wherewith to begin the world, he had
ten shillings left.
" In moving to Conewago, Andrew Schreiber' s step-brother, David Jung
(Young), came with him and helped to clear three acres of land which they
planted in corn, and Young then retm'ned home. During this clearing (about
three weeks), they lived under Young's wagon cover, after which Andrew
Shriver pealed elm bark, and made a temporary hut to keep off the weather,
and by fall prepared a cabin. The wagon that brought him to this place passed
through what is now called Will' s bottom, and in the grass, which was as high
as the wagon, left marks of its passage which were visible for several years.
There was no opportunity of obtaining supplies for the first year short of
Steamer's mill, near the town of Lancaster,"
He purchased 100 acres of land, where he stopped, of John Digges,
and the agreed price for this land was "one hundred pairs of negro shoes."
And this debt was paid according to contract to Digges, and afterward Shriver
bought more land of the same party and paid the money therefor. The
nearest neighbor at the time he settled here was a family of the name of Far-
ney, living where the town of Hanover now stands. The public road coming
from the south was made and passed by Shriver' s improvement.
The memoir says : "At the time of his settlement here the Indians lived
near him in every direction. " And then follows this historical item: "At
this period (1734-35), and for several years thereafter, the Delawares and Ca-
tawba tribes were at war, and each spring many warriors passed by, when
they would display in triumph the scalps hooped, painted and suspended from
a pole, which they had been able to obtain from their enemy, and they would
require the accommodation of free quarters, to which, as there could be no re-
sistance, of course none was attempted. The consequence was they were very
social, and smoked around the pipe of peace and friendship, without any at-
tempt at wanton injury."
The land first occupied by Andrew Shriver became the homestead of George
16 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Basehoar. It lies about three miles east of Littlestown, and five miles north-
west of Hanover, near Christ Reformed Church. In the ancient grave-yard of
this old church rests the dust of many of the early pioneers of this county.
Unfortunately the paper does not give the dates of the coming of those who
followed Andrew Shriver. The first to come were Ludwig Shriver, a brother,
David Young, mentioned above, Middlekauf, "Wills and a few others that, in the
words of the memoir, "followed in a few years," and made settlements near him.
Among the early settlers in this region, who followed the Shrivers, and with
whose families they intermarried, were the Ferrees and LeFevres, of the Hu-
guenots, who had been driven from the towers of Linden, France, in the year
1685, by the cruel persecutions of Louis XIV, and took refuge in Germany,
when hearing of the province of Pennsylvania, then under the great and good
WiUiam Penn, they made their way to London, and there embarked for Amer-
ica and settled in Pequea, Lancaster County, and afterwards came to Conowago,
where their descendants still occupy some of the farms in this rich valley.
Here then was the first little fringe of civilization planted deep in the dark
old forests of Adams County, sheltered under the wagon cover of Shriver' s and
Young' s wagon, the avant couriers of the increasing sweep of that grand race of
men who created the greatest empire in the tide of time; fertilizing its seed with
the spirit of independence and liberty that was to leven the human race aU over
the world and yield the rich blessings of mental and physical freedom that we
now enjoj'. Shriver was a typical representative of the American pioneer, the
most admirable, the greatest race of men and women that have appeared upon the
earth in nineteen hundred years. The just judgment of the great men of the
world is the full measure of the results that flow out from their actions. This
is the sole criterion by which the last final and irrevocable judgments are to be
made, and, by this standard, there is nothing to raise a question when intelli-
gent men come to hunt out their real heroes — their truly great — in awarding the
world's meed of praise to the pioneer. These lowly, silent, obscure men of the
wilderness and the solitudes — full of gloomy religion, quaking with supersti-
tious fears, stern, inflexible and often grotesque in their ideas of moral tenets,
illiterate generally, illiberal, nearly always, reading only their old family Bibles,
and laboriously spelling out from this good book, precepts upon precepts, that
to them and their families were literally "the law and the gospel," that were
administered upon those in their care and themselves with rods of iron; rude in
dress and manners, crude in thought and practice, with coarse, scanty fare, .
generally wretchedly served in brush and pole tents and cabins on dirt floors,
unwashed, unkempt, without books, without papers, without a polite literature,
without information and without culture mostly; they had been long yet will-
ing sufferers of cruel persecutions for conscience sake; they had been beaten
with many stripes, imprisoned, starved, branded with hot irons — naked fugi-
tives from their native land, in sorest poverty, seeking a refuge in the unknown
world, among the red savages and the wild beasts of the forests.
What a school ! What a grand race of men it bred ! Men of iron and
action. No braver men ever lived. They were brave physically and morally.
They absolutely knew no fear of anything mortal. Their hard school had su-
perbly developed their minds and bodies for the great work they had sought
out to do. They were men of large bone and muscle and brain, and knew
nothing of the enervating influences of wealth and idleness. The spirit of re-
ligious persecutions pervaded the old world, and no class ©f men in civilized
or semi-civilized people are so pitilessly cruel as the religious fanatic and
bigot; and their scourged and banished victims were the seed of that civiliza-
tion that has overthrown the bloody tyrants and liberated a long suffering
world.
HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY. 17
Behold the magnitude of the results, and the paucity of means. In the
world's history of great social or political movements, there is nothing at all
comparable to that of the fruits and labor of the pioneers as we have the results
to-day. Their only school was the world's saddest travail, and, in their direst
suffering, no murmur escaped their tongues, in the darkest hour of their long
gloomy night, no cry for succor found breath in their lips. They walked with
God. They knew no anger, because they knew no fear.
CHAPTEK V.
Second Arrivals— Penn's Purchase— " Mange of Maske "—Survey— Ob-
structions—CoMPRomSE—" Carroll's Delight "—List of Early Settlers
ON the Manor, and Warrantees — " Old Hill " Church- Presbyterian
Congregation in Cumberland Township.
IN the year 1736 William Penn purchased all the region lying west of the
- Lower Susquehanna from the Indians. There is strong evidence that as soon
as the purchase became known to the borderers east of the river, they began to
move across to these rich and beautiful lands. Prior to that time, doubtless,
some of them had, in friendly visits to the Indians here in their hunting and
trapping expeditions, looked from many of those elevations about us over the
enchanting sweep of valleys, the gently rolling hills, and drank of the cool
crystal waters that went rippling down nearly every hill side. They had
described what they saw to their friends and a few of the most adventurous
came across.
There is no record or tradition now to tell exactly who they were or when
they first came.
In 1739-40, as the Dutch then were rapidly coming, Penn laid out, in what
is now Adams county, a reservation for himself and family, and called it the
' ' Manor of Masque, ' ' after the title of an old English estate belonging to some
of his distant relatives. He had laid out ' ' manors ' ' before this in the eastern
part of the State.
* He, Perm, sent surveyors to run out the ' ' Manor of Masque ' ' and the
order for the survey, bearing date June 18, 1741, is as follows:
PENNSYLVANIA S.
•j SEAL. [ By the Propribtabibs.
These are to autliorize and require thee to survey or cause to be surveyed a tract of
land on the Branches of Marsh Creek on the West side of the River Susquehannah in the
County of Lancaster containing about thirty thousand acres for our own proper use and
Behoof and the same to return under the name and style of our Manor of Maske in the
County of Lancaster aforesaid into our Secretary's office, and for so doing this shall be thy
sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the seal of our Land office at Philadelphia
this eighteenth dav of June in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and
Forty-one. THOS. PENN.
To Bkbtj. a. Eastbuhn,
Surveyor- Oeneral.
But the matter must have been determined upon at an earlier date than the
issue of the order, for in the'archives of Pennsylvania is a letter dated June 17,
1741, from Zachary Butcher, a deputy surveyor, in which he alludes to his
effort, two weeks prior to that, to make the survey. The whole letter has
♦Extracts from notes by Hod. Edward McPherson, who has a collection of old records and family papers
which is now largely the only insight into the history ot the early settlers, extant.
18 HISTOKY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
interest for the descendants and the successors of the ' ' unreasonable Creatures ' '
who then inhabited this region, and it is as follows:
Sin:— I was designed about two weeks ago to have Laid out the Manner at Marsh
Creeli:, but the Inhabitants are got into such Terms, That it is as much as man's Life is
worth to go amongst them, for they gathered together in Conferences, and go in Arms
every Time they Expect I am anywhere near there about, with full resolution to kill or
cripple me, or any other person, who shall attempt to Lay out a Manner there.
Yet, if the Honble Proprietor shall think fit to order such assistance as shall with-
stand such unreasonable Creatures, I shall be ready and willing to prosecute the same with
my utmost Endeavor, as soon as I come back from "Virginia. I am going there on an
urgent occasion. '' I am yours to serve,
CONEWAQO, June 17, 1741. Zach. Butchek, Dpt.
Below is a list, as printed at the time, of the settlers on Marsh Creek, who
obstructed the survey, 1743 :
1 Wm. McLelan, John Eddy,
Jos. Farris, 8 John Eddy, Jr.,
Hugh McCain, 9 Edw'd Hall,
3 Matw. Black, 10 Wm. Eddy,
3 Jam. McMichill, 11 James Wilson,
4 Robt. McFarson,' IS James Agnew,
Wm. Black, John Steen,
John Fletcher, Jr., John Johnson,
5 Jas. Agnew (cooper), John Hamilton,
Henry McDonaih, 13 Hugh Logan,
John Alexander, John McWharten (says he shall move soon),
<5 Moses Jenkins, Hugh Swainey,
7 Rich'd Hall, Titus Darby,
Richard Fossett, Thomas Hooswick.
Adam Hall,
Declares yt If ye chain be spread again he would stop it, and then took ye Compass
from ye Surveyor-Gen.
' ' The first thing which strikes me, ' ' says Mr. McPherson, ' ' is the number
of persons in this list of 'settlers,' whose names do not appiear on the only
authentic records yet found of the settlement. Of the twenty-nine persons
named, nearly one-third represent families of whose settlement there is now no
trace; and there are some mistakes in names. 'McLelan' stands for McClel-
lan; 'McCain' for McKean; 'McFarson' for McPherson; 'Swainey' for
Sweeney; 'Hooswick ' for Hosack; ' Eddy ' for Eddie. "
No further steps were taken in the direction of a survey of the manor until
1765. A compromise was effected early in that year through the agency of
James Agnew and Robert McPherson, who acted as a committee for the
settlers, and who secured the concession that the lands taken up prior to 1741
should be subject to the "common terms," and that the others should be
liberally treated. The boundaries of the manor were thereupon marked in
1766, and were made to include 43,500 acres instead of 30,000 as originally
ordered. '
A list of names of the first settlers, with the date of their settlement, was
returned to the land ofBce, to prove the incipiency of their title. After the
resistance of 1741 and 1743 no warrants whatever for land in the manor were
granted by Penn's agents. But in April, 1765, thirty-seven were granted; in
May, nine; in June, three, and in other months of that year twelve, making
seventy-one warrants in all.
The manor is separated by a narrow strip from Carroll's tract, or " Carroll's
Delight," as it was named. This was surveyed under Maryland April 3, 1732,
and patented August 8, 1735, to Charles, Mary and Elinor Carroll. It was
sold to some extent and warrants given by Carroll's agents, they supposing it
lay in Frederick County, Maryland, and to be a part of Lord Baltimore' s grant
from the King. The Carroll tract contained about 5,000 acres.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
21
The early settlers upon the Manor of Maske located on Marsh Creek. A
paper published in the Compiler, January 16, 1876, gives an interesting account
of an old record paper found in the possession of the county surveyor. It is
a report to Penn' s agent of a list of settlers on the manor who had filed their
claims upon lands, and included those who had taken out warrants as well as
those who had not. To this valuable list of early settlers are added the names
of those who took out warrants between 1765 and 1775, as appears on the
records of the Department of Internal Affairs at Harrisburg.
Agnew, James and Thomas Dsuglas, in
trust for Presbyterian meeting-house
in forks of Plum Run, 5 acres, April
17, 1765.
Agnew, James, September, 1739.
Agnew, James, 500 acres, April 15, 1765.
Agnew, James, Jr., 250 acres, April 16,1765.
Agnew, Samuel, May, 1741.
Agnew, Samuel. 135 acres, April 16, 1765,
Anan, Rev. Robt., May, 1741.
Armstrong, John, April, 1740.
Armstrong, Quintin, April, 1740.
Armstrong, Q. (Mount Airy), 300 acres, Oc-
tober 7. 1765.
Baird, W. (surveyed to Robert McPherson,
300 acres), October 7, 1765.
Beard, John, heirs of, September, 1740.
Biddle, James, May, 1740.
Bigham, Robert, 50 acres, October 8, 1774.
Block, Robt., heirs of, March, 1738.
Block, Robt., May, 1740.
Block, Robt., 400 acres, June 23, 1773.
Block, Robt., heirs, 300 acres. May 18, 1765.
Boyd, John, March, 1740.
Boyd, John, 130 acres, October 7, 1765.
Boyd, Thomas, heirs, March, 1741.
Boyd, Williaiii, 300 acres. May 15, 1765.
Brown, John, May, 1741.
Brown, Samuel, May, 1741.
Bruufleld, Robert, September, 1739.
Buchanan, John, 400 acres. May 15, 1765.
Buchanan, John, May, 1740.
Buchanan, Margaret (widow). May, 1740.
Buchanan, Walter, September, 1739.
Carson, John, April, 1741.
Catecart, William, 300 acres, April 30, 1773.
Catton, Henry, April, 1741'.
Catton, Henry, 200 acres, October 3, 1765.
Cishinger, John, April, 1741.
Clugston, Joseph, April, 1741.
Craig, James, May, 1741.
Craig, John, heirs, April, 1739.
Creighton, Robert, June, 1739.
Darby, John, heirs of, April, 1739.
Davis, Hugh, April, 1739.
Davis, Hugh, 60 acres, October 7, 1765.
Dean, Mathew, May, 1740.
Douglas, Thomas, 300 acres, April 17, 1765.
Douglas, Thomas, May, 1740.
Douglas, Thomas, 300 acres, April 16, 1765.
Dunwoody, David, April, 1741.
Dunwoody, David, 400 acres, April 16, 1765.
Dunwoody, Hugh, April, 1741.
Dunwoody, Hugh, 400 acres, April 16, 1765.
Edie, Samuel, May, 1741.
Brwin, James, September, 1789.
Erwin, William, September, 1739.
Evans, Duncan, October, 1736.
Ferguson, James, September, 1741.
Ferguson, Hugh, September, 1741.
Fletcher, John, June, 1739.
Fletcher, John, 800 acres, April 16, 1765.
Fletcher, Robert, May, 1741.
Fraziev, David, March, 1738.
Gettys, Samuel, May, 1740.
Gettys, Saml., on Middle Creek, May, 1741.
Gettys, Saml., 250 acres, June 17, 1765.
Gibson, Jean, May, 1741.
Gibson, Jane, 100 acres, April 16, 1765.
Gibson, Robt. and William, October, 1736.
Gibson, Samuel, October, 1736.
Gilmore, Jennett, 20G acres, August 27, 1765.
Hall, Edward, March, 1741.
Hall, James. April, 1741.
Hamilton, Hance, April, 1741.
Herron, Andrew, Apfil, 1740.
Hosack, John, March, 1740.
Hosack, John, March, 1740.
Hosack, John, 150 acres, April 33, 1765.
Hosack, Thomas, 300 acres, April 33, 1765.
Innis, James, May, 1740.
Jenkins, Moses, May, 1740.
Jenkins, Moses, 200 acres, October 7, 1765.
Johnston, Ephraim and Isaac Robinson,
William McClean, James Stevenson,
Stephen McCorkle, Samuel Knox, 150
acres, April 22, 1765.
Johnston, Robert, April, 1741.
Johnston, Robt., 150 acres, April 16, 1765.
Karr, George, 350 acres, April 16, 1765.
Kerr, George, October, 1740.
Kerr, John, April, 1741.
Leard, John, September, 1739.
Latta, Thomas, May, 1740.
Latta, Thomas, 300 acres, April 16, 1765.
Latta, Thomas, 350 acres, October 7, 1774.
Latta, Thomas (called Rapho), April 16,
1765.
Levenston, Andrew, May, 1740.
Livingston, Andrew, 100 acres, September
16, 1765.
Linn, Adam, May, 1741.
Linn, John, April, 1740.
Linn, Robt., April, 1740.
Linn, Robt., 150 acres, April 13, 1767.
Little, John, May, 1741.
Long, Bobt., September, 1739.
Long, Robert, 200 acres, April 16, 1765.
Lesley, Hannah, April, 1741.
Martin, Thomas, May, 1741.
Miller, John, April, 1741.
Moore, David, March, 1741.
Moore, Joseph, March, 1740.
Morrow, John, 300 acres, April 16, 1765.
Murphy, James, 300 acres, May 31, 1765.
Morrison, Archibald, May, 1740.
2A
22
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Morrison, Archibald, lieirs, 200 acres, April
19, 1775.
Morrison, John, 800 acres, Sept. 11, 1765.
Morrison, Joseph, 200 acres June 27, 1765.
Morrison, Robert, 200 acres, June 4, 1765.
Murphy, John, April, 1741.
Murphy, John, 160 acres, August 13, 1767.
McAdams, Quintin, April, 1741.
McAllister, Gabriel, April, 1741.
McCarley, Moses, April, 1739.
McCarley, Moses, 200 acres, May 15, 1765.
McCleary, Thomas, May, 1740.
McClelland, David, 300 acres, Aprill6, 1765.
McClelland, Jacob, May, 1740.
McClelland, William, May, 1740.
McClelland, William, 300 acres, August 30,
1767.
McCluer, James, in right of William Davi-
son, September 26, 1740.
McColcock, Samuel, May, 1741.
McConaughy, David, Hans Hamilton, Rob-
ert McPherson, Samuel Edie, John
Buchanan, in trust for Presbyterian
Church, in Cumberland Township, 100
acres. May 25, 1765.
McCormick, Benjamin. October, 1736.
McCracken, Thomas, September, 1740.
McCracken, Thomas, 300 acres, Oct. 7, 1765.
McOreary, William, April, 1740.
McCreary, William, 300 acres, April 39, 1774.
McCuUoch, Samuel, 160 acres, April 16, 1765.
McDonald, Duncan, April, 1740.
McDonald, Duncan, assignee, 120 acres,
September 15, 1766.
McDonogh, heirs, April, 1739.
McDowell, John, April, 1741.
McFarlan^ John, October, 1738.
McFerran, John, May, 1741.
McFerran, William, May, 1741.
McGalvey, John, 450 acres, April 16, 1765.
McGaughy, John, April, 1741.
McGaughy, James, April, 1740.
McKean, James, 12 acres, April 33, 1775.
McKean, Alexander, March, 1738.
McKean, John, heirs of, March, 1738.
McKeeman , September, 1740.
McKinley, William, April, 1741.
McKinney, Robert, May, 1740.
McMuUen, Charles, May, 1740.
McMullen, Mary, May, 1741.
McNair, Alex., April, 1741.
McNair, Alex., 150 acres, October30, 1772.
McNair, Alex., 350 acres, October30, 1773.
McNaught, James, May, 1740.
McNaught, James, 100 acres, Jan. 16, 1767.
McNea, John, April, 1741.
McNeil, Robert, April, 1740.
McNiel, John. March, 1740.
McNutt, John, fifty acres. May 18, 1765.
McPherson, Robert, 233 acres, Oct. 9, 1738.
McPherson, Robert, 300 acres, Oct. 17, 1765.
McPherson, Robert and Samuel Edie, in
trust for heirs of Thomas Boyd, 150
acres, January 16, 1767.
McPherson, Robert and David Grier, 317
acres, October 17, 1767.
Nealson, Thomas, March, 1741.
Orr, James, May, 1739.
Parke, David, March, 1741.
Parke, John, March, 1741.
Paxton, John, March, 1741.
Paxton, John, 140 acres. May 28, 1765..
Paxton, Samuel, 8r., March, 1741.
Paxton, Samuel, Jr., March, 1741.
Paxton, Thomas, March, 1741 .
Pearson, Henry, April, 1741.
Peden, Samuel, May, 1741.
Poe, Alexander, May, 1741.
Poe, Alexander, 200 acres, April 16, 1765.
Quiel, William, Sr., April, 1741.
Quiel, William, Jr., April, 1741.
Ramsey, William, May, 1740.
Reed, James, August, 1738.
Reed, John, November, 1740.
Reed, John, 200 acres, September 16, 1766.
Reed, Mary, September, 1740.
Riddle, James, 300 acres, January 16, 1767^
Rowan, Henry, June, 1739.
Rowan, Henry, 200 acres, Aprill7, 1765.
Russell, James, May, 1740.
Russell, John, May, 1740.
Scott, Hugh, September, 1740.
Scott, Hugh, 180 acres, April 16, 1765.
Scott, John, May, 1740.
Scott, John, 125 acres, April 16, 1765.
Scott, William, April, 1741.
Scott, William, 300 acres, April 17, 1765.
Shannon, Thomas, September, 1740.
Shannon, Thomas, 300 acres, April 36, 1765.
Sipes. George, 130 acres, April 16, 1765.
Simple, John, May, 1740.
Slemons, Rev. John, Hugh Ferguson,
Amos McGinley and John Alexander,
in trust for use of Middle Presbyterian
Church, in Hamiltonban Township,
joining lands of said Slemons and
James Kimberlin, 10 acres, August 13,
1767.
Slemons, Rev. John (choice) 314 acres, Au-
gust 13, 1767.
Slemons, Thomas, 165 acres, Aug. 12, 1765.
Smith, Robert, April, 1741.
Smith, William, April, 1739.
Smith, William Boyd B., March, 1740.
Spear, Robert, 192 acres, (part in manor).
Steele, John (part in manor), Sept., 1740.
Steel, John (part in manor), 240 acres, Aprili
16, 1765.
Stevenson, Samuel, May, 1741.
Stevenson, William, May, 1741.
Stewart, Robert. 100 acres. May 30, 1765.
Stuart, Alexander, April, 1741.
Stuart, John, April, 1741.
Stuart, John, 350 acres, April 16, 1765.
Stuart, John (Marsh Creek), March, 1741.
Sweeny, Myles, March, 1741.
Sypes, George, April, 1741.
Tedford, James, May, 1740.
Thompson, Andrew, May, 1741,
Thompson, Andrew, 125 acres, April 16,.
1765.
Thompson, James, May, 1741.
Thompson, James, 260 acres, Oct. 7, 1765.
Vance, Charles, 300 acres, April 16, 1765.
Walker, Alexander, April, 1740.
Walker, James, May, 1740.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTy. 23
Watt, George, 186 acres, December 3, 1773. Wilson, Joseph, 200 acres, Jan. 16, 1767.
White, James, 150 acres (part in manor), Wilson, Thomas, 300 acres, June 21, 1763.
April 16, 1765. Winchester, Wlloughby, November 38, 1740.
Wilson, James, 600 acres, April 16, 1765. Woods, Hugh, March, 1741.
Wilson, James, 538 acres, Feb. 33, 1767. Work, Robert, 400 acres, April 15, 1773.
Wilson, Joseph, March, 1738. Young, James, 200 acres, April 16, 1765.
Wilson, Thomas, 418 acres, June, 1764, and Young, Margaret, April, 1741.
October, 1765.
The churoli referred to as in the "forks of Plum Run," is now the "Old
Hill' ' Church, in Freedom Township, which, to this day, has its ' 'five acres. ' '
The Manor line, when finally run out, passed through these five acres.
The tract given to the ' 'Presbyterian Congregation in Cumberland Town-
ship" in 1775, became, in 1785, the "Upper Presbyterian Congregation of
Marsh Creek," as is fully told in the chapter concerning that church.
CHAPTER VI.
The " Little CoNEWAGO " Settlement— "Digges' Choice"— Land Purchases
IN 1734, 1738 AND 1742— Records of 1753.
THE settlement made by Andrew Shriver was in the proprietary tract, "Digges'
Choice." John Digges, an Englishman, had received a grant from Lord
Baltimore, whose conflicting claim with Penn' s claims under his grant was the
"disputed lands." Digges took out his warrant in 1727 and had it surveyed in
1732. It was the oldest land title and the earliest survey in the strip of dis-
puted lands. The tract as surveyed contained 6,822 acres and was described
as lying on "Little Conewago." It principally lay in what is now Adams
County, but passed into York County. In this county it comprised the present
limits of Germany and Conowago Townships. Littlestown is on the south-
western extremity of this tract.
As stated in a preceding chapter, the earliest settlement in this county
was made by purchasers under Digges. Soon there came others who had pur-
chased rights from Penn, and thus the conflict between Penn and Baltimore
soon passed to the settlers, and turmoils and lawlessness, and at times violent
acts with bloodshed, were for years continued, with many circumstances to make
the lives of the settlers miserable. Digges commenced selling to settlers as
early as 1731. In public documents relating to affairs of the earliest land
transactions here are found as purchasers in 1734 — the year Andrew Shriver
came — the names of Martin Kitzmiller, William Logstone, Martin Ungef ar and
Valentine Eyler.
We give these dates from the records, not as positively indicating the year
the purchasers came; because we can readily understand that ordinarily the
settlers would be in the country some time before purchasing land, and in other
cases they purchased before they actually moved onto the ground.
In the order of dates are found, in 1738, purchasers Jacob Youngblood and
(on a branch of Codorus Creek) Derrick Youngblood, Peter Eysher, Peter
Shultz, John Martin Inyfoss, Martin Brin, Abraham Sellers and Henry
Sellers. In the same year, Nicholas and his son Mathias UUery, Mathias
24 HISTORY OF AUAMS COUNTY.
Marker, George Shriver, Conrad Ulric and his sou Mathias, Peter Ensminger;
1742, William Oler, Jacob Banker, Herman UpdegrafFe,
In 17-")'2 the records show there were forty persons living on tracts sold
under Maiyland rights, in York County, the majority of whom were in what
is now Adams County, as follows: Martin Buyers, Michael Behler, Casper
Berkhamer, John Counts, Adam Cook, George CofPman, John Digges, Conrad
Eckron, Nicholas Farney, George Frush, Peter Gerson, Andrew Hainer,
Phillip Kinspoor, Henry Cone, Cornelius McGean, Peter Middlecauf, John
Morningstar, Joseph Moor, Henry Null, Eobert Owings, Jacob Ports, Jacob
Pinkhart, Anthony Sill, Andrew Shriver, George Shriver, Frederick Sheets,
Philip Lower, Ludwic Shriver, Christian Stoner, Peter Shults, John Shreder,
Mathias Ullery, Martin Ungefar, Stephen Ullery, William Wapplesplace,
Robert Whitehead, Michael Will, David Young.
The next point of settlement made was on the "Manor of Maske," as re-
lated in the chapter on that subject elsewhere.
CHAPTEK VII.
Early Mabriage'<— PiET. Alexander Dobbin— His Son, Jajies— Record of
Marriages During Rev. Alex. Dobbin's Entire Pastorate, 1774 to 1808.
EXTENDED accounts of Eev. Alexander Dobbin are to be found in other
chapters. He was a native of Londonderry, Ireland, born February 27,
1742 (O. S.), corresponding with March 7, 1743, 'and died at his home near
Gettysburg, June 1, 1809. He was educated in Glasgow, and ordained by the
Reformed Presbytery of Ireland and sent as a missionary to this country, coming
direct to what is now Adams County, and took charge of the ' ' Rock Creek ' '
congregation that had ' ' called ' ' for him. He first preached in the old log
church, a mile north of Gettysburg, near what became the site of Blocher's
iron and wood works. The church stood on what is Mr. HoUinger's farm; in
that day was owned by Minor Reed, as Blocher' s was then owned by John Pat-
terson. The exact date of the building of the "log church" cannot be now
known, but it was prior to 1773. The road passing by this place to Gettysburg
had not then been laid out, but there was a connecting road between the old
Carlisle and the Mummasburg road, which struck the latter at a point just west
of the Gate-house, now occupied by S. Kitzmiller. The old church did good
service for over thirty years, when it was torn down and the materials carried
away, but the foundation marks were visible for many years. As related else-
where the congregation moved to town and built a brick church, the first of the
kind in Gettysburg.
Mr. Dobbin was a most exemplary and excellent man. He took an active
part in the union of the Associate and Reformed Churches, which was effected in
1782. The United Church was known as the Associate Reformed Church of
North America.
When Rev. John Murray, pastor of the ' ' Old Hill ' ' Church, near the border of
CaiToir s tract left, Mr. Dobbin became the pastor of that church also, dividing
his time between the two congregations.
Mr. Dobbin was a man of superior mind and education. He was deeply
interested in the temporal as well as spiritual welfare of the people. He opened
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 25
a school in his own house — the Dobbin property — the large old stone house
standing near the forks of the Taneytown and Emmittsburg road in Gettysburg.
This was the first classical school west of the Susquehanna. Among the chil-
dren of this pioneer alma mater are well remembered Eev. H. E. Wilson and
John Boreland, formerly professor of Dickinson College; Rev. M. Hays, au-
thor of a poem entitled "The Seasons;" Eev. Dr. McCanaughy, for many years
president of Washington College; and the Eev. Dr. Proudfit, many years pro-
fessor of languages in Union College; Judge Eeed, of Carlisle, professor in
Dickinson Law School; Judge Blythe, who became Secretary of the Common-
wealth; J. H. Miller, M. D., professor in the Medical College in Baltimore.
These and others who became eminent in the world and who had been so hap-
pily started along life's pathway by their loved and venerated teacher, Eev.
Mr. Dobbin, were natives of this county. A large proportion of his pupils be-
came eminent in the varied walks of life — a greater number in proportion to
the whole than have ever come from any other high school perhaps in the State.
The remains of Eev. Dobbin lie buried in Lower Marsh Creek buiying
ground, where he, his two wives and several of his children are buried.
The above facts were chiefly furnished by Eev. Jameson, pastor of the
United Presbyterian Church.
The second son of Mr. Dobbin, James, was a member of the bar of Adams
County, and is well remembered for his many eccentricities of character. He
was bom January 14, 1777; died October 6, 1852. During the latter part of
his life he had desk room in the office of A. E. Stevenson, Esq., who, from this
circimastance, came into the possession of Kev. Mr. Dobbin's record of mar-
riages during his entire pastorate; a most valuable paper, indeed, as it is a
recovery of valuable information that otherwise could never have been gath-
ered. There are 216 marriages recorded of the generation that has passed
away. The large number shows, conclusively, that for this sacred office there
was no one so sought after, far and wide, as the Eev. Mr. Dobbin.
We give them as they were transcribed from his record, preserving the
spelling and the order of the entry; giving the names, dates of the ceremonies
and the residences of the parties :
Bait. Kilpatrick and Agnis Patterson, March 24, 1774, Drummore . . .
John Wade and Jennett Brownlie, April 19, 1774, Anti-item (this is Antie-
tam, evidently) .... James Finney and Martha Crunely, April 20. 1774, Cani-
gagig. . . .Ephraim Wallace and Jennet McCullough, April 25, 1774, Caniga-
gig. . . .John McBride and Eliz. Gillmore, May 12, 1774, Cumberland Town-
ship.... Samuel Wilson and Eliz. Mori'ow, June 2, 1774, Hamilton's Bann.
James Wilson and Isabel Mitchel, August 30, 1774, Eocky Spring ....
Ebenezer Mitchel and Jene Eichey, December 12, 1774, Canniwago .... James
McCormick and Mary Eidic, December 14. 1774, Cumberland.
Alexander Blackburn and Sarah McNaughton, March 1, 1775, Canniwago.
. . . .Joseph Anderson and Agnes McMurry, March 16, 1775, Cumberland. . . .
Joseph Clark and Margaret Finly, April 13, 1775, Cumberland John Dre-
nan and Mary Eobertson, August 8, 1775, Cumberland Eobert Walker and
Mary Marshal, October 16, 1775, Westmoreland .... Alexander Ewing and
Jene Anderson, November 28, 1^75, Hamilton William Fulton and Maiy
Ker, December 14, 1775, Mountpleasant .... Hugh Bond and Ann Anderson,
December 26, 1775, Hamilton.
John Celler and Susanna Cruncleton, January '2, 177(), Antrim Samuel
Scot and Elizabeth Wilson, February 14, 1776, Antrim Samuel Scat and
Elizabeth Wilson, February 14, 1776, Cove Joshua Morlin and Agnis Mc-
Cullough, March 25, 1876, Canigagig .... John Mitchell and Jene Wilson,
26 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
March 27, 1776, Marsh Creek .... William Robison and Margery MoNought,
March 28, 1776, Canniwago John Cochran and Sarah Mitchel, April 9, 1776,
Rocky Spring. . . .James Clark and Jene Cochren, April 10, 1776, Anti-item.
. . . .Alexander McCibben and Sarah Peden, April 16,1776, Philadelphia. . . .
James Dinsmore and Rebecca Walker, September 4, 1770, Tom's Creek. .. .
John Johnson and Elizabeth Cithcart, September 17, 1776, Cumberland Town-
ship .... William Marshal and Sarah Marshal, October 21, 1776, Toghland
Township .... John Renken and Mary Muaray, November 15, 1776, Hamil-
ton' s Bann.
Robt. Jamison and Jene Wilson, February 25, 1777, Cove .... Samuel
Moore and Annie McFerran, March 31, 1777, Cumberland .... Hugh Bockley
and Sarah McCullough, June 19, 1777, Cannigagig .... James McFerran and
Susanna McFerran, September 16, 1777, Cumberland .... John Ewing and
Elizabeth Gray, November 25, 1777, Berwick.
David Dunwoody and Susannah Patterson, January 27, 1778, Mt. Pleasant.
. . . .Thomas Porter and Mary Gibson, April 14, 1778, Cumberland Township.
.... William McClelland and Anderson, June 16, 1778, Cumberland Town-
ship.... James Blakely and Agnis McDowell, June 30, 1778, Cumberland
Township .... James Stewart and Mary \Valker, September 14, 1778, Hamil-
ton's Bann. . . .William Moore and Jene McFerran, September 30, 1778, Cum-
berland.... Mathew Richey and Rachel Wallace, October 13, 1778, Antrim.
.... Alexander McFerson and Mary Brounlee, November 16, 1778, Maryland.
. . . .Alexander Stewart and Mary Shannon, December 1, 1778, Cumberland.
....Hugh Murphy and Jennet Thompson, December 3, 1778, Cumberland.
.... William Galbraith and Sarah Ker, December 29, 1778, Mountpleasant.
John Forest and Agnis Hurt, January 27, 1779, Antrim .... Christopher
McMichel and Martha Findly, March 1, 1779, Antrim William Stewart and
Elizabeth Leeper, March 7, 1779, Hamilton .... Joseph Junkin and Elinor
Cochren, May 24, 1779, Antrim .... Isaac Walker and Mary Stewart, Septem-
ber 14, 1779, Marsh Creek John Murphy and Ann Guthory, November 4,
1779, Hamilton's Bann Archibald Findly and Mary Poe, November 9, 1779,
Cumberland .... John Renfrew and Sarah Ray, November 9, 1779, Cumber-
land. . . .David Erwine and Susanna Wilson, December 7, 1779, Cove.
Moses Blackburn and Margaret McKnight, January 6, 1780, Canniwago.
.... John McCaul and Jane Stewart, February 15, 1780, Cumberland Jo-
siah Ker and Sarah Reynolds, February 17, 1780, Cumberland .... Samuel
Findly and Mary Graham, February 22, 1780, Cumberland William Rey-
nolds and Sarah Wilson, March 28, 1780, Cumberland .... James Nicol and
Isabel Richey, March 30, 1780, Canniwago .... William Thompson and Jena
Mitchel, April 3, 1780, Letter Kenny. . . .James Kilpatrick and Jene Findly,
April 25, 1780, Cumberland. '. . .Robt. Love and Jean Gibson, May 22, 1780,
Hamilton's Bann. . . .Alex. McCutchen and Sarah Crunleton, June 27, 1780,
Antrim .... Charles Hart and Jennet Dale, July 6, 1780, Peters James
Burns and Jene Gebby, November 7, 1780, Maryland.
Robert Campbell and Martha Paxton, April 16, 1781, Letter Kenny
Thomas Patterson and Elizabeth Brown, May 1, 1781, Midleton .... James
Dickson and Margaret Robinson, May 14,1781, Cumberland. . . .William Finny
and Anne Morton, November 2, 1781, Westmoreland .... James McClelland
and Agnis Sinclair, November 13, 1781, Cove.
James Kirkland and Anne Colter, March 28, 1782, Cumberland Rob-
ert Crunkleton and Anne Morhead, June 25, 1782, Washington David
Danton and Jene McEwen, August 20,1782, Menellan. . . .Samuel Cross and
Sarah Dunwoody, August 20, 1782, Cumberland.
HISTORY 'OF ADAMS COUNTY. 27
William Hall and Miriam Brandon, May 6, 1783, Huntington .... John
Monteith and Jennet Leat, June 24, 1783, Cumberland .... Thos. Oveond and
Margaret Po, July 15, 1783, Cumberland. . . .Benjamin Fowler and Deborah
Fowler, July 28, 1783, Cumberland .... Thomas McCleland and Agnis Fergus,
August 19, 1783, Cumberland. . . .John Bell and Isabel Eussel, September 9,
1783, Eastrover .... David Dunwoddy and Elizabeth Ker, November 2, 1783,
Hamilton' s Bann Thomas Dunlap and Martha Eamsey, November 25, 1783,
Cumberland .... Hugh Lind and Margret Kane, December 18, 1783, Cumber-
land .... Arthur Chamberlain and Margret Hodge, December 23, 1783, Read-
ing.... James Moore and Margaret Young, November 11, 1783, Hamilton's
Bann.
Joseph Thompson and Jane Hunter, November 23, 1784, Cumberland.
James Douglas and Elinor Orr, January 20, 1785, Mountjoy .... John
Fergus and Elizabeth Douglass, February 1, 1785. Cumberland. . . .Alexander
Patterson and Jenney Porter, March 10, 1785, Mountjoy .... Eobert Taylor and
Nancy Kerr, May 3, 1785, Hamilton's Bann .... William Vance and Sarah
Moore, September 20, 1785, Menallen.
Hugh Burns and Elinor Ramsy, January 22, 1786, Cumberland .... Sam-
uel Maxwell and Jennet Eamsy, March 7, 1786, Cumberland. . . .Thomas Doug-
las and , March 28, 1786, Pipe Creek John Krail and Elizabeth
McCann, April 14, 1786, Menallen William Donaldson and Isabel Gibson,
July 4, 1786, Cumberland .... Thomas Coehren and Margaret Knox, October
17, 1786, HamUton's Bann.
Samiiel Fergus and Mary Paxton, Februaiy 13, 1787, Mountpleasant
John Young and Eachel D. Fus, March 26, 1787, Mountpleasant .... Robert
Townsley and Nancy McCleland, August 7, 1787, Hamilton's Bann Will-
iam Bogle and Rebecca Peden, December 15, 1787, Hamilton's Bann. . . .Sam-
uel Smith and Jane Caldwell, October 16, 1787, Gettiatown.
James Blakely and Branwood, August 28, 1788, Franklin John
Swock and Anney Vanausdale, October 22, 1788, Mountjoy.
Albert Demoro and Mary Vantind, February 24, 1784, Mountpleasant.
John Stewart and Jane Stewart, March 5, 1789, Cumberland George
Kirker and Jane Gilmore, June 23, 1789, Hamilton's Bann William Speer
and Catarine Blakely, July 9, 1789, Menallen Thomas Patterson and Agnis
Blakely, July 9, 1789, Menallen Samuel Knox and Rebecca Hodge, August
13, 1789, Reading.
William McCreery and Agnis Speer, January 5, 1790, Hamilton' s Bann.
. . . .Hugh Fergus and Sarah Gibson, January 4, 1790, Mountjoy Joseph
Walker and Elizabeth Stewart, January 14, 1790, Cumberland James
White and Peden, May, 1790, Hamilton's Bann John Young and
Margaret Clugston, December 7, 1790, Hamilton's Bann.
James Wilson and Mary Young, March 17, 1791, Mount Pleasant John
Reynolds and Hanna McWilliams, March 29, 1791, Mount Pleasant David
Breden and Jane Coulter, May 5, 1791, Mountjoy William Butler and
Mary Bann, December 20, 1791, Hamilton's Bann John Watson and Jenny
Torrens, December 22, 1791, Mountpleasant .... Thomas Jorden and Mary
Bamwood, December 27, 1791, Franklin.
John Fleming and Anna Agnew, January 23, 1792, Hamilton's Bann
Hugh Dunwooddy and Martha Findly, April 12, 1792, Hamilton's Bann
Jolm Ewing and Jane Bogle, May 14, 1792, Strabane Samuel Cross and
Littice Brandon, July 12, J 792, Huntington William Baldridge and Re-
becca Agnew, July 17, 1792, Pipe Creek. . .^Hagh Dunwoody and Margaret
Morrow, November 22, 1792, Hamilton's Bann.
28 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
John Speer and Sally McCallan, March 1, 1794, Cumberland .... Richard
McLagleu and Elizabeth Hatch, July lo, 1794, Emmittsborough.
Alex Young and Jennet McCreary, January 20, 1795, ....
Alex Horner and Jenny McCalen, February 12, 1795, Cumberland. . . .James
Crooks and Anne Ambros, June 31, 1795, Cumberland.
David Brines and Elizabeth Stewart, March 29, 1796, Gettistown Will-
iam Stewart and Jennet White, April 19, 1796, Tyrone . . . .Henry Ferguson and
Susanna Coulter, May 19, 1796, Strabane.
Samuel Hays and Polly Yanst, June 29, 1797, Strabane "WiUiam Pat-
terson and Elenor Porter, September 19, 1797, Hamilton's Bann .... James
Patterson and Betsey Withrow, October 26, 1797, Hamilton's Bann.
George Ker and Nelly Wilson, March 11, 1798, Gettistown .... Robert
Taylor and Ruth Hunter, March 29, 1798, Cumlberland .... James Crooks and
Sarah Dunwoody, April 5, 1798, Cumberland. . . . David Hart and Sally Paxton,
April 12, 1798, Hamilton' s Bann .... Daniel Murphy and Margaret Livingston
April 23, 1798, Cumberland .... John Hetzer and Elizabeth Geyer, June 26,
1798, Gettistown. . . .Charles Golden and Assina Filson, December 18, 1798,
Cumberland.
Samuel McKnight and Ehster Logan, May 9, 1799, Strabane .... Joseph
Walker and Mary Ann McMaster, July 2, 1799, Strabane .... James Stewart
and Elizabeth McCarter, July 18, 1799, Cumberland .... Samuel Cooper and
Jene Campbel, November 5, 1 799, Baltimore .... Mathew Longwool and EKz-
abeth Thomson, November 14, 1799, Hamilton's Bann .... Alexander Cald-
well and Dolly Agnew, December 3, 1799, Hamilton's Bann. . . .Robert Morri-
son and Jenne Findly, December 12, 1799, Hamilton's Bann.
Mathew Steen andMargret Campbell, February 11, 1800, Hamilton's Bann.
.... John Crooks and Elizabeth Jenkins, February 13, 1800, Franklin .... WiU-
iam McFarland and Margery Beatty, March 25, 1800, Mountpleasant .... John
Magoffin and Kitty Casset, March 25, 1800, Mountpleasant .... Thomas Breden
and Jane Neely, April 80, 1800, Conowago .... John McCay and Polly Ackrey,
June 12, 1800, Hamilton's Bann. . . .Thomas Carson and Mary Wilson, Octo-
ber 16, 1800, Hamilton' s Bann .... Alexander McGaughy and Rebecca Tor-
rence, October 21, 1800, Mountpleasant .... James Young and Jenney Orr,
December 25, 1800, Hamilton's Bann.
John Kelly and Lydia Teat, March 31, 1801, Strabane .... Hugh Garvin
and Sally Stewart, April 6, 1801, Hamilton's Bann .... Samuel Holdsworth
and Ruth Caldwell, September 15, 1801, Mountpleasant.
John Keys and Kitty Slasher, March 23, 1802, Cumberland .... Robert
Hays and Rebecca Agnew, June 21, 1802, Cumberland.
Samuel Cobean and Betsey Cuningham, June 9, 1803.
,Eli Bradford and Mary McEn Nay, February 7, 1804, Liberty James
Wilson and Mary Wilson, February 6, 1804, Cxmiberland .... Samuel Carter
and Nancy Cowan, April 24, 1804, Franklin .... John Quigly and Agnes Paton,
September 6, 1804, Mountpleasant .... William Johnson and Mary King, No-
vember 12, 1804, Chansf ord . . . ; John Adair and Libi Ewing, December 6,
1804, Cumberland.
William Withrow and Sarah Cooper, March 7, 1805, Maryland .... David
Cuningham and Polly Stuart, March 14, 1805, Cumberland .... James
Stewart and Susanna Peden, March 27, 1805, Liberty .... John Deyernord and
Jenny Gwin, April 4, 1805, Ciimberlaiud .... Jacob Smith and Hanna Kip,
May 23, 1805, Cumberland William Cochren and Bekey Moitow, May 23,
1805, Liberty William Wilson and Betty Dunwooddy, August 20, 1805, Cum-
berland .... Samuel Reid and Mary Agnew, September 30, 1805, Cumberland.
<::^c'yri.u^ P^. {^^jw^^^u^ .
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 31
Isaac Hulic and Sally Commongore, January 21, 1806, Mountpleasant ....
John McCammon and Polly Proudfoot, March 25, 1806, Hopewell John
McClereghan and Rebecca McClereghan, March 25, 1806, Amtrim.
Thomas Reed and Sarah Peden, March 10, 1807, Strabane .... John Mc-
Alister and Jene Work, April 7, 1807, Cumberland .... Hugh Bingham and
Esther Baily, October 13, 1807, Cumberland.
John Calter and Sally Heagy, February 23, 1808, Mountjoy Alex Mc-
Keelop and Sarah Slents, March 29, 1808, Mountpleasant .... Henry Fergu-
son and Rebecca White, April 12, 1808, Reading .... John Gourdly and
Martha Caldwell, April 28, 1808, Mountpleasant William Hizlit and Eliza-
beth Steele, September 29, 1808, Cumberland. . . .John Agnew and Jane Wil-
son, October 27, 1808, Cumberland.
Here is a wide range for tracing family ties and the social and marriage
relations of a great many of the early settlers. If we only had a similarly
complete record from the other early ministers, what an invaluable record it
would be! The descendants of those named above form a large part of the
present population of Adams County, as well as having representatives in many
of the States of the Union, especially the States west of this. They were the
children of pioneers, and many of them took up the western march where their
fathers stopped, and aided greatly in bearing our empire to the Pacific shores.
CHAPTER VIII.
The Eevolution— Adams (York) County in the Steuggle— First Cojipany
FROM Pennsylvania— The Independent Light Infantry Company-
Flying Camp— Roster of Officers, Adams (York) County.
IN a preceding chapter, in giving some account of the Indians, there is told
the story of the participation pi what is now Adams County (then a part of
York), in the French and Indian war of 1755. This was the first taste of real
organized war of the American people; it was a fitting training school of the
people, gathering together the varied and somewhat discordant elements of
nationality and religious sects and local prejudices, and molding and cement-
ing the whole into one common element — educating the people for the distant
but coming Revolution, and to recast the history of all mankind.
It is now twenty-one years since the close of the late civil war. The long-
est lapse of time since the first war of no intervening struggles. Commencing
with that of 1755, there has been a succeeding war on an average of every six-
teen years. The French-Indian troubles, the Revolution, the war of 1812-15;
the Blackhawk war; Mexican war and the late civil war, and at various times
the Seminole and other Indian outbreaks of only minor importance.
These wars and raids and minor skirmishes were all waged in behalf of the
final peaceable and permanent possession of the country — the unity of our
government. In short, they were fought out in behalf of the first great prin-
ciple of self -protection, and the perpetuation of a government by the people
and for the people.
They have already tended to develop and more closely knit together the
once somewhat discordant races of men who originally came here to harden the
muscles and quicken the brains of a nation originally active, resolute, brave
and jealous of the slightest invasion of their rights or liberties.
32 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
True, the histories of the world's bloody and cruel wars with their attendant
suflferings, agony and woe is a hideous mental feast to set before the young
minds of this enlightened age, and, save for the moral that they furnish — the
key they give the mind strong enough to study out the obscure and otherwise
undiscoverable secrets of the active influences in shaping and building the slow
growths of our civilization — their glowing history had better nevef have been
written.
Our two great wars were the Eevolution and the late civil war. Each, it
now seems, forever settled great principles of the profoundest interest to
humanity — indeed, not only for all mankind, but for all coming time, at least,
as we are now encouraged to hope.
The history of Adams County in these two great wars is but an inseparable
portion of the history of our country during these eventful periods, and to
give the county history in detail in either — the facts and results in the country' s
camps, hospitals, marches, sieges and battle-fields, would be nothing less, nor
«an it be detached from the voluminous general history of our common country..
The heroic efforts, the failures, the defeats, the triumphs and the tremendous
results of the great armies in wars of a nation, cannot be written in detached
piece-meal. You had as well try to doctor small-pox by commencing to dig
about and cure the innumerable separate pits. Hence, here we shall attempt
nothing more than the briefest skeleton outline of what occurred locally within
the limits of Adams County.
When the Revolution was fought out Adams was a part of York County.
This was then the remote backwoods point where even the important news of
the day could but slowly reach. But in the very first movements in 1772, when
the people of the country were stirred with sympathy for the suffering Bos-.
tonian, the spirit of the freemen was manifested here as soon as in any
other portion of the country, and soon spread abroad the names and fames of
men who moved the people to war for "liberty or death" — names in the country
that are honorably borne by the worthy descendants of these truly illustrious
sires. We seriously question if there is a spot in any portion of our Union
where there is an equal number of names of historic interest that is to be found
among the people of Adams County to-day, that is, in proportion to the
population.
The people here, as early as 1765, began to show unmistakable signs of
distrust of the acts of the British Government. In fact, as early as 1760, dis-
content was openly spoken at public gatherings. April 13, 1775, the people
of the county met and by resolutions in behalf of the troubles of the people of
Boston felt ' 'feelingly for them. ' ' A committee was appointed to receive dona-
tions for Bostonians, and Heidelberg Township sent £36 17s. 5d. ; Germany
Township, £16 2s. ; Manheim, by the hands of Adam Eichelberger, £5 15s.
6d. , and by the hands of Michael Karl £5 9s. 9d. ; by the hands of David
Newman £3 16s. 3d. The entire county sent £246 8s. lOd. , and the committee
sent an open letter of sympathy to the people of Boston. This letter was
signed by James Smith, president; George Eichelberger, Michael l)oudle, David
Grier, Michael Swope, Peter Reel, Thomas Hartley, George Purvin, James
Donaldson, Michael Smyser, Balzer Spangler, John Hay. June 21, 1774, a
meeting was held of which Michael Swope was president. An election was held
in the county July 4, 1774, to obtain the sense of the people on the state of
affairs. December 16, of this year, an election for assemblymen was held,
and a county committee was also elected. Of the committee elected were Henry
Slagle, George Eichelberger, John Hay, Archibald McClean, David Greer,
Baltzer Spangler, Nicholas Bittinger, William McClellan, Joseph Donaldson,
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 33
George Irwin, David Kenedy, Thomas Fisher, John Kean, John Houston,
George Kuntz, Simon KopenhefPer, Joseph Jeffries, Eobert McCosley, Michael
Hahn, Daniel Mefferly, Michael Davis, Jacob Dahtel, Fredrick Fischel,
James Dickson, all familiar names in Adams County. Then there were
Patrick Scott, Michael Dautel, Michael Bard, Casper Eeinaker, Henry Leib-
hard, John Maxwell, George Oge, John O'Blenes and Andrew Finley on this
• committee. They were not aware of it, but it was really organizing for war
with the mother country.
July 1, 1775, the first company of soldiers marched from Pennsylvania to
Boston. November 3, 1775, a county committee of correspondence was
appointed. For all of Yortt County there were elected twenty-six committee
men. At the head of this committee stands the name of Michael Swope; then
there is James Smith, Thomas Hartley, John Hay, David Grier, George Eich-
elberger, Baltzer Spangler, John Huston, Thomas Armor, Christopher Slagle,
Peter Wolfe, Zachariah Shugart, John Herbach, John Spangler, Francis Cre-
zart, George Brinkerhoff, John Semple, Eobert McPherson, Samuel Edie,
William McClellan, John Agnew, David Kenedy, George Kerr, Abraham
Banta, John Mickle, Jr., Samuel McCanaughy, Eichard McAllister, Christian
Grsef , Henry Slagle, John Hamilton, Thomas Lilley, Patrick McSherry, James
Leeper, Baltzer Keurtzer and others.
The committee gave notice that parties purchasing sheep to kill or sell to
butchers, or attempting to drive through the county sheep under four years
old, would be arrested and treated as public enemies.
The Independent Light Infantry Company was formed in December, 1775.
Officers: James Smith, colonel; Thomas Hartley, lieutenant-colonel; Joseph
Donaldson, Michael Swope, majors; George Irwin, captain; John Hay, first
lieutenant; William Bailey, second lieutenant; Christopher Lawman, ensign;
Paul Metzgar, Hem-y Walter, Jacob Gardner and John Shultz, sergeants;
William Scott, clerk. There were 100 privates.
Eecruiting throughout the county n,ow went on rapidly. Five companies
had been formed by the early spring of 1776. Another was organized in May.
The first and second companies had dissolved and joined other companies.
In 1776 York and Cumberland Counties were required to each raise four
companies. The men made a regiment, of which William Irvine was first
colonel. Moses McClean was captain of one of the companies of York County,
and Archibald McAllister was captain of the Third Company. In May, 1776,
Capt. William McPherson and Lieut. Jacob Stake marched with a rifle company
to Philadelphia.
The celebrated Flying Camp was organized in July, 1776, and marched to
New Jersey. To this command York County furnished two battalions; five
battalions had been sent, two were accepted into the Flying Camp and the
others returned home. It is said the reason why so many more were called for
than were accepted, was that the authorities wanted to test the spirit of the
people.
The history of the Flying Camp briefly is as follows: June 3, 1776, Con-
gress resolved that a Flying Camp be established in the middle colonies, to
consist of 10,000 men, Pennsylvania to furnish 6,000 men and Maryland and
Delaware the remainder. They were to enlist for six months. York County
was required to furnish as its quota 400 men. The State convention resolved
to add four additional battalions to the Flying Camp, York to thus furnish 515
men. The quotas were promptly filled and consisted of three brigades;
James Ewing was brigadier-general of the first brigade, consisting of three
battalions, the first of which was commanded by Col. Michael Swope. There
were eight companies in the last named battalion.
34 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
First Company. — Michael SmyKw (Schmeiser), captain; Zachariah Shugart,
first lieutenant; Andrew Robinson, second lieutenant; William Wayne, ensign.
Second Company. — Gorhart Grroff, captain; Kauffman, lieutenant.
Third Company. — Jacob Dritt, captain; Baymiller, first lieutenant; Clay-
ton, second lieutenant; Jacob Meyer, ensign.
Fourth Company. — Christian Stake, captain; Cornelius Sheriff, first lieu-
tenant; Jacob Holzinger, second lieutenant; Jacob Barnitz, ensign.
Fifth Company. — John McDonald, captain; William Scott, first lieutenant^
Robert Patton, second lieutenant; Howe, ensign.
Sixth Company. — John Ewing, captain; John Paysley, ensign.
Seventh Company. — William Nelson, captain; Todd, first lieutenant;
Joseph Welsh, second lieutenant; Nesbit, ensign.
Eighth Company. — Williams, captain.
Nicholas Bittinger was captain in the second battalion.
Col. Swope's battalion suffered as severely as any during the war.
Capt. Gerhart Grseff's company was captured at the battle of Long Island;
only eighteen men ever returned to the regiment.
At Fort Washington, near New York, the soldiers fit-om this section suf-
fered severely. Nearly the entire command of Col. Swope was either killed
or taken prisoners. In the list of prisoners were Col. Swope, Maj. William
Bailey, Surg. FuUerton, Capt. Michael Smyser (spelled then Schmeiser),Capt.
David Dritt, Capt. Christian Stake, Capt. John McDonald, Lieut. Zachariah
Shugart, Lieut. John Hotzinger, Lieut. Andrew Robinson, Lieut. Robert
Patten, Lieut. Joseph Welsh, Ensign Jacob Barnitz, Ensign-Adjt. Howe and
Ensign Jacob Meyer. Of Capt. Stake's company, in addition to the 'officers
named, we have the names of Serj. Peter Haak, Serj. John Dicks, Serj. Henry
Counselman, Corp. John Adlum, David Parker, James Dobbins, Hugh Dob-
bins, Henry Miller (afterward removed to Virginia), John Strohman, Christian
Strohman, James Berry, Joseph Bay, Henry Hof, Joseph Updegraffe, Daniel
Miller, Henry Shultz and a mulatto. Bill Lukins. Capt. McCarter was shot
through the breast, and died the fifth day after. Jacob Barnitz was wounded
in both legs, and lay a prisoner for fifteen months. Years afterward one of
his legs had to be amputated.
Congress fled from Philadelphia and met at Lancaster, September 27,
1777, the day Philadelphia was taken by the enemy, but Lancaster was deemed
unsafe, and, September 30, Congress assembled at York, where it continued
nine months.
The commander-in-chief's guard, organized by Gen. Washington in 1776,
consisted of 180 men, and among these were John Dother, of Marsh Creek, and
William Karnahan, of York. William McPherson was second lieutenant of
Capt. Albright's company. McPherson was captured, August 27, 1776, at
Long Island, and exchanged April 20, 1778. He died at Gettysburg, August
2, 1832, and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery.
In the memoirs of Gen. Wilkinson is graphically described the gallantry
of Col. Hand and Maj. Miller in checking the pursuit of the enemy in our
army's memorable retreat across New Jersey.
Capt. John McClelland was promoted from lieutenant in the First Pennsyl-
vania October 1, 1779. His company left York, under Gen. Wayne, in 1781,
for the Southern service. He retired from service January 1, 1783, and resided
on Marsh Creek in 1791.
August 18, 1781, Brig. -Gen. Irvine represented to the Council that "a
number of spirited inhabitants, west of the Susquehanna, signified their inten-
tion of equipping themselves to act as light horse and volunteers." A com-
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 35
pany was raised, half at Hanover and the rest at Marsh Creek. The officers
were "William MoPherson, captain; Robert Morrison, lieutenant; James Get-
tys, cornet.
Capt. Joseph McClellan's journal of date May 26, 1781, says: "Marched
from York at 9 A. M. , under command of Gen. Wayne, and encamped eleven
miles on the road to Fredricktown (with 800 effective men).
' ' May 27, the general beat at daylight and the troops took up the line of
march at sunrise, and halted near Peter Little' s Town, it being fourteen miles ; ' '
from there they continued their march through Taneytown, to the Monococy
and ' ' passed through Fredricktown about eight, where was a number of British
oflficers, prisoners, who took a view of us as we passed through the town. ' '
The Pennsylvania regiments, in January, 1781, were reduced to six, and re-
enlisted.
Robert McMordie (spelled in the list McMurdie), of Marsh Creek, became
brigade-chaplain July, l779. He is fully mentioned elsewhere in the church
history.
Serg. John Knox was from this county, in the Sixth Pennsylvania, also
Corp. James Lawson, of Berwick, and Felix Mcllhenny, James Hamilton,
taken prisoners June 8, 1776; captured at same time was Edward Hickenbottom,
of Cumberland Township.
The following names are found in Capt. Joseph McClellan's journal, as
men of his company ; James Allison, Phillip Breulls, John Davis, John Farmer,
Nicholas Howe, Samuel Lecount, Valentine Miller, Daniel Netherhouse, James
Sedgwick, Mathew Turney. There are other names, but they were citizens
of York County.
Mathew Farney (or Forney), of Marsh Creek, was in the Thirteenth Penn-
sylvania.
Capt. Moses McClean's first lieutenant was Barnet Eichelberger, who
resigned, and John B die succeeded; JohnHoge, second lieutenant, and Robert
Hopes, ensign. Lieut. Edie was taken prisoner June 8, 1776, and exchanged
April 10, 1778. He afterward became Gen. Edie. Ensign Hopes was rapidly
promoted. He was killed at the battle of Brandywine.
Peter O'Neal enlisted from Cumberland Township. Joseph Russell en-
tered the army at the age of nineteen years. Joseph Wilson same age. Lieut.
Irvine received seventeen bayonet wounds.
A night attack was made at Paoli by the enemy, the command of Capt.
Moses McClean suffered ten-ibly. Of it Maj. Hay wrote: " The annals of the
age cannot produce such a scene of butchery. All was confusion. The en-
emy amongst us, and your regiment (the Seventh) the most exposed, as the
enemy came on the left wing. The enemy rushed on with fixed bayonets, and
made use of them as they intended. * * Our loss : Col. Grier, Capt. Wilson
and Lieut. Irvine, and sixty-one non-commissioned officers and privates killed
just half the men we had. * * I went to see the wounded. The scene
was shocking. The poor men groaning under then- wounds, which were all by
stabs of bayonets and cuts of light horsemen's swords."
In the First Battalion, the Seventh Company, were captain, Francis Bonar;
fitrst lieutenant, George Robinet; second, John Shroeder; ensign, William
Beatty; 120 men. Eighth Company, Second Battalion, captain, Yost Har-
baugh;' first lieutenant, Peter Sholtz; second lieutenant, Jacob Rudisil; en-
sign, Micheal Ettinger; 56 men. First Company, Third Battalion, captain,
Jacob Beaver; first lieutenant, Nicholas Baker; second, John Bare; ensign,
George LeFevre. Fourth Company, captain, Chris Lauman; first lieutenant,
Ephraim Pennington; second, John Fishel; ensign, Charles Barnitz. Fourth
36 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Battalion, First Company, first lieutenant, William Hamilton; second, Joseph
Pollock; ensign, Adam Heaver. Third Company, captain, William Gilliland;
first lieutenant, Mathew Mitchell; second, William Helmery; ensign, Nicholas
Glasgow. Fifth Company, captain, John McElvain; first lieutenant, John
Eange; second, Francis Claysaddle; ensign, James Geary. Seventh Company,
captain, Samuel Erwin; first lieutenant, William Haughtelin; second, Henry
Forney; ensign, William Eeed. Eighth Company, captain, Thomas Stockton;
first lieutenant, Jacob Cassat; second, Daniel Monteith; ensign, Andrew Pat-
terson. Sixth Company, captain, William Miller; first lieutenant, James Por-
ter; second, ; ensign, Barabas McSherry. Seventh Company, cap-
tain, Thomas Orbison; first lieutenant, Robert Mcllhenny; second, Joseph
Hunter; ensign, Robert Wilson. Sixth Battalion, Fourth Company, captain,
Fred Hurtz; first lieutenant, Mathew Baugher. Eighth Company, captain,
Abraham Sell; first lieutenant, Jacob Kitzmiller. Seventh Battalion, James
Agnew, lieiitenant- colonel; John Weams, major. First Company, captain,
Thomas Latta; first lieutenant, Robert Fletcher; second lieutenant, Samuel
Cobean. Eighth Battalion, colonel, Henry Slagle; major, Joseph Lilly.
Eighth Company, captain, Thomas McNery.
On the army returns of 1778, the whole number of men in the YorkCoanty
Militia was 4,621.
Of the three brigades in the Flying Camp, the First Brigade was com-
manded by Gen, James Ewing; it consisted x)f three battalions, Col. Swope
commanding the first. The two battalions, formed out of the five York
County battalions, they inarched to New Jersey, and endured the severest fate
of war. Michael Smyser (Schmeiser) was captain of the First Company, with
Zachariah Shugart, first lieutenant; Andrew Robinson, second; William Wayne,
ensign. Gerhart GrsefP, captain of the Second Company; Kauffman, lieuten-
ant; Jacob Dritt, captain of Third; Baymiller, first lieutenant; Clayton, second;
Jacob Mayer, ensign. Nicholas Bittinger was captain in the Second Battalion.
In 1775 York County was required to form five companies of minute men;
the territory that is now Adams County, the companies of Cumberland,
Hamiltonban, Strabane, Menallen, Mount Joy and Tyrone Townships to form
the Second Battalion; and Heidelberg, Berwick, Mount Pleasant, Manheim
and Germany, with other townships in what is now York County, to furnish
the Third Battalion.
CHAPTER IX.
Erection of County— Date of its Creation— Boundary Line, Area and
Population — James Gettys — Selection of County Seat — Taxes Levied
—County Buildings.
WHEN a question of greatest importance locally to the people of what
was then this portion of York County came up, namely, the erection
of a new county, then again to a slight extent became visible the race prejudice
that had not wholly been eradicated by long companionship of misery that vis-
ited all the people of this country during the Revolution. Toward the close
of the eighteenth century, as early as 1790, it became evident that there must
be a new county formed. A large and rapidly increasing population had
already found prosperous and happy homes in this southwestern portion of
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 37
York County, and they were without mails, courts, or marts for traffic, ex-
cept to go all the way to the town of York. The question was started for
discussion, and while all could see the imperious necessity for a change in this
respect, yet many did not desire to risk the plunge from the sphere of the known
evils into the regions of the unknown. The movement to form a county origi-
nated with the Scotch-Irish, who largely held possession of the northern por-
tion of the territory out of which the new county was to be formed, and the
southern part of this territory was in the possession t)f the Dutch, with a
very light sprinkling of Germans and a very few Scotch-Irish. The Dutch
did not desire to be stricken off into a new county with the Scotch-Irish ; they
believed they would be outnumbered, outvoted, and in the end, from foretastes
in elections in former times in York County, they were apparently justified in their
apprehensions. The leaders of the Scotch-Irish were strong, active and aggressive
men ; at least they were never noted for great diffidence in laying claims to
their plain and just rights. The leaders of the Dutch were slow, solid and,
upon even slight pretexts, stubborn as the granite hills about them. But these
incongruities were eventually overcome by the commanding necessities of the
time, and a new county was created, called in honor of the then President of
the United States — Adams County.
The act of the Legislature creating Adams County is of date January 22,
1800. And it goes without the saying that, with the division among the people, it
was carried through the Legislature successfully by what in modern times has
come to be called "log-rolling;" that is, by combinations among parties in the
Legislature. In numerous other parts of the State where new counties were
wanted, or other wants were pressing upon the constituents of members,
all these parties would join and vote in turn for each other's measures. In
this case, at least, "log-rolling" was a beneficent thing in the end for our
people, and gave the great commonwealth one of her most prolific agricultural
municipalities, almost literally a community of farmers with no great individ-
ual fortunes, and almost without a trace of extreme poverty and suffering.
For, after all, the farm is the great alma mater of all — the factory, the rail-
roads, commerce and the comforts and joys of our best civilization coming from
that one common source.
The commissioners appointed to run the boundary line of the new county
were Jacob Spangler, deputy surveyor of York County; Samuel Sloan, dep-
uty surveyor of Adams County, and William Waugh, and they fixed upon the
following boundary lines : ' ' Beginning at the line of Cumberland County
where the road from Carlisle to Baltimore leads through Trent's Gap; then
following said road to Binders; thence on a straight line to Conowago Creek,
opposite the mouth of Abbott's Eun; thence along the line of Manheim and
Berwick Townships westwardly, until it strikes the road leading from Oxford
to Hanovertown; and from thence a due south course until it strikes the Mary-
land line; thence along the Maryland line to the line of Franklin County
thence along the line of Franklin and Cumberland Counties to the place of
beginning." It contains 531 square miles in an area of twenty-four by twen-
ty-seven miles. The total acreage is 339,183 acres, originally all timber
land; in faiTus and other improvements, the timber area has been reduced to
50,000 acres. When the county was formed there was a population, as given
by the United States census of that year, of 13,172, including, as the tax-books
show, nine negro slaves. The owners of these slaves were James Gettys, two
women; Widow MoPherson, one man; William McClellan, one man; Alexander
Eussell, one woman; Eeynolds Eamsey, one woman; James Scott, a man and a
woman; William McPherson, two men. The highest assessed value of any
;iS HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
slave was $150. The assessor's books for 1801 show that this year there was
added to the slave owners James Scott, "one negro man;" and the next year
Alexander Cobean was assessed "one negro woman, $100," and Conrad Hoke
' ' negro woman fifty years old, ' ' no value given. Slaves were now freely
introduced and in considerable numbers, and some of the quaintest documents
in the spelling and structure of sentences that we remember to have come
across, are the few original bills of sale of slaves that have been preserved
among old papers and documents.
The total number of ' ' taxables ' ' in Adams County in the year 1800 was
2, 563, and the next year the total number of negro slaves was ninety-four.
In addition to the negro slaves (these people all then called their farms
' ' plantations "), there were the indentured or bonded white men — men who had
given so many years, as agreed upon where the capitalist made both sides of the
bargain, of their labor, for money or sustenance, generally claimed to have
been furnished to convey the servant to this country. These servants, or they
and their time, were matters of transfer as any other property. There are no
records by which the number of this class of people here can now be ascer-
tained. But when a newspaper commenced to be published in Gettysburg it
was a frequent occurrence to see advertisements offering rewards from 1 cent
to §10 for the recapture of these runaways. They would grow tired of
their cruel bargain and " go West to grow up with the country " — not even tak-
ing with them Greeley' s historical half-dollar or perfected Hoe printing press.
The new county was about to be formed and its municipal machinery to be
piit in operation. The contention over the subject was of the deepest interest.
The preponderance of population was along the east side of the county, with
the Scotch-Irish in possession of the north and the Dutch of the south. Here
were distinct interests, each determined to do the very best they could in secur-
ing an advantageous location of the county seat. It was a tempting morsel,
and a field-day to sections of the county, contending communities, and even
to nearly every individual who owned a tract of land, on which he had a shanty
and a truck patch cleared, that did not he on the extreme borders of the county.
Many of these excited owners of " plantations " no doubt saw his shanty and
small clearing blown in a night into embryo county capitals, and could almost
see the future great city, with its teeming population, factories, grand avenues,
palatial residences,baronial castles, its towers and minarets gleaming in the early
morning sun, and chink in his pockets the fabulous prices per front foot the
incoming rush of humanity would thrust upon him . Like other elections or
selections all could not realize their fond dreams.
James Gettys, a man of brains, force of character and resources, had
opened a farm, a very large farm for that time, where the borough of Gettys-
burg now stands. The improvement included nearly all of the present town
limits. He had built a small shanty near a spring — of which there were many
in the locality — on the north side of the hill, some distance north of where the
McClellan house now stands, or a little northeast of the triangle. And as soon
as he had fairly got his farm opened the talk commenced about forming a new
county, to include substantially the present county boundaries, and thi early
suggestion, or perhaps even earlier than this, the natural location of the place
and the settlements north and south and around it suggested to Gettys to lay
out a town on his land. It cannot now be ascertained what was the true date
of the commencement to build a town here. He put up a spacious two story
log house, the first real residence built here, which, with the kitchen and out-
buildings standing upon the elevation, made quite a show. This house stood a
short distance north of where the "Globe Inn" now is — northeast of the triangle.
^' '.V
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 41
He opened this as a hotel. The house stood as he built it until a few years
ago (1880) when it was burned; a remarkable fact being that it stood for a
century, the first house put up, and was the first residence in the place consumed
by fire.
To return a little, by way of explanation, it is necessary here to say that in
1790 the subject of forming a new county progressed so far as to appoint three
commissioners to select a county seat, and James Cunningham, Jonathan Hoge
and James Johnston had been chosen commissioners to make the selection.
They selected a tract belonging to Garret Van Orsdel, in Strabane Township,
"between the two roads leading from Hunters and Gettystown to the brick house,
including part of said road." Then in 1791 the subject was again put in mo
tion, and Rev. Alexander Dobbin and David Moore were chosen to select the
county seat location. The matter ran along with nothing further done until
1799, when Gettys, in order to be in apt time, deeded to Dobbin and Moore,
for the use of the new county, 200 lots, with the quit rents, and also
a lot for a " gaol " and a court house lot. James Gettys purchased the land
now occupied by the borough in 1790, and it is probable, though no of&cial
or other evidence as to dates are now to be found, he soon after conceived the
idea of making the future county seat, and so announced to the world, and
offered inducements for people to come here and settle. One of the conditions
in his deed to the trustees was the ' ' enhanced value of the remainder of the
property from the location of the town seat here. ' ' The ground rent upon
each of the lots donated to the county was 78. 6d. The long document is
signed by James and Mary Gettys.
In the mieantime other parties were as busy as was Gettys in the effort to
secure the future county town. The most formidable rival was Hunterstown.
The strong champions of this place were Dickson, Brinkerhoff, Shriver and
others. It was then very near the center of population of the county, while
Gettystown was very near the geographical center. The latter was championed
by such strong men as the McPhersons, McOleans, McSherrys, Horners, Cob-
ean, Crawford, Dunwoody and many others of nearly equal force of character.
The commissioners, Alexander Dobbin and David Moore, as early as re-
quired by the act, had fixed upon Gettysburg, and on the 23d of February of
that year they deeded the lots and property conveyed to them by Gettys to the
county in the name of the three county commissions, Robert Mcllhermy, Jacob
Grenamire and David Edie. In Gettys' deed he gives the name of the place
as "Gettystown." On further examination of the act creating the county it
seems that the friends of "Gettystown" managed this part of their work as
shrewdly as they had that of forming the county. They had the Legislature
fix the county seat at this place; and the tempting inducement to do this was
a bond shown the members of the Legislature, signed by prominent men, offer-
ing to pay a large sum toward erecting the county buildings.
The act authorized the county commissioners to levy a tax of $3,000 for
public buildings on the county, and it was agreed that the additional 17,000
for that purpose should be contributed by private subscriptions. The act re-
cites the essence of the bond, which is signed by Henry Hoke, James Scott,
William McClellan, George Kerr, William McPherson, Alexander Cobean,
Alexander Irwin, Alexander Russell, Walter Smith, William Hamilton,
John Myers, Emanuel Zeigler and Samuel Sloan, and was for the sum of
17,000, to be paid one-third in six months after the passage of the bill,
and the two-thirds in equal annual payments thereafter. Then for the
first time in this act of the Legislature it is called "Gettysburg." This strong
and effective bond, effective in making this the county seat, was in the hand-
42 HISTOKY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
writing of Alexander Russell. The venerable document is without date, and
was long ago marked across its face "Cancelled." It had been paid accord-
ing to its tenor. The people, moved by a generous public sentiment, and as
many had pledged, no doubt, the signers of the $7,000 bond, started subscrip-
tion papers. Five papers were circulated, and the following receipt explains
fully the result of this movement:
Received January 6, 1801, of Reynolds Ramsey, Henry Hoke, Alexander Russell,
Alexander Cobean, Matliew Smith, Alexander Irwin, George Kerr and James Scett, five
subscription papers, wherein a number of the inhabitants of Gettysburg and its vicinity
had subscribed certain sums of money supposed to be eight thousand eight hundred and
ninety-seven dollars and thirty-three cents, for the purpose of erecting publicly buildingg
in a county proposed to be struck off the county of York. From whom I am directed to
collect the sums set opposite the respective names of the aforesaid subscribers.
[Signed] Robt. Hates.
There is no doubt there was a mistake of a year in the date of this instru-
ment. This is made plain by the sentence "in a county proposed to be
struck off."
Robert Hayes, then, was then commissioner to collect subscriptions and the
county fund, and make the payments on the public buildings — court house and
jail. Like all general subscription papers this was a hard work to perform,
and all the time he was giving notices to "pay up" — threatening suits against
delinquents, etc. , etc. The most of them paid by labor and materials furnished.
William McClellan, Henry Hoke and William Hamilton were appointed by
law commissioners to contract and superintend the erection of the county build,
ings.
February 29, 1804, the commissioners made a statement, in which they
charge themselves with $3,000 received from the county, and $7,000 from
Robert Hayes; total, $10,000.
They are then credited with $9, 802. 70, money paid for labor and materials
on the court house and jail. This would indicate the cost of these buildings.
Walter Smith, Henry Hull and Michael Slagle were the commissioners of the
county who, on January 28, 1804, certified to the correctness of this report.
The largest single item in the list of payments is $3,913. 12 J, paid Alexander
Cobean for building the jail.
The court house was constructed after the one style of all such buildings of
that day — of brick, with stone foundation, and square. The lower floor was the
court room, a door in the north and south, the south door only being used, as
the judge's bench was placed against the north door. The house stood in the
center of the public square. On each side of the south door was a stairway
leading to the galleries, the left stairway also leading to the three rooms on the up-
per floor, grand and petit jurors' rooms. About one-third of the space in the
main court room was given to juries, on the right and left of the judge, and the
attorneys sat in front of the judge. Two great wood stoves heated the room.
This was the court house room and accommodations that served well for over fifty
years. The building, now the store of Weaver & Co. , on the northeast corner
of the square, was occupied by the county officers, clerks, etc.
When the business of the courts and county officers, and the needs of the
inhabitants had long outgrown the accommodations of the old court house, the
people began to importune the grand jury to put up a new and suitable build-
ing. All the leading citizens saw the urgent necessity for this, and yet they
dreaded the great expense. The Democrats had only fairly got in power in
the county, and shrewd party leaders were nervous when they thought of a
heavy tax upon the people for even the best of purposes. But the people pre-
vailed, and in March, 1858, the new court house, as it now stands, was contracted
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 43
for, and in 1859 it was completed and ready for occupancy. The building is a
credit to the county — ample in proportions, strong and solidly built from foun-
dation stone to turret, commodious and well appointed in its court room and of-
fices, with strong fire-proof vaults, and crowned with steeple containing bell and
town clock. It is a perpetual testimony to the good judgment and integrity of
the authorities under whose auspices it was built, especially when it is known
that, in its 'completion, the whole cost was less than $20,000. There are many
counties in the country that have paid from $40,000 to $120,000 for their
court houses, that in every respecf were not superior to the Adams County
Court House.
A great improvement to the town was tearing down the old court house in
the public square, and throwing these grounds open to the public use.
The jail, after a fashion, held the few criminals committed to its keep-
ing; that is, like all jails, held some, while others escaped. In 1832, "when
the stars fell, " there was a murderer in the jail, and it is supposed this awful
display of heavenly fixe -works frightened the poor fellow so that he broke out,
went to the blacksmith shop, filed oil his shackles and fled to the woods, and,
as he forgot to come back and give himself up to be hanged, it may be inferred
he is still fleeing from the ' 'stars' ' that do not pursue. On the night of January
7, 1850, there was discovered a bright fire burning in the jail. The discovery
was made by a young man of Gettysburg who had been out late interviewing
his sweetheart, and he gave the alarm; but it was too late to save the building,
and it burned to the ground. Two men. Toner and Musselman, who were de-
mented to some extent, were confined in the building, and one had in some
way started the fire, as it had commenced in his cell, and Musselman' s body
was almost wholly consumed. Toner was suffocated. 'The jail, as it now
stands, was built in 1851.
The county hospital originally built in 1817-18. The building stands a few
rods northeast of Gettysburg. 'Ihe new part was built in 1878, and this and
the other building that had been previously constructed at different times, give
ample accommodation and comfort to the county' s poor unfortunates. These
are the county buildings. The economy and honesty exercised in their con-
struction and management are well attested to by the assessor' s books calling
upon the people to pay the bills. Then, in addition to these county buildings,
the county is most abundantly supplied with stone and iron bridges and free
turnpike roads. And to all this we can add no word of commendation to the
two generations of men who have controlled and performed all these splendid
and durable public improvements, than to call the attention of the reader to
the light county tax — a little less on the average than three mills — that is lev-
ied on the people. In these respects no county in the Union has been more
fortunate. Literally, no stealing from the public has so far blurred the fair
name of Adams County.
44 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTER X.
by aakon siieelt, a. m.
Natural History of Adajis County— Geology — Mineralogy — The South
Mountain — The "Barrens"— Destruction of Forests— Streams—Ele-
vations—Scenery—Trees AND Shrubs— Fish— Birds.
geologt.
THE geology of Adams County is its physical history, and has for its object
the investigation of the causes which have produced the phenomena ex-
hibited both by its exterior and interior rock formations. This history is writ-
ten in the layers and masses of mineral matter which constitute the crust of the
earth comprised within the limits of the county, and becomes intelligible in
the investigation of the successive changes to which this portion of the earth
has been subjected.
The first geological survey of any portion of the county under govern-
mental direction was made in pursuance of an act of Legislature dated March
29, 1836, by the eminent geologist, Prof. Henry D. Eogers, with the aid of a
corps of competent assistants.
The field work of the first season was sufficient to determine with certainty
the order of the rocks of middle and southern Pennsylvania, and to establish
the fact that the South Mountain range belongs to the great Laui-entian sys-
tem, the oldest known to geologists. It also established the fact that Adams
County belongs to the mesozoic or medieval time of the earth' s history, com-
prising a single age only — the reptilian, and that the strata or beds lying
eastward of the South Mountain are sedimentary, that they occur in long
narrow strips parallel with the mountains and coast-line, occupying synclinal
valleys formed in the course of the folding of the Appalachians, and that the
twisted and disturbed condition of the beds is due to this folding.
The results of this survey to the State, as well as to the cause of geological
science, were most important, and served to cori'ect several erroneous theories
concerning the geology of this part of the State. It may with truth be as-
serted that this survey gave birth to the science of American structural geology.
The act of the Legislature ordering the second geological survey of Penn-
sylvania was passed May 14, 1874. Prof. Persifer Frazer, Jr., of Philadelphia,
was the geologist in charge of the York and Adams district, assisted by Prof.
A. E. Lehman, of Lebanon, Penn. These' gentlemen promptly commenced
work in their district, visiting mines and important exposures, tracing lines
of outcrop, collecting specimens of rocks and minerals, and, after properly
arranging and marking the same, forwarding them to headquarters at Harris-
burg for examination and study, running lines and making measurements in
every direction, gathering much valuable information concerning the geology
and mineralogy of the district, and sending carefully prepared reports from
time to time of their operations.
These surveys by Prof. Frazer and his assistants have been very elaborately
and faithfully made, at least so far as Adams County is concerned. There are
few if any localities that have not been thoroughly examined and accurately
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 45
reported. Whilst it is to Prof. Rogers that we owe the discovery of the
clue to the general law of the earth's structure prevailing in this section, it is
to Prof. Frazer that we are indebted for the successful working out of the clue.
Very full reports of the second geological survey have been published by
the State, but the facts and data contained in them, being scattered through
a large number of volumes, which seem to be running through the press indefin-
itely, are for the most part so detached and fragmentary as to impair seriously
their usefulness for practical purposes. It is to be hoped that the valuable infor-
mation embraced in these voluminous reports may, without unnecessary delay,
be so condensed, arranged and published as to make it of interest and use
to the general reader.
According to Prof . Frazer, "two-thirds of the county consists of mesozoic
soft sandstone or shale, traversed by extensive trap-dykes. Its western town-
ships rise upon the South Mountain azoic rocks, resembling the Huronian se-
ries in Canada, very siliceous and porphyritic, carrying some copper ores as
yet unproductive. The York Coimty limestone belt of the Codorus Valley
spreads over Conowago, as also parts of Oxford and Union Townships, and is
bordered on the southeast by the mica schist belt. The chlorite schist just
enters the southeast corner of the county. Extensive outcrop fragments of
quartzite indicate the presence of the Potsdam sandstone in Berwick Township
along the continuation of the Pigeon Hills of York County, and several thou-
sand feet of rocks assignable to the Potsdam make up the mountain ridges of
Menallen and Franklin Townships north of the Chambersburg pike."
The South Mountain forms, as has been stated, a broken range of the old-
est protozoic or Laurentian formation. This consists chiefly of layers of met-
amorphic or semi-crystalline sandrock called gneiss. The principal minerals
of importance are iron and copper ore. The outcrops of these may be seen in
the vicinity of Gettysburg. The soil is principally of three kinds, partaking
of the character of the rock formations of the county. These are for the most
part limestone, red shale, and trap or syenite, the disintegrating and wearing
away of which has formed the soil, the abundant presence of iron giving the
prevailing red color to it. The area of the county is 530 square miles.
MINEEALOGV.
Iron. — There is in the county a great outspread of gneissoid sandrock and
mica slates containing beds of magnetic iron ore, each traceable for many
miles. To determine whether or not these constitute a separate system requires
further observation and study. Some of the ore beds have become decom-
posed along their outcrops, affording extensive surface mines of brown hema-
tite. The great ore beds of the South Mountain seem to be buried at consider-
able depths beneath the surface. They will probably at some distant day, as
the needs and demands of the country increase, become sources of wealth to
the county. Iron ore of various kinds and qualities has for many years been
sought and mined in different parts of the county. A few of these mining
operations will be briefly described:
About ten years ago an opening was made on the farm of Mr. George How-
ell, near Belmont, some two miles northwest of Gettysburg, in the hope of
finding iron ore, but only grayish shale and sandstone, with fragments of trap,
were found. There is nothing at this time about the excavation to show the,
presence of iron.
In 1873 some good specimens of ore were found on the farm of Mr. George
Cole, in Buchanan Valley, about a mile and a half from Newman's, on the
Chambersburg pike. An opening was subsequently made and some ore of
good quality taken out, but it has not been worked to any great extent. The
46 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ore is a pure, crystalized, micaceous, specular variety occurring in white quartz
and orthofelsite.
The Peter Comfort mine, once extensively worked, is on Big Marsh Creek,
in Franklin Township, about a mile east of Oashtown, and is one of the most
imjiortant in the county. The first opening was made by the Wrightsville Iron
Company in 1807, the company taking a twenty -five year lease at 30 cents roy-
alty per ton. A number of extensive excavations have been made, but no work
has been done for twelve years. The ore is a good quality of magnetic. The
ore was hauled by teams to Gettysburg at 81.65 to $1.85 per ton. The works
have long been neglected and are in bad condition.
The Minter mine is on the farm of Adam Minter, a few hundred yards
northwest of the Comfort mine, ore of good quality and in considerable
quantity being found scattered over the fields in the vicinity. McCormick &
Co. , of Harrisburg, opened a trial shaft here in 1874. The tests being satis-
factory, the company opened a mine and introduced suitable machinery for
operating it, including a fifteen horse-power engine for hoisting and pumping.
The miners were paid 11.20 per day of ten working hours, the engineer receiv-
ing §1.60 per day, and the boss $75 per month. The ore in this mine occurs
in irregular beds, and the levels at which it was taken out were forty-seven
feet from drifts and 132 feet on the slope. The mine was worked about a year,
during which time about 2. 500 tons of ore were taken out and shipped to
Harrisburg. being hauled by teams to Gettysburg.
Iron has been found on several farms in the vicinity of Rhodes' Mill, in
» Freedom Township, but thus far not in quantities to pay.
In 1875 Martin, Barbenheim & Kappes, of Gettysburg, leased about
ten acres of ground a few hundred yards east of the reservoir on Cemetery
Hill, and commenced excavating for iron. They continued work for about
a year, expending fully $500, without realizing any profit either for them-
selves or the owner of the land. A considerable quantity of a kind of
magnetic ore was taken out, but none of it was ever sold. Prof. Leslie
says it may well be questioned whether the large percentage of magnetic ox-
ide frequently found in those specular ores is not mainly, if not entirely, de-
rived from the disintegration of the trap rocks common in the vicinity.
Iron ore in large quantities was mined in the neighborhood of Idaville many
years ago, but the supply has not been exhausted. If surface indications are to
be relied on there are yet vast beds and veins of this metal awaiting development
in this locality. Matthew & Duncan, who operated the Whitestown furnace
about forty years ago, opened a number of these beds, taking immense quan-
tities of ore from them. The largest of these openings is on the "Brough
Farm," and covers about half an acre. The furnace in the vicinity, which
years ago produced large quantities of iron, has long since been aban-
doned. The buildings and works are rapidly falling into decay. Ore of good
quality has been found on the ' 'Peter Dalhammer' ' property close by, a trial
shaft revealing large quantities of it.
The average daily yield of the Albert ore bank, about a mile southeast of
Idaville, was ten tons. It was magnetic and of good quality. The iron
made from this ore was of a puperior character, being used for boiler plate, as
also for other purposes for which great strength was required.
In 1864 magnetic ore of good quality was found on several farms near
Center Mills, in Butler Township, but the beds being below the water level
they could not be worked advantageously on account of the intrusion of water,
the deposits of ore not being deemed sufficient to warrant the introduction of
steam -{Jumping apparatus.
Much ore of good quality has at various times been mined in the south-
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 47
eastern part of the county, in Conowago and Union Townships, along the Lit-
tlestown and Hanover road. Extensive mines have at different times during
the last fifteen or eighteen years been opened on the Enoch Lefeyre farm, as
also on the Wills & McSherry farm, and operated with great profit. The
works have been idle for several years, owing to depression in the iron trade.
Considerable other exploiting for ores has been done in this same section of the
county with but moderate success. On the farms of Hon. E. Myers, G. Kun-
kle, G. Baer and Mr. Willet trial shafts have been sunk, developing only fer-
ruginous chlorite slates, poor in iron.
A good deal of iron was mined many years ago along the foot of the moun-
tain in the neighborhood of Maria furnace, in Hamiltonban Township, a few
miles west of Fairfield. This furnace was then owned and operated by Hon.
Thaddeus Stevens and Col. James D. Paxton. Some of the ore used at this
furnace was hauled in wagons from what is now the Minter farm near Cash-
town, the ore found in the locality not being of suitable quality.
Explorations for iron have been made at different times in various other
localities throughout the county. Some of these must have been made many
years ago if the size of the trees growing in and around the excavations thus
made proves anything. Among the oldest and most extensive, as well as most
interesting, of these ancient excavations are those in Franklin Township, on
the road leading from Willow Spring Tavern to Bigham' s, and about two
miles south of the Chambersburg pike, but why, when, or by whom made, no
one seems to know with any degree of certainty.
Copper. — Copper is widely distributed throughout the county, and much
time and capital have been expended in efforts to find it in paying quantities,
but thus far with little success.
About the year 1850 a Mr. George Proctor opened what is known as the
"Old Copper Mine" on the lot at present owned and occupied by Mr. John
Hennig, on High Street, Gettysburg, but after working it for a year or less
abandoned it temporarily. Afterwards organizing a company known as the
"North American Mining Company," with the avowed object of operating the
mine more vigorously, and after disposing of considerable of the stock of the
concern, work was resumed in 1852 and pushed with vigor for about a year,
eight men being employed in the mine. These were divided into two gangs,
each gang of four working twelve hours consecutively. The main shaft was
105 feet in depth, with drifts ten and seventeen feet in length respectively.
A small quantity of good ore was taken out, as were also some fine specimens
of native copper, but the ore deposit being limited the enterprise failed. No
ore from the mine was ever sold, the men losing a considerable portion of their
wages. The mine is now a well, with an inexhaustible supply of good soft
water. A young workman employed in the mine, Charles Heilecker, lost his
life by falling to the bottom of the shaft in 1852.
About the year 1845 a copper mine was opened at "Stone Jug," on the
Gettysburg and Harrisburg road, seven miles from Gettysburg, and worked
actively for several years, during which time large quantities of good ore were
taken out and sold, Maj. Eobert Bell hauling the first load, three tons gross
weight, to Baltimore in 1846. Work was discontinued soon after the latter
date, the men being transferred to certain mines in the Lake Superior copper
region under the management of the same company. At various times subse-
quently, up to within a year, operations were resumed at this mine under dif-
ferent auspices, to be as often discontinued, nearly all of the ventures proving
disastrous to the stockholders.
Copper mines have at different times been opened in various localities in
the South Mountain, Hamiltonban Township, on the Russell farm, on the Mus-
48 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTy.
selman tract, as also at a point some distance west of Fountain Dale, but in
no case with pecuniary succesB. Some remarkably fine specimens of native
copper have been found in the vicinity of the Musselman mine. Copper ore of
considerable richness was a few years ago diBcovered near Bonneauville, but
it was soon found that the vein was too thin to pay for working it. The lessons
of the past seem to afford little encouragement to successful copper mining in
the future in this county.
Limestone. — A belt of limestone enters the county at its southeast corner, near
the Pigeon Hills, and extends in a southerly direction to Littlestown, a distance of
about seven miles, being overlapped in many places by red shale and sandstone.
This limestone is of a bluish color, comparatively pure, and when burned
yields a superior quality of quicklime for agricultural and building purposes.
Vast quantities of this lime are annually manufactured, affording employment
to large numbers of persons, and contributing materially to the resources of
the county.
In the upper portion of the red shale formation, near the base of the South
Mountain, is a belt of calcareous conglomerate resembling the famous variegated
Potomac marble, and presenting, when finely polished, a most beautiful appear-
ance. This rock, when burned, produces an impure but strong kind of lime,
more suitable as a fertilizer than for making mortar.
There are also isolated outcrops of limestone in Huntington and Latimore
Townships, near York Springs; in Franklin Township, near Hilltown and Cash-
town, as also at a point about midway between Arendtsville and Mummasburg;
in Hamiltonban Township, near Fairfield: at all of which places quarries have
been worked for many years.
Granite. — Among the crystalline rocks of economic value, such as constitute a
large part of the geological formation of this county, granite, or syenite, as it may
be more correctly called, is perhaps the most useful. Wolf's Hill, Culp's Hill,
Big Round Top, Little Eound Top, and Houek' s Ridge, of which Devil' s Den
forms a projecting spur, furnish a supply of this rock that is practically inex-
haustible. This rock, however massive and unbroken it may appear, has a ten-
dency to divide more easily in certain directions than in others, and is traversed
by parallel seams, separating readily into blocks more or less symmetrical. It
is a rock of great durability — hard and compact, and the finer varieties of it
are susceptible of a good polish. It is easily split into blocks of any size by
a very simple process. These blocks, thus quarried or split out, are conveyed
to the granite yards, of which there are three in Gettysburg, where they are
dressed and otherwise prepared for the manifold uses to which they may be put.
Besides being used largely for building purposes, native granite is much used
for monuments and tablets to mark positions on the battle-field.
Mr. Solomon Powers, who died in Gettysburg in 1883, opened the first gran-
ite quarry and dressed the first granite in this section some time during the year
1838. About his first work was to build one of the durable granite bridges
on the ' ' Tapeworm' ' Railroad. Granite is found in other localities in the
county besides those mentioned, but the bowlders are generally too small to be
worked to advantage.
Sand. — The disintegration and decomposition of the syenitic rocks in the
vicinity of Gettysburg have produced immense deposits of an excellent quality of
yellow sand much used for building purposes. This disintegration has been re-
ferred for its cause to sulphurous acid vapors, supposed to be produced by
decomposition of the pyritous ores which the rock often contains. The action
of water and air may be sufficient to remove the potash of the feldspar, and
thus cause the rock to disintegrate.
^t-i>r^GL^J^^
O
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 51
THE SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
This mountain, which forms the western boundary of the county, separa-
ting it from Franklin and Cumberland Counties, is a range beautiful in all its
wonderful variety of outlines and magnificent scenery, as also in all its drear
monotony and desolation. This mountain range, once covered with a rich
and dense growth of forest trees, is now largely denuded of its primeval treasures
of timber. This denudation of mountain forests is due, in a measure, to the
wholesale and often wanton destruction of timber by the woodman's ax; but in
a much larger measure this ' ' abomination of desolation ' ' is caused by the
great fires that periodically sweep over the mountains, leaving hideous scars
behind them, to mark the track of the devastating fiend. Sometimes one sees,
for miles and miles, the ground covered with the charred and prostrate trunks
of once lordly trees. Great lofty pines and oaks, whose stems are blackened
from the roots upward as high as the fire has reached — huge, distorted and
disfigured, stand gloomily above their moldering brethren, their black skeletons
extending their dead and broken arms, in mute testimony of lost grace and
* beauty. Nothing could be more desolate than these ' ' burnings, ' ' as they are
called. They present an aspect of such utter, hopeless dreariness, and such
complete and painful solitude, as one might imagine to exist only within the
fro?en circle of the Arctic.
The forest incendiary ought to be universally regarded as a common enemy,
like the poisoner of a spring or well, recklessly destroying that which it is to
the interest of all to preserve.
THE ' 'barkens. ' '
It is a matter of pretty well authenticated tradition that when the eastern
portion of the county, known as the "Barrens," was first settled by whites,
about the year 1729, the ground was almost entirely destitute of large timber.
Only dwarf trees and low underbrush could be seen for miles. This treeless
condition of the country was caused, it is said, by the burning of the timber
and undergrowth every few years, to facilitate the hunting operations of the
Indians. In consequence this treeless waste received the name "Barrens,"
which name it has ever since retained. After white settlers occupied the soil
these conflagrations ceased, the open country becoming in the course of time
well timbered, magnificent forests of oak, hickory and chestnut standing where
formerly there was only barrenness.
The same is said to be true concerning a large scope of country lying north-
ward of Gettysburg. It is claimed by the Gilliland family that when their
ancestors first settled near Opossum Creek, that whole country was covered
vrith luxuriant, wild low-tree growths. It is said that from the ridge on the Cobean
farms north of Gettysburg, deer were frequently seen to jump over the low
brush growing between the point of observation and Rock Creek. If the tra-
dition is well founded most of the magnificent forests now to be seen in that
region must have grown since.
DESTRUCTION OF FOEESTS.
The fact has been pretty well established that the destruction of forests
and the clearing of land, which have been going on rapidly in the county dur-
ing the last fifty years or more, have affected the rainfall and climate unfavor-
ably. It is maintained that air and earth undergo considerable change when
land is cleared of its timber: first, from the ground being exposed to the sun's
rays, which cause the waters to evaporate more rapidly; second, by lessening the
quantity and duration of snow; and third, by introducing warm winds through
the openings made. That the size of most if not all the streams in the county
52 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
has greatly diminished within that length of time admits of no doubt. There
are people now living who remember when the average volume of water in
them was twice what it is now. There is also abundant evidence to be found
along the water-courses to demonstrate the fact. Many springs, too, have per-
ceptibly weakened within the memory of persons not very old, and some have
disappeared altogether. To the patriotic the lesson is obvious. All efforts to
stay the needless destruction of timber, and which have for their object the
restoration, either by natural or artificial means, of the forest growth of lands
thus denuded should receive due encouragement.
The largest stream in the county is the Conowago, which has its source in
the South Mountain, near the line dividing Adams from Franklin. It drains
a large extent of country. Its principal tributaries are Opossum Creek, Plum
Eun and Miley's Eun from the north; and Beaver Dam Eun, Swift Eun, Lit-
tle Conowago, Pine Eun, Deep Eun and Beaver Creek from the south. The
spring from which it takes its rise is near the southern end of Buchanan Valley,
flowing just to the northeast, then to the southeast through the ' ' Narrows' '
west of Arendtsville; thence its general course is eastward until it reaches a
point where Eeading, Mountpleasant and Hamilton Townships meet, and
where it is joined by the Little Conowago, when it courses to the northeast,
entering York County at East Berlin.
Marsh Creek, the second stream in size and importance, rises near the base
of Green Eidge, in Franklin Township, about two miles south of the Cham-
bersburg pike. Its general course is southward to the Maryland line where,
after being joined by North Branch, Mummas burg Eun, Stable's Eun, Little
Marsh Creek, Willoughby's Eun, besides other smaller streams, it unites with
Eock Creek and forms the Monocacy. North Branch, or Lost Creek, is a most
interesting stream. It rises in the mountains some three miles northwest of
Cashtown, and after flowing a short distance it disappears from view for more
than a mile, during which distance its course can be easily traced by the gurg-
ling and rushing of the water below the surface. Willoughby's Eun rises near
Goldenville, in Butler Township, and is interesting becaiise of its historic asso-
ciations in connection with the battle of Gettysburg. Eock Creek rises in the
vicinity of Hunterstown and, after pursuing a tortuous course and receiving
many tributaries, unites with Marsh Creek at the Maryland line. It also played
an important part in the great battle. Middle Creek rises along the eastern
slopes of Green Eidge, in Hamiltonban Township, about two miles east of
Caledonia Springs. It flows southeast, passes near Fairfield, after which it
courses to the south. One of its principal affluents is Muddy Eun, which also
has its source in the South Mountain eastward of the headwaters of Middle
Creek. White Eun rises in the neighborhood of Bonneauville, and after being
joined by Plum Eun, unites with Eock Creek about a mile south of the Balti-
more pike, in Mountjoy Township. Little' s Eun has its beginning in the fields
and woods east of Bonneauville, and finds its way into Eock Creek near Black's
lower grave-yard. The Bermudian rises in Cumberland County, near the
boundary line, and flows through Tyrone, Huntington and Latimore Town-
ships into York County near Bragtown. Latimore Creek also rises in Ciimber-
land County, flowing in a southerly direction, and finds its way into the Ber-
mudian near Bragtown.
Opossum Creek rises near the northern boundary of the county in Menal-
len Township, and empties into the Conowago in Butler Township. Little
Conowago rises in the ' 'Barrens, ' ' about five miles east of Littlestown, pursu-
ing a winding course, and flowing into the Big Conowago a couple of miles
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 53
■west of New Oxford. Little Marsh Creek rises near the foot of Green Eidge,
in Hamiltonban Township, about three miles east of Caledonia Springs, flows
in a southeasterly direction, emptying into Big Marsh Creek near Hammer's
factory, in the northeastern part of Highland Township. Miley' s Eun rises
in Eeading Township, flows south a few miles, and empties into the Conowago
west of East Berlin. Swift Eun rises in Mountpleasant, and in its course re-
ceives Brush Eun, flowing into Big Conowago. Deep Eun rises in Berwick
Township and also finds its way into the Conowago. Beaver Creek takes its
rise in the Pigeon Hills, -flowing northward, and discharging its waters into
Big Conowago near East Berlin. AUoway' s Creek rises in Germany Township
and flows in a southwesterly direction into Maryland. Tom's Creek has its
source in the mountains in the southwestern corner of Hamiltonban Township,
and crosses the State line into Maryland about two miles west of Emmittsburg,
receiving Miney Creek as an alHuent near Grayson's, in Liberty Township.
The Antietam, a large stream in Maryland, along the banks of which a
great battle was fought between McClellan and Lee in 1862, takes its rise at
"Caledonia Springs," two iine springs of very cool, fresh water, in the western
part of Hamiltonban Township.
ELEVATIONS.
For the following data we are indebted to the gentlemen of the s'econd
geological survey, as embraced in their report. The figures are taken from a
map prepared by Prof. A. E. Lehman, assistant geologist, and show the eleva-
tions in feet above the sea level:
Cashtown, 800; Eock Top, 1,210; highest point on Chambersburg pike,
east of Newman's, 1,440; Newman's, 1,355; GraefPenburg, 1,020; Widow
Brough's, 845; Hilltovm, 780; Francis Cole's, 890; Arendt's Mill, 780; James
Bigham's, on Caledonia Springs road, 1,320; Caledonia Springs, 1,450; high-
est point on Caledonia Springs road, three-fourths of a mUe east of Springs,
1,770; highest point on Green Eidge, two miles south of Chambersburg pike,
2,000; highest point on Gettysburg and Shippensburg road, near county line,
2,100; highest point on South Mountain, near Caledonia Springs, 2,110.
Center Square, in Gettysburg, is 535 feet above the level of the sea.
Adams County has much to boast in the matter of beautiful scenery. No
natural panorama in the world surpasses that which the spectator beholds
when, standing on the crest of Cemetery Hill, he looks down upon the broad
expanse of field, meadow and woodland, dotted with farm-houses and barns,
the deep red of the newly turned-up soil in strong contrast with the verdure
of growing crops and magnificent groves, and the whole landscape bounded
by the outside mountain wall as far as the eye can reach.
Scarcely less picturesque and grand is the view to be had from the summit
of a lofty mountain about a mile east of Caledonia Springs, in Hamiltonban
Township. The prospect which here spreads out before the eye in every di-
rection is truly sublime. From several elevated points in the Pigeon Hills
•extensive and beautiful views may also be had.
TBEES AND SHEDBS.
The forests of the county are noted for the variety, beauty and value of
their trees. Among the most common may be mentioned the oak, hickory,
chestnut, walnut, elm, gum, birch, beech, pine, sycamore, poplar, hemlock,
tulip, cedar, maple, dog-wood, iron-wood and many others. Some of these
trees bear conspicuous flowers. One of the finest of these is the tulip-tree,
r)4 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
belonging;; to the magnolia family. It grows ordinarily to the height of eighty
feet, with a perfectly straight and round trunk, often three feet in diameter at
its base, gracefully tapering to tlio top. Its heaves are dark green in color and
smooth to the touch, and look as though the tips had been cut off with a sharp
knife. It blossoms in May and June, and bears many brilliant flowers, green-
ish-yellow without and orange within. The flowers are similar in shape to
that of the garden tulip.
Another flowering tree is the dog-wood. It grows to the height of ten or
twelve feet, and is attractive only when in bloom. Its large, beautiful white
flowers with dark veins give the tree a very fine appearance.
Still another beautiful flowering tree sometimes met with in the woods is
the red-bud, or Judas-tree, so called because of an old tradition to the effect
that Judas, the betrayer of the Saviour, hung himself on one of these.
There are also a number of flowering shrubs to be met with in the woods,
especially in the mountains. Among the most beautiful of these is the laurel.
This shrub grows to the height of from two to twelve feet, and when in bloom,
in May and June, presents a singularly attractive appearance. The rhododen-
dron is also a flowering shrub, a little taller and stems more crooked than the
laurel, though bearing a close resemblance to it. It flowers in July and Au-
gust, and when in full bloom is very pretty.
FISH.
The number of varieties of fish found in the streams is not large. Among
the most important may be mentioned black bass, German carp, fall-fish, mul-
let, pike, black or spotted sucker, white sucker, cat-fish, eel, sun-fish, brook
trout, chub, horn-fish, minnow and stone-roller. Black bass, brook trout, lake
trout and California salmon were introduced into Conowago and Marsh Creeks
some eight or ten years ago under State auspices, but with the exception of
black bass the experiment was not successful. Lake trout and California sal-
mon seem to have disappeared entirely. Not a single specimen of either is
known to have been caught at any time. Brook trout are yet occasionally to
be found in. som.e of the mountain streams. Black bass have increased very
rapidly in numbers, and now the two streams into which they were introduced
are well stocked with them. Fine specimens weighing from three to five pounds
are frequently taken with hook and line, the only mode of fishing allowable
under existing laws. The number of fish is steadily decreasing notvyithstand-
ing the legislation designed for their protection. This is owing probably to
the gradual drying up of the streams, to the high temperature of the water
during the heats of summer caused by the disappearance of shade along the
banks, and the scarcity of shelter. A private fish pond owned by Mr. Joseph
Wolf, of Abbottstown, was a few years ago stocked with German cferp, and
the enterprise promises to be successful. Mr. William Wible, of Cumberland
Township, also has a private fish pond containing some fine specimens of Ger-
man carp.
BIRDS.
The birds of the county are not very numerous. The following is a list:
Wild Turkey.— Black Eagle, Gray Eagle, Bald Eagle.— Hawks (6 varieties), Great Northern Shrike, Tur-
key Buzzard, Turkey Crow. — Owls (6 varieties, including Snow Owl). — Pheasant, Partridge, Woodcock, English
Snipe, Upland Plover, Golden Plover Bull Plover, Rail (2 varieties), Reed Bird, Wild Pigeon, Turtle Dove.—
Large Blue Crane, Heron, Willet, Yellow Shanks, American Bittern, Sand Piper, King Fisher. — Wild Goose. —
Red Head Duck, Mallard Duck, Blue Winer Teal, Spoonbill, Sprig Tail, Wood Duck, Summer Duck, Loon (2
varieties). — Wren, Chippen, Tom Tit, English Sparrow, Indigo, Pee Weet, Martin, Bee Martin, Blue Bird,
Chimney Swallow, Bam Swallow, Bank Swallow, Cow or Redwinged Black, Crow Black Bird, Bell Bird, Rain
Bird. — Mocking Bird, Cat Bird, Thrush. Robin, Meadow Lark, Goldfinch, Golden Robin or Baltimore Oriole,
Bull-finch, Cardinal or Gros Beak, Yellow or Salad Bird. — Whippoorwill, Bull Bat, Common Bat. — Woodchuck,
Wood Pecker, Yellow Hammer or Flicker, Sap Sucker (3 varieties).
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 55
CHAPTER XI.
Roads— Turnpikes— Railroads— Baltimore & Hanover Railroad- Gettys-
burg & Harrisburg Road— The Old "Tape Worm" Line.
FOR many years there were no roads for transportation or travel, except a
species of paths and ways through the forests and across the unbridged
streams used for the trains of pack-horses, on which all transportation to Balti-
more and other markets was then carried on. There were men who had their
regular train of horses, each horse carrying about 250 pounds weight; the head
horse was belled, and one man riding in front and one in the rear controlled
the caravan. These early freighters violently opposed the building of roads,
as it would destroy their business.
The first road opened in Adams County was in 1742, when two petitions
were sent up by the citizens of Marsh Creek settlement (Gettysburg) and
vicinity. William Euddock, Richard Proctor, John Sharp,- Benjamin Cham-
bers and James Ruddock were appointed to view and lay out a road from the
settlement to York and Lancaster. It was opened and corresponded very-
nearly to the route of the Gettysburg & York Pike.
It was yet to be more than half a century before there would be any mails
carried to this portion of the country. In 1683 the colonial governors began
to establish post routes in this State, Penn paying employes a commission there-
for. Letters to this part of the world, however, were carried by travelers and
chance traders. But a more complete account of these matters will be found
in the chapter on "postoffices."
Turnpikes. — The Gettysburg & Petersburg Turnpike road was chartered
March 7, 1807. An organization was effected, with Alexander Cobean, president.'
The managers were Alexander Russell, Walter Smith, Peter Saunders, Thomas
Sweeny, Philip Bishop, Andrew Shriver; treasurer, Alex Dobbin. In Sep-
tember, 1808, notice for bids to construct the road were published.
The Gettysburg & Black's Tavern Turnpike was chartered and organized,
in 1811. The first commissioners were John Edie, William Hamilton, Will-
iam McPherson, Samuel Sloan, Mathew Longwell, James Black. The meet-
ing to elect officers was held in Gettysburg May 28, 1811.
In June, 1809, Ralph Lashells started a hack line from Gettysburg to
York Sulphur Springs, leaving Gettysburg Monday and returning Wednesday.
The turnpike from Galluchas' saw-mUl in this county to Chambersburg
was chartered in 1809, and the company was organized in May following.
The Gettysburg & York Pike road was organized 1804. At first it was
the York & Susquehanna road, and in 1811 the provisions of the act were
extended to the York & Gettysburg road. Jacob Cassat, Jacob Hahn and
Jacob Metzger were the commissioners to report concerning the building of it.
The road was only completed December 15, 1819. May 2, 1818, an
election of the first officers was held in Abottstown; president, Alexander
Cobean; treasurer, George Upp; secretary, Alexander Russell; managers,
William McPherson, George Hassler, John Hersh, Fredrick Baugher, Jacob
Smyser (tanner), Jacob Smyser (farmer), Thomas Eichelberger, Henry Wolf,
50 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Henry King, Peter Butt, George Dashiells and John Murphy. Jacob Spangler
mado the survey. There wore two toll-gates in York and two in Adams County.
Railroads. — The first survey of the Hanover & Littlestown Eailroad was mad&
by Civil Engineer J. S. Gitt, in November, 1855. A charter was soon after re-
ceived. On the 4th of July, 1857, the work of construction was begun at Littles-
town. A speech was made by William McSherry, the president of the rail-
road, and two bands discoursed tine music. After a bounteous repast in a grove,
near by, other speeches were made and the work started. The completion of
the road was celebrated just one year from the time of beginning. It joined
the Hanover Branch at Hanover, and the first trains were run on July 1, 1858.
This road was operated for a number of years after its completion by the
Hanover Branch Railroad until its lease by the Pennsylvania Eailroad. It
now forms a part of the Frederick Division of that railroad.
Baltimore & Hanover Railroad. — The company, which controls and oper-
ates this road was organized in the year 1877. It connects the Western Mary-
land Railroad at Emory Grove with the Bachman Valley Railroad near Black
Rock Station, in York County, and these constitute, with the Hanover Junc-
tion, Hanover & Gettysburg Railroad, a continuous line from Baltimore to-
Gettysburg. These lines of roads pass through a well cultivated, rich and
productive agricultural country. After leaving Emory Grove on the line of
the Western Maryland Eailroad, seventeen miles from Baltimore, the road grad-
ually ascends, running parallel . with and in close proximity to the Hanover &
Baltimore Tiurnpike. One great point gained to the southwestern end of York
County by the building of the Baltimore & Hanover and the Bachman Valley
Railroads, was that they opened up a section of country in which the soil is
susceptible of being highly improved by the application of fertilizers, especially
lime and phosphates. The facilities thus offered for their introduction at a
moderate cost were promptly availed of by the industrious and enterprising
farmers, the results of which are now shown in crops which compare favorably
with those raised in limestone land. A short line taps this road at Red Hill,
running north by east through Abbottstown and terminating at East Berlin.
Gettysburg & Harrisburg Road. — This now elegant railroad from Gettys-
burg to Harrisburg was completed in April, 1884. It had been built some
years previously to the southern part of Cumberland County, and was originally
intended to run only to the Pine Grove Mines, but the growing importance and
the needs of Adams County soon made it a necessity to extend it to this place.
The opening was duly celebrated July 4, 1884, by an ox-roast and picnic at
Round Top Park, under the auspices of Col. John H. McClellan, who contrib-
uted the fatted ox, and provided for the multitude. Dr. Kiefer was the orator
of the day.
The Old "Tape Worm" Line was commenced to be built in 1835, under the
State auspices. The era of internal improvements then ran all over our coun-
try, and nearly bankrupted many States. It was originally intended as a road
to start at Gettysburg, and bearing southwest to somewhere strike the Baltimore
& Ohio Road. Thaddeus Stevens stood as godfather a long time to this enter-
prise, as it was to run to his furnaces in Franklin County. The State made
appropriations and work commenced all along the line in this county and
beyond. Cuts were made and embankments thrown up. The State stopped
appropriations, and practically to this day the work on the road stopped. Two
years ago it passed into the hands of the Hanover road, and they have now com-
pleted it to eight miles west from Gettysburg, and will soon extend it on an inter-
section of the western Maryland Railroad. This will add greatly to the ship-
ping facilities of Adams County.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 57
CHAPTER XII.
Ctjstoms and Manners — Distinct Streams of Immigrants— Industry and
Eeligion— Getting a Start— Their Commeroe—Receptions— Improve-
ments.
ALKEADY we have traced settlements in this county as far back as 1734.
It was the merest chance that threw in our way the authentic records of
this date and who it was that came that year. Possibly there may have been set-
tlers here before thatj a short time, but there is not in the world, so far as we
can learn, a trace of evidence of this fact, and now there is no tradition.
This much is history. There came here four separate and distinct streams
of immigrants, and each one pushed its separate way into the wilderness about
the same time. They were as distinct upon their first coming as it was
possible for communities well to be. The Irish, the Dutch, the Germans and
the English, are the three broad divisions that mark these separate people.
The Dutch and Irish were Calvinists in religion, and this was largely the only
bond of affinity between them. The Quakers were the English, and such odds
and ends of nationalities as existed here at the first. Then there were the Cath-
olics, coming up from Maryland. Although the Penns were Quakers, yet they
seem to have been wholly impartial in the bestowal of lands and rights upon
people of any and all faiths and creeds. They had been just and liberal to the
Indians, and they seem to have carried out this broad catholic spirit toward all
mankind that sought the shelter of their protecting wings. Considering the
religious spirit of the age, the universal intolerance and bigotry that prevailed,
we cannot too much admire the generous greatness of the action of these pro-
prietaries of the province. They must have acted without precedent in the
face of settled conclusions by the world' s rulers at that time, and yet their con-
duct is a model that may still be closely followed, and it is a pity that the
bloom and glory of the present great century, that is so rapidly closing, have not
yet reached, to our common humanity's misfortune, the high level of liberality
that here marked an age that we have taught ourselves to regard as only half
emerging, in many respects, from the dark and gloomy days of semi-barbarism.
There was apparently no connecting link in the coming here of these sep-
arate streams. Each had been moved by its own volition, and pursued in par-
allel routes what then must have been a dark and devious way. The Quakers
came sparingly only into what is now the northeast part of the county. The
Irish and Dutch, and that scattering class that made up the remainder of the
first settlers, had behind them a stronger propelling power, and they soon over-
ran the county.
As early as 1749, while this was still a part of Lancaster County, we find
people in all portions of what is now Adams County. To indicate beyond all
doubt the nationality in each part of the county, we give the following names
of representative men. These are the names of men who were known to the
authorities at Lancaster. We gather this official information from the archives
at the capital. They were appointed, upon the formation of York County, as
the overseers of the poor, as follows: Tyrone, Eobert MoHvain and Finley
McGrew; Strabane, David Turner and James Stevenson; Menallen, John Gilli-
58 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
land and John Lawrence; Cumberland, John McFarren and David Porter;
Hamiltonban, James Agnew and William Waugh; Mountjoy, James Hunter and
William Gibson; Germany, Jacob Koontz and Peter Little; Mountpleasant,
William Black and Alexander McCarter ; Heidelberg, Peter Schultz and Andrew
Shriver (Schreiber) ; Berwick, Casper Weiser and George Baker.
The records show that these townships were formed as early as 1750, and
at that time the York County authorities made these appointments.
They were, all classes, a distinct and marked race of men. They nearly all
were fugitives from religious persecution in the Old World. They had been
hunted across the face of the earth with a relentless ferocity. Their progeni-
tors were, in nearly every instance, a race of men that was ever ready for
martyrdom for conscience sake, and the warring elements in which they had been
born and nurtui-ed had fully developed their natures into the fiercest elements
of heart and brain. For the slightest shade of a religious opinion they were
ever ready to defy the powers of man, and, if necessary, without a cringe offer
up their lives, go to the rack, the dungeon, the pillory, the stake or the block.
Mostly, the immigrants who came here were of such a race as we have described.
Then when we reflect that the children born of such a parentage had met in
their native homes such an agony of cruelties, such shocking and destructive
persecutions, it is to us almost inconceivable how prolonged and cruel it must
have been to drive them to this new, strange world. Thus equipped for the
great work before them, here they came. They came seeking peace and quiet,
freedom of person, and, most important of all, freedom to worship God ex-
actly as they pleased. As a rule they were very poor in purse, and, among
the Dutch and Germans especially, many of them, who had started with enough
to bring them in comfort to our shores, had been cruelly robbed by dishonest
agents and assumed friends. Often to such extent was this the case that upon
landing upon our shores the poor creatures found themselves in the clutches of
cormorants, and had to indenture themselves, and become almost literally
slaves to work out the outrageous claims made upon them. This must have
been quite common, as we judge from the great numbers of indentured servants
that may yet be found traces of in the early records. We are aware that it is
true that some of these had agreed to thus dispose of themselves before they
had left the Old World to come to the New, as this was the only possible resource
left them whereby they could reach this promised haven. Hence, while at the
first coming all were poor, yet we find some who were, just as we find people
in these days of so-called plenty, incomparably poorer than their neighbors.
They not only had nothing literally, but there was a mortgage on their labor
for about all that part of their working lives that could be made to yield any-
thing.
Circumstances drove those speaking a foreign language into closer colonies
than necessarily it did the English speaking people. The Dutch especially
were driven closely within themselves. In a neighborhood there would be a
very few that could speak a few words of broken English, and this was all.
These immigrants landed on our shores, and with hardly a halt began to
push their way to where they could find imoccupied lands. This was their
first subject of consideration, and here they stopped as soon as they found it. Li
the intensity of their new found joys of freedom and land — land that they
could hope to own, and thus fill the once Utopian dream of their lives of being
real land owners — it is hoped they forgot the repelling features, the dangers
and gloom that otherwise would have settled upon them at the end of their
long journeys, and the first realizations of their arrival in the wilderness.
Industry and Religion, — These were the strong marks of all the early settlers.
-?c«ii
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 61
without regard to race. They woiild land, sometimes, one wagon to several
families, and, in some instances, there was wagon room enough to sleep the
women and children, and where this was the case, the arrangement was regarded
as very comfortable indeed. When there was no wagon a brush tent was made,
and here the entire family housed until the first rude cabin could be put up.
The clapboard cabin once up and the elated family moved in, then, floorlesp and
doorless as it was, there was real, solid family rejoicing. It was the first feel-
Lag of triumphant victory over their long days of doubt and sore trial. In-
deed, it was much more — it was home. It was their world, conquered and
won by their own strong arms and brave hearts, and in this struggle father,
mother and all the children had partaken. The father was the commanding
captain, but he commanded as loyal a squad as was ever mustered upon this
earth. Bless these honest, brave, simple folk! They gave a new meaning,
almost a new name, to that sweetest of words in our language — Home.
The descendants of these brave old pioneers who are so fortunate as to pos-
sess, to this day, one of these spots where the smoke of the first cabin of their
ancestors rose upon the unvexed air, may well regard it as hallowed ground.
Once housed, the work of their simple lives commenced. Here every tod-
dler even contributed all he could. The men felled the trees, the women and
children gathered and burned the brush, and to this general outdoor work
there was but slight variation in the way of time used by the women in cook-
ing. If they had a little black bread and cold meat, their dinner was sumptu-
ous indeed. They attacked their simple fare with enormous appetites. Their
outdoor lives gave them health and a vigorous digestion.
In the midst of this work-a-day life there was no time when their family
worship was neglected. Their Bible and prayer-book were the sum of their
books to read. The old board-bound Bibles were thumbed and dog-eared by
horny hands, and the religious precepts were often slowly spelled out, and the
most carping critic, had he witnessed the honest sincerity, would have forgot-
ten at once the fearful mispronunciations that must have passed from sire to
sou as distinguishing family marks.
Without ever stopping to rest a moment, as soon as there were half a
dozen families that could call each other neighbors, they commenced the effort
of a church and schoolhouse. In those days these were always one. When
the first passing preacher would visit them and hold service, it constituted a
great event, a gala day. They called him blest, and lifted up their hearts in joy.
In their cheerless log meeting-houses the sermon could not be long enough for
these long-fasting people. It could not be too dry and dogmatical. They
wanted this and the severest morals that could be proclaimed from the pulpit.
To them the Bible was the literal word of God and without the figure of speech
in it. They believed with all their heart and soul, and believed literally, and
then at their hard, daily toil they treasured up the long sermon and its
divisions, and when people conversed it was about what the dear preacher,
that God had sent them, had said on this point of doctrine and on that. The
sum total of their ambition was to be good citizens and live in the hope of
heaven.
The parental authority was unbending, and in the few simple arrangements
of their lives it was nearly supreme. This was but another manifestation of
their full to overflowing religious sentiments. And when they read in their
Bibles: "Children, be obedient to your parents, " they became the old patri-
archs, and thus the command was not only a filial duty, but it was a stern
religious obligation.
They were without other diversions and amusements except their unremit-
4A
62 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ting labors in the field, or their rare opportunities for attendance upon church
worship. They were wholly satisfied, it seems, with these. By the second
season the increase of house room would be noticed. Out-buildings would be
put up, the little stock they possessed housed, and nearly as well housed as
the family. A porch, or rather a wide covered shed, would appear in front of
the cabin for purposes of storage, and in good weather here the family met,
worked, conversed, and passed much of their time, as well as received their
neighbors' visits, now growing to be an important feature in their routine lives.
At long intervals some one in the colony would perhaps get a letter from the
old home, and upon its most trifling words the people would listen open-
mouthed, with bated breaths.
This thrift continued, and soon a more pretentious log house was reared
adjoining the first small cabin. This in rare cases had two rooms, and,
whether one or two rooms, there would be a spacious "loft." A ladder
reached this upper story — generally the boudoir of the big girls — the store-
house of richest treasures. Here would be long strings of peppers, dried
pumpkins, apples, bunches of sage, precious strings of garlic decocrating the
walls, and hanging in festoons from the rafters, flanked by dresses, dimity,
and home made furbelows, such only as could be appreciated or understood by
those daughters of the pioneers — the good and sainted great-grandmothers of
this generation. Many and many a comfortable mansion of those days had
not so much iron in all its structure as a naU. Then the saying: "My latch-
string is always open to yoa," was full of meaning, and a welcoming invitation
to come, pull the latch-string, open the door, and, without ceremony, walk in.
The agriculture of the farmers was of the most primitive character, their
implements being few and of the clumsiest construction. One small, inferior
pony was a whole family pride, when once possessed. A yoke of oxen, some-
times a cow yoked with an ox, or a yoke of cows, a wooden plow lined at the
base with a strip of iron, a home-made wagon — the melodious old truck —
with its solid wheels cut from a large tree, made round, and a hole in the
center for the axle-tree, and greased with soft soap, and when this began
to wear out its call for more would ring over the hUls and far away like the
dying yells of a fabled monster — all these were wealth to them.
The people of to-day cannot appreciate the amount of misdirected efPort
there was among these people — labor thrown away, because they had to exper-
iment and learn all only by experiment. They understood slowly the necessi-
ties and qualities of the new world in which they were, and we can gain only
a faint idea of this by reflecting that, to this day, men are experimenting and
still improving in planting, both as to the kind of seed to plant and the best
mode of putting it in the ground.
The very first consideration always with a settler in a new country is water.
And in this respect it is not hazarding much in saying that, for domestic pur-
poses, Adams County is the best watered spot on the globe. Certainly there can
be none superior to it. Springs bubble up their sparkling waters everywhere;
the silvery, cool, sweet mountain streams ripple; the clear valley brooks winding
their way in the deep shade and the bright sunshine are upon every side, all of
clear, pure granite water, with no trace of the limestone; and by drilling
through the upper granite, as is found in the Gettysburg water-works, great
and inexhaustible lakes of the same pure, cold, sweet water are to hand.
Hence, everywhere in the county is inexhaustable water, and under the test of
the microscope there is found less of animal matter in it than in any other
known water.
To these springs and clear streams the women went to do the family wash-
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 63
ing, where the clothes were paddled clean with a heavy paddle'made for the
purpose, after the method of their ancestors from time immemorial. Every-
where the spining-wheel was in use, and the females always greatly prided
themselves on the dexterous handling of this stay of the family. It was the
only musical instrument these good dames ever had, — the peculiar whirr and hum
of the wheel, rising and falling, dying away to the faintest sounds only to com-
mence again and again; and there was no child of that day in its hollow log
cradle but remembered all his life this eternal lullaby — a sweet, sweet song now
lost forever. Then followed the bang, bang of the busy loom, where warp and
woof were beaten together, where the clothing was made for all the family, the bed
clothing, too, the articles of general use about the house, the ornamental hangings
as well — linsey-wolsey and linen and tow. The white goods were then bleached
until they vied with the driven snow in whiteness, and the greatest pride of the
good housewife was here found in the perfection of the goods that came from
her deft hands. The writer has been shown a piece of ootton-linen, made by the
grandmother and great aunt of the proud possessor. The seed of the cotton
and flax were planted, grown and pulled by them, and every process to the
perfected cloth was by their hands alone, and no more perfect piece of cloth
ever came from the loom. What a rich inheritance this piece of goods is ?
What a history it possesses to even the veriest stranger. A mere look at it
and one can almost revivify the nimble fingers, and feel the warm life breath
again that wrought here so deftly, so long, so long ago. A hundred years
have sped away since last they looked upon it, and its associations rewarmed
their hearts ; yet this long chasm of time is bridged, the moldered hands again
are warm and nimble, the beam of wistful eyes, the holy smile of love shines
down through these long, long corridors of time. Thus by such simple trifles
we live on and on, and forever renew those lives that did not live in vain.
The earliest pioneers in the deep, wild woods were a silent and gloomy race
of men. Their lives were too earnest to be frivolous. They prayed more
than they laughed. Their thoughts and conversations were divided between
bread in this world and heaven in the next. What men now call sport, and is
a great recreation to some, was to these pioneers but a portion of their serious,
silent labors. They pursued the chase and had to capture their meat or go to
bed supperless. From the game they supplied their tables until such times
as they could begin to raise their own pork.
A wedding then , as ifc always has been, was a great event, but both court-
ing and wedding must have partaken somewhat of the general serious business
habits of the people. A young man courted a neighbor's daughter a little af-
ter the style of a business trip to buy of him a calf. He would hardly have the te-
merity to venture up to her at church and ask to be her company home. This would
have shocked the old folks of all the congregation. It woidd have been a case
of dano-erous rashness. It was hardly the proper thing to go visiting on Sun-
day, and during the week he would have been missed from his regular work.
And thus many a poor fellow must have worked and pined in painful silence.
But love conquers all things, and in the end he would put on all the grim
courage he could command and go, week day or Sunday, just as it happened
when he reached the acting climax. The lovers had never spoken the soft
words of first love together, but they had looked the language of the heart,
and when in clean bibber he unexpectedly presented himself, even if there
were half a dozen girls there, the particular one he wanted to see somehow
managed to understand she was wanted, although the blushing swain would
be unable probably to call for any one.
After making herself " smart," in the greatest of flurries, putting on a clean
64 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
gown perhaps, she would appear, and, upon the first sight of her, John would
commence mumbling his errand. Perhaps in the bluntest language he could
use, he told his mission, and as blunt a "yes," if it was all agreeable, would
be the reply. The family would tht^n be called in, the matter talked over, the
old man would give his blunt consent and silently go to field to his work again,
leaving all the small details for the family to discuss. In a few days Would
come the wedding, without a single invitation, unless the ceremony would be at
the church, which was often the case, when all acquaintances were considered
invited.
In the course of time these grew to be more ceremonious, and then there
would be a day of merry feasting at the house of the bride, continued the next
day at the home of the groom, and this last would be known as the ' 'inf air, "
eating and drinking on both occasions. The Quakers were always, when pos-
sible, married in their church, the entire congregation signing the contract
of marriage, as witnesses. The Catholics also repaired, when possible, to
their church, because to them, too, the marriage ceremony was purely a religious
ceremony, a solemn church rite that could only end in death. In none of them
was there a mental reservation in their altar vows — none. None expected to rue,
and but few ever rued, their bargain. And people had been living here nearly
fifty years before we hear of an elopement from ' 'bed and board, ' ' or before
there was a divorce suit on the court records. These things came only with
the innovations of time.
The average of education was low. Some could not send their children to
school and were not able to teach them the first rudiments at home. The church
schools were mostly for drilling in the catechism, whose meaningless words
must have added confusion or nothing to the young minds. We can well un-
derstand what a great general advance it was when the night or Saturday spell-
ing school was eventually introduced. It brought the young people together in
a slight social life, without those iron restraints that had previously surround-
ed them. It stimulated greatly the first acquirement in their education. The best
speller was a hero — no, generally a heroine, because girls can naturally outstrip
the boys in learning to spell. It was no small accomplishment, and then very soon
the children could begin to correct the reading and pronunciation of their par-
ents in the daily Bible lessons. The men continued to dress in the plainest
homespun, and the girls — girls they were then as they always will be, bless
them — also dressed in homespun; but they had found, in the barks of trees and
in herbs, coloring matter, and here the dear creatures rivaled each other,
badgered their heated brains for beautiful designs and color combinations; and
then a bright ribbon from the tramping pedlar, and the real woman began
to bloom again before the dazzled eyes of men. Their hair, the solitary cheap
ribbon, the bright colors in their frocks, were their implements of gratification
to their own hearts and for invasion to the strong citadel of man' s afPections.
The preachers were greatly alarmed, shocked — to put it mildly. They har-
angued, they raved, and thundered anathemas at the sacrilegious ribbons, gim-
cracks and awful furbelows; but, bless the dear, brave girls, they stood their
ground heroically. As a rule they confessed their crime and promised amend-
ment and put away the ribbon and tied up their curls. This satisfied the
preachers and the cruel war was over; but it is now well known that as soon as
the preachers' backs were turned, they redecked themselves a little gayer than
ever, and employed their lovers to look out for the preacher, so as they could
snap ofP the finery at his approach.
At first wind-mills were put upon the high hills to grind their cereals, then
in a little while the plenteous streams over the country invited the erection of
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 65
water-mills. One was not greatly more reliable to do the work the year round
than the other. In the winter the waters would be frozen and in the winter
and summer alike, the winds would not always work the clumsy wind-mills.
But soon, between the two, the people did not have to carry on pack horses to
Baltimore or Chester their milling.
A simple, pastoral people, leading a hard life, was and is the summing up of
their existence. The home and surroundings were of the rudest and plainest.
Of what is DOW esteemed a luxury they had not one. It was all the bare neces-
sities of life, won only by the most patient and tireless industry. The economy
they had been forced to learn was severe and pinching. Thus they had expe-
rienced, before they came to the country, great trials, but they had to plant
and grow here for some time before they ceased or were not often compelled
to add experience to those severe lessons of the Old World.
Getting a Start. — This was the most trying ordeal to all the first comers.
They didn't even find the Indian here with his simple culture of Indian corn
and the very few simples that the squaws sometimes planted to the east and
north of this. With little to do with, he had to commence from the very begin-
ning. A few grains of corn or wheat, the seeds of an apple or peach, or a po-
tato, and so on, were the only chance to get a start in the seeds that must furnish
his family bread. Soon the country, as have been all new countries, was full of
malaria, and malarial fever and chills added their quota to the already hard lot
of the people. They were without medicines, or the ability to procure them at
any reasonable sacrifice or effort. A great want for health was a variety of
food, and as a consequence they probably ate too much meat for the other food
they could obtain. In the woods they could get a great abundance of meat, and
here too they found the crab apple, the plum and the grape, and sometimes
the paw-paw, as well as the many and delicious nuts that abounded plentifully.
These were all life-giving to these poor people, and it is highly probable that
they prevented the appearance of some dreadful epidemic — such as som.etimes
visited the large colonies in the great western prairies of Illinois, where people
died to the extent sometimes of literally depopulating good sized settlements.
Children wandered into the woods and gathered crab apples, grapes, nuts, and
in the spring the wild onion, and certain vegetables that had acid in them, and
these they ate freely. Except for this they must have all suffered from scurvy,
because soon their almost constant diet was black bread and salt pork. But
the limpid, sweet waters, the bracing mountain air and the variety they could
find existing in the country, gave them rather vigorous health, and strong and
hardy constitutions.
Their Commerce. — Nothing could have been more simple than this among
these people. Their first dry goods stores were itinerant — pack pedlars. It
was some time before the people had anything to sell and therefore they had
but little to buy with. The pedlar and his pack was one of the valued and
really valuable institutions of the country. His visits were few and far be-
tween at first, and at the rate of a visit a year he could easily supply the de-
mands upon his assortment, the chief of which, at one time, wag an assortment
of combs. And it was but seldom that you could not find somewhere a tuft of
hail" fi-om a horse's tail, fastened with a pin in an auger hole, for the purpose
of cleaning the combs. Where this work of civilization could not be found, you
might take it for granted the family had been too poor to patronize, to that ex-
tent, the pedlar. This itinerant merchant peddled his wares and retailed the
news of the outside world. He was both merchant and newspaper. The
elders of the family often detested him and his visits ; they knew each visit meant
some small purchase, but the younger members of the family looked to his
66 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
coming with bright anticipations, and as a rule, these young people only spent
their own small change — money they had made by their own labor and saved.
Such was the family economy. In the course of time the pedlar came with a
pack horse, and then he could take small lots of farm produce in exchange for
his wares. This opened wide the doors of trade and traffic to the farmer's
family.
And then began to come the first stores and locate at points where towns
had probably been started, or at the cross-roads, or by the blacksmith and wag-
on-makers' shops. This of itself was enough to at once start a town, and it
was given a name; and to the young people, the children at least of the sur-
rounding country, who heard of it and had never seen a town or a store, per-
haps not even a smith' s shop, did it become the Mecca of their dreams and
hopes. They hoped to live to make the trip to see it. They would besiege
father and mother to go with them on some of their rare visits ' 'to town". Of
course eventually their dreams became reality, though many of them were
nearly grown men and women first, and behold them in the town, open mouthed,
wide eyed and generally clinging closely to father's or mother's hands, or
mother' s apron, their hearts beating wildly as they look for the first time upon
this new, strange world. The family wagon would probably stop first at the
smithy, to have a plow sharpened, and here the young novice saw the most
astounding, the most incredible and indescribable things. The din, the flam-
ing, blowing forge, the red hot iron, the flying sparks, that would certainly
burn any one else in a moment' s time, the brawny blacksmith and his great
leathern apron, the strange sulphurous smell, all combined, made an impression
upon the virgin mind that was never erased. It was crowding a lifetime into a
moment. From thence to the one store of the place, and here again what expansive
wonders break upon the senses. Their eyes were bewildered— here was everything
in the world -that was good and beautiful. The peculiar smell of molasses, sugar,
pelts, game, shoes, calico. Whisky, cheap spices, new leather, tobacco, eggs in every
stage and other odds and ends of the small trading and trafficking of the room,
made as distinct and lasting an impression, as had already been made upon the
eyes. Amazement and awe were running a race in the young mind. How blind had
been their dreams of all this wonderland. They would not have laid even the
weight of a finger upon the rough counter for worlds. They could no more
have sat down on the ends of some of the boxes that were the only seats in the
place, than they could have comfortably seated themselves upon the curling
smoke. They preferred to stand up, and vigorously bite the ends of the fing-
ers and gaze and gaze in an ecstasy of awe and wonder. It was all they could
do. It was their first lesson in the great voyage, the quick and stormful voy-
age across the face of the earth — from the unknown to the unknown.
Receptions. — The primitive "reception days" by the most distinguished
families were the ' 'house raisings. ' ' What splendid times, what gay and dis-
tinguished frolics were these! No Jenkins was there to describe the splendor
of the toilets, or tell who leaned upon whose arm as they filed into the 8 P. M.
dinner. Some new neighbor had arrived, or some new married couple wanted
to go to housekeeping, and word was sent to all the neighbors and from near
and far they came — all came; and even sometimes the women came, and while
the men worked at the new house, and worked like heroes on a wager, too, the
women put in a quilt and also worked the live-long day. The women' s work
was not so violent as the men' s, but they made ample amends for this in the
talk and gossip that ran like the swollen waters when they break away an ob-
structing dam. The new house and the quilt would be completed about the
same time — all racing with the setting sun.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 67
Improvements. — When we reflect on the cheapness of the land at that time,
the land claims and the improvements were not large to the average family
domains. Probably an average would have been 100 acres. But these people
after once here were driven by circumstances to regard small holdings as the
safest and best, and their highest ambition was to rear their families respecta-
bly, give them some little education, and a fair start in the world, and the lands
continuing cheap they could easily acquire all they wanted or needed for
themselves. This was the average, from which of course there were many ex-
ceptions. They fully succeeded in their laudable ambitions. It was very rarely
they contracted debts, and year by year, even if little or no ready money came
to them, they saw their possessions grow in value. Their children were being
trained in economy and industry, growing up to take their places and cany on
the work when old age should take them from the active duties of life.
All over the Old World, especially in England and on the continent, the
habits of the people generally had been for centuries to eat enormous quanti-
ties of meat, and drink heavily of the coarsest and strongest liquors they could
obtain. In 1684 gin was discovered, and a generation of English people were
the vilest of sots. Signs were put up at the gin shops to ' 'come and get drunk
for a penny, ' ' and ' 'for two pence you can become very drunk, ' ' and ' 'free
straw will be furnished in the oeUar to sleep it oil. ' ' In the great London riot,
when the drunken mob held the city for three days and nights, the mob rolled
the gin barrels to the front doors and knocked in the heads, and the gutters
were running with the liquid. Women and children drank from the gutters,
many gorging themselves and dying on the streets; many more reeled and fell
and lay in stupor and were burned by the falling and burning buildings where
they helplessly lay. The average farmers' choicest pastimes were drinking
bouts, where they drank to insensibility. In many a fashionable city circle,
the boast was how many had attended the gatherings at different families, and
how much they drank, and how many fell under the table.
In the course of a few years some of the people who prospered most, be-
came wealthy enough to purchase and bring here their negro slaves. A few
immigrants brought their negroes with them when they came. Slavery con-
tinued here in full force and effect until 1828. With the introduction here of
slaves, came, what some writer has designated "the most venomous worm"
— the worm of the still. And these small hand stills were erected on many of
the farms. In fact among the earliest publication of notice of sale of a farm
it was not uncommon to state, as a special inducement to purchasers, that there
were "two stills of good capacity on the elegant plantation." They made
whisky of corn and wheat and rye, apple-jack of apples, and brandy of their
seedling peaches. It was all pure, fiery and strong. They could get, for
instance, only a little over a gallon of whisky from a bushel of com (now they
make over four gallons) ; yet everything was so cheap that they could manu-
facture it at prices that would seem incredil le to the present generation.
Drinking was allowe I to every one; they drank in quantities that now would
swiftly bring death and destruction. Yet drunkenness was sternly frowned
upon. Among the Quakers, especially, it was not permitted, and to this day
on their old church records are written out and signed and witnessed the con-
fessions of members who humbly acknowledged their grevious sin, giving the
day and date and place where they had thoughtlessly swallowed too much,
and promising earnestly to sin no more. And occasionally some preacher
would be arraigned for habitual drunkenness, and, while the evidence would
sometimes be clear and positive, we find no instance of a conviction and deg-
radation for the offense. To explain this a little, there was one case in the
68 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
county where the synod convicted and sentenced the offender to dismissal, but
the plucky congregation would not so have it, and in the face of the orders of
the authorities they retained their preacher. The general habits of the peo-
ple, the heavy diet of salt pork and black bread of which they eat so heartily,
enabled them to drink great quantities of the liquor made at their own stills
without serious bad effects, and in the long monotony of their lives is the ample
excuse for their doing so. Let us believe, what was probably true, that they
actually needed this stimulant of which they partook in great quantities, but
nearly always at stated and regular times of the day. They were not physi-
cally debauched by any indulgence they partook of. They were left possessed
of sound minds and strong and vigorous bodies, and they transmitted to their
children sound constitutions. They generally attained great age, and to this
day a strong mark of their descendants is a springing vitality that does and
will carry them to more than the three score and ten years of active life.
Many of the first and second generations of women took their places beside
the men in the hard work of the field. Here they delved and toiled until often
their hands became too stiff and horny to handle the needle at all. They could
bake the bread on Saturday for the coming week, and then fry the meat and
sometimes make a pot of black coffee, and this was the sum of the cooking.
Dishes were a few pewter plates, often the head of the family being the only
one honored with a plate, while the others ate with their bare hands mostly;
therefore the dish washing was a small affair in clearing away the table after
a meal.
The growth and change from these simple habits of the early day were very
slow indeed. The young people accepted their manners and customs from the
parents and as unimpaired as possible, transmitted them in turn to their chil-
dren. The long war of the Revolution forced upon them many of the first
changes in their modes of life. It compelled the people to band more gen-
erally together; they met on serious matters of life and death in larger bodies,
and men extended their acquaintance greatly with their fellow-men. Young
men who had never been ten miles from the farm where they had first settled,
joined the army and started out to fight for liberty, and in their travels they saw
something of the outside world. In these hard and cruel marches they learned
much of their own country, and in the march, the encampment, the prisons, the
battle-fields, the bivouacs of those days that tried men' s souls, they learned
rapidly of their fellow-men. They came in contact with men of different ideas,
manners and customs. They newly tested themselves and tested others, and
each one brought many new ideas back to his old home when the war was over.
It was a wonderful discipline and school for these simple children of the woods.
A feeble nation struggling in distress and poverty, fighting a rich and powerful
enemy, and wresting victory in the end from the foe, are not apt to come out of
the severe ordeal with that general demoralization that is so often the doleful
afterpiece of war. This happy exemption was the great distinguishing mark
of our forefathers of the Revolution. They returned from the army, resumed
their places on their farms and were only better citizens than before. What
they had seen and heard, and the hard experiences they had passed, only made
them that much better citizens, and there were enough of these men scattered
through every community to bear up the civilization of the day and push it along
— advance it in every line. To a large extent, too, that war broke up the exclu-
sive clanishness that had before marked different communities, especially those
who spoke different languages. The impetuous Scotch-Irishman learned that the
phlegmatic Dutchman would fight and fight all day and all night if necessary,
sturdily giving or receiving blows to the death. And, wee versa, the German,
f^. ^a-^c/yj
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 71
learned to love his Irish messmate for his many good qualities in moments
of great trial and danger. The Macs and the Vons came back from the war,
and they would visit each other; their families became acquainted. The young
folks would fall in love, of course, and marry, and hence to this day you need
not, when you meet a Mr. McSomething, commence your Irish blarney upon
him, because as likely as not it will turn out he is a German by descent. And
this is quite as true of the Vons as the Macs. This was a happy solution of the
once Ul-conditioned question of nationality that prevailed in this county.
CHAPTER XIII.
Sketches and Etchings— The McCleans— The McPhek sons— Gen. Eeed—
Dr. Ceawfobd— Col. Stagle— Col. Grier— Victor King— Judge Black—
Thaddetjs Stevens— Patrick MoSherry- Col. Hanoe Hamilton— The
Gulps- William McClellan— Capt. Bettinger— James Cooper.
THE McCLEANS. — Among the earliest settlers in this portion of Pennsyl-
vania, 1733, was William McClean, a Scotchman. Prom this man hap
come a long race of eminent and influential men. In Illinois is the rich and
populous county of McLean, and in the southern portion of the same State is
the town of McLeansboro, and from the Atlantic at least west to the Missis-
sippi are to be found evidences of the McClean family in the lineal and latteral
lines in nearly every State. The name is spelled McClean mostly, as used by
the family of Pennsylvania, but frequently the capital " C" is dropped, as we
find it in Illinois. The original William McClean settled in Montgomery
County, and in two years removed to York County. He had nine children.
His first was Archibald and second Moses, and as these two and their families
are a part of the history of York and Adams County, we confine our record to
them. Archibald was born October 26, 1736.
The other sons, younger brothers of Archibald and Moses, were William,
Samuel, John, James and Alexander, all surveyors, and all at" one time or
another assistants to the eldest, Archibald, in the survey of what is now Mason
and Dixon' s line. Archibald and Moses became deputy surveyors of York Coun-
ty, Abraham in the east part of the county, and Moses in what is now Adams
County. They laid out "Carroll's Delight," and Archibald, Moses and Will-
iam, three brothers, secured fine farms in this tract. All the McCleans were
early and distinguished defenders of their country in the days of the Revolu-
tion. Archibald was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1776. He
was president of a revolutionary meeting in York for ' ' taking effectual meas-
ures for putting a stop to forestalling, extortion and the depreciation of the
continental currency." This was June 18, 1779. No men in the country
were more active and prominent in these terrible times than the McCleans. Ar-
chibald lost nearly all his property by the depreciation of the continental
money.
Moses McClean was born January 10, 1737, in what is now Adams County.
He died September 10, 1810. Col. Moses McClean was one of the distinguished
citizens and soldiers of the Revolution, being one of the first captains mustered
into the service in Col. Hartley's Eleventh Regiment, Pennsylvania line. In
1780-83 he was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. The eldest
72 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
of Moses McClean's children was William, who was born in York (Adams)
County in 1777,. in Carroll's Tract, and died December 23, 1846, aged sixty-,
nine years. His first-born was Moses, born in 1804, on his father's farm in Car-
roll's Tract. He died September 30, 1870. William's first-bom was Moses,
the father of Hon. William McClean, the present (1886) president judge of the
court in this district. The last above mentioned Moses McClean was bom in
this county in 1804; died in Gettysburg September 30, 1870. He was a mem-
ber of Congress in the twenty-ninth session — 1845-47. In 1855, the time
of the Know-nothing party excitement, he was induced by the conservative
element to become a candidate and serve a term in the State Legislature. He
was a member of Congress when war was declared against Mexico.
Ensign Jacob Barnitz, of Col. Swope's regiment in the Revolution, married
Miss McClean, a sister of Archibald and Moses McClean. Barnitz and Moses
McClean were prisoners, and suffered greatly at the hands of the British. Bar-
nitz was severely wounded and lost a leg. The old hero, Moses McClean, re-
moved to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he gained new honors and the trust and
love of the people, and here he died September 10, 1810.
The McPhersons is another of the early and distinguished families which
were here among the first, and for more than 150 years they have an unbroken
line of leading and important citizens, each succeeding generation adding lus-
ter to the original. (For full particulars of the family genealogy see Hon.
Edward McPherson's biography.)
Gen. William Reed was an officer in the Third Battalion of York County
Militia during the Revolution. He was chosen a member of the convention
which framed the second constitution of Pennsylvania in 1790; became brigade
inspector of York County Militia, April 25, 1800, and member of the State
Senate from 1800 to 1804; appointed adjutant- general of the State of Pennsyl-
vania August 4, 1811; took sick and suddenly died June 15, 1813, at New
Alexandria, Westmoreland Co., Penn., while organizing the State militia
during the war of 1812-15. His remains were interred near Millerstown (now
Fairfield), Adams County.
Hon. William Crawford, M. D., was bom in Paisley, Scotland, in 1760,
received a classical education, studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh,
'Scotland, and received. his degree in 1791; emigrated to York County (now
Adams County), and located near the present site of Gettysburg, purchased a
farm on Marsh Creek in 1795, and spent the remainder of his life there practicing
medicine among his friends, with the exception of intervals in which he was
elected to office. He was an associate judge, and was elected to represent
York district in the Eleventh Congress, in 1808, as a Democrat or Republican,
as the name was then generally termed. He was re-elected to the Twelfth
Congress to represent York District and to the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Con-
gresses to represent a new district formed, of which Adams County was a
part, serving continuously from 1809 to 1817, after which he resumed the
practice of medicine. He died in 1823. Mrs. Edward McPherson is a grand-
daughter of Dr. Crawford.
Col. Henry Slagle (original spelling of this name was Schlegel) was
bom in Lancaster County, in 1735, a son of Christopher Slagle of Saxony,
who came to this county in 1713, and put up a mill, one of the first, on Con-
estoga Creek. He was a soldier of the Revolution, commanding a battalion of
Associators in 1779; a member of the Provincial Conference and of the Con-
vention of July, 1776 ; was appointed to take subscriptions for the Continental
loan; was a member of the Assemby 1777-79; a member of the Constitutional
Convention 1789-90, and associate judge in 1791. He represented Adams
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 73
County in the Legislature of 1801-02. An ardent patriot, faithful officer and
an upright citizen.
Col. David Grier was born in Mount Pleasant, Adams (York) County, in
1742. Studied law and became a lawyer in 1771. Become a captain in Col.
William Irvine's regiment for the war of independence. His commission dated
January 9, 1776, and he was promoted major October 25, 1776. He then was
made lieutenant-colonel of the Seventh Pennsylvania, and commanded the
regiment after Col. Irvine became a prisoner.
Victor King had nine children : Jean, born November 16, 1746; Hugh, born
January 19, 1750; James, born September 22, 1753; Agnes, born March 10,
1756; Victor, born July 30, 1758. The dates of the births of Martha, Susana,
William and Louisa MofPet King are illegible. The brothers of Victor King, Sr. ,
were JamesKing, died in 1799, aged eighty-five ; William King, died in 1794, aged
eighty -two years. The three brothers, Victor, James and William, were the first
settlers on the upper Great Conowago, tradition fixing the date of their coming
as 1735. Hugh King married Miss Vorhees in 1780. This family brought
the first foot-stove that was ever in the county. The Kings, Bells and Vorhees
families intermarried, and their representatives have been pioneers, treading
closely upon the heels of the savages to the Mississippi, and their descendants
are found among the most prominent people of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and
Illinois. The settlement of the Kings was called Tyrone and here were the
early strong and characteristic men of the county found — Hance Hamilton,
the McGrews, Mcllhennys, Rosses and others.
Judge Jeremiah S. Black's ancestors were Scotch-Irish and German. The
Blacks settled in what is now the southwestern part of Adams County,
where James Black was married to Jane McDonough. The brothers, Mat
thew, James and John Black, came from the north of Ireland about 1730, and
landed in Philadelphia, where Matthew remained, but James and John pushed
west across the Susquehanna to Marsh Creek, now in Adams County, James be-
came a prosperous farmer, and from him Black's Gap took its name. John did
not succeed financially as well as James. One of his sons was named James,
after his uncle. . This James was the grandfather of Jeremiah S. Black. He
had the common education of the farmer's boy of that day. About the year
1770, he became engaged to Jane McDonough, and shortly afterward concluded
to "go West" into the then dangerous wilderness of the AUeghenies. He set-
tled between what was afterward Stony Creek and Somerset, and cleared the
land, and with the hard labor of his own hands prepared a home ready for
Jane McDonough. He then returned and married her, and the young couple
went to their' new home. His wife soon persuaded him he had made a poor
selection of ground and they moved to the farm called Stony Creek. Here
James Black prospered and had a tannery, several farms and, in time, a tavern.
He was a justice of the peace, and was himself indicted twice during his term
of office; once for tearing up a paper which he had been deceived into sign-
ing his name to, and once for heading a riot which cleared away some workmen
who were building a bridge and not giving satisfaction to the community.
A son of this James Black, Henry, was the father of Jeremiah S. Black.
And James' wife, Jane McDonough, was a sister of the bachelor million-
aire McDonough, who died in New Orleans and gave so largely to New Or-
leans and Baltimore. The Blacks and McDonoughs were each large families.
Eobert Black now resides at Black's Gap in Franklin County. A. B. Black is
living at Table Eock in this county.
It is greatly to be regretted that we cannot gather a complete genealogy of
Judge Black's ancestors and family, because we hold that no proper biogra-
74 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
phy of a man can be written, more especially that of a man whose make-up
presents such bold and striking characteristics of mind as are found in him,
without first having a pretty full knowledge of the line of ancestors from whom
he sprung. This is true of the individual as it is of communities and nations.
A great people or a great man is the gradual development of the preceding
centuries — the strongest lines perhaps transmitted by heredity, modified,
changed and directed by climate, soil, and a dry or humid atmosphere. To
these fundamental factors are the innumerable others of lesser force of times
and circumstances.
In Jeremiah S. Black we have the finest type of the perfected outgrowth in
America of the mingling of the strains of Scotch and German pioneers who
founded this nation and reared the enduring structure of our Government.
The Dutch, stubborn tenacity and sluggish blood — the shrewd and rugged
Scotch, traced with the impulsive and fiery Irish and all the descendants of re-
ligious heroes and martyrs — Protestants in their very blood and bones — ^the
only one thing in its entirety they held in common. From sire to son for gen-
erations had passed the strongest religious vein, producing Christian warriors,
severe of conscience, disputatious and eager for disciples, who, in order that
no sin might escape, punished the most innocent pleasures.
Physically as rugged and strong as they were mentally, they were a long-
lived race of men, whose literature, whose investigations of the sciences, were
squared rigidly to their interpretations of the Bible. When we know some-
thing of these remarkable ancestors of Judge Black we have the key to many
of the otherwise wonderful marks of the man himself. From the humblest
walks of backwoods farmers' life he rose by his own inherent powers to be-
come, and so he will go into history, as the best type of the great American
descended from our Revolutionary fathers.
Judge Black was a sincere, eager churchman, who read his Bible daily,
and regularly betook himself to the closet of prayer. His every nature drew
him toward the strong, argumentative, combative and eloquent Alexander
Campbell, and he was therefore a member of the Christian Church. He was
the great layman to the Protestant Church, and when he set his lance and low-
ered his visor in the tilt at the infidel IngersoU, he best described his position
in the church as the ' ' church' s policeman, ' ' who was ready to receive orders
from his superiors in command, but eager to fight the devil himself single-
handed in a combat where no quarters were to be asked. He took up the
glove of the infidel, and unhorsed the "plumed knight," and was the first
man in two centuries to tell the learned theologians of the world how to defend
the faith in an age where reason and not the dungeon and burning stake are
the implements of church war. The ' ' policeman' ' was the great captain, in
fact, to the church militant; esteeming himself the humblest, he was the cen-
tral and pre-eminent figure. Let the churches of America inscribe upon his
monument his dying prayer— nothing so full of trusting piety, so eloquent and
touching has come back to us from the border land of that other world.
A lawyer, judge, politician, statesman and orator, vyriter and scholar, he
adorned all alike. The greatest advocate in his day, his decisions upon the
bench became the fundamental law of the land ; his speeches are models of
great thoughts in the most vigorous English to be found in our language.
His biography should be fully written. The world cannot afford to lose the
lesson it will teach. The story will interest, instruct and benefit all, and it
will be the just tribute to the forefathers, the pioneers — Scotch-Irish and Dutch
and Germans who were the immigrants to this portion of our country.
If Adams County is pictured to the mind as a dining table, then wherever
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 75
Hon. Thaddeus Stevens sat was the head of the table. The son of
a Vermont shoe-maker, born April 4, 1792, commenced life as a school
teacher in York, came to Gettysburg immediately after he had been admitted
to practice law in Maryland in 1816, and opened an office in the east end of the
McCleUan House, now occupied by Col. John H. McClellan. He at once be-
came a leader at the bar, was several years a town councilman, a member of
the Legislature, where he became the father of the Pennsylvania free schools.
He removed to Lancaster in 1841. He entered Congress in 1849 and served
two terms, then remained in private life and again entered Congress in 1859,
where he remained until his death, August 11, 1868. He was the chairman of
the ways and means committee in Congress at the commencement of the war,
and was the one man great enough to rule Congress, the Senate and the Presi-
dent, and who comprehended the full import of the civil war at its commence-
ment. He proved himself the greatest parliamentary leader this country has
had, not even excepting Henry Clay. Indeed, Thaddeus Stevens was a won-
derful man, whose history is a part of the history of our country during its
most turbulent and trying times — such times only develop such men as was
Stevens, where he won the distinguishing sobriquet of the Great Commoner.
Mentally and physically a strange compound of opposites, if they were not con-
tradictions. Physically, defective in one of his feet; intellectually a trained
athlete; a knight errant riding the whirlwind of the dark passions of mankind
and delivering the blasting thunderbolts of his matchless invective against the
oppressor of his fellow-man; his nature deeply charitable, lifting up the lowly,
aiding the worthy, spending his last dollar when on his way to Baltimore with
his carefully garnered gains to buy his first law library and he saw a slave
parent and child being sold to be separated; he spent all he had and purchased
the slaves and returned to Gettysburg with these instead of his promised books,
and at the same time implacable against that portion of his fellow countrymen
bom to the ownership of slaves. He loved children tenderly, and the highest
praise that can be said of him is the love and respect his name ever conjures in
the hearts of the men and women of Gettysburg who were children when this
was his home.
A diligent student of men and books he was a lover of field sports and
games; of Puritan birth probably, he was of the broadest and most liberal in
faith and practice. An extreme Federalist in the larger sense of the term, a
Democrat by nature, a political revolutionist, who was intensely patriotic in his
love of his government. A criminal lawyer with few equals and no superiors,
as a constitutional lawyer he was blinded by seething political passions. His
broad charity that carried a purse that had no strings, and his deep seated rad-
icalism that would "organize a hell " for treason, were the strong lines in his
nature. Charitable and combative his mastery of men made him a party
destroyer and a party leader. Here he was born to fight and command. When
he had carried the old Federal party long enough he crushed it and reared the
Anti-Masonic party; tossing this aside when it had subserved his purposes, he
became quiet politically for a time, until upon the ruins of old parties rose the
Republican party, and here again was Stevens the master architect.
We know nothing of his ancestors and have no antecedent facts upon which
we can see why he was the strange, strong and extraordinary compound he
was. We only know he rescued his name from deepest obscurity and wrote it
in bright letters across the scroll of fame. When his flaming sword fell from
his nerveless grasp it passed to no lineal descendant's hand. He was the first
and last of his name and race known to history.
Among the earliest settlers in what is now known as Adams County
76 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
was Patrick McSherry, who was tl^e progenitor of a long line of families of that
name, where noble and honored sires were followed by worthy and illustrious
sons. Patrick McSherry was the father of James McSherry, the latter born
July 29, 1776, near Littlestown, and died in the immediate neighborhood of
where he was born, Febuary 3, 1849, in the seventy-third year of his age.
James McSherry was the father of James McSherry, Jr., of Frederick City,
Md. , the historian who wrote the history of that State — a writer of great abil-
ity, and his literary productions rank among the best of American histories,
and also father of Hon. William McSherry, of the vicinity of Littlestown, and
the grandfather of William McSherry, attorney of Gettysburg. Patrick Mc-
Sherry' s name is perpetuated in the town of McSherrystown. It was laid out
as early as 1765 by him.
His son James was the most successful political leader the county ever
produced. If the reader will turn to the chapter, giving the county officials,
he will find the name of James McSherry of more frequent occurrence than
that of any other man; commencing almost immediately after the formation
of the county as a member of the Legislature to which he was elected for so
many succeeding terms, and he always ran ahead of any other candidate on
the ticket. From the lower house, he went to the State Senate, and from the
Senate to the Congi-ess of the United States — in the XVII Congress, 1821 to
1823. He has been described to us as a man above the average in stature,
quiet, dignified and of commanding presence, whenever possessed the arts of the
demagogue, who never intrigued for his own nomination, in fact hardly ever
attended a convention in his life, and who when nominated, maintained his
self respect. All that was necessary to the voters who had known him all his
life was for them to know that he was a candidate, and bitter as were the poli-
tics of that day, no party shackles could restrain great numbers of the opposite
party from voting for him. He understoogl his constituents, and devoted his
political life to their true interests. Without being noisy, he had the courage
of his convictions; without bluster, he was brave and resolute for the right.
His integrity was never questioned, and to his old neighbors and friends, re-
gardless of party lines, the envenomed shafts of political malice, fell harmless
at his feet. His long political life is a demonstration that an office holder may
live a clean, upright and entirely honorable life.
The well known name of Col. Hance Hamilton is inseparably con-
nected with the early history of York and Adams Counties. He was the Napo-
leon of the immigrants who settled the country immediately west of the Susque-
hanna. He was a born leader of men, with that genius that founds empires,
organizes States, and wields boundless control over great communities. He was
born in 1721 , and died February 2, 1772, aged fifty-one years. The executors of
his will were John Hamilton, Robert McPherson and Samuel Edie. His re-
mains were first interred in Black' s grave-yard, on Upper Marsh Creek, where
they reposed for eighty years, and were disinterred and placed in Evergreen
Cemetery, Gettysburg. The quaint lettered stone slab that was placed over
his first burial lies prone upon the ground, and soon it will have faded
away. The county owes to its self-respect to put this grave in order and
place over the ashes of the illustrious dead a suitable monument. He was the
first sherifP, elected in 1749, of York County. As this officer was then elected
annually, in the 1750 election a riot ensued between the supporters of Hance
Hamilton and those of Richard McAllister — the former the Scotch-Irish and
the latter the Dutch candidate for sherifP. There was then but one poll in the
county, at York, and in M6Allister Hamilton had an able rival. Thus from
the far backwoods of the outskirts of the county, came these two men as the
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 77
strong men of York County. McAllister could rally tlie most votes, but Ham-
ilton could out-general him and was always triumphant. In 1751 Hamilton
was again elected sheriff. At the end of this term he was appointed Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas of the county. In 1756 he was captain of Pro-
vincial troops in the French and Indian war. Was at Fort Littleton (Ful-
ton County) from where he described in a letter the capture by the Indians of
McCord's Fort. He was at this fort again in 1757; was in Armstrong's ex-
pedition against Kittanning, where a bloody and important victory was won over
the Indians. May 31, 1758, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. First
Battalion Pennsylvania Eegiment of foot soWiers of the Province. His will
bore the date of January 27, 1772, four days before his death. His estate
amounted to over £3, 000.
Nothing is now definitely known of his children. The children mentioned in
his will are Thomas, Edward, Harriett, Sarah (married Alexander McKean),
Mary (married Hugh McKean), Hance Garvin, George, John William and
James. None of his descendants are now living in this part of the country.
Hance Hamilton was a typical frontiersman, of great abilities and force of
character. He was but twenty- eight years old when first chosen sheriff, and
died suddenly when only fifty-one years old. Thus in twenty-three years he
impressed his name upon the history of the country. He was of pure Scotch
blood. Among the roll of ' ' the forty-nine officers of Scotland in 1649 " was
Sir Hance Hamilton, who obtained adjudicated lands in the Province to the
amount of 1,000 acres.
Culp, a name found in our ancient records, written in German and called then
Kalb, but now goes into history as a part of the immortal story of the battle of
Gettysburg — Gulp's Hill being one of the first points after Cemetery Hill for the
tourist to look for. The head of this family in this country was Christophel
Culp, the father of Peter Culp, who was the father of Henry Culp, after whom
Gulp's Hill is named. The first Culp named above came to this country in 1787.
He had four sons: Christophel, Mathias, Peter and Christian. The first died
without issue. To the others are born large families.
William McClellan (third) was the father of our present John H. McClellan,
and was born June 21, 1763 ; married Magdalen Spangler, January, 1788, and
died July 27, 1831. He was the son of William McClellan (second), born in
Coleraine, Ireland, in 1735, and brought to Marsh Creek in 1739. His second
wife (Mary Eeynolds) died in 1796. William (third) had twelve children,
of whom Col. John H. is now the only survivor. He was sheriff of York
County, elected and re-elected at a time when men of personal force contested
earnestly for this office. For 150 years the family name of McClellan has been
a familiar one to the people of this part of Pennsylvania, and as widely re-
spected and honored.
Capt. Nicholas Bittinger died in Adams County in 1804, aged seventy-
eight. He was one of the first who took up arms in the war of the Eevolution.
He was taken prisoner at the head of his column at Fort Washington. He en-
dured a long and hard captivity, which induced the disease that terminated his.
life. He was a son of Adam Bittinger (Bedinger or Beedinger, as the name
was at first spelled) who came to this country in 1736. The father and son
were members of the Committee of Safety for York County in 1775. The Bit-
tingers resided on Great Conowago, Menallen Township.
Hon. James Cooper was born near Emmittsburg, Md., August, 1809, re-
ceived a collegiate education and entered the law office as a student of Thad-
deus Stevens, in Gettysburg, in April, 1832, and was licensed a lawyer April
28, 1834, and at once opened an office in Gettysburg.
78 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
He served a number of terms in the Legislature and was speaker of that body;
was attorney- general of the State; two terms in Congress, and six years a United
States Senator. He was an active and earnest Whig in politics. In 1857 he re-
moved to Frederick City, where he renewed the practice of law successfully untU
1861, when he was commissioned a brigadier-general in the United States Vol-
unteers and went into the active service in command of a brigade; but not
being in robust health, from the exposures and fatigues of army life, he con-
tracted a severe attack of pneumonia and died at Columbus, Ohio, in March,
1863, aged fifty-two years.
Mr. Cooper was a man of plgasing manners, about six feet two inches in
height, a fine Grecian face, a fluent speaker and a brilliant and successful
politician. In 1837 he married Jane Miller, of Carlisle, who is still living.
They had two sons and one daughter. One oC the sons died in the army, the
other, Mathew, is living in West Virginia. The daughter is the wife of Dr.
Page, deputy surgeon in the United States Army at Fort Leavenworth.
CHAPTER XIV.
War of 1812— Adams County Regiments— The Fedeealists and Democrats
— "Friends of Peace" Meetings — Toasts— Close of War.
IN the early part of the year 1811 war rumors, vague and indefinite at first,
began to pass around among the people of Adams County. Men talked and
thought about the matter as long as these rumors were but indefinite, much as
they were Federalists or Democratic Republicans. The Federalists said the
Democratic administration would not fight; that there was a "diminutive crea-
ture, even as contemptible as had been President Jefferson, at the helm of
State, ' ' and our Nation would crawl in humiliation and swallow all the possi-
ble insults that the ' 'efiFete and rotten' ' despotisms could heap upon us. They,
good souls, felt gloomy, and hated Jefferson, Tom Paine and James Madison
most cordially. The Democratic Eep'iblicans had no organ, and largely their
mouthpiece was Dr. William Crawford, who published long addresses to his
constituents, wrote private letters home from WashingtoUji and, upon occasions,
made flowery speeches, when he could find suitable opportunities, to his old
neighbors and admirers. His own faith in Jeffersonian Democracy was earn-
est and sincere, but he always failed to infuse his own enthusiasm into a large
majority of the voters of the county.
The Government declared war June 18, 1812, and the United States Mil-
itia had been greatly increased in all the States, and reorganized. The fol-
lowing company ofBcers of the Adams County regiments held frequent musters,
and June 3, 1812, a military order from Washington commanded them to hold
themselves in readiness to march with their commands at a moment's notice.
Of the Ninth Regiment Light Infantry — Captain, Samuel Shriver; lieutenant,
Paul Eider; ensign, John Stine.
Militia — Captain, Sturgeon; lieutenant, John Noll; ensign, George Parr.
Twentieth Regiment — Captain, John McMillan; lieutenant, Jacob Bushey;
ensign, Jacob Peasacker.
Fortieth Regiment — Captain, William Bort; lieutenant, Amos Underwood;
ensign, Adam Spangler.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 81
Ninety-third Eegiment — Captain, Victor Mcllhenny; lieutenant, Peter
Slosser; ensign, George Slaybaugh.
Capt. Ealph Lashells sent out notices to his command, the "Federal
Troops," to meet for parade in Gettysburg, Wednesday, June 10, 1812. He
said: "Business of importance to each member will be transacted."
May 30, 1812, John Randolph, of Roanoke, issued a flaming appeal to the
country, and in the latter part of the following June this was read by the peo-
ple of Adams County. Then they wheeled about, and, with Randolph, the
Federalists opposed a war with England. Randolph pronounced such a war
as ' 'neither with the interests nor honor of the American people, but as an
idolatrous sacrifice of both on the altar of French rapacity, perfidy and am-
bition."
Congress was now sitting with closed doors. Constant messages and doc-
uments were being submitted by President Adams ; the public excitement ran
high all over the country. A mob in Baltimore "headed," in the language of
the Federal papers of that day, ' ' by foreigners, " assembled in the early part of
July, 1812, and demolished the Federal Republican printing office, aud orders
to march began to reach the militia in New York and other States ; drafting
men and forming armies were, in July, the work of the country, and ' 'grim
visaged war' ' was upon the nation — upon the Federalists and Democratic Re-
publicans alike. The Federalists at first growled a little, and said it was a bad
war, brought about by the Democrats to gobble up Canada and ruin thereby
the whole world, but the first drum beat heard in the land acted on these good,
honest patriots like the fiddle on the grim old preacher, who upon hearing it
— knowing full well, too, that the devil was in the fiddle — could not, for his
life, refrain from dancing to it with all his might; and they fell into line, forgot
their political enmities, laid aside their politics, eager and confident of whip-
ping all creation, and abandoned all political discussions until "this cruel
war is over;" but this united enthusiasm was short lived.
In August, 1812, Gen. James Gettys appointed James McSherry brig-
ade major, and Micheal Newman brigade quartermaster of the Second Brig-
ade, Fifth Division, Pennsylvania Militia. A government recruiting station
was organized in Gettysburg in the fall of 1812, with Lieut. Dominick Cornyn,
of the Twenty-second Regular United States Infantry, in command.
Edward McAuliff deserted from this State in October, 1812. He was a New
Yorker by birth. Gen. William Reed was adjutant-general of the State and
the efficient officer in organizing the soldiery of Pennsylvania in the war of 1812.
The war had been in active progress for eighteen months with scarcely a
word of news in the paper about the war or any of the battles, until in the issue
of October 20, 1813, it announced in half a column the capture of Detroit
and all Michigan, and the capture of Gen. Proctor and his army. Not a word
of the details are given, or even the death of Tecumseh stated.
The people of Gettysburg all rejoiced over Harrison's great victory. The
bells were rung and the town illuminated, and for two hours muskets were
were fired and the people paraded and huzzahed their joy upon the streets.
Harper is constrained to say that on this occcasion all people heartily joined to-
gether and laid politics aside.
A new quota for militia had been levied on the county, and in May, 1814,
these new levies safely arrived at Erie.
In 1814 the Legislature passed an elaborate act reorganizing the State
militia. The State was divided into fifteen districts. The fifth division was
composed of Adams and York Counties, with the First Brigade in York and the
Second in Adams County. The act also specified there should be in each regi-
5A
82 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ment ten companies of 108 men in each company. This new arrangement of
companies, regiments and brigades, and the number and rank of officers were
nearly the same as we have it now in the army.
The state of political feeling wrought out in the county during the war
may be gleaned from the celebrations of July 4, 1814, in Gettysburg. A short
time before that day a call appeared in the paper for a "peace meeting," and
inviting all who favored peace to meet and honor the memory of Washington
and his compeers. So warm had politics now become that on that day each
political party held separate meetings of celebration. Of the first the paper
says : ' 'A numerous and respectable meeting of the ' Friends of Peace ' took
place in Lashell's long room July 4, 1814. John Edie was chairman and Will-
iam McPherson vice-president. A sumptuous dinner was prepared and the
American flag draped the hall. "
Among the regular toasts we give a few as indicating the spirit prevalent:
Toast 3 — ' ' The imperishable memory of Washington — first in war, first in
peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." . . . .Toast 4 — " James Mad-
ison— pusilanimous in war, visionary in peace, and last in promoting the inter-
ests of his countrymen. ".... Toast 9 — "The present Army of the United
States — a quick and safe 'backing out,' the only relief for a rash and wrong
beginning." . . . .Toast 12 — "The American Plenipotentiaries to Guttenberg —
may they negotiate a speedy and honorable peace with Great Britain. ' ' Among
numerous voluntary toasts by the vice-president, Alexander Cobean, Maj. Will-
iam Miller, Jacob Cassat, William McClean, John McCanaughy and Alexan-
der Eussell, we give that offered by Mr. Cassat as follows : ' ' May the copart-
nership of Democracy, folly and corruption be dissolved, and the debts and
credits of the firm placed to the account of James Madison. ' '
The other meeting was at the house of Frederick Rupley; the day was
ushered in by firing a field piece; the flag of the Twentieth Regiment sus-
pended from the window. Dr. Crawford and James Duncan were chosen
presidents of the meeting; the Declaration of Independence was read. Among
the regular toasts we extract No. 11 : " Peace with honor and safety, or exter-
minating war; death is preferable to dishonor or slavery. "....Toast 16 —
' ' The patriots of the present war — glorious in their deeds on land and water. ' '
....Toast 6. — "James Madison, President — the enlightened friend of the
country." . . . .Toast 5. — " Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of
Independence — his practice in power proved the sincerity of his friendships and
professions." Among the voluntary toasts by the president, vice-president,
and James Gilliland, Mr. Cassady, Workman, Col. Eyster, Bell, Col. Kerr, A.
M. Worts, Jackson, McGrew, Walter, Capt. Hoover and others, we select one
or two. By the McGrew brothers, ' ' just returned from the lines, beg leave
to offer the toast, ' Their fellow soldiers at Buffalo. ' ' ' By Mr. Jackson, ' ' May
the flag of the United States, undisturbed and prosperous, wave over the uni-
verse. ' ' By James Gilliland, ' ' The American heroes who have shed their
blood so nobly in the present contest with our common enemy on sea and on
land; let their names be recorded on the page of history, never to be blotted
out." The evening gun was fired and the people peacefully retired. The
Federals thought the war not only cruel but unjust and a great crime, and in
every possible way showed their violent condemnation of it and its supporters.
An old cast-iron cannon is planted on Baltimore Street, as a hitching post,
that has a history of those times in its own history. At the Fourth of July
celebration, or rather at the joyous celebration of Perry's victory, and Gen.
Harrison's capture of Detroit and Proctor's army, and the reclamation of all
Michigan from the English, the anti-war men would not allow the court house
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 83
bell to ring out the joy of the people. So this old cannon was hastily brought here,
and in lieu of the bell it sent its rebounding echoes among the surrounding hills,
and defiantly thundered forth the deep and long pent feelings of those who were
eager to fight ' ' all creation, ' ' if said creation only dared to touch the chip on
their shoulder. The Federals hated Napoleon, the Jacobins, Jefferson, Tom
Paine and Madison and the war. They were in politics of the Hamilton
school, and wanted the nation strong and central after the English govern-
ment. They proudly designated themselves a ' ' peace party. ' ' So uncalled"
for and dishonorable was the war that they could see no glory in our most
brOliant victories, and, hence, we find Mr. Harper' s paper sedulously voicing
the sentiments of his party, by as nearly as possible remaining wholly silent
on the movements of our armies, and as to the soldiers from A.dams County
and the part they took in the war, their organization and departure, the battles
in which they took part, the noble lives they sacrified on their country' s altar,
even their return to thei]^ homes after the war, of all of which there is not a
line nor a word in the Centinel. Not the slightest allusion, not a name meur
tioned, not a deed or sacrifice described in the weekly issues of the paper for
the three long years of the war. It affords us a strange and suggestive chapter
in the history of politics and war.
When America had conquered a glorious peace, and the splendid achieve-
ments df the war were about to be realized, achievements second only to the
Revolution itself, President Madison issued a proclamation to his counlrymen
containing the tidings. A daring Gettysburg preacher (we greatly regret we
cannot ascertain his name) had the audacity to read the proclamation at the
regular Sunday services following its reception. Then did communications,
denouncing this blasphemous deed, pour into the columns of the Centinelfiom.
outraged laymen. Oh horror! " The Bible lay nailed to the pulpit, " exclaimed
one, ' ' and the preacher has put away the word of God and taken up the awful
slanders, falsehoods and blasphemies of that little creature, James Madison. ' '
During all the war they cried " peace," and now peace had been conquered
they were only the more completely miserable, politically. In war or in peace
they would have it that the country was plunging headlong to ruin and deep
disgrace. We believe some sage once said something about history repeating
itself. If he did not, the intelligent reader, who puts this and that carefully
together, may conclude that he should have made some remarks, squinting a
little in that direction.
Gov. Snyder, on July 4, 1814, made full appointments in the reor-
ganized militia of the State. He appointed William Gilliland, of this county,
a major-general of the Fourth Division, and Jacob Eyster a brigadier-general
in the same division, and George Welsh a brigade inspector.
In September, 1814, the people of Adams County began to feel the critical
condition of the country from the advances of the invacjers, and a long address
was issued, urging all men to lay aside all differences and dissentions on po-
litical questions, and a general meeting of all patriots was called to convene in
Gettysburg on October 3, 1814, ' ' to consider what further steps to take to re-
lieve our distressed country and the sufferings of the people. ' '
August 18, 1814, Gen. Winder, commanding the Tenth Military District
of Maryland, wrote from Washington City to Gov. Snyder this: "Inconse-
quence of the arrival of large reinforcements to the enemy at the mouth of the
Potomac, I am authorized and directed by the President to require from you,
immediately, the whole number of the militia of Pennsylvania designed for
this district, out of the requisition of the 4th of July last, to- wit: 5,0(10 men."
Washington City was, as is well known, captured by the enemy and many
84 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
of our public buildings destroyed. The enemy was invading the country by
way of the Potomac, and all this portion of the country was seriously menaced.
All men might well become alarmed, as they did. At the approach of the
enemy there was no more security for the Federalists than for the most rabid
war men — all were or would be in "the same boat." Military headquarters
of this district were at York, and at that point was in rendezvous a number of
soldiers. These were hastily formed into a company and marched to Baltimore,
which point they reached in time to be of good service. This company started
from York on August 29, 1814. On the 12th of the following month they en-
gaged the enemy and at one time were in the most important part of the com-
mand and suffered severely, but conducted themselves with unexampled gal-
lantry for raw recruits. The captain was Michael H. Spangler ; first lieuten-
ant, Jacob Barnitz; second lieutenant, John McCurdy.
On the 29th of November, 1815, the troops from this portion of Pennsyl-
vania were under the command of Gen. Watson, when Gen. Scott ordered
them to rendezvous at York, to receive their pay and be mustered out. These
were the troops under the command of Gens. Foster and Adams. Gen.. Scott
thanked the men and officers for their general good conduct, and concluded:
' ' The men had borne the severity of the wet and inclement season in their
tents with patience and forbearance."
CHAPTER XV.
■ Civil Wak— Receuiting in Adams County — The Military Companies and
THEiB Regiments— Corp. Skelly Post, No. 9, G. A. R.
THE echoes of firing upon Fort Sumter had hardly died away when re-
cruiting soldiers to go to war commenced in Adams County. The pub-
lic was moved by an unparalleled excitement; all minor issues were instantly
buried; politics were happily forgotten; the people came together; great meet-
ings assembled in all the towns; patriotic and sometimes eloquent speeches
still more deeply aroused the already excited populace; flags were displayed
from all public buildings and often from private houses; the shrill fife and
drum filled the air with martial music.
Adams County stands proudly in the front ranks of counties in the number
of and quality of heroes that she sent to war. Upon every battle-field they con-
tributed their full share of stalwart heroes, ready to do and die for their
country. With a population of not much over 23,000, she sent over 3,000
soldiers to the different services and commands during the war. The first re-
cruits were Company E — three months' men, becoming a part of Second
Pennsylvania Eegiment. This company left the county April 19, just one
week after Fort Sumter was fired on, and was mustered into the service
April 20. Captain, Charles H. Buehler; first lieutenant, Ed. G. Fahnestock;
second lieutenant, John Culp ; number of men, 78. Next company recruited
was Company K, First Pennsylvania Reserves; three years' service; mus-
tered in June 8, 1861; Captain, Edward McPherson; first lieutenants,
John F. Bailey (killed); W. Warren Stewart (promoted lieutenant-colonel);
Henry N. Minnich (afterward made major); first lieutenant, John D. Sadler
(killed at South Mountain); George E. Kitzmiller (brevet captain); second
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 85
lieuteaant, J. J. Herron; number of men, 112. Gen. Stewart was brevet
brigadier-general, the only man from the county to reach this position. There
was next in order an Adams County company that joined Cole's Independent
Maryland Battalion (cavalry), in the three years' service; captains, John Hor-
ner and A. M. Hunter; first lieutenants, W. H. Horner and William Mcllhenny;
second lieutenant, O. D. McMillan; major, H. S. McNair; from Adams
County, 68 men. The next was a detachment of drafted men in the Forty-
ninth Pennsylvania; estimated 20 men. Then Company G, in the Seventy-
fourth Pennsylvania; one year's service; first lieutenant, Jacob Lohr; esti-
mated 40 men, from this county. Then Company D, in the Seventy-sixth
Pennsylvania, in the three years' service, was a detachment of ten or twelve
Adams County men.
Companies F and I, in theEighty-seventh Pennsylvania, were three years' men.
Of Company F, the captains were C. H. Buehler (promoted major), Willian J.
Martin, and James Adair; first lieutenant, Theodore Morris; quartermaster,
William H Culp; second lieutenant, William F. Baker. Ofiicers and men in
Company F, 112. Company I, captains, Thaddeus S. PfeifPer (killed at Cold
Harbor, June 1, 1864), W. H. Laumies ; first lieutenant, Anthony W. Martin,
(who was made adjutant, was killed at Monocacy), and Edward F. Cole; sec-
ond lieutenants, James Hersh (promoted regimental quartermaster), Eobert K.
Slagle; in this company, 99 men.
In the Ninety-first Pennsylvania were 32 drafted men. In the One Hundred
and First Pennsylvania, three years men; captains, Heniy K. Chritzman and
Henry S. Benner; second lieutenant, Thaddeus Welty. In this company, 55
Adams County men. Company G, same regiment, recruited in March, 1865;
captain, T. C. Morris; first lieutenant, Robert George; second lieutenant, Sam-
uel A. Jong, enlisted for one year; 98 men.
One Hundred and Third Regiment Pennsylvania, reorganized. Company
A, first lieutenant, George C. Corson; second lieutenant, Samuel Eiholtz; 85
men.
One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment, nine months' service. Com-
pany I; captains, I. E. Shipley, Christian A. Missley; first lieutenants, James
S. Shoemaker, Jerome W.Henry; second lieutenant, William W. Reed; 84 men.
One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment, two companies from this county
in three years' service. Company B, captains, John F. McCreary, George A.
Earnshaw; first lieutenants, Jacob W. Cress (promoted adjutant), H. C.
Grossman; second lieutenants, Harvey W. McKnight, J. C. Livelsberger, Da-
vid M. McKnight; 116 men. Company G, captains, James H. Walter, George
W. Mullen; first lieutenant, George W. Wilson; 86 men.
One Hundred and Fifty- second Regiment, Third Artillery; captain, James
B. King; a detachment of 30 men; in three years' service.
One Hundi'ed and Sixtieth Regiment, Fifteenth Cavalry; captains, James
Lashells, George W. Hildebrand; first lieutenant, John K. Marshall; three
years, detachment of Adams County men, 40.
One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment, drafted, nine months' men. Offi-
cers from this county: colonel, Charles H. Buehler; lieutenant-colonel, Ed. G.
Fahnesiock; major, Nash G. Camp; adjutant, J. Harvey White; quartermas-
ter, Evan T. Rinehart. Company C; captain, Ebenezer McGinley; first lieu-
tenant, Charles J. Sefton; second lieutenant, W. H. Lowe. Company D;
captain, Jacob H. Plank; first lieutenant, J. S. Stonesifer; second lieutenant,
John Q, Swartz. Company E; captain, George W. Shull; first lieutenant,
W. J. Bart; second lieutenant, George K. Duttera. CompanyF; captain, John
F. Gilliland; first lieutenant, Jacob C. Pittenturf; second lieutenant.
86 HISTORY OF AUAMS COUNTY.
"William N. Sauaders. Company G; captain, Jacob E. Miller; first lieuten-
ant, George Y. Hoffman; second lieutenant, W. C. Beck. Company H, cap-
tain, W. H. Brogunnier; first lieutenant, Franklin J. Martin; second lieuten-
ant, Alfred Helsel. Company I; captains, Nash G. Camp, Edward M. Warren;
first lieutenant, Noah D. Snyder; second lieutenant, Isaac Miller. Company
K; captain, William H. Webb; first lieutenant, John S. Chronister; second
lieutenant, David Day; 800 men,
One Hundred and Eighty-second Regiment, Cavalry, six months' service,
Company B; captain, Robert Bell; first lieutenant, James Mickley; second
lieutenant, Harry G. Scott; 80 men. This company was, at the end of its serv-
ice, reorganized in February, 1864, and entered the three years' service. On
its reorganization, Capt. Robert Bell (promoted major) was succeeded as cap-
tain by James Mickley; first lieutenants, Henry G. Lott (killed), Isaac Bueh-
ler; second lieutenant, John Q. A. Young; 131 men. In this regiment there
were in various companies detachments of Adams County men in all 40.
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment, one year's service, Company I;
captain, W. H. Adams; first lieutenants, John N. Boger, Philip L. Houck;
second lieutenant, AdamB. Black; 82 men.
Two Hundred and Second Regiment, one year' s service. Company C; captain,
John Q. Pfeiffer; first lieutenant, John T. Blair; second lieutenant, John J.
McKinney; 102 men.
Two Hundred and Fifth Regiment, one year. Company I; captain, I. R.
Shipley; about 50 men.
Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment, one year, Company G ; captains, George
W. Fredrick (promoted lieutenant-colonel), Charles F. Hinkle; first lieuten-
ants, W. T. King, Calvin R. Snyder; second lieutenant, J. Howard Wert; 100
men.
Two Hundred and Tenth Regiment, one year. Company I; captain. Perry
J. Tate; first lieutenants, Charles J. Sefton, J. C. Martin; about 40 men.
Independent Battery B, second lieutenant, Clarence M. Camp; about 25
men.
In detachments assigned to different regiments there were 50 Adams County
colored men. In the signal service there were about 15 men. In the emergency
service, men recruited to repel invasion, there were four Adams County com-
panies; Capt. Edward M. Warren's Independent Company, Cavalry, three
months' service; first lieutenant, Cyrenus H. Fulwiler; second lieutenant, Sam-
uel N. Ecker; 100 men.
Company A, Twenty-Sixth Regiment; captain, Fredrick Kleinfelter; first
lieutenant, William F. Hinkle; second lieutenant, Luther M. Slater; 90 men.
Same Regiment, Company I; captain, John S. Forrest; first lieutenant, John
Q. Pfeiffer; second lieutenant, A. T. Barnes; 50 men.
In 1862, Capt. A. H. McCreaiy's Company; first lieutenant, Robert Bell;
second lieutenant, Isaiah W. Orr; 60 men.
There were three drafts in the county. In the first draft the quota was
filled by the 800 men in the regiments given above.
Corporal Skelly Post, No. 9, G. A. R. — This Gettysburg Post was named
in honor of Corp. Skelly, of this county, who was wounded at Carter's Woods
in the Millroy fight, and died in Winchester; he was brought to Gettysburg
and buried in Evergreen Cemetery.
The post was first organized in 1865; reorganized in June, 1872. The
charter members were Theodore C. NoitIs, William McCartney, J. W. Gil-
bert, John F. McCreary, W. D. Holtzwbrth, William E. Culp, J. A. Kitzmil-
ler, John M. Krauth, George A. Earnshaw, J. Jeff. Meyers, George W. Wikert,
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 87
J. "W. Cress, Peter Wan-en, S. S. Palmer, A. M. Hunter, A. W. Fleming,
George W. Myers, D. J. Benner, Jesse B. Young, W. T. Zeigler.
Officers: A. M. Detriok, Commander; H.W. Lightner, S. V. C. ; J. G. Frey,
J. V. C; N. G. Wilson, Q. M. ; H. W. McKnight, chaplain; William T.
Zeigler, O. D. ; H. S. Buehler, O. G. ; Thaddeus L. Welty, adjutant; W. H.
Eupp, S. M. ; J. E.Wible, Q. M. S,; John H. Sheads, O. S. The Post pur-
chased the old Methodist Church and have it nicely fitted up for a hall.
CHAPTER XVI.
Members of Conqeess— Senators and Assemblymen— County Officials.
ADAMS COUNTY is now just eighty-six years old. In 1856 Mr. Stahle in
his paper, the Compiler, published a list of county officers. This chap-
ter -will complete that list to date.
CONGRESS.
(District — York and Adams Counties.)
1800— John Stewart. 1808— WUliam Crawford.
1802— John Stewart. 1810— WiUiam Crawford.
1804— James KeUy.
(District — Adams, Franklin and Cumberland Counties.)
1812— Eobert WhitehiU, William Crawford.
1814^-William Crawford, William McClay.
1816— Andrew Boden, William McClay.
1818 — ^David Fullerton, Andrew Boden.
(District— Adams, Franklin, Cumberland and Perry Counties.)
1820 — James McSherry, James Duncan, Thomas G. McCullough.
1821— John Finley.
1822 — John Finley, James Wilson.
1824 — John Finley, James Wilson.
1826 — James Wilson, William Bamsey.
1828— T. H. Crawford, William Eamsey.
1830— William Eamsey, T. H. Crawford.
(District — Adams and Franklin Counties.)
1832 — George Chambers. 1838 — James Cooper.
1834 — George Chambers. 1840 — James Cooper.
1836— Daniel Sheffer.
(District — Adams and York Counties.)
1842 — Henry Nes. 1846— Henry Nes.
1844— Moses McClean. 1848— Henry Nes.
1850— William H. Kurtz, Joel B. Danner.
(District — Adams, Franklin, Bedford, Fulton and Juniata Counties.)
1852— Samuel L. Eussell. 1858— Edward McPherson.
1854 — David F. Eobinson. 1860— Edward McPherson.
1856— Wilson EeUly.
88 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
(District — Adams, Franltlin, Pulton, Bedford and Somerset Counties.)
1862— A. H. Coffarth. 1868— John Cessna.
1864— W. H. Koontz. 1870— Benjamin F. Meyers.
1866— William H. Koontz. 1872— John Cessna.
(District — Adams, Cumberland and Yorli Counties.)
1874— Levi Maish, re-elected 1876.
1878— Frank E. Belzhoover.
1882— William A. Duncan.
1884 — Duncan was re-elected, and died before being qualified.
At a special election December 25, 1884, Dr. John A. Swope was elected to
fill the vacancy.
1885— Dr. John A. Swope.
STATE SENATORS.
(District — Yorli and Adams Counties.)
1801— William Eeed. 1823— WiUiam McHvaine.
1803 — Eudolph Spangler. 1824 — Zepheniah Herbert.
1805— William Miller. 1825— Zepheniah Herbert.
1811 — John Stroman. 1826 — Henry Logan.
1813— James McSherry. 1827 — Henry Logan.
1815— Charles A. Barnitz. 1829— Ezra Blythe.
1817— William Gilliland. 1831— Henry Smyser.
1819— Fred. Eichelberger, George 1833— David Middlecoff.
Eyster. 1835 — James McConkey.
1821— George Eyster.
(District — Adams, Franklin and Cumberland Counties.)
1837 — Charles B. Penrose, Jacob Cassat.
1841 — J. X. McLanahan, W. K. Gorgas.
(District — Adams and Franklin Counties.)
1844 — Thomas Carson. 1853 — David Mellinger.
1847— WUliam E. Sadler. 1856— George W. Brewer.
1850— Thomas Carson. 1859— A. K. McClure.
(District — Adams, Franklin and Fulton Counties.)
1862— William McSherry.
(District — Adams and Franklin Counties.)
1865 — (Contest between C. M. Duncan and David McCanaughy; the latter
admitted to the seat. )
1868— C. M. Duncan.
(District — Adams and York Counties.)
1871— William McSherry.
(District — Adams and Cumberland Counties.)
1874 — James Chesnut.
1878 — Isaac Hereter.
1882— Samuel C. Wagner.
ASSEMBLY.
1800— Thomas Thombaugh, Henry Slagle.
1801 — Henry Slagle, Thomas Thornbaugh.
1802— Henry Slagle, William Miller.
1803 — ^Andrew Shriver, William Miller.
1804 — William Miller, Andrew Shriver.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 91
1805 — Walter Smith, Andrew Shriver.
1806 — ^Andrew Shriver, Walter Smith.
1807 — James McSherry, James Gettys.
1808 — James McSherry, James Gettys.
1809 — James McSherry, James Gettys.
1810 — James McSherry, James Eobinette.
1811 — James McSherry, James Eobinette.
1812 — James McSherry, James Eobinette.
1813 — James Eobinette, William Miller.
1814 — James Eobinette, William Miller.
1815 — William Miller, James Eobinette.
1816 — Michael Slagle, Samuel Withrow.
1817 — Michael Slagle, Samuel Withrow.
1818 — Samuel Withrow, William Thompson.
1819— William Miller, William Thompson.
1820 — Jacob Cassat, Isaac Weirman.
1821 — Jacob Cassat, Isaac Weirman.
1822 — Jacob Cassat, Isaac Weirman.
1823 — Jacob Cassat, Isaac Weirman.
1824 — -James McSherry, George Deardorff.
1825 — James McSherry, George DeardorfP.
1826 — James McSherry, Thompson T. Bonner.
1827— Thompson T. Bonner, Ezra Blythe.
1828— James McSherry, Thomas Stevens.
1829— James McSherry, D. Middlecauf.
1830 — James McSherry, Andrew Marshall.
1831 — Christian Picking, Andrew Marshall.
1832 — James Potters, WiUiam Eenshaw.
1833 — James Patterson, Thaddeus Stevens.
1834 — James McSherry, Thaddeus Stevens.
1835 — James McSherry, Thaddeus Stevens.
1836— William McCurdy, Christian Picking.
1837— Thaddeus Stevens, Charles KettleweU.
1838— Thaddeus Stevens, Charles KettleweU.
1839— Daniel M. Smyser, William Albright.
1840 — Daniel M. Smyser, George L. Fauss.
1841 — Thaddeus Stevens, George L. Fauss.
1842 — John Marshall, Henry Myers.
1843 — James Cooper.
1844 — James Cooper.
1845 — John Brough.
1846 — James Cooper.
1847— WUliam McSherry.
1848 — James Cooper.
1849— William McSherry.
1849 — Daniel Smyser.
1850— William McSherry.
1851— David Mellinger.
1852— David Mellinger.
1853— John C. Ellis.
1854— Moses McClean.
1855 — Isaac Eobinson.
1856 — John Musselman.
92 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
1857— Charles Will.
1858 — Samuel Durborrow.
1859 — Samuel Durborrow.
1860— Henry J. Myers.
1861— John Bushey.
1862— Henry J. Myers.
1863— James H. Marshall.
1864— James H. Marshall.
1865— P. L. Houck.
1866— Nicholas Heltzel. *
1867— Nicholas Heltzel.
1868— A. B. Dill.
1869— A. B. DiU.
1870 — Isaac Hereter.
1871 — Isaac Hereter.
1872— WiUiam S. Hildebrand.
1873— William S. Hildebrand.
1874— E. W. Stahle, Daniel Geiselman.
1874— W. A. Martin, William J. McClure.
1878— W. Boss White, J. E. Smith.
1880— J. Upton Neely, Albert W. Storm.
1882— E. W. Bream, Prank G. Smeringer.
1884— S. S. Stockslager, Ephraim Myers.
PKESIDENT JUDGES.
1800-05 — Hon. John Joseph Henry.
1805-19 — Hon. James Hamilton.
1819-20— Hon. Charles Smith.
1820-35— Hon John Eeed.
1835-46— Hon. Daniel Durkee.
1846-49— Hon. William N. Irvine.
1849-51— Hon. William N. Durkee.
1851-73— Hon. E. J. Fisher.
1873-74— Hon. David Wills.
1874 — Hon. William M. McClean, (present judge).
ASSOCIATE JUDGES.
Of the associate judges appointed prior to any records of these officials, we
find the names of the following who had been appointed by the governor: Will-
iam Gilliland, John Agnew, William Scott, William Crawford, Daniel Sheffer,
William McClean, George Will, George Smyser, James McDevitt.
1851 — John McGinley and S. E. Eussell, elected.
1856 — David Zeigler and Dr. David Homer, elected.
1858 — Isaac Weirman, appointed.
1858 — Isaac Weirman, elected.
1861— David Zeigler.
1863 — Isaac Weirman. '
1866 — Isaac Eobinson.
1868— J. J. Kuhn.
1869— Eobert McCurdy.
1873— J. J. Kuhn.
1880— A. F. White, William Gulden.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.
William Maxwell, George Metzgar, Samuel Eamsey, George Sweeny, Eobert
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
93
S. King, Willet C. Oglely, Andrew G. Miller, William N. Irvine, Daniel M,
Smyser, Robert P. McCanaughy, Moses McClean, C. G. French, Edward
B. Buehler, James G. Reed, William B. McClellan, William A. Duncan.
A. J. Caver, J. C. Neely, E. S. ReiUy, D. M. Wilson, S. McSwope.— 1877,
Edward S. Reilly; 1881, Samuel McSwope; 1882, Samuel McSwope; 1885,
John M. Krauts.
SHBEIFFS.
1800-
1803-
1806-
1809-
1812-
1815-
1818-
1821-
1824-
1827-
1830-
1833-
1836-
1839-
1842-
1800-
1803-
1806-
1809-
1812-
1815-
1818-
1821-
1824-
1827-
1830-
1833-
1836-
1839-
1842-
1845-
1848-
1851-
-George Lashells.
-James Gettys.
-Jacob Winrott.
-James Horner.
-John Murphy.
-Samuel GaUoway.
-John Arendt.
-Bernard Gilbert.
-Thomas C. MUler.
-Philip Heagy.
-William Cobean.
-James Bell.
- William Taughinbaugh.
-George W. McClellan.
-Francis Bream.
COBONEHS.
-(missing. No trace found here or at
-John Arendt. 1854
-Henry Hoke. 1857-
-Thomas Cochran. 1858-
-Samuel Galloway. 1861-
-John F. McFarlane. 1862-
-John GaUoway. 1863-
-James A. Thompson. 1866
-Dr. David Homer, Jr. 1869
—John Houck. 1871-
-S. S. Forney. 1873
—Dr. George L. Fouss. 1875-
-John Ash. 1877
-A. B. Kurtz. 1878
-Dr. David Horner. 1881
-Dr. Joseph N. Smith. 1883
-Dr. Charles Horner. 1884
-Dr. H. W. Kaufman.
PBOTHONOTAEIES.
1800 to 1821-James Duncan, appointed. 1854
1845 — Benjamin Shriver.
1848— William Fickes.
1851~John Scott.
1854 — Henry Thomas.
1857 — Isaac Lightner.
1860— Samuel Wolf.
1863— Adam Rebert.
1866— Philip Hann.
1869— Jacob Klunk.
1872 — James Hersh.
1875^Joseph Spangler.
1878— A. J. Bowers.
1881— J. H. Plank.
1884— Samuel Eaholtz.
Harrisburg. )
-Dr. J. W. Hendrix.
-Dr. 0. E. Goldsborough.
-Dr. E. W. Mumma.
-Dr. A. B. Dill.
-Dr. H. A. Lilly.
-Dr. T. O. Kinzer.
-Dr. W. J. McClure.
—Dr. M. L. Gates.
-Dr. J. L. Baehr.
—Dr. A. Holtz.
Dr. H. W. LeFevre.
— Dr. A. P. Beaver.
Geo. L. Rice.
Dr. Geo. L. Rice.
Dr. O. W. Thomas.
Dr. H. L. Diehl.
1821— William McClellan.
1824— George Welsh.
1832— George Zeigler.
1835— Bernard Gilbert.
1839— Joel B. Danner.
1839— A. McGinley, elected.
1842— Joel B. Danner.
1845— Anthony B. Kurtz.
1848— John Picking.
1851— W. W. Paxton.
1857-
1860-
1862-
1865-
1868-
1871-
1874-
1877-
1880-
1883-
-John Picking.
-Jacob Bushey.
-J. F. Bailey.
-Jacob Bushey.
-J. A. KitzmDler.
-Jacob Melhcrn.
-Thomas G. Neely.
-Thomas G. Neely.
-Daniel Chronister.
-Robert McCurdy.
-S. A. Smith.
94
HISTORY OF ADAMS CODNTY.
1800-
1821-
1823-
1824-
1830-
1835-
1836-
1839-
1839-
1842-
1845-
1848-
EEGISTEES
-James Duncan, to 1821.
-J. Wini'ott.
-William McClellan.
-George Zeigler.
-John B. Clark.
-Thomas C. Miller.
-James A. Thompson.
-Jacob Le Fevre.
-William King, elected
-Witlian King.
-Robert Cobean.
-W. W. Hammersly.
AND HEC0KDEB8.*
1851— Daniel Plank.
1854— William F. Walter.
1857 — Zachariah Myers.
1860— Charles X. Martin.
1863— Samuel Lilly.
1866— William D. Holtzworth.
1869— Samuel A. Swope.
1872— Jacob C. Shriver.
1875— Nathaniel Miller.
1878— Samuel B. Horner.
1881 — Jeremiah Slaybaugh.
1885—1. S. Stonesifer.
CLERKS OF
1800 to 1821— James Duncan.
1821— WiUiam McClellan.
1824— George Welsh. .
1832— John Picking.
1835— Thomas Dickey.
1839— Joel B. Danner.
1839— S. E. Russell, elected.
1842— D. C. Brinkerhoff.
1845— W. S. Hamilton.
1848— Hugh Dunwiddie.
1851— Eden Norris.
THE COURTS
1854—
1857—
1860-
1863—
1866
1869
1872—
1875
1878—;
1881
1884—1
J. J. Baldwin.
H, G. Wolf.
John Eiholtz.
James J. Fink.
Adam W. Maiter.
Henry G. Wolf.
Robert McCleaf.
Abraham King.
J. C. Pittenturf.
F. M. Timmins.
C. W. Stoner.
1801-
1805-
1807-
1809-
1812-
1815-
1818-
1821-
1825-
1828-
1831-
1834-
1835-
1836-
1837-
1838-
1841-
1843-
1845-
COUNTT TEEASDRERS.f
1847—
James Scott.
Samuel Agnew. 1849
Mathew Longwell. 1851
Walter Smith. 1853—
John McCanaughy. 1855
William McClean. 1857—,
■Walter Smith. 1859-
■Robert Smith. 1861-
■John B. McPherson. 1863-
■William S. Cobean. 1865-
•Robert Smith. 1867-
■William Laub. 1869-
•Jesse Gilbert. 1871-
■Bernard Gilbert. 1873-
■Jesse Gilbert. 1875-
■John H. McClellan. 1878-
-James A. Thompson, elected. 1881-
■JohnH. McClellan. 1884-
■David McCreary.
Robert G. Harper.
John Fahnestock.
Thomas Warren.
George Arnold.
J. L. Shick.
J. B. Danner.
Waybright Zeigler.
■H. B. Danner.
Jacob Troxel.
-Jacob Sheads.
H. D. Wattles.
W. J. Martin.
■R. D. Armor.
■W. K. Gallagher.
-Charles Zeigler.
-Franklin S. Ramer.
-Samuel K. Folk.
-George E. Stock.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
1800 — Walter Smith, Henry Hull and Michael Slagle were elected first
commissioners. Each succeeding year one was elected. To simplify the mat-
ter we number them and they correspond exactly with the years; as No 1,
♦Were appointed by the governor to 1839,
fWere appointed by tiie commisBionera until 1841.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 95
"Walter Smith was elected in 1801. No. 2, Henry Hull; No. 3, Michael Slagle;
No. 4, Moses McClean; No. 5, Jacob Cassat; No. 6, John Bounce; No. 7. John
Arendt; No. 8, Joseph Swearinger; No. 9, Samuel Withrow; No. 9, Peter Mack
(one year); No. 10, Henry Brinkerhoff; No. 11, Peter Mack; No. 12, Eobert
Hays; No. 13, John Stewart; No. 13, Alex EusseU (two years); No. 14, Henry
Smyser;No. 14 David Stewart (two years); No. 15, Amos McGinley; No. 16,
Michael Newman; No. 17, James Horner; No. 18, William Patterson; No. 19,
Joseph Swearinger ;No. 20, Archibald Boyd; No. 21, Alexander Mack; No. 22,
Harmon Weirman; No. 23, John Shorb; No. 24, James Paxton; No. 25, John
F. McFarlane; No. 26, Samuel B. Wright; No. 27, Jacob Fickes; No. 28,
James Mcllhenny; No. 29, Thomas Ehrehart; No. 30, Jacob Cover; No. 31,
John L. Gubernator; No. 32, Eobert Mcllhenny; No. 33, John Brough; No.
34, John Musselman, No. 35, George Will; No. 36, John Wolford; No. 37,
William Eex; No. 37, James Eenshaw (one year) ; No. 38, Daniel Diehl; No.
39, Joseph J. Kuhn; No. 40, William Douglas; No. 41, George Basehoar; No.
42, James Patterson; No. 43, Peter Diehl; No. 44, James Cunningham ; No. 45,
James Funk; No, 46, Andrew Heintzelman; No. 47, Jacob King; No. 48, John
G. Morningstar; No. 49, John Musselman, Jr. ; No. 50, Jacob Griest; No. 51,
Abraham Eeaser; No. 52, JohnMickley;No. 53, James S. Wills; No. 54, George
Myers; No. 55, Henry A. .Picking; No. 56, Josiah Benner; No. 57, Jacob
Eaffensperger; No. 58, Daniel Geiselman; No. 59, James H. Marshall; No.
60, William B. Gardiner; No. 61, Ephraim Myers; No. 62, Jacob Epple-
man; No. 63, Samuel March; No, 64, Abraham Krise; No. 65, Samuel Wolf,
No. 66, Nicholas Wierman; No. 67, Jacob Lott; No. 68, Moses Hartman; No.
69, Emanuel Neidich; No. 70, Francis Will; No. 71, J. E. Smith; No. 72,
John H. Meyers; No. 73, John Herbst; No. 74, H. W. Schwartz; No. 75, John
Nunemaker; No. 75, J. E. Leas; No. 75, Isaac D. Worley; No. 78, Henry
Culp, Jacob Hainish; 1884, Abraham Sheely, Emanuel D. Keller, Jeremiah T.
Hartzell.
Commissioners' Clerks in their order were as follows: John Andrews,
Alexander McHhenny, James Brown, William McClean, Alexander Eussell,
David Homer, WUliam King, Henry J. Schreiner, Eobert G. Harper, Jacob
Auginbaugh, J. M. Walter and J. Jeff Myers.
DIEECTOES OP THE POOR.
In 1817 the county first took steps to provide for its unfortunate and help-
less poor. That year Charles F. Keener, James Eobinette, Fredrick Baugher,
Thomas C. Miller and Henry Brinkerhoff were elected commissioners of the
poorhouse site. During this year William McPherson, WUliam McGaughy
and John Murphy, Sr., were elected the first directors of the poor. Then
followed in the order elected:
1818— William McPherson. 1829— James McKnight.
1819 — Fredrick Boyer. 1830 — Garret Brinkerhoff.
1820 — William McGaughy. 1831 — James A. Thompson.
1821— Daniel Funk. 1832— WUliam Eex.
1822 — Eobert McMurdie. 1833 — James Cunningham.
1823— David Horner, Sr. (1 year). 1834— Jacob Will.
1823 — George Horner (1 year). 1835 — Quintin Armstrong.
1824^-John Duffield. 1836— Baltzer Snyder.
. 1825 — Hugh Jackson. ' 1837— George Irwin.
1826— Daniel Mickley, Sr. 1837— Peter Trostle.
1827— William McCurdy. 1839— Jacob Sterner.
1828— Peter Diehl. 1840— Henry Lott.
96
HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
1841 — William Morrison.
1842— Garret Brinkerhoff.
1843— William White.
1844 — David Hollinger.
1845 — John Hostetler, Jr.
1846— John Houck.
1847— Thomas McClory.
1848— Henry Brinkerhoff.
1849 — James D. Newman.
1850 — Nicholas Bushey.
1851 — James Bigham.
1852— Peter Smith.
1852 — Joseph Bailey.
1853 — Joseph Bailey.
1854 — John Horner.
1855— Garret Brinkerhoff.
1856— Fredrick Wolf.
1857— Andrew White.
1858 — Abraham Spangler.
1859 — C. Musselman.
I860— Jacob Miller.
1860 — Isaac Pfoutz (2 years).
1862— J. M. Bolinger.
1863— George Mackley.
1864r— John N. Graft.
1865 — Abraham Krise.
1866— John Rohn.
1867— Martin Getz.
1868— Benj. Deardorff.
1869— Levi Schwartz.
1870— Jacob B. Millar.
1871 — Jacob Saunders.
1872— Michael Fiscel.
1878 — Jesse Bucher.
1874 — George Guise.
1875 — Joseph Gelbach, Samuel Oren-
dorf and Newton M. Horner.
1877— John Boblitz.
1879 — George Lough and Henry
Hartzell.
1880 — James Reaver and John B. Wink.
1881 — Peter Mackley and Detrich.
1882— Henry L. Stock and William
Gulden.
1861— John Eckenrode.
Clerks to Directors. — Robert Smith, John Garvin, W. W. Paxton, J. J.
Baldwin, Robert Paxton, D. C. Brinkerhoff, Zachariah Myers, H. G. Wolf
and H. A. Picking.
Stewards. — Michael Newman, Peter Auginbaugh, Quintin Armstrcng,
Henry Welty, Samuel Cobean, John Scott, Jacob Gulp, Jonas Johns and John
Eiholtz.
Treasurers. — John B. McPherson, Samuel Hutchinson, David Horner, Sr.,^
Thomas J. Cooper, Samuel Withrow, James Major, Alexander Cobean, J. B.
Danner, Jacob Sheads, C. Daugherty and Jacob Benner.
Physicians. — Dr. C. N. Berluchy, Dr. D. Horner, Drs. C. & R. Homer,
Dr. J. A. Swope, Dr. H. S. Huber, Dr. A. W. Dorsey, Dr. J. W. C. O'Neal,
Dr. Walter H. O'Neal.
1809-
1810-
1811-
1812-
1818-
1814-
1815-
1816-
1817-
1818-
1819-
1820-
1821-
1822-
1823-
1823-
COUNTY AUDITORS.
Thomas Pearson, John Stewart, Jr. , Alexander Cobean.
-John Dickson, Amos McGinley, Andrew Will.
John Dickson, Amos McGinley, John Stewart.
John Dickson, Alexander Cobean, Andrew Will.
Alexander Cobean, John King, John Shorb.
William Thompson, John Dickson, Andrew Will.
John King.
Allen Robinette.
Isaac Wierman.
Peter Mark.
James Cunningham.
John Duffield.
Samuel Fahnestock.
George Will.
John Kerr.
C. F. Keener (two years).
1824— Moses Funk.
1825— David Wills.
1826— Robert Mcllhenny.
1827— Robert Smith.
1828— William Patterson.
1829— John Lilly.
1830— Charles Kettelwell.
1881— John M. Kesson.
1832 — Joseph Baugher.
1833— Joseph Fink.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
97
1834^Sainuel Diehl.
1835 — Allen Eobinette.
1836— Fredrick Diehl.
1837— John L. Noel.
1838 — John G. Morningstar.
1839 — Samuel Durborow.
1840 — James Russell.
1841— Daniel Comfort.
1842 — Martin Newman.
1843— William E. Sadler.
1844 — Jacob Dellone.
1844 — Eli E. A. More (one year).
1845— Adam J. Walter.
1846— John C. Ellis.
1847— A. W. McGinley.
1848 — Samuel Durborow.
1849— John Elder.
1850— F. G. Hoffman.
1851 — Andrew Marshall.
1852 — John Dickson, Jr.
1853— Edmund F. Shorb.
1854— Abel T. Wright.
1855 — John Haupton.
1856— C. Cashman.
1857 — Isaac Hereter.
1858— John Brinkerhoff.
1859 — ^Amos Le Feyre.
I860— Henry Dysert.
1861— Peter Dick.
1862—1. H. Sherman.
1863— John Elder.
1864 — Joseph Burkee (three years).
1864 — Jacob Hall (two years).
1865— J. C. Pittenturf.
1866 — Henry L. Bream.
1867— Martin E. Ballinger.
1868— E. G. Heagy.
1869— David Ehodes, Jr.
1870— Eaphael Sherfy.
1871 — Isaac Bender.
1872— John U. Euff.
1873 — George W. Hartman.
1874— F. H. Ebert.
1875 — Jacob F. Bream.
1875— W. Howard Dicks.
1875— A. M. Hunter.
1878— Francis Steffy, S. H. Eiholtz.
1881— John F. Klingle, Solomon Pow -
ers, Charles Shaner.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
Moses McClean was appointed by the governor the first county surveyor.
His politics not suiting the governor' a notions he was turned out, and Moses
only became the firmer in his political faith. UntU 1850 this office was known
as "deputy surveyor," and by law became "county surveyor," and elective
in 1850. James Boyd, Samuel Sloan and others, of which we can find no rec-
ords, filled the position by appointment.
1850— Jacob Diehl. 1865— J. S. Withi-ow.
1853— George B. Hewitt. 1868— Jesse D. Keller.
1856— Edward Mclntyre. 1871— Jesse D. Keller.
1859— John G. Brinkerhoff. 1874— John G. Brinkerhoff, and is
1862 — John G. Brinkerhoff. thepresent incumbent (1886).
COUNTY SCHOOL SUPEBINTENDENTS.
David Wills, the first, was elected in 1854. Eeuben Hill, appointed 1856 ; W.
L. Campbell, elected, 1857; J. K. Mcllhenny, appointed, 1858; John C. Ellis,
appointed, 1859; J. C. Ellis, elected, 1860; Aaron Sheely, elected 1863 and
re-elected, 1866; J. H. Wert, elected 1869; P. D. W. Hankey, appointed, 1871;
Aaron Sheely, elected 1872 and re-elected every regular election since, and is
the present efficient incumbent.
JURY COMMISSIONERS.
1867, Henry J. Kuhn; 1867, Cornelius Lott; 1870, Henry Mayer, declined
to qualify and the court appointed Philip Donohue; 1870, John D. Becker;
1873, Samuel Swartz and B. W. Reilly; the latter declined and the court ap-
pointed Maj. Robert Bell.
98 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTER XVII.
Lawyers— First Court—" Circuit Eiders "—Visiting Attorneys— Jonathan
F. Haight, First Resident Attorney— Lawyers from 1801 to 1885.
THE judges and officers of the courts are given in another chapter. The
first court held in the county was in June, 1800, and this brought the first
nimble limbs of the law that ever met in Gettysburg to ply their arduous voca-
tion. None of these were residents of the new county; they were simply fol-
lowing the courts and attending to the business of such clients as chose to em-
ploy them, as there was not a home attorney j'et in the county. In the West-
ern States, whUe the country was still new and sparsely settled, these traveling
lawyers have gone into history as the ' ' circuit riders, ' ' who rode at one time
in the wide range of large counties over half of the State in which they prac-
ticed. The judge and attorney, making quite a cavalcade, and hard life, in
storms and cold, swimming rivers and fording swollen streams, and in hotels
of but three rooms, and all the country around coming to town "to court, ' ' and
the rough roystering and sometimes fighting and ' 'stag-dancing, ' ' and general
' 'whoo-o-oping up, ' ' as the slang expressed it, was much of the school where such
men as Ed Baker, Douglas, Lincoln, Judge Breese and many others of the em-
inent men of the country received their baptism into the experiences of real
and practical life.
The following were the visiting attorneys, who attended the first court in
Gettysburg: Ralph Bowie, John Clark, James Kelly, David Cassat, William
Ross, William Barber, William Maxwell, George Smith, Robert Hayes, Rich-
ard Brook; these were all admitted to the practice on the first day of court.
The next day shows Andrew Dunlop, James Orbison, John Shippen and James
Brotherton. August 25 William M. Brown was admitted. The new attor-
neys at the November term of the court were Ralph Marlin and Jonathan F.
Haight. The latter, it seems, came to stay, and he rented an office and swung
out his newly painted sign, and became Adams County' s first resident attorney.
He had hunted up the new county to grow up with the country, but after two
years faithful seeking for clients, he probably found he had made the palpable
mistake of trying to make a living in a county where there was but one attor-
ney. If there are two attorneys then business may prosper, but never where
there is only one, and so Haight folded his tent and departed to greener fields.
At the May court, 1801, James Dobbin was admitted to practice; May term,
1802, Samuel Riddle; August 25, same year, Francis S. Key, author of "Star
Spangled Banner, " appeared; in August, 1804, William Montgomery; May,
1805, George Metzgar and James Riddle; January, 1806, William Reed, Jr. ;
February, John McCanaughy; November, Moses McClean; April, 1807, Will-
iam N. Irvine; November, Andrew Carothers and James M. Russell; 1808,
Upton S. Reed, David Snively, Thomas S. McCullough and John Reed; 1809,
Thomas Hartley Crawford; 1810, James Gilliland; 1811, Alexander Mahon,
Charles A. Barnitz and John Lashells; 1812, Mathew S. Clark; 1814, Isaac
Brown Parker; 1815, Samson S. King, Nathaniel Dearbon, Stephen Duncan,
George Chambers and Samuel Bacon; 1816, William M. McDowell, Samuel
Ramsey, who had read law in James Gilliland' s office. The examining com-
mittee in his case were Ralph Bowie, David Cassat and William Ross.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 101
In 1817 there were admitted to practice in the courts in this county James
Hamilton, Jr., Calvin Blythe and Gr. AV. King; the latter read in the office of
John McConaughy; examining committee, James Kelly, David Cassat and
James Dobbin. This year James Dunlap was admitted.
In 1819 — John D. Mahon. At the same time James G. McNeely, who read
with John McConaughy; committee, David Cassat, Samuel Alexander, Thad-
deus Stevens.
1820— William H. Brown.
1821 — John Gardner, Walter S. Franklin and Daniel Durkee. Judge
Durkee, a native of Vermont, a hatter by trade, subsequently read law, re-
moved to Lebanon, Penn. , and commenced the practice, and removed to York in
1820. He served two terms as president judge of the York and Adams Court.
1822^ — James Dixon and'W. V. Eandall. This year James Buchanan, af-
terward President of the United States, was admitted to practice in the Adams
County Circuit Court.
1823 — X. H. Cushman, who had read with Thaddeus Stevens; committee,
James Dobbin, John McConaughy and Samuel Ramsey. Also admitted,
Samuel E. KusseU, William Miller, Jr., and John S. Crawford.
1824 — Calvin Mason, John Evans, Charles B. Penrose, John L. Fuller,
Edward Burnham and Samuel Hughes.
1825 — William D. Ramsey, Robert S. King, Fredrick Watts, Henry H.
Cassat and Hugh Gallagher.
1826 — Moses McClean, read with John McConaughy, but applied for li-
cense in Franklin, Venango County, in 1825, and was admitted. Returned to
Gettysburg where he was in active practice for forty-five years. He was
much in public life — in the county offices, Legislature and Congress. A man
of vigorous intellect and dauntless courage in the pursuit of his convictions.
In going patiently over the early records of the leaders among the grand race
of men who wrested the wilderness from the savage and made it this fair gar-
den of civilization, we confess we found no character to which we could give
unmixed admiration beyond what has come down to us with the memory
of Moses McClean. This year also William Ramsey and Andrew G. Miller.
The latter served as United States Judge in the Territory and State of Wis-
consin.
1827 — Thomas Kelly, Morgan Ash and Willett C. Oglesby.
1829— Thomas Craighead.
1831 — William Price, Daniel M. Smyser, who had read vnth Thad. Stev-
ens. Smyser was elected president judge of Bucks and Montgomery Dis-
trict in 1851 where he served with eminent ability ten years. He served in
the Legislature and filled other positions. This year was admitted also Will-
iam Maxwell.
1832— William Frazier.
1833 — John Williamson, James Devor.
1834 — James Cooper and Joseph Chambers. Mr. Cooper read in Stevens'
office. Committee, Charles B. Penrose, Andrew G. MUler, Fredrick Watts.
He was an able lawyer and brilliant politician; in the Legislature a number
of times; a member of Congress, and when serving a term in the Legislature
was elected United States Senator.
1835 Andrew P. Wilson, Thomas C. Hambley, Joseph M. Palmer. Rob-
ert J. Fisher, Albert C. Ramsey, Robert F. McConaughy, William Carothers,
Samuel Hepburn. Judge Fisher read law with his father in Harrisburg, and
was licensed in August, 1828 ; removed to York the same year and there made
his permanent home.
OA
102 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
1839 — Gottleib S. Orth, Conrad Baker, A. E. Stevenson. Orfch and Baker
both went to Indiana and became leaders in the Republican party. Baker was
lieutenant-governor and governor of that State. Orth served in Congress and
was the Republican candidate for governor, but defeated.
1840 — James X. McLanahan, James McSherry, Jr.
1841 — Jacob F. "Welsh, who had read with D. M. Smyser.
1842— William Baker, John Withrow, William McSherry. The latter is
now the senior practicing member of the bar in the county. He has served
ably and well the people of the county in both houses of the Legislature.
1843— Isaac H. MeCauley, William H. Miller.
1844 — ^William E. Barber read with James Cooper; Samuel Baird, Ed-
ward B. Buehler, Robert G. McCreary, William B. McClellan, Cyrus G.
French.
1845 — Andrew Neil, Henry Reed, Thomas McCreary: David McConaughy
read with Moses McClean; James Malcom.
1846 — L. G. Brandenburg, John P. Blaine, Thomas C. Cochran, Carson
C. Moore, Thomas J. McKaig, Benjamin Herr.
1847 — James H. Hauke, James J. E. Naille, Henry Y. Slaymaker, James
G. Reed.
1850— Henry L. Fisher.
1851 — H. B. Woods, student of Moses MeClean; James S. Ross.
1852 — William H. Stevenson, Wilson Reilly, John A. Marshall, Thomas
P. Potts.
1853 — David Wills read with Thaddeus Stevens. Judge Wills was ap-
pointed president judge in 1874, and served to the end of the term in that year.
1854 — Jacob S. Stable; William McClean read in Moses McClean' s office.
He was appointed president judge in 1874, and is the present incmnbent, and
has just heen unanimously re-elected.
1855 — J. Alexander Simpson.
1856 — D. A. Buehler read with E. B. Buehler and James Cooper.
1857 — Nesbitt Baugher read with D. McConaughy.
1858 — J. Charles King read with D. McConaughy; James McElroy.
1859 — Andrew D. Hill; J. 0. Neely read with D. McConaughy; William
A. Duncan, A. J. Clover; two latter read with R. G. McCreary. James Kerr
Mcllhenny read with Judge D. Wills.
1860 — S. J. Vandersloot read with D. A. Buehler. Arthur N. Green,
William Adams, William Hay, J. J. Herron. [Writing of the bench and bar
of Bureau County, 111. , a short time ago, I became acquainted with the history
of an attorney, J. J. Herron, who died a few years ago in Princeton, 111. His
career there had been remarkable and brilliant, and I learned he was regarded
at the time of his death as the ablest attorney in that part of Illinois. He
died before reaching the fullness of his great promise. I am strongly inclined
to the belief this is the same man. — En.]
1861 — William A. Sponsler.
1862— J. Frank Siess, Calvin D. Whitney.
1863— J. Q. A. Pfeiffer, read with R. G. McCreary.
1864— J. Harvey White.
1866--J. McDowell Shorpe.
1867— John M. Krauth read with D. McConaughy.
1868 — John M. Young read with Judge D. Wills; Joseph H. Le Fevre,
read with D. McConaughy.
1869 —William R. Eyster.
1870— Rudolph M. Shick read with Judge Wills.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 103
1871 — John Hay Brown, student of D. A. Buehler; J. A. Kitzmiller, stu-
dent with Judge Wills; Hart Gilbert read in office of R. G. McCreary; M. W.
Jacobs, also with McCreary; Robert E. Wright.
1872 — Joseph Douglas, Edward S. Reilly, William S. Stenger; Robert
Agnew read with Judge" Agnew.
1873 — W. Hamilton Bailey read with Ju&ge Wills; George J. Bond,
M. C. Herman; the latter served as president judge of the Cumberland
District.
1874^H. C. Dean, John A. Kuhn, Joseph R. Kuhn, H. E. Sheaffer, John
Cornman.
1875 — Stewart M. Leidich.
1876— S. McSwope read with Judge Wills; W. C. Stover read with D.
McConaughy; John L. Kendlehart, student of Judge Wills; John L. Hill, Jr.
read in office of R. J. McCreary.
1877 — Charles M. Wolf, now in Hanover; Edward J. Cox read with K
G. McCreary; D. McC. Wilson, with D. McConaughy.
1878— William McSherry, Jr., student of E. S. Reilly (deceased) and Will-
iam McSherry, Sr. ; Charles E. Fink; David Horner (deceased) read with Da-
vid Wills.
1879— Benton Dully, W. A. Scott, with Judge Wills.
1880— Calvin F. O. Fames, with R. G. McCreary.
1881 — George J. Benner, with R. G. McCreary.
1882 — A. W. Fleming, Jr. (deceased) read with J. C. Neely.
1885 — Charles S. Duncan read in Philadelphia; William Arch. McCleaa
read with his father. Judge William McClean; E. A. Weaver read with Mc-
Creary & Duncan; George W. Walter, student of Judge David Wills.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Political — The Revolution— Party Spirit— Jefferson and Hamiltov—
First County Convention— Republican-Democrats and Federal.s—
Hon. William McSherry— Political Factions— Elections— Federalists
AND Republicans ("Democrats") — A "Cockade" Row — Federal— Repub-
licans and Democrats— The "Centinel"— Elections to 1814.
IT was many years after the first settlement before the people had the great
luxury of anything like our present American politics. For a half century
or more after the first settlement they simply had none at all. They were aH
British subjects and the very first question looking toward even political ideas
came as a suggestion from the acting governor of the Province, in which he gave
notice that a great many Germans were coming into the country, without any
special permission to do so, and, without reporting to the authorities who they
were or where they were from or why they came, were proceeding to the in-
terior and had commenced opening farms and making settlements. This all
sounds strangely' enough now, but was natural enough then. The country was
English territory, and loyalty to the King was the predominant question among
the deputy rulers of the country.
In a few years after the first settlement in Adams County, as early, in fact,
as 1760, commenced to gather here the storm that eventually broke upon the
104 HISTORV OF ADAMS COUNTY.
country and its three millions of scattered people — the Revolution. Then had
there been former political dissensions they would have melted away.
There had been local and neighborhood quarrels plenty enough, but they
were all questions, or nearly all, of nativity. The Scotch-Irish were of a high-
ly nervous organization, not irrascible, by any means, but generally good-na-
tured and rolicksome, overflowing with animal spirits. His German neigh-
bor was the total opposite of this. Phlegmatic, persistent, slow, untiring,
peaceful and industrious. He wanted only peace and to be let alone. They
were all Protestants in religion and were on this substantially agreed. At first
they could find nothing else to disagree about, and so we find the Germans de-
manding of the proprietaries that they sell no more lands to the Irish, and it
is a fact that at one time many, who otherwise would have been glad to locate
in this county, were forced by circumstances to become permanent and good
and worthy citizens of Cumberland County.
But the French-Indian war came in 1755, and this was the first thing, like
all common dangers, to banish something of the rancorous feelings of divided
people. They forgot all else and rushed together, and this very fact itself
would rub off many a sharp point of prejudice. The Indians were ready to
kill all that they found defenseless; they were indiscriminate in their ferocity,
and the tendency of a common defense and protection of each other tended to a
like indiscrimination. The war gone, however, and new people constantly
coming in, the old feelings were again manifesting themselves. Just then,
however, came the first rumblings of the Revolution. Early in 1760 a meeting
of the people was held, and here was the first visible sign of that common and
indissoluble bond of brotherhood, one of the most remarkable in the history of
mankind, that was required, that so tested men in the long seven years of war
that was crowned with our liberties. Indeed that was the planting of the Tree
of Liberty that has since spread its protecting shade more or less over the
world.
The Revolution fought out, our liberties obtained, then came the question
— really for the first time presented to man — of commencing at the very foun-
dations, and constructing, without models, without a guiding precedent, gov-
ernment for free men — government where every man had an equal power.
The first great question to the people was to repair the extreme poverty,
the suffering poverty, in which they found themselves after the long and heroic
sacrifices. This work engaged their every energy for some years. In fact
this lasted wholly through the two presidential terms of Washington and the
one term of Adams, or down to 1801. Toward the end of the first Adams
term, or with the dawn of this century, there began discussions upon govern-
ment policies. Looking back over these discussions we can at first and for a
few years see only the one main point for any differences, or sides on which it
was possible to form parties. The first discoverable streak across the sky was
the charge first made, by the Adams party (this merely to designate),
that all those (these afterward turned out to be the Jefferson men) who did not
think as they did were, by their acts, tending to destroy the Constitution. On
the Other hand, there were those who seemed to sincerely believe that Adams
had been a good man, but, surrounded during his administration by bad advis-
ers. Jefferson began to loom up as the next possible candidate. Then every
hour and every da^j^he lines began to be formed more distinctly. The Jeffer-
son men were soon taunted as Jacobins. Two distinct parties were at once
formed, each calling itself by the name Republican, but one occasionally call-
ing itself Federal Republican, and, in the course of time, the other was some-
times called Democratic Republican.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 105
Consulting the early party records among the good people of Adams it is
rather amusing to notice how difficult (in many cases where parties aspired to
office), apparently, it was for them to make up their minds which party they be-
longed to. In a few instances they would be candidates on the ticket of one
party one year, and the next year on the ticket of the opposite party. But
this never, it seems, occurred only in the case of defeated candidates. Where
a candidate got in that seemed to fix his future politics unalterably. Just
a little bit more than like results invariably do nowadays.
Early in 1800 the Pennsylvania State Senate held an important and exciting
meeting on the subject of appointing presidential electors. The Senate con-
eludes it will only vote as a separate body from the House, and very solemnly
resolves that to meet in joint convention would be to virtually abandon having
two houses of the Legislature. This seems to have presented a serious and ex-
citing question at that time.
In November, 1800, there appeared a communication of nearly two columns
in the Adams Centinel, signed ' ' An American, ' ' and, so far as we can now
learn, it was a fair and well written article, attempting to show the status in
the county of political affaii's, as to who was who. The writer says there has
been great misimderstanding in the country on the division of political parties,
and that they are not, as is often asserted, divided into "Monarchists and Re-
publicans," but says the people who brought about the formation of the
present Government are Federal Republicans. "A party exists," he saya,
' 'that originated in a dislike to the Constitution and Government, and is com-
posed of men who have and may justly be called Anti-Federalists."
This is not a very satisfactory explanation of exactly the state of politics-,
at least it would not be so considered now. But is it ? It is too short for
any understanding of our present politics, but it was clearly a complete expose
of that day' s political doings. ' 'A dislike to the Government and Constitution, "
in the eyes of our good old Federal fathers, was no small political offense.
It was a political crime not to be forgiven in the next world and to be shown
no kind of mercy in this. Here was the first page in the story of those two
great statesmen, JefPerson and Hamilton. The latter was a great man, one of
the largest minded men this country has produced. He was a born leader of
men. He believed in a strong, central government, patterned as closely as
possible after the English Government, so as to have the greatest security to
all, really the greatest freedom and the permanency of our Federal institutions.
Following the leadership of Hamilton, there is now no question of the fact,
were the majority of the wealthy, the educated and the aristocracy (we only use
this word to draw a distinction more clearly).
Jefferson was the opposite of Hamilton in every one of his political ideas.
He would place all possible power in the hands of the people. Hence he held
the States were supreme, except only where the Constitution, in express words,
reserved to the General Government certain powers specified; that the Gen-
eral Government could go thus far in its acts and no farther.
Here was the starting point — the rise — of all the political parties that have
existed in this country for the past three-quarters of a century. It matters not
what names they may have been known by, nor what issues have arisep out of
party struggles for power, what this party has accomplished or that party
failed to accomplish, their respective roots were in the brains and thoughts
of Hamilton and Jefferson.
It is not to be wondered at that the people at first flush did not fully un-
derstand these great political qu93tion3, and that intelligent men often were
for some years in honest doubt as to where their political standing was. As an
100 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
evidence of the fact that men just then were more conceraed in bread and but-
ter than in politics, one nead only recite the following anecdote:
John Bender was elected one of the justices of the peace for this county.
From this fact it may be inferred he was a man of more than average intelli-
gence. Being elected he supposed he had to qualify and serve. He did so;
but in the course of time he took counsel, in which he had confidence, and
found that he could resign and not serve longer if he so wished. In joy he
resigned, and not only resigned, but went to the expense of publishing the fact
in the county paper, and in his publication says, '• I will no longer act as jus-
tice of the peace, since I have been credibly informed I would not be fined for
refusing to act. ' '
On September 23, 1800, was held the first county convention in Gettys-
burg. The delegates were: Cumberland, David Moore, Henry Hoke, John
Murphy; Mountjoy, Charles Wilson; Huntington, John Bonner, William
Thompson; Berwick, Frederick Baugher, John Hersh; Strabane, George Hass-
ler, John Dickson; Franklin, Moses McClean, Thomas Ewing; Liberty, James
Thompson, David Agnew; Germany, Jacob A^'inrott, William Burher; Mount-
pleasant, Moses Lockhart, James Horner; Reading, Henry Hull, William
Hodge; Tyrone, John King; Hamiltonban, Samuel Knox, Jacob McClellan;
Conowago, Joseph Lilly; Menallen, Thomas Cochran, Benjamin Wright. The
following ticket was nominated: For Senate, William Miller. For Assembly,
Heniy Slagel, Thomas Thornburg. Commissioner, Walter Srqith. This was
the ticket of the Federal party.
The Republicans had a meeting and nominated a ticket as follows: For
Senate. William Reed. For Assembly, Walter Smith and John O'Brien.
Commissioner, Emanuel Zeigler. The delegates to this convention were J.
Agnew, chairman; J. Duncan, secretary; and Jacob Hostetter, Fredrick Eich-
elberger, Henry Miller, Valentine Emig, Leonard Eichelberger, Casper Hake,
AVilliam Gilliland, John Miley, Samuel Smith, Jacob Wirtz, Lewis Wempler,
John Ruby, Martin Gartner, John Stewart, Peter Hake, Jacob Kline, William
Crawford, William Maxwell, Tobias Kepner, Peter Wolf ord.
The Republican party then was soon known as the Democratic party, and
the Federalists became the Whigs. It will be noticed Walter Smith' s name is
on each ticket, but for different offices. At the election. Reed was elected sen-
ator. He was 456 votes behind in Adams County, but York gave him nearly
700 majority. On the ticket in Adams County the vote stood: Thornburg, 829;
Slagle, 796; Mcllwain, 401; O'Blenis, 355. For Commissioner, Smith, 762;
Zeigler, 411.
Adams County, when parties were once crystalized into form, became Fed-
eral in politics and so remained for years. This party for eighteen years had
the only newspaper in the county. The Republican-Democrats were the poor
men, compared to the founders and leaders of the Federals. In the Federal
ranks were the bank officers, the owners and presidents, and we believe the
officers of all the turnpikes then being organized. It is not very singular,
when we learn something of the personal strength of the Federal leaders or
members in its ranks, that they could not be easily dislodged. The county
would invariably go Federal; but the district, senatorial and congressional,
would almost as certainly be carried by the opposing party.
We can now recall but one instance when the senatorial district went Fed-
.eral, and that was in the year 1813, when Hon. William McSherry was elected
by seventeen votes. He was the most popular man, politically, ever in the-
county. He was kept continuously in the Legislature for many years. And
what is quite remarkable the year he wrested the senatorial district from the
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 107
opposite party, was the year of almost annihilation to that party in the balance
of the State. The Federals lost about everything else, but they gained Mc-
Sherry, and this wEis their all-sufficient consolation.
The triumphant election of Mr. Jefferson in political parties fairly ' ' let slip
the dogs of war. ' ' The ruling element in this county, in fact, all our people,
were of different races of men and severe in their judgments. In the local
paper began to appear savage and denunciatory political articles. In the Centi-
nel of September, 1802, appears an article five columns in length signed, ' 'An
American. " It is No. 4 of a series by the same writer. The people, all sub-
scribers to the paper, read these long articles, and probably filed them away
for future reference. The Federalists described the election of Jefferson as a
revolution backward; an overturning and destroying of all the work of Wash-
ington and his fellow patriots. On both sides were the most dogmatic asser-
tions and wholesale denunciations of all who were not of their opinion. The
hustings were fashioned after the pulpit. It was intense, earnest and positive,
and knew no charity for error of judgment. The people sat in their churches
shivering and freezing with cold, listening eagerly to the long and dull sermons
about dogmas, and they were physically and mentally trained to read the in-
terminable screeds on politics and work themselves into a frenzy of hate amd
fear of any party that was not their particular party. In their politics, as in
their religion, they were austere, uncharitable and honest, and they could not
compromise with wrong and error.
Dr. Crawford swore ' ' seven profane oaths, ' ' and was convicted and pun-
ished because he swore in the presence of several gentlemen. But in the
newspaper discussion where there were printed words, written in hot anger,
that were not only obscene but slanderous, the public were not shocked nor the
law invoked to punish the hotspur-.
This was all a necessary tutelage to the public to mold and fashion the com-
mon mind to its new civic surroundings. It was severe, and to look at it now,
without some understanding of the surroundings of that time, it appears hard
and cruel, but it was not.
It is quite evident Dr. Crawford struck back at his political enemies not
only in the paper, but in every way he could command. In October, 1802, he
published a notice to Alexander Eussell, brigade inspector, to appear, under
penalty, at the house of Martin Markley, Gettysburg, and render to William
Crawford, ' ' appointed agent to investigate and ascertain the accuracy of your
returns and accounts. " In the same paper are notices "to Messrs. Brown, Wat-
son, Hornor, Montgomery, Lecky, Scott, McHhenny, Schmyzer and Olzer, cap-
tains of the Third Eegiment for the years 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797 and 1798;
and also to Finley, Wilson, Meredith, McKee, Cross, Shannon, Charles Wil-
son, Kerr and Rowan, captains of the Fourth Regiment, ' ' to attend and bring
all accounts and papers and returns made, ' ' etc.
August 4, 1802, Mr. Harper had a political article, slashing the Jefferson
Republicans for celebrating their victory in a meeting, but he signs the article
"Editor."
In the election, October, 1802, for Congress, John Edie had 946 votes;
John Stewart, 641 votes. For Assembly, William Miller, 972 votes; Henry
Slagle, 928 votes; A. Mcllvain, 633 votes, and P. Wickart, 522 votes. For
commissioners — Henry Hull, 951 votes; S. Fahnestock, 649 votes. Edie ran
ahead of Stewart in this county, but the remainder of the district elected Stewart.
In 1808 there were two well-defined parties, and they were growing simply
furious in their party discussions — the Federalists and the Republicans. The
latter now began to be called " Democrats" — never spelled at that time with
108 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
a capital by the FederalistB. It Beems to have been at first used as a term of
reproach, and was substituted for the epithet of ' 'Jacobin. ' '
In the election, October, 1803, in Adams County, the vote ■was as follows:
For senator — Godfrey Lenhart, 775; Eudolph Spangler, 775; Fredrick Eich-
elberger, 400. York gave a majority for Spangler, and he was elected. For
Assembly— Shriver, 1,927; Miller, 1,170; Mcllwaine, 792. SherifP Kuhn,
784; Gilliland, 299; Gettys, 1,131; Horner, 1,111. Amt was elected coroner,
defeating AVelsh, Marshall and Smyser. Slagle was elected commissioner over
Blythe by 342 majority.
These show about the division by the people politically in the county
between Federalists and Eepublicans (Democrats, as they now began to be
sometimes called).
In 1805 there was still some confusion in men's minds about how to get at
just what they wanted in the way of party nominations and similar matters.
At the June term of the court the Grand Jury took the matter in hand and
issued a proclamation. In this day such would be a rather startling proceed-
ings, but we must remember this was done in a day of experiments. Very
properly the jury proceeds to deplore the violence of party spirit abroad in the
land, and winds up by recommending voters to support in the coming election
Thomas McKean for governor. The document is signed by William Miller,
foreman; Eobert Slemmons, Peter "Wolford, Samuel Kussell, George Kerr,
Joshua Eussell, Walter Jenkins, Eobert Mcllhenny, Philip Bishop, John
Winrott, John Young, John McCreary, Barnabas McSherry, John Slagle.
This jury manifesto was published one week, and the interest it excited is
noted well in the fact that a counter blast from citizens came the next week.
The reply was over three columns long; was signed by Patrick Hayes, David
Wilson, Alexander Eussell, Michael Neuman, James McGaughey, Walter
Smith, Alexander Cobean, James Scott, John Murphy, Eobert Hayes, Isaiah
Harr, Henry Schmeiser, Stephen Hendricks, John Edie, George Kerr, William
McPherson, Samuel McCullough, Samuel Lilly, William McClellan, Thomas
Ewing, William Weirman, James White, Caleb BaUes, Eoger Wales, William
Garvin, James Brown, John Troxell, Jacob Sell, Sr. , George Sheakley, John
Galloway. They say they ' ' read with equal regret and astonishment the paper
of the jury," and then they proceed in no mincing way to answer the address.
In the early part of 1805 Gov. McKean issued an order to the militia to
wear red and blue cockades instead of black, as had been worn. This liter-
ally raised a furor in Gettysburg. The Federalists regarded it as verging on
treason, and Capt. Alexander Cobean brought out his company on the next
parade day, and they wore the new cockades while in the line of duty, but
hurrahed for the black cockade. As quick as the company was dismissed the
captain tore off his blue cockade and trampled it under foot, and the men all
put on black cockades, and with cheers thus paraded the streets. Cobean was
court-martialed for this, and the trial was one of the exciting events of the
early times. He was convicted and degraded from his command, and then he
sought the columns of the Centinel and scored those neighbors who had aided
the prosecution without mercy. The Captain could use terse and vigorous
English, and he evidently had become thoroughly aroused, and his black
cockade waved in the face of his foes as he charged their lines whenever they
might appear.
The Federal-Eepublicans, as they styled themselves, published a notice of
a ' 'deputy meeting' ' in Gettysburg, September 16, 1805, to nominate a county
ticket for the approaching election. The delegates to this convention were:
Cumberland, Alexander Cobean, James Sweeny, Eobert Thompson; Ber-
-'^?^x:"'"
^-^^ijL-d^Le/lj^r^^i^^
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. Ill
wick, John Hersh, Jacob Baker, Francis Marshall; Huntington, A. Eobin-
ette, John Bonner; Menallen, Eobert Alexander, Christian Bender; Mount-
pleasant, William Torrence, Moses Lockhart; Strabane, William King, Jacob
Caasat; Franklin, Moses McClean, Capt. Samuel Eussell; Hamiltonban, John
McGinley, WiUiam McMillan; Mountjoy, Samuel Smith; Liberty, John Mor-
row, John Agnew; Germany, William Beher, Capt. Jacob Winrott; Tyrone,
James MeKnight; Conowago, Henry Barnherst; Reading, James Chamberlain.
The convention nominated for governor Thomas McKean; William Miller for
senator; Andrew Shriver and Walter Smith, Assembly, and Jacob Cassat,
county commissioner.
The Democrats held a convention soon after this and nominated for gov-
ernor, Simon Snyder; senator, William Reed; Assembly, Walter Smith and
William Cooper; commissioner, John Bonner. Then Alexander Cobean, John
McGinley, Moses McClean, Robert Harper, James Duncan, Dr. William Craw-
ford, Jacob Cassat, and others, "rushed into print, " and paper bullets of the
brain fairly sung and whistled in the air — sulphurous political lightning all
around the sky.
At the election in October following (1805), the vote in the county stood —
McKean, 852; Snyder, 264; William MHler, 1,069; William Reed, 183; Will-
iam Smith, 1,240; A. Shriver, 1,076; William Cooper, 176; Jacob Cassat,
632 ; John Bonner, 624. The success of the Federal ticket was overwhelming.
The curious part of it was they supported Gov. McKean, while but a short
time before they violently opposed him. It seems they did not hesitate to pre-
fer him to Snyder.
The Federal-Republicans held a convention to nominate a county ticket,
September 15, 1806; John Morrow as chairman and James McSherry, secre-
tary. The delegates were: Cumberland, William McPherson, William Mc-
Curdy; Liberty, John Morrow, Thomas McKee; Hamiltonban, James McCleary,
David Hart; Mountjoy, William Hooghtalin; Franklin, Peter Mark, William
McClean; Strabane, Richard Brown, John McGuffin; Menallen, Robert Alex-
ander, George Blankney; Conowago, Nicholas Ginter; Huntington, Thomas
Pearson, James Robinette; Berwick, Fredrick Baugher, Sebastian Heafer;
Mountpleasant, Andrew Johnston, Ninian Chamberlain; Borough (Gettys-
burg), John Galloway; and nominated for Assembly Walter Smith, Andrew
Shriver; commissioner, John Bonner. Two coroners, Henry Hoke, Jacob Rider.
The Democrats held a convention and put up the following: Assembly, Henry
Hoke, William Cooper; coroners, Emanuel Zeigler, Jacob Middlekauf ; com-
missioner, John Miley.
At the election following the vote stood: James Kelly, for Congress (no op-
position), 1,708 votes. Assembly, Walter Smith, 1,592 votes; Andrew Shriver,
1,577; Henry Hoke, 146; William Cooper, 135. For coroner, Henry Hoke,
1,474; Jacob Rider, 1,468; Emanuel Zeigler, 255; J. Middlekauf, 218. Sher-
iff, J. Winrott, 811 votes; James Horner, 539; John Murphy, 499; John
Arndt, 362; William McClellan, 186; James Cox, 9. Commissioner, John
Bonner, 1,368; John Miley, 380.
September 21, 1807, a county convention met and nominated the following
ticket: Assembly, John Edie, James McSherry; commissioner, John Arnt;
and appointed Moses Lockhart, David Slagle and John Dickson to meet the
York County delegates and nominate a candidate for senator. The deputies,
at the convention were: Gettysburg, John McConaughy; Cumberland, Hugh
Dunwoody, David Horner; Liberty, John Morrow, Peter Carpenter; Hamil-
tonban, Amos Maginly, William McMillan; Mountjoy, Wilhelmes Hooghta-
lin; Franklin, Nathaniel Paxton, David Neuman; Strabane, John Dickson,
112 IIISTOKY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
A\'illiam King; Menallen, Thomas Cochran; Conowago, Henry Bernhart; Hunt-
ington, Daniol Funk, Daniel Shaffer; Latimore, John Bonner, James Robin-
ette; Berwick, Sebastian Hafer, David Slagle, Henry Lilly; Tyrone, James
Neely; Germany, Fredrick Keefer, Samuel Beher; Mountpleasant, James
Horner, Moses Lockhart.
The vote at the following October election stood: For senator, Thomas
Campbell, 706 votes; George Spangler, 185: Assembly, James McSherry, 899;
James Gettys, 577; John Edie, 322. Commissioner, JohnArnt, 558; William
Kuhns, 355.
January 23, 1808, "a meeting of the Democratic citizens of this county"
was called, to be held at the house of Ralph Lashells, in Gettysburg, for the
purpose of, for the first time, selecting delegates to a State Democratic Convention
to nominate State officers and electors. At this meeting John Agnew was chair-
man, and Dr. Daniel Sheffer, secretary; Dr. 'William Crawford and Gen. Will-
iam Reed were chosen delegates to attend the convention in Lancaster. They
were instructed to use their influence for Simon Snyder for governor. A com-
mittee was appointed to draft resolutions and to act as a general committee of
correspondence on the critical situation of public affairs; committee. Dr.
Crawford, Gen. Reed, Samuel Smyth, John Weikert, Dr. Daniel Sheffer.
' ' A large and respectable meeting of Federal-Republicans " was held in the
court house, Monday, March 21, 1808; Alexander Russell, chairman; James
Dobbins, secretary. "Resolved, That the nomination of a candidate for the
office of governor by a caucus of legislators is inconsistent with the principles
of a free government and calculated to deprive the people of a free choice of
randidates for that important office. ' ' This explains why it was that the Fed-
eralists had to choose between McKean and Snyder for governor in the previous
election. The legislators had caucused and nominated candidates. This
meeting resolved in favor of James Ross, of Pittsburgh, for governor. By
another resolution Jacob Cassat, Michael Slagle, Daniel Funk, James Cham-
berlain, Samuel Withrow, Peter Zimmerman, Robert Mcllhenny, Jacob Win-
rott, John Edie, John Arnt, James Dobbin and George Hosier "were ap-
pointed a committee to correspond with the Federal and Constitutional Re-
publicans," and by all honorable means promote the election of James Ross for
governor.
Another meeting was held in Bedford March 12, of which Gen. Terrence
Campbell was chairman, Dr. George D. Foulke, secretary, at which James
Robs was endorsed for governor.
About this time thirty-eight members of the State Senate and House held a
caucus and styled themselves ' 'constitutional members, ' ' and nominated James
Madison for President, and George Clinton for Vice-President.
June 22, 1808, a committee of Democrats published in the Centinel a call
to the people to meet at the house of George Lashells, Strabane Township, on
July 4, of that year, to adf ise and take counsel together upon the ' 'momentuous
and vital question of the day, " and to look after the Democratic prospects in the
approaching presidential election. In pursuance of this call a respectable
meeting of the Democrats of Adams County convened at the time and place
appointed. John Agnew was appointed chairman, and Dr. Daniel Sheffer,
secretary. Dr. William Crawford explained the objects of the meeting, and
made a short address and offered a series of resolutions. The first resolution
says : ' ' That until Constitutional provision shall be made for the manner in
which the nomination of suitable characters and candidates for the Presidency
and Vice-Presidency of the United States shall emanate from the people, we
consider the nomination by our representatives in Congress, of all other modes
HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY. il3
Uhat which is least liable to exceptions. " Then by resolution the meeting
heartily endorses the nomination that Congress had made of James Madison
and George Clinton. The meeting endorsed Simon Snyder as the Democratic
candidate for governor.
The Federalists held a county meeting and endorsed James Ross, of Pitts-
burg, for governor. At the election following Snyder was elected governor,
and he continued to hold the office until 1817.
The Centinel of September 14, 1808, is filled for the first time on the first
page with original matter, mostly of a political nature. The leading article is
devoted to demonstrating that the Democrats of the county are a French party;
and then follows several columns in disproof of the charge against James Eoss,
that he is a deist. There is then a lengthy address to the Federalists of the
county, urging James Eoss for governor. This is signed by John Edie, James
Chamberlain, Daniel Funk, John Arndt, George Hassler, Peter Zimmerman,
Samuel Withrow, Eobert Mcllhenny, Jacob Winrott, Michael Slagle, Jacob
Cassat, James Dobbins.
At the meeting of deputies in September, 1808, the townships were repre-
sented as follows: Gettysburg, Michael Neuman; Cumberland, Hugh Dun-
woody, David Horner; Liberty, John Morrow, David Eckert; Hamiltonban,
Samuel Withrow, William McMillan; Mountjoy, James Mcllhenny; Franklin,
David Neuman, Peter Mark; Strabane, John Dixon, George Haffler; Menallen,
Thomas Cochran, George Hartzel, Jr. ; Conowago, Henry Gitt; Huntington,
Daniel Funk, Eleazar Brandon; Latimore, William Wireman, Isaac Everett;
Berwick, John Hersh, Francis Marshall, Michael Slagle; Eeading, Alexander
Dung; Tyrone, Henry Schmyser; Germany, Jacob Winrott, Andrew Will;
Mountpleasant, Samuel Lilly, James Horner. The convention resolved in
favor of James Eoss for governor; James Gettys and James McSherry for As-
sembly; Joseph Swearinger for commissioner.
Federalist ticket, 1808: For governor, James Boss; Congress, James
Kelly; Assembly, James Gettys, James McSherry; commissioner, Joseph
Swearinger. Democratic ticket: Governor, Jacob Snyder; Congress, William
Crawford; Assembly, George Lashells, Henry Hoke; commissioner, William
Kuhns.
Adams County went Federalist by a vote of over 600 at the election of 1808,
while in nearly all the other portions of the State the Democratic party was
victorious, and gained largely on its former votes. Adams had started out with
a small Federalist majority in 1803, and this was more than doubled in 1808.
From 1803 to 1808 the Democrats could not poll 300 votes in the county. The
vote stood at the fall election of 1808 as follows : James Eoss, 1, 372 ; S. Sny-
der, 795. For congressman, J. Kelly, 1,404; Dr. William Crawford, 690.
Assembly, Gettys, 1,466; McSherry, 1,451; Hoke, 711; Lashells, 698. Com-
missioner, Swearinger, 1,390; Kuhns, 778.
Dr. Crawford had a majority in York County of 1,092 votes, and was elect-
ed to Congress. This election was held in October, and the Presidential elec-
tion in the following November.
The vote in the county for senator and sheriff at the election in October,
1809, was as follows: Senator, William Miller, 1199 votes; William Gilliland,
596. For sheriff: James Horner, 732 votes; John Murphy, 544; Jacob
Eyster, 539; John Arndt, 379; Eobert Harper, 182; John Gilliland, 176.
In 1809 the Legislature passed an act granting |2,000 to Adams
County to establish an academy school in Gettysburg. In 1810 the
school was opened for the education of youths in the English and other lan-
guages. The trustees were Dr. William Crawford, then a member of Con-
gress, and William Gilliland.
114 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
In 1810 the two tickets were published as follows: "Federal Ticket," for
Congress, David Cassat; Assembly, James McSherry; commissioner, Henry
Brinkerhoff; auditors, John Dickson, Amos Maginly and Andrew Will;
trustees of Gettysburg Academy, William McPherson and Eobert Hayes.
' 'Republican Ticket' ' (Democrats really) ; for Congress, William Crawford ;
Assembly, Samuel Sloan and Daniel Sheffer ; commissioner, George Kerr; au-
ditors, Jacob Eyster, James Wilson and John Miley; trustees of Gettysburg
Academy, William Gilliland and Michael Slagle.
At the October election, 1810, the vote stood in Adams County: Cassat,
664 votes; William Crawford, 279; James McSherry, 681; James Eobinette,
655; Daniel Sheffer, 282; Samuel Sloan, 265; Henry Brinkerhoff, 653; George
Kerr, 296; John Dickson, 642; Amos Maginley, 643; Andrew Will, 645; Ja-
cob Eyster, 804; James Wilson, 301; John Miley, 296; William McPherson,
640; Robert Hayes, 687; William Gilliland, 302; Michael Slagle, 299. Craw-
ford had a majority in York County over Cassat, the vote being 2, 053 to 1, 126.
County receipts and expenditures for the year January, 1810, to January,
1811, were $9,448.33, as reported by county commissioners Joseph Swearinger,
Samuel Withrow, Henry Brinkerhoff and clerk, William McClean.
At the October election, 1812, the congressional district was composed of
Adams, Cumberland and Franklin Counties, and two congressmen were elected
from the district. The Democratic nominees were William Crawford and Rob-
ert Whitehill. At the election the vote in this county stood: Edward Crawford,
1,560; James Duncan, 1,581; Robert Whitehill, 581; William Crawford, 482.
Cumberland and Franklin Coim.ties voted overwhelmingly democratic and
elected William Crawford and Robert Whitehill over the Federal candidates
Edward Crawford and James Duncan, who ran so largely ahead of their op-
ponents in Adams County. The vote on the remainder of the ticket was: As-
sembly, James McSherry, 2, 054 ; James Robinette, 1,551, John Fickes (Dem.),
541. Commissioner; Robert Hayes, 1,503; Henry Hoke, 553. Sheriff, John
Murphy, 969; John Arndt, 915; John Ewing, 439. Coroner, Samuel Gallo-
way, 1,437; JohnTroxell, Jr., 1,437; Bernhart Gilbert, 550; John Shorb, 574.
There was a tie vote between Galloway and Troxell. Auditors, John Dickson,
1,497; Alexander Cobean, 1,483; Andrew Will, 1,500; Andrew Marshall, 554;
George Smyser, 567; George McKeehan, 554. Trustees, John Edie, 1,493;
Samuel Withrow, 1,493; John Robinson, 554; Jacob Eyster, 553.
At the November presidential election of this year the Clinton and Inger-
soll electors for President and Vice-President received 745 votes, and the Madi-
son and Gerry electors received 410 votes. It will be noticed the vote was
much lighter than the vote of the previous October.
At the October election, 1813, James McSherry was the Federal candidate
for State senator and William Gilliland the Democratic candidate. The dis-
trict was Adams and York Counties. The vote stood in this county, McSherry,
1,246; Gilliland, 473. This was politically a -disastrous year to the Federal
party, that had through their papers denounced the war, and in the language
of Patrick Henry, cried ' ' Peace ! peace ! when there is no peace. ' ' This year
every county in the State was carried by the Democrats, except Delaware,
Lancaster and Adams. The official vote for senator elected McSherry by fif-
teen majority, and he was the solitary gain for the Federals in the State that
year. This says a great deal for the popularity of Mr. McSherry, and the
power of himself and the other Federalists' leaders in the county to hold their
voters in line when there was such a popular tidal wave against them. Mi-.
Gilliland' s majority (not official) in York was 762, which elected McSherry by
eleven votes. The vote on the remainder of the ticket was the usual triumph
of the Federalists.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 115
At the October election, 1814, the vote in the county stood: Governor,
Isaac Wayne (Fed.) 1,230; Simon Snyder, 447. Congress, Alexander Cobean,
1,360; Edward Crawford, 1,341; ■William Maclay, 302; William Crawford,
286. Assembly, William Miller 1,243, James Eobinette 1,669; Jacob Eyster
404. Commissioners, David Stewart, 1,312; Henry Smyser, 1,310; Andrew
Walker, 373; George Lashells, 372. Auditors, John Dickson, 1,303; Andrew
Will, 1,304; William Thompson, 1,303; John Duncan, 371; Samuel Fahnestock,
371; John Eobinson, 370. Trustees, William McPherson, 1,301; James H.
Miller, 1,293; James GUlUand, 370; Samuel Withrow, 374. The congressional
district was Adams, Cumberland and Franklin Counties. William Crawford
and Maclay were elected to Congress.
We have given the details of the formation of parties here and all the promi-
nent actors, and the parts they took in that broad field of work. It makes a very
complete reference hand-book for the present generation to study the political
actions and influence of a worthy ancestry now passed away. Their children
-^grandchildren mostly — are now in their way and fashion carryipg on the
work that had to be taken up by others, when the busy hands of the fathers
were crossed upon their breasts in that endless sleep,, in that great silent city
where contentions and controversies never go — where there is nothing except
complete and tiniversal equality.
In another chapter we give the list of county officials, taking up the story
where this account ends, not deeming it essential to the preservation of all the
parties acting and contending in the elections to a later date — that is, not ab-
solutely essential to the future historian.
It is deemed sufficient here to say that the Federal party was eventually
the Whig party, and in all its names and changes it held its power and mas-
tery in the county until 1856, when that remarkable political episode, Know-
nothingism, swept over the country. That contest sealed the fate of the Whig
party in Adams county, and gave the ascendancy to the Democracy, which it
has maintained to this day.
116 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIX.
PosTOFFiCES— Petition to Postmaster General in 1795— Postmasters in
County, Past and Present.
IN 1795, when there were probably 10,000 people in wha^ is now Adams
County, there was sent a petition to the Postmaster General that is now an
important chapter in the county's history, as follows:
Whereas a post has been appointed to ride betwixt York Town and Haggerstown in
the State of Maryland, and through said town of Gettysburg, we apprehend it would be a
great advantage to the people of this town and county adjacent if a postoflBce was estab-
lished with us, and we beg leave to inform you that the town of Gettysburg is thirty miles
distant from York, which is at present our nearest postofflce, and thirty-three miles from
Haggerstown, which renders the conveyance of our letters by post very inconvenient, to
the great detriment of our trade. We flatter ourselves from the rapid growth of our vil-
lage, and as we are situate in the center of a wealthy settlement, that a complyance with
our petition will be no loss to the revenue arising from the postoffice, as a postmaster can
be obtained at a moderate expense.
(Signed) Alexander Dobbin, George Kerr,
Danibi, McAlistbr, Henry Hoke,
Arch'd Dickey, John Sweny,
William Garvin, Jambs Smith,
Emanuel Zigler, Jno. Agnew,
Thos. Low, Ebenezer Finley,
James Qettys, Alexander Irvine.
The writer of this examined the Blue Books in the Congressional Library.
The first issue of these probably was commenced in 1802; at all events, this
was the oldest one found. Then there was a break in the numbers to 1817. The
names of the postmasters in these books occur only in giving their reports, and
not in the dates of the appointment. Hence, here we give any date where
we could find the different postmasters' first reports, and then, without naming
their years of continuance, pass along to the date of the first report of their
successor. The reader will therefore understand, in each case, the date we give
is within a few months of the time of the appointment, and that each one con-
tinued in ofiice to within a few months of the date of the first report of his
successor.
Gettysburg. — James Scott (first postmaster), appointed July 1, 1798; sal-
ary $34. 38.
These names appear here as furnished by the Blue Books and the officials
at Washington; but as the Blue Books extend back only to 1802, and the
records are imperfect, we are satisfied that James Brice was postmaster in 1801,
as we have seen a list of letters published in the Gettysburg postoffice of
that date and signed by James Brice, postmaster. Upon this authority
alone we add the name of Mr. Brice to the list, and name him as postmaster
during the year 1801. Samuel Huey, July 1, 1802; William B. Underwood,
January 1, 1805; James Douglas, April 1, 1807; George Welsh, October 1,
1810; William Meredith, March 11, 1819; John Hersh, January 18, 1823
(office receipts, 1213.18); William W. Bell, June 30, 1829; Hezekiah Van
Orsdel, May 18, 1841; Charles W. Berluchy, June 2, 1845; Alexander D.
Buehler, May 9, 1849; William Gillespie, June 6, 1853; George Geyer, Jrne
8, 1857; David A. Buehler, March 25, 1861; J. A. Kitzmiller, April 8, 1669^
J. M. Krauth, 1877; H. S. Benner (present poslmaster), June, 1885.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 117
Abbottstown. — The first officer we find here was Samuel Fahnestock, 1817;
salary, |16. 16 a year. In 1833 Jacob Fahnestock was acting ; 1837, George Ickes ;
1841, H. Mayer, succeeded in 1831 by William Berlin, who held office until
April, 1842; George Ickes again in office 1842; then William Bittinger to
1845; Nicholas Corns to March 3, 1849; Henry Kobler, 1851; George Ickes
again succeeded to June, 1853 (salary now increased to 166.33); then George
Gordy, succeeded by Louisa Wolf, who kept the office to April, 1857. Emma
Wolf then took it till April, 1861; then B. H. Stable succeeded. In 1883
the salary had grown to 1169.65.
Arendtsville. — In 1845 Jacob Keckler was postmaster; succeeded in 1855
by Peter Eyster to 1861; then G. G. Plank, April 25, 1861; C. B. Hawes ap-
pointed, 1865; G. G. Plank again; same year, Jesse P. Brenneman appointed;
in 1881, Michael Snyder. In 1851 the salary was 121.48; in 1883, 1191.05.
Aspers. — (On the G. & H. Eailroad, in Menallen Township).
Bendersville. — Abel T. Wright in 1851; William B. Wilson appointed May,
1853; W. Overdeer, October, 1855; in 1863, Jacob Pitzer; 1883, A. H. Sto-
ver. First salary, $58. 38 ; in 1883, salary $265. 05. In 1886, John Berkholder.
Bermudian. — 1827, Jacob Smith; 1829, Gideon Griest; 1835, Joseph E.
Temple; 1889, Isaac Walker; December 31, 1840, Mahlon Griest; 1845, David
Newcomer; 1853, M. Smith, and in December of that year H. B, Smith; 1860,
Solomon Larew, one year; then Daniel Larew two years; 1863, T. M. Bren-
neman; 1871, Jesse Larew; 1873, Mary A. Kroll; 1875, Abner Griest; 1877,
E. H. Troupe. In 1827 the salary was $4.12; in 1883, $64.09.
Berlin. — 1819, Christian Picking; 1833, John Fletcher.
Bigler. —18?)9, John A. H. Either; 1861, George W. Eex; 1867, John A.
H. Either; 1885, S. E. Bream.
Bonneauville. — Eecently established.
Cashtown.—18S5, Adam S. E. Duncan; 1841, A Scott; 1845, Mary Dun-
can. Abraham Scott succeeded and held the office until 1855; Jacob Mark
appointed; 1860, H. M. Mickley; 1861, Israel Shank; 1861, John McCleary;
1865, John McCleary; same year, Susan Norris; then James A. Eebert to
1873; David A. Mickley, 1883. First salary, $15.96; 1883, salary, $112.14;
H. L. Bream.
Centennial— ISlb, Miss J. M. O'Neal.
East Berlin. — 1835, William Hildebrand; 1839, D. Grumbine; 1841,
Emanuel Kuhn; December 9, 1845, William Wolf; 1847, Eobert M. Hutch-
inson; 1853, William Wolf, succeeded by J. Woods; 1861, Francis Hildebrand.
Fairfield. — (Originally called Miller's) 1817, Ezra Blythe, on a salary of
$18.16; 1829, Asa Olmstead; 1833, William Johnston; 1839, Michael Larner;
1841, John McCleary; 1845, J. Brinkerhoff; 1847, Hugh D. Heagy; 1851,
John B. Paxton; 1855, Jacob Brinkerhoff; 1859, C. M. Eobinson; 1861, John'
B. Paxton; 1867, J. W. Sutherland; 1869, John W. Sullivan; 1871, John M.
Musselman, Upton J. Neely.
Flora Date.— 1865, Elijah Wright; 1879, M. A. Wright.
Fountain Dale. — 1837, Joseph Braugher; May 14, 1845, Eeuben Steen.
The office was discontinued in 1849 for a time and then reopened.
Goldensville. — Eecently established.
Graeffenburg. — 1851, David Goodyear, on a Salary of $19.48; 1863, Ben-
jamin Shriver; 1865, Maria Shriver; 1865, Abraham Hostetter; 1867, Daniel
Miller; 1868, Samuel Secrist; 1869, Martin Shoemaker; 1873, William A.
Eemer; 1883, Miss J. Eiggeal.
Granite Hill. — 1857, Philip Hand; 1863, Daniel Gulden; 1871, Abraham.
Hoke.
118 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Green Moimi.— 1841, John Weikert; 1859, J. A. Harper; 1865, H. P.
Bigham.
Guernsey. — Eecently established.
Hampton. — April 18, 1835, Charles Blish; 1845, Christian Cashman; 185.1,
Jacob Aulbaugh; 1853, Jacob C. Shriver; 1861, Solomon Chronister; 1863,
Daniel Albert; 1865, Ephraim Howard; 1867, David W. Howard; 1873,
Henry Meyers.
Heidlersburg. — 1841, Leonard Delap (held the office twenty years) ; 1861,
Peter Yeatts; 1873, John F. Houck.
Hunterstown. — 1825, George Armor; 1835, Susan S. Cassat; 1845, Hugh
King; 1847, W. F. Walter; 1852, J. King; 1853, Simon Melhom; 1859,
Elizabeth M. Feltz; 1863, Eliza Heinard; 1865, Jane King. The latter,
judging from the long term, either has or has not been an "offensive partisan"
— just as happens to be the reader's politics.
Irishtown. — Established in 1886.
Idaville. — 1863, Jesse Savryers, on a salary of $13.25; 1863, D. H Mark-
ley; 1867, Jacob J. Diehl; 1869, Joseph H. Klein; 1869, Andrew Crist; 1883,
J. H. Cline; in the latter year the salary was $105.30.
Kingsdale.—181d, A. F. Kleinfelter; 1877, G. F. King; 1879, G. P. Krug.
Latimore. — 1875, A. Larew.
Littlestoivn. — (Called originally Peter' s Town, Peter Little' s Town, Kleine-
town, etc.) 1837, Francis Leas (salary 1117.44); 1839, John Mcllvain; June
21, 1841, John A. Davis; 1845, Thomas Barnett; 1847, Joseph Dysert; 1851,
Ephraim Myers; 1853, Matilda Jones; 1865, A. F. Barker; 1877, D. Bolin-
ger; 1881, "William Fount.
McKnightstmmi.—lS&Q, Martin A. Miller; 1871, J. M. Michley; 1875, C.
T. Lower; 1885, W. F. Kittase.
McSherrystawn.—lM'b, Henry Hening; 1849, Elizabeth Will (Hill). This
name is printed alternately "Will" and "Hill." The proper name is Will,
however, and esto perpetua her position.
Menallen. — 1835, Daniel Waugh; 1845, Jesse Houck; 1855, J. Eppleman;
1861, Edward Staley; 1867, Jacob Eppleman; 1869, Edward Staley; 1875,
Hannah Staley; 1881, J. H. Bushey.
Munimasburgh.—184Q, H. J. Brinkerhoff; 1855, Samuel Hart; 1861, C.H.
Fulwiler-, 1865, Henry W. Witmore.
New Chester. — 1835, Nicholas Faugenbaugh; 1851, Faugenbaugh; 1859,
Eliza Heinard; same year, P. A. Meyers; 1863, John A. Snowden; 1867, P. A.
Meyers; 1871, Daniel Wolf; 1875, E. Mcllhenny; 1877, A. Winand.
New Oxford.— 18S?>, Francis Hildt; 1837, Mary Melsheimer; 1851, John
Blair; 1865, Israel Blair; 1871, Fabius W. Wagner; 1873, John F. Blair;
1885, W. J. Metzkr.
Plainview.— 1811, E. W. Mcllhenny.
Red Land. — September 1, 1867, William A. MeSherry; 1881, J. A. Grimes;
1883, J. J. Parr.
Round Hill— 18?>?>, Adam S. Meyers; 1859, Ira E. Shipley; 1865, Sarah
E. Taylor; 1867, Adam S. Meyers.
Seven Stars. — 1860, Alexander Miller; 1861, A. Heintzelman; 1867, Israel
Little; 1883, E. J. Little.
Table Rock. — 1855, Samuel Faber, Jr.; he got a salary of $7.94; total in-
come of the office was $5.41. Catherine Thomas succeeded; 1861, C. A. Lower;
1875, H. L. Harris; 1883, Y. Z. Lower.
Two Taverns.— 1851, Jacob Little; 1867, Baltzer Snyder; 1879, A. J. Col-
lins; 1883, J. Sherman.
■1
/iyo^^>
cnyi^t^
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 121
Trust. — George Cole appointed to first postoffice in Buclianan Valley, estab-
lished June 19, 1886.
Unity.— 188d, M. Bebert.
Wewfcs.— 1873, Miss Sue Cart; 1877, R. S. Little; 1879, W. S. Cart.
York Sulphur Springs. — 1825, Herman Weirman; 1845, Anna Godfrey;
1849, Isaac D. Worley; 1851, Isaac W. Pearson; 1853, William Reed; 1855,
Jonas Johns; 1863, B. Borius, succeeded by W. Zeigler; 1885, A. C. Gardear.
CHAPTER XX.
by aaron sheblt, a. m. '
Edttcation— Pioneer Schools— Pioneer Teachers— Pioneer Schoolhouses—
Christ Church School— East Berlin School— Gettysburg Classical
School— Gettysburg Industrial School— English School in Gettys-
burg—Gettysburg Academy— Gettysburg Female Institute— Gettys-
burg Female A cademy — Theological Seminary— Gettysburg Gymnasi-
um— Pennsylvania College— New Oxford College and Medical
Institute— Hunterstown English and Classical Academy— Catholic
Schools — The Free School System — The County Superintendency—
Educational Meetings— Conclusion— Tabular Statements.
PIONEER schools.
THE American people were the first in history to found a nation on popular
education. The sturdy German and Scotch-Irish pioneers carried with them
to their new homes among these hills and valleys a firm conviction that a peo-
ple to be truly prosperous and happy must be educated. It was their care,
therefore, from the first, to provide in the best manner possible for the educa-
tion of their children.
But the physical wants of the early settlers, of course, claimed their first
attention. Before they could patronize schools they were obliged to seek
means to satisfy their bodily needs. Not until means of temporary shelter and
subsistence had been secured could the claims of education receive mucji con-
sideration. The condition of the country and the occupation of the people in
rural districts were also unfavorable to the maintenance of schools except
those of a rudimentary character and for short terms. A sparse population
scattered over a wide extent of country mainly covered with dense forests and
undergrowth, and destitute of roads and bridges, opposed serious obstacles to
the establishment of schools. The preparation of the ground for tillage nec-
essarily consumed much time and labor. Farm machinery, except the rudest,
being then unknown, agricultural operations were slow and tedious, leaving
but little time for literary pursuits. The threshing and marketing of a crop
which can now be easily performed within a week was then a task requiring
the united labor of the farmer and his sons during the winter for its accom-
plishment. The sons of a»farmer in moderate circumstances therefore consid-
ered themselves fortunate if they obtained one or two months of schooling dur-
ing the year.
With the farmer's daughters the case was even worse. The operations of
the spinning-wheel, loom, needle and dairy, besides the manifold other duties
of the household, to say nothing of help frequently given in the fields during
7A
122 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
busy seasons, occupied so much time that their education was seldom pursued
beyond the merest rudiments. Distance to school was also a great hindrance
to attendance — three, four, and even five miles being nothing uncommon.
PIONEER TEACHERS.
The teachers in the early and sparsely settled districts were for the most
part ignorant adventurers, whose success lay in their ability to deceive parents
and flog their children. Many of them were intemperate and tyrannical, and
unfit, in public estimation, for any business except school teaching. It was
nothing uncommon for the pedagogue of those days to be habitually profane. .
Nor was it an unusual thing for him to draw frequent and copious inspirations
from a bottle of whisky secreted somewhere about the schoolhouse. As a rule
he was uncouth in appearance, ungainly in manner, and- filthy in his habits.
Not being expected to know or teach anything beyond the conventional three
■' ' R' s, '■ the question of competency was seldom raised. His equanimity was
never disturbed by perplexing questions to test the profundity of his Imowl-
edge or his ability to impart instruction. Proficiency in writing copies, skill
in making and mending quill pens, and physical vigor to use the rod without
stint on the backs of real or supposed delinquents, were the qualifications that
commended him to his patrons.
PIONEER SCH00LH0USE8.
In early times schools were usually kept in a spare room in some dwelling
house; but as population increased and the need of better accommodations was
felt the citizens of a neighborhood met, and, by their joint labor, put up a
schoolhouse. The architecture of the pioneer schoolhouse was extremely rude
and simple. It was usually a plain cabin, built of unhewn logs, with a log or
stone chimney at one end, well plastered with mud. No attention was given
to the proper lighting of the room. Its ventilation was all that the most ardent
advocate of pure air could desire. The numerous openings afforded abundant
means for the admission of pure air, while the wide chimney and open fire-
place permitted the free escape of vitiated air. The articles of furniture were
few and simple, consisting of one row of desks ranged around and facing the
walls for the use of the larger scholars, and two or three slab benches in the
middle of the room for the smaller ones.
CHRIST CHURCH SCHOOL.
The first school of which there is any record was established at Kreutz
Kirche, now Christ Church, in what is now Union Township, about the year
1747. Rev. Michael Schlatter, a German Reformed minister, a fine scholar and
an accomplished teacher, sent to America as a missionary at the expense of the
Synod of Amsterdam, in 1746, organized the school. It was his mission to
labor among the people in the German settlements, to form them into religious
societies, and to establish schools among them wherever practicable.
Mr. Schlatter was a man of eminent piety and extraordinary zeal and in-
dustry in the work to which he had devoted himself. He preached in Phila-
delphia and took joui-neys to the country on horseback at different times, trav-
eling hundreds of miles, preaching the gospel, establishing schools, and at-
tending to his other missionary work. The parish school which he established
here existed in a feeble way prior to his first visit to the place; for he says in
his journal that on the day of his arrival. May 4, 1747, he preached in a
schoolhouse. Among the baptisms recorded by Mr. Schlatter, May 6, 1747,
was a child of the schoolmaster, John Henry Kreutz, who taught the school at
that time, and after whom the church and settlement were probably named.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 123
During Eev. Jacob Wiestling's pastorate at this place, whicli commenced
in 1813, and for some time thereafter, the school was kept up in a schoolhouse
owned by the church and situated on the church property. The school was
continued, with more or less regularity, during a period of nearly one hundred
years. Between 1813 and 1820 a man by the name of William Slider was in
charge of the school.
A Dutch teacher, named David Von Souberin, was engaged by the church
in 1820, but it appears he was not successful in his management of the school;
for, in a few lines in German on the last page of the baptismal record, he says
' 'he was engaged by Kreutz Kirche as schoolmaster and moved here October
12, 1820; but that, to his great joy, he moved away again April 1, 1824."
This school being in a German settlement the instruction was wholly in the
German language.
EAST BERLIN SCHOOL.
The first English school at East Berlin was opened in 1769 by Robert John
Chester, an Englishman. This experiment of an English school in a German
community, at this early day, was not successful, and the enterprising Eng-
lishman was soon obliged to give up the undertaking. He afterward turned
his attention to tavern keeping in the village, an occupation which, if not more
congenial to his taste, is said to have proved much more lucrative.
GETTYSBUEG CLASSICAL SCHOOL.
The first classical school within the present limits of the county, and the
first one, it is claimed, west of the Susquehanna, was established in Gettys-
burg by Eev. Alexander Dobbin, who came to this country from one of the
northern counties of Ireland about the year 1773, and soon after established his
school. This worthy parson owned considerable land in and around the south-
ern part of the borough, known as the "Dobbin Farm." On this tract -he
erected the spacious stone building, still standing, within the angle formed by
the intersection of Washington Street and the Emmittsburg road. In this
building he established a classical and boarding school which gained a wide
reputation for thoroughness of instruction and excellence of management.
Many distinguished men of the last generation, in this and surrounding coun-
ties, received their education in this school. It was still in existence in 1801,
but was discontinued soon after that date.
GETTTSBUKG INDUSTEIAL SCHOOL.
On the 4th of May, 1801, a lady by the name of Anne Corry opened an in-
dustrial school in Gettysburg, in which were taught, according to the prospectus,
"sewing, flowering, etc." The prospectus further stated that in the conduct of
the school the utmost attention would be given to accuracy and expedition in
the progress of pupils. Beyond these meager facts nothing is known concern-
ing the school.
ENGLISH SCHOOL IN GETTYSBUEG.
In 1803 an English school of considerable importance and usefulness was
established in Gettysburg through the united efforts of many of the leading
citizens. The number of names on the subscription list was forty -three, and
the number of scholars subscribed reached sixty^four, notwithstanding the fact
that the school was at first limited to fifty scholars. The first teacher was Rob-
ert Horner, elected by a majority of ten votes over William Campbell, who re-
ceived four votes. The tuition fee was $6 a year. The building in which
the school was kept was of log, small, poorly furnished and uncomfortable.
124 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
GETTYSBURG ACADEMT.
March 19, 1801, the Legislature of Pennsylvania appropriated the sum of
$2,000 to aid in establishing an institution under the name and title of the
Gettysburg Academy. The act provided that one-half of this sum should be
applied to the erection of a suitable building and to the purchase of books ; the
other half to be applied, in connection with other resources, to pay for the
gratuitous instruction of such number of indigent children, not exceeding
four, as should from time to time apply for admission. The act further pro-
vided for the care of the school property and for the management of the school.
A spacious two- story brick building, containing two large rooms on each
floor, was accordingly erected on the southeast corner of Washington and High
Streets and the school established. Mr. Samuel Eamsay, a graduate of Dick;
inson College, is supposed to have been the first teacher. Among other
teachers in the Academy about this time were Henry Wells, a New Englander,
Cornelius Davis, a graduate of a New England College, and Charles Davis,
who is represented as a teacher of superior ability. About the year 1820 Eev.
David McConaughy, D. D. , assumed charge of the school and continued it for
some years. June 25, 1827, a classical school was opened in the building by
Eev. David Jacobs, A. M. , as a preparatory department of the Lutheran Theo-
logical Seminary, established the previous year. Two years later a scientific
department was added, and Michael Jacobs, A. M. , was placed in charge. In
1829 the academy was sold for debt, Prof. S. S. Schmucker becoming the pur-
chaser at 11,150. This closed the career of the Gettysburg Academy.
Prior to 1834 a number of other academies were scattered throughout the
county, but as their existence was generally brief, and as no records of them
seem to have been preserved, it has been found impossible to trace their his-
tory.
GETTYSBDKG FEMALE INSTITUTE.
After the removal of Pennsylvania College from the academy building on
High Street, in 1837, and for nineteen years thereafter, the property was used
for school purposes under various names and titles by Eev. J. H. Marsden,
Mrs. Wallace and daughter, and others. In 1856 Eev. David Eyster, A. M.,
purchased the property, and with the assistance of his wife, a lady of culture
and administrative ability, established therein the Gettysburg Female Insti-
tute, which was continued by them for a period of fifteen years; and which, at
first under the management of Mr. Eyster himself, and, after his death, under
the direction of Mrs. Eyster, attained great popularity and usefulness. The
building is not at present used for school purposes.
GETTYSBURG FEMALE ACADEMY.
About the year 1830 a one-story brick building was erected on East High
Street, Gettysburg, adjoining the lot of ground occupied by the county prison,
and a school established known as the Gettysburg Female Academy. The
ground for the purpose was donated by two benevolent ladies of Gettysburg,
Mary and Catharine Lackey. The money for the erection of the building, as
also for the furnishing of the room, was raised by subscription among the
friends of the school. The first teacher in the school was Eev. J. H. Marsden,
who a year or two later became professor of mineralogy and botany in Penn-
sylvania College. The building is at present occupied by Miss Mary D.
McClellan with a flourishing select school.
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
A theological seminary for the special training and preparation of the Lu-
HISTOEY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 125
tliGran ministry was established in Gettysburg in 1826. In 1831 the corner-
stone of the present seminary building was laid, and the next year it was opened
for the reception of students. It has in a large measure realized the ex-
pectations of its founders, having sent forth over 600 ministers, besides furnish-
ing presidents and professors for nearly all the colleges and theological schools
within the botmds of the General Synod, as also for many outside of it. It
has furnished a large proportion of the missionaries representing the Lutheran
Church of this country in the foreign field, and is at present specially imbued
with the missionary spirit. The real estate of the institution, consisting of a
four-story brick seminary building, 100 feet long by 40 feet wide, and three
professors' houses, also of brick, with some twenty acres of ground, is valued
at about $75,000, besides vested funds amounting to about $91,000. The li-
brary is valuable, mostly theological, and numbers over 11,000 volumes. The
seminary is in a flourishing condition, forty-three students being in attendance.
The present faculty consists of Rev. M. Valentine, D.D., professor of di-
dactic theology and homiletios, and chairman of the faculty; Rev. C. A. Hay,
D.D., professor of Hebrew and Old Testament exegesis, German language
and literature, and pastoral theology; Rev. E. J. Wolf, D.D., professor of Bib-
lical and ecclesiastical history and New Testament exegesis; and Rev. J. G.
Morris, D. D. , LL. D. , lecturer on pulpit elocution and the relations of science
and revelation.
GETTTSBUBG GYMNASIUM.
At the time the Lutheran Theological Seminary was opened, in 1826,
there was no classical or scientific school at Gettysburg that could furnish
suitable preparatory training to its students. The directors, therefore, made
provision, May 16, 1827, for a school to supply this want. Rev. S. S.
Schmuoker and Rev. J. Herbst were appointed a committee to select a teacher
and open the school. Rev. David Jacobs, A. M. , was the first teacher, and in
June of the same year the school was opened in the academy building on High
Street as a preparatory department of the seminary. In September, 1829, the
buUding in which the school was kept was sold by the sheriff, and was pur-
chased by Rev. S. S. Sohmucker for $1,150, who divided the price of the pur-
chase into shares of $50 each, which were disposed of to prominent members of
the church. Certain articles of agreement gave to the stockholders the man-
agement of the fiscal affairs of the school, and to the directors and faculty of
the seminary the selection of teachers and the regulation of the course of study
and discipline, and giving to the school the title of "Gettysburg Gymnasium."
The number of students increased very rapidly under the new management.
Rev. David Jacobs died in 1830, and was succeeded the following year by
Rev. H. L. Bangher, A. M. , who took charge of the classical department.
The school continuing to grow, measures were adopted a few years later by
which a charter was obtained from the Legislature April 7, 1832, incorporat-
ing the institution under the name of
PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE.
Pennsylvania College was founded in 1832. It had its origin in the wants
of the community and the church, and has developed from small beginnings to its
present position of commanding influence and importance among higher insti-
tutions of learning. The buildings and grounds are located a few hundred
yards north of the central part of the town, and are among the most beautiful
and attractive of the many objects of interest in and around Gettysburg.
The organization of the college under the charter was effected July 4,
126 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
1832, the board of trustees the same day appointing professors in the difPerent
departments, and making other necessary arrangements for opening the
college. The preliminary arrangements completed, the formal opening took
place November 7 of the same year.
But it soon became evident that additional funds must be secured to enable
the college to perform the work and achieve the success expected of it. At
this juncture Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, who, at this time (1833), was one of the
members of the Legislature from this county, managed to secure an appropri-
ation of $18,000 by the State on certain conditions. This appropriation was
most opportune, and helped to place the youthful, struggling institution on a
respectable foundation. Thus encouraged the trustees soon after enlarged the
•faculty and gave form and strength to the college by the election of Rev. C.
P. Krauth, D.D., president, April 15, 1834.
Pennsylvania College now entered upon a career of great prosperity and
usefulness. Its growth henceforward was rapid, everything considered.
The first great need of the college after its reorganization was a larger and
more suitable building, the old academy soon proving entirely inadequate.
Vigorous efforts were therefore made to collect the necessary funds with which
to erect a suitable building, and by April 23, 1835, the required amount was
secured. A plan for the proposed building was soon after adopted, and the
contract for its erection awarded. The building was commenced in 1836 and
completed in 1838.
The college proper consists of a center building and two wings, with end
projections, the whole length being 150 feet. The building is four stories
high, surmounted by an octagonal cupola 17 feet in diameter and 24 feet
in height, with observatory. The entire front of the center building is oc-
cupied by a portico consisting of four fluted columns, 22f feet high, rest-
ing on abutments raised to the height of the second story. It is of brick, and
the whole exterior is painted white. It contains recitation rooms, chapel, halls
of literary societies, libraries, reading rooms, as also a large number of rooms
for the occupancy of students, the whole costing originally about $24,000.
The college edifice, a chaste specimen of the Doric order of architecture,
stands on gently rising ground at the edge of a magnificent grove of stately
trees, the most of which were planted many years ago by willing hands of
professors and students. The grounds, known as the "Campus," are well
sodded and tastefully laid out in beautiful avenues, walks and flower-beds, the
general eifect during the spring and summer months being very pleasing.
Embraced within the grounds, and a few rods west of the college building,
is Linnaean Hall, a fine two-story brick structure, the first floor being used for
laboratory and class recitation purposes, and the second story containing a
large and valuable collection of prepared zoological specimens, minerals, fos-
sils, coins, relics and other curiosities. The botanical collection is large and
well arranged, and contains a full representation of American flora. Few col-
leges possess a more complete cabinet of minerals, the collection having re-
cently received valuable additions.
A president's house, professors' houses, a fraternity hall, and a janitor's
house, have also been erected on the grounds. A large gynxnasium was built
about ten years ago and supplied with necessary apparatus, affording stu-
dents opportunity for exercise, recreation, and general physical culture.
Through the liberality of some of the friends of the college an observatory
was erected some years ago, and furnished with a complete equipment of
astronomical and meteorological instruments. A fine telescope has been
mounted, a transit instrument, an astronomical clock and a chronograph have
been secured, and are freely used for the general purposes of class instruction.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 127
In 1850 Dr. Krautli resigned the presidency, having filled it most worthily
for a period of sixteen years. He was succeeded in September of the same
year by Eev. H. L. Baugher, D. D. , who remained at the helm until the time
of his death, which occurred in the spring of 1868, during which period the
college continued to prosper.
The vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Baugher was filled by the election
of Eev. M. Valentine, D. D. , who thus became the third president of the col-
lege. With marked ability Dr. Valentine watched ^ver the interests of the
college until 1884, a period of sixteen years, when, having resigned, he was
followed by Eev. H. W. McKnight, D. D. , the present incumbent. Dr. Mc-
Knight is a graduate of the college class of 1865, and a native of the county.
The present faculty and instructors are as follows: H. W. McKnight, D. D.,
president, and professor of intellectual and moral science; L. H. Croll, A. M.,
vice president, and professor of mathematics and astronomy ; Eev. A. Martin,
A. M., professor of the German language and literature, and instructor in
Prench ; J. A. Himes, A. M. , GraefE professor of the English language and lit-
erature; Eev. P. M. Bikl6, Ph. D., Pearson professor of the Latin language
and literature; E. S. Breidenbaugh, A. M., Ockerhausen professor of chemis-
try and the natural sciences, and H. Louis Baugher, D. D. , Franklin profes-
sor of the Greek language and literature. The total number of students in
the college department according to the latest catalogue was ninety-four.
Preparatory Department. — A preparatory department under the general
care and supervision of the faculty has been connected with the college from
the beginning. The primary object of the school is the preparation of students
of either sex for the freshman class in college. While this is the main purpose
of the school, those who wish to prepare for teaching, or for mechanical or
business pursuits, are permitted to select such studies as will best fit them for
their special pursuits. The present preparatory building, located on a slight
eminence a few steps north of town, has been named Stevens' Hall in honor
of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, a life-long friend of the college, who gave $500
to aid in its erection. The first teacher was Mr. P. Frederici, appointed Sep-
tember 26, 1832. The present principal is Eev. J. B. Focht, A. M. , assisted
by two tutors, George W. Baughman, A. B. , and Frederick L. Bergstresser,
A. B. Number of students in preparatory department, as per latest catalogue,
is forty-five.
College Library. — The college library numbers about 9,000 volumes, exclus-
ive of a German library of 400 volumes and a collection of books owned by the
Linnaean Association numbering some 300. Open every Saturday at 10 A. M. ,
and free to students under certain regulations.
Literary Societies. — There are two literary societies connected with the col-
lege; the Phrenakosmian and Philomathean. The object of these is practice
in oratory, literary composition, reading and debate, the last named exercise
taking a high rank from the first. The history of these societies being almost
identical, they may with propriety be sketched conjointly.
The students of the Gettysburg Gymnasium assembled in the old acad-
emy, on High Street, February 4, 1831, to take measures for the formation of
literary societies. After several addresses the roll of students was divided as
evenly as possible into two sections, the first section, numbering eighteen,
becoming the founders of the Phrenakosmian, and the second section, muster-
ing seventeen, becoming the progenitors of the Philomathean. These divisions
at once retired to separate apartments for organization. Prof. J. H. Marsden
presiding for the former, and Prof. M. Jacobs wielding the gavel for the lat-
ter. The initiation fee of each was fixed at 50 cents. This was afterward
128 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
raised to |2. 50 and ultimately to $5. Fines ranged from 6J cents to 50 cents.
The regular meetings were held on Friday evenings until 1840, when the time
was changed to Wednesday afternoons. The Phrenakosmian library seems to
have been founded in 1831 by the purchase of "Harper's Library" as a nu-
cleus, while on January 27, 1832, is recorded the first purchase of a work for
the Philomathean libraiy — "BufFon's Natural History." Enlargements of
both library rooms were made from time to time as books accumulated. Both
have raised and invested considerable funds, the income from which is annually
expended in the purchase of books. Each library numbers about 6, 500 vol-
umes. A reading room under the management of each society, well supplied
with suitable periodicals, has been established for the use of its members.
NEW OXFOED COLLEGE AND MEDICAL IN8TIT0TE.
About the year 1840 an institution of learning was established at New
Oxford under the above title. Its founder was M. D. G. Pfeiffer, M. D., a
German scholar and thinker, a learned and skillful physician, an ardent friend
of popular and liberal education, and a man of enlarged and advanced views.
One of the primary objects in the establishment of this institution of learning
was to afford its founder an opportunity of illustrating and inculcating his
peculiar theories in regard to human development — moral, mental and phys-
ical. Although the college had for several years a considerable number of stu-
dents, it never received public support and patronage commensurate vrith the
efforts put forth in its behalf, and the enterprise has long since been abandoned
as a failure. The college building, much neglected and weather-worn, and
painfully suggestive of uni'ealized expectations, is still standing just at the
edge of town on the York pike.
HUNTEESTOWN ENGLISH AND CLASSICAL ACADEMY.
A school of great usefulness in the central part of the county, as well as
of much local popularity, was the ' 'Hunterstown English and Classical Acad-
emy." It was established in 1851 by Eev. I. N. Hays, who was at that time
serving the Presbyterian congregation at Hunterstown as their pastor. Mr.
Hays, clearly perceiving the urgent need of better educational advantages than
those afforded by the public schools of the neighborhood, set to work with
great energy and zeal to raise the funds necessary for the erection of a suitable
building. In a comparatively short time the required amount was secured,
and in due time a fine two-story brick building, with one room on each floor,
was put up. The rooms were plainly but comfortably furnished. The first
session of the school was opened November 3, 1852, with John H. Clarke as
principal. Although the school, as an academy, has been discontinued for some
years, its good influence is still felt throughout the county.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.
Nearly all the populous Catholic communities in the county have estab-
lished separate schools for Catholic children. In these, besides the common
branches of study, some attention is usually given to religious instruction. The
first of these schools, of which we have any knowledge, was organized and
taught at Conowago Cha])el about the year 1800 by Rev. F. X. Brosius, who
came to this country some eight years before. For many years subsequently
a school was kept here, sometimes conducted by the clergy and sometimes by
lay teachers. In 1870 E. S. Eeily, Esq., had charge of a classical school here.
In 1868 a large brick building was erected by the Catholics at Irishtown,
HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY. 131
in Oxford Townsliip, for clmrch and school purposes, the clergy from Cono-
■wago attending to the religious instruction of the children. The school is now
public and known as Union Independent. The large parochial school at Mount
Kock, in Mountpleasant Township, was started about twenty years ago, with
Miss J. M. O'NeUl as the first teacher. It is now in charge of Sisters from
McSherrystown. There is a flourishing institution at McSherrystown under
the direction of the Sisters of Charity, established in 1834. In 1854 it was
incorporated under the title of the McSherrystown Novitiate and Academy of
St. Joseph. The property is now very large and valuable. Among the be-
nevolent objects of the institution are the education of the young, visiting the
sick, caring for orphans and dispensing charity. The Catholic school at
Littlestown was established by Rev. F. X. Deneckere. in 1867, Miss Mary
Wilson being the first teacher. The same priest started a school in connection
with the Catholic congregation at New Oxford, in 1862, the school now num-
bering over 100 pupils. The school was originally held in the church, a Mrs.
Trayer being the first teacher, but in 1877 a suitable school building was erected.
The school at Bonneauville was started by Eev. Pope in 1873, two Sisters of
Charity being the first teachers. A large and flourishing parochial school was
established in Gettysburg by Eev. J. A. Boll, in 1877. The school building is
a comfortable frame structure in rear of the pastoral residence, and cost, with
its outfit, about $1, 300. Mr. Boll himself, with the aid of suitable assistance,
conducted the school for a period of two years and a half, when it passed into
the hands of Mr. M. F. Power, the present teacher. Enrollment about 100.
THE FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
The free school system, established by act of Assembly in 1884, was at first
unpopular in certain portions of the county. It was a subject of exciting in-
terest to all classes of persons. Considerable feeling was manifested in oppo-
sition to the common school law, the result of ignorance and prejudice. All
sorts of foolish and extravagant notions were entertained in regard to its pro-
visions. Many were honestly of the opinion that, by promoting general intel-
ligence, it would encourage idleness and crime, that it would oppress tax-pay-
ers, and that it would prove subversive of the rights and liberties of the peo-
ple. But gradually, as people learned to understand the true object and pur-
pose of the law, and as the advantages of general education became apparent
to them, this feeling of opposition gave place to one of confidence and approval.
At the first joint convention of county commissioners and school directors, held
in Gettysburg November, 1834, it was found that of the seventeen school dis-
tricts then in the county, the following had voted to accept the free schotl sys-
tem: Berwick, Franklin, Gettysburg, Hamiltonban, Huntington, Menallen and
Straban, — 7; non-accepting: Oonowago, Germany, Hamilton, Latimore, Lib-
erty, Mountjoy, Mountpleasant, Beading and Tyrone — 9. Cumberland was
not represented. The convention resolved to recommend the levying of a
school tax in each accepting district equal to double the amount of State ap-
propriation to such district.
At the second convention of county commissioners and school delegates held
in Gettysburg, May 4, 1835, it was found that fourteen districts were repre-
sented. Of these, Berwick, Cumberland, Franklin, Gettysburg, Hamiltonban,
Huntington, Menallen and Straban, 8, voted as accepting; and Hamilton, Lib-
erty, Mountpleasant, Mountjoy, Beading and Tyrone, 6, voted as non-accept-
ing. A local school tax of 2 mills was voted to be levied in each of the ac-
cepting districts.
At the third and last joint convention of the county commissioners and
132 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTr.
school delegates, held in Gettysburg, May 2, 1836, it was ascertained that all
the districts in the county had voted to accept the law, except Oonowago,
Hamilton, Latimore, Mountpleasant and Reading — 5. Mountpleasant ac-
cepted in 1838, Hamilton in 1839, Conowago in 1842, and Latimore and Read-
ing wheeled into line a year or two later.
THE COUNTY SUPEEINTENDENCY.
The office of county superintendent, created by the law of 1854, met with
considerable opposition in some quarters. In the rural districts, especially,
public feeling was against it. The free school system itself was bad, in the
opinion of many; but the ingrafting of a feature upon it so utterly unneces-
sary as the county superintendency was atrocious. Through blind prejudice
■alone the office, which has been not inaptly styled the right arm of the com-
mon school system, was condemned without a trial. People were amazingly
slow to understand and appreciate the need of intelligent supervision over the
interests of common school education.
The first county superintendent was David Wills, elected June 5, 1854, at
a salary of $300 per annum. He served a little more than two years and then
resigned. His successor was Eev. Reuben Hill, who was appointed Septem-
ber 1, 1856, for the unexpired term. W. L. Campbell was elected May 4,
1857, the salary being fixed at $400. He resigned at the end of fifteen
months. J. Kerr Mcllhenny became his successor by appointment September
1, 1858, but died of typhoid fever in August, 1859. He was succeeded by
John C. Ellis, who was commissioned in October of the same year. Mr. El-
lis was elected in May, 1860, at a salary of $500, and served the full term of
three years. In May, 1863, Aaron Sheely was elected at the triennial con-
vention, the salary remaining the same. At a special convention of school di-
rectors held in November, 1864, the salary was increased to $800. He was
re-elected in May, 1866, at the same salary. J. Howard West was elected in
1869, the salary being continued at the same figure. He resigned after serv-
ing about two. years and a half, and was followed by P. D. W. Hankey for the
unexpired term. In 1872 Aaron Sheely, the present incumbent, was again
elected at a salary of $800 and re-elected in 1875, the salary being fixed at
$1,000. Re-elected in 1878, 1881 and 1884, the salary remaining the same.
EDtrCATIONAL MEETINGS.
The Gettysburg papers of November 18, 1834, contained a call for a meet-
ing of the ' Teachers' Association of Adams County' ' to be held in Pennsylva-
nia College on the 20th of the same month. The call was signed by Frederick
Ashbaugh, as secretary. Prom the form of the call it would seem that at least
one similar meeting was held prior to the one referred to, making it one of
the earliest teachers' meetings held in the State. Unfortunately, however, the
local press did not, as now, publish the proceedings of these meetings, and no
minutes of them are known to exist.
The first teachers' educational meeting in the county, after the county
superintendency went into operation, convened at the call of Superintendent
Wills, November 11, 1854, remaining in session one day. One of the resolu-
tions adopted at this meeting favored the holding of semi-annual meetings.
Fifty teachers responded to their names. The second meeting of the associa-
tion was held in Gettysburg, beginning February 1, 1855, and remained in
session two days. The third meeting was held in Gettysburg, October 2, 3
and 4, of the same year. The fourth meeting convened in Christ Church,
Gettysburg, February 7, 1856, and was well attended, the exercises being
(Continued at page 135.)
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Number of female teachers.
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Number of female scholars.
Number learning German.
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Average number of scholars
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J tt^ 131 to ~J fO f
Cost of teaching each scholar
per month.
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Total amount of school and
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Cost of instruction.
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(134)
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 135
interesting throughout. It does not appear that any meetings of the associa-
tion were held during the next two years, but on the 10th and 11th of February,
1859, at the call of Superintendent Mcllhenny, an interesting session of two
days was held in the public school building in Gettysburg. From this time
until 1867, when the present law establishing the County Institute and pro
viding for its maintenance went into operation, meetings were held as follows
New Oxford, December 8 to 10, 1859; New Oxford, January 14 to 17, 1862
York Springs, October 29 to 31, 1862; Fairfield, December 29 to 31, 1863
Bendersville, December 28 to 30, 1864; Gettysburg, October 25 to 27, 1865.
and Littlestown November 21 to 23, 1866. In 1867, commencing November
25, a five days' session was held at New Oxford, in accordance with the pro-
visions of the county institute law of April 9, of the same year. The atten-
dance at this meeting was unprecedentedly large, about 125 teachers being
present. Since that time the institute has met regularly, once a year, in Get-
tysburg, with large attendance of teachers and others, and with most gratifying
results.
The Pennsylvania State Teachers' Association held a three days' session in
Gettysburg in August, 1866.
CONCLUSION.
The education of the county, which has been a matter of steady growth
and progress, has here been sketched with as much completeness as was pos-
sible within the limited space allowed. As a fitting conclusion a comparative
tabular statement is appended showing the condition and working of the com-
mon school system in the county since 1854, and also one showing the oper-
ations for the year ending June 1, 1885.
CHAPTER XXI.
Debating Societies— The Gettysburg Sentimental Society— Poluglassic
Society— The Gettysbxikg Debating and Sentimental Society.
IN studying a people who have passed away there is nothing that so readily
gives us an insight into their intellectual life — and, after all, this is the
only part of the history of the human race that is both interesting and instruct-
ive— as the papers they wrote and the discussions they had. It is here we
reach the regions of mind growth; how and what they concerned themselves
about as thinking and reflecting beings.
The questions discussed in the ancient style of debating societies tell much
of the people. These societies, in their original style, have mostly passed
away. Then the whole male population of the village, attended with interest
all their meetings. A question for the next week would be proposed, and two
leaders named, and they would choose every one in the room, alternately, and
even the boys would taper off the end of the many debaters. A president
chosen, and, after listening to all the speeches, decide the question. They
were valuable schools for old and young. Here were often fostered and devel-
oped the orators who were destined ' 'to hold Senates spell-bound. "
' 'The Gettysburg Sentimental Society" was the first debating club organized
in the county. Its first meeting was on the night of October 2, 1807. Wilf-
136 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
iam Eeed was secretary. Question: "Are our senses fallacious?" Th©
question was argued long and fairly, it seems, by volunteer speakers, and the
decision, by a vote of the house, was unanimously in the affirmative. But dis-
putants had become excited, especially those who did not agree with the
decision, and they poured long communications into the columns of Harper's
paper. They finally forced a re-argument in, but were again voted down;
and for years afterward discussions on the vexed question were to be heard
by those who regularly occupied seats on store boxes in front of the store in
all good weather.
The next question was more practical, but did not elicit such earnest dis-
putants. It was ' ' Should a Kepresentative be guided by the will of his
constituents instead of his own ? ' ' The question as the reader will see, was
loosely stated, but closely and ably argued. The next: "Should banknotes
be made legal tender?" These old-fashioned statesmen decided this in the
negative. At the next meeting John Edie became secretary, and the question
discussed was " Is female timidity constitutional or acquired?" This called
out a torrent of the latent eloquence of the village. The bald heads and gray
beards in eloquent measui-es said it was "acquired;" the callow brood of
young Demosthenes vowed it was the most "constitutional" thing in the
world. And thus back and forth they plied each other with pelting quibs
and quillets of the brain, but when the momentous hour arrived, late at
night, for a vote as to which side had the best of the discussion, it was over-
whelmingly voted in favor of ' 'acquired. "
A. M. Mcllhenny was now elected secretary. Question: "Are theatrical
performances injurious to society ? " As there was no immediate prospect of
any of the cheap humbug troupes that now so frequently inflict their pres-
ence upon the town, this question did not elicit such intense interest as
the girl question. Then in its order the society discussed the subject "Is
duelling a mark of courage?" This was decided in the negative. Then
came the tremendous question "Idomeneus, king of Crete, made a vow to
Neptune, to sacrifice the first he should meet on his return from Troy. He
met his own son. Was he in the right to fulfill his engagement, or not?"
This was a ponderous and intricate problem of life. It had a classical twang,
and a spice of mythology, fable and moral duty about it that set it to bump-
ing around in the brain of every classical mind in the community. These
people were the immediate descendants of an age of intolerance; when men
were prone to discussions on the most nebulous subjects which they did not at
all understand; an age when everyone had to profess to believe, without the
ability or the effort to understand, what the generality believed, or be looked upon
as a proper subject for extermination. These people were then just building the
American head upon the Old World German trunk, with its Anglo-Saxon mask.
They were the sons of the men of such an age and of such blood as we have
described, and, therefore, they could find in this question a field for endless
disputation. This question at all events seemed to fill out the remainder of
the season and the ' 'Sentimental Society' ' adjourned sine die. It was revived
again the next winter, but it was in an enfeebled condition. The last winter' s
question pr.obably had overtaxed it ; at any rate it now seems to have gone into a
dormant state that lasted some years.
In 1809 another debating society was formed in the town, called the "Pol-
uglassic Society;" heavens, what names! This club met at the house of Na-
thaniel Paxton. The first question discussed was ' 'Whether is the prodigal or
jniser the worst member of society?" We are not informed how it was de-
cided. Did the good people of those primitive days have either misers or
prodigals ?
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
137
A communication from J. Howard Wert, of Harrisburg, who has his fa-
ther's papers, gives the particulars of the revival of the Sentimental Society.
Mr. Wert wrote under the impression that this was the original organization
of the club, and was not aware of the previous history of the society as given
above. He says:
"December 9, 1813, there was organized in the schoolhouse of Kobert Hor-
ner, Gettysburg, a society styled ' The Gettysburg Debating and Sentimental
Society.' The schoolhouse stood on the corner where the school property
now is, and the teacher was the grandfather of the present Dr. Horner.
' 'The society appears to have been flourishing for a time, but to have gone
down about September, 1816. I have the records now in my possession, and
the last meeting recorded was August 81 of that year. There were on that
occasion but five members present, when the meeting commenced ; one expelled
member was readmitted by a vote of three to two, and another member pre-
sented himself and took his seat before adjournment.
' 'The last record i p the book is in the handwriting of Adam Wert, recently de-
ceased, and the records have been in his care ever since that time. About ten
years ago Judge Zeigler visited father for the purpose of seeing these old rec-
ords. ' As far as he knew there were at that time one or two survivors besides
father and himself.
' ' The first member to die was George W. Spencer (the first signer of the
constitution), killed at the battle of Bridgewater, in Upper Canada, July 25,
1814. To the best of my knowledge father was the last survivor, dying No-
vember 17, 1885, more than seventy-one years after Spencer. * The book con-
tains the resolutions adopted at the reception of the intelligence of Spencer's
death ; also a copy of the same printed in the office of the Centinel.
"The original members numbered thirteen; the added members thirty-one;
total, forty-four. I append the list. Some are quite familiar names to a
majority of your citizens, but many are but dimly recollected even by the oldest
inhabitants. ' '
OBIGINAL MEMBERS.
George W. Spencer,
David Middlekauf,
Henry Welsh,
Isaac E. Smith,
Adam Wert,
Bichard Abbott,
John Agnew,
David Horner,
James Galloway,
Thomas J. Cooper,
James McFarland,
George McKnitt,
R. G. Harper.
David Garvin,
John M. Duncan,
David Brown,
Alfred Crawford,
Philip Varnum,
Hugh MrKalip,
Samuel McFarland,
Clement McKnitt,
John Horner,
David Zeigler,
Samuel Cobean,
ADMITTED MEMBERS.
John Scott,
William Miller,
James B. McCreary,
Horatio Wales,
Jacob Middlekauf,
Evan Walking,
David Sweeney,
T. Lloyd,
Daniel Ogden,
Solomon Hetser,
Simon Shoppy,
Matthew Geean,
James Cornelius,
Thomas Durborow,
Alexander Mcllvain,
Henry H. Owings,
William Scott,
Alexander Cobean,
James Gettys,
James Rowan.
*A mistake. Jamea McCreary is no^r living in Great Bend, PenD., aged eighty-seven years. A younger-
brother, Henry McCreary, though not a member of lociety, is living near Pittsburgh. — Ed.
138 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHATER XXII.
Newspapers— The Centinel— Interesting Items^Necrology— The Star
AND Sentinel— The Compiler— The Century— York Springs Comet-
Weekly Visitor — Weekly Ledger — Crystal Palace— Littlestown
Press- Littlbstown News — The Courier— Littlestown Era — New Ox-
ford Item-Intelligencer- WocHENBLATT— Yellow Jacket Record.
THE story of the coming of the first newspaper to the county, and its strug-
gles for existence, as well as those of the enterprising publishers who fol-
lowed in the course of time, is the interesting chapter of a county's history.
Here only can the historian find the imperishable traces of the ancestors of
those now here — the true mirror of their daily lives that is so eloquent in its
simplicity.
On Wednesday, November 12, 1800, Eobert Harper issued the first paper
published in the county. The Centinel, a four column paper, long and slim
in appearance, and, as was the style at that time, without either general or local
editorials. The greater portion of its space was given to foreign news. The
advertisements (a subject of great interest in old newspapers) were the printers
offering for sale at the office, " Three Sermons, Proving the New Testament,"
" A short and easy Method with the Deists" and tbe " Christian Prompter."
In the profane line the "ads" were: "Wanted — To Bent a Store," and "Old
Bags Bought at This (printing) Office, ' ' and a notice for sale of a book ' 'Con-
taining all the Eulogies, Elegiac Poetry and ' Masterly Orations ' on the Death
of Washington. ' *
The next issue has a communication from Moses McClean, of ' ' Carroll' s
Delight." He had failed to vote, it seems, for governor elQct, and was dis-
missed as deputy surveyor for this county. He snaps his fingers at the gover-
nor ; tells him to go too. ' 'I have my compass in good order and am still
the same honest man I ever was, and I intend to continue surveying in the pri-
vate way."
November 26, Conrad Laub, of York, gives notive to the distillers of
Adams County to pay duties to Walter Smith of Gettysburg at once.
With the third issue the paper suspends for want of support, but is re-
vived January 7, 1801. On this date George Morton advertises for an appren-
tice in his ' ' spinning-wheel and chair factory. " Bobert Bingham advertises
his plantation for sale, "seven miles from Gettysburg." William Hamilton,
executor of estate of John Gaudy, gives notice.
In the number January 28 Samuel Cobean, William Gilliland and Alexan-
der Eussell, trustees, give notice of sale or lease of a ' 'Tavern Seat' ' in Frank-
lin Township, ' 'the property of James Black, a lunatic. ' ' This property was
at the intersection of the York and Chambersburg and the Baltimore and Ship-
pensburg roads.
The paper of February 11, 1801, has for sale the lands of Eobert Mc-
Canaughy, deceased, by John McCanaughy and Robert Hays, administrators.
The premises were situated three miles from Gettysburg. A good dwelling,
double log barn and a good still are on it. James Marsden advertises an estray
steer, and Ignatius Shorter offers 1 10 reward for his wife, "eloped on
the 14th of January."
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 141
Of date February 18 is an advertisement ol "Dickinson's Five Lectures
on Eternal Election [no reference to Ohio, it is presumed], Original Sin, Jus-
tification by Faith," etc.
Another notice is by John and Hugh Patterson, giving notice that ' ' Thomas
Patterson, deceased, gave unto Samuel Scott, late of Hamiltonban, but now of
Kentucky, a bond, dated October 21, 1793," etc., and warning people against
buying the same.
February 25 announced the election of Thomas Jefferson. The news was
sent by express to Baltimore, and in eight days it was known to the readers of
the Centinel. In the issue of March 4, is this, the total editorial or original
matter in the paper: "We received no Philadelphia papers by this week's
mail." Mary Warren and Edward Warren, executors of Frederick Warren,
of Menallen, give notice. The next issue announces that the governor has ap-
pointed Hon. William GillUand a major-general of militia, and Dr. William
Crawford fourth associate judge of Adams County. March 4 there was a
meeting in Gettysburg to rejoice and jollify over the election of Jefferson.
The meeting was held in Col. Gettys' inn. Dr. William Crawford made the
address. A committee reported ringing resolutions, and then all sat down to
feast, and toasts were given. From the number of toasts we select the f oiu'th :
"John Adams; to the right about, face — a lesson to all future presidents, that
an honest man maybe duped by bad ministers." The seventh: "A speedy
repeal of the naturalization laws. ' ' The resolutions were drawn by Dr Will-
iam Crawford, William Reid and William MaxweU.
John Bender announces that he will not act longer as justice of the peace,
since he had learned he ' ' would not be fined for refusing to act. ' ' March 18
issue has letter list. James Brice, P. M. The letters are to ' ' John Craw-
ford, South Mountain, care Robert Scott, inn-keeper, Nicholson's Gap;
Moses Davis, Francis Hill, Isaac Mott, Robert Simpson." Matthew Longwell
offers his frame house and lot in Gettysburg for sale. James Gettys, lieuten-
ant-colonel of Twentieth Regiment, gives notice to officers. March 27 Commis-
sioners R. Mcllhenny and Jacob Grenemeyer give notice to pay ground rent
for lots in Gettysburg to John Murphy. April 15 Dr. Samuel Agnew's card
as a physician appears, and James Cobean had just rented and opened to the
public Gettys' Inn. August 19, 1801, the four columns of the first page are
filled with a communication signed "Old Maid," discussing celibacy. Then
follows an address of two columns "To the Republicans of Adams County,"
by ' ' Edomite. ' ' Then the third communication follows, a little over a col-
umn. There are yet no editorials in the paper.
The paper reached its Vol. II, No. 1, December 2, 1801. The total of its
"ads" for this issue are: James Duncan, register; Samuel Brown and WUl-
iam Gilliland, executors for Alexander Brown (deceased), and James McCreary
and John Agnew, executors for James Agnew (deceased), of Liberty Township;
David Moore, administrator of Margaret Douglass, of Cumberland, and
Michael Neuman (Newman), " Tanning & Currying" in Benjamin Beubach's
tannery.
In running over the first two years of the files of the Centinel the modern
newspaper man, or reader, would be impressed with the absence of editorial or
local matter, and the many communications, political, religious and personal,
and the extreme length of the communications. The editor invited everybody
to say their say in his paper, and everybody, it seems, responded at length.
When the paper had been going about six months these communications poured
in, and even the editor, who took a lively hand, especially with Dr. William
Crawford, wrote as a contributoi: under an assumed title for some time. Mr.
8A
142 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Harper' b paper evidently was responsive to the public wants and sentiments of
his day; that is in its make up and matter. The editor himself was a Feder-
alist, and he hated Jefferson cordially, and this dislike grew as did Jefferson
become more and more the idol of the Republican Democrats. Thus we are
furnished with a splendid view of the people of that day, because the people
wrote and exploited themselves in their county paper. The majority of Har-
per's and Dr. Crawford's papers, fired at each other, were simply bitter per-
sonal attacks, in which the private lives and morals were exposed ad nauseam,
when at the same time the law of the commonwealth was very severe against
Sabbath breaking and profanity.
In the issue of September 9, 1802, A. Russell has a communication contrib-
uted to the Harper-Crawford controversy, in which is the following: "Dr.
William Crawford (now a junior judge) did in my presence and in the presence
of many other gentlemen, on the 28th of March, 1793, swear seven profane
oaths by the name of God, for which a conviction and adjudication stands on
my Docquet. ' '
The total amount of revenue collected in 1800 was $4,466.34.
April 18, 1804, is a communication from Dr. Samuel Agnew about cow-
pox. It ably combats the public prejudice against vaccination.
In May, 1805, the paper was changed to magazine form with a title page,
and for the first time a large display German text letter head. In this issue
John Clark advertises a valuable grist-mill, three miles from Gettysburg.
William McPherson offers $20 reward for an escaped slave. Davis advertises
his chair factory, and ' ' Pay up, ' ' says William Merritt, as " I am going to
remove from the county."
A letter dated January 29, 1806, answers certain questions as to the price
of farm lands in this part of Pennsylvania, and says ' ' lands are worth from
$2ito $12 per acre."
The county commissioners made their annual statement from the 3d day
of February, 1805, to the 31st of January, 1806. The total revenue of the
county was $7,095.49. This included $1,769.62, balance on hand; $1,626,
outstanding tax collected, and $199, ground rent for town lots.
An entire change in the State judiciary by the Legislature, in 1806, was
the cause of adjourning the Adams County courts from February to April.
November, 1806, John Adair advertises for sale a tract of land in the South
Moimtain, ' ' at the forks of the road leading to Baltimore. ' ' Henry Weaver,
a stray cow. Proclamation for an oyer and terminer and jail delivery court,
William Gilliland, John Agnew, William Scott and William Crawford, judges,
is made by Sheriff Jacob Winrott. Stephen Snodgrass offers for sale a valu-
able plantation in Mountpleasant Township. James Brown, clerk, advertises
for wood for the court house and jail.
By this time R. Harper is keeping quite a bookstore at his printing office,
and his list of books for sale is an interesting and instructive study. It covers
nearly two pages of the paper, and nearly every one is a work on religion, com-
mencing with "Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion;" "Bunyan's
Pilgrim's Progress;" "Blair's Sermons;" " The Death of Legal Hope ;" "The
Life of Evangelical Obedience;" "Brown's Shorter Catechism;" "Beauties
of Hervey;" "Devout Exercises;" " Navigation Spiritualized, or a New Com-
pass for Seamen, Consisting of thirty-two points of Pleasant Observation of
Profitable Applications, and of Serious Reflections, all Concluded with so many
Spiritual Poems;" "Life of Joseph, the Son of Israel, in Eight Books;
Chiefly Designed to Allure Young Minds to a Love of the Sacred Scriptures;"
' ' Temple of Truth, or a Vindication of various Passages and Doctrines of the
. HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 143
Holy Scriptures; Lately Impeached in a Deistical Publication, Printed in
Philadelphia ; together with a Reply to two Theological Lectures Delivered in
Baltimore;" "The Sinners' Guide" [the ungodly in these days call it "steer-
ing in grangers"]; " Instructions of Youth in Christian Piety;" "Watt's Mis-
cellany;" " The Immortal Mentor, " etc., etc., etc.
In addition to these libraries of religious books, Mr. Harper commenced
the reprint of books of sermons, which he sold from his office by subscription.
These were the books all people who read at all then purchased and placed
in their family libraries, and diligently read and meditated upon the future,
God, heaven and the burning lake. This was to their intensely religious natures
joyful mental food. They reveled in death dirges; they poured forth their
solemn chanting songs over a dead world — dead in sin and iniquity. Their
ears were closed to the joyous spring-time and the carolings to heaven of the
mounting birds in their upward flights, and they saw only the windowless
grave, the worms, and festering decay, and the entire background to this ter-
rible picture was an angry, inappeasable God, who was ever creating to etern-
ally punish. Their lives, their religion, their literature, their best enjoyment,
was this gloomy, solemn, silent, dogmatic and austere existence that was
natural to them, was ingrained into their blood and very bones. It had come
to them by inheritance, by education, by the bent of the age, by their own
and their ancestors' surroundings. They were as severe and illiberal in their
politics as in their morals and dogmas. But, like their fathers, there was in
all of them the saving qualities of a manly self-reliance, and a deep seated, all-
conquering love of liberty.
In the Centinel of May 6, 1807, James Duncan, register, gives notice to
Elizabeth Dehl, of the estate of Sally Dehl; and Esther McGrew and William
McGrew, of the estate of WiUiam McGrew; and Shem Greybel and Joel Grey-
bel, of the estate of Joseph Greybel; Walter Smith and John Adgy, estate of
Jonathan Adgy; John Stoner and Martin Hoover, estate of Abraham Stoner;
Anna Maria Diffendall and Jacob Eider, estate of Samuel DifPendall; Michael
Bushey and Christian Bushey, estate of John Bushey; Daniel Swigart, estate
of Jacob Swigart, of Berwick Township; Barnet and Peter Augenbaugh, of
the estate of John Augenbaugh.
September 8, 1807, is advertised for sale, by James Black, a valuable plan-
tation, 130 acres, the property of the estate of James Black (deceased), in
Franklin Township, adjoining the lands of Matthew Black, Joseph Wilson,
Samuel Russell and Peter Comfort, ' ' then the well known stand called the
Cross Keys." Another sale of lands of about four acres in Franklin Town-
ship, adjoining John Kerbaugh, Frederick Booher and Peter Morritz. On
same day Sheriff Winrott offers for sale a tract in Liberty Township, adjoin-
John Bingham and John Speers. The tract belonged to Solomon Kephart.
Alexander Cobean and James Dobbins, executors of the estate of John Forster,
of Franklin Township, gave notice to debtors.
Necrology. — William Bailey of Mountpleasant Township, died November
5, 1806, aged fifty- seven years Mrs. Abigail King, wife of Hugh King, of
Tyrone, died Saturday, April 18, 1807 Mrs. Isabel Ewing, wife of John
Ewing, died April 15, 1807. . . .April 17, 1807, Alexander McAllister died, in
the seventy -third year of his age Henry Weaver, aged seventy-six years,
died in Gettysburg, September 1, 1807 Thomas Ewing, aged forty-one
years, died September 20, 1807 Mrs. Margaret Agnew, consort of John
Agnew, died April 13, 1808 ; was buried in Lower Marsh Creek grave-yard ....
Died, in Hamiltonban, October 8, 1807, in the eighty-eighth year of his age,
Henry Rowan. . . .July 13, 1808, John Sweeny, aged sixty -three years, died in
144 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Gettysburg .... Rev. Alexander Dobbin died in Gettysburg, June 2, 1809 ....
Judge John Joseph Henry, the first president of the court in the county died
in Lancaster, April 15, 1811, aged fifty- three .... James Brown treasurer of
the borough, died in 1810. . . .Hon. John Agnew, who had resigned his office
of commissioner from the infirmities of old age and sickness, died on. his farm
in Hamiltonban June 6, 1814, aged eighty years, full of years and unsullied
honors. His loss was deeply deplored and his memory widely respected for
his many good qualities of head and heart . . . .November 23, 1814, James Edie
died in Gettysburg, aged fifty-six years .... James Barr, of Mountjoy, died
November 19, 1814.
The same year Adams County was separately organized Robert Harper
established in Gettysburg his newspaper, the Centinel. He died in 1817, and
his son, Robert G. Harper, took charge of the (paper and continued its sole
proprietor until 1867, when it was consolidated with the Star, and became
what is now The Star and Sentinel. The Star was established in 1828, and
was published regularly until it became consolidated as above stated. It had
been conducted by Mr. John T. Mcllhenny for many years, ably and successfully,
and upon his death it was purchased by Hon. Edward McPherson and A. D.
Buehler, and consolidated with the Sentinel, !the firm being Harper, McPher-
son & Buehler. On the death of Mr. Harper his interests passed to the
other proprietors, and now A. D. Buehler & Co. are proprietors. The paper
was Federal, Whig and Republican in politics, always battling bravely for its
cause; always able anil consistent.
The Compiler was started September 16, 1818, by Jacob LeFevre. He
continued the publisher until 1839, when his son, Isaac, took it and conducted
it successfully until February, 1843, when he sold it toE. W. Stable, who was
succeeded by his son, H. J. Stable, the present proprietor. It commenced a
small five- column paper, and its coming supplied a long felt want to the lone
some Democratic minority in the county. It has been enlarged four times,
and is now a nine-column paper, full of vigorous and interesting matter for its
readers.
The Star and Sentinel and The Compiler, with their neat pages and crowd-
ing advertisements, are a credit to the county and bear evidence that the peo-
ple duly appreciate the enterprise and public spirit of the publishers.
The Century was published in Gettysburg for some years. On April 4,
1877, it was removed to York Springs; A. L. Heikes was then publisher. He
sold to I. W. Pearson, and he changed the name to York Springs Comet.
The Weekly Visitor was the first paper started in Littlestown, in 1847, by
W. C. Gould and W. Barst — neutral in politics. Then followed the Weekly
Ledger, by Henry J. Miller; then the Crystal Palace and the lAttlestown Press,
by Mr. Miller. In 1874 Preston O. Good started the Littlestown News. When
he retired A. F. Barker was publisher and H. J. MiUer, editor. Mr. MUler
was the writer and chief director of all the m.any publications in the town. He
was a grandson of the founder of the first paper. In 1875 Barton H. Knode
became proprietor of the News. It suspended in 1878, Mr. Knode purchasing
the Hanover Citizen, the Democratic journal of Hanover. The press and
office of the Littlestown paper was purchased and taken to Emmettsburg, Md.
In 1879 L. Huber started a paper in Littlestown — The Courier. It was very
short in its career. In August, 1880, appeared the Littlestown Era, A. E.
Keeport, proprietor; suspended a few months ago.
The New Oxford Item was started in April, 1879, by Miller & Smith. It
soon passed into the hands of H. I. Smith.
A German newspaper, the Intelligencer, was established in Abbottstown as
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
145
eaxly as 1833 and published until 1848 by F. W. KoeMer. It was changed to
the Wochenblatt, and ran until 1850, when it was discontinued. The same
publisher published the Yellow Jacket, a Whig campaign paper, in 1840.
Record of East Berlin is a new paper just issued upon its venture in the
field, a sprightly and promising journal.
CHAPTEE XXIII.
Old Time Reminiscences— Citizens in Gettysburg between 1817 and 1829—
Inteeesting Items.
HON. J. K. LONGWELL, bom in Gettysburg, and for many years a
citizen of Westminster, Md. , some years ago wrote a comjnunication to
the Star and Sentinal, of Gettysburg, and gave the names from memory of
those who were citizens here between the years 1817 and 1829, together with
a long list of happenings that he remembered. It is, we are told, singularly
accurate in all its statements, and we regard it not only as a valuable historic
document, but as a most remarkable evidence of a strength and clearness of
memory that is rarely to be found. He thus furnishes a nearly complete list
of those who were here in the years indicated above. He says, ' ' many of
them died or moved away during those years, and others grew up to be men
or removed there during that period."
The following are the names in the order he gave them :
Alexander Cobean.
William S. Cobean.
Samuel Cobean.
Alexander Cobean, Jr
Andrew Polley, Sr. and Jr.
William McPherson.
George Smyser.
George Swope.
Robert Wilson.
William Lamb.
William McClean.
Moses McCleac.
Oliver O. McClean.
David M. McPherson.
Robert A. McPherson.
Christian Culp.
Jacob Potzer.
John Stollsmith.
Adam Wertz.
Alexander Russell.
Henry Hoke.
Dr. C. N. Berluchy.
Emanuel Zeigler.
Emanuel Zeigler, Jr.
WilliamMeredith, P. M.
James Agnew.
Henry Wampler.
John Kerr.
Samuel Galloway.
John Brown.
Rev. John Runkle.
William G. McPherson.
William McClellan.
Daniel Comfort.
Leonard Dill.
David McElroy.
Gen. Jacob Eyster.
Peter Fahnestock.
Ephraim Martin.
Robert Smith.
Walter A. Smith.
Ralph Lashells.
Zepheniah Herbert.
Thaddeus Stevens.
Robert Hunter.
William Russell.
Adam' Swope.
Samuel Hutchinson.
Jacob Zeigler.
Bernhart Gilbert.
Michael Kitzmiller.
Dr. John ParshaU.
George Wampler.
Thomas Kerr.
David McCreary.
Thomas J. Cooper.
Philip Heagy.
John L. Puller.
George W. McClellan.
Sampson S. King.
John Troxell.
James Duncan.
Joshua Ackerman.
Levi Fahnestock.
Robert Martin.
Isaac R. Smith.
Samuel H. Buehler.
John Cline.
Dr. James H. Miller.
James Scanlan.
John Gilbert.
Samuel R. Russell.
Dr. David Horner.
Robert Hutchinson, of S.
David Zeigler.
Dr. David Gilbert.
Peter Beitsel.
Joseph Whorf e.
George Kerr.
John Galloway.
Washington Chamberlain.
Samuel C. Cooper.
John R. McPherson.
John Hersh, Sr.
John H. McClellan.
Robert S. King.
J. L. Kendlehart.
Peter Sheets.
David Middlekauf.
John M. Stevenson.
Walter Smith. y
Samuel B. Smith.
George E. Buehler.
Jacob Winrott, Sr.
Dr. Alexander Speer.
John Garvin.
William Garvin.
Gen. John Edie.
Philip Slentz.
James A. Thompson.
David Heagy.
George Geyer, Jr.
146
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Dr. John Paxton.
8. 8. McCreary.
Micbael Brobst.
George Sweeny.
Robert Taylor.
George 8hryock.
John F. Macfarlane.
Rev. Charles Q. McLean.
Mathew Dobbin.
Samuel S. Forney.
David Eicker.
David Sweeny.
David Dunwoody.
James Gallagher.
William W. Bell.
David Little.
Henry Little.
Biddy Addy.
George Armour.
John Murphy, Jr.
J. Richter.
John Edie, Jr.
John Slentz.
Robert Keech.
Adam Walter.
Christian Chritzman (the
old fisherman).
Michael C. Clarkson.
William Paxton.
David Edie.
Andrew G. Miller.
Dr. John Runkle.
Jacob Norbeck.
William McClean.
James Dobbin.
Henry Wasmus.
Hugh Scott.
Thomas McKellip.
John Adair.
George Welsh.
Jacob LeFevre.
John Bingham.
George Little.
Moses Degroft.
Peter Stewart.
Thomas McCreary.
William Murphy.
Rev. John Bear.
John R. Edie.
Ezekiel Buckingham.
Charles A. Ditterline.
George Geyer, Sr.
John Agnew.
John Hennessy.
John McConaughy.
Mathew Longwell.
Roger Claxton.
Rev. John Herbst.
Henry Degroft.
James Pierce.
Alexander Dobbin.
John Houck.
Robert Hayes.
John Cress.
Hugh Dunwoody.
Rev. D. McConaughy.
H. C. Neinstedt.
William B. Camp.
Samuel Little.
Michael Degroft.
David McCann.
John Murphy, Sr.
James Gourley.
James Hall.
Robert G. Harper.
John B. Clark.
Col. Richard Brown.
James A. McCreary.
George Newman.
William Gillespie.
Rev. S. S. Schmucker.
Samuel Ramsey.
Henry Ferry.
John Hersh, Jr.
Michael Gallagher.
Fred Summercamp.
Gen. Thomas C. Miller.
James Cooper.
George Arnold.
H. D. Wattles.
John Jenkins.
William D. Ramsey,
Joel R. Danner.
Thomas C. Reid.
Garret Van Orsdel.
William H. Miller.
Michael Newman.
Moses Jenkins.
Jacob Sanders.
George Gilbert.
Samuel Miller.
The letter accompanying this list of names had these very interesting items :
"My recollections of Gettysburg from about 1817 to December, 1828, when I
left the place, are very strong, as I think will be manifest when you examine
the list of male citizens of that day. It was no trouble to me to go again in
memory to every house then standing. The only difficulty was to keep up
with the various changes, by removal and otherwise. * * * *
Many of these names run down to 1800, including Gettys, Dobbin, Robert
Harper, Samuel Galloway and others." Then among other things he says he
remembers ' ' The erection of the Cobean house in place of a one-story stone
house. "...." The erection of the McConaughy house and the attempt made,
which failed, to roll the two-story log, weather-boarded building to the site it
now occupies on Middle Street. It was afterward occupied by William Mere-
dith, postmaster. "...." The execution of Hunter for the murder of Heagy, and
the disagreeable day." .... "The introduction of water into the town through
the hill in Baltimore Street. "...." The manufacture and placing of the town
clock in the court house by George Welsh. "...." The marshaling of the guards,
Capt. George Zeigler, and afterward resuscitated under command of Gen. T.
C. Miller, as well as the gallant dash of the 'troop' under command of Capt.
William McCurdy." .... " The old Academy, with Judge McClean and Eobert
Hayes in the English branches, and Dr. McConaughy in the languages, and
the time when it was converted into a Lutheran theological seminary, mainly
through the exertions of that unfortunate man, Kev. John Herbst." . . . . " The
great pedestrian feat of Garret Van Orsdel, in traveling from Chambersburg to
Gettysburg in three hours and forty-three minutes." .... "The dramatic per-
formance of Dr. McConaughy' 8 pupils in the court house, which led to the
formation of a Thespian Society, and the objections, etc. "...." I can not
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 147
omit the esquestrian performance of my old friend, George McClellan (which
occurred after I left Gettysburg), in carrying the President's message from
Baltimore to Gettysburg in four hours."
In a postscript he adds : "I remember the gubernatorial contest between
Shultz and Gregg. Mr. Bell was a Methodist and therefore could not bet, but
he procured a $30 gold watch, which he offered to his old friend E. G. H. , if
the latter would give him a cent for every vote Shultz would have over Gregg.
H. exhibited the cheap watch to all his friends. The majority being 27,000,
of course the watch was very dear at $270."
Of these there had removed to other localities Oliver O. McClean, of Lewis-
town, Penn. , a Presbyterian minister and D.D. ; William Russell became a
banker in Lewistown, Penn. ; David Middlekauf, a State senator from 1833 to
1835, on his farm near Shippensburg; JohnR. Edie, of Somerset, thirty years
ago a member of Congress from that district and afterward an of5.cer in the
volunteer and regular army; Washington Chamberlain removed to New Or-
leans; H. C. Neinstedt, a printer in Philadelphia; Jacob Zeigler, of Butler,
Penn. , a member of the State Assembly and a number of times clerk of that
body; John B. Clark, register from 1830 to 1835, who has lived in Missouri
for many years, a member of the State Senate during the Rebellion; William
H. Miller, a leading lawyer in Carlisle.
In the list of the dead are Alexander Cobean, who had been a member of
the Legislature in 1799-1800, and at one time president of the Gettysburg
Bank; William S. Cobean was sheriff from 1830 to 1833, after being county
treasurer from 1828 to 1830. He removed to Cumberland County to serve as
cashier of a bank, and was the Whig candidate of that county for treasurer;
William McPherson, the great-grandson of Robert McPherson; the latter was
one of the earliest settlers in this part of the State, where lineal descendants
are a long line of leading, influential citizens, who were ever first in war, first
in peace and first in the respect and confidence of their fellow-citizens ; William
McPherson was lieutenant in the Revolutionary war, was captured at the
battle of Long Island, and held by the British a prisoner of war 622 days.
Eight years he was a member of the Assembly, and was a leading, active mem-
ber in securing the passage of the bill for the creation of Adams County. He
was one of the first board of directors of the poor, elected in 1818.
George Smyser was one of the associate judges of the county, and at one
time was president of the bank. Daniel M. Smyser was for several sessions a
member of the State Assembly; the Whig candidate for Congress. in York and
Adams in 1857; was elected president judje of the Bucks and Montgomery Dis-
trict, and in 1855 was the candidate of his party for the supreme bench.
William Laub was county treasurer in 1834. William McClean, county treas-
urer from 1815 to 1817 ; then was associate judge ; afterward held a clerkship in
the auditor-general' s office, in Harrisburg, where he died. Moses McClean was
elected to Congress in 1844, and died in Gettysburg in the early seventies; in
early life he was district attorney. Alexander Russell was a captain in the
Revolutionary Army, afterward brigade inspector; was county commissioner in
1813, and a justice of the peace for many years up to his death. Henry Hoke
was coroner in 1808-09, and afterward a justice of the peace. Dr. David Hor-
ner was coroner from 1824 to 1827, and died one of the associate judges; he
was the Whig candidate for Congress in 1844. Dr. Berluchy was postmaster
under Polk, 1845-49. Philip Heagy, sheriff from 1827 to 1830. John L.
Fuller was a lawyer and died in the full practice. John B. McPherson was
the first cashier of the old bank of Gettysburg, and served in this capacity
over forty years. He held several other posts of trust in the meantime, among
148 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
■which was county treasurer from 1825 to 1827. William McClelland was pro-
thonotary from 1839 to 1842. Sampson S. King was many years a justice of
the peace. He died in Gettysburg. His son, Robert S. , died in Perry County.
David McElroy was widely noted for many years as the court crier; perched
on his high chair in the old court house, his sharp-snapping voice, looking as
stern as fate, his picture lingered long in the minds of all who ever saw him.
James Duncan was the first prothonotary of the county. Gen. Jacob Eyster
was an active militia officer, serving through the various grades ; a candidate
for sherifif, afterward State senator and then for fifteen years chief clerk in the
surveyor- general's office in Harrisburg, where he died. Ephraim Martin died
a notary public, as did his son, Robert. Walter Smith was county commis-
sioner in 1800 and 1801, and county treasurer in 1809-11, again in 1818-20,
and his son Robert was twice county treasurer, 1821-24 and in 1831-33, and
for years president of the old bank of Gettysburg. The Whigs, about 1847,
voted for him in the Legislature for State treasurer. His brother, Isaac R.
Smith, died at his home in Philadelphia. Jacob Winrott, Sr. , was sheriff from
1806 to 1809, and register from 1821 to 1823. Zepheniah Herbert was State
senator 1824-25. Dr. J. H. Miller was a leading physician prior to his remov-
ing to Baltimore, where he died. Thaddeus Stevens became the most noted
congressman of his day. John Garvin was many years justice of the peace and
an influential citizen. James A. Thompson was a leading member of society;
was coroner in 1821-24, director of the poor in 1831, clerk of the courts in 1836-
39 and county treasurer in 1841. John Edie was one of the foremost of our grand
old Revolutionary sires; was sheriff of York County from 1786 to 1789; was one
of the first editors and proprietors of the York Herald, which issued its first
number January 7, 1789, and was changed to the Recorder January 29, 1800;
he was elected brigadier- general of the Adams County militia June 5, 1807.
George Geyer, Jr. , was postmaster in Gettysburg under Buchanan. Michael
C. Clarkson died in 1874 at the home of his son, Robert, the Protestant Epis-
copal Bishop of Nebraska. William W. Paxton removed to Franklin County,
where he became an associate judge. John McConaughy died in the full prac-
tice of his profession; he was county treasurer in 1812-14, and for some years
president of the Bank of Gettysburg. Mathew Longwell was county treasurer
in 1807-08. George Sweeny removed to Ohio and was twice elected to Con-
gress, 1839 and 1843. Andrew G. Miller was prosecuting attorney one term;
was appointed by President Van Buren judge in the Territory of Wisconsin,
and afterward, by President Polk, was made a United States judge of that
State. George Zeigler was register from 1824 to 1830, and prothonotary from
1832 to 1835; Bernhart Gilbert was sheriff from 1821 to 1824 and prothono-
tary from 1835 to 1839. Jesse Gilbert was county treasurer in 1835, 1836 and
1837. Dr. David Gilbert removed to Philadelphia and became professor in
the Pennsylvania Medical College; he died while in an extensive practice in
Philadelphia. Dr. Porshall removed to Tennesee. George Kerr was a cap-
tain in the Revolution; he was a merchant in Gettysburg as early as 1784.
Samuel Galloway went to Ohio and was a member of Congress from the Colum-
bus District from 1855 to 1857. John F. Macfarlane was elected county com-
missioner in 1825; was the Whig candidate for Stale Senate, in the district of
Adams, Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Rev. Charles G. McClean re-
moved to Indianapolis, where he established a school ; he died there. Alex-
ander Dobbin and family are fully noticed in another chapter, and also the
MePherson family. Robert Hayes was county commissioner in 1812, and was
a teacher in the Gettysburg Academy. George Welsh was prothonotary and
clerk of the courts from 1824 to 1832; he was also postmaster.
f^,^^^%^^
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 151
Kev. David MoConaugliy became president of Washington (Penn.) College;
he died there in 1852. The McConaughy family are more fully noticed in
another chapter. Jacob LePevre was register in 1839. He published the
Gettysburg Compiler; died in Cumberland County, his home. William W.
Bell was postmaster for twelve years. He was succeeded in that office, in
1841, by Hezekiah Van Orsdel, who afterward lived in Baltimore. William
B. Camp was drowned in Lake Erie — the boat on which he was a passenger
was destroyed. Robert Wilson and Thomas McCreary were each employed
for several years in the prothonotary' s office. John Hersh was postmaster
1825-29 ; he removed to Ohio, and became cashier of the Bank of Gaines-
ville, where he died. Robert G. Harper published the Adams Centinel
through a long and eventful period; he was at one time county treasurer,
then United States assessor, and then associate judge. Gen. Thomas C.
Miller was sheriff from 1824 to 1827, and afterward State senator; he removed
to Cumberland County, where he engaged in business as an iron manufacturer,
where he died. James Cooper was twice elected to Congress ; he was several
years a member of the Assembly, of which body he served one term as speaker;
at one time he was attorney-general of the State, then a United States senator,
and died a brigadier-general in the United States Army. Michael Newman
was county commissioner in 1816. William Gillespie was postmaster under
Pierce from 1853 to 1857. Rev. Dr. Schmucker, after retiring from the pro-
fessorship in the theological seminary, devoted the remainder of his life to
literary pursuits.
John Slentz was director of the poor in 1827. He was bom in Adams
County (then part of York) June 22, 1792, and died in Gettysburg November
22, 1870, aged eighty-seven years and five months. His wife was Anna Maria
Troxell, daughter of John Troxell. She was born in Gettysburg May 11,
1794; died August 9, 1881, aged eighty years. At the time of her death
she was the oldest resident of the town. Her father, John Troxell, was
born May 3, 1760, and died October 2, 1855, aged ninety-five years. He
was a cotemporary here with James Gettys, and built one of the first houses
in the town. A deed, dated December 26, 1794, by James Gettys and his
wife, Mary, to John Troxell, for Lot No. 77, Chambers Street (Minnich &
Scott property), is witnessed by Alexander L'vine and Henry Hoke, and ac-
knowledged before Alexander RusseU, Esq. , is the evidence of his purchase.
The older people of the county remember Mr. Troxell with great affection.
He was noted for a remarkable memory, and his love of going back in his old
age over the reminiscences of nearly a century before. He knew well the
minutest details of the early history of the town, and was fond of telling them.
On one occasion, we are told, he gave an interesting account of the building
of two log-houses on what is now Baltimore Street, one where the Duncan
property now stands, and the other at the corner of Baltimore and High
Streets. The hill was then covered with timber; the logs were cut on the
grounds, put in green and rough, and the two buildings run up two stories
without partitions, and as they were racing in the construction of the two, the
capping of the chimneys was to be the test of completion. Doors were tem-
porarily made of sheets or blankets, and bed-spreads were used for partitions,
and in this way they were finished and the families moved in.
162
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 153
CHAPTER XXIV.
Battle of GETTYSBtrRCt— Lee's Nokthwaed Movement in 1863— Eallying the
Forces— The Battle— The Result, Lee's Defeat— At Meade's Head-
QUAKTEKS— NtJMEBICAL 8TKENG-TH OF THE TWO ARMIES- EFFECTS FOL-
LOWING THE Battle — ^National Cemetery.
IN the early part of June, 1863, Gen. Lee commenced his .northward move-
ment with his entire army. The lead in that movement was Stuart' s Cav-
alry, which had been sent east of the Blue Eidge to guard the mountain
passes. By the 15th of June Ewell's corps, under Jenkins, had reached Cham-
bersburg. Eemaining here two days, Jenkins fell back to Hagerstown. As soon
as Jenkins had reached Chambersburg, it came to be well understood all over
the North that a serious invasion of Pennsylvania, by the great bulk of Lee's
forces, was on foot, and haste was made by the people of Adams County to
save their property as far as possible.
Jenkins' Cavalry galloped into Gettysburg the afternoon of the 26th of
June. They took possession of the town and threw out their pickets. Early
soon arrived, and his presence and words quickly assured the people that they
were not to be seriously molested — that they were in no personal danger of
harm. The rebels met, as they came in from different streets, at the triangle.
They were tired, ragged, dirty and hungry, but evidently suffering more from
long marches than anything else. When permitted to stack arms, or put
themselves at rest, they lay down on the sidewalks and in the streets with
their knapsacks under their heads. When citizens would attempt to engage
them in conversation, they were invariably silent. Guards were posted about
the public buildings and some of the stores, and a few, but very few, private
houses. The saloons were closed without exception. Early was in command
of trained soldiers, as is evidenced by the observance of his strict orders that
the soldier was to molest neither person nor property of the inhabitants. And
as an evidence of how rigidly orders were obeyed by these poor fellows who
had to go on guard duty about different places and premises, som.e of the wo-
men were excited in sympathy, and offered them something to eat, or water to
drink, which was invariably refused, and, if asked why, would curtly reply:
' ' I must obey orders. ' ' Early called the borough authorities to his presence,
Messrs. D. Kendlehart and A. D. Buehler responding, and he told them what
he wanted of the borough; namely: 1,200 pounds of sugar, 600 pounds of
coffee, 60 barrels of flour, 1,000 pounds of salt, 7,000 pounds of bacon, 10
barrels of whisky, 10 barrels of onions, 1,000 pairs of shoes and 500 hats, or,
in lieu of all this, $5, 000 in cash. Kendlehart and Buehler replied that it was
impossible to comply with the demand; that the goods were not in the town
or could not be found; that the town had no funds; that the banks had shipped
away their money and the people the most of their personal property, etc. ,
etc. No serious attempt was made to enforce the order further. Some little
effort was made by the rebel quartermaster to collect provisions, but this was a
complete failure, and was relinquished. An instance related to us by a lady
was a sample of the few who were visited. She informed us that a squad came
io her house and told her their mission, apologizing for the necessity of their
154 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
visit. She told the corporal in charge that she had but little provisions in the
house, barely enough for her own family for a short time. She had gone to
her larder, taken most of her stores, leaving only a very scanty portion, and
hid them away. The corporal told her his instructions were not to take all
she had, but to divide the store in private houses, leaving something for the
family. She took him to the kitchen, and first displayed "her supply of meat
• — about two pounds. The officer looked at her with some incredulity and re-
marked that he did not want any of her meat; the flour and meal, and vegetables
were all gone over in the same way, and they soon got to laughing and joking
over her starving prospects, and the " Johnnies " retired without taking a thing.
And if any of those visitors are still alive, there is not much doubt but that
they remember their first visit to Gettysburg as being a place where the people
lived in fine houses and furniture, and put on more style, and yet possessed the
leanest larders in the world. Ewell's forces arrived Friday afternoon, and only
remained here over night, and the next day marched upon Hanover, and on to-
ward York. This route brought him in the trail of Stuart' s Cavalry, which had
passed east on a line south of Gettysburg.
The governor of the State had called upon the people to rally and arm
themselves to drive back the invader. The people of Adams County, like the
people of the State generally, felt the hopelessness of this late effort. Men
enrolled as soldiers in a sudden emergency are not much in resisting powers
against a great army of trained, ragged and dirty veterans. Then the State
was already so depleted of men who could be spared that it was palpably
impossible to gather a sufficient of this emergency force to amount to any check
at all upon the foe. However, meetings were called in Gettysburg and at
other points in the county, and Maj. E. Bell, of the above named place, rapidly
commenced recruiting a cavalry company. He soon had forty-five men on his
rolls, and in the way of watching the enemy and sometimes deceiving him into
the belief that there was a military command here, this company did much
good and caused some delay in the enemy's approach.
Saturday, June 20, Maj. Haller, of the United States Infantry, was sent
here, reaching Gettysburg on the day above named. The people assembled at
the court house where he addressed them. And at this meeting Capt. E.
Bell' s company of scouts commenced to form. But the most of the men could
not understand Maj. Haller when he wanted them to enroll themselves and go to
Harrisburg. They well knew that here was the first exposed point, and then
their families and property peremptorily demanded their personal attention.
On the 24th a regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer MUitia, numbering 735
men, of which Company A was nearly entirely students from Pennsylvania
College, had been started from Harrisburg and Carlisle to Gettysburg. The
cars on which they were coming were thrown from the track at about six mUes
from town, and there they were delayed. On the 25th 100 picked men were
ordered up from the temporary encampment to act as scouts. Col. Jennings
and his command had reached this place on Thursday, and Randall and about
100 men from Philadelphia had also reached here. Maj. Haller, mentioned
above, assumed command. Jennings and his command were sent out on the
Chambersburg Turnpike on the morning of the 26th. When they met the
rebels, in the afternoon, the enemy captured nearly all of Jenning's advance
guard — about forty men ; and it was only by prompt and skillful maneu-
vering that he saved his command from entire capture, and retreated toward
Harrisburg.
Hence, it was, as we have said, that the advance g^ard of the rebels, 200
strong, galloped into Gettysburg about 3 o' clock on the afternoon of the 26th,
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 155
unobstructed. This advance cavalry was soon followed by Early's division of
Ewell's corps of 5,000 infantry. But Gettysburg was not the objective point,
and it was but little more than a resting pause the rebels made here. By ten
o'clock the next day the rear of their army had moved out and were pursuing
their way toward the east. As the last rebel filed out of town, a great load
was lifted from off our people, and they for a moment hoped that their troubles
were all over.
On Sunday, the 28th, Gen. Copeland, with 2,000 cavalry, arrived in
Gettysburg in the direction from Emmittsburg. They arrived at noon of
that day; and then the people rejoiced and felt they were safe under any
emergency, and they uncovered their hidden stores; then with a good will
went to cooking and feeding their welcome friends. They encamped east of
town, and the next morning started toward Littlestown, meeting some of the
enemy's scouts at Fairfield, and had a slight skirmish. The few shots here
exchanged may be designated as the first guns fired in the great Gettys-
burg battle.
On the 29th it became evident the Army of Virginia was concentrating
itself on the Gettysburg & Baltimore Turnpike, south of this place, and at
this time the Federal Army was rapidly gathering its forces at the town of
Gettysburg. In the meantime Ewell's corps and Short's cavaliy had pushed
on through Hanover and York and gone as far as Wrightsville. At this last
point the Union force had retreated across the Susquehanna and burned the
bridge behind them to prevent the rebels from gaining the east bank of the
river. Thus it will be seen that Lee broke camp on the 3d of June, and
started his army north, and this main force concentrated and marshaled in bat-
tle array around Gettysburg on the 29th of the same month. He had been to
some extent delayed on account of not receiving such information from Stuart
and his cavalry as he expected and hoped for. Stuart had encountered the
Union cavalry several times and had been worsted, and was thereby compelled
to change his route, and this at times prevented his conveying intelligence in
apt time to his commander. At one time the entire Federal Army was between
Stuart and Lee. June 28 was the critical moment in the history of our
Government. The contending powers had put forth their supreme effort, had
gathered up their strength, and standing face to face began to strip and per-
fect every detail for the mighty and decisive struggle. Did ever men before
move and act under such supreme responsibilities ? The long struggle, the
terrible conflict was here concentrated and must be decided by this great effort.
Officers and men on each side understood all this, and mind and muscle were
wrought to the utmost tension. Should history be re -written — the best cen-
tury of the world's civilization rolled back? And equally to the commanders
of these two great armies was it painfully evident that now was the awful mo-
ment arrived. The living world was looking on, and the unborn generations
of a hundred centuries would turn with breathless interest to the history their
success or failure would here make.
And now Gen. Hooker was relieved and Gen. George C. Meade was placed
in command of the Union Army. Nothing more than this can be said to add
luster to the name and fame of Gen. Meade, than simply to tell what he did
under these extraordinary circumstances. The two armies were facing in par-
allel lines, in more or less ignorance of the movements and intentions of each
other; and yet, had Gen. Hooker so ably kept his vast responsibilities in hand
that he could turn them over in a moment, and so perfect in form and shape
that Gen. Meade, with hardly time to stop and think a moment, could, as he
did, take the great scheme and combinations and successfully carry them to
156 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY,
completion and victory. If the history of war presents any parallel to this,
■we are not aware of it. The simplest and dryest detail of these facts far out-
runs the most eloquent words of tongue or pen in emblazoning the immortal
name of Gen. Meade.
Having assumed command on the 28th, Gen. Meade at once directed his
left wing, under Gen. Eeynolds, upon Emmittsburg, and his right wing upon
New Windsor, leaving Gen. French with 11,000 men to protect the Baltimore
& Ohio Eailroad, and convey the public property from Harper's Perry.
Buford's cavalry was already here, and Kilpatrick's was at Hanover, where
he had a skimish with Stuart' s rear cavalry, that was roving over the country
really in the hunt of Lee' s army. On the rebel side. Hill had passed Cashtown,
closely followed by Longstreet.
June 30, at half past ten o'clock in the morning, Buford passed through
Gettysburg upon a reconnoisance in force, passing along the Chambersburg
road. He communicated promptly the information he gathered to Gen. Eey-
nolds, and that officer at once marched from toward Emmittsburg near to Get-
tysburg, and encamped on the right bank of Marsh Creek. The right wing of
our army in the meantime was moved to Manchester. Hill' s and Longstreet' s
forces pressed on to the vicinity of Marsh Creek on the Chambersbiu-g road,
and Pettigrew pushed on and reconnoitered some distance in advance. By
nightfall the two forces stood closely facing each other. The vast details of
the coming slaughter were complete, and the hills and valleys about Gettys-
burg were lit up by the extended camp-fires of two mighty armies, and ni'ght
and quiet reigned over all. Many a poor, brave fellow, for the last time as he
lay down to quiet sleep, looked upon the twinkling stars and thought and
dreamed of his far-away home and the loved ones there, and wondered if he
would ever be there and with them again.
Early on the morning of July 1 the battle opened. The advancing rebels
encountered Buford's dismounted cavalry, and skirmishing commenced.
By 10 o' clock the artillery commenced to play, and about this time Gen. Eey-
nolds came dashing through the town, and his men moved along the Emmitts-
burg road in front of McMillan's and Dr. Schmucker's, protected by Semi-
nary Hill. He at once attacked, at the same time ordering up Gen. Howard's
Eleventh Corps. Gen. Eeynolds had hardly succeeded in placing his men in
position, when he was shot dead. Gen. Doubleday then assumed command
of the First Corps. Gen. Howard arrived at 11:30 A. M. with Shurz's and
Barlow' s division of the Eleventh Corps. The attacks of the rebels were vig-
orously repulsed now, and Wadsworth's division captured a number of prison-
ers, including Gen. Archer. But the rebels were soon reinforced by Ehodes
and Early coming up on the Heidelberg road, and they turned the fortunes of
the day. Our army was repulsed, and Gen. Howard withdrew to what is now
the National Cemetery Hill, a large portion of his m.en passing through Get-
tysburg to reach this point. The Eleventh Corps in passing through the town
encountered the rebels, and our men attempted to force their way through
Baltimore and Washington Streets. They did force their way through, but with
a heavy loss. At this time Gen. Hancock arrived to take comm^and until Gen.
Meade could reach the grounds. When Hancock attempted to post troops on
our right, he at once was engaged repelling an attack. Night now came and
put an end to the day' s fighting. Soon after dark Gen. Slooum, with the
Twelfth Corps, and Gen. Sickles, with a part of the Third, arrived. Our
troops were driven, and the apparent general results were largely against the
Union forces. But it should be kept in mind that the very fact of their re-
pulse forced them to the splendid and advantageous position of Cemetery Hill,,
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 157
and, considering what was to come, this was a great if not a permanent ad-
vantage.
Gen. Hancock had reported the very favorable position our army occupied
to Gen. Meade ; he had determined to here give the enemy battle. Long be-
fore daylight the next morning he arrived. He had ordered everything to
concentrate as quickly as possible at Gettysburg. He had broken up his head-
quarters at Taneytown at ten o'clock in the evening and arrived here at one
o' clock A. M. All night long the silence was only disturbed by the heavy tramp
of armed men, the rattle of the artillery wheels, all hurrying to their appointed
places. Batteries were planted and breastworks hastily thrown up. The
Second and Fifth Corps and the remainder of the Third reached the grounds
a little after sunrise. Sedgwick with the Sixth Corps only arrived after one
o'clock in the day. His command had marched thirty-four miles since nine
o' clock of the evening before.
The 2d of July dawned, and the two armies were posted, our men on Ceme-
tery Hill and extending southward, the enemy occupying the lower and
longer-ranges of hills in their front, overlapping our forces on either wing.
The two lines were a mUe to a mile and a half apart. At 3 :30 in the afternoon
a signal gun from the hostile batteries announced the renewal of the savage
work. Every cannon of the rebels along their extended line opened instantly
a galling fire, and on our left the enemy' s infantry advanced. This advance
infantry movement extended to our left center. Gen. Sickles moved forward
to gain a commanding position, and this drew upon him a furious fire .from
the enemy's guns, and an assault from Longstreet's and Hill's advance
columns. Sickles was driven back and he fell wounded. The Fifth and Sixth
Corps, with portions of the First and Second were promptly thrown to the
support of the Third, and here the fighting on both sides was stubborn and
often furious. By sundown the enemy was repulsed and was compelled to fall
back. At the close of the day Gen. Crawford's Fifth Corps made its advance
between Round Top and Little Eound Top. He had also two brigades of the
Pennsylvania Reserves, of which one company was from Adams County and
the immediate vicinity of Gettysburg mostly. At eight o' clock in the evening a
desperate attempt was made to storm the position of the Eleventh Corps on
Cemetery HUl. Here a terrible hand to hand conflict ensued, but the assailants
were finally repulsed.
lathe meantime Ewell, on our extreme right, had succeeded in gaining a
foothold within our lines near Spangler' s Spring. On our left, our lines had
been driven back to Little Round Top, and when the day' s conflict ended they
were occupying this position. This was something like the forced movement
of the Union forces of the day before. They had simply been diiven into
the most advantageous positions, and this again was a compensation that had
inmiense results to follow in the end.
The third and last day of the battle opened early in the morning by Gen.
Geary returning to our right to occupy his old position and strengthen the
Third Corps. A sharp action took place, and he drove the enemy from the
ground they had gained. All morning there was fighting at this point; at
eleven o'clock firing ceased and all became still," and so remained until half-
past one o'clock. Then every rebel gun simultaneously opened fire; over 150
guns of the rebels alone were worked to their utmost capacity, and the answer-
ing guns from the Union line completed the horrid din and roar that has never
before or since been equaled. Two-thirds of the rebel guns were aimed upon
Cemetery Hill. For two hours this destructive cannonading went on, the
enemy in the meantime rallying his forces and preparing the way for a great
and decisive charge of his infantry*.
158 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Long lines of rebel infantry were seen to move out from their cover into the
plain and quickly form in line of battle. They moved into line, quietly and
quickly, at the low command that ran along the line. Fourteen thousand
men! Without a cheer, without a word, hardly so much as a whisper, moving
with lock-step into the wide gaping jaws of death. Just at this point, what an
impressive, what a magnificent sight! It could but excite the momentary ad-
miration of their most hated enemy upon whom they are moving. They were
nearly all Virginians, picked men from a great army of fire-tried veterans —
"they were literally the Old Guard of the Confederacy; terrible soldiers to the
tips of their toes and fingers, every one feeling that the fate of his cause hung
upon the weak and uncertain thread of his life. Every step of their measured
tread they well understood is an awful advance to almost certain death. Our
lines are still and quiet, stopped apparently to view the magnificent spectacle
in front of them in the open plain, where there is nothing to obstruct the yiew.
Steady, with perfect alignment, they moved like a solid piece of iron machinery,
proceeding directly, until they pass in front of WUcdx, they suddenly whirl to
the left and turn their faces directly at Hancock' s command. This movement
draws the fire from McGilvey' s forces, when the Federal batteries belch forth
a cloud-burst of fire and shot into the serried compact ranks. Pickett ordered
another wheel to the right oblique, and then the moving mass of men are mowed
like grass before the reaper. The Union infantry pours in a galling fire; the
rebels stagger a moment, falling in great rows and heaps and literal swaths;
they rally and double-quick upon our lines through the awful shower of lead
andiron. They throw themselves head-long forward up to the lines of the
Sixty-ninth and Seventy-first Regiments. This brings them under the cross-
fire of Stanard's brigade, occupying a small wood to the left of Pickett's
attack. Hancock quickly forms to take the enemy in flank. They pierce the
lines of Hall and Harrow, and then of Webb, and the Federals fall back upon
their second earthworks, near their artillery.
And now it was an indiscriminate mass of disorganized men, with all iden-
tity of commands gone, and men struggling and fighting. They fought hand
to hand, they fought with guns, pistols, cannon, sticks, ramrods and, when
they could place their hands on nothing else, with stones or clubs — the death-
struggling of a mob. The clump of trees is the Confederate objective point,
and a specimen of the way men fought and died, that illustrates well the fight-
ing of the two lines, Rebel and Union, as here given : The rebel Armistead
on foot, his hat waving on the point of his sword, rushes forward, followed by
150 men who will follow him anywhere, toward this coveted battery in the
clump of trees. He passes the earthworks and reaches Cushing' s guns. Then
Gushing, mortally wounded in both thighs, runs his last gun, that wUl longer
work, down to the fence and shouts back: "Webb, I'll give them one more
shot." He fires the gun, calls out "Good by," and falls dead beside his piece.
Armistead answers this challenge : ' ' Give them the cold steel, boys ! ' ' and
lays his hand upon Gushing' s gun; but at that moment Armistead falls by the
side of Gushing, pierced with balls. Side by side, slowly stiffening in death,
lay the brave and intrepid Cushing and the gallant, dashing and invincible
Armistead — magnificent types they were of the two contending forces; one
could not be driven, the other could not be stopped. Death alone could stop
them, nothing could conquer either. Stricken with death, they sank smiling
to the earth, shouting a gleesome and jolly ' ' Good-by, boys ! " to their com-
panions, and as they quietly sank to rest and sleep, the roar of battle, the din
of terrible war died away, growing fainter and fainter, a slight tremor, and all
is forever still and the rigid lines of death never disturbed the sweet and con-
^7 ^v ^
" -J- T3 ^ .
cx^e^^^^^^^^ii^'^^^^^^^^^^^
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 161
tented smiles upon their faces. They lie buried side by side, sweetly sleeping
the eternal, dreamless sleep. Let one monument mark the spot, and upon
brave Gushing' s side of the stone, cut in bold relief a sleeping lion, and on
Armistead's side a sleeping tiger. This should be the historic monumental
stone of all the late war. Here was the heart of the great battle of Gettys-
burg, the exact turning point of the war itself. Here was the extreme point
reached by the great wave of rebel invasion. Here it stopped, stunned, stag-
gered, reeled, and all bleeding, maimed and torn and multilated, staggered
back, bearing its death wound.
And the decisive and great battle of the war is over. There was but a
small remnant of Pickett' s men when repulsed, returned to their lines, bearing
their ragged, torn and tattered remnants of their flag, a fitting emblem of the
body of men over whom it had waved. To his dying day Lee must have ever
regarded the movements of Pickett's charge as the crowning mistake and mis-
fortune of his whole life.
Lee's army was ruined by Pickett's charge from further offensive war; he
was in the enemy' s country where he had marched to make offensive war. It
was now demonstrated that he could not rout the enemy from his stronghold.
These were the thoughts that were surging though his mind when Pickett re-
turned defeated. Now, what could he do ? He had recklessly risked too much.
He knew how he had crippled and hurt the enemy, but he sadly realized how
dearly this had cost him. What must he do ? Not retreat in wild confusion,
and invite the enemy in hot pursuit to destroy in detail his army. This is
never done except by armies that are whipped, crushed with overwhelming de-
feat. He sullenly turned his face, and, in deliberate military order, commenced
to retrace his steps ; returned to Virginia, crippled and ruined to the extent
that his future tactics could only be to stand upon the defense. And this was
the great morale, the great victory of the Union at the bloody battle of Gettys-
burg.
All who have written about the battle or told the story of those three bloody
days of July, whether Federal or Rebel, will tell you that Lee's losses
here in numbers, saying nothing of the character and excellence of the men,
were simply frightful, and as they charged across the open field without firing
a gun they could inflict but little damage upon the Union forces. This fact
being well understood, what does the table of losses, the grand aggregate of
the two armies show? There is nothing like it in the history of the world's
great and deciding battles. The losses in each of the two armies is almost ex-
actly the same. Or, as given from the best attainable official documents, the
total Union loss was 23,186 men; the total rebel loss 23, 000 to 30,000. In
the per cent of men lost, it was twenty-seven per cent of the Federal Army
and thirty-six per cent of the Confederate.
AT MEADe's HEADQnAETERS.
Lee alone knew the battle was over when Pickett was driven back. Meade
did not know what moment the attack would be renewed or what point the
enemy would select.
Gen Meade and nearly all of his division commanders were called in the
early part of 1864, before the Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the
War, and under oath questioned as to the battle of Gettysburg. So far as the
different points were explained, as to the doings and determination of the move-
ments of the army at Gen. Meade' s headquarters, his testimony throws a flood
of light upon all such subjects. In matters of mere opinion, we care nothing
for the testimony and it is of very little value to history.
9A
162 HISTORV OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Gen. Meade testifies that on the 4th of July he knew the enemy was mov-
ing, and could not then tell whether it was a retreat or a flank movement for an-
other attack upon him. A terrible rain storm prevailed on the 4th. His best in-
formation was the enemy had a superior force on the ground, that is, more men
than he had, and he could not afford to risk losing all his great gains in the
general battle already fought. He utterly crushed Gen. Butterfield's oath
about his giving orders after the second day' s fight to retreat.
Gen. Pleasonton testifies he urged Meade to follow up Pickett's repulse by
taking the offensive and bagging Lee's army; he thought the rebel army
wholly demoralized and really routed, and describes the face of the earth south
of Gettysburg swarming with Lee' s stragglers and demoralized fugitives.
In answer to a direct question Meade said: "Including all arms of the
service, my strength was a little under 100,000 men, about 95,000. * * As
far as I could judge I supposed Lee had a force about 10,000 or 15,000 superior
to mine. " He says : ' ' The enemy were not a retreating rabble ; they moved slow-
ly and in military order, and by a flank movement he pursued them, and at
Williamsport the enemy took a strong position and offered him battle, and in a
' council of war his subordinate commanders voted it folly to attack the enemy
in the position taken, ' ' etc. , etc.
Gen. Sickles testified, among many other statements : "I did not attend
any council held (at Gettysburg) by Gen. Meade. There were several councils;
there was a council Thursday morning, * * another Thursday night, and I un-
derstood there were those who voted on Thursday to retreat. * * I understood
there was a council Friday night, the night after the battle, and that there was
a pretty strong disposition then to retreat, and, as I understood from reliable
authority, the reason why the enemy was not followed up was on account of
differences of opinion whether or no we should ourselves retreat or follow up
the enemy." Question: " After the final battle ? " Answer: "Yes, sir. It
was by no means clear in the judgment of the corps commanders, or of the
general in command, whether we had won or not. ' '
Gen. Doubleday testified in answer to questions: "We entered the fight
the first day with 8, 200 men in the First Corps, and came out with 2, 450. ' ' In
answering a question propounded to him he said: * * * "There has always
been a great deal of favoritifem in the Army of the Potomac. No man who is an
anti-slavery man or an anti-McClellanman can expect decent treatment in that
army as at present constituted. ' ' Doubleday was removed from his command,
and left the army on July 7. He testified that in his opinion Lee's army
should have been attacked at Williamsport and that our army could have there
crushed his and captured it before it could have crossed the swollen stream.
Gen. A. P. Howe, among other things, testified: " Our position mainly did
the work for us. The enemy worked at great disadvantage. I was under the
impression at the time, and have been ever since, that Gen. Lee made a gi-eat
mistake there,, for he evidently thought he could carry the place very much
easier than the result proved; and after the fight of the 3d of July, I con-
sidered that our army had plenty of fight in it, if I may so express myself.
Our army was not badly cut up; we had had quite a number of disabled men,
to be sure, but it was an orderly fight. We were in a position where there was
no straggling and demoralization; we had some pretty sharp cuts from that
cannonading, but it was the most orderly fight I have ever been in, growing
out of the position. In a military point of view it was not much of a battle; it
was a very ordinary affair as a battle. In its results it was immensely import-
ant, for it checked the rebel advance upon vital points; but as a military oper-
ation on our side, no particular credit can attach to it. There was no great
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 163
generalship displayed; there was no maneuvering, no combinations." Among
other things he said, after Pickett's charge he believed our whole army should
have attacked Lee's army; that they were, in his opinion, about out of ammu-
nition, etc., etc. He said he believed our army could have thrown Lee's into
utter rout and killed and captured it in detail.
Gen. David B. Birney sworn. In reference to councils at Meade's head-
quarters, and referring to a council of Saturday night after the battle he said:
' ' In this council it was suggested that the enemy were making a ilank move-
ment, and would probably try to interpose between us and Washington. At
this council, Saturday night, it was decided to remain twenty- four hours longer
in our position, and that Gen. Sedgwick, who had come up with fresh troops,
whose troops had not been in the fight, should be sent with his corps to find
out as to the enemy's right, and as to their position on our extreme left, to
see whether they were still in position. I was also ordered to send out a re-
connoisance at daylight (Sunday) to ascertain the position of the enemy. I
did so early Sunday morning, and reported that the enemy were in full retreat. ' '
In answer to a question, he said of the Saturday night council: "There
were several, I think, voted on Saturday night for retiring to another posi-
tion * * * * It was a matter of some doubt in the
council on Saturday night whether we should remain or retire; but it was
finally decided to remain there twenty-four hours longer before we made any
retrograde movement. It was decided not to make any aggressive movement,
but simply to await developments."
Gen. G. K. Warren testified: * * * "On the evening of the
4th of July, there was a discussion of the question whether we should move
right after the enemy through the moimtains or move toward Frederick; that
question was not decided, for the reason that we did not know enough about
the enemy, and to have gone off the battle-field before the enemy did would
have been giving up the victory to them. And then if the enemy had gone, it
was a question which way to go after him. To go right after him was a good
way in one respect; but then we had to get all our provisions from Frederick."
In another place he said: "We commenced the pursuit with the Sixth Corps
on the 5th of July, and on the 6th a large portion of the army moved toward
Emmittsburg, and all that was left followed the next day. On July 7 the
headquarters were at Frederick. On the 8th of July headquarters were at
Middleton, and nearly all the army was concentrated in the neighborhood of
that place and South Mountain. On the 9th of July headquarters were at
South Mountain House, and the advance of the army at Boonsboro and Eohrers-
viUe; on the 10th of July the headquarters, Antietam Creek," etc., etc.
It should have properly been previously stated that Meade's testimony
fully showed that he ordered Sickles to form, resting his right on Hancock's
left and perfecting the line along Cemetery Eidge to Bound Top, and instead
of his doing this he took a position from a half to three-quarters of a mile in
advance of Hancock's line, and this forcSd the opening of the second day's
fight at that point.
Gen. Butterfield, chief of staff, testified that at the council of the 4th of
July, Gen. Meade propounded four questions, as follows: First, " Shall this
army remain here?" Second, "If we remain here, shall we assume the offen-
sive?" Third, "Do you deem it expedient to move toward Williamsport
through Emmittsburg?" Fourth, " Shall we pursue the enemy, if he is re-
treating, on the direct line of retreat? " Those in favor of remaining in Gettys-
burg were Birney, Sedgwick, Sykes, Hays and Warren; opposed: Newton,
Pleasonton and Slocum; doubtful, Howard.
164 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
Gen. Sedgwick testified, amoag other matters, in aaawering a question if
any effort was made by Meade, after Pickett's repulse, to assume the offensive
against the enemy: " My impression, " he said, "is that Gen. Sykes was or-
dered to send out a strong reconnoitering party to ascertain if the enemy were
retreating, or if he could force them to retreat. * * I was pres-
ent with Gen. Sykes when he gave the order, and was present when the troops
returned. They met the enemy in considerable force, which cheeked them,
and forced their return. ' '
Gen. Seth Williams, assistant adjutant-general of the Army of the Poto-
mac, when asked what time on the third day of the battle it became known
the enemy was retreating, replied that he ' ' did not think it was exactly known
at all during that day that the enemy was actually retreating. The enemy had
fallen back to the woods, from which he emerged when he made the attack. I
do not think it was until the next morning and along in the forenoon that we
were certain he had abandoned his position. ' '
NUMEHICAX STRENGTH OF THE TWO ABMIE8.
When the Count de Paris wrote his " Civil War in America," he had had
access to the official reports of Lee and Meade and the files in the War De-
partment. Gen. Doubleday, in his " Chancellorsville and Getttysburg,"
indorses the Count de Paris' account of the Gettysburg battle as correct sub-
stantially throughout, especially in its statistics. In speaking upon this point
the Count says : ' ' The strength of the two armies has given rise to lively discus-
sions. The returns, used at the North and South in similar forms, have been
increased by some and reduced by others at their own pleasure. These returns
were under three heads : The first represented the total number of officers and
soldiers inscribed on the rolls, whether absent or present; the second repre-
sented those present on active duty, comprising all men who were in the field-
hospitals and under arrest, or detached on special service ; the third contained
the real number of combatants present under arms. The first head, therefore,
was quite fictitious ; the second mentioned the number of men to be fed in the
army, including non-combatants; the third, the effective force that could be
brought on the battle-field. The latter number is evidently the most impor-
tant to know, but, as we have observed, it varied greatly, for a long march in a
week of bad weather was sufficient to fill the hospitals. In ordinary times it
was from twelve to eighteen per cent less than under the second head. It did
not always represent exactly the precise number of combatants; in fact, when,
after a long march, the stragglers did not answer to roll-call, they were not
immediately set down as deserters, which would have caused them to lose a por-
tion of their pay, a few days' grace was granted to them, and the result was
that thousands of soldiers, separated from their commands, followed the army
at a distance, unable to take part in any battle, and yet figuring on the returns
as able-bodied combatants." * * *
He then estimates from this source a diminution of our army of 13,000
men. These are, however, but estimates, and one man has as much right to
form estimates as another. The Count makes the showing so very reasonable
that we accept it as conclusive. They are the necessary concomitants of
moving armies, illustrated by the experience of soldiers in all wars, and there-
fore are properly a part of the considerations to be taken in the estimates. But
he returns to official statistics, leaving the domain of estimates, and again we
quote his words : ' ' The Army of the Potomac, without French' s division,
which had not gone beyond Frederick, numbered on its returns on the 30th of
June, 167, 251 men. * * * simply presenting the figures that have
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 165
been given us, which we believe to be as near the truth as possible. * # *
The Army of Northern Virginia (rebel), on May 31, 1863, contained an
effective force of 88,754 officers and soldiers present, 74,468 of whom were
under arms." * * *
We have transposed the words of the Count solely to place the two state-
ments, for the easier understanding of the reader, side by side. Of each of
the armies, he then gives the following details: "More than 21,000" [of the
Army of the Potomac] ' ' were on detached service, and nearly 28, 000 in the
hospitals. The number of men present with their corps was 112,988, and that
of men under arms, 99,475; but this last figure included those doing duty at
headquarters, who formed a total of 2,750 men who could not be counted
among the combatants. Stanard' s and Lockwood' s brigades having brought
Meade a reinforcement of about 5,000 men on the Ist of July, the effective
forces borne on the returns may be stated as follows:
Troops taking no part in battle 2,750
Artillery 7,000
Cavalry 10,500
Infantry 85,500
Total 105,750
And 353 pieces of artillery.
' ' The artillery and infantry, which were alone seriously engaged, even at
the battle of Gettysburg, form, therefore, a total of about 91,000 men, and 327
pieces of cannon, Meade having left twenty-five heavy guns in reserve at
Westminster. But, in order to ascertain the real number of combatants
that the Union General could bring into line, it is proper to deduct from
3,000 to 4,000 left as additional guards near the supply trains, the batteries
remaining at Westminster, and for all men detached on extra duty, and from
4,000 to 5,000 for the stragglers entered on the returns. The latter were
more numerous on account of the fact that, the returns having only been
prepared at the end of July, those who joined the army after the battle
were entered as being present; so that the rolls only represent the number of
those absent without leave at the totally insignificant figure of 3, 292. This
deduction makes the effective forces of Meade amount to from 82,000 to
84,000 men.
' ' Lee' s forces, during June, were increased by the return of a certain num-
ber of sick, and those who had been wounded at Ohancellorsville, by the arri-
val of recruits, the result of the conscription law, and by the addition of four
brigades — two of infantry under Pettigrew and Davis, one of cavalry under
Jenkins, and one of mixed troops under Imboden. The first was nearly
4,000 strong, that of Davis consisting of four regiments, which were not borne
on the returns of May 31, although two of them had formerly belonged to
the enemy, numbering about 2, 200 men; the other two contained each about the
same effective force. The increase of artillery amounted to fifteen batteries,
comprising sixty-two pieces of cannon and about 800 men. On the other
hand this effective force was diminished, first, by the absence of Cam's brig-
ade of Pickett's division, and one regiment of Pettigrew' s brigade left at Han-
over Junction, and three regiments of Early's division left at Winchester — say
about 3, 500 men ; then by the loss sustained in the battles of Fleetwood, Win-
chester andAldie, amoimting to 1,400 men; finally, by the admission to the
hospitals of men unable to bear the fatigue of the long marches which the
army had to make, and the absence of those who, voluntarily or otherwise, re-
mained behind during these marches. It is difficult to reckon precisely the
166 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
number of the disabled, of stragglers and of deserters that the army had lost
during the month of June. Private information and the comparison of some
figures lead us to believe that it was not very large, and did not exceed 5
per cent of the effective force of the army — say 3,750 men in all. We can
therefore estimate the diminution of the army at about 3,700 men on the one
hand, and its increase, on the other hand, by the addition of three brigades
and some artillery, at 7,000. We believe that the difference of 1, 700 between
these two figures must be lessened at least from 1,000 to 1,200 by the return
of the sick and wounded and the arrival of a number of conscripts; that, con-
sequently, the Army of Northern Virginia arrived on the battle-field of Gettys-
burg with about 5,000 combatants more than it had on the Slst of May, 1863
— that is to say, in the neighborhood of 80,000 men. As we have done in re-
gard to the Federal Army, in order to find out the amount of the force really
assembled on the battle-field, we will deduct the number of mounted men,
which was increased by Jenkins' and Imboden' s forces, and reduced in the
same proportion,* making about 12,000 men; and we may conclude that,
during the first three days of July, 1863, Lee brought from 68,000 to 69,000
men and 250 gunsf against the 82,000 or 84,000 Unionists with 300 guns col-
lected on this battle-field. Meade had, therefore, from 14,000 to 15,000 men
more than his adversary, a superiority which, unfortunately for him, he was
unable to turn to advantage.
" The losses on both sides were nearly equal, and enormous for the number
of combatants engaged, for they amounted to 27 per cent on the side of the
Federals, and more than 36 per cent for the Confederates. Upon this point,
also, the official reports are precise. The Federals lost 2,834 killed, 13,709
wounded, and 6,645 prisoners — 23,186 men in all; the Confederates lost 2,625
killed, 12,599 wounded, and 7,464 missing — 22,728 in all; which, with the
300 men killed or wounded in the cavalry on the 2d or 3d, foot up their total
losses at a little more than 23,000 men; that is to say, precisely the same
number as those of their adversaries. These figures, however, do not yet
convey a correct idea of the injury the two armies had inflicted upon each
other in these bloody battles. Thus, while the Federal reports acknowledge only
2,834 killed, the reports made by the hospitals bear evidence to the burial of
3,575 Union corpses; the number of dead in the Army of the Potomac may be
estimated at about 4,000, 1,000 or 1,100 having died of their wounds. On
the other hand, Meade has 13,621 Confederate prisoners; but, as there are
7, 262 wounded among them, there only remain 6, 359 able-bodied men. The
number of 7,464, reckoned by Lee as the number of men missing, must there-
fore represent, besides these able-bodied prisoners, most of the men seriously
wounded during the attack made by Pickett and Heth, and abandoned on the
battle-field. We must therefore estimate the number of Confederates wounded
at more than 13,600. It is reasonable to suppose that, after the combat, the
number of their dead increased more rapidly for a few days than in the Union
Army. ' '
EFFECTS FOLLOWING THE BATTLE.
No portion of the Northern States suffered equally with this part of Penn-
sylvania, or to speak more clearly, with Adams County, in the late war. It
was on the part of the people of this county, more than even any other county
in the State — all sacrifices, losses, suffering, the general destruction of proper-
*Twelve hundred cavalrymen lost in the battles of Fleetwood, Aldie, XJpperville, and Hanover; 200
maimed and sick.
-j-These figures relate to the guns actually on the battle-field, deducting those attached to Stuart's command
on the one hand, and to Pleasonton's on the other.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 167
ty and the total prostration of business, with no compensating advantages.
Gettysburg saw its business of various kinds, where the patient labor of years
and years had been expended and prosperous business built up, literally wiped
out, as we might wipe off a slate with a wet sponge. Adams was a border coun-
ty, and in addition to this, it was the open gateway for invasion of the State
by the rebels. It lay in the natural highway of a foe tempted to invade this
great and rich commonwealth, and it now seems like a strange oversight in the
Government that not even a rendezvous, a soldier' s hospital or any other nu-
cleus of the great army was ever established here. All around us were more
or less of these in all the other counties, but nothing was here where it was
palpably a necessity. A proper action in this respect would have saved the
North, especially the State and the people of the county, incalculable losses
and sufferings. Here should have been the great rendezvous for all those loose
ends of our great armies; the 100-day men, the 90-day men, the convales-
cing, the new recruits, the point of rendezvous for the discharged, and all the
other thousands of shreds and floating and passing remnants that, if kept part-
ly collected here, would have been notice to the enemy that no lone awkward
squads had better venture near. These regular and natural movements of our
army would have gone a long way toward fortifying this great and inviting
gateway to the enemy. It might have prevented all invasion of the North, and
certainly it would have checked and turned away those daring cavalry raids of
Stuart that were such a grievous infliction upon the people of the county. The
enemy would see the gate open and not a soul on guard. The inviting fields
and the splendid horses in every stable, and the toothsome viands in every lar-
der, were a suificient temptation to a badly mounted, tired and hungry troop-
er, and very naturally he invited himself to the feast prepared for him.
For three years during the five years of bloody contention, Adams County
was virtually a part of the seat of war. Actually invaded three times, and
eventually the Waterloo of the great Southern Army, where the horrid issues
culminated much as it did with the ' ' Little Corporal ' ' whose destiny was
burned up in the flames that destroyed Waterloo. In 1862 Stuart circled our
army in his first great northern raid, and his entire command passed up
through the western part of this county. They made easy stages for them-
selves through this part of their route. Flying squads and scattered troopers,
in squads of half a dozen to 100 or 200, were free to pry into every nook and
cranny of the county ; there was literally nothing to obstruct their way or even
compel them to caution. Now here, now there, they apparently were at every
farm-house for their regular meals, and riding, eating and swapping horses
was their jolly pastime. Except the great scare inflicted upon the people these
bold raiders did no great harm. They ate many a farmer' s smoke-house and
cellar literally bare, and left many a broken-down scrub horse in the stall
where had stood the farmer's sleek and favored family pets; yet these were
trivial affairs. But it opened the people's eyes to the position they were in; it
was a real confirmation of the disturbing rumors that for some time would pass
over the county, telling that the enemy was heading this way with bloody in-
tent upon the quiet and unarmed people. Just as these rumors had begun to
be regarded as idle and foolish talk, and sober people began to feel that there
was no danger, then came Stuart and his cavalry, and showed the people how
helpless and wholly unprotected they were. The partially restored confidence
was at once gone, and it could not return until the war was over and the ene-
my had ceased to exist as an organization.
This first actual invasion, added to the disturbing rumors that for a year
had passed around, completely prostrated all business in the county. The com-
108 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
meneement of open hostilitieB struck a blow at every manufacturing business
in the county that had then just commenced to grow and prosper and that
promised brightly for the future, because it cut off all Southern trade, the very
markets upon which our people in some respects wholly relied, and it brought
no compensating business or trade from any other direction. Gettysburg was
just then rapidly growing in importance, especially its chair and carriage fac-
tories were developing into great industries. There were probably 200 skilled
workmen here at the commencement of the war, engaged in the making of
carriages and buggies alone. Here was the timber in boundless quantities and
unsurpassed, and already had the concerns such a foothold that they would
have kept pace with the demands of the country in improved machinery and
enlargement of their works, and firmly held their position and well filled the
limitless demands that have been supplied ever since from other points. So
completely were all these factories destroyed that now there is not even the
old tumble-down and decaying buildings left to mark the spot where they
stood. Every vestige has disappeared.
The great invasion of Lee's army is a part of the general history of our
country. It was more than a passage through the country. A great army of
the enemy came a settler, temporarily, within the borders of the county. Their
coming brought a greater army of our own forces. Before either army got
away, the devastation all over the county was complete. The enemy had re-
spected private property, it is true, to a degree, perhaps, never before known
by an armed force in the enemy's country. But soldiers, either friends or en-
emies, will forage more or less, and when they are hungry (and a good soldier
is always ravenous for at least a change in his camp diet) will devour the sub-
stance of the country where they may happen to be; when not fighting they
are eating and wasting. Their march is destruction, more or less, in any ag-
ricultural country.
After the battle of Gettysburg, and the armies had passed over the hills
and away, they left the bloody debris of the great battle-field, the decaying
bodies of unburied men and dead horses and a country swept bare of nearly
everything, as the heritage of the citizens. And this and the maimed and
dying on the hands of the charity of a people, who had really little except
their labors to bestow in charity, were all the blessings they left behind them.
The crops of the farmers had been indiscriminately destroyed; fences were
completely gone. The smoke-houses were empty and so were the barns, and
those who did not lose their stock were left with nothing to feed them, and
wealthy farmers had to sell their half-starved horses for whatever they could
get. So completely were the farm fences destroyed that, we are told, you
could start at Gettysburg and ride, following any point of the compass, to any
part of the county unobstructed, so far as a farm fence was concerned. These
misfortunes have all been remedied, and such losses made good by time and
labor. The work of rebuilding was pushed with characteristic industry. But
when we referred to irreparable losses we had not these in mind. It was the
total destruction of organized industries — these were all driven away, and, it
seems, they are never to return. They were all in that young stage of devel-
opment that when forced to flee they were never in a condition to care to re-
turn. Thus were permanently injured the prosperity and growing wealth of
the county.
With the defeat of Lee' s grand army and its return to Virginia there was
yet not an end to the baneful influences of war here. The country was again
invaded, when they burned Chambersburg, and thus new terrors were added
to the already gloomy apprehensions of our people. It began to look like
0^^^^^2^-^^^^^^K^ (^yU£^ymy
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 171
utter annihilation impended. People had but little heart to even make a strug-
gle to provide for future life. Despair took the place in the perturbed minda
pf men when long they had hoped against hope. Had not the wheels of all
industry stopped before, certainly they would stop now; and be assured they
did. The bone and sinew of the county were away in the ranks, filling the
great red gaps of battle upon the bloody fields, or wasting away in the coun-
try's hospitals. ,
To all this was the great tax upon the people of providing and caring for
the wounded from the bloody battle-field of Gettysburg, and then in burying
the dead tlfat had been left lying where they fell. Rebel and Union lay rotting
in the hot sun side by side. People threw open their private houses; the
churches, the schoolhouses, the public halls, and even the barns and stables,
rang with the groans and agony of the shot, maimed and mutilated, that filled
apparently every place, and still the field of death and agony could yet fur-
nish more victims. The churches looked much as though they had been con-
verted into butchers' stalls. The entire community became hospital nurses,
cooks, waiters or grave-diggers. In this wide expanse of Christian charity,
rebel and Union sufferers were cared for without material distinction. The
Government ambulances commenced to carry away from the field their bleed-
ing cargoes; soon every wheeled vehicle was at work bearing its loads of bleed-
ing agony, filled with its pale sufferers garnered from the field where the can-
ncjn, the musket, the rifle and the saber had mowed their hideous swaths in
living human ranks. Would these whirling wheels, in their quick trips back
and forth as they dumped their loads of sufferers, never stop ? What a swollen,
great rushing river of agony! Literally half the surface of the entire county
was a hospital, and every farm-house, barn, stable, outbuilding, for twenty
miles square, was full to overflowing. The beds, the floors, the yards, every-
where, were they cared for, and behind them in the lines of battle, in the brush,
by the side of the little spring streams where they had so painfully dragged
themselves or sometimes been carried by their companions, were the uncollect-
ed dead and dying mostly. What a ghastly harvest to gather from the fair
and peaceful fields of Adams County. And when the poor bruised and maimed
bodies were gathered in this widely extended hospital and laid side by side,
what never-to-be-forgotten scenes were there. The pale sufferers, the flushed,
feverish and raving maniacs, whose reason had given way as they lay upon the
field suffering, and watching the stars, and welcoming the storm and rain, that
came like pitying tears from heaven to soften their hardening, blood-clotted
clothes, to moisten their horrid wounds and cool the raging fevers of their
brows — Union and rebels, sons and fathers and brothers. Here the smooth-
cheeked boy, the darling, the pet and hope of home; there the lusty man, yes-
terday in the prime of life and strength, in the midst of his suffering and pain
turning to the grizzled-haired husband and father lying by his side, and who
wanderingly talks of home, and addresses by name the different ones of his
family, to feebly minister with his one yet sound hand to this pitiful sufferer,
and in this charity for a moment forces himself to forget his own, still perhaps
incurable, wounds.
These blue and gray, now so quiet, so friendly, so full of compassion for
each other; a:nd but a few hours ago, how they fought, how viciously they
struggled to kill each other. They fought like well-armed bull dogs, like furi-
ous fiends. The strange and varied wounds met with so frequently are the
bloody attestation to this. Possibly the surgeons, who bound up these wounds,
alone can some day tell the world how savagely men fought upon the bloody
field of Gettysburg. Certainly no one else can. There were here many such
172 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
wounds, as we are told by the surgeons who examined them, as were never be-
fore known to come from a battle-field. This incident is related to us by a
surgeon:* On the third and last day of the battle, not a great while after the
repulse of Pickett' s historic charge, the surgeon was riding a short distance to
the rear of his command, a few miles east of the town. The Union cavalry
were moving eastwardly, and coming to the brow of a hill they came in full
view of Stuart' s advance cavalry, that was hurrying to the scene of the battle,
from which, by some blunder, they had been lost, and had supposed they were
to meet Lee' s army near Carlisle. The moment the commander of the Federal
cavalry saw the enemy, his bugler sounded the charge, and instantly rang out
on the air the rebel bugle also to charge. The numerical forces were nearly
evenly divided, and each side, spurring their horses to full speed, came clash-
ing together, the men leaning forward, firing the pistols with the left hand,
standing in their stirrups with drawn sabers, and with the shock they delivered
their blows at each other, each man only mindful of cleaving the head of the
man in front of him. Horses were knocked down like pins, stunned, and some
killed outright. Thus riders were unhorsed, and men and horses were strug-
gling and fighting still. A rebel, who was on the ground, ran his saber up
the entire back of a Union cavalryman as he sat on his horse, the point of the
blade coming out at the shoulder; fortunately it was only a flesh wound, but
the course and force of the saber thrust showed the blind fury of the intention
that impelled it. Another rebel, who had nothing else, it seems, to fight with,
had used his guidon in lieu of a saber, and in the force of the shock had thrust
this into the mouth of his opponent, and so viciously had he aimed it that it
entered the mouth, tore the cheek to the ear, and tore away the poor f eUow' s
entire ear. Men pitched themselves out of their saddles, and, by the force of
the momentum, hurled themselves head foremost, like battering rams, at each
other. These men were simply struggling to kill, with no thought of self or
saving or protecting themselves — eager to die, even if they could kill the enemy
and take him with them over the bank, and into the dark, deep pit where
dwelt death and silence.
Death and convalescence began at once to lessen this great population of
wounded, suffering patients, and the last of the patients from the tent hospi-
tals, in the beautiful grove east of town, were moved away in the early part of
November, 1863 — over four months from the commencement of the Gettysburg
battle.
NATIONAL CEMETEBT.
The battle of Gettysburg took place on the 1st, 2d and 3d of July, 1863,
and as early as the 24th of that month the incipient step was taken by Judge
David Wills, of Gettysburg, which soon led to the formation of the Gettysburg
National Cemetery Association, and the purchase of the grounds and the mak-
ing of the Soldiers' National Cemetery that now is the beautiful and enduring
testimonial to the dead at the borough of Gettysburg — already a Mecca for the
nation. July 24, 1863, Judge Wills wrote to Gov. Curtin, and in the opening
sentence of his letter he says :
Mr. Seymour is here on behalf of his brother, the governor of New York, to look after
the wounded, etc., on the battle-field, and I have suggested to him, and also to the Rev.
Mr. Cross, of Baltimore, and others, the propriety and actual necessity of the purchase of
a common burial ground for the dead, now only partially buried over miles of country
around Gettysburg. '
(This is the origin of national cemeteries, and thus to Judge Wills belongs
*Dr. T. T. Tate, of Gettysburg, who was surgeon in the Third Pennsylyania Cavalry.
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 173
the credit of having inaugiixated these memorial tributes of a grateful people
to her dead heroes. )
He then proceeded to designate the piece of ground that was finally selected,
and where the splendid monument stands, and that is now the lovely resting
place of the dead heroes. Among other reasons for the selection of this spot,
he says: " It is the place where our army had about forty pieces of artillery
in action all Thursday and Friday, and for their protection had thrown up a
large number of earthworks for the protection of the ai-tillerists. " The des-
perate attack of the Louisiana troops was made here on Thursday of the fight,
capturing our guns, but were finally driven away. This point was the key to
our whole line of defense — the apex of the triangular line of battle. There
were two pieces of ground, about eight acres, one part belonging to Mr. Eaf-
fensberger, the other to Mr. Menchy. Judge Wills says of the dead at that
time: ' ' Our dead are lying on the fields unburied (that is no graves being dug),
with small portions of earth dug up alongside of the body and thrown over it.
In many instances arms and legs, and sometimes heads protrude, and my at-
tention, ' ' he says, ' ' has been directed to several places where the hogs were
actually rooting out the bodies and devouring them." "Truly," Judge Wills
says, ' ' humanity calls on us to take measures to remedy this. ' ' He suggested
that Pennsylvania at once purchase the grounds for a cemetery, and hopes the
other States will readily assist in the work. He estimates that the bodies can
be removed and decently buried at a cost of not over $3. 50 or |4 each. He
concludes by urging the Governor to prompt action in making the purchase,
and^ furnishing permanent and suitable burial grounds, etc. Gov. Curtin
highly approved every suggestion of Judge Wills, at once appointed him State
agent, with full power to act upon the suggestions in his letter, and to corre-
spond with the governors of all the States that had been represented by troops
in the battle. In less than four weeks the eighteen States had favorably
responded, the grounds purchased, and a competent party, under the direction
of Judge Wills, was platting and arranging the grounds. The purchase con-
tained a little over seventeen acres of ground, fronting on the Baltimore pike
and extending south along the Taneytown road. He reported on the 17th of
August that aU the details had been arranged. This was all within six weeks
of the great battle. Great labor and patient care had to be exercised in iden-
tifying the dead. In most instances the names of the occupants of graves
were written upon small rough boards with a lead pencil. In many instances
they were identified by letters, papers, receipts, certificates, or any other
papers, marks on clothing, belts or cartridge, boxes, etc. In this way, out of
3, 564 bodies interred in the cemetery, the names of 2, 585 were ascertained,
while 979 remained unknown. Places for the different States had been care-
fully marked off, as well as places for the unknown, and the bodies were taken
up, carefully cofiined, and placed in their respective places. Afterward other
bodies were found, and seventy bodies had been buried by friends in Green-
wood Cemetery, and the mortally wounded in the hospitals as they died" were
added, and thus the total of killed of the Union forces and buried in the cem-
etery foots up nearly, if not quite, 4,000. Of those who were taken away and
died, and of the bodies that had b^en claimed by friends and taken away for
sepulture we have no means of estimating; this number to be added to the roll
of the killed.
At the January session, 1864, the Pennsylvania Legislature incorporated
the Cemetery Association, each of the eighteen States being represented by an
incorporator who had been designated by the respective governors. Each
State promptly responded, eager to bear its portion of the sacred charity, and
174 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
each paying the respective sums, which were estimated in the ratio of their
representation in Congress. Pennsylvania's portion was $20,185.44. The
total of the eighteen States paid in was $129, 523. 24. At the first meeting of
the board of trustees the following officers were chosen: David Wills, Gettys-
burg, president; John R. Bartlett, Providence, secretary; Samuel E. Russell,
Gettysburg, treasurer. Executive committee — Robert H. McCurdy, New
York; Benjamin Deford, Maryland; William Y. Sellick, Wisconsin; Levi
Scobey, New Jersey; Henry Edwards, Massachusetts. Auditing committee —
Henry Edwards, Massachusetts; Gordon Lofland, Ohio; John R. Bartlett,
Rhode Island.
The cemetery was enclosed with a substantial stone wall, with iron fence
in front, an imposing gateway of iron, a lodge for the keeper, and headstones
to the graves. The grounds were tastefully laid out with walks and lawns, and
trees planted. The headstones of the graves are all alike, and form a contin-
uous line of granite blocks, rising nine inches above the ground, showing a face
width of eight inches on their upper surface.
The interments when fii'st completed, the different States were represented
as follows: Maine, 104 bodies; New Hampshire, 49; Vermont, 61; Massa-
chusetts, 159; Rhode Island, 12; Connecticut, 22; New York, 867; New Jer-
sey, 78; Pennsylvania, 534; Delaware, 15; Maryland, 22; West Virginia, 11;
Ohio, 131; Indiana, 80; Illinois, 6; Michigan, 171; Wisconsin, 73; Minnesota,
52; United States Regulars, 138; unknown, 979; total, 8,564.
The trustees adopted the design for a suitable monument, submitted by J.
G. Batterson, of Hartford, the plan being for a shaft of granite, with figures
of white marble on the four buttresses, and a figure of the same material on the
summit of the monument. The whole is symmetrical and very beautiful. It is
purely historical, telling its own story with simplicity and comprehension.
The superstructure is 60 feet high, a massive pedestal of gray granite, from
Westerly, Rhode Island, 25 feet square at the base, and is crovnied with a
colossal statue of white marble, representing the Genius of Liberty. Standing
upon the three-quarter globe, she holds with her right hand the victor' s wreath
of laurel, while with her left she clasps the victorious sword.
Projecting from the angles of the pedestal are four buttresses. Supporting
each is an allegorical statue of white marble, representing, respectively, War,
History, Peace, Plenty. War is personified by a statue of an American sol-
dier, who, resting from the conflict, relates to History the story of the battle
which this monument is intended to commemorate. History, in listening
attitude, records, with stylus and tablet, the achievements of the field and the
names of the honored dead. Peace is symbolized by a statue of the American
mechanic, characterized by appropriate surroundings. Plenty is represented
by a female figure, with a sheaf of wheat and fruits of the earth, typifying
peace and abundance as the soldier' s crowning triumph.
These beautiful pieces of statuary (and certainly they can not be excelled)
were executed in Italy, under the immediate supervision of Randolph Rogers,
the distinguished American sculptor. The main die of the pedestal is octago-
nal in form, paneled upon each face. The cornice and plinth above are also
octagonal and heavily molded. Upon the plinth rests an octagonal molded
base bearing upon its face, in high relief, the National arms, and upon the oppo-
site side is cut into the granite the dedication address of President Lincoln. H©
was the guest of Judge Wills, and wrote this address at his residence in Get-
tysburg, on the evening of November 18, 1863. The address is very short,
but the civilized world has pronounced every word of it an inspiration, and it
will outlive the granite on which it is inscribed:
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 175
"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this conti-
nent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that
all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing
whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long
endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We are met to ded-
icate a portion of it as the final resting-place of those who here gave their lives
that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should
do this.
' ' But in a larger sense we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can
not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here,
have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. The world will little
note or long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they
did here. It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished
work that they have thus far so nobly can-ied on. It is rather for us to be
here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored
dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which they here gave the last
full measure of devotion— , that we here highly resolve that the dead shall not
have died in vain; that the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of free-
dom, and that the government of the people, by the people, and for the peo-
ple, shall not perish from the earth. ' '
The cemetery having been completed, and the care of it by so many States
being burdensome and expensive, June 22, 1871, the board of trustees resolved
to transfer it to the General Government. The transfer was duly made, and
the board was dissolved, first passing highly commendatory resolutions for the
energy and good management of Judge Wills, and frankly saying that to him
belonged the honor of the origin, organization and successful completion of the
great work.
The consecration of the grounds occurred November 19, 1863. The Pres-
ident, Vice-President of the United States, and members of the Cabinet, Maj.-
Gen. George C. Meade, Lieut. -Gen. Scott, Admiral Stewart, and distinguished
representatives of the Navy, Army and the Civil Departments of Government
had been invited. The President was present, and delivered the dedicatory
address given above. William H. Seward was present, and in answer to a ser-
enade in the evening at the hotel to the many distinguished guests, he
responded in a short address. The principal address on the day of the cere-
monies was made by Hon. Edward Everett, who was also the guest of Judge
Wills. His address was worthy the great occasion — replete with facts about
the battle, classical, finished and eloquent in its tribute to the dead and the liv-
ing heroes of the great battle-field. Centuries from now its eloquent periods,
rich and sonorous sentences will be pored over with infinite delight. Below
we give a few extracts:
"Standing beneath this serene sky, overlooking these broad fields now re-
posing from the labors of the waning year, the mighty Alleghenies dimly tower-
ing before us, the graves of our brethren beneath our feet, it is with hesitation
that I raise my poor voice to break the eloquent silence of God and Nature.
But the duty to which you have called me must be performed. * * *
"It was appointed by law in Athens that the obsequies of the citizens who
fell in battle should be performed at the public expense, and in the most honor-
able manner. Their bones were carefully gathered up from the funeral pyre,
where their bodies were consumed, and brought home to the city. There for
three days they lay in state, beneath tents of honor, to receive the votive offer-
ings of friends and relatives — flowers, weapons, precious ornaments, painted
vases (wonders of art, which, after two thousand years, adorn the museums
176 HISTORY OF ADAMS CODNTr.
of modern Europe) — the last tributes of surviving affection. * * * On
the fourth day the mournful procession was formed; mothers, wives, sisters,
daughters, led the way. * * * The male relatives and friends of the
deceased followed ; citizens and strangers closed the train. Thus marshaled,
they moved to the place of interment in that famous Ceramicus, the most
beautiful subui'b of Athens, which had been adorned by Cimon, the son of
Miltiades, with walks and fountains and columns — whose groves were filled
with altars, shrines and temples — whose gardens were kept forever green by
the streams from the neighboring hills, and shaded with the trees sacred to
Minerva, and coeval with the foundation of the city, whose circuit inclosed
'the olive grove of Academe,
Plato's retirement, where the Attic bird
Trilled his thick-warbled note the summer long,' —
whose pathways gleamed with the monuments of the illustrious dead, the
work of the most consummate masters that ever gave life to marble. There,
beneath the overarching plane-trees, upon a lofty stage erected for the pur-
pose, it was ordained that the funeral oration should be pronounced by some
citizen of Athens in the presence of the assembled multitude.
* * * "And shall I, fellow-citizens, who, after an interval of
twenty-three centuries, a youthful pilgrim from the world unknown to ancient
Greece, have wandered over that illustrious plain [Marathon], ready to put the
shoes from off my feet, as one that stands on holy ground — who have gazed with
respectful emotion on the mound which still protects the dust of those who
• rolled back the tide of Persian invasion, and rescued the land of popular
liberty, of letters, and of arts, from the ruthless foe — stand unmoved over the
graves of our dear brethren, who so lately, on three of those all-important
days which decide a nation's history — days on whose issue it depended whether
this august republican Union, founded by some of the wisest statesmen that
ever lived, cemented with the blood of some of the purest patriots that ever
died, should perish or endure — rolled back the tide of invasion, ^not less unpro-
voked, not less ruthless, than that which came to plant the dark banner of
Asiatic despotism and slavery on the free soil of Greece? Heaven forbid! And
could I prove so insensible to every prompting of patriotic duty and affection,
not only would you, fellow -citizens, gathered many of you from distant States,
who have come to take part in these pious offices of gratitude — ^you, respected
fathers, brethren, matrons, sisters, who surround me — cry out for shame, that
the forms of brave and patriotic men who fill these honored graves would heave
with indignation beneath the sod.
"We have assembled, friends, fellow-citizens, at the invitation of the
Executive of the great central State of Pennsylvania, seconded by the govern-
ors of seventeen other loyal States of the Union, to pay the last tribute of re-
spect to the brave men, who in the hard-fought battles of the first, second and
third days of July last, laid down their lives for the country on those hill-
sides and the plains before us, and whose remains have been gathered into the
cemetery we consecrate this day. As my eye ranges over the fields of gallant
and loyal men, I feel, as never before, how truly it was said of old that it is
sweet and becoming to die for one's country. I feel, as never before, how
justly, from the dawn of history to the present time, men have paid the homage
of their gratitude and admiration to the memory of those who nobly sacrifice
their lives, that their fellow-men may live in safety and in honor. And if this
tribute were ever dae, when, to whom, could it be more justly paid than to
those whose last resting place we this day commend the blessings of Heaven
and all men?
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY. 177
' ' For consider, my friends, what would have been the consequences to the
country, to yourselves, and to all you hold dear, if those who sleep beneath
our feet, and their gallant comrades who survive to serve their country on
other fields of danger, had failed in their duty on those memorable days. Con-
sider what, at this moment, would be the condition of the United States if that
noble Army of the Potomac, instead of gallantly and for the second time beat-
ing back the tide of invasion from Maryland and Pennsylvania, had been itself
driven from these well-contested heights, thrown back in confusion on Balti-
more, or trampled down, discomfited, scattered to the four vrinds. What, in
that sad event, would not have been the fate of the monumental city of Harris-
burg, of Philadelphia, of Washington, the capital of the Union, each and
every one of which would have been at the mercy of the enemy, accordingly as
it might have pleased him, spurred by passion, flushed with victory, and con-
fident of continued success, to direct his course ?
* * * " Who that hears me has forgotten the thrill of joy that
ran through the country on the 4th of July — auspicious day for the glorious
tidings, and rendered still more so by the simidtaneons fall of Vicksburg — when
the telegi-aph flashed through the land the assurance from the President of the
United States that the Army of the Potomac, under Gren. Meade, had again
smitten the invader! Sure I am that, with the ascriptions of praise that rose to
heaven from twenty millions of freemen, with the acknowledgments that
breathed from patriotic lips throughout the length and breadth of America,
to the surviving officers and men who had rendered the country this inestimable
service, there beat in every loyal bosom a throb of tender and sorrowful grati-
tude to the martyrs who had fallen on the sternly contested field. Let a na-
tion's fervent thanks make some amends for the toils and sufferings of those
who survive. Would that the heartfelt tribute could penetrate these honored
graves. * * * i must leave to others, who can do it from personal ob-
servation, to describe the mournful spectacle presented by these hillsides and
plains at the close of the terrible conflict. It was a saying of the Duke of
Wellington, that, next to defeat, the saddest thing is a victory. The horrors
of the battle-field after the contest is over, the sights and sounds of woe — let
me throw a pall over the scene, which no words can adequately depict to those
who have not witnessed it, in which no one who has witnessed it, and who has
a heart in his bosom, can bear to dwell. One drop of balm alone, one drop of
heavenly life-giving balm, mingles in this bitter cup of misery. Scarcely has
the cannon ceased to roar, when the brethren and sisters of Christian benevo-
lence, ministers of compassion, angels of pity, hasten to the field and the hos-
pital to moisten the parched tongue, to bind the ghastly wounds, to soothe the
parting agonies alike of friend and foe, and to catch the last whispered mes-
sages of love from dying lips.
* * * "And now, friends, fellow-citizens of Gettysburg and
Pennsylvania, and you from remoter States, let me again, as we part, invoke
your benediction on these honored graves. You feel, though the occasion is
mournful, that it is good to be here. You feel that it was greatly auspicious for
the cause of the country that the men of the East and the men of the West,
the men of nineteen sister States, stood, side by side, on the perilous ridges of
the battle. You now feel it a new bond of union that they shall lie side by
side till a clarion, louder than that which marshaled them to combat, shall
awake their slumbers. God bless the Union; it is dearer to us for the blood
of brave men which has been shed in its defense. The spots on which they
stood and fell; these pleasant heights; the fertile plain beneath them; the thriv-
ing village, whose streets so lately rang with the strange din of war; the fields
178 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
beyond the ridge, where the noble Reynolds held the advancing foe at bay,
and, while he gave up his own life, assured by his forethought and self-sacrifice
the triumph of the two succeeding days; the little streams which wind through
the hills, on whose banks in after times the wondering plowman will turn up, with
the rude weapons of savage warfare, the fearful missiles of modern artillery; Sem-
inary Ridge, the Peach-Orchard, Cemetery, Gulp, Wolf Hill, Round Top, Little
Round Top, humble names, henceforward dear and famous — no lapse of time, no
distance of space shall cause you to be f orgetten. ' The whole earth, ' said Peri-
cles, as he stood over the remains of his fellow citizens, who had fallen in the
first year of the Peloponnesian war, 'the whole earth is the sepulcher of
illustrious men.' All time, he might have added, is the millennium of their
glory. Surely I would do no injustice to the other noble achievements of the
war, which have reflected such honor on both arms of the service, and have en-
titled the armies and the navy of the United States, their officers and men, to
the warmest thanks and the richest rewards which a grateful people can pay.
But they, I am sure, will join us in saying, as we bid farewell to the dust of
these martyrs — ^heroes, that wheresoever throughout the civilized world the
accounts of this great warfare are read, and down to the latest period of
recorded time, in the glorious annals of our common country, there will be no
brighter page than that which relates to The Battle or Gettysbueg. "
When the work on Cemetery Hill had been well completed, then the organ-
ization turned its attention to the main lines of the battle-field, that is, those
lines of the Union forces extending from Cemetery Hill to the two Round Top
Mountains, and the design was conceived of purchasing the land along this
line and making a grand-drive avenue to Little Round Top Mountain, where
land suitable for a picnic ground was purchased, and in a cheap form the nec-
essary buildings erected to accommodate parties and delegations. And there,
also, commenced the work of designating by suitable stones the positions of
the different commands that they occupied during the most severe and trying
times of the three days' fight. The eighteen States entered loyally into this
project, and ordered suitably inscribed stones made. All of them put up, so
far, are very elegant works of art, beautiful in design and finish, and already
the most of the States have their battle-field monuments in position, and the
coming summer will see them properly represented. These tell the story of
the battle, the part played by each of the various State troops, in solid granite.
And now standing upon any elevation of the field these gray and white shafts
can be seen in every direction. The association in nearly every instance pur-
chased the grounds where these monuments stand, so as to bring them under
the protecting care of the Cfemetery Association. They will therefore stand
here, each telling to the world, to future generations especially, its own part
of the thrilling and tragic story. Hence, the perpetual story of the battle of
Gettysburg will be gathered and preserved in a way more complete, perfect and
enduring than that of any great battle-field in all history, and in the long
future the history of the organization arising from the first suggestion of Judge
Wills, July 24, 1863, will be of itself an intensely interesting story.
The monument in the cemetery was unveiled and dedicated July 1, 1869.
The dedication ode for that occasion was written by Bayard Taylor, and in it
occurs the following:
"After the thunder storm our heaven is blue:
Far off. along the borders of the sky,
In silver folds the clouds of battle lie.
With soft consoling sunlight slilning through;
And round the sweeping circles of your hills
The crashing cannon thrills
Have faded from the memory of the air;
j '^\.''&f^^' ''
•W^.
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 181
And summer pours from unexhausted fountains
Her bliss on yonder mountains:
The camps are tenantless, the breastworks bare:
Earth keeps no stain where hero-blood was poured:
The hornets humming on their wings of lead,
Have ceased to sting, their angry swarms are dead,
And harmless in its scabbard rusts the sword."
The president of the Battle-field Memorial Association is ex-officio the gov-
ernor of Pennsylvania. , The local officers, those v^ho are in immediate control
and management of its affairs are for the years 1885-86 as follows : Vice-Presi-
dent, David A. Buehler, Esq. , Gettsyburg, Penn. ; secretary, John M. Krauth,
Esq. , Grettysburgh, Penn. ; treasnrer, J. Lawrence Schick, Gettysburg, Penn. ;
superintendent of grounds, Sergt. Nicholas G. Wilson, Gettysburg, Penn.
Directors who live in Gettysburg are Col. C. H. Buehler, Sergt. N. G.
"Wilson, John M. Krauth, Esq., Maj. Robert Bell, Sergt. W. D. Holtzworth,
David A. Buehler, Esq., J. Lawrence Schick, Charles Horner, M. D., Col.
John B. Bachelder.
CHAPTER XXV.
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG.
Hance Hamilton and Riohakd McAllister— James G-bttys— Old Plat of
THE Town— Town Incoepoeated— Elections— Water Companies— Fire
Companies— Banks— Seminaet and College— Churches— G. A. E. Post—
A National Resort.
AMONG the points in the county of the earliest settlements where Gettysburg
now stands, and in its vicinity, we find some of the very first settlers
in this part of then Lancaster County. When York County was formed, 1749,
we find that the Scotch-Irish of this, then called Marsh Creek settlement, were
ranked among the old settlers of the new county of York. Indeed, they seemed
to present the majority of the prominent leading men of the now county of
York. They lived remotely from the county seat — thirty miles — the place where
the people had all to go to vote, but this seems to have been no detriment to
their prominent and controlling influence, or their presence and active partici-
pation in all general elections. Hance Hamilton was the favorite, bold, strong
and adroit leader of the Scotch-Irish element, and McAllister of the Dutch,
Conowago, settlement, was the strong and active leader in command of the
Dutch hosts. They were well matched. McAllister had the most numerous
followers. Hamilton was the ablest captain, and he called about him the best
lieutenants. McAllister's forces could outvote Hamilton's crowd, but Hamil-
ton never failed to carry off the prize at every election when he was a candi-
date. More than once riots occurred at elections in York; notably, at the first
election in 1749 when Hance Hamilton and Richard McAllister were rival can-
didates for sheriff. It became evident to the Scotch-Irish, or more properly,
perhaps, to Hamilton, early in the afternoon of election day, that the Dutch
were outvoting them. Two or three stout Irishmen rushed in and took pos-
session of the point where the voters passed their ballots in between the cracks
in the logs of the house. A lusty and brave Dutchman fell upon them, and
commenced kicking the Irish heels from under them. A general fight, of
lOA
182 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
course, at once ensued. The battle became hot and furious, and the sturdy
Dutch drove the Irish from the field — out of the Tillage and across Codorus
Creek and kept them there the remainder of the day. The Dutch only then
voted, and of course their votes were in an overwhelming majority, and to
ordinary men McAllister would appear to have been elected. But he was not,
rather he failed to get it so declared, and Hamilton was elected; at all events
he got his commission and served. He simply went to the governor and threw
the odium of the riot on the Dutch, and got his commission. Another riot oc-
curred at the next election, and here again, and something after the previous
tactics, was Hamilton master of ceremonies and the triumphant leader, wrest-
ing victory from defeat.
Hance Hamilton was the strong man, the man of unequaled resources, in
the then entire territory that is now Adams and York Counties. He was then a
very young man, just upon life's threshold; he died when he was but entering
upon ripe manhood, and yet his name is imperishably linked with the his-
tory of York and Adams Counties.
James Gettys, the founder of the borough of Gettysburg and from whom
it received its name, was a son of Samuel Gettys (in the days when only the
preacher and the school teacher could write) ; the name was, like nearly all
names in those days, spelled by sound and variously about every time a differ-
ently learned pundit had occasion to write it ; thus we find ' ' Gettes, " " Gattis, ' '
"Gettus," "Gittys," etc. The Gettys family can be traced back, as among
the pioneers of this part of the State, to 1767. Samuel Gettys died March
15, 1790. At one time he had been a rich man for that day, but lost heavily
by dealing in Continental money. Still at his death his real estate at public
vendue brought £1,764 10s.
James Gettys was an enterprising man, of sound judgment and bold
and dashing financial schemes. He built a house large and commodious
enough to throw open his doors to the public, or chance travelers passing, as
a house of accommodation for ' ' man and beast. ' ' He soon saw that a little
trading store would be a good investment, and he opened one, and, perhaps so
far, unconsciously, he was forming the nucleus for a town. Just when these
things occurred cannot now be accurately known, but from chance records we
do Imow that as early as 1787 it is referred to by Rev. Dobbin in one of his
marriage certificates, as " Gettistown. " It is supposed that Gettys built his
hotel and residence as early as 1783, and soon after this the locality began to
be called after him, instead of ' ' Marsh Creek Settlement. ' ' From the records
in Harrisburg we learn the town was laid out in 1780,
As explained in a preceding chapter, the idea of laying out a town oc-
curred to Gettys about the time of the first agitation of the question of form-
ing a new county. Mr. Gettys followed the common custom o£ that day of
putting the lots of his new town on the market and disposing of them by
lottery.
An old plat of the town, on parchment, has been found, as it was traced
out by John Forsyth, deputy surveyor, who laid out the place. It is impossi-
ble to decipher the date. It is the original plat, and the first limits are
described from "North" (now Railroad) Street on the north, to "South"
Street on top of the hill on Baltimore Street, on the south, and include seven
lots west of what is now known as Stratton Street, and seven lots west of what is
now Washington Street. Eight streets are described: ' ' Baltimore" Street, now
Carlisle and Baltimore; "York" Street, now Chambersburg and York Street;
"Middle" and "High" Streets, now North, corresponding to Railroad Street;
"East" Street, now Stratton; and "West," now Washington Street; and
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 183
' South ' ' Street, now the alley crossing Baltimore Street at the top of the
hill. There were but three alleys, all running east and west.
On the map is the following memoranda : ' ' The center square contains 196
square perches and is on each side 14 perches. The alleys are all 12 feet
wide. The streets which cross at right angles on center square are 66 feet
wide, viz. : Baltimore Street and York Street, all the other streets are 50
feet wide. The lots from No. 1 to 8 are 41 in front by 99 feet deep; and the
lots from No. 9 to 38, inclusive, are 60 feet in front by 142 deep ; Nos. 39 to
210 are 60 feet in front by 180 deep, except the lots from Nos. 67 to 126,
inclusive, which are 60 feet front by 181^ deep."
In the distribution Mr. Gettys reserved for himself the lots on which his
property stood, or lots 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 on Railroad Street. The follow-
ing is very nearly a correct list of the lots and their owners in the distribution.
Opposite each name is the number and location of the lots:
ON OBNTBK SQUAKE.
1 Isabella Elder. 5 John Coyt.
2 Maj. Bailey. 6 James [illegible].
3 L. C. Gettys. 7 Henry Arnold.
4 James Finley. 8 Widow Harrison.
ON BALTIMORE 8TEBET.
9 Mary Vance. 21 John Murphy.
10 N. Frozier. 23 Edwin McSherry.
11 James Moore, T. Pike. 23 William McCreary.
12 John Troxell. 24 John Riley.
13 John Blair. 25 John Phillip.
14 Thomas Steel. 26 Sally Fleming.
15 William McPherson. 27 Alex. Gettys.
16 John Kerr. 28 Thomas McClellan.
17 Samuel Reay. 29 Thomas Campbell.
18 Robert Elden. 30 Robert McPherson.
19 John Hollin. 31 John Donaldson.
20 James Duncan. 33 William Patterson.
CARLISLE STEEET.
33 Reynolds Ramsey. 36 George Gautz.
34 William McCleary. 37 William McG .
35 David Dunwoody. 38 John Agnew.
BAILKOAD STREET.
39 Arnold Elder. 50 William Emmit.
40 David Corson. 51 Mathew Black.
41 Robert Dunn. 53 John Hughes.
42 Adam Cookes. 63 to 58 vacant.
43 George Robertson. 59 John Thornburg.
44 Henry Brandon. 60 Joseph McNeay.
45 Reynolds Ramsey. 61 Daniel McNorton.
46 Irish John McClellan. 63 Thomas Wesmss.
Irish William Bailey. 63 John Emmit.
47 James Wills. 64 James Stevenson.
48 John Blakely. 65 James Linn.
49 John Latta. 66 Hugh Black.
CHAMBER8BURG STREET.
67 Thomas Trout, 73 John Knight.
George Trout. . -, ,, jj,
68 William Barr. 73 David Puddle.
69 Furguson, 74 Isabella Moore.
Bole Owings 75 Samuel Maxwell.
70 Mathew Longwell, 76 Hannah Rodgers.
William McClellan.
71 John Edie. 77 Samuel Elder.
184
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
78 Samuel Adams.
TO Hugh Bighara.
80 Rev. A. Dobbin.
81 Samuel Gettys.
97 Jacob Sell.
98 Alex Russell.
99 William Gettys,
Conow.
100 Polly Vance.
101 Charles Campbell.
82 Barnabas McSherry.
83 William G. McPherson.
84 to 87 vacant.
88 William Stewart.
89 Robert Mcllvain.
SO Alex Spear.
91 Philip Morningstar.
92 Samuel Gettys, Jr.
93 George Irwin.
94 Walter Maxwell.
95 Bole Owings.
96 Joseph Mark.
103 Widow Susanah Little.
103 John Blair.
104 Isaac Armstrong.
105 John Maholin.
106 Samuel Wilson.
107 James Duncan.
108 Henry Buchanan.
109 Samuel Fay.
110 Isabella Fleming.
111 Reynolds Ramsey.
YORK 8TKEET.
112 Thomas Clinger.
113 William Crawford.
114 John Ashbaugh.
115 Reynolds Ramsey.
116 Alexander Scott.
117 Capt. William Lusk.
118 Reynolds Ramsey.
119 James Black.
120 Jacob Bower.
121 Elizabeth Bruner.
122 Alexander Thompson.
123 William McClellan.
124 Isabella Gettys.
125 John Anan.
126 John Blair.
127 Archibald Stewart.
128 John McKelip.
129 William Dunwoody.
130 Robert Dana.
131 Sophia Vance.
132 John Tome.
133 James Smith,
Michael Miller.
134 James Gettys.
135 Mathew Caldwell.
136 William Vance.
137 Isabella Gettys, )
Patrick McCoy. )
138 Patrick Mooney.
139 Alexander Elder.
140 Mathew Horner, )
McMillan, j"
141 Samuel Gettys, Sr.
142 Thomas Cross.
143 James Hughes.
144 John Blair.
145 John Thompson.
146 James Russell.
147 And. Weir.
148 Elizabeth Fleming.
149 Alexander Scott.
150 Joseph MoCreary.
151 James Dobbin, Esq.
153 Alex. Scott.
153 Richard Jenning.
154 (illegible.)
177 James Campbell, Sr.
178 Joseph Stilly.
179 Joseph Stilly.
WEST MIDDLE STREET.
155 Mathew Horner.
156 John McKelip, )
John Craig. )
157 James Fl aught.
158 Thomas Douglas.
159 William Blakely.
160 Agnes McPherson.
161 John Cochran.
163 William Pirn.
163 Robert Galbreath.
164 John Balten, )
George (
165 Robert McPherson.
EAST MIDDLE STREET.
166 Samuel Russell.
167 William Bailey,
168 Robert Mcllvalne.
169 William Bailey.
170 Joshua Russell.
171 James Buchanan.
172 Richard Elder.
173 John Tawney.
174 Mary Williams.
175 Mathew Shanks.
176 Bole Owings.
WEST HIGH STREET.
180 Fred Remmel.
181 Joseph Moore.
183 Andrew Boyd.
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 185
183 William Pim. 199 Alex. Scott,
184 Robert Scott. James Qettys.
185 Thomas Rogers. 200 Daniel Gour.
186 Joseph Hughes. 201 Samuel Hays.
197 And. Johnston. 202 Barnabas McQee.
198 John Tome. 303 John Blair.
BAST HIGH STREET.
187 Samuel Hays. 204 James Hughs.
188 John Watt. 205 Alex. Russell.
189 John Forsyth. 206 Nancy McPherson.
190 John Wilson. 207 Betsy McPherson,
191 Samuel Moore. 208 Bole Owings.
192 Patrick McMullen 209 James Gettys, )
193 James McSherry. Reynolds McPherson. (
194 John Tate. 310 Peggy Kirls.
195 James Baird.
196 John McClellan (Irish).
The 210 lots laid out by Mr. Gettys retain the same numbers in the title
deeds to the present time. Owners can thus readily trace the different assign-
ments, as the numbers and streets given above correctly locate each lot. This
is the best obtainable list of those who were here in the latter part of the
eighteenth century. It is a convenient book of peerage for the descendants of
these people — a vein of the blue-blood of the country.
TOWN INCOKPOBATED.
The above list of lot owners, and then the list given in the account in
another chapter of the parties engaged in building the first court house, and
then the list of settlers from 1817 to 1828, as given elsewhere, from the mem-
ory of Mr. Longwell, give a remarkably full list of the settlers in Gettysburg
during nearly the first half century of its existence. Then, the marriage docket
of Rev. Dobbin completes the list in a manner more satisfactory than can
probably be found of any other town in the State at this late day of compara-
tively the same age.
From the day of its founding it grew with the growth of the surrounding
country in population and wealth, receiving, of course, the impulse that would
naturally come of the location of the county seat here in 1800. The wisdom
of this selection is shown that now for eighty-six years it has remained undis-
turbed— ^we believe no effort made or question agitated for a removal during
all that time.
On March 10, 1806, it became by law an incorporated borough. It had a
postoffice and store, blacksmith shop, and enough people to begin to put on
many town airs. George Morton had started a spinning wheel factory to
supply the country with that very necessary article in every household. The
movement to build a court house and jail commenced in the early part of 1801.
This year the new town was making local laws to regulate affairs in the town.
Eeynolds Ramsey was village treasurer, collecting quit rents and dog tax, and
market house rents, etc. Ramsey and Attorney Haight had their offices
together. As early as 1801, we know from an advertisement that James Mars-
den had a ' ' frame house handsomely weather-boarded and painted on York
Street." Indeed, in 1801, Gettysburg was a bustling young " "Western town, "
full of promise, new buildings and improvements, and new settlers to grow up
with the town. So wide had its fame extended in 1801 that the peripatetic
showman was attracted here, and suddenly one morning the bustling town
must have been, as the slang now puts it, paralyzed by the gaudy posters
announcing the coming of the "great, moral and edifying show;" "wax
186 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
figures as large as life." The proprietor's name is not to the bills, and it
is only inference that it was not the incomparable Artemus Ward — making his
first bold venture in the "wild and raging West." In the same year James
Cobean fbnted Gettys' tavern, and Dr. Samuel Agnew opened his office and
offerod his ministrations to the sick and afflicted. Michael Newman erected a
tannery and commenced making leather. In 1802 John Eowland had his pot-
tery running, and bo brisk was business that he was constrained to advertise
for ' ' a good potter. " In 1 803 Edward Davis had his chair factory in opera-
tion, and as our citizens will remember, Gettysburg was a leading point for this
industry to the time of the rebel invasion in 1862-63. Jacob Sell had occu-
pied the ' ' Red House' ' on the south side of York Street, east of the court
house; then in 1805 Mr. Underwood carried on business in this place, and in
1806 Mr. Harper moved his printing office into it.
April 6, 1806, James Scott and Thomas Hetich started a line of stages from
Chambersbiirg to Baltimore. Starting " every Monday morning at 4 o'clock
from Chambersburg, it arrived at the house of James Scott, in Gettysburg,
the same day, and at the house of Jacob Winrott, Petersburg; stopping here
all night, would reach Baltimore the next day, at the house of the sign of the
' Sheaf of Wheat. ' Eeturning, leave Baltimore Friday morning at 4 o' clock,
and by the same route reach Chambersburg Saturday. ' ' This was a great
improvement for that day. All the way to Baltimore and back by stage in a
week!
In 1806 Henry Young was ' ' mine host' ' in Gettysburg, and returns public
thanks and is ' ' continuing at the old stand of tavern-keeping and Ironmon-
gery."
In 1807 the total revenue of Gettysburg, including dog tax, was §557. 81|^.
Reynolds Ramsey was burgess in 1806-07.
The first borough election was in May, 1806. The first council met May
21, following, at the house of William McClellan; present, George Kerr, Eman-
uel Zeigler, William Garvin, James Dobbin, Walter Smith. George Kerr,
elected president of the town council, appointed James Gettys clerk and treas-
urer, his bond fixed at $1,000; salary 2^ per cent on moneys collected.
In June, 1807, Rev. D. McCanaughy opened his high school in Gettysburg,
which school was an era in the town's history. In it was taught Latin and
Greek, as the ancient prospectus informs us. Rev. McCanaughy was an emi-
nent divine and leading educator of his time.
Among the ordinances of 1806 was a resolution to purchase a fire engine,
and for this purpose a petition to the grand jury and court of quarter sessions
asking assistance, which obtained from them an allowance of $150, and then the
council authorized the issuing of a town bond for $300.
As early as June 8, 1806, a severe ordinance was passed prohibiting swine
from running at large ; the same time was passed an ordinance ' ' to prevent the
increase of dogs." It required every owner to report his dogs, with full de-
scription thereof and pay a tax on each one — 40 cents for Mr. Dog and $2
for Mrs. Dog. It was Reynolds Ramsey's official duty to buy a book,
keep the dog registry and collect the tax. This record book is a veritable
curiosity. It shows fifty-eight dogs reported before August, 1806. ' ' Joseph
Worley one small Dog his Name is pen is black and white Ring round his Nack
paid;" "Alexander Russells Dog is of a small size Coller black with a white
Ring Round his Neck his name pointer paid;" " Spangler B. McClalen dog is
brown yeailow lags and Brast Named beaver;" " Samuel Kuplinger Dog is of
a middle size Collor is black and white his name is pipe paid;" "George
Walsh a Midel Sized yeailow Dog and his name is liberty paid;" "Chris-
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 187
tian Gulp one small light yeallow Dog his name is possum paid;" "John Gross
a small dog Black his name is smart paid;" "Mickel Numan of a whitish brin-
dled collar with a very long head his name is bull paid;" Doc Samuel Agnew's
dog ol a Dune CoUor and his name is ' Augustus Cezror ;" ' " Mathias Gulp
a small y allow Brindeld dog his name is pen paid ;" ' 'Adam Swop 1 dog of Midel
Size his name is Forney and yeal collor," etc. "While on the subject of ex-
tracts from Reynolds Ramsey's records we give the following extract, that not
only explains itself, but is a complete insight into the ideas of that time of
morality and statesmanship: " be it Remembered that on the second day of
f ebruary in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven, Shem
Greble [Graybill] of Adams County, farmer, is convicted before me, being the
burgess of the Borough of Gettysburg, of a breach of the Lord' s day by driv-
ing a wagon through the Borough of Gettysburg on the first day of February
and year af sd. being the Lord' s Day commonly called Sunday which convic-
tion is Mede upon my ordinance and I do adjudge him to forfeit for the same
the sum of four dollars. ' '
By careful search of the tax books we learn that there were eighty-three
houses and two tan-yards in Gettysburg in 1806. Adam Swope owned one of
the tan-yards and William Buchanan the other. The fire engine, which cost
$450, was received August 5, 1806.
At the May election, 1807, was elected George Kerr, burgess ; town coun-
cil— James Galloway, James Gettys, Samuel Hutchinson, James Dobbin, Will-
iam Maxwell ; street commissioners — Emanuel Zeigler, Henry Hoke ; high con-
stable— William Kuhns. James Douglas was appointed town clerk and treas-
urer. This new council determined at their first meeting to build a market
house. This was built in the square on the east side of the court house, a pas-
sage way twelve feet wide separating the buildings.
In the year 1807 there were eighty-nine houses in the borough, and Philip
Yonse had buUt a brewery.
The next year, 1808, the town council was Alexander Cobean, John Trox-
ell, Ralph Lashells, Jacob Ackerman, William Buchanan; Jacob Ackerman,
president ; James Dobbin, clerk and treasurer. There had been three houses put
Tip the year ending June, 1808. This was not a very rapid growth, but the place
was growing. It appears Nicholas Gelwix had become the town brewer. This
council set apart Wednesdays and Saturdays as market days, and enacted some
rigid laws about the matter of markets, going extensively into details. They
had come of a race of men and were emerging from an age when all men be-
lieved that the law-making power should regulate everything, even to that
sacred little operation of a man kissing his wife on Sunday.
John Ashbaugh was appointed clerk of the market, and it must have occu-
pied all his time and study to understand and enforce the wonderful regula-
tions of the council.
In 1809 the new council — Michael Newman, president; Walter Smith, John
Agnew, William Kuhns, H. G. Jamison. The council now held meetings in
Fredrick Rupley's house. James Dobbin again town clerk and treasurer.
The people who owned and, it is presumed, lived in their houses in the
borough at this time were Jacob Ackerman, John Ashbaugh, James Agnew,
John Agnew, William Buchanan, Joseph Bolton, Ezekiel Boring, Frederick
Bower, Christian Benner, Alexander Cobean (two houses). Christian Chritzman,
Mathias Gulp (three houses), Christian Gulp, Joseph Gooksen, Henry Coaser
( ?), Abraham Coppersmith, Nicholas Grumbaugh (two houses), Peter Creamer,
James Dobbin, Edward Davies, Moses Degraft, Martin Ebert, James Gettys
(two houses), Robert Graham, George Gelwix, James Galloway, John Gallo-
188 HISTORY or ADAMS COUNTY.
way, Georgo Geyer, A\'illiam Garvin, George Gantz, Sarah Gilbert,
Giffin, Nicholas Gelwix, Henry Hoke (two houses ; had also a brewery and brick-
yard), Robert Hayes, Hutcheson & Newcomer (store), Samuel Hutchinson, Dr.
Samuel Huey, John Hughes, Dr. Jamison, John Jenkins, William Kuhns,
Elizabeth Keyes, Barnabas Kerr, George Kerr, Ealph Lashells, Jacob Lohr,
Messer (?), "William Maxwell, John McKelip' s heirs, John Myers, Will-
iam McClellan, Markey, Martin Markley, Michael Newman, Valentine
NeisGwits ( ?), Jacob Oyler' s heirs, Andrew Polley, Samuel Polly, George Pat-
ser, Alexander Russell, Russell & KeiT (store), Mary Rimmel, Christian Ribe,
Adam Swope, John Sweeny (the cabinet-maker), Walter Smith, Jacob Sell
(two houses), Samuel Sloan, James Scott's heirs (two houses), Jacob Shroeder,
John Troxell, Jr. , Jacob Wertz, Mary A. Weims, Christian Wampler,
Miller, Adam Walter, Henry Watkins (had also a brick-yard), Henry Wasmas
( f), Emanuel Zeigler. This includes the entire list as shown to pay tax in the
corporate limits on their houses. There was quite a number who paid taxes on
vacant lots.
March 19, 1810, the Gettysburg Academy was established; $2,000 was ap-
propriated to it; one-half of this sum to purchase a library, and the other half
invested in productive property to help pay the teachers. May 1, this year,
Alexander Russell elected burgess. Town council — Walter Smith, John Mc-
Conaughy, Frederick Rupley, Michael Newman, Henry Hoke. Christian Mum-
pier and John Ashbaugh, street commissioners ; Jacob Wertz, high constable.
The council appointed James Brown clerk and treasurer; Brown died and Sam-
uel Hutchinson was elected to fill vacancy.
• At the next election, 1811, the above officers were re-elected.
(In September, 1811, was the first elephant circus ever on exhibition in Get-
tysburg. The entire show consisted of the elephant. The advertisement says:
' ' The elephant is not only the largest and most sagacious animal in the world,
but from the peculiar manner in which it takes its food and drink of every
kind with its trunk, it is acknowledged to be the greatest natural curiosity ever
ofPered to the public. She will lay [sic] down and get up at command. She
will draw the cork from a bottle" [In these days any of our dudes can do this.]
' 'and with her trunk will manage it in such a way as to drink its contents. She
is eleven years old, and measures upward of fifteen feet from the end of her
trunk to that of her tail, ten feet around the body, and upward of eight feet
high. Perhaps," the advertisement continues, "the present generation
may never have an opportunity of seeing an elephant again, as this is the only
one in America, and this perhaps its last visit to these parts. ' ' Imagine, reader,
you could have seen Jumbo smile as Barnum reads this show bill to him. )
1812— George Kerr, burgess; council — Walter Smith, Michael Newman,
Fred Rupley, William Maxwell, Mathew Longwell; Robert Hayes and John
Troxell, Jr., street commissioners. Hayes refused to accept the office and
John Ashbaugh was appointed. Samuel Pauley was high constable, Samuel
Hutchinson, clerk.
In 1813 John Galloway contracted "to pave the Diamond" for the sum of
1500 from the county and |480 from the borough.
May election, 1814, James Gettys elected burgess; council — William Gar-
vin, John McConaughy, Christian Wampler, George Smyser, John Troxell,
Sr. ; Michael Newman, Nicholas Crombaugh, commissioners ; Peter Sheets,
constable; president of the council, William Garvin; Samuel Hutchinson, clerk
and treasurer; John Ashbaugh, clerk of market. In 1813 they paid the clerk
a salary — 113.
Property owners of York Street, east of the court house, took steps in 1814
to commence to pave the street.
f\ h'^'Kl<^^.
BOROUGH OP GETTYSBURG. 191
James Gettys, burgess, died during his term of office, and March 18, 1815,
the council elected James Dobbin to fill the vacancy.
James Dobbin elected burgess, 1815 ; town council — "William Garvin, John
McConaughy, John Troxell, Sr., Jacob Eyster, Barnhart Gilbert; George Smy-
ser and Nicholas Crombaugh, street commissioners; Peter Sheets, constable.
1816 — Dobbin re-elected burgess; council — William Garvin, John McCon-
aughy, John F. McParlane, Jacob Eyster, Barnhart Gilbert; George Smyser
and Christian Wampler, street commissioners; James Wray, constable.
1817 — ^Above burgess and council re-elected.
1818 — "William McPherson, burgess; James "Wray, C. "Wampler, Henry
"Welsh, John McConaughy, M. Newman, council.
1819 — This year the officers elected must be freeholders. A. Russell, bur-
gess (got twelve votes) ; council — John P. McPherson (twelve votes), John Mc-
Conaughy, Jacob Eyster, B. Gilbert, George Hersh (all twelve votes each) ; S,
Ditterline and C. Wampler, street commissioners.
1820 — McPherson re-elected (eleven votes); council — McConaughy (twelve
votes), Hersh (twelve votes), John Murphy (ten votes), James H. Miller (eight
votes), and were elected. [Where was the little busy ballot box stufPer?]
Christian Culp and George Zeigler elected commissioners.
1822 — Alex Dobbin, burgess; council — Thaddeus Stevens, Ditterline, Rob-
ert Hunter, J. B. McPherson, George Smyser ; commissioners — John Galloway
and James A. Thompson.
1823 — William McCleUan, Jr., burgess; council — George Sweeny, C. S.
Ditterline, Robert Hunter, John Hersh, Samuel H. Buehler.
1824 — Simpson S. King, burgess ; coimcil — John F. McParlane, Thaddeus
Stevens, George Smyser, John Galloway, Robert Harper; street commission-
ers— Adam Swope, John Hersh; clerk and treasurer — Robert Smith; clerk of
market — Christian Chritzman.
1826 — King re-elected burgess; council — William Gillespie, John Mo-
Farlane, John B. McPherson, George Sweeny, George Zeigler; street com-
missioners— Thomas C. Reed and John Hersh.
1827 — King re-elected; council — John B. McPherson, Thaddeus Ste-
vens, David Zeigler, Z. Herbert, John Houck.
1828— Council— Thomas C. Miller, William McCleUan, Robert G. Harper,
Andrew Polly, John B. McPherson. At the first meeting of the new council
McCleUan offered a resolution to pay the clerk and treasurer a salary of
$12. 50 per annum, and that the members of council serve without pay. The
council began to order property owners to pave sidewalks in front of property
in Second Square. And it ordered that ' ' large stepping stones, raised three
inches above the surface, filled in with ironstone broken fine, be placed across
the street at Center Square. ' ' R. Smith, so long clerk, now refused to hold
the office longer, and Robert G. Harper was promoted to the $12. 50 salary.
1829 — Simpson S. King still burgess; councU — John Runkle, JohnB. Mc-
Pherson, Robert G. Harper, Thaddeus Stevees, J. M. Thompson. The first
act of the new board was to grant Mrs. Wim-ott permission ' ' to put up fixt-
ures at the door of her tavern for the purpose of securing stage horses when
they arrive at the door. ' ' Stevens offered an ordinance to compel property
owners of property on South Baltimore Street from High Street to the
borough line, "to pave in front of said lots." June 20, 1829, councU ap-
pointed David Mcllroy to wind the town clock one year for the sum of $5.
1830 — CouncU — WiUiam McPherson, Ephraim Martin, Thomas J. Cooper,
David Little, John Slentz. Robert Smith was again appointed clerk and
treasurer.
192 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
1831 — K. Smith, burgess; council — John Slentz, David McCreary, David
Eoker, Adam Wert, Thaddeus Stevens.
1SI52 — The borough was divided into two wards, and two watchmen ap-
pointed. This year Thomas C. Miller, burgess, and George Smyser, George
Shyrock, William Gillespie, Jacob Zeigler, M. C. Glarkson, council. This
year, in August, the anti-swine-running-at-large ordinance was suspended for
sixty days.
1833 — Miller re-elected; council — George Smyser, George Shyrock, Will-
iam Gillespie, John Houck, Adam Walter.
1834 — Michael C. Glarkson, burgess; Simpson S. King, George Kerr,
David McCreary, John B. MoPherson, S. F. Forney, council.
The incorporated borough had now been growing, building and improving
for a generation. The annual revenue had risen to 11,573.73. The tax books
this year show there were 414 persons who paid taxes in the borough.
1839 — Burgess, M. C. Glarkson; council — John Slentz, Jacob Gulp, Daniel
M. Smyser, David McGreary, George Arnold; street commissioners — Joseph
Little, Moses Degroft.
In the election of 1840 — Burgess, David McCreary; council — John B. Mc-
Pherson, J. A. Thompson, George Arnold, Daniel Baldwin, Daniel Gulp; road
commissioners — Adam Swope and Joseph Little; clerk — Eobert G. Harper;
attorney — Anthony B. Kurtz; constable — Christian Stout. In October of this
year, the council passed an order to petition Legislature for authority to
borrow 16, 000 to build water-works.
1841 — Burgess — David McGreary; council — John Houck, William King,
William Baugher, James Bower, John Gilbert; street commissioners — -David
Troxell and Jacob Heck.
1842 — Burgess — George Arnold; council — John Houck, David Litle, M.
C. Glarkson, S. S. McGreary, Henry Eupp.
1843 — Arnold re-elected; council — Robert Smith, George McGlellan, Quin-
tin Armstrong, Hugh Dunwiddie, A. B. Kurtz.
1844 — Arnold re-elected; council — John Houck, Samuel H. Buehler, Nich-
olas Godori, George Heck, John Brown.
1845 — Burgess — John B. McPherson; council — David Horner, William
Wisotsky, Peter Stallsmith, John Weigle, Samuel McGreary.
1846 — C. M. Smyser, burgess; council — G. W- Hoffman, William King,
John Winebrenner, G. W. McGlellan, George Little.
1847 — James A. Thompson, burgess; council — E. W. McSherry, David
Troxell, J. B. McPherson, W. EuthraufP, Jacob Worbeck.
1848 — Burgess — George Arnold; council — G. W. Hoffman, D. M. Smyser,
Samuel McCreary, William Baugher, Thomas Warren.
1849 — Burgess — William King; council — William Wisotsky, John Gilbert,
P. Stallswith, D. Heagy, G. Little.
1850 — Burgess — John Gulp; council — John Scott, H. Saltzgarra, Marcus
Sampson, David Horner, Samuel McGreary.
1851— Burgess — D. Middlekoff; council — H. Eupp, J. F. Fahnestock,
John Houck, Alexander Frazier, James G. Vera.
1852 — Middlekoff re-elected; council — Adam Dawson, E. G. McCreary, J.
L. Tate, Dr. E. Horner, Jacob Gulp.
1853 — Burgess— Eobert G. Harper; council — John Gilbert, John Eupp,
John Gulp, Eden Norris, D. A. Baehler; clerk — E. G. McGreary.
1854 — Harper re-elected. This year members of council were elected for
one, two and three years, respectively. Afterward all members to be elected for
three years. Council, elected for three years — Hugh Dunwiddie, G. W. Hoff-
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 193
man; for two years — James A. Thompson, S. E. Eussell; one year — J. F.
Fahnestock, G. H. Swope.
The next year D. Kendlehart was elected councilman, and S. S. McSherry
to fill term of C. W. Hoffman.
1856 — Judging by minutes [no election reported] the council had in it
Gilbert, Cobean, Eupp, Kendlehart and Meals. Next year we find Comfort' s
name. 1858, Samuel Herbert was elected; also JohnHerbst.
1859 — Council [guessing from minutes] was Thompson, Sheads, Comfort,
Shick, Herbst and Eupp.
At a special meeting of the council, April 20, 1861, it was unanimously
resolved to appropriate $500 by the borough toward the support of the families
of those who had gone or were about to go to the war. The coimcilmen who
passed this resolution were Kendlehart, Stallsmith, Garlach and Sheads. The
secretary of the council was Jeremiah Culp. McClellan and Doerson were
members of the council in 1861.
1863 — The old members of the council present at the first meeting: Stall-
smith, Chritzman and Garlach. The new members elect were Henry Eupp
and A. D. Buehler. Eobert Martin, burgess; Henry Eupp elected president
"of the council. William B. McClellan, of the council, sent in his resignation
in which he says he is "prostrated upon a bed of sickness from which I am not
likely to recover;" whereupon D. Kendlehart was elected to fill the place,
and he was at once elected president of the council; Jeremiah Culp, secretary
and also collector, and S. E. Eussell, treasurer.
January 13, 1864 — Council authorized its president to borrow $4, 000 for
the purpose of paying bounties to fill the borough' s quota in the army.
' ' Resolved that handbills be immediately posted offering $100 reward for
each volunteer, and ten dollars in addition to every person procuring such vol-
unteer. ' '
In 1865 — Council — Eupp, Lashells, Wills and Martin; Abram Scott elected
and refused to serve. W. C. Stallsmith elected to the vacancy. E. G. Mc-
Creary, burgess.
1866 — New councilmen elected, George A. Earnshaw, David Warren, Will-
iam H. Culp. In 1867, the council was, present, WUls, Warren, Culp, Earn-
shaw, Spangler and Baker.
January 27, 1868 — Mr. H. D. Wattles presented to the borough, as a free
gift from him, the elegant town clock, now in the cupola of the court house.
1868 — The new members elect were W. S. Hamilton, A. M. Hunter; Alex-
ander Spangler, president; Jeremiah Culp, secretary; S. E. Eussell, treasurer.
1869 — New councilmen — Jacob W. Cress and Eobert Tate, clerk — Frank
D. Duphorn, and G. G. Myers, commissioner.
1870 — W. S. Hamilton, president of council; J. Auginbaugh, secretary
(and is still secretary, 1886); S. E. Eussell, treasurer; Daniel Cashman, com-
missioner; J. L. Hill, burgess. Eobert Tate, of the council, died in 1870. A.
M. Hunter was elected to fill the vacancy.
In October, 1871, immediately after the great Chicago fire, a large town
meeting was held and the council was requested to consider the subject of
sending $500 to the sufferers. The people were eager to go to the relief of
their unfortunate friends, but the council, after due consideration, and exam-
ination of the condition of the town treasury, doubted their ability and legal
right to make the donation.
March 18, 1872, Hunter and Chritzman retired and Fahnestock, Buehler
and Tate took their seats as members of the new council, August 27, of this
year. John L. Hill resigned the office of burgess. T. C. Norris, councilman.
194 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
also resigned; David Wills apppointed his successor. C. H. Buehler resigned
as president of council, and David Wills was elected.
1873 — Council — Fahnestoek, Buehler, Tate, Gilbert and Stoner. Treas-
urer—Charles A. Boyer.
1874 — Gilbert, Buehler and Samuel K. Foulk were the new conncilmen.
David Wills again president; Samuel Bushman, auditor. John Gilbert resigned
from the council, and J. Wolf was elected. September, 1874, David Wills
resigned from council. John L. Tate was elected president. Burgess John
M. Krauth resigned November, 1874.
1876 — Col. C. H. Bnehler, burgess ; councilmen elected — George H. Swope,
John Winebrenner and J. Skelly; David Wills, president. Skelly was ap-
pointed to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Fred. Wisotzsky.
1877 — W. B. Meals, burgess; and JohnM. Huber and George B. Manfort,
councilmen elect.
1878 — David Kendlehart, burgess ; George H. Swope, president of the coun-
cil; Johnston Skelly and W. H. Rupp, councilmen elect. March 24, 1878,
council appointed Hans David Wills and R. G. McCreary a committee to re-
ceive the President of the United States and other distinguished visitors. This
year Hugh D. Scott was appointed treasurer; Jeremiah Gulp was elected after-'
ward as treasurer.
1879 — Jacob Kitzmiller, burgess ; new councilmen — H. D. Scott and Will-
iam D. Holtzworth. J. Skelly, elected president; Jeremiah Gulp, treasurer.
1880 — W. H. Bayly, burgess, Henry Overdeer, assistant burgess; Dr. T.
T. Tate, Charles E. Armor, L. H. Stallsmith, W. I. Martin, Peter Overdeer,
council; J. H. Skelly, president.
1881 — W. S. Shroeder, burgess; councilmen elect — T. T. Tate, F. Ramer,
Rufus E. Gulp; treasurer — W. H. Bayly; superintendent of streets— David
Warren; police — M. L. Gulp; David Wills, attorney; M. L. Gulp, high con-
stable.
1882 — W. S. Shroeder, burgess; Calvin Hamilton, assistant; and Samuel
Herbst, JohnCulp, Abraham Hoke, W. J. Martin, council; M. L. Gulp, constable;
W. H. Bayly, treasurer; Samuel Mc. Swope, attorney. Bayly resigned and
H. B. Danner was elected treasurer. The next year Danner resigned and J;
W. Kendlehart was elected. In 1883 — J. E. Bair, president of council; Hake,
Wilson, Herbst, Wible, Ramer and Bingham, council. This year R. J.
McCreary, burgess.
In August, 1883, the ordinance accepting the offers of the water company
for the building of the new water-works was accepted by the county and the
contract made and signed November 16, following.
1884— W. H. Tipton, burgess; P. J. Tawney, E. H. Minnich, R. E. Gulp,
F. S. Ramer, new members council elect. The council then stood the above
and N. G. Wilson, Samuel Herbst, J. E. Wible, W. F. Martin; street commis-
sioner— John Winebrenner; S. Mc. Swope, attorney ; J. W. Kendlehart, treasurer.
1885 — Tipton re-elected; assistant burgess— H. B. Danner; new members
of council — Jacob Plank, George Shriver, Samuel Ridinger. Officers of last
year continued, and old police.
1886 — Tipton re-elected; Calvin Hamilton, assistant; council newly elected
— J. Emory Bair (re-elected), Calvin Gilbert, John M. Tate. The hold-over
members are F. S. Ramer, Jacob Plank, E. H. Minnich, George Shriver, P.
J. Tawney, Samuel Ridinger.
WATER COMPANIES.
In August, 1822, Thaddeus Stevens, a councilman, offered a resolution to
contract for water supply for the town, to be furnished in hydrants, for the sum
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 195
of $200. This year, November, the council elected George Smyser to fill the
unexpired term of Alexander Dobbin, deceased.
Thaddeus Stevens continued to press the subject of water-works, on the at-
tention of his fellow councilmen. It was greatly through his efforts that the old
water-works and reservoir were constructed, and pipes laid from the spring on
the side of Baltimore Street. For many years these answered all purposes, but
in the course of time the wants and growth of the town caused the present wa-
ter-works to be put up by a private company, and now Gettysburg is supplied
with a great abundance of the purest and best of water. The stranger who
visits the place, tastes its water, visits the water- works and sees the pure crystal
fountain in the reservoir that is pumped from an inexhaustible lake that is
covered by seventy feet of granite roofing, to him this is one of the attractive
features of the place. Certainly no place in the world is more favored in this
respect than Gettysburg.
The new water- works were put up and completed in the summer of 1883;
the work commenced in the fall of 1882.
riRE COMPANIES.
The council ordered fixe companies to form as early as 1808. An engine
was provided and an ax, bucket and hook and ladder companies were pro-
vided for. The people of the place were naturally fire fighters. The original
companies had but poor means or implements to fight fires successfully, but
the people would rally upon the first alarm and with buckets conquer every
fire nearly, and at least in every case save the adjoining property. No residence
was burned down for over eighty years after the founding of the town. An
inviting fact for fire insurance companies. In January of the present year
(1886) an elegant fire engine was purchased, and under Capt. Calvin Gilbert
an effective company is now organized.
The first engine house was built in 1809. It was sold in 1830 for $12, and
in 1822 the council ordered the building of a new one, "to be 28 feet long, 8
feet wide, 12 feet high in front and 8 feet in the rear, to be weatherboarded,
the boards to be planed and painted white, and the front lettered ' Engine
House.'" It was on the lot between Evan's store and Widow Chamberlain's
lot. The engine called "Guard" was purchased July, 1830.
BANKS.
The first movement toward establishing a bank in this place was taken by
Alexander Cobean in 1813. He became the president, and opened books for
stock subscriptions in Gettysburg, Millerstown, Littlestown, Oxford, Abbotts-
town, Berlin, Petersburg, Hunterstown,- New Chester, Taneytown, and at
Arendt's, Hapke's, Black's and Hanover. The original commissioners ap-
pointed to organize the bank were Alexander Cobean, James Gettys, Ralph
Lashells, Jacob Eyster, Bernhart Gilbert, William Maxwell, Michael Newman,
Eobert Hayes, M. Miller, George Smyser. This was the first application to
start a bani under the law just passed authorizing banks. At the first election
of directors of the bank were chosen A. Cobean, James Gettys, Walter Smith,
Robert Hayes, Ralph Lashells, Jacob Eyster, Bernhart Gilbert, of Gettysburg;
and Andrew Will, Littlestown, Amos Maginly, Miderstown; Michael Slagle.
Conowago; John Dickson, Straban; William Wierman, Latimore; Patrick
Reid, Emmittsburg. President, Alexander Cobean; cashier, John B. Mc-
Pherson. Bank regularly opened for business May 31, 1841 ; hours from 10 A. M.
to 1 P. M. This institution has successfully weathered the financial storm for
the past three-quarters of a century. Its present officers are Dr. John A.
196 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Swope (congressman), president; J. Emory Bair, cashier, and Charles M.
McCurdy, teller.
The First National Bank of Gettysburg was organized in February, 1864,
with George Throne, president, the present officer; George Arnold was first
cashier, Samuel Rushman, teller. Arnold retired in 1873, and Maj. H. S.
Benner succeeded and retained the office until 1875, when Maj. R. Bell, pres-
ent cashier, succeeded him. Capital stock $100,000.
SEMINARY AND COLLEGE.
Full mention is made in the chapter on education of the Theological Semi-
nary and Pennsylvania College.
CHUHCHES.
Presbyterian Church (Rev. J. K. Demarest, pastor), of Gettysburg, is
closely identified with the history of the people of this county from its earli-
est settlement. The first building was erected in the vicinity of Black's grave-yard
where there was a settlement of the Dutch Reformed people in 1738. The church
was probably organized in 1740; the " meeting-house " was built about 1747. It
was known as the Great Conowago and Marsh Creek Church. Rev. Caven
was "stated supply" in 1740. In 1741 the congregation petitioned to be rid
of their preacher, because ' ' when Mr. Caven is abroad a bad story invariably
comes back after him." For some years this people worshiped in private
houses or under ' ' God' s first temples. ' ' Andrew Bay was long supposed to
have been the first resident pastor, but this was an error, probably from the
split in the church of the "Old Side" and "New Side." Rev. Joseph Tate
was the first ministerial call to Great Conowago, in 1748, then Robert McMor-
die; in 1767 Rev. James Long, then Joseph Rhea, Samuel Kennedy. The
latter was doubted by the authorities as to his opinions, and he was refused
to the church. The Presbytery said he was "tinctui'ed with New Light senti-
ments. ' ' Poor Kennedy was tried for being an Irishman, in reality, but they
called it "laying too much stress on external and internal holiness." The
ghostly trial was had. The most wonderful thing about it now is the synopsis
of the testimony as it is furnished by the records, of the persons who had
heard him preach, and would, under oath, give the substance of his remarks
and arguments, on the most wonderful and dryest dogmas months after they had
sat in the cheerless church and heard them. They could repeat the text and give
a synopsis of his so-called arguments under each of the many headings. This
trial and testimony is a flood of light upon the religious ideas, subjects and
manners of the times. Among the witnesses called were Capt. McPherson,
Samuel McConaughy, Quintin Armstrong.
In 1772 Rev. Robert Huey was asked for by the congregation. The Pres-
bytery, because he was an Irishman, subjected him to the most rigid examina-
tion on ' ' the more important articles of the Christian religion, wherein the
Calvinists and Armenians differ;" and he did not pass the ordeal. Rev. John
Black was in charge in 1775. He was the ablest man probably in charge of
this church; continued many years, and was greatly respected. He replaced
the old log church with the large stone one in 1780. In 1781 the Presbytery
met in this then magnificent building. A great incident came before this
body. Two young ladies of the congregation were at outs. The great diffi-
culty in the case was they were both ' 'most highly connected, " each claiming
kinship with either preacher or elder. In fact they were so high in their fam-
ily connection and influence that the session had no jurisdiction, and there-
fore it came directly to the Presbytery. It was in the end the common female
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 197
trouble of tea tattling. The young lady was found guilty of an unruly tongue
and was ordered up to receive a public reprimand. In 1741 a minister was
tried by the Presbytery for drunkenness . He was acquitted, and the record
says: ""We cannot find cause to judge Mr. Lyon guilty of anything like excess
in drinking. * * But inasmuch as his behavior had so many circum-
stances and symptoms of drunkenness, and inasmuch as he did not make any
apology or allege it proceeded from sickness, we judge that he is censurable, and
yet, as we apprehend that the small quantity of liquor which Mr. Lyon might
have drank might produce the above effect after his coming in out of the ex-
treme cold into a warm house near the fire, we do not find sufficient cause to
condemn him for drunkenness. ' ' At the next meeting of the Presbytery this
same Eev. Lyon was tried, condemned and convicted ' ' for whistling on the
Sabbath, conduct indicating vacuity of thought and a disposition at variance
with the proper spirit of the Lord' s day. ' '
The good and reverend Black introduced the first temperance society in
this part of the world.. It was very mild, not prohibiting the use of liquor,
but simply to stop excessive drunkenness. He only could induce three of his
congregation to sign, and the end soon came in, Mr. Black being deposed from
his church for his pains.
In 1813 it was determined so sell the church and remove to Gettysburg.
Dr. McCanaughy, long in charge of the church, an eminent divine and edu-
cator, resigned in 1832 to take the presidency of Washington College, which
place he ably filled until October, 1849. He died January 29, 1852. A
church was built in Gettysburg, and here the congregation has worshiped since.
In 1840 the new and present church was completed.
Reformed Dutch Church of Conowago. — This church in its entirety was
brought by the Dutch with them from Holland. The site of their first church
was on what is now the York pike, two miles east of Hunterstown, and down
the pike to the Two Taverns — ^long known as the Low Dutch Eoad. In March,
1817, the Legislature authorized the congregation to sell their property, which
was done, and the church dissolved and merged into the Presbyterian Church.
The congregation had had internal dissensions, a split at one time, but the
chief cause of its winding up its aifairs was the fact that the butch were
a migrating people.
The Dutch emigration from Adams County commenced in 1800 — in two
directions, north and west. Daniel Boone was a native of Bucks County,
Penn. , born in 1785. He was the pioneer that led the way to Kentucky in
that time only inhabited by the red man. He was in Kentucky in 1769, and
founded the site of Boonesboro, where he lived until 1792. Following him to
the Indian lands the first to go were some of the Dutch from Conowago. Col-
lins, in his "History of Kentucky," says: "The first Dutch emigration to
Kentucky, in a group or company, was in 1781, to White Oak Springs
Station, on the Kentucky Biver, one mile above Boonesboro. Among the
emigrants were Henry Banta, Jr. , Abraham and John Banta, Samuel, Peter,
Daniel, Henry and Albert Duryee, Peter Cosart or Casad (Cassat) Fredrick
Eiperdan and John Fluetz (Yeury). " These names are all familiar names in
Adams County. It tells very plainly where they were from. This was the
commencement of the stream that poured into Kentucky from Pennsylvania
for many years.
These men had come through the trackless wilderness to this place, where
they paused a few years, recuperated and simply continued their western jour-
ney, starting the stream of immigration to the great Mississippi Valley, where
this century has witnessed the most wonderful human development the world
198 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
ever saw. Guided by the north star, by the streams and mountain passes, by
the moss growing on a particular side of the trees, by their keenly whetted
senses of the deep tangled wildwood, they successfully piloted their way,
easily overcoming difficulties that in this day and age would be simply appall-
ing. Silent, obscure, illiterate men, wandering nomads upon the earth' s waste
places, poor in this world' s goods, uncultured and without a particle of ambi-
tion, but in all the history of great deeds by great men who were their supe-
riors ? Stern and silent, full of religious zeal and childish superstitions and
fears, often disputatious, dogmatic and domineering over inferiors or equals;
independent, brave unto death, never knowing fear of anything mortal, and
cowering in agony at conjured shadows from another world, their works
alone can fitly symbolize their glorious immmortality. They were our nation
builders. They laid the enduring foundations of this remarkable civilization.
The men " in undressed jerkins and the good dames handling the spindle and
the flax" were the world' s truly great heroes and heroines. Immortal men
and women! We cherish thy sacred memories, adore thy noble works and
would reverently gather thy ashes to be kept forever as a token and talisman
for all generations and all time. The other branch that immigrated to New
York in 1793 were led by the Brinkerhoff' s. They settled in what is now
Caynga County. And thus the names of these early Dutch settlers have be-
come known in nearly all the States.
Christ's (Evangelical Lutheran) Church. — It is not known when this church
was organized in Grettysburg. It was here in 1789 in "an old log schoolhouse"
on the corner of High and Stratton Streets. In 1811 a church was put up.
The earliest church records now obtainable date 1819. Rev. Herbst was
pastor until 1829, succeeded by Eevs. Charles Weyl and F. Euthrauff. In
1835 the lot now occupied was secured, and the church building erected. The
pastors were Eev. Benjamin Keller, 1839; Eev. J. H. Smith, who was succeeded
by Eev. H. L. Baugher, who continued until 1852, and Eev. Dr. Schmucker
officiated. In 1855 he was succeeded by Eev. Dr. Krauth, who served until
1861, when Dr. Baugher was again put in charge. In 1866 Eev. C. A. Hay
succeeded. This is generally known as the College Church.
Episcopal Church. — This society was started by Eev. Henry L. Phillips,
in June, 1875, and a temporary chapel built in 1876, Eev. J. H. Marsden
in charge, succeeded by Eev. E. A. Tortal.
Catholic Church. — The church building was commenced in 1826, under the
direction of the Superiors of Conowago Chapel. Father Lewis De Earth was
first in charge as visitor, then Father Mathew Leken. In 1831 the church
not yet completed; May 18th the building was struck by lightning. Father
Michael Dougherty officiated alternately with Father Leken until 1843. From"
1880 to 1851 Fathers Kendler, George Villiger, V. H. Barber and F. X.Denecker
were the visiting priests. The new brick church on High Street was built in
1852, under the care of Father J. B. Cotting. At this time the Jesuits passed
the church over to the Bishop of Philadelphia; then the pastor became a resi-
dent of Gettysburg. Soon after the battle of Gettysburg, 1863, Eev. Joseph
A. Boll was placed in charge, and he is the present pastor.
Methodist Episcopal Church (John Vrooman, pastor). — There were thirty
members of this church in Gettysburg, in 1818. A small house on Baltimore
Street was rented and Eev. Van Orsdel officiated, followed by Eev. "Wesley
"Woods. The church was built on Middle Street in 1822. The rear portion
of the lot was used as a burying ground until Evergreen Cemetery was made in
1854. A Sunday-school was started in 1826; Ezekiel Buckingham, superin-
tendent and George Walsh, assistant. In 1835 a parsonage was purchased; this
— ^^- —
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 201
was sold in 1856 and the present parsonage secured. The new church as it
now stands was built in 1872.
Reformed Church. — This was organized and placed under the care of Rev.
George Troldenier in the year 1790; at first in "an old log schoolhouse, "
and this being too small they held worship in the court house. They
then united with the St. James Lutheran Church, and in 1814 the two erected
the "Union Brick Church," on the corner of High and Stratton Streets. In
1815 Eev. John Eunkle was in charge, succeeded by Dr. SchafP, and he by Dr.
Harbaugh. To this time services were held in the German language. Rev.
David Bossier was in charge for six years. Then the field was vacant two years,
trying all the time to find a preacher who could preach alternately in German
and English on a salary of |400. Finally Rev. B. S. Schneck was secured. The
church was empty from 1835 to 1838. Rev. Samuel Gutelius then came and
remained until 1843, when E. V. Gerhart came; then Rev. Jacob Zeigler.
The congregation now purchased the St. James Lutheran interest in the church
building. The building was enlarged and re-dedicated June, 1862. Rev.
Bucher resigned in 1863, and Rev. Deatrich became pastor, and he was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Dr. M. Kieffer.
SOCIETIES.
Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 200, F. & A. M., was instituted January 1,
1825. The original officers were Sampson S. King, W. M. ; Robert Goodloe
Harper, S. W. ; Thomas C. Reed, J. W. ; George W. King, Sec. Charter mem-
bers: Sampson S. King, Robert G. Harper, Thomas C. Reed, George W. King,
Francis Leas, Thomas C. Miller. In 1832 the great wave of Thad. Stevens' anti-
Masonic war struck this part of the country, and January 7 of that year the Good
Samaritan Lodge suspended its meetings and surrendered its charter. Robert
Goodloe Harper took charge of all the papers and carefully preserved them, say-
ing to his brothers that he expected to live to reorganize the lodge and that it
would grow strong and flourish. Time verified his fondest hopes. This
anti-Masonic war was ephemeral — it controlled one election. The lodge was
revived and reorganized January 23, 1860, and then the number of the lodge
was changed to 336, but no other change in name. The officers of the new
organization were Robert Goodloe Harper, W. M. ; Edward G. Fahnestock,
S. W. ; Henry B. Danner, J. W. ; Joel B. Danner, Treas. ; William A. Dun-
can, Sec. The charter members: Robert Goodloe Harper, Edward G. Fahne-
stock, H. B. Danner, Joel B. Danner, William A. Duncan, Henry S. Benner,
Samuel K. Foulk, John Geiselman. Present officers: John C. Felty, W. M. ;
W. H. Tipton, S. W. ; Calvin Hamilton, J. W. ; William T. Zeigler, Treas. ;
Daniel A. Skelly, Sec. The present membership is seventy-one.
Masonic Chapter, F. & A. M., was organized March 23, 1886. Officers:
Daniel A. Skelly, H. P. ; H. D. Scott, K. ; Winfield S. Shroder, S. ; Henry S.
Benner, Treas. ; Charles H. Ruff, Sec. The charter members: Charles P.
Gettier, W. D. Holtzworth, Daniel A. Skelly, Hugh D. Scott, Charles H.
RufP, Winfield Shroder, Hanson P. Mark, W. T. Zeigler, Henry S. Benner.
Cayugas Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, No. 31, was organized
June 25, 1854. The present officers: F. M. Garlach, Sachem; Peter
Thorn, Sr., Sagamore; E. K. Culp, Jr. Sagamore; C. H. Stallsmith, C. of R. ;
William N. Miller, Asst. C. of R. ; D. Kitzmiller, K. of W. Trustees: T. J.
Stahle, J. W. Flaharty, C. B. Shields. The charter members: John L. Holtz-
worth, W. B. Wauk, Samuel Weaver, Obidiah Beard, Henry Hughes, Thomas
F. Frazier, S. W. Kale, Michael Meals, John Peter Hoffman, J. H. Skelly,
I lA
202 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Henry G. Karr, B. G. Hallebaugh, Jesse Ebert, William Trickel, Thomas
Warren, Augustus Schwartz, Nicholas Weaver, Jacob Rinehart, James W.
Shultz, James N. Shruekhise, John J. Burbell, T. T. Titus, John Sellers,
Isaac Heitshue, Henry G. Wolf, Dr. J. L. Hill, G. A. Long. The officers of
the original organization were John Burbell, Sachem; Henry G. Cave, Sr.
Sagamore; John L. Holtzworth, Jr. Sagamore; Henry G. Wolf, C. of E.;
Samuel Weaver, K. of W.
I. O. O. F. — Present officers: J. H. Fleming, N. G. ; Eobert D. Armor,
V. G. ; Charles H. Ruff, Sec. ; William C. Stallsmith, Asst. Sec. ; J. L.
Shick, Treas. Trustees: Eobert D. Armor, Jeremiah Culp, W. T. Zeigler.
Union Encampment was instituted October 3, 1857. First members C. H.
Buehler, J. H. Culp, G. W. Stover, N. Weaver, J. L. Shick. Officers at the
organization: J. L. Hill, C. P. ; William B. Meals, J. W. ; John Winebren-
ner, S. W. ; Robert D . Armor, H. P. ; Charles X. Martin, Sec. ; John Eupp,
Treas. Present officers; W. N. Miller, C. P.; Charles Zeigler, S. W. ; W.
C. Stallsmith, S. ; David KitzmiUer, Treas. ; Eobert D. Armor, H. P. The
I. O. O. P. lodge was instituted August 18, 1845. The officers first installed
were W. P. Bell, N. G. ; John G. Baker, V. G. ; George W. Bowen, S. ;
Eobert D. Armor, A. S. ; Samuel Yingling, Treas.
Corporal Skelly Post No. 9, Department of Pennsylvania G. A. R. , of
Gettysburg, was among the first posts organized in Pennsylvania. It was
named in honor of Corp. Johnston H. Skelly, of Company F, Eighty-seventh
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, who was wounded at the battle
of Carter's Woods, near Winchester, Va., on the 15th of June, 1863, and
died in the hospital at Winchester on the 12th of July, . 1863. The first
organization did not exist very long, owing to political dissensions in the
post, and the charter was surrendered. In September, 1872, the post was
reorganized with its original name and number, but did not increase in mem-
bership very fast (having only about forty-five members) until the year 1879,
when the prejudices which had existed for some time in this locality against
the G. A. E. were removed and applicants began to come in very fast for admit-
tance to the order, and the membership was increased untU the present time
(1886) it numbers 103 members. After its reorganization the post held its
meetings in the three-story building nearly opposite the court house until
March, 1880, when the members purchased the old Methodist Church on East
Middle Street, which was remodeled and fitted up for a post room, the walls of
which are all hung with fine pictures, comprising battle scenes, views of dif-
ferent battle fields, photographs of members of the post, and votes of thanks
from the department of Pennsylvania G. A. E., and different posts of this
and other States. The post owns a very fine collection of relics gathered
from Gettysburg, and other battle fields. The commander's pedestal is made
from a section of a hickory tree cut along the bank of WUloughby's Eun
(the scene of the first day' s battle of Gettysburg), with a Hotchkiss shell stick-
ing in the center of it, and the top is a piece of dressed granite from the
woods in front of Eound Top. Another relic in the post room is a small can-
non, weighing 150 pounds, with one and one-half inch bore, made from one of
the guns of Henry's North Carolina rebel batteries, which exploded during
the battle of Gettysburg in front of Eound Top. The post also owns the chair
belonging to Gen. Ewell, and which he left in his hurry to get away from Gettys-
burg. It was presented to the post by a former citizen of the town, Hiram
Warren (deceased). The following are the names of the post commanded :
Eev. Jesse B. Young, N. G. Wilson, Eobert Bell, Theodore C. Norris, J. W.
Cress, S. E. Andrews, J. Jefferson Myers, H. S. Buehler, C. E. Armor, Will-
iam E. Culp, John Orr, J. E. Wible, William T. Ziegler, S. H. Eicholtz, W.
H. H. Pierce, William D. Holtzworth and J. H. Skelly. The following are
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. -203
the officers of the Post for 1886: Com. A. M. Detrick; S. V. C, H. W. Light-
ner; J. V. C, John G. Prey; Adjt., Thad. L. Welty; Q. M., N. G. Wilson-
Surgeon, C. E. GoldsboroTigh; Chaplain, Eev. H. W. McKnight; O D w'
T. Zeigler; O. G., H. S. Buehler; S. M., William H. Eupp; Q. M. S., J. e!
Wible; O. S., J. H. Sheads; Trustees, E. E. Culp, C. Hamilton, Eobert Bell.
The Phrenakosmian Society of Pennsylvania College.* — Pebruary 4, 1831,
the students of the Gettysburg Gymnasium were called together to take meas-
ures for the formation of literary societies. Profs. J. Marsden and M. Jacobs
addressed them on the subject. The roll was then divided, and the first half
became the founders of the Phrenakosmian Society. They numbered eighteen.
Prof. Marsden presided over the first meeting. Two weeks later, Friday
evening, February 18, the second meeting was held, at which the constitution
was adopted. J. C. Hope was elected the first archon. The records sho^
that at least six different constitutions have been adopted and enforced.
The library connected with the society was founded by a resolution of April
15, 1831, Harper's library being purchased as the nucleus. The library,
consisting now of nearly 6,000 books, occupies one of the large rdbms on the
fourth floor of the present college building. The society has accumulated a
fund, the interest of which is spent in the purchase of books. October 30,
1867, Mr. Manges moved that a committee be appointed to consider the ex'-
pediency of providing a reading room. The project met the approval of the
society, and the reading room was opened at the beginning of the next session.
The periodicals subscribed for are designated by a vote of the society. A num-
ber is furnished gratuitously.
Since 1868 public exercises have been held every alternate year, on Feb-
ruary 22. Several literary contests have been held with the sister society, the
Philomathsean. The society has published two catalogues, one in 1846 and
another in 1853. Were one to be issued now (1886) it would record over 1,20§
names of those who are or have been active members. \_Communicated.']
A NATIONAL EESOBT.
The fame of Gettysburg is now spread all over the civilized world. Here
is the historic battle-field of centuries, the magnificent National Cemetery, and
its grounds and splendid avenues now being lined with battle-field monuments
that record in granite the position of the different commands in the battle ; the
park on Little Eound Top; the lovely landscape; the quiet and picturesque,
blue, distant, sweeping hills; the neat, cleanly, solidly buUt town; the clean
paved streets; the smooth, wide sidewalks; the shade trees throwing their
grateful shade along the streets; the broad avenues; the reposing landscapes;
the exhaustless supply of pure, sweet water; its hotels and business houses and
the many elegant and spacious mansions; and then in the suburbs the Katal-
zine Medical Springs and the summer hotel by them, all go to make this one of
the most inviting places to the tourist and the oppressed in the great cities,
and pleasure seekers in the world. The air, the water, the scenery in its
sweet and reposing splendors; the old and elegant institutions of learning, both
literary and theological; the quiet and pleasant manners of the people, their
refinement and culture and open frankness and true hospitality to the visitors
and strangers, are the "open sesame" to the hearts of all comers to this rapidly-
becoming National Mecca, for the patriotic veterans of the late war as well as
the favorite resort to all.
To the writer of these lines the recollections of Gettysburg will, while h©
lives, linger as one of the most vivid and pleasant pictures in his pathway of
life^ .
*The facts are mostly taken from "the Pennsylvania College Book."
204 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Physicians— OF the Earliest of Whom Tradition is at Fault— Practice
OF Medicine in Early Days— Early Physicians- Adams County Medi-
cal Society— Present Licensed Practitioners.
THE gifted poet-philosopher made some desultory remarks about ' ' minister-
ing to a mind diseased, ' ' and answering his own question exclaimed in dis-
gust, ' ' throw physic to the dogs. ' ' That will do for a strong man in prime health,
but upon the ears of the poor invalid it would fall less heeded than the idle
winds. In the olden time the intensity of religious faith deemed it enough,
in fact, the be all and the end all, to minister to the poor, sick souls of men,
and they looked with contempt upon what they regarded as wicked attempts to
doctor the body. It was but the vile vessel, doomed for a few brief days to
bear in this vile and troublous world the immortal soul, to cofl&n and confine
its impatient wings in its eager anxiety for its flight to the bosom of the blessed
God and the endless and infinite joys of heaven.
Of the earliest immigrants here tradition is wholly at fault as to how or who
ministered to the sick and afflicted. Had we even the most shadowy tradi-
tions to seize upon, we might construct a fair and reasonable story as to the
manner of those early times in this respect, and do this, too, with no great
fears as to the assertions we might make being authoritatively contradicted.
Alas! no physician of a century ago, or three-quarters of a century, or fifty
years ago, jotted down in his journal of recollections his knowledge and the
traditions that had come to him of his predecessors in his profession; who they
were, how they plied their trade, and other items of interest that would now be
a store-house of wonderfully interesting information to us. Confronted as we
now are with this painful omission of our ancestors, the lesson loudly calls upon
the young men of to-day, of every profession, every guild, trade and occupation
to keep a handy diary, where details and daily facts may be transmitted to far
future generations. Young man, it is an easy road to immortality — to build-
ing of your own monument that will endure beyond the bronze or the hardest
granite !
There must have been a generation of people here who were practically
without any scientific medical aids in combating the ' ' ills that flesh is heir to "
in all newly-settled countries. The work-a-day mothers, the kindly-faced old
grandmothers nursed the sick and ministered to the sufferers those simple re-
medies that they had learned of, that were gathered from the forests, the fields
and the gardens. True, their knowledge of diseases and remedies were very
limited, but they ventured upon no experiments of a heroic kind, and merely
tried to gently assist nature in efforts at a cure. The priestly office in those
days was esteemed a source of nearly infinite wisdom, especially if the reverend
could gibber words in Greek and Latin. Doubtless these learned pundits were
often impressed to prescribe for the body as well as pray for the soul. Then,
there were the faith doctors, and then, too, as now, were the ever-living and
ubiquitous quacks — arrant humbugs — a prolific race, tenacious of life, plying
their nefarious trade and peopling the silent city of the dead. We all abuse
these poor despised shams and dishonest frauds — tampering for gain with that
most precious boon — health and life — and yet are we not nearly all more or
MEDICAL. 205
less guilty; that is, are we not a race, nation and people of empirics — looking
only upon the one side with a dull and dim vision in all the affairs of life, and,
as we are told, the yet more important, because eternal, concerns beyond the
grave ?
What science and almost all the art of medicine and surgery we have are
the discoveries and inventions of the present century. Look at the improve-
ment in the treatment and cure of our insane, the cleaning and drainage of our
cities, the healthful comforts added to our houses and homes, the understand-
ing and proper preparation of our food, the intelligent battle we can now make
against epidemics! In short, we have performed what at one time could have
only been done by a miracle — prolonged the average life of a generation ten
years. What else has the human race done that can be compared to this ?
Think of it, reader. Here is a suggestion that may lead the intelligent mind to
the contemplation of the most instructive and interesting subjects it is possible
to place before it.
The beginning of this century found Dr. John Agnew a practicing physi-
cian in Gettysburg. The Agnews were a very prominent family long prior to
the Revolution, and in that war the different members made the name historic.
Dr. Agnew would have made his name illustrious in any age or among any peo-
ple. An industrious and patient investigator, with a strong, active brain and a
stout heart, he walked life' s path single-handed, and boldly pursued new aven-
ues of knowledge and thought out many of the intricate problems of life. The
people of his time, of course, could have but small appreciation of his worth to
them and mankind. In the very early part of this century he wrote and pub
lished a most valuable paper on vaccination, the first thing of the kind ever
published in this country. We are informed that the State Medical Society,
at one of its meetings a few years ago, learned something of this historical in-
cident of Dr. Agnew' s article, and eventually sent one of its members to Get-
tysburg in the hope of finding the publication, but failed to secure it. The
writer of these lines found it in the early files of Harper' s paper, the Centinel,
now in the Star and Sentinel office.
The commencement of the nineteenth century found here, practicing his
profession. Dr. William H. Crawford, a man of great and varied abilities. His act-
ive and brilliant intellect made him, at an early period of his life, pre-eminent
among men, and he wrought out by the sheer force of his own genius a national
and lasting fame. A born leader of men, and whether in the science and prac-
tice of medicine, a law-maker in the halls of Congress, on the stump or in the
forum as a statesman or orator, or wielding his pointed and trenchant pen, he
found few eciuals in his day among the world's greatest men, and no superiors.
A tolerably complete account of Dr Crawford may be found in another part of
this work.
Dr. John Runkle was a native of Maryland, born in 1786, a son of Rev.
John William Runkle, of the Palatinate, Germany, who lived to the age of
eighty-four years and died in 1832. Dr. John Runkle studied theology
for a time, but nature's impulses turned his attention to the study of medi-
cine. He was great enough in his profession to impress his life upon hia
age, and there has been handed down to the present generation even the glow*
ing accounts of his great worth as a physician, as a fellow-citizen, as a guide,
counselor and friend to his neighbors and widely extended list of patients. In
the biographical portion of this work will be found an extended sketch of Dr.
Runkle.
Dr. John B. Arnold was born in Connecticut in. 1775, and died in 1822.
He was in early life a graduate of medicine, and came to Adams County before
the end of the last century. (See his biographical sketch. )
2(«J' HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Dr. James Hamilton was among the early educated and able physicians in
this county. He was a Southern man by birth ; had received a good education
both in the literary and medical schools. A man of dignified and genblemanly
deportment, of a high sense of honor, he was greatly respected and beloved
by all our people. He lived in this county nearly fifty years. He came here
with ample means, and invested largely in lands in the Piney Mountain region,
and instead of this making him money it impoverished him, and in his old days,
when too feeble longer to practice his profession he died in the extremes of
poverty about the year 1825.
Dr. John Knox was many years a leading man in the county in his profes-
sion. His son, Eev. John Knox, became the eminent divine of New York. Dr.
Knox was one of nature' s men of strong and positive convictions, who was
naturally a powerful leader in his profession or in his church as well as in
social life. His eminent talents as a physician, his great worth as a citizen,
are now a pleasant theme for contemplation by the few aged and venerable
men among us, the oldest of whom are carried back to the times of their early
boyhood days, when they come to tell you of Dr. Knox.
Dr. James H. Miller was one of Dr. Crawford' s earliest medical students in
his office, and was a most worthy successor to his eminent tutor as well as
to the practice of the eminent men we have named above. For many years
he was the Nestor of physicians in all this part of Pennsylvania. When his
advice or counsel in the most complicated and difficult cases was obtained, all
were satisfied that all was done that could be accomplished, and the ablest of
his contemporaries could seek no higher authority than Dr. Miller. He mar-
ried a Miss Spear, of Franklin County, and removed to Baltimore, in 1825,
where he at once became the leading physician. He died in the early "fifties,"
leaving no descendants. When Dr. Miller removed to Baltimore his extensive
practice was divided mostly between Dr. David Horner and Dr. Charles
Berluchy.
Dr. John Paxton was one of the early physicians who at one time became
Tery prom.inent in the county. His family lived in Millerstown where he was
reared. Upon completing his education he located in Gettysburg, gaining an
extended and, for that day, lucrative practice, and there he died.
Dr. David Horner was born in Gettysburg, Perm. , in 1797, and was a son of
Robert and grandson of David Horner, who immigrated to this country prior
to 1760. He read medicine under Dr. James H. Miller, and received his de-
gree of M. D. from the Washington Medical College at Baltimore, Md. He
died in 1858. (See his biography.)
Dr. Charles Berluchy was an uncle of Drs. Charles and Robert Horner, of
Gettysburg. Dr. David Horner and Dr. Berluchy married sisters, Misses
Allen, of Savannah, Ga. Dr. Berluchy was a native of Milan, Italy. In his
native country he left the University of Milan and joined Napoleon's forces,
and after the fall of Napoleon he came to America. He was wounded in the
face in one of the many battles, and a great scar was the potent mark of his
exposure to the enemy on the battle field. He came to Gettysburg about 1816,
and located here in the practice of his profession. Under all disadvantages he
gained an extensive practice, and became a prominent and influential citizen in
his adopted country; was for some time postmaster in Gettysburg. He left
here about 1855, and located in Pottsville, where he died about 1864. He left
a widow and two sons. His son, Samuel Lilly Berluchy, became a very learned
physician, but died young. The family have all died since the death of the
father and husband.
Dr. Samuel Meisenhelder was born in York County, Penn. , in 1818, and
MEDICAL. 207
graduated in Jefferson Medical College in 1851, came to East Berlin in 1851,
and died there in 1884. (See biography.)
Dr. John Parshall was here in the early part of the centiiry. He came
from Perry County, Penn. , lived here and practiced successfully until about
the year 1833, then removed to Tennessee, none of his family remaining here.
He was the organizer and leader of the small colony that removed to Tennes-
see. He was, it is said, a student of Dr. Miller.
Dr. Samuel E. Hall was also one of Dr. Miller' s students, and had suc-
ceeded in building up a good practice in Berlin, and, about 1837, removed to
Gettysburg, where he had a large practice, and afterward went West. He is
remembered as a good physician, but impulsive and sometimes warm in dis-
cussions.
Dr. David Gilbert established himself as a physician in Gettysburg about
1830. He was very successful and was noted as a surgeon. It is said, in fact,
that the only men to this time that could cut off a limb had been Drs. Craw-
ford and MUler until Dr. Gilbert came. He practiced here about fifteen years
and removed to Philadelphia, and became still more celebrated as a surgeon;
was at one time a professor in the medical college there. He died in Philadel-
phia, leaving a family. His son, Kent Gilbert, was also a physician and was
elected coroner of Philadelphia.
J. W. Hendrix, born in York County in May, 1823; graduate of the "Uni-
versity of Maryland, March, 1849 ; resided at New Oxford. He died May 26,
1885, deeply lamented by a wide circle of sincere friends. [See biography
elsewhere.]
Joseph A. Shorb was for thirty -five years a prominent physician and leading
citizen in the county. He died in 1855, deeply lamented by a wide circle of
friends and relatives — a good man, a wise physician and beloved friend. He
was the father of thirteen children, two of whom are living. [See biography
elsewhere. ]
ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
This society was formed in Gettysburg June 14, 1873, by Drs. E. B. El-
derdice, Eobert Horner, W. J. McClure, J. L. Baehr, A. Holtz, C. Thompson
and J. W. C. O'Neal. A. Holtz, chairman; E. B. Elderdice, secretary; J. L.
Baehr, treasiii'er. There were then about thirty-five practicing physicians in
the county. At the regular meeting in June, 1873, the attendants were Drs.
H. S. Huber, J. P. Brenneman, "W. C. Stem, E. W. Mumma, Charles Horner,
E. N. Meisenhelder, F. C. Wolf, A. B. Dill. Permanent officers elected:
Eobert Horner, president; H. S. Huber and A. Holtz, vice-presidents; E. B.
Elderdice, recording secretary; William J. McClure, corresponding secretary;
J. W. C. O'Neal, treasurer.
June 8, 1881, the Legislature passed an act requiring the prothonotary of
each county to provide a book in which shall be kept a registry of each prac-
ticing physician in medical surgery in the county; the record keeping an ac-
count of the deaths or removals from the county of physicians. The act goes
on to specify the qualifications in point of medical education each practitioner
shall have before he can practice. Any one, however, in the continuous prac-
tice since 1871 can continue practice without the qualifications required by
law.
Present licensed practitioners in the county are as follows:
George B. Aiken, a native of Baltimore, who received the degree of M. D.
at the University of Maryland, March 10, 1836, settled in McSherrystown,
where he has been continuously in the practice.
208 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
James B. Combs, nativity, Huntington County, Penn. ; residence Round
Hill, Huntington Township; took his degree at the Medical College of Ohio,
March 1, 1851, and also graduated in the Medical and Surgical University of
Philadelphia, February 23, 1872, and for some years practiced medicine in
Baltimore.
E. W. Cashman, a native of Bendersville, Adams County, now residing
in York Springs; graduated in the University of Pennsylvania, May 1, 1886.
Daniel L. Baker, resides in East Berlin.
Aaron L. Bishop, native of Littlestown, where he has continued to reside
all his life. A graduate of the University of New York, March 1, 1847.
John C. Bush, bom in Baltimore; graduated in University of Maryland in
March, 1854; resides in Mountjoy Township, where he has had a continuous
residence.
Abraham Piere Beam, of Franklin County; a graduate of Jefferson Med-
ical College March, 1876; residence, Fairfield.
Jesse P. Brennaman, native of York County; graduate of University of
New York. He located in Arendtsville and finally in Gettysburg.
John G. Brown, bom in Adams County; residence, Hampton, in this
county. He graduated in the University of Maryland March 1, 1878.
David A. Diller, native of York County. He took his degree in the Eclec-
tic Medical College of Pennsylvania April 21, 1864. He resided in York
County until 1859, and since then has resided in York Springs, this county.
Howard L. Diehl, a native of Littlestown; residence, Gettysburg; gradu-
ate of Hahnemann Medical College, of Philadelphia, March 1, 1876.
John Russell Dickson, born in Adams County; residence, Straban Town-
ship; received the degree of M. D. at the University of Pennsylvania, March
15, 1880. [See biography.]
A. B. DiU graduated in Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1865. His
family were early settlers in this country. His residence is York Springs.
[See biography elsewhere.]
Jeremiah Dior e, born in the Mauritius ; residence, Biglerville; graduate of
Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, March 29, 1884.
A. M. Evers, a native of Rockingham County, Va. ; lived in Frederick,
Md. , and removed to New Oxford, in this county.
Robert Breckinridge Elderdice, born in Cecil County, Md. ; was a gradu-
ate of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, June 25, 1858.
Samuel Enterline, born in Dauphin County, Penn. ; graduated in Eclectic
Medical College, of Philadelphia, February, 1867 ; first located in York Coun-
ty, then came to present residence in Huntington Township.
John C. Felty, born in Adams County; graduated in University of Penn-
sylvania, March 13, 1873, and in 1870 and 1873 received from Pennsyl-
vania College the degrees of A. B. and A. M. ; residence, Gettysburg. He
has so improved the opportunities of his school days as to readily take a prom-
inent place in the ranks of his profession. [See his biography in the biograph-
ical part of this work. ]
Edwin Knox Foreman, born in Frederick County, Md. ; graduated at the
University of Maryland, March 1, 1862; practiced medicine in Mechanics-
town and Elkton, Md. , and then located in Littlestown. He is an eminent
and learned physician. ' [See elsewhere his biographical sketch. ]
Charles Edward Goldsborough, a native of Frederick County, Md. ; attend-
ed lectures in 1855-56 in University of Maryland; was then examined and
placed in service of United States Army in 1861, and became acting assistant
surgeon in 1862, and served two years; altogether was four years in the United
—(^^^^^^^^y^-^^<?^n^<^'^o( ty'^rC' »^.
MEDICAL. 211
States service, then practiced his profession one year in Hampton, when he
permanently located in Hunterstown. He is a prominent and influential man
in his profession. [See biographical sketch elsewhere. ]
Charles Peter Gettier, a native of Maryland; graduated from New York
Homoeopathic Institution March 1, 1867, and located in Littlestown, where he
has been very successful in his professional practice. [See biography. ]
Jphn E. Gilbert, a native of Gettysburg; graduated at the University of
Pennsylvania March 1, 1877, and located in his native town; died in April,
1882, in Gettysburg.
Wilson F. HoUinger, a native of Adams County; graduated at the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania March, 1874, and located in Abbottstown.
Alex. "W. Howard, born in Adams County ; graduate of the University of
Maryland, March, 1870; residence, Bendersville. He is already one of the
county's prominent physicians. [See biography elsewhere.]
Charles Horner, born in Gettysburg, a graduate of the University of Penn-
sylvania, March, 1846; received the degrees of A. M. and M. D. in Pennsyl-
vania College in 1843 and 1846.
Robert Horner, born in Gettysburg; received the degree of M. D. at the
University of Pennsylvania in March, 1849, and the degree of A. M. in Penn-
sylvania College, Gettysburg, in June, 1875.
Ephraim Howard, a native of Adams County; residence, Straban Township.
Jonathan Howard, a native of Littlestown, received no regular degrees ;
practiced medicine in Mountpleasant Township, and resides in Littlestown.
Andrew Howard, of Mountpleasant Township, received no degrees.
Charles W. Johnston, born in Bedford County; received his M. D. in
March, 1875, at Jefferson Medical College; resides in Abbottstown.
John Shorb Kinzer, born in Littlestown; graduated in the University of
Maryland March 3, 1881; resides in Germany Township; was conferred the
degrees of A. B. and A. M. at St. Mary's College in 1878 and 1880.
Thomas Kenedy, a native of Adams County, graduated at Keokuk, Iowa,
Medical College February, 1874; resides in Bermudian.
Virgil H. B. Lilly, a native of Adams County; graduate of University of
Maryland in March, 1869; resides in McSherrystown; a scientific man in his pro-
fession, a ripe scholar and valuable citizen. [See biography in another column. ]
Hiram W. LeFevre, born in Adams County; graduate of the University of
Maryland, 1872; resides in Littlestown.
Israel P. Lecrone, born in York County; received his degree of M. D. at
Jefferson Medical College in March, 1871; resides in Arendtsville; of a large
family, there being eleven children, of whom five are now living. [See ex-
tended biography elsewhere.]
Eichard McSherry, born in Martinsljurg, Va. ; graduated at the University
of Maryland in March, 1880; residence, Germany Township; commenced the
practice of his profession in Pittsburgh.
Robert N. Meisenhelder, a native of York County; graduate of Jefferson
Medical College, March, 1871; resides in East Berlin. [See family biograph-
ical sketch in another part of this work. ]
E. W. Miimma, nativity, Waverly, Md. ; received the degree of M. D. at the
University of Maryland, March 10, 1851; residence, Bendersville. The Mum-
ma family name is among the earliest of the historical names of the early
fathers of this portion of the State; a name prominently connected with nearly
every historical event in this part of the country from the middle of the eight-
eenth century to the present time. [See Dr. Mumma's biographical sketch
elsewhere. ]
212, HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
John H. Marsden, bom in Adams County; took his degree of M. D. in
March, 1848, at Jefferson Medical College; resides near York Springs.
Emanuel Melhorn, born in Adams County; graduate of Pennsylvania Uni-
versity in 1857; resides in New Chester.
Isaac W. Pearson, a native of Adams County, born June 6, 1824; com-
menced the study of medicine in 1848 and practice in 1850 in York Springs.
His ancestors came v^ith William Penn. [See biography on another page.]
Alfred Myers, born in Baltimore ; a graduate of Jefferson Medical College
in March, 1875; residence, Hampton.
D. H. Melhorn, born in Adams County; a graduate of Jefferson Medical
College in March, 1882; residence. New Chester.
Agideous Noel, a native of Adams County; graduate of the University of
Maryland in March, 1862 ; residence, Bonneauville. [See biography, j
John W. C. O'Neal, born in Virginia ; was educated in the grammar schools
and in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg; received his degree of M. D. at the
University of Maryland in March, 1844; practiced medicine in Hanover from
1844 to 1849, then practiced in Baltimore from 1849 to 1863, and in Hanover
for a time, when he removed to Gettysburg, his present home, where he is still
in the practice of his chosen profession. By right of priority, at least, he stands
at the head of the long column of men eminent in the profession in this county.
(See another page for an extended sketch of Dr. O'Neal.)
Walter H. O'Neal, born in Baltimore, educated in Pennsylvania College,
Gettysburg; attended medical department University of Maryland; graduated in
1871; appointed medical attendant for the county in 1872; served six years and
resigned, and located in Luzerne County, and practiced there five years and
returned to Gettysburg, his present residence, and took charge of his father' s
extensive practice.
Jacob R. Plank, born in Cumberland County; graduated from Washington
Medical College in July, 1873; residence, York Springs.
R. Milton Plank, a native of Cumberland County, graduated in March,
1880, at College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore ; residence, York
Springs.
George L. Rice, born in Baltimore; a graduate of Washington University,
Baltimore, in February, 1872; residence, Mc Sherry stown; a man learned in his
profession, and much esteemed in private life. [See biography elsewhere.]
Charles H. Rupp, a native of York County, commenced practice in 1863 and
has been in continuous practice to date.
C. K. Rether, born in Adams County, graduated in 1884 from Jefferson
College; residence, Biglerville.
J. L. Sheetz, born in Berks County, received his degree of M. D. in March,
1879, at the University of Pennsylvania; resides in New Oxford.
Joseph W. Smith, a native of York County, graduated from Bellevue Med-
ical College, New York, in March, 1870; residence. New Oxford.
Charles E. Smith, born in York Coimty, graduated from Hahnemann Med-
ical College, March 9, 1873 ; residence. Center MUls.
R. S. Seiss, born in Frederick County, Md. , graduate of University of
Maryland, March, 1852 ; residence, Littlestown. As a physician, a man highly
prized by his brethren, and in social and business life esteemed greatly by a
wide circle of friends. [See extended biography elsewhere. ]
Joshua S. Kemp, born in Baltimore, took his degree of M. D. at University
of Maryland in March, 1858; residence, Littlestown. [See sketch in another
column].
MEDICAL. 213
Edmund F. Shorb, a native of Adams County; graduate of University of
Maryland, March, 1846; residence, Littlestown. The son of Dr. Joseph A.
Shorb, and is worthily.carryingonthe work where his eminent father left off.
[See biography.]
Abraham S. Scott, a native of Adams County; residence, Fairfield.
William O. Smith, boru in Franklin County ; graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania, March, 1878; residence, Cashtown.
George W. Smith, nativity Adams County ; attended two courses of lectures
at Jefferson Medical College; received permission to commence the practice in
1860, and has been in the practice continually since ; residence, Flora Dale.
J. B. Scott, born in Gettysburg; received his degree of M. D. at the med-
ical department University of Pennsylvania, 1881, and the degree of A. B.
from Pennsylvania College in 1877; residence, Gettysburg.
Abraham O. Scott, an eminent physician, a descendant of one of the earliest
families, was born in 1825 ; graduated from Jefferson College, Cannonsburg,
in 1850, and from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1853.
£See full biography elsewhere.]
Otho W. Thomas, born in Adams County; graduated at the University of
Pennsylvania March 12, 1874; residence, Arendtsville. His parents were also
natives of Adams County, a prominent and influential family. [See biography.]
William C. Sandrock, born in Baltimore, graduated from Maryland College
in Pharmacy in 1875; received his degree of M. D. at the University of Mary-
land in March, 1878 ; studied medicine in Baltimore. He took first prize in his
class in 1875; residence. New Oxford. [See biography elsewhere. ]
James Warren, born in Lancaster County, received degrees at Jefferson Med-
ical College ; been in the practice fifty years ; at an early age became eminent
in his profession ; resides near Gettysburg. [See complete biography else-
where. ]
J. C. Warren, born in York County; received his degree in Louisville, Ky.,
in 1873 ; began practice in Lancaster, Penn. , then in three years came to Get-
tysburg for a short time; thence moved to Stryanstown, York County, where
lie practiced eight years; then, in 1883, came to his present location in Butler
Township. [See biography.]
Sylvester B. Weaver, born in Carroll County, Md. , graduated from Hahne-
mann Medical College, Philadelphia, March, 1872; residence, Littlestown.
[See sketch.]
Frederick C. Wolf, born in Adams County, graduated at F. and M. Col-
lege, Lancaster, in 1864;readmedicinein the office of Dr. Peffer, Abbottstown;
attended lectures at the University of Maryland; graduated in 1866; residence,
Abbottstown.
James D. Weddelle, born in Washington County, Md. ; received degree of
M. D. in February, 1872, in Washington Medical University, Maryland; resi-
dence, Bigler.
William C. Stem, native of Adams County; passed the Philadelphia Medi-
cal Institute in 1850; attended, about one year, clinical lectures in the Penn-
sylvania Hospital and also lectures at the Willis Hospital; residence. Cash-
town. [See biography elsewhere.]
Charles W. Weaver, born in Glenville, Penn., graduated from Hahnemann
. Medical College, April, 1884; residence, Glenville.
James G. Watson, Isornin Franklin County; graduated in 1876, residence,
Bonneauville; already a prominent and influential member of his profession.
£See biography elsewhere.]
214 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
T. T. Tate, born in Gettysburg; graduated from Pennsylvania Medical Col-
lege in 1855 ; went to Iowa and practiced a few years, then resided in the vicinity
of Springfield, Ohio, three years, and returned to Gettysburg; was surgeon of
the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry during the late war, and since has been a resi-
dent and practitioner in his native town.
CHAPTER XXVII.
BEEWICK TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF ABBOTTSTOWN.
THIS division of the county, including what are now known as Oxford and
Hamilton Townships, was brought into the little republic of Adams
County in 1800. In 1810 Hamilton Township was set ofP, and in 1847 Oxford
Township was established, reducing the original area of Berwick to about
10,000 acres.
The head waters of Hamilton Creek rise in the northwestern part of Berwick,
and flow north through Hamilton Township. Beaver' Creek rises in the
Seibrecht neighborhood, and flows north by east to Abbottstown, where it re-
ceives its east fork. This fork and main stream may be said to form the eastern
line of the township.
The Pigeon Hills and Egg Mountain, the latter entirely native, are wierd
natural upliftings, bold, rugged and steep, brought forth to relieve the Atlantic
slope. With the exception of these hiUs the township presents a rolling sur-
face. The land is principally red gravel, well cultivated.
The geological characteristics are traces of copper and coal in the hills;
hydro-mica slate, one mile and a half southwest of Paradise; impure lim-
onite, in the same neighborhood; massive brecciated sandstone, impregnated
with iron; limonite; dark blue and white crystalline limestone in Conowago
and Berwick Townships, also ferruginous on Carlisle road. In 1843 lignite
was found in this vicinity.
The number of taxpayers in Berwick Township (1886) is 318 ; value of real
estate, $230,993; number of horses, mules and geldings, 121; number of cows
and neat cattle, 149; amount of moneys at interest, $22,146; value of trades
and professions, $6,160; number of pleasure carriages, 48; number of acres
of timber land, 1,274. The population in 1800 was 1,333; in 1810, 1,799, in-
cluding what is now Hamilton and Oxford Townships; in 1820, 1,664, includ-
ing Abbottstown, 312, and Oxford, 142; in 1830, 1,417; in 1840, 1,462; in
1850, 811, including 3 colored persons; in 1860, 869, including 2 colored per-
sons; in 1870, 507; in 1880, 514, and of Abbottstown, 368.
In Berwick Township the retailers of foreign goods, wines and liquors, in
1824, were George Bange and Joseph Carl, and of foreign merchandise alone,
Joseph Eck and Daniel Heagy. Nicholas Cams, constable, made the
returns.
The assessment roll of 1799, then including Hamilton and Oxford Town-
ships, contains the following names and statistics of assessed valuation:*
*3ee also names and assessment of Abbottstoirn.
BERWICK TOWNSHIP.
215
Thomas Acheson |152
Banard AUewelt 541
Caleb Bails 320
Nicholas Berlin 858
John Bittinger 3,584;
Joseph Bittinger 3,456
Nicholas Bittinger 148
George Bard 576
Samuel Baugher 1,058
Peter Bruch 1,634
Jacob Becker 8
Michael Bender 600
Michael Babeletz 406
Samuel Bowser 528
John Boland 44
Samuel Bowser, Jr 53
Jacob Bohn 634
John Bealiei*. 1,076
George Beaker 460
George Beaker, of John 88
Martin Carroll 1,704
Michael Carroll 1,930
Samuel Clark 28
Christian Dick 1,192
John DoUinger, laborer
Joseph Ditto 70
Fred Decker 744
Peter Deiks 98
Daniel Deardurf 724
Henry Eckenrode 552
Conrad Eckenrode 888
Peter GaUey 357
Patrick Galaher 872
Jacob Grasser 488
Valentine GrofE 316
George Gibe 104
Thomas Gras 700
George Gram 16
Edward Hunt 18
Adam Huppert 130
Nicholas Hull 474
Joseph Hahantz 970
John Herman 1, 154
John Herman, Jr 553
DavidHerman 38
John Henderson 396
David Hiwer 862
Philip Hartman 716
Philip Hartman, Jr 76
Samuel Jacob 528
Joseph Kitchen 436
Richard Kitchen 832
Jacob Kerbach 636
Peter Keplinger 392
John Knm 208
Martin Kitzmiller 32
Matthew Karr, laborer
Widow KefEer 56
Andrew Kohler 936
John Kriehsomer 16
Peter Kehler 388
Henry Kuhn 2,516
John Kroscast 638
Michael Klebsadler 40
Val.Kolb 856
NAME. VALUE.
John Karr 808
George Kern 928
John Knecht 68
Peter Lang, or Long 608
Adam Lang, or Long 16
John Lampin , 4
Hugh Lynch, laborer
Moritz Lorentz 48
John Lorentz, laborer
Fred Lachman, laborer 8
Thomas Lilly 3,080
Daniel Luhatz 38
Christian Leniz 1,164
Manus McClafferty 8
William Mumert 64
Joseph Marshall 952
Jacob Mosser 438
Francis Marshall 384
John Marshall 304
Andrew Mawser 20
Frederick Moyer 1,140
James McClain 68
Peter Marshall 824
Jacob Mumert 12
Jacob Miller 896
Widow McTaggart 1,287
Edward McBride 8
Andrew Mcllvain 1,192
Mathias Mumert 732
Samuel Mumert 192
John Mumert 584
George Mill 764
William Owings 36
Widow Patterson 1,348
Isaac Peter 1,056
Martin Rudy 304
Herman Roth, weaver
Bernard Ruppert 48
Abram SerfE 916
David Slagle* 1,246
Christopher Slagle '. 1,072
Henry Slaglef 2,956
Henry Slagle, Jr , 1,332
Jacob Shank '. 12
Ferd. Shultz 428
Jacob Slagle 900
David Sowers 492
Joseph Shultz 456
William Smith 634
John Stean, weaver 4
Fred StoU 56
Jacob Sowers 496
Adam Sowers 392
Jacob Shetrane 748
William Shetrane, blacksmith 4
C. Schwobenland, laborer
Michael Suhrbach, blacksmith 24
Daniel Slagle 1,037
Clement Studenbaker,house carpenter 496
John Thomas 984
Peter Trine 128
William Thompson 544
Peter Traut 844
John Vandike 460
Peter ■Vana(r)sdalen 428
«One negro; value, $30.
tHenry Slagle, of Berwick Township, was delegate in the convention held at Carpenter's Hall, Phila-
delphia, June 18, 1775. He was also delegate to the convention of 1776.
21G HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTy.
NAME.
John Wunshuld 8 John Wagoner 444
Leonard Widder 420 Jacob Wist 764
Caspar Wise 1,048 John Wolf 38
Jacob Weaver 24 Fred Wolf 693
John Watsworth.
The schools date back to 1835-36. M. D. G. Pfeiflfer, delegate from Ber-
wick to the School Convention of November 4, 1834, voted in favor of adopting
the common school system. The State appropriation was $150.64 and the tax
$145.84. Directors were appointed or elected prior to 1840; but the records
for that period are defective.
The township claimed a full representation in the regiments of the Union
Army during the terrible years from 1861 to the close of 1865. Howard M.
Bittinger, of Abbottstown, was the first citizen who was mustered in with Com-
pany E, Second Eegiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, the first organized
in the county in 1861.
The Berlin branch of the Baltimore & Hanover Eailroad passes through
the northern part of the township and the borough of Abbottstown. The only
postoffice in Berwick Township is Abbottstown.
BOROUGH OP ABBOTTSTOWN, 1753-1886.
This borough is situated in the extreme northeastern part of Berwick
Township, at the intersection of the York & Gettysburg and Hanover &
Berlin Turnpikes, with its eastern suburbs running into York County. The
new railroad, known as the " Berlin Branch Railroad," completed in 1877, over
the Gitt survey of 1875-76, runs through the borough.* The population in
1820 was 312; sixty years later the census enumerator credited the borough
with 318. The elevation, at the square, above the Atlantic level is about the
same as Hunterstown, or 578 feet.
The village was sm'veyed and platted in 1755 by John Abbott, and ten years
after one Jacob Pattison purchased a lot, the first sold by Abbott, but not un-
til 1781 was the era of improvement introduced. The settlement was incor-
porated in 1835 under the name "Berwick Borough." The number of tax-
payers of the borough (1886), is 147; value of real estate, 198,412; number of
horses, etc., 40; of cows, etc., 30; value of moneys at interest, 1190,743; value
of trades and professions, $7,230; number of pleasure carriages, 34; of gold
watches, 14; no timber land.
The Harrisburg Telegraph, in its "notes and queries," published extracts
from an old diary, dated May 17, 1775, relative to York County. In this the
following passage about Berwick or Abbottstown, appears: "Fifteen miles
from York is a small village called Berwick or Abbottstown. One Dutch
Lutheran Church with a cupola; all the houses built of square logs.
An old, kind Dutch lady gave our horses for breakfast a dish of ' spelts;' they
are a coarse species of wheat. * * On the Conowago is another set-
tlement of Irish. Mr. Hunter has some relatives here. We dined with them,
who were highly civil to us. Twenty-two miles from York is a small village
called Huntersville. There is a Presbyterian meeting-house now belonging
to Mr. Thompson. Marsh Creek is a fine brook; low banks are lined vsdthtall
sycamores. ' '
* Abbottstown subscribed $16,030 and a good share of brains to this railroad enterprise.
BERWICK TOWNSHIP.
217
The following are the names of the residents of Abbottstown, whose pro-
perty was assessed in 1799 : ^
NAME.
Thomas Abbott
Richard Adams, tanner
Edward Abbott's lands 200
Edward Abbott , , gg
H. Bottenhime, turner 44
Fred Boyer, merchant 96
Jobn Brown, tailor 84
Fred Bower, weaver 39
F. Berlin, Sr., cord winder 39
George Bermii 30
George Bangler, blacksmith 43
F. Berlin, Sr., cord winder 42
P. Baugher, tanner 994
Jacob Bentz, tanner 170
George Berlin, wheelwright 4
George Brown, saddler 13
Dr. Daniel Beclier 108
John Bowman, turner 53
Jacob Bottenhiner. potter 13
Widow Bottenhiner 45
Isaac Berlin, gunsmith 53
James Chamberlain 35
Christian Dick, weaver 88
Henry Decker 30
Widow Donaldson 30
James Duncan, merchant 218
John Elder, innkeeper 60
Jacob Enck, cord winder 42
David Erb, tavern 70
Diedrick Felty, cord winder 82
George Fahnestock, merchant '. 118
Samuel Fahnestock, merchant 208
Eliza Fox 30
Michael Pish all, blacksmith 52
Borins Fahnestock, mills 1,116
Jacob Fahnestock, miller 4
Michael Galagher, tailor 24
Philip Gilwix, blacksmith 63
Thomas Gray 1,140
John HuU, carpenter 63
Philip Hull, nailer 47
John Hamilton 40
Widow Harding 68
John Hersh, hotel 1,174
Eliza Henry 30
George Henry, mason 52
John Henry, mason 4
Sebastian Heafer, mason 145
Joseph Herman, wheelwright 33
George Herman 48
Fred Hoover 38
John Hildebrand 615
Peter Ickes, hotel* 1,113
Widow Johnson 38
Joseph Jonas 516
John KefEer 45
The total valuation of township and village, in 1799, was $93,028, on which
a tax of 46 cents per |100 was collected by Jacob Lingafielter and Christian
Dick. The single freemen of township and village in 1799 were taxed $1 each.
Their names are as follows: Christian Nagle, Peter Auchenbeck, Samuel
Boler, William Malone, William Bottenhiner, Peter Hallacker, Jere Witt,
* One Negro, value, 825,
Isaac KrofE, saddler 53
Casper Kreiger, cord winder ... .. 104
Peter Klunk igo
John Keener gg
Christ KrofE .!..."...."!.' 30
John Knight '..]*. 34
John Kesselring, laborer
George Krim, nailer , 53
Joseph Kuhn, cooper 52
Michael King, hotel ] 126
Tobias Kepner , , 300
Ludwig Keflfer, estate 120
Richard Knight, hotel 88
Jacob Lengifelter .' 114
Daniel Lengifelter, mason 33
Henry Long, wheelwright 52
John Lehn, weaver 39
Widow Lain ]' 20
Mathias Martin, blacksmith 58
David Myer, hotel 188
Jacob Noel, tailor 93
Jacob Nagle, blacksmith 92
John Nagle, Sr is
John Nagle, Jr., mason 93
John Nail, carpenter 80
John Phleger, hatter 53
John Plinsinger, tailor 4
William Patterson, merchant 108
John Patterson i 34
Joseph Rebaw 4
Joseph Rebaw, Jr, tailor 4
George Reitzle, turner 43
Widow Richardson 10
George Rowenjohn, laborer 30
Widow Sealy 108
John Slagle, tanner 60
John Sumberland 10
James Sumberland 684
William Storgean, merchant 174
George Siesholy, potter 34
Peter Shue, weaver 34
George Schweitzer, carpenter 75
C. Schlauch, carpenter 113
John Sheet 28
C. Seller, carpenter 64
Jacob Swigart 43
John Skitmore, cord winder 38
Gabriel Smith, merchant 336
Jacob Sneally, tanner 42
John Schenck, carpenter 12
Robert Toyle, hotel 296
John Wate, hatter 43
Jacob Wolf, cord winder 83
Sebastian Wise, mill-wright 64
John Wetterspoon 688
218 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
John Felix, Samuel Jacob, Thomas Eadford, John B. Arnold, William Grant,
John Wolf, George Schenck, George Seisholtz, Thomas Duffy and John
Berlin.
The officers of Abbottstown from 1864 (when the records of elections began
to show some regularity) to the present time, are named as follows:
1864 — Burgess* —Lewis Myers; council* — C. H. Grant, J. Wolf, J. Hafer,
H. Mollison, J. E. Henky.
1865 — No record.
1866 — Burgess — Sebastian Hafer; council — N. P. Grint, J. Asper, M. Yea-
ger, J. H. Fleckinger, Em. Harr.
1867 — Burgess — Henry Kobler; council — W. W. Hafifer, George Jerdy,
George H. Balner, J. S. Kohler, John Hotter.
1868— No record.
1869 — Burgess — Francis J. Wilson; council— Joseph Weil, M. J. Yager, A.
D. Grove, H. Stevens, G. Strubinger.
1870 — Burgess — Henry Stevens; council — Jesse Newcomer, J. Cairns, Em.
Hart', Joseph Harman, John Dirll.
1871— No election in 1871.
1872— Burgess— W. T. Hafer; council— J. F. Kohler, F. W. Grove, Jacob
Hamon, Matthias Wichter.
1873— No record.
1874 — Burgess — Henry Miller; council — M. Ste£fon,J. Weil, P. Langhman,
J. Doll, (J. Mallison, G. Strubinger, tie).
1875 — Burgess — F. J. Wilson; council — John Noel, John Fowler, Sr.,
George Myers, J. Kinneman, William Steffon.
1876 — Burgess — William Hildebrand; council — Samuel Felix, F. X. Noel,
P. Laughman, M. Yeager, C. Shue.
1877 — Burgess — Joseph Wolf; council — Joseph Eeigle, H. Meyer, G. Liv-
ingston, H. Housholder, S. B. Baughman.
1878 -^Burgess— Joseph Wolf; council— G. Dellone, S. Felix, D. A. Miller,
A. Lillich, Reuben Wolf.
1879— Burgess— W. W. Hafer; council— G. Dellone, A. Gillich, S. Felix,
T. McClain, D. Miller.
1880 — Burgess — Daniel Felix; council — H. Hotter, P. Laugham, G. Liv-
ingston, J. Raber, C. Shue, Em. Trostle.f
1881 — Burgess — Eeuben Altland; council — J. Kinneman, M. Nagle, J.
Noel, A. J. Baker, D. A. Miller, G. Dellone.
1882 — Burgess — ^Gregory Dellone ; council — J. Morrison, P. Laughman, J.
Noel, L. Kobler, D. C. HoUinger, 0. ShuU.
1883 — Burgess — George Dellone; council — S. Felix, P. Laughman, Lewis
Kobler, H. Nagle, C. Hinter, Samuel StefPan.
1884 — Burgess — Eeuben Altland; council — Pearson, Lillich, Noel (tie),
Berckhimer, Mackley.
1885 — ^Burgess — Solomon HouJ; council — Levns W. Kobler, John Noel.
The justices elected within the above period of twenty-one years include
Washington Hetzgar, 1874; John H. Fleckinger, 1878; Washington Hetzgar,
1879; John H. Fleckinger, 1883-84. . .
The borough contains a few manufacturing industries. The manufacture
of good cigars at reasonable prices is a marked feature of its enterprise.
♦In 1837 Frederick W. Kohler was elected burgess, and Solomon Hartman, H. Eichelberger, S. Haffer, J.
Carl and Henry Myera, councilmen. In 1840 H. Eichelberger, leaEc Berlin and F. W. Kohler were elected
coimcilmen.
tP. C. McCann was secretary in 1880-81.
BERWICK TOWNSHIP. 221
NEWSPAPEBS.
Two years prior to the organization of Abbottstown as a borough a German
newspaper, The Intelligencer, was instituted by F. W. Koehler, and continued
regular publications down to 1848. In this year the name was changed to
Wochenblatt, under which it was published till its fall in 1850. The Yellow
Jacket, a campaign sheet, was issued by N. E. Buckley and F. W. Koehler in
1840, and carried on through the fierce political battles of that year.
POSTOFFICE.
Over half a century ago the Abbottstown postoffice was the fourth in
order of business within the county, the revenue from the sale of postage
stamps amounting in 1834 to the large sum of 180.39. At this time,
too, the village was a busy place, teamsters and coaches on the Philadelphia
and Pittsburgh route filling the village daily with new faces and new outfits.
The very nature and extent of this intercourse reduced the postoffice business
to something nominal, as the travelers would carry written and verbal mes-
sages along the route, and thus save the people the money which a low postal
rate would induce into the United States Treasury. When Col. George Ickes
was appointed postmaster, and during his administration the stage coach and
freighting business gave way to modern means of transportation. The office
grew in importance, and when E. H. Stahle was appointed, it was one of
the first offices in the county.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The founder of the village died prior to 1799, and bequeathed his lands —
the most valuable tract — to Thomas Abbott, north of the Y. & G. Turnpike,
and the less valuable to Edward on the south side. Dr. Abbott Carnes and
Calvin Carnes, great-grandchildren of John Abbott, are all the senior repre-
sentatives of the old family now in the country. Joseph Berlin died in 1879,
aged about ninety years.
Jacob "Wolf, a centenarian, died near Abbottstown in March, 1869, his
children, grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren then numbering
240. Frederick Wolf, another aged resident, remembers to have seen the fig-
ures 1777 over the pulpit of the Emanuel Reformed Church. Mrs. Haner, who
died in 1884, aged one hundi-ed and two years, was one of the pioneers. Mrs.
Agnes Wolf now resides on the site of the first house ever erected at Abbotts-
town, some of the material of which was used in building Mrs. Grove's
residence. The stone house on the eastern side of the borough was erected
in 1781 (it is supposed by George Henry, a stone-mason). On the building
stone is the inscription, "BuUt by G. H., A. D. 1781."
Not one of the taxpayers of 1799 is now living. Their grand and great-
grandchildren, however, perpetuate their names, and many continue to reside
in the very district which their pioneer ancestors reclaimed from the wilderness
state.
CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.
Emanuel Reformed Church was founded by Rev. Jacob Lischey during the
Revolution, and it is stated that a house of worship was erected in 1777, such
statement being made on the fact that Frederick Wolf and others saw the fig-
ures over the pulpit. The first authentic account, however, credits the con-
gregation with erecting a church in 1782, during the pastorate of Mr. Rahau-
ser. What is known as the " Stone Church" was begun August 15, 1847, and
dedicated June 12, 1848. The ministers who have served this mission are
I2A
222 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
named as follows ; Revs. Rahauser, John Ernst, 1800-12; F. W. Vanders
loot, 1826-31; 0. Hefenstein, 1814-26; S. C. Bennett, 1832-34; D. Zeigler,
1884-35; S. Gutelius, 1835; J. Sechler; I. Hoffheins, 1853; F. W. P. Davis,
1863; A. Spangler; W. F. Colliflower, 1872-79, and D. V. Wolf, 1880-86.
St. John's Lutheran Church was built of logs in 1782 or 1783, and con-
tinued in use until 1829, when the building and records were destroyed by
fire, said to have been started by refugee negroes. Jacob Fahnestock and son
saved part of the communion service and some other articles. On June 30,
1830, the corner-stone of the present brick building was placed, under the
direction of Nicholas Henry, George Baugher, John Wolf and Joseph Carl,
the building committee, and Rev. Jonathan Ruthrauff, pastor. The roll
of ministers comprises the follovsdng names : George Bager, 1768; Daniel
Schroeder, 1780; J. G. Grob (or Graph), 1788; — Rabenack, 1804; Daniel
Raymond, 1807; John Meltzeimer, 1820; Jonathan Ruthrauff, 1829; Leonard
Gerhart, 1837; Peter Soheuer, 1839; William Hailig, 1842; Charles Witmer,
1846; Leonard Gerhart, 1850; D. J. Hauer, 1862; Michael Snyder, 1873;
M. Alleman; S. P. Ormby, 1879; John Tomlinson to 1886. Dr. William
Hollinger is secretary of the society. The membership is 290, and value of
property 15,000.
The Catholic Church, known as "Paradise Chapel," just north of Abbotts-
tovm, is referred to in the history of Hamilton Township.
The Abbottstown Bible Society was organized October 17, 1869, with Rev.
Dr. Hauer, president.
A G. A. R. Post was recently organized at Abbottstown.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP.
THIS township was organized August 20, 1849, from parts of the original
townships of Menallen and Franklin.
Conowago Creek enters at its northwestern corner, forms its southern bend
and flows thence in a tortuous course east through the center of the south half
of the township. Opossum Creek enters the township at a point northwest of
Center Mills, and thence south by east to its confluence with Conowago Creek,
opposite the Dtill homestead. Numerous tributaries of these creeks flow at
random, leaving very few acres without a rulmilig brook.
Pine Hill, nbTth of the " Colored Churcih, "is the only prominent high land
in the township. There are, however, several hills,whidh lend to the township
a heavy rolling appearance. The elevation at Biglerville is 643 feet, and at
Centre Mills 713 feet.
The farmers claim for this division of the county a high reputation for
the lands and productive qualities of the soil. This claim appears well
founded, and statistics support it.
The geologic&l features consist of an outcrop of green S, S, enclosing frag-
ments of calcite, feldspar and similar substances, and showing a lenticular
concretion. This occurs a half mile north of Centre Mills. Many of the
rocks credited to adjoining townships ai*e also found here. A magnetic iron
ore bed was worked on the John 0. Markley farm, near Centre Mills, in
August, 1868.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 223
The population in 1850 was 1,245, and 2-1 colored; in 1860, 1,272, includ-
ing 28 colored; in 1870, l,3lS, including 20 colored, and in 1880, 1,405.
The number of tax-payers (1886) is 420; total value of real estate, $429,205;
number of horses, etc., 390; number of cows, etc., 422; value of moneys at
interest, $34,463; value of trades and professions, $8,941; number of car-
riages, 195; gold watches, 4; acres of timber land, 869.
The old bridges of the township were erected in the following order of
time: Prior to 1839 the several creeks were forded, and even to-day near Ben-
der' s Church the traveler has to risk a crossing of some few swift running
streams. In 1839 Camp erected a wooden bridge over the Great Conowago,
on the road from Gettysburg to Newville, for $1,390. In 1857 Jonas Eouan.
zahn erected a wooden bridge across the Conowago on the Arendtsville and
Bell's Mill road, for $1,120. In 1860 J. M. Pittenturf buUt a covered bridge
over Opossum Creek, on the Arendtsville and East Berlin road, for $1, 100.
In 1867 Henry Chritzman erected a covered wooden bridge over Opossum
Creek at Bricker's mill for $1,798. In 1869 Samuel Stouffer erected a wooden
bridge oTer the Conowago at Weirman' s mill, on the Arendtsville and Bigler-
ville road, for $1,030. .
CEMETERIES.
Among the old places of interment within the county, that known as Ben-
der's Grave yard dates its beginning back in the last century. The first burial
in Bender's Cemetery was that of a man who, in crossing a fence, fell on a
scythe which he was carrying to John Galbrath's. The second was that of i^
man who fell from a scaffold and broke his neck while building the church in
1781. The names of the aged, old residents of Butler Township who rest
here, as far as head-stones give names and dates of death, are as follows :
Casper Saurier 1790 Henry Lower.' - 1867
Henricli Schmeiser 1795 Solomon Peters 1880
Nicholas Dietrich 1844 Jacob Rex 1863
John Gease / 1881 Jacob Eyster 1839
Adam Geagy 1861 .Maria Magdina Schlebach 1785
Maria Geagy 1861 Geo. Huber 1829
Jacob Weidner 1871 Catherine Bender 1846
Lazamer Weidner 1851 W. Burkhart 1811
William Cashman 1860 Wm. Meals 1833
Catherine Beitlerman 1866 Eliza Raenharg 1880
Eliza Hoffman 1804 Geo. Hartzell 1824
Michael Minich 1847 Conrad Plank 1854
Catherine Minich 1843 Jacob Meals 1853
Philip Long 1853 Simon Becker 1856
John Henry Bender 1843 Jacob Pensyl 1810
Catherine Bender :... 1844 Wm.,Garder 1856
Elizabeth Rise 1826 Ester, his wife 1846
Elizabeth Mowrar 1838 Geo. Geise 1833
JohnMaurey 1834 John Schlebach 1795
John Roher 1807 Jonas Blanch 1799
Daniel Rex 1835 Abram Guise 1849
Michael Dietrich 1834 Daniel Slaybaugh 1881
Peter Slaybaugh 1831 Geo. Fidler 1860
H. B. Schroeder 1856 John Deitrich 1813
Robert Huston 1857 Geo. Gilbert 1813
Jacob Wirth 1805 Henry Peter 1846
Margaret Wlrihn 1805 Daniel Preiforhim 1825
Geo. Eyster 1836 John Maurer 1821
Henry Koser 1858 Jacob Rex , 1800
JohnCarson 1848 Eliza Rex 1812
, JohnDull 1854 Elizabeth Guider 1813
Capt. John Garder 1860 Ulrich Peters 1843
Susanna Dutterow 1813 Barbara Slaybaugh 1843
Magdalena Menges 1862 John Jacob, Schriver 1853
224 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
Joseph Baughman 1826 Conrad Bchriver 1855
Adam Maurer 1793 Geo. Huber 1735
Jacob Weaver 1850 Anna Maria Yells 1843
Houck 1880 John W. Dull 1873
Geo. J. Hartzell 1853 H. Clisabeth 1810
MargaretRich 1833 John Quickel 1839
John Meals 1853 Jacob Thomas 1833
Adam Garder 1864 John Dottery 1836
Wm. Wert 1883 John Jacob Biholtz 1839
Henry Witmor • 1875 Joseph Dull 1853
Maria E. wife of John Dottarer 1863 Jacob Boyer 1848
Henry Eighinger 1858 Elizabeth Meals 1836
John McDonnell 1844 Jacob Lutshaw 1833
A number of head- stones, dated 1788, forward, in memory of the Oysterin
family, are still preserved.
The new cemetery at Biglerville, on the heights west of the Bendersville
road, was established in 1884, and now contains about twenty graves marked
by monuments.
The Old Quaker Cemetery, near Centre Mills, in rear of the Dunkard Church
and cemetery, on the hill above the Deardorff homestead, dates back to 1825,
when Mary Griest was buried there. The grounds have grovm wild dur-
ing the last twenty-five years, but among the tall grasses and underbrush,
head- stones giving the following names and dates may be foimd: Alice
McCreary, 1855; David McCreary, 1828; Samuel Harlan, 1859; Sarah Har-
lan, 1873; Levi Hutton, 1844; Martha Hutton, 1827; Samuel B. Wright,
1859; Thomas McCreary, 1865; John W. Cook, 1853; William W. Cook, 1864;
Nathan Wright, 1853; Levi Greist, 1864; Thomas Wright, 1845; Samuel
Wright, 1846; Eve Wright, 1842; Mary B. Fisher, 1845.
The Dunkard Cemetery is little older than the old weather-boarded meeting-
house within its enclosure. Its location is just in front of the Friends' burial
place, and in it rest the remains of many old settlers, of whom the marble
gives the following record of date of death: Peter Studabecker, 1853; Jacob
Bosserman, 1873; Jacob Lentz, 1883; Peter Htimmer, 1855; Elenora Trim-
mer, 1853; MaryYeatts, 1873; Simon Young, 1879; Samuel Deardorff, 1865;
John Musser, 1861.
MIDDLETOWN OB BIOLEEVILLE.
This village dates back to 1817, whan it was surveyed and platted by
Samuel White, and lots (drawn by ticket) sold November 17 of that year. It
Was a paper village until April, 1843, when Henry Hartzell, who purchased
White's interest in 1839, erected a building at the intersection of the Gettys-
burg and Newville, and the Chambersburg and Berlin roads. Prior to April
1, 1884, when the first regular train was run over the Gettysburg & Han-is-
burg Railroad, the village retained its primitive characteristics, but once the
whistle of the locomotive was heard a new era introduced itself; new buildings
sprang into existence, and the good work then begun has been continued, until
Biglerville of to-day presents a good brick business block, several semi-detached
business buildings, a good hotel, brick church buildings and a few modern res-
idences, with about thirty smaller homes. On the north, west and east the
location is sheltered by hills, leaving the business center lying, as it were, in
a ditch — the proper designation for the Chambersburg & Berlin Eoad at this
particular place. The railroad depot is near the business center.
S. E. Bream was appointed postmaster in August, 1885, vice J. A. H.
Rether. Eether's brick-yard, on the Gettysburg road, and the cigar factories
are the only manufacturing industries.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 225
CHUECHBS AND SOCIETY.
The United Brethren Association was organized January 19, 1859, by Eev.
J. C. Weidler. In 1872 work on their church, building began, and the house
was dedicated January 11, 1874, by Bishop Edwards, assisted by Rev. J. C.
Weidler. This church forms a part of the Bendersville mission, and is known
as ' 'Centenary Church. ' '
Lutheran Church. — This society was organized at Biglerville March 27,
1881, with W. L. Heisler as pastor ; number of members, twenty-one. The corner-
stone of the present substantial brick structure was laid August 21, 1881, and
the church dedicated May 7, 1882, Eev. Dr. Wolf preaching the sermon. The
building is provided with a steeple and good bell, vestibule, etc. , and has a
seating capacity for about 350. Cost, $3, 500. George W. McSherry, pastor.
The Dunkard Church, the ' ' Colored Church, ' ' northeast and northwest of
the village respectively, and the Friends' Meeting-house, north of Flora Dale,
as well as Bender's Reformed Church and Lutheran Union Church, may be
all classed as neighboring churches.
Camp No. 162 of P. O. S. of A. was instituted at Biglerville February 29,
1872, with J. C. Markley, P.P.; W. H. Dietrich, P., and S. J. Smith, R. S,
BEECHEKSVILLE.
This hamlet is situated on the west line of the township, about one mile
southeast of Arendtsville, and three miles west by south of Biglerville.
The settlement was founded, in 1825, by David Beecher, on lands war-
ranted, in 1788, by Jacob Gilbert. This year he built a tannery, and in 1882
erected the woolen-mills on a site occupied for forty years before by the old
carding and fulling-mill. The Conowago Woolen Factory, owned by David
Beecher and Robert Morrison, was an important industry as early as 1828. He
also built a paper-mill in 1837, one-quarter mile down the creek. R. G. Mc-
Creary converted this into a box board factory, the Conowago Paper Company
enlarged it, and manufactured straw printing paper until its destruction by fire
in 1875. In 1873 newspaper paper was manufactured by Ingram & Cook, of
Beechersville, who leased the R. G. McCreary mills. The Conowago Paper
Company was organized in May, 1873, with E. W. Stable, president; R. G.
McCreary, secretary; W. A. Duncan, treasurer; O. F. Ingram, superintendent,
and Col. Cook, machinist, for the manufacture of straw printing paper.
Down the creek from Beechersville are the Roth Mills, established about
fifty-eight years ago, on the David McConaughy lands of 1733. About this
time Mr. McConaughy built the first grist-mill on this tract.
In 1807 John Mumma erected the present grist-mill. The McConaughy
tract was patented to Moses Harland, by the Penns, in 1745. Harland was
led there by Indians, who spoke highly of the soil and water-power. It is
strange that an industry established by David McConaughy 153 years ago
should find a home here still — stranger is it that a grandson or great-grandson
of this useful pioneer should be interested in a grist-mill somesix miles south,
at Gettysburg, to-day.
CENTEE MILLS AND MENALLEN POSTOFFICE.
The two tracts, to which the above names are given, are very old settle-
ments. A reference to the original assessment rolls of Menallen and Franklin
Townships, from which Butler Township was detached in 1849, points out a
number of names identified with this division of the township for over 100
years. Over half a century ago the old postoffice of Menallen was the ninth,
in point of business, within the county, the recfeipts for postal stamps being
220 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
$28. 5Jc. It was the first point of gossip, for it is related that men would
come in from the neighboring country every evening, and were there not news
to satisfy them " they would make news. " In August, 1885, J. G. Weaver
was appointed postmaster of Menallen or Centre Mills, succeeding J. H. Bushey.
Hance Hamilton died here in 1772, and was interred in Black's Cemetery,
■whence his remains were removed to Evergreen Cemetery on the suggestion of
H. J. Stahle, of the Compiler. This old settler, who took such a leading part
in the early history of York and Adams Counties, is said to have been a brother
of Col. John Hamilton (who built the first stone house in Mountpleasant), a
native of Ireland, and an uncompromising enemy of the loyalist factions from
1758 forward.
TABLE BOCK.
This is the name given to a settlement below Bender's Church, when a
postoffice was established there some years ago. It is also known as the
"Lower Settlement," on account of the lower grist and saw-mills, lower store
and lower blacksmith shop. Hiram L. Harris was the postmaster.
Bender's Church, a union of Lutheran and Reformed societies, dates back
to April 7, 1781, when both congregations were organized. In 1811 a build-
ing was erected by Conrad Lower on the site of the first house of worship. Of
the Reformed society the following named have been pastors : Lebrecht Hinch,
1781; B. F. Schneck, Jacob Bair, S. S. Gutelius, J. G. Pritchey, John Sice,
C. H. Hoffmeier, H. Aurand, F. Netcher, J. Zeigler, D. W. "VVolf, A. J.
Heller and M. H. Sangree.
The pastors of the Lutheran society have been Rev. Melsheimer, 1781;
John Herbst, C. H. Weyl, John Ulrich, J. K. Miller, Rev. Martin, M. Snyder,
D. M. Blackwelder, D. Long, A. J. Heirler and G. W. McSherry. The logs
of the original church are now in Samuel DeardorfP's house, a mile distant
from the present church.
The Friends' Grove Quaker Meeting-House, abandoned in 1838, is said to
have had its origin in 1743, the same year in which the Warrington monthly
meeting was separated from the Gadsburg (Chester County) meeting. Joseph
Elger, Isaac Everett and Abel Thomas were the first preachers. The latter
from 1801 to 1817, in which year he died.
TEXAS.
This is a small settlement on the Gettysburg and Bendersville road, south of
Biglerville. The altitude of the place — all that is remarkable about it — is
608 feet.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Gillilands settled on lands now owned by William Bream, where a fort
was built about 1754. Isaac, the Indian, lived with his sister in a hut on
Opossum Creek, below the old Gilliland Mill, better known as "Fisher's
Mill."
The Farmers' Association of Butler and Menallen Townships was organized
in 1879, and the first meeting was held at A. W. Griest's house.
The Butler Township Lyceum was organized in November, 1866.
The first settlers of Butler mustered in the cause of the Revolution in
1775, and among the 300 men from this county vho marched from Littlestown,
in Wayne's command, to abolish the first vestige of British oppression at
Yorktown, Va., were some of the yeomanry of Butler. Clarence M. Camp,
James H. Walter and William Reary, residents of Middletown, were the first
troops from Butler Township to respond to the call of April, 1861. They
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP. 227
■were mustered in with Company B, Second Eegiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry.
The Gettysburg & Harrisburg Eailroad runs through the township in a
somewhat tortuous course from north to south. The postoffices in Butler
Township are Bigler, Menallen, Guernsey, Goldensville and Table Eock.
CHAPTER XXIX.
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OF McSHEEEYSTOWN.
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP is a division of the county that was formed out of
Heidelberg and Manheim Townships in 1801, and organized that year.
Its original name was Digges' Choice, bestowed upon it in 1727. In 1730 the
Lillys settled here and gave to it its Indian name, Conewako.
Little Conowago Creek forms the whole western and southern line of Cono-
wago Township, McSherry Creek, called in early years "Plum Creek, " is a
native stream, rising in the ore hills in the southeastern districts, and flowing
in a general northwesterly course to its confluence with the Little Conowago
on the Devine farm. Each stream affords water-power for mills, while serving
to drain the entire township. The township north of McSherrystown is de-
cidedly hilly, but both hUl and dale afford some of the finest limestone land in
the whole county. The elevation of McSherrystown above the Atlantic is
518 feet.
The geological outcrop shows slaty limestone, argillite with dendritic
stain, roofing slate, slate impregnated with iron, all just southwest of Hanover
Junction. Light blue, white and slaty limestones are found north of the
Gettysburg & Hanover Eailroad. Light blue, pure limestone, granular speckled,
light cream, light- white-streaked lime is found in the Barnitz, Meyers' and Hen-
dricks' quarries, east and north by east of McSherrystown. Slaty conglomerate,
chlorite, slate, compact limonite, argillaceous limonite, sandy slate with spec-
ular iron, micaceous ore and magnetite, mesozoic mud rock. The "Blue
Spring, ' ' near Conowago Chapel, was sounded over a century ago by one of
the Jesuit fathers, but the plummet found no resting place. It is said to be
a bottomless well.
In September, 1881, the shy blacksnake of Eouad Top was seen by Hiram
Warren, who states his length to be fifteen feet. For over a quarter of a cen-
tury this reptile has been known to reside in this neighborhood. Eattlesnakes
having as many as sixteen rattles are found among the younger ones. In
August, 1876, a turtle was found near Eound Top, marked "I. P., 1825."
Locusts visited the county in 1834, 1851 and 1868, making their headquarters
in this township at every visit.
In 1821 a stone hatchet was .found by Miss Mary McCreary in the rear of
Conowago Chapel, on the old John McCreary land, and on the site of the
old Indian wigwam which stood there when the whites first came, and where,
it is said, the first missionaries of the Catholic Church held the fiLrst Christian
ceremonies in the county. Many such relics of Indian occupation have been
since unearthed. Historic turtles were found on the Hoke farm in November,
1877. One was marked "A. Storm, 1821;" the second, "John Sindorff, 1846;"
228 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
third "M. S., 1829, and "F. S., 1834," and the fourth "G. M. and E. F."
The Storms lived on the Hoke farm for about forty years and the Sindorffs
were a mile distant.
The population in 1800 was 448 in the Heidelberg and 22 in the Manheim
divisions; in 1810 about 700; in 1820, 1,030, including McSherrystown, 191;
in 1830, 878; in 1840, 899; in 1850, 775, including 8 slaves; in 1860, 950,
including 2 colored; in 1870, 1,029, including 9 colored; and in 1880, 1,211
including McSherrystown. The number of taxpayers (1886) is 231 ; value of
real estate, $454,991; number of horses etc., 233; number of cows, etc., 259;
value of moneys at interest, $37, 092; value of trades and professions $6,995;
number of carriages, 73; gold watches 14; acres of timber land, 275. The
retailers of foreign merchandise in 1828, according to the sworn statement of
Constable Jacob Eyster, were William Albright and Adam O. Aster. They
were, in fact, the only traders in the township.
Among the old bridges of the township are a few which have stood both
flood and travel for over forty years. In 1825 a wooden bridge was built over
the Little Conowago at Dellone's, near McSherrystown, for $550, by Henry
Eck. Kitzmiller' s Mill wooden bridge on the Littlestown and Hanover road,
was erected in 1837 for $1,690, by John Camp. In 1848 Adam Slagle erected
a wooden bridge over the Little Conowago near the chapel for $780. In
1857 John Finley built the covered 'bridge over the Little Conowago on the
Gettysburg and Hanover road for $1, 274. In 1862 J. M. Pittenturf built a
covered wooden bridge over the Little Conowago at Lilly's mill for $1,193.
On September 10, 1857, the first train of cars in Adams County move
across the line, and was received by William McSherry, David Wells, H. J.
Stahl and others. After some speeches had been delivered the train passed
over the Hanover Branch Railroad to the Junction. The construction of the
Hanover, Littlestown & Frederick City Railroad was begun July 4, 1857, and
completed .to Littlestown, through Conowago, Union and Germany Townships
June 26, 1858. In 1871 the extension ^;o Frederick City was completed.
The McSherrystown and Hanover pike road was built in 1882.
The original assessment of Conowago, made in 1801, gives the following list
of property owners and assessed values, together with the names of single men:
NAME. VALUE. NAME. VALUE.
Jacob Adams $1,454 James Gallagher 84
Magdaline Adams 1,379 Jacob Hostetter 611
Richard Adams 76 Barnhard Hilbush 123
Francis Broaius 7,270 John Heagy 68
Martin Black 46 HenrysHemler 223
ConradDutero 2,422 Jacob Heagy 2,744
Charles Droskil 78 Jacob Herether 60
Michael Emlet 628 Christian .Hoffman 276
Joseph Eck 274 George House 99
Eliza Eyster 2,650 John Kuntz 89
George Itzlor 2,417 George Kitzmiller* 4,345
John Fox 68 John Kitzmiller 1,638
Henry Finck 845 Nicholas Kieffoberf 2,699
Jacob Freed 8 Jacob Kuhn 751
PeterFreed 2,098 Abram Kagy 1,843
George Gelwix 92 JacobKagy 1,842
Leonard Geistler 956 John Kuhn 2,395
Anthony Gereshten 16 Jacob Kubser 16
Peter Grumbine 130 Henry Kolstock 92
William Gitt 2,249 JohnLeonai-d 16
Nicholas Ginder 178 Conrad Long 842
Michael Graft 26 George Lontzell 100
* Grist-mill, saw-mill, oil-mill, homin y-mill and slaves valued at ?250. ,
t Distiller.
J.
^-f— r6:
<>J 4'^i.L.''ijr'^-
^UrJC^^J^
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP.
231
NAME. VALUE.
Philip Long 550
Samuel Lilly* 140
Joseph Lilly 4,786
Jacob Lork 84
John Lilly 583
John Lorentz 54
Paul Miller 3,730
James McSherryf 54
Jacob Martin 50
Paul Metzgar $ 38
Leonard MiddlecofE 3,634
George Mouse 4,343
David McCreary 3,156
David Mealhorn 170
Andrew Mealhorn 192
Nicholas Noel 98
Peter Overbush 193
Adam Oaster 113
Anthony Obold 3,146
Joseph Obold 4,480
Thomas Owings 430
Patrick Owings 3,030
Eobert Owings 3,556
Robert N. Owinga 114
George Reinicker 294
NAME. VALUE.
Henry Sheetz 16
Henry Slagle 3,250
George Stine 1,172
John Stine 13
Joseph Shene
Peter Storm 333
MaryShorp 1,440
John Swobe 1,600
Jacob Sherman 88
Jacob Staub 148
Daniel Schroeder 132
Joseph Sneeringer 3,133
Andrew Shriver| 4,458
Peter Shenfelder 1,916
Ludwick Shriver§ 3,600
Philip Staub 3,433
George A. Stumb 80
John Thomas 3,658
Jacob Trine 126
George Will 33
Henry Waltman 266
Fred Wagonman 10
John Wisler 984
Martin Will 1,615
Jacob Will 2,650
Michael Will 1,200
Henry Will 1,376
Marks Worst 3,813
Nicholas Walter 88
Henry Wershlerj 3,338
Jacob Wershler 8
The single men of the township in 1801 are named as follows: William
Adams, James Plunkett, Anthony Ditto, Michael Atzler, Daniel Eister, Will-
iam Erwin, Andrew Gostwiler, George Groft, John Groft, Joseph Hoagy,
Christopher Kelly, Jacob Kitzmiller, John Obold, Patrick Owings, Frederick
Plate, Jacob Shriver, Andrew Shriver, Henry Stoner, Henry Waltman, Jacob
Worst, Peter Weiser, David Will, Christopher Weisler and John Youett.
From these a poll-tax of 75 cents each was collected. The total valuation
was $117,548.20, on which 16 cents per $100 was collected.
John Sneeringer.
Andrew Smith.. .
Englehart Small.
Mary Small
Francis Shaefier.
108
84
104
75
18
Mary Slentz 168
OHUECHES.
The Church of the Sacred Heart, better known as Conowago Chapel, and
its history belongs rather to the history of the Christian Church in Apaerica
than to any present division of the United States. It was here before the
sturdy Irish and Germans crossed the Susquehanna, and may be said
to be contemporary with the Church of St. Peter's, at Baltimore. From
what has been learned of the beginnings of this church, it dates back to
the period of the Iroquois and Algonquin wars. The Caughnawagas, a branch
of the Algonquin race, rambled south from the great lakes, settled for a time
in this vicinity, and were here to offer a welcome and a home to the first Jesuit
fathers. Josiah Grayton, S. J. , often called "Father Creighton, " was the first
of the fathers who made any direct reference to Caughnawaga of the Susque-
hanna. In 1720 he came here and offered up services in the wilderness, mak-
ing, it is said, the wigwam a temple. Within a few years a cabin was erected,
* He was' one of the four inhabifaDts of York County commissioned by Congress as a member of the
Board of Commissioners of Attainder in 1778.
t Ground rent.
X Distillery.
I Grist-mill and ditiilkiy.
II Grist-mill.
232 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
which was used until 1740, when Kev. William Wappeler, S. J., had a new
log building erected in the vicinity of the present church. Mrs. Elizabeth
Sourbrier, of Maryland, herself a centennarian, remembers an old church
cabin* of which many old settlers knew nothing; while the German immi-
grants of 1735 " passed a mass house, built of unhewn logs, while en route
from York to Christ Church settlement. " Samuel Lilly, family and household,
and the Eobert Owings family settled here in 1730, and were the first actual
white settlers and members of the church. Then came the McSherrys, Mc-
Crearys, Marshalls, Sanderses, Riellys — all from the north of Ireland — the
Sneeringers, Shrivers, and a host of others from Holland and other parts of
Europe. In 1787 what is now a part of the present brown stone church was
erected by Father James Pellentz. The transepts were added in 1850-51 by
Father Enders; in 1873 he erected the tower and spire, and in 1877 built the
marble altar. The paintings and frescoing are of the highest order.
The missionary priests who attended Conowago from the close of the seven-
teenth century to 1720 belonged to Baltimore, while the Canadians claim that
the fathers from Montreal, and even Quebec, crossed the Susquehanna about
this time. In 1720 Father Grayton, who died in 1752, was here; he was fol-
lowed by missionaries from Baltimore until 1740, when Father Wappeler, S. J.,
came to build a new mission house. Then came Matthias (Sittensberger) Man-
ners, the first resident priest, whose mission contained 116 German and
seventy -three Irish Catholics; then Fathers Frambach and Deitrich; next, in
1758, Father James Pellentz, who discovered and opened the brown stone
quarries at East Berlin, and had the first stone church erected of this material
in 1787 ; Rev. Demetrius Augustus Gallitzin, born at The Hague in 1770, where
his father was Russian ambassador, assisted Father Pellentz up to 1799, when
he left to establish the Catholic colony at Loretto, where he died in 1840.
Father Pellentz died in 1800. Then Eevs. Charles Sewell and Sylvester
Boarman took charge. Father Brosius, the great and first school teacher at
the mission, with Fathers Cerfoumont, Manley and Sockley followed, and had
charge of the church at Littlestown, Carlisle, and other points. In 1820
Father A. L. De Earth became superior. (He it was who said the first mass,
at Kanover, in an old shop, fronting on the alley in rear of Baltimore Street. )
With him were Fathers Britt and Byrne, Russians, and Larhue and Divin.
Father Britt fell dead on the altar in 1822. In 1826 Rev. Nicolas Mertz came.
In 1828 Rev. Matthew Lekeu, who came to the mission in 1823, was appointed
superior. Prior to 1845 he built the two schoolhouses in front of the church,
and purchased a confiscated convent bell, one of a cargo brought hither, which
he placed in the belfry. Revs. Michael Dougherty, C. Paul Kohlman, Ferdi-
nand Helias and Nicholas Steinbacher were all on this mission during his ad-
ministration. In 1836 Revs. Virgil Barber, Milesius Gibbons, Pester, Zachi,
Hatting, Colting were here. Then came Fathers Villiger, F. X. Denecker,
Catani, Tuffer, Domperis, B. Villiger, J. J. Bellwalder, Peter Manns, Peter
Flanagan, I. L. Jamieson, Emig, B. F. Casey, Finigan, Di Maria, and others
referred to in the history of other churches. Rev. Joseph Enders succeeded
Father Steinbacher as superior in 1847. Father Foran was appointed superior
in July, 1883. Father Enders died September 10, 1884, aged eighty -three
years.
St. Matthew's (formerly St. Michael's) Lutheran Church, of Conowago, was
organized in April, 1743, but prior to this year the members of this church
were visited by the preacher of a still older congregation at Creagerstown, Md.
♦This was on the Robert Owings tract, where also tlie old Catholic cemetery was located. The beginnings
of the present cemetery date back to 1752.
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP.
233
The original officers were David Candler, pastor; Lehnert Barnitz, Johannes
Morningstar, Andreas Herger, Fred Gelwicks, Nicolas Biedinger and Christoffel
Schlegle. The preachers in charge of the whole circuit, in order of service,
-were Eevs. D. Candler, 1743*; L. Nyberg, John George Eager, C. P. Wild-
bahn, E. Schmidt, F. W. and John F. Melsheimer, Jonathan EuthraufP, Jacob
Albert, Dr. Hay, D. P. Eosenmiller, M. J. Alleman, S. Tingling and J. 0.
KoUer. The first building of this society was erected in 1743, on an acre do-
nated by John George Kuntz; the second across the line of Adams in 1756;
the third, in Hanover, in 1803, and the fourth on the site of the third in 1879.
The value of property is placed at $35,000, and the number of members at 717.
The Lutheran and Union Church, near Schwartz's Schoolhouse, was built
in 1878.
CEMETERIES.
Conowago Chapel-yard. — The home of the greater number of the pioneers
of Conowago is known as the Conowago Chapel-yard, in which interments have
been made regularly since 1771. In 1752 the body of Dudley Digges, who
was shot by Jacob Kitzmiller, was buried here. The following list gives the
names and dates of death of old people interred here:
Prederick E. F. Brn. De Bulen
BertholfE
Joanna Maria Theressa, his wife*....
Dudley Digges
Arthur OTNeal
Elizabeth, his wife
Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Michael
Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Isaacs
Frederick Wise
Catherine, his wife
John Rimbach
Patrick Kelly
Catherine, his wife
Crislopher Kranz
Aloysius Miller
Catherine Miller
Renl Miller
John Stiger
Elizabeth, his wife
Michael Burke
Rosa McBarron.
Jacob Adams
Mary, his wife
Joseph SchaflEter
Joseph 8chaater's wife
Juliana Sneeringer
John Snyder
Peter Shanefllter
Charles Smith
Johannes Storm
Aloysius Owings
Robert Owings
John Kuhn
Theresa, his wife
Catherine Bhrman
Sebastian Weis
Jacob Weis
Caspar Weis
JohnFaller
Matthew Timmin
Johannes Heidler
John Bederman
Patrick Dougherty 1855
1805 Philip Flishman-. 1851
1804 Adam Oaster 1846
1752 Mary E. Oaster 1844
1846 Catherine Becher 1790
1843 Richard Adams 1813
1883 Elizabeth Dell 1801
1863 Christian Lawrence 1853
1868 Anna M. Dabber 1788
1868 Joseph Storm 1815
1868 Christian Dabber ; 1789
1848 Joseph Kuhn 1824
1847 Nicholas Lingg 1877
1869 Catherine Merthin 1798
1848 Elizabeth Snyder 1833
1862 Anna M. McKenrothen 1790
1771 John Eckenrode 1849
1813 Sister Maria Tharsella, daughter of
1840 Geo. Kuhn ; 1844
1862 N. G. O'Clare, old .half -breed slave. .
1844 Johannes Miller 1831
1823 JeanBrady 1799
1843 Wm. Devine 1841
1847 Elizabeth, his wife 1835
1865 Geo. T. Lantzell 1804
1813 Nicholas Ginter 1850
1847 JaneRielly 1816
1878 Edward Rielly 1848
1839 MariaB. Field 1843
1805 MartinKlunk 1795
1809 Jacob Smith 186S
1815 Peter Noel 1868
1826 Jacob Delone 1863
1821 Maria, wife of Jacob Delone 1867
1799 Edward McCabe 1814
1802 JosephSmith 1863
1794 Geo. Lawrence 1866
1803 Anthony Foller 1858
1829 Peter McClaine 1880
1863 Wm. McCreary 1850
1806 Sebastian Weaver 1864
1865 Hugh Colgan 1870
*Died in 1744, in the log house which was his residence as well as church.
234
HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
Edwin Colgan 1865
Thomas Adams 1879
Joseph J. Kuhn 1878
His wife Jane 1883
Samuel Sneeringer 1873
Geo. Eline 1853
Nancy A. Murphy 1853
Joseph Cooper 1854
Adam Long 1854
Ignatius Miller 1859
John O'Brien 1858
Joseph Ehrman 1798
Ablohn Ehrman 1801
Joseph Hemler 1835
John Orendorff 1841
AiinM. Hemler, wife of Joseph Hem-
ler, Sr 1837
Mary, wife of John Smith 1833
Eve Byers, wife of Ch. Orendorff 1850
Jacob Hilp 1867
Peter Shoenfelter 1836
Elizabeth Shoenfelter 1841
Mary Stine 1836
Eva Maria Meverin 1779
James Timmons 1868
Joseph Shanefelter 1810
Catherine, widow of Alexander C.
Harrison 1810
Patrick Brady 1814
Maryanne Weisin 1781
Erancis Renault 1857
Peter Miller 1835
Anna Margaret Kleinen 1796
Thomas Adams 1776
Joseph Black , 1801
Maria Regina Briegner 1787
Catherine Schorbin 1784
Johannes Schorbin 1815
Johannes Paller 1781
Jacob Breigner 1789
Frederick Brand 1833
Mary Well
Lawrence Magers.. 1839
Catherine, wife of Jacob Starner 1840
James McLane 1835
Theresa MoLane 1790
John Kellar, old half-breed slave
Catherine Keller 1783
John Marshall 1850
Nichold Field 1823
John Cook 1846
Anthony Bivenauer 1835
Peter McFarland 1826
Peter Boyle 1805
Mary, wife of Adam Poller 1835
Mary McDavith 1804
Conrad Alwine 1846-
Joseph Felix 1876
Bartholomus Sullivan 1848
Joseph Eckinrode 1850
Henry Fink Sr 1833
B. Altrogge 1849
Jos. Sneeringer 1868
Jacob Adams 1865
John Lilly 1869
Samuel Lilly 185S
John Lilly 1823
Henry Hemler 1838
Samuel Lilly 1758
Peter Little 1860
Margaret Little 1859
Christian Hemler 1883
Jacob Hemler 1856
Joseph Burkee 1870
John Lynch 1869
Jacob Staub, Sr 1831
Anthony B. Smith 1855
Peter Smith 1884
John Kuhn 1853
Jacob Klunk 1871
John Hemler 1851
John Smith 1853
John L. Qubernator 1833
John Bushey 1881
Thomas Wills. 1858
Joseph Clunk 1853
Martin Clunk 1795
Jacob Smith 1865
John Camp 1866
John Riddle 1873
John Myers 1870
Peter Noel 1882
John Rice 1877
Ignatius O'Bold 1866
Jacob Sourbier 1881
Henry Strausbaugh 1884
Geo. M. Willet 1876
Samuel Strausbaugh 1876
Landelin Loosman 1876
John Kellenberger 1873
Eliza, wife of John Gurdorffer, Sr 1859
Samuel Forsythe 1858
Eliza, his wife 1862
Michael Cotton 1855
J. McMaster 1852
Charlotte McMaster 1878
Frederick Dunn 1838
Joseph Noel 1849
James Robinson 1873
Joseph Arntz 1869
John Schultz 1875-
Patrick Dougherty 1855
The Keagy Cemetery, a private burial ground, southeast" of Conowago
Chapel, contains a number of graves ; among the monuments are five, bearing the
following records: Henry Keagy, 1829; J. A. Keagy, 1828; John Keagy, 1826;
Abram Keagy, 1833; Johannes Erisman, 1827.
St. Michael's Lutheran Cemetery was to be seen near McSherrystown up to-
the close of the war. It is thought that there Eev. David Chandler, the first
Lutheran preacher, was buried in 1744. In 1865 the ground was purchased
by George Young and cleared for the use of the living. Some of the head-
♦Buried in cjiapel.
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP. 235
stones were moved to a grave-yard northeast of Hanover, among which is that
of Kev. John Eager, and some to the grave-yard in Hanover, where a person
born in 1647 finds a home, and some to Mount Olivet, south of Hanover.
The Littlestown Branch Kailroad passes through the southeastern portion
of the township. The postoffices are McSherrystown and Centennial.
BKUSHTOWN.
This place, located on the Gettysburg road, is a little settlement dating
back to 1811, when Peter Little erected a house here. After the Council of
Pennsylvania settled the Digges and Carroll claims, the lands in this vicinity
were deeded to William McClay and Thomas Boyd in an instrument dated
December 24, 1759.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Conowago Township, through its delegate, J. Lilly, voted "nay" in the
Gettysburg Convention of November 4, 1834, in re school law adoption. The
subject attracted much attention for some time; but the people, observing how
the new system worked in the townships which adopted it, fell into line.
BOEOUGH OF McSHEEEYSTOWN.
This borough is situated almost in the central part of the township, on
slightly rolling land. It consists of one long, well built up street, and may
be considered the parent town of Hanover in order of time, or a western addi-
tion to that town in point of progress and appearance. The site was deeded
to Patrick McSherry by the Digges brothers and Charles Carrol, Sr., November
14, 1763, and two years later the new owner surveyed part of the tract into
sixty lots, thirty north and thirty south of a road running east and west.
The population in 1820 was 191; in 1830, about 200; in 1840, 180; in
1850, 206; in 1860, 280; in 1870, 291; in 1880, 434; and in 1885 (estimated)
650.
The number of taxpayers (1886) is 176; value of real estate, 189,038;
number of horses, etc., 26; of cows, etc., 29; value of moneys at interest,
150,298; of trades and professions, $9,545; number of pleasure carriages, 16;
of gold watches, 13; no timber land.
The first traders were Nicholas Ginter, William Albright, and John G. Morn-
ingstar, about 1804. They were followed by Charles Barnitz, Col. E. J.
Owings, John H. Aulebaugh, Samuel Isaacs, John Bushey, Sr., Frank Krich-
ten, Michael Eielly, Samuel G. Sneeringer, and F. X. Smith. Dr. V. H. E.
LiUy, Dr. George Rice, and Dr. G. E. Aiken are the present representatives
of the medical profession. Dr. Charles Berluchy, who moved to Gettysburgh
in 1816, and Dr. William L. Homback, who died in 1 861, were the pioneer physi-
cians. Dr. Charles F. Homback practiced here from 1855 to 1877, when he died.
Dr. Henry A. Lilly practiced here from 1850 to his death in 1866. George
Eeinicker, Adam Oister, William Albright kept the first hotels here. The Al-
bright tavern is the only survivor of those old hostelries. The first postoffice
was opened in the old Anthony Storm tavern in 1844. Nicholas Krichten and
Jacob Adams were the first blacksmiths and nailers.
In September, 1882, a meeting presided over by John L. Gubernator, with
John H. Krichten, secretary, voted in favor of incorporation. A petition was
presented to the commissioners and the borough established. The first elec-
236 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
tion in McSherrystown Borough, held in April, 1884, resulted as follows: Sam-
uel L. Johns, bm-gess; Daniel Fink, V. J. Timmins, F. X. Smith, Dr. G. L.
Rico, John A. Poist, Francis Conrad, councilmen; Emanuel Bunty and Thad-
eus A. Smith, justices of the peace; John L. Dougherty, judge; William
Sheffer and David M. Johns, inspectors; Lewis Krichten, assessor; William
F. Poist, C. D. Smith, William Mummert, Charles Bunty, Lewis Small, J. V.
Stambaugh, school directors; E. J. Owings, Michael Sheffer, Jeremiah Johns,
auditors; 'David Martin, constable. Ambrose Eline opposed Burgess Johns,
receiving forty-six votes; his opponent receiving fifty-one. In 1885 Dr. V.H.
Lilly was elected burgess. In October, 1884, the streets were paved or macad-
amized.
The convent schools of McSherrystown date back to 1834, when the trustees
of the Young Ladies' School asked the Sisters of Charity of the Emmittsburg
Convent to take charge. In 1840 the school building was burned. The trus-
tees lost no time in erecting a new house, and this building, with five acres of
land, was sold to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, by whom the buildings were
extended and schools conducted until their removal to Eden Hall in 1851. In
1854 the Sisters of St. Joseph purchased the convent buildings, and were
incorporated under the title " The McSherrytown Novitiate and Academy of
St. Joseph," August 31, 1854. Part of what is now the convent proper was
used in the academy until 1883, when the present spacious buildings were
opened. In this year the department for the education of the blind was estab-
lished. Togethei: with the academy the sisters have charge of the two paro-
chial schools in the borough and of the branch convent and schools at Mount
Rock, Hanover and Lebanon. The number of the community is 40; of
pupils attending the academy, 35; and of pupils attending the two schools of
McSherrystovsTi, 130.
The Building & Loan Association was organized December 13, 1883, withl38
members. The membership at present numbers 100, with 40O shares and
$12,000, leaving interest secured by real estate. S. L. Johns is president,
and W. H. Sheffer, secretary. The first building association here was organ-
ized in 1879-80.
CHAPTEK XXX.
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP.*
THE principal streams of Cumberland Township are Marsh Creek and
Rock Creek. Willoughby Run, which drains the center of the entire
north half, is a tributary of Marsh Creek, forming a confluence with that
stream opposite the Reding homestead on Tout' s farm. A number of running
brooks, some with the pretensions of creeks, flow southeast into Rock Creek,
while several rivulets flow southwest from the center line north and south into
Marsh Creek. Rock Creek bounds the township on the east and Marsh Creek
on the west, both flowing south into Maryland within a mile of each other,
although they are about six miles apart in the northern district of the town-
*For sketch of Borough of Gettysburg, see Chapter XXV, page 181.
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP. 237
ship. Cemetery Ridge, Seminary Eidge and Eound Top (799 feet above the
Atlantic level) are the prominent eminences.
The geological features are dolerite on Gulp's till; trap along Seminary
and Cemetery Eidges to Little Eound Top; indurated mud rock, south of
Eoek Creek bridge; shales and altered sandstone, indurated mixed rock in
railroad cut west by north of Gettysburg; argillaceous sandstone at brick-yard
northeast of Gettysbxirg; dolerite, three-quarters of a mile northwest of Gettys-
burg; and white feldspathic trap one and one-half miles south of Gettysburg.
In 1874 a vein of iron ore was discovered on Howell's farm, two miles west of
Gettysburg. In 1872 iron ore was found on the Peter Gintling farm. Lignite
was found opposite the fair grounds at Gettysburg, but the vein was light and
quality poor.
Southwest of Eound Top is the Indian field. Fifty-six years ago this was
a clearing of six acres in the midst of a dense forest, with a salt spring at the
southern end. Here it is said a great Indian battle was fought, and this spot
was cleared to bury the dead, although others say it was sacred festival
ground. Here the Wilsons, McNairs and Quinns, all of Eevolutionary stock,
are supposed to have made the first white settlements in the county.
The population of the township in 1800 was 1,263, including Gettysburg;,
in 1810, 863 — 436 males, 404 females, 2 slaves and 21 free colored. In
Gettysburg there were 362 males, 318 females, 7 slaves and 43 free colored,
aggregating 725, which with the township gives a total population of 1,888
souls; in 1820, 1,022, and in Gettysburg, 1,111; in 1830, 1,010, and Gettys-
burg 1473; in 1840, 1,218, and Gettysburg, 1,908; in 1850 (excluding Gettys-
burg) 1,408, including 74 colored; in I860, 1,325, including 67 colored; in
1870, 1,455, including 53 foreign and 91 colored citizens. The figures for
1860 and former decennial periods include the population of part of Highland.
In 1880 the population outside of Gettysburg was 1, 512, and of Gettysburg,
2,814.
The number of taxpayers (1886) is 460; value of real estate, 1566,479;
number of horses and mules, 464; cows and neat cattle, 529; value of moneys
at interest, $54,905; value of trades and professions, 111,280; number of car-
riages, 190; gold watches, 11; silver watches, 1; acres of timber land, 1,956.
In 1809 the stone bridge over Marsh Creek at Bream's tavern was built
by William McClellan, for $2,500. The length is 115 feet, with five arches.
In 1814 the Marsh Creek stone bridge on the Gettysburg and Emmittsburg
road was built by John Murphy. It is 114 feet long, contains five arches and
cost $3,500. In 1852 it gave place to the present wooden bridge. In 1846
Joseph Clapsaddle built the Eock Creek wooden bridge on the Harrisburg
road for $850. In 1852 David S. Stoner built a wooden bridge over Marsh
Creek on the road from Gettysburg to Nunnemaker's mill, for $1,544. In
1853 John Finley erected the Eock wooden bridge on the Hanover road, near
Gettysburg, for $1,490. In 1871 the 120 feet span bridge (wooden) at Hor-
ner's mill was rebuilt at a cost of $1,345, by J. M. Pittenturf. In 1871 Gil-
bert & Co. erected an iron bridge over Willoughby Eun, on the Gettysburg
and Fairfield road, ninety feet long, for $13.45 per foot, exclusive of stone
work, which was built by Perry J. Tawney. The iron bridge at Hoffman's,
which was being built in the winter of 1885-86, was swept away and a man
named Herring drovnied.
The first road repairing work done in the township after the organization
of the county, was in November, 1802, when a small bridge was built over the
creek on the Baltimore road near the mill known as "McAllister's Mill."
The first road built after the establishment of the county was that from Isaac
238 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Deardorff ' s mill to Gettysbttrgh, viewed in 1800 by Thomas Cochran, Alexan-
der Irvine, Francis Knouse, Alexander Lecky, James Homer and Samuel
Smith of Mountpleasant. The Eock Creek road, otherwise the Baltimore road,
an old highway, was repaired for the first time within the bounds of Adams
County in June, 1805. During that month William McPherson and Eeynolds
Eamsey, the road supervisors of Cumberland Township, called on the residents
for help. This call was responded to as follows: Eev. Alex Doblirl, James
McClure, Andrew Bushman, Quintin Armstrong, Eobert McCurday, David
Horner, Henry Black and Conrad Hoke sent each a wagon and team with one
man. Jacob Sharfey, Phoutz J. Armstrong, Jacob Bushman, Eobert Works,
Hugh Dunwoody, Eobert Thompson, Gabriel AValker, Eobert McCreary,
Henry Black, Michael Miller and Conrad Hoke appeared on the groimd them-
selves, or sent their men to assist in repairing this road.
The Gettysburgh and Black' s Tavern pike was made in 1812; the Balti-
more and Carlisle turnpike in 1815; the York and Gettysburg and the Cham-
bersburg and Gettysburg pike roads are noticed in the history of other town-
ships.
In 1859 the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Eailroad was opened for traffic.
February 26, 1884, the "Jay Cooke" brought in the first train over the Get-
tysburg & Harrisburg Eailroad, and two golden spikes were driven. The road
was completed and opened for regular traffic April 21, 1884, the first train
north being drawn by the locomotive ' ' South Mountain, ' ' with Samuel Wiser,
engineer; John Sawers, fireman, and Capt. Small, conductor. The second
train was drawn by engine "Jay Cooke," with Ephraim McClary, engineer;
L. Bailey, fireman; Capt. C. E. Givler, conductor.
In 1869 a street railroad was built from the Hanover Eailroad depot to
the Springs Hotel, right of way being granted on condition that the company
would keep the streets in repair. The conditions were observed for a short
time, and in failure the road was condemned.
In 1696 the Five Nations Indians were induced to sell their lands, west
of the Susquehanna, to Thomas Dougan, governor of New York. Immediately
after, January 13, 1696, the whole tract was deeded to William Penn for £100
sterling, or about |483. Penn then won from the Susquehannas, the original
owners, their claims, and subsequently satisfied a claim of the discontented
Conestogas, who denied the validity of the Susquehannas' title. In 1736 a
deed was given by the five tribes to John Thomas and Eichard Penn for all
lands west of the Susquehanna to the ' ' setting sun. ' ' On this title the pro-
prietaries claimed the right to own a tract of land as large as Great Britain,
and the claim was held just by the English governors.
There was also the ' ' Carroll Tract' ' and ' ' Digges' Choice, ' ' located in Adams
County, under titles granted to Carroll and Digges by Lord Baltimore, but for
some years this question of overstepping proprietary rights was confined to the
landlords themselves.
Between 1735-36 and 1741 a number of Irish peasantry from the hills of
Tyrone, Derry, Cavan, and Sligo Counties, came hither to stay, to erect a
free home for themselves at the foot of the old South Mountains. The Ham-
iltons, Sweenys, Eddys, Blacks, McClains, McClures, Wilsons, Agnews, Dar-
bys and others were here, near Gettysburg, in 1841. Then came the
landlords' agent to survey the ' ' Manor of Maske, ' ' and a second one to drive off
the "squatters," or obtain from them pay for the permission to work in the
heat of summer and cold of winter among the rocky hills, who declared " yt if
ye Chain be spread again, he wou' d stop it, and then stop ye Compass from ye
Surv. Gen." The men who resisted the survey of the "Manor of Maske" were
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP. 241
prosecuted, but the wisdom of the Penns prompted a fair settlement with the
squatters, which resulted in the Irish peasant becoming his own laborer and
master, his own tenant and landlord. This same band of fighters for the
right, organized for defense against the Indians and shared in the honors of
saving the frontier from many an Indian raid. This same band of peasants
first saw the tyranny of the ' ' tea tax, ' ' and were among the first to hail the
Eevolution. They were among the first to recognize the liberty conventions
and swear fealty to the act of such conventions in 1775. They were the men
who formed McPherson's battalion in 1775, and the Eleventh Pennsylvania
Eegiment of the line in 1776.
They spoke bad Irish and as bad English, but their shout was heard unmis-
takably wherever the wave of revolution struck, and when, with their brothers
of the thirteen stars, they raised the flag of the Union, they, at that moment
saw the shackles fall from the husbandman, and industry and liberty march
forward over the trails and military roads cut by the retreating soldiers of
Great Britain.
The German squatters in "Digges' Choice" followed up the principle of the
squatters in the "Manor of Maske," but, making only a formal resistance, were
on the point of being subjected, when Jacob Kitzmiller shot Dudley Digges, a
son of the " landlord " and routed the sheriff. This act, and the acquittal of
the peasant, shed new light on the land question, and possibly was the second
paving stone in the street which is leading to ownership of land by the cultiva-
tor of the land. Does it not seem strange that here on Marsh Creek, where
the Irish squatter-cultivator first fought for the ownership of his own labor,
the first decisive blow was struck at colored slavery 122 years later?
The pioneers of the township came here between 1733 and 1739, from
Ireland. The term ' ' Scotch-Irish of the border ' ' was a name given to these
settlers by the colonial land grabbers of the Penn coterie (A. Boyd Ham-
ilton, Harrisburg). The tract over which they squatted was wild land when
they came; but a few years later, in 1740, the Penns named it "The Manor of
the Maske." In 1765 a list of the squatters was made out, which was record
ed April 2, 1792. This list gives the names, and dates of original improve-
ment of the lands throughout this entire ' ' manor, ' ' and from it, with the aid
of descendants of the old settlers, the following list of those who resided in
this township is taken :
William McClellan, May, 1740. Thomas Douglass, May, 1740.
John Fletcher, June, 1739. Alex. Poe, April, 1739.
Kobert Fletcher, May, 1741. Hugh Davis, April, 1739.
Samuel Gettys (Rock Creek), — 1740. John Brown, May, 1741.
Hugh Scott, September, 1740. Samuel Brown, May, 1741.
Daniel McKeeman, September, 1740. Samuel Eddy, March, 1741.
George Kerr, October, 1740. John Stuart, March, 1741.
Samuel McGuUough, May, 1741. Henry McDonogh, April, 1739.
Alex. Stuart, April. 1741. James McNaught, May, 1740.
Robert Smith, April, 1741. Myles Sweeney, March, 1741.
James Thompson, May, 1741. Thomas Boyd's heirs, March, 1741.
Joseph Clugston, April, 1741. James Hall, April, 1741.
John McGaughey, April, 1741. Samuel Paxton and son, March, 1741.
William McCreary, April, 1740. Quintin Armstrong, April, 1741.
Joseph Moore, March, 1740. John Murphy, April, 1741.
David Moore, March, 1741. John McNeit, April, 1741.
Hugh Woods, March, 1741. John Armstrong, April, 1740.
Edward Hall, March, 1741. Andrew Thompson, May, 1741.
John Linn, April, 1740. John Leard, September, 1739.
James Walker, May, 1740. Robert Black, May, 1740.
Thomas Latta, May, 1740. Alex. Walker, April, 1741. - •
David Dunwoody, March, 1741. Moses McCarley, April, 1739.
Hugh Dunwoody, April, 1741. I3A
242
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
The name McPherson does not appear among the original owners. Robert
McPherson was a delegate in the convention held at Carpenter's Hall, Phila-
delphia, June 18, 1775, and took the oath of allegiance to the Union of States;
he was also delegate to the great convention of 1776.
The act of the Pennsylvania Legislature, March 12, 1802, dealing with the
purchase and improvement of the "Manor of the Maske" prior to 1741, pro-
vided that the original settlers, or their heirs, who were excluded from perfect-
ing titles to their lands, owing to State and manor boundary difficulties, be
now enabled to acquire title by paying purchase money and interest thereon
from 1765 to 1802 to the receiver-general of the land office. This act applied
to the settlers in Butler, Menallen, Liberty, Straban, Hamiltonban and Free-
dom, as well as to the settlers on the east side of Marsh Creek.
The original tax payers of the township in 1799, and the assessed value of
property are given as follows :
Quintln Armstrong $1,052
Isaac Armstrong* 746
John Potter Ashbough 207
William Braden 646
Robert Blgham 459
Henry Black, miller 756
Adam Black, wagon-maker 664
Benjamin Blubough, tanner 537
John Bowman 16
JohnBrough, hotel 200
Jacob Bogh, school teacher 32
Boyd property 1,153
Christian Bender* 925
William Crawford, physician 1,240
William Cobeanf.miUer 1,303
Capt. Alex Cobeanff 3,666
Matthias Copland-f-f 875
Henry Cluta 878
Cornelius Cornhover 364
John Cunningham, tailor ; 264
James Cox 530
Stophel Gulp 916
James Cobean 73
Martin Cluts 64
Christian Culp, wheel wright 307
Mathias Culp, blacksmith 183
Rev. Alex Dobbin* 1,222
Thomas Douglass 839
James Douglass 917
Thomas Douglass Jr 608
Arch. Dickey, millwright 157
Hugh Dunwoodie 1,360
James Dickson, merchant ^.. 11
David Dunweodie Sr 1,943
David Dunwoodie, Jr 1,066
George Dunphy, weaver 127
Widow Douglass 82
John Dodds 263
Samuel Edie, squire 986
John Ewing, tailor 137
DavidEdie 80
Charles Fletcher, blacksmith 1,157
Hugh Fergus, weaver 510
Samuel Frye, miller 533
Jacob Fox 110
James Gettysff 3,314
Fleming's heirsf 900
William Guinn 375
George Gayer, wagon-maker 7
George Gayer, Sr 7
William Garvin, Jr 177
John Galloway, sadler 307
George Gantz, mason 83
Grimes & Wilson 241
Conrad Hoke 893
Edward Hallg 774
Patrick Hagen 736
James Hamers, blacksmith.. 297
Daniel Hack 631
William Hollen, a minor 70
William Hamilton 1,308
Christ. Harsha 1,436
Henry Hoke||, tanner 1,244
Robert Horner, merchant 7
Jacob Harper, cordwinder 7
Nicholas Kevehaver 1,106
William Klonce, cordwinder 170
John Kissinger 536
George Kerr and Kerr & Mitchell, mer-
chants 837
Alex Irvine, merchant 1,615
Hugh Linn 964
Fred Long, cordwinder 1,020
Samuel Lisley 916
Linah Thomas, weaver $322
John Lower, joiner 32
Conrad Lower, joiner 157
William McGaughey 1,121
William McCreary 406
John McKallen 1,586
Robert Mayer 451
Daniel Murphy 819
Robert McCurdy 1,794
James McClure 863
William McPhersonfft 4,551
Widow Agnes McPherson§§ J 190
William McClellan, squire 1,516
David Moore 1,168
Michael Miller 514
Widow McClellan 32
John Myers, merchant '. 507
Widow Miller 100
* store-house.
+ Grist-mill.
tt 9^"^ Aiid grist-mill.
g Female slave, value $100.
X Brick house, woman slave, value $26.
i| Tanner, held male slave, value $150.
f+t Holder of men slaves, value $300.
ii Holder of man slave, value $150.
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP. 243
Con. Maynag, cordwinder 67 Christian Stouffer 302
JohnMcNutt ; 7 Abraham Stoner 1,327
Wyman Phillip, blacksmith 104 James Scott, hotel§ 1, 128
Hugh Patterson, weaver 42 Walter Smith, hatter 351
Nathan Paxton 857 John Scott, hotel 554
Samuel Patterson 431 Robert Thompson 1,357
George Plank 756 Samuel Taggert 412
Christian Patzer, joiner 127 Jacob Troxell 139
Samuel Phillips, cordwinder 22 Robert Tate 1,458
Alexander Russell, squire§ 2,328 Joseph Thompson, tailor 7
Reynolds Ramsey, merchantg 517 John Troxall 367
John Rutter 849 David Troxall 74
Hugh Reed, mason 37 John Wilson 570
Christian Rock 836 William Waikert 788
Fred Rumble, blacksmith 307 Henry Wolf 51
Ludwick Rumble 18 Joseph Walker 903
GeorgeRumble 64 Thomas Wible 207
James Rowan 148 Gabriel Walker 1,064
William Stewart 918 GeorgeWible 177
Robert Stewart 252 Robert Work 2,19.6
Jacob Shirfey 1,150 John Wible 98
Alexander Shannon, tailor 58 William Work 33
John Sweeney 1,190 Andrew Wible 43
Henry Spangler, blacksmith 97 Stephen Wible 549
James Sweenev 1,130 Stephen Wible, Jr 64
Thomas Sweeney 1,196 John Welty 889
JohnShakely 633 Henry Weaver 1,34B
Lewis Shriver ■ 760 Emanuel Zigler 537
The single men residing in the township in 1799, were William Ashbongh,
potter; John Broaden, tailor; Thomas Breaden, cordwinder; George Boham,
James Black, John Black, Robert Black, blacksmiths; James Black, weaver.;
Elisha P. Barris, Thomas Brown, weavers; Samuel Cobean, John Gluts, weav-
ers; James Douglass, hatter; James Dobbin, Henry Duncan, joiners; Williaria
Fellons, weaver ; William Hall, John Hamilton, weavers ; John Hunter, weav-
er; Robert Hayes, lawyer; Daniel Kissinger, tatiner; Jacob Long, Thomas
Latta, Matthew Longwill, merchants; William MoDead, mason; John Mc-
Cleary, tailor; James McNevin, William McKinley, cabinet-makers; Robert
McMurdie, weaver; John McCuUey, school teacher; David Moore, James Mc-
Clillan, Hugh O. Dwyer, Robert Ramsay, cordwinders; James Smith, Hatter;
William Sterling, John Shavey, Casper Shavey, Samuel Sloan, joiners; John
Scott, miller; James Thompson, wheelwright; John Taylor, mason; and George
Dodds. Many of these "single men" possessed some little property, which with
the real estate and personal property assessment amounted to $103,931 as as
sessed by David Moore, James Gettys and Peter Weikert. The collector^
were Edward Hall and Reynolds Ramsey, the rate being 36 cents per |100.
From 1775 to the close of 1865 this division of the State was always well rep-
resented in the armies of the Union. During the Revolution no less than 30Q
men from this portion of York County participated in the battles for liberty.
Prior to this time they stood as sentries on the frontier, and in the late war
contributed about 2, 500 men to the defense of the Union. The first actuffl
signal of the war of 1861-65 seen in the township, was Capt. Stoneman's four
companies of cavalry from Carlisle barracks. They encamped May 6, 1861.,
at Horner' s mills.
The men who answered the first call for troops in 1861, residents of Cum-
berland Tovmship and Gettysburg, were George Quinn, George Arendt, Jdim.
Arendt, Sr. , John Arendt, Jr. , Joseph M. Miller, Charles M. Gallagher and
Edward Welty, all of Cumberland Township. Andrew Schick, William Guinn,
JFemale slave, value, $100.
244 HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
Thaddeus Warren, Henry Hughes, Nicholas J. Codori, Jr. , James A. Lashall,
Br. T. T. Tate, Charles E. Bushey, John H. Sheads, Henry Chritzman, J.
Louis MoClellan, Johnson M. Skelly, Jacob Kitzmiller, George W. Myers,
Henry J. Pry, John Sheads, A. P. Bollinger, Clinton Danner, Elias Sheads,
Samuel George, Alex J. Tate, William Pierce, M. J. Coble, Oscar D. McMillan,
Isaac M. MoClean, Samuel Vandersloot, Thaddeus S. Welty, John G. Fry,
Jr. , William Wilson, Frank D, Duphorn, Duncan M. C. Little, William M.
C. McGonegal, Peter WaiTen, George A. Warner, William Wiegantt, and A.
J. Cover. John T. Mcllhenny was second sergeant; James Adair, fourth
sergeant; Adam Doersour, Jr., W. E. Culp and Jerome Martin, of Gettys-
burg, corporals; William W. Little, drummer; John Culp and E. G. Fahne-
stock, lieutenants; P. J. Tate, quartermaster, and C. H. Buehler, captain.
The company of which these meij were members was mustered into Company
E, Second Eegiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
The house immediately south of the National Cemetery was built by Will-
iam Guinn in 1776, and occupied July 4 of that year. It was tenanted by
Catherine Guinn during the battle of Gettysburg, when thirteen shot and shell
entered it, one striking the bureau near which the old lady was sitting. She
Was eighty-five years old in July, 1876.
CHURCHES.
The Upper Marsh Creek Church stood in what is now the desolate looking
"Black' 8 Grave-yard. ' ' After Mr. Black' s time the congregation pulled down the
old church, and built one on North Washington Street, Gettysburg, near the
Catholic Church. This was succeeded by the church on Baltimore and High
Streets. In 1775 Rev. John Black became pastor of "Upper Marsh Creek."
In 1786 he, with others, was sent ofP to form the Carlisle Presbytery. Owing
to congregational difficulties in 1790-94, he in 1794 joined a Reformed Dutch
congregation near Hunterstown. His death took place August 16, 1802.
The old log church of the Reformed Presbyterians, which stood on the old
Dunwoody farm, now the David Blocher farm, on the Carlisle and NewviUe road
Was erected prior to 1774, as Morrow and Dunwoody were ordained elders in
1753, and the society was organized April 8, the same year.
The Covenanters. — Among the Scotch and Scotch-Irish settlers along Marsh
and Rock Creeks were small clusters of families called "Covenanters" because
they asserted that the obligation of the ' ' Solemn League and Covenant ' ' of
their forefathers were binding upon them. Their presbytery in the mother
countiy took the name of the Reformed Presbytery and they styled themselves
Reformed Presbyterians. They had been called Cameronians in Scotland
after one of their field preachers, Richard Cameron, who was beheaded in
1680. They had also been known as Mountain People, because in times of per-
secution they fled to the mountains to worship in secret places.
There were seven or eight little Covenanter societies between the Susque-
hanna and the Blue Ridge before the arrival of their first minister from the
mother country. Rev. Alexander Craighead, a Presbyterian minister who
sympathized with the Covenanters in their distinctive principles, preached to
them for a time. One of these little societies was at Marsh Creek, and had
what was called a "tent" for their public meetings not far from the site of
Gettysburg. The ' ' tent" of the Covenanters of that time is described as simply
a stand in the woods with a shelter overhead, a board braced against a tree on
which to lay the Bible and psalm book, and rude seats [in front for the congre-
gation over whom there was no covering but the sky. At a general meeting
of delegates from the different societies held at Middle Octorora, March 4,
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP. 245
1744, Thomas Wilson and David Dunwoody were delegates from the Marsh
Creek society.
In 1751 Eev. John Cuthbertson, the first Reformed Presbyterian minister
in America sent by the denomination in Scotland, arrived in Pennsylvania.
On September 1, 1751, Mr. Cuthbertson preached his first sermon to the
Adams County Covenanters at their tent, which was not far from the residence
of David Dunwoody. On April 8, 1753, was the first ordination of ruling
elders of this denomination in America. Six persons were ordained, two of
whom, David Dunwoody and Jeremiah Morrow, were the first ruling elders of
the Covenanters about the site of Gettysburg; the former was the grandfather
of Rev. Dr. J. L. Dinwiddie, the latter the grandfather of Gov. Jeremiah Mor-
row, of Ohio. The society soon took the name of Rock Creek Church, and
built its first log meeting-house near that stream about one mile northeast of
where Gettysburg now stands. In 1764 John Murphy and Andrew Branwood
were ordained elders.
The Rock Creek Church at the period of the Revolution was probably the
most important and influential Covenanter Church in America. The learned
Eev. Alexander Dobbin became pastor of this congregation in 1774, immediate-
ly after his arrival in this country and so continued until his death in 1809.
After the union of the Reformed Presbyterians and Associate Presbyterians in
1782, it became an Associate Reformed Church, and about 1804 began the
erection of the first house of worship in Gettysburg. This church was ' ' a sub-
stantial brick structure, of good size, finished in the old style, with high-backed
pews, brick-paved aisles, high pulpit and huge sounding-board. " It has since
been remodeled in the interior, and since 1858 has been known as the United
Presbyterian Church.
The early Covenanters maintained a practical dissent against the British
Government prior to the American Revolution. They were all Whigs; not a
Tory could be found among them. Their public religious services lasted four
or five hours, and on communion days, often from seven to nine hours, with an
intermission of fifteen minutes for lunch. Some of the lead tokens used by
them at communion services are still in existence. They are about one-half an
inch long, and nearly as wide, with the letters R. P. (Reformed Presbyterian)
on one side, and L. S. (Lord's Supper) and the date, 1752, on the other.
For twenty-two years Rev. John Cuthbertson was the only Covenanter pas-
tor in America. During his first year in this country he preached on 120 days,
baptized 110 children and married ten couples. Year after year he made hig
way in summer' s heat and winter' s storm over a region now forming four or five
counties. At many of his preaching stations there were no churches for years;
at such places he preached in the groves, when the weather would permit, and
in private houses when the weather was not propitious. He died in 1791, after
having toiled in this country nearly forty years, during which he preached on
2,452 days, baptized 1,806 children, married 240 couples and rode on horse-
back about 70, 000 miles. These facts are shown by his diary.
CEMETEHIES.
The old Marsh Creek Cemetery, commonly called " McClellan' s, " is on the
eastern bank of the creek a point north of the stone bridge on the Fairfield
road. The headstones marking the burial places of the McCiellans were moved
to Evergreen Cemetery some years ago. The stones still to be found there
give the following names and dates of death of aged people:
Henry McDonogh, 1758. Jose ph McCleary, 1840.
Rosanna Crawford, 1773. Eleanor Kincaid, 1768.
246 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Christina Deal, 1809. Hugh Dunwoodie, 1835.
Sarah Jamieson, 1807. Sarah Dunwoodie, 1744.
Charles Deal, 1820. Ddvid Dunwoody, 1803.
Sarah Cross, 1789. Jane Dunwoody, 1781.
Eliza, wife of Marli Forney, 1852. Elizabeth Dunwoody, 1789.
Eliza, wife of John Butts, Sr., 1851.
The old monuments to the McGlellans, moved to Gettysburg, are the old
fashioned slate stones. They memorialize the deaths of William McClellan,
fourth, fifth and sixth; the former dying in 1831.
Black's Cemetery takes its name from Eev. John Black, who was pastor of
Upper Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church from 1775 to 1786. The church stood
on the cemetery grounds, north of the Chambersburg road, until torn down
about 1786. Among the straggling, crumbling monuments, the following
names and dates of death are discernible:
Mary Orr, 1754. Robert McNutt, 1773.
i'homas Armstrong, 1759. Charles McAlister, 1774.
Mary, his wife, 1759. James McAlister, 1783.
John Morrison, 1749. John Bigham, 1759.
His wife, 1753. Agnes Bigham, 1749.
Ann Fletcher, 1773. John Innls, 1760.
Wm. Boyd, 1757. James Innis, 1766.
Robert Blacli, 1760. Robert Innis, 1763.
John Hosack, 1789. Rev. Robert McMurdie, 1796
Violet Porter, 1758. Margaret McMurdy, 1777.
Wm. Porter, 1753. Andrew Thompson, 1768.
Nattaniel Porter, 1749. Samuel Agnew, 1760.
Wm. Boyd, Sr., unknown. Mary Agnew, 1760.
Thomas Boyd, 1760. Alexander Latta, 1773.
Rebecca Stevenson, 1767. Hugh Martin, 1767.
Many of the old monuments have been removed to Gettysburg and other
places. The few remaining, as well as the venerable old home of pioneers
itself, are in a deplorable condition of decay. Hance Hamilton's monument,
moved to Gettysburg some years ago, is badly shattered. It records his death,
February 2, 1772, aged fifty-one years. This old settler commanded in a fight
with Indians at Bellemont about 1758. The pioneer McPhersons claim some
ancient monuments also in the new cemetery at Gettysburg.
The old cemeteries within the borough of Gettysburg are the German Re-
formed, near the church; old cemetery east of county jail; old Catholic; United
Presbyterian, opposite the Catholic Church; Colored Cemetery on York road,
near railroad, and Methodist, in rear of G. A. R. Post, No. 9, hall. Removals
to Evergreen Cemetery and to the new Catholic Cemetery have been exten-
sively carried out, so that the old homes of the dead are fast falling to decay.
In April, 1880, the lot east of the jail was cleared of its 228 silent tenants by
Samuel Herbst and a force of exhumers, some of the remains being moved to
the grave-yard, where the Reformed Church stands, and some to the old ceme-
tery. Sixty-four with headstones were placed in the Reformed Church Ceme-
tery and twelve in Evergreen Cemetery. One hundred and fifty-two graves
were unmarked.
SCHOOLS.
In April, 1800, the following named residents of Cumberland Town-
ship agreed to send their children to a school at Gettysburg to be con-
ducted by a teacher of their own choice: David Dunwoody, Henry Hoke,
Archibald Dickey, Walter Smith, Emanuel Zeigler, Hugh Dunwoody, Henry
Weaver and Jacob Sell agreed to send each one child; James Scott, Joseph
Little, James Duncan and Alex. Dobbin agreed to send two children each; A.
Russell agreed to send three children, while George Kerr agreed to send one-
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 247
half, which is interpreted to be a baby scholar. The election of teacher, which
was held the same month, resulted in the choice of David Moore, Jr. , over
Andrew Wilson.
Thaddeus Stevens represented Gettysburg and Cumberland Township in the
convention of November 4, 1834, and voted for adopting the common school
system according to the act of April 1, 1834. On November 28, 1834, the
school board of Gettysburg divide* the borough into four school districts, and
established one school for colored children. S. S. King was president, and
Eobert G. Harper secretary of the board. Common schools were opened
January 5, 1835, in Thomas Menargh's house, Mr. Sehriener's, Mr. McMil-
lar's and Mr. McClean's; the colored school in Mrs. Keech's house.
The postofSces in Cumberland Township are Gettysburgh and Green
Mount, latter located southwest of Round Top, on the Emmittsburg road, be-
low the old Wilson farm. It is the postal center for the greater part of Free-
dom Township and southern portion of Cumberland. Mr. Bigham is in charge
of the office.
MISCELLANEOUS.
On February 24, 1869, Thomas J. Lee was shot and killed by F. Weems
Black at Mrs. Eosensteel' s, "Wolf Hill," two miles south of Gettysburg.
Black was acquitted of murder.
CHAPTER XXXI.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
THE streams of Franklin Township comprise Conowago Creek, which rises
in the springs west of St. Ignatius Church, flows northeast to jihe Long
farm, where it forms the Bend, and this, with the continuation of stream south-
east to a point just north of Arendtsville, forms the eastern half of the northern
boundary of the township; Conococheagiie Creek, which rises on the west slope
of Piney Hill near the old saw-mills, flows southwest to Birch Run, and leaves
the county just west of GraefPenburg; McDowell's Run, which enters Black's
Creek near the old Garbaugh mill, flows west and leaves the county near
Graeffenburg; Little Marsh Creek forms part of the southern line of the town-
ship; Marsh Creek, so celebrated for giving drink to the true Revolutionists
who settled along its banks in the first half of the eighteenth century, which
rises in Poplar Springs (with feeders from Kane's farm andKnouse's farm
away up in South Mountain, and streams west of Arendtsville), flows southeast
to Seven Stars, where it forms the southeastern boundary of the township.
Crystal rivulets flow everywhere, and it is not uncommon to find house-
holders leading the water from some spring in the mountain into their homes
and gardens; as is the case at Stockslagger' s hotel in Cashtown.
The lands east of South Mountain, north and south of the Gettysburg and
Chambersburg road, are exceptionally good, though rolling heavily. Buchanan
Valley claims some large and beautiful farms, and even in the Conooocheague
Valley some fine land is cultivated. The elevations are Arendt's mill, 780
feet; Cashtown, 800 feet; Graeffenburg, 1,020 feet; McKnightstown, 656
feet; Mummasburg, 542 feet. Hilltown is the same elevation as Arendt's
mill; Arendtsville is 620 feet. The highest point on the Chambersburg Pike
248 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
is east of Newman's, being 1,440 feet. On the Cold Springs road near
GraefPenburg the altitude is 1,770 feet, and the highest peak of the South
Mountain in Pennsylvania, one mile south of Caledonia Springs.
The geological outcrop shows shale containing magnetic ore two miles
northwest of McKnightstown, ore with crystalized calcite, white argillaceous
sandstone, green chloritic top rock, calcite in ore, decomposed clay shale,
calcareous conglomerate, red sandstone, baked mud rock, limestone, ore
slightly magnetic chlorite and quartz, slaty orthofelsite near Arendtsville, also
pearly crystalline schist, red quartzite, jaspery orthofelsite, argillite, finely
laminated orthofelsite (northwest of Cole's mill), red quartoze schist, copper
rock, diabase with stellate crystal's, fine ground granite rock, feldspar in
chloritic slate.
The ore bed on the Adam "Winter farm was worked by McCormick & Co.
in 1874, and shipments made. Iron ore was taken in 1867 from a ridge on
the farm of Peter Comfort in Franklin Township. Later a mine was worked
by the Wrightsville Iron Co.
The indications of iron ore round Miltenberger' s mill in the South Moun-
tain drew some attention in the winter of 1869-70.
On John Baker's place, beyond Cashtown, Harry Yingling, of Gettysburg,
found a vein of asbestos, seven feet below the surface, in 1884.
In 1881 a circular excavation was discovered in the Buchanan Valley,
twelve feet in diameter, sis feet deep, with trees, twenty inches in diameter,
growing round the embankment, and, in the hollow, the stump of what was
once a large tree. The old settlers say it belongs to pre-revolutionary times.
Near Noah Sheely's there is an old burying ground, but the stones do not
bear inscriptions. It is thought that the tenants of the graves were Indians.
Just north of the United Brethren Church Aaron Sheely examined a mound,
but found nothing to show that any one was buried there.
Near Rock Top there was, in 1879, a chestnut tree measuring twenty-two
feet in girth, two feet from the ground. On the Butt farm there were two
large chestnut trees twenty-one feet in girth, and thirty feet clear to the first
limb. The other was eighteen feet seven inches in girth. On the Deardorff
farm is a chestnut tree eighteen feet, eight inches in girth, and a white oak
tree fourteen feet in girth.
John P. Hopkell and George Hossler were engaged in selling foreign mer-
chandise alone, and Thomas McKnight and Thomas Wilson sold foreign mer-
chandise, wines and liquors in 1824.
The population in 1800 was 1,023; in 1810, 889—472 males, 390 females,
3 slaves and 24 free colored persons; in 1820, 1,456, including 47 colored; in
1830, 1,588; in 1840, 1,698; in 1850, 1,806, including 19 colored; in 1860,
2,115, including 23 colored; in 1870, 2,176, including 13 colored; and in
1880, 2,499. The number of taxpayers (1886) is 754; value of real estate,
$657,938; number of horses, etc., 506; of cows, etc., 677; value of moneys at
interest, $23,654; value of trades and professions, $24,460; number of pleasure
carriages, 231; gold watches, 10; silver watches, 2; acres of timber land,
18,499.
The entries of land in this portion of "The Manor of Maske " prior to
1842 were legalized in 1802, as related in the history of Cumberland Town-
ship.
The names and dates of entry are given as follows:
Thomas Hoaack, March, 1740. John Buchanan, May, 1740.
John Hosack, March, 1740. Kobert Black's heirs, March, 1738.
John Boyd, March, 1740. Alexander McKeen, March, 1738.
W. Boyd and B. Smith, March, 1740. Hugh McKeen, March, 1738.
<2.^,
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
251
James Wilson, May, 1741.
Margaret Young, April, 1741.
Robert Johnson, April, 1741.
Henry Pearson, April, 1741.
Duncan McDonnell, April, 1740.
Mary McMullen, May, 1741.
James Erwin, September, 1739.
James Russell, May, 1840.
John Russell, May, 1840.
Thomas Nealson, March, 1741.
Joseph Wilson, March, 1788.
William Quiet and Son, April, 1741.
James Biddle, May, 1740.
Col. Hance Hamilton, for farm, April, 1741.
David Frazier, March, 1738.
Hannah Leslie, April, 1741.
John Miller, April, 1741.
John Steel, September, 1740.
Henry Cotton, April, 1741. ■>
Walter Buchanan, September, 1739.
Margaret Buchanan, May, 1740.
A petition similar to that from Hamiltonban was presented to the Penn-
sylvania Council in 1789, signed by William Eussell, Samuel Cross, Thomas
Cross, Samuel Porter, James McGlaughlin, Matthew McNutt, Eobert McNutt,
William Orr and John Orr, asking for a resurvey of that portion of "Carroll's
Delight " in Franklin Township. The petition was considered, and the same
half justice meted out to them as was accorded to their neighbors in the ' ' Man-
or of Maske."
The assessment of this township, made in 1799, gives the following names
and trades and assessed valuations of property:
Thomas Gilchrist, tannery 873
James Gilchrist 639
Matthias Glass 749
George Graft 397
Hart George, weaver 52
Jacob Gilbert 1,648
Charles Good 794
Andrew Gilwix 332
Hugh Gallagher, saw-mill 131
John Hartj: 676
John Hartman 741
Henry Hoover 1,218
Christopher Howlinger^: 1,287
Andrew Hanselman 581
Peter Hoofman 467
Henry Hosack 807
Walter Jenkins 569
Moses Jenkins 536
Peter Ickes 70
Robert Kidd 310
James King 617
James Keve, tailor 965
John Luelsberger 1,119
Henry Lauser 459
Joseph Linard 28
William Laird 744
John Laird 654
Anthony Loop, joiner 14
Henry Miller 741
Adam Minter 975
James McKnightt 698
Adam Miller, potter 361
John Moyer 456
Hugh McGaughey, blacksmith 255
Martin Muckleyg 1,126
John Muckley, blacksmith 14
Peter Muckley 14
Daniel Muckley 901
Samuel McGowan 88
Moses McClean 3,071
John McOlean, tanner 93
Martin Minter 581
Peter Arendt $ 818
John Arendt, hotel and blacksmith. . . 678
Nicholas Beasacker 761
George Beasacker 654
John Brugh, hotel 351
Andrew Beanwood 983
Adam Buer 120
Michael Bushey 961
Benjamin Boyd 888
Christopher Baker 109
Archibald Boyd 731
Michael Barr 620
Nicholas Barr 396
Abraham Boyers 533
Michael Bittinger 544
Jonas Boyers 867
Rev. John Black 1,675
James Black 1,317
Samuel Culbertson 547
Martin Carbaugh, Sr 120
Christopher Carbaugh 1,232
Thomas Cross 779
John Cimes, Jr 7
Nicholas Candle 68
Samuel Cross* 1,617
Samuel Cobeanf 1,141
John Clark, grist and saw-mill 1,874
Joseph Cornebour 61
Lewis Chamberlin 675
Jacob Candle, weaver 7
Martin Carbaugh, grist and saw-mill. 497
Peter Comfort, blacksmith 343
John Carbaugh 459
William Ewing 1, 139
David Fretz, fulling-mill 701
Leonard Flower 1,047
Leonard Flower, Jr 47
Jacob Freet, stiller 7
Palty Flower 646
John Foster, merchant 803
John Fletcher! 1.581
John Gross 654
♦stone house and one slave, S75.
■jTwo slaves, S160.
gSpelled Miokley.
llOne slave, 880.
JStone house.
252 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
James McGlaughlin 881 Jacob Shank 1,296
Samuel McMulIeii, blacksmith 657 Robert Stewart. . . ., 481
John Miller, oil-mill 403 CasparShiffler 628
Michael Malone 21 Martin Snider 833
Peter Morritz, tavern place 1,200 David Strite 852
William Malone 22 John Stanley 1,138
Andrew Miller 115 Widow Stockleger 968
Jacob Mondorff 522 John Stockleger 798
David McClure (or McElwee) 250 George Saltzgiver, fulling-mill 293
Estate of James Johnson (deceased) . . 1,015 John Smith 831
Jacob MiddlecofE.t grist and saw-mill. 2,511 John Smelsor, miller 14
John Mossman 69 Conrad Suttle 2,092
William McDonnell 998 George Sheakley 1,047
Joseph Morrison 1,227 John Shull, blacksmith 37
Robert McMordie 1,148 Samuel Trone 75
Peter Mark 44 Henry Toot, tailor 78
Nicholas Mark.J saw-mill 1,767 John"8toner 905
James Marshall 65 Jacob Smith, nailer 48
Samuel Marshall 650 William Tailor 88
John Milligan 32 Alexander Thompson, hotel 634
George Orr 487 Abraham Whetmore 1,200
Nathaniel Paxton 886 Mathias Wallen 870
James Paxton 536 JosephWilson 912
Baltzer Pitzer 1,238 Marmaduke Wilson 1,065
Samuel Porter 802 Benjamin Workman 71
Peter Piper 1,081 Jacob Winter 554
David Rife 2,365 William Walter 171
Samuel Russell 738 Henry Walter 837
Joshua Russell, t hotel 1,423 George Walter, blacksmith 14
Samuel Russell, carpenter 823 John White 374
John Russell 1,137 Nicholas Young 1,004
John Ross, cooper 1,248 Israel Irvine, tailor..- 14
Jacob Ritter 102
The total assessed valuation' made by James Gilchrist, Thomas Ewing and
Nicholas Mark in December, 1798, for the year 1799 was $99,960. Charles
Good and William Laird were the collectors.
The single men residing in the township at this time were assessed 11
each. They are named as follows: William Craig, George Kerbough,
Henry Walter, John Glass, Matthias Glass, Adam Snider, Martin Snider,
Moses Davis; Daniel Knouse, blacksmith; Peter Wagoner, shoe-maker; Andrew
McLone; John Kerr, shoe-maker; William Fossitt; John Kerbough, shoe-maker;
Peter Piper, joiner; Edward Fosler, nailer; John Howlinger, George Todd,
William Laird, John Laird; Jacob Saum, shoe-maker; John Cobean, Robert
Laird; Baltzer Minter, weaver; Thomas Moore, William McCleary; Robert '
Marshal], tanner; Robert Morrison; Sample Ross, cooper; John Shiftier, Sam-
uel Willsor, Archibald Fleckher, William Stewart, P. Stockleger and Abel
Finley.
The capture of Mary Jamison in Buchanan Valley was effected by the In-
dians in 1758. Mrs. Robert Bleakney, residing in Buchanan Valley in 1879
made the following reference to its histoiy: " When the Indians threatened
the settlements the Bleakneys removed to Conowago Township; the Kilken-
nons (who lived where Samuel McKenrick' s house stands), father and seven
strong boys with mother and girls, intended to remain, and went to the block-
house, which stood on the Hartman farm back of Arendtsville, but on the ap-
proach of the Indians fled. Thomas Jamison's family, his wife Jane (Erwin),
resided on the old Joseph I. Lever's farm (now belonging to Francis Cole),
from 1743, when they came from Ireland, to 1755. The father, mother and
daughter were carried off; a hired man named Robert Buck was killed, but the
two little Jamison boys crept into a hollow log and escaped. Mary Jamison
married an Indian. ' '
JStone House.
FKANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 253
Thomaa Jamison moved in 1754 to Buchanan Valley and must have been
among the other Irish settlers on Marsh Creek for the ten years preceding.
James Bleakney, grandfather of Robert, died in 1821, aged ninety-eight years.
Mary Jamison was born on the Atlantic after her parents left Ireland in 1743.
Immediately after the abduction of the Jamisons a Mr. Fields headed a
Telief party of neighbors (numbering six men) and started in pursuit. The
savages realized the advance of avengers, and, to better enable them to escape,
turned on their captives and killed Thomas Jamison; Jane (Ervin) Jamison,
his wife; Betsy, his daughter; Robert and Matthew, their sons; Mrs. Buck
and two of her children. They spared Mary Jamison, who died in 1833, and a
little son of Mrs. Buck.
In 1758 Richard Bard was carried off. On May 23, 1758, Joseph Gallady
was killed, and his wife and one child taken from Conococheague. Frederick
Smith who murdered Frederick Forster, the German tailor of Arendtsville, was
sentenced to be hanged September 24, 1849, but hanged himself September
26, 1849.
CHURCHES.
The Reformed and Lutheran Union Church, known as "Flohr's," dates
back to 1822, when the two societies entered on the work of erecting a house
of worship. In 1875 the Reformed Society which owned an interest in
' ' Flohr' s ' ' Church with the Lutherans, up to that time, purchased the latter' s
interest for $400, and the Lutherans bought the lot on which the church stood
for 125, and on which the present Lutheran Church now stands, near Mc-
Knightstown, this township. Some of the original documents belonging to
this society were destroyed in the rebel invasion of 1863, hence the date of or-
ganization and names of original members are unknown. The date of the
building of the first church is also unknown. The second church was built
of brick where the present one now stands. It was dedicated in 1822, and
used as already stated, by the Reformed and Lutheran denominations until
1875. The present church was erected in 1875-76 and dedicated in the
latter year. Its present membership is 200, and value of property is 17,000.
The names of pastors are Revs. John Herbst, Charles Weyle, Frederick Ruth-
Tauff, Benjamin Keller, George Roth, L. J. Bell, J. K. Miller, Michael
Snyder, H. F. Long and D. M. Blackwelder.
Mennonites. — On the north side of the road opposite Flohr's Church, stood
the old Mennonite meeting-house, in which the followers of Menno Simonis
worshiped until 1823, when a church was erected at Mummasburg. A school-
house occupies the site of the old church; but opposite is the ancient cemetery
of the original congregation, still claiming memorials of many of its early
tenants.
AEENDTSVILLE.
The site of Arendtsville or "John's Pursuit," was warranted to Nicholas
Curie January 9, 1739, and patented by John Arendt August 14, 1810. In
1803 one William Sterling, of Gettysburg, conveyed forty acres (of the Curie
seventy-three acres) for 5 s. , just across the Menallen line, where the block- .
house of 1855 stood. Arendtsville was founded in 1808 by John Arendt, who
died in 1826.
In 1820 Myers kept the weather-boarded hotel, where George G. Plank's
dwelling now stands. The ' ' Hiram Trostle House " was also there, used as a tav-
ern. John Arendt built the house at the corner of the square now owned by
Mr. Malaum, and a blacksmith shop, where now are the hotel stables. In
1845 Lower opened a store where now is the Trostle Building; in 1848 he built
254 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
a carpenter shop on the Mrs. A. Taylor property; in 1852 George Lower
erected a stone building on the lot adjoining. In 1845 Jacob Keckler was
postmaster; Emanuel Umstadt established the first tannery.
CHUBCHES.
Trinity iMtheran Church. — The date of the organization of this society is
about 1781, and the date of the church buildings are respectively 1787, 1851
and 1882. The first was of logs, located in the present old grave-yard. The'
second was of brick, and stood where the present improved Reformed Church
now is. The first and second churches were used jointly by the Keformed and
Lutheran denominations until the summer of 1882. The present church is
located beside the Lutheran parsonage on High Street, in Arendtsville. It
is built of brick, two storied, with steeple and bell. Its present membership
numbers 321, and the value of property, inclusive of parsonage, is $10,000.
The following are the names of the pastors who have served this congregation:
Eevs. Meltzheimer, Heiney, John Herbst, Charles Weyle, Frederick Ruth-
rauff, Benjamin Keller, A. R. Height, George Roth, L. J. Bell, J. K. Miller,
Michael Snyder, H. F. Long and D. M. Blackwelder.
In 1781 a grant of two acres and twenty-seven perches of and was made
by Jacob Arendt and Stophel Sentmire, to Frederick Stan our and Philip
Hartzell for the use of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. This lot adjoins
"John's Pursuit;" on this a house of worship was erected on the southeast
corner of the square, opposite the present Reformed Church, in 1857 — a two-
story, log, weather-boarded structure. The pulpit was barrel shaped and the-
altar was railed in. The school and sexton's house, at the end, were built at
the same time. In 1851 these old buildings were removed, and the founda-
tions for a new church laid on the site of the school and sexton' s house. This-
was known as Zion Reformed and Lutheran Church. With its building the
parish school disappeared. In 1785 the first record book was purchased.
The first to be baptized were John, Jacob and Anna Catherine Schneider,
March 26, 1786. The oldest communion list is dated May 9 and 23, 1790. The
first burial in the old grave-yard was in 1790, when Anna Maria Berrin was
interred. In 1872 Green Mount and Fairview Cemeteries were established.
Zion' s. Reformed Church at Arendtsville. — The Lutheran and Reformed con-
gregations worshiped in the same house iintil 1878, when the former built a
commodious and beautiful church, in which they have since worshiped.
The latter bought out the Lutheran interest in the old chiu^ch and last year
determined to remodel it, which has been done at a cost of $6,000, and the-
church was dedicated (free of debt) Sunday, May 9, 1886, by Rev. M. H.
Sangrfee. The building is of brick, 67x43 feet, with two towers and a
1, 200 pound bell, and is Gothic in style, with a seating capacity of 500, The
organization of this society dates back to 1787. The following are names of
the ministers who have served this congregation: Revs. Lebrecht L. Hinsch,
1804-84; Benjamin Schneck, 1835; Jacob Baer, 1838; Samuel Gutalius, 1840-
43; E. V. Gerhardt, D. D., 1843 to 1849; Jacob Zeigler, 1849 to 1868 j
D. W. Wolf, 1865 to 1873; A J. Heller, 1873 to 1883; and M. H. Sangrfe,
present incumbent, from 1884.
Miscellaneous. — After 1851 W. D. Gobrecht rebuilt the Hance Morrison saw-
mill and added a lath and shingle-mill. In 1856 the Cole Bros, purchased the
property, and in 1863 Francis Cole became proprietor. At this place there is
a covered bridge over the Conowago, erected in 1859. In 1820 there were the
Bluebaugh, John Bushey and Thomas Good taverns near the foot of the Narrows,
where John Ornsr now lives. Daniel Arendt's property was originally owned
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 255
by Nicholas Bittinger, whose heirs had it surveyed in 1809. The Capt. Eieh-
oltz farm was warranted in 1797 by one Ferguson, and sold by him that year
to Adam Plumb. Scott & Smeltzer built the first saw-mill there.
In 1819 the Ferguson-Plumb tract fell into the hands of the Bells, who in
later years sold the mill lands to D. Arendt and the Plumb tract to Capt.
Eicholtz. Nicholas Bittinger, the hero of Fort Washington, built the first grist-
mill. He died in 1804. The old mill was rebuilt for the heirs of William
Bell, Sr. William Bell, Jr. rebuilt the saw-mill. A distillery stood here also
which Andrew Bittinger operated for a number of years. Francis Knaus built
the first grist-mill at Arendtsville in 1797. In 1812 Isaac Wierman purchased
the mill and farm, rebuilt it in 1840 as a saw and grist-mill, and after the Wier-
man Bros, came into possession, in 1866, they added the shingle- mill and in-
troduced submerged water-wheels.
The Washington Independent Guards was an old organization of Franklin
even in 1822. The Independent Riflemen of Arendtsville were organized in
June, 1858, with forty members. William F. Walter was elected captain, Jacob
H. Plank, first lieutenant, and Jacob M. Bushey, second lieutenant.
The Arendtsville ladies organized a soldiers' relief society in December,
1861. The committee comprised Mrs. J. K. Miller, Mrs. Jacob Lower, Mrs.
Jacob H. Plank, Mrs. Peter Boblitz, Mrs. C. Haines and Mrs. Samuel Eicholtz.
In the fall of 1867 the Franklin & Butler military company was organized.
This was known as the Franklin Zouaves, with Samuel H. Eicholtz, captain.
CASHTOWN.
This village nestles at the foot of Rock Top, which rises almost perpendic-
ularly to a height of 410 feet above the level of the village, or 1, 210 feet above
the Atlantic. Its beginnings go away back to pioneer days. For some years past
Cashtown has been casting away the swaddling clothes of a mountain hamlet,
and now boasts of a fine church building, a well conducted hotel, a few good
business houses and a number of comfortable private homes. A toll gate of
the Gettysburg & Chambersburg Pike-road Company occupies a central place,
but apart from this the village presents a modern appearance. Hilltown, on
the road up to the South Mountain narrows, may be termed an extension of
Cashtown.
The Reformed Society of Cashtown formed a part of the society of Flohr's
Church until the Lutheran society acquired sole control there inl875-76. About
1876 the society at Cashtown was formed; in 1877 the work of buUding the
present neat house of worship was begun, and the church was dedicated Jan-
uary 13, 1878. The cost is estimated at $3, 500.
Rock Top Observatory was completed in July, 1879, for the owner, Editor
StaUe.
MOMMASBCEG.
This village was surveyed in 1820 by John L. Hinkle for John Mumma. It
was platted into 150 lots, one of which was the spring, donated for public use,
one for a schoolhouse and one or two for religious purposes. Many of the lots
were placed in the lottery, each represented by a 156 ticket, on which a lot
number was written. The ' ' Mansion House ' ' was drawn by James Black, who
at once opened a tavern at this point, near his old tavern, to which a pike road
was built in 1812.
In 1822-23 John Mumma succeeded in having the Mennonite Church at
Flohr's removed to the new town, and donated the original Wislar lot to the
congregation. Here a meeting-house was erected in 1823, and the cemetery
256 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
laid out by John Wislar and Tobias Boyer, the first trustees. Here Abraham
Eoth, the bishop, David ReifF and George Herone preached for many years.
Daniel Shank is the present bishop of this county, and, with Martin Wislar,
officiates here.
The Union Presbyterian and Lutheran Church, near the village school, was
built in 1882. The lot was originally granted by John Mumma on condition
that the church to be built thereon would be open to all Biblical teachers. Jo-
seph Wilson and Solomon Hartman represented the Union as trustees, and
David Wilts was superintendent of building.
The M. T. P. Society was organized April 8, 1858, with William D. Go-
brecht, president, and James Eussell, secretary. The presidents since that time
have been Jacob Fulweiler, B. DeardorfP, John Hartman and E. W. Stable.
Jacob Eicholtz and Jacob Fulweiler were secretaries, the present incumbent
being David McGrew. The number of members is placed at 2,423; value of
property insured, $3,250,980; total receipts since organization, $43,447.33;
total losses paid, $43,447.33. The Mummasburg postoffice has been in charge
of H. W. Witmore for a number of years.
m' knightstown.
McKnightstown (or New Salem) is so named from the fact that it occupies
a part of the old McKnight farm. In 1860 Albert Vandyke sold a tract of land
to John Hartman; the same year he and Hezekiah Latshaw surveyed and
platted a village, and immediately a house was erected by Abram Mickley.
In 1867 Jacob F. Lower built a store-house, and during that year many of
the houses now constituting the village were erected. The postoffice is in
charge of W. F. Rittase.
BUCHANAN VALLEY.
Buchanan Valley, originally called "Pleasant Valley," was settled about the
year 1734. It is six miles in length and about two miles in breadth. James
Bleakley was the first to move into the valley; others soon followed. Some of
the names of those were Casper Hiller, Nicholas Strausbaugh, John Dellone,
Andrew Noel, Donald McClellan, William. Cobb and James Kern, who settled
in the north and western part; Michael Dellone, Jacob Starner and William
Milligan in the southern part; James Jamison, Robert Buck, Christopher
Warren, Jacob Symmons in the eastern part.
James Bleakley was the first farmer; was also a shoe-maker by trade, 1734.
The first child born in the valley was Isabella Bleakley, June 11, 1748. The
first marriage was in 1778; William Brandon to Jane Bleakley. James
Bleakley, Jr., built the first saw- mill in 1783. The first death was June 30,
1809, in the person of the wife of James Bleakley. Mrs. Armstrong was the
first school teacher (1790), the schoolhouse being situated in the northern
part of the valley at the foot of the Pine Mountain. The first grist-mill was
built in 1824 by John Lowstetter, which stands on the farm now owned by
Theodore Kimple, being on the Conowago Creek. George Douse was the first
store-keeper, opening his store in 1851.
The residents of Hilltown side of the mountain are not identified with the
people of the valley. The name of the valley was changed to " Bucjianan Val-
ley " during the presidential campaign of James Buchanan in 1856. The pres-
ent number of inhabitants is 502.
There are at present three stores in Buchanan Valley, kept respectively by
Mrs. Anna Rollman, John H. Musser, and George Cole, Sr. ; three steam saw-
mills owned respectively by Amos Newman, George Cole, Sr., and Williani
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 257
Martin; eight saw-mills run by water power owned respectively by Francis
Cole, Theodore Kimple, Sr., John Dillon, Dillon & Irwin, John Bittinger,
Andrew Bittinger and Nancy Bleakley; one grist-mill owned by Theodore
Kimple, Sr. ; one blacksmith shop, Samuel Irwin, smith. There are three
Bchoolhouses : Brady's school, taught by Sarah C. Stable; Strusbaugh's
school, taught by Clement Hartman, and Newman's school taught by Charles
DeardorfP.
Agriculture, stock growing, and the manufacture of lumber are the princi-
pal pursuits of the inhabitants. There is but little commerce, charcoal, grain
and lumber being the chief articles.
Conowago Creek runs through the valley, rising on William Sheppard's
farm, at a spring in the meadow. This farm is situated at the head of the
valley near the Chambersburg pike.
Valentine Fehl purchased the Cornelius Campbell and other tracts (as war-
rented in 1762), in 1795, and in July, 1809, they were deeded to him, and be-
came known as the Armagh tract, now the property of Francis Cole, and here
he kept a hotel as late as 1825. In 1795 it was the property of the heirs of
Hans, Hugh and James Morrison and John Sample. Morrison built the first
saw-mill on this property.
William Boyd kept tavern where C. W. Stewart now lives. William Kelso
settled here and built the house which is still standing, in 1770. In 1779
Andrew Boyd purchased it from Kelso and William Boyd, and opened it as a
hotel at the foot of Piney Hill.
Trust postoffice was established in 1886, George Cole being appointed post-
master.
St. Ignatius Catholic Church is situated in Buchanan Valley in the South
Mountain, about ten miles from Gettysburg, on a commanding eminence in the
southern part of Buchanan Valley. There is but little known of the early his-
tory of this church, as there is no record to be found here or at Conowago, the
church from which pastors were supplied. The records were destroyed. This
church was attached to Conowago Church until 1858. It was originated in
1816 by John Lowstetter, who gave a tract of land to build it on, and the
corner-stone was laid October 10, 1816. It is built of brick. Part of the land on
which the church stood was sold by the sheriff, John Arendt, in the year 1819.
The remainder of the land was sold and purchased by the Jesuits of George-
town and Conowago Church. Some of the original members • were Jacob
Sterner, Andrew Sterner, Michael Strasbaugh, Michael Dellone, Andrew Noel,
John Walter, William Noel, Peter Dellone, Sr. , Joseph Baker and Christian
Baker. The parsonage was begun December, 27, 1818. It is a frame build-
ing and is built beside the church. The Jesuits, in 1853, sold the land in lots,
reserving two acres upon which the church stands, including the cemetery.
Eev. Adolphus L. DeBarth celebrated mass at the house of Andrew Noel, Sr.,
which stood on the farm now owned by John and Samuel Irwin. This was
some time before the church was built; probably between 1800 and 1817. He
was the fii-st pastor but there is no record of his pastorship. Eev. Mathew
Leken succeeded Father DeBarth and served this congregation until 1829.
Fathers Kendler and Steinbacher attended this congregation also, assistants
of Father Leken. Michael Dougherty served until 1843. He ofELciated at the
first marriages there is any record of at this church: George Cole to Anna
Strasbaugh; John Cole to Sarah Strasbaugh, October 1, 1843. Eev. James
B. Cotting, the next pastor, purchased the bell and organ.
Eev. Francis X. Denecker, who succeeded Father Cotting, provided a li-
brary and established the Eosary society. He was the last regular Jesuit
258 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
pastor. In 1858 the Jesuits gave over the Gettysburg and Mountain churches
and church property into the care and control of Eev. James Wood, bishop
of Philadelphia. A new charge was formed out of the Gettysburg (St. Francis
Xavier), Immaculate Conception, Fairfield and St. Ignatius, South Mountain.
Rev. Basil Shorb was the first secular pastor appointed after Father Denecker,
in 1858, residing in Gettysburg. He attended until about February 24, 1860.
He was followed by Rev. L. J. Miller, who attended five months; the Rev.
F. P. Mulgrew, from September to December, 1860. Then came Eev. Michael
Martin for a short time. The next regular pastor was the Rev. Arthur McGinni,
who was in charge from July 16, 1861, to about October 27, 1863. Rev. Jo-
seph A. BoU assumed charge January 4, 1864, until the spring of 1873, when
St. Ignatius Church was detached from the Gettysburg, and attached to the
Chambersburg charge. Rev. John Boescus, of the Chambersburg charge,
took charge of St. Ignatius Church, South Mountain, in 1873; Rev. Daniel
Reily, assistant. Rev. Thomas J. Flemming took charge of the congregation
in July, 1875, with Eev. Joseph Kaelin as assistant. He bade farewell to his
congregation August 15, 1881. Rev. Clement A. Schleuter, the present pastor,
succeeded Father Flemming; Father Raclin still is assistant pastor. In
the cemetery in connection with this church Andrew Noel, aged eighty-six,
was the first person buried, in 1821. The value of the church property
is 18,000.
Jacob J. Cole was instrumental in establishing th6 Parochial School of St.
Ignatius Church in the year 1877, Rev. Thomas J. Flemming, pastor. Miss
Jane A. Cole was appointed teacher, but did not finish the term, her cousin
Jennie S. Cole finishing for her. Annie McCloskey succeeded and taught two
terms. Sara C. Stable took charge of the school in 1883, and is the present
teacher. The school is only open during the summer months. She takes a
lively interest in the welfare of the children of Buchanan Valley and in their
moral and religious training. Rev. C. A. Schleuter pastor. The present
choir consists of Jennie S. Cole, organist; Peter Adams, leader; John Baker,
George I. Cole, Jacob J. Cole, Sara C. Stable, Annie Cole, Annie Steinberger
and Katie Steinberger.
SEVEN STARS.
This is a name given to a little hamlet on the Hanover Junction, Harris-
burg & Gettysburg Railroad. Prior to 1840 Andrew Hentzellman' s tavern
marked the location; years later it was surveyed into town lots; but not until
1867 did it assume any importance, although a postofl&ce was established there
some years before. Of late years Israel Little and E. J. Little have been post-
masters.
sheblet' s.
At Sheeley's settlement above Hilltown the beginnings of another village
have been made. On the death of Jacob Sheely, who resided near the old
Indian burying ground, in 1860, a cemetery was opened above the foot of
the Narrows. In 1861 Calvary Church of the United Brethren Association
was erected, and in 1880 the brick schoolhouse, just north of the church, was
buHt and opened by Horace Comfort. Jacob Sheely is the present teacher.
Prior to 1880 the children of the new district had to attend school at Lady's
or Cashtown.
ohamberlin' s.
Chamber] in' s settlement dates its beginnings back to the pioneer days of
the county; but not until 1850 was it distinguished from any of the neighbor-
ing farms. In that year Chamber lin's Methodist Episcopal Church was
FREEDOM TOWNSHIP. 261
erected, and dedicated November 6, by Eev. Charles Tipet, presiding elder.
The mission formerly belonged to the Gettysburg Circuit, but is now attached
to the Littlestown charge. The cemetery dates back to February 11, 1855,
when Bllick Clark, an old resident aged seventy-five years, was buried there.
There are eighteen headstones memorializing the death of so many aged citi-
zens. Among the original members of the church were the Diehls, Linns,
Beards, Leases, Beiseokers, Spences, Catherine Chamberlin, and Gilberts.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Ortanna is the name given to the station at the present western terminus
of the Hanover Junction, Harrisburg & Gettysburg Railroad, which passes
through a portion of the southern part of the township. Here, in 1884, Wertz
& Co. established a store and warehouse and erected a neat residence.
Graeffenburg is a small settlement on the western border of the township,
a half mile from Caledonia furnace. It is the postal town of the Upper Cono-
cocheague country and the Buchanan Valley. Since its beginning it has sus-
tained a small business. Josephine Riggeal is postmistress.
' ' Pleasant Valley ' ' is the name given to the pass in South Mountain,
through which the head waters of Marsh Creek rush eastward, and the turn-
pike leads to Chambersburg, west of Cashtown.
The postoffices in Franklin Township are Arendtsville, Cashtown, Grseffen-
burgh, McKnightstown, Mummasburgh, Seven Stars and Trust.
CHAPTER XXXII.
FREEDOM TOWNSHIP.
MARSH CREEK forms the entire eastern line of Freedom Township, with
Plum Run in the north as its principal native tributary. Middle Creek
■enters the township north of the White farm and flows southeast, entering
Maryland at the old Rhodes farm. There are several rivulets feeding the
main streams, all of which are native to the county. Harper's Hill in the south-
eastern part is the only prominent high land; but, throughout, the land is
heavily rolling and may be called hilly.
In 1842 Robert Black erected a covered wooden bridge on the Emmittsburg
Toad over Middle Creek for $800, which gave place to a new one twenty years
ago. In 1854 George Chritzman built a covered bridge over Marsh Creek on
the Emmittsburg road for 11,975. In 1865 John Taylor & Bro. erected a
■covered wooden bridge across Middle Creek on the Emmittsburg road for $1,600.
The iron bridge over Middle Creek, built by the Keystone Bridge Company in
1885-86, cost $549.
The population in 1840 was 465; in 1850, 473, including 3 colored; in
1860, 472, including 4 colored; in 1870, 449, including 5 colored, and in 1880,
544. The number of tax-payers (1886) is 154; value of real estate, $200,318;
number of horses, etc., 201; of cows, 209; value of moneys at interest, $27,210;
value of trades and professions, $3,565; number of pleasure carriages, 100'.
of gold watches, 5; acres of timber land, 1,001.
The township was set off from Liberty in 1838. As early as 1740 it was
included in "the Manor of Maske," and the original settlers shared in all the
I4A
262 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
troubles and uncertainties, regarding titles to . their lands peculiar to those
times. Among the first land improvers on this part of the "Manor" were
many of the men whose names will be forever identified with the settlement of
the western part of Adams County. Samuel Gettys owned land on Middle-
Creek, and it is supposed that the following named settled here on the dates
given: Quintin McAdams, Eobert McNeil, Eobert Anan, later of Emmittsburg,
in May, 1741; Robert Long, in September, 1739; Hugh Woods, in March, 1741;
Samuel Gibson, Duncan Evans and Eobert Gibson, in October, 1736; Thomas
Martin, in May, 1741; Eobert Brumfield, in September, 1739; Thomas Ted-
ford, in May, 1740.
James Logan, secretary of the Proprietaries, in one of his reports com-
plains of the new ideas and independence of the Irish settlers: "I must own,"
says he, ' ' from my own experience in the land office, that the settlement of five
families from Ireland gives me more trouble than fifty of any other people. ' '
Watson, referring to Logan, says : ' ' All this seems like hard measure dealt up-
on those specimens of ' the land of generous natures, ' but we may be excused
for letting him speak out, who was himself from the ' Emerald Isle,' where he
had of course seen a better race. "
Eichard Peters, who succeeded James Logan as secretary, visited Marsh
Creek in 1743 to evict the squatters and survey the " Manor of Maske. ' ' On this-
occasion seventy settlers broke the surveyor's chain and routed the secretary,
the sheriff, a justice of the peace, and others.
The "Manor of Maske," including all Cumberland Township and the
greater part of Freedom, was established in 1740, but squatters were here
some years prior to that year. In 1765 a list of the resident squatters was
made, the greater number of whom resided in the adjoining townships. Car-
rol' s Tracts, or the Upper and Lower Tracts, were granted to Charles Carrol,
Sr. , who was agent for Lord Baltimore. There is a " Mason & Dixon ' ' mile-
stone in the barn-yard of Matthias Martin, near the Gettysburg road, one mile
and a half from Emmittsburg. There is also one on Frank Caldwell's farm,
near the west end of the old plank road, and another on the Friends' Creek
Hills, two miles from Emmittsburgh.
The ' 'Hill, ' ' or Marsh Creek Associated Presbyterian Church, was first built
of logs between 1763 and 1768. The present stone church was commenced in.
1792 and finished in the winter of 1793-94. This church has never been mod-
ernized. Its brick aisles, high back seats, pulpit in the center of the back
part of the chui-ch, with the marks of thirteen stripes above, representing the
original States, the original stripes having been carried off in 1863 as relics,
all still extant; the roof alone is modern, being put on twenty-four years ago.
Almost all the settlers on Marsh Creek in 1797 subscribed toward the support
of this church twelve years after its consolidation with the Eock Creek Chm-ch.
The early military history of the township, like that of other divisions of the
country, is related in the general history. Hiram S. McNair was the only one
of the citizens of Freedom, who responded to the first call for troops in April,
1861, who was accepted. He was mustered into Company E, Second Eegi-
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
GERMANY- TOWNSHIP. 263
CHAPTER XXXIII.
GERMANY TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OF LITTLESTOWN.
ALLOW AY'S CREEK, forming the western line of Germany Township, is
the receptacle of the streams in this township. The little creeks all flow in
a southwesterly direction into Maryland. They seem to run at will throughout
this little Holland, but without that crystal, dashing, splashing grace, which
gives beauty and interest to the mountain str^mlets. The surface is rolling iu
some parts, and decidedly level in others. The soil is all that limestone indi-
cates, while in the very low districts loam and even black muck characterize it.
Here are found outcrops of conglomerate dolerite, streaked blue and white
limestone, red sandstone, mesozoic sandstone, slaty conglomerate, mesozoie
sandstone stained with malachite, coarse-grained, yellowish, green conglomer-
ate, red shale with mica spangles. The iron ore mines on the farms of Mrs.
Sterner and Enoch LeFevre, in Germany Township, were worked in 1867 by
the Wrightsville and the Ashland Mining Companies.
In October, 1824, Dan Margentice, David and Henry Shriver were engaged
in selling foreign wines and liquors, and Christian Bishop, Dr. Ephraim Davis
and George Will, foreign merchandise.
The population in 1800 was 1,013; in 1810, about 1,100; in 1820, 1,272,
including 1 slave and 26 free colored; in 1830, 1,517; in 1840, 1,553; in
1850 (outside the borough), 720 (2 colored); in 1860, 744 (4 colored); in 1870,
880 (1 colored), and in 1880, 1,002. The number of taxpayers (1886) is 303;
value of real estate, $294,751; number of horses, 242; of cows; 275; value of
moneys at interest, $59,689; value of trades and professions, $7,830; number
of carriages, 101; gold watches, 4; silver watches 1; acres of timber land, 335.
The Littlestown Branch Railroad was opened for traffic July 1, 1858. The cost
was about $75,000, as shown in the report of the president, William McSherry.
The road was extended to Frederick, Md. , in 1871, and in December, 1874,
the entire ' ' Short Line " was leased to the Pennsylvania Company, the present
operators. The first turnpike, the Gettysburg & Petersburg (Littlestown), was
built by a company in 1809, to Biddle's Mill, on the State line. The act of
incorporation named James McSherry, John Shorb, Jacob Winrott, James
Gettys, Alexander Cobean and Henry Hoke, commissioners. Three hundred
and fifty shares of $100 each were taken. Samuel Sloan surveyed the line
for $2 per mile in 1808, and James Gettys contracted to build the road for
$4, 585 per mile. Toll gates were erected in August, 1809, and the extension
from Gettysburg to the mountain, ten miles, was built in 1810.
In 1848 Henry Spalding built a wooden bridge over Alloway's Creek, on
the Littlestown & Emmittsburg road, for $343.
The postoffices in Germany Township are Littlestown and Kingsdale, the
latter located close on the confines of Maryland.
The question of adopting the act establishing the common school system,
brought before the county convention of November 4, 1884, was decided in the
negative in the case of Germany, A. LeFevre, the delegate, voting contra..
Shortly after the system was adopted.
"Digges' Choice" dates back to October 14, 1727, when a grant of 10,000
acres was made to John Digges. On the advice of an Indian chief named
264
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTV.
"Tom," he located this graat ia what is now Conowago and Germany Town-
ships, this county, and Heidelberg Township in York County. A survey was
made in April, 173'2, when 0,822 acres were laid off, a patent for which was
issued May 25, 1738. In August, 1745, a resurvey was made, and 3,679
acre* added to the former survey. This tract was four miles north of the tem-
porary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, surveyed in 1732. The sub-
sequent disagreements led to the murder of Dudley Digges by Jacob Kitz-
miller in February, 1752. From 1735 to 1752 Germans came by thousands.
In the fall of 1749 no less than twenty ships arrived at Philadelphia, bringing
12,000 passengers, led hither by the Mewlanders— older German settlers of
Pennsylvania.
The assessment for 1799 was made by Eobert Mcllhenny, assisted by Andrew
Lohr, who could not sign his name, and Jacob Pan-. On the total valuation,
1121,790, 23 cents per $100 were collected by Frederick Bachman and Thomas
Biddle.
John Arnold, grist-mill $1,700
Jacob Bell 1,800
George Best 816
Jacob Brother 912
Detrich BishofE 780
William Beeher 100
Lewis Beeher 267
Thomas Biddle 1,369
Peter Busse 541
Philip Bardt 410
Fred. Bachman 1,159
Peter Baker 1.001
D. Bachman's heirs 1,725
Isaac Bear 107
Jacob Bear 1,084
Henry Bringman, tannery* 665
Benedict Barnhart 96
Jacob Bringman 89
Philip Bishoff 3,074
Andrew Bear 10
Samuel Beeher 110
Adam Coleman 130
Peter Comp 180
Henry Croft 88
Jacob Dapper 48
Henry Dewalt 1,810
Andrew Dapper 1,746
Christian Dapper 98
Michael Dysart 100
John Eckert, Sr 1,230
Peter Eckert 828
John Eckert, Jr 178
Thomas Fisher 1,487
George Fretzlin 357
James Fisher 1,289
Henry Fisher 376
Andrew Finfrock 198
Nicholas Feeser 367
John Feeser 98
John Fink 816
George Freese 977
Gilmayer Francisf 500
Henry Ghetz 495
George Green ; 100
George Gardner 087
George Gardner, Jr 147
George Gobble $616
Adam Geesler 926
PeterGalla 1,387
Martin Greenwalt 126
Jacob Greenwalt, carpenter 10
Philip Gilbert 63
Michael Horner 210
Jacob Hostetter 1,414
John Hantzel, weaver 28
Henry Hoover, blacksmith 19
John Hoover 1,177
Fred. Horn 578
Andrew Hertziger ^ 79
Baltzer Hilbert 877
Martin Hoffman 189
John Hoofnagle, tailor 308
Michael Hoover 9
James Hagen 800
Nicholas Jacob! 87
Abram Johns 78
Henry Kohlstock, joiner 508
John"Kohlstoek...'. 129
John KnauflE .* 1,355
Adam KnaufE 30
George Kuntz 1,889
Joseph Koch, mason 318
Christian Kintz 648
Jacob Kitzmiller 1,231
Jacob Kitzmiller, Jr 18
Peter Krepps 1,565
George King 1,386
George Kline 89
Ludwig King 104
Abram Kuntz 393
Abram King 1,007
Andrew Kuntz, blacksmith 139
Stephen Krise 457
John Keefer, Sr 434
John Keefer, Jr., turner.
Frederick Keefer, turner. ...
David Keefer, wagon-maker.
Henry Keefer, carpenter. . . .
Jacob Keefer
Michael Keeler, weaver
Val. Krise
George Kuntz, Jr
349
49
49
39
120
48
428
200
*One blind mare valued at 81. i
fGround rents of Petersburg.
GERMANY TOWNSHIP.
265
Peter Leonard, tailor
Frederick Little, Sr 2,018
Frederick Little, Jr., hatter 315
David Little 78
Jacob Little, blacksmith 584
John Little, tailor 49
Henry Little. Sr 288
Lorentz Litzinger, weaver 538
2achariah Loudebough 1,459
Andrew Lohr, Sr 1,726
Andrew Lohr, Jr. , weaver 388
Abram Lohr, weaver 368
PhilipLong 248
William Litener, blacksmith 149
Widow Miller 1,402
John Miller '. 147
Robert Mcllhenny 269
Nick Miller 500
Widow Mayr 918
Philip Miller, shoemaker 129
James McSherry.t merchant 3,855
McSherry & BishofE 623
William Moirey 317
Adam Miller 438
Solomon Menchey 1,838
Henry Miller, shoemaker 39
George Mouse 2,400
Adam Myrise, weaver 29
Jacob Parr 1,965
Widow Parr 1,617
Fred. Palmer 628
Jacob Pfifler 259
John Patterson, weaver 29
Melchoir RefEel 770
Mathias RefEel 952
Christian Reck 1,114
Adam Reck, tannery 98
John Reck 98
Jacob Rider 1,562
John Rouizahn.. 158
John Sneeringer, Jr 107
Jacob Sell, merchant 211
Adam Sell 2,117
George Sherman 2,984
John Sneeringer 2,042
Jacob Seachrist 277
Isaac Sell $867
Jacob Sherman 1,15()
Jacob SheafEer, blacksmith 1,096
Michael Snider 1,547
John Staley, Jr 679
Valentine Sherer 1,148
Fred. Smith 758
Valentine Steir 577
JohnShorb 375
Jacob Sell, saw-miller 1,081
Fred. Sponsaller 269
Jacob Sell, gunsmith 199
Joseph Staley, sadler 709
Henry Springle 1,207
Joseph Sneeringer, tavern 2,493
Andrew Shriver 80
John Staley, Sr., tanner 702
Henry Shilt 815
George Sponsaller 486
Henry Sponsaller 127
Nicholas Sheaffer 9
Henry Springle, Jr 58
Jacob Sides 611
Anthony Troxal 440
George Unger 915
Bastian Wonder 107
Adam Winterode, squire 2,337
John Winterode 345
Jacob Winterode, blacksmiih 189
Jacob Werner 89S
Jacob Willitt 1,61»
Philip Werner 98
George Wilt 498
Mathias Wiltonger 568
Henry Werner 58
Adam Winterode, Jr 244
AVinterode's heir." 1,530
George Wilt, shoemaker 139
Peter Wymert, nailer 53
Jacob Will. Sadler 830
John Weckert. tannery 1,605
Christian Winemiller 1,547
Adam Winemiller, shoemaker 39
Stephen Wymert 49
Jacob Winterode, hotel 190
Christian Zinlap 558
The single men residing in Germany Township in 1799 were named as fol-
lows: George Kuntz, Jr., Ludwig Miller, Henry Snider, Michael Winemiller,
Henry Gilbert, Daniel Smith, Jacob Kuntz, Jacob Koiifer, William Irvine,
Anthony Irvine, Abram Keeler, Henry Sell, George Bardt, Jacob Kitzinger,
William Beeher, Henry King, Jacob King, Adam Dysart, Nicholas Kintz (dis-
abled), Ludwig Sherer, John Watterson, George Merchey, Abram and Henry
Sell (sons of Jacob), Conrad Righstay, John Masser, Abram King, John Eider,
Peter Meyer, Frederick Snider, D. Hoover, Jacob Winemiller, Patrick Owings,
J. Werner, William Guinn, George Wiltonger, Michael and John Dysart, and
Conrad Fink, each of whom were assessed $1.
BOEOUGH OF LITTLESTOWN.
This borough is situate near the eastern line of what is known as the
"Dutch Plateau," 619 feet above the Atlantic level.
^iDcludhig two negro slaves for life, 4266, and two small negro children, S20.
206 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
The population in 1800 was 250; in 1810, 150; in 1820, 305; in 1850, 394;
in 1860, 702; in 1870, 847, including 3 colored; and in 1880, 913. The num-
ber of taxpayers in the borough (1880) is 298; value of real estate, 1185,715;
number of horses, etc., 75; of cows, etc., 19; value of moneys at interest,
•1?78,985; number of pleasure carriages, 53; of gold watches, 27; no timber land;
value of trades and professions, $15,405.
The American Gazetteer of 1797 contained the following reference to Lit-
tlestown; "Petersburg, in York County, two miles north of the Maryland line,
contains a Catholic Church and about 80 houses. In north latitude 39° 42'
80", west longitude 77° 4', Wayne's army en route to squash Cornwallis arrived
at York, May 20, 1781. On the 27th this command camped at Littlestown
and on the 28th moved to Taneytown, Md., with whom were many soldiers
from Adams County. ' '
In 1803 John Shorb & Co., of Presterstown, Md., agreed with G. Gran-
ger, postmaster-general, to carry the mail from Baltimore through Littlestown
and Gettysburg to Chambersbui'g, once a week, for .§137.50 per quarter.
Littlestown, as laid out in 1765, contained forty-eight lots. The founder
of " Kleina Stedtle " was Peter Klein, who died in 1773, in his forty-ninth year.
In early years the village was known as ' ' Petersburg, ' ' and before that or the
present name was generally applied it was called ' ' Kleina Stedtle, ' ' and its two
leading streets named ' ' King Street ' ' and ' ' Queen Street. ' ' The original lot
owners and builders were Peter Cushwa, Matthias Baker, Stephen Geiss, Henry
Brothers, R. Mcllhenny, Jacob Gray, John Alspach, Michael Reed, Peter Ba-
ker, D, Zackery, the Wills, Sells, Hostetters, Stahles, Crouses, Longs, Dy-
sarts. Littles and the Kuntz family, with others whose names appear in the orig-
inal assessment of the township. About the time the railroad was completed,
the Renshaw & Myers Addition to the village was platted, new warehouses,
stores and residences were erected, and by 1865 the old village was almost thor-
oughly modernized.
In 1867 the large brick school building was erected by the Catholic congre-
gation, where Miss Mary Wilson, now Mrs. Steffy, was the first teacher. In
1872 a large building was erected by the common school trustees. From 1847
to the present time the newspaper press may be said to have shared in the for-
tunes of the village. The Weekly Visitor was published in 1847; five other
journals appeared only to disappear, and in August, 1883, the Era was intro-
duced by A. E. Keeport.
The borough was incorporated in 1864, and in August of that year the first
elections were held. In the following list the names of burgesses stand next
the date, and are followed by the names of councilmen:
1864 — W. F. Crouse; Noah J. Wickert, John Spangler, David Schwartz,
George Stonesifer, Dr. J. S. Kemp.
1865— R. S. Seiss; D. Schwartz, S. Wickert, D. Crouse, J. Barker, Fred.
Bittinger. *
1866— R. S. Seiss; D. Schwartz, S. S. Blocher, S. Weikert, J. H. Miller,
Isaac Staub.
1867 — Simon S. Bishop; A. Crouse, J. Coshun, I. Mehring, H. Colehouse,
J. Hunberger.
1868 — James H. Colehouse; H. Colehouse, William Sheely, J. G.eisel-
man, John F. McSherry, John Duttera.
1869— Martin StefPy; Sam. P. Young, Eph. Myers, I. Sell, W. H. Sneer-
inger; W. Slifer, Sr.
*The borough, administration of 1865 bad the streets graded and many other improvements made.
GERMANY TOWNSHIP. 267
1870-71— Martin Steffy; Dr. Kemp, "W. Kuhns, William Slifer, Isaac
Staub, George Smith, Franklin Hesson.
1872 — K. S. Seiss; John Eckenrode, John Slifor, Samuel Shorb, John Hi-
xiriller, H. S. Klein.
1873 — K. S. Seiss; James Keefer, L. D. Mans, J. Kellar, J. Angel, George
-Stover.
1874— T. S. Blocher; G. Smith, S. Eebert, J. W. Eline, Jacob Hunber-
ger, John H. Spalding.
1875— John H. Hinkle; George Eiffle, Isaac Sell, W. H. Feeser, E. K.
Foreman, J. Gobrecht and Amos LeFevre, a tie.
1876— Henry S. Klein; John Slifer, F. Steffy, Charles Spangler, Eph.
Myers, Ezra Mehring, J. H. Colehouse.
1877 — W. H. Lansinger; E. A. Colehouse, Lewis Eichstein, A. Sanders,
William Sheely, W. Kuhns.
1878— David Weikert; Dr. Shorb, John P. Heindell, J. S. Stonesifer, H.
Eather, W. Kuhns.
1879— William Slifer; C. Spangler, G. Kemp, D. Stonesifer, Isaac Sell,
J. Eline.
1880 — E. S. Seiss; I. Sell, E. Grouse, J. Keefer, Alonzo Sanders, George
W. Eiffle.
1881— E. S. Seiss; W. Kuhns, J. Eline, Sr.,H. Miller, L. Eichstein, Amos
.Sheely.
1882— H. S. Klein; J. Slifer, T. S. Blocher, J. A. Spangler, John Sellars,
John Feeser.
1883 — E. S. Seiss; John Feeser, Ephraim Myers, George Yount, John
linger, George Stonesifer.
1884 — W. H. Lansinger; Ocker, Crouse, Colehouse, Anthony, Starr.
1885 — E. S. Seiss; J. W. Homberger, Harry Eider.
CHUECHES.
The Catholic Church, the first religious organization here, was founded
.about 1790, and in 1791 a building which stood on the north side of the ceme-
tery lot was converted into a chapel by the trustees, Patrick McSherry, Jo-
.seph Flauth and Henry O'Hara. Among the first priests of this mission was
Father Demetrius Augustus de Gallitzin, but it is said Father Pellentz attended
the congregation here. The priests of Conowago presided over the congrega-
tion subsequently. In 1840, during the administration of Eev. Michael Dough-
•erty, St. Aloysius congregation was incorporated, the old church was sold to
Joseph Ocker, Sr. (to-day forming his residence on the Taneytown road), and
the present brick church erected. The trustees in 1840 were Henry Spald-
ing, John Shorb, Dr. Shorb, Jacob Eider, J. Eider, Joseph Eiddlemoser, Jo-
seph Fink, Jacob Baumgartner and James McSherry. The Jesuit fathers were
succeeded by Father Crotty a few years ago — the first secular priest of the
congregation.
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation was organized in 1863-66, and
;the work of church building was at once entered upon. In October, 1867, it
was completed and dedicated. The building and grounds cost about $16,000.
The pastors of the church since its organization are named as follows: Eevs. S.
Henry, M. J. AUeman, J. W. Lake and E. D. Weigle, the present incumbent.
The first officers included Samuel Weikert, Jacob Keller, John Diehl, Amos
ieFevre, John Cnmirine, Jesse Geiselman, Levi T. Mehring, Dr. E. S. Seiss,
James H. Colehouse, J. H. Miller, A. Basehoar, and George D. Basehoar.
The parsonage was erected in 1879, at a cost of 13,400. Ephraim Myers,
268 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY,
George Stonesifer, Joseph Barker, Henry Baxter, John B. Byers, S. S. Mehr-
ing, George Hilterbrick and Isaac DeGraft were among the original working
members of this society. There are now 440 members.
St. John's Lutheran Church was organized November 13, 1763. The names
given in the deed of the property are John Hoover, Thomas Fisher, Henry
Bishoph, George Garner and Stephen Chrise. Names in baptismal record:
Christian Drachsael, (Troxel) Mical linger, Johann Mehring, Andreas Lohr,
Abraham Sell, Peter Joung, Andreas Schrieber, Andreas Spahnseyler. The
names of the pastors who served this church are as follows; Revs. Carl Fred-
erick Wildbahn, 1783-1806; Eev. John D. Shrcetter, 1806-24; Rev. John G.
Grubb, 1826-30; Rev. John R. Hoffman, 1830-37; Rev. Jonathan Rothrauff,
1837-48; Rev. Jacob Albert, 1848-49; Rev. C. A. Hay, D. D., 1849-56; Eev.
D. P. Rosenmiller, 1856-57; Rev. M. J. Alleman, 1857-58; Rev. Frederick
Rothrauff, 1859-67; Rev. S. Henry, 1868-69; Rev. P. P. Lane, 1870-74 j
Rev. L. T. Williams, and the present pastor, Rev. E. Y. Metzler, who was
appointed in 1875. The site of the original church of 1763 is a half mile west
of Littlestown. Here also the church of 1829 was built, and the new church
of 1874 erected. In 1859 a parsonage was erected at a cost of $3,000; about
the same amount was expended on the church. There are 350 members.
The Redeemer's Reformed Church of Littlestown was organized August 22,
1859, with forty-five members, by Rev. Jacob Sechler. This society existed
so near the old Christ Church, one mile and a half distant, that it was not until
1872 a house of worship was erected in the borough. Two years later this
building was enlarged. The organizing preacher died May 10, 1880, in his
seventy-fifth year. The corner-stone was placed August 16, 1868, and th&
building dedicated, May 26, 1872, by W. K. Zieber. The house was enlarged
in 1874. The present membership is 260 and the value of property, 110,000.
The pastors succeeding Rev. Jacob Sechler are named as follows: Revs. John
M. Clemens, 1867; Caspar Scheels, 1870; John Ault, 1873, died July 26, 1880,
and Rev. D. U. Dittmar, 1881-86.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Littlestown dates back to 1828, when a
little society was formed with J. Mcllvain, Rachel Sweney and Mrs. Bishop,
members. William O. Lamsdon, T. H. W. Morrow and J. H. Brown were-
then the circuit preachers. The first church was erected in 1846. In April,
1876, the new church was commenced on the site of the old church building,
and in August the corner-stone was placed. It was dedicated September 2,
1877. The parsonage was purchased in 1882. The membership at present is
seventy five. Since 1876 this has been the circuit church of a large district
extending west to Fairfield and Chamberlin' s. The pastors since that tima
are named as follows: Revs. Owen Hicks, 1877; I. N. Moorhead, 1879; H. S.
Lundy, 1881, and J. C. Brown, the present preacher in charge, 1883-86. Prior
to 1877 the Gettysburg church supplied preachers.
St. James Reformed Church, four miles southwest of Littlestown, on the
Emmittsburg road, was organized November 23, 1851, with thirty members,
by Rev. Jacob Sechler. A stone church was built that year, and dedicated
August 17, 1851, which continued in use until restored, or rather replaced by
the building of 1878-79. The value of this property is placed at 13,000; th&
membership numbers 125. From 1851 to 1881 the ministers of the church at
Littlestown served here, but after the death of Mr. Ault, Eev. J. Kretzing was
appointed to this charge. The officers at organization were elders, Jacob Spang-
ler and Samuel Riegel ; deacons, John Feeser, David Lynn, Jacob H. Feeser
and Barnabas Brown. At the first communion after the organization thirty
members communed.
■J-^-'^^^-^
^ "««^v
,^^<>-P<2-^>C7
^
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 271
United Brethren Church was organized in 1822, and the same year a build-
ing was erected on a lot donated by Philip Bishop, Sr. In 1863 the old build-
ing gave place to the present brick house. Prior to 1837 the circuit preacher
was an irregular visitor, but since that. time the church has been regularly sup-
plied by a resident pastor.
CEMETEKY.
Mt. Carmel Cemetery was dedicated in May, 1861. The Association was.
chartered August 22, 1860, with S. S. Bishop, president, and William T.
Croase, secretary. The charter members numbered 21. There are 259 lots-
sold at from $12 to 115 each, and 349 remain unsold.
SOCIETIES.
The Littlestown Savings Institution was organized in April, 1867, with Joseph
L. Shorb, president, and James LeFevre, treasurer. The present banking^
house was erected in 1879.
Catoctin Tribe of Red Men Society was organized in 1870, at Littlestown,
and celebrated its first anniversary June 2, 1871.
The Littlestown ladies organized a soldiers' relief society, November 11.
1861.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OF EAST BEELIN.
CONOWAGO CEEEK forms the entire northern boundary, and Little-
Conowago Creek the entire western boundary of this township. Here
they are spirited streams, rushing and splashing along their zigzag course.
Muncy Eim flows westward, and Pine Eun northward, both feeders of these
creeks, and drainers of the southwest and central portions of Hamilton. Beaver
Creek forms the eastern boundary of the township, entering Conowago Creek
at the extreme northeastern part of the township.
While there are several pretentious hills there are no mountainous tracts.
The soil is red gravel, flinty, and very productive. The surface rolls heavily
in parts, but large tracts of comparatively level land exist. The elevation of
East Berlin above the Atlantic level is 550 feet. Pine Hill, near East Berlin,
just north of the creek, contains a mineral resembling umber In this neigh-
borhood the brown stone used in building Conowago Chapel in 1787 was found.
The Berlin & Hanover Turnpike was constructed in 1811.
In 1820 the bridge at Geiselman' s mill, East Berlin, was built by Sebastian
Hafer. It was 213 feet long with seven arches, and cost |5,000. During the
ice-flow of 1825 this was carried away, and in 1826 the present wooden -bridge-
was erected. In 1826 Amos Green built the covered wooden bridge at East
Berlin for 13,850. In 1832 the wooden bridge on Little Beaver Creek, below
East Berlin at Smith' s mill, was built for the two counties by Jacob Laumas-
ter, for $1, 595. In 1860 J. M. Pittenturf built a wooden bridge at East Ber-
lin for 1545. The iron bridge over Beaver Creek, near East Berlin, was buUt
by the two counties in the fall of 1884.
The population of Hamilton Township in 1820 was 1,076, and of East,
Berlin, 418; in 1830, 1,047; in 1840, 1,068; in 1850, 1,166 (including a
■211
HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
colored); in ISfiO, 1,119 (including 2 colored); in 1870, 1,118, and in 1880,
721. The population of East Berlin in 1880 was 510. The number of tax
payers in Hamilton Township (1886) is 235; value of real estate, 1365,494;
number of horses, etc., 283; of cows, etc., 334; value of moneys at interest,
$28,105; value of trades and professions, $5,970; number of carriages, 122;
acres of timber land, 533 J.
Hamilton Township was formed out of Berwick in 1810. The first assess-
ment was made in 1811, and from it the following list is made up:
Philip Arper $213
John Anthony, shoe-maker 60
Anthony Auchinbaugh 2.53
John Attig, carpenter 903
Frederick Arper, carpenter 9.50
Geo. Aldland, carpenter 700
Peter Auchinbaugh, merchant 313
Dr. John B. Arnold 933
John Arnold 1,996
John Arendurff 7,293
John & Herman Arnold 4,213
Widow Eliza Auchinbaugh 510
■Conrad Allwine 2,820
Widow Kate Bonix 200
JDr. Daniel Baker.: 852
William Baugher, carpenter 263
John Brighner, cooper 680
Geo. Brown, Squire
John Blintzinger, tailor 60
John Bowman, wheelwright 1,062
Peter Binder 200
John Brown, tailor 960
Michael Bender 3,906
Fred Baugher 1,587
Geo. Baker 6,084
Jacob Bohn 5,245
Dan Butt 70
Fred Berlin, shoe-maker 836
Michael Bawelitz 1,348
Peter Brough, grist and saw-mill. . . . 8,988
Sam. Bowser, Sr 2,294
Geo. Clarke, tailor 290
James Chamberlin 100
Jacob Cole, shoe-maker 363
Benj. DeardorfE 400
.Samuel Deardorff 4,836
Daniel Deardorff 483
John Duncan 3,450
Widow Christina Duncan 1,380
Jacob Ernest 1,000
Henry Forry 1,300
•George Pauss, carpenter 560
Peter Fahnestock, Jr., merchant. . . . 1,513
Borious Fahnestock 1,412
Samuel Fahnestock 1,868
Val Fiches 3,387
John Pox to John Lentz 3,484
Michael Gyselman, grist, saw and
plaster-mill 6,334
Jacob Qetes 3,992
-Geo. Gipe 150
Dan Grosseasten, wagon-maker 1,293
Joseph Howe, blacksmith 63
Jacob Housel, clock-maker 50
-John Hoffman, saddle-tree mnfr 60
-Jacob Henning, hatter 50
Fred Hoover 452
John Hollinger 3,410
John Hildebrand (town of Carlin).. . .|7,330
C. Hollinger, saw and plaster-mills 7,301
Phil. Hartman 4,306
Jacob Hantz, chemist 1,450
Wm. Henderson 12
Wm. Jones 12
Peter Ickes 2,300
Joseph Jones 33
Wm. Inkins 1,380
Samuel Jacob 3,900
D<in Jacob, wagon-maker 610
Jacob Kimmell 560
James Kitwallet 110
Jacob Krider 312
Joseph Koon, cooper 410
Michael King, shoe-maker 810
Jacob Koch, hotel 1,210
Abram Kaufman 1,992
Andrew Kaufman 4,338
John Knight 485
Richard Kitchen's heirs 7,600
Widow Margaret Kitchen 63
John Lentz 3,484
Geo. Liebenstone, blacksmith 1,203
Geo. Laurence 313
Jane Lane •. 240
Daniel Lease 13
Christian Lentz 4,506
Peter Long, nailer 3,390
Daniel Lingefelder 3,143
Samuel Mummert, wagon-maker. . . . 360
John Meyer, miller 95
Maximillian Morburg 95
Widow Mary My er 860
Henry Miller, blue-dyer 60
Wm. Miller, hatter 60
Samuel Mummert 1,205
Geo. Mummert 130
Mathias Mummert 5,080
Jacob Mummert, carpenter 330
John Mummert 3,800
Jacob Miller, distillery and oil-mill. . 6,330
Geo. Miller, stiller 13
Andrew Mcllvain, distillery 7,010
Geo. McKehen (McCutcheon) 4,191
Christian Nagle, mason 360
John Nagle, Sr 300
John Nagle, Jr 1,370
Geo. Noll 350
Barbara Oblenis (deceased) 1,380
Henry Picking, merchant 1,050
Christian Picking 134
Wm. Patterson, store-keeper 1,050
Samuel Patterson, blacksmith 458
James & Sholas Patterson 8,265
Simon Pecher 1,786
John Piper, blacksmith 60
Widow Phrebe Rotcheson 200
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 273
Geo. Retzell, chair-maker $380 Henry Staub $70
Thomas Reed, hatter 60 Jacob Sneering 80
John Sliidmore, shoemaker 260 Wm. Surgeon 3,394
Martin Smith, hotel 100 John & Cliristian Showalder 5,421
Jacob Sailor, hotel 1,045 Daniel Slagle 5,493
Mich. Spangler, weaver 460 Thomas Usher's heirs 400
Christian Senobenl and 200 Baltzer Werner, mason 50
Henry Shroeder, tailor 430 David Wilson, hot^l 1,010
Gabriel Smith 1,590 Jacob Wolf, tinner 460
Wm. Sadler, hatter 510 Solomon Wisler 3,920
Abram Swigard 870 Abram Wise, distillery 6,876
Daniel Sower 100 John Wolf 5,400
Abram Shaffer, weaver 70 Jacob Wolf, shoe-maker 140
Adam Swartz 900 Jacob AVeist's heirs 318
Clement Stewthebaker 3,130 Andrew Wolf, tailor 90
Daniel Showalder 3,315 Fred Wolf, weaver... 841
Jacob Sugar 135 Adam Wolf, weaver 360
Jacob Sower 2,235 Henry Weist 3,763
Adam Sower 1,450 Michael Yoh 2,000
John Sower 1,220 Christian Zeller, carpenter 780
The single men residing in the township in 1811 were Jacob Baker, black-
smith, with Widow Baker; Emanuel Carpenter, of Berlin; Chris Hollinger,
with father ; Abram Jacob, weaver, with father ; Adam Long, with father ; Adam
Mummert, blacksmith, Berlin ; Henry and Jacob Miller, with Jacob Miller, Sr. ;
IVilliam Mcllvain, physician; Thomas Stephen, physician; John Sower, with
Adam Sower; John B. Smith, Berlin; Casper Wise, with Abram Wise; Peter
Wort, with David Wilson; Bausitch Anthony, with William Saddles; Charles
Becknell, with Christian Pickings. The total assessment was 1254,812, and
the tax levy was 10 cents per $100.
Hamilton, through its delegate to the convention of November 4, 1834, J.
Miller, voted against the adoption of the common school law; some time later
the township adopted the law.
The Berlin Branch Eailroad was proposed in 1835, but not until 1877 was
the present road from Red Hill, near New Oxford, to East Berlin, via Ab-
bottstown, completed. East Berlin subscribed 127,000 and Abbottstown $15,-
000. The contractors were Nicholas Fleigle, B. B. Gonder & Sons, Cyrus
Diller and a few subscribers. L. Williams was the track-layer.
Crosskeys, at the crossing of the York and Hanover & Carlisle Turnpikes,
was founded in 1801 by William Gitt. Henry Gitt purchased it in 1806 and
•opened a hotel, which was continued until 1834. The house is still standing,
now occupied by E. C. Gitt.
Green Ridge Posto£Bce was established in this township near the John Russ
farm ; existed for about six years and was then discontinued.
BOROUGH OF EAST BERLIN.
This little borough, the center of the northeastern enterprise of the county,
is ensconced in a bend of Conowago Creek in the extreme northeastern section
of the township. The population in 1820 was 418, increased to 510 in 1880.
The American Gazetteer of 1797 refers to Berlin as follows : ' ' Berlin is a neat
and flourishing town of York County, Penn. , containing about 100 houses. It
is regularly laid out on the southwestern side of Conowago Creek, thirteen miles
westerly of Yorktown and 101 west of Philadelphia in north latitude 39° 56"."
The number of tax payers in the borough of East Berlin (1886) is 243;
Talue of real estate, $186,069; number of horses, etc., 72; of cows, etc., 33; value
274 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
of moneys at interest, $94,631 ; value of trades and professions, $10, 160; number
of pleasure carriages, 63; of gold watches, 9; acres of timber land, 14.
The events which led to the organization of this borough are modern.
I<^ appears that in 1879 the election poll was moved to Pine Run, three mile&
westward, in opposition to the wishes of the villagers. To save all future dis-
agreements the latter petitioned for a borough organization. On October 11,
1868, fire destroyed property valued at 112,000.
The retailers of foreign merchandise iu Hamilton Township in 1824 were
Joseph Miller, Christian Picking, Isaac Will and William Hildebrand. Peter
Deardorff, constable, made the returns. W. S. Hildebrand is postmaster.
The borough was incorporated in 1879, and in 1880 the first officers-
were elected. In the following list the name of burgess is next to date of
election and next comes names of councilmen:
1880 — George King; J. Hartley, J. Eesser, M. Rebert, George W. Baugh-
er, Henry Sheafer, John Wiest.
1881 — George Kink; M. Eebert, G. Hartley, John Wiest, G. Baugher, J.
Resser, H. ShafPer.
1882— John Picking; A. S. HUdebrand, J. M. Baker, J. Miller, N. B.
Sprenkle, J. Hartley.
1883— W. S. Hildebrand; S. Meisenhelder, J. R. Darrone, N. B. Sprenkle,
W. H. Grogg, Henry R. Jacobs.
1884 — W. S. Hildebrand; Baker, Grogg, Jacobs, Sprenkle, Brown, ShafPer.
1885— Edward Sheffer; D. Boblitz, John Wiest,
In 1880 A. W. Storm and L. T. Diller were elected justices of the peace;
in 1881 F. S. Hildebrand, and in 1885, T. E. Myers.
The land on which East Berlin stands was purchased in 1764, by John
Frankenberger from the Penns, for £28 16s 7d. Charles Hines erected the
first hoiise thereon in 1765 and the second in 1766 by Jacob Sarbaugh. In 176&
a primitive school was established by one Robert Carter or Chester, a native of
England, who subsequently carried on a tavern here. On May 8, 1764, the vil
lage was surveyed into eighty-five lots, which sold for 55 shillings each, a
condition of sale being that the buyer would, within six months, erect a hous&
with brick or stone chimney, and pay annually a Spanish dollar to the owner
of the town. Ten years after the town was founded it was sold to Peter
Househill for £550. In March, 1782, Andrew Comfort purchased Househill's
interest, and in his will, dated November 19, 1789, made it optional with his
son Andrew to purchase the property at a fair valuation. In January, 1794,
this Andrew Comfort was granted a deed, and January 16, the next year,
he sold to John Hildebrand. The last buyer made an addition of 100 lota
that year and progress marked his ownership, for in 1797 there were lOO'
houses standing, together with Peter Lane's mill on the west side, built in
1769 and carried away by floods in 1799.
CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.
The Catholic Church at Paradise, which is the church of the Catholics of
East Berlin and Abbottstown, dates its organization back to the beginning of
settlement; but not until 1848 was a church erected. In this year, John
Brandt donated a tract of land for religious purposes, and here the present
stone building was raised that year, and Father Pester, of Conowago, ap-
pointed first resident priest. There was a private chapel there for years before-
in which the services of the church were held at intervals. The mission is now
attended by Father Gorman, of Bonneauville.
Tht Berlin Presbyterian Society was organized in 1801 by the itinerant
reformed preacher, John Ernest, who held services in the first school building.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 275
In 1811 John Hildebrand donated a one-half acre for the purpose of a Union
Church, in lieu of a lot set apart in 1764 by John Frankenberger; and here the
Presbyterians determined to build, but did not carry out this determination as
a Presbyterian society.
The Union Reformed and Lutheran Church was begun in 1811, before John
Ernst left the locality. It was completed in 1822, during Rev. Carl Helfen-
stine's term, and he preached here until 1826. The ministers named in the his-
tory of these respective societies at Abbottstown preached here also. A. G.
Deininger was connected with the Lutheran society here for fifty -two years,
ending with his death, September 30, 1880. Each society claims about ninety
members; Bev. John Tomlinson is pastor. The property is valued at $2,000.
Trinity Evangelical Church was erected in 1879 during the term of Rev. G.
H. Seheh. The society was organized about this time with twenty-five mem-
bers.
The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in 1854, and a house of
-worship erected. When the society declined in numbers, a bill was introduced
into the State Legislature empowering the representatives of the trustees to
sell, and on its approval the property was purchased by Michael McSherry, and
converted by him into a dwelling house.
The German Baptist Church, near East Berlin, is one of the leading socie-
ties of this faith in the eastern part of the county. Rev. Adam Brown has
served this, as well as other churches in his district, for about thirty-five years.
The Union Sabbath-school was organized in 1840 and reorganized in 1857.
J. B. Baughman, still connected with Sunday-school work, took charge of this
school in 1858. The Evangelical Sunday-school was organized in 1879, with
Rev. J. E. Britcher in charge.
The Normal School was founded in 1879, with the following named faculty
in charge: J. Curtis Hildebrand, Dr. P. C. Wolf, W. J. Metzler, Charles S.
DeardorfF and Miss Annie Storm. John H. Nitchman and Kate L. Miller were
assistant teachers. The building is a two story brick house, belonging to the
district schools, which is devoted to the normal classes for sixteen weeks dur-
ing the summer. The number of students is placed at twenty-seven.
SOCIETIES, ETC.
The Berlin Beneficial Society was organized March 27, 1843, with the fol-
lowing named members : *William Wolf, John Picking, *George H. Binder,
*John Zerman, David Mellinger, M. D., *Jacob Bushey, George King, Mich-
ael Dellone, *William Baugher, Andrew J. Miller, George W. Baugher, P.
B. Raber, *John H. Atilebaugh, George Bentzel, *Rev. A. G. Deininger,
*Samuel Wagner. The membership numbers 146. From 1843 to 1882 no
less than $20,000 were paid out for beneficial purposes.
Oniska Tribe, I. O. B. M. was organized Januaiy 17, 1871, with the fol-
lowing named members: J. Curtis Hildebrand, P. C. Wolf, M. D., Jqhn P.
Geiselman, C. Will Baker, J. Henry Bohn, Michael McSherry, H. W. King,
G. W. Baugher, I. S. Trostle, John Wiest, A. S. Trostle, John Getz, D. S.
Bender, Israel Stambaugh and John Miller. There are about thirty members.
Sows of America No. 21, organized August 14, 1869, with the following
named members: J. Curtis Hildebrand. G. W. Householder, A. S. Trostle,
C. W. Stoner, P. C. Wolf, M. D., A. D. Spangler, I. S. Trostle, Israel Stam-
baugh, J. L. Darr, H. C. Myers and H. W. King. There are twenty-five
members.
The East Berlin Record was issued Janug,ry 14, 1886, by James R. and
James H. Gardner, with the latter as editor.
♦Deceased.
276 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXXV.
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP.
THE streams of Hamiltonban Township are lIcDowell's Riin, forming-
part of its northern boundary, rising at the foot of Green Ridge, flowing
west to a point near the line of Franklin County, thence north to a stream run-
ning parallel with the Gettysburg & Chambersburg Turnpike. The western fork
of Little Marsh Creek rises on the eastern slope of Green Eidge and flowing east
to Little Marsh Creek completes the northern boundary of the township. Mid-
dle Creek has its source just northwest of Musselman Hill, receives Carrol
Creek near Singley" s old mill, flows through Fairfield to its confluence with
Mud Run, which stream is entirely native to the northeastern part of the
township. Tom's Creek rises in the springs between Kepner's Knob and
Jack's Mountain, flows in a torturous course east to the Landis farm, and
thence south. In Liberty Township it receives Miney's Branch, which drains
the Fountain Dale Valley. Hay's Run and Main Creek drain Green Ridge
Valley on the west, while hundreds of sparkling rivulets leap down the hills
in every direction.
The mountains include Jack's Mountain, Green Ridge, Musselman' s Hill,
McCarny's Knob, Kepner's Knob, Russell Hill, Sugar Loaf and the Head-
light, all bold hills, rich in all that is picturesque, and wealthy in their cop-
per ores. Mount Hope near Fairfield is a high hill; Mary's Hill is 1,490 feetj
White Rock, 1,800, and Green Ridge, 2,000 feet above the Atlantic.
The valleys of the township, particularly Fairfield Valley, contain many
fertile farms, and even among the hills the industrious husbandman finds a
soil which well repays cultivation.
The population in 1800 was 1,679; in 1810 it was 853—419 males, 392 fe-
males, four slaves and thirty-eight free colored; in 1820, 1,208, including two
slaves, seventy-six free colored, and the 155 inhabitants of Fairfield; in 1830,
1,379; in 1840, 1,464; in 1850, 1,701, including 171 in Fairfield; in 1860, 1,871,
including 218 in Fairfield; in 1870, 1,676, including 258 in Fairfield, la
1880 the township was credited with 1,259, and Fairfield Village with 410.
The number of taxpayers (1886) is 650; value of real estate, $547,060; num-
ber of horses, etc., 313; number of cows, etc., 314; value of moneys at inter-
est, $53,211; value of trades and professions, $22,365; number of carriages,
107; gold watches, 7; acres of timber land, 14,352.
The retailers of foreign merchandise, including wines and spirituous liq-
uors, in the township October 27, 1824, were Ezra Blythe, Roger Claxton and
John Eyster. Samuel H'ltchison, constable, made this return.
The outcrop shows orthofelsite containing copper-rock, bluish compact
orthofelsite, light green orthofelsite porphyiy, coarse grained trap (near Fair-
field), slaty orthofelsite porphyry, diabase, quartzite, wavy argillaceous slate,
limonite, quartz containing micaceous ore, tine grained quartzite containing
iron, coarse grained copper rock, chlorite rock at Mary' s Hill. Conglomerate
marble of rare beauty was found in 1879, on the Daniel Musselman farm, near
Fairfield. The slab was 13x20| inches, and when polished gave a variety of
high colors.
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP. 277
• la 1878 copper was discovered in the Snively Mines on the Musselman
tract near Fairfield. On this tract three veins ■^re discovered, one of which
was ten feet thick. About this time D. B. Russell unearthed a new vein of
copper ore ; discoveries were also made by Mill & Co. , of Shippensburg. Cop-
per quartz was found on the old Watson farm in July, 1870, after it became
the property of D. B. Russell.
There stood upon John Mickley's farm, Hamiltonban Township, in 1858,
an apple tree planted in 1741, which bore sixty-three bushels of good apples
that year.
In 1871 a survey for a railroad from Fairfield to Emmittsburg was made
by Joseph S. Gitt. The length was placed at seven miles and the total cost
$10,570 per mile. The old "Tape Worm Railroad" is now almost completed,
to Fairfield, having its temporary terminus at Ortanna.
In 1758 or 1759, about the time of the Jamison abduction, the settlers
formed companies for the defense of the frontier. Mr. Seabrooks said, in
1855, that one of the Dunwoodie brothers killed an Indian above Virginia
Mills, on Middle Creek, northwest of Fairfield, buried him there and marked
the event on a tree. Crawford kille i an Indian at the same time, but was so-
ashamed of what he considered to be a murder that he did not speak of it.
Under date March 10, 1789, a petition was presented to the president and
supreme council of the State of Pennsylvania, signed by Isaac Robinson,
William Waugh, James Brice, William Miller, David Blyth and Ebenezer
Finley, asking for a resurvey of " Carroll's Delight." This set forth that in
1741 Archibald Beard, John Withrow, James McGinley and Jeremiah
Lechery purchased of Charles Carroll 5,000 acres, which were taken up and
surveyed years before this purchase, but were subsequently found to be in
Hamiltonban and Franklin Townships in Pennsylvania. The petition asked
for a settlement of the question. In 1762 caveats were entered in the land of-
fice against granting warrants for these lands, whether in Hamiltonban or
Franklin Townships.
The twenty-five divisions near the outside line of " Carroll's Delight " were
occupied by the following named: Isaac Robinson, now Moses McClean;
Ephraim Johnson, now James Johnson; James Stephenson, William McClean,
James and John Cormack, James McAllister's heirs; Isaac Robeson, Francia
Meredith, Samuel Knox, Alex Adam's heirs; George Clingam' s heirs ; William
Witherow's heirs; David Blythe, Rev. John McKnight, Ebenezer Finley, James-
Marshall, Samuel Moore, William Waugh and heirs of John Waugh, John
Crawford's heirs; Andrew Hart's heirs; Robert Slemmons, James Bruce, John
Miller; heirs of Amos McGinley and John McGinley.
The twenty-nine tracts on the outside, adjoining " Carroll's Delight" were
occupied by the following named in 1789: William Russell and heirs of
William Boyd; heirs of James McAllister and John Carrick; Frus. Merritt,
Alex Adams, Robert Smith, now, 1789, Ebenezer Fergeson, William Witherow's-
heirs; William Baird, now Rev. John McKnight and Ebenezer Finley; Richard
Baird, now James Marshall; James Dunwoodie, John Crawford' s heirs ; James
Eeid, James Slemons, John McGinley, Robert McGinley, David Hart's heirs;
Joseph Brown, William Wilson, Samuel Adams, Samuel Knox (two tracts),
WiUiam and John Orr, Moses McCarley, John McCarley, David Ramsey, and
Samuel Cross, John Buchanan, now William and Samuel Cross; John Johnson,
John Porter, now Samuel Porter; heirs of Robert McNutt, now James-
McGlaughlin and John Boyd; Matt MoNutt, now Arch Bond, and Robert Mur-
ray, now John Boyd.
Hamiltonban, which, in early years, comprised Highland, Freedom and
278
HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
Xiiberty, is one of the original townships. The assessment of 1802 gives- the
following names of property owners and single men, as well as the values
assessed:
James Agnew, Sr.* $2,000
■James Agnew, Jr.* 1,300
John Agnew 1,624
— Ashbrige (Jos. McKisson) 396
Bleany Adair
Christian Bennor 800
David Blythe 2,096
David Blythe, executor 1,404
David Byers 1,990
Andrew Brown* 1,560
Alex. Brice 1,296
Abram Briner 16
James Burd, shoe-malcer 40
Henry Burback —
Hugh Bigham 20
John Breador 450
Fred. Brintle 1,050
Robert Boulton 220
Michael Bethlow 114
Joshua Burkitt —
Ludwick Bower 660
Jacob Baker 935
JohnBaker 482
Benj. Beavor 110
Jacob Bomgartner 660
Ralph Bowie, squire 210
John Byars 50
Jacob Bruner 20
James Oarrick 979
John Carrick 784
Alex. Carnaghan, cooper* 817
Wm. Crawford 40
Henry CofEman 460
Richard Cole 1,400
Cleaton Chamberlain 41
Thomas Craig 150
JohnCrowl 83
Jacob Candle 16
Jane Dunwiddie* 2,005
Hugh Donnelly
Alexander Dean 2,080
Thomas Dick 884
John Downey, squire 875
Isaac Dorin 10
Wm. Ferguson 68
Abel Finley, shoe-maker 60
Wm. Fellen, weaver 40
•Christian Freet 1,737
Allen Ferguson, carpenter 390
Henry Ferguson 330
Hugh Ferguson 56
Jacob Fence 446
Richard Ferguson 418
Hugh Ferguson, Sr 16
Margaret Finley 46
Jacob Glass
David Hart 767
Elijah Hart, squire., 1,430
Yost. Harbaugh 1,654
Joshua Hidler 466
Wm. Howey 56
John Hook |430
John Henderson 10
Benj. Hickson 64
John Irvine 188
Thomas Johnson , 1,868
Israel Irvine
John Knight 82
Samuel Knox 1,070
Dr. Sam. Knox 1,258
Geo. Kerr 2,524
HughKellen 10
Casper Kittlnger 1,430
Peter Keizer
Jacob Keizer ■.
Jacob Kelleberger 3,688
John Karr 67
Thomas Latta 318
John Latta 1,289
Andrew Little, miller 550
John Lollis (Wm. Howie) 285
Robert Lachlin, sadler 110
Thomas Meredith 1 ,385
Wm. McLean, squire^ 2,127
James McGaughey 1,272
Robert McCracken 107
Samuel McCuUough 1,211
Patrick McKing 1,130
Wm. McClellan 67
Frederick Myers 1,617
Joseph McQinley 1,317
Ebenezer McQinley 910
Geo. McConnell 8
Samuel McCuUough, administrator.. 1,040
Amos McGinley 850
Hugh McGaughey S60
John McGinley 690
James McKessonf 2,274
James McCleary, tailor 415
Jacob McClellan, tanner 320
Alex. McGaughey, wagon-maker. . . 320
Francis McCormick 48
Wm. Miller, squire§ 8,396
Joseph McCleary, shoe-maker 58
James McGinley 2,081
Anne McPherren 1,498
Wm. McMullen, Jr 786
Wm. McMullen, Sr 30
Henry Miller 18
John Myers 8,130
John Myers, Jr 30
Wm. Matthews 10
Moses McLean, executor 1,082
James McCosh 36
James Marshall II 2,832
Michael McClennon 56
William McCleary 66
William Orr 1,752
Rev. Wm. Paxton 2,155
Richard Porter, hatter 328
Philip Phail 1.248
John Paxton 88
*SIave3 valued at $100, $120, $280, $120, $120, $100. JSlave, value $50.
+One slave, value $100. §Milla, value $300.
Jlnoludlng mill, $300.
'-~i/p''^^?^^^:>-^-,-^xLjL^-
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP. 281
John Reed $1,899 Jacob Shunk S815
James Reed. 230 Michael Springle 900
Robert Rhea** 3,290 Moses Seabrooks 65
Alex. Ramsey 132 Wm. Simmons 50
John Robinson 1,473 Daniel Sweeney 400
Henry Rowan 1,363 John Shull " gg
James Rowan 30 James Stuart 3 486
Patrick Russell Wm. Taylor (B. more) ' '5OO
Barnabus Rielly. 150 Andrew Tapper, wagon-maker —
John Riddle, squire 300 John Tapper 396
Thomas Reed 1,008 Wm. Waughft " " " 1 880
Alex Russell, squire 350 David Waugh ' 'eCO
Wm. Reed, squire 180 Samuel Withrow ;"" 3 365
Ben]. Reea 1,563 James Willson l'559
Walter Smith, squire 1,883 Thomas White, tanner 541
Peter Zimmerman 50 David WilsonSS 2 162
Rev. John Slemons 1,514 Hugh AVilsonH l'453
Robert Slemons 1,488 James Williams '
Daniel Sprinkle^: 1,384 James Wilson 1323
Frances Shaafer — James Young '3OO
The single free men of the township in 1802 are named as follows, and the
tax levied from each ranged from 81 to 93 cents: William Barnes; James,
Samuel and Ezra Blythe; Andrew Byars; James Black; Henry Cutshall, shoe-
maker; John Kallaberger; John Charles; John Carrick; Henry Coffman;
James Dick, merchant; Henry Ferguson; James and William Gallagher-,
blacksmiths; John Latta; Andrew Marshall; David Mellen; Jacob MeClellan,
saddler; John MeClellan; John McGinley; Ebenezer and Amos McGinley,
merchants; Mathew McConnell; James McLean; John Orr; John Paxton;
William Proctor, weaver; John Reed; John Slemons; John Sites; James
Shirkey; Felty Toad; James Waugh, merchant.
The total valuation assessed by Benjamin Reed was 1123,411.76, on which
a tax levy of 25 cents per $100 was made.
Z. Herbert, delegate from Hamiltonban to. the convention of November 4,
1834, voted in favor of adopting the school law. The State appropriation was
1150.70 and the tax $146.28.
FAIEFIELD.
This village was surveyed in 1801 for Squire William Miller and named by
him Millerstovni. He built the first house here the same year, graded a few
streets and alleys, and made a good effort to build up a little village. The
venture was premature, for fully twenty-one years elapsed before progress
beamed on the Squire's paper city. In 1822 the Maria Furnace was con-
structed and put in operation at this point; religious societies were organized
and local industries began to expand; then a church building was erected, a
school was established, and the substantial beginnings of a town were formed
and the name changed. Even prior to 1822 there was some public spirit man-
ifested here, for we find that Amos Maginley and James Ried were appointed
as a committee to collect for the Savannah :6re sufferers in 1820.
A reference to the original assessment roll of the township points out
authoritatively the names and trades of those who were here at the beginning
■of the village, and of many who have been identified with its progress.
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, ETC.
The Evangelical Lmtheran Church^was organized November 10, 1855.
Following are the names of the original members: John Nunnemaker, Barna-
bas Riely, Maj. John Musselman, Christian Musselman, Jacob Musselman,
**SlaTe, value $110. ||lDoluding slave, value $120.
tInoludlDg mill, $300. JJInduding slave, value $100.
ttSIave, value $100.
ISA
282 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Julia Ann Hoke, Michael Rugler, George Hull, Sr. , Zepheniah Herbert. The-
names of the pastors are Rev. H. Bishop, 1855; W. V. Gotwald, 1863; E.
S. Johnston, 1806-86. The house of worship was erected- in 1854 at a cost,
of about $2,500. The membership numbers 200. D. K. Musselman is sec-
retary.
The New Reformed Church of Fairfield was dedicated December 29, 1878.
This is modern gothic, with audience room ^>oxi5 feet and tower 95 feet ia
height, standing on the site of the old Union Reformed and Presbyterian
Church erected in 1824, and which was blown down the same year. The second
church was built in 1825 and continued in use until 1878. The Presbyterians
may hold services in this church until 1888, in consideration of their claims
against the old Union building and grounds.
The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized about 1827 and worshiped
in private houses until 1830, when the first church was erected. On June 9,
1876, the Centennial Methodist Episcopal Church was begun and completed,
and dedicated November 30, that year. Up to this period the mission belonged
to the Gettysburg Circuit; but since 1876, it has been in the Littlestown charge.
The old cemetery in the rear has been removed.
The Catholics of "Carroll's Delight," were accustomed to visit Emmitts-
burg or Conowago in very early days; later, missionaries visited their homes,
and in 1851 their present church was built. The congregation has not yet a
resident pastor, and the church is a mission of the parish of Gettysburg. Here
the old Catholic cemetery is still well kept. The Toppers, Dicks, Sanders,
Lawvers, and many of the first settlers of ' ' Carroll' s Delight ' ' belong to this
old mission.
The public school house has been an institution here since 1835. Up to
1872 the building was of a very primitive character, but in that year a preten-
tious brick house was erected. The Sunday-schools of the village are well
conducted, and are large organizations.
MISCELLANEOUS.
There are a few business houses carrying heavy stocks of goods, a first-
class hotel, the "Snively House," and a number of pleasant homes.
The ceremony of raising the Union flag at Fairfield took place April 22,
1861, and the first responses to the call for troops, made then from Hamilton-
ban Township, came in the persons of Dr. A. O. Scott, Van Buren Tawney,*
David Reesman, John W. Miller, Joseph Saylor and Henry Turle of Fairfield.
They were mustered in with Company I, Second Regiment Pennsylvania Vol-
unteer Infantry. The Fairfield Zouaves were organized in August, 1861, with
Charles Knox, captain; Ebenezer McGinley, E. T. Rinehart and J. T. Sulli-
van, lieutenants. In November, 1861, the Fairfield ladies organized a "sol-
diers' relief association," with Mrs. R. C. Swope, president; Mrs. Judge Mc-
Ginley, vice-president; Mrs. D. Sullivan, treasurer; Miss M. McGinley, secre-
tary, and a board of managers.
For account of postmasters of Fairfield, see Part III, page 117.
FOUNTAIN DALE.
This place, which is located south of Jack's Mountain, on the Emmittsburg-
& Waynesboro Turnpike, is great in the area which the name covers, but lit-
tle, indeed, as a village. Business is'represented by Martin's store, and the
postoffice and Harbaugh's mills, now operated by the Martins. The location,
however, is delightful, and 10,000 rippling spring creeks from the moun-
*Died of fever in 1861.
HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP. 283
tains north and south of the valley make the name appropriate. Raven Rock,
which shelters the valley on the south, is 1,290 feet above the ocean level.
Joseph Braugher was postmaster in 1837; in 1845 Reuben Steen.
Methodist Episcopal C/iMrc/i.— Wesley Chapel, of this denomination, was
built at Fountain Dale in 1857.
The Reformed Church and the Dunkard Church buildings are located a
short distance south of this settlement, in Liberty Township.
Cemeteries. — Near to Fountain Dale is the new Methodist Episcopal ceme-
tery, to which removals from the old cemetery near the Methodist Episcopal
Church were made some years ago; while west of the Reformed Church is the
old cemetery of the district.
Several bold eminences, other than the peaks of Jack's Mountain, charac-
terize this division of the township.
The "Fountain Dale Springs House" was established in 1874, by F. Mc-
Intire. "Monterey House," on the top of South Mountain, was conducted by
Harry Yingling in 1875, now proprietor of the "Eagle House " at Gettysburg.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Cold Spring, at Caledonia, lies in the northwestern corner of Hamiltonban
Township. In the last century it was known as "Sweeney's Spring," from
Daniel Sweeney, who was the original occupier of the land in that vicinity. It
was known long before Sweeney became the owner, and even then had a wide
reputation and charmed many visitors. In 1850 a Chambersburg Company-
purchased the tract, erected buildings and named the place Caledonia. From
this time forth its popularity declined, and ultimately the buildings were de-
stroyed by fire, leaving the stone foundation walls alone standing.
The building of the Fairfield branch of the "Tapeworm Railroad" is only
a matter of a little time. The road was sm-veyed by Joseph S. Gitt, and in.
January, 1886, a proposition was made to the people of Fairfield by the Han-
over Junction, Hanover & Gettysburg Railroad Company, that if they would
furnish 6,000 good ties, the right of way, and $3, 500 in money, they would
build the road.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP.
THE principal streams of this township are Marsh Creek, which forms a part
of its eastern boundary, and Little Marsh Creek, which flows into the par-
ent stream just south of the old cemetery on the hill. There are many small
streams found throughout this township which flow by many a dell into the two
creeks named.
In the western part of the township the foot-hills of South Mountain rise up
as if to hide the proud Sugar Loaf of Hamiltonban from the Eastern traveler.
Throughout the township are hill and dale, rivulet and creek, fine farms, good
farm buildings and comfortable homes. The rocky outcrops are greenish
sandstone, sandy blue shale, red shale, trap, argillaceous sandstone charged
with epidote.
284 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
The population of Highland Township in 1870 was 421, including 13 col-
ored, and in ISSO, r)'i4. The number of taxpayers (1880) is 135; value of real
estate, $213,403; number of horses, etc., 101; of cows, 188; value of moneys at
interest, $28,750; value of trades and professions, $2,705; number of car-
riages, 82; of gold watches, 3; of silver watches, 2; of acres of timber land, 760.
In 1857 Jacob King erected a wooden bridge over Muddy River on the Get-
tysburg and Fairfield road for $280.
The Harrisburg Junction, Harrisburg & Gettysburg Railroad skirts along
the northern boundary line of the township.
The greater part of this township was outside of "Carroll's Delight " and
within the boundaries given to "The Manor of Maske»" in 1740. Here many
of the Marsh Creek settlers made their homes between 1733 and 1741, and here
also was enacted that agrarian drama, which ultimately won for the cultiva
tor his ownership of the soil.
A list of entries in this portion of the manor, made in 1742 and recorded
April 2, 1792, gives the following names of settlers: John McFerran and Will-
iam McFerran in May, 1741; John McDowell, April, 1741; Samuel Agnew,
May, 1741; Henry Eowan, June 1739; William Scott, John Stuart, John
Kerr, John Cishinger, all in April, 1741; James Orr, May, 1739; John Scott,
Matthew Dean, James Inniss in May, 1740; William Irwin and Robert Creigh-
kin in September and June, 1739; James Reed, August, 1738; John Carson,
in April, and John Little and James Agnew in May, 1741 ; Jacob McClellan,
Thomas Shannon, Thomas MeCracken, Charles McMullen and William Ram-
say in May and September, 1^40; John McKeen's children, March, 1738; John
Darby's children, March, 1740; Thomas Paxton, March, 1741; John Reed,
November, 1740; John McNitt and Elizabeth Thompson, April, 1741: Mary
Read, John Beard's heirs, September, 1740; James McGaughey, Andrew Her-
ron, April, 1740, and James Orr, April, 1739. With these settlers were a few
who located in "Carroll's Delight," all of whose claims for ownership of the
land were settled in 1802, sixty two years after the subject was first agitated.
Christian Byers, the first German settler in the western part of the county
other than Cishinger, built his home in 1709 at Clearfield, in Highland Town-
ship near the Gettysburg and Fairfield road. This tract is now known as the
Byers and Wintrode farms, and on it is what is known as the " Byers Grave-
yard. ' '
The Armstrong family settled on ' ' Mount Airy ' ' in Cumberland Township,
now the Thomas F. Norris property.
CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Church of Lower Marsh Creek is in Highland Township,
five miles from Gettysburg, on the road leading to Fairfield. The present
edifice is of stone, and was built in 1790, but the organization (the exact date
of which cannot be ascertained) is much older. It can be traced, however,
to within the limits of a decade, somewhere between 1741 and 1749. The first
building stood on the banks of Marsh Creek, about two miles northeast of the
present church edifice, and near the burying ground known as the "Marsh
Creek Grave-yard. ' ' Rev. Andrew Bay was the first pastor of this church.
He was a Scotchman, and was what was then called a ' ' New-side man. ' ' His
salary was £00. How long he was pastor is not known. After his resignation
the church was supplied by Revs. Balch and Roan. In 1765 Rev. John Slem-
ons was called to the pastorate of the church. He was installed by the Pres-
bytery of Carlisle October 30, 1765. He remained in charge nine years.
After the death of Mr. Slemons the congregation was again supplied for a
HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP. 285
time by Dr. Martain. In 1780 this church was united with the church of
Tom's Creek to form a pastoral charge. In 1781 these churches called Eev.
Mathew Woods, who declined the call. In 1783 they united in a call for Dr.
McKnight at a salary of £180 and a gratuity of fifty bushels of wheat, from
each congregation. He accepted the call, and was installed in November, 1783.
Dr. McKnight lived on a farm in what is called ' ' Carroll' s Tract, ' ' which was
cultivated for him by his people. He was dismissed from this charge in Oc-
tober, 1789, to accept a call to be co-pastor with Dr. Rogers in New York City.
After a vacancy of two years this church with Tom' s Creek, called the Rev.
William Paxton, a licentiate in the Presbytery of New Castle. He accepted
the call, and was ordained and installed October 3, 1872. After four years of
his pastorate the union between this church, and Tom's Creek, was dissolved,
and Dr. Paxton continued pastor of the Marsh Creek Church only forty-nine
years. His salary was £149 lis. 4d. He was in his eighty- first year when
•he resigned the charge, and died at his residence in Fairfield, April 10, 1845.
The iiext pastor was Kev. Dr. Clark, who was installed in June, 1843. Dur-
ing Dr. Clark' s pastorate the church was remodeled to its present appearance,
which is more modern than its former style. Dr. Clark remained in this
charge thirteen years, when he resigned, and after his resigaation Marsh
Creek Church was united with the church of Great Conowago to form a pas-
toral charge. These churches called Rev. John E. Warner to be their pastor.
He was installed April 23, 1858. During his pastorate the battle of (iettys-
burg was fought. He exposed himself to great danger to witness the fight,
and afterward wrote a lecture on the battle which was well received. He
resigned, and the relation was dissolved June 12, 1867. For two years these
churches were without a pastor, during which time they had supplies, the prin-
cipal being Eev. E. Ferrier, D. D. , then professor in Pennsylvania College.
On the 3d of February, 1869, a call was made out for the present pastor, Eev.
W. S. VanCleve, who entered upon his duties April 1, 1869, but was not
installed till May following. This gentleman is now in the eighteenth year of
his pastorate.
CEMETERY.
Lower Marsh Creek or "Sanders' " burying ground, is located near the
junction of Big and Little Marsh Creeks, in Highland Township. The first
burials date back to 1749, and the names of the aged people whose remains lie
in the Lower Marsh Creek, or "Sanders' Cemetery," together with the dates
of death, are given as follows:
John Cunningham 1776 Mary Reed 1784
Elizabeth Cunningham 1783 SamuelKnox 1808
David W. Cunningham 1809 Dr. SamuelKnox 1831
Robert Cunningham 1835 Mrs. Dr. Samuel Knox 1843
Martha Cunningham 1833 Alexander McKesson 1771
Hugh Even 1767 Sarah McKesson 1831
DavidBlvthe 1849 Ebenezer P. McConnell 1773
DavidBlythe 1831 William McKesson 1826
Michael S'inley 1785 John NcElnay. 1841
Margaret Moore 1786 Mary Brown (his wife) 1800
AndfewHart 1793 James Hill 1834
Mary Hart 1785 John Kerr 1749
Mary Crughton 1773 John Kerr 18d7
Barbara Hoover 1843 John Kerr 1773
Frances Alexander 1760 Mary Kerr 1855
Mrs. Prances Alexander 1771 Mary Clark 1770
John Leard 1786 Joseph Kerr 1790
JohnCrawford 1771 William Kerr 1791
James Reed 1793 George Kerr 1815
286
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
John Porter 1771
Hugh Scott 1849
Jane Scott LSI 3
James McClain 1813
M. S. [rough head stone] 1771
William Johnston 18o8
Robert Siemens 1823
Rachel (his wife) 1801
Robert Slemous, Jr 1863
Rachel Slemous 1860
Rev. John Siemens 1773
James Rulflon 1769
Hugh Scott 1844
Margaret McCleary Scott 1789
Jane McClean 178.5
William McClean 1787
Archibald Murphy 1751
Elizabeth Withrow 1774
Jeremiah Lohry 1749
Capt. David Wilson 1846
Thomas Reed 1840
Mrs. Grizzle Peden 1843
James Marshall 1805
Andrew Marshall 1853
Capt. Samuel White 1869
Rev. Alexander Dobbin 1809
Andrew Weckert 1871
Samuel Parden 1802
Robert Linn 1773
Isaac Robinson 1796
Robert McGinsky 1799
James Agnew 1825
David Agnew 1797
James Wilson 1776
James Agnew 1770
Rebecca Agnew 1759
Abram Agnew 1753
William Lawden 1851
David Waugh 1816
Dr. William Patterson 18u6
Francis McGlaughlin 1798
Abram Scott 1834
Capt. James Scott 1806
Andrew Hart 1775
Agnes Quiett 1774
Edward Hall 1775
James Maginley 1763
Murzant Maginley 1770
Jean McGaughey 1778
Jane Waugh 1770
Matt Dill 1812
Martin Hall 1853
Mary Hall 1867
Am)[ Chamberlin 1813
Lewis Chamberlin 1835
Hannah Coshm 1833
James Bieham 18.54
Rev. William Paxton 1845
James Watson 1870
Dr. John Paxton 1840
William McCullough 1880
John McCullough 1875
James Thompson 1801
Sam McCullough 1778
Greggery McCullough 1749
Margaret McCullough 1753
Eliza 1831
Jean Steel 1769
Arch Boyd 1835
James Wilson 1845
Abram Wilson 1870
Elijah Seabrook 1848
Sam Witherow 1833
Hugh Culberton 1876
Benjamin Reed 1838
Israel Irwin 1871
John Irwin 1823
Rev. David Pfoutz 1849
Christian Shulley 18.58
Mrs. Christian Stoner 1846
Barbara Bennett 1866
George Dougherty 1861
David Stewart 1741
Jane Stewart 1857
James Douglass 1818
John Morrow 1811
Jeremiah Morrow 1758
Margaret Morrow 1887
Anne Murphy 1815
James Cunningham 1857
The Bushman Cemetery, near the line of Cumberland Township, holds the
remains of fourteen pioneer settlers.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF YORK SPRINGS.
THE streams of this township are Bermudian Creek and Muddy Run. The
former forms the greater part of its western boundary, enters on a south-
eastern course near the Kennedy farm, and then flows in a tortuous channel
through the southern part of the township, entering Latimore near the Sulphur
Springs. Numerous small streams flow into the Bermudian, while some of
the feeders of Latimore Creek rise here and flow east or southeast.
, HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP. 287
The outcrops of Tyrone are also found in Huntington Township; also,
hornblende rock, magnetic surface ore, weathered orthofelsite slate, copper
rock, decomposed cryptocrystalline, orthofelsite, chlorite-schist, orthofelsite
porphyry, quartzore schist, greenish crystalline schist and slate rock, micaceous
•ore, trap, green chloritic shale limonite, hematite coarse sandstone, slate rock,
asbestos, quartz, specular iron ore, sandy clay slate, ore slightly magnetic,
in fact, all the rocks native to Latimore show themselves in Huntington. In
January, 1880, a vein of magnetic iron ore was excavated on the Leer farm a
jnile and three-quarters northwest of York Springs; also, on the farms of Peter
Stephens, Simpson, Michael Stambaugh and Adam Laren. The Sulphur
Springs of this district possess strong mineral properties.
In 1837 Joseph Smyser employed some workmen to dig a well on his farm
about three miles from York, but while they were at dinner ' ' the bottom fell
■out," and the tools sank down to a depth never discovered. .
In 1855 the wooden bridge over Bermudian Creek, on the Gettysburg and
Harrisburg road, was erected by Jonas Rouanzahn for $1,330. Work on the
York Springs branch of the Harrisburg & Potomac Railroad was begun by
contractor Michael McCabe on June 3, 1872.
In Huntington Township, in 1824, the retailers of foreign merchandise,
wines and liquors, were William Gardner and Fahnestock & Bollinger. James
Neely was the constable. The population in 1800 was 1,147; in 1810, 1,014;
in 1820, 1,294 including 126 inhabitants of Y'ork Springs (Petersburg); in
1880, 1,284; in 1840, 1,482; in 1850, 1,757 (11 colored), including 356 in
York Springs (Petersbui-g) ; in 1860, 1,833; in 1870, 1,951, including 356 in
York Springs Borough. In 1880 the population of the township was 1,642,
and of York Springs 378. The number of taxpayers (1886) is 520; value of
jreal estate, $515,688; number of horses, etc., 447; number of cows, etc., 468;
value of money at interest, $44,267; value of trades and professions $12,765;
number of pleasure carriages, 150; acres of timber land, 1,772.
The assessment of the township was made in December, 1798, and Janu-
ary, 1799, by Daniel Punk, Thomas Neely and W. Thompson, and a tax levy
of 26 cents per $100 on the total assessment, $147,352,made by George Her-
man and John Weirman, son of Henry Weirman. The single freeman were
taxed $1 each. The letters s. m. denote single fi-ee men on the following list:
JohnAlbert, Sr $917 John Burkolder |1,854
John Albert, Jr., s. m Thomas Bonner 528
John Albert 1,038 Robert Bonner, wheelwright 20
Thomas Brandon 2,409 Moses Beals, mason 548
Eleazer Brandon 1,790 Ebenezer Brandon 76
James Brandon 60 Joseph Boots, Cuip- co 500
Peter Brlder ("Warrington) 50 Wm. Boots, f orgeman 69
Michael Bower, weaver 656 Widow Elizabeth Boyles 9
John Bale or Beal 18 Isabella Crafert 9
MichaelBower 69 Thomas Cooper 714
Solomon Bower, s. m 795 Robt. Crawford 37
Abram Bower, tanner, s. m 1,257 Henry Comfort
Joseph Bower, tanner 60 John Cox 81b
John Bower 1,278 John Collins 679
Isaac Bower, s. m John Chronister, weaver 660
Henry Bower 49 Jacob Comley 1,529
Jacob Bower, mason Samuel Comley, s. m
Jonathan Bower, wagon-maker 828 Rev. Campbell, preacher 977
8oL Beals 420 Wm. Cox... 1,354
Caleb Beals .' 1,561 JohnCobald 150
Jacob Beals 632 Wm. Cishader, weaver 450
Jacob Bender 1,037 John Crawford, s. m 30
John Bonner 897 Geo. Davis, blacksmith, s. m 25
Templeton Brandon, s. m.
Widow Eliza Deal 1,306
288
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Joseph Dodds, Sr $774
Joseph Dodds, Jr 465
Isaac Deardorfl 600
Jacob DeardorfE's heirs 910
Elizabeth Deardorfl 1,944
Sam'l Deardorfl 59
Jacob Deardorfl, s. m 45
Solvanis Day 388
Wm. Dunlap (Tyrone) 313
David Davis
Evan Davis 9
Geo. Esseli 697
James Elliott, s. m
Michael Everhart 9
Val. EUiker 1,593
Isaac Everett, Sr 728
John Everett 745
Isaac Everett, Jr 54
Abram Fickes - 1,494
Jacob Fickes 60
Valentine Fickes, Jr 9
Valentine Fickes, weaver 973
Jacob Flake
Peter Flake 511
John Fickles, miller 3,3u4
Wm. Fickles 956
John Fickles, s. m 45
Stephen Foulk 1,443
Dan. Fleak, blacksmith, s. m 50
Val. Fleak 536
Barbarah Fleak 508
Philip Pishill 9
Daniel Funk 3,496
Wm. Gardner 923
Adam Garder, s. m 40
Thomas Grist 633
Jacob Grist, weaver 389
Peter Groop 659
Joseph Grist 727
David Grist 550
John Gardner 374
Isaac Grist 208
Vincint Gribble, fuller 79
Philip Groop, Sr 537
Philip Groop, Jr 543
Geo. Groop, blacksmith, s. m 60
Nicholas Groop, s. m
Edward Hatton, s. m 1,374
James Hatton, s. m
Henry Hess 516
Isaac Hess ; 1,104
Geo. Herman '. 1,644
John How 18
Geo. Higas* 2,513
Jacob Higas, s. m
John Herman, weaver 1,086
Fred. Hinkle, cordwinder 58
Christian Hext 1,134
Andrew Hartman 373
John Herman, minor
Andrew Hersey 1,246
Jacob Hersev, s. m*
Leonard Hatton 1,076
Jacob Jones 719
Henry Jones, s. m
Samuel Kennedy, s. m., cordwinder. 60
Fred. King 96
John Long 400
*One slave of no value. fO^ii young slaves.
James Love $1,089
And. Lowback 941
John Leave 1,068
Robert Long, merchant 153
Philip Miller, cordwinder 855
Bartholomew McCaflery, nailer 40
John Myers 4ft
Fred. Myers 18
David Mx)ntorfl, schoolmaster
Geo. Minich, blacksmith 54
Henry Montorfl 733
Peter Musginung, tavern 483
Peter Myers 1,553
Philip Myers 817
Ludwick Myers 1,46ft
Henry Myers (Reading) 637
Peter Martin, tailor 698
John Martin, joiner 50
Levi Miller 635
John Montorfl, plasterer 100
John Montorfl, Sr 875
Henry Miller, blacksmith 117
Henry Myers 54
Michael Myers 58
John Montorfl, Jr 109
James Moore, Sr-f 713
James Moore, Jrf 388
James Moorhead 957
Edward Moorehead, blacksmith 66
John Moorhead 216
John Musselman 385
John Musselman 57
Geo. Myers, cordwinder 208
Arch. McGraw, Sr 2,10^
Wm. McGraw 305
John McGraw 2,315
Arch. McGraw, s. m
Alex. McCarter 30
Conrad Montorfl 369
Ludwig Mull, gunsmith 99
McCreary for Fleck's land lOa
John Mitchell, deceased 104
John Neely 1,368
Wm. Neely 73a
Thomas Neely 3,068
Samuel Neely, s. m
John Nickle, joiner 60
Wm. Nickle, shoe-maker 54
James Nickle 565-
Arthur Nickle, carpenter 55
Jacob Phillips, carpenter 6ft
John Proctor, weaver 19ft
Richard Pilkerton, carpenter 153
Vincent Pilkerton 1,43ft
Thomas Pilkerton, blacksmith 378
John Penrose 548
Isaac Person 577
Thomas Person 14ft
Elias Person 716
John Randies, s. m
J. M. Randies 18
John Ross 8ft
Roof Jacob 27
J. M. Rogers, weaver 3ft
Geo. Robinett 1,383
James Robinett, s. m 60
Allen Robinett 1,116
John Ritter 97&
cA^
^A r/^/i fM
~C<ruj
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP.
291
Jacob Raiser, tailor
Thomas Robison
Leonard Shimp
Henry Shriver
Philip Shafer
Michael Shinier
Peter Snider, tanner,
Jones Sheetz, weaver, s. m
Anthony Sheetz
Joshua Speakman
Stephen Speakman
John Shields
John Sanderson, tailor
Alexander Sanderson
Samuel Sanderson, s. m
Widow Sarah Socks
Burchart Warner
James Willson
James Welsh
LudwigWallimire,of Cumberland Co.
Nicholas Weaver
Henry Ziegler
John Ziegler, Jr
John Ziegler, Sr
John Snider, tavern
Peter Snider, cooper, s. m. . . .•
Geo. Smith
Samuel Smith
Wm. Smith
Geo. Stiveson
Adam Smith
Leonard Sidesinger
Balthasar Smith
Geo. Smith, miller
Jacob Smith
Peter Studebaker, Sr
49 Peter Studebaker, Jr., wagon-maker. . SO-
353 Widow Mary Sadler 981
357 Wm. Sadler, hatter, s. m ISO-
141 John Sadler, sadler, s. m 30
44 John Snider, tanner, s. m 40
53 Jesse Swisher, fuller, s. m '. . . . 829
1,505 Thomas Thornburgh 915-
40 Benj. Tumbleson, cordwinder 39
9 Joseph Tumbleson, weaver 40
1,028 IsaacTowlin 9
253 John Trump 1,755
9 Michael Trump, joiner 139
109 Andrew Thompson, Squire 1,332
1,147 Matthias Trimmer 1,195
Wm. Thompson, s. m 769
666 Moses Vansysc, mason 1,353
856 Nicholas Wierman, Sr 1,808
146 Henry Wierman, Sr 1,100.
36 Joseph Worley, tanner 434
150 Nicholas Wierman, Jr 1,20T
653 Wm. Wierman, s. m
1,088 Henry Wierman, s. m
79 Wm. Wierman, Sr 1,558
1,378 Wm. Wierman, Jr 199
468 John Wierman of Henry 1,204
50 Nicholas Wierman 401
1,125 Robert Wiley 1,622
639 Wm. Wierman 1,032
Philip Waggoner 1,05*
427 Geo. Willson 368
858 Benj. Wierman 860
581 Wm. Wisley 45a
3,866 Jacob Waltenbarger 9
89 Michael Wiean 91
98 Stephen Wonder, weaver 49
657 Wm. Worley, blacksmith 59
Huntington Township, through its delegate B. Gardner, voted for adoption
of the school law of 1834, in the convention of November 4, 1834. The State
appropriated $139.75 and the tax was $135.28.
Samuel Brady, born at Shippensburg, Penn., in 1758, moved to this township
inl770 with his parents; five years later joined the riflemen in defending Bos-
ton against the English; was appointed lieutenant of a company in 1776, cap-
tain in 1779, and served under Gen. Broadhead in the West. In 1775 or 1778,
the Indians, under Bald Eagle, murdered his brother James, and early in 1779'
murdered his father. These murders were fully avenged by the captain whose
name is identified with many places in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
On September 22, 1777, Daniel Shelly of Carlisle, himself a prisoner on
charge of treason, made oath before John Agnew and John Creigh that in
April, 1777, Eev. Mr. Batwell, of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Hunt-
ington; Dr. Norris, who lived near Warrington Meeting-house, and one McDon-
ald of Cumberland County, Penn., with others, preached in favor of aiding the
English and conspired to destroy the United States posts and stores at Carlisle,
York and Lancaster. On this and other information a mittimus was sent to
Maj. James McCalmont (or McCammont) signed by Justice of Peace James
Nailor, ordering the arrest and imprisonment of Batwell. He was arrested
September 24, 1777, petitioned for release from York County jail in October,
and in November, 1777, was removed to equally safe but more comfortable quar-
ters. John Wilson was ordered to deliver himself to a justice of the peace by
the board of attainder in 1778.
The Gettysburg & Harrisburg Eailroad crosses the extreme northwest cor-
292 I HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Tier of the township. The postoffices are York, Sulphur Springs and
Idaville.
YOBK SULPHUR SPRINGS.
This place, located within one mile and a half of the borough, dates back
to ] 790, when explorers, traveling through the Jacob Fickes tract, discovered
several deer-licks leading toward the place, and ultimately came upon the springs.
Buildings were erected by Robert Long and Joseph "Worley, grounds were laid
off and the locality became at once a health and pleasure resort. In 1848
Pennington & Baggs, of Baltimore, with Arnold Gardner, manager, became the
owners, from whom the tract passed into the hands of Adam Fisher.
IDAVILLE.
This hamlet, formerly called "Whitestown," lies near the line of the Gettys-
burg & Harrisburg Railroad, in the northwest corner of the township; close by
there is a mission church, of the United Brethren Association, built in 1859;
an Evangelical Church, built in 1850, and cemetery just north. In August,
1885, Edwin M. Fosse was appointed postmaster here, succeeding Mr. Cline.
BOROUGH OF YORK SPRINGS.
The borough of York Springs is situate on the eastern line of Huntington
Township on the Carlisle and Hanover road, above the Sulphur Springs, on a
branch of Latimore Creek. The village was platted in 1800, and named Pe-
tersburg, in honor of Peter Thick, whose cabin was the first on the ground, and
whose store was the first mercantile venture.
The Hanover and Carlisle pike was built in 1810. In later years the pro-
posed railroad from New Oxford to DiUsburg, via York Springs, was surveyed
by Joseph S. Gitt, and all the grading done on the Dillsburg end to York Springs.
The number of tax payers in York Springs Borough (1886) is 144; value of
real estate, $106,547; number of horses, etc., 59; of cows, etc., 31; value of
moneys at interest, 163,182; value of trades and professions, 19,805; number
of pleasure carriages, 26; of gold watches, 16; of acres of timber land, 10.
The population in 1880 was 378.
The village of York Springs was incoi-porated in 1868 and organized Janu-
ary 8, 1869, under the name "York Springs Borough." The names of the
Jjurgesses and councilmen elected since that time are given below:
1869— J. W. Pearson; J. E. Spangler, J. W. Reitzell, J. L. Worley, H.
J. Myers, T. E. Gardner.
1870-71— John D. Becker; H. C. Peters, H. A. Shuler, J. L. Worley, W.
A. Fickel, J. Stenhens, Sr.
1872— J. W. Pearson; J. L. Worley, T. D. Reed, A. Grove, Adam Grove,
Emanuel Burg, A. B. Dill.
1873— Howard J. Myers; H. C. Peters, G. A. Peters, A. B. Dill, J. L.
Worley, W. W. Stewart, J. W. Reitzell.
1874— Howard J. Myers; W. W. Stewart, W. F. Sadler, John Wolford,
D. Keilholtz, Jesse Johns, Abram Grove.
1875— John Wolford; Adam Grove, I. Krall, W. W. Stewart, W. F. Sad-
ler, Emanuel Brough, George A. Peters.
1876— Henry C. Peters; J. L. Worley, G. W. Reed, W. W. Stewart, H.
W. Becker, J. F. Cline, Dr. Pierson.
1877— Hem-y C. Peters; Abram Trostel, Dr. D. Miller, W. A. Fickle, W.
F. Sadler, J. T. Myers, R. B. Jacobs.
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP. 293
1878— John T. Myers; A. Trostel, John W. Lay, T. D. Eeed, J. F. Cline,
Isaac Krall. Shuler, Brooks and Moorhead, a tie vote in 1878.
, 1879— Dr. D. Diller; W. A. Fickel, D. Hoopert, C. O. Myers, J. E, Spang-
ler, N. P. Griest, S. Crooks.
1880 -A. C. Gardner; T. D. Reed, J. T. Myers, Dr. Pearson, W. A. Fickel,
B. A. Myers, W. F. Sadler,
1881— John T. Myers; J. W. Reitzell, B. A. Myers, J. G. Lerew, Dr. Pear-
• son, J. J. Mank, J. E. Spangler.
1882— Dr. D. Diller; H. \V. Baker, J. G. Lerew, with Zeigler, Snowden
Pearson and Spangler.
1883— Jaob Kline; B. A. Myers, J. D. Becker, B. W. Zeigler, J. E.
Spangler, John A. Snowden, Dr. Pearson.
1884— M. M. Adams; Trostel and Deardorff (tie),W. F. Sadler, B. W. Zig-
ler, J. F. Kline, W. W. Stewart, H. J. Myers.
1885— W. A. Fickel; Noah P. Hersh, George W. Griest.
The names of the justices elected since 1809 are John D. Becker, H. W.
Beckar, Cyi-us G. Beals, J. Gardner, John E. Spangler, H. C. Peters, Cyrus
G. Beals, in 1881, and H. C. Peters.
CHURCHES.
The Presbyterian Society of York Springs was organized by Henry R. Wil-
son, April l-t. 1818, and Rev. Hays held services in George Smith's barn;
that society also attended at Dillsburg. About 1826 the "Academy" was
built and then Rev. "Wilson preached occasionally until Mr. Quay arrived.
In 1830 Rev. A. B. Quay came here to reside, and the same year a church
was erected on a lot doaated by James McCosh, for church and cemetery pur-
poses. Rev. Quay was succeeded in 1839 by E. McKinney, and he, in 1841,
by J. A. Murray. John Bonner and James Eobinette were the first elders.
The Brandons, McBrides, Neelys, Bighams, Mary Toland, Jane White, Eliza
Harper and Anne Godfrey, were among the original members. The pastors
of the church, since Mr. Murray's time, have been Revs. Warner, Paterson,
Agnew, Proctor, Wilhelm, Murray, J. Q. A. Fulleiion and J. P. Barbour.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized herein 1844, when the
circuit was established out of Gettysburg. In September, 1846, the corner-
stone of a house of worship was placed by Rev. Mr. McClintock. The lot
was donated by John Sadler Sr. , and William R. > Sadler presided over the
building, which was completed August 1, 1847, and used until November 10,
1867, when the present house was completed and dedicated. This circuit com-
prises Rock Chapel, Hunterstown, Bendersville, Wenksville and Pine Grove,
and for this reason are given the names of the pastors who have served here,
up to the time of completing the new church: Revs. John Stine and J. W.
Kelly, 1844; D. Hartman, F. S. Boggs and J. W. Ewing, 1845-46; James
Brads, W. M. Minigh, L. Etchison, 1847-48; F. Dyson, W. A. McGee, F. S.
Cassaday, 1849-50; J. H. Switzer, H. W. Bellman, John P. Dean, 1851-52;
James R. Dunbarrow, D. S. Monroe, 1853-54; W. Gynn, W. A. Snively, R. E.
Wilson, 1855-56; O. Eye, J. C. Stevens, G. W. Dunlap, 1857-58; G. Berktruser,
G. W. Heyd, 1859; J. W. McKuhan, J. B. Ackers, 1860; J. F. Porter, C. K.
Sumwalt, J. A. Dixon, S. A. Crively, 1862; J. A. Dixon, G. G. Monroe,
1863; W. G. Ferguson, James Muller, 1864-65; J. M. Clarke, J. W. Feight,
1867.
Rock Chapel, near York Springs, was the first Methodist Church built in the
county, having been erected between 1773 and 1776. In 1827 the first quar-
terly meeting was held there, with John Bear, presiding elder; Samuel Clark,
294 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
preacher, and George Hildt, junior preacher. Prior to the building of the
chi;rch, itinerant preachers visited at Philip Group's house, a half-mUe east of
the church, at his scythe factory where the Heikes' woolen-mill now stands.
In 1849 a new chui'ch was erected here by Eev. Mr. Dyson.
York Springs Chapel of the United Brethren Association may be said to
date back to 1S59. In 1875 the society purchased the Myers Schoolhouse,
fitted it up as a house of worship, and to-day it forms one of the leading socie-
ties of the denomination in the county.
The Dunkard or German Baptist Meeting-house at Trostel's mill is one of
the old chui'ches of the society in the eastern part of the county, antedating
Bev. Adam Brown's church at Hampton. Mr. Brown is also the minister of
this congregation.
The United Brethren Church, near Idaville, is a modern mission of the
church in Adams County, as related in the sketch of Idaville.
Huntington Lutheran Church was established in May and organized on
June 26, 1831. The first elders were Jacob Gardner, Sr., and Christian Pick-
ing, with Thomas, John and William Gardner, deacons. On August 21, ] 836,
the corner-stone of their first church was placed by the two elders and Henry
Biltinger and Dr. D. ShefPer, who form.ed the building committee; Rev. D.
Gottwald, the organizing preacher, presided. The church lot and cemetery
were purchased from. Jacob Gardner, Sr. On June 4, 18-;37, the dedication
took place. In August, 1838, Dr. Gottwald retired. Rev. C. Weyle came
in December, 1839; Rev. John Ulrich, in March, 1843; Eev. Jacob Martin, in
1855; Rev. P. Raby, 1859; Rev. D. M. Blackwelder, 1864; then S. A. R.
Francis, J. B. Anthony, S. A. Hedges, 1872; and Rev. J. "W. Breitenbach,
1877.
Christ Protestant Episcopal Church dates back to 1756, for in that year
Rev. Thomas Barton arrived here from England, and in 1758, with Revs. Crad-
dock, Lischey and Bay, entered at once on preaching the crusade against the
French and the duty of winning over the Indians.* About 1755 a church was
erected on the "Glebe," sixty acres, donated by the Penns, and in 1765 a
lottery was held to raise £3,003 15s to repair this building. About 17G0
Rev. "William Thompson took charge, and he was succeeded about 1772 by
Daniel Batwell, of whose history something is said in that of the township.
After the Revolution the chui'ch was visited at long intervals by traveling
preachers, especially Rev. John Andrews. From 1784 to 1804 John Campbell
was the missionary; then came George Woodruff. In 1823 came Rev. Charles
Williams; in 1826, R. D. Hall; in 1828, John V. E. Thome, and in 1831, J. H.
Marsden. The old dilapidated building was taken down in 1836, and only
the ancient burial ground marks its site.
Christ Church Chapel, the successor of "Christ Church, Huntington," was
built in 1836 on a lot donated by Thomas Stephens, Sr. , during the pastorate
of Eev. Marsden. The ministers since Dr. Marsden' s time are named as fol-
lows: Freeman, Lane, Ed Kennedy, J. H. H. Millett, John Reynolds, H. L.
Phillips, Rev. A. G. Tortat and the present pastor.
SCHOOLS.
The first schoolhouse was erected in 1797-98, in which David Montorff
presided. In 1826 Jacob Gardner and Thomas Stephens donated a lot for a
building suited to school, church and general meeting purposes, and the same
year this was built and styled the ' ' Petersburg Academy. ' ' The Female Sem-
inary of York Springs, was established by Miss C. J. Reynolds, in 1847. The
union or graded school building was erected in 1856.
* Fide letters of Peter to SteveDSon, May 3, 1768. Colonial Documente.
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP. 295
SOCIETIES.
Hebron Lodge, No. 465, F. & A. M., was organized March 21, 1870, with
H. C. Peters, Dr. I. W. Pearson, H. A. Sheeler, C. G. Beales, J. L. Worley,
Jonathan Miller, F. N. W. Bowers, T. E. Gardner and A. K. Myers, charter
members. The first six members named have served as "Worshipful Masters of
the lodge, also C. E. Myers, J. F. Peters, H. P. Marks and A. K. Myers. J.
L. Worley was secretary from 1870 to 1875, and also in 1876-77; J. F.
Peters, in 1875-76, and I. W. Pearson, 1878-86. There are forty members.
York Springs Lodge, No. 211, I. O. O. F., waa organized December 25,
1846, with H. C. Metcalf, John Lehman, I. W. Pearson, James M.
McGaughey and Jesse Johns, members. The Past Grands of this lodge num-
ber seventy-three. Dr. I. W. Pearson is the present Noble Grand and the
only survivor of all the charter members. John F. Peters is Secretary. The
membership is thirty-three and value of property 11,800. Lincoln Encamp-
ment No. 142, L O. O. F., was organized here some years ago.
The York Springs Building Association was organized February 1, 1868,
with Henry C. Peters, president.
York Springs Soldier's Relief Society was organized July 7, 1862, with
Mrs. E. B. Kettlewell, president, and Miss Alice Myers, secretary. Among
the active members were Madames J. D. Becker, H. C. Peters, Jesse Johns,
Jacob Gardner, Jr. , Charles Wharton, Jr. , Alexander Koser, J. G. Pf eiff er, J.
A. Zeigler, Abram Zeigler, C. Moul and Susan E. Neely. The young ladies
were Misses Ellen Stewart, S. J. Gardner, M. C. Sheffer, M. E. Hiteshew,
M. Johns, M. D. Myers, Clara Wolford, Helen Deardorff, Anna Megary, Mary
Sadler, Margaret Sadler, Mary Brandon, Mary Metcalfe and Eebecca Gardner.
MISCELLANEOUS.
In 1875 there were four members living of the three companies —
White's, McMuUen's and Sturgeon's — who marched from Adams County to
the Canadian frontier in 1814. Their names are Maj. Jacob Sanders, of
Straban, and Daniel Benner, of Straban (since deceased); Benjamin Gardner,
York Springs, Da'^id Ziegler, of Whitestown, now Idaville. Lieut. Bull or
Ball fell into the hands of the British at Chippewa Falls, and was cut up and
scalped; Maj. Galloway, of Gettysburg, and Capt. White were exchanged
when the Americans promised retaliation for all murders.
In April, 1861, Leander W. Welsh, Francis N. Greaves, Henry A. Naylor
and Augustus A. Welsh, of York Springs, Huntington Township, responded to
the first call for troops, and were mustered in with Company E, Second Eeg-
iment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
Daniel -Sheffer, supposed to be the last of the original subscribers to the
Compiler in 1818, died February 16, 1880, at York Springs, aged about ninety-
seven years.
The old slave. Patience Hack, or "old Tacey," died at York Springs
November 4, 1858, aged about one hundred years. For years she was cared
for by Thomas Stephens' family.
The early tradesmen and manufacturers of this settlement and township
are named in the original assessment roll. A few, however, a little more mod-
ern, but still old, are noticed here. The distillery, grist-mill and saw-mill of
Samuel White, in Huntington Township were offered for sale in January,
1819. The Good Intent Woolen Factory operated in 1847 by Jacob A. Myers,
on Bermudian Creek, near York Springs, was a large industry. Chestnut
Grove Iron Works, formerly owned by J. R. Group & Co. , were purchased in
July, 1880, by Markley, Weitzel, Reck & Co., of Reading.
296 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTEE XXXVIII.
LATIMORE TOWNSHIP.
THE streams of Latimore Township are Bermudian Creek, which runs east
by south across the southern part of the township, and Latimore Creek, a
native stream, which enters Bermudian Creek near the old Wolford Farm, west
of Mechanicsville. This creek, with its two northern branches and west fork,
diains the entire central and northern districts of the township. Mud Run
forms the southern boundary of Latimore. The sui-phur springs, near the line
of Huntington Township, and numerous petty streams are found within the lim-
its of the township. The South Mountain runs across the northern part of the
township, making the line separating it from South Middleton Township in
Cumberland County very distinct.
The soil of the township is generally fertile, but owing to the long years
it has yielded to the husbandman, recourse has to be had to fertilizers. Blue
shale, arenaceous, is found on Bermudian Creek, one mile and a half southwest
qI Mechanicsville ; dolerite, greenish arenaceous shale, three miles southeast of
York Springs; quartzose conglomerate, two miles southeast of York Springs;
variegated sandy mud rock, red quartz conglomerate, bog ore with large quartz
pebbles embedded, float ore near west line of Latimore, red shale, reddish ar-
gellite with green spots and streaks, hard finely laminated argellite, sandy ar-
gellite, red sandstone, laminated fine grained red sandstone, quartz, dolerite,
fine grained syenite, hard blue argellite or mud rock.
The Carlisle & Hanover pike road, built in 1810, runs through the western
part of the township. In 1833 John Walsh built a covered wooden bridge
over Latimore Creek for $900. In 1853 John Finley built the Bermudian
bridge on the Dillsburg and East Berlin road, near Bosserman's mill, for
$1,360.
The number of tax payers in Latimore Township (1886) is 401 ; value of
real estate, 1480,206; number of horses etc., 379; number of cows etc., 423;
value of moneys at interest, $83,569; value of trades and professions, $12,202;
number of carriages, 154; acres of timber lend, 1,618. The population in
1810 was 666; in 1820, 855—421 males, 425 females and 9 free colored; in
1830, 1,011; in 1840, 1,013; in 1850, 1,138 (22 colored); in 1860, 1,197 (11
colored); in 1870, 1,230 (6 colored), and in 1880, 1,282.
Mechanicsville, the only village in this township, was founded in 1800, by
Joseph Griest, but after a career of eighty-five years, is still classed with the
smaller hamlets of southeastern Pennsylvania. The Union Church and school
are the only buildings erected by public enterprise here ; but aroimd the village
there is a number of houses of worship.
Latimore Township through its delegate, in convention of November 4,
1834, voted against adoption of the school law.
In noticing the original townships from which Latimore was detached, par-
ticularly Huntington, the names of the greater number of the pioneer tax payers
of this township are given. The Alberts, Bowerses, Burkholders, Moorheads,
Neelys, Pilkingtons, Eobinetts, Roofs, Griests, Smiths, Gardners, Wiermans,
Trumps, Zeiglers, Higases, Hartmans, Everetts, Coxes, Comlys, Beals, Chron-
LATIMORE TOWNSHIP.
297
isters, Days, and other pioneer names are fonnd on the assessment roll of
Huntington.
The roll of tax payers of Latimore in 1807 contains, together with the above
names, the following list of "taxables:"
George Moyers, miller |5,435
Jos«)h Moyers 2,754
Stome Moudy, carpenter ' '. '50
Nimrod Maxwell, hotel-keeper and
deputy postmaster, also mills 5,155-
Jacob Misteler 2,326
Thomas McCreary, non-resident! .. .. '18O
Philip Moyers, non-resident 2,7(JO
James Ocker, treeman
Benjamin Ocker, miller '. lOO'
John Palmer, cabinet-maker 80
Richard Puncker, carpenter 60
George Pupp, cordwinder 40
Jacob Phillips 1,700-
Elias Pearson, Sr., non-resident 450
Isaac Pearson, non-resident 1,188
Thomas Pearson, non-resident 367
Jacob Roof, cooper 3,448
Abram Rode, blacksmith ' 50
Jesse Russle, wheelwright lOO
John Rutter, cooper 1,489
Michael Ripperton, nailer 945
Joseph Reynolds, miller 60
Michael Shriver, weaver 2,100
Samuel Smith, saw-mill 1,584
Nicholas Siever, cordwinder 50'
John Studebaker 10'
Margaret Shultz, widow 470
Philip Smith 97I
Henry Smith, freeman
George, Gabriel and Emanuel Smith,
non-residents..... 5,740-
Stephen Speakman,'non-resident. . . . 720
John Trump, non-resident 3,750-
Chris Trump, wheelwright 60-
Widow Eliza Tudery 10
Moses Vansyoc, mason 3, 178
Enoch Vansyoc, cooper 60-
William Wilson 10
Conrad Weaver 1,965
William Wiesley, non-resident 1,188
John Zeigler, weaver 90
Leonard Zeigler 1,675
Martin Zeigler 10
Widow Mary Zeigler 610"
Jonathan Asper. freeman
John Blosser, weaver
Thomas Bonner
Henry Bushong
George Bott
Samuel Comly, schoolmaster
Francis Coulson, squire
Coulson's heirs
Peter Diehl
Abram Deardorff, wheelwright
William O'Day, blacksmith
Sylvanus Day,- Jr., nailer
Sylvanus Day, Sr
Joseph Donaldson, carpenter
Isaac Deardorff, hotel*
Widow Catherine Eleker
Daniel Fickes, weaver
Michael Porner, millerf
Samuel Fetter
William Fickle
John Frank, carpenter
Dan Funk, non-resident
John Garrison, Sr
Amos Garrison
Josiah Garrison, wheelwright
John Garrison, Jr., saddletree-maker
Thomas Godfrey, miller and distiller
William Godfrey, Sr., non-resident. .
Fred Hinkle, cordwaiuer
Isaac Hass, distiller
Philip Haines, carpenter
Christian Hoscht
Dave Johnston, tailor
John John, wheelwright
John John. Jr., wheelwright
Martin Kitch, blacksmith
John Knisely, miller
Jacob Kinet, cooper
Samuel Lobaugh, weaver
Andrew Lobaugh, hotel
Peter Lobaugh, freeman
Abram Lobaugh, schoolmaster
Jacob Lorin, non-resident
Ludwig Moyers
Peter Martin
William Maginniss, weaver
50
1,216
2,990
348
2,548
768
1,350
2,336
90
1,418
50
944
60
8,890
3,969
1,410
4,310
1,600
2,820
50
108
2,794
100
160
3,050
1,056
3,000
56
2,970
90
3,430
638
466
60
70
110
960
70
5,939
13
324
4,388
3,340
38
The total assessed valuation was $211,830, on which a tax of 10 cents per
$100 was levied. The greater share of valuation and taxation was allotted to
the families named before' the list as among the old residents of Huntington
Township.
In 1804 one Ludwick Fridley sold his mill on Bermudian Creek, in the-
Adams County portion of Warrington Township, to Gabriel Smith, and subse-
quently to Michael Forner, thus making a second sale and accepting bonds in
each case. On June 1, 1804, Forner cautioned persons against buying those
bonds, then held by Emanuel Smith, inu-keeper.
*MilI In Maryland included, 83,000.
fMills valued at $2,560.
298 HISTOEY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.
Mount Olivet Reformed Church dates Back to March 19, 1745, when a Re-
formed and Lutheran congregation was organized. For nine years services
were held in private houses until April 15, 1754, when Jacob Lischey and Rev.
Mr. Eager dedicated Long Green Union Church. In 1795 the church known
as "Lower Bermudian " was erected on the site of Long Green Cabin, and in
this the Lutherans worshiped, as well as the Reformed Society, until 1871,
when the new church of Mount Olivet was built, by the latter, near the site of
the ' ' Lower Bermudian. "
The Lutheran Society was organized in March, 1745, as related above, and
the history of the buildings is the same as that of the Reformed Church down '
to 1871. After the separation of that year the Lutherans continued to wor-
ship in the " Lower Bermudiaa " until December 6, 1879, when their new build-
ing, " Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, " was completed and dedicated.
This building stands almost on the site of the buildings of 1754 and 1795, and
is the sole property of the society, the interest of the Reformed Society therein
having been purchased between 1871 and 1878, when the new building was
begun.
The Union Church of Mechanicsville is a modern institution when compared
-with the Bermudian Churches; The Albright Association and Dunkards have
regular appointments here, and at intervals other Protestant denominations
meet here.
The German Baptist Church, known as Latimore Church, near DeardorfP's
mill, is one of the old meeting-houses of the township. For years past this
has been one of Rev. Adam Brown' s appointments.
The United Brethren in Christ have a mission in the northeastern part of
the township, and near their church is the society's cemetery.
The Friends have a meeting-house and cemetery southeast of York Springs
-on the Bermudian. Eastward still, near Mechanicsville, is another cemetery.
Sunny Side Cemetery, on the south side of Bonner' s Hill, was established in
1878 on lands donated by Col. Bonner. It contains twenty-four acres.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The old postoffice, known as Bermudian, is in charge of E. H. Troupe.
William Yount is postmaster at Latimore postoffice. See Part III, pp. 117,
118.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
f^r^HE streams of Liberty Township comprise Miney Branch of Tom's Creek,
A- which enters the parent stream near the junction of the Fairfield road
and Emittsburg Turnpike; Tom's Creek, which flows south in the center of the
township; Friend's Creek, a tributary of Tom's Creek; Flat Run, in the
•western districts; and Middle Creek, which crosses the northeastern sections.
There are several minor streams dancing and splashing along through all sea-
sons.
^mhciM^
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 301
There are several beautiful valleys such as Fountain Dale, on Miney Branch,
Friend's Creek, Tresler Creek, Tom's and Flat Run valleys, and Cave Hollow.
The mountains are Raven Rock, 1,290 feet above the level of the Atlantic,
Beard' s Hill, Haycock Knob, McKee' s Hill and Hamilton Hill, north of the
Hill and Rebil farms, all forming a landscape worthy of the South Mountain
region. There is a stone in Liberty Township, close to the Maryland line, that
is called the ' ' hominy stone. ' ' The Indians used to pound their hominy in it,
so tradition says. Liberty must have been a famous camping ground for the
Indians, as arrow-heads were very plenty in former years, and some few can
yet be found.
The Mason and Dixon mile-stones are represented by seven in Liberty
Township, viz. : one on the old Savage farm, now owned by Jacob Topper ; one
on Judge McDevitt's farm, now owned by John Donohue; one on the old
Horner farm, now owned by Benjamin Keilholtz; one in Adam Tresler' s garden
— a five-mile stone; one at the junction of Samuel Martin's and Isaac
Tresler' s lands; one at the corner of Jerome Tresler' s and Jacob Miller's
lands, and one on the lands once owned by Elias Harbaugh. There is a five-
mile stone with "coats of arms," on the Way bright farm below "Harper's
Hill."
The Head-Light Copper Mine, on the Emmittsburg & Waynesboro Pike
between Fountain Dale and the ' ' Clermont House, " is an important industry.
Here a concentrator and other mining machinery were erected in September,
1884, and copper mining in the county first assumed a permanent form.
The burning of the Mont Alto Furnace, May 19, 1866, led to firing a large
area of the South Mountain, and the consequent destruction of timber and
charcoal.
In 1858 J. K. Taylor & Bro. erected a covered bridge over Miney
Branch, on the road from Nunemaker's mill to Fairfield, for |1, 190.
The population of Liberty Township in 1810 was 1,079: 535 males, 491
females, 7 slaves, and 46 free colored. In 1820, 1,027, including 2 slaves
and 43 colored; in 1830, 1,097; in 1840, 768; in 1850, 722 (5 colored); in
1860, 756 (5 colored); in 1870, 860 (22 colored); and in 1880, 892. The
number of tax payers (1886) is 297; value of real estate, $300,326; number
of horses, etc., 253; number of cows, etc., 288; value of moneys at interest,
$26,878; value of trades and professions, 18,105; number of pleasure car-
riages, 105; gold watches, 4; silver watches, 2; acres of timber land, 3,016|.
The original settlements of the township are known as Cochran's Tract on
the east. Porter's Tract on the west and McKesson' s on the north. They
settled here in the last half of the last century. In the last quarter of the
eighteenth century there came the Zimmermans, Martins and Overholtzers,
who located on part of the Cochran Tract; the McDevitts and Krises on the
Porter Tract, and the Bikers and Toppers on the McKesson Tract. That por-
tion of the township belonging to the "Manor of Maske," was entered by
Alexander McNair, Jean Gibson and George Sypes in April, 1741; William
Gibson in October, 1736; James and Hugh Ferguson in September, 1741;
Benjamin MoCormick in October, 1736; William McGinley, or McKinley, in
April, 1741, and Samuel Pedian in May, 1741.
H. McDevitt, delegate from Liberty Township in the convention of Novem-
ber 4, 1834, voted against the adoption of the school law.
The assessment of Liberty Township was made in 1801 by John Morrow,
Thomas McKee and Matthias Waybright. The valuation was $122,483, on
which a tax of 23 cents on $100 was collected by Isaac Moore and William
Bigham.
° I6A
302
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
James Agnew $1,215
David Agnew 2,274
Widow Manha Agnew 90
John Agnew 614
James Agnew and Abram Krise 38
John Adair l.l'ie
Jonathan Adgcy 1,913
John Adgey ;
Robert Arman 1,400
Hugh Bighiim
William Bigham 1,631
Thomas Bigham, distillery 1,763
Michael Bosserman 1,289
William Bigham, M. C 883
David Bryan 23
Michael Braner 230
John Beard, cooper 270
Christy Baker
George Byars 143
Daniel Boyle 520
Fred. Bard 25
Michael McBranar 60
Thomas Bigham, M. C 36
William Buchanan 30
John Bigham 1,266
Robert Cunningham 1,298
James Cocliran* 3,810
Hugh Christy
Henry Coy 100
David Cunningham
Smith Christy 594
Samuel Caldwell, saw-mill and distil-
lery 1,155
Alex. Caldwell
John Clarkt 1,361
Joseph Clark, blacksmith 125
Marshall Christy 90
James Caldwell 134
Robert Caldwell, weaver 430
William Caldwell 607
David Clogstone 800
William Reed for Henry Cowley. . . . 750
Stephen Caldwell, blacksmith 115
John Carpenter ' 102
William Cochran
John Carpenter, Sr 160
Peter Carpenter 5,267
Arthur Cloherty at Sam. Pedlng's. . .
James Clark 135
John Crowle 40
John Cochran at R. Scott's
Henry Crabbs 70
John Cutshall at Col. William Reed's
John Demon at Jacob Heagy's
Joseph Eckhart, grist-mill 1,643
Jacob Eversole 562
Valentine Eversole
David Eehart 30
Benjamin Elder 1,54
William Ferguson 903
Hans Farley at James McCreary's. . .
James Fagan, cord winder
Thomas Gorley^: 1,563
John Gilliland
Jacob Heggy, distiller 1,626
J
*One begro, S190.
fOne negro, $120.
tone uegro, ?100.
John Herman, cord winder $70'
David Howie 160
Valentine Heflely 40
Jacob Harbaugh 98
William Hill 3,350'
John Hill 640
Martin Hill at William Hill's
John Holliday, fuller 35
Christian Keggerice 70
Abram Krise 2,390
Solomon Kiphart, saw and grist-mill 2,721
Widow Karr 671
John Karr at Widow Karr's
Jacob Kissioner 20-
John Lowman at George Lowmau's.
George Lowman 2,354
William Bow la
William Loudon 1,00&
Samuel Loudon at William Loudon's
Matthew Longwcll (D. Wilson) 1,57a
Thomas McKee 1,782
John McElroy 1,305
John McCulley, school teacher at the
Bull-frog
William McShirrey, weaver 35
Barnabas McShirrey 595
Martin Myars 814-
Widow Sarah Moore 40
John Morrow 1,724
Jacob MundorfE, saw and grist-mills. 1,314
Isaac Moore 1,322
Isaac Moore for Joseph McGowesey. 1,166
Alex. McCracken 595
Patrick Mooney at McCracken's
William McKisslon 1,820
Alexander McKission§ 1,776
Patrick Mooney 150
Rossa McGuire 80
William McMillan 1,214
John McGinley , 50
Robert McClive, Jr., weaver 37
John Martin 1,840
Henry Martin at John Martin's
James McCreary 1,330
Thomas McGurgan .500
John McGurgan 74
Alexander McNair 3,103
Samuel McNali- 80
Robert McCreary, joiner 35
James McKinley 1,130-
William McKinley 760
William Morrow 310
Philip Nunnemaker 130-
Christian Overholtzer 3,032
Peter Oyler 10
William Porter, saw-mill || 2,281
Jeremiah Porter|| 221
Richard Porter 45
John Patterson 1,806
Hugh Patterson with J. Patterson. . .
William Patterson 280
John Peden 1,264
Samuel Peden 1,470
Samuel Peden 120-
Charles Quay lOa
gThree slaves, $306.
ITwo slaves, S165.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 303
Nathaniel Randolph $3,024 John Speiu- |784
Joseph Randolph 80 Abram ScoU*|| 3 550
•Adam Reeder : 0 Thomas Spear ' 40
John Rohison 1,389 Jacob Stoner, grist-mill 1120
John Rutter 135 Rol)ert Stciart at William Stuart's. . .
Sohn Ramsey 948 Widow Thompson 10
William Reid, two mills** 4,846 James Tudor 35
Patrick Reid 1,827 William Twinbough " '. ' 204
John Stuarl*f 2,030 Philip Twinbough 45
William Stuart 1,379 Samuel Thompson at Widow Stam-
William Scott 80 mer's
Robert Spear*t 1,336 Isaiah While, mill owner ].. " 3 241
Fred. ShuUey 1,303 James While, saw-mill l'055
William Stuart 1,050 Samuel Whitman at John Agnew's. . 25
George Seacrist, joiner, 383 Matthias Waybright, saddler 600
Peter SuUingar S50 Thomas Wilson, mason 85
Robert ScoH.*t 1,748 Jacob Wavbright 1 012
Daniel Sprinkle 115 Stop h et Wimar, blacksmith '60
Richard Smith 40 David Waughff ... 1,146
Jacob Shinglelaker 12 William Waugh, saw and gfist mills. 1,470
Matthew Steen, weaver 65 Peter Wolf 367
Widow Stammers 164
On I'lat Run near the Maryland line, on what is known as the old Reed
farm, the Zimmermans, a Swiss family (who subsequently Anglicized their
name into Carpenter), settled in 1765. In his family was a little girl nine
years old; this child was carried off by two Indians. A neighbor heard the
Indians coming, and, hiding near the trail, recognized the little girl, but could
not rescue her. Pursuit followed but resulted in nothing. Ten years after
the whites fought a tribe at Shamakin, and captured from them a young white
woman and her half-breed boy; she was brought to her parents and subse-
quently married one of the Loman boys. Her half-breed boy died in 1826, at
Adam Rader's house, on the Overholtzer farm, near where his mother was
made captive. She died at ninety years of age on her husband's farm, sold
to James Wilson, and by him to the Bellingers. Two of her daughters mar-
ried into the Zimmerman family; one married John Clark, who owned McDev-
itt's mill, and a fourth married John Light, from Falling Waters, Va.
CHURCHES, CEMETEEIES, ETC.
The Reformed Church of Liberty, in the valley between Raven Rock and
Haycock Knob, was built over sixty years ago, and a burial ground established
just west of the south fork of Miney Creek.
The new Vunkard Church is unlike the former substantial stone building..
It is a neat frame house on the east side of the road southeast from the brick
schoolhouse, which stands just south of the Reformed Church.
Among the number buried in the old cemetery were the following old resi-
dents: Hiram Stein, 1865; Peter Stein, 1853; Nancy Stein, 1860; Susan Stein,
1855 ; Rebecca Leaser, 1849 ; Abram Derr, 1855 ; Elias Harbaugh, 1 851 ; Joseph
Harbaugh, soldier, 1863; Cath9rine Hafleigh, 1858; Harry Ferguson, 1850;
Nancy Shover, 1834; Jacob Shover, 1872; Jacob Harbaugh, 1842; Samuel
Barkdoll, 1838; Magdalene Harbaugh, 1824: Mary Gump, 1833; John Boyd,
1834; Thomas King. 1844; Eleah Miller, 1875; Nancy Fitz, 1874; Isaac War-
ren, 1867; Samuel Martin, 1884.
The old military association, known as the ' ' Liberty Riflemen ' ' was a
thorough organization in 1828.
"Slaye. $00.
*t0ne slave, value $1)0.
*ji0ne slave, value S130.
ttOne slave, value $50.
304 HISTOKV OF ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTER XL.
MENALLEN TOWNSHIP.
THE streams of this township are Conowago Creek, forming a part of the
southern boundary, and its numerous northern feeders; Opossum Creek,
rising in Bear Mountain and flowing north by east to Bendersville ; thence
southeast, and Mountain Crook which rises in the western foot hills of Piney Hill,
flowing northeast into Cumberland County. There are many mountain
streams coursing throughout the township, bringing a wealth of water to the
higher lands and affording a full supply in all seasons to the settlers in the
valleys.
Piney Hill ranges northeast through the western part of the township; Bear
Mountain holds a central position; Pine Hill is on the Butler Township bor-
der; Rattlesnake Hill, south wost of Bendersville near Flora Dale; Round Top,
just north of Bendersville, and North Hill, east of Round Top. Mountains
form the dividing line between Menallen and the southern townships of Cum-
berland Cotmty. The elevation at Bendersville is 737 feet.
The valleys present to view well cultivated farms, substantial farm-houses
and foot-hill pasture lands.
The outcrop shows micaceous ore, magnetic ore near Bendersville; sandy
chlorite schist, orthofelsite with seams of quart?;; simple, weathered, mesozoic
conglomerate; decomposed trap, mica schist, chloritoid rock, mountain creek
rock, limestone, slate in varied forms, talcose schist (summit of South Moun-
tain), impure limonite, porph3'ry. dolerite sandstone seamed with quartz ; ortho-
felsite, chlorite schist, argillaceous sandstone, purple quartzose schist (sum-
mit of Piney Hill).
In March, 1870, the Dauphin Coal Company, leased the farms of John
Culling, Henry Eppelman and Cornelius Bender on Opossum Creek, near
Bendersville, for iron and coal mining purposes. In March, 1882, F. A. As-
per opened a coal vein at Eppelman' s mill, near Bendersville. This was lig-
nite, an inferior coal.
On January 0, 1874, Benjamin Deardorff cut the largest white pine tree in
Menallen Township, north of Cole's mill, which measured four feet across at
the stump, and gave four logs aggregating 111 feet. In January, 1873,
sounds like the cries of some of the great wild beasts in distress, were heard in
the valley of the Conococheaque, in Menallen Township. In July, 1876, Mi-
chael Orner found a turtle on his farm in this township, marked "D. W., 1790,"
and many marked by the Orners in 1832 and 1846.
In 1854 Jonas Rouanzahn built the Opossum Creek wooden bridge on the
Gettysburg and Carlisle road for $1,456. In 1859 Francis Cole built the
wooden bridge at Cole's saw-mill, on the Conowago, for 1699. In 1808 a
stone bridge was erected by Contractor John Murphy, over the Conowago, in
Menallen Township at Fehl's mills. The length was fifty-two feet, three arches;
cost 11,787. This bridge was replaced by a wooden structure some years prior
to 1870. In 1870 an iron bridge was built by Samuel Stouffer over Opossum
Creek, at Eppelman's mill, for $1,592.
The Gettysburg and Newville road was laid out in 1829-30 by J. F. McFar-
lane, J. Stambaugh, J. Harper, J. M. McKeehan, J. Cassatt and D. Groove.
MENALLEN TOWNSHIP.
305
Oue of the means adopted for running the line straight, was to make a bonfire
on the hills each night and thus mark the course.
■ The population of the township in 1800 was 1,285; in 1810, 1,510—759
males, 733 females, 13 slaves and 24 free colored; in 1820, 1,855, including
47 free colored; in 1830, 2,063; in 1840, 2,273; in 1850, 1,654 (71 colored);
in 1860, 1,680 (49 colored); in 1870, 1,814 (54 colored) and in 1880, 2,016.
The number of taxpayers (1886) is 674; value of real estate, 1436,619;
number of horses, etc., 466; number of cows, etc., 463; value of moneys at in-
terest, $59,802; value of trades and professions, $17,650; nitmber of can-iages,
190; of gold watches, 9; of silver watches, 1; of acres of timberland, 10,372.
The retailers of foreign merchandise, wine and liquors in 1824 were Philip
Long, Simon Backer, Charles F. Keener, Samuel Wright, William Robson,
and James Bell. The only dealer in merchandise alone was George Wilson.
The constable making the returns was Jacob Dottanny.
S. Wright, delegate fi'om Menallen, in the convention of November 4,
1834, voted in favor of adopting the common school system. The State appro-
priation was ?237.33 and the tax $229.74.
From the beginning of settlement in this part of the county, liberal contri-
butions of men and money were made to the country. Washington Morrison
and D. Stuart McKnight were the first soldiers' from Bendersville to answer
the call for troops made in April, 1861. They were mustered in with Com-
pany E, Second Volunteer Infantry. A reference to the general history will
discover the names of many of the early soldiers of this township.
The Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railroad crosses a portion of the eastern
limits of the township. The postoffices in Menallen are Bendersville, Flora
Dale, Aspers and Wenks.
The tax payers of this township in 1799, which then comprised a part of
Butler Township, are named as follows, with the trade and assessed valuation
given :
John Alert, silversmith $240
Robert Alexander, weaver 5 .'3
Nicholas Burger 848
Yetter Burger 64
Michael Bender 876
John Blackburn 226
Thomas Blackburn 584
Moses Blackburn 414
FInley Blackburn 2b
John Blackburn, joiner 80
Michael Benedick 28
Michael Bush 978
Christian Bush 96
Henry Balsley 7U
William Boyd, saw-mill and tavern. . 673
Edward Blakely 13
James Blakely, Sr 195
James Blakely, Jr., saw-mill 436
Valentine Berger, weaver 438
Jacob Banser, joiner 31
Henry Bender 914
John Baldwin, single 804
Conrad Bender 624
Jacob Boysel 500
John Bender ■ 1,280
Isaac Byers 682
Michael Bittinger, blacksmith 58
Nicholas Bittinger, grist-mill 1,100
Christian Bachman, miller 81
George Blanckley '''59
Conrad Blanck ?484
John Brenisholtz, blacksmiih 376
Widow Baush 65
Thomas Baldwin, Jr 1,100
John Carson 668
John Clark 60O
Peter Conrad 76
John Conrad 28
Thomas Cochran 1,881
Thomas Crenics 326
Conrad Dull 1,825
Henry Dael, or Doel, colored 18
George Crowl, mason 83
Fred. Diehl 1,648
Nicholas Deitrick 1,204
Baltzer Deitrick 3,192
Joseph Davis 118
Charles Delin 156
Fred. Eicholtz 1,782
Michael Engelsberger 100
George Eyster 300
William Ferguson 136
Val. Fail, tavern and saw-mill 1,074
David Foal 464
John Ferguson, tan-yard 95
Dewald Finstermarker 138
John Feghner, weaver 68
Adam Gise. weaver 401
Abraham Gise, cordwinder 896
John Greer, tavern and merchant. . . 108
306
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Henry Gesslei', cooper
Joaeph Greffy
John Qibnith (or Qalbraitli)
George Gilbert
Adam Groshard, saw-mill*
Jacob Greenmyer
Samuel Gilliland
George Hiirtzell. Jr
Abner Hutten, joiner
William Hutten
Christian Hoatetter
Thomas Iloms
Joseph Hewit
George Hewitt
Isaiah Harr, silk-maker
Nathan Hendricks, saw-mill
<3eorge Huber
Stephen Hendricks
Samuel Harland
Jacob Holtzinger, weavur
George Hukenloober
James Hamilton
George Hartzell
George Hammon
Peterson Hines
Abel John
Joseph John
Aphrabim Johnston, single
Jacob Koock, joiner
John Kennedy
Peter Keckler
Abram Keckler
Francis Knouse
Piivid Knouse
John Kline
Philip Kuntz
John Kosen, joiner
Francis Keum
Cliristian Lehman, grist and saw-mills
Jacob Loop, cordwindcr
John Laughead (Vanden Crive)
Peter Latshaw
George Myers, miller
Michael Ming, blacksmith
Jesse Martin
Nicholas Mallen
Francis McNitt ;
David McConnechy, single
David McConnechy, Sr
Archibald McGraw
Samuel Mukle
Thomas McCrail
Elizabeth McCrall
Widow Lydia McCrail
Thomas McCashland, merchant
Jacob Mills, wagon-maker
Robert McConnechy
Elizabeth McCleary
Martin Minder
Henry Montgomery, single
John Mowrer, weaver
Samuel McConnechy, Sr
Owen McCrail
George McCrail
Robert McCIave
Andrew Nievel, or Newell, owner of
two saw-mills
|2,5
90
2,324
3,630
036
1.7.14
i.rm
1,130
48
1,128
593
514
136
1,193
404
1,5.50
1.073
1,053
635
38
757
500
1,3.59
779
80
1,360
114
1.545
123
83
28
175
3,164
343
450
64
528
328
1,183
46
33
180
71
1,322
48
112
1,6.52
630
2,878
1,578
228
100
1,554
702
2,195
1,200
656
787
584
1,848
656
8
108
1,114
Felix Orna, joiner $28
Jacob Oyler 836
Able Piltendorff, cordwindcr 38
Adam Plum, blacksmith 486
Henry Fetter... 1,376
William Pullock 60
John Quickie, wagon-maker 114
Genrgi' Jacob Rix, owner of grist,
saw and hemp-mills 1,6.54
Daniel Hix 1,166
Daniel Rix, 8r 733
.John Rix 468
Henry Rife 1,100
Baltzer Radisely 1,207
^^illiam Rock 393
AVilliam Roberts, weaver 36
Henry Stonehower 36
Henry Slaybaugh 786
Paul Sowers 786
Mathias Smyser. owner of grist-mill
and saw-mill 1,675
Peter Slathower 1,019
Peter Strasbach 424
George Slaybaugh 767
William Slaybaugh. wagon-maker. . . 1,306
John Slosser, tavern 1,318
Peter Slos.ser 236
Matthias Sahm 2.52
Thomas Selluks 566
Henry Snider 506
Henry Schmusser. owner of grist-
mill and saw-mill 3,704
Frederick Stanchhower 1,390
David Stewart 36
John Stewart, merchant 1,097
Peter Slaybaugh, weaver 396
The Pine Grove Co 1,535
David Tutt. blue dyer 66
Joseph Taylor 328
John Wierman, Sr 685
Tobias Where 36
John Wagaman 318
John Wright. Jr 684
Samuel Wright, tanner 141
John Wireman, Jr., saw-mill 300
Joel Wright, saw-mill 250
Thomas Williams 108
Christian Wirt 48
Benjamin Wilson 573
George Wilson 46
Peter Wirt, oordwinder 48
John Wampler 20
Fred. Wolf 100
Fred. Warrant 1,414
John Wright. Sr 1,587
Daniel Wighlner 346
Peler Wagoner 186
Peier Welkmuth 51
Abraham Wightner 1,045
William Wilson 1,005
Adam Waller 2,763
William Woodgate, weaver 26
Matthia.-^ Walter 747
Benjamin Wright 927
William Yet 956
Samuel Young 714
Jacob Zigafoose 86
*His tax was decreased, owiEg to bis suffering fvom an attack of palsy.
MENALLEN TOWNSHIP. ' 307
The total valuation was $129,090, and the tax levy 30^ cents per 1100.
Eobert Alexander and Henry Snyder were the collectors. The single men re-
siding in the township in 1799 were taxed $1 each, viz. : Isaac Homes, Abram
Diehl, William Deitrick, William Gilbrath, William Scott, miller; Leonard
Hartzell; Anthony Wagaman, wagon-maker; John Ebert, hatter; Abram
Davis, miller; John Noel; Jacob Eex, joiner; John Krum, weaver; P. Caspar
Krum, weaver; Charles Stewart, John Stewart, David Stewart and Frederick
Stonehower.
David Lewis, the robber, was born at Carlisle in 1790, enlisted in Capt.
William N. Irvine's Company in 1807, deserted, was tried and sentenced to
be shot, but his mother won a reprieve. Then going to Vermont he obtained
a stock of counterfeit bills, and entered on the " shovers " work in Cumber-
land and Adams Counties. As stated by William Heller, of Wenksville, he
made his appearance at Pine Grove in Cumberland County, about 1813. One
Howard, an accomplice, visited the place six weeks later and won the confi-
dence of Andrew Bombaugh, master miner, for the Furnace Company. The
£rst work of the robbers in this county was to interest some well-known old
settlers in " shoving " counterfeit money for them. Their first burglary was com-
mitted at David Dull' s saw-miJl on Mountain Creek, below the mouth of Tum-
bling Eun, in 1813 or 1814, which was then operated by David Warren.
Jacob Cook, the original owner of the Dr. Mumma farm at Bendersville,
was a cabinet-maker. About 1813 he moved to East Berlin, where he kept a
tavern, and in 1814 became associated with the robbers, Lewis Connelly, Park-
hurst and Howard. David Warren, the saw-miller of Mountain Creek, made
this discovery some weeks after his first acquaintance with Cook. It appears
that Warren called his brothers, Edward and Isaac, and John Balsley to explore
the neighborhood of Tumbling Eun, in search of the robber's den; but they
failed'to find it; six weeks after this, Isaac Warren discovered the cabin near
the head of Little Break. A few days later old Justice Fickes, who for years
kept the York Sulphur Springs, was hunting in the mountains (he lodged
with James Dully near Wenksville), and also discovered the robber's den. The
next day Fickes, Hellar, James Dully, James Dully, Jr., Judge Fickes and
John Neely explored the neighborhood, found plenty of evidences of the rob-
ber's rendezvous, but no money.
James Green (colored) was hanged April 15, 1858, for the murder of Sam-
uel Mars, in this township, April 1, 1852. The murder of William Wills oc-
curred in Menallen Township, at the close of November, 1870. Martin Car-
baugh was charged with the crime, but acquitted. A correspondent to the
Star (N. Y.), writing in 1758, states: " On May 21, 1758, one woman and five
children were carried ofP from ' Yellow Breeches.' " He also'states: "Eichard
Beard, who was captivated last month from Marsh Creek, made his escape
somewhere near the Alleghany Hills, and was sick near his father's, at Marsh
Oreek. The Indians told him that they were going to Philadelphia to arrange
with the English for taking scalps of the French. "
In August, 1885, two monuments i were dedicated in Antrim Township,
Franklin County, to the memory of Enoch Brown and his ten pupils, who were
murdered by Indians in 1764.
George H. McCreary, residing near Bendersville, has a watch, said to have
been made in Dublin, Ireland, in 1394, and brought to America in 1748, by
John Martin. This has been ever since in the possession of the Martin and
McCreary families. In February, 1859, a boy, from the neighborhood of Pine
Grove, was lost in the mountains. The people searched in vain. Some days
. after he was found dead, near John Beamer's, on the old Shippensburg road.
308 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
A little dog, which accompanied him, stood sentinel over the body. The sale
of Jacob Kock's land, in Menallen Township, together with saw-mill, build-
ings and orchard, was advertised in 1805.
BENDEBSVILLE.
The actual settlement of the tract on which Bendersville (formerly called
Wilsonville) stands dates back to 1811, when it was patented to John Schlosser,
by the State. Three years later the original occupier sold his patent to William
Sadler, and in 1819 he sold to Henry Bender; and Henry, Conrad, Michael
and Jonn Bender founded the village November 10, 1832. In this year, also,
Jesse M. Hutton, the mail can-ier, delivered letters here; and about this time
George "Wilson, 6r., was appointed postmaster. About 1847 he was succeeded
by A. T. Wright. In 1832 the postoffice was called "Wilsonville, and the sale of
stamps for the year ending in March; 1834, amounted to $22.61. John Burk-
holder is now postmaster. John Schlosser kept a cabin tavern (the first building-
there) prior to 1799, and not until 1834 was there anything more pretentious
erected, when Peter Studebaker erected one. In 1836 C. Myers established a
regular hotel, with office, stables, etc. This was six years after the establish-
ment of the Gettysburg & Newville Road, when travel warranted such an en-
terprise. The completion of the Gettysburg & Hanover Railroad, which
passes just east of the village, has, like the old highway of 1829-30, given an
impulse to enterprise; and the little mountain village gives promise of attain-
ing the position which its rich agricultural surroundings warrant.
CHUKCHES.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bendersville was established October
29, 1835, with the following members: J. A. Jacobs, H. Thomas, S. Harris,
William Haim, G. Dellinger, F. Miller, ©. Schaffer, A. Ettinger, M. E. Pen-
shalter, Jacob Bender, J. Thomas, G. Thomas, J. Zinn, A. Bender, Isaac
Clceffaltes. The ministers who have served this church from 1835 to 1886 are
named as follows: John Lieb, Levi Hummelshine, J. M. Young, J. N. Linger,
E. B. Wilson, S. W. Seibert, S. Aurand, J. Y. Reede, A. Longsdorf, J. M.
Price, J. A. Irvine, J. M. Longsdorf, J. F. Yeager, H. S. Bower, Rev. B. F.
Kelles, H. A. Stoke, P. F. Jarrett, F. S. "Vought, H. T. Searl, J. L. Miller.
Prior to 1857 services were held in the old Union log house, but on May 31,
that year, their present church was completed at a cost of about 13,000. The
number of members is 410. The church of this denomination at Idaville was
built in 1850, during the pastorate of Rev. Daniel Kreamer, at a cost of 11,600,
and that at Reamer's in 1866, at a cost of $1,100. The Idaville Society
worshiped in a schoolhouse for some years before their church was erected.
Originally all this circuit belonged to the Gettysbtu-g charge.
The German Reformed and Lutheran Union Church of Bendersville dates.
its building back to May 12, 1845, and its dedication to October 19, 1845,
during the pastorates of Mr. Ulrich, Lutheran, and Mr. Hoffmeier, Reformed.
Prior to 1845 worship meetings were held in the old Methodist Episcopal
and Evangelical Union Church.
The Lutlieran Society of Bendersville was organized December 27, 1840,
with eleven members out of the society at Wenksville, by Rev. C. Weyl, with Peter
Rice and David Meals, elders. The membership is 160. The church was set
off as a circuit in 1880, as related in the history of the church at Wenksville.
The Reformed Society was organized February 11, 1844, by Rev. John G.
Fritchey, with John Appleman, Peter Rice, John Tauser, Henry Cunn, Thomas
,*"- '-ftt
£._../,
X
^~0a^J^ctJ>^^^»-^^ P^P^x-(^^
cr-yr-^
MENALLEN TOWNSHIP. 311
Snodgrass and eight others, members. This society is visited once a month by
Rev. Mr. Sangrfee, of Arendtsville, but claims only the name of an organization.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Bendersville dates back to the thirties,.
when services were held in the "Yellow House" on the Hunterstown road,
by Mr. Lenhart, until 1839-40, when the Union Cabin Church was opened.
The Centenary Metlwdist Church of Bendersville was completed and dedi-
cated September 8, 1867. The building committee comprised John Burk-
holder, Samuel Bender, S. Meals, A. J. Bender and M. A. Eldin. It is said
that Bendersville was once established as a circuit; but it has been generally
an appointment of York Springs.
The Mount Tabor Church of the United Brethren, three miles north of Ben-
dersville, was dedicated January 12, 1862.
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Pine Grove Furnace, was completed
and dedicated October 23, 1870.
SOCIETIES.
Menallen Agricultural Society was organized in February, 1860, with John
Burkholder, president, and F. W. Cook, secretary.
Patrons of Husbandry. — This grange was organized at Bendersville Feb-
ruary 3, 1874, with John Wickersham, M; G. W. Wilson, O. ; Amos Griest,.
L. ; Hiram Griest, S. ; Adam Burkholder, secretary; Mrs. William Walhay,
Ceres, and others.
The Menallen Agricultural Club was organized March 15, 1879, with the
following members: Cyrus S. Griest, Hiram Griest, Charles J. Tyson, AmosW.
Griest, Israel Garretson, Andrew J. Koser, Henry Koser, Josiah Griest, A. I.
Weidner and Samuel H. Harris. Israel Garrettson was first president, and A.
W. Griest, first secretary.
Menallen Building Association was organized at Bendersville in Septem-
ber, 1868, with Jonas Eouanzahn, president.
Montana Lodge, No. 653, I. O. O. F. , organized some years ago, is the only
secret society at Bendersville.
FLOBA DALE.
This -is a very old settlement with a new name, an adaptation of Fountain
Dale, in Hamiltonban Township, and equally appropriate. A reference to the
original assessment of Menallen Township points out the names of the old
settlers in this neighborhood. Here, in later years, the Smith family, now
residents of Florida, settled, and many, whose names have been identified with
the progress of the county, found a home in the wilderness here during the
last century, and with their children converted the district into a veritable
flora dale. In 1861 a postoffice was established, with Elijah Wright, post-
master. In 1878 his widow succeeded in charge.
Menallen Meeting-house of the Society of Friends, dates its foundation here
to 1838, when the old church at Friend's Grove, in the rear of the present
Dunkard church of Butler Township, was abandoned. The old double-log
Friends' Meeting-house of 1838, was removed in 1884, to give place to the pres-
ent brick house. The log house stood just in front of the present buildings
just north of their new cemetery opened in 1853. The society's old cemetery,
in Butler Township at Friends' Grove, contains a number of headstones still.
WENKSVILLE.
This ultramontane village, west of Bendersville, approached through the
picturesque valley of Upper Opossum Creek from the latter place, or the equally
picturesque mountain road from Arendtsville, or the weird, romantic road from
Buchanan Valley, is only great in its approaches. The country round Wenks-
312 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ville is called Broad Valley. Here, iu May, 1879, the oaly manufacturing indus-
try, the Schlosser Steam Saw-mill, was destroyed by fire.
The mail route between York Springs and Wenksville, via Idaville, was es-
tablished in March, 1808. Wenks postoffice was established in May, 1868,
with William S. Cart, postmaster.
The Lutheran and Methodist Union Church at Wenksville was dedicated
December 25, 1872, by Revs. Clark and Dixon, Methodist Episcopal ministers,
and M. Snyder and J. F. Probst, Lutheran ministers. The building cost Sl,6ll0.
The Lutheran Society of Wenksville was organized March 5, 1836, at Pisel's
schoolhouse (afterward known as Wenks' School, near the site of the present
brick Union building), with thirty-one members. Eev. Daniel Gottwalt, David
Meals, John Weigle, George Black and Jacob B. Meals may be named among
its founders. In 1840 the new Lutheran society of Beadersville drew ofP the
majority of the members, and this society existed in a semi-disorganized condi-
tion until 1878, when Rev. M. Snyder reorganized it. In 1880 it was made
an appointment of Bendersville, and so continues. From 1841 to 1878 preach-
ers from the theological seminary and from the neighboring churches visited
the locality, until Bendersville Circuit was formed in 1880, with Rev. W. L.
Heisler in charge. Eev. G. W. McSherry is the present preacher.
The Methodist Society of Wenksville is contemporary with the Latheran, al-
though no regular organization existed until 1872, when this denomination in-
itiated the work of church-building here.
CHAPTER XLI.
MOUNTJOY TOWNSHIP.
THE streams of this township are Rock Creek, which forms its .western
line; AUoway's Creek, separating it from Germany; Two Taverns' Run,
White Run, Plum Run and other small streams flowing westward into Rock
■Creek, and six or seven rivulets into AUoway' s Creek. All flow south from the
watershed to swell the rivers of Maryland. The surface rolls heavily in parts;
but as a whole the township may be classed as a level country. The altitude
at Two Taverns is 428 feet above Atlantic level. The outcrops are blue mud
rook, bluish sandstone and copper rock, reddish sandstone, on Baltimore road,
argillaceous red sandstone, laminated red sandstone, fine-grained yellowish
jgreen sandstone, laminated greenish sandy shale, fine-grained argillaceous red-
dish sandstone (near Two Taverns).
In 1872 and in 1874 Spanish silver dollars were found on the Ephraim
Fiscel farm. In 1841 John Camp erected a covered wooden bridge across
Rock Creek, at Horner's mill on the Taneytown road, for $2,000. In 1871
a flood swept this away, and a new one was built the same year.
The number of tax payers (1886) is 348; value of real estate, 1466,812;
number of horses, etc., 419; of cows, etc., 534; value of moneys at interest,
$54,614; of trades and profe Bsions, $6, 545 ; number of pleasure carriages, 183;
acres of timber land, 1,791. The population in 1800 was 663; in 1810,
700; in 1820, 935, including 22 free colored; in 1830, 991; in 1840, 1,032;
in 1850, 1,098(3 colored); in 1860, 1,111 (6 colore4); in 1870, 1,172, and in
MOUNTJOY TOWNSHIP.
313
1880, 1,296. Theentriesof land made prior to 1742, in Moimtjoy Township, were
as follows: William Smith, April, 1739; Eobert Linn, April, 1740; Adam Linn,
May, 1741; Eobert McKenny, May. 1740; William McKenny, April, 1741, and
Gabriel McAllister, April, 1741.
The total assessed valuation of the township in 1799 was f 95, 502, taxed
at the rate of 27 cents on $100. Samuel Hunter, assisted by James Mcll-
henny and William Houghtelin, made the assessment. Samilel Hunter and
David Horner collected the tax.
John Adair
William Adair
Samuel Adair '
William Agnew
Andi'us Ashbaugh
Francis Allison
Robert Black* (died in 1799)
James Black
Ulricli Black :
Adam Black
John Bower, owner of a gristmill of
two buhrs
Jamea Barr
Samuel Bingham
Peter Bercan
John Bear
Joel Bowman
Peter Baumgartner
John Cross, grist-mill
Isaac Darbry, Sr
Isaac Darbry, Jr
Samuel Uavidall
Abram Davidall
John Davidall
Jacob Diehl
John Preet
John Forney
Henry Forney
Henry Forney, Jr
Justice Ferdno
Michael Fry or Frey
Conrad Prezer, tavern
William Gibson
George Green
William Guinn
Andrew Guinn
Hugh Guinn
George Heagy, blacksmith
John Heagy, Sr
David Horner f
Alander Hunter
Robert Hutchison
Francisco Helm, Sr
Joseph Hunter
Samuel Hunter
Alexander Horner
David Horner, Jr
William Houghtelin
Isaac Hulick
Winder Hulwick
John Heagy, Jr
Jacob Klutz
Barny Kerr
Samuel Little
Thomas Larimore, Sr
Thomas Larimore, Jr
John Little
Heary Little
11,086
1,592
. 1,087
, 634
764
. 1,343.
736
. 1,960
113
51
3,334
1,233
1,560
846
443
137
959
1,280
846
533
903
38
590
1,776
13
317
976
37
936
795
30
514
316
635
64
30
933
1,704
3,915
1,306
816
708
1,494
714
1,976
878
984
1,064
981
176
470
796
730
706
1,265
Adam Little
Andrew Little 1
Abram L^'igUtewalter 1
Samuel Linn l
Daniel Long
Baltzer Lower
Robert McKinney 3
James Mcllhenny l
Samuel Mcllhenny
Jesse McAllister I 2,
William Mcllhenny l'
John Miller, Jr
Thomas McKeon
Samuel MoKeon
Nicholas Miller, saw-mill 1
Nicholas Mark, saw-mill
James McAllister 1
John McKillopp
Mosioo Mclvain
Robert Mclntyre, weaver
Jacob Ocher
Widow Renter
Isaac Paxton 1
Adam Rohrbaugh
Isaac Roberson
Joseph Riffle 1,
Samuel Smith 1,
John Stuart
Michael Sower, weaver
Joseph Stocksleger 1,
John Shrider
James Stewart 1,
Frederick Stoner 1
Michael Stoltz 1
William Stoltz
Robert Stewart
James Stewart
Peter Snider
Joseph Stealy
Nicholas Sheely
Jacob Sheely
George Shultz
George Starry 1,
James St. Clair 1,
Peter Sell ....• 1,
Jacob Sell
George Slonecker
Robert Sturgeon, weaver
Adam Sell
Widow Slentz
Tobias Starry
Orbin Tance
Jacob Wurtz
Robert Wilson 1,
Charles Wilson 1.
Robert Young
Widow Yother 1
234
'8S2
804
64
96
,000
344
996
1,947
,300
8
444
130
,040
993
114
903
630
24
376
822
,367
418
853
Oil
676
936
806
384
104
029
004
393
80
734
50
209
550
854
56
283
116
000
374
840
36
18
41
330
46
373
992
462
746
998
110
♦Including saw-miU and one grist-mill of two buhrs. fTwo slaves, value 8100 each. JOne slave value, i
314 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
The single men of the township in 1799 were John Adair, Andrew Ash-
baugh, Jacob Barnhart, Peter Forney, Andrew Horner, Francis Helm, Jacob-
Helm, James Hunter, William Moore, Archibald McKillopp, Samuel McKeon
or McCune, Henry Stoltz, Robert Young, William Vance and Ludwick Miller.
Each of these young men had to pay 11 in addition to taxes on any property
he may have held.
Mountjoy Township, from the earliest times, has been always identified
with the military affairs of the county. The early Revolutionary enterprises of
the settlers are referred to in the history of the county. Daniel Benner, Sr.,
of this township, who died in February, 1882, was one of the last three sur-
vivors of the three companies who marched from this county to the Canadian
frontier in 1814. Peter Smith, of Mountpleasant, and Michael Lauver, of
Fairfield, are the other two. William F. Baker was the only resident of
Mountjoy Township who responded to the first call for troops in April, 1861.
He was mustered into Company E, Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry. The Mountjoy Rangers (cavalry) was the first company organized
for the war in the township, with Capt. Horner, commander.
CHURCHES.
Mark's German Reformed Church of Mountjoy Township was erected in 1789
during the pastorate of Rev. George Troldenier. The original members were
John Tawney, Samuel Fry, David Little, George Heagy, Nicholas Marks, John
Mayer, Francis Stallsmith, Michael Hoke, Peter Moritz, Daniel Heck, Andrew
Little, Philip Schlentz, George Fehl, Andrew Eschbach, Michael Moritz, John
Heagy, Samuel Huil, John Troxell, Jacob Klein, Jacob Baumgartner, Jacob
Wirth, Adam Tawney, John Miller, John Rohrbach, Michael Frey, Justus Frot-
anaut, Henry Fourer, Jacob Troxel. The first baptism was that of Samuel
Bernheisel, November 5, 1789.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Two Taverns, was organized in 1876
with the following named members: Michael Schwartz, George Hoffman,
Baltzer Snyder, D. Wilson, Samuel Schwartz, Em. Rudisill, J. Shanebrough,
John May, George Carl, D. Trostle, John Rudisill, George Sherman and
John Snyder. The membership is 1 40. The building, which is frame, waa
completed that year at a cost of |2,000. Rev. E. J. Metzler, the present pas-
tor, organized this congregation.
St. James Reformed Church was built in 1851, shortly after the society was
organized, and continued in use until 1878, when it was rebuilt and enlarged.
The dedication of the new edifice took place in September, 1878.
3'/ie United Brethren Church, below Hoke's gate, on the Baltimore Turn-
pike, was dedicated December 5, 1869, by Rev. Mr. Young.
TWO TAVERNS.
This hamlet on the Baltimore Turnpike dates back to the beginning of
settlement, when a few of the Marsh Creek settlers located lands in the neigh-
borhood. The little place has been a post town, in one form or another, for
almost a century; but not until modern times was an office established here.
The first murder committed in Adams County after the year 1800 was that
of Henry Heagy, by James Hunter, at Two Taverns June 23, 1817. A num-
ber of men had assembled in Larimore' s meadow, among whom were the mur-
derer and his victim. Hunter was hanged, January 3, 1818, near the forks of
the Emmittsburg and Taneytown roads.
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 315
CHAPTEK XLir.
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
THE Little Conowago forms the eastern line of this township, separating
it from Conowago, Oxford and Hamilton Townships. Conowago Creek,
and one of its tributaries, Sweet Run, form the greater part of its northern
boundary. This run, with its tributaries. Swift Run and Brush Run, and six
little streams running into the Little Conowago flow north and east from the
water-shed. White Run, which rises in the northwestern part of the township,
flows across Mountjoy Township to Roct Creek. A few other creeks also
flow south, from the Hanover Road Ridge, into Rock Creek and AUoway's
Creek. The surface is decidedly rolling, if not actually hilly. The lower dis-
tricts are distinguished for limestone soil and rock, while the upper districts are
marked by red gravel and shale, and beds of greenish sand-rock. The elevation
above Atlantic level at Bonneauville is 534 feet. ,
In 1872 iron ore was discovered on the Baughman lands, and in September,
1876, copper ore was discovered on Liver's farm, near Bonneauville.
In 1856 George and Henry Chritzman erected the covered wooden bridge
across Swift Run, on the New Chester and Oxford road, for $710. In 1863
Elias Roth built a covered bridge across Swift Run, on the road from Carlisle
to the York & Gettysburg Turnpike, for 11,025. The Hanover & Mount
Rock Turnpike was authorized in April, 1868. The commissioners were J. W.
Gubernator, Francis Pahlman, J. E. Smith, E. S. Reiley, S. G. Sneeringer,
D. Geiselman, George Smith and James Devine. The Hanover Junction,
Hanover & Gettysburg Railroad crosses the northeastern part of the township,
-with, a station at Dutteras, formerly named ' ' Gulden' s. "
Joseph McCreary, constable, made returns, under oath, that the following
named persons were the only retailers of foreign merchandise in the township
in 1824, viz. : Conrad Weaver, Henry Brinkerhoff, John Miller and Henry
Sanders. The number of tax payers (1886) is 569; value of real estate, $628,-
987; number of horses, etc., 561; of cows, etc., 664; value of moneys at in-
terest, $85,118; of trades and professions, 111,415; number of carriages, 148;
of gold watches, 8; of acres of timber land, 1,061. The population in 1800
was 985, and of Managhan, 38 (Hamilton's lands); in 1820, 1,483, including
3 slaves and 34 free colored; in 1830, 1,498; in 1840, 1,588; in 1850, 1,614
(7 colored); in 1860, 1,766 (2 colored); in 1870, 1,947 (1 colored), and in 1880,
2,138.
There was a fort one mile south of Dutteras Station, in 1855, on the old
John May farm, and another between Bonneauville and Two Taverns in 1755.
The Heltzell farm, two miles west of New Oxford, was granted to John Hamil-
ton June 14, 1763. He erected the first brick house in Adams County, at
"Black's Gap," where the Hunterstown road forks from the York & Gettys-
burg Turnpike. Mr. Heltzell, now of New Oxford, took down this old build-
ing the last year of the war and erected his present house on the same site.
Ml-. Haltzell states that the tract called "Managhan" was deeded by the
Penns to Hamilton as a portion of the " Manor of Maske." The name, how-
316
HISTORY OP ADAMS COUNTY.
ever, does not appear among the "entries" or "squatters" or "petitioners"
residing within the manor in 1742, nor is it probable that Managhan was ever
included within the manor boundaries, even in 1763.
The assessments for the year 1800, made in 1799, place the total at 1176,-
608, on which a tax of 22.8 cents per $100 was collected. The names of prop-
erty owners, and values assessed as given are as follows:
,914 Helemley $
Joseph Hilt 1,611
,300 Maj. James Horner 1,512
125 Hezekiah Hockdalem, 8r 10
12o Hezekiah Hockdalem, Jr. .- 1,264
,028 John Hoggeman, weaver 125
126 John Hambarger 1,400
150 Aaron Heggeman, weaver 125
75 Christopher Holobach, Jr., weaver. .. 213
910 Christopher Holobach, Sr 759
50 Daniel Hoopert, tanyard 1,530
,876 Andrew Johnston 1,720
Henry Klum, carpenter 224
431 JosephKlum 1,580
316 Catherina Kitterman
Cornelius Knight, blacksmith 581
,870 John Klum 1,317
,020 Capt. William Kerr 1,915
,630 Henry Kip, weaver 150
John Kip 800
,000 Michael Keake 882
958 George Koch 150
782 Henry Little, joiner 134
948 Samuel Lilly^: 3,12a
Thomas Lilly ,
Adam Leonard, blacksmith
300 John Leonard, carpenter 896
125 William Little
600 Abraham Leister
150 Joseph Lindsay 1,867
365 Daniel Loehery.
150 Anthony Little 215
525 John Little 75
254 Barney Little 60O
573 Cornelius Lott, weaver 631
586 Jacob Laurence 100
250 Moses Lockhart 2,218
131 Rebecca Mcllvain 607
600 John and David McCleary 5,261
900 William Malone, carpenter 75
123 Stuart Montieth, weaver
169 AmosMcCreary 1,166
610 Michael Marshall, shoe-maker lOO
75 Nicholas Myer 379
200 Lewis Miller 1,061
444 Andrew Mcllvain 4, 144
850 Francis Mayer 178
170 Catherine Myer
125 John McClain
700 James McSherry 120
75 Hugh McSherry .' 2,lOO
730 John McSherry 1,580
890 John Mouse 5,424
332 Catherine Morningstar, widow 75
75 Adam Morningstar, blacksmith 120
540 Andrew Midom 511
135 John McBlip (McKellopp) 75
John Mcllvain 1,500
Mathias Albert $1,
Ignatius Adams
John Andrew's estate 1,
Henry Arnold, shoe-maker
Daniel Butt
William Baily 8,
Paul Bart, joiner
Brian Bigham
John Britten, carpenter
Henry Brinkenhoff
Henry Buckhannon
Gilbert Brinkenhoff (1 slave) 1,
Michael Bower
Solomon Chambers
Michael Clapsadle, joiner
Francis Cassat
Christian Cashman 1,
David Casaat 1,
William Cooper 1,
Hannah Cooper, widow
Josiah Clements 4,
Elias Crisman
David Cullen
John Croombacker
Divas Collins, weaver
John Cashem
John Conenover 1,
David Comeiiyore
Ninnion Chamberlain* 1,
James DriscoU
Joseph Detrich 1,
James Dannel
Garrit Demaree, carpenter
Margaret DegraS, widowf 3,
David Dunner 1,
Jacob Ebert 1,
John Eisenrod
Henry Eisenrod 1
John Evving
Isaac Ewing
Ludwick Eichelberger 1,
Robert Ewing 1,
Christian Freet, Sr 2,
Christian Freet, Jr
Peler Freet, blacksmith
Adam Fuller 1,
David Freeman
Mathias Fetherhuff
Henry Fargison
Martin Garver
Michael Gallaher, tailor
William Galbreath
Robert Galbreath
Jacob Gilbert, weaver
Philip Gilbert
Christian Hoffman
William HoUobach, tailor
Gasper Hansel, weaver
*One leniale slave $2:
tone mule slave $3U.
JFeniale slave.
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
317
John Nosbeck, nailsmitli
Arthur O'Neil 75
Henry Peecher 3,779
Martin Pottorf
Henry Pottorf 100
John Plot 150
John Patton 379
Margaret PofEenberger, widow 1,030
William Kyan
Jacob RunK 980
John Range 3,970
Jacob Rider 1,516
William Renolds 1,580
John Renolds 75
Mary Reed 810
Michael Sarbach 136
John Shriver, gunsmith 3,544
Jacob Stiteley 100
Charles Smith 1,624
Philip Slintz 1,183
Jacob Slintz 1,580
Jacob Sharror
Samuel Smith. .., 950
Valentine Stickel 890
Charity Schrock, widow
M. Slegel 440
William Sturgen, hotel 1,300
Catherine Schoop, widow 980
Mathias Spitter 3,870
Andrew Shanon, weaver
Peter Sheely 660
Nicholas Sheely 660
Jacob Sheely; 1,400
George Shiiler 125
John Springer 1,000
Louis Snoden, shoe-maker 125
Conrad Snyder 2,630
Anthony Snyder 1,500
John Tempion 1,030
Joseph Thompson 976
William Torrants 1,800
Peter Vandike 1,100
Michael Widworth, weaver 75
William Wilson 3,552
Benjamin Whitley, Sr 1,975
David Welsh 75
Sebastian Wever 300
George Wheckert 2,800
Eva Wheckert, widow
Joseph Wilson 3,003
George Wolfort
Peter Wolfort, Sr 3,328
Peter Wolfort, Jr |2.221
William Watson 1,593;
Ludwick Waggoner, shoe-maker 400'
Peter Yong 7, 188-
Baltzer Yong l|270'
Mary Yong ■■■■ 1,537
George Yenowine 1,340
SINGLB MEN.
Abraham Albert, wagon-maker 308.
John Buckhanon 1,200
Henry Chambers 8(16-
John Dannel 1,125.
James DryeofE, tailor
Michael DryeofE
Alexander Bwing
Robert Ewing
William Ewing
William Ewing shoe-maker
Philip Fleshmer 269'
Anthony Fleshman
Charles House, weaver
Abraham Hochderben 1,264
John Hoopert
John Keas
James Lochart
Moses Loehart
Alex Leckey, Esq 3,194
David Mercervey, butcher
George McEntire
James McDonnel
Mathew Marsden 1,013
James Marsden 1,01 3
Capt. Robert Mcllvain, miller
Joseph Myar ; 856-
David Neesbit
Henry Plot
Peter PofEenberger
John Springer
John Snyder
Aaron Torrants
John Torrants
Moses Torbit lOO'
Andrew Whitely
Benjamin Whitely
Hugh Watson, Weaver
WilliamWatson
JamesWatson
Predric Yong
George Waggoner
Jacob Sherley
Peter Smith, of Mountpleasant Township, who died April 9, 1884, served!
in Capt. Adams' company during the war of 1812, and is said to be the last
of the old soldiers from Adams County. The Mountpleasant volunteers-
formed a strong, well drilled command in 1828. The Buchanan Rifles, of
Mountpleasant Township, organized in March, 1859. The Union Eifle Com-
pany was organized at Mount Rock in January, 1861, composed of men from
Oxford, Conowago and adjoining townships. Subsequently the members held
a meeting declaring their determination to stand by the Constitution of the
Union. This was the first military company organized, in anticipation of
civil war, which declared a principle.
A. Eckert, delegate from Mountpleasant in the convention of 1834, voted.
against the adoption of the school law .
518 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
The Harrisburg Junction, Harrisburg & Gettysburg Eailroad passes through
the northern part of the township. The postoffices in Mountpleasant are Bon-
neauville and Eedland.
CHORCHES.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Bonaughtown or Bonneauville was founded
in May, 1859, on lands donated by Alexander Shorb. The corner-stone was
placed July 31, 1859, and the church was dedicated Febu'ary 20, 1860. Eev.
Basil A. Shorb, a son of John Shorb, of Union Township, who died April 4,
1871, aged sixty-one years, was the first pastor. The vault in which his remains
were placed is in the center of the cemetery. Prior to the erection of this
building the congregation attended church at Conowago. Rev. Father Pope
succeeded as pastor, and to him is due the change of the village name from
Bonaughtown to Bonneauville. During his administration the brick denomin-
ational schoolhouse was erected and placed in charge of the Sisters of Charity.
Father Mcllhenny was appointed successor to Rev. Mr. Pope; later Rev. An-
drew O'Brien, then Father Shanahan was pastor, and he was succeeded by
Eev. Father Gorman.
St. Luke's Reformed Church, near White Hall or Red Land and Bonneau-
ville, was organized in 1846, with twenty members, by Eev. Jacob Sechler.
The building was erected in 1846, and dedicated November 22, that year, as a
Union Lutheran and Reformed Church. Among the original members were
Daniel Kohler, George Bowman, David Biehl and William Goulden, Lu-
therans. Samuel Swope, Jacob Miller and George Bowman formed the build-
ing committee.
Salem United Brethren Church, also called the ' ' Stone Church, ' ' was
erected in 1845 by the pastor. Rev. Samuel L. Minnick. The preachers, whose
names are given in the history of the church at Littlestown, were also in charge
of the Salem congregation.
The Catholic Congregation of Mount Rock, or Centennial (as the old village
was named in 1876), formed a part of the Conowaga xjongregation up to 1869,
when the stone church building was completed at ' ' Mount Rock, over the
Hill, ' ' and named ' ' St. Charles. ' ' The land on which this building stands
was donated by Charles Smith for church and school purposes.
WHITE HALL OE RED LANDS.
This is the name given to a postal village in the southern pai-t of the town-
ship. Close by there was a military post standing 130 years ago, but by whom
erected or in what cause has not yet been ascertained. The settlement of the
hamlet dates back about twenty-six years, when the Lohrs and Millers located
here; a few years later William McSherry became interested in the location,
and built a few dwelling houses and a large three-story business building,
which subsequently became known as the National Hotel. Enterprise was car-
ried so far as to introduce a printing office there in 1878, the White Hall Vis-
itoi — a little journal devoted to Greenbackism — was started; next came the
postof&ce, tradesmen's shops, a large dry goods store, meat market and cigar
factory. White Hall sprang up into a village. Its proximity to Littlestown,
Hanover, Gettysburg and New Oxford tends, in opposition to its enterprise, to
limit its growth. The churches of the several denominations are within easy
distance.
Red Land postoffice was established in September, 1866 or 1867, with Will-
iam A. McSherry postmaster.
OXFOKD TOWNSHIP. 321
MOUNT EOCK.
This place is the center o£ one of the earliest settlements in Pennsylvania.
It is said that over a century and a half has passed away since the first house
or cabin was built on the site of the Pohlman dwelling. In 1735 Lord Balti-
more patented to Ludwig Schriver the land in this neighborhood, and on this
tract he erected the second mill built on the Little Conowago, on the site of
the O'Bald Mill. The first merchant at this point was Daniel Lawrence, a
brother of G-eorge Lawrence, the pioneer tavern-keeper and owner of the old
Eeed farm of 1754. The era of progress of the settlement dates back to the
early part of this century, when Edward Eielly established the first limekiln.
He was followed in this industry by John Lilly, who erected a log house on
the present Pohlman tract, and made lime manufacture an extensive business.
As early as 1780 Samuel Lilly, his grandfather, located part of his land grant
in this neighborhood. Samuel Wolf established the third set of kilns.
He also erected the brick house, now the property of Peter Noel. The post-
office was established herein 1876, with Miss J. M. O'Neil in charge. The lit-
tle village is the scene of busy life, and in it and around it some of the
neatest homes in the whole county are to be found.
BONNBAUVILLE.
This village, formerly called Bonaughton, dates its beginning back to
about 1772, when a log cabin was erected in what is called the public square.
Elizabeth Sourbeer, whose father built a stone house just west of Bonneau-
ville, in the last century, is now a resident of Martinsburg, Va. In 1810 she
attended Squire Brinkerhoff's log school, which then stood in the square.
James Foster also taught there. John Bckert put up a house here about this
time, following the example of the first school teacher, who had built himself
a, better home then the old log cabin offered. The office at Square Corner was
removed to Bonneauville in June, 1861, with Ambrose Staub postmaster, vice
Jacob Noel, the former officer at the ' ' Corner. ' ' Ezra Noel is the present
postmaster.
CHAPTER XLIII.
OXFOED TOWNSHIP AND BOEOUGH OF NEW OXPOED.
LITTLE CONOWAGO CEEEK forms the entire western line of Oxford
Township flowing north to Great Conowago Creek and forming a confluence
at the northeastern corner of Mountpleasant Township. This creek also forms
the southwetern and part of the southern boundary of the township, with its
main feeder, Lilly Creek, completing its southern line. A few small creeks
flow south and west into the Little Conowago, while Hamilton Creek rises in
the northeastern corner of the township. Mcllvaine' s Eun heads near New Ox-
ford and flows into the Little Conowago.
The country presents a heavy, rolling appearance, while in its southern
sections it is bold and rugged. Prom near Oxford, 521* feet above the Atlantic
level, the tower of Conowago Chapel, four miles away, may be seen. The soil
♦According to measurements made by Joseph S. Gitt in 1851, the altitude is 696 feet.
322 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ie still rich after its continiied cultivation, and yields abundantly where prop-
erly cared for. In June, 1869, iron ore was discovered on Jacob Slagle's farm.
Seifert, MoManus & Co. leased the land and entered on mining. Here also
a portion of the Mount Rock limestone field makes its appearance.
On the Krng farm is a large stone bank barn, which was built in 1782 by
Col. H. D. Slagle, one of the first settlers; the inscription stone is still in
the building; and on the farm of Jacob Slagle is a locust post with the date
1746 cut in it.
Eailroads were projected in this vicinity as early as 1835, for in that year
Dr. PfeiflPer managed a line from York to Gettysburg via New Oxford. In
January 6. 1858, the railroad from Hanover to New Oxford was opened. The
Hanover Branch Railroad, consolidated under the name of Hanover Junction,
Hanover & Gettysburg Railroad, took place in November, 1874, when A. W.
Eichelberger was elected president; E. A. Eichelberger, treasurer; Henry
Wert, secretary. George Swope and Matthew Eichelberger, of Gettysburg,
were among the newly elected directors.
Myers' mill wooden bridge on the Carlisle and Oxford road was built in 1836
by John Camp for $1,350. In 1860 Henry Chritzman and David Zeigler, Jr.,
erected a covered bridge over the Little Conowago at Dellone's mill for
$889. In 1866 J. M. Pittenturf erected a covered wooden bridge over the
Little Conowago, at Gitt's mill for $1,449. The wooden bridge at Clunk's miU
in Oxford and Mountpleasant was built by Joseph J. Smith in 1881 for $544.
In 1815 a proposition to build a pike from Gettysburg to York was made,
but did not materialize until 1818. In December, 1819, the twenty-eight miles,
of road via New Oxford and Abbotstown were completed at a cost of $107,-
866. 50, John Murphy superintending the work in this coimty. The Colum-
bia & Pittsburgh Stage Company opened their stage line via New Oxford and
Gettysburg in November, 1834. In 1828 Reesicle Slaymaker & Co.'s coaches
commenced running between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The latter mail
was called the "Good Intent" and the newspaper mail "The Telegraph."
The latter was slow until 1834, when it was brought up to better mail time.
The ' ' Mail ' ' and ' ' Opposition ' ' used to dash into and through New Oxford at
this time.
The number of taxpayers (1886) is 258; value of real estate, $380,876;
number of horses, etc., 209; of cows, etc., 212; value of moneys at interest,
$24,537; of trades and professions, $8,600; number of carriages, 58; of watch-
es, 2; of acres of timber land, 250. The population in 1850 was 931 (3 col-
ored); in 1860, 1,201 (4 colored); in 1870, 1,322 (7 colored); and in 1880, 851.
Of the 1,352 inhabitants in the township in 1880, 501 belonged to the borough
of New Oxford; farms over 20 acres, 66; less than 20 acres, 52; grist-mills,
2 ; saw-mills, 2 ; tile works, 1 ; brick-yards, 1, and limestone quarries, 9.
The original entry of part of this township dates back to 1730, when Sam-
uel Lilly purchased a portion of " Digges' Choice " in the neighborhood of
Irishtown. Henry Gearnhart also purchased 273 acres at the foot of the Pigeon
Hills, in 1750, and in the same year the Penns sold to Robert Lorimore a tract
close by. This, with the Seminary farm, which Lorimore purchased from
Gearnhart in 1758, was his property until April 4, 1794, when a friar preach-
er, named Joseph Herout, purchased the whole tract and set about establish-
ing a school there, as related in the History of Heroutford. A reference to-
the original assessment roll of Berwick Township, of which Oxford formed a
part up to 1847, points out the names of all the property owners in this town-
ship when the county was organized. In the sketches of New Oxford, Irish-
town and Heroutford, the minutiae of the township's history is given.
OXFORD TOWNSHIP, 323
Capt. Jacob Winrode, of the Ninth Pennsylvania Militia, was court-mar-
tialed at Oxford, January 13, 1803. The charge was ' ' Wearing the black
cockade, and red and blue worsted tape." He denied his guilt, but was held
guilty and fined 17.40. Richard Knight presided, with Nicholas Marshall as
judge-advocate. Lieut. James McSherry, Ensign William Ewing and Will-
iam Galbreth were tried at the same time, found guilty and fined. Capt. Alex-
ander Cobean's company, from Adams County, which went to the defense of
Baltimore in 1814, lost three men, viz. : Adam M. Wortz, David Middlecoif
and James Dickson. When Cobean was promoted to a colonelcy, William
Meredith became captain; George Hersh, who died June 22, 1871, at New
Oxford, and John S . Crawford, of Gettysburg, do not appear among the
names on the pay-roll. The military company of forty men, known as the
" Oxford Fencibles," was organized at New Oxford in March, 1859. The infan-
try company organized at New Oxford in May, 1861, was commanded by T.
S. Pfeiffer, with A. M. Martin and Henry L. Gitt as lieutenants, and C. W.
Kehm, orderly. Frederick Steiger, of Oxford Township, was the only resident
of the township mustered in in April, 1861, with Company E, Second Eegi-
ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
The New Oxford Soldiers' Relief Society was organized in November, 1861,
with Mrs. George Hersh as president, Mrs. William D. Himes, secretary, and
others, including Mrs. Peter Diehl, Mrs. John R. Hersh, Mrs. James Town-
send, Mrs. F. Hersh, Mrs. Joseph S. Gitt, Mrs. Thomas Himes, Mrs. Dr.
Hendrix, Mrs. A. F. Gitt, Mrs. F. Sherman, Mrs. John Barnitz, Mrs. J.
Heagy, Miss E. Miley, Miss Hattie Gallagher and Miss Kate Stock. The
young ladies of New Oxford also organized a soldiers' relief society in De-
cember, 1861, with Miss Lizzie Pfeiffer, president, and Miss Lizzie Martin,
secretary ; Misses Maria Rehm, Sarah Shane, Alice L. Gitt, Hattie Gallagher,
Sally Haines, Kate Stock, Lucy Ellis, Emma Bastress, Mary J. Bentz, Lizzie
McNair and Sasan Himes.
The accidental killing of Rebecca Crist, October 17, 1835, occurred during
a children's impromptu carnival at New Oxford. In a shop close by the play-
ground, a loaded shot gun was carelessly left standing. A boy got possession
of it, and made this little eight-year old girl the victim. William Colton, a
constable, was tried in December, 1870, for the strangulation of John Bond,
at New Oxford, August 15, 1870. The jury found a verdict of not guilty. In
May, 1872, several German bone gatherers camped in the woods near New
Oxford. One of the women took the small -pox and died in the woods, on hear-
ing which, the New Oxonians paid a dauntless villager $8 to bury the unfort-
unate one.
In December, 1875, a fire, which originated in Joseph S. Gitt's stable,
threatened the destruction of New Oxford. During the winter of 1885-86,
the burning of the Myers livery stable and other property held out a similar
threat. In June, 1820, Daniel Diehl' s barn near New Oxford, was struck by
lightning and burned up. The old Diehl flouring-mill near New Oxford,
which was burned in the winter of 1857-58, was rebuilt in the fall of
1858. The T. C. Noel mill, destroyed by fire in April, 1883, was rebuilt and
new machinery introduced into it. The first great storm remembered by old
settlers here took place in 1823. The storm of May 16, 1844, destroyed many-
buildings, fences and groves throughout the township. This was phenomenal
in velocity and destructivehess. Another storm took place in 1849, and in May,
1859, the great hailstorm swept over the country. The drought of 1822' was
another strange freak of nature. Conowago Creek and its tributaries were en-
tirely emptied of their waters by evaporation. Sixteen years prior to this a
S24 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
plague of caterpillars destroyed the wheat and rye crops. The floods of 1786
and 1826 exceeded the greatest overflows of the Conowago in modern times.
IRISHTOWN.
Such is the name given to a German settlement in the southwest quarter of
the township. In 1730 this section formed a part of the Samuel Lilly tract, but
three-fourths of a century elapsed before the improvers settled here. Shortly
after the county was organized a number of Irishmen came to this romantic
part of the Conowago Valley. Hugh and Andrew Lynch erected a house, then
James McBarron, followed by the Coligans, McClains, McBrides, Coltons,
Marshalls, Pattersons and others. For this reason the name "Irishtown"
was bestowed upon it, although the neighborhood is now as Teutonic by race
as any part of Germany. The borough of New Oxford is only a few miles
distant, and there the principal market town for this district is found. The
country in the neighborhood of Irishtown is a rich agricultural region and
contains many fine farms. The hamlet itself presents an air of business which
would do credit to a village. In January, 1886, V. A. Laurence was appointed
the first postmaster here. Prior to this the mail was sent up from New Oxford
to be distributed at Clunk's store.
The Church of St. Peter Canisius, a large brick and stone edifice, was
erected in 1868-69. Here also are the school-rooms of St. Peter Canisius.
HEEOUTFORD.
Heroutf ord or Pigeon Hills settlement dates back to the middle of the last
quarter of the last century, when a school was established there for the accom-
modation of the youth of the district (1794) by Joseph Herout, himself a
Sulpician friar. In 1806 a Sulpician seminary was founded here by Abbe
Dillet, known as ' ' Pigeon Hills College, ' ' for the purpose of educating youth
in the Greek and Latin classics. In 1830 the property was known as the
" Seminary Farm," and from that date to 1849 it was devoted to purely educa-
tional purposes by the superior of St. Mary's College, Baltimore, where stu-
dents might spend their vacation. During the years of its educational history
a large church was erected, large college halls built, and the grounds laid out
in park ways. Here, in 1803, the Trappist friars, when expelled from the
' ' Vaterland, ' ' found a refuge, and from this place they set out under Rev. Ur-
ban Guillet to found their order in the wilds of Kentucky.
Eev. Andrew Miller, who was a minister of the German Baptist Church,
connected with the Pigeon Hills congregation for over fifty years, died in York
County May 20, 1880, aged eighty years.
BOROUGH OF NEW OXFORD.
This borough was surveyed and platted in 1792 for Henry Kuhn by James
Bolton. This land extending westward was patented to him about this time,
and is known in State records as "Providence," but when platted it was named
Oxford Town, for the dual reason of a ford existing just westward, and of ' ' Dutch
Frederick's Stand," a butcher's shop and hotel, having the head of an ox set
up in front of his house. In 1822 Dr. Pfeiffer had the name changed to "New
Oxford." This was on the old Pittsburgh and Philadelphia road, and up to
1847 was an important stage town. In 1800 the effort was made to have the
seat of justice located here. Thirty-five years later the people made an effort
OXFORD TOWNSHIP. 325
to build a railroad from York to Gettysburg via their village; but not until
1858 was a railroad opened to this point. Butcher Frederick's hotel was
undoubtedly the first building in Providence. Eichard Adams erected what
was known as "Blair's old house" in 1798; Mathias Martin built the third
house (now occupied by Thomas Himes), in 1800. About this time a house
was buUt where Mr. Gitt erected his residence in 1876. George Bange, the
first store-keeper, lived in a house built by George Kuhn about 1800. Schnell's
shoe store is built on the site. Boyer erected a log house in 1800,
where Mr. Wiest, in later years, carried on the hotel business, now the Eagle
House. William Sturgeon, who was accidentally killed in 1822, built the
Indian Queen Hotel in 1800, where is now a hardware store. In 1799 Will-
iam Elder built on the corner opposite. ' The beginnings of the villaige were
made.
A petition was presented to the judge of quarter sessions in April,
1874, asking for the incorporation of the borough. This was granted August
20, 1874, and the first election was held at the Washington House in October,
1874. Dr. J. W. Hendrix was elected burgess in 1874, and served down to
1885, when T. Bowers was elected. The councilmen elected annually are
named in the following list :
1874— Jos. S. Gitt, A. Sheely, W. M. Swartz, J. H. Wiest, J. E. Hersh,
W. J. McClure.
1875— Dr. McOlui-e, J. S. Gitt, J. H. Wiest, W. M. Schwartz, J. E.
Hersh, Abram Sheely.
1876— Dr. McClure, Abram Sheely, J. E. Hersh, J. J. Kuhn, D. J. S.
Melhom, Joseph S. Gitt.
1877 — Abram Sheely, J. B. Gross, W. D. Himes, Joseph S. Gitt, Levi
Wagner, Pius J. Noel.
1878— Joseph S. Gitt, Levi Wagner, A. Sheely, H. J. Myers, T. D.
Smith, W. D. Himos.
1879— W. D. Himes, J. S. Gitt, Levi Wagner, Dr. Smith, H. K. Schnell,
J. B. Gross.
1880— A. C. Diehl, Dr. Smith, Joseph S. Gitt, P. J. Noel, Levi Wagner.
1881— P. Feiser, MeC. Gilbert, Abram Sheely, W. D. Himes, J. A.
Weaver, A. J. Myers, J. S. Gitt.
1882— McLain Gilbert, Joseph S. Gitt, A. S. Himes, Peter Feiser, Zelotus
H. Fashman, Emmert P. Noel (a tie).
1883— A. S. Himes, Em. Harr, John S. Weaver, Peter A. Guise, D. J. A.
Melhom, A. C. Diehl.
1884— Peter A. Guise, W. D. Emmert, Joseph S. Gitt, John S. y\ eaver,
A. Sheely, A. S. Himes.
1885— D. S. Coleman, W. A. Diehl.
The justices elected were John C. Zouck, John Lenhai-t, A. J. Myers,
Joseph S. Gitt, D. J. A. Melhorn and E. G. Cook.
The number of tax-payers in the borough (1886) is 209; value of real
estate, $181,325; number of horses, etc., 67; number of cows, etc., 40; value
of moneys at interest 1139,685; of trades and professions, 115,040; number of
pleasure carriages, 65; of gold watches, 14; acres of timber land, 13. The
population in 1880 was 501, estimated now at about 600.
CHURCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal Church dates back to 1829-30, when a society was
organized and a small meeting-house erected by John Barnitz and others.
This little building stood in the rear of what was known as the ' ' Old Commons. "
326 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
In 1845 it gives place to the quaint old structure on the Abbottstown road,
which in time will disappear in favor of the proposed brick and stone
building to be erected on the southeast corner of the square and the Abbotts-
town road. In 1867 Hanover and New Oxford were set off as a station with
Eev. Jos. Ross in charge. The preachers in charge of York Springs from
1843 to 1867 may be said to have also served this society, although a few
other names appear on the records. Prior to 1844 it belonged to the Gettys-
burg Cii'cuit, when Messrs. Dill Clark, George Hildt, W. O. Lunsden, T. H.
W. Munroe, S. Kepler, J. C. Lyon, Jonathan Munroe, Robert Crooks and other
preachers of the time visited this place.
The Catholic Congregation here dates from the very beginning of the settle-
ment, when the people had to attend Conowago Chapel. In later years services
were held here in private houses until 1852, when the present brick church of the
Immaculate Heart was erected on land donated by Jacob Martin, north of the-
square on Carlisle Street. Father Denecker attended this part of the mission
up to 1879, when Rev. Francis Casey, S. J. , was appointed priest of New
Oxford and Paradise. Father Archambault came next, and he was followed by
rather Richards, S. J. There are about 400 members belonging to this con-
gregation.
Evangelical Lutheran Church at New Oxford. — The corner-stone of this
church was placed July 28, 1860, and the building dedicated May 9, 1861. Prior
to this time the society worshiped in the old Union Church. Dr. Hauer was
pastor from 1860 to 1872; P. S. Orwigfrom 1878 to 1879, and Eev. John Tom-
linson, of Abbottstown Circuit, the present pastor. The new building stands on
the same street as the Reformed Church, but north of the Abbottstown road.
Joseph R. Diehl is secretary. Property is valued at 14,000, and the number of
members placed at 180.
St. Paul's German Reformed Church, built in 1861, on the site of the old
Union Reformed Lutheran Church of 1820 — the first church building erected
here — is a large brick edifice, standing south of the Abbottstown road, in the
old cemetery of 1829. In May, 1861, while the workmen were tearing down
the old brick church to make way for the new German Reformed Church, they
found in the corner-stone of 1821 a full bottle of wine, several coins and the
remains of a hymn book, Bible, etc. Rev. Mr. HofPheims (during whose ad-
ministration this church was built in 1861), Messrs. Davis, Aaron Spangler,
Colliflower and David U. Wolf have served this church during the last quarter
of a century.
CEMETEEY.
New Oxford Cemetery. — In pursuance of a petition to the couii of common
pleas of Adams County by the following persons, January 21, 1864 — Peter
Diehl, John Barnitz, Washington N. Swartz, William D. Himes, Josephs. Gitt,
Joseph Stoner, John I. Hersh, A. F. Gitt, Michael Levenstine, Frank Hersh,
William Stock, John R. Hersh, Elias Slagle, Aaron Heagy, James Towsend —
The court granted, on January 12, 1865, a charter of incorporation to the above
named persons (for some cause the charter was not lifted until 1873). April 9,
1873, the following survivors met to organize: Peter Diehl, John Barnitz, W. N.
Swartz, William D. Himes, Joseph Gitt, A. F. Gitt, John E. Hersh and Aaron
Heagy. William D. Himes was called to the chair and J. S. Gitt appointed
secretary; the following persons were then elected officers : President, William
!D. Himes; managers, Peter Diehl, John R. Hersh, Aaron Heagy and W. M.
Swartz. About five and one-half acres of ground a half mile west of the
borough was purchased, running south from the turnpike to the Conowago
Creek and neatly laid out in areas and lots with shrubbery. It is intended to
OXFORD TOWNSHIP. 327
put up dui-ing 1886 a neat house, there being sufficient funds on hand and no
debts; and, in addition, Mrs. Helen Henderson has presented them with 1500,
the interest only of which is to be used in keeping up the cemetery. Present
officers are president, A. S. Himes; managers, H. K. Schnell, A. C. Diehl,
William D. Himes and Abraham Sheely; secretary, William D. Himes.
INSTITUTE AND SCHOOLS.
New Oxford College and Medical Institute was founded in 1845 by Dr. M.
D. G. Pfeiffer, and buildings were erected in 1846. Mr. Seeker was the first
principal, and was followed by Messrs. Dinsmore and Share, and Thadeus and
Quincy Pfeiffer.
The old school building, which stood on High Street (where is now the J.
S. Weaver residence), was taken down in August, 1885. It was built over
100 years ago, about the time the old "Washington Hotel was erected, and
in it Peter Diehl attended school seventy-one years ago. The present public
schools are under the charge of Prof. Wolf, as shown in the general history.
The Catholic schools were established in 1862 by Rev. F. X. Denecker, and
a room in the church set apart for educational purposes. In 1877 a school-
house was erected. Mrs. Thrayer was the first teacher. She was followed by
Miss M. J. Felix, Joseph Smith, Miss Wager, John F. McSherry and E. G. Topper.
SOCIETIES.
The New Oxford Bible Society was organized in November, 1869, with John
R. Hersh, president. Womens' Christian Temperance Union, New Oxford
branch, was organized in January, 1886. A division of the G. A. R. was char-
tered here in J anuary, 1886. The headquarters of the Post are in the ' ' Eagle
House." Privatus Social Clubs, organized December 1, 1877, continued in ex-
istence until April, 1883. New Oxford Building Society was organized in May,
1870.
MISCELLANEOUS.
In 1822 Dr. PfeifPer was appointed first postmaster at New Oxford. His
salary was $125 for that year. In August, 1885, William J. Metzler was ap-
pointed, and he opened an office on the southeast corner of the square and the
Abbottstown road.
The ' ' Washington House, ' ' now a boarding house, was known in the early
history of the village as "Butcher Frederick's Stand" and again as "Miley's
Tavern. ' ' In the last century it was kept by Frederick and Henry Kuhn, next
by John Hersh ; in 1810 by George Himes, next by Fred Burkman, again by Fran-
cis Hildt and then by Philip Heagy, all prior to 1834. The Mileys, George F.
Becker, Jacob Beck, I. B. Houser, James Hersh, David Miller, A. Malaun, I. D.
W. Stonesif er, James Leece and the late Mr. Law conducted this house. The
latter died in January, 1886, and his widow is now the lessee, W. D. Emert
being the owner of the building since 1885.
The "Eagle House," on the northeast corner of Carlisle Street and Public
Square, was erected by the late Jacob Martin, in 1856, on the site of the old
Boyer log house. Mr. Martin, who died in 1885, conducted it as a grocery
store from 1841 to 1856. He opened it as a hotel in 1856 and carried it on un-
til 1867. J. H. Wiest took charge in 1867. He added a story to the building,
erected the large balcony and expended about $11,000 on improvements.
It was sold at sheriff' s sale to a Philadelphia Jew, from whom James Leece pur-
chased it in 1883. It is an extra good village hotel, nicely situated, and claims
328 HISTORV OF ADAMS COUNTY.
a large summer trade. An old tavern stood, where is now the J^oseph S. Gitt
residence, about ninety years ago.
The "Indian Queen Tavern," at New Oxford, was offered for rent by
William Sturgeon in 1822. He built the corner house, where the hardware
store is, in 1800.
The first railroad agents at New Oxford were the grain merchants, Bas-
tress & Winter, in 1858. George Young, although a grain, merchant about
this time, was not agent. Frank Hersh succeeded in 1859 or 1860, and he in
turn was succeeded by David Hoke about 1865. In 1867 Frank and Paul
Hersh were appointed agents; in 1871 the Townsend Bros, took charge,
and in 1873 H. J. Myers was appointed agent. C. S. Eebert is acting
agent, having charge of the telegraph, passenger and freight departments of
the office.
CHAPTER XLIV.
READING TOWNSHIP.
CONOWAGO CEEEK forms apart of the western line of Beading Township
and its entire southern line from the northwest corner of Mountpleasant
Township to the line of York County, east of East Berlin. Streams course through
the township noiih toward Bermudian Creek and south and east toward Conowago
Creek. There is very little mountain land found in this division of the county;
but many prominent hills occur. The soil is exceptionally good and offers to
the agriculturist a fair reward for honest, intelligent labor. The elevation at
the village of Hampton is 552 feet.
In Reading Township the rock exposures comprise purple mud rock, on the
county line, coarse-grained trap, light bluish mud rock. Oil was discovered
on the Harman farm near Hampton, in April, 1866, and a well bored by Maj.
Dyke. Similar indications occur on the Seminary Farm in Berwick Township.
A human rib was found in a rock, taken out in August, 1876, at Dick's place
in this township, but as soon as exposed to the air it crumbled to dust.
In 1811 the bridge across the Great Conowago at "Blake's Fording," on
the Carlisle and Hanover road, was built by John Murphy for 14,899. It is
150 feet long and contains five arches. In 1861 John Finley built the covered
bridge on the East Berlin and Harrisburg road, over the Conowago, for $2,700.
In 1862 Samuel Stouffer erected a covered wooden bridge at "Bear's Ford"
of the Conowago, on the York Springs and Abbottstown road for f 2, 343.
In Reading Township there was only one retailer of foreign merchandise
in 1824, viz., Joseph W. Entler, represented by John Blake. John Bosserman
was the returning officer of the township.
The number of taxpayers (1886) is 417; value of real estate, 1547,697;
number of horses, etc., 469; number of cows, etc., 512; value of moneys at
interest, 172,749; value of trades and professions, 18,621; number of carriages,
218; watches, 1; acres of timber land, 1,205. The population in 1800 was
687; in 1810, 732; in 1820, 818—413 males, 393 females, 3 slaves and 9 free
colored; in 1830, 1,001; in 1840, 1,028; in 1850, 1,252 (2 colored); in 1860,
1,281; in 1870, 1,326 (2 colored), and in 1880, 1,382.
READING TOWNSHIP.
331
Eeadmg Township, through its delegate, P. Myers, voted against adopting
the school law of April 1, 1834, in the county convention of November 4, 1834.
In later years, however, all objections were withdrawn and the common school
system adopted.
The assessment of the township was made in December, 1798, and Janu-
ary, 1799, by Christian Bushey, assisted by James Chamberlain, and John
Hildebrand. The total assessed value was 1126,670.75, on which a tax of 27
cents per $100 was collected by Christian Bushey and John Picking. The
single men of the township, denoted by letters S. M., were taxed $1 each.
George Asper | 777
Henry Aspev 27
Frederick Asper 791
Frederick Asper, Jr 307
Jacob Asper 410
John Asper 54
Abraham Asper, weaver 30
Frederick Asper, joiner 30
Abraham Arnold, joiner 54
Peter Aughenbough, s. m
John Aughenbough 1,432
Anthony Aughenbough 853
Jacob Albert 1,164
Benjamin Bokwalter 2,477
John Beaker 864
John Bowman 312
Daniel Brown 1,604
Christian Bushey 1,086
Harman Bleaser 384
Henry BreHsal 32
John Bushey 873
John Bowar 100
Nicholas Bushey 1,795
Peter Bushey, s. m
Thomas Burns 294
Benjamin Beatty 3,516
William Beatty 51
Samuel Beatty, s. m
John Bleack 998
John Beatty 15
Jacob Brough 2,520
John Chamberlain 1,063
James Chamberlain 1,547
Jacob Crisswell 620
Thomas Crisswell, s. m
Abram Chronister 46
John Chronister 50
Henry Chronister 2,567
Henry Chronister, Jr.,cordwinder,s m. 15
Michael Cole 1,130
Michael Cole, Jr., s. m 25
George Cole 21
John Cameron 20
Anthonv DeardorfE 3,700
John Deardorff 1,668
Lawrence Better 1,376
Anthony Deardorff 1,180
Peter DeardorfE 771
Patrick Daley, s. m
John Ehrhart 829
Samuel Fleming, s. m
Widow Fox 1,064
Frederick Fleager, blacksmith 374
John Fox 722
Chris. Foglesong, cordwinder $ 648
Borias Fahnestock 238
Daniel Fahnestock 400
Abram Flacher, tailor 35
John Guslar 1,285
John Guslar, s. m
David Griffith 161
Fred Gelwicks 419
Henry Gross 274
Martain Getts 66
Jacob Gardner, tanner, s. m 30
James Heastot, tanner 30
Michael Harbolt 1,309
John Hubler, s. m
Philip Heanaman 1,383
Adam Heartzel 46
Jacob Hollinger 58
Philip Hobaugh 869
Nehemiah Howell 37
Henry Hull 908
William Hodge, Jr 969'
Richard Hanna, s. m
George Herman 401
Andrew Hardman 400
Conrad Heans 796
Ulrich Huver '. 1,300
Jacob Hubble, s. m
John Hildebrand, tanner 1,210
Joseph How, s. m., blacksmith 30
Valentine Hollinger 44
Isaac Hemis, cooper 20
Benjamin Harlocher, clock-maker 132
William Johnston* 1,941
Martain John 709'
George .Jones, weaver 47
Philip Kimmel 1,056
Michael Kimmel 941
Jonas Kimmel 639
Jacob Kimmel 16
Isaiah King, mason 346
Christian King, cordwinder 883
Abram King, s. m 34
Leonard King, s. m., mason 174
Valentine Knob 1,418
Jacob Knob, s. m
Michael Krugh, cordwinder 37
David Kilmer 971
Henry Kilmer 791
Michael Keener, blacksmith 33
John Lighty 1,278
John Lighty, s. m 30
Mathias'Lighty, s. m
Isaac Latshaw, Sr 1,387
Isaac Latshaw, Jr 1,026'
♦Including one slaTe.
332
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Philip Leace, s.m $
Leonard Leace 3,268
Philip Levich 760
Benjamin Lighty 635
Widow Learner 147
Jarrit Long 1,288
David Myers 1,200
Henry Myers 54
John Malone 1,658
Widow Malone 1,439
Jacob Moore 925
Robert McCurdy, s. m
Peter Musselman 480
Jacob Mishlar 431
Jacob Miley, s, m 1,156
John Miiey, s. m 1,156
George Millar 620
Adam Moser, wagon-maker 71
John Mheelman (or Wheelman) 7
Nicholas Myers 1,901
Henry Myers 1,182
Henry Martzall 14
Jacob Myers 1,265
John Myers, inn-keeper 3,156
James McFarland 1,886
William McFarland, s. m
John Myers 646
Robert MrCorkle 1,108
Nicholas Myers 1,006
Widow McUurdy 584
James Malagin 41
John NiRbman, tailor 619
Henry Nell 2,140
Jacob Nell, s. m
John Neely, Sr 614
James Neely 594
Thomas Neely 603
John Overholtzer 1,818
Christian Overholtzer, s. m., miller. . . 30
Samuel Overholtzer, s. m
John Overholtzer, Jr 339
John Oblanis 2,375
Alexander Oblanis, s. m 15
John Picking, Jr., s. m
Henry Picking, s. m., mason 30
John Picking 1,143
Henry Picking f 804
Jacob Picking (deceased) 360
John Posserman 1,163
Abram Posserman, s. m
Robert Pollockf 624
James Pollock 728
David Pollock 561
John Pollock 573
Simon Pechar 1,397
Peter Painter 174
FredRyder 968
Jacob Rowdebush 664
Peter Raffelsberger, blacksmith • 37
Jacob Raffelsberger, blacksmith 190
Jacob Roof, s. m., blacksmith 15
Patrick Russell, weaver 29 .
Philip Sawrbough, s. m
David Sawrbough 869
Jacob Slider 1,043
Frederick Slider, s. m., weaver 30
Christian Sipe, cooper 27
Nicholas Sriver, carpenter 34
Daniel Slagle 418
Daniel Swilzer 47
PhilipSriver 281
Lawrence Spring 1,048
Mathias Stulliberger 40
Paul Troup 1,438
John Troup, tanner 61
James Twineam 855
Nicholas Vance 856
Jacob Vance 7
John Vance 629
Paul Wolf 1,289
Henry Wolf, s. m
David Weaver, tailor 564
David Weaver, Sr 874
Adam Wolf, weaver 27
William Weaklyt 1,693
James Weakly, s. m
John Wilson, s. ro 35
Valentine Walshe, s. m
George White 614
George Wollot 339
Daniel Yother, blacksmith 37
CH0KCHE8.
The Union Church, a meeting-house for Presbyterian, German Reformed
Lutheran and Methodist worshipers, was built here in 1844, and in that year the
•old school building, which was, indeed, more church than school, was ridded of
its periodical, god-like visitors, and left at the disposal of the mischievous
urchins of forty years ago. Prior to the erection of the old schoolhouse, the
Union Church, which stood in St. Paul's or the Pines grave-yard, was the
place of meeting.
The United Brethren Society worshiped in the Union Church until their
new building was dedicated, January 30, 1859, by Rev. J. S. Smith and Rev.
Benjamin Albert, preacher, who succeeded Rev. C. Weyl.
The Methodist Episcopal Society, organized in 1851 by Rev. Mr. Ulrich,
■continued worship in the old Union building.
The German Baptist Society, said to be one of the oldest organizations of
this faith in the county, erected a house of worship in 1861 just north of the
■f-AIso spelled Pollick.
}Two slayea valued at $100.
STRABAN TOWNSHIP. 333
village on the pike road. Eev. Adam Brown, referred to in other pages, has
served this society for many years.
The Upper Conowago German Baptist Church was razed in 1882, and a
new building erected on the ground, and is known as Mummert's Meeting-
house, near East Berlin. The building committee comprised Jesse Massmore,
Elias Hollinger, William Stoner, Joseph E. Bowser and P. S. Baker.
HAMPTON.
This village was surveyed and platted in 1814 for Dr. John B. Arnold and
Daniel Deardorff ; but the settlement of the immediate neighborhood antedates
its survey by years. The first lot was sold in 1814, and a house erected there-
on by David Albert. This is an old postal town, as shown in the records of
postmasters, given in the general history. In August, 1885, Lewis C. Geisel-
man, a merchant of the village, was appointed postmaster, vice Henry Meyers,
who held the office under the late administration. The hotel is known as the
"Washington House." The elevation of the village above the Ocean level is
estimated at 552 feet, and its population at 200.
ROUND HILL.
This is the name given to a group of houses near the line of Huntington
Township, forming the center of a rich agricultural district.
MISCELLANEOUS.
John Blake offered a reward of 110 for the return to him of a seventeen-
years-old negro girl, who ran away from his home in Reading Township,
three miles from Berlin, November 21, 1808.
During the high water of June, 1825, Jacob Hollinger' s wife and three
children, of Reading Township, were drowned at Walsh's mill, about two
miles from Berlin. About the same time Samuel Hilt, engaged on the new
bridge at that place, was also drowned.
CHAPTER XLV.
STRABAN TOWNSHIP.
ROCK CREEK forms the western line of Straban Township, Conowago
Creek a part of its northern and eastern lines, and Sweet Run a portion
of its southeastern line. The water-shed is clearly defined. Streams, north,
east and southeast of Hunterstown, flow north; and west of that village they
course to Rock Creek. The northeastern part of the township is very rugged.
There, also, is the Pine Ridge, for years irreclaimable, but now reduced to fine
farming land. In this neighborhood the altitude is calculated at about 600
feet. Throughout the surface rolls heavily; yet the farms are models of agri-
cultural wealth-givers. The elevation above the Atlantic, at New Chester, is
552 feet, and at Hunterstown, 578 feet. Copper ore was mined by Galloway
Bros., near Hunterstown, in 1884, and shipped to the smelting works at Dills-
burg.
334
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Abraham King and John Kain were the only retailers of foreign merchan-
dise in 18'24, according to a sworn statement made by Constable James King.
The number of tax payers (1886) is 534; value of real estate, $612,979; num-
ber of horses, etc., 589; number of cows, etc., 635; value of money at interest,
184,627; value of trades and professions, .119,635; number of carriages, 397;
of gold watches, 12; silver watches, 1; of acres of timber land, 2,364. The
population in 1800 was 987; in 1820, 1403, including 4 slaves, forty-nine free
colored and the 103 inhabitants of Hunterstown; in 1830, 1,308; in 1840,
1,375; in 1850, 1,433 (13 colored); in 1860, 1,466 (6 colored); in 1870,
1,547(11 colored); and in 1880, 1,712.
Straban Township, through its delegate in convention of November 4, 1834,
voted for the adoption of the school law; the State appropriation was $143.54,
and the tax, $138.48.
In 1807 the first contract for a stone bridge was made with William Max-
well for one across Eock Creek, just east of Gettysburg, length 60 feet,
three arches, cost $2,400. The bridge, still standing at Wolf's on the New
Chester road, was built in 1813, over the Conowago, by Jacob Hawn for
$2,195. It is 80 feet long, and has three arches. In 1840 John Camp erected
a wooden bridge over the Great Conowago, on the road from Hunterstown to
Latshaw's mill for $1,350. The railroad was completed to Gulden's Sta-
tion in June, 1858.
The assessment of Straban Township, made in 1799 for the year 1800, gives
the value of property at $132,197, on which a tax of 30 cents per $100 was
collected by Garret Van Arsdal and George Williamson. John Brinkerhoff was
assessor. The thirty-one single men in the township at that date were taxed
$1 each.
Henry Asbbaugh $ 50
Widow Aumerman
Henry Aumerman 50
James AUon 30
Abram Bercaw 1,100
Richard Brown 2,241
George Bercaw 1,310
Alex Bogle, s. m 729
Eliza Bogle, widow
James Bell 1,144
George Bolden, shoe-maker 50
JohnBeeher, distiller 1,019
Widow Bodine 907
John Bowdine 70
Henrv Black 70
William Bogle 3,109
George Rercaw, s. m 830
JohnBrough 816
George Brinkerhoff 3,373
John Brinkerhoff
Peter Baitter 1,500
George Bryars, not taxed
Alex. Clark, not taxed
Jacob Cassatt 2,085'
John Cameron 75
Widow Campbell 569
Samuel Cassatt, shoe-maker 50
Major Robert Campbell 1,324
David Cassatt 1,940
George Cashman 762
Christian Cashman 832
John Cashman, nailer ' 100
Archibald Coulter 976
Hugh Campbell, schoolmaster not taxed
John Dixon, distiller, squire $2,600
• Samuel Dixon, s. m 1,094
Adam Davis, blacksmith 100
Jacob Deitrick 1,621
Elizabeth Dunwoody 587
Andrew Dushain, tailor 50
David Demaree 572
Adam Ersick 1,020
Andrew Irvin 547
James Fleming 1,050
William Fleming 3,008
John Felt}', s. m., tanner, formerly
Clinsefelty 297
Martin Fry 75
Abram Fickes 898
John Gallatine, tailor [f 50
Robert Graham 935
William Gilliland, judge* 3,032
George Gun der ) 100
for Squire Russell f 1,884
John Graft 1,300
Philip Graft, distiller 2,34a
Stephen Griffin 3,445
Edward Hunt, schoolmaster, for. . ) . 50
William King, lot in Hunterstown ) . 70
George Hosier, wagon-maker 878
Peter Hick 705
Samuel Haddon 30
Samuel Houlsworth, s. m 1,250
Alex Hamilton, not taxed
Alex Hamilton, s. m 853
Capt. William Hamilton 170
♦Including one slave.
STRABAN TOWNSHIP.
335
George Hays ^ $3, 148
Henry Huffman 1,504
Daniel Huffman 1,700
Dr. James Hamilton, s. m 170
Jacob Haingst, blacksmith 148
Samuel Hays, Sr 614
Samuel Hays, Jr., distiller 670
Edward Hagenf 150
Aaron Haggeman, weaver 50
Arthur Harbaugh, shoe-maker 30
Oeorge Horn 1,373
Ludwick Hartman 50
Henry Hoke 100
Jacob Kipp, not taxed
Oeorge Knopp 981
George Lashell's, tavern and store 1.673
Adam Livingston 3,000
David Little 538
William Long, s. m., for Rev. Hender-
son 1,111
Henry Little 75
Daniel Longnecker 788
Gilbert Leonard 8,138
William Long, Sr., grist, saw-mill and
three slaves '. 3,311
Robert Mclntire, weaver 50
John McGufSn, weaver 75
John Morrow 956
Michael Moret 760
JohnMcClure 1,118
John McClelland, ( 100
for John Patterson ) 1,104
Christian Mieshe 1,165
Capt. Robert Mcllhenny, not taxed. .
Jacob Muskenunk 1,430
George Muskenunk ) 70
for Widow Crowell ( 183
William McGrew-)- , 3,180
John Montfort 983
Jacob May 1,426
Andrew Miller 70
Daniel Montieth 778
Henry Martzall, formerly Peter Sharp
property 774
William McMaster, weaver ) 50
for Anthony Deardorff ) 150
Samuel Neely, not taxed
John Neely 70
George Oyster 1,673
Samuel Orsburn 1,078
John Rattorff, weaver 50
Christian Ropp 314
Samuel M. Reed
David Routzong, not taxed
John Routzong 930
DavidRoss |1,563
Jacob Rex, s. m., carpenter 100
Peter Rufelberger, blacksmith 371
George Rumble 896
Jacob Rumble, weaver for John Myers 180
John Rumble 70
Henry Rumble , loo
John Rinehart 1,100
Peter Rogers, weaver
Widow Rossler
Tobias Starry for Simpson 1,955
Henry Snyder for Squire Breen 1,960
John Sample 1,973
Andrew Sigler or Zeigler '. l',830
Thomas Sanders 50
Henry Saltgiver 1,478
Lawrence Sneeringer 350
George Spangler 1,818
Jacob Spangler 150
James Starling, weaver I . . 30
Lashel's halt lot in Hunterstown ) . . 50
Judge William Scett, Bedford 1,338
William Sweet, not taxed
David Scott 1,145
George Strossell, blacksmith, former-
ly Buamgarter 100
Francis Stallsmith 1,073
Elizabeth Tate, widow 1,078
Adam Tawney 758
Hannah Tawney, widow
Philip Thomas, distiller 1,748
Jacob Taughenbaugh . ) 60
for Val Pickes f 496
Samuel Tagert, formerly S. Reed 1,038
Dines Vandine, weaver 51
David Vanderbilt, s. m 680
Thomas Vantine 1,000
Garret Van Arsdal, formerly Law-
rence Montfort 1,000
Isaac Van Arsdal 1,000
Stephen Wible, for Wilsons 1,330
William Walker 480
George Williamson 1,308
Peter Williamson 170
Thomas Wilson, s. m 1,456
Robert Wilson 774
William Wilson, not taxed
Jacob Wart 3,033
George Wart 170
Burke Wart 160
Moses Wright 30
James Whitford 70
John Youg 571
Adam Yeage, Sr 1,314
Adam Yeage, Jr 70
The single men residing in the township, other than those named above,
"were Joshiia Beroaw, John Baitler, William Cashman, Jacob Colesmith, weav-
er; Jacob Cassatt, David Demaree, tanner; Daniel Demaree, tanner; Henry
Gallentine, tailor; John Gilliland, William Long, Jr., Alex. Long, James
McCafferty, George McCaiise, John Moses, John McMaster, James McGlaugh-
lin, weaver; Neal McCoy, William Proctor, John Proctor, Andrew Eassler, Will-
iam Boss, tailor; John Saltgiver, William Sterling, weaver; John Tawney,
Christopher Thomas, James Thompson, Cornelius Van Arsdal, Garret Van
Arsdal, John Yeage and John Teagy.
fOne slave.
336 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
In June, 1758, there -was a review of Adams County soldiers twenty-two
miles west of York, and one also at Hunterstown. David Hunter, the founder
of Hunterstown, was captain of the militia in 1758, and served under Gen.
Forbes in the expedition against Fort Du Quesne. George Stevenson, writing
in May, 17 "18, to E. Peters, secretary of the province, states that he appoint-
ed David Hunter and Benjamin Smith, of Hunterstown, a committee to meet
Sir John St. Clair. The National Guard, a company of forty-five men, was
organized at Hunterstown February 12, 1850, with Dr. C. E. Goldsborough,
captain, AVilliam N. Sanders, lieutenant. The soldiers from Straban, who
answered the call of April, 1861, were Theo. C. Norris, third sergeant;
William F. ^^'eikert, and James W. Ford. They were mustered in with com-
pany E, second regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. In the winter of
1867-68 the Straban Infantry was organized.
A part of this township belonged to the ' ' Manor of the Maske, ' ' as laid out
for the Penns in 1740, and shared in all the fortunes of that manor. Among
the entries of land made prior to 1842, and recorded April 2, 1792, were those
of William Stephenson, in May, 1741 ; Andrew Levenstone, in May, 1740, and
John Simple or Sample, same year; a few other settlers in the manor may
have owned lands in this section ; but there is no specific record extant. Out-
side the manor lines were the settlers, whose death record is given in the his-
tory of the old Pines Church.
The " Pines " Presbyterian Church, a pioneer concern indeed, was contem-
porary with the old church of ' ' Great Conowago. ' ' In the eastern end of
the present St. Paul' s Cemetery this church stood until 1803, when it was re-
moved to give place to the fii'st Union log church building at that point.
Among the Irish Presbyterians interred there, headstones were erected to those
named in the following list, name and date of death being given: William
Long, 1806; John Monteith, 1789; Jennet, his wife, 1791; Alex Mclntire,
1786; Marget Kerr, 1753; Archibald Douglass, 1762; Hugh Caldwell, 1785;
Josiah Kerr, 1784; Mary, his wife, 1801; Mary Kerr, 1814; George Horn,
1832; Arch Coulter, 1806; Susanna Coulter, 1814; Elinor Coulter, 1815; Mar-
tha Coulter, 1811; Robert Sturgeon, 1759; Robert Lorimer, 1773; Margaret,
wife of Robert McCorkle, 1809; William McFarland, 1782; Thomas McCaus-
lin, 1789; Nanie McFarland, 1782.
The "Pines" or St. PauVs Evangelical Lutheran Church, on the Hunters-
town and New Chester road, was commenced April 27, 1861, and completed in
the fall. Close by it is the old cemetery of the district, and within this
village of the dead is the still older cemetery referred to in the history of the
Pines Presbyterian Church. Here, late in the last century, a number of the
early Irish settlers built a log church, which was razed in 1803, when the first
Union Lutheran and Reformed Church was built, which continued in use un-
til the present house was erected. The materials of the old house were used
in building a house at New Chester now belonging to John Kuhn. The min-
istry of this church, from 1803, is identical with that of the other Union Lu-
theran Churches in this district.
The Methodist Episcopal Society* of Hunterstown dates back for member-
ship to 1739, when Revs. Henry Furlong and John M. Jones visited the neigh-
borhood and preached to the few Methodists then to be found here. A cen-
tury later the first steps were taken to organize a society, when Revs. Josiah
Forrest and Wesley Howe preached in one of the houses in the neighborhood.
In later years the Gettysburg preachers held services in the old schoolhouse
*A great ^Fethodist Episcopal camp meeiiag was held on the James BrinkerhoflF farm three miles from
Gettysburg, on the Yoik Pike in August, 1828.
STRABAN TOWNSHIP. 337
near the eastern end of the village, and from that time forward this church
has been an institution here.
The brick church, erected at Hunterstown in 1858 by the Methodist Society,
was dedicated January 19, 1859. This building was blown down September
8, 1879, and in its place was erected the present house, dedicated April 4, 1880.
The church belongs to York Springs Circuit, which was formed out of Gettys-
burg in 1844.
The German Reformed Society of New Chester dates back to 1803, when
the Pines Union Church was erected. In 1862 the Stone Church at New
Chester was begun and the building was dedicated in March, 1863. Around
it is a well kept cemetery, and the church itself is a substantial and neat
building.
HUNTEESTOWN.
This place was platted in 1749 or 1750 by David Hunter, who came from
Ireland about 1741, and cast his fortunes with the Pine Ridge settlers. It
was known as ' ' Woodstock ' ' in early years, and about the close of the last cen-
tury was called ' ' Straban Center. ' ' During the Revolution this little settle -
ment was "the hot-bed of rebellion;" but fortunately for its history, the rebels-
opposed foreign oppression, and fought with such prowess throughout the-
Ee volution, that Lafayette himself said: "It is no surprise the French were de-
feated twenty years ago, when the late oppressor of the colonies brought for-
ward such yeomanry against them. ' ' The people were part and parcel of the-
Marsh Creek settlement. The village is the center of a rich country, possesses
a few general stores, a hotel, two churches, and a number of private houses.
Granite Hill Station, on the Hanover Junction, Hanover & Gettysburg Rail-
road is the shipping point. Hunterstown postoffice was established about 1826
with George Armor postmaster. In April, 1858, E. M. Felty was appointed
to the office, vice Simon Melhorn (deceased). Mrs. Jane King has been
postmistress here several years.
In January, 1805, the 530 acres of the deceased Stephen Giflfen, together
with a good orchard, buildings, etc. , were offered for sale. The old Joseph
McKelip brick tavern at Hunterstown was purchased in 1818 by Thomas Mc-
Kelip, who carried on the tavern and mercantile business. John Gourlay and
Abram King were appointed a Savannah relief committee at Hunterstown in
February, 1820.
CHUECHES AND OEMETEEIES.
Great Conowago Presbyterian Church. — This church is located five miles
northeast of Gettysburg, near the village of Hunterstown, and takes its name from
Conowago Creek. The date of the organization of this church can not be exactly
determined. It was, doubtless, organized about the time of the settlement of
the Scotch-Irish in this part of the country. The earliest recorded mention of
it is found in the minutes of the Presbytery of Donegal in 1740, and from this
period we date its history. For a number of years the church seems to have
had no settled pastor. Religious services were kept up by supplies appointed
by the Presbytery; among them we find the names of Revs. Samuel Caven,.
Lyon, Steel and Hindman. In 1749 this congregation called its first pastor.
Rev. Samuel Thompson, who accepted this call. He remained as pastor of
this church for a period of thirty years, when, on account of the infirmities of
age, he resigned. He died in 1787. In 1780 a call was made out for the Rev.
Joseph Henderson, promising him in the faithful discharge of his duties 697
bushels of wheat for his salary. He accepted the call and was ordained and
installed June 20, 1781. The first church erected by this congregation was
338 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
built between the years 1743 and 1749. It was a log building, near the site
of the present church. It was primitive in every way, rough benches were
used for seats; there were no stoves in the building; the only heating appara-
tus was a private arrangement called a " foot- stove," a sheet- iron box, in
which was placed a quantity of charcoal embers, and the whole encased in a
wooden box, sometimes elaborately carved. This the worshiper carried with
him into his pew, and upon it placed his feet. One or two specimens of these
portable furnaces may still be si<en in the neighborhood. In the sixth year of
Mr. Henderson' s pastorate, the old log (church) gave way to the present building,
which is of stone, and shows by the style of its architecture that it belongs to
a past age. In the front gable of the building is a circular stone with this in-
scription: " Ee. loseph Henderson Meetind House, 1787." Although the
mosses of almost a century have gathered on the foundations of this church,
the walls appear as firm and perfect as when first built. Mr. Henderson con-
tinued to be pastor of this congregation for eight years after the erection of the
church. In the year 1795 he resigned. From the retirement of Mr. Hender-
son to 1800 the church was without a pastor. In 1798 these churches were
•united in one charge, and in 1800 they made out the call for Dr. McConaughy.*
Each church was to have half of Dr. McConaughy' s time, and pay half of his
salary, the whole of which was $400. Dr. McConaughy was a native of Adams
County, born in Menallen Township September 20, 1775. He graduated at
Dickinson College with the first honors of his class, and was licensed to preach
by the Presbytery of New Castle October 5, 1797. Dr. McConaughy was pas-
tor of this church from 1800 to 1832.
The next pastor of this church was the Eev. James C. Watson, D. D. , who
was installed pastor for half his time in connection with the church of Gettys-
burg, which had the other half of his time, October 14, 1832. Dr. Watson re-
signed this charge in 1849 and with his resignation the union between this
church and the church of Gettysburg in one charge ceased. During the va-
cancy which followed the resignation of Dr. Watson, and the calling of the
next pastor, the church building was repaired and remodeled somewhat. The
entrance was changed from the side to the end. A vestibule and choir gal-
lery were added, and the old goblet-shaped pulpit, with its soonding board,
gave way to one of more modern style. After a vacancy of little over one
year, the congregation united in a call for the Rev. I. N. Hays, of Cannons-
burg, Penn., which he accepted, and was installed October 10, 1850. In 1854
Mr. Hays responded to a call to the church of Middle Spring near Shippensburg,
•Cumberland County and the Presbytery dissolved the relation June 13, 1854.
This was the shortest pastorate in the history of the church. Here occurred a
vacancy of four years, during which the church weakened in numerical strength
partly on account of immigration to other parts, but very much owing, no
doubt, to its being without a pastor. A union was sought with Lower Marsh
Creek, and these two churches were formed into a pastoral charge, the agree-
ment being made June 6, 1857. In August of the same year a call was made
out for the pastoral services of Rev. John R. Warner. Mr. Warner accepted
the call, and entered upon his duties as pastor in November, 1857, but was not
installed till April 23, 1858. During his connection with these churches the
hattle of Gettysburg was fought, and both of the church edifices were used for
a short time as hospitals for the enemy. Mr. Warner sent his sermons, and
many papers valuable to the congregatioud, to Chambersburg for safe keeping.
These were all lost in the burning of that place July 30, 1864. Mr. Warner
♦Afterward president of Washington College, Penn.
^^^«^
Cd4/>ruyi^—^
TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 341
resigned this charge in 1867. For two years from this time this church was
• again without a pastor, but not without preaching. Eev. E. Ferrier, D. D. ,
then a professor in Pennsylvania College, supplied it most of the time. January
23, 1869, a call was made out for the present pastor, Rev. W. S. Van Cleve
for half his time — Lower Marsh Creok to have the other half. Mr. Van Cleve
entered upon the duties of the pastorate April 1, 1869. The call was formally
presented and accepted at a meeting of the Presbytery of Carlisle in Shippens-
burg, on the second Tuesday of April, 1869, and in May following the relation
was consummated by the following committee: Eev. John A. Crawford, D. D.,
I. N. Hays and I. M. Patterson. Mr. Van Cleve etill continues in this relation
NEW CHESTER.
New Chester or Pinetown, and in early days called "Martzallville," was
surveyed for Hemy Martzall in 1804 (then owner of the Peter Sharp tract) a
year after Union Church was erected on Pine Eidge, and fifty-five years after
the old Presbyterian Church was built on the same site. Theodore Taughin-
baugh was appointed first postmaster at New Chester in 1834. The village is
located in the valley of the great Conowago and partly on the side of Pine
Eidge. The location possesses many of those pleasing features which valley,
hill and river confer. In the lower part of the village is the new German Re-
formed Church, built in 1862-63. The hotel known as the "Kuhn Temper-
ance House," a few stores and a number of pleasant homes make up New
Chester of to-day.
PLAINVIEW.
This is the name given in 1876 to a postal hamlet near the north line of the
township. E. Mcllhenny is postmaster.
GRANITE HILL.
This vUlage was so named when it was laid out in 1858, and the railroad
was built to this point. It is also a post-town, with A. Hoke in charge.
CHAPTER XL VI.
TYEONE TOWNSHIP.
TYRONE runs south from the north line of the county to Conowago Creek,
bounded on the west by Menallen, Butler and Straban Townships, and
on the east by Huntington and Reading, being very irregular in form. Ber-
mudian Creek marks its northeastern boundary from the line of Cumberland
County to the angle on the Trimmer farm. A number of miniature streams
flow from the east into this creek. Conowago Creek runs along its south-
western line, while one of the main feeders of this creek forms its southeastern
line, dividing it from Eeading. A few small streams run west and south from
the water-shed. The elevation at Heidlersburg above the Atlantic is 541 feet.
The township contains a large area of fine arable land, which has yielded
plentifully for over a century. There are outcrops of quartzite, rose-tinted,
with curious fracture, coarse ingrained trap, blue and white streaked slate-rock .
trap, ferruginous cross-grained trap near Idaville. In June, 1872, the Cran-
berry Valley iron ore beds were discovered on Emanuel Spangler' s farm.
342
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
The last stone bridge built in the county, if we except railroad bridges, was
that at McKnight' s Ford on the Harrisburg road crossing of the Conowago.
This was constructed in 1823 by David Diehl at a cost of $1, 950, and is still
standing on what is known as the Dr. W. E. Stewart farm. In 1850 John
F. Felty erected a wooden bridge over the Great Conowago, on the Harrisburg
road, for $483. In 1859 J. M. Pittenturf erected a wooden bridge over a
branch of the Great Conowago on the Gettysburg and Harrisburg road for 1247.
In 1868 J. M. Pittenturf and brother erected a covered wooden bridge over the
Conowago at Snyder's Ford, on Hunterstown and York Springs road, for
12,797.
The number of tax payers in Tyrone Township (1886) is 328; value of real
estate, $360,808; number of horses, etc., 334; number of cows, etc., 341; value
of moneys at interest, $46,124; value of trades and professions, $5,865; num-
ber of carriages, 156; number of gold watches, 4; of silver watches, 1; of acres
of timbered land, 1,976.
The population of Tyrone in 1800 was 512; in 1810, 648; in 1820, 840—
418 males, 417 females and 5 free colored; in 1830, 817; in 1840, 757; in
1850, 891; in 1860, 960; in 1870, 1,009 (4 colored), and in 1880, 985.
The assessment of Tyrone for 1801 was made by Peter Ferree, assisted by
Nathaniel McGrew and Frederick Shull. The total value was placed at $83, -
432, and the tax levy of 21 cents per $100 collected by John King and
Thomas Hammond.
Leonard Apley, shoe-maker,
Nicholas Anthony ,
John Brougher, executor of George,
John Brougher
Jacob Bream,
Henry Bream
Executors of Alexander Brown*
Samuel Brown
John Bacom
Conrad Chronister
John Coolej', cooper
Abram Cline
Anton Cline
Henry Crishamor, not taxed
William Delap
John Delap
John Dodds, deceased
John Duffleld
Martin Detrick
Michael Detrick -
Daniel DeardorfE ,
John Doran
James Elliott
Peter Free
Jacob Fidler
Conrad Fidler
Peter Fidler
Philip Fissle
George Fox
Henry Fissle
Abram Fletcher, tailor
Thomas Hammond
Christian Hostetter
Jacob llofsinger, weaver
Hugh Johnston, tailor
John Johnston
John Kingf
$235
1,285
1,440
583
860
1,208
1,616
58
785
713
167
368
771
1,889
355
'988
2,274
1,092
1,278
1,652
1,943
1,808
1,760
586
1,357
873
3,300
696
42
613
681
6
1,994
Hugh Kingf |3
John Miller
Nicholas Miller
Conrad Miller
James McKnight 3,
William Mealy 1,
Alex MoGrew 1,
George Meals
Finley McGrew 1,
Nathaniel McGrew
James McCreal
Jacob Myers, mills 3,
Peter McGrew, carpenter
Adam John Miller, shoe-maker
John MuntorfE
Ludwick Mull
James Neely 1,
Jonathan Neely 1,
Jonathan Neely, stiller
John Nickle, carpenter
Samuel Neely
Widow Jackson Neely
Henry Nelaugh, shoe-maker
William Neely 1,
John Owens 2,
Thomas Porter, weaver
John Reed, deceased
Windle Hockey
Jacob Roudabush
Anthony Switzer
Williani Smith, shoe-maker
Rudolph Spangler 1,
Rudolph Spangler 1
Peter Spangler
Peter Spangler
Jonas Spangler
David Stuart 1
6
633
193
167
738
793
827
061
767
26
368
56
31
610
831
44
6
26
36
557
63S
700
248
6
948
504
,500
758
960
26
61»
*One slave.
fTwo slaves.
TYRONE TOWNSHir. 343
John Shutrom $162 Samuel Walker $1,690
William Sterner 53 Joseph Walker 30
Peter Studebaker, weaver 58 Robert Wray 1,219
John Snarr, nailer Robert Wray, unseated lands 335
Henry Sriver 786 John White 1,184
Frederick Shull 1,901 Nathan Walker 2,3U
Samuel Thomas, tanner 435 Nicholas Wertz 626
Mathias Taughinbaugh 52 James Walker 1,790
David Trimmer 1,488 Thomas Wear 100
The Overseers of the Poor for and in William Walker 8,656
behalf of township, 139 acres 15 John Wiland 46
Philip Venis 72 John Wise 75
Single freeman; John Apley, blacksmith; Henry Cline, blacksmith; John
Dodds, David Copperstone; Nicholas Taughinbaugh, sadler; Samuel Duffield,
William McGrew, James McKnight, John McKnight, Patrick McLee, William
Morris, Joseph Neely; Joseph Neelaugh, shoe-maker; Joseph Porter, John
Smetts; Peter Thomas, tanner; John Van Dike, WiUiam Walker, Andrew
Walker, Bobert Walker, James Walker, James Wray, and James, son of Sam-
uel Walker.
James Bracken, of Tyrone Township, was ordered to surrender to a justice
of the peace by the board of attainder in 1778.
On November 22, 1834, a meeting of the people of Tyrone was held at the
house of Col. Baltzer Snyder to consider the common school system as estab-
lished by the Legislature April 11, 1834. James McKnight presided with
Jacob Fidler; secretary, Jacob Bream; John Duffield, Col. B. Snyder, J. S.
Neely and Peter Fidler were appointed to draft resolutions. These resolutions
denounced the act as aiming to rob the farmers, and asked for its repeal. J.
L. Neeley voted against its adoption in convention of November 4. Adams was
one of the fifteen counties which rejected the law.
Lake B. Ferree, of Heidlersburg, was the only soldier from Tyrone
who reported to the call for troops in AprU, 1861. He was mustered in with
Company E, Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. In' July,
1869, a volunteer militia company was organized at Heidlersburg, under the
name ' ' Tyrone Zouaves, ' ' with J. C. Pittenturf , captain.
The old Jacob Myers' fulling and grist-mill, in Tyrone Township, located
on the Madam Steele property (purchased by her from the Penns in 1749),
was built by Peter Brough, from whom Jacob Myers purchased it in 1794.
This was in the Myers family until 1880, when H. J. Myers, the present rail-
road agent at New Oxford, sold it to the Holtz brothers.
HEIDLEESBUBG.
This place, known in early years as Starrytown, was founded in 1812, by
John Heidler. He offered a bonus to the first house-builder on the site, which
was won by Michael Starry, who erected the first buUding here that year.
Neither Starry nor Heidler were among the first settlers; neither were here in
1801; but owing to their enterprises of 1812, their names have ever since been
identified with the history of this part of the township. The old fashioned
hotels are named the " Farmers and Drovers " and " Travelers Rest. " The
little hamlet claims the regulation complement of merchants and tradesmen,
but varies somewhat from places of this class in the volume of trade done.
In March, 1861, Peter Yeatts was appointed postmaster. In 1834 the total
receipts for stamps at this office amounted to $20. 34, and the stipend of the
office about |2 for the year ending March 31, 1884. J. F. Houck has served
in this office for a number of years.
CHUECHES.
The Evangelical Lutheran Society of Heidlersburg is almost contemporary
344 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
with the society of the Pines Church, attending services at York Springs.
In early years Messrs. Eaymond, Hensh, Herbst and Weyl preached here. In
1844 Eev. Jacob Ulrich held services in the old school building, and services
continued here at intervals until 1861, v?hen Eev. Peter Eaby and the society
erected the present house of worship.
The United Brethren in Christ organized a society here in 1840 in the old
school building, and still continue to worship there.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Gardner' s Station is a modern railroad town on the Gettysburg & Harris-
burg Eailroad just south of Idaville. It is the shipping point for the north-
ern settlements of Huntington and Tyrone Townships.
CHAPTER XLVII.
UNJON TOWNSHIP.
LITTLE CONOWAGO CEEEK forms the northeastern line of Union
Township, separating it from Conowago. German Creek and its tribu-
taries spread out through the southern and central divisions of the township,
offering at once facilities for drainage and water-power for miUs. A number of
small streams flow southwestward into Maryland from the southern water-shed.
The township may be classed as level. Although not wanting in hUl and
dale, there are none of those abrupt elevations which mark the greater number
of the other townships. The soil, in part, is known as limestone, but red
gravel land is common. Underlying the township are great areas of iron ore
and limestone. Near the Maryland line are found mica slate, chlorite slate
with pyrite compact chlorite slate, mica slate, slate impregnated with iron, ar-
gillite, blue and white striped limestone, sandy yellow ocher.
The township was organized in 1841. The population in 1850 was 952
<3 colored); in 1860, 1,116 (17 colored); in 1870, 1,105 (10 colored), and in
1880, 1, 180. The number of tax payers (1886) is 478 ; value of real estate,
$529,291; number of horses, etc., 344; of cows, etc., 445; value of moneys at
interest, $88,931; of trades and professions, $8,256; number of carriages, 138;
of gold watches, 8; of acres of timber land, 741.
In 1839 John Camp erected a wooden bridge near Joseph Sneeringer's
mill, over the Little Conowago for |1,500. The earlier bridges, as well as
modern ones, built on the borders of the township, are referred to in the
sketches of Conowago, Mountpleasant and Germany.
Among the German emigrants of 1735-52 were thousands of redemption-
«rs — poor, uneducated creatures, who were packed over here in filthy ships
and sold at public auction at Philadelphia, the buyers paying their passage
money. The Palatine redemptioners were usually sold for £10 each, and for
from three to five years' servitude. It must be said, however, that the honest
people descended from this class had no connection with the Hessians, who
were hired and imported by the British to conquer the colonists. According
to Baron Eeidesel, all of this species who were not killed by the soldiers of
the Eevolution, or had not deserted from the British, were returned to the
country where they were raised. They were fed while prisoners, and other-
wise well-treated by their patriot captors. Andreas Schreiber is said to have
been the first permanent settler in Union Township in 1734.
UNION TOWNSHIP. 345
A reference to the original assessment rolls of Conowago, Germany and
Mountpleasant Townships will discover the names of heads of families and
single men in this new division of the county in 1880. The Kitzmillers, one
of whom killed Dudley Digges in 1752; Adam Forney, Andres Harger, Peter
Ober, John Lemmon, the Sellens (subsequently Sells), IJans Ungefehr, Hans
Morgenstern, George Marschtaler, the Scheilys, ancestors of the present
Sheely family; AdamWeiser, Herr Juengling, Ludwig Schrieber, Herr Moss-
er, the Koontzes, Casper Bergheimer, Peter Weltie, Peter Eeishert, Andrew
Foreman, Dewalt Yungs, Kleins or Littles, Feltys, Wills, Stephen Ulrich,
Abram Haul, Derrick, Jungblut, F. Schitz, Peter Jungblut, Dutteras, Millers,
and others named among the original entries of the townships named above.
The land troubles began in 1841, when Zach. Butcher, a surveyor in the em-
ployment of the Penns, came to this settlement (then called "Digges' Choice")
to survey lauds for Adam Forney. The Maryland claimants remonstrated,
but the surveyor carried his work forward. In his letter, dated Conowago,
June 17, 1741, he gives the " Honble Proprietor " an idea of the " unreason-
able creatures ' ' on Marsh Creek, and adds the following postscript regarding
this part of the county:
P. S. I was laying out some Laud for Adam Ffarney, and Mr. Djggs sent his Son
and Robert Owen to warn me off. They said the Land I was then Laying out was not
theirs, but they own'd 7,000 acres, I asked them for their Draught, or shew me their
bounds, I had no design to intrude on them. Tliey went away mute, and would Do noth-
ing. Zach. Botcher.
In 1727 10,000 acres in the townships now known as ConoWago, Germany,
Union and parts of adjoining townships, were granted to John Digges by the
Calverts. In 1732, two years after the Lillys and Owings made the first set-
tlements in this county, John Digges had 6,822 acres of this tract surveyed, to
which he gave the name of ' ' Digges' Choice. ' ' A little later the Germans
came, and shortly after the Penns claimed the tract as being within the bound-
aries of his claim north of the temporary line. In 1738 the dispute between
the Penns and the Calverts was settled by "Koyal order " of 1738, which de-
clared the claims of Digges, Carrolls and others north of the Maryland line, to
be valid; but still the question of the boundaries of "Digges' Choice" remained
to be settled. Prior to 1746 this question was settled by Pennsylvania recog-
nizing the claims of Digges, so far as they would not interfere with the German
settlement. In 1746, however, young Digges and the Maryland sheriff came
to arrest, and did arrest, Matthew Ulrich and Adam Forney for trespass; but
while en route to Maryland Nicholas Forney and others rescued the prisoners
and put the captors to flight. Other attempts were made to keep off German
trespassers until February 26, 1752, when Dudley Digges was shot by Jacob
Kitzmiller. In 1767 the running of Mason & Dixon's line, and other meas-
ures, settled this land dispute for ever.
CHUECHES.
St. John's Lutheran Church, near Littlestown,was founded, November 13,
1763, by Eev. C. F. Wildbahn. In 1829 a brick building took the place of
the old log-house erected under Eev. G. E. Hoffman, and in 1874 the present
house was erected on the site of the chui-ch of 1829, under Eev. L. T.Williams.
The pastors of this church have been Eevs. John D. Shroeter, 1783 to 1806;
John G.' Grubb, 1806; G. E. Hoffman, 1826; Jonathan Euthrauf, 1830; Jacob
Albert, 1837; C. A. Hay, 1848; D. P. Eosenmiller, 1849; M. J. Alleman, 1856;
P. Euthrauf, 1857; S. Henry, 1859; P. P. Lane, 1868; L. T. Williams,
1870, and E. J. Metzler, 1875-86.
Christ Church (Reformed) was organized in 1747 by Eev. M. Schlatter, a
346 HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
missionary from Switzerland, and the first church was built in 1755, rebuilt in
1798 and in 1878. The names of the first members are unknown, but there
is a record of baptisms as early as May, 1747, The elders, in 1798, -when the
present substantial brick church was built, were Andrew Shriver and Jacob
Parr. They, together with Conrad Duttera, Ludwig Mouse and Jacob Will,
constituted the building committee. John Dysert was secretary. He was also
the teacher of the parochial school. The church was incorporated in 1828, the
charter bearing the signature of Gov. Schultze, and is dated March 5, 1828.
The first trustees elected under the charier were John Wintrode, Michael
Crouse, George Will, John Young, Samuel Shriver, John Snyder, George
Duttera, Christian Heller and John Study. Jacob Keller was appointed
treasurer. At the first communion in 1747 there were eighty communicants.
The number of members at present is 350. The pastors who have served this
congregation are named as follows: Revs. M. Schlatter, Jacob Lischy, T.
Erankenfield, J. C. Steiner, W. Otterbein, C. Lange, G. L. Boehm, J. C.
Gobrecht, C. Helfenstein, J. H. Wiestling, F. W. Bindeman, S. Gutelius, J.
Sechler, J. M. Clemens, Casper Scheel, John Ault and J. Kretzing, the
present minister. The location of the church is two miles east of Littlestown
on the Han6ver road on lands deeded by the Penns in 1759 to Michael Will in
trust for the German Reformed Church. Value of church property, including
church, cemetery, farm and buildings and parsonage in Littlestown, is 115,000
to 120,000. Dates of church buildings: built of logs in 1755; substantially
of brick in 1798 ; and rebuilt and enlarged in 1878. The rebuilding of 1878
cost about $8,000.
The Mennonite Church, known as Hostetter's Meeting-house, a brick
building east of Littlestown on the McSherrystown road, was erected in 1854,
twenty years after the nucleus of a society was formed here. In early days
the members met in private houses for worship and subsequently in the old
school building, which stood near the site of the present meeting-house. Rev.
John Hostetter, Rev. Isaac Hershey and Rev. Jacob Hostetter have served
this society in the order of their names.
CEMETERIES.
The Mennonite Graveyard dates back to 1854. Rev. Isaac Hershey, who
died in 1880 in his eightieth year, was buried here. Many of the old mem-
bers preceded him as tenants of these grounds.
Christ Reformed Church Graveyard was laid out on the east side of the
church in 1750, and subsequently enlarged until graves surrounded the build-
ing. The oldest date on the head-stones is 1772.
sell's station.
This place, located on the Littlestown Branch Railroad, is named after
one of the settlers of 1735, Sellen or Sell. It dates its existence back to 1857,
when the railroad was opened through the township; but the establishment of
a postof6.ce there belongs to a later date. A. Sell, the merchant at this point,
has served in this offi. ce for a number of years.
CHURCH STATION.
This place, formerly known as Kreutz Kirche, also dates back to the be-
ginning of settlement. In 1752 one John Kreutz, since Anglicized Cross, con-
ducted a school here, and this with the fact that the old transept chui-ch
existed, won for the place the Dutch name bestowed upon the settlement. The
railroad and postoffice, always opposed to crossings of any kind, dropped the
first and retained the second word of the original name and thus we have
Church Station— a small hamlet, enlivened only by passing trains.
/^ ^nn/C
Biographical Sketches,
CHAPTEK XL VIII.
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURGH.
H. LOUIS BAUQHER, D. D., Franklin professor of the Greek language and litera-
ture in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, was born in that place August 6, 1840, son of
Henry L. Baugher, D. D., and Clara Mary (Brooks) Baugher. Henry L. Baugher was
born in Adams County, Penn., July 19, 1804; was prepared for college by Rev. David Mc-
Conaughy, of Gettysburg, and was graduated from Dickinson College, Carlisle, in 1826.
In 1833 he became a professor in Pennsylvania College, and in 1850 was chosen president
of that college. (An extended sketch of him will be found in the college records.) His
death occurred April 14, 1868, the father of five children, who lived toadult age, of whom
our subject is next to the youngest. H. Louis Baugher was reared in Gettysburg and edu-
cated in Pennsylvania College, from which he was graduated in 1857. He subsequently
was graduated in theology in the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and spent a year
in the seminary at Andover, Mass. He served as co-pastor of a church at Wheeling, "W.
Va., during the year 1863-64, and from 1864 to 1867 was pastor of a church at JSIorristown,
Penn. A portion of the year 1867-68 be passed in Europe, and the latter year served as
pastor of a church at Indianapolis, Ind. From 1869 to 1880 he was professor of Greek in
Pennsylvania College, and served as pastor of a church at Omaha, Neb., during the year
1880-81. From 1869 to 1373 he also gave instruction in New Testament Exegesis in the
Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and supplied the department of Systematic Theology
throughout the year 1888-84. In 1880 he received the degree of 11. D., conferred by his
alma mater. In 1883 Dr. Baugher supplied the chair of Greek in Howard University, at
Washington, D. C, and was elected to a professorship of political economy, etc., in that
institution, but declined to accept his former position in Pennsylvania College, to which
he was recalled in 1883. Since 1874 Dr. Baugher has been connected, as editor and com-
mentator, with the Lutheran Publication Society, and since the convention at Atlanta,
Ga., in 1878, has represented the Lutheran Church on the International Sunday-School
Lesson Committee. April 3, 1872, Dr. Baugher was married to Miss Ida, daughter of
William Smith, of York, Penn., and to them one child, Bessie, has been born.
MAJ. ROBERT BELL, cashier of the First >National Bank, Gettysburg, is Ta native
of Adams County, Penn., born in Menallen Township, March 5, 1830, a son of James and
Martha (Mcllhenny) Bell, natives of this county and of Scotch-Irish descent. James Bell,
the grandfather of the Major, was a non-commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war,
at the close of which he located on a farm in this county, where he passed the remainder
of his days, an intelligent, energetic and highly esteemed gentleman. James Bell, Jr.
(father of our subject), was born on the farm on which Maj. Bell now resides, and early
in life learned the milling business, which, in connection with merchandising, he followed
many years. He was the father of four children, of whom Maj. Bell is the youngest.
Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools and at
Oak Ridge Academy. June 16, 1863, he enlisted in the United States service and raised
a company of cavalry, of which he was chosen captain. The following year he was pro-
moted to the office of major, and as such served until the close of the war, having been
mustered out July 18, 1865. He participated in a number of engagements and battles, and
was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee in 1865. Maj. Bell is one of the few who can
present lo the public the horse who shared with him the privations and dangers of war.
In 1853 our subject married Abigail, daughter of Jacob King. Her grandfather, Hugh
King, and her great-grandfather, Victor King, served in the French and Indian and Rev-
olutionary wars. The Kings were of Scotch-Irish descent, and pioneers of the State of
Pennsylvania. To the Major and wife the following named children were born: Fannie
J., James F., Nannie A., Martha A., W. W., Robert K., Carrie K. and J. Grant. The
350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
parents are identified with 'the Presbyterian Church. Maj. Bell has through life been
occupied principally as a farmer. Siuce 1867 he has been one of the directors of the First
National Bank of (Gettysburg, and its cashier since 1875.
G. J. BENNER, attorney at law, Gettysburg, was born in that place April 13, 1859,
a son of Jacob and Catharine (Snyder) Benncr, natives of Adams County, Penn., and of
whom further mention is made in the sketch of Maj. D. J. Banner elsewhere in this vol-
ume. The father is now living a retired life at Gettysburg. 6. J. Benner was educated
in his native town, having graduated at Pennsylvania College, with honors, in 1878. After
completing his college course Mr. Benner taught one year in the institution, and, from
1879 to 1883, he was occupied as principal of the high school at Catasauqua, Penn. He then
studied law at Gettysburg, and was there adrrtitted to the bar December 31, 1881, and at
once commenced practice, in company with Hon. W. A. Duncan, now deceased. Since
1883 Mr. Benner has bQcn attorney for the county commissioners. He was also nominat-
ed for the office of district attorney of the county, but declined. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity and of the Order of Red Men.
MAJ. H. S. BENNER, postmaster, Gettysburg, was born in Straban Township,
Adams Co., Penn., October 1, 1830, son of Christian and Susan (Snyder) Benner, natives
of Adams County and of German extraction. Christian Benner, grandfather of the
Major, was among the pioneers of this section of the State, having come to Adams Coun-
ty in 1753. He was a farmer by occupation. The Major's father was also a farmer, and
his children were four in number, of whom our subject is the eldest. Maj. Benner re-
ceived a fair education in the schools of his neighborhood and in those of Gettysburg.
He learned the trade of granite cutting, which he followed for ten years, after which he
was employed as a railroad agent until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he
promptly enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and First Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol-
unteer Infantry, and was commis.sioned first lieutenant. He served out the full term of
his enlistment, and February 5, 1863, re-enlisted in the same company and regiment; was
promoted to the captaincy of the company, and soon after became major of the regiment,
and as such served until the close of the war in 1865. The Major was taken prisoner
April 20, 1864, at Plymouth, N. C, and remained a prisoner of war ten months. He was
twice wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks. In 1868 he was elected teller of the Gettys-
burg National Bank, and served until 1872 (five years). In 1885 he was appointed post-
master of Gettysburg. Politically he is a Democrat. In 1870 he was married to Sophia
A., daughter of Israel Yount. Our subject and wife are both identified with the Lutheran
Church.
REV. PHILIP M. BIBXE, Ph. D., Pearson professor of the Latin language and lit-
erature in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, was born in Smithsburg, Md., December 1,
1844, son of Christian and Barbara Bikle, of German and French descent. The former by
trade was a cabinet-maker. Philip M. is the sixth born of nine sons and two daugliters.
He obtained the rudiments of an education in his native village. In 1860 he entered
North Carolina College at Mount Pleasant, of which his brother, L. A. Bikle, was presi-
dent. At the beginning of our civil war he returned to Maryland, where he taught a pub-
lic school for one year. In 1863 he entered Pennsylvania College as a freshman, gradu-
ating with honor and the Latin salutatory in 1866. For one year thereafter he was occu-
pied in teaching in the academy at York, Penn. He was ordained a minister in 1869, and
from that year until 1870 he was professor of Greek and Latin in North Carolina College.
From 1870 to 1873 he was the assistant principal of the female seminary at Lutherville,
Md. During the years 1873-74 he took a post-graduate course at Dartmouth College, and
from 1874 to 1881 was p;-ofessor of physics and astronomy in his alma mater. Since the
latter date he has held his present relation with Pennsylvania College. From 1874 to 1879
Prof. Bikle was the secretarjr of the Maryland Synod, and from 1874 until 1876 he was the
secretary of the Lutheran Mmisters' Insurance Aissociation. He has also edited the Penn-
sylvania College Monthly since 1877, and has been one of the editors of the Lutheran Quar-
terly since 1880. He received the honorary degree of doctor of philosophy from Roanoke
College in 1884.
EDWARD S. BREIDENBAUGH, A. M., Ockershausen professor of chemistry and
the natural sciences in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, is a native of Cumberland
County, Penn., born at the village of Newville January 13, 1849, a son of Eev. E. and
Elizabeth (Swoyer) Breidenbaugh, natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction, the
former a retired minister of the Lutheran Church and a resident of Gettysburg. Edward
S., who is the eldest of three children, was prepared for college under his father's instruc-
tion, entered the freshman class at Pennsylvania College, and was graduated from the
same in 1868. During the year 1868-69 he served his alma mater; then for two years was
in attendance at the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. From 1871 to 1873 he was a spe-
cial student in chemistry at SheflBeld Scientific School of Yale College, serving the last year
as both student and instructor. In 1873 he served as professor of natural science at Car-
thage, 111., and since 1874 he has filled the chair of chemistry and mineralogy in Pennsyl-
vania College. Prof. Breidenbaugh was elected mineralogist of State Board of Agriculture
in 1880. He is a member of the American Association for the Promotion of Science, and
BOROUGH OP GETTYSBURG. 351
also a member of Prussian and German societies for the same purpose. The professor i»
the author of a number of publications on various subjects. He has added to the improve-
ment of Gettysburg by the erection of one of the best dwelling houses to be found in
Adams County. In 1878 he was married to Ida, daughter of Dr. John Kitzmiller, and a
native of Schuylkill County, Penn., and of German descent. This union has been blessed'
with two children : Edna and Ida May. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church.
In politics the Professor is a Republican. He is the present president of the gas com-
pany of Gettysburg.
SAMUEL H. BIIEHLER (deceased) was born at Lebanon, Penn., July 13, 1783. He
learned the saddlery business, and subsequently moved to York, where he married Miss
Catharine Banner, and engaged in merchandising. In 1818 he moved to Gettysburg and
opened a drug and book store, which he carried on until his death in 1856, assisted by his-
son, Alexander D. Buehler, who conducted the business after his father's death, and still
conducts it in the same building, the largest drug and bonk store in the county. Mr.
Buehler was actively and prominently identified with the Evangelical Lutheran Church;
became treasurer of the general synod and general agent of its various publications, and
was largely instrumental in securing the location at Gettysburg of the theological semin-
ary of the Lutheran Church. He was one of the founders of Christ Church, Gettysburg;
was a member of the building committee, and served as elder' from tlie organization of
the church until his death. In 1838 he was elected a patron and also trustee of Pennsyl-
vania College ; in 1839 he was elected treasurer of that institution, and served as trustee and
treasurer until his death, when he was succeeded by his son, Alexander D. Buehler, the
present treasurer, father and son thus continuously filling that position for a period of
forty-eight years. Mr. Buehler died at Gettysburg September 7, 1856, leaving four sons
and four daughters, all of whom are still living and reside in Gettysburg.
DAVID A. BUEHLER, editor and attorney at law at Gettysburg, son of Samuel H.
and Catharine D. Buehler, was born in Gettysburg January 3, 1831. He served an
apprenticeship to the printing business in the oflice of the AdaTns Sentinel; graduated from.
Pennsylvania College with the class of 1843; was admitted to the bar in 1856; editor of
the Star from 1845 to 1857, and editor of the consolidated Star and Sentinel from 1867 ta
this date. He has served in various locaj offices, school director, member of town council,
justice of the peace, postmaster, etc. He has been one of the trustees of Pennsylvania
College since 1853; was secretary of the board from 1853 to 1867, and has been presi-
dent of the board since 1870. He has also been for many years director of the theological'
seminary; member of the council of Christ Lutheran Church, and superintendent of the
Sunday-school since 1853; frequently a delegate to the General Synod of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of the United States; one of the directors and vice-president of the
Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association. November 10, 1849, Mr. Buehler married!
Miss Frances J. Guyon, of Rahway, N. J.
COL. C. H. BUEHLER, merchant, Gettysburg, a son of the late Samuel H. Buehler,
whose sketch appears above, was born in tlie town in which he is now a resident, Febru-
Ity 9, 1835. He is next to the youngest of eleven children, and pursued his studies in
Pennsylvania College .as far as the close of the sopliomore year, when he withdrew from the
institution and learned the printing trade in the office of the Adams Sentinel, after which
he became associate editor with his brother, David A., on the Star. This business he was
compelled to give up on account of failing health, and in 1858 he embarked in the coal
and lumber business. On the breaking out of the war he entered the Union Army in the
three months service as captain of a company. Subsequently he was commissioned
major of the Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and as such
served for a year and a half, when he was commissioned colonel of the One Hundred and
Sixty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, retaining the command nine
months, the period of enlistment of the regiment. He then returned to Gettysburg ancJ
resumed his business, in connection with which he has had the agency of the Adams Ex-
press Company for twenty-six years past. He has been twice burgess of Gettysburg and
is now a director of the Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association. He is identified
with Post No. 9, G. A. R. ; is Past Master in the Masonic order, and has passed all the chairs
of the I. O. O. F. Col. Buehler, in 1860, was married to Anna Fahnestook, daughter of
John Fahnestock, of German extraction, and to them have been born three sons, one sur-
viving, Harry F., who has just graduated from Pennsylvania College. Col. Buehler is a.
member of the Lutheran Church and his wife of the Episcopal. The Colonel is a Repub-
lican of pronounced type.
HON. .JACOB CASSAT (deceased) was born inStraban Township, Adams Co., Penn.,
February 7, 1778. His grandfather, Francis Cassat, was a French Huguenot, who married
In Holland and came to this country in 1764, with his wife and children, of whom David,
the father of the subject of this sketch, was one. The family became extensive farmers
and influential citizens, and took an active part in the war of the Revolution. David
Cassat reared a family of eight children— five sons and three daughters— the sons aW
becoming distinguished members of society. Jacob remained at home on the farm and
prepared himself by diligent study for the useful life he afterward led. He was entirely
352 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
rself-taught, having attended school only three months. He was married in 1806 to Mary
McConaugliy. When still a young man he was chosen as an elder in the Presbyterian
Church, and about the same time he started and organized, so far as is known, the first
Sunday-school in Adams County outside of Gettysburg, and became its superintendent.
He was an active church member and retained his position as elder and superintendent of
the Sunday-school without interruption till his death. When quite a young man he
served as pounty commissioner, and afterward assisted in the defense of Baltimore in 1814.
In 1819 he was elected to the State Legislature and served four sessions, and afterward to
tlie State Senate, where he died on Christmas night, 1838, in the sixty-first year of his age.
In politics he was a Whig, a man of great learning, ability and dignity, an eloquent
debater, and while in the House and Senate a recognized leader of his party. On the
night of December 25, 1838, on the occasion of what is known in the history of Pennsyl-
vania as tlie " buckshot war," he made an impassioned appeal against mob rule, and with
others was driven from the Senate chamber at the risk of his life. The next morning he
was found dead in his bed. It is no exaggeration to say that at the time of his death he
was the most prominent and honored man of his county. He was six feet in height,
weighed about 170 pounds, was of dark complexion, amiable in disposition and dignified in
■deportment.
LUTHER HENRY CROLL, A. M., vice-president of, and professor of mathematics and
astronomy in, Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Middle-
town August 8, 1834. His parents, Abner and Rachel (Shelly) Croll, were natives of
Dauphin County, Penn., and were of German extraction. Abner Croll in early life was
a hatter, and followed mercantile pursuits in later years. Luther H. is the youngest of
four children. He received his early schooling in his native town, subsequently attending
the academy at Harrisburg. In 1850 he entered Pennsylvania College and five years later
was graduated from the same, delivering the Latin salutatory of his class. That year he
commenced teaching in Allentown Seminary, and there remained until 1857. He served
as tutor in Pennsylvania College in 1857-58, when he became professor of mathematics in
Illinois State University, located at Springfield, 111., and as such served until 1861. At the
latter date, on the breaking out of the Rebellion, the school formed a militia company, of
which he was chosen captain. The excitement attending those times carried away most
■of the college boys, who went off to the war, many of whom afterward became commis-
sioned officers, one rising to the rank of a brigadier-general and another to the rank of
colonel. The latter was killed, and was thought to have been the youngest colonel in the
Union Army. From 1861 to 1863 Prof. Croll was principal of the academy at Middletown,
Penn., and from 1863 to 1866 he occupied a similar position in a classical institute at
Indianapolis, Ind. During this period he was a member of the United States Christian
Commission, of which Gen. James A. Bkin was president. From 1866 to 1874 he was
professor of mathematics and astronomy in Pennsylvania College, and of mathematics in
the same institution from 1874 until 1880, and since 1873 has been vice-president of that
college, August 37, 1866, Prof. Croll was married to Miss Jennie C, daughter of Rev. J.
J. Smyth, of Shelbyville, Ind., of Scotch-Irish descent, and to this union have been bom
•James S., Morris W., F. Roy and Elsie L.
REV. J. K. DEMAREST, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Gettysburg, was born
in the State of New Jersey October 10, 1843, a son of Jasper and Catherine (Lozier) De-
marest, whose place of nativity was New York City, and who were of French lineage.
Jasper Demarest was employed in New York City for many years, and of his four children
Rev. J. K. is the eldest. Our subject attended a select school in the city of New York,
subsequently studied under the Rev. W. R. Gordon, D. D., and at the age of fifteen years
entered the University of New York City, from which he graduated in 1863. The same
year he entered the Theological Seminary, located in Princeton, N. J., from which he
graduated in 1866. For four years following his graduation he was occupied as a pastor
of a church in the State of New York. He then removed to Kentucky, where he served
in a similar position until 1873, when he returned to New York City, and was engaged in
ministerial duties until 1875. In the latter year he removed to Gettysburg, having been
chosen pastor of the Presbyterian Church there, his present position. December 18, 1866,
Mr. Demar(3sl married Miss Mary J., daughter of James H. McCampbell, of Scotch origin,
and to this union have been born five children, of whom thi-ee are living: Bertha L.,
Letitia M. and C. R. Agnew. Mr. Demarest, politically, is a Republican.
LIEUT. SIMON J. DILLER, proprietor of the "McOlellan House," Gettysburg, was
born in Adams County, Penn., May 25, 1838, a son of Samuel and Lydia Diller, of ftench
■descent, natives of York County, Penn. The father was a farmer by occupation, also a
manufacturer of woolen goods, and to him and his wife were born two daughters and six
sons. Simon J. is a member of the sixth generation of the original Caspar Diller, who
■settled in Lancaster County about 1731. The family, originally from France, came from
•Germany to America. Caspar was the first who settled in Pennsylvania, and it was from
him the Hanover branch of tlie family came. Of the sons and daughters of Samuel and
Lydia Diller, Cyrus was a colonel of the Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, served as a railroad contractor after the war, and died at Hanover in 1884, leav-
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 353
ing one child— Mabel; Belinda M. is wife of Thomas Evenden, of Williamsport, Penn. ;
Isaiah P. (deceased) went to California, where he was engaged in mining, at which he
made a fortune, and returned in 1868: Elizabeth is the widow of Dr. David Ridgely, of
Washington, D. C, who died in 1867; Adam S. is a fanner near Hanover; Simon J., the
subject of this sketch, is in Adams County; William 8. served as a major in the army, and
is now in the custom house in New Yorli City; Luthur Y. served as captain in the army,
and is now engaged in the coal and lumber business in Adams County. As will be noticed
from the preceding remarks the Diller family in question was represented in the civil war
by four brothers, who were commissioned. The several members of the family are noted
for their strenglh, and are generally large men. Simon J. and his five brothers were once
weighed, and ttieir combined weight was 1,636 pounds. Our subject grew up and was
schooled in Adams and York Counties, served as a lieutenant in tlie war of the Rebellion,
and has in the main been occupied through life a^ a hotel-keeper. In 1867 he was mar-
ried to Miss Ella, daughter of Hi-nry Albright, of Hanover, Penn., and to this union were
born five children: Carrie Mary, Elizabeth R., Mammie, Simon and Daisy. Mrs. Diller
is a member of the German Reformed Church, and JLieut. Diller of the Lutheran
Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R. and the Masonic
fraternity.
HON. WILLIAM A. DUNCAN, in his extraction a Pennsylvanian, was born in
Franklin Township, Adams Co., Penn., February 3, 1836. He died at Gettysburg Novem-
ber 14, 1884, in Ills forty-ninth year. His paternal ancestors originally went from the
neighborhood of Edinburgh, Scotland, to\Donegal, Ireland, from whence, about the year
1750, his grandfather, Seth Duncan, immigrated to America, and located in Lancaster
County, Penn. He there married and lived until late in life, when he removed to Ab-
bottstown, then York (now Adams) County. Seth had a number of children, most of
whom became notable people. His son, Adam Seth Enos Duncan, the father of the sub-
ject of this sketch, died in 1840, aged fifty-one years, and Mr. Duncan was left an orphan
boy at the age of four years, with two other brothers but a few years older, to the charge
of a widowed mother. He early showed an aptitude for intellectual pursuits, as lie ma-
triculated at the age of seventeen at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Penn., in
1853. He graduated in the regular course, in 1857. as valedictorian of his class. This
fact attests the eminent rank he attained while a college student as scholar, thinker and
orator. After graduating he entered the law office of R. G. McCreary, Esq., at Gettys-
burg, and in due course was admitted to the bar in 1859. He applied himself zealously
to practice. Industry, diligence and integrity brought with them the confidence of his
associates, of the community, an extensive practice, and made his professional career a
success. By the election of the people he filled the office of prosecuting attorney for
Adams County from 1863 to 1865, and so acceptably that he was again chosen to fill the
same position from 1868 to 1871. He was also for a long time solicitor for the county,
and filled various other local offices. In November, 1883, he was elected to represent the
populous and intelligent counties of Adams, Cumberland and York, comprising the Nine-
teenth District of Pennsylvania, in the Forty-eighth Congress. For several years Mr. Dun-
can was one of the most prominent members of the bar at Gettysburg, and was universally
respected and admired. In politics he was a consistent Democrat. At his decease several
memorial addresses ou his lire and character were delivered iu the House of Representa-
tives, and in the Senate. Forty-eighth Congress, second session.
CHARLES 8. DUNCAN, attorney at law, Gettysburg, was born here April 3, 1864,
a son of Hon. William A. and Catherine W. (Schmucker) Duncan. His paternal and ma-
ternal ancestors were among the early settlers of the State. His mother was of German
and his father of Scotch- Irish lineage. The latter was born in Cashtown, Adams Co.,
Penn., in 1835, a lawyer, who met with marked success in that profession. He was elected
to Congress in 1883, and died while serving in that body. He was a member of the Re-
formed Church. Charles 8. is the eldest of four children, of whom William, the second
child, is private secretary to Congressman Swope. of Washington, D. C, and John S. and
Schmucker are students in Pennsylvania College. The mother was a member of the
Lutheran Church. Our subject grew to manhood in Gettysburg, and was graduated from
Pennsylvania College in 1882; -read law in the law department of the Pennsylvania Uni-
versity, and graduated iu 1884.
SAMUEL EAHOLTZ, sheriff of Adams County, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Cum-
berland Township, Adams Co., Penn., August 39, 1831, a son of Jacob and Catharine
<Beiff) Eaholtz, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin, the father having been a
farmer through life. Samuel is the seventh child of nine sons and daughters, and was
reared on the farm. He acquired a fair common school education in the schools of Ad-
ams County, studied surveying in 1840, and early in life learned the blacksmith's trade,
which occupation he followed tor twenty years, working in Butler and Franklin Town-
ships. He was for a period of three years engaged in the hotel business at McKnights-
town. Subsequently he bought a farm, and for several years, in connection with farm-
ing, engaged in the coal business. While a resident of Butler find Franklin Townships
he"held, at different times, most all of the township offices. Mr. Eaholtz is a man of great
354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
popularity and strict integrity. He was elected sheriffl of Adams County in 1885, having
been nominated by tlie Democratic party and endorsed by the Republican. In 1845 he
was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Rex, of German origin, and a farmer by oc-
cupation. To this union was born Martha S., wife of George 0. Beecher, of York County.
Mrs. Eaholtz died in 18.55, and Mr. Eaholtz, in 18.56, was married to Catharine, daughter of
Eerdman Meals, of German origin, and to this marriage wore bora Anna 8., wife of Rob-
ert C. Jingle, a miller of Adams County; Susan K., wife of George Hartman; 8. M., depu-
ty shenfl; Sadie C, wife of Charles Cashman; Bertha W., Robert W. and Charles M.
The second wife died in 1875. The family is identified with the Lutheran Church.
F. A. ELLIOTT, grocer, Gettysburg, was born nearNewburg, Cumberland Co., Penn.,
July 26, 18.52, a son of Robert and Mary (Brown) Elliott, of English extraction. Robert
Elliott in early life was a merchant, and later a farmer in tlie vicinity of Newburg. He
was three times married, F. A. being the second child by his last wife. Our subject was
reared on his father's farm, receiving the usual district school education given to farmers'
sons. He remained on the farm with his parents until about twenty-one years old, when
he found the irksome duties of farm life not to his taste, and went to Shippensburg, where
he engaged as a clerk for three years with B. F. Landis. He then went West, where he
remained one year employed as clerk. Returning to Shippensburg he accepted a position
in a railroad eating-house in Luray, Va., and was thus employed for upward of four years,
at the expiration of which time he wont to Cape May, where he remained but a short
time, when he again returned to his native county. In 1881 he came to Gettysburg, and
took charge of the eating-house at Round Top, and in 1885 embarked in the grocery busi-
ness on Chambersburg Street, where he carries a full line of groceries and queensware.
In 1877 he was united in marriage with Miss Ella J. Minnich, daughter of Alfred and
Laura (Cresler) Minnicli. She was a native of Cumberland County. Penn., and of German
origin. To this union has been born one child — Lottie Irene. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are
members of the Lutheran Church. Thus far Mr. Elliott has been successful in life.
JOHN C. FELTY, Gettysburg, is a native of Pennsylvania, born at Hunters-
town, Adams County, March 25, 1849, a son of John F. and Mary (Neely) Felty. His
paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early settlers of the State, and were gen-
erally farmers. John F. Felty, whose death occurred March 17, 1876, at the age of fifty-eight
years, was a farmer, and for twenty-six years a justice of the peace, was engaged in the
settlement of numerous estates. Our subject is the elder of two children. His early life
was spent with his parents on the farm. The foundation of his education was laid in the
district schools and at the Hunterstown Academy. He entered the freshman class of
Pennsylvania College In 1866, and was graduated from the institution in 1870. After
graduation he became professor of Latin and Greek in the Keystone State Normal School
at Kutztown, Penn., which position he held for one year. He then commenced the studj''
of medicine, and entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with the de-
gree M. D. in 1873. He then located in South Bethlehem, Penn., where he served as one
of the physicians to St. Luke's Hospital nntil 1876. He then returned to his native county,
where he has since devoted himself to the study of his profession. Dr. Felty, by his pro-
fessional skill and popularity as a gentleman, has acquired an extensive practice. He is
a member of the Adams County and State Medical Societies; is an active Mason; a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church. Since 1883 he has been the physician of the almshouse
of Adams County.
MAJ. CALVIN GILBERT, of the firm of Gilbert & Smith, Gettysburg, was born in
that place April 8, 1839, a son of Daniel and Ammy (Rice) Gilbert, former a native of
Adams County, Penn., of English and German descent; latter a native of Frederick
County, Md. 'The father was a coach-maker by trade and carried on the business at
Gettysburg for thirty years previous to the war. Of their eleven children eight are yet
living, the Major being the second. Our subject grew to manhood in his native town,
received the benefit of a public school education and learned the coach-maker's trade
with his father. At the outbreak of the war in 1861 he enlisted as a private in Companj-
F, Eighty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Subsequently was
transferred to the regimental band. After a service of one year, regimental bands being
dispensed with, he returned to his company and served with same until November 21,
1863, when, by special order of the war department, he was mustered out of the service
on account of having been a member of the regimental baud. He then entered the com-
missary department as a clerk in the office of the commissary general at Washington,
D. C, and in March, 1863,was commissioned captain and commissary subsistance of volun-
teers, serving as such until 1865, when he was promoted to the rank of major for meritori-
ous service, in which capacity he served until October 26, 1865. His service being no
longer required he was honorably mustered out. Maj. Gilbert then located at Chambers-
burg, Penn., and embarked in mercantile trade, continuing in same until 1868, when he
commenced the manufacturing business in the same place, wliicli he carried on until
1885, when ho returned to his native town andengagod in his present business of general
foundry and machine work. Maj. Gilbert is a public-spirited man, a Republican in poli-
tics, and while he lived in Chambersburg. was always foremost in all public improvements;
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 355
for eighteen years he was an active member of the school board, having served both as
secretary and treasurer o£ the board; he also took an active interest in the agricultural
affairs of the county, being the representative of Franklin County in the State board of
agriculture, and for fifteen years secretary of the county agricultural society. He is at
present a member of the school board of Gettysburg and a member of the tovra council
and chief of the fire department of the borough. He has frequently been a member of
the district Republican conventions and also a representative to the State conventions.
He is a member of the order of Red Men, of the K. of P., the I. O. O. F., and is a Royal
Arch Mason. March 12, 1862, he was married to Lavina L. Rex, whose parents were
natives of this county, of German descent. To our subject and wife have been born .five
children, all yet living. Maj. Gilbert and his wife are both members of the Lutheran
Church.
CALVIN HAMILTON, principal of the public schools, Gettysburg, was born near
that place November 29, 1841, a son of William and Evaline (Bayly) Hamilton. Hia pa-
ternal and maternal ancestors were among the early Scotch settlers of the State, the Ham-
iltons having resided in Adams County since 1765, and were among the first merchants
in the county, His great-grandfather enlisted in the Revolutionary war from Adams
County, and served under Gen. Washfngton. William Hamilton was at one time clerk of
the courts of Adams County. Our subject is one of eight children, six of whom are now
living. He grew to manhood in his native town, whose graded schools he attended, and
for a time was a student at Pennsylvania College, which he left in 1863, before gradua-
tion, and enlisted in Company K of the Pennsylvania Reserves; was wounded at the bat-
tle of Gettysburg, in 1863, while defending his native town. On recovering from his
wound he was mustered into and served in the Veteran Reserve Corps until the close of
the war. On retiring to civil life he attended for a time the State Normal School, then
located at Newville; subsequently he went to Illinois, and was there engaged in teaching
for six years, when he retured to Pennsylvania, and for three years taught school at New
Oxford. Since 1879 Prof. Hamilton has been a teacher in the schools of Gettysburg. In
1883 he was married to Miss Anna K. Hanaway, daughter of Ephraim Hanaway, of Eng-
lish descent. In politics the Professor is a Republican, and is now serving his fourth
term as assistant burgess of Gettysburg. Both are identified with the Presbyterian
Church, in which he has been an elcfer and a teacher in the Sabbath-scliool. He is a mem-
ber of the G. A. R.
P. D. W. HANKEY, farmer, Gettysburg, was born in Frederick County, Md., Aug-
ust 11, 1830, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Schriver) Hankey, natives of Baltimore County,
Md., and of German descent, their ancestors some way back being among the early Ger-
man families of this State. Isaac Hankey, grandfather of our subject, was a wheel-
wright, and his maternal grandfather, Philip Schriver, a farmer by occupation, served as
a soldier in the war of 1813. Jacob Hankey, also a farmer, was the father of eight children,
seven of whom grew to maturity. P. D. W. Is the eldest child, and his boyhood was spent
in the rural districts, where he attended school and assisted his parents on the farm. Sub-
sequently he entered Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, where he graduated in the class
of 1853. The same year he accepted a position as principal of Mount Pleasant Seminary,
Berks County, Penn., which position he held eight years He had a taste for literary pur-
suits, but on account of failing health he was coHipelled to give up, in the main, the profession
of teaching, which he did very reluctantly, and at the advice of his physician he engaged
in farming, though he taught a portion of the time. In all he taught probably some sev-
enteen years, a portion of which time he served as superintendent of schools of Adams
County, in connection with superintending his farm, which consists of 354 acres of well-
improved land. Mr. Hankey for a period furnished supplies for schoolhousea and dealt
in school furniture. In 1886 he sold off his stock and farming utensils, and moved to Gettys-
burg, to engage in the machine business. In 1875 he was married to Anna E. Hartman, a
daughter of Henry Hartman, of German descent, and to them have been born two children:
John Bright, named after the great English statesman, and Norma Grace. The parents
are membei s of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hankey is a Republican in politics and has
served as school director. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
REV. CHARLES A. HAY, D. D., (elected 1865,) professor of Hebrew and Old Testa-
ment Exegesis, German language and literature and pastoral theology, in the Theological
Seminary at Gettysburg, is a native of York County, Penn., born at York, February
11, 1831, a son of John and Eliza (Ebert) Hay, the former of whom was a merchant and
died at the age of twenty-eight years, having served In the war of 1812. John Hay, the
great-grandfather of the Doctor, emigrated from Germany and located in York County,
Penn., in pioneer times of the State. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Dr. Hay
was the younger of his sons, and was but a babe at the time of his father's death. The broth-
er died young, and the mother lived to be sixty-three years old, but never married again.
Charles A. was prepared for college in the German Reformed High School, at York, and
by Dr. Morris, at Baltimore, and at the age of fifteen he entered the sophomore class in
Pennsylvania College, graduating from that institution in 1839. After his graduation he
pursued his theological studies at Gettysburg, Penn., and in the universities of Berlin and
856 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Halle, Germany, and after receiving a license to preach he became pastor of a church at
Middlclown, Md., in 1844. From 1844 to 1848 he was professor of German in his alma
mater and of rU'brew in the theological seminary. The following year, 1849, he was pastor
of churches at Hanover and Littlestown, Penn., and from 1849 to 1865 sustained a similar
relation with the First Church, at Harrisburg, Penn. In connection with his present posi-
tion in the faculty, he hns, since 1866, been pastor of Christ Church at Gettysburg. He has
been a trustee of Pennsylvania College since 18.")3; was president of the General Synod in
1881. He received the degree of D. D. from his ulma mater in 1859, and from 1867 to 1880
served as secretary of that institution. Pie married. May 5, 1845, Miss Rebecca Barnitz,
daughter of Hon. Charles A. Barnitz, at one time a member of Congress from York
County District. Mrs. Hay's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. Dr. Hay's
children are Frances E., wife of Rev. M. L. Heisler; John W., a physician of Harrisburg;
Charles E., a Luiheran minister; Mary J., wife of Prof. Himes, of Pennsylvania College;
and Edward G., a Lutheran minister at Pottsville, Penn.
J. L. HILL, M. D., dentist, Gettysburg, was born in Fairfield, Adams Co., Penn.,
October 31, 1820, a son of James and Rebecca (Foster) Hill. His paternal and maternal
ancestors were among the early English and Scotch-Irish settlers of Pennsylvania, having
settled here prior to the Revolutionary war. James Hill was a tanner, an occupation he
followed for many years in this county, though the latter part of his life was passed in
Ohio. He was twice married, the Doctor being by the first marriage. Our subject'a
mother died when he was quite young, and he was reared among strangers until fifteen
years of age, when he began to learn the tanner's trade with his father. Not liking th&
business he learned the jeweler's trade, and worked at manufacturing clocks and repairing
watches both in Ohio and Pennsylvania. While engaged at this occupation he studied
dentistry, and while practicing dentistry read medicine, and subsequently entered the Penn-
sylvania Medical College at Philadelphia, where he graduated with the degree of M. D., in
1846, and the same year commenced the practice of dentistry at Gettysburg, which he has
continued to the present time. In 1847, Dr. Hill was married to Sarah M., daughter of
William Witherow, and to this union have been born the following named : William
Foster, a civil engineer, now of Albuquerque, N. M. ; John L., a lawyer and justice of the
peace, in Gettysburg; Harry H., a clerk, in Gettysburg; Mary Louise; Elizabeth T. and
James M., a dentist, in Gettysburg. Mrs. Hill is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
In politics Dr. Hill is a Republican. He Is a member of Good Samaritan Lodge, A. Y.
Masons; also of the I. O. O. P., both of the subordinate and encampment lodges, and is
a member of the Order of Red Men.
W. D. HOLTZWORTH. Battlefield Guide, Gettysburg, is a native of that place, born
January 2, 1843, a son of Adam and Mary (Culp) Holtzworth, whose ancestors were among
the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. Adam Holtzworth was a blacksmith by trade,
which he carried on at Gettysburg for years. Our subject, the second of three born to-
his parents, was reared at Gettysburg, and there attended the public schools. On the
breaking out of the war, in 1861, young Holtzworth left the trade he was learning, that of a
granite cutter, and enlisted in the Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for
three months, serving as corporal. After the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted,
this time in the Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for three
years, and was wounded at the battle of Winchester, Va., June 15, 1863. He was made a
prisoner of war, was confined in Libby and Belle Isle, where he was " cooped up" for six
weeks; then was exchanged. In 1864 he veteranized or re-enlisted in the same regiment,
and was duty sergeant. He was wounded at the battle of the Weldon Railroad, having
been shot through the left shoulder, which disabled him from active duty, but he re-
mained with the regiment, and was given charge of the regiment letters. He was present
at the surrender of Gen. Lee, and was mustered out of service May 12, 1865. In 1866 Mr.
Holtzworth was elected register and recorder of Adams County on the Democratic ticket,
and administered in that olEce until 1869. Since the latter year he has been employed as
the guide to the battlefield of Gettysburg, and is, perhaps, as well posted concerning the
great battle as any man now living. Mr. Holtzworth possesses a half-interest in a livery
stable at Gettysburg, and has driven most of the generals who took part in the battle
over the field while visiting the same. In 1885 and 1886 he traveled and delivered lectures
in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1867 he was married to Evaline Lindsay, of Franklin
County, and of German descent. Their four children now living are Charles, an assistant
in the postofflce at Gettysburg; Mary; Harry and Alfred. The parents attend the Luth-
eran Church. Mr. Holtzworth is a member of the G. A. R., and has been commander of
the post at Gettysburg. He is a director of tlie Gettysburg Battlefield Association, and a
member of the school board of Gettysburg. He is both a Mason and an Odd Fellow.
DAVID HORNER. M. D., was born in Gettysburg, Adams County, Penn., November
10, 1797. He was the son of Robert and the grandson of David Horner, who immigrated
to this country from Ireland prior to the year 1760. Dr. David Horner received his class-
ical education in the Latin school of Gettysburg, which was taught by Samuel Ramsey.
He read medicine in the oflice of Dr. James H. Miller, a cultivated and eminent physician
of his day, and who subsequently became professor of the theory and practice of medicine
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 35T
in the Washington Medical College, at Baltimore, Md. From this institution Dr. Horner
received his degree of M. D. As a physician he was faithful in the performance of his
duty and was very successful. On the 24th of December,1833, he was united in marriage with
Miss Agnes Brown Allen, ot Savannah, Ga., by the Rev. David McConaughy. In politics-
the Doctor was a firm Whig and a decided anti-slavery man. In 1824 he was elected coroner
of the county, to serve three years, and in 1842 was elected the second time to the same office.
In 1844 he was nominated as a Whig candidate for Congress in this district, then com-
posed of the counties of York and Adams. In this contest he was defeated by his Demo-
cratic opponent, Moses McClean, Esq., of Gettysburg, the latter having received a majority
of 873 in York, and the former a Whie majority of 711 in Adams County. The Doctor was
elected in 1856 one of the associate judges of Adams County, a position he honorably and
acceptably filled for two years. On the 9th of February, 1858, he died in his sixty-first
year, mourned and honored in the community in which he had lived for more than half
a century. His remains were interred in Evergreen Cemetery. He left three children —
two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Charles Horner, M. D., and the youngest,
Robert Horner, M. D., are still living, and both are practicing medicine in Gettysburg,
their native town. Mary Agnes Horner married the Rev. John K. Plitt, a Lutheran min-
ister, and at the present time resides in Philadelphia.
DAVID KENDLEHART, retired merchant, Gettysburg. It is the purpose of this
personal sketch to note the prominent characteristics of the individual to whom reference
is made, and to hand down to posterity and to the future one who stands prominent as a
citizen of Adams County and as a representative man. To describe the character of the
individual whose name heads this sketch the first impress is set forth briefiy in three
words, to- wit: An honest man. He was born December 30, 1813, in Gettysburg, to John.
L. and Elizabeth (Flentgen) Kendlehart, natives of Germany, from whence come those citi-
zens to whom the United States is as much indebted for her most industrious, substantial,
wealthy and intelligent elements as to any other nationality on the globe. The father was a
shoemaker by trade, and settled in Baltimore,Md.,in 1804, and between 1806 and 1810 removed
to Gettysburg where he spent the remainder of his days in honest toil, for the support of
his six children, of whom David is the fourth. He, at the early age of twelve years, was-
apprenticed to the shoe-maker's trade, and has continued the same even to the present, and
in connection with this he carried on a general boot and shoe store, giving his personal
attention to manufacture and sale, for a period of over forty years. He found time, how-
ever, to attend to some of the city affairs, where his work required no pay. He was pres-
ident of the city council when Gen. Early, the Confederate commander, June 26, 1863,
made a requisition to the borough authorities for 60 barrels of flour, 7,000 pounds of pork
or bacon, 1,200 pounds of sugar, 600 pounds of coffee, 1.000 pounds of salt, 40 bushels of
onions, 1,000 pairs of shoes, 500 hats, or |5,000 in money. This was the first sight of an army
that had come to destroy and subdue, and no one but those who were here enjoying the
fruits of their bard labors, can express the prevalent feeling when asked to surrender their
own to the would-be destroyers of our Government; indeed, it must have looked like im-
mediate suicide to refuse such a hostile, hungry army, but Mr. Kendlehart, in the absence
of the burgess, responded as follows:
Gkttybburg, June 26, 1863.
Gen. Early,
^j- ; — The authorities of the borongh of Gettysburg, in answer to the demand made upon the same
borough and county by you, say their authority extends but to the borough; that the requisition asked ior
can not be given, because it is utterly impossible to comply. The quantities required aie far beyond that in
our possession. In compliance, however, to the demand, we will request the stores to be opened and the citi-
zens to furnish whatever they can of such provisions, etc., as may be asked. Further we can not promise. By
authority of the council of the borough of Gettysburg, I hereunto, as president of said board, attach my name.
D. Kendlehart.
Early in the morning of July 4, 1863, in company with George Arnold, Esq., of Gettys-
burg, and his two sons, he succeeded with great difficulty in getting through the Union
lines, and reaching the headquarters of Gen. Meade, giving him the first information he
had of the rebel retreat. Our subject has served his native city as burgess in a creditable
manner. He naturally followed his father's political proclivities, that of a Democrat, but
was strongly in sympathy with the abolitionists, and was out-spoken against the cause of
slavery. During the operations of the fugitive slave law, Mr. Kendlehart was in front of
his residence one morning, when a man by the name of Hartman drove up, and inquired
for a justice of the peace. Mr. Kendlehart directed him to the ofiice of D. A. Buehler, and
while the stranger was performing his business there, our subject learned of the colored!
woman who was in custody of Mr. Hartman, that she and her husband were fugitives and
were being taken back to their owner; that her husband had jumped from the vehicle a
short distance from,Gettysburg, pursued by a constable. Mr. Kendlehart insisted on her
escape during her captor's temporary absence, which she did, and on Hartman's return' to
the buggy he was wrongly informed of the whereabouts of the poor colored woman by
Mr. Kendlehart, who had wanted her to make good her escape. It was subsequently-
learned that she met her husband a few days later, and they finally broke their chain of
slavery In 1841, Mr. Kendlehart was married to Eliza, a daughter of James Bowen, and.
has a family of five children: Mary C, Sarah L., Margaretta B. (the wife of William P>
358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
McCartney); John L. (an attorney in Philadelphia), and J. William (a clerk in the Gettys-
burg National Bank). Mr. Kendlehart is a member of the I. O. O. F. By hard labor,
strict economy and frugality he has placed himself in his declining years iu aflBuent cir-
cumstances, thus enablmg him to live a somewhat retired life.
J. J. KERR, retired farmer, Gettysburg, was born in Highland Township, Adams
€o., Penn., August 13, 1809, a son of John and Jane (Hart) Kerr, natives of Pennsylva-
nia, and of Scotch -Irishi descent. J. J. Kerr now owns the farm where his grandfather,
George Kerr, was born, and holds the original deed given by William Penn to one of his
ancestors, which land, has, by will, since been in the family, transferred from one gener-
ation to another, all having been farmers by occupation. John Kerr, died in 1837, the
father of five children, of whom J. J. is the youngest. The education of our subject was
confined to the schools of the neighborhood, and he grew up among agricultural pur-
suits, following farming until 1873, when, after having accumulated a comfortable com-
petency, he retired and moved to Gettysburg. He was married to Anna, daughter of
Robert McClure, of Scotch-Irish descent, and to this union have been born four children.
Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been elder.
In politics Mr. Kerr is a Republican.
REV. MOSES KIEFFER, D. D., retired minister, Gettysburg, was born in Franklin
County, Penn., May 5, 1814, the seventh son of Christian and Mary (Poorman) Kieflfer,
natives of the same county. The ancestors of our subject, on both sides, were among
the early German settlers of Pennsylvania and the male members of the family were
mostly tillers of the soil. Our subject is a cousin to the Rev. Bphraim KiefEer, wlio Is
widely known through Pennsylvania, and of Dr. KiefEer, a prominent physician of Car-
lisle, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Dr. KiefEer grew to manhood in
Franklin County, and in 1838 was graduated from what is now Franklin and Marshall
College, receiving the highest honors of his class. On completing his college education
he entered the theological department of that institution, where he remained two years,
and at the same time was employed as tutor in his alma mater, teaching one hour per day.
His first pastoral charge was at the Water Street Church in Huntingdon, Penn., accepting
the call .to that church in 1840, and serving the charge four years. He then accepted a
call at Hagerstown, Md., where he was minister in charge seven yeara. From Hagers-
town he went to Reading, Penn., and was there actively engaged in the ministerial work
for five years. In 1855 he was elected president of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio,
■over which he presided nearly thirteen years, and of which he was the second president.
When he took charge the college was in its Infancy, and being anxious that it should suc-
ceed the Doctor really performed the work of two men, doing all he possibly could for
the prosperity of the institution, and in his efforts overtaxed his strength, which com-
pelled him to resign his position. Following this the Doctor was supply preacher at San-
dusky City, Ohio, for one year and a half. He then returned to Franklin County, Penn.,
locating at Greencastle, where he was minister in charge of a church until 1874. That
year he came to Gettysburg, where he was pastor in charge ten years, and where he
IS now living a retired life. During the late war, when the rebels burned Chambersburg,
Penn., Dr. Kieffer was publisher of the Quarterly Review and other publications of his
church, arid the publishing house and office were, with the buildings, destroyed, and with
them tlie manuscript of a work he had ready for publication. His contributions to the reli-
gious press have been many. In politics he is a Reputlican, and in religion a Catholic,
but not a Roman.
WILLIAM THOMAS KING, merchant tailor, Gettysburg, was born in Champaign
County, Ohio, August 11, 1839, the only son of John and Violet King (the Kings not re-
lated before marriage). The former was a native of Ireland and latter of Pennsylvania,
both being of Scotch-Irish origin, and strict Presbyterians. John King was one of three
children brought to America by their parents, and in early and middle life was engaged
in teaching school, but for some years previous to his death was a farmer. In 1830 he
was accidentally killed by the running off of his team while hauling logs to aid his
brother in the construction of a cabin on the frontiers of western Ohio. Three years
after this the widow removed to Adams County, Penn., where she had relatives, lo-
cating in Straban Township. Our subject, then about four years old, was sent to the
district school of the locality, at which he received the only schooling he got. When
thirteen years of age his mother chose for him the tailoring trade and placed him in a shop
as an apprentice, a proceeding he seriously objected to then, but has never had cause to
regret since. He served an apprenticeship of six years; then. traveled three years, work-
ing as a journejrman. In April, 1852, he embarked in the tailoring business at Gettysburg
for himself, which he has since carried on, and at which he has gained the reputation of
being a correct cutter and a fine workman, and to-day stands second to no other in the
same line in his county. Starting business thirty-four years ago with small capital and
limited resources he has, by good management and close application to business, together
with the ability to please the public, built up a fine trade, and has been successful. Mr.
King is an upright, honorable dealer, and a courteous, genial man. May 18, 1853, he was
married to Miss Sarah B. Barrett, of Gettysburg, Penn., a lady of intelligence and refinement.
/ ,
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BOROUGH OP GETTYSBURG. 361
and to whom Mr. King says he is largely indebted for the success in life he has at-
tained. She is of Scotch-Irish and French descent, and to this union have been born six
children: Ollivetta Jane, wife of W. G. Horner, of Emmittsburg, Md.; Emma Reed, wife
of B. E. Snyder, of Chicago, 111.; John Barrett, a railroad engineer; Fannie Violet; Mary
Ellen and Thomas Starr. Mr. King is independent both in politics and religion, afflliating
with no religious denomination, but is identified politically with the Greenback party.
He served and was commissioned as first lieutenant and afterwards was acting captain of
the Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in the war of the Re-
bellion, and is a representative business man of Adams County. Three brothers, named
King, and ancestors of Mr. King on his mother's side, took up land and were among the
first, if not the very first, settlers on Upper Conowago Creels, in what was afterward known
as the "Conowago Settlement," long before the county was formed and as early as 1735
or 1738.
J. A. KITZMILLER, attorney at law, Gettysburg, was born in that place October 14,
1843, son of Samuel and Jane (Harper) Kitzmiller, natives of this county, and of German
and Scotch-Irish extraction. The birth of Samuel Kitzmiller occurred in 1806, and in
youth he learned the harness-maker's trade, which vocation he followed for many years.
He is still living, at the advanced age of eighty years, and well cared for by his son, J. A.
Of his nine children, six grew to maturity, one of whom, John, was a member of Company
B, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was
killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, Junel, 1864. J. A. Kitzmiller was reared in Gettysburg,
and left the higli school to learn the trade of blacksmithing. In 1863 he enlisted in the
United States service, joining the same company and regiment as his brother John. He
participated in several hard-fought battles, and while in an engagement at Spottsylvania
Court House, Va., May 13, 1864, he lost his left arm. In 1865 he was elected prothonotary
of Adams County, and subsequently was appointed postmaster of Gettysburg under both
terms of President Grant's administration. He has served twelve years as school di-
rector of the board of Gettysburg, of which he was president for seven years. In 1879
he was elected burgess of Gettysburg, and in 1877 was appointed notary public, and
served six years in that capacity. In 1869 he commenced the study of law under Hon.
David Wi'ls, of Gettysburg, and was admitted to the bar in 1871, and has since been en-
gaged in the practice of his profession. He is manager and treasurer of the Adams County
Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is a member of the I. O. O. P., and is identified
with the O. of R. M. and G. A. R. He is the only surviving soldier who enlisted at
Gettysburg that lost a limb in any battle. In'1866 Mr. Kitzmiller was married to Anna G.,
daughter of J. Henry Garlach, of German lineage, and to the marriage were born Ida M.
and Lulie. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church at Gettysburg. Mr. Kitz-
miller is indeed a self-made man. He takes a deep interest in local and national politics,
and was a delegate to the national convention which nominated James G. Blaine for
president. He is one of the subjects of the famous Curtis-Kitzmiller letter during the
Blaine and Cleveland campaign.
JOHN M. KRAUTH, attorney at law, Gettysburg, was born in that borough, March
3, 1846, son of Rev. Charles Philip and Harriet (Brown) Krauth, the former a son of
Charles J. Krautli, a native of Germany. Rev. Charles Philip Krauth was the first presi-
dent of Pennsylvania College, and one of the foremost educators in the State. He was
born in Montgomery County, Penn., May 7, 1797; was twice married, and by each mar-
riage had two children, those by the first marriage being deceased, John M. and Sarah
P. being born to the second. President Krauth died May 30, 1867, and his widow and her
daughter now reside with John M. (For a full sketch of ('resident Krauth the reader is re-
ferred to the records of the college.) Our subject, at the age of eighteen, graduated from
the Pennsylvania College, and in 1864, enlisted in the United States Signal Service, serv-
ing until August, 1865. He read law under the instruction of the Hon. D. McConaughy,
of Gettysburg, was admitted to the bar November 18, 1867, and has since followed the
fortunes of that profession. From 1869 to 1873 he served as assistant assessor of internal
revenue; was a member of the school board from 1869 to 1886. when he resigned; and
from 1877 to 1885 he served as postmaster of Gettysburg, and was elected district attorney
of Adams County, in November, 1885. October 13, 1875, Mr. Krauth was married to
Mary J., daughter of John S. Crawford, of Scotch descent, and to this union have been
born the following named children: Harriet B., Elizabeth S. and Anna C. The parents
are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Krauth is a director and secretary of the
Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association and a member of post No. 9, G. A. R. He
is a Master Mason, a member of Lodge No. 336.
CALVIN P. KRISB, Gettysburg, was born in Freedom Township, Adams Co., Penn.,
September 1, 1834, a son of Abraham and Jane (Tott) Krise. The father was a native
of Maryland, but passed almost his entire life in Adams County, occupied as a farmer un-
til late in life when he retired from active work and removed to Gettysburg, where his
death occurred in 1880 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Calvin P., the eldest
son, was reared on a farm, and there taught to work by a good father, who was a regular
Jacksonian Democrat, and who was a man of influence, but very stern and set in his way,
I9A
362 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
and of whom it was said he was seldom on the wrong side. Our subject attended the
district schools in Freedom Township, and remained on the farm with his parents, until
he enlisted Fehruary 27, 1865, in Compiiny E, under Captain Giller of the Ninety-Ninth
Regiment, P. V. I. At the close of the war he went West, and has since passed five sum-
mers there, yet his home and main business have been at Gettysburg, where he and his
sister reside in comfortable dwellings located on Carlisle Street.
JUDGE WILLIAM McCLEA^l, president judge, Gettysburg, was born in that town
March 13, 1833, the eldest in a family of six children, a son of Hon. Moses and Mary (Mc-
Conaughy) McClean, natives of this county, and of Scotch-Irish origin. The judge's an-
cestors on both sides were among the early settlers of this locality, and were people of
prominence, the McClean family having settled in Pennsylvania in about 1738. (In the sketch
of Hon. D. McConaughy, and in the history proper of this volume, will be found the early
history of the McConaughys). Moses McClean was a lawyer by profession, and died in
Gettysburg in 1870, having practiced law there for half a century. He represented the
people of Adams County in the State Legislature and the people of his district in Con-
gress. Judge McClean graduated at what is now Washington and Jefferson College (then
Washington) in 1851. He read law in Gettysburg, under the instruction of his father, and
subsequently furthered his studies at Harvard University, and was admitted to the bar in
1854, from which time until 1874 he was in active practice. In 1873 he served as a mem-
ber of the Constitutional Convention, and the following year was elected president judge,
in which capacity he served ten years, and at the expiration of that time, on the meeting
of the four conventions of the two counties comprising the district, he was renominated
by both Democrats and Republicans without opposition, and at this time is serving the
second term in that office. It is said of him that he does his duty fearless of friend or foe.
In 1855, Judge McClean was married to Miss Fannie Riggin, a native of Maryland, and of
English descent. The children (now living) born to this union are Hannah Mary, wife
of Rev. Charles M. Stock of Bedford County, Penn.; Olivia C; William, a lawyer of
Gettysburg, a graduate of Pennsylvania College, and of the law department of the Uni-
versity of Georgia. Mrs. McClean died in 1867, and in 1874 the judge married Miss
Matilda Gates of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, and of Irish origin. The union was blessed
with two children, one — Saint John — surviving. Judge McClean lost his second wife in
1885. She was a member of the Episcopal Church. The judge is also a member of that
church, has been church warden for several years and has served as superintendent of the
Sunday-school.
COL JOHN H. McCLELLAN, retired, Gettysburg, was born in Adams County,
Penn., March 5, 1808. His gi-andfather, William McClellan, the second, was born near
Coleraine, Ireland, in 1735, and came with his family to Marsh Creek, York Co., Penn., in
1739, died in 1796, and was buried on the farm in the family grave-yard. William McClel-
lan, third, was born June 21, 1763. He was married to Mary Magdalen Spangler, of York,
daughter of Mr. Baltzer Spangler, of that town, January 31, 1788; died at Marsh Creek,
and was buried in the family grave-yard July 27, 1831. William, third, was quite an act-
ive, public-spirited man, and was once high sheriff of York County. His family consisted
of four boys and eight girls. The boys were William, Baltzer, George Washington
and John H., the last named, the only one now living, being the subject of this sketch,
occupying the old hotel in the town of Gettysburg, which his father purchased from the
executor of James Scott, in 1808, and which has been in the family ever since. William,
fourth, the eldest son of William, third, was quite a prominent citizen. He had one son
and four daughters. He was born December 22, 1789, and died May 4, 1845. William B.
McClellan, his son, was an attorney at law, and died in 1863. The fifth William and his
son, William B. McClellan, the sixth, are still living in Texas. Our subject received but
limited educational advantages, and began life as a clerk in the bank at Gettysburg, which
position he filled for thirly-three and one-third years, one-third of a century. He has
been a successful business man, and has recently erected a block of buildings in Gettys-
burg, which stand as a monument to his enterprise. In 1840 he was appointed treasurer
of the county, and served until 1843, when he was elected to the same oflSce. Mr. McClel-
lan is identified with the Presbyterian Church, and is highly esteemed for his excellent
qualities. He has never married. "Col." McClellan, as he is familiarly called, related
that, in 1843, he had the pleasure and rare experience of riding in a balloon from Gettys-
burg to the vicinity of York, two miles high (see Wise's history). He is now in his sev-
enty-ninth year.
HON. DAVID McCONAUGHY, attorney and counselor, Gettysburg, was born in
that place July 13, 1823, a son of John and Margaret (Patterson) McConaughy, natives of
this county, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The McConaughy family were among the first
settlers of Adams County, and one of the most prominent of her pioneers. David McCon-
aughy, the great- grandfather of David, was a member of the Legislature in the old colon-
ial times, took active part in the Revolutionary war, and after its close served again irt
the Legislature, and was sheriff of York County, by commission from George III.
By occupation he was a farmer and miller. The great-grandfather of David on his mother's-
side, Arthur Patterson, of Lancaster County, Penn., was a member of the Legislature both
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 363
before and after tlio Revolution, and performed service in that war as captnin. The lives
of these two men were very much alike; both were of Scotch-Irisli extraction, came from
the old country in the same vessel, and each served as a justice of the peace, as well as in
the Legislature together. John McConaughy, the father of our subjecl , located in Gettys-
burg in 1800. He had been a farmer and miller, and became a lawyer in 1806. David was
the youngest child of three sons and three daughters, and is tlio only one now residing in
Adams County. Robert, the eldest .son, read law and was admitted to the bar at Gettys-
burg, removed to Indiana and there died in 1840. .Tames, the second son, is amannfactu'rer
in Johnstown, Cambria Co., Penn. The daughters were Hannah Mary, wife of Moses Jlr-
Clean, whose son, Hoa. William McClean, is the present judge of tbi.s district; Elizabeth,
the widow of Prof. M. L. Stoever, and.Martha E., wife of Rev. David Wilson, a Presbyte-
rian clergyman, late of Missouri, who, at one time was president of a college at Monrovia.
Liberia, and served as chaplain in the Union Army. David grew to manhood in his na-
tive town, and at the early age of seventeen years graduated at Washington College, Penn,,
in 1840. After graduating he accepted a position as principal of a high school in Mary-
land where he remained two years. In 1843-45 he read law under his brother-in-law,
Moses McClean, and was admitted to the bar in 1845, since which time he has continued
in the practice of liis profession, in which he has been successful, both in the management
of his cases and in a pecuniary sense. It was mainly through his efforts that the Ever-
green Cemetery was established in Gettysburg, in 1853, of which he was president and so
remained until 1863. In the last year, on the invasion of the State by Confederate troops,
Mr. McConaughy offered his services to the Government and was assigned to the secret
service. At the battle of Gettysburg he was, by special order of Gen. Couch, appointed
aide-de-camp, with the rank of captain, and after the battle he received a letter of thanks
from Gen. Meade for services rendered. Mr. McConaughy conceived the idea of the
Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association, of which he was chosen president in 1863.
and served ten years, and actively negotiated for the purchase of the land on which the
battle was fought, which is now the property of the association. In politics he was first
a Whig, then a Republican. He has filled a number of ofiSces of honor and trust, among
which were those of school director, member of the town council and State senator, hav-
ing been elected to the latter office in 1865. In 1847 his marriage with Catharine, daugh-
ter of George Arnold (for years cashier of the First National Bank, Gettysburg) was cele-
brated. Her death occurred in 1853, and for his second wife our subject married Leana,
daughter of James B. Matthews, of Maryland, and to the latter marriage were born three
sons, all of whom are graduates of Pennsylvania College: James graduated at the age of
seventeen years, now the associate general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., of Kew York;
David graduated at the age of eighteen, is general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., of Phila-
delphia; Samuel graduated in his nineteenth year, is secretary of northwestern branch of
the Y. M. C. A., of Philadelphia; and a daughter, Mary, a graduate of the female serai-
nary at Pittsfieid, Mass. The family is identified with the Presbyterian Church. Mr.
McConaughy was a member of the National Convention which nominated Abraham Lin-
coln for President the first time, and a member of the Electoral College at his second elec-
tion.
ROBERT McCURDY (deceased), who for many years was prominent in the political
and industrial life of Adams County, was a son of Capt. William McCurdy, who died in
1849. William McCurdy represented Adams County in the State Legislature in 1839, his
competitor being the great commoner, Thaddeus Stevens, whom he defeated. Robert Mc-
Curdy was born in 1813 in Cumberland Township, on what is known as the McCurdy-
farm, a beautiful tract, comprising over 300 acres. In 1846 he married Mary Marshall,
daughter of Hon. John Marshall, of Carroll's Tract, whom he survived seventeen years^
For a number of years he resided on his farm, but the condition of his health, and his de-
sire for a more active life led him to seek other occupations, and about 1856 he removed
with his family to Gettysburg. He was one of the earliest and most persistent promoters-
of the Gettysburg Railroad, which gave to Gettysburg its first modern facilities by connec-
tion with the Hanover Branch Railroad. He was, on its completion, elected president,
serving in this capacity until the road passed into the hands of the courts, by which he-
was appointed sequestrator, remaining in that office until the final sale of the road. In
1869 he was elected associate judge, serving one term, the office then being abolished by
the new constitution, which went into effect in 1873. In 1871 Judge McCurdy was com-
missioned by Gov. Geary a trustee to superintend the removal of the Confederate dead
from the field of Gettysburg, acting in conjunction with E. G. Fahnestock, Esq. In 1880
he was elected to the office of prothonotary, serving one term. In addition to these elect-
ive offices. Judge McCurdy was for many years a manager of the Adams County Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, and one of the managers of the Evergreen Cemetery. A man
of strong religious feeling, he was for a long term of years a ruling' elder in the Presbyte-
riim Church. Few men were more thoroughly imbued with the principles of early Dem-
ocracy than Judge McCurdy, yet, although strongly attached to its history, and believing-
in the necessity of its supremacy, he was not a bitter partisan, the genial character of his
nature and the conservative bent of his mind leading him to avoid extreme views. He died!
in August, 1885.
304 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
HARVEY W. Mcknight, president and professor of intellectual and moral science,
Pennsylvania College, Qettysburj!;, is a native of this county, fiorn in McKnightstown
April 6, 1843, of Thomus and Margaret (Stewart) McKnight, of Scotch-Irish descent.
Thomas McKniglit, the founder of McKnightstown, was a farmer and merchant. His
drath occurred in 1850. Harvey W., the youngest of a family of nine children, was only
a lad of seven years at the time of his fatlier's death. The mother, after the death of her
husljand, moved to Jackson Hall, in Franklin County, Penn., where our subject was
occupied for a time in the village schools and for three years as a clerk in a general store.
IIo for a time attended the academy at Chambersburg, and in 1860 entered Penn^lvania
College, and pursued his studies until 18G2, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred
and Thirty-eighlli Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was made orderly
sergeant, and subsequently promoted to the office of second lieutenant, but on account of
ill health was soon compelled to resign. ^After his return home he was made adjutant of
the Twenty-si.xth Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, and as such served during the inva-
sion of Pennsylvania by the rebel forces in 1863. After the burning of Chambersburg, in
1864, he was commissioned captain of Company D, Two Hundred and Tenth Regiment of
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served as such until the close of the war, in 1865.
He then returned to Pennsylvania College, from which he was graduated that year, and
entered llie theological seminary at Gettysburg, and from that institution graduated in
1867, and was licensed as a preacher. From 1867 to 1870 he served as pastor of a church
at Newville; then, owing to bad health, he retired from the iplnistry for a period of two
years. From 1872 to 1880 he was pastor of St. Paul's Church, at Eaton, Penn. From 1880
to 1884 he served as pastor of the First English Lutheran Church of Cincinnati, Ohio. In
1878 Dr. McKnight was elected a trustee of his alma mater, and the same year delivered
the alumni address at the theological seminary, Gettysburg. In 1884 he was chosen, by a
unanimous vote, president of Pennsylvania College, which office he has since filled. No-
vember 12, 1867, he wiis married to Mary K., daughter of Solomon and Jane (Livingstone)
Welty, whose parents were of Scotch-Irish and Pennsylvania German descent. To this
marriage have been born Jane M. and Mary L. Mrs. McKnight is identified with the
Lutheran Cliurch. The title of D. D. was conferred on our subject by Monmouth College,
Illinois, in 1883.
HON. EDWARD MoPHERSON, LL. D., Gettysburg, Is a descendant in the fourth
generation of Robert and Janet McPberson, who settled on Marsh Creek, Adams County
(then Lancaster), in llie year 1738. Robert died in 1749; Janet in 1767.
Col. Robert McPhersoii, his great grand-father, was educated at the Academy at New
London, Chester County, and was for thirty years an active and influential citizen, and
filled many important positions in York County. He was .auditor in 1755 and 1767; com-
missioner in 1756; sheriff in 1762; assemblyman in 1765-'67 and 1781-'84. He was a member
for York County of the provincial conference of committees, which met in Carpenter's
Hall, Philadelphia, June 18, 1776, and was also amember of the Constitutional Convention,
which in July, 1776, formed the first constitution of the State of Pennsylvania. He was
captain in Gen. Forbes' expedition to reduce Fort Du Quesne in 1758, and served as col-
onel in the Revolutionary Army, and, after expiration of term, as an assistant-commissary
of supplies. His wife was Agnes Miller, of the Cumberland Valley, by whom he had nine
children — six daughters and three sons. Of the former two died in infancy. Janet mar-
ried Maj. David Grier, of York; Mary married Alexander Russell, Esq., of Gettysburg;
Agnes married Dr. Andrew McDowell, of Chambersburg, and Elizabeth married James
Riddle, Esq., of Chambersburg. The eldest son, William, married, first, Mary Carrickof
Maryland; next, Sarah Reynolds of Shippensburg, Penn. Robert died unmarried, and
John married Sarah Smith, of Frederick, Md. Col. Robert was one of the charter trustees
of Diokmson College. He died in 1789.
Lieut. William McPherson, grand-father of Edward, served honorably in the Revolu-
tionary war, having been a lieutenant in 1776, in Miles' Rifle Regiment, and was captured
by the enemy at tlje battle of Long Island, and kept a prisoner of war for nearly two years.
On his return to civil life he discharged many public trusts, and for nine years repre-
sented York County in the Legislature, as the special champion of the bill for the creation
of Adams County, which was accomplished m 1800. He died in Gettysburg August 3, 1832,
in his seventy-fifth year.
John B. McPherson, grand-son of Col. Robert McPherson, a son of Lieut. William
McPherson by Mary Carrick, of Frederick County, Md., and father of Edward, was born
near Gettysburg November 15, 1789, on the farm on which his great-grandfather settled in
1738. He died m Gettysburg, January 4, 1858. Our subject lost his mother when quite
young, and spent several of his earlier years with his grand-father, Capt. Samuel Carrick,
of the neighborhood of Emmittsburg, Md. He subsequently returned to his home, where
he' spent his youth. He received a fair education at the academies of Gettysburg and
York. He spent several years of his life in Frederick City, Md,, with his uncle. Col. John
McPherson, and for a year was a clerk in the Branch Bank, located in that place. He was
married in Frederick, April 25, 1810, to Miss Catharine, daughter of Godfrey Lenhart,
Esq., and grand-daughter of Yost Herbaoh, all of York County. Early in 1814 he removed
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 365
to Gettysburg with a view to entering the mercantile business, but on the 26th of Mav of
that year, he was elected cashier of the bank of Gettysburg, then recently chartered and
organized. He continued in that position until his death, a period of nearly forty-four
years. Me had superior business ability and courteous manners, comliined with strendlh
of character and a high sense of personal and official honor. He participated actively in
municipal and county affairs, and filled many posts of trust. He was highly intellio-ent
and well read, and was a patron and efficient friend to Pennsylvania College, of whose
board ot trustees he was president at the time of his death. His widow survived liini
about one year. They left several children. A grand-son, Hon. John B. McPherson is
associate law judge of the Dauphin and Lebanon District. Anotbor grand-son Dr J
McPherson Scott, has twice represented his native county of Washington, Md. in the
Legislature, is a physician of high standing, and was a district delegate in the Republican
National Conveniiou of 1884.
HoiL Edward McPherson, youngest son of John B. and Catharine McPherson, was
born in Gettysburg, July 31, 1830, and was educated at the public schools of tbattown and at
Pennsylva,nia College, graduating from the latter in 1848 at eighteen with the valedictory.
He early developed a taste for politics and journalism, but at the request of bis father be-
gan the study of law with Hon. Thaddeus Stevens at Lancaster, which, however, he
abandoned on account of failing health, and for several winters was employed in Harris-
burg as a reporter of legislative proceedings and a correspondent for the Philadelphia North
AmfTfcan and other newspapers. In the campaign of 1851 he edited In the interest of the
Whig party the Harnsburg DaUi/ American, and in the fall of that year he tooli charge of
the Lancaster Independent Whig, which he edited until January, 1854. In the spring of
1853 he started the Inland Daily, the first daily paper published at Lancaster. His health
proved unequal to such exacting labors and he relinquished them as stated, except for
''i'iL?,®"°'^^ ^' Pittsburgh, in 1855, and at Philadelphia from the fall of 1878 to the spring
of 1880, since which time be has not had active connection with the press. The first im-
portant public service rendered by Mr. McPherson was the preparation of a st-ries of let-
ters, ten in number, which were printed in the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin in the year
1857, and afterward in pamphlet form, their object being to prove the soundness
of the financial policy which demanded the sale by the State of its main line of
public improvements. The letters analyzed the reports of the canal commissioners for a
series of years, proved the falsity of the conclusions drawn from them, and demon-
strated the folly of continued State ownership and management. The letters were never-
answered, and they formed the text from whicii w^re drawn the arguments in favor of
the sale, which was accomplished in 1858. The next year he prepared a lilie series on tlie
sale of the branches of the State canal, which had a like reception. Both series of lettcis
were published anonymously, but were signed "Adams," after his native countv. In
1856 he published an address on ''The Growth of Individualism," which was 'deliv-
ered before the alumni of his alma mater, of whose board of trustees he has been for
years an active member. Another was published in 1858 on "The Christian Principle, lis
Influence upon Government," and still another in, in 1859, on "The Family In Its Rela-
tions to the State," both of which were delivered before the Y. M. C. A. of Gettysburg.
In 1863 he delivered an address before the literary societies of Dickinson College on the
subject, "Know Thyself," personally and nationally considered. In 1858 Mr. McPherson
was elected to the Thirty-sixth Congress from the Sixteenth District of Pennsylvania, em-
bracing the counties of Adams. Franklin, Fulton, Bedford and Juniata, and was re-elected
in 1860. In 1862 he was defeated in the political reaction of that date, the district having ,
been meanwhile changed by the substitution ot Somerset County for Juniata. Upon the
completion of his congressional term of service he was appointed in April, 1863, by
President Lincoln, upon Secretary Chase's recommendation, deputy commissioner of in-
ternal revenue, in which position he served until December, 1863, when he was chosen
clerk of the House ot Representatives for the Tbirty-eigth Congress, which office he con-
tinued to hold during the Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, Fo'rty-tirst, Fofly-second and Forty-third
Congresses and again in the Forty-seventh Congress, being the longest continuous serv-
ice and the longest service in that post from the beginning of the Government. During
the administration of President Hayes he served as chief of the bureau of engraving and
printing of the Treasury Department for eighteen months,, during which time here-organ-
ized and reformed its administration and obtained from Congress an appropriation of
$325,000 for the erection of its present fire-proof building in Washington City. The entire
cost of it was met out of one year's savings from the appropriations made for the bureau
and an equal amount was left unexpended in the Treasury. During his service in Con-
gress the principal speeches of Mr. McPherson were on " Disorganization and Disunion,"
delivered February 24, 1860, in review of the two months' contest over the election of a
speaker in the Thirty-sixth Congress; " The Disunion Conspiracy," delivered January 23,
1861, in examination of the secession movement and the arguments made in justification
of it; "The Rebellion: Our Relations and Duties," delivered February 14, 1862, in general
discussion of the war; "The Administration of Abraham Lincoln and Its Assailant3,"de-
livered June 3, 1862. During and since his incumbency of the clerkship he published
300 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
"A Political History of the Uniu-d States During the Rebellion," extending from the
presidential election of 1860 to April l-i. 18ii5, tlie date of Lincoln's deatli; "A Political
History of the United States During the Period of Reconstruction," extending from 1865 to
1870; "Hand-boiik of Polilics for 1870-72;" "Hand-book of Politics tor 1872-74;" also one
for 1876-78; 1878-80; 1880-83; 1883-84; 1884^80. Tlicse latter volumes are editorial compila-
tions of the political record of men and parlies during that eventful period, and have re-
ceived ahigh place in the contidence of all parties for completeness, fairness and accuracy.
During the summer and fall of 18lil our subject served as volunteer aide on the staff of Gen.
McCall, commanding the Pennsylvania Reserves, with a view of studying the wants and or-
ganization of the army, and to nt himself fur intelligeni legislative action on those subjects.
In the Thirty-seventh Congress he was a member of the military committee of the House
and took an active part in legislation respecting tne army. He also served as chairman
of the Committee on the Library and as a regent of the Smithsonian Institute. He was
secretary of the People's State Committee of Pennsylvania in 18j7; was a member of the
Republican National Committee from 1860 to 1864; was frequently a delegate to State con-
ventions; was arepresentative delegate to the Republican National Convention of 1876,and
was the permanent president of that body. He has actively participated in politics for
many years and has been during three campaigns the secretary of the Republican Con-
gressional Committee. In 1867 tne degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Penn-
sylvania College. Mr. McPherson was married November 13, 1863, to Miss Annie D.,
daughter of John 8. Crawford, Esq., of Gettysburg, and grand-daughter, on her father's
side, of Dr. William Crawford, a native of Scotland, who settled near Gettysburg about
1786, who for eight year.s icpresented that district in Congress, and on her mother's side
of the Rev. Dr. William Paxton, who for nearly fifty years served with distinction and
ability Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. McPherson have four
sons and one daughter.
WILLIAM McSHERRY, Jr., attorney at law, was born in Martinsburg, Va. — the
home of his maternal grandfather. Dr. Richard McSherry— July 15, 18.J.5. His father,
Hon. William McSlierry, is a native and life-long resident of Adams County, Penn. ; and his
mother was Eliza T. McSherry, a beautiful and Intelligent lady of Virginia. He received
his early education in the private, public and parochial schools of nis father's home,
Littlestown, Adams Co., Penn. From the age ot fourteen to sixteen years he was a clerk
in a hardware store; then he entered Mount Saint Mary's College, Emmittsburg, Md.,
from which he graduated in June, 1877, delivering the class valedictory. He read law
under his father, Hon. William McSherry, LL. D., and Edward 8. Reily, district attorney
of Adams County, Penn. (formerly professor of laws at the Univei-sity ot Georgetown,
1). C), and was admitted to the bar August 17, 1878. He has since devoted his time to
the study and practice of his profession, with unusual success. He served as counsel to
the directors of the poor from 1883 to 1886, and was then re-appointed, but declined fur-
ther service. In June, 1884, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Penn-
sylvania. Mr. McSnerry's home is at the family residence, "Home-wood," in Germany
Township; his place of business is Getiysburg.
WILLIAM B. MEALS, marble cutler and proprietor of the Gettysburg Marble Works,
was born in Adams County, Penn., September 3?, 1833 or 18;;3, a descendant of the fourth
generation of those his ancestors, who flrst settled in this country, some time prior to
1783, of German and Scotch descent. He is a sou of Gabriel Meals and Nancy A. (Baugh-
man) Meals, of whose ten children (seven boys and three girls), he is the third. He re-
ceived part of his schooling in the common schools of Adams County, and his higher
branches under private tutors. He is a man of culture, and is considered a ready speaker.
With his attention to reading, he is genei'ally posted in the current news of the day. He has
prosecuted his business since a young man, and succeeded. In 1860 he was married to Miss
Maria Schaeffer, daughter of D. S. Schaeffer (veterinary surgeon), of German descent, and
a native of Pennsylvania, and to them children were born, viz.; Louis Henry, the eldest,
also a marble cutter, of superior skill, a partner with his father in the Gettysburg Marble
Works; Nannie E. ; William Washington Grant (a telegrapher), and Gabriel Franklin (the
latter being young has not yet chosen a profession); Mr. and Mrs. Meals and family are
members of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Meals has been an office bearer in the same for
thirty odd years. In politics he is a Republican; he has served as assessor, school director,
as a member of the town council, burgess and justice of the peace in the borough of
Gettysburg, whore he lives, and was at iiome during the battle in 1863. September 4, 1864,
he enlisted in the army of the Union, was attached to Company G, Two Hundred and
Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged at the close of the war as
C'ommissary sergeant, May 9, 1865, he having participated in two battles: Fort Steadman
jind in front of Petersburg, Va., when Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant.
LEE MUMI'ER, photographer, Gettysburg, was born near Dillsburg, York Co.,
Penn., May 7, 18-18, a son of Samuel and Catherine (Shultz) Mumper, also natives of York
<Jounty, and of Dutch descent. His father, in early life, was a farmer, but in later years
kept a hotel at Harrisburg, Penn., his deatli occurring in that city; and of his seven chil-
children Lee is the second. Our subject was reared in Adams County, receiving his edu-
BOROUGH OF GErTYSB0RG. 367
cation in the district schools in the vicinity where he grew up. When young he learned
the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worljed until his enlistment, in 1863, in Company
I, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, com-
manded by Col. Jennings, in which organization he served nine months. Returning
home he learned the art of photography with Tyson Brothers, of Gettysburg, and in 1864
embarlied in the business for himself at Gettysburg. The title of the firm at present is
Mumper & Co., who execute both indoor and outdoor worlc with neatness and dispatch
The studio is at No. 25 Baltimore Street, where all orders receive prompt attention. Any
special picture of the battle of Gettysburg or mounts is always photographed by request,
if not on hand. The firm keeps a full line of stereoscopic views of all parts of the battle-
field in stock. In 1865 Mr. Mumper was married to Sarah S. Shaffer, daughter of Jacob
Shaffer, of York Springs, Penn., and of German descent, and to this union have been born
nine children: Jacob, Charles, Mammie, Frank L., Elsie, John, Alvin, Clyde and Edgar.
Mrs. Mumper is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Mumper is a member of Post
Wo. 9, G. A. R., of Geaysburg.
COL. JAMES L. NEELY (deceased) was born in Tyrone Township, Adams Co.,
Penn., February 30, 1801, and died at his^residence in Straban Township, on the 33d of
April, 1863. He was of Scotch-Irish parentage. His grandfather, Samuel Neely, having
come from the North of Ireland in 1730, settled in what is now known as Tyrone Township,
tooik up large quantities of land and raised a large family of children, among whom was
James Neely, Esq., or as he was generally known " Spectacle Jimmy," the father of the
subject of this sketch. Col. James L. Neely was a farmer by occupation, and never held
office, except that in his early life he was elected colonel of a militia regiment, which
position he held for a number of years. In 1854 be was nominated by the Whig party as
its candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated by the Know-nothing movement. He
was married December 18, 1839, to Sarah Cassat, eldest daughter of Hon. Jacob Cassat,
and by her had three daughters and two sons. He prospered as a farmer and was able to
give all his children the advantages of a good education. He was a large, fine-lool^iug
man, of good address and correct habits; was prominent in the church and well and
favorably known throughout the community.
JACOB CASSAT NEELY, attorney at law, Gettysburg, Is a native of this county,
born in Tyrone Township February 8, 1838. His father was Col. James L. Neely, and his
maternal grandfather Hon. Jacob Cassat, [see above and page 351]. Jacob C.
Neely was the fourth child, and his early youth was passed on a farm. At the age of .six-
teen years he entered the junior class in Pennsylvania College, and was graduated from
that institution in 1856. He then read law in the office of Hon. D. McConaughy, at
Gettysburg, and was admitted to the bar in 1859, and has since been actively engaged in
the practice of law, for which profession he has great love. In politics Mr. Neely is a
Democrat. He has shunned rather than sought office; has served six years as district
attorney. In 1865 he was married in Gettysburg, to Alice, youngest daughter of Rev. S.
S. Schmucker, D. D., who for many years was president of Pennsylvania College, and
who was one of its founders. Dr. Schmucker was the first president of the Theological
Seminary at Gettysburg. To our subject and wife have-been born Samuel S., who gradu-
ated at Pennsylvania College in 1885, and is now a law student under his father; J. L.,
now in the sophomore class of Pennsylvania College; Mary C. and Sarah C. The parents
are identified with the Presbyterian Church.
JOHN W. C. O'NEAL, M. D., was born in Fairfax County, Va., April 31, 1831, of
Irish and American parentage. His classical and literary education was obtained at Penn-
sylvania College, Gettysburg, Penn., and in the primary schools connected therewith. His
medical studies were pursued under the private tutorship of Dr. John Swope, of Taney-
town, and N. R. Smith, Baltimore, Md., and the teaching of the medical department of
the University of Maryland, from which he received his degree of M. D. in 1844, together
covering a period of four years. He settled in Hanover, York Co., Penn., in the spring
of 1844; moved to Baltimore in 1849, and finally established himself at Gettysburg in 1863,
He is a member of the Phrenakosmian Society of Pennsylvania College; a member of
Adams County Medical Society, of which he was president in 187.t; belongs to the Penn-
sylvania Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He has contributed to
the literature of the profession a pamphlet on the cholera of 1852, as it appeared in
Baltimore, another on medical and surgical experience upon the battlefields of Antietam
and Gettysburg, the Katalysine spring water, and a comparison of its powers with the
waters of foreign springs, and other fugitive papers and reports. He served as commis-
sioner of public schools of Baltimore City during the years 1850-51-53, and was vaccine
physician of the Twentieth Ward of that city for that period. He served as delegate to
the Maryland State Medical Society, from Pennsylvania, in 1877 and 1886; was made a
member of the Board of Commissioners of Public Charities of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania in 1883, which position he still fills. He attended as medical and surgical ad-
viser the House of Industry for Adams Countyfrom 1863 to 1871 inclusive, and resigned
in favor of his son. Dr. Walter H., who continued to fill the appointment for several
years after; he was a delegate to the National Medical Association in 1884 from the State
368 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of Pennsylvania, and has held continued memlurship since. In 1847 he married Ellen,
daughter of Htnry Wirt, of Hanover, York Co., Fenn. His report of rectal alimentation
and medication, to the Adams County Medical Association in 1878, brought him cards of
thanks from many eminent physicians, as William (Joodell, of Philadelphia; Henry F.
Campbell of Augusta, Qa., and W.W. Potter of Kew York. He with two others repre-
sented the State of Pennsylvania in the Thirteenth National Conference of Charities and
Corrections, at St. Paul, Minn., in 1886, by appointment from the Pennsylvania State
Board of Public Charities.
CHARLES H. RUFF, clerk of the commissioners of Adams County, Gettysburg,
was born in Hamilton Township, Adams Co., Penn., September 2, 1843, a son of John
and Elizabeth (Ehehart) Ruff, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Penn.syl-
vania, of German descent. John Ruff was the father of ten children who grew to man-
hood and womanhood, and of whom Charles H. is the fifth. The father followed huck-
stering for many years, at which he was successful. He gave his children the advantages
of good schools and they obtained faireducations. Charles H. attended the common
schools of his neighborhood and the high school at New Oxford, and early in life learned
the plasterer's trade, at which he worked for four years. He then went into the huckstering
business, which he followed seven years, after which, and until 1877, he was employed as
a clerk in Gettysburg. In 1877 he embarked in the grocery business, in which he con-
tinued until 1884, when he sold out to accept his present position. In 1871 Mr. Ruflf was
married to Miss Emma Howell, by whom he had two children: Cora A. and Emma E.
Mrs. Rue died in 1876, and in 1879 Mr. RufiE married Miss Sarah E. Gulp, daughter of
Jei'emiah Gulp, of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Ruff are members of the Lutheran
Church. Mr. Ruff is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, of which he is a
chapter member. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of which he is secretary, and of the
encampment and division. He is also a member of the Order of Red Men, and a member
of East Berlin Beneficial Society.
DR. JOHN RUNKEL (deceased) was born in Frederick County, Md., February
22,1786, a son of Rev. John William Runkel, who was born in the Palatinate, Germany, in
1749, and at the age of fifteen years came to America with his father. Rev. John William,
in 1770, married Catherine Nles. He was of a pious disposition and turned his atten-
tion to the study of theology, receiving private instruction, and July 30, 1778, he was
ordained at Carlisle, Penn., to the ministry of the German Reformed Church. He be-
came a very active missionary for several years, and subsequently became pastor of a
church at Frederick, Md., and did work throughout western Maryland and Virginia. He
was pastor of a church for a period, at Germantown, Penn., accepting the call in 1803;
he was also pastor of a church in New York City, the call to which he accepted in 1805.
In 1812 he returned to Germantown, and in July, 1815, he accepted a call to the church
at Gettysburg, Penn., and Emmittsburg and Taneytown, Md., selecting Emmittsburg as a
place of residence. In 1831 he removed to Gettysburg and served the church there seven
years, after which he withdrew from active service. His death occurred November 5,
1833, in his eighty-fourth year, and was buried in the graveyard at Emmittsburg. Dr.
John Runkel for a time studied, theology, but abandoned it for the medical profession.
He read medicine and attended several courses of lectures and received his degrees in
Maryland. He began the practice of medicine in that State, and in 1821 located with
his father's family at Gettysburg, where. he passed the remainder of his life. Being pos-
sessed of means he did not pursue his profession actively. He was thoroughly educated
and polished in manner. Frank, sincere and honest in all things, he was justly held in
universal esteem, and in his death the town lost not only one of its oldest, but one of its
best citizens. His death occurred at Gettysburg April 19, 1880, in the ninety-fifth year
of his age. The first wife of Dr. Runkel was Elizabeth Roop, of Germantown, Penn.,
whom he married in 1817, and by whom he had two children: one who died when quite
young, and Anna M., a maiden lady, the only surviving member of the family. The
mother of Anna M. died in 1856, a member of the German Reformed Church. The Doc-
tor married his second wife in Philadelphia. In politics he was a Democrat.
JUDGE S. R. RUSSELL, retired lawyer, Gettysburg, is a native of that place, born
June 31, 1801, in the house in which he now resides and of which he is owner. His par-
ents, Alexander and Mary (McPherson) Russell, were of Irish descent. The former was
a student in Princeton College on the breaking out of the Revolution, in which he enlisted
and participated in a number of battles, and was promoted to the post of captain.
He served for many years as a magistrate, having been appointed by the king for life or
during good behavior. After the ofiice was made an elective one, the captain persisted in
holding it, which he succeeded in doing for thirty years. He reared nine children, two of
whom are now living— our subject and Mrs. Maria Wilson, widow of Robert Wilson, a
soldier in the war of 1813, whose death occurred in 1831. Mrs. Wilson was born February
28, 1797, and is now among the few surviving pensioners of that war. Lewis, the third
son, was born July 80, 1803, and for many years was a banker in Lewistown, Penn. Our
subject, the second son, was reared in Gettysburg, and read law at Bedford, under the in-
struction of his elder brother, James W. (who was subsequently a member of Congress
Ms
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 371
from that district), and was admitted to the bar in 1823. He was eneaged in practice at
Gettysburg until 1851, when he was appointed judge, a position he^held for five years.
Judge Russell, though retired from active business, serves as president of the Gettysburg
Fire Insurance Company. He is identified with the Presbyterian Church.
J, LAWRENCE SCHICK, merchant, Gettysburg, was born in Lancaster, Penn
December 25, 1822, son of J. L. and Susan (Holtzworth) Schick, the former a brewer by oc-
cupation and a native of Rhenish Bavaria, a province, on the Rhine, of Germany and the
latter of York County, Penn., and both of German descent, J. Lawrence is the second of
five sons. His parents moved to Gettysburg in 1826, where his father died in 1828. Our
subject received only a limited common school education, and at the early age of twelve
years was put to the tailor's trade, at which he served a regular apprenticeship. Subse-
quently, and when yet a young man, he embarked in the notion business, and that small
beginning has grown into his present extensive store. December 35, 1844, Mr. Schick was-
married to Mary, daughter of Conrad Hereter, of German extraction and to this union
have been born two children, Rudolph M., a prominent attorney of Philadelphia and
Henry H. chief clerk in his father's store. Mrs. Schick died in 1851, and in 1853 Mr. Schick
was married to Sarah J. Welty, of German descent. The grandfather of the latter was a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. To this last marriage have been born the foUowino-
named children: Mary E., Charles W.(who resides at Dixon, 111., engaged in the insurance
business), Eva S. (wife of Rev. Charles 8. Trump, a Lutheran minister), Anna K. (de-
ceased), John L. (a machinist), and David W. (a student). Before the late war, Mr.
Schick was a Democrat in politics, but since that time he has been identified with the Re-
publican party. In 1855-56 he served as treasurer of Adams County. Mr. Schick has been
a member of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association from the time of its organ-
ization, and since the year 1879, has been treasurer of the association.
REV. SAMUEL S. SCHMUCKER, D. D. (deceased), the first president of the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Theological Seminary, at Gettysburg, was for many years one of the
foremost men of his State. He was the son of Rev. Dr. J. G. Schmucker, an eminent
Lutheran divine, and was bornat Hagerstown, Md., February 28, 1799, and died atGettys-
burg July 25, 1873. He graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1817, and at
Princeton Theological Seminary in 1820. Endowed with rare natural ability and educated
in the best schools of his day, he soon attracted public attention, and rapidly rose to »
leading position in the Lutheran Church. His first pastoral charge was at Newmarket,
Shenandoah Co., Va., and such was his reputation for ability and scholarship that in a
few years he gathered about him in that remote locality quite a class of theological stu-
dents. When the General Synod of the Lutheran Church established, in 1826, at Gettys-
burg, its first theological seminary. Dr. Schmucker was by common consent regarded as
the most suitable person to be placed at its head, and was at once called to its presidency.
This position he filled with distinguished honor for nearly forty years, during the greater
part of which time he was regarded as the leading man In the Lutheran Church in the
United States. His finished scholarship and evangelical piety made a deep impression
upon the many students who studied under him, aind were of lasting benefit to his de-
nomination. He took an active part in the management of the interests of his denomina-
tion at large. He was a great organizer, and evidence of his handiwork is found in most
of the institutions and enterprises set on foot by the Lutheran Church during the active
period of his lifetime. His own denomination, dear as it was to him, did not monopolize
his labors. Every great moral and religious movement of his day found in him an able
coadjutor. The cause of Christian union, the Bible and tract societies, the Christian Sab-
bath, emancipation and African colonization, all profited by the labors of his brain and
pen. He was especially devoted to the subject of Christian union, publishing several val-
uable works in advocacy of the cause, and was repeatedly a delegate to the World's
Evangelical Alliance, attending its meetings both in Europe and America. In addition to
his works on Christian union, he was a prolific author in the fields of theology, church
history and mental philosophy, some of his works passing through many editions. His
publications number more than forty in all, the most important of which are his "Formula
of Government and Discipline for Churches and Synods," published in 1833; "Popular
Theology," in 1834; " Mental Philosophy," in 1843; "History of the Lutheran Church in
America," in 1851; and "Lutheran Manual," in 185.5. Pennsylvania College owes its ex-
istence in a large measure to the persistent and sagacious efforts put forth in its behalf by
Dr. Schmucker. He was largely instrumental in procuring for it a charter from the State
Legislature, and an annual appropriation for some years from the State funds. He re-
garded the college as a valuable feeder to the Theological Seminary, and for that reason,
as well as because of his interest in the cause of education in general, he always sought
to promote the welfare of the college, and to the last remained one of its warmest and
most efficient friends. Dr. Schmucker was a man of genial and kindly disposition, and
readily made friends. As a citizen he took a warm interest in the affairs of his town
and its vicinity, lending the aid of his counsel and his purse to all laudable local enter-
prises. In 1865 he retired from the presidency of the theological seminary, of which he
was then made professor emeritus, and devoted the remainder of his life to literary labors-
and recreations.
■372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
JACOB 8HEADS, dealer in lumber, coal and wood, Gettysburg, is a native of Adams
•County, Penii., born at Gettysburg May 12, 1821, son of Peter and Salone (Troxwel)
Shead's, the former ii native of Adams County, tiie latter of Maryland, and both of Ger-
man descent. The father was a mason by trade, an occupation he followed for many
years in Gettysburg. His death occurred in 1848. lie was the father of eleven children,
the eldest of whom wiis born iu this county in 1808. Jacob Sheads, the ninth child, was
reared in Gettysburg, where, eurly in life, he learned the tailor's trade, and subsequently
was for a time engaged in that business, in connection with W. T. King, the present pop-
ular merchant tailor of Gettysburg. In 1866 Mr. Sheads established his present business,
and has since conducted the same, meeting with moderate success. In 1854 he was mar-
ried to Miss Agnes Flora Gehr, daughter of Henry Gehr, and of English .and German ex-
traction. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheads iiave been born the following children that are now
-living: Ida (wife of Rev. C. T. Durboraw, of Kansas), David E. and Anna M. The
parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Sheads is a trustee.
He served one term of two years (1866 and 1867) as treasurer of Adams County. In poli-
tics he is a Prohibitionist, but is not an active politician. Tlie ancestors or Mr. Sheads
were representatives of the first-class of pioneers of this section of the State. His pater-
nal grandfather, John Melchoir Shearis, a native of Germany, became a pioneer of this
■county, and his maternal grandfather, John Troxwel, assisted in laying out the town of
Gettysburg, his name being recorded on the first plat of the village. He is an extensive
cattle dealer.
AARON SHEBLY, Gettysburg, was born in Mountjoy Township, Adams County,
Penn., November 8, 1836. lie received his education in the public schools and in Penn-
sylvania College, and taught in the public schools of the county eight full terms. In
May, 1863, he was elected to the office of county superintendent of schools, and was re-
elected to the same office in 1866. In 1873 he was again elected to the county superin-
■tendency, which position he has filled continuously since. To meet a pressing local want
Mr. Sheely, in 1867, established at Gettysburg a select school for the education and train-
ing of teacliers, which has been liberally patronized, and which is still in operation. He
is tlxe author of "Anecdotes and Humors of School Life," a 12mo. volume published by
Claxton, Remsen & HafEelfinger, of Philadelphia, in 1877, and contributed the historial
slietch of Adams County, in Egle's History of Pennsylvania, published at Harrisburg
in 1876. He has also written numerous articles on various subjects contributed to leading
newpapers and magazines. In June, 1878, the honorary degree of A. M. was conferred
upon him by the trustees of Pennsylvania College.
HENRY J. STAHLE, editor, Gettysburg, is a native of York County, Penn., born at
York in 1823. His parents, John and Sarah (Small) Stable (the latter a daughter of Maj.
Jacob Small) were of German origin. John Stable served two terms as register of York
■County, and for many years as a justice of the peace. Our subject is the fourth of twelve
children. He grew to manhood at York, where he attended the common schools and the
York County Academy. He learned the printer's trade in the office of the York Gazette,
serving three years. He then served a year and a half as foreman of the office, and in
1845, at the age of twenty-one years, he bought the Gettysburg Compiler, and has since
published that paper, a period of forty-one years, during which time he has successfully
conducted the paper and managed the business of the office. In polil ics Mr. Stable is a
Democrat and carries weight in his party, but has always declined public office. He has
been twice presidential elector, and was a delegate to the convention that nominated Gen;
-George B. McClellan for president. He was one of the organizers of, and took an active
interest in getting the railroads to Gettysburg, and has taken an active interest in every-
thing that pertains to the advancement of Gettysburg and of Adams County foi* upward
■of forty-one years, and is now in the boards of the Water and Gas Companies, Evergreen
Ceme^tery Association and the A,dams County Agricultural Association. In 1846 Mr.
Stable married Louisa B., daughter of Ezra Doll, of Frederick City, Md. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Stable are Thomas, who is engaged on the paper with his father; Mary L.,
Harry M. ; Anna D. (wife of Thomas C. Linn, an attorney in North Carolina); Kittie H.
and Charles E., a student in Pennsylvania College. Mrs. Stable died in 1879. The family
are all members of the Reformed Church.
- CICERO W. STONER, clerk of the courts of Adams County, Gettysburg, was born
in East Berlin, Hamilton Township, Adams Co., Penn., October 20, 1846, a son of A. K. and
Catherine B. (Woods) Stoner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German origin.
A. K. Stoner, a manufacturer and dealer in stoves and tinware, was the father of eleven
children, five of whom are still living. Of the children living, C. W.. clerk of the court
■of Adams County, is the eldest; the others being, respectively, Newton W., proprietor of
the "Howard House," York Springs, Penn.; Dr. George W.. chief of the Purveying and
•Quarantine Division, Marine Hospital Service, Washington. D. C; Ida J., wife of Capt.
L. Y. Diller, of East Berlin, Penn.; and Dr. James B., of Philadelphia, Penn. Our subject
^rew to manhood in the borough of East Berlin; attended the schools at that place, and,
later, the Normal and Classical Institute at York, Penn., and at the age of seventeen years
•commenced teaching school, a vocation he had a taste for and decided to follow. He
BOROUGH OP GETTYSBURG. 373
taught for several years in Adams, Cumberland, and York Counties, Penn., and in the State
of Illinois, meeting with success, whicli occupation, with that of clerking, he pursued until
1883.. He was elected auditor and assistant assessor in his native borough for several suc-
cessive terms, and was secretary of the town council, and financial secretary of Camp 21.
P. O. S. of A., when In 1884 he was elected clerk of the courts of Adams County, which
office he still holds. In 1874 Mr. Stoner was married to M. -Louisa Spangler, of fiast Ber-
lin, and to them two children, Ira E. and Harvey M.,were born. Mrs. Stoner died in 1877,
and Mr. Stoner was married, in 1880, to Miss Sally P. Frey, a daughter of George Frey, of
Oettysburg. She died in 1883, leaving a son, Norman P., who died when six months old.
Mr. Stoner and his two sons are at present residing in Gettysburg.
REV. JOEL SWARTZ, D. D., Gettysburg, son of Philip and Regina (Punkhauser).
was born in Virginia, August 18, 1837. His ancestors on both sides were among the early
German settlers of Virginia. His father was the father of three sons and three daughters,
five of whom reached adult age. Our subject was reared on a farm; attended the scliools
of liis neighborhood; about the age of eighteen was prepared for college in Monongalia
Academy, under Rev. Silas Billings, and in 1851 entered upon a regular classical course at
Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1854 with honors of his
class, delivering the valedictorj'. The following year he was ordained as a minister of
the Lutheran Church, and from that time until 1871 he was actively engaged in minis-
lerial work or in teaching. In 1865 he became a professor in the Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Springfield, Ohio, whose board conferred upon him the title of D. D. in 1868.
He has been pastor of large and influential charges in Carlisle, Williamsport, Philadelphia
and Harrisburg, where he and his wife were also actively engaged in local missionary work
for friendless children, and succeeded in founding several flourishing "homes." In- 1854
Mr. Swartz was married, at Columbus, Ohio, to Miss Adelia Rosecrans, of the same place
(cousin to the General), of Dutch extraction. To them have been born the following
named children: .Sarah R., wife of H. O. Hildebrand, of Camden, N. J.; W. P., now a
missionary in Guntoor, India; Charles K., student at Johns Hopkins University, Balti-
more, Md. ; Prank and George. Dr. Swartz has delivered many lectures, among which
are the following: "Luther and Cromwell," "Milton and Napoleon," " He who Can Not
Paint Must Grind the Colors," "No Man Owns Deeper Than he Plows," "Echoes, or
How we Make the World we Live In," "Aims and Aids in Life." As a lecturer, Hon.
George Sharswood, presiding judge of the supreme court of Pennsylvania, says: "It gives
me great pleasure to express the opinion which I very decidedly entertain of the superior
qualifications of the Rev. Joel Swartz, D. D., as a public lecturer. I have attended on
his ministry in Harrisburg very frequently, and can say that in my judgment very few
men equal him as a pulpit orator. His language is chaste, his elocution without fault,
and his style and delivery very attractive. I have no doubt of his ability to handle any
subject which he undertakes in such a manner as to make it interesting to a general audi-
ence. I have no hesitation in warmly recommending him." The York Record thus
speaks of Dr. Swartz: "It was one of the finest and most entertaining lectures of the sea-
son. Dr. Swartz was poetical, humorous, sharp, terse, vigorous and yet eminently prac
tical. His imagery is very beautiful, he has a perfect flow of lan^age." Dr. S. Sprecher,
D. D., LL. D., president of VS''ittenberg College, Ohio, thus refers to the Doctor: "I re-
gard Prof. Swartz as one of the best lecturers in the country. In refinement of sentiment,
eloquence of language and beauty of elocution, he is surpassed by few. He has been
very successful wherever he has lectured in this State." Dr. Swartz has also written con-
siderable poetry, and his new volume of poems, " Dreamings of the Waking Heart," has
been referred to by Dr. Sprecher in this wise: " The sweet, gentle, loving spirit of the
author pervades the entire book. The one has the true poetical temperament, the other a
true vein of genuine poetry; and, though there is not any remarkable strength or sublim-
ity, there is a great deal of beauty of thought and language, lofty conceptions and grace-
ful expressions. I think the attentive reader will hardly fail to say ' this is poetry'— poet-
ry in spirit and in form." The author has been so much encouraged by the warm and
hearty words of encouragement thus far given that he contemplates other and larger
work in the same line in the near future. He ha^ also received much applause for trans-
lations of Latin and German hymns, notably the "Dies Irtz" and Luther's " Feste
Burg."
GEORGE SWEITZER, merchant, Gettysburg, was born in Hopewell Township, York
Co., Penn., July 4, 1831, a son of George and Catherine (Heckman) Sweitzer natives of
York County and of German descent, the former of whom in eariy life was a miller, but in
later years followed farming. They reared nine children, of whom George is the fourth.
Our subject grew up on a farm in York County, and there received the benefits of the
neighborhood schools. Being unable to follow farming, he early in life embarked in
mercantile trade in his native township, carrying on a dry goods store until 1860, when
he added to the same a stock of groceries. In 1870, Mr. Sweitzer came to Gettysburg,
where he established a general store, which he has since successfully carried on. He is a
member of the Reformed Church; in politics a Democrat.
374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
SAMUEL McCURDY SWOPE, attorney at law. Gettysburg, Penn., was born in that
place October 4, 1851, being a won of John A. and Nancy (McCurdy) Swope, natives of
Adams County. His father was of German and his mother of Scotch-Irish descent.
Adam Swope, grandfather of Samuel McCurdy Swope, was among the early settlers of
Adams County and by occupation a tanner. Mr. Swope's fatlier, John A. Swope, resided
in the borough of Gettysburg' during his lifetime, which closed in 1880, October 35, at the
age of sixty-five years and twenty-three days. He was bitterly opposed to slavery, and
was one of the original abolitionists in that part of the country. He was a man of natur-
ally strong and bright mind, and was a great general reader. By occupation he was a
saddle-tree maker. Our subject was the third of four children and grew up to manhood
in his native village. He graduated from Pennsylvania College in the class 'of 1872. In
1874 he entered the office of Hon. David Wills, of Gettysburg, with whom he read law,
and was admitted to the bar at Gettysburg in 1876, and two years later to practice before
the Supreme Court of the State. He was twice elected district attorney for the county of
Adams (the second time without opposition) though a candidate of the minority party,
and as such served six years, from January, 1880, to January, 1886. In politics he is a Re-
publican. In 1876 Mr. Swope was married to Anna Kate Stair, a daughter of William
Stair, late of York, Penn., and to the marriage have been born three children: Marrion,
James Donald and Mary Stair, the latter two of whom are now living. Mrs. Swope is a
member of the Presbyterian Church.
W. H. TIPTON, photographer, Gettysbiyg, was born in that place August 5, 1850,
and is a son of S. R. and Elizabeth (Kitzmillerj Tipton, both natives of Pennsylvania,
and of German origin. S. R. Tipton is a resident of Gettysburg; he early learned the
barber's trade, but for a number of years was engaged in the carriage business, canvassing
principally in the Southern States. He devoted a few years to farming near Gettysburg.
Our subject, the eldest of eleven children, seven of whom are still living, attended the
common schools of his native county less than one year. I-Ie quite early developed a taste
for drawing and whiled away many an hour in executing pictures, some of which, coming
to the notice of Mr. C. J. Tyson, so greatly attracted his attention as to result in an
engagement to learn the art of photography in 1863, when our subject was twelve years
old, which he did in the gallery of Tyson Bros, and continued with the firm till 1866, when
C. J. Tyson purchased the interest of his brother, and Mr. Tipton was employed bj' him
to conduct it, which he did until October 8, 1866, when Mr. Myers was associated with
him, and the business was conducted until 1873, under the firm name of Tipton & Myers.
Mr. C. J. Tyson, his former employer, purchased Myers' interest in 1873. and remained as
partner until 1880. Since 1880 Mr. Tipton has carried on the business himself, is meet-
ing with marked success, and is doubtless one of the best known photographers in the
country; his landscape work is known in every country, and golden opinions come in
from it everywhere. From 1873 to 1883 he was a regular contributor to several of the
leading photographic journals, and in some of the more recent publications on the art is
quoted as eminent authority. From 1875 to 1886 he was, in connection with his other
interests, agent for the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company of Boston, Mass.,
but was compelled to give up the agency on account of his rapidly increasing business. In
1871 he was married to Mary E., daughter of Eli and Esther (Brown) Little. Mary E. was a
-native of Franklin County and of German descent. This union has been blessed with
four children: Beulah M., C. Tyson, Bessie V. and Esther. The parents are members of
the German Reformed Church. Mr. Tipton is Senior Warden of the Masonic Lodge, No.
386. He is also a past chief patriarch in Union Encampment, I. O. O. F. as well as Past
Grand of the subordinate lodge ot Odd Fellows, and a Past Sachem in the Improved Order
of Red Men. He is a member of the Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association, and is
serving his third term as chief burgess of Gettysburg. Mr. Tipton has three places of busi-
ness in successful operation. The main gallery and office is located on Chambersburg
Street, branch gallery and printing department at old stand on York Street, and a battle-
field bazaar gallery at Round Top Park. During his official career he has inaugurated
some much needed reforms; he prepared and the council adopted a series of effective
ordinances for the sanitary improvement of the town; he established a health committee
in conformity to the ordinances referred to; remodelled, and had adopted by the council,
all licence ordinances, which are now on a solid footing; he remodelled the form of the
license blanks, making the license fees payable to the borough treasurer, who is under
bonds, and not to the burgess as heretofore. He is now active in having the streets and
sidewalks improved, and having the town put in a more cleanly condition. The writer
became personally well acquainted with the subject of this sketch and has tried to write
in no spirit of eulogy, but with the sole object of historical fidelity. The strong hold Mr.
Tipton has on the affections of his constituents is better accounted for by his attractive,
social and moral qualities. The unselfish and generous impulses of his nature do not per-
mit him to serve any one by halves, and yet his opponents never have cause to com-
plain that his demeanor toward them was wanting either in justice or in courtesy. In
all the offices he has held he has conducted himself to the entire satisfaction of the pub-
lic, and with a degree of popularity in each, which few persons can command. In poli-
BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG. 375
tics he is a firm and unwavering Republican, neither turning to the right hand nor the
left, and has a record, politically as well as morally, above reproach.
REV. MILTON VALENTINE, D. D., LL. D., professor of didactic theology and
homiletics (elected 1884) and chairman of the faculty in the Theological Seminary of the
General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, was born at Union-
town, Carroll Co., Md., January 1, 1835. His Barents were Jacob and Rebecca
(Picking) Valentine, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter a native of Pennsyl-
vania. The family is descended from George Valentine, who emigrated from Germany
in the early part of the eighteenth century and in 1740 located on the Monocacy River, in
Frederick County, Md., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death,
which occurred in 1783. The land on which he lived is still in possession of tiie Valentine
family. This George Valentine, who was the great-grandfather of our subject, was an
earnest Christian and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Valentine was next
to the youngest of a family of six sons and three daughters. His youth was passed on a
farm, and he was prepared for college in the academy at Taneytown, Md. In 1846
he entered the freshman class in Pennsylvania College, and in 1850 was graduated from
that institution. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, from which
he graduated in 1852, having served as tutor in the college while pursuing his studies.
The same year he was licensed to preach, and temporarily supplied the pulpit of the
Lutheran Church, in Winchester, Va., in 1852-53. During tlie winter of 1853-54, he was
engaged in missionary work in Allegheny City, Penn., and was pastor of the Lutheran
Church at Greensburg, Penn., 1854-55. Owing to a throat trouble he retired from act-
ive ministerial work in 1855, and from that time until 1859 was principal of Emmaus In-
stitute, Middletown, Penn. From 1859 to 1866 he served as the pastor of St. Matthews'
Church, in Reading, Penn., and from 1866 to 1868 he was professor of ecclesiastical history
and church polity in the Theological Seminary, at Gettysburg. In 1868 he was called to
the presidency of Pennsylvania College, and continued in this position for sixteen years,
during a portion of the time (from 1868 to 1873) giving instruction also in the seminary.
Dr. Valentine is a man of recognized ability and possesses untiring energy. Many of his
sermons, together with essays and discussions, have been published in pamphlet form.
He is the author of "Natural Theology, or Rational Theism," a work published in 1885,
by S. C. Griggs & Co., of Chicago. This is being introduced in many colleges as a text-
book, being indorsed by eminent educators of the country. Dr. Valentine was married
December 18, 1855, to Miss Margaret G., daughter of Sterling Gait, of Carroll County, Md.,
of Scotch-Irish descent. They have four children, viz.: Sterling Gait, Ph. D., chemist at
Colebrook Furnace, Lebanon; Milton Henry, a student of theology in the Theological
Seminary; Esther Amelia and Margaret Grayson.
JUDGE DAVID WILLS, attorney at law, Gettysburg, is a native of this grand old
commonwealth, a descendant of Scotch-Irish pioneers of Pennsylvania, from whence
came many of the illustrious names that adorn American history. The story of the Scotch-
Irish in America, though they came here only in sparse numbers, compared to other nation-
alities, is one of the most interesting and edifying of the chapters of our nation's history.
No people have ever before so strongly impressed their remote descendants with the dis-
tinguished qualities of themselves as they have. Their vigor and strength of character,
their fearless courage, their strong mental and physical characteristics, their unconquera-
ble endurance and tireless activity have been the web and woof of some of the most illus-
trious lives in American song and story. Judge Wills can trace his family history back
to 1578, to Carrickfergus, Ireland. David Wills came to America in 1730 and settled on a
farm in Chester County, Penn. He reared three sons, of whom David Wills, Jr., was the
eldest. The latter removed to Cumberland County, this State, in 1750, and settled on a
farm. He reared three sons, of whom James was the eldest, who also had three sons,
one named James Jack, who was the father of the subject of this sketch. James J. was
born in Cumberland County, in 1803, and his wife, Ruth Wilson, was a native of Adams
County. She was the only daughter of George Wilson, an influential farmer and riier-
chant of Menallen Township, Adams County, whose ancestors emigrated from County
Tyrone, Ireland, about 1750. Our subject was born in Menallen Township, Adams
County, one of two children, David and Ruth, the latter of whom is married to William
Walhey, a farmer, living near Bendersville, this county. In early life James J, Wills
was a farmer, whose intelligent industry brought liim great pi'osperity, and in the latter
years of his life he retired from the farm and for ihe benefit of his children took up his
abode in Gettysburg. In 1835 the heavy visitation of death came to this little household
in the demise of Mrs. Wills, and left him with his inconsolable grief to travel alone,
save the companionship of his orphaned son and daughter, that path that leads us all to
the silent city, whose gates were opened to him in the year 1883. James J. Wills was
long a prominent and influential man in the affairs of the county, widely known and re-
spected for his many excellencies of head and heart. In politics he was active and influ-
ential in early life as a Whig, and then as a Republican. He filled, with ability and cred-
it, the olHce of county commissioner, and was for many years an acting justice of the
peace. David was thirteen years old when he left the farm with his father's family. He
376 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
was long onouRh there to lay the foundations of that ripe and solid education that has al-
ways distinguished tlic men of excellence in our country. The active boy here gathers
lessons that, apparently, he can find nowhere else. With his farm duties he attended the
district school. He was then sent to Pennsylvania College, where he graduated in 1851,
when he at imcc ])ushcd out into the wide world and fearlessly took up the wager of bat-
tle in the struitnle of existence. He went to Cahaba, Ala., and became principal of the
iicademy at tliat place, and at the end of the scholastic- year returned to his native State
and enliTcd the office of Hon. Thaddeus Stevens as a law student, at Lancaster. He was
admitted to practice in 1854, and at once opened his office in Gettysburg, where he has
since remained. His success in his chosen profession was marked and brilliant from the
first, and of all this his previous life as a student, or as principal of the academy, had giv-
en earnest of abundantly. He entered the preparatory department of the college in 1845,
joined the Philomatliean Society and was awarded the distinguished honor of contest ora-
tor. Young as he was, impressing the older boys at school, as he has impressed his fellow-
men since, that strength of intellect and force of character are commanding qualities. He
has several times been burgess of the borough of Gettysburg, and also served as president
of the town council, and councilman and attorney for the borough of Gettysburg for ten
years. He was elected county superintendent of schools of Adams County in 1854, be-
ing the first officer elected to that position under the new law, creating and defining that
office. Upon him there devolved the work of organizing and systematizing the complex
affairs of this position, and the results show that the selection was a most fortunate one
for the people. He is now, and has been for nearly thirty years, a director and the attorney
for the Gettysburg National Bank; president of the Baltimore & Cumberland Valley Rail-
road since 1880, and also director and attorney of the Gettysburg, Hanover & Baltimore
Railroad systems. In 1874 he was elevated to the high and important judicial position
of president judge of the Forty-second Judicial District, and here, as elsewhere, filled the
many and difficult requirements of his exalted position ably and well. He organized and
carried to completion the Gettysburg National Cemetery, organizing the association, in-
teresting the governors of the eighteen States, whose soldiers are buried in the cemetery,
and awakening the splendid charity and patriotism of the people of the whole country,
that has resulted not only in these magnificent grounds, monuments, avenues and mem-
orial stones of this great national cemetery, but from Judge Wills has come, flowing out
from his work here, the entire system of battle-field cemeteries of the entire country. The
surviving soldiers, especially the descendants of those who repose in these beautiful cem-
eteries, should, as they certainly will, hold the name of Judge Wills in ever grateful re-
membrance. And when love and affection has tenderly laid his form to rest, this splen-
did cemetery, its beautiful gravelly walks, its trees and flowers and lawns, its many gleam-
ing granite columns, all will be his fitting and perpetual monument. (See page 175, et
seq.) June 19, 1856, Judge Wills was married to Jennie S., daughter of Hon. D. M. Smy-
ser, of Norristown. She also is of Scotch-Irish descent. To this union seven children
have been born, four of whom are living, as follows: Mary E., wife of John S. Bridges, of
Baltimore; Annie M. ; Jennie W. and Emma R. The family is attached to the Presbyter-
ian Church, of which Judge Wills has been an elder for the past fifteen years, and for the
last ten years, Sunday school superintendent. The Judge has been very frequently sent
as a delegate to the Presbytery of Carlisle, and also as commissioner to the General As-
sembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States. In 1880 he was sent by the Gen-
eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States as a delegate to the Al-
liance of the Reformed Churches of the World holding the Presbyterian system, which
met in the city of Belfast, Ireland, in June, 1884, and took an active part in that distin-
guished body, doing good service on some of its important committees.
SERGT. N. G.WILSON, superintendent of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Get-
tysburg, was born in Adams County, October 6, 1832, a son of Benjamin and Susan
(Wierman) Wilson. The birth of Benjamin, who was a farmer, occurred March 7. 1801,
and his death September 4, 1834. Susan, his wife, was born June 6, 1808, and died June
36, 1884. Benjamin and Sarah Wilson, the great-grandparents of Sergt. Wilson, were
airiong the early settlers of Adams County. Their marriage occurred December 14, 1774,
and they died — Benjamin August 3, 1813, and Sarah November 13, 1815. The grand-
jiarents of our subject were George and Sarah Wilson, whose marriage occurred May 30,
1718, and their death October 37, 1859, and March 30, 1831, respectively. Sergt. Wilson
was one of three children born to his parents: Sarah, born July 1, 1831, N. G., born Oc-
tober 6, 1832, and Benjamin F., born December 9, 1884. Our subject was brought up on his
grandfather's farm, where he remained until he was sixteen years of age, when he com-
menced to learn the blacksmith's trade, atwhich he worked for several years. He learned
to run an engine and for a period conducted a stationary engine in Bendersville; subse-
quently he followed teaming, which occupation he left to enlist in Company G, One Hun-
dred and Thirty-eighth Regiment. Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which he served
three years as first sergeant, preferring that rank to a commission which was tendered
him. Sergt. Wilson received a severe wound in the right hand from a rebel sharpshooter
at the battle of Monocacy, Md., July 9, 1864, which has made him a cripple for life, de-
BOROUGH OP GETTYSBURG. 377
.pri'ving him almost entirely of the use of his hand, two fingers having been shot oil..
At the close of the war he returned to his native country and continued his business as a
teamster until 1873, when he was appointed to his present position bv the Secretary of
War. He is a Republican in politics. He was elected as one of the directors of the
Battle-fleld Memorial Association in 1880, and is a member of the G. A. R. of Gettysburg..
He has been the corresponding secretary of Corp. Skelly Post, No. 9, at Gettysburg, also
quartermaster of the same since 1878. In 1853 he was married to Willimina E. Eyster,
who died March 2, 1855, leaving one daughter, Sarah R. February 13, 1857, our subject
was then married to Eleanora "Walter, by whom he had one child, Susan. The Sergeant
is the recipient of many fine presents and mementos from the Grand Army Organiza-
tions, as tokens of their high regard for him. It will not be saying too much to add that
his courtesy and gentlemanly bearing have won for him an esteem that is unexcelled
among any of the members of the G. A. R. of the United States.
REV. EDMUND J. WOLF, D. D., professor of Biblical and Ecclesiastical History and
New Testament Exegesis, in the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, elected in 1873, is a
native of Center County, Penn., born near Rebersburg, Deceinber 8, 1840, a son of Jacob
(a farmer by occupation) and Mary (Gast) Wolf, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ori-
gin. Our subject, who is next to the youngest of nine children, attended the district school.^
of the neighborhood, and, for a time, the academy at Mifflinburg, and subsequently that at
Aaronsburg.^ He clerked for a period, and prepared himself for college during the two-
years he was engaged as a teacher in the academy of Bellefonte, Penn., and in 1860, en-
tered the sophomore class in Pennsylvania College, and graduated in 1863, taking the
first honors of his class. During the invasion of the State that year by the Confederate
troops, he served as a non-commissioned oflBcer in the Twenty-sixth Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Militia. Subsequently he took a course of theological study at the Seminary of
Gettysburg; then pursued his studies in Germany, where he attended the Universities of
Tiibingen atid Erlangen. He returned to the United States in 1865, and was for two
years engaged in ministerial work in Northumberland County, Penn., and for six years
in the city of Baltimore. In addition to the professorship above given. Dr. Wolf for
several years taught Dogmatic Theology in the seminary, and since 1880 he is joint editor
of the Quarterly Bemew of the Lutheran Church. The degree of D. D. was conferred on
him in 1876 by Franklin and Marshall College. In 1871 he was the alumni speaker of the
seminary. He has twice visited Europe, and traveled extensively through England, Ger-
many, France and Switzerland. In 1877 he declined the presidency of Roanoke College
in Virginia. In 1865 Dr. Wolf was married to Miss Ella Kemp, of Reisterstown, Md.,.
a daughter of John and Ellen Kemp, the former of German and the latter of Scotch-
Irish descent, and to the marriage have been born M. Roberta, attending Wellesley Col-
lege; Edmund J., now a sophomore in Pennsylvania College; Charles S.. Carroll K., Robbin
B. and Ethel S. Among the Doctor's publications are " the Christian Church" (translated);
"Quarterly Review, XX., 418;" " Practical Expositions of the Scriptures" (translated);
"Lutheran Quarterly, II, 179;" "The Retreatof Science on the Antiquity of the Human
Race " (translated), lb. Ill, 450; "Inaugural Address," lb. IV, 419; article on "Luthe-
ran Church in America," in the SchafE-Herzog'Eucyclopedia; "The Church's Future;"
"The Drama of Providence on the Eve of the Reformation;" sermons in the "Homiletic
Review" and the "Pulpit Treasury," etc. Dr. Wolf is a frequent contributor to various
religious periodicals, and is a member of the society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis.
J. GEORGE WOLF, grain dealer, Gettysburg, was born in Adams County, Penn., April
1, 1831, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Horn) Wolf, the latter a native of Adams County,
and of German descent, her father, J. 6. Horn, having been a native of Germany. Isaac
Wolf was born in Lancaster County, Penn., of German origin, and was a successful farmer.
John Wolf, the father of Isaac, and a farmer by occupation, died in 1814. J. George Wolf
is the eldest of seven children, and was reared on the farm of his father, an occupation he
followed for twenty-five years. In 1872 he came to Gettysburg, and in 1878 embarked in
his present business. He was married, in 1844, to E. C. Bittihger, of German origin.
Nicholas Bittinger, her grandfather, was a captain in the Revolution, and was also of
German origin. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolf were born eight children; C. M., a lawyer, of Han-
over; Joseph B., a Lutheran minister of Glen Rock, York County; E. M, a farmer of
Adams County; Lucilla Jane; Howard, a carpenter in York; Rev. L. B., now a missionary
in India; S. A., a professor in Gaston College, North Carolina; and David M., who is with
his father. The family is identified with the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Wolf has
held most of the offices; has been superintendent of the Sabbath school. In politics he is
a Republican. He has been a justice of the peace, and held several of the offices in the
county where he resided before moving to Gettysburg. He has served as a member of the
town council of Gettysburg. He is a conscientious business man and a highly esteemed
citizen. Mrs. Wolf's death occurred in 1875, and subsequently Mr. Wolf was married to
his present wife, whose maiden name was O. C. Miley, a native of Pennsylvania, and of
French origin. She is also identified with the Lutheran Church.
HENRy YINGLING, proprietor of the "Eagle House," Gettysburg, was born in
Uniontown, Carroll Co., Md,, November 24, 1881, a son of David and Elizabeth (Hite-
378 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
shew) Yingliiig. His ancestors were among the early immigrants to America. David
Yingling, an early settler of Maryland, was a builder and contractor, and of his ten chil-
dren Henry is the third. Our subject grew to manhood in his native county, where he
received an academic education, At tlie age of nineteen years he entered a store in Balti-
more City, as a clerk, and as such served eight year.s, a part of which time he was em-
ployed at Hagerstown, Md. lu the year 1855, at tlie latter place, lie embarked in the dry
good^ business, which he continued until 1858, and from 1858 to 1863, was proprietor of
the Washington Hotel in the same city. In 1886 he bought a farm of 2.50 acres m Frank-
lin County, Penn., known as the "JVIonterey Summer Resort," which he successfully man-
aged until 1876, from which time until 1878 he successfully carried on a summer resort
hotel. In 1878 he came to Gettysburg and took charge of the " Eagle House." In 186.5,
Mr. Yingling was married to Mrs. Pitt, nee Mary Adams. Mrs. Yingling had one child by
her first husiiand, Anna Pitt, who is now the wife of Edgar Hoover, of Baltimore. In
politics Mr. Yingling is a Democrat.
W. T. ZIEGLEK, liveryman, Gettysburg, was born in that place, October 3, 1840, a
son of Samuel and Sarah (Radford) Ziegler, the former a native of Gettysburg and the
latter of Maryland. Samuel Ziegler was a hatter by trade and carried on the business in
Gettysburg. His death occurred in 1855, in the city of. Philadelphia, where he had re-
sided nine years. Emanuel Ziegler, the grandfather of W. T., was a soldier in the Revo-
lution, enlisting in Adams County. W. T. is the fifth-child of eight sons and daughters,
and received his schooling in Philadelphia night-schools. He began learning the hatter's
trade at the early age of ten years, and worked at the same for five years and a half. He
then took up coach painting in Gettysburg, and worked at that occupation until the break-
ing out of the Rebellion in 1861, when he enlisted in Company P, Eighty-seventh Regiment
Pennsylvania Infantry. Mr. Ziegler was in the following battles during the late Rebellion.
with the Third and Sixth Army Corps: Newton, Va., Winchester, Va., Stevens' Station.
Va., Locust Grove, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Ann, Cold Harbor and
Welden Railroad, near Petersburg, Va. In 1864 he was taken prisoner at the battle of
Weldon Railroad, and confined in Andersonville prison, and from which "pen" he was
released with the last Union soldiers. On returning to Gettysburg after the war he fol-
lowed coach painting for two years; then engaged in the manufacturing of coaches and
carriages, carrying on the business for two years. In 1870 he embarked with the well-
known battlefield guide, W. D. Holtzworth, in the Irvery business, which is his present
occupation, and in which he has met with success. He is a member pf Post No. 9, G. A.
R., of which he has been post-commander. He is a member of the I. O. O. P., and a
prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat. He is at
this time president of the school board. In 1867 Mr. Ziegler was married to Rebecca,
daughter of Samuel Harmon, of Straban Township, and to them were born seven chil-
dren: Samuel H., William E., Mary A., Sarah L., Charles T., John S. and Frederick. The
family is identified with the Reformed Church.
J'HILOMATH.^AN SOCIETY OP PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE. On the 4th of
February, A. D. 1831, more than a year before the State of Pennsylvania granted a charter
to Pennsylvania College, the Philomathsean Society had its organization in the "Gettys-
burg Gymnasium,"^ on the corner of Washington and High Streets, Gettysburg, Penn.
The students of the Gymnasium divided themselves into two equal parts, one part to form
the "Phrenakosmian," and the other the " Philomathsean " Society. Prof. M. Jacobs
was made chairman, and a constitution was adopted, the title " Philomathsean " (lovers of
learning) being given to the society, the name being significant of the object of the or-
ganization. The names of the founders, given in alphabetical order, are Samuel Oswald,
Solomon Oswald, John Oswald, Christopher A. Tabler, Abraham B. Shuman,' Daniel Mil-
ler, Samuel Russel, John Ulrich, Francis Springer, George Schmucker, William F. Wads-
worth, Peter Sahn, William Mennig, Solomon Ritz, Walter J. Sloan and William Metzger.
But two of the founders became graduates of the college— Abraham B. Shuman and Rev.
William A. Wadsworth; and three are living, a half century after the organization— Rev.
William Mennig, Rev. W. J. Sloan and Rev. Dr. Francis Springer. The first to pass the
initiatory rites as provided for in the constitution were William W. McClellan, of Balti-
more, and Lewis Routzahn, of Frederick, Md. The professors of the several departments
and the professors and students of the theological seminary, and several prominent citi-
zens of Gettysburg were among the first honorary members admitted; thirty-one were
elected at one time. Among the names are Clay, Webster, Jackson, Chief Justice Marshall,
and other dignitaries of church and State. Soon after the societies were firmly established
in their literary work they entered into an agreement in regard to the election of active
and honorary members, and "articles of confederacy" were prepared. The regulations pro-
hibited either society from admitting any member until he had been in the institution six
weeks, but afterward, under the charter of the college, admission was allowed immedi-
^k ^i^Jf
BERWICK TOWNSHIP. 381
ately after matriculation. To prevent one society from too far outnumbering the other,
the limit of membership was placed at two to one. This was the source of some trouble,
and on the February 25, 1835, the faculty of college interposed, defining the limit of age,
excess of membership, etc. Again, in 1846, a new set of regulations was adopted, in which
the societies arranged all matters pertaining to membership, public celebrations, and all
other mutual interests. Only the professors of the institution are eligible to honorary
membership in both societies. In the early days of the society the place of meeting was
kept in order by the members taken in alphabetical order; who also introduced new mem-
bers and had to attend to the making of fire, lighting of lamps, etc. This offlce was aban-
doned as soon as the society removed into the present college building, as a janitor was
then necessary for the increased work in hall, library and reading-room. A mere desk
was at first used for a library, secretary's use, lamps, etc. The initiation fee was origin-
ally 50 cents, which rose to $2.50 and then to $5, at whicli figure it still remains. The
first original declamation was in the German language. On February 17, 1832, the first
anniversary celebration was held ; speeches were made by two of the founders. The meet-
ings were originally held in the Gymnasium building, and invitations sent to persons of a
literary taste, afterward, until 1835, the celebrations were held in the German Church,
then a few years in the Presbyterian, and in 1836 all public exercises of the society were
held in Christ (College) Church. Biennial addresses were delivered, the society alternating
in the choice. As the hall for the society in the present college building was not finished
until almost a year after the college was occupied, the society met on the second story. The
hall at the east end of the fourth story was assigned to the Philomathsean Society, and
was neatly carpeted and papered, and busts of Washington and Franklin adorned the
president's desk. In 1851 the hall was remodeled, and again in 1868, the latter time made
necessary to a certain extent by damage done after the battle of Gettysburg by wounded
of Gen. Lee's army, who were lodged in the hall.
At first the library was very .small, and all the money that was left after defraying
other expenses was to be appropriated to the library. "Buffon's Natural History," pur-
chased January 27, 1832, is recorded as the first book bought. In order to enlarge the
library, members gathered books during their vacations. In this way several thousand vol-
umes were collected and more than $100 annually expended. A permanent library fund
of $1,000 was secured between 1853 and 1865, the interest of which is annually expended
for books. A portion of a second $1,000 has been raised for the use of the library. Rev.
S. 8. Henry acting as agent for the society for a time. The original library room was
enlarged in 1853, and again in 1880. At the present time the library contains almost 7,000
catalogued volumes and is handsomely furnished. An addition to the library, in 1861 a
Philo reading-room, was established in the first story of the northeast corner of the col-
lege building. The room is supplied with the prominent daily papers, monthly maga-
zines, and all other valuable periodicals, for the use of members at all times except study
hours. At several times during the history of the society the subject of obtaining a
charter was discussed, and especially was this the case after the library fund was secured.
Legal advice was taken and the faculty notified, but the society finally gave up the idea,
as the charter of the college would cover the difficulties under which the society was
laboring. More than 1,150 students, about 400 of them graduate members, have received
part of their training at this society, and, " one of the closest bonds of Philial affection for
alma mater is the connection with the Philomathsean Society." The Philomathsean So-
ciety of the present is in a flourishing condition, having about forty-five members. The
hall and library are in excellent condition, and, besides the library fund of over $1,300,
has $125 in the treasury.
CHAPTER XLIX.
BERWICK TOWNSHIP & BOROUGH OF ABBOTTSTOWN.
DAVID HOKE, farmer, P. O. Hanover, York County, was born November 13, 1836.
His father, David Hoke, Sr.. was born about 1805 in York County, near Spring Forge.
His boyhood and early manhood were spent in York County, and there his marriage with
Barbara Bechtel occurred, shortly before leaving for Adams County. He came to Oxford
Township in 1881, and located on the Martin Carl farm, upon which he remained until
1869, when he removed to Hanover. There he led a retired life for a number of years,
and died in 1873. He was an ardent supporter of the Reformed Church, of which he was
a devoted member. Mr. and Mrs. David Hoke, Sr., were blessed with ten children: Su-
20A
382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Kiin, deceased; Rebecca, with wliom the mother resides; Isaac, deceased; David, our sub-
ject; Samuel B., who married Barbara Hershey; George, deceased; Abraham, married to
Josie King; Barbara, deceased; Michael, deceased, and Solomon, who married Milly
King. All of the children were born on the Martin Carl farm, and received their educa-
tion in the schools near by. Diivid. our subject, engaged in tlie business of lime burning
for himself when twenty-one yeiirs of age; two years later he discontinued this and
attended the Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster Co., Penn. After his education
was complete he returned to the Miutin Carl farm, where he remained until 1863, when he
married Louisa, daughter of Michael and Mary A. (Barnitz) Carl. Their married life
was begun in the mansion now owned by H. J, Myers, in New Oxford, which was then the
property of Mr. Hoke. Two children were born to them: Helen Mary and Carl M. Mr.
Hoke was two years in the commission business at New Oxford, but after the death of
his wife, in 1868, he returned to the Adam Carl farm, his deceased wife's birthplace and
former home, adjoining the Martin Carl farm, and has engaged in farming the splendid
tract up to date. In 1873 Mr. Hoke's second marriage occurred with Annie E. SUgle, by
whom he became the father of four children: Hattie S., Horace Z., Hermie G. and Robert
Blaine. The fine farm on which Mr. Hoke resides has, under his successful management,
become one of the nicest in its appointments and most commodious in Adams County.
The buildings are modern. The surroundings present an air of solidity surpas.si'd by
none in the county. Mr. Hoke is a Prohibitionist, and has been a member of the school
board several terms; he has also held other official positions in the township. Hi.s daugh-
ter, Helen Mary, was married in June, 188.'), to Rev. Henry H. SangnSe, of Fairfield, this
county, pastor of the Reformed Church in that village. Our subject's son, Carl M., is
, now pursuing his studies at Mercersburg College, Franklin County, Penn.
CHAPTER L.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP.
WILLIAM BREAM, farmer, P. O. Bigler, is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Fleager)
Bream, the former a native of this county, the latter of York County, Penn. Jacob was
a son of Henry Bream, who was a native of Germany and immigrated to America with
his family many years ago, settling in what is now Tyrone Township, this countv. where
the family made a permanent home. The elder Bream was a member of the Lutheran
Church, and had three sons and six daughters. Jacob Bream was born in Tyrone Township,
in which his life was passed. He was a well-to-do farmer and highly respected. He and
his estimable wife were exemplary members of the Lutheran Church and had a family of
ten children: Susan, Joseph, Margaret, Jacob, Daniel, Catherine, John, Samuel, Matilda
and William. Mr. Bream died in 1835; Mrs. Bream died subsequently. William Bream,
our subject, was reared to farm pursuits, and at the age of eighteen years commenced
life on his own account, first as a laborer by the day and month. In 1840 he married
Harriet Myers, and purchased and settled upon land where he has since resided. His farm
comprises 160 acres of highly improved land, and in addition he also owns a village prop-
erty in Middletown, the whole of which has been made by his own efforts. He has held
various local offices, viz.: Assessor, school director, etc. To Mr. and Mrs. Bream have
been born twelve children: Catherine, Matilda (who died November 29, 1862, aged eight-
een years, four months and twenty-seven days). Samuel, William E., Mary, Susanna^M.,
Alice, John, Hannah, Anna, Ida and Henry, the last two of whom died in infancy.
Mr. Bream and wife and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and active workers
in the same. He is a strong adlierent of the principles of Republicanism.
ISRAEL GARRBTSON, farmer and breeder of fine stock, P. O. Bigler, was born in
York County, Penn., in 1830, where he was reared to the pursuits of the farm. Being of
a studious disposition he made the best possible use of his school days, acquired a good,
practical education, and at the age of nineteen years began teaching school, successfully
teaching ten terms. He then began farming in a small way, and by dint of perseverance
and intelligent application widened his knowledge of agriculture, soon becoming regarded
as an authority on all matters pertaining to that pursuit. He remained in his native
county until 1868, when he bought and settled on his present farm, which then contained
106 acres. He subsequently purchased eighty-four acres, and is now the largest and
most successful grain and stock dealer in Butler Township. His farm is a model of neat-
ness and convenience, and his improvements are modern and durable. His stock is se-
lected with great care from those breeds which experience has proved to be the most
BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 383
profitable. In horses, the Percheron is his favorite; in neat cattle he keeps the Jerseys
and Guernseys, and the herd consists of magnificent animals; and in sheep, the South-
downs and Hampshire Downs, they being excellent wool producers, hardy and capuble of
taking on flesh lapidly. Mr. Garretson is a member of the State Board of Agriculture,
and is now (1880) serving his second term of office. He has served on a number of impor-
tant committees; was appointed chairman of the committee on farm implemen's and
machinery, and has been a leading member of the County Agricultural Society for many
years. As an exliibitor he has no superior. He is also a life-member of the York County
Agricultural Society. Having briefly sketched his tact and capacity in the discharge of
business, it will in no sense be irrelevant to make a few statements regarding his moral
and Christian worth as a citizen. Tlie avowed enemy to the popular vices of the day, Mr.
Garretson fearlessly condemns them, and by word and deed sets such examples as are wor-
thy of imitation. " Be ye therefore temperate in all things " has been his motto through life.
A slave to no habit, addicted to no vices, and free from the restraint of all compromising
attitudes where honor and Christian virtues are concerned, he is all the more potent as
an advocate of reform, the more powerful as an opponent in the suppression of evil.
Fearless to advocate the right, to him more than to any other one belongs the credit of
having caused the overtlirow of King Alcohol in his vicinity. He met the petition of the
drinkers in open court at diiierent times with a remonstrance signed by many worthy
citizens whom he personally solicited. His example in this respect has since been fol-
lowed by others closingthe doors of the drinking houses. October 20, 1859, he married
Rachel, a daughter of Thomas and Jane Garretson, of York County. Our subject and
wife have three children: Jacob B., Eli and Israel R. The entire family are members of
the Society of Friends. Mr. Garretson holds, as one of the trustees, the property of this
society in York County, which aggregates considerable value; also the records of the first
monthly meetings of Warrington and Newberry (Perm.) Meetings, beginning in 1747 and
ending in 1836. He has also the records of the Friends Society of Menallen particular
meeting, and records of births and deaths of many members of the Warrington and New-
berry Monthly Meetings. His fatlier, Israel Garretson, was born May 7, 1798, and died
June 20, 1880. His mother, Ruth (Walker) Garretson, was born December 25, 1804, and
died February 6, 1880, and her children by 3Ir. Garretson were Jacob, born April 4, 1826;
Lydia, born April 4, 1828; Israel, born July 25, 1830; Ruth A., born January 28, 1833;
Mary, born January 6, 1836; Martha, born July 8, 1839; Robert N., born October 31, 18-19,
died April 7, 1846. and Maria, born June 7, 1845. Thomas Garretson, the father of the
present Mrs. Israel Garretson, was born January 20, 1788, and died January 25, 1862. His
first wife, Susannah Cleaver, was the mother of Isaac, born April 27, 1816, died May 7,
1816, and his mother died May 4, 1816. Thomas Garretson was next married to Mrs. Jane
(Hoopes) Warner, the widow of William Warner, by whom she had Mary, born January
18, 1816, died October 10, 1821. Jane (Hoopes) Warner was born February 17, 1790, and
died January 27, 1859. The children of Thomas Garretson by bis second marriage were
Julia A., born October 14, 1818, died September 19, 1823; Sarah, born October 21, 1820;
Warner, born September 26, 1822, died March 7, 1833; Susan, born December 13, 1823,
died February 23, 1853; Eliza J., born November 23, 1825. died April 11, 1848; Rachel,
born September 18, 1837; Eli B., born September 2, 1830, died April 10, 1859; Alfred, born
July 13, 1833, died August 14, 1847.
DANIEL D. GITT, farmer, P. O. Arendtsville, was born in Adams County, Penn.,
March 20, 1817, eldest son of Henry Gitt, who is a grandson of James Gitt, who emigrated
from Ireland and settled near Hanover, Penn. Henry Gitt had six sons and four daugh-
ters, seven of whom are now living. He kept hotel for about forty years where the
Philadelphia & Pittsburgh Turnpike crosses the Baltimore & Carlisle Turnpike, in Adams
County; he also farmed extensively, having 700 acres in one body. D. D. Gitt devoted a
portion of his early life to merchandising;- was engaged extensively in lumbering at one
time; and traveled considerably as an agent for the Grover & Baker Sewing Machine
Company. He is the inventor of some useful articles, prominent among which is one to
support in bed invalids in a sitting posture, at any desired angle, which is extensively
used; also an invalid bed highly useful in eases of extreme helplessness or fractured
limbs. In 1841 Mr. Gitt married Miss Hannah Wierman, daughter of Isaac Wierman, a
prominent representative of Adams County in the -State Legislature a number of its ses-
sions. Mr. Wierman died at the age of seventy-two years. He was the grandson of
William Wierman, who emigrated from Holland, and located on 1,200 acres of land
bought of William Penn's sons on Bermudian Creek. Mr. Gitt has three sons and one
daughter: Thomas W. is despatcher of trains at Harrisburg, Penn., for the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company (he married Rosa De Huff, of Mifflin, Penn., and they have two daugh-
ters and one son), M. Fannie B. married Henry Koser, a farmer, near Middletown, Adams
County (they have one daughter and one son); Henry W. is weighmaster and collector a-t
Harrisburg for the Pennsylvania Canal Company (he married Martha Siers, of Harrisburg;
they have two daughters); Isaac C. is collector at Columbia, Penn., for the Pennsylvania
Canal Company, and also a merchant (he married Georgie A. Bennet, of Columbia, Penn.^
Mr. D. D. Gitt is an uncompromising Prohibitionist; he and family are church members.
384 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
CYRUS 8. GRIEST, former, P. O. Guernsey, was born in York County, Penn., in
1835, a son of Cyrus and Mary Ann (Cook) Griest, natives of York County, Penn., who
settled in Menallen Township in 1839, and thure passed the balance of their lives. Nine
children were born to them, seven of whom are living; Hiram, George M. (deceased),
Jane, wife of AVilliam Whitson; Ann M., Cyrus S., Jesse W. (deceased), who was Indian
agent seven years in Nebraska; Maria E., wife of Charles J. Tyson; Lizzie, wife of An-
drew Koser, and Amos W. Cyrus Griest, St., died in 1869, agecl sixty-eight years. Mary
Ann Griest (his wife) died in 1884, aged seventy-seven. Both were members of the So-
ciety of Friends. Cyrus, Sr., was a son of Willing and Ann (McMillen) Griest, natives of
York County. Willing was a son of Willing, Sr.,who was the first white rnale child born
in Wilmington, Del., then Willingston, and for which he was named. The early ances-
tors of the family came from Ireland, and as far back as the knowledge of them extends
they belonged to the Society of Friends. Cyrus S., our subject, was partially educated
by private instruction at home, in addition to public school instruction, supplemented by
a course in the Academy at London Grove, Chester ^Co,, Penn. In 1861 he married Miss
Letitia daughter of John Broomell, of Chester County, Penn. A year later he purchased
his present farm, which has since been his home, with the exception of two years, during
which he resided in Gettysburg. His farm consists of 136 acres of well improved land.
In 1885 he completed a modern creamery at Sunnyside, the first one in the county. He
keeps the most profitable gi-ades of stock, having a fine herd of Guernsey cows. To Mr.
and Mrs. Griest have been born seven children; all living: E. Belle, Mary E., Florence,
Lizzie, George, C. Ajthur, Maurice. The eldest three are graduates of the West Chester
Normal School, r,nd rank high as teachers. To the cause of education Mr. Griest is de-
votedly attached. He and his wife are birthright members of the Society of Friends.
On his entrance into business his capital consisted of $800, and he incurred a debt of
|5,000, which has long since disappeared. The improvements he has made have cost him
more than as much as the purchase price of the farm. Mr. Griest is one of the few who
have never tasted whisky nor tobacco in any form.
JOHN HBIGES, farmer, P. O. Guernsey, was born in Adams County, Penn., July 16,
1830, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Chronister) Heiges, natives of Pennsylvania, who
lived many years in this county, but later removed to York County, then to Clearfield
County, Penn., where they died. John Heiges was partly reared on the farm, and when
old enough learned the carpenter's trade, on the completion of which he moved to Clear-
field County,"Penn., and followed the same successfully for twenty-five years. He was
married in the above county, October 3, 1853, to Telithia E. Rishel, who has borne him
five children: Frederick, Clara E. (deceased), Abraham R. (deceased), Almeda J. and
Franklin L. Mrs. Heiges died August 5, 1884, aged forty-eight years, and Mr. Heiges'
second marriage occurred February 11, 1886, with Jane Peters. In 1875, Mr. Heiges pur-
chased the 200 acres of land where he now resides. His farm is well improved, far above the
average. He is an exemplary member of the Lutheran Church, and while living in Clear-
field County held the offices of elder and deacon; has also filled some offices of this town-
ship. Mr. Heiges began life a poor boy, having but 63 cents when he arrived in Clearfield
County, but has acquired a large property, aggregating many hundreds of dollars.
HENRY KOSER, deceased (name formely spelled Kozer), was the founder of the
family in America. He settled on the place where his grandson, Henry, now resides, in
the year 1808, and subsequently married Susanna Hartzell. On the land he purchased (124
acres) he lived and died. He was the first postmaster of Bigler, and as such served many
years; was an enterprising man and accumulated a large property. He and his wife were
members of the Lutheran Church. They had four children: Henry G., Alexander, Rachel
and Eliza (twins), all of whom grew up, had families, and are now deceased. Mr. Koser
died in 1860 and his wife in 1863. Henry G., their eldest son, was born on the homestead,
November 21, 1814, and married, October 17, 1839, Margaret, daughter of Andrew Brugh.
He was a successful farmer and held some of the offices of the township. In early life he
and his wife belonged to the Lutheran Church, but later joined the German Baptists. To
them were born seven children, six now living: Sarah Ann, Andre,w, Henry, Margaret,
Mary L. and Emma J. Mr. Koser died July 12, 1884, and is buried on the place where he
was born; his widow, who was born March 26, 1815, is still living. Henry Koser, third in
line of descent, was born on the homestead in 1847. April 25, 1872, he married Frances,
daughter of D. D. Gitt, who has borne him two children: Henry F. and Clara Alberta. In
1884 Mr. Koser erected buildings on the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railroad, Biglerville, f or
trade in phosphates, lime, bark, etc. He is an enterprising and public-spirited gentleman,
and was active in soliciting subscriptions to aid in buUding the Gettysburg & Harrisburg
Railroad; was a member of the building committee of the Evangelical Church, Middle-
town; was one of the founders of the Centerview Cemetery, chartered January 13, 1885,
and was the first president. Politically he is a Democrat. His wife is an exemplary mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church.
HENRY LOWER (deceased) was born in Adams County, Penn., in 1818, and is a son
of Conrad and Catherine Lower. There was at least one generation in America before
Conrad Lower. Henry Lower settled where his son, C. A., now resides, in 1854, purchas-
BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 38d
ing at that time 140 acres of land and mill property, and he operated the mill in connec-
tion with farming until his decease. He was a self-made man, having begun life a poor
hoy; was industrious and had good business tact and capacity. In all his business under-
takings he was successful, and he accumulated a fair amount of property. He and his
wife were acceptable members of the Reformed Church, of whicli lie was a generous sup-
porter. He married Hannah Doterrer, who bore him three children: John S., Conrad A.
and H. R. His death was caused by an accident in 1868, a bank caving in on him, killing
him instantly. Conrad A. is the second son, and was born in 1838. He was reared to the
milling business, which he followed a number of years. Having abandoned that, he devotes
his time to overseeing his property. The present mill building was erected in 1859 by his
father. It is erected on the site occupied by a stone mill which was built over 100 years
ago. Conrad A. fully inherits his father's enterprise, and is one of the public-spirited
and progressive men of the county.
JOHN MINTBR, farmer, P. O. Bigler, was born in Franklin County, Penn., in 1825,
and is a son of Michael and Sarah (Hoflman) Minter, natives of Adams County. Michael was
a son of Martin Minter, who was also born in Adams County. The father of Martin (name
unknown) was born in Germany. Michapl died in Franklin County in 1837. After his
death his widow, with his five children — Catherine, Elizabeth, Sarah, Michael and John —
removed to this county. Later she married Peter Gross, and moved to Stark County,
Ohio, where Mr. Gross died. His widow died in Somerset County, Penn., in 1884, aged
eighty years. Martin Minter lived the most of his life in Franklin Township, and reared
a large family of children, now nearly all deceased. John Minter. at the age of eighteen,
began to learn the blacksmith trade, and for thirty years followed the same in this county.
In 1860 he purchased ninety-four acres of land, seventy-six of which are under cultivation
and well improved. He had not a dollar to begin life with, but through persistency and
industry has built up a snug little fortune of about $15,000 or .$20,000. He has been col-
lector for school and State taxes. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church,
of which Mr. Minter has served as elder. He married, in 1848, Anna Steinour, who has
borne him eight children, seven of whom are living: Emaline, William, John, Thomas,
Amos, Allen, Clara and Sarah C. (latter deceased). Mr. Minter votes with the Republican
party.
JACOB C. PENSYL, shoe-maker, P. O. Guernsey, was born in this county in 1842,
and is a son of Henry Pensyl. also a native of this county, and now deceased. Jacob (!.
learned the shoe-maker's trade early in life. November 6, 1861, he enlisted in Company
K, One Hundred and First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. In the spring of 18B3 he
was at the front in the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the battles of Williams-
burg and Fair Oaks. After the evacuation of Harrison's Landing the regiment was de-
tached from the Army of tlie Potomac, and took part in the battle of Blackwaler, Va.,
where, Mr. Pensyl says, the rebels used guns that, when dischiiiijed, made no report. The
regiment was next sent to New Berne, N. C, and was afterward in the battles of Kingston
and Plymouth, N. C, where Mr. Pensyl was captured, in April, 1864, and confined in
Andersonville Prison four months; then was removed to Charleston, where he was con-
fined six weeks, and, after remaining a prisoner seven weeks more, in Florence, was pa-
roled and returned home. When exchanged he returned to his regiment and did duty in
the hospital, and received his discharge in July, 1865. After his return home he suflEered
for a long time from ill health, being unable to help himself for months. In 1868 he mar-
ried Isabella Peters, who has borne him one child, C. Irene. Mr. Pensyl owns eight acres
of well improved land; is a member of the United Brethren Church, and belongs to SeiKt.
T. F. Elden Post, No. 507. He votes the Republican ticket.
J. A. H. RETHER, P. O. Bigler, was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 9, 1831,
and is a son of John Michael and Anna Martha Rether, natives of Germany, who lived and
died in that country. The boyhood of our subject was passed in the village of Rhiden-
berg, where he acquired a practical education in the village schools. He learned the
blacksmith's trade in his father's shop, who was also by trade a smith. In 1840 he sailed
for America, and after a voyage of nine weeks, landed at Baltimore. The second day af-
ter his arrival in that part he secured employment at his trade, remaining there three
years During that time he assisted in the construction of the first locomotive that went
to Russia to be used on the first railroad in that country. In 1843 he located at Mc-
Sherrystown this county, and established a shop, which he carried on three years; thea
removed to Hunterstown, where he continued his trade until 1849, when he bought prop-
erty in MiddletowD. erected a shop, and here at present he may be found, little the worse
to all appearances for the fifty years of incessant toil he has passed through. For two
years during the war he served in the mechanical department of the United States Service,
mostly at the front; his brother, Sebastian, was also in the service, a member of the First
Maryland Cavalry and died while in the service; another brother, Martin, resides in Ger-
many and another in Bedford County, this State. Mr. Rether has one sister, Margaret,
who married John Leach of Crawford County, Kas. In connection with his trade, Mr.
Rether also carried on a farm, hotel and brick-yard, etc., etc., doing a general and suc-
cessful business. He left the "fatherland" with barely enough money to pay his passage
380 BIOGRArillCAL SKETCHES:
to our shores, but gradually lias made his efforts tell, and his progress is marked by a per-
iimuent growth in property, the value of whicli will foot up to $',!0,000. Through endors-
ing the paper of others he lost some |3,000, l)ut adversity never "downs" a man of his
pluck and energy. He was appointed postmaster at Biglcr under President Buchanan's
administration and efficiently served until the inauguration of President Cleveland. Of
township ofHces he has held those of collector, treasurer and auditor, and discharged the
duties of each impartially and to the satisfaction of his townsmen. Politically he is an
adherent of the principles of Republicanism, and never fails to help his party with his
vote arid influence. In 1849, he married Sophia, daughter of Peter Smith of this county,
born July 6, 1833, and to them have been born eight chidren— four living: Alsena A.,
Wife of Israel Shank; Clan-nce, a physician; George A. and Charles; the deceased are
Frances Eugenia, John E., Peter R. and Etna May. Jlrs. Rether is a member of the
Lutheran Church. Dr. Clarence Rether was born in 18.56, and after, completing a course
nt tlie Adams County Normal school, followed teaching five years. In 1881 he entered
Jefferson Medical Colll.■^'e, Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1884; practiced one
year in Philadelphia and the same length of time in Centerport; located at Middletown
in 188fi. August 31, 1883, he married Elizabeth A. Herrmann, daughter of Dr. August F.
Herrmann, A. F., and has one daughter Edna D. George A. Rether was born in iliddle-
lown, Penn., Novembers, 1863. In 1876 he entered the Hyghenian College, at Oxford,
Penn., where he completed a full course of the college, and in 1879 he entered Bryant,
Stratton & Saddler College, of Baltimore, Md., wliere he graduated in penmanship and
book-keeping (commercial) department. He taught public school two years in Adams
County and one year in the college of Girard, Kansas, as teaclier of penmanship and
book-keeping. In 1883 he commenced business in Middletown, dealing in coal and lumber,
and in 1884 he erected a large warehouse on the line of the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Rail-
road at Middletown, and in 1886 built a planing-mill, sash and door factory. February 22,
1886, he married Anna C, second and youngest daughter of Senator Ezra Minnick of
Jliddletown, Md. Charles Rether, in 1880, completed a full course at the Hyghenian
College. Oxford, Penn. , He employs several hands in the manufacture of cigars, for
which industry he travels as salesman.
REV. ABRAHAM ROTH was born in York County, Penn., and married ]Maria,
daughter of John Mumma, a native of this county. At the time of settling there he
bought 212 acres of land and mill property, the mill having been erected by his wife's
father in 1807. He was a Mennonite minister, having entered the ministry when a \oung
man, and became an able preacher, rising to the distinction of a bishop. He was widely
and favorably known, was an extensive traveler and an untiring worker, universally be-
loved by all. He had six children: Jonas, Samuel, Daniel, Elizabeth, Susan and Maria
M. Daniel and Maria M. are living, the former being minister of the same church and
residing in Maryland. Rev. Abraham Roth died in 18.54; his widow in 1858. Jonas
Roth was born in York County, Penn., in 1800. Arriving at maturity he engaged in
buying and selling stock and operating a distillery. He carried on a large business; was
a man of sound business judgment and successful in his commercial undertakings. He mar-
ried Barbara Kauffman, who bore him nine children: Maria (deceased), Ellas, Jeremiah,
Henry, Abraham, Reuben, Leander, Sarah and Susie. He died in 1871; his widow in
August, 1884. Up to the time of the civil war he was a Democrat and since then was a
Republican. Jeremiah is the second son and third child, and was born November 30,
1831. February 26, 1857, he married Eliza Ann, daughter of Joseph Deardorff. For
ten years he traveled extensively in the fruit tree business over Maryland, Pennsylvania,
Virginia and Ohio. In 1872 he purchased the old homestead, and has since devoted him-
self to the duties of the farm. Altogether he owns 143 acres of good land. He is the
father of twelve children (ten now living); Susannah G., Beuiah T., Henry C, Sarah A.,
Abner G. (deceased). Ida M., Jeremiah T., Reuben S., Rachel E. (deceased), Eliza B., Rose
E. and Daisy E. Mr. Roth votes the Democratic ticket.
JESSE SLAYBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Menallen, was born in Butler (then Menallen)
Township, this county, in 1825, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Peter) Slaybaugh, natives
of Adams County, who had a family of four children: Jesse, Henry, Maria and Elizabeth.
Peter Slaybaugh was a weaver by trade, which he followed while he lived, and died in 1828.
He was an exemplary member of the Lutheran Church. After her husband's death,
Mrs. Slaybaugh married Jacob Weidner, by whom she had two children: Mary C. and
Anna R. She died in 1876, aged seventy-eight years. Mr. Weidner died in 1868. He
and his wife were members of the Reformed Church. Peter Slaybaugh's father, Peter
8., and Rebecca (Guise), his wife, removed to this county in its early settlement, and here
lived and died. Their children were Jacob, Peter, David, Daniel, Nicholas, Abraham
and Susanna, all deceased but Nicholas. The wife of Peter Slaybaugh, Jr., was a daugh-
ter of Henry and (Schuar) Peter. Jesse, our subject, lived, from after three
years of age, at home until attaining his majority, and in youth learned the blacksmith's
trade. He established himself in a shop at Lower's Mill, and carried on his business
nine years. In 1855 he purchased 114 acres of land, on which he settled, and where he
now resides. He began life a poor boy with little or no means, but by hard work and
BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 387
genuine pluck has acquired a large property. To Mr. and Mrs. Slaybaugh have been
born four children: Elizabeth A., Henry P., Howard J. and Barbara E. The entire fam-
ily are members of the United Brethren Church. Politically Mr. Slaybaugh is liberal
and votes for whom he thinks is the best man. He resides in the house built bv Henrv
Slaybaugh in 1814.
MARTIN THOMAS, farmer, P. O. Table Rock, was born on the farm where he now
lives January 3, 1815, and is a sou of Jacob and Mary (Bear) Thomas, the former of whom
was born and reared in Cumberland County, Penn. Jacob Thomas came, about 1809, with
his wife and one child, and settled where Martin now resides, purchasing at the time 151
acres of land. Here he lived until his death, which occurred in 1833. He and his wife
were members of the Reformed Church. He was the possessor of a good intellect, and
kept himself well posted on the aSairs of the day. Five children were born to him:
George B., Martin, Polly (deceased wife of Joseph Hartzell, deceased), Catherine, Mar-
garet (wife of John Latchaw). Mrs. Thomas died in 1871. The subject of this slcetch was
"put out" at the age of seven years, from which time he made his own way in the world.
At the age of seventeen he began learuing.the shoe-maker's trade, which he only followed
for a short time. Until his marriage he labored for about seven dollars per month.
In 1837 he married Susan, daughter of Jacob Eaholtz, and afterward settled on the
home farm, which he rented seven years, after which he purchased it, and has since
resided on it. Although starting in life a poor boy, Mr. Thomas has acquired a good
home, and is living the declining years of his life amid peace and surrounded with plenty.
Three children were born to him: George W., married to Anna M. Bushey (they had two
children: Lettie A. and Kempher); Martm H., deceased, formerly a hardware merchant in
Abbottstown (married Elsie Deatrick, both of whom died several years after, their mar-
riage, leaving one child, now an orphan, named Elsie); the youngest child died in infancy.
Mrs. Thomas died January 38, 1879, aged seventy- two years and eight months. She was
a inember of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Thomas belongs to the Reformed , Church, of
which he is a liberal supporter.
.1. C. WARREN, M. D., P. O. Menallen, was born in York County, Penn., in 1853,
and is a son of Br. James Warren, formerly a prominent physician of York County, but
now retired and living in Adams County. Our subject passed his boyhood in the city, and
received his literary education in the city schools. In 1870 he entered the medical univer-
sity, at Louisville, Ky., from which he graduated in 1873. He began practice in Lancaster,
Penn., where he devoted himself to a remunerative practice for three years. He then
moved to near Gettysburg, and practiced a short time; then located inStrinestown, York
County, where he practiced successfully eight years. In 1883 he came to his present loca-
tion, since which time he has built up a lucrative practice, which is constantly on the in-
crease. October 9, 1883, he married Miss Eliza A., a daughter of John Dull. Dr. Warren
is a congenial, alf able gentleman, and decidedly popular, both socially and professionally.
He is an acceptable member of the Reformed Church. Mrs. Warren's father, John Dull
(deceased), was born in Butler Township in 1810, and was a son of Josepli and Mary
(Weist) Dull, old settlers of the' county, in which they lived and died. Both belonged to
the Reformed Church. They were parents of four children: Benjamin, John W., Eliza
and Mary. He died in 18 — . John Dull married, in 1843, Susanna, daughter of John and
Mary (Smith) Myers, and for eight years after, lived in Wliitestown; he then settled on the
farm where the family now reside. He was a member of the Reformed Church . As a
successful business man he acquired a large property. He was the father of two children,
one of whom is living — Eliza Ann, wife of Dr. Warren. Mr. Dull died in 1883. The par-
ents of Mrs. John Dull died when she was a child, and their history is unattainable. To
them were born seven children: Mary, Geirge, Gabriel, Margaret, Harriet, Elizabeth and
Susanna.
A. A. WiERMAN, miller, P. O. Arendtsville, was born at York Springs, Adams
County, in 1837, and is a son of Joseph Wierman, who was a son of Nicholas Wierman, an
early settler of Huntington Township. Our sulsject was reared on the farm and in the
mill, and received a good education. In 1856 he went West and visited many places of
interest. Returning in 1859 he commenced milling in Huntington Township, where he
was engaged until 1866, at which time he purchased his present mill property, with eighty
acres of land, formerly owned by the well-known Isaac Wierman. He is an energetic,
enterprising gentleman, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his many acquaintances.
Mr. Wierman has been twice married— first in 1859, to Mary J., daughter of John Day,
and by her he had two children: Edward and Mary J. Mrs. Wierman died in 1879, aged
forty-one years. He was married to his second wife, Ellen, daughter of William Heller,
in 1881, and two children have been born to this union: Zora and Maude. Mr. Wierman
is a member of the Society of Friends, and his estimable wife is a member of the Method-
ist Church. He is well posted in the current affairs of the day, and politically he is a
Republican, and votes with that party on all questions of National importance.
JOSEPH E. WIERMAN, miller, P. O. Mummasburg, was born in the vicinity of
York Springs, this county. May 4, 1837, and is a son of Joseph and Susan Wierman. He
was reared to milling, and in the schools of his district obtained a practical education.
388 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
After attaining his majority he worked in mills in the counties of Cumberland, York and
Perry under instructions. As his first business venture he leased and conducted his
father's mill, in 1876, one year; then the Bermudian Valley Mills, near Bragtown, three
years; then Fred Asper's mill, one year; and afterward the DeurdorfE mill, for one year;
and in 1884 he purchased and took charge of his present property, the Willow Grove Mill.
Mr. Wierman is a practical miller and thoroughly conversant with every detail of the
business. In 1863 he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry, and was inthe battles of Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg,
served his time of enlistment, nine months, and was honorably discharged. He married,
in 1880, Miss Anna Myers, an exemplary Christian lady, and a member of the Reformed
Church.
CHAPTER LI.
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF McSHERRYS-
TOWN.
EPHRAIM BOLLINGER, P. O. Sell's Station, was born September 30, 1836, on
the first farm below Hanover on the York road, Pennsylvania. The genealogy of this
iamily dates back to Switzerland whence the great-grandfather, Jacob Bollinger, immi-
grated to America when the Indians roamed over this county; he settled in York County,
Penn., where some of bis descendants yet live. The men in this family followed milling,
the trade descending from father to son. Jacob Bollinger's son Jacob had a mill sir
miles below Hanover, which burned down about 100 years ago, and whicb was
one of the first in York County. Jacob Bollinger, Jr., reared a family of eight children,
of whom four survived, and of these, Jacob M., who was a miller in early life, married
and then became a farmer. He moved to Carroll County, Md., and, after living there nine-
teen years, returned to Pennsylvania twenty-nine years ago, and settled near Christ
Church, in Union Township, this county. He died in Conowago Township, Adams
County, March 18, 1886, aged seventy-nine years. He was for three years director of the
almshouse in Gettysburg, and filled minor township olflces; was well known and esteemed,
and for over sixty years was a member of the Reformed Church, serving as an elder
and filling other responsible ofiices. He was a major in the Pennsylvania Militia and by
most people was known as Maj. Bollinger. He was married in York County, Penn., to
Miss Nancy, daughter of Daniel Sprenkel, and who is yet living, the mother of six chil-
dren: Louise, Ephraim, Benjamin (deceased), Eli, Jessie and Mary. Ephraim Bollinger
was reared on a farm and has chiefly followed agricultural pursuits. For the last twenty
years he has owned and operated the old Kitzmiller mill, built in 1738. Over the mill
door is a large stone on which is inscribed the following names and dates: "Hanson
Martin Kitzmiller, Aug. 1738; Ano 1755; I. B. O. K. M., May 13, 1791." Probably the
dates of the building and re-building of the mill. Ephraim Bollinger was married Decem-
ber 84, 1876, to Miss Sarah Loho, who has borne him two children: Mary Irene and Jacob
Roy. Politically, though our subject is identified with the Democratic party, he votes
for the best man. He has himself filled minor township ofiices and has been also assessor,
collector, auditor, etc.
REV. P. FORHAN, father superior of Conowago Chapel, P. O. McSherrystown, is a
native of County Kerry, Ireland. He came to America at an early age and was educated
at Woodstock College, in Baltimore, Md. He then taught in the Baltimore, Worcester
CMass.) and Georgetown Colleges, and was in Washington before he came to Conowago
Township, this county, in June, 1883. He has been Father Superior here ever since and
is assisted bv five fathers: Haugh, Emig, Manus, Richard, Finnegan, and three brothers,
Hamilton, McGunigle and Donovan. 'The different churches located at Hanover, Oxford
and Paradise are supplied by Conowago Chapel, and much of its present admirable con-
dition is due to the earnest efforts and endeavors of Father Forhan, who is beloved and
honored by all with whom he comes in contact.
DAVID P. FORNEY, farmer, Hanover, York County, Penn., was born February 14,
1837, in Hanover, Penn. 'The progenitor of this well known family was John Adam Forney
(formerly spelled Fornich), a tailor by occupation, who came to America about 1721 from
Wachenheim, Germany, with his wife and four children, and settled near the site of Han-
over. One of the ancestors of our subject, Philip Forney, lived on a part of the old home-
stead purchased of the Penns, and reared a large family. Philip Forney's son, David,
married a Miss Nace, a daughter of Mathias (a tanner), and Elizabeth (Bowman) Nace,
who were prominent people in Hanover. David Forney was a tanner by trade;
Zf<A > •
"■-(■??
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%t<^CJ
CONOWAQO TOWNSHIP. ■• 391
he and his wife died in Baltimore, Md., leaving one son, Mathias Nace Forney, who
was born in Baltimore, and there married Amanda Nace (a cousin), daughter of Hon
George Nace, of Hanover, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Nace Forney had six children-
George N., Catharine N., wife of Rev. J. B. Bittinger, D. D., of Sewicklyville Penn •
Louise E., wife of Henry Wirt, of Hanover, Penn. ; Anna M. ; Mathias N., a resident of New
York, formerly editor of the Railroad Gazette; and David P. Our subject was educated
in the schools of Hanover and at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Penn. He has been a
farmer nearly all his life, and at present has 185 acres of land under a good state of culti-
vation. He was united in marriage with Miss Amanda, daughter of Dr. G. W. Hinkle
and granddaughter of Judge Hinkle, of Hanover, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. David P. Forney
have seven children now living: Anna, George, Harry H., Lucy, Catharine, Maggie and
Philip. Squire Forney has been identified with the Republican party, but frequently
votes for the best man regardless of party. In the spring of 1885 he was elected justice of
the peace and is filling the ofiBce with marked ability.
JOHN P. JOHNS, stockman, McSherrystown. John Johns, a Quaker, and a native of
Wales, immigrated to America with William Penn. The Johns settled in Lancaster
County, Penn., and there were several children in the family at the time, of whom John
Johns, Jr., was then twelve years old. He, John Johns, Jr., married and had six children—
three sons and three daughters; he and his wife died on the old homestead in Lancaster Coun-
ty, Penn. Their son, John, married Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Miller, and they also died
in Lancaster County and are buried in the Johns' Cemetery. John and Elizabeth Johns had
seven children— five boys and two girls. Of these, John married Elizabeth, daughter of
David and Rosannah (Schwartz) Melhorn, and had a family of eleven children wlio at-
tained maturity: John H., Eli, M. Matilda, Hattie, David, Jeremiah, Amanda, Elizabeth,
Juliann, Susannah and George W. Of these four are still living; all were married except
M. Matilda, who is now living on the old farm in Conowago Township, this county, where
her parents came in 1833 after the death of their parents and there died also. All the
Johns were farmers. Of the children of John and Elizabeth, Jeremiah married Elizabeth
Oister (who survives him and now keeps hotel at McSherrystown), and had six children:
John, Jacob, David (deceased), Alice E. (deceased), Jeremiah and Samuel. Jeremiah
Johns, Sr., was a farmer and kept hotel in McSherrystown, where he died. Of the chil-
dren of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Oister) Johns, Jeremiah was married January 29, 1846, to
Hannah E. Eyster, whose ancestors were of German extraction. Her grandfather, George
Daniel Eyster, born June 6, 1757, married Magdalena Schlagle November 14, 178(). He was
a tanner and farmer, and died near Hunterstown, aged seventy-nine years; he had eleven
children all of whom are deceased. One of his sons, Peter Eyster, born in Adams County,
Penn., died in York County, Penn., aged seventy-one years, was a farmer; was twice mar-
ried, and by his first wife, Elizabeth (Weaver), who died at the age of fifty-nine, had eight
children: George D., David (deceased), Jacob, William, Elizabeth, Mary M., Sarah A. and
Rebecca A. (latter deceased). John P. Johns, the subject of this biography, is a son of
Jeremiah and Hannah E. (Eyster) Johns, born August 15, 1846, in McSherrystown, Penn.,
where he received a common school education. He farmed until he attained his majority.
and then engaged in the harness business for several years, after which he bought and
sold horses. He commenced on a small scale, but, finding that he was suited to the busi-
ness, soon devoted all his time to it and has been one of the most successful men in this
line in this part of the county. His stables are located in McSherrystown, Berlin, Adams
County and Gallipolis. Ohio. He buys many horses in the West, especially in Ohio, and
in the winter buys mules in Kentucky. His sales are generally in Southern Pennsylvania
and Maryland, and his business transactions last year amounted to $108,000. Our subject
was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Egbert Eckert, by whom he has one son, Henry
Augustus, who was born October 83, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Johns are members of the Lu-
theran and Reformed Churches, respectively. Politically Mr. Johns is a Republican. He
is a self-made man in every respect, owing his success to his own energy, perseverance
and good business principles.
8. L. JOHNS, manufacturer and merchant, McSherrystown, was born November 35,
1859, in Conowago Township, near Hanover, sou of Jeremiah Johns. Our subject received
a common school education, but is chiefly self-educated. Quite early in life he became
interested in cigar manufacturing, and at the age of eighteen engaged a man, John P.
Keefer, as journeyman, and both went to work making cigars, Mr. Johns learning as he
worked not knowing anything about business when he commenced. He soon mastered
the trade, however, and, from time to time, employed more workmen, increasing "his
trade every year and almost every day. Success is ever ready to reward the ener-
getic, and our subject had the satisfaction of seeing his business grow from a
small beginning to its present proportions. He commenced February 17, 1878, and
to-day manufactures about 4,500,000 cigars annually, employing, in various depart-
ments nearly 110 men, women and children, more than half of whom are employed
in McSherrystown. He is also engaged in packing tobacco, having warehouses
in Lancaster County, Penn., and is also buying tobacco in New York, Philadelphia
and Baltimore, consuming and selling from 600 to 800 cases of leaf tobacco annu-
892 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ally. He also exchanges tobacco for cigars, and last year bandied nearly 6,000,000
cigars. June .'), 1886, Mr. Johns opened a grocery and confectionery store in McSherrys-
town, another marked improvement to the town. He was married December 36, 1882, to
Miss Emma, daughter of Peter Strasbaugh, and by her he has one son — Q. Milton Blaine
—born March 13, 1884. Politically our subject has been identified with the Republican
party, and has ever taken an active interest in all the public affairs of the township; was
one of the men instrumental in getting the turnpike from Hanover to McSherrystown, of
which he has been director since its completion. He was also instrumental in having
McSherrystown incorporated, and was elected its first burgess. When theMcSberrystown
Building Association was talked about he at once became an active advocate of it, and has
served as director for five years. In 1883, being mindful of the welfare of the working
people, he, himself, started the Sevies B Building Association, of which he is now president,
and which Is the means of building homes for his workmen, where even a young man, by
making a small weekly payment, soon has a home. Thus we give a brief sketch of the
active career of a .self-made man, who ha,s promoted the welfare of the town and people,
and who is an example of what a young man of energy and good business principles can
accomplish.
- EDWARD J. KUHN, stockman, P. O. Hanover, York County, was born September
23, 1837, in Union Township, Adams Co., Penn. The family genealogy dates back to
Germany. The paternal grandfather, John Kuhn, was reared on a farm in Berks County,
Penn., and there followed blacksmithing and farming. He was married to Therese
Fricker, and they both died in Conowago Township, this county, the parents of eleven
children: Judith, Elizabeth, Margaret, John, Anna (died when a young lady), Joseph J.,
Catharine, Polly, Therese, Abalonia and Magdalena. Of these John is living, aged eighty-
nine years. Joseph J., the father of our subject, was bqrn on the old homestead October
4, 1803; was a farmer all through life; was educated in this county, and died in Oxford
Township September 17, 1878. He married Jane McCabe, of Hanover, York County,
daughter of Edward and Rebecca (Hudson) McCabe, the former a native of Ireland, and
the latter of Norristown, Penn. To this union were born eight children who attained
maturity: Edward J., Louis D. B., Maria (married to Charles Leison, and died in Cuba),
Charles, Jane E., Joseph A., John and George. Joseph J. Kuhn was a Whig in early
life, in later years a Democrat; he was much interested in military matters; was elected
colonel of the Pennsylvania Militia before he was twenty-one, and received several
appointments from the governors of the State. He filled township and county offices, and.
in about 1870, was elected associate judge by the people, by whom he was well known and
held in high estimation. Two of his sons are stockmen, two lawyers, two represent the
medical profession, one of whom, Louis, was surgeon in the army and navy. Edward J.
is the only son who did not receive a classical education, being chiefly self-educated. In
early life he was a stockman. In 1854 he went to Missouri, and farmed in Lincoln
County, and the next year married Miss Anna P., daughter of Dr. Presly Gill, formerly of
Fairfax, Va. She died in Missouri in June, 1863, leaving three children: Charles F., a
physician in New York; Anna, a sister of charity in the St. Louis Hospital, and William
L., a resident of Hanover, York Co., Penn. Our subject left Missouri in 1864, and
returned to Pennsylvania, where he traded cattle for eight years. He was married, on
second occasion, in 1870, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Jacob Hilt, of Hanover, Penn.,
and by this union there are five children now living: Mary A., Guy L., Bertha J., Amelia
G. and Sarah B. Politically Mr. Kuhn is a Democrat. He is now engaged in the cattle
business in this county. While residing in Missouri he drove cattle there from Texas, and
thereby saw much of the West.
VIRGIL H. B. LILLY, physician McSherrystown. Samuel Lilly, the progenitor of
this well-known family, emigrated from Bristol, England, in 1730, previous to which he
had married Miss Ann Price, two ceremonies being performed the same day to celebrate the
union, one by the Catholic and the other by the Established Church. This grand old
man settled in Adams County, Penn., where he bought and improved a farm (now owned
by his grandson, Samuel Lilly Jenkins), called it Eden, and there died January 8, 1758,
a^edfifty-nine years. His ashes rest under the Church of the Sacred Heart, at Conowago;
his wife, Anna, also died in Eden, in June, 1784, aged eighty-five years. They had seven
children: Esther and Richard born in England, Thomas on the sea, and John, Samuel,
Mary and Joseph at Eden. Of the above, John, born June 15, 1733, married Miss Verlin-
da Hardy, of Harford County, Md., who bore him six children: Ann E., Samuel, Richard,
Mildred, Bennett and Henry. Of these Samuel, born March 23, 1768, near Cooptown,
Harford Co., Md., died opposite Eden September 13, 1853. He was married to Miss
Hannah Cooper, of Lancaster County, Penn., who died in December, 1835; they had three
children that outlived them: John, Sarah and Virlinda. The last mentioned married
William S. Jenkins, a great-grandson of Richard Jenkins, and had seven children. Sarah
Lilly, born October 2S, 1800, is still living in the white house near Conowago Church;
John, born opposite Eden February 2, 1797, in Mountpleasant Township, this county, and
died May 29. 1869, on the adjoining farm to" which he was born. John Lilly married
Hannah C. Stump a native of Harford County, Md., daughter of William H. Stump.
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP. 393
Mrs. John Lilly died in McSherrystowa, Penn., November 33, 1880, the mother of six
children all now living: Rachel, Mary V., Sarah, Samuel, William H. and Virgil H B
Our subject was educated in Oonowago Chapel School and at Calvert College Carroll
County, Md., after which he studied medicine at the University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, having Profs. McSherry and Butler for his preceptors. He gradu-
ated March 3, 1869, and settled in McSherrystown, this county, were he has since been
located. The Doctor was married here May 38, 1873, to Miss Sarah C. Klunk, daughter
of Joseph Klunk, and who was born here September 6, 1853. They have four children now
living: Mary, John, Gertrude and Joseph K. The Doctor and wife are members of the
Conowago Chapel. In politics he is a Democrat, and is now serving his second term as
■chief burgess of the borough. He is a member of Adams County Medical Society, and
was its president in 1883.
VINCENT O.BOLD, farmer, jMcSherrystown, was born March 13, 1837. The gene-
alogy of the 0. Bold family dates back to Germany, whence the great-grandfather, Sebas-
tian O.Bold, immigrated to America when quite young and settled in Conowago Town-
ship, Adams County, Penn., where he owned three farms and was a wide-awake business
man, possessed of good judgment. He was the parent of four children: Anthony, Joseph
Mrs. Ignatius Miller and Mrs. Shorb. Of these Anthony O.Bold married a Miss Malts-
berger, from Gottenhopen, near Philadelphia, Penn., and had four children: Sebastian
Ignatius, Susan and Rebecca. Antnony O.Bold was an old man when he died in Cono-
wago Township, this county, where also died his wife. The whole family were members
of Conowago Chapel, and took an active interest in its erection. Of the children born
to this couple, Ignatius was born here; he was a farmer and died on the old farm, aged
about seventy-one years; he married Miss Nancy, daughter of Michael and Catharine
Delbone, the former of whom was of French descent and the latter of German lineage.
To Ignatius and Nancy O.Bold were born four children: Vincent, Josephine, Rebecca,
Gabriella, former wife of Dr. Smith. Rebecca, who died in Virginia, was a member of
the Sisters of the Visitation Order. Our subject attended school 'in Conowago Township,
but is mainly self-educated. He taught school in early life (one winter), has been a farmer
since, has led a very active business life and may be said to be one of the most energetic
business men in the county. When the first railroad was built from Hanover Junction to
Hanover he took a lively interest in it, and encouraged others to do the same, and was
also interested when the short line railroad was built, his brother-in-law, Dr. Smith, being
a director at that time; at present our subject is a director of the road and the second
largest stockholder. When the First National Bank was started in Hanover, Mr. O.Bold
invested in it, is now one of the heaviest stockholders, and has been a director for twenty-
three years. At present he has over 600 acres of land in the vicinity of McSherrystown, and
also owns two mills. He has deeds of farms which are dated back as far as 1761, 1764, 1784,
1791 and 1796. He annually feeds on his farms eight car-loads of cattle, or 160 head. He has
the largest interest in the pike from McSherrystown to Hanover. Mr. O.Bold has been
offered different county offices, but has refused, believing his sphere of duty was nearer
Jiome. He was married to Miss Louise, daugliter of John Smith, and she bore him four
children who have since died: Ignatius, a student at Windsor College (died aged twenty-
three years and six months), Mary was twenty -six when she died; Ilebecca was aged nine-
teen and Anna eighteen when they died. They were educated in the convent of the
Sisters of St. Joseph.
J. A. POIST, cigar manufacturer, McSherrystown, was born February 4, 1850, in
Mountpleasant Township, this county. His grandfather kept the "Three Mile House,"
near Baltimore, and was supposed to have been of French extraction. James Poist, our
subject's father, was born in 1813. and died in Conowago Township, this county, July 15,
1869. He was, by occupation, a farmer; married Susannah Fleshman, who was born in
Mountpleasant Township, this county, daughter of Pliilip Fleshman. The children born
to this union were Anna S., Mary, Sylvester (deceased), Philip, William, John A., James,
Ignatius and Harry. John A. Poist was educated in Adams County, Penn. In early life
he was a farmer. He came to McSherrystown in 1870, and learned and followed tlie plas-
terer's trade, after which he learned and became an expert in the cigar-making business.
He commenced business for himself, on a small scale, in 1877; worked his way up, until
now he is one of the leading manufacturers in this place, and is a successful business man.
He makes about 1,500,000 cigars annually, selling them mostly by wholesale. ,1. A. Poist
was married in McSherrystown, Penn., to Miss Clara Honibach, who was born here,
•daughter of Dr. William Hombach. They have two children: Mary and Estella Poist.
DR. GEORGE L. RICE, physician and surgeon, McSherrystown. was born January
15, 1850, at Baltimore, Md., son of John Rice, who was born March 31, 1810, in Bavaria,
■Germany; immigrated to America in 1837, and settled in Baltimore, Md. John Rice
learned the saddler's and harness-maker's trade in his native land, and followed it in Bal-
timore until 1871, when he came to McSherrystown, Penn., where he died in 1877. He
was married to Lydia Riffle, a native of Hanover, Penn., and a daughter of Melchior Rif-
fle, a hero of the Revolutionary war, and who participated in many of its battles. Our
subject, the only child of this couple, was reared and educated in Baltimore, Md., and
394 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
then attended the University of Virginia, and subsequently graduated at the Washington
University in 1872. He first located in Baltimore, Md., and was prosector of anatomy at
the Washington University until he came to McSiierrystown, in the fall of 1877. He now
has a lucrative practice here. He was married, November 11, 1875, to Miss Anna M.
Brooks, a grandniece of the late Chauncy Brooks, formerly president of the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad, and president of the Western National Bank when he died. To this union
were born five children: Alfred Curtis, Mary Lorretta (deceased), Regina May (deceased),
George L. and Jcseph E. The Doctor and his wife are members of Conowago Chapel.
He has served twice as school director and twice has been president and secretary of the
board. He was one of the first councilmen of McSherrystown, and has been coroner of
Adams County, Penn. He has been prominently identified with the Democratic party,
and Is now the nominee on that ticket for the State Legislature. Dr. Rice is well able to
fill any position of trust to which he may be elected.
SAMUEL SCHWARTZ, retired, Hanover, York County, was born September 18,
1818, near Berlin, but in York County. The genealogy of this interesting family dates
back to Switzerland, whence the great-grandfather, a farmer (and two brothers, all single
at the time), emigrated when quite young, leaving the old country on account of a revo-
lution there, and settling in Berks County, Penn. Ludwig Schwartz, the son of the
brother that settled in Berks County, also a farmer, married a Miss Lesher and had ten
children, who all reached a ripe old age. He was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary-
war, serving as a substitute for his father; he enlisted at the age of eighteen years, and re-
mained in the service until the close of the war. He participated in many engagements,
and at one time was taken prisoner and treated cruelly by the Hessians. Afterward the
Hessians were defeated, and Ludwig met one of the officers on his father's farm, working
as a day laborer (a prisoner of war), recognized in him one who had often abused him,
and told his father unless he was sent from the place he would shoot him on the spot.
The Hessian, it is needless to say, was sent away, for the old Revolutionary soldiers
meant what they said. Ludwig Schwartz and his wife died in York County, Penn. Their
son, John, was born in Berks County, Penn., and died in this county, aged nearly eighty
years. He married Barbara, daughter of Simon Copenhafer, whc> lived near Hanover,
Penn. She died on the homestead, aged eighty-two years and ten months. Of the nine
children born to John and Barbara Schwartz, seven reached maturity and four are now
living. John Schwartz had only a common school education, but he was a wide-awake
business man; in early life he engaged in milling on Beaver Creek, in Paradise Township,
York Co., Penn., but sold his mill in the spring of 1831 and came to Conowago Township,
this county, where he bought between 300 and 400 acres of land, which is still owned by
his children. Samuel, his son, was educated in Adams County, and has been a successful
farmer, now owning the old homestead, which he has much beautified and improved. He
was married, in this county, March 25, 1841, to Miss Maria Gitt, born October 17, 1817,
daughter of Daniel Gitt, a member of the old Gitt family, and grand-daughter of William
Gitt, who attained the age of ninety-seven years. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schwartz was
born, February 10, 1842, one child— Henry Van Buren, a bright young man, who assisted
his father on the farm and died at his home December 17, 1864. Our subject became dis-
couraged with farming after the death of his son, and in August, 1881, moved to Hanover.
Penn., where he now resides. He has been successful financially; has been director of
the Littlestown Bank fourteen years, and director of the Hanover Branch Railroad three
years, of which he is still a stockholder. He is also interested in the ore business, in com-
pany with S. Boyer, near Littlestown. Mrs. Schwartz is a member of the Lutheran
Church. Mr. Schwartz is a member of the Reformed Church, and has materially assisted
in the building of three churches, especially of the one in Hanover. Politically he is a
Democrat, but in local matters votes for the best men. He filled all the important offices
in Conowago Township, where his absence is still felt in the community.
SOLOMON SCHWARTZ, farmer, P. 0. Hanover, York County, was born March 10,
1827, near East Berlin, York Co., Penn., a grandson of David Louis Schwartz, a native of
Berks County, Penn., who was a wide- awake farmer in his time, and who removed to
York County in 1805, and settled two miles south of Hanover, but eventually moved back
to near Berlin, on the old homestead, where he died aged eighty-two years. David Louis
Schwartz married a lady by the name of Leisher, and of their ten children John learned
the miller's trade, which he followed many years very successfully south of East Berlin,
being an industrious man. He eventually bought 400 acres of land in Conowago Town-
ship, Adams County, in 1881, and here he and his wife died on the old homestead. He
married Barbara, daughter of Simon Copenhafer, one of the old settlers of this county,
and to them were born nine children: Mary, Elizabeth, Levi, Samuel, Lydia, John, Solo-
mon, David and Louise. Our subject was reared on the farm, and educated in Adams
County, and has been a farmer all his life. Politically he is a Democrat, and has filled
many township offices. In 1881 he was nominated for county commissioner, having
twelve competitors, but, as he was well known for his sterling business qualities, was
elected, and had the satisfaction of seeing the county debt paid and money in the treasury
when his term expired. He was married, December 4, 1849, to Miss Margaret Basehoar,
CONOWAGO TOWNSHIP. 395
born February 15, 1833, daughter of George Basehoar, and who died January 20, 1884, the
mother of eleven children: George F., John H., Samuel D., Mary B., Jacob S., Louise B.,
Charles B., Emory A., Riley L., Dellie Ann and Morise E. Mr. Schwartz and family are
members of the Reformed Church, in which he has filled the highest offices.
EDWARD SHORE, farmer, McSherrystown, is a worthy representative of the Shorb
family of pioneers, and was born November 1, 1834, on the old homestead in Union
Township, Adams Co., Penn., where bis brother. Squire Joseph L. Shorb, still resides.
His parents were John and Mary (Beecher) Shorb. Our subject was educated in this
county, has been a farmer nearly all his life, and for the last fourteen years has been liv-
ing in McSherrystown, on the plot where his grandmother, Mary (Obold) Shorb, resided
for many years. Edward Shorb was married here, December 27, 1859, to Miss Sarah C,
daughter of Samuel and Mary (Smith) Sneeringer. Mr. and Mrs. Shorb are members of
Conowago Chapel. He has never been an office seeker, and has been identified with
the Democratic party all his life. He owns several farms, which comprise from 250 to 300
acres of good limestone land. As a farmer he has been successful, and has decided to
pass the evening of his life in the village of McSherrystown, where he enjojs the esteem
and good-will of his fellow townsmen.
0. D. SMITH, merchant, McSherrystown, was born September 20, 1855, in Union
Township^ this county. His father, John Smith, was born near Bonneauville, in Mount-
pleasant Township, this county, in 1825, and later farmed a year in Union Township,
then moved to Oxford Township in the spring of 1856, and there died in the fall of 1859,
aged thirty-four years. John Smith was married to Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob Mar-
shall, and who is yet living. They had three children, of whom only Charles D. survives.
His sister, Ann M., died aged twenty-four. The ancestors of the Smiths were of German
descent, the great-grandfather Smith coming from the old country and settling near Bon-
neauville, Penn. He had eight sons and three daughters, of whom Charles was born in
this country, married, and had three sons and one daughter. Our subject was educated in
Conowago Township, this county, and attended the Sisters' School in McSherrystown and
at Hanover, Penn. In early life he farmed, but in 1881 embarked in the cigar business in
partnership with J. A. Poist. Mr. Smith sold out his interest the next year, and embarked
in the grocery business, in which he has since continued. C. D. Smith was married, Sep-
tember 8, 1881, to Miss Clara C. Weaver, born May 5, 1859, in York County, Penn.,
daughter of Anthony Weaver. They have two children; Edward C, born Novembers,
1883, and Rodger A., born October 5, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of Cono-
wago Chapel. Politically our subject is a Republican. He has served as treasurer of the
orough.
F. X. SMITH, manufacturer, McSherrystown, was born March 21, 1843, on the old
homestead in Oxford Township, this county, a grandson of John Smith and son of Joseph
J. Smith, a farmer, who died in Irishtown, Penn. Joseph J. Smith was justice of the
peace, settled many estates and stood high in the estimation of all who knew him. He
married Mary, daughter of John Hemler, who bore him eight children; John L., Henry
W., Anna (now a sister in St. Joseph's convent, on Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia), Francis
Xaverious, Andrew J., Gregory F., Samuel A. and Pius I. Our subject was educated in
this county in early life, and farmed till he was eighteen years old, then went into his
father's general store in Irishtown, Penn., where he continued about fifteen years, and
while there embarked in the cigar business in 1868, employing from five to twenty-five
hands annually; commencing with five hands he increased his force as his business de-
manded. In 1877 he came to McSherrystown, Penn., and was in the cigar and leaf tobacco
business in partnership with J. G. McKlnny for two and three quarters years, when the
partnership was dissolved, Mr. Smith assuming all the liabilities. He then embarked in
business on his own account in the fall of 1879, kept a general store and also dealt in ci-
gars and leaf tobacco. He gave up the store October 30, 1883, and since then has engaged
only in the cigar and leaf tobacco trade. He makes full lines of cigars, using nothing but
the best of stock; buys tobacco in all the Eastern markets, as well as being a packer of
leaf tobacco. He ships his cigars to the Eastern and Western markets. He is a bene-
factor to the village, for he employs on an average about 150 hands, and runs a branch
factory at Irishtown, where he has twenty hads. He makes about 6,000,000 cigars annu-
ally and handles between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 outside goods. Our subject was married
to Miss Louise J., daughter of Dr. William Hombach, a native of Germany, and they have
eight children living; Clara, Charles, William, Anna, Joseph, Paul, Peter and Violet.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of Conowago Chapel. Politically he is a Republican;
has been town councilman two years. As a business man he is a decided success; as a
citizen he is liberal and public spirited. He was in favor of the borough, and was one of
the promoters and first treasurer of the building association, and one of the prime movers
in starting the turnpike. He has ever been foremost in promoting the interests of Mc-
Sherrystown. Mr. Smith has such a reputation on his cigars that he needs no one to travel
for him in order to sell them; his goods always come up to sample; his word is his bond.
His only pride is to make goods that will always give satisfaction. To-day he stands at the
head of leaf dealers in this section, having an immense warehouse, holding at least 500
cases alwavs filled with the finest seed and Havana leaf.
31J(j BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
FRANK G. SNEERINGER, farmer, P. O. McSherrysto-wn. The genealogy of this
fnmily dales buck to Swilzeiland, whence Joseph Sneeringer came when a young man,
and settled in one of the lower rounties of Maryland; he married a Miss Great, and then
came to York County, Pern., where he farmed, and reared his large family, of whom one
daughter, Catharine, married, and went to Ohio, and a son, .Joseph, born in 1761. who
learned and followed the carpenter's trade became a good mechanic, a:)d planned a part
of Coniiwaf^o Cliapel. Joseph Sneeringer finally bought land in Conowago Township,
this county, was a successful farmer, and died on the old homestead January 26, 1838. He
was county commissioner and justice of the peace. He married Margaret j'ink, who was
born April 2, 1703, and died September 8, 1830. They had five children: Joseph, Samuel,
John, David and Catharine. Of these, Samuel, born in 1798, a farmer all his life, event-
ually bought his grandfather's property, became a wealthy man, and was very indus-
trious and upright, winning the respect of all who knew him. He married Marj' Smith,
born in 1810, daughter of Jacob Smith. Samuel Sneeringer died April 14, lf:'72, and his
wife September 8, 1864. They had nine children (seven of whom attained maturity): Sarah,
Rebecca, Joseph (deceased), Maiy, Samuel (deceased), Matilda (deceased), Catharine (de-
ceased), Frank G. and Leo. Our subject was born September 5, 1845, and was educated
at Conowago Academy and at Mount St. Mary's College, near Emmittsburg, Md. He
has been a farmer all his life. He served as justice of the peace, held other minor town-
ship offices, and in 1882 was nominated for the State Legislature, and in the fall of 1882,
though his party was split up, was elected by a good majority, losing only five votes in
his own township, and he may justly feel proud of the result. He resides near Conowago
Chapel, and still owns a part of the land bought by his grandfather. Mr. Sneeringer
married Sally Jenkins, born in Oxford Township, this county, August 28, 1846, daughter
of William Jenkins. To this union have been born Mary S., Sarah M., Frances Rosalie,
William, Anna M. and Elizabeth Belinda. The elder two are deceased. The family are
members of the Roman Catholic Church.
JOHN D. WALTMAN, farmer, McSherrystown, was born June 31, 1836, in Cono-
wago Township, Adams Co., Penn. The genealogy of the Waltmans dates back to
Germany, whence the great-grandfather, Henry Waltman (a weaver by trade), came in
an early day. He was a native of Switzerland or Germany, and when a student, visiting
friends, was kidnapped by sailors and carried on board their vessel that sailed to different
parts of the world, but finally reached Baltimore, Md., where he found an opportunity to
effect his escape, and traveled by night till he came to Pennsylvania, which he chose
for his future home. He settled near Pigeon Hills, York County, and there mar-
ried a Miss Kehr and reared a family of children: Christian. John, Joseph and Salome.
Of these, John, who was also a weaver the greater part of his life, died in McSherrystown
(to which place he came about 100 years ago), aged seventy-eight years. He (John) mar-
ried a Miss Hinkle, a native of Baughman's Yalley, Md., and she died here, aged eighty-
seven. They were parents of the following children: Jesse, Henry, Lydia and four
deceased. Of these children Jesse was born in McSherrystown, Penn., July 21, 1808,
and died February 11, 1876. He was a weaver in early life; then became a successful
farmer and owned three farms at the time of his death; he was a member of the Lutheran
Church, upright, strong minded and well known for his good qualities of head and heart.
Jesse Waltman was married to Helena Bowers, who bore him six children that attained
maturity: Mrs. Louisa Sterner (deceased), John D., Edward, Jacob (residing in Texas),
Mrs. Emma Melhorn and William. Our subject was educated here, has been a farmer all
his life, and resides on 145 acres, a part of the old homestead, which he keeps in good
order. He was married December 3, 1861, to Mary E. Schwartz, born August 15, 1839, in
Mountpleasant Township, Adams Co., Penn., daughter of Levi and Eliza (Flickinger)
Schwartz, members of the old Schwartz family of this county. To this union have been
born nine children: Alice, Henry, Maggie, Samuel, William, Charles, Mary, Steward and
John. Mr. and Mrs. John D. Waltman are members of the German Reformed Church.
He has filled different township offices, such as auditor, assessor, etc. Politically he has
ever been identified with the Republican party.
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP. 397
CHAPTER LII.
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP.*
JOSEPH BAYLY, retired farmer. P. 0. Gettysburg, was born in Pennsylvania Novem-
ber 8, 1805, a son of John and Jane (McQueen) Bayly, natives of Lancaster County, Penn.
and of Scotch-Irish descent. John Bayly was a farmer, which vocation he followed all
his life. He reared a large family, of whom Joseph is the fifth, and he and his brother
are the only survivors. Joseph received the usual schooling given to farmers' sons, and
on arriving at manhood chose agriculture as his occupation, which he has followed
through life. He possesses a fine farm of upward of 300 acres, on which he resides. In
1847 he was united in marriage with Harriet C. Hamilton, whose paternal and maternal
ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. The Hamilton family is one of
prominence in the history of Adams County. To Mr. and Mrs. Bayly have been born
four children: William Hamilton (a lawyer, who graduated in 1871 at Pennsylvania Col-
lege). Joseph T.. Samuel Russell (a farmer) and Vanwick. Mr. and Mrs. Bayly are
members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. In politics he is a Repub-
lican.
H. P. BIQHAM, merchant, P. O. Green Mount, was born in Freedom Township,
Adams County, Penn., December 12, 1840, a son of James and Agnes (McGaughy) Bigham,
also natives of Adams County, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was a farmer, who
died in 1854. The parents had eight children, six of whom grew to maturity. Our sub-
ject, who is next to the youngest child, obtained a fair education in the district schools,
and remained at home until he was seventeen years of age, when he began employment
as a clerk in a dry goods store at Gettysburg. Subsequently he went to Springfield. O.,
where he was engaged as a salesman in a large dry goods establishment, returning to his
native State in the year 1862, and in 1863 enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Regiment
Pennsylvania Cavalry, of which he was chosen orderly sergeant. He was honorably dis-
charged in 1864, at the expiration of his term of enlistment; he returned to Adams
County, Penn., and established his present business. The same year of his return he was
appointed postmaster of Green Mount, which office he continues to hold, though a Repub-
lican. In 1864 Mr. Bigham was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James McCright, and
of Scotch-Irish origin, and to them have been born seven children, three of whom are now
living: Margaret Eliza, Mary Arnold and Jennie Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Bigham are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church of Lower Marsh Creek.
FRANCIS BREAM (deceased) was a son of Henry Bream, whose father came to this
county, from Germany, early in the eighteenth century. Henry Bream was born and'
reared near Ground Oak Church, on Bermudian Creek, two miles from Idaville. in the
northeastern part of Adams County, now Huntington Township. Here he married, and
followed agriculture, owning the farm, which still belongs to one of his grandchildren.
Here he lived until he was an old man. having reared three sons and several daughters,
of whom Francis was the second son. Our subject was born in July, 1806, was reared on
the farm and received a common school education. He used to say that the first thing
he vrader'took, when quite a young man, was to chop 200 cords of wood for the furnace,
which was then in operation near Whitestown, now known as Idaville. When yet quite
a young man he and a friend took a trip to the State of Ohio, then considered the far
West going on foot by way of Pittsburgh, and after remaining through the winter they
concluded to return to this county, and, having made some money during their stay
threshing out rye with a flail, they bought a pair of horses and rode home. A few years
later he was elected constable, it then being the custom for one officer to do the busmess
of several townships, which kept him busy almost all the time. After servmg as constable
several years he kept hotel in Idaville. In 1843, while living at Idaville, at the age of
thirty years he married Miss Elizabeth Slaybaugh, a daughter of an old resident of Ger-
man descent living in the same neighborhood. The following fall he was nominated and
elected sheriff of Adams County, and made a very creditable officer. His term of office
havine expired he bought the old and well-known Marsh Creek farm and "Black Horse"
tavern then the property and home of the McClellans, an old and well-known English
family who were among the first settlers on Marsh Creek. This property is two and one-
half miles west of Gettysburg, on the Hagerstown road; the farm contained over 400 acres,
*For Borough of Gettysburg, see page 349.
398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the buildings being situnted on the banks of Marsh Creek, which runs through the middle
of the farm. Here be followed farming and kept a hotel, and, also, several years later,
bought the Mineral Mills property adjoining his place on the south, which property con-
tained a large flouring-mill, saw-mill, and seventy acres of land and two sets of buildings.
Being honest, upright, and a good manuger, he was able, in his older days, to become the
owner of two more farm.s in his neighborhood. Mr. Bream and his good wife were blessed
with a large family, having reared six sons and two daughters. Several years before his
death, becoming old and not caring to have so much business to attend to, he ceased keep-
ing hotel. He also divided his large farm into three parts, he remaining at the home
place, and two of his sons, Harvey D. and R, William, each taking one of the others,
which are now very finely improved properties. His sons had by this time all married,
and gone into business for themselves, except his youngest son, Robert, who lived with his
father until his death, and now owns the old homestead. Mr. Bream was a very heavy
loser during the battle of Gettysburg, his growing crops and fencing all being destroyed,
and all his buildings used as hospitals for several weeks after the battle. His damages
were afterward appraised at $7,000, for which he never received any compensation. His
death occurred at his home in 1882.
LEWIS A. BUSHMAN, merchant, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Cumberland Town-
ship, Adams Co., Penn., July 4, 1833, a son of George and Polly (Kepner) Bushman. His
great-grandfather emigrated from Germany to America, settling in the city of Baltimore,
Md., and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Andrew Bushman, the grandfather of
Lewis A., was a farmer by occupation. Our subject is the eldest of four children, two of
whom are now living: Althedore, the youngest, being a farmer of Adams County. Lewis
A. was reared on a farm, and chose that pursuit as his occupation, which he followed un-
til 1883, when he opened a store at the foot of Round Top (at the terminus of the railroad)
where he deals in all kinds of produce. His schooling was acquired in the district schools
while working on the farm with his parents. Mr. Bushman has always been an industri-
ous and faithful worker in whatever he undertook, and in business matters has been just
and honest, sustaining himself honorably among his fellow-men, his word being as good
as his note. In 1856 he was married to Miss Caroline M., daughter of Joseph Little, she
having been born in Gettysburg, Penn., of English origin. The names of the children of
Mr. and Mrs. Bushman are Harry (deceased), George J. (a farmer). Strong Vincent and M.
V. Mr. and Mrs. Bushman are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a
Democrat.
ALTHEDORE BUSHMAN, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Mountjoy Town-
ship, Adams Co,. Penn., July 6, 1887, a son of George (a farmer) and Mary (Kepner) Bush-
man, natives of Pennsylvania, of German origin. George Bushman has been twice mar-
ried, and of his four children (two of whom are living), Althedore is the youngest, the
other survivor being Lewis A., a merchant of Adams County. Althedore grew up on the
farm and attended the schools of his neighborhood, choosing the vocation of his father,
that of farmer, which occupation he has thus far through life followed, and at which he
has been reasonably successful. Mr. Bushman has been twice married; his first wife be-
ing Mary M., daughter of Peter Baker, and to whom he was married in 1862. Her death
occurred in 1863, and in 1866 he married Lucinda Benner, a sister of George Benner, a
prominent attorney of Gettysburg, by whom he had two children: Andrew B. and Mary
C. Mr. and Mrs. Bushman and son, are members of the Lutheran Church, in which Mr.
Bushman has been a deacon. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. ; in politics, a Democrat.
J. H. COBEAN, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Cumberland
Township, Adams Co., Penn., August 22, 1836, a son of Samuel and Eliza Jane (Mc-
Cullough) Cobean, natives of Adams County, Penn., and of Scotch-Irish origin. His
father, a farmer by occupation, served as steward of the Adams County almshouse for
several years, and of his family of three children J. H. is the second. Our subject was reared
on a farm and received the benefits of the district schools of his neighborhood and of 'the
graded schools of Gettysburg. He chose farming as his vocation, and has met with suc-
cess in that pursuit. He now possesses 133 acres of well-improved land, on which he re-
sides. In 1867 Mr. Cobean was married to Anna E. Horner, of Scotch-Irish descent,
daughter of John Horner, who was a captain In the civil war. Three children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Cobean: Emma Jane, Charles Horner and John Witherow. The
parents are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Cobean is an elder. In
politics he is a Republican, and has acted as judge of elections. He served one year in
the Army, first in the Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry and afterward in the One Hun-
dred and First Pennsylvania Infantry.
J. W. DIEHL, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Adams County, Penn., June 36,
1828, a son of Peter and Anna Mary (Smyser) Diehl, natives of York County, Penn., but
whose ancestors came from Wurtemberg, Germany. Peter Diehl was a tanner, a business
he was engaged in from 1821 to 1860. His children were eleven in number, of whom J.
W. is the third. Our subject was reared in his native county, and learned the tanner's
trade with his father, which occupation he followed for several years. Subsequently he
went into the hotel business, in which he was engaged three vears, from 1851 to 1854. He
0*^J^^-r/^
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP. 401
carried oa the tanning business at New Oxford and Arendtsville, tliis county, from i860 to
1879, but subsequently turned his attention to farming, which he now follows, and deals
to some extent in stock, but performs manual labor. His farm comprises 157 acres. In
1851 Mr. Diehl was married to Isabella E., daughter of William Albright, of German de-
scent, and to them have been born the following children: William, a resident of New
Oxford; Mervin S. ; Ida K., wife of James Ross; Anna; Edwin J., a student of Pennsyl-
vania College, Gettysburg, a graduate of Columbia Law School, Columbia, Mo., prac-
ticing law at Charleston, Mo. ; S. May, Laura A. and Amber L. Mr. Diehl is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church, in which iie is an elder, Mrs. Diehl being a member of the
German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican.
W. F. EVERHART, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Highland Township,
Adams Co., Penn., December 15, 1849, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Everhart,
natives of York County, Penn., and of German descent. Jacob Everhart, who had
been a shoe-maker through life, was the father of eight children, of whom W. F.
is the fifth. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common
schools of Adams County, and chose agricultural pursuits as an occupation, at which he
has been employed since he was thirteen years old, and is now the owner of a farm of 100
acres. In 1880 he was married to Elizabeth Bream, daughter of Francis Bream, who was
a man of some prominence, being at one time sheriff of Adams County. He was a farmer,
and succeeded in accumulating considerable property, giving to each of his three sons the
farms on which they reside, located in Cumberland Township. To our subject and wife
have been born three children : Bessie May, Blanche Elizabeth and M. Virginia. Mr. and
Mis. Everhart are members of St. James's Lutheran Church in Gettysburg. In politics he
is a Democrat.
GEORGE P. BYLER, P. O. Harney, Md., was born in Frederick County, Md.,
May 6, 1853, son of Perry and Anna Mary Carolina (Warnfeltz) Eyler, natives of Mary-
land, the father of German and the mother of English and German extraction. Perry Eyler
had been occupied as a farmer through life and is now living retired in Harney, Md.
He had born to him seven children, of whom George P. is the third. Our subject was
reared on his father's farm and first attended the district schools, then passed two years
in Carroll County Academy, with a view of obtaining a classical education, but owing to
poor health and weak eyes he was compelled to abandon the idea. Subsequently he took
charge of his father's farm, and has since been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits,
and also to some extent has been engaged in stock-growing. In 1883, he was married to
Anna Caroline, daughter of Abraham Hesson, and a native of Pennsylvania, of German
descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Eyler have been born two children: Lester Allen and George
Edgar. Mrs. Eyler Is a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Eyler of the United
Brethren. He takes an active interest in church matters, and has served as superintend-
ent of the Sabbath-school of the church.
JOHN S. FORNEY, farmer. P.' O. Gettysburg, was born In that town February 17,
1830, a son of Samuel and Eliza (Swope) Forney; she is a daughter of Henry Snope Swope,
natives, the former of Hanover, York Co. Penn., and the latter of Taneytown Md.,
of French and German extraction, respectively. Samuel and Eliza Forney were parents
of eleven children, of whom seven grew to manhood and womanhood. John S., who is the
youngest child, was reared in his native town, attending the common schools and Pennsyl-
vania College. In 1849, in his nineteenth year, he went to the far West, stopping one win-
ter at Salt Lake City, and proceeding to California in the spring, where he was engaged
in gold mining. He remained in California until 1859, when he returned to this county,
and purchased his present farm, consisting of 150 acres of land, on wliich he has since
resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising, and, since 1864, has carried on a dairy,
keeping twelve cows. In 1862, Mr. Forney was married to Mary E., daughter of David
Schriver, who was born in this county September 22, 1811. Her mother's maiden name
was Susannah Hartzel, and her ancestors were among the early German settlers of
Pennsylvania, her grandfather, John Schriver having been a soldier in the war of 1813.
Her parents are now living on the old home place, where they were residing during
the battle of Gettysburg, being within the rebel lines. Gen. Lee and his men were about
the place, and took all their stock, as he did of others, but treated them civilly. Mrs.
Forney's brother, John S., was a soldier in the civil war, also, a member of Company G,
One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. To our
subject and wife have been born three children: Henrietta L., wife of George Z. Lower;
Susan and David J. The parents are members of the German Reformed Church, of
which he has been a trustee and elder. In politics he is a Republican.
JEREMIAH T. HARTZEL, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in
Franklin Township, Adams County, Penn., January 25, 1849, a son of Samuel E. and
Rebecca (Thomas) Hartzel. Samuel E., who is the son of George and Mary (Brame)
Hartzel, is also a native of this county, born June 39, 1816. He is still a resident of the
county, a farmer and stock-raiser. He obtained such an education as the rural district
schools of the time afforded, and in 1839, was married to Rebecca Thomas, a lady of Ger-
man descent and a daughter of Andrew Thomas. Jeremiah T. was reared on a farm in
2IA
402 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES;
Adams County, received a fair common school education and chose farming as his occu-
pation, which he has since followed, and at which he has been reasonably successful, his
accumulations being the result of his own exertions. In connection with agriculture since
1878, he has carried on a dairy, which is known as the Katalysine dairy, and keeps about
twenty cows on an average. In 1874 he was married to Olive E., daughter of Daniel
Plank, and a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent, and to this union have been born
John, Harvey, Mahlon Plunk, Charles K., Samuel, Elmer and May Belle. Mr. and Mrs.
Hartzel are members of the Reformed Church at Gettysburg, in which he has been a dea-
con. Mr. Hartzel served in 1877 as a deacon, tax collector in 1878. school director in
1883, and as county commissioner in 1885. In politics he is a Republican.
CAPT. JAMES HERSH, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born at New Oxford, Adams
County, Penn., January 24, 1833, a son of George and Nancy (McClellan) Hersh (the lat-
ter a sister of Col. McClellan, of Gettysburg) natives of Pennsylvania. His father was of
German origin and early in life a merchant, but later a farmer. He was a member of the
Lutheran Church, and in politics was first a Whig and then a Republican. His death oc-
curred in 1871. James Hersh, who is ninth in a family of fourteen children, twelve of
whom grew to maturity, was reared on the farm and wisely chose the latter occupation of
his father for a life work. He obtained a fair education in the common schools of his
neighborhood and in New Oxford Academy, On tlie breaking out of the civil war he en-
listed in Company I, Eighty-seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and
September 13, 1861, was promoted to the office of second lieutenant of the company,
and March 1, 1863, to that of quartermaster of the regiment. He was captured and made
a prisoner June 1.5, same year, at Winchester, Va., and was confined nine months in
Libby prison. He was exchanged and joined his regiment at Cold Harbor, Va., June 1,
1864, and was discharged from the service at expiration of his term, October 13, 1864. He
has since followed farming, excepting while sheriflE of Adams County, from 1878 to 187.5.
The captain grows and deals in fine stock, and has done much to improve all kinds of
stock through his portion of the State. He raises and deals in thoroughbred and trotting
horses and Jersey cattle. In the hog line he gives attention to the Poland-China and
Berkshire breeds, and among his poultry can be found the Bronze turkey, the Pekin duck
and the Leghorn and Plymouth Rock chickens. He farms 600 acres of well-improved
land. In 1880 he was a delegate to the convention at Chicago, which nominated James A.
Garfield for president, bein^ one ofthe famous 306 that voted for Gen. Grant, and holding
the medal which was given him in honor ofthe event, and which he appreciates very highl}'.
Capt. Hersh is a member of the G. A. R. ; also of the National Guards of Pennsylvania,
with the rank of captain.
ROBERT M. B. HILL, farmer, P. O. Green Mount, was born in Liberty Township,
Adams Co., Penn., May 5, 1823, a son of Martin and Jane (Johnston) Hill, also natives of
Adams County, and of Scotch-Irish origin. Martin Hill was a farmer through life, and
was the father of four children, of whom Robert M. B. is the youngest. Our subject was
reared on his father's farm, and received a common school educ.ition. In early manhood
he went to McLean County, 111., where for three years he was engaged in the butchering
business, after which he returned to Pennsylvania, and located in Franklin County, and
embarked in the dry goods trade. After remaining in the business one year he returned
to Adams Cftunty, and engaged in the nursery business as traveling salesman, in which he
remained two years, since when he has made farming his occupation. He owns the farm
on which he now resides, and has himself accumulated the most of what he possesses.
In 187.5 he was married to Levina Hess, daughter of Jonathan Hess, a native of Fulton
Count}', Penn.; she is of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the
Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican.
WILLIAM C. LOTT, farmer, P. O. Seven Stars, was born in Mountpleasant Town-
ship, Adams Co., Penn., March 15, 1839, son of William H. and Ester (Wilson) Lott, na-
tives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch, Holland and English descent. The father, who was
a farmer by occupation, departed this life March 30, 1885, at the advanced age of nearly
eighty-six years, having been the father of eight children, six of whom grew to maturity.
Wm. C. the fourth child, passed the early years of his life on the farm with his parents,
and at the district school obtained a fair English education. On reaching his maturity he
began an apprenticeship at the miller's trade, at which he served eighteen months in two
different mills, namely, Senft's and Kohler's, situated on the Little Conowago Creek, in
Adams County, Penn. After becoming free of his apprenticeship he came to Cumberland
County, Penn., and continued in the milling business there about four years; from there
moved West, and engaged in the same line for a short time in Iowa andlndiana. He then
returned East, and followed milling in Adams County, Penn., spending in all some sev-
enteen years of his life in that business, and since then has devoted his time to farming.
He owns the farm on which he now resides. February 25, 1858, Mr. Lott was married to
Deborah Wolf, daughter of Jacob Wolf, of Cumberland County, Penn., of German de-
scent. To them have been born three children: Ella Mav, William .Jacob and Charles
Winfield (the latter died when nearly one year old). AVilliam Jacob is a resident of Kan-
sas. The family is identified with the United Presbyterian Church of Gettysburg, of
CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP. 403
which Mr. Lott is a trustee. In politics- he is a Democrat; he has served as townsliip
clerk.
JAMES H. McCULLOUGH, farmer near Gettysburg, was born in Franklin Township,
Adams Co., Penn., October 6, 1849, a son of James and Jane (Cobean) McCullough, na-
tives of Adams County, Penn., and of Scotch-Irish origin. The father was a tiller of the
soil and reared four children, of whom James H. is the youngest. Our subject grew to
manhood on the fann, attended the coram*n schools and the preparatory depnriraent
of Pennsylvania College, and settled down as a farmer, which occupation he still pursues,
and is owner of a well improved farm of ninety-four acres of land. November 19, 187-i,
he was married to Mary Elizabeth Reid, of Scotch-Irish descent, a daughter of Andrew
Reid, a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough have five children : James R.,
William A., Jane C, Samuel H. and John E. The parents are consistent members of the
Presbyterian Church at Gettysburg. In politics Mr. McCullough is a Republican.
EMANUEL PLANK, proprietor of the Star Roller Mills, P. 0. Gettysburg, was bora
in Highland Township, Adams Co., Penn., February 9, 1845, a son of Jacob and Sarali
(Forney) Plank, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent, the former born iu
1804 and the latter in 1806; both now living. They reared seven children, of whom
Emanuel is the sixth in order. Our subject grew up on a farm and received such instruc-
tion as the schools of the district afforded, and until 1883 was occupied in farming. In
that year he began operating the Star Flouring Mills, which, since then, has been fully
equipped with rollers. The mill, when Mr. Plank purchased it, had depreciated consid-
erably, but in its improved condition, and through the efforts of its owner, now commands
an extensive patronage. In 1864 Mr. Plank married Elizabeth, daughter of John Socks,
of German origin, and to them have been born the following children: Laura, wife of
Levi Renicker; Charles A., Emory H. and Sally. The parents are members of the Ger-
man Reformed Church. In politics Mr. Planli,is a Democrat. He has held the offices of
school director, tax collector and assessor.
RAPHAEL SHERFY ( deceased) was born in Cumberland Township, Adams Co.,
Penn, June 36, 1843, a sou of Joseph and Mary (Hagen) SUerfy, natives of Adams Coun-
ty, the former of German, the latter of Bcotoh-Irish descent. They reared six children,
of whom Raphael is the eldest. Our subject, not liking farm work, and having a taste
for books, while attending the district schools prepared himself to teach, and in that pro-
fession did the first work in life for himself. Young Sherfy was engaged in teaching
eight terms, with the object in view of obtaining a classical education, iu which, however,
he was thwarted by a loss with which his parents met in the destruction of their barn by
fire, after which it was thought that the means necessary for an education could not be
expended; but Mr. Sherfy, being ambitious and industrious, devoted his spare time in
canvassing for some good book, and being well known and of high standing, and having
a large circle of friends, he was generally successful. He seldom failed in any enterprise
he undertook. He liked to work among the trees, and made the nursery and growing of
fruit his business; he also look an interest in bee culture, and was meeting with marked
success in both until his death, which occurred in 1882. He was a member of the German
Baptist Church. In 1871 Mr. Sherfy was married to Miss Ellen, daughter of Jonas and'
Mary (Hartman) Rebert, both of German descent; former afarmer and a native of York
County, Penn., latter born in this county. To our subject and wife were born the follow-
ing named children: Mary Gertrude. Annie Rebert, Bertha Otelia, Carrie Belle and Ra-
phael. Mrs. Sherfy is a member of the German Baptist Church. Since the death of Mr.
Sherfy the widow has had full charge of the nursery and fruit-growing farm, which she
also conducts. Six acres of the farm are given to the nursery; fruits are grown on the
land, a portion of which is a peach orchard of fifteen acres. The buildings upon the
place are nea>t and substantial.
GEORGE SPANGLER, retired farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Straban Town-
ship, this county, December 19, 1815, a son of Abraham and Mary (Knupp) Spangler,
natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, the former a farmer by occupation.
Abraham and Mary Spangler were the parents of ten children, all of whom grew to man-
hood and womanhood, George being the eldest. Our subject grew upon a farm and
received such an education as was obtainable at the schools of his district, and has since
made farming the occupation of his life. By good management, economy and industry
Mr. Spangler has succeeded in acquiring a competency sufficient to comfortably support
himself and life companion in their declining years, and has ^iven to his children a good
start in life. March 26, 1841, he was married to Elizabeth Brmkerhoff, daughter of Cor-
nelius and Elizabeth (Snyder) Brinkerhoff, natives of Pennsylvania and of Holland-Dutch
and German descent, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Spangler have been born 'the follow-
ing named children: Harriet J., wife of Samuel Swartz; Sabina Catherine, wife of Will-
iam Patterson, a farmer of Cumberland Township, this county, who served in the One
Hundred and First Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in the civil war; Daniel,
who is engaged in the carpenter business in the West; and B. J., a farmer of Cumberland
Township, who, in 1876. was married to Sally M. Conover, who bore him one child, Mary
E. B J votes, "as does his father, the Democratic ticket, and is a member of the Lutheraa
404 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
Church, to which his parents belong. George Spangler has been an elder in this church
for many years, and Ids son, B. J., has been a deacon in the same church.
.lAJtES WARREN, M. D., near Gettysburg, was born in Strausburg, Lancaster Co.,
Penn., April 4, 1813, a son of James AVarren and a grandson of .Tames Warren, James
beins a favorite name of the family. James Warren, the second, was born in Chester
Couuty. Penn., of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and married Catherine Aument, a native of
Lancaster County and of German descent, and to their union were born eleven children.
He was a blacksmith by trade, and performed service in the war of 1813. Our slibject
was tlie third child and grew to manhood in his native town, where he obtained his liter-
ary education. Ills medical education was obtained in Jefferson Medical College, where
he graduated in 1885. After his graduation he located as a practitioner in his native
county, where he was so occupied for seven years. He then removed to York County,
where he remained in active practice of his profession for nearly twenty-five years. In
1876 he came to Adams County and located on a farm near Gettysburg, and has here con-
tinued practice. Dr. Warren has been twice married; first, in 1835, to Harriet Black, a
daughter of James Black, a surveyor, and to this union were born two children: Arabella
(deceased) and Beatrice (wife of Brice Clark). The mother of these children died in 1843,
and in 1845 the Doctor was married to Eliza Lutman, a daughter of John Lutman, a
farmer. She is of English and German origin. Her maternal grandfather, Samuel Lin-
ton (an Englishman by birth), served in the Federal Army during the entire Revolution-
ary war and never received a pension, for which he applied in the year 1833 or thereabout,
as he did not survive to receive any. By the latter marriage the Doctor has had four
children: Lucius A., a physician of Lancaster, Penn.; Everard P., a phy.sician, of Golds-
borough, York Co.. Penn.; John C, a practicing physician in Adams County, and
Evan^abell. Mrs. Warren is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Warren
cast his first presidential vote for Gen. JaiCkson, and since the war of the Rebellion has
been neutral in politics.
WILLIAM WIBLE, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Straban Township, Adams
Co., Penn., November 3, 1825, and is of German descent. He was reared in this county,
where he received a common school education, and engaged in farming, which in the
main has been his vocation. He started out in the world a poor boy, but by industry and
economy has succeeded in accumulating a competency, his acres at one time numbering
over 325, a portion of which he recently sold to the Battlefield Memorial Association,
which leaves him a farm of 195 acres of well improved land. Much of the second day's
battle of July, 1863, was fought on his farm. Mr. Wible is a reading man, and is one of
Adams County's most enterprising and intelligent citizens. In 1849 he was married to Ros-
anna Elizabeth Boyer, of German origin, and to them have been born seven children who
are now living: George, a farmer; Charles Philip; Kent Kane, a resident of California
and a graduate of Pennsylvania College; Henry Baugher, a carpenter and farmer; David
Buehler, William Frederick and Cora Boyer. The parents are members of the Lutheran
Church, in which Mr. Wible has been a deacon and an elder for twenty -five years; he also
acted in the capacity of superintendent of the Sunday-school. He has served as a school
director. He is a Master Mason. In politics a Republican.
WASHINGTON W. WITHEROW, miller and farmer, P. O. Green Mount, born near
Fairfield, Adams Co., Penn. .February 33,1833, is a son of David and Nancy (Walker) With-
erow, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was a mill-wright by
trade, and in early life pursued that occupation, but later followed farming. He died
when our subject was fourteen years old. He had six children, all of whom grew to maturity,
Washington W. being the fifth. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the com-
mon schools of Fairfield, and worked at both farming and milling until 1865, when he
bought the mill and property and has since carried on the business himself. In purchas-
ing this mill he bought out the heirs, and settled a matter that had been in litigation for
upward of forty years. In the mill are two sets of buhrs, one for grinding chop feed,
and another for making flour; and attached to it is a small mill. In connection with the
milling business, Mr. Witherow is engaged in farming. In 1863 he enlisted in Company
B, in a regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served as a non-commissioned oflicer
until he was honorably discharged in 1864. In 1861 Mr. Witherow was married to Mary
Crooks, of Scotch-Irish origin, daughter of Rev. Robert Crooks, of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and to them were born seven children: Margaret Danner; Joseph Stewart, who
is a miller and superintends the mill; Emmet Williams (deceased); Robert Crooks, a far-
mer; David Walker, Emma Elizabeth, Mary Louisa (deceased). The family is identified
with the Presbyterian Church.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 405
CHAPTER LIII.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
REV. D. M. BLACKWELDER, P. O. Arendtsville, was boru November 38, 1830,
near Concord, N. C, a son of Reuben and Catherine (Lipe) Blackwelder, who were own-
ers of the plantation on which our subject was reared. Both his maternal and pater-
nal ancestors were natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and when quite young settled
in Cabarrus County, N. C prior to the Revolution. They all reared large families and
lived to advanced ages. To Reuben and Catherine Blackwelder thirteen children were
born, of whom Rev. D. M. is the second soq. Our subject received his classical education
at Roanoke College, Virginia, and graduated in June, 1857. In October of that year he
entered the theological seminary, Gettysburg. Penn. , and graduated in June, 1859. On the
15th of September following, he was licensed to preach by the West Pennsylvania Synod
at Hanover, Penn.; was called to his first pastorate at Pomaria, Newberry Co., S. C, in
November, 1859, and was ordained a't Newberry Court House October 28, 1860, by the
Evangelical Lutheran Synod of South Carolina. March 2, 1860, he married Miss Jane C,
daughter of John McCleary (deceased), of Gettysburg, Penn The bride accompanied her
husband to her Southern home, where she was warmly greeted by the people as the wife
of their pastor. During the civil war, which brought such ruin and desolation to the
South, they remained at their post, true to their country's flag, on which account, perse-
cutions and indignities were heaped upon them. At the close of the war they returned to
Gettysburg, and Mr. Blackwelder took charge at New Chester, Adams Co., Penn., Decem-
ber 18, 1865. Fifteen months later, he was called to the York Springs charge, Adaraj
County, Penn., where he labored three years. In 1870 he took charge of the Mifflingtown
pastorate in Juniata County, Penn., where he remained six years; thence to Upper Stras-
burg, Franklin Co.. Penn.. where he remained fifteen months. He took his present
charge June 15, 1877. Eight children were born to Rev. Mr. Blackwekler and wife: The
eldest, Edwin E., was born and died in South Carolina; Willie A. died at York Springs;
the living are Carrie L.. Ernest T., Maggie M., Charles G.. Annie M., and Lulher D.
Carrie L. is a graduate of Hagerstown Female Seminary, Maryland; Maggie M. will also
graduate there; and the eldest two sons are now students of Pennsylvania College, Gettys-
burg. Rev. Mr. Blackwelder has attained a position of usefulness in his profession; his
labors have been greatly blessed in the conversion of souls and the glory of God.
SAMUEL BUCHER, farmer, P. O. Mummasburg, was born November 21, 1819.
His great-grandfather, more than 200 years ago, settled on a farm in York County, near
the Adams County line, on the farm which has descended directly from that ancestor and
is yet owned by Jacob Bucher, one of his lineal decendants. Upon that tract five genera-
tions were born and six have lived. The authentic history of this family begins with
Michael, the grandfather of our subject, who married Elizabeth Carr, and to whom were
born John, Michael, Jacob, Mary and Elizabeth. The latter, the only one now living, re-
sides in York County, aged eighty-five years; the eldest son, John, the father of Samuel,
married, about 1819, Barbara Driver, and apart of the ancestral farm became his patri-
mony. There he and his wife remained during life, and the new house was built across
the line in Adams County. They reared the following children: Samuel, Elizabeth, John,
Michael, Maria, Anna and Barbara. May 14, 1846, Samuel married Anna M. Crowl. In
1842 he purchased his present farm, on which is located one of the oldest tanneries iu the
township, and for thirty years has carried on the business of tanning. To our subject and
wife seven children have been born: David M., Mary, Jacob P., Elizabeth E., George E.,
Sarah E. and Samuel Gilbert; four are still living. Jacob F. married Fannie, a daughter of
Levi Musselman, of Cumberland County, whose history will be seen in another part of this
volume; Sarah became the wife of U. Grant Shook, of Franklin County. Mr. Bucher has in
his possession one of the oldest Bibles in Adams County, date of 1736. He is one of the
best-known men of Franklin Township, and bears a name which has never been linked to
dishonor. The Buchers have for many years been members of the Meunonite Church, but
Mrs. Bucher belongs to the Lutheran Church.
GEORGE COLE, farmer and postmaster, P. O. Trust, is a native of Germany. His
father, George, came to Buchanan Valley, from near Chambersburg, Franklin County,
in 1840; had been twice married, and his first wife, Margaret (Krug) Cole, bore him three
children: Jacob, Margaret and Martin. After her death he married Elizabeth Geltz, who
406 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
became the mother of the following: George (our subject), John, Francis and Barbara,
born in Germany, and Elizabeth, born in America. They emigrated from Berke^our,
in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1830, making Franklin County their stopping place.
By trade the father was a cooper, which he also taught his sons, George and John, and
alter his death they established a shop on the homestead. They were both married
on the same day, October 1, 1848, to daughters of George and Elizabeth (Bittinger)
Strasbaugh— George to Nancv and John to Sarah— the ceremony being performed by
Rev. I\Ii(hael Dougherty, fioth commenced life under the same roof on the Cole
homestead, having Elizabeth and Francis with them, and this pleasant relation lasted
fourteen years. To our subject were born Jacob J., Josephine E., Mary A., .Sarah J. and
Nancy J. (twins), Mary L., Elizabeth and John Francis, by his first wife; after whose
death he married, January 9, 186.5, Elizabeth Young^ who bore him Francis X., George
E., John A. and Mary E. Mis. Elizabeth Cole died December 11, 1870, and June 19, 1871,
Mr. Cole married his third wife, Sarah A. Noel. To this union one child (deceased) was
born. During his long business career Mr. Cole has been a large land owner and has
made many improvements in this beautiful valley. Always a man of enterprise, his large
family were taught to work, and are to-day rising business men and women of Adams
County. Miss Jennie S., his youngest daughter, manages the store, being well versed in
the retail business, and is assistant in the postoffice. Only three of his first wife's chil-
dren are now living; Jacob, Mary and Jennie. In 1840 there were but few Catholics and
only the wall of a church here, and the Coles were mainly instrumental in putting the
church upon the substantial basis it now occupies, contributing largely with their time
and means. Mr. George Cole was president of the committee of twenty horsemen that
welcomed and escorted Rt. Rev. John Newman, bishop of Philadelphia, who came to this
church to administer the sacrament of confirmation. When the procession came within
a mile of the church a signal was given by the firing of a gun, and the church bell was
rung until the bishop arrived at the church. When he entered the church the organ was
played and the choir sang: Grosser Oott, wir loben Dich (Great God, we praise Thee). He
declared that was the most royal reception ever given him in America. Mr. Cole was ap-
pointed postmaster of the first postoffice in Buchanan Valley, established June_19, 1886.
Mrs. Sarah Cole is one of eleven children, all living, and her parents celebrated their golden
wedding May 33, 1830. Both are now deceased.
JACOB J. COLE, a resident of Buchanan Valley, Franklin Township, P. O. Trust,
was born in Buchanan Valley, this county, March 8, 1845, and is a son of George and Nancy
(Strasbaugh) Cole. He attended school during the winter season up to the age of twenty-
two, and at faurteen he commenced to learn the business of a lumberman and sawj'er,
which he still follows. At the age of twenty-six he married Miss Josephine Rider, a
daughter of John Rider, of Taney town. They have eight children: Edward J., Frances
I.,MaryJ., EUenCFlemingC, JosephK.,ThomasJ.. SaraM. (Pearl). Mr. Cole is a Dem-
ocrat. He takes a prominent part and interest in the public enterprises and afEairs of his
vicinity, and kindly furnished many articles for the history of Buchanan Valley, in this
volume, and also of the Church of St. Ignatius.
JOHN H. DIEHL, teacher, Cashtown. The great-grandfather of this gentleman, Fred-
erick Diehl, is the first one of the family of whom any information can be gleaned. His
son, Jacobj was born in 1768, and married Christina Bosserman, who was born the same
year. They resided near Gettysburg during life, and reared a family of eight children:
John, Jacob, Daniel and Frederick (twins), Mary, Sarah, Susan and Eliza, who were all
born on the farm, now the property of John Trostle, on Rock Creek. The Diehls were
residents of Adams before it was created a county, and Frederick, the father of our sub-
ject and a farmer, was born in 1807. He married, in 1836, Matilda Black, a daughter of
James (who was born in 1781) and Jane (Hamilton) Black, and granddaugher of Capt.
Henry Black, of the Revolutionary war. William Hamilton, grandfather of Mrs. Diehl,
married Mary M. Bittinger, whose father, Nicholas Bittinger, was taken prisoner during
the Revolutionary war. These parents had twelve children: Margaret, their first daugh-
ter, was born while her father was a prisoner in the hands of the British, September 31,
1776; John's birth, in 1778, was followed by the births of Florence and Jane (twins), Will-
iam, Joseph, Enoch, James, Robert, George (who was born in 1793, and is still living),
David and Jesse. The Hamiltons and Blacks both lived near Gettysburg, arid were
among the first white residents of what is now this county. After marriage, Frederick
Diehl and wife moved to a farm near Cashtown, which is still in his name, and there their
six children were born and reared: Cleopatra, Van Buren, Jane A., James, John H. and
Oscar D. All are married except John H., subject, who has for several years been a
teacher in this county. His l)rothers. Van Buren and James, also his eldest sister, were
teachers. The death of the father occurred April 1, 1883, at which time he and his wife
were living in retirement in Cashtown. During the occupation of this neighborhood by
the Confederates, their farm was guarded, and very little damage, was done. Mrs. Diehl
and her daughter were active in furnishing provisions for the soldiers, and thereby secured
protection until tlie fight, when considerable property was taken by the Rebels. A com-
petency has been secured the widow, and all the children are engaged in farming.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 407
JOHN H. DULL was born January 36, 1841. His grandfather, Jacob Dull, resided
lor many years in the Pigeon Hills, York (Jounty, Penn. He married a Miss Heilman and
reared a family of five sons and four daughters, and Joseph, one of the sons (the father of
■our subject) was born in York County, married Eliza Quickel, a daughter of John and
Eliza Quickel, and moved to a small farm near Biglerville, where John H. was born.
Our subject was reared by his uncle from a mere lad to manhood, and early in the civil
war, about October, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-lifth Regi-
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served faithfully until his term of service
had expired, when he returned home. September 4, 1869, he married Susan, daughter of
Solomon and Elizabeth (Toner) Myers. Her parents reared the following children : Sarah,
Susan,Anna,Elizabeth,John,Jacob,Levi J. (a miller in Ohio), and Mary,in Franklin Town-
ship,this county. John and Jacob are business men of Adams County.and the entirefamily
are people of unquestionable reputation. Mr. DuU's only sister, Rebecca J., became the
wife of Jacob Klipper. To Mr. and Mrs. Dull two daughters have been born: Katy E.
and Mary A. and a more courteous, social family can not be found in Franklin Township;
Mr. Dull was elected constable in 1883, and re-elected in 1884, filling the office with ability.
In 1885 he took the contract for carrying the United States mail between Arendtsville and
Gettysburg, which position he still holds. Not an act of dishonesty has ever been at-
tached to his public or private record, and all that he has was honestly earned by himself
and his faithful wife. Honesty, sobriety and energy have brought with them legitimate
results, and in a home of their own resides this family, who are worthy to rank among the
best in Franklin Township. After the death of his wife, Joseph, father of our subject,
went west, where he married again and became the father of two daughters and one son,
but whose names and location are unknown.
EDWARD F. HARTMAN, farmer, P. O. Arendtsville, was born on the old Man-
sion farm January 19, 1849, a son of Eli and Elizabeth (Bear) Hartman, who were parents
•of three children: Edward F., Leah E., wife of Amos A. Rebert, and Lydia A., wife of
Henry Little, a buggy-builder of this township. The early history of the Hartman family
is an interesting one, and may be read in the sketch of Noah Hartman. Eli was a farmer,
and lived on the Mansion farm, now owned by his son, which has been in possession of
the Hartmans since 1740, and where five generations were born. The death of Mrs.
Elizabeth Hartman occurred March 5, 1886, she being aged sixty-six years. Eli Hartman
leads a retired life in Gettysburg. The Hartmans have been noted agriculutrists, and
have devoted special attention to such pursuits. February 11, 1873, Edward F. Hartman
married Miss Eleanora, daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Spahr, the former of Adams
County, where Mrs. Hartman was born. Mr. Spahr now resides near Mummasburg with
his daughter, Mrs. John Staley, Mrs. Spahr having died in 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Hart-
man four children have been born; Willis M., Ada E., Lydia J. and Edna E. Mr. Hart-
man has filled with great credit several important ofiices in his township, and has been
for six years one of the directors of the school board of Franklin Township. Both he
and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church at Arendtsville, and he was one of the
•charter members of Arendtsville Lodge, No. 335, K. P.
■ NOAH W. HARTMAN, nurseryman, P. O. Arendtsville, was born in Franklin
Township, this county, in 1838. The first of this family to come to America was John
Hartman, who emigrated from Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, about 1700, and settled
with his young wife in Northumberland County, near the Tulpehocken Church. He reared
a family, among whom was a son, George, and a daughter, Regina. One day, the
mother, accompanied by her son George, started to the mill ten miles distant, leaving the
father andthe other children at home. During her absence the Indians made an attack,
burned the house and killed the entire family, except Regina, whom they carried ofiE,
together with Susan Swartz, the daughter of a neighbor. They were taken west of the
Alleghenies and remained in captivity twelve years before they were reclaimed. When
peace was declared a general exchange of captives was made at Carlisle. Regina's mother
and her brother, George, crossed the Susquehanna on horseback and brought her long-
lost daughter to her Northumberland home. George subsequently married Susan
Swartz who was captured at the same time as his sister, and became the father of twelve
stalwart sons. John Hartman, one of the sons, emigrated from Northumberland County
to Northampton County, where he enlisted in the Revolutionary Army, and served to the
end of the war. He came to Adams County in 1786, and became the father of John
Hartman grandfather of our subject. He lived where Isaac Starner now resides, married
Annie Blocher and reared a family of seven children, one or whom, Henry, was the father
of Noah W our subject. Henry was born in 1803, in this county, and in 1831 married
•Sally A Raffensperger. During their married life they resided in Franklin Township.
He died in 1869. His widow still survives, nearly seventy-four years of age. They were
the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are living: Ephraim, Catharme, Mar-
garet Noah W. John F., Annie B., Sarah and Solomon. Noah W. (our subject) was
married in 1863, to Rebecca, a daughter of Peter and Annie Ketterman. He was at that
time engaged in the nursery business, and they began life on the farm where they now re-
side They have six children: Clement A., Mary E., Milton E.,Bdgar W., Calvin and Annie
408 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
S., all of whom slill reside with their parents. Mr. Hartman has fifteen acres in fine cultiva-
tion with every variety of tree and plant indigenous to our soil. The nursery returns a fine
revenue and is the only one in the township. He was a charter member of the Arendstville
Lodge, No. :i25, K. of P., of Arendtsville, and was nominee of the Democratic party, in
1884, for representative. Clement A. has been engaged in teaching and will complete his
education in the near future. The maternal grandmother Heintzloman, was a relative of
Gen. Heintzleman, and her father owned 'a large tract of land in this township; thL- spot
where the original cabin was built when the land was pre-empted is marked by a large
stone on the Jonas Orner farm, where there was an Indian shot by Mr. Heintzleman off of
a grapevine, and was buried near by. Our subject's great-grandmother received a State
pension as the widow of a Revolutionary soldier, the act authorizing the payment being
passed in the Pennsylvania Legislature in the year 1855. His great-grandfather Hartman
was married in 1775, in Northampton County, Penn., to a Miss Ritter. The Indians were
numerous and used to congregate around their cabin. The Heintzlemans all lived to a
ripe old age and were a noted family in this and Franklin County.
THEODORE SIMPLE, farmer, P. O. Graeffenburg, was born in Coden, Bavaria,
Germany, November 17, 1881, and is the only child of John and Elizabeth (Hile) Kim-
ple, who immigrated to America in 1837, and settled near Chambersburg, Franklin Co.,
Penn., where they remained three years; then removed to Adams County, and to the
farm upon which their son now resides. The father also purchased a saw and grist-mill,
which was re-built by his son in 1885. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and during
his life his business affairs were such that regrets were many when his death occurred in
1877. His widow survived until 1884, when she died at the age of seventy-seven years.
Theodore was married July 7, 1856, to Miss Helena Miltenbarger, who has borne him
twelve children, of whom John, Henry, James, Theodore, Francis, Catherine, Margaret,
Elizabeth and Jennie are living. John married Annie McKendrick, Henry married Mary
Brady, James married Annie Dillon, and all are residents of the near neighborhood. The
parents are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Kimple is now completing a term as
school director, in which he takes great interest. During their residence in this township
he and his wife have been devoted members of St. Ignatius Church, and rank highly
as people of worth and piety. Mr. Kimple owns valuable property, and is one of the en-
terprising men of his section. His sons manage the mill and farm, which return a fine
revenue, under the supervision of their father.
DR. ISRAEL P. LECRONE, Arendtsville, was born in Dover Township, York County,
Penn., in 1849, a son of John P. and Annie M. (Upp) Lecrone, who were parents of eleven
children, five now living: George E., Mrs. Annie Holtzapple, Mrs. Mary Simon, Mrs.
Clara Bowersox and our subject. The Lecrone family came from Switzerland, three
brothers arriving here from that country about 1697; one settled in Franklin County; one
in the Shenandoah Valley, and one in York County, the doctor being a descendant of the
last referred to. The father of our subject is still living at the age of eighty-three years.
He has in his possession a silver medal given to his grandfather for bravery during the
Revolution, and which was the only compensation he received for eighteen months' ser-
vice in that struggle. This family were among the early settlers of York County and
have been noted agriculturists. Dr. Lecrone received his classical education at York Ac-
ademy; was a student of Dr. John Ahl, and matriculated at Jefferson Medical College in
October, 1869. He was an office student of the renowned Dr. W. H. Pancoast, and graduated
in March, 1871. He remained with his preceptor several months, and then located at Ber-
mudian, where he married Miss Rebecca J. Pence, and remained there five years. He
then removed to the pleasant village of Arendtsville, where he has a practice equaling
that of any physician in the western part of the county. He has gained an enviable posi-
tion among the faculty and is a man of note in the community. His only daughter,
Florence, died in childhood. The Doctor is a consistent member of the Lutheran, and his
wife of the German Baptist Church.
HANSON P. MARK, undertaker, Arendtsville, was born in Baltimore, in 1853, a son
of Nicholas and Christian (Beamer) Mark, both of whom were born in Adams County.
The father kept the first general store in Arendtsville when there were but two houses in
the place. During the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Mark, in Adams County, three
children were born and two in Maryland. Our subject is the only survivor on both sides
of a family who were among the early settlers. His grandfather, Mark, donated the site
for Mark's German Reformed Church on the Baltimore Pike near Gettysburg, where he
owned a farm and kept a hotel, known as "Mark's Tavern." When Hanson P. was fif-
teen years of age he was employed as a clerk by Daniel Miller & Co., of Baltimore, whole-
sale dry goods merchants, with whom he remained five years, and obtained a practical
idea of business. Close application, however, impaired his health, and he took a trip to
Europe to recuperate. Six months later he returned to his former position and remained
one year, when his physicians advised him to reside in the country. Twelve years ago he
came to Arendtsville, and in 1882 purchased the good-will of the undertaking establish-
ment of ex-Sheriff Jacob H. Plank. Mr. Mark is a graduate of the Cincinnati School of
Embalming, and was also a matriculant in other schools of a like character. He was the
-^'t>^
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 411
first professional embalmer in Adams County, and does a general practice in the county,
frequently assisting elsewhere. He is still unmarried and is heir to the patrimony which
was left by his parents. Nicholas, hisfather, was a man widely known, not only in Adams
County, but throughout this State and Maryland, and was one of the wholesale Arm of
Stonebumer, Mark & Miller, grocers, of Baltimore. Our subject is a charter member of
Good Samaritan Chapter, No. 266, R. A. M., of Gettysburg, and is also one of the deputy
postmasters of his village. In connection with the undertaking business he carries on the
furniture and upholstering trade, the only place of its kind in Arendtsville. He was one
of the first members of the Funeral Directors' Association, of Pennsylvania, organized
May 23, 1883.
REV. MILTON H. SANGREE, P. O. Arendtsville, Penn., was born in 1832, near
Smithsburg, Washington Co., Md. Of his ancestors little is known. It is supposed
they were originally Huguenots from the south of France and spelled the name Saint-
f'ies, forced to flee from that country to America on account of religious persecution,
ichael, the grandfather of Rev. Mr. Sangrde, was born in 1759, and located in York
County, on the banks of the Susquehanna, twenty miles below Columbia, His wife, nee
Miss Burkholder, bore him the following named children; Jacob. Christian, Jane, Esther,
Abraham, Elizabeth, Joseph and Benjamin. The last named died young. Elizabeth married
a Mr. MundorfC and had one child, Mary. During boyhood the sons were fishermen and
thus helped to support the family. Later they all learned the milling business and fol-
lowed it for many years. Abraham was the father of our subject, and was engaged in
milling near Hagerstown. Washington Co., Md. In 1830 he married in Smithsburg,
Washington Co., Md., Miss Margaret Tritle, and five years later moved to Huntingdon
County, Penn. Our subject and Arietta were born near Smithsburg, Md. ; Amanda, Luther
and Linda M. in Pennsylvania. Mr. Abraham Sangr^e was one of the kindest of men,
and was rendered comparatively poor by reason of his charitable nature. He had an ex-
tensive library and gave his children a practical education. His death occurred March 28,
1868, and that of his widow, December 20, 1885. Milton H., for ten years prior to his
marriage, was engaged in teaching, merchandising and farming. October 6, 1856, he mar-
ried Miss Jane E. Hudson, a daughter of George and Rebecca (Hubbel) Hudson, of Three
Springs, Huntingdon Co., Penn. After marriage he engaged in various occupations
until his enlistment in February, 1865, in Company K, Seventy-eighth Regiment Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry, of which company he was commissioned second lieutenant, and
served until honorably discharged. In June, 1871, he completed a theological course at
Mercersburg, and the same month was licensed to preach. The following year he raised
$17,000 for the endowment of Mercersburg College. His first charge was in Everett, Bed-
ford Co., Penn., from 1872 to 1878, and the following spring he removed to Alexandria
and remained until 1884, when he was called to assume the pastorate of the Reformed
Church at Arendtsville. To his efforts is mainly due the erection of the handsome brick
church which was completed and dedicated May 9, 1886. As a pastor of earnestness and
zeal, Mr. Sangr^e has few peers; his congregation respect and love him and are a unit in
speaking of his fctisfactory ministration. His children are rapidly completing their ed-
ucation. Rev. HmryH., the eldest, was married, in 1885, to Miss Helen Hoke, of Hanover,
Penn. ; he is a graduate of Mercersburg College and Union Theological Seminary, New
York, and is now pastor of the Fairfield charge. Reformed Church, in Adams County;
Ernest B. graduated at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, and is a teacher of elo-
cution and oratory at the military academy of Michigan ; T. Chalmers is a druggist in
Philadelphia; Frances N. is the wife of E. C. Fahrney, M. D. of Hagerstown ; Margaret com-
pleted her classical education at Birmingham, Penn., and her musical education at the
Conservatory of Music, Boston, Mass. ; Hope, Allen and George still attend school. The
family is a most pleasant and interesting one. The circle is unbroken and harmony
dwells therein. ,^ ^^ ,, ^, •
GEORGE W. SCHWARTZ, farmer, P. O. Cashtown. The great-grandfather of this
gentleman came from Germany, and settled in York County,'where he married and reared
a family. He had three sons: Jacob, Philip and John. The first named, the grandfather
of our subject, was born in 1783. He married Mary M. Geiselman, of East Berlin, and,
about 1808, settled near Abbottstown, in Berwick Township, upon the farm now owned
by John Mummert. After residing there several years, during which time his children
Michael, Ruphena, Jacob, Mary M., Daniel, Elias, Moses, Elizabeth, Lydia and John
were born, they moved to a farm near Gettysburg, upon which two more children
were born— Margaret and Henry. There the father remained until he discontinued
farming when he and his wife moved to Gettysburg, and later to a small farm near Lit-
tlestown where they remained until their death, he being about eighty and she seventy-
seven years of age. They died within a few weeks of each other, but both lived to see
the country well developed, but the close of the war had not come. Eli and Margaret are
the only members of this large family who do not reside in Adams County, and seven are
yet living. Eli is a minister of the Lutheran faith, at DeSoto, 111. Moses Schwartz, the
father of George W. Schwartz, was born in 1817, received a practical education at the
common schools, and chose the vocation of farming. In 1832 he married Mary B. Duttera,
412 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of Union Township, this county, and began married life on the farm now owned by
Samuel Schwartz; five years later he purchased the farm; then, nine years afterward,
purchased a farm near Littlestown; nine years after that he purchased a large farm near
Cashtown, to which he removed, and in 1871 he purchased his present farm and a resi-
dence in Cashtown. To him and his wife seven children were born, three now living:
George W., Elizabeth (wife of McLean Miller) and Emma J. (who resides with her
parents). Our subject was born October 10, 1«47, and is from choice a farmer. March 3,
1876, he married Harriet E. Loahr, and their domestic life was begun upon the farm ad-
joining the village of Cashtown, the last farm purchased by his father. One daughter,
Mary E., died in infancy. Mrs. Schwartz's father, Samuel Loahr, was born in Gettysburg,
son of Jacob and Catherine (Zeigler) Loahr, who afterward lived on a farm from which
the first cannon was fired, in front of their house, at the beginning of the battle of Gettys-
burg.
NOAH SHEELY, farmer, P. O. Cashtown, was born in 1838. His grandfather, Andrew
Sheely was born in this county and married a Miss Diehl, of York County, whose family
history appears in sketches of the Diehls. Jacol), their eldest son, a farmer, was born in
1813, in Mountjoy Township, on the Mansion farm, now owned by John Hartman, He
married Mary Hartman, about 1833, who bore him ten children: Andrew, Agnes, Aaron
<the present county superintendent of schools, and who wrote the chapters on Natural
History and Education for this volume), Noah (subject), Catharine, Ephraim, Jacob,
Daniel, Eli and Mary. Jacob kept a hotel on the Baltimore Pike, near Newman's tavern,
for a number of years, in company with his brother-in-law, Jacob Hartman. He after-
ward purchased a farm in Mountjoy Township, and later moved to another purchase near
by; thence came to Franklin fownship, and purchased a large tract of land, most of
■which he improved, and on which he remained during his life. Two of his sons have
been for many years practical teachers of Adams Countv, and all of them have a prac-
tical business education. In 1866 Noah married Eebecca McElwone, of Union Township.
In their present home they began housekeeping, and in the stone mansion their eight
children were born. Our subject has accumulated a large property, and is one of the
representative farmers of Franklin Township. His children inherit a name that has been
familiar for more than a century in Adams County, and one which has been associated
with enterprise and education continually. Mr. Sheely is the largest fruit grower in
Adams County, having 3,000 fruit-bearing trees, 700 York stripe, 1,000 York imperial, 300
of varieties — all winter apples.
HON. EDMAN W. STAHLE, P. O., Mummasburg, was born in the borough of
York.Penn,. July 28, 1819, to John and Sarah (Small) Stable, who reared a family of twelve
children: Jacob S., Edman W., Catharine, Sarah, Henry J., James A., Barbara, "William,
Ellen, Isabel, Virginia and Agnes. The sons have all been men of distinction. Jacob 8.
was a graduate in law, a prominent lawyer of York; at eighteen years of age captain in
the Pennsylvania militia, and died a bachelor,with the rank of major-general; Henry J.
has been the editor and publisher of the Gettysburg Gompilm- for forty-three years; James
A. was a merchant tailor, of York, and when the war broke out formed Company A, Eighty-
seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and returned after his termwf service a colo-
nel by brevet, and for twenty years was deputy collector of internal revenue for York
County; William was a druggist of York, and was noted as an orator in both English and
German; was also a prominent Mason; Edman W.,who is afinished printer, learned the trade
in the office of the York MepubUcan. He was at the same time editor of the Democratic
Press, of York, and afterwards of the Columbia Spy, at which time he was clerk, along with
Thomas A. Scott, in the collection office on the main line of public improvements at Co-
lumbia. In 1843 he came to Gettysburg and took charge of the Compiler for three years,
when he was appointed deputy sheriff; in 1850 he went to Washington, and, in company
with A. Boyd Hamilton, took the contract forprintingtho proceedingsof the Thirty-sec-
ond Congress and the government printing, and two years later assumed the superintend-
ency of the State printing office at Harrisburg. In 1854, tired of public life and desiring to
live at ease, he purchased his present farm and settled into an easy-going existence, but
the people were not yet ready to allow him to retire, and, in 1871, he was appointed a com-
missioner to help adjust the'claims of the people of Adams County for damages received
during the war. In 1874 he was elected a member of the Legislature, serving in 1875-76.
He was chairman of the printing committee and is the originator of the present laws regu-
lating the public printing of the State, conceded to be the best of any State in the Union.
Previous to and succeeding his election as representative, Mr. Stable was elected to and
has filled nearly every office in the township, elected alike by Republicans and Democrats.
In 1843 he married Margaret Haughey, of Columbia, who bore him five children: John
H., married to Sarah J. Spahr; Francis R. S., killed February 9, 1865, while on picket
duty at Hatcher's Run; Sarah C., a prominent school-teacher, of Franklin Township, and
Mary, the wife of Henry J. Brinkerhoff, Jr. ; Edman died during childhood. Mrs. Stable died
in lS71, and in 1873 Mr. Stable married Mary MoGrew, a teacher in the High School of Get-
tysburg, vrho bore him three daughters: Teena W., Louisa B, and Jane McGrew — the last
deceased. As a public man Mr. Stable has been one of the most prominent in Adams
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 413
County in his day; as a private citizeo his acts are above reproach, and his associations
liave given him a Ijnowledge of the political and business world possessed by few. Court-
•eous, social and generous, his house has been for many years as noted for its hospitality
as he is for his Democracy. Jacob Stable, his grandfather, served as a captain during tlie
entire Revolutionary war, and was in charge of some of the boats wliich carried Gen. Wash-
ington's army across the Delaware. His great-grandfather came from Neufchatel, Switz-
■erland, with the Palatimites, in 1683. John Stable, father of E. W., was a volunteer dur-
ing the war of 1812, was mustered out of the service at York, and remained there engaged in
mercantile business, and later was appointed register and recorder, to which office he was
afterward elected for two successive terms.
DR. WILLIAM C. STEM, P. O. Cashtown, was born October 27, 1834, and is the eldest
of eight children born to Reuben and Susan (Stover) Stem. His grandfather, Peter Stem,
came from Maryland in 1816 (his wife was a Miss Wilson, who bore him a number of chil-
dren, some of whom were born in Adams County), and settled in Liberty Township on the
farm now owned by the Mclntyre heirs. Reuben, the father of Dr. Stem, was born in
1804, and is yet living. He was by trade a miller, but later engaged in the hotel business.
Our subject spent his boyhood days on the farm and attended the academy at Emittsburg
each season, until his education was so far advanced that he then taught several terms in
the public schools prior to his study of medicine. He studied three years and practiced
nine months, in addition, before attending medical college. He matriculated at the Phil-
adelphia Medical Institute in 1849, and located in the autumn of 1830, in his native town-
ship, where he remained until 1850, when he located permanently in Cashtown. He
married in November, 1854, Eliza Watson, daughter of James and Mary (Gibson) Watson,
of Adams County. Mrs. Stem's father was a native of County Derry, and her mother of
County Tyrone, Ireland. The latter had married James Hindman prior to immigrating to
America and her marriage thereafter to Mr. Watson. Doctor and Mrs. Stem are parents
of twins, Anna M. L. and James Calvin, born July 36, 1855. A coincidence regarding their'
birth is that their mother was a twin, and her brothers, James and John Watson, were
fathers of two pairs of twins. James Calvin completed his education at the Gettysburg
Normal School, studied medicine under his father, and graduated, in 1878, from the Cin-
cinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. He located at Lewisberry, York County, in 1878,
and in 1880 married Mary Paup. Dr. W. C. Stem has practiced thirty-seven years in
Adams County, and has gained an enviable reputation among his brethren, as well as an
extensive business throughout the county. He has also made some important discoveries in
medicine, which promise to revolutionize the treatment of convulsions and all diseases of
the nervous system. As a reader and philosopher, Dr. Stem has few equals in Adams
County; he is also wl'11 informed in civil engineering, and has done a large amount of sur-
Teying in his neighborhood. He is looked upon as authority in legal as well as medical
matters, and his thorough education is an important factor in the welfare of the commu-
nity. During the Rebellion, the quartermaster and clerks of Hill's division, with Gen.
Heathe in command, were encamped on the Doctor's lot, while the headquarters of Gen.
R. E. Lee were in the adjoining field. On Thursday, while the battle of Gettysburg was
in progress. Gen. Lee came with his staff, and tliey pitched their tents in the field ad-
joining our subject's place, at about 11 o'clock, and then Gen. Longstreet with his
staff came about a quarter to twelve, visiting Gen. Lee, and all moved away toward
Gettysburg about half an hour after, after which Lee's headquarters were at the stone
house near Gettysburg. " The Doctor's office was full of wounded Confederates after the
battle, and both he and his wife did all in their power to make them comfortable, being
charitable alike to both friend and foe.
GEORGE SWOPE, farmer, P. O. Cashtown, was born near New Oxford, Adams
County, in 1838, a son of Henry and Margaret Swop.», who came from Hessen-Darmstadt,
•Germany, about 1800, and made their first settlement in this county. They reared a fam-
ily of four children: Maria and Jacob, born in Germany, and Catharine and George, born
in Adams County. By trade Henry was a carpenter, which he also taught his son. Jacob,
who followed it until his death. Maria married Henry Kehm, and had two sons: Jacob,
a German Reformed minister, and Henry, a physician. Jacob Swope married a Miss
Huffman, and reared six children. Catherine died unmarried. George, our subject, mar-
ried, in 1845, Anna Nary, and began home life in Oxford. At the time of his marriage
he was a poor man, but full of energy. His life had been one of toil, but he learned by
practical experience how to invest his hard-earned savings to the best advantage. Success
came year by year, and in 1863 Mr. Swope found himself possessed of a bank account of
13,500, every dollar of which had been honestly earned. With his wife and family, con-
sisting of George, Elijah, Anna M., Louisa M. and Emma C. he immigrated to Brooklyn
Township, Lee Co., 111., where he purchased a quarter section of fine land. Eleven years
brought vvith them a fortune; and Mr. Swope sent to Adams County $10,000 cash and
made a purchase of the well-known Stochsleger farm, for which he paid over |15,000. He
has made extensive improvements, and the farm is now lookingits best. His son, Charles,
died prior to their removal to Illinois; Louisa died there; the two sons and other daugh-
ters reside on the Illinois farm, and are doing well. Mr. Swope has a mind well stored
414 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
with information on historical and tlieological subjects, and few farmers have a better li-
brary or time to peruse such clioice literature as may be found with Mr, Swope. He is a
prominent member of the Reformed Church, and for a long time has been one of its trus-
tees. He is noted for his honesty, integrity and justice. Politically he supports Demo-
cratic principles.
OTHO W. THOMAS, M. D., Arendtsville, is a native of tins county, and was born
in 1849 to William L. and Sarah (Overholtzer) Thomas, both of whom were natives of the
same county. The grandfather, John Thomas, was also born in what is now Adams
County. Thus the family were residents of this section long before the county was or-
ganized, and while it was yet a part of York County. William L. Thomas and wife had
a family of five daughters and five sons: Oliver J., Delila A., Otho W., Elizabeth, Upton
8., Howard D., Alzanah, Ephraim C, Alice and S. Gertrude. Otho W. received his classi-
cal education at Gettysburg, and studied medicine under Dr. E. Melhorn, of New Ches-
ter. In 1873 he matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, graduat-
ing from that eminent medical college in 1874. April 6 of that year he located in Arendts-
ville, where he has since enjoyed an excellent practice among the best people of this sec-
tion. In 187,5 he married Annie M., daughter of Moses and Lydia (DeardorfE) RaflEen-
sperger, who are both representatives of noted and old families of this county. To Dr.
Thomas and wife four sons and one daughter have been born: Arba C, Herbert M., Nan-
nie, O. L. Benton and U. Dale. The Doctor has not only pursued his profession with
profit, but has also gratified his taste for scientific literature by purchasing a library that
has few superiors among medical men in any county or State. As a physician he enjoys
distinction, not only in his own county, but throughout the State, being a member of both
the County and State Medical Associations, and his success is such as might be expected
from one who devotes his entire time and attention to medicine and surgery.
HIRAM W. TROSTEL, merchant, Arendtsville, was born at York Springs, this
county, in 1846. His grandfather, Abram Trostel, came from Germany while still single,
and settled west of York Springs. He purchased a farm and mill property, which is still
standing and is yet known as the " Trostel Mills." He married Catherine Brough, whose
family history dates back prior to the organization of Adams County. The young couple
commenced life as pioneers in that region, developed the farm, and reared a family of six
children, as follows: Andrew, Abram and Jacob (twins), Lizzie, Betsy and Isaac B. Of
this family only one, Abram, the father of Hiram W., is living. He, Abram, learned the
trade of a miller with his father, and afterward managed the Trostel Mills eighteen years.
He then purchased a farm near York Springs, upon which was a saw-mill, a grist-mill
being added later. This he managed for twelve years, and then purchased another farm,
erected handsome buildings and in a few years purchased a residence in York Springs,
where he still resides. About 1835 he married Eliza, daughter of Jacob and Eliza Pensyl,
and to this union were born Henry J., George H., Sallie, Hiram W., Lavona, Mary and
Lizzie (twins). Mrs. Trostel died in 1853, and Abram then wedded Caroline Ernst, whose
death occurred three years later. His third wife was Mrs. Yount, of Gettysburg. Hiram
W. was educated at York Springs, and for four years clerked for Griest & Bowers,
merchants of that place. In October, 1875, he was married to Hannah E. Bream, who has
borne him four children, three now living: Allen B., Ira W. and Stella R. In the spring
of 1876 Mr. Trostel came to Arendtsville, where his father had purchased a fine residence
property and store-room, which has since been enlarged. The same spring our subject
purchased a large stock of merchandise, and at this date is one of the most enterprising
merchants of Adams County, and carries, perhaps, as large a stock of general merchan-
dise as will be invoiced in the county. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran
Church.
HENRY WILDESIN, farmer, P. O. Arendtsville, was born in Franklin Township,
this county, October 30, 1833. Samuel Wildesin emigrated from Germany, and settled
first in York. Jacob, his son, afterward came to Adams County, and settled in Franklin
Township, on the South Mountain. He was thrice married; first to Miss Becker, who-
bore him four children: John, Susanna Jacob and Eve. The second wife was Betsy Car-
baugh, who also became the mother of four children: Samuel, Peter, Mary and Lydia.
The third wife was a Miss Tressler, who had one son (George) and two daughters, and
who survived her husband several years. John, the eldest son by the first wife, was the
father of our subject, and was born in York County February 3, 1791. He married Su-
sannah Potter, and by her had two children: Henry (our subject) and Eliza E. (married
Jacob Schlosser and bore him five children, three now living). Henry was reared on a
farm, and, October 31, 1848, married Julia E. Fisher, whose parents, Abram and Elizabeth
(Benner) Fisher, were also old residents of Adams County, and some of their name are
men of note. They reared a family of seven children: Susannah M., Julia E., Catharine
J., Sarah H., Samuel, and Abram and Isaac (twins). Sarah Walter was the second wife of
Abram Fisher, and bore him seven children: Delilah, Thomas, George, Elias, Henry,
Hannah and Lydia A. Of the fourteen direct descendants nine are yet living. Mr.
Wildesin has served as school director, and was for many years an elder in the German
Reformed Church, of which both he and his wife are members. Four children have
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 415
blessed their union: George and an infant son (both deceased), John A. and Susannah B.
(living and both married). John married Margaret Pitzer, and they reside near his father.
Susannah E. is the wife of Aaron M. Heiges, one of the prominent families of this county.
Her father, Abram Fisher, died in 1885, at the advanced age of ninety-one years, the last
of a noble name.
HENRY W. WITMORE, merchant, Mummasburg, was born nearEmmittsburg, Md.,
November 12, 1811. In August, 1823, his parents moved to near Biglerville, and in April,
1823, took up their residence in the frame building still standing opposite the store of our
subject. They had one daughter, who died in infancy. The father was a shoe-maker,
which trade Henry "W. learned from him, and together they worked at it. For forty years
the father was better known in his part of the country than any other man of his day.
His death occurred after the marriage of his son, our subject, with Henrietta Rex, which
took place May 3, 1838. She was born in 1811, and died April 18, 1854. To this union
was born one son, who died in infancy. His second marriage took place November 22,
1855, with Miss Lucy A. Crum, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Jacob Zeigler; she
was also the mother of one son, who died in infancy. Mr. Witmore erected his present
residence in 1863, and his mother lived several yeats in her new home prior to her death.
In 1840 Mr. Witmore formed a partnership with Caspar Stick, in the grocery and prod-
uce trade, and established a store in Mummasburg; eight years later this partnership
was dissolved, and, with the exception of one year, Mr. Witmore has since been engaged
alone in mercantile trade. During the second administration of President Lincoln he
was commissioned postmaster, which position he has retained to the present time. He
was a great sufferer by the war, his store being completely gutted by the Rebels, and he had
much other property taken. Commencing life with less than $50, he has from that be-
ginning amassed a competency, and during the lifetime of his aged parents kept them in
ease, as became a dutiful son. Both he and his wife are members of the Reformed
Church at Arendtsville, and are [people of the sterling worth. For sixty-three years Mr.
Witmore has been a representative business man of Franklin Township, and to-day is,
perhaps, the oldest man in the county engaged in active business.
MRS. AVILLA M. WOLFF, of Cashtown, is the widow of Rev. David W. Wolff, who
in his day was one of the most prominent ministers of the gospel in Adams County. He
was born near Carlisle, in Cumberland County, November 29, 1829. When he was yet a
child, his parents, Henry and Sarah Wolff, moved to the vicinity of New Chester, in
Adams County. Here David grew up with his brothers and sisters, early feebng within
him the Divine call to the ministry. Fearing himself mistaken, he frequently sought sol-
itude in the woods near his home, there to pray for Divine guidance. About this time his
uncle, for whom he was named, begged him to come to Ohio, " to be made something of."
David's parents thinking this a good opportunity, he was sent, but remained only a short
time. " Go preach My Gospel" still sounded in his ears. He returned home and took a
preparatory course at New Oxford, then entered Marshall College at Mercersburg, Penn.
This college was moved to Lancaster, and combined with Franklin College, the new insti-
tution taking the name of Franklin and Marshall College, and from here he graduated in
1858. He then took a theological course at the German Reformed Seminary, at Mercers-
burg. He graduated in 1856, and was then licensed and ordained to preach by the Synod
of the German Reformed Church. His first labors were in Paradise charge, where he
assisted his brother. Rev. George Wolff. His first charge was at Danville, Penn., whither
he removed In 1857; later he had charge of Catawissa, Schuylkill Haven, and then served
as chaplain in the United States Army, during the civil war. In 1866 he took the Cono-
wago charge in Adams County, with his residence at Arendtsville. December 27, 1870, he
married Miss Avilla M. Mickley, a daughter of one of the first families of Adams County.
Her great-grandfather, Martin Nickley, purchased land in Adams County shortly after
the Revolution. He was a soldier during that struggle, and at that time residednear Ger-
mantown. He had a son Daniel, whose son Charles, is the father of our subject. Charles
was born in Adams County, in May, 1820, and married, in May, 1842, Jane Green, whose
father, John Green, was at that time proprietor of the Cashtown Hotel. Mrs. Wolff is the
only daughter, but there are two sons— Green and Lemuel. Mrs. Wolff was educated at
Palatinate College, Myerstown, Penn. Four children: Henry H. (deceased in infancy),
John N., Mary C. and Sarah J., blessed their union. Rev. Mr. Wolff died March 16, 1876,
at Carlisle, where he had gone to receive medical attention. His charge at the time of his
death was in Petersburg, Clarion County, having been stationed there in 1873. He was a
man of renown, just and true, leaving behind a name which is a source of pride to his
children.
410 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
CHAPTER LIV.
FREEDOM TOWNSHIP.
HON. JEREMIAH MORROW. Freedom Township was the birth-place and boy-
hood home of Hon. Jeremiah Morrow, the first representative in Congress from Ohio, a
United States senator and twice governor of that State. The grandfather of Gov. Mor-
row was a Scotch-Ii-ish covenanter, who immigrated from Londonderry, Ireland, a genera-
tion before the Revolution, and died in this township in 1758. His father, John Morrow,
was a co\mty commissioner of York County in 1791-92-93, an intelligent farmer and a
member of the Associate Reformed Church. He died in 1811. The farm he owned con-
sisted of 235 acres, and was after his death long known as the James McCleary farm.
Here the future statesman was born October 6, 1771. He was the eldest son and the sec-
ond child in a family of three sons and six daughters, all of whom became residents of
Ohio. His mother's maiden name was Mary Lockhart. After receiving the best English
education to be had in the schools of that day in the vicinity of Gettysburg, he immi-
grated to the territory northwest of the Ohio, arriving in the Miami country in the spring
of 1795. After surveying land and opening a farm between the Miami Rivers, he was
elected a member of the Territorial Legislature, and entered upon the political career
which made him one of the most distinguished men in the early history of Ohio. A
county and a town in Ohio were named in his honor. He died at his home on the Little
Miami in 1852.
G. W. SCOTT, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Freedom
Township, on the farm where he now resides, July 26, 1831, a son of William M. and Jane
(Kerr) Scott, natives, respectively, of Adams and Fulton Counties. The father, who was
a farmer, of Scotch-Irish descent, reared a family of seven children, four of whom sur-
vive, and of whom G. W. is the third. Our subject was reared on the farm, educated at
the country schools, and from youth up has followed agricultural pursuits. In 1863 he
married Florinda Jane, daughter of E. R. A. Moor, a farmer, of Scotch-Irish descent. To
Mr. and Mrs. Scott eight children were born, five of whom survive: William L., Mary M.,
Harvey A., Jane K. and Hugh J. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the Presbyterian
Church. He has served his township as assessor, tax collector and school director. He
is a Republican in politics. In 1863 he enlisted in the Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry;
enlisted a second time, and served until the close of the war in Company B, Ninety-ninth
Pennsylvania Infantry, and was present when Gen. Lee surrendered. For several years
Mr. Scott was an active member of the I. O. O. F. He is the owner of a farm of 180
acres, where he still resides.
A. F. WHITE, associate judge, P. O. Fairfield, was born on the farm where he now
resides, in Freedom Township, this county, February 8, 1846, and is a son of Andrew and
Joanna (Ross) White, natives of Adams and Westmoreland Counties, respectively. The
father, a farmer, who died in 1862, was of English descent. The mother was of Scotch
origin. They had a family of four children, of whom A. F. is the youngest. Our subject
was educated in the country school, and also attended, for one term, the preparatory
department of the Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, and from youth up has been
engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now owns 195 acres of land. In 1870 he was united
in marriage with Mary M., daughter of Hon. James H. Marshall. The Marshall family is
of Scotch descent. Mrs. White's father served two terms in the Legislature, and was at
one time county commissioner. To Mr. and Mrs. White the following named children
were born: Mary (deceased), Jennie, James, Charles. Our subject and wife are members
of the Presbyterian Church. He has held the offices of assessor and justice of the peace,
serving in the latter office for seven years. In 1888 he was appointed associate judge of
Adams County, was elected in 1884, and holds the office at present. He is a member of
the I. O. O. F. ; has passed all the chairs in his lodge, and has been a member of the Grand
Lodge of Pennsj;lvania. His brother, William R., was a member of the Legislature, and
now resides in Liberty Township, this county. His sister, Martha J., married William T.
Reid, of Hamiltonban Township. His other brother, J. Harvey, was educated at Gettys-
burg and Yale Colleges, graduating from the latter; read law with Robert McCreary; and
was admitted to the bar at Gettysburg about 1864. He practiced a few years, and then
went to Pittsburgh about 1867-68, and has there beep very successful. He served as adju-
tant of the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment of Pennsylvania Infantry.
GERMANY TOWNSHIP. 411
CHAPTER LV.
GERMANY TOWNSHIP & BOROUGH OF LITTLESTOWN..
DAVID B. ALLEMAN, printer, Littlestown, was born in Hanover, York Co., Penn.,
in March, 18o8,,and is a son of Rev. M. J. AUeman, mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
He received an academic education in Hanover, and finished his studies at York Col-
legiate Institute. In January, 1881, he returned to Littlestown from Maryland and start-
ed a job printing office, and on the 21st of the following April issued the first number of
the Littlestown Era, a seven-column folio, weekly paper, with a subscription list of 350.
In 1882 the paper had met with such favor that it was enlarged to an eight-column folio,
and in 1883 it was again enlarged, this time to a six-column quarto. The gentleman's un-
tiring energy and zeal in forging the paper ahead resulted in gaining an unprecedented
circulation in 1885. About this time the necessary close application to editorial duties
caused a weakening of his eyes to such an extent that it became painful for him to read
common print farther away than four or five inches. His eyes becoming gi-adually worse,
he determined to dispose of The Era, which he did on January 30, 1885. to A. S. Qoulden,
and soon thereafter, August 8, 1885, the establishment was burned, with all its contents.
In 1882 Mr. Alleman went, as a delegate, to the Independent Republican Convention,
which met at Horticultural Hall, Philadelphia, and is much interested in State and Na-
tional politics. He was married, April, 1881, to Miss Lizzie Ferg, a daughter of Adam
Ferg. a prominent iron manufacturer of Tremont, Penn. They have but one child. Bur-
ton A. M., born February 5, 1882; another child, Charles, was born January 1, 1884, and
died August 7, of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. 'Alleman are members of St. Paul's
Church, at Littlestown.
SIMON S. BISHOP, justice of the peace, notary public and farmer, Littlestown,
was born on a farm, adjoining the southeastern part of Littlestown, February 10, 1817.
He is a son of Philip Bishop, Jr., a son of Philip Bishop, Sr., a native of Lancaster
County, who bought the farm (where our suWect was born) of 183J acres, in 1809, for
£3,800. Philip Bishop, Sr., died in 1831, and Philip, Jr., in 1856. Our subject was reared
near Littlestown, and in 1841 began keeping store there, in a building that still stands
just opposite the Catholic Church. After conducting this store three or four years he
sold out, and in 1845 bought forty acres of the old homestead, where he now resides.
Since the above date he has been engaged in farming and attending to the duties of the
various offices lie has filled as a Democrat. In 1865 he was elected a justice of the peace;
is the present incumbent; and has filled the office ever since the above date, with the ex-
ception of four years. During his official career he has tried between 600 and 700 differ-
ent cases. In 1867 he was elected burgess of Littlestown, and in 1868 was commissioned
as a notary public by Qov. Geary; again commissioned by Geary; once by Gov. Hartranft;
and, lastly, twice by Gov. Pattison, under which commission he is now serving. Squire
Bishop was married in September, 1842, to Catherine Stonesifer, a daughter of Solomon
and Susan (Swope) Stonesifer, old settlers of this county, and both deceased. Mr. and
Mr?. Bishop have one child, Laura Virginia Bishop, who lives at home with them. Mr.
Bishop was a member of the United Brethren Church for forty years, and a trustee of
the said church, built by his grandfather, Philip Bishop, Sr., and deeded to trustees for
a preaching place for the United Brethren Church and other purposes. About this time
the pompous presiding elder of the United Brethren Church had grown a little too big for
his boots thought he ought to have entire control of the church property, and, by his un-
der officials, made demands on Mr. Bishop for the title papers, which were, however, re-
fused They then resorted to litigation, in which they also failed. Mr. Bishop is at pres-
ent trustee;'holds the title papers, and will hold them; but since the agitation he, with
his family, have worshiped elsewhere. . „ ,
THADDEU8 8. BLOCHER, carriage manufacturer, Littlestown, w^ born in Butler
Township this county, in May, 18(i6. and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Hartzell) Blocher,
the former a native of Lebanon County, Penn, and the latter of Butler Township, this
county Thomas Blocher was a saddle and harness-maker, and for many years served as
justice of the peace. His wife died in Bendersville in 1879, and in 1880 he also passed
away at the same place. Oiir subject learned the harness and saddle trade with his father,
and in 1858 he bought a half -interest in the harness shop of Mr. Yount at Littlestown,
and two years later bought out Mr. Yount's interest and continued the business until
1864 when he sold out and bought a half -interest in the coach-making business with Isaac
418 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Sell. In 1880 lie bought the entire business, and is still carrying, it on. His factory occu-
pies the site of the first coach factory ever established at Littlestown by Mr. Rahter. Mr.
Bloclier at present employs twelve hands, and keeps ten hands the year round. He
manufactures annually upward of seventy-five fine buggies and carriages, valued at from
$100 to |;iriO each. Tiie factory has the reputation of producing the best and most dur-
able class of fine work. Mr. Bloeher is a Republican, and has been elected to and served
in every office in tlie gift of the borough of Littlestown, except that of justice of the peace
and constable. He married, in 18."iH, Eliza E. Bisliop, a daughterof Jacob Bishop. Mr. and
Mrs. Bloeher have ciitlit children: Clarence W., Harry F., Emma J. Charles L., Mary E.,
Howard G., Edith M. and Edgar T. Mr. and Mrs. Bloeher are members of St. Paul's
Lutheran Church. Mr. Blocher's factory is one of the most important industries of the
town, and he is known throughout this and adjoining counties as an enterprising and re-
liable business man and citizen.
JOHN 6. BYER8, farmer, P. O. Kingsdale, was born October 26, 1827, in West-
minster District, Carroll County, Md,. a grandson of Gabriel Byers, a native of Germany,
who came to America and settled in Maryland (a farmer and cooper by occupation), and
died there at an old age; of his family of seven children, Michael, born in Maryland, was
a farmer and cooper and a good mechanic; served his country in the war of 1812, and
died in Maryland, aged eighty-four years. Michael Byers married Margaret Duttera, also
a native of Maryland, a daughter of John Duttera, and who died In her forty-third year,
the mother of eleven children — seven sons and four daughters— all now livinjj but three.
Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and learned the cooper's trade in early life;
came to Germany Township, this county, in 1854, and has been successful fi:nancially, hav-
ing 189 acres of land here and a large farm in Maryland. He was married In his old home,
December 1, 1853, to Miss Eliza Ann Getty, born January 2, 1830, daughter of Henry and
Anna (Wilburn) Getty, of German descent. The children now living of Mr. and Mrs.
John G. Byers are Jacob William, Harry L., Mrs. Ethelia H. Basehoar and Minnie N.
Of these Jacob W. was educated at Gettysburg, Penn., and shortly after graduation was
ordained to the ministry in the Lutheran Church, and is now in Upper Sandusky, Ohio,
where he is pastor. Mr. and Mrs. Byers are members of the Lutheran Church. Our sub-
ject has been assessor, school director for nine years, and supervisor. Politically he is
identified with the Democratic party.
JAMES H. COLEHOUSE, retired, P. O. Littlestown, was born October 18, 1823, a
son of Henry and Mary (Knoufl) Colehouse, the former a native of Germany and the lat-
ter of this county. Henry was a shoe-maker by trade, but during the many years he lived
in Adams County he followed farming, owning eighty acres adjoining Littlestown, where
he lived. He died in 1878, aged eighty-two years; his wife died some years before, aged
eighty years. They were parents of five children. Our subject learned the trade of a
shoe-maker with his father, with whom he remained until his twenty-fourth year. He
was married, October 32, 1846, to Susan Bittinger, who was born June 18, 1826, a daughter
of Frederick Bittinger. In 1847, in company with William Yount, he engaged in the boot
and shoe business, and continued it until 1860. He then opened a general store, which he
conducted four years, when he sold out and became interested in the grain and produce
trade for three years; then engaged in buying and shipping hay, and finally returned to
the general store, and in the spring of 1885 sold his interest to his partner and son-in-law,
George S. Kump, and retired. He is now principally employed in building on and im-
proving his real estate in the borough. He is a Republican, and has held the offices of
burgess, councilman, etc. Mr. Colehouse was a charter memberand stockholder in the
Littlestown Savings Institution, and a director several years; also an original stockholder
and director in the Littlestown Railroad. To this enterprise he contributed $400, and on
the erection of St. Paul's Lutheran Church building he donated $500. He and his wife
are members of the above named church. They have a family of three children: Rufus
A., born September 2, 1847 (married to Margaret C. Young); William H., born January
8, 1855 (married to Rebecca Mehring); and Mary C, born February 28, 1858 (married to
George S. Kump).
DANIEL CROUSE (deceased) was a native of Germany Township, and a son of John
Crouse, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., who died August 30, 1807, and is buried at
Christ Church. Daniel was married to Barbara Laudabaugh, November 8, 1832. He was
a tanner by trade, and carried on the business for over forty years in Littlestown, accu-
mulating a fortune of upward of $75,000. He was a very powerful man, j)hysically, re-
taining his strength and activity to the last. During the later years of his life he had
retired from business, and'passed much of his time in hunting and fishing with his old
associates and comrades, who, like him, have all passed away, and are spoken of else-
where in this volume. Mr. Crouse was an ardent Repuolican and a warm supporter of
the Union cause during the Rebellion. He was a member of the Reformed Church, and
one of the most prominent and active business men of his day — a striking example of
what is generally termed a "self-made man." Beginning life with scarcely any money,
by frugality and perseverance he left a large fortune to" posterity. He helped more than
one person to get a home, and him they, whom he so befriended, or their children or
GERMANY TOWNSHIP. 421
grandchildren, have to thank for his beneficence. He took an active part in building up
and improving the town, and also the Littlestown Railroad, and was a director in the
Littlestown Savings Institution at the time of his death. He died November 25, 1880, at
the age of seventy-five years, having nine children — four sons and three daughters living,
and all married and well to do in life. He was buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, and a
large monument, erected at a cost of |800, marks his grave.
W ILLIAM F. GROUSE, retired, is a substantial and representative citizen of Littles-
town, and was born one-half mile south of the borough, January 33, 1834, a son of Daniel
Grouse, whose sketch appears above. He learned the tanner's trade with his father, and
June 6, 1854, married Sarah Louisa Bishop, the only surviving child of Christian Bishop
(deceased). April 1, 1856, he opened a general store on the northeast corner of the public
square in Littlestown, and conducted the business for twenty-five years in this town. He
then auctioned off his stock, and has since been out of mercantile trade. He has been
principally engaged in building on and improving his property, which at present consists
of eight or ten houses and stores, some twenty lots in the borough, and a farm in the
township. He was an original stockholder and a director in the Littlestown Railroad,
and voted for its extension to Frederick; was a charter member of the Littlestown Savings
Institution; was its first secretary, and has been a director and the secretary of same for
upward of ten years, which incumbencies he still fills acceptably. He was the first
burgess ever elected in Littlestown; was a charter member of the Mount Carmel Cemetery
Company, and its secretary and treasurer for a number of years. He drew the plans
from which the large brick public schoolhouse was built in Littlestown, amd when a mem-
ber of the school board in the borough was appointed by that body building-director, and
was building-director of the large public schoolhouse in the borough, also three school-
houses in the township. During the war of the rebellion he and Alonzo Sanders
were appointed by the township, and, after the incorporation of the borough, by the
borough to act for it in filling its quota under the draft. 'This duty was discharged to
the satisfaction of the fcitizens. He was formerly a member of the United Brethren
Church; helped to re-build its edifice in 1863, and contributed $300 cash and a summer's
labor, and is at present a trustee. He was also a teacher for one term in the town and
one term in the township, and, in fact, it would be hard to name any enterprise of a pub-
lic character in Littlestown during the past twenty -five or thirty years with which he
has not been prominently identified, and to which he has not generously contributed.
Mr. and Mrs. Grouse had nine children, one being deceased: Mary Jane, now the wife
of Dr. S. B. Weever; Bishop A. C, Elmer O., Horace A., Vinton A., Romaine V., Ivy B.
(decea'sed). Myrtle M. and Etta F. L.
EDMUND GROUSE, Littlestown, was born in that place August 9, 1838, a son of
Daniel and Barbara (Laudabaugh) Crouse, both old settlers, whose sketch appears
above. In 1861 Edmund opened a dry goods store on the lot now occupied by Mrs. Hin-
kle's jewelry store. Subsequently he moved his business to two other stores, and remained
in the dry goods business eleven years, and during the last two years carried on a clothing
store. In 1871 he bought the tannery business of his brother, Augustus, on the same
premises where his father had established a tannery, which he conducted for over forty
years. At present this establishment employs the year round two or three hands, and tans
about 3,000 sides annually, consisting of rough oak and finished kip, calf and harness
leather, valued at about $6,000. Besides his tanning business Mr. Crouse is also inter-
ested with Mr. George Z. Gitt and Mr. Rufus Hartman in a fruit canning factory, in a
large building on his land, erected for that purpose in 1883. This enterprise has proved a
success. During the two seasons of three months each it has been operated, employing
some days 100 hands, including children, and canning goods valued at $10,000 per season.
They contemplate operating the factory during the season of 1886. Mr. Crouse has served
as member of the Littlestown Council several terms, and part of that time was? president
of that body; has also served on the school board, etc. He is a member of the Reformed
Church, but contributes liberally to the support of religious matters in other churches, as
well as his own, and is known as a thoroughly enterprising citizen. He married, Febru-
ary 1, 1863, Susanna Rebecca Mehring, a daughter of David and Susan (Bufflngton) Mehr-
ing Mr and Mrs. Mehring died in Germany Township, near the Maryland line, when
Mrs Grouse was but six years oid. Our subject and wife have two children: Theodore
Luther, attending Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Penn., and Edward M., born March
4, 1868,' living at home and engaged in the meat business at Littlestown. Mrs. Crouse and
sons are members of the Lutheran Church. ,„ ,o,^n ■ ,-, j m
JOHN DIEHL, farmer, Littlestown, was born December 16, 1809, in Godorus 1 own-
ship York Go., Penn. His great-grandfather came from Germany and settled in York
County where his son, George, was born, carried on farming, and died, aged about forty
Jacob, Adam, Mrs. Sheeley, ^ ,. ,. , i
in York County, Penn., died in Woodsboro, Md., aged thirty years; he, too, was a farmer;
married a Miss Crebbs, who died in York County, Penn., aged about forty, and has seven
22A
42'i BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
children: George, Jessie, John, Bphraim, Adam, Elizabeth and Leah. Of these, John was-
odurated in York County, where he was reared on the old homestead; married Miss Lydia,
dMughter of Frederick Ramer, and who died October 18, 1883, aged seventy-one years, the
mother of eight children: Mrs. Sarah J. Frock, Mrs. Lydia Sheeley, Henry and Howard
(living, John (who died, aged eighteen years), Eliza Ann (who died, aged one year and a
half), Mrs. Alice R. Weikert (who died, aged twenty years; had one daughter— Emma—
now the wife of Horace Crousc) and Eliza (who died, aged fifteen years). Our subject
moved to Union Township, this county, after marriage, and still has a farm of 301 acres
of good land there, and as a farmer was successful. In the spring of 1865 he came to Lit-
tlestown, this county, where he now resides. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
In politics is a Democrat. Since Mr. John Diehl moved to Littlestown he was engaged in
the grain business from 1866 to 1867 (about eighteen months), and, in partnership with
other men, owned the foundry at Littlestown about seven years, when he sold out his
I ntGrGsti
WILLIAM DUTTERA, Sb., retired, P. O. Littlestown. The Duttera family is of
German origin and the first ancestor of our subject in America was Michael Duttera, who
bought 100 acres of land thirty miles from Philadelphia over 150 years ago. He was a
zealous member of the German Reformed Church, and one of the founders of what is
now kuown as Christ Church, in Union Township. He reared a family of children in
York County, where he died at a good old age. The following are the names of his sons:
Conrad, John, Philip and Michael. Conrad was born in York County, and when a young
man came to Adams County and bought a farm in Union Township, about two miles
north of Littlesttown, where he built a house in 1772, and lived there the balance of his
long life. This house is still standing, and is occupied by Edwin Slifer. He had aJarge
family of children, as follows: Julian Margaret, Conrad, Elizabeth, Mary Margaret,
John, Frederick, Julian, John Michael, Anna Mary and George. The last named, George,
was born in Union Township in 1775, and lived on the old homestead until he died in
1864. He was a highly respected and honored citizen, a prominent member of the Re-
formed Church, and a member of the building committee on the rebuilding of Christ
Church edifice. He was twice married, first to Elizabeth Weikert, who bore him nine
children, of whom John, Elizabeth, Julian and George are deceased, and Catherine, Will-
iam, James, Mary and Rufus are still living. His first wife died in 1830, and he married
for his second, wife Lydia Stonesifer, by whom there were two children: Harriet (de
ceased) and Sarah, who still survives. William Duttera, a son of George and Elizabeth
(Weikert) Duttera, was born in Union Township October 20, 1815. When between the age
of seventeen and eighteen he began to learn the tanner's trade in Carroll County, Md.
Having completed his trade, he returned to Littlestown and started a tannery about the
year 1836. This business he carried on for upward of forty years, and in 1881 gave up
the business to his sons, and since then has lived partially retired, attending only to his
property and two farms, adjoining the borough of Littlestown, of 188 acres of land. Mr.
Duttera is a Democrat, and has served his township in nearly all of its local offices. He
is a member of the Reformed Church, of which he has served as trustee and treasurer for
many years, and is one of the respected and substantial citizens of the county. He has
been twice married, first to Louisa Kohler, March 23, 1837; she bore him six children:
Amos, George K., Louisa C, William S., Worthington A. and Charles H. Mrs. Louisa
Duttera dying May 19, 1885, Mr. Duttera then married, November 19, 1885, Agnes J.
Kohler.
CHARLES H. DUTTERA, farmer, P. O. Littlestown, was born July 9, 1859, at
Littlestown, and is the son of William and Louisa (Kohler) Duttera. He was educated at
the home schools of his native place, and was employed until twenty-one years of age on
his father's farm during the summers and in the tannery in the winters. About the time
he became of age he formed a partnership with his brother, Worthington, and took
charge of the tannery business from which his father retired. The brothers remained
together until February 1, 1884, when Charles H. bought his brother's interest and has
conducted the business ever since. He uses no bark in tanning except rock oak bark, and
tans annually about 2,400 sides of leather — principally rough leather — but to some extent
also calf, kip and upper, the average value of leather tanned in his establishment being
about $8,000 per annum, giving work the year round for four employes. Mr. Duttera
also farms 119 acres of the homestead. He married, October 12, 1880, Miss Emma L.
Rebert, a daughter of Edward Rebert, of Union Township.
PIOUS P. FINK, farmer, P. O. Littlestown, was born May 5, 1818, in Germany Town-
ship, Adams County, Penn. The great-grandfather of this gentleman came, from Ger-
many and settled in Pennsylvania, near the Shorb family. His son, Henry Fink, was a
mechanic and farmer, and died in this county In the house where Pious P. was born,
south of Littlestown. Henry Fink was married to Magdalena Henry, who bore him ten
children: Benjamin, Anthony, Henry, Joseph, Jacob, David, Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, Mrs.
Catharine Sanders, Mrs. Mary Stein and Mrs. Sally Schriver. Of these, Joseph, a farmer
by occupation, was a successful business man, and did a great deal of good; he served as
justice of the peace for many years, filled minor township offices and acted as commis-
GEBMANY TOWNSHIP. 423
sioner of Adams County. He married Esther Parr; he died on our subject's present farm,
aged seventy-one, and his wife departed this life aged seventy-seven years. They had
four children: Pious P., Joseph, Sylvester Henry and Mrs. Margaret L. Spalding. Pious
P. Fink was reared on the farm, and married in October, 1844, Miss Matilda M., daughter
of John and Mary (Beecher) Shorb. To this union were born seven children: Mary,
Johanna, Sarah E., Lucinda, Agnes, Anastasia (who all died, aged, respectively, nineteen,
forty, five, fourteen and thirteen years). Sarah E. was a sister in St. Josepli's Convent,
at Philadelphia; the two sons, Joseph J. and Basil P., are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Fink
are members of tlie Catholic Church. la farming Mr. Pink has been very successful. In
politics he is a Democrat.
FINK & SHORB, grain dealers, Littlestown. This firm has been in existence under
its present proprietors, J. J. Fink and John A. Bhorh, since 1880, and does an extensive
business in grain and produce of all kinds, averaging from $80,000 to $100,000 per annum.
Joseph J. Fink, of the ahove firm, was born in Hamilton Township, this county,
near East Berlin, September 88, 1850, and is a son of Pius P. and Matilda CShorb) Fink.
When he was but two years of age his mother suffered from a severe attack of typhoid
fever, and to remove him from the chance of taking the disease, he was taken by his
uncle, Joseph L., and his aunt, Sally A. Shorb (brother and sister, both unmarried), which
resulted in his being reared by them until his fourteenth year with all the care and
tenderness that could have been bestowed upon him had he been a son instead of a
nephew. When fourteen years old he became a student at Calvert College, New Wind-
sor, Md., where he remained two years, and later attended, for eighteen months, St.
Charles College near Ellioott City, Howard Co., Md. On his return home he occupied
himself on his father's farm for several years, and February 27, 1873, became a partner
with his uncle, Samuel J., in the grain business at Littlestown, in which he continued
until his uncle's death. Mr. Fink is a genial gentleman and one of Littlestown's reliable
and substantial business men.
John A. Shohb, also of the above firm, was born in Mountpleasant Township, this
county, October 17, 1855, and is a son of Samuel J. and Catherine (Parr) Shorb. He was
reared on the farm until the age of eleven years. His father then engaged in business at
Bonneauville, where he remained three years; thence moved to Littlestown, and here
established the business to which Fink & Shorb have succeeded. John A. obtained his
education partly in the Adams County schools, but when fifteen years of age was sent to
Calvert College, New Windsor, Md., where he studied for two years, and afterward com-
pleted his studies at St. Francis College, Loretto, Penn. He then returned to Littlestown
and was employed in his father's business until 1877, when he became a partner with a one-
third interest. The firm then consisted of Samuel J. Shorb, Joseph J. Fink and John A.
Shorb. On the death of his father, Samuel J., in 1880, the business was continued by
John A. and his remaining partner.
HAMILTON W. FORREST, farmer, P. O. Littlestown. The ancestors of the
Forrest family were of English descent. The grandfather, Jonathan Forrest, was one
of the pioneer preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Maryland, but when
the break occurred in the Methodist Church and he had to decide between the M. E.
and the M. P. Churches, he cast his vote with the latter and preached its doctrines
till his death. He had a circuit of six weeks, always traveled on horseback, and his labors
were blessed with good results. The text preached at his funeral was "Mark the upright,
and behold the perfect man, for the end of that man is peace." His influence for years
was felt by all who knew him. He was married in Maryland, and reared six children:
Charity (married to John Whittle), Sarah (died single), Millie (married to a Mr. Ham),
Susanna (married to a Mr. Hays)— these two married and moved to the Cumberland
Valley; Nelson (who remained at the old homestead, which joined the old stone chapel,
well known In Methodist history, and there reared a family of five children and died; his
descendants are yet living in Carroll County, Md.), and Jonathan C. (Nelson and Jona-
than C. married sisters). The last named was born in Anne Arundel County, Md., was a
farmer and a justice of the peace for nineteen years, refusing a re-election. Heled a life
of honesty and uprightness, presenting a living example to his posterity. He died at the
home of his son, Hamilton W. He was married, in 1817, to Lydia Cassell, born in Balti-
more Md daughter of John Cassell, and of German extraction. She died in this county,
on the farm to which her husband had removed in 1818, shortly after they were married.
To Mr and Mrs Jonathan C. Forrest were born nine children: Mary D., Ann W., Eliza
E Eveline C, John N. (deceased), Hamilton W., Lydia A., Hanson F., Upton F.
oif these Hanson F. was educated at Concord University, Concord, Vt., and is a member
of the Vermont Conference. Hamilton W. was born March 12, 1828, in Germany, and
was reared on a farm, attending school in this county, but is mainly self-educated. In
early life he taught school (from eighteen till thirty-five years of age), and then devoted
his attention to farming his property adjoining his father's old homestead He was
married March 30, 1858, to Miss Louisa M. C, daughter of J. Michael and Mary A.
Kitzmilier descendants of the old pioneer family of that name, who settled on Conowago
Creek in this county, while the Indians were still roaming over the country. Divine
424 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
service was often held in their house by ijreachers of various denominations. They were
true pioneers, hospitable, friendly to the Indians, and known far and wide for their honor
and many virtues. The names of the eight children, now living, born to our subject and
wife are John W., H. .ludson, Annie L., Emory H., Granville X., Emma L., Eddy Q. C.
and Fletcher B. John W. was educated at Diclieson Seminary, Williamsport, Penn.,
fltled himself for the ministry, and has preached twoyears successfully. He belongs to the
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Hamilton W. For-
rest has never meddled with politics, but has given his voice to help the cause of Prohibi-
tion., He has held many high offices in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he
has been exhorter for over thirty years, assistant class-leader, Sunday-school superintend-
ent, class and circuit steward, delegate to annual conference, etc., and seems to have in-
herited many of his ancestors' good qualities of head and heart.
CHARLBSP. GETTIER,M.D., merchant,Littlestown,is a native of Carroll County,Md.,
born near Manchester, January 8, 1847, son of Peter and Ann E. (Gallagher) Gettier; the for-
mer was a farmer. When about sixteen years of age our subject began reading medicine
with Dr. J. F. Weaver, of Manchester, and subsequently attended medical lectures at the
University of Maryland, Baltimore City; later he attended the Homoeopathic College at
New York City, from which he graduated in March, 1867. In April of the same year he
came to Littlestown, and soon had a large and successful practice. Having always had a
desire to visit the West, he closed out his business in 1871, intending to locate at some
western point. He visited Missouri, but pushed still farther west until he reached San
Francisco, Cal., and shortly after located at Suisun City, Solano County, that State.
There he began the practice of his profession, and one year later was appointed physician
in charge of the Solano County Hospital, but still attended to his private practice, which
had become large and remunerative. He also owned an interest in the largest drug store
at that place. In 1878, having been very successful, financially, he sold out and returned
with his famOy to Littlestown, prepared to take a long rest, and enjoy the fruits of his in-
dustry; but, being of an active, energetic temperament, he found it impossible to abstain
from work. In 1881 he became a partner with the Hon. Ephraim Myers in the general
merchandise trade, and still retains an interest in the business. He is a popular and act-
ive worker in the interests of the Democratic party in his neighborhood where he wields
no small influence. He is a member of Suisun Lodge, No. 43, P. & A. M., and is now
interested in organizing a chapter at Gettysburg, to be known as Good Samaritan
Chapter, No. 366, of Pennsylvania. Although a young man, and receiving no financial
assistance as a start, he has amassed a competency. He was married July 1, 1869, to
Elizabeth Myers, a daughter of the Hon. Ephraim and Lucinda (Bittinger) Myers, and
they have four children: Harry E., Mabel, Lizzie and Ethel.
O. S. HARNER, teacher. P. O. Kingsdale.was born September 24,1857,inMyers' District,
Carroll County, Md. His grandparents, Samuel and Hannah (Bauers) Harner, were na-
tives of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction. They were potters by occupation, and
had five children. Samuel died in Maryland and Hannah in Pennsylvania. Our subject's
maternal grandfather, Samuel Messinger, a fuller by occupation, was only three years old
when he was brought to America. The father of our subject, James A. Harner, Sr., was
born August 3, 1826, in Germany Township, this county, and is now a farmer in Carroll
County, Md. He married Anna E. Messinger, born in Carroll County, Md., daughter of
Samuel and Margaret (Shuyler) Messinger, and to this union were born seven children
now living and one deceased; Granville R., O. Samuel, James J., Maggie T., Henry (de-
ceased) Susannah E., John N., and Addison A. Our subject was reared on a farm and
educated at Littlestown, Penn., and at Taneytown, Md., and now teaches school in the
winter. He was married November 38, 1878, to Sarah C. Menchey, born December 2,
1855, daughter of Ephraim and Catharine (Rohrbaugh) Menchey. "To Mr. and Mrs. O. S.
Harnerhave been born three children: Alverta May, born July 31, 1880; Emma Blanche,
born July 5, 1883; and Charles Cleveland, born February 13, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Harner
are members of St. John's Lutheran Church, of which he has been an officer. He has
served as township auditor, and is now a justice of the peace. Politically he is a Dem-
DR. JOHN W. HICKEY, Littlestown, was born near Emmittsburg, Md., May 21,
1855, and is a son of James D. Hickey, a professor in Mount St. Mary s College. The
Doctor, in 1876, began the study of dentistry with Dr. Thomas of Littlestown, and after
completing his studies was exaniined by the Pennsylvania State Dental Examining Board,
and was given a certificate as a thoroughly qualified surgeon-dentist. In 1878 he opened
an office at Littlestown for the practice of his profession, and has been studiously and suc-
cessfully employed ever since. His office is furnished with the best instruments and inven-
tions of modern times for doing the best class of professional work. He is well and favorably
fenown throughout the vicinity for the excellence and fine mechanical finish of his dental
■work. He married, in October, 1883, Clara W. Keeport, and has his office and residence
wn Baltimore Street.
JAMES NATHANIEL KELLY, farmer, P. O. Kingsdale, Adams Co., Penn., was born
at Silver Run, Carroll Co., Md., August 9, 1833, a grandson of Patrick Kelly, a native of Ire-
GERMANY TOWNSHIP. 425
laud, who immigrated to America before the Revolutionary war, and farmed in what is now
Heidelberg Township, York Co., Penn., where he owned two farms; he died at an advanced
age, and has many descendants. His children were John, Jacob, IPatriclt, James, Thomas
(who settled in Botetourt County, Va.), Mrs. Nancy Bowman, Mrs. Sarah Dubbs, Mrs. Mary
Millheim and George W. The youngest, George W., was born in York County, Penn., in
1795; was a farmer and miller by occupation, and settled in Carroll County, Md., where
he married Mary Ann Williams, born in Frederick County, Md., June 15, 1800, the second
daughter of William Williams, a native of England, who served all through the Revolu-
tionary war under George Washington. William Williams was married to Rebecca Slife
at the age of fifty; had one son who served in the war of 1813, and two daughters, Eliza-
beth and Mary Ann (who was the only one of the three who married). To George W.
Kelly and wife were born five sons and one daughter: Mrs. Sarah Morelock, Emanuel,
John, George, James N. and Thomas. George W. Kelly died in 1845, aged about fifty
years, and his widow in 1884, aged eighty-four. Our subject, the fourth born and eldest
surviving son, was educated at an academy in Frederick City, Md., under Prof. Nathaniel
Vernon, but completed his studies in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Penn. He
then followed the profession of teacher in the schools of Carroll County, Md., and York
and Adams Counties, Penn., and was very successful. He was also a clerk and salesman
in a mercantile house for some time in Maryland. He married (and settled in Adams
County, Penn.), October 29, 1857, Ellen Harner, born in this county March 2, 1835, daugh-
ter of Michael Harner (born in Frederick County, Md., December 15, 1800), and Elizabeth
(Mearing) Harner, born Augu.st 13, 1806. To tliis union were born three daughters and
four sons: Laura Ellen, Sarah. Louesia, Emma Catharine. James Hamilton, Joseph Ells-
worth, Eugene Sylvester and Austin Augustus. Laura E. and Sarah L. died in infancy.
The family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Kelly enlisted, Sep-
tember 6, 1864, as a private in the Two Hundred and Ninth Rugiment Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Fort Steadman and Petersburg, Va ; he was
honorably discharged at the close of the war. In the spring of 1866 our subject moved to
the Mansion farm, which he had purchased from the Mearing estate, in Germany Town-
ship, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, and in
settling up estates and various other businesses of trust. He is an entirely self-made man.
He is a very upright and conscientious business man. In politics Mr. Kelly is a stanch
Democrat.
JOSHUA SEWELL KEMP, physician and druggist, Littlestown, was born March 39,
1835, in Baltimore County, Md., and is a son of John and Eleanor (Caples) Kemp, the
former a farmer by occupation. He remained with his father until twenty-two years of
age. in the meantime completing his literary studies by attending the Franklin Academy
at Reisterstown, Md. When twenty-two he began reading medicine with Dr. J. L. Gib-
bons of Pikesville, Md., and subsequently was graduated at the medical college of the
University of Maryland, March 10, 1858. That same year he began to practice at Tren-
ton Baltimore Co., Md., and in 1860 located at Littlestown. In July. 1863, he was ap-
pointed assistant surgeon of the Ninetieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
and was with it at the battles of Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run and Chantilly, and in
several skirmishes. In November, 1863, on account of sickness, he resigned and returned
to Littlestown, where he has been in constant practice since, and from February, 1885,
has also carried on a drug store. The Doctor was married, July 20, 1859, to Miss Susan
Algire daughter of George Algire, of Baltimore County, Md. They have three children;
Scott Bernard, C. McK. and Lorain. The Doctor affiliates with the Democratic party,
and has served in local offices in the vicinity. He and his wife are members of the Method-
ist Church. , .», ^ , , , ^
HENRY S. KLEIN, lumber dealer, Littlestown, was born at New Cumberland, Cum-
berland Co., Penn., July 29, 1835, a son of John B. Klein, who died in 1843. The widow
moved to Harrisburg, where Henry S. lived until he was twenty-three years old. Our
subject learned the trade of a brick-layer, at which he worked six years. He married,
December 3 1857, Mary Ellen Horner, a native of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co., Penn.,
and a daughter of James Horner. Henry S. Klein and family settled at Littlestown, March
3, 1859 and he at once established himself in the lumber and coal trade and has success-
fully conducted that business Xip to date. He is a Republican, and, though not an office-
seeker he has been elected and served Littlestown in the offices of burgess, councilman,
school'director, etc. He has twice built substantial residences in town and has done much
in various ways toward improving its interests, and is one of the substantial and respected
businessmen Mr and Mrs. Klein have the following children: ElizaDora (now thewife
ofCapt J C. Delany, librarian of the Senate at Harrisburg), Mary Sidney (living at home),
John Henry (a druggist in Baltimore), Charles Benard (a jeweler in Littlestown), and
.Jessie Berghaus (attending school and living at home); Anna Bertie died at two and one-
half years, and Paul St. Clair when but sixteen months old. „D .„,„ .
JOHN F KRUG, grain-dealer, P. O. Kingsdale, was born December 28, 1849, in
Meyers' District, CarroflCo., Md., son of JohnKrug and grandson of George Krug, whose
father was a native of Germany. John Krug, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn.,
42() BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
moved to Carroll County, Md. (where he farmed), but now resides in Hanover, York. Co.,
Penn. Ho married Susannah Willet, born in Maryland, daughter of George and Eliza
(McKinney) Willet, and who died in March. 1863, the mother of eight children of whom
five are now living; John F.. George W., David D., Mrs. Marjr Bortner and Mrs. Lucinda
Hershey. John F. Krug was a farmer in O.xford Township in early life, but came to
Germany Township in 1877, and in partnership with George F. Krug (postmaster at Kings-
dale) bought out the business of Amos Klinefelter, in Kingsdale, on the Frederick &
Pennsylvania Railroad, where they are yet in the grain and grocery business and are also
dealing in phosphates, having a brand of their own. Our sulyect was married September
25, 1874, to Miss Mary E. Sheller, born in York County, Penn., daughter of Michael
Sheffier. Their children, live in number, are Alverta S., Minnie M.. Linda M., Charles
E. and Estella. Mr. and Mrs. Krug are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he
is a Republican.
WILLIAM H. LANSINGER, merchant, Littlestown, was born January 27, 1837, in
York, Penn., son of John Lansinger and grandson of Jacob Lansinger. His great grand-
father, of French lineage, came to America when quite young and settled in Philadelphia,
where he died. He had two sons: Nicholas and Jacob. The latter, a shoe-maker by
trade, married a Mi-ss Strunk, and lived most of his life in Philadelphia, but the year
before he died moved to Littlestown, this county, where he departed this life at the age of
eighty-four. He was the parent of five children; Jacob, John. William, Joseph and
Elizabeth, who attained maturity. Of these John, a native of Philadelphia, also a shoe-
maker, lived many years in York County, Penn., but finally moved to Littlestown, this
county, where he died aged seventy-three. He had been twice maiTied, first to Rebecca,
daughter of Henry Neff, and who died near York, Penn,, aged thirty-three, the mother of
three children, who attained maturity; William H., Jacob and Barbara. William H at-
tended the common schools at Littlestown, and here has followed his father's trade nearly
all his life (he was three years in Clarke County, Va., where he also engaged in shoe-
making). Our subject was married in this township to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Peter
Cump, and by this union has three children living; Henry N., Seward and Rebecca B.
Mr. Lansinger and family are members of the church. He has been a Republican all his
life, and has held different ofRces of trust, among which was that of chief burgess of Lit-
tlestown for two terms.
LeFEVRE FAMILY. TheLeFevres in this county are of French extraction, descend-
ants of the old Huguenot LeFevres, who left their native country to enjoy religious lib-
erty. Joseph LeFevre, of the third generation in America, was a native of Lancaster
County, Penn., and was the first of the family to settle within the confines of Adams
County. In 1806 he bought and settled upon upward of 300 acres of land in Union Town-
ship, and during his life was principally engaged in superintending his large farm and in
conducting a hotel on the same, at what is now known as LeFevre's Station on the rail-
road. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Susan Bowman, were both members of
the Reformed Church, and were highly respected for their many good qualities of head
and heart. They had nine children, whose names are herewith given; Benjamin, Joseph,
Isaac, Amos, Enoch, Elizabeth, Catharine, Susannah and Lydia, all now deceased, in-
cluding the parents.
ENOCH'LbFEVRE (deceased) was a son of Joseph, the pioneer of the LeFevre family in
Adams County. He was a native of Lancaster County, and was for over fifty years a
resident of Adams County. He lived and reared his family on the old homestead in
Union Township, where his father, Joseph, settled. He married Catherine S. Schriver, a '
daughter of John Schriver, and by this union the following named children were born ;
Isabella, who married W. E. Krebbs, of Littlestown-; Rev. W. D., of Stoyestown, Penn..
Joseph H., an attorney at law, Littlestown; James A., of Littlestown; Emma E., mar-
ried to Isaac Loucks, of Hanover; Anna E., who married George B. Myers, of Littlestown,
and Enoch 8., of New Oxford, this county.
JOSEPH H. LkFEVRE, attorney at law, Littlestown, was born in Union Township, this
county, March 7, 1839, and is a son ol Enoch LeFevre, who is mentioned elsewhere in this
volume. Joseph H.flnished his education at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster
City, Penn., and graduated from that institution in the class of 1863. He then read law
with Hon. D. McConaughy, of Gettysburg, Penn., was admitted to the bar in 1867, and
began practice at Littlestown. A few years afterward he moved to Pittsburgh, and
became interested in the shoe business; he continued the same until 1876, when he
returned to Littlestown, and here has since resided, and followed his profession. He is
a decided temperance man; politically a Republican. He was elected a justice of the
peace in 1879, and served flTve years. May 18, 1878, he married Julia C. Gutelius, a
daughter of Samuel Gutelius, of this county. They have two children: Jeannette and
Cecil. Mr. LeFevre is a member of the Reformed Church, of Littlestown, and was the
prime mover in making the Littlestown congregation an independent charge, separating
it from Christ Church February 8, 3881. Since that time he has been a deacon in the
Redeemer's Reformed Church.
GERMANY TOWNSHIP. 427
JAMES A. LePEVKE, bank cashier, Littlestown, is a son of Enocli LeFevre. At
the age of sixteen he became a student at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster City,
and after five years' study graduated from that institution. Subsequently he kept a hard-
ware store at Littlestown for upward of three years, and at the organization of the Littles-
town Savings institution was elected its cashier, a position he has held ever since.
Mr. .LeFevre was married in 1866 to Alice Mehring. They have nine children living:
Walter M., Nevin B., Alice S., James A., Carrie B. , Edwin L., Claud M., Annie R. and
Lulu. One child, Bessie, died, aged six months. Mr. LeFevre lives on and owns 163
acres of the old homestead, at LeFevre Station.
ISAAC LYNN, farmer, P. O. Littlestown, was born August 12, 1808, in Middleburg,
Md. His grandfather, Henry Lynn, came from Germany and settled in Maryland, where
he farmed, and there died. He had married in Germany and was the parent of four sons
and two daughters. Of these, Jacob, a farmer, was bom in Maryland (where he died,
aged sixty-two years); he married Catharine Jacobs, by whom he had five children:
Isaac, Henry, Mary, David and Susan. Of these Isaac went to school in his native place.
He has been a successful agriculturist, and farmed with his father till 1835, when he was
married and went to Emmittsburg, Md., where he followed agricultural pursuits until
the spring of 1878, when he sold his farm of 142 acres and moved to Littlestown, this
county, and here he intends to remain the balance of his life. He was married, in April,
1835, to Miss Catharine Troxel, a daughter of Adam Troxel. She died June 13, 1882, aged
seventy-five years. Mr. Lynn is a member of the Reformed Church, and has been an ex-
emplary citizen and good neighbor, esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact. He
has been a hard working man; starting in life with nothing, he has by his own exertions
gained a comfortable competency.
WILLIAM McSHERRY, farmer, P. O. Littlestown, was born in that place April 14,
1821, a son of James, who was a son of Patrick McSherry, a native of Ireland. William
McSherry, when thirteen years of age, became a student in Mount St. Mary's College,
in Maryland, from which ho graduated in 1840. In 1841 he began reading law with Gen.
James M. Coale, of Frederick City, Md. ; was admitted to the bar in 1842, and practiced
law at Gettysburg from 1842 to 1846. Hon. James Cooper, subsequently United States
Senator, was a partner with him during a part of that time. In 1847 our subject was
elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on the Whig ticket, and in 1849
was elected again to fill a vacancy caused by the election of Gen. James Cooper to the
United States Senate; was again elected as representative in 1851; and was elected in 1862
and 1871 to the State Senate, serving both terms. He has been his county's unanimous
candidate for Congress on several occasions, but it being the smallest county in the dis-
trict, did not receive the nomination in convention of conferees. In 1882, contrary to his
own expressed wishes, he was run as an independent Democrat against the regular nomi-
nee, and, although defeated, received 1,100 majority in Adams County. During all his
official life he served with marked abihty. He was for years president of the Littlestown
Railroad Company, and has during his whole life been an active promoter of all useful
enterprises in his community and county. He is now, at the age of sixty-five years, in
robust health, and to all appearance in the prime of life. He is the owner of several val-
uable farms, to the management of which he devotes the most of his time. He is still
frequently called upon by his fellow-citizens for legal advice and counsel, which is freely
given without price, as he has not followed the regular practice of his profession for
years. During his legal practice he was noted for never advising parties to go to law, but
rather counseled an amicable settlement, which he often effected.
WILLIAM A McSHERRY, P. O. Littlestown, was born in Mountpleasant Town-
ship March 25, 1824, and is a son of Patrick and Mary (Fisher) McSherry, both of whom
were natives of this county, but now deceased. Patrick was a farmer, served a long time
as public school director, and was a quiet unpretentious, good citizen. William A. re-
mained on the farm until he was eighteen years of age. He then learned the carpenter s
trade, which he followed for twenty years, though for ten years of that time he also taught
school during the winter season. In 1850 he established himself in a general store at
White Hall and remained there for thirty-one years, and in the meantime erected some
ten buildings in that place, including a hotel. In 1881, he came to Littlestown and opened
a general store, which he still conducts, and also a clothing store in the borough, but in-
tends to consolidate the two under one roof, in the spring. He married, in 1851 Miss
Amelia Hull, of Carroll County, Md., who has borne him three daughters and one
JOHN MEHRING (deceased), was a native of Germany Township, this county, born
in 1809 His first marriage was with Amy Shoemaker, who bore him eight children, viz. :
Catherine, Margaret, Isaiah E., Jonathan F., Ellen C John O., Emma M and Lydia
His second marnage was with Harriet Sell, a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Graves)
Sell, by which union there were three children: Solomon D., Alverta Matilda, now the
wife of. Harry Myers, and Harriet R., wife of W. H. Colehouse. All of the eleven children
are yet living and all are married. Mr. Mehring was a farmer all his life and owned two
places one of 135 and another of 116 acres, as well as other property. He was a firm
428 ■ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Union man during tbe war, and supported the Government by his means and influence. He
was a member of St. John's Luthoran Church, in which he was nearly always an official
and one of its chief supporters. He died June 16. 1865; his widow still resides in Littles-
80L0M0N D. MEHRING, carriage manufacturer, Littlestown, proprietor of one of
the most important industries of Littlestown, was born in Adams County in 1854, and is a
son of John and Harriet (Sell) Mehring. At the age of sixteen he began to learn carriage
making with Sell & Bloiher, of Littlestown, and on completing the same worked in various
places at his trade until 1875, when he formed a partnership with a Mr. Hesson, and car-
ried on the carriage-making business for three years at Littlestown. They then dissolved
partnership, and Mr. Mehring engaged in manufacturing carriage wood-work exclusively
for two years. In 1880 he commenced the manufacture of carriages in shops at the west
end of Frederick Street. The business growing rapidly, however, he was obliged to have
better facilities for carrying it on, and in 1885 he erected an elegant new brick residence,
and near by a large two-story brick building, 31x70 feet, forja carriage warehouse, while
the upper part is the paint shop and flnishmg room. Adjoining this building are the
wood-workers and blacksmith's shops. He employs from twelve to fifteen hands the year
round, and makes a specialty of the manufacture of fine buggies and carriages, the buggies
averaging in price from $100 up, and the two-horse carriages from $175 to |250. He
allows nothing but the best material to be used in their construction, thus his customers
are assured that they will receive good honest value for their money. The business done
for the past few years amounted to thousands of dollars annually, and is constantly in-
creasing. Mr. Mehring was married, November 11, 1874, to Miss Emma J. Fleiger, who
has borne him five children: Charles R., Claud E., John W., Robert L. andBmma Edna.
Mr. and Mrs. Mehring are both members of the Lutheran Church.
L. T. MEHRING, hardware dealer, Littlestown, was born in Carroll County, Md.,
November 18, 1836, a son of Daniel Mehring (now deceased), who was a prominent farmer
and who owned six different farms in that county, which he gave to his children. Our
subject lived with his father until his twenty-second year, and obtained a good education
at the subscription schools of the vicinity. Mr. Mehring is the pioneer of the regular
hardware business in Littlestown, to which place he removed in 1866, and has been con-
tinuously in that trade up to the present. He carries a stock averaging the year round
about $5,000, and which consists of all kinds of iron, steel, cutlery, glass,' and everything
that can be found in a well-conducted, first-class hardware store, the average sales
amounting to $12,000 annually. Mr. Mehring's residence and store is a first-class brick
structure, fitted with all modern improvements, and heated throughout by steam, and at a
fair valuation would be worth about $6,000. He has also several valuable building lots and
a farm of 138 acres of highly cultivated land, valued at $70 per acre. He built, in 1885, a
large public hall, called '"the Littlestown Opera House," capable of seating 400 people,
and in many other ways has helped to build up and improve the town. He is a member
of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and took a prominent part in building the present church
edifice. He was one of the first deacons under that organization. December 17, 1857,
Mr. Mehring married Julia A. Bittinger, and seven children have been born to this unioni
Flora B., wife of Louis W. Kobler, a coach-maker in Abbottstown: Mary L., a highly
accomplished musician, who is teaching music in the vicinity; Frederick B. H., who died
at the age of three years; Harry W., now employed in the Elgin, 111., watch factory; John
M., who died at the age of one year; Levi Daniel and Howard H. Levi D. is preparing
for the ministry, and expects to enter the sophomore class at Pennsylvania College,
Gettysburg, Penn., in the fall of 1886. Howard H., the youngest, is thirteen years old.
GEORGE MYERS (deceased) was one of the substantial and well-known citizens of
Adams County. He' and his wife, Susannah (Bender) Myers, were natives of this county.
Mr. Myers, during his early manhood, and while living at Arendtstown, served as major
in the militia, and in fact, during his long life, took an active part in all public affairs,
although studiously engaged in his various occupations of farmer, merchant, etc. In
1853 he was elected county commissioner on the Whig ticket, and served three years. He
was one of the three who purchased the ground for the present court house, and on the
building of the Littlestown Railroad he was among the most active, aiding by means, some
$1,500, and influence, in bringing it to a successful completion. Soon after his marriage
he engaged in merchandising for nine years at Arendtstown and three years at New Ches-
ter. He then bought a farm in Germany Township, and his interests, principally, from
that time were there and in Littlestown Borough up to his death. During the last seven
years of his life he was engaged in merchandising in Littlestown, in partnership with his
son, Ephraim. In 1857 he was taken sick witli dropsy in the breast, and though cured of
the disease, died in 1858 from apoplexy, leaving an estate worth $30,000.
HON. EPHRAIM MYERS, merchant, Littlestown, a son of George and Susannah
Myers, was born in Reading Township, this county, between Berlin and Petersburg, Sep-
tember 29, 1833. He passed his earlier years on his father's farms and in his stores, and
January 1, 1846, married Lucinda Bittinger, a daughter of Frederick Bittinger, of Ger-
many Township. The following AprU he became a partner with his father in a general
GERMANy TOWNgHIP. 431
store at Littlestown, and at the termination of this partnership, in 1853, he bought the lot
he now occupies and kept store until the fall of 1857, when he sold his stock of goods to
George Stonesifer and Samuel M. Study. Previous to and at this time he had become
largely interested in the building of the Littlestown Railroad, and individually sold most
of the stock, from the proceeds of which the road was built. He was a director for five
years, and was then elected president of the railroad, a position he held twelve years. Under
his presidency and supervision a charter was secured (against much opposition from the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad) from the State of Maryland, and the road was extended to
Frederick, Md. It is generally admitted that had it not been for the energy and business
tact of Ml-. Myers and his board of railroad directors this much needed improvement would
have been long delayed. During these years, although actively engaged in the railroad
matters mentioned, he built a warehouse and carried on an extensive grain and produce
business in partnership with Dr. E. F. Shorb, for four and a half years. He then sold liis
interest to T. B. Klein, and in 1861 was elected county commissioner on the Republican
ticket by a majority of 176 over his Democratic opponent, John Duttera. His term of
service was during three years of the war, during which time he was an ardent supporter
of the Union cause, both by means and influence. Probably no man in Littlestown has
taken a more prominent part in its business and public enterprises than Mr. Myers. He
was one of the first movers and advocates to incorporate Littlestown as a borough. He
was the founder of Mount Carmel Cemetery; was also a charter member and stockholder
in the Littlestown Savings Institution, and has been a director, with the exception of two
years, ever since; he also takes an active part in promoting the educational interests of
the vicinity. In religion he is a Lutheran, and in the erection of the St. Paul's Church
in the borough contributed $1,500 toward its completion. He now owns and carries on
the most extensive general store in the place, in a large three-story brick block, 64x70
feet, the finest in the town. This he erected in 1866, at a cost of $13,000, occupying part
of it as a dwelling, and recently built adjoining this property another elegant brick resi-
dence, at a cost of $4,000, now occupied by his son Harry and family. These buildings
were made from plans drawn by himself, and are models of convenience; in fact, he
never employs an architect in the erection of any of the many buildings of different
descriptions that he has built, including two barns on his farms that cost $3,000 each,
but was his own architect and superintended their erection personally. Although en-
:aged in merchandising he is still the owner of three farms, near Littlestown, containing
28, 165 and 90 acres, respectively, all highly cultivated land, valued, respectively, with
improvements, at $150, $125 and $85 per acre. Mr. Myers is at present a member of
the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and is the first Republican elected to that
office from this county in twenty-five years. He was elected in 1884, by a majority of
156, while the Democratic President, Mr. Cleveland, received 450 majority. Mr. and Mrs.
Myers have had a family of seven children, five living, all married and away from home.
As one of Littlestown's most active and enterprising citizens, whose public improvements
and private entei-prises will long show evidences of his handiwork, Mr. Myers will be re-
membered, even after he will have ceased to be an actor in the busy life. As a railroad
man few are better or more widely known throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.
JAMES W. OCKER, butcher, P. O. Littlestown, was born September 6, 1844, in
Taneytown District, Carroll Co., Md., son of Joseph Ocker, who was born in Germany
Township, Adams Co., Penn. The family is of German extraction. Joseph Ocker, who
died in Maryland, April 17, 1885, aged seventy-three years, was a stone mason by trade,
married Miss Maranda, daughter of Abraham Kuhns, and had three children: James W.,
Joseph A. and Mrs. Mary A. Krug. Our subject went to school in Maryland and engaged
in farming in early life, but has followed butchering for a number of years; was also a
stock-dealer. He came to Littlestown in the spring of 1881, and here married Miss Martha
Pleiger, in January, 1883; their children are named James and Edward. Mr. Ocker is a
member of the Reformed and his wife of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the wide-
awake business men of Littlestown. Politically he has been identified with the Demo-
cratic party.
SAMUEL H. REBERT, hardware dealer, Littlestown, was born in Conowago Town-
ship, September 29, 1861. and is a son of Samuel Rebert, now deceased. In 1882 he opened
a hardware store on Frederick Street, Littlestown, and one year later moved to his present
location on Baltimore Street. He keeps a full line of hardware and carries a stock aver-
aging $5,000 the year round, with sales of upward of $10,000 per annum. He is an energetic
and enterprising business man, a substantial and honored citizen; an ardent Democrat, he
takes an active part in promoting the interests of his party in his section, though never
seeking or holding any office. Mr. Rebert was married December 39, 1885, to Laura B..
Hesson. Our subject and wife are members of the Reformed Church.
WILLIAM RITTASE, farmer, P.O. Littlestown, was born September 13, 1823, in Union
Township, Adams Co., Penn., son of John and Catharine (Poe) Rittase, natives of Wit-
kenstein, liallenberg, Baden,South Germany, and who came here while young, settling near
Hanover, Penn., where they farmed, but later moved to Union Township, this county,
and here'died. They had six children that attained maturity: Jacob (deceased), Christine,
f^
432 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
William, Maria, Ishmael (deceased) and Mary Ann. Our subject lived in Union Township
till 1856, when he bought a farm in Germany Township, where he now resides. He has
engaged in farming (has 130 acres of land), and operates a eaw-mili. He was married in
May, 1851, to Miss Margaret Bittle, born in Adams County, Penn., daughter of Thomas
and Lydia (Wikert) Bittle. She died here February 9, 1881, the mother of nine children,
all living: William P., Adolplius, Emma, E. Nelson, Elmer H., Ella E., Lillj;, Harvey,
Minnie. ' Our subject's second marriage was with Clarissa Overder, nee Kitzmiller. Mr.
and Mrs. RIttase are members of the German Reformed Church. Politically he is a Dem-
ocrat. He has held nearly all the township offices such as assessor, supervisor, etc., which
shows with what respect and esteem his fellow-men hold him. Few men have lived in
the township who are so well known for honesty or integrity as is Mr. Rittase. He now
does all his threshing by water-power on his farm.
RAYMOND S. 8EI8S, M. D., Littlestown, was born between Emmittsburg and
Qraceham, Md., June 7, 1835, a son of John and Eliza (Schuyler) Seiss, the former a na-
tive of Graceham, and the latter of Lancaster City, Penn. The Doctor was reared on a
farm, and in the meantime attended the schools of the vicinity. At the age of twenty-
two he began a two years' course of classical studies under the Rev. Edward Ronthaller.
and continued some few months; afterward, under the instruction of his brother. Rev.
Joseph A. Seiss, D. D., LL. D., now of Philadelphia. In August, 1848, he began reading
medicine with Dr. William Zimmerman, of Creagerstown, Md., and afterward graduated at
the University of Maryland in March, 1853. He began practice in Graceham, where he
married, March 13, 1853, Angelica S. Gernand. In 1853 he moved to Union MUls, Car-
roll Co., Md., and March 33, 1855, settled at Littlestown, where he has practiced his pro-
fession, without intermission, ever since. After the battle of Gettysburg he dressed the
wounds of and attended many of the Union soldiers, a large number of whom were
brought to his office for surgical treatment. He was appointed, in 1863, and served as
surgeon of the enrolling board for the Sixteenth Congressional District of Pennsylvania
until March 18, 1864, when he resigned. He was appointed a notary public, by Gov.
Hartranft, April 31, 1874, and has retained the office ever since. The Doctor was one of
the prime movers in incorporating the borough of Littlestown, when it received its char-
ter, and has been elected burgess ten diflerent times, and is the present incumbent. To the
Doctor's energetic administration is largely due most of the grading of the streets and other
public improvements, as his maxim always was "for the benefit of all rather than a few."
He was the nominee of the Republican party, in 1873, for the Legislature, but was de-
feated by 363 votes, the regular Democratic majority in the county being 600. The Doc-
tor is a member of the Adams County, the State and the National Medical Societies, and
was president of the Adams County Medical Society for three terms. He is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church. Dr. and Mrs. Seiss have had a family of six boys, four of
whom are living: Milton H., Franklin H., M. D., Elmer W. and John A. The Doctor is
actively engaged in practice, and also owns and operates a drug store; is very comforta-
bly situated, financially; and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him, and
of the entire community, in which he has lived for upward of thirty years.
AMOS SHEELEY, shoemaker, Littlestown, was born in September, 1828, in Mount-
pleasant Township, this county, and is of German extraction. His grandfather, Nicholas
Sheeley, a farmer of Mountpleasant Township, married Elizabeth Rife, and both died in
that township. Of their four children, John, a farmer by occupation, married Sarah
Blank; he died at the age of seventy-five and his wife when seventy-three. They had
■twelve children, all of whom but two are living. Of these Amos was educated in the com-
mon schools, in early life learning shoe-making, which he has followed ever since. He has
lived for nineteen years in Littlestown. Mr. Sheeley was united In marriage with Miss
Abigail, daughter of Daniel Geiselman, and by this union has four children: Alice Lydia
(wife of A. Degroft), Hamilton, Mrs. Isabella Shriner, Mrs. Emma A. Randall. Mr. and
Mrs. Sheeley are members of the United Bretheren Church. Politically he is identified
with the Democratic party. He has been a good citizen, and has served as a member of
the town council.
JOSEPH A. SHORE, M. D. (deceased), was a native of York County, Penn., and a
physician of over thirty-five years' practice in the borough of Littlestown. He was a
member of the Catholic Church, and took great interest in religious matters. As a citizen
and as a physician, no man probably was more widely or favorably known during his
lifetime in Adams and surrounding counties. He died in 1855. He and his wife, Louisa
J. Davis, a daughter of Dr. Ephraim Davis, of Littlestown, were the parents of thirteen
children, only two of whom are now (1886) living. Dr. Edmund F., of Littlestown, and
Joseph A., Jr., of Hagerstown, Md.
EDMUND F. SHORB, M. D., Littlestown, was born at that place November 31, 1835.
When about fourteen years of age he became a student at Mount St. Mary's College, and
remained there three years. He then commenced I'eading medicine in his father's oflice,
and at eighteen years of age began attending lectures at the University of Maryland, from
which he graduated, his diploma as physician, being dated 1846. He began and continued
practice at Littlestown for twelve years, when he gave it up on account of failing health.
GERMANY TOWNSHIP. 433
He was then engaged in the grain and produce business six years, when he sold out.
After three years' rest he opened a hardware store and continued tliat business for eight
years, when he again sold out, and after five years' retirement in 1884, bought his present
stand and opened a drug store, at the same time resuming ttie practice of medicine. The
Doctor was formerly a Whig, but since the days of Know-nothingism, has acted with the
Democratic party. He was elected and served three years as auditor of Adams County,
and has held various local offices, once as burgess of Littlestown. The Doctor was mar-
ried January 3, 1871, to Ellen B. Heath, a daughter of the late Judge Robert Heath, of
Bdenton, N. C. Our subject and wife have had two children: Mary G., now attending
St. Joseph's Academy at Emmittsburg, and Joseph Robert, who died in 1880. The Doctor
is probably, by residence, the oldest practicing physician in Adams County.
H. T. SLAUGHENHAUPT, photographer, Littlestown, was born April 17, 1846, in
Taneytown District, Carroll Co., Md., and is of German extraction. His grandfather,
Jacob Slaughenhaupt, was a chair-maker near Taneytown, Md., and there died at a ripe
old age; his wife, who was a Miss Newcomer, died tliere also. They were parents of the
following children; Samuel, Catharine, Anna, Barbara, Susan and" Margaret. Of these
Samuel, who was born near Taneytown, Md., died August 18. 1881, at Harney, Md., aged
seventy-five; he was a shoe-maker in early life, but farmed the last thirty-flve years. He
married Mary A. DeHofE, a daughter of Peter DeHofE, who was a captain in the war of
1812, and is the mother ojE ten children now living; Ellen C, Emily J., James D., Maran-
da R., Sarah A., Samuel D., Mary B., Henry T., Albert L. and John William. Of these
Henry T. was educated in the common schools, and at the Bagleton Institute. His early
life was spent on the farm. At the age of twenty-two he learned photographing, which
he has since followed. In February, 1875, he moved to Littlestown, this county, and has
been here ever since. Mr. Slaughenhaupt was united in marriage, October 13, 1875, with
Miss Mary E., daughter of Rev, Louis A. Wickey, who was a son of Dr. Louis Wickey, a
native of Switzerland, who gained considerable celebrity during the cholera epidemic in
early years, having possessed the only remedy, which was eflectually used against the
disease in Washington County, Md., and York County, Penn. This medicine is now
made by H. T. Slaughenhaupt after the original formula. To Mr. Slaughenhaupt were
born two children; Beulah B. and Louis Trueman. Mr. and Mrs. Slaughenhaupt are
members of the United Brethren Church. He is a prohibitionist and an independent
voter. For some years he has been a correspondent for a number of newspapers.
WILLIAM SLIFER, P. O. Littlestown, was born in Union Township, this county,
July 15, 1820, a son of Jacob Henry Slifer, a native of Alsace, Germany, who paid the pas-
sage money for himself, wife and two children at Bremen, but the captain of the vessel
absconding, they were left without sufficient funds to pay another passage. Jacob Henry
was then obliged to make another contract with a captain to work, after his arrival in
America, two and one-half years in payment for the family's passage. This contract he
carried out by working for John Wiurod, of Union Township, the above named period.
He and his wife arrived in that township in 1817, the two children having died at sea,
where they were buried. Jacob Henry was a weaver by trade, and after becoming free of
the passage debt carried on the weaving business for eight years in Union Township. He
then bought six and one-halt acres of land at Whitehall, Mountpleasant Township, and
built a house and kept a store. He died very suddenly of palsy in 1834, leaving one
child, "William, our subject. Six years afterward his widow married Adam Dener, and
subsequently moved West. William continued in the store, which became his sole charge
after his mother's marriage. He married Mary Ann Hornberger, and soon after sold the
store and began burning lime in Union Township. He followed this vocation for twenty-
one years, and amassed a comfortable competency. He has been a life-long Democrat-
andhas served the borough of Littlestown as its burgess, member of council, tax collector,
etc. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Slifer have had eleven
children, five of whom are living: Mary Ann E., John N., William J., Henry E. and
Ella Virginia. ^ . , _ ■ tt •
JOHN N SLIFER, dealer in coal and phosphates, Littlestown, was born in Union
Township in December, 1843, and is a son of William and Mary A. (Hornberger) blifer.
At the age of seventeen he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed five years,
then leased a lime kiln in Union Township. In 1870 he came to Littlestown and began
dealing in coal, also continuing the lime business up to 1883; since then, he has been ex-
clusively engaged in dealing in coal and phosphates. In 1883 he was elected, on the Dem-
ocratic ticket director of the poor for Adams County, which office he at present nils. He
is also a member of the school board of Littlestown, has served as member of the coun-
cil for several terms, and is a substantial, representative citizen. He and his family are
members of St Paul's Lutheran Church, of which he has. on various occasions, served as
an official. He was married, December 15, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Howard, daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Bushman) Howard. They have but one child, Mary, born Oc-
tober 39, 1868. ^ . .n„ 100^ ■ TIT ,1
JOHN SMITH farmer, P. O. Littlestown, was born August 37, 1837, in Mountpleas-
ant Township, on the Bonneauville & Oxford Road, where his grandfather, Charles
434 BIOGRAPHICAL SKEfCHES:
Smith, kept a still-house. Charles Smith, who stood high in this county, came from Ger-
many; was a farmer, weaver, distiller and quite a business man, having many men work-
ing for him; he died on the farm above mentioned. By his marriage with Miss Weikert
he had eight sons and three daughters. Of these children, Joseph Smith, who was born
about 1792, and died in 1857, aged about sixty-five years, was a fanner; married Mary,
daughter of Jacob Lawrence, and who died in 1867, the mother of twelve children. Of
these John, our subject, farmed on the homestead till his marriage, when he came to Lit-
tlestown, this county, and followed agriculture here for four years for Hon. William Mc-
Sherry. He acguired his education in the public schools; has been a farmer all his life,
and now owns sixty-five acres of land, though he lives in Littlestown, where he intends
to pass the evening of his life. He was married to Miss Anna, daughter of Jacob Wei-
rick, and by her has three children now living: Edmund F., Mrs. Clara L. Smith and
William A. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Catholic Church. He has ever been
a Democrat, and has held the office of supervisor.
JAMES 6. SPALDING, farmer, P. O. Littlestown, was born in Carroll County, Md.,
and is of English descent. His grandfather, Henry Spalding, was born in one of the lower
counties of Maryland, and in the course of time settled in Frederick (now Carroll) County,
Md. He married Annie Elder, and he and his wife died in Carroll County, Md. Their
son, Henry, Jr., settled in Germany Township, this county, and married Maria Hughes, a
native of Maryland, daughter of John Hughes. He and his wife died where our subject
now resides. Of their children, nine in number, James G. is the eldest son. Our subject
married Miss Lucinda M. Fink, who was born in this township, and died here in Septem-
ber, 1855, the mother of one son — William F. Mr. Spalding was married, on second occa-
sion, to Agnes Hemler, a native of Mountjoy Township, this county, daughter of Henry
Hemler, and to this union were born ten children, seven of whom are living: Lucinda,
James D., Annie M. Cecelia, Eugene, Martin J., Mary R. and Sadie A. Mr. Spalding-
has been identified with the Democratic party all his life, and has filled important town-
ship ofl3ces, such as assessor and assistant assessor. He has a farm of 140 acres which he
keeps in a high state of cultivation.
JACOB SPANGLER, Jr., farmer, P. O. Littlestown, was born November 23, 1839, in
Mountjoy Township, this county. The Spangler family were originally natives of Swit-
zerland, and of the four brothers who came together from that country two settled south
and two west of York, York Co., Penn. Rudy, one of the four, married, and had a fam-
ily of five children, of whom Jacob was born April 27, 1803, in York County, and there
married Elizabeth Detter, who was born May 25, 1807, daughter of Matthias and Susannah
(Bobe) Detter. To this union were born ten children, all now living: Edward, Sarah,
Samuel, Elizabeth, David, Jacob, Matthias, Susannah A., Barnhart and George William.
Jacob Spangler, Sr., who has been a farmer all his life, in 1829 settled in Mountjoy Town-
ship, this county, where he farmed until he came to Littlestown in 1876, since which time
he has lived a retired life. His son, Jacob, Jr., was educated in this township, was reared
on a farm, but has lived in town since his father moved here, and is now taking care of
his aged parents. He has been an exemplary citizen all his life. In politics he is a Dem-
ocrat.
ALEXANDER STAUPFER, proprietor of the "Central Hotel," Littlestown, is of
German extraction. His grandfather, Jacob Stauffer, a farmer of Jackson Township,
York Co., Penn., who died there at an advanced age, was an old line Whig; married, and
had five children. Of these Henry was born on the old homestead, where he still resides,
aged seventy-four years. He was a farmer and distiller before the war. In politics he is
now a Republican, formerly a Whig, and has held township offices of trust; is a member
of the Lutheran Church. He was married to Margaret Glatfelter, who is the mother of
six children: Mrs. Lucinda Jacobs, Mrs. Sarah Laucks, Henry K., Mrs. Isabella Jacobs,
Benjamin F. and Alexander. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stauffer are both yet living. Our
subject was educated in the schools near home and at York County Academv, York,Penn.
At the age of nineteen he began teaching and taught school four winters. "After this he-
engaged in farming on one of the farms of his father (who was also a successful agricul-
turist), in Dover Township, and there continued until April, 1884, when he leased the
" Central Hotel" in Littlestown, which he bought out in the fall of the same year and
has been keeping a first-class hotel here ever since. Mr. Stauffer was married to Miss
Annie Mary, daughter of John Hoke. To this union were born Birdie Alex., Lillie Ann,
Hattie Bell; Harry John and Jennie May. Mr. and Mrs. Stauffer are members of the
Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Republican.
MARTIN L. STAVELY, carpenter. P. O. Littlestown, was born May 10, 1827, in
Meyers District, Carroll Co., Md. His father, Jacob U. Stavely, a native of Wurtemburg,
Germany, came to America at the age of seventeen and settled in Maryland, where he
followed his trade (carpentering); married Lydia Cramer, born in York County, Penn.,
daughter of Henry Cramer, and who died March 1, 1886, aged eighty-six years, one month
and eleven days, the mother of six children: Carolina, Martin L., Mary Ann, Rebecca,
Matilda and Ellen, all now living. Jacob U. Stavely died February 12, 1868, aged seventy-
three years. Our subject came to Germany Township, this county, at the age of seven
GERMANY TOWNSHIP. 435
years, was educated here, and learned' and followed Ms father's trade for forty years, but
now lives on a farm. He was married March 6, 1851, to Helena E., daughter of David and
Juliann (Staley) Snider, and who was born in Germany Township, this county, and died
here July 10, 1858, the mother of five children: Jacob Calvin, Sarah J. (wife of Rolandos
Wintrode), David R., Noah Wesley and Edwin (deceased). Mr. Stavely was married, on
second occasion, to Martha Ann, daughter of Henry and Ann (Alter) Johns, and to this
union were born nine children: George W., Mrs. Emma R. Greenholtz, Charles H.,
Ephraim R., Alice V., Louis Grant, Franklin R., Harvey B. (deceased), Samuel H. Mr.
and Mrs. Stavely are members of St. John's Lutheran Church. He has filled the offices of
inspector of elections, assessor and jury commissioner. Politically he is a Republican.
JACOB STONBSIPER (deceased) was a native of this county, as was also his wife,
Susan (Vance) Stonesifer. He was a miller by trade, a business he carried on for about
six years during his early manhood, principally in Maryland, with the exception of a
short time at milling in this county. During his long residence here, he was engaged in
farming. He was of an energetic disposition and took part in various public affairs.
Though never much of a politician, he voted with the Democratic party, and was elected
to and served in several local offices. He was a member of the Reformed Church, and took
an active part in its affairs, being deacon and elder for many years. His wife, Susan
Vance, died in 1833. By her there were seven children. His second wife was Su^an
Meltzhimer, who bore him five children. He died in 1851, and his widow in 1854,
GEORGE STONESIFER, merchant, Littlestown, was born in what is now Union
Township, this county, December 26, 1831, a son of Jacob and Susan (Vance) Stonesifer,
both natives of this county. He was reared until the age of twenty-four years, on his
father's farm, attending the subscription schools near Westminster, Md., and acquiring an
education. Fi-om 1846 to 1857, he was engaged in a marketing business between Littles-
town and Westminster. In 1857, he, in company with S. M. Study, opened a general
store at Littlestown. In 1865 Mr. Stonesifer was elected assistant county assessor on the
Democratic ticket, and sold his interest in the store. He served in the above office
three years and a half, and in 1869, in company with S. P. Young, again began mer-
chandising at Littlestown. Eleven months later he bought Young's interest in the
business, and since then has been alone and continuously in trade up to date. He was
one of the organizers of the Littlestown Savings Institution, a director for sixteen years,
and is at present its president. He was a prominent promoter in building the Littlestown
Railroad, a director for twenty years, and is now, and has been for the past ten years,
secretary and treasurer of the railroad. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. When
St. Luke's Church, St. Luke's Parsonage and St. John's Parsonage were built, he was a
a member of the building committee on each and acted as treasurer for all, and took a gen-
eral and active part in their erection. In 1846 he was married to Lucinda C. Swope, a
daughter of Ephraim Swope of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Stonesifer have had ten chil-
dren, four now living: Sarah C, Mary, Laura J. and Theodore H. Mr. Stonesifer is a
substantial and energetic merchant and one of Littlestown's most honored citizens.
S. B. WEAVER, physician, Littlestown, was born in Manchester, Carroll Co., Md.,
December 10, 1847, and during his earlier years attended the Manchester schools, and la-
ter completed his classical studies at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster City. In
1869 he began studying, to qualify himself as a surgeon and physician, in the office of Dr.
J. F. Weaver, at Manchester, and subsequently became a student in the Hahnemann
Medical College, at Philadelphia, where he wasgi-aduated in March, 1873, and the follow-
ing winter located at Littlestown. He is a close student and hard worker, and has built
up a large and lucrative practice, which requires his attention night and day. He is, how-
ever, a man of splendid physique, and capable of enduring a vast amount of physical la-
bor. September 15, 1875, he married Miss M. Jennie Crouse, a daughter of W. F. Grouse,
of Littlestown.
REV. ELI AS D. WEIGLE, A. M., pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheral Church,
Littlestown, was born in Butler Township, this county, January 19, 1848, a son of Chris-
tian and Elizabeth (Guise) Weigle. Christian Weigle was a farmer, a native of York
County, but for upward of fifty years a resident of this county, and died in Tyrone Town-
ship, October 2, 1879, ased seventy-two years. His widow, also a native of this county,
is still living in Tyrone Township. The subject of this sketch remained with his father
until he was twenty-one. He then attended school at Hunterstown for about four
months, and on returning home he took charge of the school near his father'-s, where he
had formerly been a pupil, and kept it one term. After the close of his school in the
spring of 1870, he became a student at the Selinsgrove Missionary Institute, to prepare
himself for college. After close application for eleven months he entered the freshman
class at the institute, and, during the freshman and sophomore years, he became a tutor
there, at the same time keeping up with his studies. In 1873 he entered the junior class
at Pennsylvania College, and was graduated there in June, 1875, with the fourth honor of
his class He then accepted the professorship of mathematics and English at the Mission-
ary Institute for one year, and, in the fall of 1876 entered the theological seminary at
Gettysburg and was graduated with his class in June, 1878, having supplied the St. Paul's
486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
pulpit iit LitUestown from Janunry 20 until September, 1878, when he was ordained and
became the regular pastor. While al Pennsylvania College he was a leading spirit in the
lileriuy societies, and was one of the oratoiis at the biennial anniversary of the Phrena-
kosmian Society, of which he was a member February 22. 1874, and is still deeply inter-
ested in the college and its aflfairs, on which he keeps an affectionate eye. He contributes
literary articles to the Lutheran Quarterly, and is a regular correspondent for several
newspapers. During his ministry at St. Paul's he has also acted as secretary of the West
Pennsylvania Synod of the EvanjiTelical Lutheran Church, and continues to be a close
student and careful reader of the literature of the day. He is at present a director in the
seminary, Gettysburg, Penn. Mr. Weigle was married, October 16, 1879, to Hannah
Bream, a daughter of William and Harriet Bream, and they have two children: Luther
Allen and Harriet E.
SAMUEL WEIKERT, P. O. Littlestown, was born in Mountpleasant Township, this '
county, February 12, 1815. His father, George Weikert, was twice married; first to Miss
Spitler, who died, leaving ten children: John, Elizabeth. George, Peter, Andrew, Henry,
Catherine, Fanny, Mary and Jacob. He then married Mrs. Ann Maria Colestock.'nee
Lightner, who bore him four children: Margaret, Sarah, Samuel(subject), and William.
Samuel Weikert, at the age of sixteen, went to Coler's tlour-mill, in York County, where
he remained for six years, four years in learning the business, and two in conducting it.
He then followed milling in Conowago Township, this county, for seventeen years, and at
Berlin, Tork County, five years. He came to Littlestown in 1860, and, in company with
John Duttera, engaged in buying and shipping grain for several years. He has now given
up active business and is living in retirement. In 1843 Mr. Weikert married Lydia Sho-
walter, who bore him four children, three now living: Mary Josephine (wife of Alonzo San-
ders), Charles E. (married to Mary Fink), and Emma (married to Luther Alleman). Mr.
Weikert is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and contributed liberally toward
building the edifice; has also ofliciated as elder in the church. He is a Republican, polit-
ically, and has served the borough in several local offices. His grandparents, Mr. and Mrs.
John Weikert, were natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and many years ago settled in
Mountpleasant Township, this county. They are both buried in St. John's graveyard.
SAMUEL P. YOUNG, retired farmer, Littlestown, was born January 18, 1818, in
Union Township, Adams Co., Penn., a grandson of Peter Young, a native of Pennsylva-
nia, who settled in Union Township (in the Shorb neighborhood). Peter Young maiTied
a Miss Burkhardt, by whom he had four children: Rachel, John, and two others. 'The
grandparents died on the old homestead, and there their son, John Young, also died, aged
eighty-four. John Young, who was also a farmer, married a Miss Oyster, who died leav-
ing one child, John Young (also deceased). John Young was married on the second occa-
sion to Mrs. Catharine McSherry, a daughter of Mr. Little, the founder of Littlestown,
this county. She died on the old homestead aged eighty-four yearS. To this union were
born two children: Mrs. Sally Felty (deceased) and Samuel P. Our subject was educated
in this township, and for a time engaged in farming, but for the last two years has lived in
Littlestown. He has been twice married, first to Margaret, daughter of Judge George
Will, and who died the mother of nine children: William A., Eliza J., Mary C., Margaret,
John A., Clara A. (deceased), Sally, Charles S. and Laura. Our sub.iect was married on
the second occasion to Miss Cecilia C. Will, another daughter of Judge Will. Mr. and
Mrs. Young are members of the Reformed Church. Politically he is identified with the
Republican party.
WILLIAM YOUNT, dealer in boots and shoes, Littlestown, was born near East Ber-
lin May 19, 1832, and for thirty-five years has been prominently identified with the bus-
iness and other interests of Littlestown. He is a son of George and Sarah (Bender) Yount,
both of whom were natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and both now deceased. In
youth he learned the harness and saddle-maker's trade, and when twenty-one years of age
opened a harness shop in Littlestown, which he conducted for seven years, sometimes
alone and sometimes in partnership. For nine or ten years he conducted a general store;
then engaged for two years in the grain business; but for several years past has kept a
boot and shoe store, which he is still conducting, keeping a full line of goods, with sales
averaging $4,000 to $5,000 a year. He also owns a boot and shoe store at Taneytown,
Md., which is managed by his son, F. M. Yount, and is interested in another at Harris-
burg, conducted b^ another son, Charles E. Yount. Our subject is. a Republican, and has
filled many offices in the gift of the borough and township, and at present is a member of
the school board. He was appointed postmaster at Littlestown April 6, 1881, and held the
office until Sejjtember 7, 1885; was a charter member of the Mount Carmel Cemetery Com-
pany; was active in procuring the charter for Littlestown Borough, and is a stockholder,
charter member and vice-president of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Mining Company,
of Baltimore City, of which he is the agent at Littlestown. This company was chartered
to do a general mining business and for other purposes, December 17, 1884. Mr. Yount
is a member of the Methodist Church; served on the building committee of the church
edifice, and contributed liberally to its completion, as well as to other churches in th'<
vicinity. He was married, January 4, 1854, to Mary M., a daughter of Jacob Bishop, and
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP. 437
oT^iof n^'^j?'^''^" blessed this union: Francis M., born April 21, 1855; Charles E., born April
^, 1857; Sarah L., born June 2, 1859; Willie, born November 26, 1861, and died in infancy
Martha Jane, born June 18, 1863; Howard B., born May 21, 1866, died in infancy John
vLlf^®?' l^prn August 27, 1868; Mary Alice, born August 23, 1870; Clara, born March 17.
llll' ^^f^^ 9.-; ''°™ ^*y ^' ^^'^^' ^"isar H., born November 4, 1877, and died July 19,
1878; and Ira N., born October 21, 1879. '
CHAPTER LVI.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP & BOROUGH OF EAST BERLIN.
-.^iJ^^- SAMUEL MEISENHELDER (deceased) was born in Dover, York County, about
1818, a son of Jacob and Mary Meisenhelder. He was a student of Dr. Robert Lewis of
Dover, and graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 1851. He began to practice his
profession in Dover; came to East Berlin in 1851; located permanently, and remained
until his death, which occurred September 2, 1884. His marriage with Josephine Lewis
daughter of Dr. Robert Lewis, of Dover, took place June 16, 1842, and four sons were born
to their union, viz.: Edmund W., Orphilla, Robert N. and Webster. Orphilla and Web-
ster died in childhood. Edmund W. and Robert N. were both pupils of their father, and
both graduated from Jefferson Medical College (Edmund W. in 1868, and Robert N.
in 1871). Edmund W. was also a graduate in Pennsylvania College, of Gettysburg,
where Dr. Robert N. also completed his education. Dr. Edmund W. formed a partner-
ship with his father in the practice of medicine in 1868, and continued three years a resi-
dent of his native village. In 1870 he married Maria Baughman, of Baughmansville, York
Co., Penn., and the next year located in York, Penn., where he still resides. In 1871 Dr.
Robert N. formed a partnership with his father, which was continued until the death of
the latter, since which event he has been in practice alone. In 1876 Dr. R. N. married C.
Alice Lentz, daughter of John and Lavina Lentz, of Davidsburg, Penn. Two children
blessed this union: John Elmer and Josephine Lewis. During the active professional
life of Dr. Meisenhelder he has filled numerous official positions in his town, and is at
present a member of the school board. His father was, during his life, the leading phy-
sician and surgeon of this part of Adams County, and his son follows closely in his foot-
steps, with, if possible, an increased practice, possessing the confidence of the public as a
man of merit.
JOHN PICKING, P. O. East Berlin, was born September 3, 1806, and is the oldest
native now living in East Berlin. His education was obtained in the schools of his na-
tive village, and after his father removed to Westmoreland County he was a teacher for
a number of years in the "church schoolhouse" and also in the brick house now the resi-
dence of Adam Wolf. He was appointed by Gov. Wolf in 1832 clerk of quarter sessions,
oyer and terminer; remained at Gettysburg until his term expired, and in 1838-39/was
elected first justice of the peace in East Berlin, to which village he had removed. He
was re-elected at the close of his term, but in consequence of an election in 1848 to the
office of prothonotary, he returned to Gettysburg. In 1854 he was re-elected prothonotary,
and in 1858 was elected transcribing clerk in the House of Representatives at Harrisburg,
and re-elected in 1859 to the same position. He purchased the property built by his
father in 1860, and resided ten years in the old mansion; then, in company with his only
child, Franklin B., he opened a clothing store in Gettysburg, which was discontinued in
1873, the death of Franklin B. occurring that year. Mr. Picking then returned to the
place Of his birth, where he has since led a retired life. Having served his State and
county frequently and well, his name carries honor with it, to which he is justly due. The
death of his wife occurred April 2, 1880. Mr. Picking is now over four score, and is
hale and social. His father, Henry Picking, was born in Washington Township, York
Co., Penn., April 26, 1774, a son of John and Justina (Pox) Picking; came to this county
and man-ied, about 1803 or 1803, Sarah, daughter of John Hildebrand, Sr., who lived
across the Conowago, and was the proprietor of the tannery which had been for many
years in his possession. Henry and his young wife came to East Berlin soon after their
marriage, and he opened a general store in the house now occupied by William S. Hilde-
brand; later he erecled a new store, now the property of Mrs. P. B. Kauffman, where he
continued business until 1823. In February, 1826, he moved to Westmoreland County,
Penn., and next went into the hotel business. In 1832 or 1838 he moved from West-
moreland County to the foot of Laurel Hill, Somerset Co., Penn., where his death oc-
curred in December, 1841. His widow survived him twenty-seven years, and was bur-
438 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ied in Somerset Cemetery. They were the parents of seven children; six sons, Samuel,
John, Henry, Jacob, Barnet and William, were born here, and one daughter, Sarah, in
Westmiireland County, Pcnn.
REV. DANIEL SELL, P. O. East Berlin, was born in Cumberland County, Penn.,
August 18, 1819, a son of John and Susannah (Kealer) Sell. His paternal ancestors were
natives of Germany, his maternal of Switzerland. His early education was obtained at
subscription schools, where the rod, instead of intelligence, governed, and where, by rea-
son of repeated punishments, he was so intimidated that he was unable to recite, although
master of his studies, which at that time consisted of orthography, reading, writing and
arithmetic. Nothwithstanding that the teacher had called him " blockhead," yet in 1839
he stood at the head of his class, although only eleven years old. One year later he went
to work at his father's forge, and during each succeeding summer developed his muscle
by swinging the sledge, attending during the winters short terms of school . He worked for
the money that purchased his first grammar, but was obliged to keep its purchase a secret
from his father, who feared the knowledge it imparted "would make him crazy." When
seventeen years of age Daniel had mastered, by his own exertions, the common branches,
also German, and was employed as a teacher in the Wallace School, Prankford Town-
ship, Cumberland Co., Penn., in 1836, and for eight successive winters taught school.
November 22, 1838, he was united in marriage with Frances M. Rice, an estimable lady,
to whom he pays this glowing tribute: "To her I owe almost everything that I am, for
to her exertions are mainly due my education and conversion, for she was a Christian
when we were married, and through her was my conviction of sin hastened, and my con-
version on Ascension Day, 1839, brought about." The wish of his revered mother was that
her son should become a minister, and, aided by the counsel of his wife, Mr. Sell con-
cluded to obtain a theological education. November 20, 1845, at that time the possessor
of $250, he matriculated at the Pennsylvania College of Gettysburg, and in 1851 graduated
from that college and seminary, and was assigned a charge at Rossville, York County.
He founded the first Lutheran mission at Lock Haven in 1860, and other brethren, after
the failure of his health, completed the work. Having been for thirty-five years regular-
ly engaged in the ministry. Rev. Mr. Sell takes a just pride in stating that in all the years
of his pastorate here (Paradise charge) no appointment was ever missed by reason of ill
health, and his arduous toil in the ministry has not only brought with it excellent health,
but a competency for his riper years. Seven years ago he was appointed to the Paradise
charge, and has to-day the largest number of communicants (1,900) in the Evangelical
Lutheran Synod of West Pennsylvania. Five children were born to his first marriage
(two died in infancy); Edward H., a railroad conductor between Altoona and Harrisburg,
married to MoUie S. Nicholas, of Pine Grove Mills, Penn., and reside at Altoona; Martha
J., wife of B. F. Seibert, now residing at San Francisco, Cal., and Annie M., wife of N.
S. Riggs, residing in Versailles, Morgan Co., Mo. The death of Mrs. Sell occurred in
1873, and the following year our subject married Caroline Williams, of New Kingston,
Cumberland Co., Penn. She died in February, 1883, without issue. With the re-
ward that comes to those who are just and true. Rev Daniel Sell stands at the head of the
ministry in Adams County, by reason of his industry and zeal.
HENRY STOCK, farmer, P. O. New Oxford. John, the grandfather of this gentle-
man, came from Germany, and settled in Earl Township, Lancaster Co., Penn., November
14, 1787. He purchased of Leonard Mumma 155 acres and allowances, paying for the
same £600. This warrant is yet in possession of our subject. John Stock was married
to A. Mumma, and had fourteen children: Henry, Daniel, John, Peter, William, Nancy,
Susanna, Mary, Elizabeth, Barbara, Lydia, Rebecca, Christena and Julyan. Of these,
Henry, the father of our subject, was born in Earl Township, Lancaster Co., Penn. He
was married to Elizabeth Haines, who was born in Carroll County, Md.,and their children,
Leah, Elizabeth, Sarah, Lydia, Christina, Mary, John, Jacob and Henry, were born on
the farm near New Oxford. By trade he was a weaver, and for manyyears carried on that
business in connection with his farm, and was a prosperous man. He purchased and re-
moved to a small farm on the Oxford and Berlin road, where he resided only about two
years, when his death occurred in 1862, aged seventy years. His wife died some years
prior, in 1856, aged sixty-five years. HenryStock, our subject, was born February 17,
1834, and has from choice been a farmer. He married Mary Duttera in 1857, and com-
menced housekeeping on the old mansion farm of his father. Emma L., Charles D. and
John H. were their children born on the old homestead, and Samuel W., George W. and
Mary J. were born on the present farm, which M'r. Stock purchased in 1879 from John
Bupp, on the Carlisle Pike. In 1882 Mr. Stock was appointed overseer of the poor by
Lite R. Mackley and James Reaver, to fill a vacancy, and at the expiration of his term
was then elected to the same position for a term of three years. He has also filled other
positions of trust with satisfaction to the people. His farm is finely improved, and his
children are receiving such an education as becomes those of his means and sentiment.
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP. 441
CHAPTER LVII.
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP.
ROBERT RALSTON BLYTHE, retired farmer, P. O. Fairfield, is a grandson of David
Blythe, who emigrated from Fifeshire, Scotland, in tlie first half of the last century,
and settled on "Carroll's Tract," in Hamiltonban Township, this county (then Yorlc
County), where he built a log house, which is yet standing. His wife was Elizabeth, a
daughter of William Finley, a brother of the then president of Princeton College. Both
died in the house he had built — David Blythe in 1831, and his widow several years later.
The names of their children are James, Ann, Calvin, Samuel, Ezra, Tirza, David and
Finley. Ezra was a member of the Assembly, afterward senator, and Calvin was a judge
of the Mifflin and Dauphin Counties' Circuit, and afterward was collector of the port of
Philadelphia. James, father of Robert R., was always a farmer, living at home until his
marriage, when he removed to the stone house built for him by his father, where the sub-
ject of tills sketch was born, and which he now owns. He was born in 1771, and died in
April, 1857, in his eighty-seventh year. He was married May 30, 1809, to Rebecca Slem-
mons, who was born in 1778, and died in 1845, in her sixty-eighth year. They were the
parents of the following named children: Washington, married to Sarah Culbertson, re-
moved to Alexandria, Va., where he died, and where his widow now lives; William, mar-
ried to Eveline Webb, now living in St. Louis Mo. ; Robert Ralston (first), who died in
infancy; Robert Ralston (second), the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of Robert
McCormick, now living in Emporia, Kas.; David B., married to Margaret Finley, after
whose decease he married a lady in Kirkwood, 111., where he is now living. Robert R.
was born July 6, 1817, and until eight years ago lived on the place of his birth. He
worked for his father until his marriage, after which he and his brother, David B.,
farmed the place until the latter went to Fairfield to keep store, when Robert R. took the
farm alone, and, after his father's decease, bought it.*In 1878 he gave up active life, rented
his farm, and retired to Fairfield. November 20, 1849, he was married to Sarah D. Hagey,
who died January 8, 1858, leaving two children: Elizabeth, wife of James Cunningham,
of Highland Township, this (county, and Sarah Dinwidie, wife of W. D. Clark Marshall,
of this township. January 8, 1861, Mr. Blythe married Rachel E. Culbertson, born May
8, 1842, in Franklin County, Penn., daughter of Hugh Culbertson, then living in Haniil-
tonban Township, Adams County, and to this union one child was born, who died in in-
fancy. Mr. and Mrs. Blythe are members of Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church,
of which he has been an elder for twelve years.
DANIEL S. FRET, farmer, P. O. Fountain Dale, is a son of Christian Frey, who
came from Germany about 1829 and settled in Hamiltonban Township, this county. He
was born in 1811, and, with his wife, is now living in Fairfield. She was a Miss Mary A.
Butt, born in 1806. Christian Frey followed weaving in Hamiltonban Township for
over twenty years; then moved to Liberty Township, where he worked at his trade until
1852, at which time he bought the farm on which Daniel S. now resides and on which he
continued to live until 1876, when he came to Fairfield. When he bought the farm of 239
acres, but a small part of it was subdued, and he and his sons cleared up quite a large
tract, building a good stone house, barn, etc. Always a hard-working, sober and careful
man, he is now enjoying the fruits of his industry and thrift. He is an ardent Repub-
lican in politics, but rarely would accept office. Mr. and Mrs. Christian Frey's family
were Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Bigham (both deceased); John, who died in the army,
being a member of Company C, Sixty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; Adam,
married to Mary Hershey, living in Kansas; Christian, married to Eliza Bishop, living in
Liberty Township, this county; and Daniel S., the youngest, born June 19, 1850. When
old enough, our subject was put to work on the farm, which has always been his home, and
which he bought on his father's retirement. December 14, 1875, he was married to Miss
Mary Etta Martin, daughter of Samuel Martin, of Liberty Township, this county, where
she was born May 4, 1853. Her father died in 1884; her mother is still living. Mr. and
Mrs. Frey have two children: Gertrude Irene, born December 28, 1876, and Charles Sam-
uel, born August 6, 1883. Our subject and -vyife are members of the Reformed Church at
Fountain Dale. In politics he is a Republican. ^ „ , ,
JOSEPH GBLBACH, farmer, P. 0. Fairfield, is a son of John Gelbach, who emi-
grated from Wittenberg, Germany, in 1818, when twenty-two years old. When Prussia
was at the feet of Napoleon, John Gelbach served in the army of the conqueror, but when
23A
442 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
his country asserted herself he was in her armies and was in the memorable battle of
Waterloo, when but nineteen years old. His future wife accompanied him to this country,
and they were married on landing at Baltimore. He worked as a blacksmith and his wife
in the house of George Trostle, at Marsh Creek, for a year, to pay for their passage.
Afterward they lived near Ihe Monocacy until he bought a house and lot, one mile west
of Fairfield, where he worked at his trade until 1839, at which time he bought a farm one
mile east of Fairfield and built the house in which Joseph lives. Several years later he
built a house in Fairfield, in which he and his wife passed a peaceful old agi^ He was a
man of noted piety, identified with the Reformed Church from early life. He was born
March 16, 1796, and died March 28, 1879. His wife, nee Maria E. Filgel, born in Prussia
February 14, 1794, died December 25, 1884. They had seven children: George, deceased
in 1883, who lived in Baltimore thirty-six years and was three times married — first to
Christiana Herring, next to Julia Smith and then to Susan McDowell, all of the city of
Baltimore, latter of whom survives him; John, who died in 1844, aged twenty-two; Joseph,
our subject; Mary Ann, who died in 1844, aged twenty; Elizabeth, now wife of Peter
Shively, of Fairfield; Samuel David, who died in 1848, aged eighteen; Sarah Eliza, who
died at the age of three years, in 1840. Our subject was born March 21, 1828, and was
about twelve years old when his father bought the farm he now owns, and worked for his
father until his marriage, when they (he and his father) farmed the place on shares. Our
subject then bought, in 1871, this farm. September 23, 18.j1, he was married to Eliza
Jane RaflEensberger, who was born February 11, 1838, and to this union eleven children
were born, all now living: John Winfield, born July 26, 1852, maiTied to Millie Mussel-
man, and they are living in Fairfield; Anna Mary, born December 8, 1853, wife of John
Frank Hartman, of Mummasburg; Laura Catherine, born September 16, 1855, wife of
Ephraim Swope, of Fairfield; Eliza Jane, born April 30, 1857, wife of Robat Ogden. living
in Kansas; George Washington, born March 11, 1860, single, also in Kansas; Alice Naomi,
born April 23, 1863, wife of Ed Weikert, of Bonneauville; Fanny Luella, born October 23,
1864; Minnie Hermione, born November 22, 1866; Clara Elizabeth, born December 10,
1868; Charles Edward, born February 11, 1872, and Lida Grace, born May 3, 1875 (the
last five are living with their father). The mother of this numerous family died suddenly
October 4, 1883. A good Christian wife and mother, her death was a great loss to her
husband and family. Mr. Gelbach has held several township offices, and has been director
of the poor for the county. He is ruling elder in the Reformed Church. In politics he is
a Democrat.
JOSEPH W. KITTINGBR, farmer, Fairfield, is a son of Joseph Kittinger, who was
born in Lancaster County, of Swiss parents, in 1799, and died in Highland Township,
this county, in 1882, where his widow now lives with her son, Jacob L. When Joseph
was eight years of age his father moved to Buffalo, N. Y., and when he was sixteen years
old he was sent to Franklin County, Penn., to learn the trade of a weaver, at which he
worked nearly all his lifetime. Later in life he bought and stocked the farm which his
sons worked. He was a self-made and self-educated man, fitting himself for a teacher,
which profession he followed in winter for many years. He was strictly temperate, and,
though never an office seeker, took a warm interest in public affairs. In politics he was
an ardent Republican. His wife was Susanna Wortz, of Franklin County, born in 1802.
Three of their children died quite young, and five are now living: Tirzah, wife of George
Plank, of Franklin Township, this county; Ephraim, married to Mary Cromer and living
in Hanover, York County; Joseph W. ; Benjamin (first married to Christiana Hulsinger,
who died shortly after, then to Amanda Diehl; lives in Mountpleasant Township, this
county); and Jacob L., married to Mrs. Evadne, widow of Walter Wellington, of York,
and living on the home farm. Joseph W. was born April 25, 1838, on the home farm,
where he lived until liis marriage, when he rented the old Musselman place for two years,
and after that the John Waugh farm, on which he lived for seventeen years, when he
bought his present place, of over 150 acres, near the "Company Mill." His farm shows
the results of intelligent care and good management. December 16, 1863, he was married
to Hannah M., daughter of Daniel and Martha Plank, of Highland TowiJship, this county.
Her father died February 13, 1884, and her mother is now living near Gettysburg. Mr.
Plank had been register and recorder of the county; was also a teacher, and for the last
twenty years of his life kept the gate-house on the Chambersburg Turnpike. Mr. and
Mrs. Kittinger have five children: Minnie May, born December 19, 1863, married to Cyrus
Grant Musselman, son of Joseph, of Hamiltonban Township; Effle Lauretta, born May
12, 1866, William Emory, born January 1, 1869, John Waugh, born November 13, 1872,
and Martha Plank, born September 11, 1875, living with their parents. Mr. Kittinger Is
an ardent Republican in politics, and has held many township offices. He has been for
the past three years tax collector, and for the two years previous was collector of school
tax. He and his wife and three of his children are members of the Lutheran Church,
Fairfield, in which he has been deacon for nine years.
ANDREW MARSHALL, Sr., retired farmer, Fairfield, is a descendant of James
Marshall, who came to Hamiltonban Township, this county, from Ireland, and settled on
" Carroll's Tract," where his family were born and reared, and where he died. The prop-
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP. 443
erty is yet in possession of his descendants. The family of James Marshall were James,
Samuel, John, Andrew and Elizabeth, all now deceased. Andrew, the father of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was born on the tract near the present residence of Andrew Marshall,
Sr., in 1783, and died near his birthplace in 1853. In 1830 and 1831 he was a member of
the Legislature. He was prominent in the settlement of estates, having the confidence of
the people, and, as long as he was able to attend to the duties, was a director of the Get-
tysburg Bank; he was for yearsau elder in the Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church.
His wife, Mary, a daughter of Benjamin Reed, was born in Hamiltonban Township, this
county, and died in November, 1864. Their children were James, who died young; Ben-
jamin, born in 1815, married to Sarah Kno-ic, and died in 1873 (his widow is still living) j
James (second), born in 1823, and died in 1885, married to Rebecca Marshall, a cousin,
who lives on the old homestead with her son; Andrew, Jr., the third son, was born No-
vember 18, 1818, and lived on the farm until 1852, After reaching his majority he, with
his brother James, farmed the home-place until his father's death, in 1853, when Jamea
took the farm alone, and Andrew spent the three following years mainly in the West, lo-
cating in Fairfield, this county, in 1855. In 1873 he bought the farm which had belonged
to his Uncle John, and, on the death of his brother Benjamin, bought his farm, now own-
ing both. In 1860 he bought a property in Fairfield, which has ever since been his home.
September 33, 1859, he was married to Helen M., daughter of Samuel Knox. Her great-
grandfather was one of the firs^t settlers in Hamiltonban Township. When he came here
the Indians were numerous in this place, and he was truly a pioneer. The family is a
noted one. The grandfather of Mrs. Marshall was a physician; her Uncle John, a noted
minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, and one of the founders of the American Tract
Society, died in 1858, and his son, Dr. James Mason Knox, is now president of Lafayette
College, Easton, Penn. Mrs. Marshall's father was born in 1794, and died in 1845, in the
place where he was born. He was an unassuming man. attending well to his home du-
ties. His daughter, Helen M., was born March 11, 1839, and on the death of her parents
came to Fairfield, this county, where, September 33, 1859, she was married to Mr. Marshall.
They have two children: James B., born January 1; 1864, who, after getting a common
school education, went for over three years to the State Normal School, at Millersville,
and is now with an uncle in the commission and flour business, in Baltimore, Md. ; Mag-
gie R., born May 9, 187&, at home with her parents. They have also another child, who.
is as dear to them as their own, the orphan daughter of Mrs. Marshall's sister, Eupliemia,
wife of E. Thomas Rhinehart, of Baltimore, and who died when her child was l)ut tea
days old. This young lady's name is Mary Helen, born March 8, 1863. Mr. and Mrs.
Marshall have been life-long companions. Born within sight of each other's homes, there
sprang up between them an affection which fitly culminated in marriage. They are mem-
bers of Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Marshall is a trustee.
In politics he is a Republican.
JOHN MICKLEY (deceased) was one of the best known residents of this county.
His grandfather, John Mickle3% came from Prance and settled in Lehigh County, Penn.,
and latter's eon, John, Sr., was born February 19, 1769, in Northampton County, Penn.
He, John, Sr., was married to Margaret Biery, born July 3, 1778, also in Northampton
County, and after that event removed to Franklin Township, this county, where he car-
ried on blacksmithing. Having accumulated some means he bought a farm in Hamilton-
ban Township, this county, and built the house, which his son, Daniel, now owns- He
died March 2, 1855, aged eighty-six, his wife having preceded him February 5, 1853, at
the age of seventy-three, 'fhey had ten children; John, Elizabeth, Sarah, Daniel, Mar-
garet, Hester, Margaret (second), David, Martin and Harriet. Throe are now living:
Daniel, David and Martin. The subject of this sketch was born March 1, 1796, in Frank-
lin Township, this county, and was always a farmer. For three years after his father's
death, he and his brother, Daniel, between whom the farm was divided, lived together..
February 12, 1857, he was married to Harriet Heintzelman, also a native of Franklin
Township, born December 36, 1830, and for two years after their marriage they lived on,
the homestead, but in 1857 removed to the house they had built on his share of the farm,
where his widow, her son and youngest daughter now live. He died on his farm Febru-
ary 23, 1883, when lacking but a few days of eighty-six years of age. They had five chil-
dren: Mary Margaret Josephine, born April 6, 1858 (wife of Samuel Baumgardner, of
Franklin Township, this county); Harriet Rebecca, born March 1, 1860 (wife of Latimore
Myers, of Fairfield, this county); Sarah Jane, born November 25, 1861 (wife of William.
Culp of Hamiltonban Township); John, born September 10, 1864, and Emma Florence
Ellen, born June 25, 1868 (living with their mother). In his life Mr. Mickley was a popu-
lar inan, by reason of his many sterling qualities. An ardent Republican in a strong
Democratic county, he was twice elected to the important office of county commissioner,
and the year he was married came within a few votes of being elected to the Legislature.
He and his wife were members of the Reformed Church, in which for many years he was
an elder and deacon. Universally respected for his upright character, he died, regretted
not only by his family, but by all "who knew him. Since the death of her husband MrSs
Mickley has successfully carried on the farm herself. She is an energetic business woman»
444 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
enjoying tho respect of her neighbors. Her son, who will inherit the farm, is a young
man of good character and habits.
JOSEPH MU88ELMAN, farmer, P. O. Fairfield, is the oldest living member of this
family in Hamiltonban and adjoining townships. His father, John Musselman, was born
near New Holland in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1783, and came to this county in 1804,
settling on " Carroll's Tract," near Fairfield, where he bought two farms, one being for
his brother David (who, however, went to Canada instead of coming here, so John liept
both farms), and on one of these the subject of this sketch lives. John at one time sold
this farm to a relative, but bought it baclt in 1847. He went on a visit to Canada on
horsebaclj, and returned in company with Joseph Kittinger. He married Mary BeiS,
born in 1788, a daughter of David ReifE, and they lived and died on the farm now occu-
pied by their son Peter. John Musselman died September 15, 1853, aged sixty-nine, and
his widow March 15. 1857, aged seventy one. They had twelve children, one of whom
died quite young. The sons, who were all farmers, were David, who died October 18,
1873, aged sixty-seven; Christian, who died at the age of fifty-seven; John, who died at
the age of sixty-one; Isaac, who died a young man; Joseph, our subject; Jacob, who died
in 18S4, aged sixty-two; Daniel, who lives on the farm at Fairfield; and Peter, who lives
on the home farm. The dau^ters were Elizabeth (deceased wife of George Trohn),
Martha (deceased wife of John Hartman), and Mary (wife of Emanuel Harr, of Lancaster
County). The father of this family; accumulated a large property, and left to his heirs
eight improved farms and several pieces of mountain land. Joseph, the subject of this
sketch, was born February 1, 1831, on the heme farm, and on his marriage moved thence
to the farm, where he has since resided. In 1874 he was married to Hetty Martin, who
died in 1858, aged thirty-eight. They had six children: John M., born June 31, 1848, a
merchant in Fairfield, this county); Susanna E., born September 31, 1849 (wife of Joseph
Creager, also of Fairfield); Mary, born February 33, 1851 (deceased); Elizabeth H. (wife
of John Kugler, living in Kansas); Sarah J., born July 31, 1855 (wife of Harvey Bream);
and Joseph W., born April 38, 1857 (married to Nannie Plank, and living on his father's
farm). In 1859 Mr. Musselman married, on second occasion, Evaline McCleaf, who was
born in 1838, and to this union three children have been born: Laura Jane, born Septem-
ber 39, 1859 (at home); Henry Clay, born September 18, 1861 (died March 35, 1863); and
Cyrus Grant, born July 19, 1864 (living with his parents). Mr. Musselman is a member
of the Mennonite Church.
DAVID R. MUSSELMAN, merchant, Fairfield, is a son of David Musselman, a
brother of Joseph under whose name will be found a history of the ancestors of the family.
David Musselman was born on the homestead in Hamiltonban Township, this county,
January 35, 1805. He stayed on the farm until his marriage, when he was tldrty years,
of age, when he bought the farm now owned by Samuel Walter, where all his family
were reared, and where he died October 8, 1873. He was highly esteemed by his fellow-
citizens, and was their representative in all the oflices of the township. His wife was Es-
ther, daughter of Joel Bair, of Lancaster County, born October 8, 1816, and died May 3,
1877. Their nine children are all living: Henry, who has been twice married (first to Liz-
zie Dunn, of Washington County Md., and afterward to his present wife, nee Louisa
Shutt; they live in Hamiltonban Township, this county); John B., also twice married (first
to Mary Jtugler, and after her death to Margaret Schumaker; they also live in Hamilton-
ban Township); Joel B. (married to Nannie, daughter of J. Stuart Witherow, also in
Hamiltonban Township); Mary E., wife of G. W. Baumgardner, of Carroll County, Md.);
Aaron, (married to Annie E., daughter of Robert Watson, live in Fairfield, this county);
Amanda A. (wife of Daniel B. Riley, of Hamiltonban Township); Martha S. (wife of John
K. Marshall, of Fairfield, this county); H. Evanna (wife of W. T. Harbaugh, also of Fair-
field, this county) and David R., the third son. Our subject was born on the homestead,
near Fairfield, March 11, 1843, and lived on the farm until 1867, teaching school, four win-
ters. In that year he bought the interest of C. P. Hinkle in the store of Wortz & Hinkle,
and continued in mercantile business until 1883, since which time he has not been en-
gaged in any occupation. December 31, 1871, he was married to his cousin, Jennie Mus-
selman. born January 38, 1849, daughter of Jacob Musselman, who died June 35, 1884.
They have one child, Clarence Jacob, born September 39, 1873. Mr. Musselman takes
considerable interest in public affairs, and has held several township offices, being now a
member and secretary of the school board. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran
Church in Fairfield, in which he is a deacon. He has been secretary and librarian of the
Union Sunday-school since April 37, 18B8. In politics he is a Republican.
AARON MUSSELMAN, farmer, P. O. Fairfield, is a son oi David Musselman, who
was a brother of Joseph, under whose name is given a history of the ancestors of this well
known family. A sketch of David Musselman is given under the name of David R., an
-elder brother of our subject, who was the fifth son. Aaron Musselman was born July 33,
1847, on the farm now occupied by Samuel Walter, and lived there until he was twenty-
four years old, when he removed to Fairfield with his mother, his father having died some
time before. In the spring of 1877 he went to Kansas,- and some months after moved to
the Indian Territory, coming home in December of the same year, and then clerking for
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP. 445
Ws brother David R., lor three years. He is now farming a place in the neighborhood of
Fairfield, renting his own farm near the mountain. He and his wife are prominent mem-
bers of musical circles. He has been for twenty years leader of the choirs of both the
Lutheran and Reformed Churches in Fairfield, and on the organization of the band in
that place, in 1869, became its conductor, filling that position for eleven years. Mrs.
Annie Musselman was for twelve years a teacher of instrumental music, and all of that
time organist of the Reformed Church, and for three or four years also in the Lutheran
Church. She is a daughter of Dr. Robert "Watson, of Fairfield, and was born January 16,
1856, at Funkstown, Franklin County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Musselman have had three
children: Margie Lelia, born January 30, 1881, died in infancy; Edna Luella, born Decem-
ber 13, 1882 and David Clyde, born April 26, 1886. Mrs. Musselman belongs to the Re-
formed Church. Mr. Musselman has held several responsible township oflSces; is a mem-
ber of Valley Home Lodge, I. O. O. F., and also of the Lutheran Church. He bears an
excellent reputation as an upright man and a good citizen. He is a Republican in politics
since he first voted, voting for Gen, Grant in the fall of 1868, casting his first vote in that
year.
PETER MUSSELMAN, farmer, P. 0. Fairfield, is a younger broflier of Joseph Mus-
selman, under whose name is given a sketch of. tJie ancestors of this well-known family.
The descendants have inherited the cliaracteristics of their ancestor, whose frugality, in-
dustry and good management enabled him to give his children a good start in life. Peter,
the subject of this sketch, the youngest of John's family, was born July 8, 1829, in Ihe
house in which he now lives, on the home-farm, which he inherited, and in which his
whole life has been spent. The house is a substantial stone structure, built in 1832. Here
his father and mother both died after rearing a numerous family. The scene around it
differs from what it was when John Musselman first came here. It was then covered with
heavy woods, with but few roads. When he was piarried to Mary ReifE. in Cashtown, this
county, he had to proceed there on horseback, there being no wagon-road between the
two places. Now the valley is full of fine farms, in an excellent state of cultivation, good
roads leading in every direction, and a prosperous community, living where but few peo-
ple could then be found. The subject of this sketch worked on his father's farm until
the latter's death, when he and his brother, Daniel, lived together on it for four years.
Daniel was married, but Peter was single, and on the latter's marriage the former re-
moved to a farm, which he owns, adjoining Fairfield. Peter owning the home-farm.
October 2. 1856, our subject was married at Harrisburg, Penn., to Elizabeth, daughter of
Christian Musselman, of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Penn., where she
was born July 10, 1831. Her father and her husband's father were distant cousins. Mr.
and Mrs. Musselman had spven children, one dying in infancy. Tlio.sr living are Sarah
Matilda, born April 14, 18.i8, married to David A. Mickley, of Franklin Townsliip, this
county; Mary Elizabeth, born November 1, 1859, wife of J. Mahlon Weikcrt, of Cumber-
land Township, this county; Fanny Elvira, born September 1, 1861, living at home;
Christian Peter, born October 38, 1863, married to Allodial Brown, living in Cumberland
Township; Emma Louisa, born December 1, 1866; and Martha Rebecca, born January 3ii,
1871, living with their parents. Mr. Musselman has given his entire time and attention to
his farm, which is one of the best in the township. In politics he Is a Republican.
z\DAM C. MUSSELMAN, merchant, Fairfield, is a son of John Musselman, brother
of Joseph, under whose name appears the genealgy of the older members of the family.
John Musselman was born November 13. 1809, and lived on the home-farm until his mar-
riage, when he removed to a farm at that time belonging to his father, in Liberty Town-
ship. In 1836 he was married to Susan M. Myers, born June 31, 1819, daughter of Adam
Myers, who lived in this county, near Hanover, York County. They had eiglit children :
Adam C, born February 8, 1838; Susan M., born in 1840, wife of M. P. Shields, now liv-
ing in Michigan; Mary E., widow of James McCreary, living in Gettysburg; Laura, wife
of E. M. Yount, living in Herndon, Va. ; Amanda A., who was the wife of Wilson Mc-
Cleary, both deceased; Alice, wife of Albert Sudler, of Somerset County, Md. ; Amos S.,
married to Ella Hostetter, living in Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Fannie J., deceased wife
of Rev. S. E. Smith, pastor of the Lutheran Church at Elvira, Clinton Co., Iowa. The
father of this family was a man of note. He was a major in the State militia, was county
commissioner; a member of the Legislature, to which he was elected in 1856; and one of
the principal promoters of the Lutheran Church in Fairfield, which he aided largely in
building. He died October 25, 1875, lacking a few days of being sixty-two years old. His
wife was a consistent Christian, who brought up her family in a manner which has left its
impress upon their habits and character. She died November 38, 1872, aged fifty-three
years. The subject of this sketch was born February 8, 1838, on his father's farm, and
after obtaining a common school education, attended Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg,
three terms. He remained on the farm, and taught schobl one winter term. November
17, 1859, he was married to Lucinda Nunnemaker, born February 7, 1838, daughter of
John Nunnemaker, then of Liberty Township, this county, and who died in Fairfield in
September, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Musselman have had ten children, five dying in infancy;
the five surviving are J. Elmer, born March 28, 1862, a graduate of Pennsylvania College
44G BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
and now a teller in the First National Bank of Gettysburg; Howard A., born July 5, 1865,
a graduate of Bryant & Slrutton's Commercial College, at Baltimore, and a clerk m ma
father's store; Carrie L., born October 19, 1869; Morris M., born July 13, 1873; and Alice
Jeannette, born January 27, 1879. Mr, Musselman continued farming _until_ 1867, when
he bought the interest of J. V. Danner, in the store of Danner «fc Shields, in J<airtieia;
April 1, 1882, he bought Mr. Shields' interest, and has since carried on business alone.
In 1885 he built a commodious store, rendered necessary by his increasing trade, the re-
sult of enterprise and integrity. He has been for twenty years past justice of the peace,
elected five consecutive terms; is a member of the Valley Home Lodge, No. 740,1. O. O. J?.;
is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church, as is also his wife, and has been for more
than twenty years superintendent of the Sunday-school. In politics Mr. Musselman is a
Republican. . ' .
BENJAMIN JOSEPHUS REED (deceased) was born in the same house in
Hamiltonban Township, this county, in which he died in August, 1870. His grand-
father, James Reed, was one of the earliest settlers in this part of the county, where
he took up a large tract of land, now divided into several farms, on one of which
the widow of our subject and her four daughters now live. Benjamin Reed, son of
•James, was born on the tract, and came into possession of the farm on which Mrs. Reed
now lives. He married Sarah Jack, and had two sons: James, who died young, and Ben-
jamin Josephus (the youngest of the familv) and four daughters. Margaret, Nancy,
Polly and Sarab. None of this family is now living. The subject of this sketch mar-
ried Arabella E. McClellan, who was born near Fairfield, and they had eleven children,
three of whom are deceased; David C, born August 37, 1844, and died August 20. 1852;
Joseph A., born October 14, 1841, died February 5, 1863, and John M., born January 18,
1840, died February 15, 1885. The living are Elvira, born March 30, 1825, wife of Alex-
ander Kyner, living near Shippensburg, Cumberland County; Sarah, born March 25, 1837,
living with her mother; William S., born May 10, 1839, married to Martha White, living
Dear the old home; Benjamin, born January 36, 1831, married to Molly Seifert, living in
Hamiltonban Township, this county; Mary, born April 10, 1833, living with her mother;
Charles M., born January 15, 1836, married to Mary E. Peters, of Hamiltonban Town-
ship, this county, living near the home-place; Eliza B., born January 30, 1838, and Mar-
garet P., born July 4, 1847, are living with their mother. The father of this numerous
family never left his birthplace, except during the war of 1813, when he served in the
army. He was contented with his lot, and never aspired to office or to place of any kind.
His aged widow is now living with her daughters, awaiting the summons to join him on
the other shore, and her children are making her last days as pleasant and comfortable
as possible. She has always been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is sustained
in her last days bv the hope of eternal life to come.
DANIEL B. "RILEY, farmer, P. O. Fairfield, is, on the paternal side, of Irish, and
on the maternal side of German, extraction. His grandfather settled in Hamiltonban
Township, this county, and the latter's son Barnabas, father of Daniel B., was born here
in 1799, where he died in 1880. Barnabas Riley was a carpenter by trade, at which he
worked the greater part of his life. He also cultivated a farm in Liberty Township, this
■county, which he bought. He built the Maria Furnace Works, in Hamiltonban Town-
ship, and the Caledonia Iron Works, in Franklin County, Penn. He was an industrious
man, of good character, and a deacon in the Lutheran Church for many years. In 1869
he removed to Fairfield, this county, in which place he died. His wife, Mary Sheets, was
born in Freedom Township, this county, in August, 1805. They had ten children, of
whom two died in infancy. The others were named Adeline, wife of Rev. William Ger-
hardt, of Martinsburg, W. Va. ; Isadore, deceased wife of John Nunemaker (deceased), of
Liberty Township, this county; Allah, wife of John Butt, of Highland Township, this
county; Margaret, who died at the age of seventeen; Paxton H., married to Harriet Mus-
selman, and living in Liberty Township, this county; Trimper, married toMalinda Spren-
kle, and living in Franklin County; Lucretia, wife of Frederick ShuUy, of Hamiltonban
Township, this county; and Daniel B., the youngest. Our subject was born September 14,
1848, on the farm in Liberty Township, where he worlied until 1869, when be learned the
trade of a saddler in Fairfield, at which he worked until the spring of 1885, when he
rented the farm of Robert R. Blythe, where he is now living. December 27, 1870, he was
married to Amanda A., daughter of David Musselman, of Hamiltonban Township, this
county, and to this union three children have been born: Harry Johnston, born May 19,
1874; Howard Beaver, born September 35, 1876; and Ira Bair, born May 39, 1888. Mr. and
Mrs. Riley are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican.
ABRAHAM O. SCOTT, physician, Fairfield, is a great-grandson of Hugh Scott, who
emigrated from the North of Ireland in the first part of the last century, in company
with his brother, Josiah, and located in Lancaster County, a few years later coming to
Highland Township, this county, on a farm now occupied by Washington Irwin. Hugh
Scott had four sons and three daughters, and his son, Abraham, the grandfather of our
subject, was born on the farm mentioned in 1756, and when about twenty years old went
with his parents to what was then Westmoreland County, where his parents died. Re-
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP. 447
turning to this county lie bought a farm in what is now Freedom Township which he
atterward sold, and then bought a tract adjoining, now made into four farms one of
which IS occupied by his grandson, Washington. He was thrice married, and bv'his first
wite,_ w«« Jane McClean, he had four children; by his second, nee Jane Kerr, he had five'
by his third,_wee Margaret McMillan, there was no issue. The children's names in the
order of their birth are Hugh, John, Margaret, Mary, George Kerr, William McClean
Abraham, James and Mary. William McClean Scott, the father of the subiect of this
sketch was born January 9, 1793, in Freedom Township, this county, and on the death
ot his father he inherited a farm, on which he lived until his death, which occurred Au-
gust 15. 1853. He was married, in 1831, to Jane Kerr, of Fulton County, who was born
December 23, 1794, and died in August, 1867. They had five children, four now livinff:
Abraham O.; Margaret Rebecca, wife of John Cunningham, of Fairfield, this county-
Geo. Washington, married to Florinda Jane Moore, now living on a part of the old home-
stead; Mary Jane, wife of Samuel Cobeau of Cumberland Township, this county Our
subject was born February 31, 1835. He attended Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg and
later Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, from which he graduated in 1850. He read medi-
cine under Dr. David Horner, of Gettysburg, attended the University of Pennsylvania, in
Philadelphia, and graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1853. He began practicing in
Hunterstown, this county, but in 1855 he removed to Fairfield, where he has built up an
extensive practice, and acquired the reputation of being a skillful physician. April 3
1853, he was married to Jane R., daughter of Robert Wilson, of Highland Township, this
county, whose father was an officer in the Revolutionary war, and by this union there are
nine children, two of whom died young. The livinff are David Wilson, in Kansas; Mary
L., wife of Charles A. Spangler, of Mountjoy Township, this county; Jeannette Rebecca,
Jane Sherman, Clara Margaret, Fannie Stevens and Vivia Sumner, living with their par-
ents. Dr. Scott is entirely devoted to his profession, and is held in high esteem as a man
and a physician. He was a volunteer under President Lincoln's first call for troops. In
politics he is an independent Republican.
PETER SHIVELY, hotel keeper, Fairfield, is a native of Chambersburg, Franklin
Co., Penn. His grandfather, on his father's side, was born in Perry County, Penn., and
on his mother's side his grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, who settled in Cham-
bersburg after the war. His father, Daniel Shively, was born in Perry County, Penn., in
1780, and came to Chambersburg Nvhen a young man, living there until his death; he died
m 1863 at the age of eighty-three. Our sub.iect's mother, nee Elizabeth Hennaberger,
born in Chambersburg in 1786, died there in 1861, aged seventy-five. They had nine chil-
dren: Catherine, widow of Emanuel Gipe, living in Harrisburg; Eliza, widow of William
Deokert, living in Blairsville, Indiana Co., Penn.; Maria, widow of Benjamin Keefer,
living in Chambersburg; William, married to Elizabeth Minafee, who died in the spring of
1886 (he lives in Lafayette, Ind.); Indiana, widow of Louis Wamfler, living in Chambers-
bu^; John, living in Chambersburg, Penn.; Peter, our subject; Susan, who was married
to John McCleary, of Chambersburg, both deceased; and Mary Ann, who died when quite
young. Peter Shively was born July 16, 1819, and in his youth learned the trade of a
saddler, which he worked at only a few years. In 1841 he came to Fairfield, and kept
hotel for three years, then the hotel at Gettysburg, known as the "Eagle Hotel," for three
years, and then he returned to Fairfield, and bought the "Mansion House" property,
which he has ever since conducted. March 19, 1845, Mr. Shively was married to Eliza-
beth J. Gelbach, born April 33, 1836, whose ancestry is given under the name of John
Gelbach. Our subject and wife have had five children: Laura C, born May 31, 1846, wife
of Joseph Sullivan, who is traveling in the West, while she makes her home with her
parents (she has two sons, one of whom, Charles, is now in the drug store of his uncle in
Waynesboro, and Percy, with an uncle in the produce business in Monrovia, Md.); and
the other children are Mary Elizabeth, born December 13, 1849, wife of J. Upton Neely,
of Fairfield, ex-member of the State Legislature; William M., born May 11, 1853, died
November 31, 1859; George G., born March 30, 1854, married to Miss Jennie Shaeffier, of
Lancaster (he is a physician and druggist in Waynesboro); and John Charles, born Sep-
tember 1, 1856, died December 7, 1859. Mr. Shively is a member of Good Samaritan
Lodge, No. 836, A. F. & A. M., of Gettysburg; also a member of York Springs Lodge, No.
311, I. O. O. F., of Adams County, Penn. He is a member of the Reformed Church of
Fairfield, to the erecting of a church building for which body he contributed liberally.
In politics he is a Republican.
RUFUS C. BWOPE, retired tanner, P. O. Fairfield, is a grandson of Adam Swope,
who came from Lancaster County to this county, locating two miles from Littlestown,
and whose youngest son, Ephralm, was the father of Rufus C. Adam Swope lived on the
farm until his marriage, when he removed to Littlestown, and engaged in building, con-
tracting for masonry and bricklaying. He contracted for masonry work on Thaddeus
Stevens' railroad, partly built in the "forties," but which, owing to political animosities,
has never been completed. Col. Swope, as he was generally called, was colonel of a Penn-
sylvania Militia Regiment, and was widely known. He was married to Catherine Le
Fevre, born in Lancaster County, Penn., but who came here with her parents. When
448 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
her father bought the farm he paid for it $40,000, all in silver dollars, brought in
kegs by wagon, and it took several days to count it. Col. Swope was twice married; his
second wife being Susan Keyports, now living in Hanover. He died in 1863. By his first
wife he bad eight children, of whom Rufus 0. is one. Four died when quite young, and
a son, Amos A., married in the western part of the State, removed to Florida, and died
there in 1876. Two daus;hters still survive: Josephine, wife of P. H. Bittenger, of Hano-
ver, and Lucjnda C, wife of George Stonesifer, of Littlestown. By his second wife the
Colonel had eight children also, all now living, and all married, except Luther, a profes-
sor of languages in Boston, Mass. John is an engineer on the Short Line Railroad; William
is on a railroad in New Mexico; Eliza lives in York, Penn. ; Margaret is in Westminster,
Md.; Georgia is in Washington City; EUie is in this county; and Emma is in Hanover,
York County. Rufus C. was born August 30, 1832, in Littlestown. His mother died
when he was thirteen years old, and he was then sent to learn the trade of a tanner with
Daniel Crome, at Littlestown, where he stayed until he was nineteen, when he rented a tan-
nery in that place, which he carried on until 1853, at which time lie bought a tannery in
Fail-field, which he ran until 1866, when he sold it. He has since 1868, been agent for the
North American Lightning Rod Company of Philadelphia. In 1863 he was appointed, by
Gov. Curtin, draft commissioner of this district, and delivered a regiment to the authori-
ties at Gettysburg. In December, 1862, he was appointed by President Lincoln captain,
assistant quartermaster, and remained in the service until August, 1866, being on duty in
Washington for a year after the close of the war. In tlie fall of 1866 he was appointed in-
ternal revenue collector of the Sixteenth Congressional District, which position he held
until March, 1867, when he failed to be confirmed by the Senate, in consequence of having
identified himself with the Johnson administration. December 25, 1846, he married Miss
Evaline C. Forrest, of Littlestown, born June 28, 1833, and they have had eight children,
two of whom died in infancy. Those living are Elvira Frances, born December 14, 1847,
wife of Dr. J. Krumrine, and living in Irvington, Ind. ; Granville H., born July 13, 1849,
married to Emma Buckingham, of Gettysburg, and living in Baltimore; Augustus S.,
born August 36, 1850, married to Mattie Taylor, of Clearfield County, Penn., and living at
Colorado Springs, Col.; Ephraim B., born March 34, 1854, married to Laura, daugh-
ter of Joseph Gelbach, of this township, and living in Fairfield; Clayton M., born August
15, 1856, single, living in Baltimore; and Edward McP., born October 18, 1858, married to
Cora Stryker, and living in Petersburg, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Swope are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is likewise a member of the Union Sunday-school in
Fairfield. In politics he is a Republican.
SAMUEL WALTER, farmer, P. 0. Fairfield. The grandfathers of the subject of
this sketch were George Walter and Jacob Lady, both of this county, the former of whom
lived and died in Franklin Township, this county; his wife was a Miss Settle. They
had six sons and several daughters. One of the sons, William, the father of Samuel,
was born in Franklin Township, this county, and died June 35, 1882, on our subject's,
farm. He married Mary Lady, who died in 1854, and they had eleven children ; Jacob,
married to Luclnda Stover (now living in Fairfield Township); George, married to Cathe-
rine Herring (living in Nebraska); Eliza, wife of Daniel Mickley, of Fairfield, this coanty;
Hetty, wife of John Pitzer, of Gettysburg; Daniel and Catherine, both deceased; Samuel;
Mary, wife of John B. Weikert, of Highland Township; William, deceased; Harriet R.,
wife of Charles Weikert, and Martha Jane, who died young. Our subject was born Feb-
ruary 33, 1843, and worked for his father until November, 1864, when he was drafted into
the Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He took part with his regiment in
several battles, including the siege of Petersburg, and a few days after that, at a place
near there, called Sailor Creek, he was wounded in the left arm by a minie ball; was in
hospital until the close of the war, and did not recover until long after. December 10,
1869, he was married to Regina Ellen, daughter of Henry Walter, of Arendtsville,
Franklin Township, this county. They had three children: Minnie Myrtle, born Sep-
tember 5, 1869, at home; Mary Blanche, born August 3, 1873, at home, and William Henry
Harrison, born January 29, 1881, died In infancy. For eight years after their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Walter lived on his father's farm, when he and his father bought the farm,
on which he now lives, he afterward buying his father's share. It comprises 203 acres of
fine land, with excellent buildings. He and his wife and eldest daughter are members of,
the Lutheran Church.
GEORGE WATSON, farmer, P. O. Fairfield, is a native of this county, born Febru-
ary 7, 1839. James Watson, father of our subject, was born in County Londonderry,
Ireland, August 1, 1768, and immigrated to this county, buying a farm at the foot of the
Green Ridge. His, wife, nee Mary Gibson, was also a native of Ireland. They had six
children, one of whom died when an infant. The others were Robert (married to Han-
nah Mintzer, and living in Fairfield, this county), James (married to Elizabeth Carbaugh,
and living in Hamiltonban Township, this county); Jolin (deceased, married to Elizabeth
Benschoof), Eliza (wife of William Stemm, of Cashtown, this county), and George, the-
youngest. Our subject lived on the home-farm until 1874, he having become its owner on
the death of his father. At the time mentioned he sold it and bought the one (of over 150'
HAMILTONBAN TOWNSHIP. 451
acres) on which he lives, about a mile west of Fairfield. Here he erected a comfortable
house and good outbuildings, and is bringing his farm into a fine state of cultivation.
August 7, 1859. he was married to Mahala. daughter of James Smith, a native of Virginia,
but at that time living in Hamiltonban Township, this county. They have ten children
living, and one, George, who was accidently killed December' 38, 1871, when seven years
old, by the running away of a team. The living are James, born August 17, 1859 (mar-
ried to Cora Herring, and living on a part of his father's farm); Margaret E., born Febru-
ary 6, 1861 (wife of Ephraim Sanders, of Hamiltonban Township); Eliza, born January
25, 1863 (wife of Franklin Wetzel, living below Emmittsburg, Md.); Emma C, born De-
cember 39, 1867 (wife of Henry Cleusman, of Franklin County, Penn.); Charles M. born
February 3, 1869; Sarah Annie, born December 9, 1870; John, born December 30, 1872-
Alice Gibson, born January 27, 1874; Susan Caroline, born July 9, 1877; and Robert W.
C, born April 27, 1881. The six last named are living with their parents. Mr. Watson is
strictly a farmer, giving his entire attention to agriculture. In politics he is a Democrat.
J. STEWART WITHEROW, farmer and surveyor, P. O. Fairfield, is of Scotch-Irish
descent, his grandfather, John Witherow, having emigrated when a young man and set-
tled in Frederick County, Md., shortly afterward returning to his old home, and bringing
out the rest of the family. His children were John, William, David, Samuel, Jane, Sarah,
Elizabeth and Margaret (all deceased). David, the father of J. Stewart, was born in
Frederick County, Md., where he lived until 1812, when he and his brother, Samuel,
bought a mill property on Marsh Creek, Cumberland Township, this county, where he
lived for two years, when he purchased the farm where J. Stewart now lives. He retained
his interest in the mill, but his brother having failed, his title was sold, and the purchaser
claimed the entire property. This claim was resisted, and after forty years' litigation, was
decided in favor of the heirs of David, who still hold the property. While at the mill,
David Witherow was married to Nancy Walker. He died in 1847, aged sixty-two years,
and his widow in 1873, aged seventy-six. They had six children: Harriet (who died un-
married), Joseph (married to MissRidinger; he is a farmer and owns property in Cumber-
land Township, formerly owned by his great-grandfather on his mother's side, his house
being divided by the Mason and Dixon line), Washington (married to Mary Crooks, they live
at the old mill), Elizabeth (wife of James J. Hill, of Path Valley, Franklin County),
Sarah (wife of William G. Black, of Cumberland Township), and J. Stewart (born July 8,
1830, on the place where he now lives). Our subject learned surveying of his father, which
he has practiced ever since, and has been for years the only surveyor in this locality. In
1856 he acquired possession of the farm, which he has also carried on. May 7, 1857, he
was married to Sarah, daughter of Thomas White, of Hamiltonban Township, this
county. To this union nine children were born, three dying in infancy, and the eldest
son, Willie, when he was twenty years old. The survivors are Nannie E. (wedded to
Joel B. Musselman, of Hamiltonban Township, this county); Mary C, H. Belle, Mstttie
W. and Flora W., who live with their parents. Mr. Witherow was county surveyor for
three years, and is now county jury commissioner. He is a member of Valley Home
Lodge, No. 740, I. O. O. F., of which he has been secretary for years, and he is likewise
District Deputy Grand Master. All the family are members of Marsh Creek Presbyterian
Church, of which, for thirty years, he has been a trustee. In politics he is a Republican.
GEORGE W. WORTZ, merchant. Fairfield. The grandfather of this gentleman
came from Lebanon County, Penn., and settled in Conowago Township, this county, near
McSherrystowu. He had seven children: Jacob, Peter, Marcus, Henry, George, Mary
and Adam, all deceased, most at an advanced age. Marcus, father of George W., lived
on his father's farm until after his marriage, and being the only son at home, was, during
the war of 1812, exempt from military duty on account of his father's advanced age. He
was a farmer, but for several years kept a boarding house in McSherrystown, which he
afterward sold and bought a farm from his sister. Mrs. StoufEer, a widow, where he lived
until a few years before his death, when, being afflicted with blindness, he sold the farm
and bought a house in Hanover. York County, where he lived until his death. His wife,
Elizabeth Herbst, was born in Carlisle, Penn., March 5. 1800, and died at York Springs,
this county. May 16, 1882. She was a daughter of Rev. John Herbst, pastor of the
Lutheran Church in Carlisle, and later in Maryland and in York and other counties in
Pennsylvania. The children of Marcus and Elizabeth Wortz were Eliza Ann, born
August 3, 1818, who became the wife of John AUabaugh, and after his decease married
Michael Bushey, oi East Berlin, this county, where they live; Julia Ann, born November
8, 1819. widow of Jesse D. Keller, of Conowago Township, this county, living in Hanover;
Jacob M., born June 15, 1827, married to Maggie Shaeffer, both died at Glen Rock, York
Co., Penn. ; Amelia, born August 20, 1821, was wife of Jacob Musselman, of Hamiltonban
Township, this county, both deceased; Sarah H., born Julv 4, 1833, wife of Daniel Mus-
selman, of Fairfield, this county; Louisa E., born July 4, 1837, wife of Dr. D. Diller, of
York Springs, this county; a son, who died at ten years of age; a daughter, who died
when an infant, and George W., the youngest child. Our subject was born September 1,
1840, in McSherrystown, and lived on the farm (to whicli his father had removed) until
he vyas sixteen years old, when he clerked for two years for John Busby in the house in
452 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
which he was born; two years for his brother in New Oxford; then farmed the home,
place for four years, teaching in winter; farmed a year near Fairfield; then started a gro-
cery, to which, in 1866, he added a dry goods store. He has made several business changes
since then; was for three years running a steam saw-mill, where a board hurled by the saw
against his face nearly killed him. He also, at different times, built twenty-eight houses
in the town, adding largely to its growth and prosperity. In January, 1886, he bought
back the business carried on in his own building, and is now engaged in merchandising.
December 17, 1863, Mr. Wortz was married to Martha J. Myers, of York Springs, this
county, born March 24, 1843. They have four children: Minnie F., born January 16, 1865;
Harry L., born June 23, 1868; Alice R., born January 26, 1878, and Ella Gertrude, born
October 2, 1875, all living with their parents. Mr. Wortz has been a school director for
nine years, all of which time he was secretary of the board; is a member of Valley House
Lodge,No. 740,1. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the chairs.and of which he was secre-
tary for several years. ; has also been District Deputy Grand Master. Mr. and Mrs. Wortz,
their eldest daughter and son are members of tlae Lutheran Church, in which he was a
deacon six years. In politics our subject is a Republican; is at present the judge of
elections, which office he filled several times.
CHAPTEK LVIII.
HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP.
DAVID BAUMGARDNER, farmer, P. O. Fairfield, was born in Adams County,
Penn., July 1, 1830, and is a son of John and Mary (Angel) Baumgardner, the former a
native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. David was three years of age when
his parents moved to Carroll County, Md., where his father engaged in farming until his
death. He lived on the homestead in Maryland until 1863, when he returned to Pennsyl-
vania and located in Fairfield. Shortly after he moved to Franklin County, where he
resided three years and then moved to Hamiltonban Township, this county, where he
bought property and resided three years. He then bought a small farm in Franklin
Township, on which he lived eighteen months and moved to his present place in 1872,
where he owns thirty acres of land. He was first married, in 1854, to Catherine Wolf,
who bore him four children: Louisa Adelaide, married and living in this county; John S.,
married and moved to Ohio; Catherine E., married and moved to Florida, and William D.,
married and moved to Ohio, Mrs. Baumgardner died in 1862, and our subject's second
marriage took place in 1863, with Hettie Musselman, to which union five children were
born: Amos M., Hettie V., Laura, Elmer J. and Samuel R. Mr. and Mrs. Baumgardner
are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Republican. Our subject has
one brother, named Samuel, and three sisters: Maria, Elizabeth and Susann. He was
drafted into the Union Army In 1864,and August 6, of that year, he supplied a substitute at
a cost of 1830.
DANIEL BEARD, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Adams County, Penn.,
July 8, 1822, and is a son of George and Sarah (Minta) Beard, natives of Pennsylvania.
His father, a farmer, died in 1843, and after his death the family moved to Freedom
Township, where they resided for several years. Daniel went to Illinois and located in
McLean County, where he lived for two years, and in 1861 he moved to where he now
resides, where he owns thirty-three acres of good land. In 1861 he was drafted into
Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Regiment, and served under Capt. MoGinly
for nine months, during which time he participated in several skirmishes. He married,
November 11, 1847, Barbara Kelly, who bore him eight children, three now living: Charles
E., Virginia and Henry Foster. Mrs. Beard died March 29, 1882, and April 6, 1886, Mr.
Beard married Catherine Haldeman. Mr. Beard is a member of the Lutheran and Mrs.
Beard of the Presbyterian Church.
R. WILLIAM BREAM, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Cumberland Town-
ship, Adams Co., Penn., April 10, 1850, and is a son of ex-Sheriff Francis and Elizabeth
(blaybaugh) Bream, natives of this county. His father, who was the first Democratic
sheriff of Adams County, elected in 1842, and serving one term, died in the spring of 1882;
his widow still survives. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his parents
until he was twenty -five years old, when he married. After that event he engaged in the
milling business at the Mineral Mills successfully for five years. In the spring of 1882
he moved to where he now resides in Highland Township, here owning a farm of 110 acres.
He erected a large brick residence and a fine barn, and has one of the best improved places
HIGHLAND TOWXSHIP. 453
an the township. December 9, 1875, he married Ida B. Weirman, who has borne him two
■children: Maude A. and Helen R. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church.
In November, 1883, Mr. Bream was elected a member of the Legislature, serving through
1883; has been school director and secretary of the board; and has filled all his public of-
fices to the satisfaction of the community. Politically he is a Democrat.
CHRISTIAN BYERS, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born In Hamilton Township,
•(now Highland Township), Adams Co., Penn., in the house where he now lives, Decem-
ber 18, 1840. His parents were Christian and Elizabeth (Reinecker) Byers, both natives
of this county. His great-grandfather, Adam Byers, came from Lancaster County, and
■entered the farm where Christian now lives, his deed being recorded September 37, 1769;
one-half penny per acre was the prifce he paid for the land. David Byers was the next
•owner of the farm, and lived on it until his death. It then came into the possession of
our subject's father, who lived on it until 1866, when he moved to the upper end of the
farm, where he lived until his death in April, 1871, and the property passed into the pos-
session of our subject. It consists of 130 acres, and has been in the Byers' name for 116
years. It is one of the oldest farms in Highland Township, and the house built by the
grandfather 116 years ago is still standing. Christian remained with his parents until
1863, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment, and
served under Capt. McCreerj*-. A short time after enlisting he was seized with rheumatism
and left at the Relay House, Maryland, where he remained six months. He was detailed
as cook, which ofiBce he filled one year. He participated in many skirmishes and served
until the close of the war, and has since been engaged in farming. In August, 1864, he
married Tillie A. Hummer, who bore him seven children: William H., Minnie L., Alberta
P., Maggie Q., Mervin C, Nellie K. and Fannie 6. Mrs. Byers died May 33, 1882. Mr.
Byers has held the offices of collector and election inspector, and is a prominent man in
his county. He is a member of the Brethren Church. Mr. Byers has in his possession a
wardrobe made by his great-grandfather 116 years ago.
JAMES CUNNINGHAM, merchant, P. 0. Gettysburg, was born in Adams County,
Penn., January 9, 1847, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents. John and Margaret
R. (Scott) Cunningham, are both natives of this county. His f atber followed farming until
1884, when he engaged in mercantile business at Fairfield, which still occupies his atten-
tion. James was reared on a farm until eighteen years of age, when he engaged as a clerk
in Shippensburg for six months; was then employed for three years by Ponstock Bros.,
■of Gettysburg. He then formed a partnership and entered into business at that place.
"The firm was known as Cobean & Cunningham, and they dealt in boots, shoes, clothing,
liats, etc., continuing for two years. In the spring of 1869 our subject commenced farm-
ing in Freedom Township, and was thus engaged until 1881, when he moved to Fairfield,
where he engaged in mercantile business until the spring of 1884; then sold out to his
father and returned to the farm, where he remained until 1886. In that year he again en-
tered mercantile business, on Marsh Creek, better known as Glenwood. He keeps a gen-
eral stock of groceries, dry goods, hardware, boots and shoes, etc. He owns about eight
acres of land adjoining his residence. March 17, 1874, Mr. Cunningham married Eliza-
beth F. Blythe, and five children were born to this union, four now living: Robert R. B.,
Bessie, Mary and Janet. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham are members of the Presbyterian
Church.
HUGH A. MoGAUGHY, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born In Cumberland Town-
ship, Adams County, Penn., January 5, 1818, and is a son of Hugh and Jane (McClure)
McGaughy, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His grandparents were
also born and reared in Adams County, and the farm has been in the McGaughy name since
it was taken up, some 150 years ago, the deed of which was made out by William and Rich-
-ard Penn. His father was a blacksmith, which trade he followed for about thirty years;
then bought a farm and passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. He died
in 1841; his wife in 1836. Our subject remained at home until after the death of his par-
ents. In 1857 he went to Washington County, Iowa, where he bought a farm and re-
mained about two years; then sold out and returned to Adams County. In 1860 he
bought his present farm of 158 acres, moved on it in 1866, and here he has since resided.
In May 1850 he married Martha, da^ighter of John and Jane Hall, and their union was
blessed with six children, four of whom are living; William, Jane (wife of James Gordon),
Martha and Nancy Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. McGaughy are members of the Presbyterian
ISAAC PFOUTZ, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Adams County, Penn., Octo-
ber 16 1837 a son of John and Rachel (Lahman) Pfoutz, natives of Pennsylvania. His
father' who' was a manufacturer, owned and operated the woolen-mill, which is situated
on Little Marsh Creek. David Pfoutz, the grandfather, owned this mill many years
before he died and was the first woolen manufacturer in Adams County. Isaac was
reared on a farm and worked a little in the factory. He remained with his parents and
cared for them until they both passed away; the father died in 1880 and the mother in
1878 Mr Ploutz has been twice married; first in February, 1856, to Sophia Diehl, who
•bore' him five children, two living, Margaret R. and Emma E. His first wife dying March
454 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
29, 1867; he next married, May 3, 1881, Sarah J. Jacobs, a native of Frederick County.
Md. To this union two children were born, one now living, Mary E. In 1869,
Mr. Pfoutz moved to his present place, and now owns 241 acres of good land and forty-
four acres of mountain land. He has fine improvements and his surroundings show him
to be an industrious and intelligent citizen. He has served for two years as director of
the poor. Politically he is a IDemocrat. He and his wife are members of the' German
Baptist Church.
DANIEL K. SNYDER, miller, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in this county Novem-
ber 25, 1824, a son of George and Susan (Fair) Snyder. His father, also a native of Adams
County, a farmer by occupation, served in the war of 1812, resided nearly all his life in
the neighborhood of Bonneauville, and died in 186.5, His mother was a native of Mary-
land, and died in 1859. Daniel K. was reared on a farm and remained with his parents
until he was twenty years of age. He then learned the miller's trade, and worked three
years in the mill; then learned the mason's trade, which he followed for nine years
and taught school during the winter seasons. He married, May 30, 1866, Mary A. Dear-
dorfif, who has borne him seven children: Elizabeth M., Susan C, Sarah E., Agnes H.,
Georgie L., Jacob D. and Harry L. After marriage he went to farming in Franklin
Township, this county, where he remained five years; then moved to Gettysburg, and after
one year returned to Franklin Township, where he remained eight years. In 1879 he
moved to where he now resides and bought the Gleenwood Mills, on Marsh Creek, which
he has operated ever since; lie conducts both a grist and saw mill. This mill is said to
have been in operation during the Revolution, and ground food for the soldiers. Mr.
Snyder owns eighty-three acres of land, which he farms in connection with his mill. He
and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
' GRANVILLE STULTZ, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Frederick County,Md.,
December 19, 1827, a son of Nicholas and Catherine (Crumb) Stultz, natives of Lancaster
County. The parents moved to Maryland in an early day, where they remained until
1830; then returned to Pennsylvania, and resided three years in Cumberland Township,
this county; then moved to Hamiltonban Township, where the mother died in September,
1863, and the father in July, 1865. Granville was reared on the farm and remained with
his parents until twenty-four years of age, when he married and returned to Frederick
County, Md. There he remained one year, when he located in Highland Township, thia
county, where he has since resided, with the exception of one year he spent in Liberty
•Township. In the spring of 1872 he moved to his present place, where he owns fourteen
and one-half acres of land, and on which he has put all the buildings and improvements.
In November, 1862, he was drafted, served nine months, and participated in some skir-
mishes. After his draft expired he was re-drafted and served until the close of the war.
March 2, 1854, he married Margaret, daughter of Henry and Barbara (Valentine) Damauth,
and their union was blessed with two children: Robert K. and an infant deceased. Mr.
Stultz has held the office of supervisor, and has also served as the first township clerk of
Highland Township, inspector and judge. He and his wife are members of the German
Baptist Church.
EMANUEL G. TROSTLE, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Adams County,
Penn., December 1, 1839, son of Henry and Jane(Pitzer) Trostle, natives of Pennsylvania,
His father was a miller and blacksmith, but followed farming during the latter part of his.
life. Emanuel G. was reared on the farm until seventeen years of age, when he hired out
on a farm for two years; then learned the shoe-maker's trade, which he followed until
1866. In 1868 he went to Lee County, 111., and there remained six months; then returned
to Pennsylvania, locating at Gettysburg, where he farmed and followed his trade for two-
years. He then abandoned his trade and devoted his time exclusively to agriculture. In
1880 he bought fifty-two acres of land, where he has since resided. In October, 1859, he
married Mary Plank, a daughter of John and Hester (Mickley) Plank, and three children,
have blessed their union: Harry M., Ida M. and Minnie; they also have an adopted child
— Oscar MundorfC. Mr. and Mrs. Trostle are members of the German Reformed Church
of Gettysburg. He has held the offices of township judge, assessor and collector. Dur-
ing the war, while Mr. Trostle, his wife and child were residing on the Bmmittsburg road,
about three miles from Gettysburg, a rebel colonel rode up to him one evening, and
advised him to leave the place as his life was in danger. Mr. Trostle, wtio was crippled
at the time, and walked with the aid of a staff and crutch, told the colonel that he could
not pass through his pickets. The colonel told him that he would take him through, and
accordingly did so. The next morning, however, becoming uneasy about his household
goods, he started back, accompanied by a friend, and got as far as the pickets when he
was captured. He was taken to the battle-field, expecting to be paroled, but the firing
opened before the parole could be made out. He was taken to Staunton, Va., walking-
the entire distance of 175 miles; was on the road six days, and for three days had not a
mouthful to eat. He was detained in Richmond prison, Libby, Castle Tliunder, Hell's
Delight, and Salisbury, N. C. ; in all twenty-two months. He had been reported killed,
but his wife always held hopes of seeing him again. After his release he returned home,
feeling better than he had ever been before.
HtJNTINGTON TOWNSHIP. 455
JOHIT WILSON, farmer, P. 0. Gettysburg, was born in Higbland Township, Adams
County, Penn,, March 10, 1836, and is a son of William and Anna (Meredith) Wilson, na-
tives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent, the former of whom, born in July,
1801, has been a resident of this county all his life. Our subject was reared on the farm,
and remained with his parents until he was nineteen years of age; then went to Cumber-
land County, where he remained two years, when he returned home, and shortly after
hired out for the same length of time. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company H,
Third Eegiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and served three years under Capt.
Woodburn and William E. Miller. He participated in the battles of Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg, and from Hampton, Va., to Harrison's Landing, Cold Harbor, Kelly's Ford
and several others, and lost the sight of his left eye, by a shell bursting in his face; at Bull
Run, October 14, 1863, he was wounded in the left arm by a charge, his horse fell, and
part of Wade Hampton's division ran over him. He was again wounded, at Mine Run,
November 38, 1863, and in June, 1864, was wounded in the right knee at Petersburg but
in spite of his wounds he served in all the hard-fought battles He was discharged August
24, 1864, at Philadelphia, and returned home. Shortly after he went to Ohio, and remained
one year; thence to Illinois, where he resided two years. In 1873 he went to California,
and was absent nine years, three of which were spent in Nevada. He now makes his
home with his parents. He was a brave soldier and has an interesting war record.
CHAPTER LIX.
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF YORK
SPRINGS.
CYRUS G. BEALBS, P. O. York Sulphur Springs, was born near the York Sulphur
Springs June 15, 1834. He was trained to the life of a farmer, and during his earlier years
attended the schools of his vicinity and laid the foundation of a good practical education
in the English branches, and later finished his studies at White Hall Academy, in Cumber-
land County. In 1854 he left the farm and took charge of a school near York Springs,
and subsequently followed the calling of a teacher for eight successive sessions, one of
them being for six months as principal of York Springs High or Graded School. He
has always been an active worker and an influential member of the Republican party in
his vicinity and county, and, in 1863, was appointed and served as United States assistant
assessor of internal revenue in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania District, until 1866, when he
was removed for not endorsing the policy of President Andrew Johnson. While assistant
assessor he was also appointed and served as United States inspector of cigars and tobac-
co for Adams County. He is an earnest advocate of the free school system, and is now
serving as borough school director, an office that he has filled for the past twelve consec-
utive years. Since 1871 he has been a justice of the peace, and, as a slight evidence of the
acceptable manner in which he filled the important trust, he was again elected in the
spring of 1886, by sixty-four majority out of eighty-four votes cast. In 1873 and 1874 he
was nominated by his party for clerk of court, and in 1882 was nominated by it and ran
as a candidate for the State Assembly from Adams County, and was defeated by only
ninety-three votes, while the Democratic nominee for governor received a majority of 578.
He has served twice as a delegate to Republican State Conventions, and in 1883 was a
candidate for the nomination of Secretary of Internal Affairs. In 1880 he was appointed
as alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention, at Chicago, when Garfield
was nominated. Mr. Beales has also served the public two terras as a juror m the United
States Courts, at Philadelphia, and was notably and publicly commended by the presiding
iudffe Cadwallader, for his services on that occasion and for his prompt and energetic ac-
tion in promoting the cause of justice. Mr. Beales is a charter member of Hebron Lodge,
No 465 A P & A. M., at York Springs; has served as master and is now its treasurer.
He was one of the organizers and a charter member of the York Springs Building & Loan
Association, and acted as its president for eleven years. It was chartered in 1869 and
continued until 1881, and proved a success. He is now acting as a director of the Adams
County Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Beales has the well-deserved confidence of the
community in which he resides; is constantly employed in his official duties, and attends
to nearly all the legal business and settlements of estates, etc., etc., in the borough of York
SorinffS and vicinity. He has been twice married; first in 1854, to Elizabeth Shaffer, a
daughter of Jacob Shaffer, and by this union one child was born, now deceased; his wife
died in 1860 and September 19, 1865, he married Susan R. Hoover, of Carlisle, a daughter
450 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of Samuel M. Hoover. Mrs. Beales died April 1, 1877, leaving two children, Florence E.,
born SeptembcT 19, 1866, and Mary Eva, born June 17, 1869, who both reside with their
father at York Springs. Mr. Beales is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. The
Beales family is a very old one in Adams County, settling in what is now Latimore Town-
ship early in the eighteenth century. The first was Caleb Beales and his wife, Mary. He
and wife both died in Latimore Township. Their son, Caleb, died in 1840, aged eighty
years, married Lydia Walker a native of Chester County, Penn. A son of the last union
was also Caleb, who married E valine Godfrey, a native of Culpeper County, Va., and a
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Settle) Godfrey. These three Caleb Beales and their
wives all lived and died on the farm near York Sulphur Springs, in Latimore Township.
The family were originally members of the Society of Friends, and tho.se mentioned are
buried in the Friends' burying ground, in Latimore Township. The Godfreys and Set-
tles were Episcopalians and were all of pure En.<;li.vh extraction. Caleb and Evaline (God-
frey) Beales were the parents of four children: Cyrus G,, mentioned elsewhere; Mary C,
who married Dr. I. W. Pearson, of York Springs; Lydia W., who died aged four years;
and Charles W., of York Springs.
FRANCIS COULSON, farmer, P. O. York Sulphur Springs, was born October 23,
1818, and is a son of William and Susan (Lobach) Coulson. He was reared a farmer in
Latimore Township, and at the age of twenty-two began to work for himself at different
occupations. February 17, 1847, he married Catharine R., daughter of Moses and Rachel
(DeardorfE) Funk, and who was born and reared on the farm where our subject now re-
sides. Her grandparents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Hull) Funk, settled on a farm one-half
mile west of our subject's residence, and afterward moved to an adjoining farm where
they died. The Funks were originally from Switzerland, Mrs. Coulson being of the sixth
generation in America. To Mr. and Mrs. Coulson two children were born: Sarah E., born
Slay 10, 1848, died April 20, 1864, and Nancy Jane, born August 20, 1849, died in infancy.
Mr. Coulson has always been engaged in farming the homestead^ which consists of 1.56:
acres, two miles north of York Springs, and is a highly honored and respected citizen.
Charles Coulson, his great-grandfather, was probably born in England, and entered 606
acres of land, in 1749, in Monaghan (now Franklin) Township, York Co., Penn., which,
at his death, in 1790, he bequeathed to his two sons, William and Francis. He is
buried in the Episcopal Cemetery, three miles southwest of York Springs. Francis
Coulson, the grandfather of our subject, was born, probably, in Franklin Township, York
Co., Penn. He was twice married; fli'st to Miss Margaret Neely, who bore him the fol-
lowing-named children: Jane Love, Charles, William, Mary and Francis. After his first
wife's death he married Tamar Hendricks, but had no children. He had at his death,
which occurred in 1835, 250 acres of land, part lying in York County, and part in Latimore
Township, this county, wliich land he divided between his three sons, Charles, William
and Francis. His son, William, the father of our subject, a farmer by occupation, was
born just across the line, in York County. He married, about 1816 or 1817, Susan Lobach,
a daughter of Andrew Lobach, of Latimore Township, this county, formerly from Berks
County, Penn., and after his marriage he lived until his death on the other side of the-
road in Adams County. The Coulson name is strictly English and the family were mem-
bers of the Episcopal Church. William and Susan (Lobach) Coulson had eight children:
Francis, our subject; Mary A., still residing in Latimore Township; Tamar, who died
single; Andrew L., who married and reared a family of seven children (is now deceased);
Elizabeth, married to Joseph Manges, of York County, Penn. ; John, who married and re-
sides in Latimore Township, this county; Benjamin, who married a Miss DeardorfE (both
now deceased); George W., married to Mrs. Hubbs, nee Blair (is a widower with two chil-
dren and resides in Philadelphia).
ARMSTRONG B. DILL, M. D., York Springs. The family from whom Dr. Dill is a
descendant, in a direct line, were of Scotch-Irish «ncestry, and came to America during a
very early date in its history. They were Presbyterians and some of their descendants
have occupied high positions of trust and honor in public otDce and in the different profes-
sions. John Witherspoon, a signerof the Declaration of Independence, president of Prince-
ton College New Jersey, married a Mrs. Ann Dill, the widow of Dr. Armstrong Dill, of
Dillsburg, York County, the place being named after the family. The first now known by
name was a Capt. Matthew Dill, who obtained his ofiicial title in the early Indian wars,
and lived in Carroll Township, York County, or at Dillsburg, where he was buried in 1725.
His son. Col. Matthew Dill, was an oflScer in the Revolution, and seven of his sons and one
son in-law, named Johnson, served in the Continental Army. He died about 1816, and
was buried at Fairfield, Adams County. Nothing definite is known of Col. Matthew
Dill's seven sons, except Thomas and George. The former moved to Washington County,
Penn., andseveral of his grandchildren became very prominent in the ministry, viz.: Prof.
Henry Wilson, said to be one of the ablest Presbyterian divines in the State, also Revs.
Calvin Dill Wilson and William R. Paxton, now of Princeton College, were descendants of
the same family. The latter was a soldier in the war of 1812, and after serving through
that struggle, while returning home, died of disease. He had two children: George
and Matthew. Matthew, last named, was born at Dillsburg, about 1790, and was married
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP. 457'
to Hannah Brawley. They had a family of thirteen children, only six living to reach
manhood: Mrs. Jane A. Pike, of Lafayette, Ind., Col. D. J. Bill, of Prescott, Wis.,
commanded the Thirtieth Regiment Regular Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was the
last provost-marshal in Kentucky, enlisted and uniformed a company at his own expense at
Prescott, and they were mustered into the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He served
four and a half years; Geo. A. Dill died March 24, 1886; William J. Dill died at Sandus-
ky City, Ohio, in 1873; Dr. Armstrong B. ; Ellen E., who married William Clears of Pres-
cott, Wis.; Matthew T., of Prescott, and John Wesly, who, while a student at Lafayette,
Ind., aged about twenty, enlisted in an Indiana regiment, and died in the war for the
Union, and was buried at Lafayette, Ind. Dr. A. B. Dill was horn August 23, 1835, a son
of Matthew and Hannah (Brawley) Dill, and was reared on a farm near Dillsburg, York
County. He obtained his Kterary education in the schools of the vicinity and at a select
school at Wellsville, in York County. In his twenty-second year, he began reading medi-
cine with Dr. William H. Coover, of Dillsburg. He attended Jefferson Medical College,
at Philadelphia, in 1859, and graduated at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New
York, in 1865. On the 26th of March, 1860, the Doctor began practice at York Sulphur
Springs, and has been in continuous and successful practice since. He is a Democrat, and
was elected and served in the sessions of 1869 and 1870 in the Pennsylvania Legislature
from Adams County. He has also served as president of the school board in the borough,
and in various local offices. He married January 2, 1868, Emma J. Breechbill, of Schuyl-
kill County, Penn., and they have eight children: Zula B., George MoKendree, William,
Frost, Hannah Ellen, Matthew Thompson, Emma J., Hope and Alice Johnson. The
Doctor and his wife are both members of the Methodist Church, and he has served in
nearly all the church offices. He is one of the most substantial of its supporters in the
community. Andrew H. Dill, a prominent candidate a few years since for governor of
Pennsylvania, was a great-grandson of Col. Matthew Dill, before mentioned. The Doctor
is now very comfortably situated, the owner of two good farms, near the borough, and a
residence in the town where he lives.
GEORGE W. EMMERT & BRO., general merchants, York Springs. This Arm
was established November 24, 1884, by George W. and Gilbert P. Emmert, sons of W. D.
Emmert, one of the oldest merchants, if not the oldest, in Adams County, and who ha&
been located for vhe past twenty-four years, as a general merchant, at New Oxford. Both
of the brothers were trained to business in their father's store, and received the advantages
of a good education at the schools of New Oxford. Bringing, as they did, the experience
of years to their aid in establishing their present business, it at once became a success.
They carry on their shelves, the year round, an average stock worth from |8,000 to $9,000,
and the sales average upward of $16,000 per annum. This stock consists of everything
that is generally kept in a first-class general store.
George W., was born September 7, 1853. He was employed in his father's store, at
New Oxford, for fifteen consecutive years; was married May 13, 1884, to Alice R. Wortz,
a daughter of David Wortz, a retired farmer of Hanover. They have one child: W. Roe
Mr. Emmert is a member of the Methodist, and Mrs. Emmert of the Lutheran Church.
GiLBBET P., was born August 19, 1858, and on leaving school had six years' exper-
ience in his father's store. In 1880 he began to learn the trade of a hardwood finisher in
the Ohio Falls car works, at Jeffersonville, Ind., where he remained nineteen months;
was then employed in the shops of the Georgia Central Raihoad, at Macon, Ga., and in 1884
accepted a position in the famous Pullman Palace Car Works, near Chicago, where he
acted as foreman of the filling and finishing room at a salary of $900 per annum, having
charge, on an average of from 140 to 150 men. This position he resigned, to engage in his
present business, the day before the presidential election of 1884.
REV. LEONARD MARSDEN GARDNER, York Springs. Bernhard Gardner, who
emigrated from Bremen, Germany, was the progenitor of all the Gardners who lived
in the eastern part of Adams County. He resided the first half of the eighteenth century
in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, Penn. He had seven sons, all of whom, except the
youngest, removed to what was then a part of York County, before 1800. (In that year this
part of York County was included in the new county of Adams, then organized.) The
Gardners took up their residence along the Bermudian and Conowago Creeks ;{reared large
families; and left quite a number of descendants, many of whom are still found there.
Jacob and John located in the village of Petersburg, now York Springs. Jacob carried
on tanning a number of years, and was followed in that business by two of his sons
John was a wagon-maker by trade, and two of his sons, Benjamin and George, also fol-
lowed that business in the same village for many years, but finally began the manufacture
of carriages on a large scale, each having a separate establishment. In the latter part of
his life George invented and patented a machine for hulling clover seed, which was in
such demand that he disposed of his carriage factory and devoted his time to the manu-
facture of his patent. The only son of George is Rev. Leonard M., the subject of our
sketch He was born near Hunterstown, Adams County, October 10, 1831, but was-
reared in the village of Petersburg until his seventeenth year. He then served a three
years' apprenticeship at the printing business in the office of the Star and Banner, Gettys-
458 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
burg, Penn., and later entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Penn., where he remained
two years. In the spring of 1854 he entered the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. His pastorates have been Mercersburg. Penn., Middletown and Lib-
erty, Md., McConnellsburg, Penn,, Hancock, Md., Lock Haven and Cuirwensville, Penn.,
Exeter Street, Strawbridge, Eastern Avenue and Franklin Street, in Baltimore city, and
Eyland and Mount Zion, Washington, D. C, and, by special transfer, for three years at
the old Liberty Street Church, Pittsburgh, Penn. He is at present pastor of the Franklin
Street Church, in Baltimore. During the war he was an ardent Union man, and supported
the Government in every proper and patriotic way in its effort to suppress the Rebellion.
On the early morning of July 4, 1863, before the result of the battle of Gettysburg was
known, a messenger from Gen. Smith, en route for Gen. Meade's headquarters, with impor-
tant dispatches, met Mr. Gardner in front of his father's house, in York Springs, and
asked for directions to get around the rebel army to Gen. Meade. Our subject volun-
teered himself as a guide, and successfully conducted him, by way of New Oxford, arriv-
ing on the battle ground at 6 P. M., and during the following week, in connection with
the Christian Commission, was occupied in caring for and attending to the sick and
wounded soldiers of both armies. 'The year following, as a member of the Christian
Commission, he was with the Army of thePotomac, through the battle of the Wilderness,
and until the army crossed the James River. The greater part of the time he was at-
tached to the field hospital and exposed to the usual dangers consequent to marching and
fighting. Of all the numerous progeny of Bernhard Gardner first mentioned, now number- '
ing many hundreds, the Rev. Leonard M. is the only one who ever became a minister of
the gospel, and, though only one from the flock, the Lord has made him a host. In the
power of ministerial oratory and success as a preacher, he stands in the front rank. He
owns a farm and homestead at York Springs; the house is kept furnished and ready for
occupancy, and each summer and at other seasons, he returns to it for quiet, or engages
in the agricultural pursuits necessary to its care, and returns after each vacation to his
ministerial labors with renewed vigor. He was married December 24, 1856, to Miss An-
nie M. Rhodes, an estimable lady, formerly of Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn., a daugh-
ter of William P. Rhodes. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have two sons: George W. and Leon-
ard M., Jr., both now residents of Florida.
ARNOLD GARDNER was born in what is now York Springs, where he resides, in
August, 1813, and is a son of Jacob and Joseba (Fahnestock) Gardner. When about
twelve years of age he began to learn the tanner's trade in his father's yard, and in his
youth obtained a good common school education. In 1838, in company with Charles
Kettlewell, he rented the York Sulphur springs from the Robert Oliver heirs for six years,
and at the expiration of the lease he bought one-half interest in the springs from J.
Boggs, and conducted and superintended the same for nine years. Under his administra-
tion they became a success and a popular resort. He accommodated as many as 150
guests, and some seasons had to find' accommodations for some of his patrons in the
neighboring farm houses. At the end of the nine years he sold out his interest, and since
that time has lived retired, with the exception of settling some estates occasionally. He
has an elegant residence, erected by himself in 1859, a beautiful veranda alone costing
$900; the yard and lawn are finely kept, and ornamented with pieces of statuary and
works of art. Mr. Gardner is a thorough Republican, though never an office seeker. He
was married, in 1844, to Elizabeth Shuler, of York. They have no children. Mr. Gard-
ner has always been an advocate of educational and other interests calculated to improve
the community, and contributes to all religious denominations, although not a member of
any. Mrs. Gardner is a member of the Lutheran Church.
ALBERT C. GARDNER, postmaster at York Sulphur Springs, was born at York
Springs June 11, 1835, and is a son of William Gardner (elder brother of Arnold Gard-
ner), an old merchant of York Springs, who began business there when eighteen years of
age and continued until fifty-six years old, when he died. Part of the time he did a
wholesale trade, and supplied many of the store-keepers in the small towns adjoining.
He carried a general stock of everything, even to hoop-poles, and his sales in one year
amounted to 150,000. He was probably the most successful merchant that ever did busi
ness at York Springs. Our subject, for five years after leaving college, was in the wholesale
boot and shoe business at Philadelphia, and afterward in the straw goods trade, being in all
very successful. He was appointed postmaster at York Sulphur Springs July 1, 1885, by
President Cleveland's administration. Mr. Gardner has been twice married, and is very
comfortably situated.
JOHN B. GROUP, retired farmer, P. O. Idaville, was born August 11, 1815. about
one mile and one-half southwest of Idaville, in Tyrone Township, this county, a son of
Philip and Elizabeth (Rex) Group, both natives of Adams County. The grandfather,
Philip Grube, was a native of Germany, and settled in Tyrone Towni?hip prior to the
Revolution. John B. was reared on the farm, and during his youth was quite delicate in
health. He was educated in the schools of the vicinity, and at the age of twenty -four
married. May 19, 1839, Mary Ann Haynes, daughter of John and Susan (Stock) Haynes.
The following named children blessed this union: Howard Washington, William Mont-
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP. 461
gomery, Lucy A. S., Mary J., Jesse Lunger and Hiram Leander, living, and John B., Jr.,
deceased. In early manhood Mr. Group worked for five years for 50 cents by the day, and
for three months each winter taught subscription school. When the free schools were
established he was examined by the county board, given a certificate, and then taught for
six or seven terms at $14 or $15 per month. At the age of eighteen he became a member
of the Lutheran Church; but some fqur or five years later, becoming convinced that the
doctrine of the Evangelical Association was more in accordance with the divine teach-
ings, he joined that denomination. Since then he has always had a family altar and di-
vine worship at his house daily. He has served for many years as class-leader, exhorter
and steward of that church, and has been a trustee ever since the organization of the
Zion Church congregation at Idaville. He and his wife and one other are the only ones
now living of the first members of the congregation. Zion Church was organized in
1850, and on the erection of the first church edifice Mr. Group contributed $50 toward its
completion, and has always been one of its chief supporters. He was formerly a Demo-
crat, but now a Republican, and has served as township supervisor for five years, school
director, judge of election, clerk, etc. He was a;lways a friend of education, and when a
school director favored the erection of the York Spring public school building. He is
a strong advocate of temperance, and one of the oldest and best citizens of the township.
The name was formerly spelled Grube, which, in German, signifies a digger of a wolf pit;
it was afterward changed to Grupe, and is now spelled Group.
ABRAHAM MEALS, farmer, P. O. York Sulphur Springs, was born May 9, 1838, on
the farm he now owns and occupies. At the age of nineteen he began to work for him-
self, and now owns the homestead of over 400 acres in Huntington Township. He is one
of the most substantial and independent farmers of the county; is a friend to education,
and during the past winter established a select school at his own house for the benefit of
his children, and intends having it for the future. He is a Republican, was a firm friend
of the Union, and during the war was once drafted, but procured a substitute, and after-
ward furnished another. He married, March 4, 1861, Hannah Shelley, a daughter of Ben-
jamin and Catherine (Faus) Shelley, of Huntington Township. They are the parents of
five girls: Katie A., Coro M., Lottie V., Hayesanna and Georgie. The family attend the
Evangelical Church. Mr. Meals' mother resides with him and is aged seventy-two years;
his father died in 1855. The first of the Meals family in America was William Meals, the
reat-grandfather, who, with his wife Margaret, came from Germany, and!i settled in
Tyrone Township, Adams County, near Deals' Mills, prior to the Revolution. The grand-
father of our subject, William Meals, married Elizabeth Hartzwell, and had a family of
seven children: Mary (married to Adam Weigle), Henry, Margaret (married to William
B. Gardner), Jacob, Elizabeth (married to George Guise), William (the father of our sub-
ject) and Catherine (who married Henry Harman). William, above mentioned, was mar-
ried about 1836, to Leah Yeatts, of this county, a daughter of Simon and Barbara (Spang-
ler) Yeatts. To this union four children were born, two living: Abraham, and Leah, who
married Samuel Brown, who is now deceased, leaving two children.
MISS EMILY E. MOORHEAD, York Springs, was born January 14, 1834, to William
and Esther (Kinyon) Moorhead. She was educated at the schools of York Springs; also
was a pupil for a short time under the tuition of Dr. John H. Marsden; and finished her
education at Lilitz, Lancaster Co., Penn. Although never having intended to become a
teacher, she took, in 1845, charge of her first school, and for twenty -five consecutive years
followed that vocation, with the exception of fourteen months, and continued until her
father's death in 1868. She taught for several terms in York Springs, three years at
Tyrone, three years at Cottage Hill and other places, and since 1869 has lived retired in
the house where her father died at York Springs. She is a very intelligent and affable
lady, higbly respected and honored by all. The first of the family to come to America
were Robert Muirhead and wife, natives of the County Clare, Ireland, who arrived in this
country about the year, or some time prior to, 1748. They entered 300 acres of land about
three miles north of York Springs near the Carlisle Pike, and some of the receipts now in
existence, in part payment for the same, are dated 1748. They had one child, James Muir-
head, who was born upon the ocean, and who married Elizabeth Fletcher, and lived, like
his father and mother, on the old farm in Huntington Township, where they died and
were buried, and where he and his wife were also buried, in Leers graveyard, in the same
township. They had eight children, as follows: Robert (who married Sally Brandon),
Edward (who married Sally Parsel), Fletcher (who married Sally Livingston), William
(who married Sally Proctor), John (who married Sarah Morrison), Mary (who became the
wife of a Mr. Kelethan), Rebecca (who married a Mr. Richardson) and Elizabeth (who
married William Proctor). John Moorhead (who married Sarah Morrison) had three
sons as follows: James (married to a Miss Titsworth, had four children: William, John,
Mary and Sarah), William (who married Esther Kinyon, daughter of Roger and Esther
(Maxon) Kinyon, of Rhode Island; they had two children: Emily Esther, whose name
heads this sketch, and Eliza Jane, who resides in Kewanee, 111., the widow of Rev. Will-
iam Lieber, a Methodist minister). Samuel Moorhead, the third son of John and Sarah
(Morrison) Moorhead, married Sarah Holmes and had five children: Eliza Euridica (who
24A
T
4(V2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
married Samuel Gray), John (who was thrice married, first, to a Miss Adams, then to her
sister, and lastly to Mrs. Helen Hannah), Holmes (who died while a soldier in the Army),
Sarah Jane (married to Samuel Thompson) and Morrison (who married Jennie Osborn).
The Moorheada were originally Episcopalians, but the later generations have belonged to-
the Presbyterian Church.
DR. I. W. PEARSON, York Springs. The first of the Pearson family in America
came over with William Penn in the seventeenth century, and were probably from Eng-
land. The first to come to Adams County, as far as now known, was Elias Pearson, who
with his family lived in Latimore Township. He had a son, Isaac, who reared a family
in Huntington Township, where he died. Isaac, second, also had a son, Isaac, who mar-
ried Mary, a daughter of William Wierman, of Huntington Township, and who generally
was termed " Prince William," on account of the number of Williams of the same name.
Isaac and Mary (Wierman) Pearson had three children: Charlotte; Martha (who married
Joel Cook, and resides in Harford County, Md.), and Dr. I. W. The Pearsons were
originally members of the Society of Friends. Dr. Pearson was born June 6, 1824, and is
the son of Isaac and Mary Pearson, former of whom died when our subject was but four
years of age, and latter when he was but fourteen, so that early in life the Doctor was
thrown upon his own resources. He was educated in the common schools, and in 1848
began to read medicine with Dr. H. C. Metcalf, of York Springs, completing his medical
education at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in the winter of 1849 and 1850,
and in the latter year located at York Springs. He followed his profession in partnership
with his preceptor, Dr. Metcalf, for four years, and since then has been in continuous
practice, being at present (1886) the oldest practicing physician in the place. He is ex-
president of the county and permanent member of the State medical societies. The
Doctor takes an active part in public affairs, and generally votes with the Republican
party. He has served in nearly all the offices in the gift of the borough, and was its first
iDurgess; has been councilman and school director, etc. He is a member of the A. F. & A.
M. and I. O. O. P. lodges at York Springs, and was a charter member of each; has served
two terms as Master, and is the present secretary of the Masonic lodge; and has been a
member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, I. O. O. F. since 1850. He served thirteen
years as treasurer of York Springs Building Association, which institution was a financial
success. The Doctor married, in March, 1854, Mary Caroline Beales, and they have had
a family of six children: Mary E., Charles G. and Isaac W. (twins, the former deceased),
Harry B., Francis W. (deceased), and Charles E. Their three sons are all "disciples of
Faust" (printers), although two of them are at present engaged in other pursuits.
ISAAC W. PEARSON, Jr., editor and proprietor of the York Springs Comet, York
Springs, was born September 26, 1858. He was educated in the schools of his native place
and completed his studies at Shippensburg Normal School; then for three years fol-
lowed civil engineering on railroad construction. January 10, 1878, he became the pro-
prietor of the Comet, a six-column folio, with a subscription of about 200. It was neu-
tral in politics and is so still. In 1880 Mr. Pearson enlarged the paper to a seven-column
folio and it has gradually gained in popularity, having now a circulation of about 1,200
copies, 450 in the surrounding counties and other States and the balance in Adams Coun-
ty. Mr. Pearson recently erected a new building on Main Street, York Springs, and occu-
pies the ground floor for his editorial and printing rooms. June 9, 1885, he married Han-
nah M. Fickel, only daughter of William A. Fickel, of York Springs, born June 28, 1860.
On July 24, 1886, were born of this union, Jean and Hazel, twin daughters, an event
which occasioned considerable stir in the village. Mrs. Pearson is a member of the Lu-
theran Church. Mr. Pearson is a member of the I. O. O. F., at York Springs. The pre-
decessor of the York Springs Comet was established at Gettysburg in 1874, by A. L. Heikes,
and moved to York Sjjrings in 1877. The Comet oflice at present (1886) is fitted with a
Rankin cylinder press, its full capacity being about 600 per hour. The oflBce also has twa
job presses with other fixtures of the njiost improved kinds.
HARRY B. PEARSON, hardware merchant at York Springs, was born July 8, 1861,
and is a son of Dr. Isaac W. Pearson. He obtained his education in the schools of York
Springs and when sixteen years old he learned the printer's trade, and opened his present
store August 1, 1885. The business has steadily increased and Mr. Pearson carries a full
line of hardware, ready mixed paints, guns, powder, shot, 'etc., etc. Mr. Pearson is
a prominent member of both the I. O. O. F. and the F. & A. M. societies of the town.
HENRY C. PETERS, proprietor of fruit-canning business, York Springs, is a nativfr
of Oxford Township, born near New Oxford, this county, November 18, 1828, and is a son
of Henry and Elizabeth (Bottorff) Peters, both natives of this county. The father was
born March 16, 1797, and the mother August 10, 1800, in Straban Township, this county.
The grandparents were Isaac and Abigail (Thompson) Peters, the former of whom died in
1829 or 1830 in Baltimore City, Md., and the latter about 1858, aged ninety-three years, in
Oxford Township. The maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Taney) Bot-
torff, who both died in Straban Township, this county, aged seventy and seventy-five-
years, respectively. Henry C. lived with his father until the age of nineteen, when he-
went to Gettysburg and learned the tinner's trade with George E. Buehler, with whom he-
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP. 463
remained four years. In 1851 lie came to York Springs and opened a stove and tin sliop,
wbich business he conducted until 1876, -when he turned the establishment over to his
sons. In 1855 he became interested in the fruit-canning industry, under tlie firm name of
"Worley & Peters. In_1858 the firm became H. C. Peters & Co., and since 1862 Mr. Peters
has conducted the business alone and has been largely interested every season, in one year
(1874) canning $37,000 worth of good?, and for ten years has averaged about 18,000" per
annum. The business is now conducted under the name of "The Sunnyside Canning
Company." They put up all kinds of fruits, vegetables, jellies, etc. Mr. Peters was
originally a Whig, but is now a Republican, and has served the township as school di-
rector, and the borough three times as burgess; has been a member of the council three
terms, and was elected in 1878 a justice of tlie peace, and in 1883 re-elected for five years.
Mr. Peters takes an active interest in the affairs of the community; is a prominent mem-
ber of the I. O. O. P. Lodge of York Springs, Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment; has
been a Royal Arch Mason for twenty-eight years, a Knight Templar for twenty-seven
years and a Master Mason twenty-nine years; is amember of Lodge No. 465, York Springs,
also of St. John's Chapter, at Carlisle, No. 171, and Commandery No. 8. In 1851 Mr. Pe-
ters mai'ried Rebecca L.. daughter of Jacob Kuhns, of Cumberland Township, this county.
They have had eight children, four of whom are living: John F., Charles Harry, Mary
Kate and Myra L. Mrs. Peters died November 30, 1884, a member of the Lutheran Church,
of which Mr. Peters is still a member; he served ten years as Sunday-school superintend'
ent. He was prominent in getting a charter for the borough; active in educational af-
fairs, building of the schoolhouse, etc., and a charter member, first president and last
secretary of the York Springs Building & Loan Association, and a member of the board
of directors for thirteen out of its fourteen years of existence.
JOHN F. PETERS, dealer in stoves, tinware, house-furnishing goods, etc., York
Springs. This business was established about 1843, by Isaac D. "Worley, and ten years
later, in 1853, was bought by H. C. Peters and conducted by him until 1875, when he was
succeeded by his sons, John F. and C. H. Peters, under the firm name of J. F. & C. H.
Peters. In 1880, C. H. retired from the firm, and is now conducting business of the
same kind at Shiremanstown, Cumberland Co., Penn. Since the above date John F,
has continued the business at York Springs, and recently bought a large store building,
formerly known as the Jacob Gardner property, to which he has moved, and now carries
a full line of goods. He is a practical mechanic, having learned the tinner's trade when
nineteen years of age. Mr. Peters was born August 9, 1851, and is a son of H. C. and
Rebecca L. (Kuhns) Peters. He was educated at the schools of York Springs, and fin-
ished his literary studies by a two-years' course at the Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg,
He first began business for himself April 1, 1875. November 9, 1875, he married Lovie L.
Myers, a daughter of Cornelius Myers, of Hampton, this county. They have two chil-
dren, Myra Elsie and John F., Jr. Mr. Peters has been a member, since 1872, of the A. F.
& A. M., and served in all its different ofiBces, including Master, etc. The same year he
became a member of the I. O. O. F. ; has served in all its different ofiicial positions, and
has been its secretary, with the exception of one year, since 1874. He is a Republican in
politics; has been identified with the educational institutions of the place since attaining
his majority. He was a member of the school board for twelve years, and takes a promi-
nent part and interest in the politics of the vicinity and county.
COL. WILLIAM WARREN STEWART, civil engineer, York Springs, is a native of
York Springs Borough, and was born August 8, 1836, a son of Dr. William Rippy and
Diana (McKinney) Stewart; the former a native of Shippensburg, Cumberland County,
and a son of Alexander Stewart, M. D., and Jane (Rippy) Stewart. Diana McKinney
was a daughter of David McKinney, a tanner of Strasburg, Franklin Co., Penn. The
Stewarts are of Scotch, the McKinney's of Scotch-Irish, and the Rippys of Scotch extrac-
tion. Dr. William Rippy Stewart located at York Springs in 1837, and was in continuous
and successful practice there up to within one year of his death, which occurred March 9.
1867. He left a widow, now (1886) aged seventy-eight, and eight children. He was an
enterprising and progressive citizen and had the confidence and respect of the entire com-
munity to a remarkable degree. Col. Stewart, at about the age of fourteen, became a
student at Cumberland Valley Institute for one year; then at Juniata Academy, Shirleys-
burg Huntingdon County, two years. At the latter place he paid considerable attention
to mathematics and civil engineering with the intention of following that profession. la
1857 he became a member of a corps of United States engineers in the survey of Govern-
ment lands in Nebraska; returned in 1859, and shortly after obtained employment in the
ofiace of the Adams Express Company at Baltimore; was with them when Fort Sumter
was fired upon, and about that time returned to York Springs. In June, 1861, he enlisted
in Company K First Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, and, two weeks
after arriving in camp at West Chester, Penn., was made first sergeant; September of the
same year was made first lieutenant of Company K, then stationed at Tennellytown, Va. ;
November of the same year he was detached from Company K, and made adjutant of the
regiment June 80, 1863. During the seven days' battle of the peninsula, at Charles City
Cross Roads he was wounded by a minie ball through the left thigh, and taken prisoner.
404 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
He was confined in Libby prison until September, when he was paroled. While in prison
he was promoted, June 30; the captain having been killed, the captaincy of his company
devolved on him. When his exchange was duly efEected he was released from this parole
and assumed the command of the company. January 7, 1863, he was appointed lieuten-
ant-colonel of the regiment, it being a part of the Twenty-second Army Corps, in Fairfax
County, Va., and a brevet-colonel March 18, 1864, for gallant conduct at the battle of the
Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House. The regiment was mustered out in June,
1864. The Colonel took part in the following battles: Drainsville, Hawkshurst Mills,
Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Fredericksburg, New Hope
Church, Mine Run, Rappahannock Station, Spottsylvania Court House, Wilderness, North
Anna (where he was slightly wounded in the side by a piece of shell), Pamumky River,
Cold Harbor, Bethesda, and the battle of Gettysburg. At the last named, the Colonel with
his command came on the battle-ground early in the morning of the second day, having
marched thirty-five miles the day previous. The command occupied Little Round Top, and
charged with their brigade, which recovered the ground lost by the First and Second Divis-
ions of the Fifth Army Corps. He had charge of the skirmishers that afternoon and night,
and continued to do duty until the charge of his brigade on the third day, which was per-
sonally ordered by Gen. Meade. In the charge, some eighty or ninety prisoners were cap-
tured, two battle-flags and from 8,200 to 3,500 stand of muskets. The brigade lay on the
fleld that night, making forty-two hours they had been without rest. March 1.5, 1865, he
was commissioned a colonel of the One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry, and with it participated in the campaign against Richmond, and
took part in some skirmishes in the valley of Shenandoah and Virginia. Part of that time
he was in command of the Third Brigade of the Second Division of the Army of the Shen-
andoah. After the surrender of Lee, he had, as brigade commander, charge of the post at
Staunton, Va., which embraced Harrisonburg and Lexington, Va., and the latter part of
July, 1865, was assigned to command the post at Harper's Perry. Was mustered out August
24, 1865; and for gallant conduct at North Anna River, where he led the forlorn hope, was
brevetted a brigadier-general, dating from March 15, 1865. At the close of the war he re-
turned to York Springs, and has since followed the profession of a civil engineer. The
Colonel resides on the old homestead of his father, at York Springs.
E. C. STOCK, general merchant, York Springs, is a native of Mountpleasant Town-
ship, this county, born August 20, 1858, to John W. and Cordilla (Weikard) Stock, now of
Mountpleasant Township. He received his early education at the schools of his neigh-
borhood and completed his studies at East Berlin Normal School. During the winters
of 1876-77 and 1877-78 he taught school, first at Swift Run and then at Mount Fairview.
In 1878 he was employed in the hardware store of Tanger & Etzler, at Hanover, and re-
mained with them until August 31, 1880, and September 1, the same year, he opened his
present business in company with E. J. Myers, under the firm name of Myers & Stock, and
so continued until June 10, 1881, when he bought out Mr. Myers' interest, and has since
conducted the business alone. He carries a full line of general goods, averaging |7,000
the year round, with sales of $15,000 to $18,000 per annum. Mr. Stock is a Republican,
and takes an active interest in public affairs. He has served the borough in various local
offices; is a member of the I. O. O. F., in which he has held all the offices, and was the repre
sentative to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which met at Harrisburg, in May, 1886; is
also a member of the Lutheran Church. June 5, 1884, he married Alice J. Markley, a
daughter of Daniel H. Markley, formerly of Lancaster County, but now of York
Springs, and they have one son — Guy M., born June 26, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Stock reside
in an elegant brick house adjoining his store, erected by himself at a cost of upward of
$3,000.
GEORGE A. TRIMMER, hardware merchant, York Springs, was born in Huntington
Township, this county, August 17, 1856, a son of Joseph and Julia Ann (Spangler) Trim-
mer, both natives of this county. He was reared on the farm until twenty-one. and re-
ceived his early education in the schools of his native township, finishing his studies at
Millersville State Normal School. June 15, 1882, he opened a hardware store at York
Springs, it being the first store established in the borough for carrying on an exclusive
hardware business. Several general stores had carried more or less goods in that line,
but their proprietors agreed to cease doing so, provided Mr. Trimmer would buy their
stocks. This he agreed to, and accordingly purchased the stock of A. S. Hartman for
$381.29 and that of E. C. Stock for $718.24, and immediately began business, which has
since steadily increased. He carries a full line of hardware, paints, oils, guns, powder,
shot, Hercules dynamite, and other goods generally found in first-class hardware stores.
iHe keeps a well assorted stock, averaging the year round $5,000, with sales per annum of
f 10,000. He is special agent and has control of Adams County, and the territory surround-
ing York Springs, for the sale of Dupont powder, Hercules dynamite, the " Genuine Royal
Mixed Paints," manufactured by A. Wilhelm & Co., Reading, and of the well and favorably
known " Champion Force Pump." He is also special agent agent for the "National
Harness Oil Company," of Detroit, Mich., keeping a full line of their manufactures, and
devotes part of each year in the employment of the above named company, as its com-
HUNTINGTON TOWNSHIP. -465
mercial traveler, introducing its goods throughout the country. Mr. Trimmer is a
thorough business man, an enterprising citizen, favorably known in this and adjoining
counties. He was married, May 14, 1886, to Miss M. Minerva Troslle, and they are botli
members of the Lutheran Church.
ABRAHAM TROSTEL (deceased) was a native of Germany, and came to York
County, Penn., where he settled iu the early part of the eighteenth century. He lived
near York, was a farmer, and reared a family of eiglit sons and three daughters. His son,
Abraham, married Catharine Brough, and came with his family to this county in 1809 or
1810, and settled in Huntington Township. He was a miller there for many years, and also
owned 350 acres of land. He was drafted in the war of 1813. but procured a substitute.
He was a Lutheran, and his wife, when forty or fifty years of age, joined the Dunkards.
They had four sons and two daughters. The parents died in Huntington Township, he at
the age of seventy-three, and she aged about seventy-six, and were buried at Upper Ber-
mudian Church. Their son, Abraham, of York Springs, was a twin, born August 15,
1814, in Huntington Township, this county. He learned the miller's trade with his father,
and, after finishing his apprenticeship, carried on the business for sixteen years at his
father's old stand, and followed farming and burning lime for about six years during the
war period. He owned at one time three farms, containing 275 acres, but has now sold all
his land except one farm of 100 acres in Butler Township, which he rents, and lives in
retirement at York Springs. January 12, 1837, he married Eliza Pensyl, who bore him
seven children: Henry J., George H.. Sarah Ann, Hiram W., Lovina, Mary Ann and
Catharine E. (twins). The mother died when the twins were born in 1852, and in 1861
Mr. Trostel married his second wife, Caroline Arendt, by whom he had two children, who
died in infancy. Mrs. Trostel died in 1865. and Mr. Trostel married his third wife, Mrs.
Lydia Yount, nee Kohn, who still lives. Mr. 'Trostel is a Republican, and has served his
township in various local offices; is now collector of taxes for the borough. He is a
member of the Bermudian Lutheran Church, has served four years as deacon, and has
always been a generous contributor to the support of religious and educational interests in
the community. He now owns four fine properties in town, including where he now
resides, valued in all at about $8,000.
HENRY J. TROSTEL, farmer, P. O. York Sulphur Springs, was born July 20, 1838,
a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Pensyl) Trostel. He was reared a farmer and was edu-
cated in the schools of the vicinity. In 1866 he married Annie E. Weaver, and they have
two children: Birdie Lewella and Sadie Lavina. Mr. Trostel owns and operates the old
homestead of his father, which consists of 100 acres, in Huntington Township. He also
owns a chopping and saw-mill, and acts as agent for the sale of plows i.ud other agricult-
ural implements. He is a Republican in politics. He and his wife are members of the
Lutheran Church.
GEORGE H. TROSTEL, farmer and proprietor of lime-kiln, P. O. York Sul-
phur Springs, a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Pensyl) Troste^, was born June
3, 1840, in Huntington Township, this county, and was reared to the businc ss
of farming and educated in the schools of his township. At the age of twenty-
one he began to work for himself on one of his father's farms (the homestead),
and with his brother, Henry, continued thus for six year.s. He then took another
of his father's farms adjoining on the south, and worked it on shares for two year.s,
boarding with his father. In January, 1872, he married Elizabeth Rebert, of East
Berlin, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Wiest) Rebert, who were born near Spring
Forge, York County. Mr. Trostel bought the farm of seventy-eight acres, where he now
resides, in 1880. There is a limestone quarry on this land, and he is also engaged in burning
lime getting out on an average 40,000 bushels per year. The quarry is an extensive one
and almost inexhaustible and is well drained; the lastditch, 360 feet long, and26 feet deep
part of the way, cost last season f 700, and the entire drainage since the quarry was
opened cost over |3,000. Mr. and Mrs. Trostel have three sons and one daughter;
Charles A. born April 13, 1873; Henry Elmer, born January 27, 1875; Annie E., born
January 20, 1878, and George M., born April 2, 1886. Mr. Trostel is a Republican; is now
treasurer of the township, and has served twice. before; is one of the directors of Sunny-
side Cemetery. He is one of the substantial men of the township. He employs in his busi-
ness six hands the year round, and as an evidence of the pleasant relations existing be-,
tween his employes and himself, his foreman in the lime-burning interest, Mr. John
Trostel has been with him ten years; his girl at his house for nine years; and none of the
remainder less than four or five years, or until they were married. Mr. and Mrs. Trostel
are members of the Lutheran Church. , -kt- . i a
JOSEPH WIERMAN (deceased) was born January 13, 1795. a son of Nicholas and
Lvdia (Griest) Wierman, and died December 11, 1871. He owned and operated the old
mill and was also a farmer. He married May 4, 1826, Susan Wierman, who was born
October 13, 1805. and died May 7, 1848. They had nine children: Alfred A Adaliza b.,
Theodore N , John W., Mary E., Martha M., Joseph E., Henry H. and Lydia J. John
W Wierman one of the above family, was born May 4, 1832, and was reared to and
learned the milling business at the old stand of his father. At the age of twenty-seven hu
466 BIOGIIAPHIOAL SKETCHES :
went West, and worked at the milling business near Sterling, 111., for two years. At the
outbreak of the Rc^bellion he returned home, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company 0,
Fifteenth Regiment Pensylvania Volunteer Cavalry, for three years. The regiment was
niustured in at Carlisle and recruited as a body-guard for Gen. Buell, hut as he was super-
seded, they were sent to Louisville, Ky. There the regiment was equipped and sent to Nash-
ville, Tenn., as escort or body guard for Gen. Rosecrans. Their first engagement was at the
battle of Stone River, where they suffered severely. For meritorious conduct while on a
soout,Mr. Wierman was made first duty sergeant and served in that capacity until mustered
out June 11, 1865. He tooli part in the battles of Chicltamauga, Strawberry Plains, siege of
Knoxville, and was on a scout through Mississippi and Alabama; captured two pontoon
trains of Gen. Hood and wagon trains, burning them all. In the spring of 1865 he started
from Knoxville, Tenn., to meet Sherman on his march, and engaged in an expedition to
destroy the rebels' railroads. He, with a detachment, was sent on this errand, and while
i-n the rear guard was talien sick, and stopped in a house to rest with a comrade. In the
night the house was surrounded by rebels, and they were captured and detained at States-
ville, N. C, until the close of the war, which lasted only three weeks longer.
Besides the engagement mentioned, Mr. Wierman was in innumerable scouting expedi-
tions. He returned home after the war, and in 1866 rented his father's mill. In 1877, on
the death of his father, he succeeded him in the business, and in 1880 became its owner
by purchase. He was married in 1877, to Nannie E. Myers, who was born May 27, 1850,
a daughter of Cornelius and Lovina (Brough) Myers. They have one child, Maud L.,
born Slay 4, 1881. Mr. Wierman is a Republican, and has served in various local offices,
as school director, etc. He is a member of the Society of Friends; Mrs. Wierman is a
Lutheran.
JUDGE ISAAC E. WIERMAN, P. O. York Sulphur Springs, is descended from
German ancestry. His great-grandfather, whose name was William, was a native of tliat
country, and had a son, Nicholas, who was born in this section, a farmer, who built what
is known as the Wierman Mill, in Huntington Township, about or previous to the year
1800, and which has always been owned and operated, and is at present, by one of the
name. Nicholas had a son Nicholas, who was born in 1755, on the homestead at Wier-
man's Mills, a house still standing on this site that was erected in 1773. He was a farmer,
owned some 430 acres, and also operated a mill. He died in 1839, aged eighty-four years.
To him and his wife {nee Lydia Griest) nine children were born, as follows: John, Thomas,
Nicholas, Daniel, Joseph, Isaac E., Sarah, Susan and Phcebe T. The mother of this fam-
ily died in 1850, at about the age of ninety-two years. She and her husband were mem-
bers of the Society of Friends, and are buried in the graveyard of the Friends, in Latimore
Township. Judge Isaac B. Wierman, the subject of this sketch, a son of Nicholas and
Lydia (Griest) Wierman, was born March 4, 1803, was reared on the old homestead in
Huntington Township, and obtained a good common school education in the school a few
steps from his father's place, and remained with his father until 1833, when he moved to
his present farm. He had married, in 1831, Louisa Arnold, a daughter of Dr. John B.
Arnold. Judge Wierman has been a life-long Democrat, and has served his township in
various ofiioes. He served as justice of the peace five years, and in 1860 was appointed,
by Gov. Packer, associate county judge, to fill a vacancy for one year, at the expiration
of which time he was elected associate county judge, and at the end of his term of service
(five years) was re-elected, and has served the county eleven years in all. He is a member
of the Society of Friends. His wife, who was a Presbyterian, died in August, 1880, aged
seventy- two years. They had four children: Sarah Virginia (now living with her father),
John A. (a farmer of Huntington Township), Susan Emily (married to J. W. Neely, of Ty-
rone Township), and Harriet L. (who married P. A. Myers, and resides with her father on
the old homestead). Judge Wierman has always retained the confidence of the commun-
ity in which he has resided; has been appointed and served as administrator for many es-
tates, the affairs of which he has always attended to with fidelity and generally to the
satisfaction of those concerned. He was also appointed and acted "as guardian of the in-
terests of many minors. He was appointed by the officers of the bankrupt court a receiv-
er for the bankrupt estate of Joel Griest, of some $80,000, an office he filled to the best
interests of the estate and creditors.
COL. JOHN WOLFORD (deceased). The first ancestor of this gentlemen to settle in
America was George Wolford, a native of Germany, who located in York County, Penn.,
early in the eighteenth century. His son, Peter, resided for many years near Gettysburg,
but afterward moved to York County. He married Margaret Albert, and they had four
children: John, Elizabeth (married to Martin Herman, of Cumberland County ; Judge Martin
Herman, of Carlisle, was their son), Peter (married to Mary Ann Carl, of York, York County),
and Andrew (who was drowned at the age of sixteen). Col. John Wolford was born Feb-
ruary 13, 1800, near Gettysburg, and his father afterward moved to York County, locating
near Clear Springs, where our subject was reared to the life of a farmer. Our subject's
father owned 400 acres of land, and was proprietor of and operated two large flour-mills
for many years. Col. John Wolford received a good common school education, and dur-
ing his long life was a student, constantly seeding and acquiring knowledge. At the age
LATIMORE TOWNSHIP. 467
"of twenty-four he married Miss Jane Whitman, a daughter of Daniel Whitman and Eliza-
beth (Good) Whitman, of Adams County. Soon after marriage he moved to Latimore
Township, Adams County, and bought a farm of 320 acres, where he lived for over forty
years, and built on this tract a clover-mill, flour-mill and two saw-mills, all of which were
operated under his direction. The homestead was one-half mile east of the famous York
Sulphur Springs. He was an uncompromising temperance man, an ardent friend and sup-
porter of the free school system, and during the war helped in all proper and patriotic
ways to support the Union cause, both by means and influence. At the age of fifty he
became a member of the Episcopal Church, and ever after was consistent to his profession.
He was a general controller of the community, was trusted almost to an unlimited degree,
■and settled many estates and acted as guardian to several minors. He was kind and sym-
pathetic by nature, and ready to help all those whom he thought to be deserving, and lost
in this way nearly $100,000. In 1860 he became interested in coal lands, and in 1865, or
about that time, became a partner in the Honeybrook Coal Company, which proved to be
a very successful venture. The mine was located at Audenreed, Carbon Co., Penn. In
1873 he left his farm and moved to York Springs Borough, which was subsequently his
Tesidence. He was a heavy stockholder in the First National Bank at Gettysburg, and a
director. He died April 10, 1883, leaving a large estate of upward of $300,000. He had,
however, previously distributed $140,000 among his children. His widow died December
9, 1883, aged about eighty-one. The names of their children are as follows: Albert, mar-
ried to Lucy Martin; Margaret C, married to Anthony K. Myers, formerly of York
Springs, now of London, Ohio; Elizabeth, married to Richard W. Sadler, and died, leav-
ing two daughters; Rebecca R., deceased, married to Herman Beltzhoover, and left a son
and daughter; and Mar^ Ann, widow of Abram L. Mumper, who was a partner in the
Honeybrook Coal Company (she resides at Columbus, Ohio, and has two sons: John Wol-
■ford and Harry Abram); Clarissa J., married to Josiah Geiger, formerly a merchant of
New Windsor, Carroll Co., Md., now deceased (the widow resides at Columbus, Ohio; has
one son — John Wolford Geiger); Peter, drowned at the age of sixteen; and Emily W., the
youngest, now the wife of Albert Sydney Hartman, of Chester County, Penn. (they are
■living in the last homestead of Col. John Wolford, at York Springs Borough, this county).
Col. Wolford's title was obtained by serving for several years as colonel of the State
loilitia.
CHAPTER LX.
LATIMORE TOWNSHIP-
DR. JOHN B. ARNOLD (deceased) was born at Flatbush, Conn., January 9, 1775.
June 30, 1790, he married Rachel Weakly, in this county, whither he had come when
a single man, and was at that time a graduate of medicine. He died February 28, 1822.;
his widow was born July 37, 1773, and died November 8, 1851. They had eight children;
Maria, born July 1, 1800, married Dr. Smith, a prominent physician, who died at Spring-
field, Ohio; Jane, born September 18, 1801; Charlotte, born March 9, 1807; Louisa, born
November 33, 1808; Rebecca R., born Mareh 27, 1811; John J. T., born September 39
1813 was a natural artist and fine portrait painter; Harriet, born October 21, 1815, and
Emily, born February 35, 1830. Mrs. Harriet Gardner, mother of William H. Gardner, is
the only one of this family now (1886) living. „ „ ^ .,
WILLIAM F. BONNER, farmer, P. O. York Sulphur Springs. The Bonner family
in Adams County are descendants from Scotch ancestry. They first came to America in
the early part of the eighteenth century. Robert Bonner, a sou of the original settler, was
the grandfather of our subject. He had six sons, four or five of whom were in service
during the Revolution. Francis was a lieutenant; John was sergeant-major; Andrew
Thompson a colonel. Francis and John left Fort Washington on the east side of the
Hudson River on the evening before it was taken by the British, and the lieutenant, strip-
ping the flag from the flag-staff, wrapped it around his shoulders and brought it over to
Fort Lee on the west side of the river. The brothers were in the battles of Brandywine
•Creek White Horse Tavern, Monmouth and others. John Bonner was afterward major
of miiitia county commissioner and held township offices. He was an elder in the Dills-
burg Presbyterian Church. John Bonner married Jane, a daughter of John Thompson, a
school-teacher and surveyor, who came here from County Tyrone, Ireland^ before the
Revolution To their marriage six sons were born, of whom James, Johnland Thompson T.
served in the war of 1813. William F. Bonner, our subject, is a son of John apd Jane
468 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
(Thompson) Bonner, and was born in York, now Adams, County, Penn., April 10, 1797.
The deceased members of the Bonner family are all now buried m Sunnyside Cemetery.
This burial place was founded in the following way: Some twenty years ago, Mr. Bonner,
our subject, donated twenty-six acres of lancf to the general public as a place of burial.
An order of court was made and a number of men appointed as trustees. The lots are
thirty-two feet square, and are open to any people or denomination. They are nomin-
ally sold at $35 per lot, but the purchaser may be allowed to pay for it in work on the
grounds. One acre is set apart as a potters' field for the burial of strangers and poor
people. It is located on the sunny side of a hill, and can be seen by the onlooker for
miles away, The grounds and their improvements, will be a monument to the enterprise
and generosity of the donor long after he has ceased to be an actor in the surrounding
scenes. At present (1886), he is eighty-nine years of age, and were it not for a fall some
ten years ago, he would be, probably, comparatively active now, as his general health Ls
good. He was born in the old house within thirty yards of his present residence, and has
lived here always. Mr. Bonner has never married. He now owns some 310 acres of the
old Bonner homestead where he lives, also tvvo other farms of 130 and 145 acres, respect-
ively. He is a Presbyterian in religion, a Republican in politics, and was a firm friend to
the administration during the Rebellion.
WILLIAM H. GARDNER, farmer, P. 0. York Sulphur Springs, is a great-grandson
of Bernhard Gardner, and a grandson of John Martin Gardner and Susan (Seabold) Gard-
ner, and a son of Daniel and Harriet (Arnold) Gardner. The latter were married June 5,
1837, and had the following children: William H., born February 33, 1838; John M., born
February 33, 1840; Susan, born April 13, 1841; Arnold W., born November 17, 1846.
Daniel Gardner died August 9, 1863, and his widow, aged seventy-one years, now resides
with her son, William H. She Is a daughter of Dr. John B. Arnold, who is mentioned
elsewhere in this volume. John Martin Gardner was a son of Bernhard Gardner, and was
born November 10, 1766. He married Susan Seabold, who was born January 37, 1778.
He died October 9, 1819, and his widow April 8, 1860; both are buried in the Lower Ber-
mudian graveyard inLatimore Township. They had the following children: George, bom
November 37, 1796; Samuel, born August 6, 1798; William, born September 18, 1800; Mary,
born April 36, 1803; Susannah, born November 18, 1803; Bernhard, born December 24,
1804; Maria, born November 23, 1806; Martin, born December 34, 1808; Simon, born Sep-
tember 16, 1810; Daniel, born September 30, 1813; James R., born December 34, 1814;
Julianna, born February 33, 1819. These children were born and reared on the farm now
owned by William H. Gardner, Latimore Township. William H. was reared on the farm,
and received the educational advantages afforded by the schools of the vicinity; later, at-
tended Bloomfield Academy, in Perry County. October 14, 1863, he married Alice L.
Myers, a daughter of Amos C. Myers, and after marriage they began house-keeping on the
old homestead, one-quarter mile east of York Springs Borough. The place consists of
about 150 acres greatly improved, with good residence, fine grounds and outbuildings. In
politics, Mr. Gardner is a Republican. He takes an active interest in the educational and
other public enterprises, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church at York
Springs. They have a family of seven children: Daniel A., born August 31, 1864; Lou-
isa M., born May 7, 1866; Edmund A., born August 14, 1868; Annie H., born July 18, 1871;
William J., born November 28, 1874; Mary A., born November 37, 1879, and Naomi R.,
born May 17, 1881.
MOSES VAN 8C0Y0C, farmer, P. O. York Sulphur Springs, was born January 10,
1810, and is a son of Enoch and Hepsibah (Walker) Van Sooyoc, both of whom died in
Latimore Township. The grandparents of our subject were Moses and Susannah (Bid-
die) Van Scoyoo, both natives of Long Island, former of whom was a stone-mason, and
also owned and operated over 300 acres of land near York Springs. They died in this,
township and are buried in the family burying-ground on the farm he owned, which is
now the pi'operty of Mr. Shelley. The great-grandfather was Aaron Van Scoyoc, a na-
tive of Holland, who also lived in this township, where he died at an advanced age. Our
subject was i-eared on the farm, and when about twenty years of age learned the carpen-
ter's trade, which he followed for about twenty-five years. At the age of thirty he
bought the farm where he lives, which then consisted of ninety-eight acres. He married
Jane Soholl, who bore him seven children, and died thirteen years ago. The cliil-
dren's names are as follows: Ira D., a farmer and teacher in Dickinson County, Kas.,
Lloyd G., a physician at Abilene, Kas.; Alice, at home; Rebecca, William C, S. Bstella
and Jessie A., at home. Alice had been for four years one of Latimore's most successful
teachers but owing to declining health was obliged to give up the profession. William
has taken charge of the home-farm. Rebecca is at present a teacher in Latimore Town-
ship. Bstella is an artist, and Jessie is attending school. Mr. Van Scoyoc has always
been a worthy citizen, retaining the respect of every one. The Walkers were of English
extraction.
Missing Page
Missing Page
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 471
CHAPTER LXI.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
SAMUEL KRISE, retired farmer, P. 0. Emmitsburg, Md., is a grandson of Henry
Krise, wlio came to America in tlie flrst half of the last century, and located in New Jer-
sey, whence he came to Monocacy, Md., where his wife and he died. Abraham Krise the
father of Samuel was born in New Jersey September 25, 1771. He lived with his father
in Maryland until after his marriage December 1, 1799, and the following year moved to a large
tract in this township of over 750 acres, which he and his father had bought. This land
was bought by James Agnew from the Penns and was sold by him to the Krises, which
family has owned it ever since. Abraham lived in a log house which stood on the spot
where now stands the stone house which he built in 1816, and in which his son Jacob now
lives. He died April 39, 1B46, in his seventy-sixth year. December 1, 1799, he was mar-
ried to Ann Christina Kitzmiller, born September 14, 1777. in Union Township, this
county, who died April 3, 1864, in her eighty-seventh year. Their family were William,
married to Hannah Ruff, living in Maryland; George H., married to Eliza Otta, now de-
ceased (he lives in thi-i township); John, David and Christina, who died unmarried;
Lydia, likewise unmarried, living in this township; Abraham, a twin brother of Chris-
tina, married to Annie Zimmerman, and now deceased; Jacob, unmarried, living on the
homestead. Samuel, the youngest but one, was born March 35, 1814, and lived with his
father until he was thirty-three years of age, when he married, and shortly after moved
to the farm where he has since lived on a part of the original tract, on which he built a
fine new house in 1850. The farm was but little improved when he got it, but hard work
and good management has brought it to a high state of cultivation. A man of wonder-
ful constitution, he has been a great worker, a careful and successful farmer, and in over
fifty years has never been kept in-doors on account of ill health for three days at a time.
April 20, 1847, he married Elizabeth Clanbaugh, of Carroll County, Md., who was
born March 11, 1824, and died March84, 1873. They had three children: Henry Stern,
born January 15, 1850; married to Mary L., daughter of Gregory P. Toppers, of this
township; Sarah Ann. born July 7, 1851, wife of Oliver F. Summers, of Franklin Town-
ship, this county, now living with her father; and Ella Florence, born August 4, 1853, and
died when thirteen months old. Six years ago Mr. Krise gave up active work. Tlie-
loss of his wife was a severe blow to him. She was a Christian lady, noted for her char-
ity and piety, the poor and needy ever finding a friend in her. Mr. Krise is much re-
spected for his good sense, his straightforward principles and integrity. He is a member
of the Lutheran Church, in Bmmittsburg, Md.
PAXTON H. RILEY, farmer, P. O. Emniitsburg, Md.. is descended from grandpar-
ents of Irish and German extraction, who lived in Fairfield, where his paternal grand-
parents died; the maternal grandfather died in Freedom Township, where he was a
farmer. Barnabas Riley, father of our subject, was born in this county, and died in Fair-
field, in November, 1880. He was a carpenter by trade, but later bought a farm in Liberty
Township, which he sold a few years before his death, when he removed to Fairfield.
His widow lives near Fairfield with her daughter Lucretia. Two of their children died
quite young, and a daughter, Margaret, when seventeen years old. Those who arrived at
years of maturity were Lucinda A., wife of William Gerhardt, of Martinsburg, W. Va..;
Allah E.. wife of John Butt, of Highland Township; Paxton H.; Isaac T., married to.
Melinda Sprenkle, and living in Franklin County; Lucretia V., wife of Frederick Shully,
of Hamiltonban Township, this county; Daniel B., married to Amanda Musselman, also
of Hamiltonban Township; Isadore A., was wife of John Nunemaker, of this township,
and died in 1878. The subject of this sketch was born February 23, 1838, at Caledonia
Furnace, Franklin Co., Penn., where his parents were living for a short time. When he
was an infant they removed to Freedom Township, and later to his father's farm in this
township, where Paxton lived until 1866, when he came to the farm he now owns, which
he bought a year or two later. Since then he has bought an adjoining farm and saw-mill,
which he now owns, also dealing largely in stock and in bark. February 14, 1861, he
was married to Harriet, daughter of Christian Musselman, of Hamiltonban Township,
who was a brother of Joseph Musselman, under whose name a history of that family wilj
be found. S^e was born September 31, 1838. They had ten children, of whom two,
Andrew Lincoln and Nora Ada, died in infancy. The eight living are Mary Catherine,
born March 18, 1863, wife of Robert Watson, of Hamiltonban Township; David Paxton,
born December 14, 1864, married to Laura I. Hahn, living on his father's adjoining farm;
Charlotte Isadore, born August 18, 1866, wedded to Samuel Manherz, living in one of her
father's houses; Trimple Gerhardt, born April 14, 1868; Harry Elmer, horn May 36, 1870;.
Maggie Elizabeth, born April 30, 1872; Eliza Jane, born February 24, 1874, and Ivan Roy,
472 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
born July 24, 1879. The five latter live with their parents. Mr, Riley is a leader in pub-
lic affairs in his township. He was a justice of the peace for five years from 1879, and has
held nearly all the township offices, and whenever he is a candidate "gets there" in spite
of an adverse majority. He is an active, enterprisins; and wide-awake citizen of unblem-
ished character. He and his wife and family belong to the Lutheran Church. In politics
he is a Republican.
HENRY A. WELTY, farmer, P. O. Fairfield, is a great grand.5on of a German
ancestor, who settled in Washington County, where his son, Henry, grandfather of our
subject, was born, and where he married a Miss Mary Zimmerman, a native of Marjrland,
Henry Welty, later, bought a farm in Liberty Township, this county, on which he died in
1840, his widow dying on the same place in 1862, Their children were as follows: Henry,
married to Lydia Biker, and living in Illinois; Susan, wife of Henry Martin, both
deceased; Nancy, wife of Eli Shockey, living in Washington County, Md,; Mary, wife of
John Shank, of Mummasburg, this county; Elizabeth, who died unmarried; David, who
died a few days before his Intended wedding, and John Z., the youngest, the father of
Henry A. John Z. Welty was born January 25, 1829, on the home farm, which he subse-
quently inherited and which he has always worked; for many years he was also a butcher.
He married Harriet, daughter of Henry Wortz, of Liberty Township, this county, who is
still living. They had six children; Henry A.; Mary Elizabeth, wife of John D. Over-
holtzer, of Liberty Township, this county; Catherine, widow of Robert Hockensmith, of
Frederick County, Md., where slie died; John Lewis, teacher, living with his parents;
George Wortz, also living at home; Harriet, who died when five years old. Henry A.,
the subject of this sketch, was born March 3, 1853, on the home-farm, where he worked
until a year after his marriage, when he removed to the farm owned by him and his wife.
October 1, 1878, he was married to Miss Coralia Haines, born in Frederick County, Md.,
March 6, 1851, a daughter of Stephen Haines, a farmer of that county, who died regretted
by all who knew him, and is missed by the poor of that region, to whom he was ever
remarkably kind and charitable. Mr. and Mrs. Welty have one child, Adria Gertrude,
born October 6, 1879, at the home of her grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Welty liave a com-
fortable home, a good farm, and are as happily situated as can be desired. They are
members of the Reformed Church in Fairfield, in which he has for a long time been a
deacon, and their many good traits endear them to a large circle of friends. In politics he
is a Republican.
JAMBS WHITE, farmer, P. O. Fairfield, comes of an old Scotch-Irish family, his
great-grandfather, John White, having come from Ireland early in the last century, locat-
ing first near Philadelphia, and removing thence to Lancaster County, where his son,
James, grandfather of our subject, was born in 1763. This James White came to Hun-
terstown, in what is now Straban Township, this county, but afterward took up a large
tract of land on Middle Creek, in Freedom Township, which is now cut up into three or
four farms, one of which, including the homestead, is now owned by his grandson. Judge
A.. Fleming White. On this place he remained until his death, in 1840; he died at the age
of seventy-eight. He was twice married — first to Elizabeth Paden, who bore him four
children : Samuel, John, Elizabeth and James. After his wife's decease he married Elizabeth
Ross, who had five children; Hetty, Jane, Andrew, Margaret and Thomas. Of this family
■only James survives, living in Springfield, 111. Samuel, the father of our subject, was born
April 9, 1791, and lived on the homestead until his marriage at the age of twenty-four,
when he removed to another part of the tract, where he died in 1869, aged seventy-eight.
His wife was Elizabeth Witherspoon, born in 1797, and who died in 1864, aged sixty-seven.
Their children were Mary, widow of Andrew Reid, living in JFreedom Township, this
county; Margaret and Susan, who both died young; Margaret Elizabeth, wife of Robert
Lott (she died on the homestead); Rebecca, wife of John G. Neely (she died in Iowa);
John E., married to Clarissa Jane Waybright, and living in Kansas. James, the subject of
this sketch, was born February 13, 1835, and lived with his parents until his marriage, when
he rented a farm for three years, at the end of which time, in 1851, he went to Illinois,
staying there until 1870, when he moved to Nebraska, leaving there in 1880 for the place
where he now lives. October 5, 1847, he was married to Mary Jane Scott, of Freedom
Township, this county, born January 27, 1828, who died in Nebraska, July 31, 1877. She
had nine children, four of whom died young: Samuel C, Rachel P., Elizabeth L. and an
unnamed infant; five now survive: James W., born November 6, 1853, married to Ella J.
Warner, and living in Nebraska; William E., born August 4, 1855, married to Mary F. Kean,
and living in Washington Territory; Scott A., born March 6, 1860, and living at Steelton,
Dauphin Co., Penn.; Margaret R., born March 31, 1862, wife of Milo J. Minor, and living
m Washmgton Territory; and Rcsa B., born March 10, 1869, living with her father. De-
cember 30, 1879, Mr. White was married to his deceased wife's sister, Rosa E. Scott, born
May 14, 1841, who has no children. Mr. White has always been a farmer. He is now a
justice of the peace, a position to which he was twice elected in Nebraska, but refused to
accept. He is a Prohibitionist in principle, and is prominent in church matters. He was
one of sixteen who organized the Presbyterian Church at Farmer City, 111., and on his re-
moval to Hall County, Neb., was one of fourteen to organize the Wood River Church,
MENALLEN TOWNSHIP. 473
■which afterward sent him as a delegate to the general assembly, in 1878, held in Pittsburgh,
Penn. On his return here he aflSliated with the Lower Marsh Creek Church, and is active
in Sunday-school work. As an upright man and a consistent Christian he has the con-
fidence of all who know him. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.
GEORGE M. WORTZ, farmer, P. O. Fairfield, is a member of the well-known Wortz
family. His grandfather came from Lebanon to this county with his family, and located
near McSherrystown, where Henry, the father of George M., was born. Henry learned the
trade of a miller here, but later went to Graybill's Mill, Frederick County, Md., where he
stayed until his marriage, when he bought the property on which our subject now lives,
where the latter was born, and which has always been his home. The farm was bought
in 1811 from Abraham Scott, and, including mountain land, was about 224 acres in ex-
tent, to which was added, by subsequent purchase, five acres of water right. The deeds
show the land to have been sold in 1808 by Jeremiah Porter, who sold to Moses Gourlay,
and he to Scott. Heniy "Wortz was married, in 1812, to Elizabeth Smith, of an old Mary-
land family. Of their family of ten three died young. The rest survive, and are mar-
ried. Lewis has been thrice married (his first wife being Catharine Donaldson, who
died leaving one daughter; his second was Justina Pickens, who had four children, only
one surviving — Laura — living with her father; his present wife is Susan Bell, who has no
issue; they live with George M.;. The next born is Margaret, wife of Andrew G. Donald-
son, of Liberty Township, this county; Eliza, wife of Jacob Hoke, of Cumberland Town-
ship, this county; Susan, third daughter, married to Jacob Frieze, of Frederick County, Md.;
Lucinda, wife of William H. Harrison, living on part of the home farm; Harriet, wife of
John Welty, of Liberty Township, this county; George M., born August 13. 1823. Our
subject worked for his father until he was twenty-two years of age, when he farmed the
place himself, and which, on his father's death, he bought from the estate. He has been
a successful farmer, has always attended closely to his own afEairs, and has won the re-
-spect and esteem of those who know him, for his probity and kindness of heart. He has
never married, but enjoys the comforts of home, in the place of his birth, with his
brother, Lewis, and wife, who keep house there. He is a consistent member of the
Lutheran Church.
CHAPTER LXII.
MENALLEN TOWNSHIP.
FREDERICK A. ASPER, railroad and Adams Express agent, mill-owner and grain-
dealer, Bendersville Station and Aspers, was born near Franklinville. York Co., Penn.,
January 29, 1844, a son of Jacob and Mary (Stitzel) Asper. When he was two years old
his parents came to this county. The elder Asper was a carpenter, which business he fol-
-lowed until about eight years ago, when he retired, and is now, at the age of seventy-
eight years, residing near Bendersville Station with his wife, who is seventy years old.
Frederick A. began to work as soon as able, mostly on farms. About 1863 he went to
Washington City, where he worked at the carpenter's trade at Arlington Heights, under
•dovemment employ. In the spring of 1884 he came to East Berlin, and engaged as a
clerk in the store of G. W. Spangler, and in the fall of 18B4 he enlisted in Company I,
Two Hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Third Division. Ninth Army
Corps, serving until after the surrender of Lee. He was in the battle of Fort Steadman
and the charge before Petersburg, and was honorably discharged with his regiment, in
June, 1865. After his return home he engaged as a broker, selling nursery stock for about
thirteen years. • In 1869 he came to Menallen Township, and located near the present
•depot, on a farm. In 1878 he turned his entire attention to farming and milling, and about
the same time bought the brick-mill at the station, having previously purchased the steam
mill north of Bendersville, and operated both for three years, but at present he rents
them. In 1882, when the railroad was first proposed, he took an active part in acquirmg
it; was appointed a member of the executive committee, and probably secured more sub-
scription for stock, from the proceeds of which the railroad was built, than any other man
in the county, outside of Gettysburg. He contributed $500 in cash and a year's time to-
ward the completion of the railroad. When finished he was appointed passenger, freight
•and express agent at Bendersville Station, which f)osition he still fills. He built and
owns an elevator on the track, worked by water power, conveyed by a rod to a water
wheel 340 feet oflf. The mill site was occupied for the same purpose 150 years ago. The
present mill structure was built about ninety years ago by John Lemon. It is one of the
474 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
oldest mill sites in the county, has the best water power, and now grinds custom work.
Mr. Asper also owns two farms of 150 and 59 acres, respectively, near the depot.
January 6, 1874, he married Sarah 0. Eppelman, a daughter of Henry Eppelman, of
Menalleu Township and Bendersville. They have four children: Dennis 0., Elsie M.,
Charles F. and Ora May; Blanche S. died at the age of four months and twenty-six days.
Mr. Asper built his present brick residence in 1880, at a cost of $4,500.
ANDREW J. BITTINGER, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Arendtsville, was born ia
Franklin Township, near Arendtsville, September 6, 1839, and is a son of Andrew and
Barbara (Beamer) Bittinger. He was reared to farming, and remained at home until
twenty-one years of age. In 1865 he married Anna KT Warren, a daughter of Elijah
Warren, of Menallen Township, this county, and soon after took charge of his father's old
homestead, which consisted of 260 acres. In 1881 he bought the property, and has since alsa
carried on a lumber manufacturing business, turning out about 60,000 feet per annum, mostly
of white pine. He is a Republican in politics; has served his vicinity as school director
six years, and one term as assistant assessor. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at
Arendtsville, and takes an active part in supporting it; has also served as elder of that
congregation two years. Mr. and Mrs. Bittinger have four children: Edward G., Addie
S., Emma J. and Osia O.
JOHN BURKHOLDER, postmaster at Bendersville, was born in Latimore Township,
this_ county. May 8, 181 1, and is a son of Samuel Burkholder, a son of John, who was a,.
native of Germany, and settled in Latimore Township, this county, at a very early period.
Samuel was born about 1785, was drafted in the war of 1813, but furnished a substitute.
His death occurred in Latimore Township, about 1870. His wife, Elizabeth (Troutner)
Burkholder, was a native of Latimore Township, of German descent, and died shortly
after her husband. Our subject was reared on a farm, and at the age of nineteen began
to learn the blacksmith's trade, near York Springs, with Abraham Livingston; later worked
as a journeyman in Tyrone Township, this county, for one year; then conducted a shop^
for three years in Franklin Township, York County; then in what is now Butler Town-
ship, this county, for twelve years; then for three years kept what was known as the
"Keystone Hotel," the property now being owned by John Reeder; then kept store at
what is now Center Mills, in Butler Township, and in the spring of 1847 moved to Benders-
ville, where he engaged in merchandising. In 1859 he sold his business to his son, S. A.
Burkholder, and George Wilson. He then engaged extensively in the nursery business-
for twelve years, and in 1871 again entered trade by purchasing his son's interest in the-
firm of Burktiolder & Hoffman. In 1879, he met with some reverses, and closed out his
business, and in 1883 again began merchandising, which he still continues. He was ap-
pointed, in July, 1885, under the Cleveland administration, postmaster at Bendersville.
Since 1876 Mr. Burkholder has been a Democrat; prior to that was a Whig and a Repub-
lican. He has served the township in several offices of trust and svas justice of the peace-
for ten years. He was formerly a very active worker and influential politician in his vi-
cinity, though he does not take so active a part now. He was married, at York Springs,
February 27, 1833, to Elizabeth Gardner, a daughter of Adam Gardner, of that place.
They have one child, Samuel A. Burkholder, born January 6, 1833, who resides at Benders-
ville, and is a commercial traveler for a wholesale boot and shoe house, of Worcester,
Mass. He married Elizabeth Minnich, a daughter of George Minnich, of Bendersville,
and Jhey have two children: Leella and John E.
FRANCIS COLE, lumberman and farmer, P. O. Arendtsville, was born September
13. 1836. in Berkenour, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, a son of George and Elizabeth (Geltz)
Cole. They came to this country in August, 1830, and located in Green Township, Frank-
County; thence moved to this county in 1840. The father died in what is now Franklin
Township, and was buried in the grave-yard belonging to the Church of St. Ignatius; the
mother died in Franklin County, and was buried in the Catholic grave-yard at Chambers-^
burg. Francis was reared to agricultural pursuits and began life for himself as a farmer
and lumberman. At the age of eighteen, in company with his brothers, George and John,
he took charge of the homestead. May 18, 1854, lie married Sarah A., daughter of Will-
iam Devine; she died February 3, 1861, aged twenty-flve years, the mother of the follow-
ing children; Mary E., born May 33, 1855; Jane A., born February 4,1857; Sarah E..
born March 4, 1859, died January 34, 1886; and Agnes, born January 31, 1861, died Feb-
ruary 11 of the same year. Mr. Cole married for his second wife, October 30, 1863, Marj^
P. Livers, a daughter of Arnold Livers, and she has borne him the foUowiog children : Will-
iam Edward, born August 11, 1863, died April 15, 1864; John F., born May 35, 1865; Anna
M., born January 19, 1868; William A., born November 17, 1869; Loretto C, born May 8,
1873; Regina C, born Novembers, 1878; Charles I., born November 18, 1875; Edith G.,
born November 11, 1878; James C, born November 3, 1880; and Francis J., born October-
35, 1883. Mr. Cole settled on his present place in 1856, and now owns 1,800 acres in
Buchanan Valley. He operates the saw-mill at the home-place, and manufactures 135,000
feet of lumber annually, besides 50,000 plastering lath and 300,000 shingles. Politically he
is a Democrat, but has never been an oflice-seeker. He and his family are members of
the Catholic Church.
MENALLEN TOWNSHIP. 475
CHARLES DELAP ELDEN, Bendersville, was born one mile east of Bendersville,
August 30, 1820, and is a son of Robert Elden. He was reared on a farm, and early in life
' became a qualified miller and shoe-maker. Being of a meclianical turn of mind, in 1850,
he began to repair clocks and watches without having any instruction. He had an old
watch which needed repairing and had been condemned by other workmen. He took it
apart, studied its mechanism, found out its defects, repaired it, and used it as a regulator
for many years. He has since continued to repair clocks and watches, and has the repu-
tation of being the best watch-maker and repairer in Adams County. He keeps constantly
on hand and for sale a large stock of watches and jewelry, and seems to be peculiarly
qualified for this delicate mechanical business. Mr. Elden has been very successful and has
a comfortable property. He married Anna Mary M., daughter of Jonas Raunzahn.
JESSE "W. GRIEST (deceased) was born June 20, 1837, in York County, Penn., a son
of Cyrus and Mary Ann Griest, members of the Society of Friends. He had fair educa-
tional advantages, being taught principally in a Friends' school at his father's house, and
later he attended the Millersville Normal School. At twenty-one years of age he became
a partner with his father, Cyrus, in the nursery business. He was twice married; first in
May, 1863, to Mary Halsey Holllngshead, of New Jersey, and by this union there were
three children: Ella M. G., Esther H. and Charles H. Mrs. Griest died in July, 1866, and
Mr. Griest next married, in 1869, SibbillaE. Moore. Samuel M. Janney, a prominent mem-
ber of the Society of Friends, and formerly superintendent of the Indian agencies, under
the care of Friends, was personally acquainted with Mr. Griest, and believing him to have
those sterling qualities of mind and heart that would make him a fitting person to fill an
office of control among the Indians, recommended him to the Friends' committee, and
they reported his name to the President at Washington for nomination. He received the
appointment of United States Agent for the Otoe and Missouri Indians, in southeastern
Nebraska, and entered upon the duties of his office in May, 1873, his place of residence
and agency being in Gage County, Neb. While there he erected a new agency building,
a large and commodious schoolhouse, a mill and most of the other improvements. The
school grew to be popular in time, tliough at first the Indians were reluctant to attend it.
Sibbilla E. Griest, the teacher for seven years, was greatly interested in her work, and, to
use her own words, "enjoyed the labor." Mr. Griest served four years; was reappointed
and served until July, 1880, when he resigned. His administration^had -been generally
satisfactory to the Indians, and his accounts were promptly settled. After his resignation
he returned to his home in Menallen Township, where he resided until March 20, 1885,
when he died of pneumonia, and was buried in the grave-yard near the Friends' meeting-
house in Menallen Township. After returning from Nebraska a company was organized,
called the Kent & Bissell Cattle Company, of which he was a vice-president; was appointed
agent to purchase cattle for the company, and for that purpose went to Texas in Janu-
ary, 1884, and bought 2,000 or 3,000 head. Later he went to Wyoming, and located a
ranch for their accommodation. This company was in successful operation at the time
of his death, but the family have since sold their interest in it. 'The fine large brick
residence, fitted with all modern conveniences from plans drawn by Mr. Griest, was erected
in 1882. Mr. Griest was an infiuential member of the Society of Friends, and in every
community in which he resided was a patron of education, takinga deep interest in the
welfare of his society. His daughters, Ella M. G. and Esther H., Were educated at
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Penn. Ella M. G. was married, December 15, 1885, to
Josiah W. Prickett, of Vincentown, N. J.; they now possess arid reside at the home of
her father.
AMOS W. GRIEST, dealer in fertilizers and farmer, P. O. Flora Dale, a native of Men-
allen Township, was born August 24, 1848, and now owns and resides on the old homestead
of 130 acres, which his father settled on, having moved from York County in 1839. He
was educated, principally, in a select school in his father's house, and completed his stud-
ies at Kennet Square Academy, Chester County. In 1870 he commenced business on his
own account, and took charge of the home farm. In 1872 he acted as salesman for a fer-
tilizer company, and became a charter member of the Susquehanna Fertilizer Company,
organized in 1873, and was a director until the company was reorganized, in 1880, under
the name of the Susquehanna Fertilizer Company, of Baltimore City. , He is still a stock-
holder, and, with his brother, attends to the business of the company in this section of the
county. Mr. Griest was married, in 1875, to Eliza R. Wright, a daughter of Charles and
Hannah Wright. They have one child, Frederick Earle, born March 4, 1883. Mr. and
Mrs. Griest are both members of the Society of Friends.
ALEXANDER W. HOWARD. M. D., Bendersville, is a native of Straban Township,
this county, born November 30, 1845, a son of George and Elizabeth (Miller) Howard, both
natives of Mountpleasant Township, this county, and of German descent. George How-
ard, who was a drover and farmer, a respected and honored citizen, died in Mountpleas-
ant August 1, 1869. His widow now resides with her son Ephraim, in Straban Township,
on the old homestead. Dr. Howard obtained his literary education in the schools of Get-
tysburg, and in 1867 began reading medicine with Dr. A. Noel, of Bonneauville, this
county. Subsequently he attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore, from which
470 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
he graduated March 1, 1870. He began practice, and remained at Idaville four years; he
then came to Bendersville, where he has since enjoyed an extensive practice. He also has
some 200 acres of land, to the improvement and management of which he devotes much
time and attention. The Doctor is a member of the United Brethren Church; a highly
esteemed citizen and professional man. He has a large modern house in Bendersville^
where he resides. He and his wife have six children; Georgiana E., born October 27,
1873; Ariadne M., born February 39, 1876; Laura A., born August 29, 1877; Dwight L.,
born July 31, 1879; Morris H., born September 3, 1881, and Harry B., born October 22,
1884.
CHARLES L. LONGSDORF, nurseryman, P. O. Flora Dale, is a native of Williams-
port, Penn., born June 15, 1851. Rev. Alexander Longsdorf, his father, of the Evangel-
ical Association, a native of Philadelphia, had been a tailor by trade, but entered the min-
istry, and when but twenty-one or twenty two years of age, preached on his first circuit,
in Clinton County, Penn., known as the Sugar Valley Circuit; and, after thirty-five years
of faithful service, this circuit was also the scene of his final labors, the last two years of
his ministerial work having been there. He was then placed on the retired list, and died
in February, 1877, aged sixty-five years. He and his wife, Rebecca (Keisling) Longsdorf,
lie buried in the old cemetery at Williamsport, Penn. At the age of twelve years our sub-
ject began to work for himself, but, at fourteen, his father sent him to the Union Semin-
ary, New Berlin, Union County, for one year. This, with the advantages of the common
schools, when young, and one winter at Bendersville High School completed his studies.
At the age of fifteen he became a clerk for Jacob Pitzer & Son, at Bendersville, Adams
Co., Penn., with whom he remained eighteen months. Since then, with the exception of
conducting a green grocery at Harrisburg for eighteen months, he has been identified with
the nursery business, either selling or raising nursery stock. He is now the owner of the
Oak Hill Nurseries; has forty acres planted in nursery stock, and grows largely apple,
peach, plum, cherry, apricot and quince. His business is done almost entirely on th&
wholesale plan; he employs no agents, keeps his own books, and personally superintends
his grounds. Mr. Longsdorf was married, December 25, 1878, to Elizabeth Wright, and
they have four children: Rebecca Alice, Paul Wright, Julia Keyport and Hiram Starr.
Mr. Longsdorf is a Republican, takes an active interest in the public affairs of his vicinity,
and is at present serving his second term as president of the Menallen school board. He
is a member of the Evangelical Association, and his wife of the Society of Friends.
HON. WILLIAM A. MARTIN, P. O. Arendtsville, an extensive lumberman of Men-
alien Township, was born in Franklin Township, this county, August 17, 1842, a son of
William B. and Elizabeth (Logan) Martin. He was reared on the farm, and at the same
time received the benefits of a good education. At the age of twenty he learned the am-
brotyping business, which he followed for two years in various places, and since then
has been engaged in lumbering , charcoaling and farming, and now owns some 500 or 60O
acres of land. Politically he is a Democrat, and was nominated, out of thirteen candi-
dates, in 1877, and elected by over 400 majority a member of the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives. In 1880 he was appointed enumerator for taking the United States cen-
sus for Menallen Township, and at the building of the railroad through Menallen took a
prominent and active part in obtaining subscriptions for its stock, and raised over f 5,000-
of it in Harrisburg. He also secured the right of way for the whole length of the line,
and probably to his labor and energy, as much as anything, may be attributed its prompt
completion. He was the inspector of all the first ties used in its construction, and sub-
scribed two shares of stock. He married, in 1870, in Menallen Township, Miss Mary,
daughter of Henry Beamer, and to this union seven children were born, six now living:
Harry Boyd, Minnie Alverta, Dora Alice, Elsie Natalie, Paul A. and Mary Matilda. Mr.
and Mrs. Martin are members of the Lutheran Church at Arendtsville. The house occu-
pied by Mr. Martin was built by a Mr. Kelsey 119 years ago, and occupied by Mr. Mar-
tin's great grandfather, William Boyd, about 100 years ago. His grandfather's deed was
recorded in 1780, the fees charged being £9 6d. The great-grandfather Boyd paid £3,000
for the tract of 1,300 acres. June 14, 1886. Mr. Martin was nominated for joint senator
for Adams and Cumberland Counties by the Democratic party, and, when elected, will
serve with honor to himself and constituents.
REV. GEORGE McSHERRY, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Benders-
ville, is a native of East Berlin, Hamilton Township, this county, born December 10,
1854, son of Michael and Susannah (Weaner) McSherry, both natives of this county. The
father was engaged in operating a cigar manufactory at East Berlin nearly all his life.
He was a zealous member of the German Reformed Church, and assistant superintend-
ent of the Sabbath-school many years. He was a charter member and past officer of Oniska
Tribe, No. 40, I. O. R. M., and an active member of Berlin Beneficial Society at the time
of his death. He died March 15, 1886, aged fifty-eight years, nine months and eight days.
Politically he was a Republican, though never an office seeker. His widow, who is a
member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, resides at East Berlin. Our subject ob-
tained his literary and theological education at the College of Gettysburg, bein^ a stu-
dent at Penn College in the fall of 1876, and graduated in June, 1880. He immedi-
MENALLEN TOWNSHIP. 477
ately entered the theological seminary (Lutheran Evangelical General Synod), and grad-
uated therefrom in June, 1883. He qualified himself for teaching in a select school at
East Berlin, and when seventeen years of age took charge of a school in Reading Town-
ship, near East Berlin; followed teaching for two more winters, when, with the intention,
of taking a collegiate course, he entered the preparatory collegiate school at Gettysburg,
and graduated as above stated. He was licensed to preach in 1882, and while a licentiate
received a call to the Lutheran charge at Bendersville, which he accepted. In 1883 he
was ordained at the synod meeting in Carlisle, and remains the regular pastor. The
Bendersville charge consists of Wenksville, Bethlehem at Bendersville, Biglerville and-
Bender's Church. In December, 1882, our subject married Eudora Lucas, a daughter of
Perry and Elizabeth Lucas, of Unionville, Centre Co., Penn. Mr. and Mrs. McSherry
have one child, Stella Elizabeth.
E. W. MUMMA, M. D., Bendersville, was born in what is now Waverly, Baltimore
Co., Md., July 12, 1829, a son of David and Julia A. (Taylor) Mumma, the former of Ger-
man and the latter of English origin. They both died at Waverly, and are buried in
Green Mount Cemetery, Baltimore City, Md. David Mumma was for a long time super-
intendent of the Baltimore & York Pike Road, and for many years kept the first toll
house out of Baltimore City. Our subject obtained the rudiments of his education at
the common schools, and completed his literary studies at St. Mary's College, Baltimore.
When nineteen years of age he began reading medicine in the oflBce of James A. Reed, M.
D.,of Baltimore; graduated at the University ef Maryland in 1851, and in January, 1852, lo-
cated in Bendersville. From the start the Doctor succeeded in his practice, being favora-
bly and kindly received by the people amongst whom he had cast his fortunes, and in
turn was much pleased with them on account of their sterling worth in all those quali-
ties which make the trusty friend and generous neighbor, and describes the vicinity at that
time as a sort of Arcadia, where every one took delight in the good fortune of his neigh-
bor, and envy and malice were unknown. The Doctor has, up to the present, enjoyed
the bulk of the medical practice of the vicinity, and is one of the most popular citizens of
the county. He was elected, on the Democratic ticket, as coroner, and served one term;
was delegate to the Democratic State Convention in 1884, and the same year was ap-
pointed a presidential elector. He has been twice married— first to Sarah Parker, a na-
tive of Charles County, Md., and a daughter of Walter Parker. By this union there were
four children: David, Julia, Ella, and Edward, who died in September, 1877. Mrs. Mumma
died in February, 1859, and the Doctor then married, in 1862, Sarah Wilson, a daughter of
Benjamin F. and Susan (Wierman) Wilson, of Menallen Township, this county. By this
union there are two children: Richard T. and Susan.
The Wilson Family were originally from Lcchgall, County Tyrone, Ireland,
and the first of the immediate ancestors of those who afterward settled m Menallen
Township was George Wilson, who settled in Chester County, Penn., m 1690. He also,
had a brother, Michael, who afterward moved to North Carolina. George came to what
is now Menallen Township, and built a log house just adjoining the village of Benders-,
ville about 1735. He had a family of one son, Benjamin, and several daughters. Benja-
min lived and died in the log house. He had several daughters, and one son, George who
kept the first postofflce in Bendersville. George had the following children: William;
Beniamin F., who made the first survey for the village of Bendersville; John; Ruth,
who married James J. Wills, and became the mother of Judge David Wills, of Gettys-
burg; and Elizabeth, who died in infancy. Benjamin F. Wilson, of the fourth genera-
tion here, married Susan Wierman. Their children are Sarah, wife of Dr. E. W. Mumma;
Nicholas G., now the superintendent of the cemetery at Gettysburg; and Benjamin F
of Norfolk, Va. The father died in 1834, aged thirty-three years. Bis widow remained
single fifty years, and died July 26, 1884. The Wilsons were originally members of the-
orthodox Society of Friends, and many of their descendants still adhere to the faith Be-
Lg the only members of that society in their part of the county they never erected a
mfeting-house, but meetings were held every Sabbath at the house of George ^ ilson, a
^^ raRY R oKR,'surveyor and scrivener,P. O. Arendtsville was born November 16,
1825 in Menallen Township, thfs county, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Knouse) Orner
He has long been identified with the educational affairs of this township, and taught schooj
for over fourteen sessions. He has been for over twenty-eight years a professional and
practical surveyor, and is probably belter posted on matters pertaining to property, than
anv other man throughout the county. He has acted for years as scrivener for his vicinity,
Sfng ouTwith accSracy, in their proper forms, all kinds of legal documents and bu^-
MssTlreements Politically he is a Democrat. He takes an active interest in all public
eXSs that he thinks are calculated to benefit society and the country, rfe was-
elected a few years ago and served one term as justice of the peace. Mr. Orner has neyer
Sed buT line! the death of his mother, with whom he lived t-^'^'^ll'^ ^^'■' ^^-""w
Ws^atherwho^s now eighty-nine years old, makes his home with his brother Francis W
M?. Orner ilhonoredanfrespectedV an. and lives in the enjoyment of a comfortable-
competency.
478 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
FRANCIS W. ORNER, son of Henry and Sarah (Knou8e) Orner, was born February
19, 1828, and first learned the trade of shoe-making. He married Elizabeth Frommeyer,
August 19, 1861, and bought his present home, to which he has since added, and which
now consists of ninety acres. He taught school for nine sessions before marriage and one
session since. He still keeps a shoe shop, and being a natural mechanic operates a regu-
lar wood-working establishment; manufactures tubs, churns, harrows and almost every-
thing that is used on a farm. Politically he is a Democrat. He and his wife are the
parents of the following children: Theresa A., Emery F., Augustus C. and Pius 8.
JOHN H. ORNER, a son of Henry and Sarah (Knouse) Orner, was born February
18, 1833. He married Lovina Crum, and the following named children have been born
to this union: Emma C, Anna M., Rosetta, David H. and Flora J. The first of the
Orner family to settle in this county was Felix Orner of Northampton, Penn., who
located In Butler Township about the time of the Revolution. He was a car-
penter, but owned and resided on a farm. He and his wife, .Julia Ann (Becker) Orner,
were of German descent and had a family of fifteen children. Henry Orner, one of their
sons, was born November 2, 1797. In early manhood he worked at the carpenter's trade,
but later bought a farm in Menallen Township, this county, and operated it until his wife's
death. Her maiden name was Sarah Knouse; she was born in 1798, and died in the spring
of 1870. They had seven children, only three of whom are now living.
AMOS SCHLOSSER, lumberman, store-keeper and farmer, P. O. Wenks. Peter
Schlosser, a native of Germany, was the first of this family to come to America. He
settled in Berks County, Penn., about 1700 and reared a family of three. His son, Peter
was born in 1750, and came to this county, in 1790; built the stone house, in 1813, where
his grandson, George, now resides, and where he and his wife, Elizabeth, both died. He
was a farmer and wagon-maker. Jacob Schlosser was born in this county, and died
in 1878, aged eighty -four years. He was also a farmer; his widow, Susannah, is
still living in good health, aged ninety-one, and resides with her son, George. The
family were all members of the Reformed Church. Amos, a son of Jacob, last men-
tioned, was born June 16, 1824, and at the age of twenty-five began business for him-
self at farming, later adding lumbering, and has carried on business in the township
for upwards of lorty-five years. Twelve years ago he built the steam saw-mill that his
son Aaron now operates. He owns 678 acres of land in the township, and also operates
a store at Wenks, which he opened two years ago. In 1849, Mr. Schlosser married Cath-
erine Newcomer, who bore him seven children, four living: Mary Ellen, Aaron, Georgi-
ana and Laura Jane. Mr. Schlosser is a Prohibitionist and a member of the Lutheran
Church, at Wenksville; has served his party as judge and Inspector of elections, and is one
of the most substantial men in the township. The Schlosser family are descendants of
that German nationality to which the United States are more indebted for her most pros-
perous, upright and wealthy citizens than to any other. They began poor in this coun-
try, and by careful dealings, strict economy and industry, have become the possessors of
considerable property. This volume mentions them in various ways from 1790 down to
the present time.
C. J. TYSON, farmer and dealer in fertilizers, P. O. Flora Dale, Adams Co., Penn,
is a native of Burlington County, N. J., and was born September 5, 1888, a son of
E. C. and Susan (Griffith) Tyson. At elven years of age he went to work for himself in
a house furnishing establishment at Philadelphia, and later was employed six years in a
grocery. He then learned daguerreotyping and August 16, 1859, came to Gettysburg,
this county, with his brother, Isaac G., and^opened a gallery there and made the first
photographs ever finished in Adams County, 'in 1864 he bought a one-third interest in the
Spring Dale nurseries of Cyrus Griest & Sons, still retaining his interest in the photo-
graph business, which however, he sold in 1865, and turned his entire attention to the nursery
business. In 1866 he bought back the photograph gallery and in 1867 the entire interest in
the nursery. In 1868 he sold out the gallery and in 1869 bought a farm of 167 acres where
he now resides; closed out the nursery business at Gettysburg, and, in 1873, bought a half-
interest in the Chambersburg nurseries, but continued to reside in Menallen. In 1874 he
bought the one-half interest in the same photograph gallery. In 1875 he sold out his
nursery business; in 1880 exchanged his half interest in the photograph business for a
dwelling in Gettsyburg, and in 1881 became a charter member of the Susquehanna
Fertilizer Company. This company built a factory near Perryville, Md., capital
stock of 115,000, increased in 1882, to $35,000; the plant was burned September 20, 1882, and
the company was reorganized in Baltimore with a paid up capital stock of $100,000, and
became known as the Susquehanna Fertilizer Company of Baltimore City, with officers
as follows: C. J. Tyson, president; George B. Passmore, treasurer; S. P. Broomell, superin-
tendent. The plant cost about $50,000. They sold, in 1881, 1,200 tons of fertilizers, and
in 1885 11,000 tons. Mr. Tyson is one of the substantial citizens of the county, and has
been the architect of his own fortune, for on his arrival in Gettysburg his ready cash con-
sisted of $10 and was $150 in debt. His house is a fine brick structure and the grounds
surrounding it evidence the care of an enterprising and prosperous man. April 30, 1863,
Mr. Tyson married Maria E. Griest, who was born in this township March 7, 1840, a daugh-
Missing Page
Missing Page
MKNALLEN TOWNSHIP. 481
ter of Cyrus and Mary A. (Cook) Griest. They were natives of York County, members of
tne society of Friends, both are now deceased, thev left eight children, all now comfort-
amy settled in Butler and Menallen Townships. Mr. and Mrs. Tyson have four children,
Jiidwm C, Mary A.. Chester J. and William C. Mr. Tyson and wife commenced house-
keeping at Gettysburg just three weeks before the time of the famous battle, and he was
among the last to leave his business in the town when the flght commenced. During his
absence the rebels occupied his house, and on his return he found nothing of conse-
quence missing, except the provisions and his wearing apparel, which were all gone. Mr.
ryson subscribed liberally, and otherwise aided in the completion of the Gettysburg &
Marnsburg Railroad, through Menallen Township. In 1874 Mr. Tyson's mother was de-
ceased, since which time his father, now in his seventy-eighth year,has been furnished with
a comfortable home under his roof.
i^T ^J^^J^^^ "WALHEY, retired farmer, Bendersville, was born August 2, 1816, in
Menallen Township, this county, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Bender) Walhey,
former a native of Armstrong County, Penn., a son of Nicholas, and of French extrac-
tion; the latter a native of Dover, York Co., Penn., a daughter of Henry Bender, and a sis-
ter of Henry Bender who was part owner of tbe original plat of Bendersville. John
Walhey was a moulder by trade, but while living in this county followed farming. He
died in 1819, a member of the Catholic Church, at the age of fifty years; his widow was a
member of the Evangelical Church, and died at the age of eighty-seven years and eight
months, in about 1866. William Walhey was reared a farmer; on December 13, 1848, he
married Catherine Rice, of Gettysburg; she died in 1871, the mother of the following
children: Eliakim, Elizabeth C, Angeline, John W., William W., Samuel H., and Annie
Armenia, who died in childhood. March 4, 1873, Mr. Walhey's second marriage was cele-
brated with Ruth Wilson Wills, a daughter of James J. Wills, and a sister of Judge
Wills of this" county. Mr. Walhey now resides at Bendersville, retired from his main
farm, and now operates twenty acres near town. He is a Prohibitionist; has served his
township in local oflSces. He is a member of the Methodist Church, in which he has been
steward and trustee. Mrs. Walhey is also a member of the same church.
MORRIS S. WICKERSHAM, Bendersville, was born in Newberry Township, York
County, Penn., March 19, 1854, and is a son of Joseph and Hannah C. (Squibb) Wickers-
ham. He was reared to farmino; until the age of sixteen, at which time he became a
student at the Millersville State Normal School, to qualify himself for the profession of
teaching. In 1872, he taught a school one session in Fairview Township, York County,
and in 1873, came to Bendersville, where he was appointed and served two years as prin-
cipal of the high school at that place. In 1875 he resigned his position and, in company
with J. A. Mickley, under the firm name of M. S. Wickersham & Co., bought out the
confectionery store of his brother John Wickersham. In the winter of 1876 Mr. Wicker-
sham bought Mr. Mickley's interest, and in the fall of J1877 sold out the business. He
immediately opened another store, keeping principally notions and groceries; since then
he has continually added to his stock and ,now keeps a full line of goods usually found
in a general store, and carries on an average, a stock valued at $7,000 the year round,
with annual sales amounting to |10,000 and upward. He was appointed ■ postmaster,
August 25, 1884, and served until August 18, 1885, when, against the protest of a large
majority of the citizens, both Democratic and Republican, he was removed by the present
Administration. He is one of the prominent and energetic business men in this section of
the county; takes a deep interest in the public affairs of his vicinity; and is generally the
presiding officer in the public meetings of the Republican party at Bendersville. June
39, 1876, he married Miss Lizzie M. Elden, a daughter of Charles D. Blden of Bendersville.
Mr. and Mrs. Wickersham have one child, Charles J., born May 18, 1878; another, Hannah
Mary, born May 17, 1884, died October 27, 188^. Our subject and wife, are both mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church.
WILSON FAMILY. The first of the Wilson family to settle in Menallen Township
was George Wilson, in about 1745. He died September 15, 1785, aged nearly seventy-six
years. His wife, Ruth, died from the effects of a bite of a copperhead snake, July 12,
1784, aged nearly seventy-five years. Their children were Alice, born September 10,
1741; Benjamin, born October 10, 1743; Sarah, born January 15, 1745, andLydiaD., born in
February, 1747. Benjamin Wilson and Sarah, his wife, had the following children; Ruth,
born November 1, 1775; George, March 10, 1778; Mary, September 13, 1780; Alice, De-
cember 6, 1783; Sarah, January 39, 1785. The following are the names of the children of
George Wilson and his wife, Sarah (Wright) Wilson: William B., born February 11, 1800,
died April 32, 1873 (was the father of George W. Wilson, now living in Menallen Town-
ship, and carrying on the nursery business); Benjamin F., Ruth W., Lydia and John.
William B. Wilson, of the fourth generation here, was married to Mary Wierman, a
daughter of Nicholas Wierman, and they had five children: George W., Eliza (who mar-
ried William Tudor, now deceased), Jane (married to Samuel Way, of Bedford County),
Hannah and Ruth (unmarried and residing at Bendersville). William B. Wilson died in
1873, aged seventy-three, and his widow in 1876, aged seventy-flve years.
2BA
482 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
GEORGE W. WILSON, mirseryman, P. 0. Flora Dale, was born April 6, 1830, and
is a son of William B. and Mary (Wierman) Wilson. He enlisted in the Union Army in
1861; was appointed first lieutenant of Company G, One Hundredth and Thirty-eighth
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with the company and regiment
untp the summer of 1864, when he was detached from his regiment and given command
of the Second Brigade, Third Division of Sharpshooters of the Sixth Army Corps, serv-
ing until January 7, 1865, when he was discharged on account of physical disability. In
September, 1853, he married Margaret Porter, of Gettysburg, a daughter of John Porter,
of Martinsburg, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had five children: William B., who-
married Ollie J. Van Lear, and died at Pittsburgh, Penn., February 7, 1886; B. F. Wil-
son, now a nurseryman at Bendersville; John E., a jeweler at Pittsburgh, and Charles 8.,
who lives at home. Mr. Wilson was formerly a Republican, but, being a strong temper-
ance man, acts with the Prohibition party.
THOMAS H. WRIGHT (deceased) was born in Menallen Township, this county,
October 30, 1806, and was a son of William Wright. He followed farming, and was
highly respected. He married Charlotte J. Steward, a native of Butler Township, this
county, born May 3, 1811, a daughter of David Steward. By this union there are two
children: Rachel A., born December 35, 1842, now the wife of Eliakim Walhey (they reside
on a part of her father's homestead in Menallen Township, this county), and Albert S.,
born December 30, 1845. Mr. Wright was a member of the Society of Friends. His wife
was reared a Presbyterian, and, although never joining, usually accompanied her husband
to the Friends' meetings. Mr. Wright died July 8, 1888, and his widow August 18,
same year.
ALBERT S. WRIGHT, retired farmer, Bendersville, was born December 30, 184.^,
and is a son of Thomas H. and Charlotte J. (Steward) Wright. He began farming a part
of the old homestead on his own account at the age of twenty-four, and followed agri-
culture until the spring of 1885, when failing health compelled him to abandon the
arduous duties of the farm. He then came to Bendersville, and erected a commodious
brick house, where he now resides. He still, however, retains 150 acres of the homestead.
He married, November 11, 1869, Sarah M. Bender, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Slaybaugh) Bender, and they have one son, Scott S., born September 29, 1879. Mr.
Wright is a member of the Society of Friends, but his wife is a Lutheran, and he usually
accompanies her to her church. Mr. Wright's ancestors were Scotch-Irish, and first came
to America about 1691-92, or shortly after the battle of the Boyne, iti wliich some of them
were participants. The first of the family, however, that it is possible to identify by
name, was John Wright, who was a member of the Society of Friends, a farmer. He
lived many years in this county, and died in 1831 or 1823, aged about eighty years. His
wife was Elizabeth Hammond, a native of this county, Ijorn near the Friends' meeting
house; she died in 1823 or 1824. William, their son, was born September 29, 1778, in
Menallen Township, this county; November 30, 1803, he married Rachel "Thomas, a
daughter of Abel and Ellen (Roberts) Thomas, natives of Berks County, and who came
to Adams County -in 1801. William, who had been a farmer all his life, died March 8,
1853; his wife was born March 8, 1778, and died April 19, 1836. They are both buried in
the Friends' burying-ground in Menallen township. Their children were Ellen, Thomas
H., Elizabeth, Abel T., Isaac J., Savannah R., all now deceased, except the youngest two.
CHAPTER LXIII.
MOUNTJOY TOWNSHIP.
SMITH BARR, farmer, P. 0. Two Taverns, was born on the farm where he and his-
family now reside, in Mountjoy Township, Adams County, Penn., and is descended from
one of the old pioneer families of this county. James Barr, Sr., the great-grandfather, a
native of Ireland (but of Scotch descent) came to America before the Revolutionary war,
and settled on the farm where our subject resides, marrying a Miss Watson. James, his
son, who was but a boy when they settled here, in the course of time was united in mar-
riage with Miss Leckey, and they became the parents of three sons and four daughters:
George, Mary, James, Sarah, Nancy, Margaret and Alexander. Of these, James was also
born on the old homestead; he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Joseph Hunter, who
bore him seven children: James W., Jane A., Isabella, Smith (our subject), Sarah M
Albert L., and Agnes S. James Barr, the father of these children died in 1853, aged sixty-
seven; and his widow departed this life in 1870, aged seventy-nine years. Smith Barr was.
MOUNTJOY TOWNSHIP. 483
educated near home and is now one of the successsful farmers of Adams County, owning
the old homestead, with good substantial buildings thereon. He was united in marriage,
•'"lie 2, 18o9, with Miss Harriet Horner, daughter of Eli Horner, of Cumberland Town-
ship, this county. To this union have been born two children: Mervin G. and Margaret
J. Ihe famdy are members of the Presbyterian Church, at Piney Creek, of which Mr.
Barr has been elder nearly twenty years. Our subject enlisted his services in defense of
his country during the late civil war, serving in 'Company G, One Hundred and First
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Politically he has ever been identified with the Re-
publican party, and has served his township as justice of the peace for the last eight years
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constitutents. He and his family are
loved and respected by all who know them.
A. J. COLLINS, farmer, P. O. Two Taverns, was born November 14, 1849, in Adams
County, Penn., son of Edward Collins. He was educated in the schools of this county,
and his early life was spent on his father's farms. At the age of eighteen he entered the
employ of Reyburn Hunter & Co., of Philadelphia, in the lightning rod business, and for
nine years traveled for the Arm through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia
and West Virginia. After this he returned to his native county, and engaged in farming.
Here he was married to Miss Mageie 8., daughter of Joseph Mackley. To this union was
born, October 28,1879. one son— Ellis C. After marriage Mr. Collins farmed for two
years on one of his father's farms. He next engaged in mercantile business at Two Tav-
erns, keeping a general store and running a market car from Littlestown, Penn., to Balti-
more, Md., for about five years. While making one of these trips, in the night of June 20,
1881, and while going at full speed, his car was run into by another car, and wrecked, and
he lost his right leg, being otherwise injured. He proved by the suit which he entered
against the railroad company, that the cars were running at a speed of fourteen miles an
hour, and obtained a verdict for $8,000 damages, after which the suit went to the court
of appeals, where the verdict was sustained, with interest from date of accident. The lit-
igations lasted four years, Mr. Collins obtaining judgment May 27, 1884. Our .subject's
whole life has been an active one. He sold his interest in the mercantile business in
March, 1683, when he bought his farm, on which he now resides, and which comprises
125 acres of land. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has ever taken an active inter-
est in political matters.
ISAAC N. DURBORAW, farmer, P. O. Two Taverns, was born October 31, 1838, on
his grandfather's homestead in this county. His great-great-grandfather, John Durboraw,
a farmer by occupation, had three sons: Thomas (who begat John, Isaac and Absalom),
John (who begat Thomas, John, Isaac, David and James), and Isaac. The last named
farmed on land in this county, which is the site of Middletown; he, Isaac, married Martha
Holmes, a descendant of an old family, and to this union were born the following named
children: Thomas, John and Isaac. Of these Isaac came to Mountjoy TownsTiip, this
county, and bought a farm of John McCallen, in 1804; he married Rebecca Beard, who
died on our subject's farm. To Isaac and Rebecca (Beard) Durboraw were born William,
Isaac H., John, Thomas and Samuel. Their son Samuel was born June 8, 1800, on an
adjoining farm; was educated in the subscription schools, though was mainly self-edu-
cated; he studied surveying, taught school in early life, and filled difEerent township
oflBces, serving as school director for twenty-five years, justice of the peace thirty years,
and as member of the State Legislature from 1858, being re-elected to the ofl3ce in 1859.
When the war of the Rebellion broke out he took an active interest in the cause of the
Union, and was identified with the Republican party (formerly was a Whig). He was in
the revenue service of Adams County during the war, and before the battle of Gettysburg;,
was taken prisoner by the rebels at Hanover, but managed to effect his escape while tliey
were trying to open the depot safe. He hid in the wheat fields till night, when the dew
was on the grain, and caught cold, from the effects of which he died the following year,
March 13, 1864. In his passing away Adams County lost one of her most useful and
respected citizens. He was upright and honest, and known, far and wide, for his many
good qualities of head and heart. Hon. Samuel Durboraw was thrice married, the first
time to Miss Anna Brinkerhoff, who died, leaving one daughter, Mrs. M. R. Cress, who is
yet living in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. His second wife, Mary J. Horner, was a daughter of
Alexander Horner, one of the pioneers; she died here January 17, 1849, aged thirty-seven
years, the mother of three children now living: Mrs. Sarah J. Coshun, Isaac N. and Mrs.
Maria E. Hartman. His third wife, Mary R. Coshun, who is yet living, is the mother of
the Rev. Charles T. Durboraw, now of Kansas. Isaac N. Durboraw was educated in the
common schools, and for a short time studied under private tutor Converse, at Gettysburg;
has been a farmer all his life, with the exception of the time he devoted to his country.
He enlisted June 8, 1861, in Company K, First Pennsylvania Reserves (he wanted to enlist
when the first gun was fired, but his father did not think he could spare him); he was
elected corporal, and promoted to second sergeant, and jjarticipated in all the engagements
in which his regiment took part, except during a short time he was sick, and was wounded
at Charles City Cross Roads June 30, 1862. Our subject was married in the fall of 1864 to
Miss Margaret E., daughter of Peter Conover. The children born to this union now liv.
484 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ing are Mary J., Willie G.. Addison H., Isaac N., Jr., Robert H. and Charles H. (twins),
Martha E. and Margaret E. Mr. and Mrs. Durboraw are members of the Reformed
Church. Politically he has been a lifelong Republican, casting his first vote for Abra-
ham Lincoln. He has been elected five times justice of the peace in a Democratic town-
ship, and, besides, lias served as scliool director two terms.
STEPHEN GIETTIER, farmer, P. 0. Harney, Md., was born August 28, 1810, in
Manchester, Carroll Co., Md., and was ten years old when he came to Adams County,
Penn. John Gletlier, father of our subject, died when the latter was about three weeks
old, and the widow subsequently married John Morris (both are now deceased). The
mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Boran, a daughter of Ezeliial Boran. Our subject's
paternal grandfather, Peter Giettier. was a native of Germany, and when young came to
America. To John and Elizabeth (Boran) Giettier were born three sons and three daugh-
ters: John, Joshua, Stephen, Elizabeth, Rachel and Anna. Stephen Giettier made his
home near Hampton, this county, with Jacob Meyers, with whom he remained till he was
sixteen years old, when he learned the shoe-maker's trade, which he never followed, how-
ever, but engaged in farming there until some twenty-five years ago, when he came to
Mountjoy Township, this county, and bought a farm of 180 acres, where he has since
lived. He was married to Elizabeth Schroeder, by whom he had twelve children living:
Henry, a resident of California; Stephen, Tobias, John, Charles, Elizabeth, Emelia,
Maggie, Hannah, Rosannah, Emma and Ellen M. Mr. and Mrs. Giettier and children are
members of the Mountjoy Church. Mr. Giettier is a Democrat in politics and has filled
many oflices of trust; is now school director, and at one time was supervisor of Menallen
Township, this county. He has been a successful farmer, horse farrier and veterinary
surgeon for flftv years.
ABRAHAM HESSON, P. O. Harney, Md., was born, October 20, 1828, in Frederick
County, Md. The family is of German descent, and the grandfather, who came to Amer-
ica when a young man, settled in Carroll County, Md., where he farmed, and there died
on the old homestead, aged ninety-five years. Of his family of eight children Daniel,
who was born in CaiToll County, Md., became a farmer; was married to Magdalena,
daughter of Michael Harner, who bore him seven children: Caroline, Barney, Catharine,
Abraham, Daniel, James and Margaret.' Daniel Hesson, Sr., died in Frederick County,
Md., aged eighty-two, and his wife in Adams County, aged seventy-four years. Of their
children Abraham was educated near home and spent his early years on the homestead.
At the age of nineteen he learned the carpenter's trade, which he. followed for seven years,
when he returned to farming, which he still continues. He owns, altogether, 140 acres of
land, located in Adams County and Maryland. Abraham Hesson was married to Miss Ann
M., daughter of Abraham and Margaret (Mehring) Waybright, natives of Adams County,
Penn. (the latter of whom is yet living). Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Hesson have seven chil-
dren: Abraham W., John P., Mary C, Caroline C, Jennie, Jacob and Harriet. They are
both members of the Mountjoy Lutheran Church. Mr. Hesson has ever been identified
with the Democratic party and has filled different township oflBces of trust.
GEORGE W. HOFS'MAN, farmer, P. O. Two Taverns, was born February 22, 1838,
in Mountpleasant Township, this county. His father, George Hoffman, was born Novem-
ber 20, 1805, in Straban Township, this county, a son of Frederick Hoffman, who was
born in 1773; married Miss Catharine Gilbert, to whom were born twelve children. His
father, Nickolas J. Hoffman, was born in Germany December 18, 1700. George Hoff-
man married Lydia Stock, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., now nearly seventy-sev-
en years old, and the only survivor of a family of fifteen children, all of whom grew up,
married and were farmers. George Hoffman departed this life in Mountjoy Township in
the fall of 1885, aged nearly seventy-nine years. To George and Lydia Hoffman were
born seven children: Josiah (deceased), Catharine, Nancy, George W., Lydia, Margaret A.
and Lucy A. B. George W. Hoffman was educated near home, but is principally self-ed-
ucated. In early life he taught for eight winters, four of which were in the school he had
attended in his boyhood in this township; but, his health failing, he had to give up teach-
ing, and in March, 1865, left the school-room with part of a term untaught, and enlisted
in the Union Army and served as a private in the One Hundred and First Regiment Penn-
sylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, during the remainder of the war; since when he
has been farming, and has now 120 acres of land in this township, composed of two small
farms. He was married here in October, 1861, to Miss Agnes Sheeley, a native of the
county, daughter of Andrew Sheeley. Our subject and wife are members of the Reformed
Church, in which he has been a deacon for ten years. He has been a member of church
since he was eighteen years old. Politically he was a Republican, and has filled different
oflBces of trust in the township, and now he advocates Prohibition.
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 485
CHAPTER LXIV.
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
J- W- BACHMAJST, farmer, P. O. New Oxford, was born in April, 1819, in Hanover,
York Co., Penn. His grandfather Bachman was born and married in Germany, and wlien
a young man came to America and farmed in York County, Penn., but was accidentally
killed in Adams County, Penn., by a wagon running over him as he was returning from
a mill after night. He left two sons and one daughter. Of these David, who was bom
shortly after the death of his father, learned the saddler and harness-maker's trade, which
he followed nearly all his life. He married Rebecca, daughter of David Hellman, and had
six children: Ann, John W., Louise, Amelia, Emma and Maria. David Bachman and
wife died at Hanover, York Co., Penn., aged eighty and sixty years, respectively. Of
their children, John W., was educated in Hanover, Penn., and there learned his father's
trade and carriage-trimming, which he followed forty years and gave good satisfaction to
his customers, having learned his trade thoroughly. He removed to his farm of forty
acres, in this county, in 1860, and has remained on it ever since, engaged principally in
agricultural pursuits since coming here. He was married to Nancy, daughter of David
Slagle, an old pioneer of Oxford Township. They have two children now living: Otis G.
and Emma E. Otis G. has been a successful teacher most of his life and an active busi-
ness man, well known nearly all over the county in local and political circles. Our sub-
ject has been identified with the Democratic party all his life and has served his neighbors
and friends in different offices, especially in the capacity of justice of the peace, and was
re-elected without opposition in the spring of 1885.
W. J. BEAMER, farmer and preacher, P. O. Granite Hill, was born in Gettysburg,
Penn. The family originally came from Germany. Tlie paternal grandfather of our sub-
ject was a farmer by occupation, and died near Taneytown, Md. 'His son, Jacob, was
born near Taneytown, Md., was a carpet- weaver by trade, but followed farming in later
years and died in Gettysburg, where he spent the last years of his life. Jacob Beamer
was identified with the Whigs at first, but later voted with the Republican party. In
early life he was a zealous membei' of and deacon in the Reformed Church, but in later
years he was a member of tlie United Brtthren denomination and was a class-leader.
Jacob Beamer was married to Ann M. Wentz, of German descent, born in York County,
Penn., May 34, 1815, daughter of John Wentz, who came here from York County, and
died, aged eighty- four, near the famous peach orchard where he resided during the battle
of Gettysburg, his own son being an officer of a Confederate battery that was stationed at
the head of the lot, his nephew facing the battery in the Union Army. The widow of
Jacob Beamer is still living. Thev were parents of ten children, of whom the living are
Henry H., Harriet E., Walter J., Franklin 8., Jacob H., Emma C, Philip W. Of these,
Walter J. was reared on the farm and attended the common schools in Gettysburg and
vicinity, but is mainly self-educated. He joined the United Brethren Church when
twenty-four years of age, and commenced to study for the ministry when twenty-six, and
three years later was ordained at Shippensburg, Penn., since when he has been laboring
for the Lord. His first charge was Fulton Mission, in Fulton County; he next had the
Perry Circuit, in Perry Countj-; then Shopps Station, in Cumberland County; and later the
Otterbein Church, in Baltimore City. In 1880 he was elected presiding elder over the
Chambersburg District, Pennsylvania Conference, which position he filled six years.
Making his headquarters one year in Mechanicsburg, Penn., and then on his farm (of 144
acres) in Mountpleasant Township, this county, where he now resides, having charge of
the Hanover Church. Mr. Beamer was married, in this township, June 5, 1870, to Miss
Sarepta Miller, a native of this county, daughter of John Miller of the old Miller familjr.
Two children are the result of this union: Alice C. and Laura E. Our subject is identi-
fied with the Republican party. During the war of the Rebellion he served two years for
his country. He enlisted in June, 1863, first in the six month's service, in Bell's company
of cavalry, and at the expiration of his time re-enlisted in the three years' service in the
same cotnpany and regiment, and remained till the close of the war. He was in the
battle of Cold Harbor, siege of Petersburg, where they were engaged in the entrenchments
for one month (this was while in Company B, Twenty-first Regiment of Cavalry, being
dismounted for five months); after which, with Gregg's Second Division, he participated in
many skirmishes. After the war he returned to his farm, and subsequently entered the
ministry.
486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
JOSEPH C08HUN, farmer, P.O. Bonneauville. John Coshun.the great-grandfather of
this gentleman, came from Flanders, and settled in New Jersey. He had three sons: John,
Joshua and Peter, and of these Peter setlled in Frederick County, Md., Joshua in New
York, and John in Mountpleasant Township, this county, where he farmed and eventually
died, aged sixty years. Pie, John, married Hannah, daughter of John Conover, a native
of Long Island and of Dutch descent. John and Hannah Coshun had nine children,
of whom Joseph married Sarah, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Barr) Robinson. Her
mother was a daughter of William and Rebecca (Torjence) Watson, and the latter, Re-
becca Torrence, was a daughter of Aaron Torrence. To Joseph and Sarah (Robinson)
Coshun were born seven children; Mary R., Catharine, Amanda (deceased), John, Sarah,
Ann J. (deceased), and Joseph. Joseph Coshun, 8r., was a farmer by occupation ; took
an active interest in educational matters, serving as school director for a long time; he
died in this township aged fifty-two, and his widow when sixty-four. Of their children
our subject was educated in this county, and is a farmer. He was married in Gettysburg,
Penn., to Sarah J., daughter of Squire Samuel Durboraw, and by this union there are six
children now living: Mary J., John N., Anna L., William, Emma J., and Alice F. Mr.
and Mrs. Coshun are members of the Lutheran Church. He has been identified with the
Republican party ever since its organization. During the late civil war he served as a
member of Company C, Ninety-ei.ghth Pennsylvania, Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac,
enlisting in March, 1865, and serving till the close of the Rebellion.
HENRY M. FORRY, farmer, P. O. Bonneauville,wasborntwomiles northeast of Han-
over, York Co., Penn.; son of John (a farmer by occupation) and Nancy (Myers) Forry.
who died in Hanover, aged sixty -six and eighty-three years, respectively. They had four-
teen children : Jacob and John (twins), the latter living in Ohio; Eliza; Nancy; Mattie;
Abraham; Maria; Henry; David, a farmer in Indiana; Amanda; Millie; Mrs. Barbara
Kiudig, who died in Washington, D. C; Benjamin and Martin (the latter deceased), and
Frances, married to Amos R()hrbaugh. The Forry family originally came from Germany.
Henry Forry has been a farmer nearly all his life, though he resided for four years inLit-
tlestown, Penn.. but subsequently removed to Bonneauville, in the fall of 1865; bought
land, and has still a farm of 110 acres. He was married to Louise, daughter of Benjamin
Landis, and she has borne him three children : John L., married to Addie, daughter of Levi
Weikert (have one child, Charles Forry); Mary Jane (deceased), and Harry G., who was
partly educated in the home schools, partly under the private instruction of Dr. A. Noel,
partly at the Preparatory to Pennsylvania College and Select Classical School at Littles-
town, Penn., necessary branches, preparatory to his taking a medical course. Our subject
has ever been a Republican in politics.
MICHAEL H. GEISELMAN, farmer, P. O. Centennial, a native of this township,
was born May 6, 1848, on the old homestead which his grandfather, Michael Geiselman,
had purchased from McCreary, who bought it from the Indians and from the Government.
Michael Geiselmaa, Sr., was born in Yorli County, Penn., and cnme here from near Abbotts-
town, Penn.; married Catharine Keller, and had seven children: Daniel, Samuel, Mary
A., Catharine, Sarah, Louise and Michael. The parents died in Hanover, Penn., aged
seventy-four and eighty-three years, respectively. The paternal greatgrandfather of our
subject, a native of Prussia, man-ied a Polish lady (both had immigrated to America in
youth), and settled in York County, Penn., where they lived, died, and are buried. The
grandmother was interred in winter time, under an apple tree, close to the house, which
was on an embankment, fifty feet high, near Seven Valley, and over which the Northern
Central Railroad now runs. Of the seven children born to Michael and Catharine (Keller)
Geiselman, Samuel was born near Abbottstown, Adams County, Penn., has been a farmer
all his life, but is now living retired in Hanover, Penn. He inherited the old homestead,
and has much improved it. He married Catharine, daughter of Harry Felty, an old set-
tler, whose father was a captain in the Revolutionary war. To this union were born seven
children, two of whom died in infancy, and one, Samuel A., when twenty-two years of
age. Those now living are Michael H., Mrs. Sarah A. Heaggy, Charles W., John C, a
merchant at Hanover, Penn. Of these Michael H. was educated near home, has been a
farmer all his life, and now owns a part of the old homestead. He was married to Miss
Sarah E., daughter of George Basehoar, and by this union has six children: Mary K.,
Sarah G., Harris B., Annie M., Michael L. and Elsie I. Mr. and Mrs. Geiselman are
members of the Lutheran Churcli. Politically he is a Democrat.
SIMON HAKNISH, farmer, P. O. Bonneauville, was born November 9, 1834, in
Heidelberg Township, York Co., Penn. The Harnish family originally came from
Germany, and after arriving in America first settled in Lancaster County, Penn., but
their descendants soon scattered themselves over different parts of southern Pennsylvania.
Samuel Harnish (grandfather of our suliject), who was a farmer, settled in the valley of
Pigeon Hills. One of his brothers settled near Chambersburg, and another near Carlisle,
Penn. Samuel Harnish was a Democrat in politics, served as county commissioner;
married Elizabeth Burghart, and had nine children: Jacob, Elizabeth, Samuel, Sally,
Barbara, John, Michael, Nancy and Daniel. The parents died On the old homestead at
an advanced age. Of their children, Jacob, born March 11, 1794, was a farmer; married
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 487
Nancy, daughter of Samuel Bechtel, and who died aged thirty-flve, the mother of seven
BhildrCT: Elizabeth, Sarah, Simon, Barbara and Anna (twins) Joseph and Magdalena.
Jacob Uarnish s second wife was Sarah, daughter of John Meyers; she died aged fifty-flve,
the mother of three children: Maria, Jacob and John; Jacob Harnish died near the old farm in
this township, aged eighty years and five months. Simon, his son, was educated in common
schools, and farmed until he was twenty -one; then learned the wagon-maker's trade, which
45i°*lr *^^°'y years, in Adams and Yorli Counties, Penn., and in Carroll Coun-
ty, Md. He finally settled down in Conowago Township, where he successfully prose-
cuted his trade fourteen years. After this he embarked in mercantile business at White
Hall, where he continued four years, and kept a general store in Bonneauville, Penn., one
year. In 1871 he removed to the farm where he has been ever since, and has 120 acres of
land. He was married here to Miss Margaret, daughter of Henry Shriner, of German
descent, who was a resident of Carroll County, Md., and to this union were born six sons
and two daughters: Theodore H.; William P. P., an artist who died in Milford, 111., aged
twenty-one years; Clinton S., Charles S., Harry W., Oliver P., Abariila J. (deceased) and
Nannie L. Mr. Harnish is a member of the German Reformed and his wife of the United
Brethren Church. Politically Mr. Harnish has been identified with the Democratic party,
and has filled township offices. He has always taken an active interest in educational
matters, and has been school director for over twenty years.
HARRY J. LILLY. (See aext sketch below). The great-great-grandfather, Samuel
Lilly, came from Bristol, England, landing at Philadelphia, Penn., thence went to Ches-
ter County, Penn., but after a short time came to Conowago Township, Adams County,
Penn., (where his great-grand-daughter, Sarah Lilly, still resides) in 1733. He was nine
months making the trip from England, being wrecked on the coast of Ireland. He learned
the trade of tuUer, in his native land, and first settled on the west side of Conowago
Creek, on account of the water-power, and erected a factory, which was carried on for
many years, his son succeeding him, but which was finally abandoned, as it did not pay,
cloth being manufactured so cheap in Eastern cities. No vestige of the building now re-
mains, everything being torn down. Samuel Lilly, also, operated a feed and saw-mill,
which was replaced by a stone mill. He entered a great deal of land, and the homestead
he first settled is still in possession of his descendants. When he first came to this town-
ship the Jesuits had the only log church, which was served once a month by priests, who
came from Harford Co., Md. Indians still roamed over the forests. Mr. Lilly was a
man of great physical endurance, and, although not of large size, was undaunted by dis-
couragements or obstacles that were thrown in his way. He had several sons and daugh-
ters, and one of his daughters married Dudley Digges, who at one time owned much land
around Conowago Chapel, and was shot by one of Michael Kitzmiller's boys. Samuel
Lilly's sons — Richard, Jolin and Thomas — were mentioned in his will, which was signed
by John Digges, Henry Slagle and Archibald Irwin. Sarah Lilly, a daughter of Samuel
Lilly, who was a grandson of Samuel Lilly the first, was born October 23, 1800, and has
always resided on the homestead, with the exception of the time she attended school in
Baltimore, and to-day, although she has seen more than four-score years, she is one of the
most sensible ladies in the county; she still owns several hundred acres of the original
homestead, which is farmed by her nephews, Edgar and John L. Jenkins. Miss Lilly is a
member of Conowago Chapel, which her ancesters helped build, and is most highly re-
spected by its members, who are in ■perfect harmony with all denominations.
HARRY J. LILLY, farmer, P. O. Centennial, was born on his father's old home-
stead, a part of the Lilly tract, in Mountpleasant Township, this county, September 18,
1848. His grandfather, Henry Lilly, was born in Eden. Oxford Township, Adams County,
and, at an advanced age, built the house where our subject now resides, and a mill. He,
Henry Lilly, was twice married, first to Miss Kane, a native of Harford Co., Md., who
■died, leaving three sons, who grew ap to manhood: Thomas, who was educated at George-
town College, of which he subsequently was teacher, and then treasurer, and finally a
priest; later was stationed at St. Inigoes, in Maryland; afterward was sent to St. Joseph's
Church, at Philadelphia, and there died; George, who farmed here until 1860, when he
went to Texas; Col. James, who resided in this neighborhood until 1859; when he went to
Richmond, Va., where he remained till Fort Sumter was fired on, when he went to
White Sulphur Springs, Va., and there resided until 1873, when he moved to Hinton, W.
Va., where he died in 1881, aged seventy-four years. None of these three sons were
married. Mrs. Henry (Kane) Lilly died at an early age, and Henry Lilly subsequently
married Catharine, daughter of John Sneeringer, and who died at an advanced age in Mc-
Sherrystown, Penn., the mother of six children: Joseph, John, Henry, Samuel, Caroline
and Mary. Of these, Joseph was born in 1816, on the old Lilly farm; became a farmer
and miller, and while still single, in 1832, moved to the place where our subject now re-
sides; he died August 14, 1869, at Indianapolis, Ind., where he was under treatment for
cancer in the face. Politically he was a Democrat, as were all the members of the family
but the eldest, who was a Whig. Joseph Lilly was married to Catharine Reily, who is
now seventy years old, a daughter of Edward Reily, an old pioneer, who came here about
1797. Of the six children born to Joseph and Catharine Lillv, three attained maturity : Mary
488 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
J., Harry J., and Edward, now residing at Cape Girardeau, on the MisBissippi River. 150
miles soutli of St. Louis. Of these, Harry J. was educated at Calverd College, New
Windsor, Carroll Co., Md., with the exception of two years, when he took his father's
place at the mill. Our subiect has followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns about
seventy-flve acres of the old farm; he has been quite a traveler, and has made many trips
to St. Louis and other western points. Our subject was married in Baltimore County,
Md., September 13, 1876, to Miss Helen Jenkins, who was born in March, 1856, daughter of
Edward P. Jenkins, formerly a citizen of Baltimore, Md. This union has been blessed
with four children: M. Josie, Edward J., Mary L., Alfred Austin. Mr. and Mrs. Lilly
are members of Conowago Chapel. Politically he is a Democrat, and has been iden-
tified with this party nearly all his life.
EPHRAIM MILLER, farmer, P. O. Granite Hill, was born August 36, 1828, on the
old homestead, in this county, where his father, John H. Miller, had settled in an early
day. The Millers are descendants of Michael Miller, who came from Germany in an early
day and settled in this county, near Round Top, where George Luckenbaugh now lives.
Michael Miller was married here to a Miss DeGrafl, and died at an advanced age. His
widow was over ninety at the time of her decease. Of the several children born to this
couple, John, a native of this township, first engaged in farming and huckstering in early
life, but later kept a store in Mountpleasant Township, where our subject now resides.
He commenced doing business on a small scale, with one horse, but afterward used four
horses. He was quite successful, financially, and in the course of time became a wealthy
man. He bought land from time to time, till he owned about 545 acres. He was a busy
man, and built and repaired much property. Politically he was a Democrat. He married
Sarah Plater, who died here, aged seventy years, Mr. Miller being seventy-three at the
time of his deriiise. To this couple were born eight children: Elizabeth, Noah, Catharine,
John, Michael, Margaret, Mary Ann and Ephraim. Of these, Ephraim attended the
county school, which was held in a cabin, and was conducted on the old subscription plan.
He and his brother John took up their father's business (general store), and after his death
were in partnership for fourteen years. John next died, and Ephraim became sole pos-
sessor of the business, and has also a farm of 155 acres. Ephraim Miller has been a suc-
cessful business man, as was his father before him. He was married, June 5, 1849, to Miss
Susan, daughter of David Showalter, who has borne him four children — three daughters:
Lida K., Cora A. and Sarepta Alice (latter of whom died in infancy), and one son, Charles
H., a bright lad, who died when fifteen years old. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of
the United Brethren Church of Christ. Politically he is a Democrat.
JACOB E. MILLER, farmer, carpenter and undertaker, Bonneauville, was born Au-
gust 23, 1828, in Straban Township, Adams Co., Penn.. son of Peter Miller, a native of
Hamiltonban Township, this county, who was a potter and farmer by occupation, and a Dem-
ocrat in politics. He married Elizabeth Kefflp, and had six children: Catharine, who died
aged ten years; Mathias (deceased, aged twenty), Mis. Mary Bricher (deceased), Jacob E.,
Mrs. Elizabeth Gitt, Peter, Jr. Peter Miller, Sr., died in Mountpleasant Township, and
his wife in Oxford 'Township, this county. Great-grandfather Miller came from Germany.
Jacob E. Miller was educated in the common schools, and in early life learned carpenter-
ing, which he has followed more or less all his life. Since 1865 he has also been an under-
taker. He was married, in Conowago, this county, to Miss Catharine, daughter of Henry
Weaver, who has borne him six children, two of whom are living: John H. and Jacob F.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob E. Miller are members of the Catholic Church. Politically our sub-
ject has been identified with the National Greenback party; is no office-seeker, and votes
for the best mau. During the late civil war he responded to the nine months' call; was
elected captain of Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer In-
fantry, and filled the office till his term expired, and with his regiment participated in
various engagements.
LEVI D. MILLER, farmer and merchant, Bonneauville, was born in December, 1861,
in Carroll County, Md., son of Louis and Elizabeth (Hann) Miller, who were parents of
two children: Mrs. Mary E. Sherman and Levi D. Louis Miller was a native of Mary-
land, a farmer by occupation, and died at Two Taverns, Adams Co., Penn., aged forty-
nine years. Our subject, who was educated in the schools of his native county, worked
on a farm until the spring of 1883, when he embarked in a mercantile career, becoming a
partner with Jacob Sherman, a merchant of Two Taverns, Penn, They kept a general
store for a year and a half, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Miller removed
to Bonneauville, this county, where he engaged in the same business on his own account,
and has been very successful. He was married here to Miss M. Ella, daughter of Michael
Piscel, a representative citizen of Mountjoy Township, this county. One child has been
born to this union — M. Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Lutheran Church.
DR. AGIDEOUS NOEL, physician and surgeon, Bonneauville, was born in Mount-
pleasant Township, Adams Co., Penn., son of Samuel E. Noel, whose ancestors were of
French descent and settled in Adams County In the beginning of the eighteenth century,
near the Pigeon Hills. The paternal great-grandfather, a farmer by occupation, in an
early day resided near East Berlin, this county, and died here at an advanced age; his son.
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 489
F«^,!«t,?^°^^'^^'^° '^ farmer, was a mill-wright by trade and died near Bonneauville, thi»
riln Yi;<fi » ?^^^ ?^\%^^ y^''!'?' ^^ ^^s a "Whig DolitieaUy. He (Peter) was twice mar-
P»?^. w if ^ ^°Ft^ ^"^k ^^o <J'«'J leaving ten married cljildren: Jacob, Samuel,
fli?n'^^ ^' Bernard. Louis, Gerome, George, Elizabeth and Margaret. By Peter Noel'a
Ha^ht nf r.T'^xT^^',?^''^'''' daughter of Nicholas Noel, he hid one son and several
S=^K vf ^ !?■ ^°!'xT cliiWren, Samuel, a hatter by trade, married in this township,
^^^iJf ^A^t' t °*o'TL°A* Northampton County, Penn., and of German descent. Samuel
Noel died October 9, 1860, and his widow August 20, 1871, aged seventy-six years. They
had two children: Francis A., who resides on the old homestead, and Agideous. Our sub-
lect received a primary education near home and his literary education at the New Oxford
institute. At the age of fourteen he became imbued with the desire of studying medicine,
and read with Dr. a D.G. Phieffer, of New Oxford, Penn., who was alsb the principal
ot the New Oxford Institute. He afterward attended the University of Maryland, at
Baltimore, where he graduated in 1862. After graduating the Doctor located in Bonneau-
ville, ii'onn., ot which place he is now the oldest physician, and here he enjoys the esteem
and respect of his neighbors and has a lucrative practice. Dr. Noel was married here to
Mrs. Liucinda M. bwope, a daughter of Benjamin Landis (Mrs. Noel had three sons by her
hrst marriage) During the late war Dr. Noel offered his services to his country, and
September 5, 1864, was commissioned, by Gov. Curtin, first assistant surgeon of the
iwo Hundred and Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Third Division, Ninth
Corps, Army of the Potomac. He served at the Third Division field hospital till the close
of the war, and received an honorable discharge June 2, 1865.
T. FRANCIS POHLMAN, farmer, P. O. Centennial, was born June 7, 1848, at Mount
Kock, Mountpleasant Township, Adams Co., Penn., son of Francis Pohlman, Sr.,'who-
was born near Osnabruck, Germany, and who came to America before he was of age>
The latter was the youngest son in his father's family and, as was the custom in that
country, supposed he would inherit his property, on which there was a small debt, so he
came to America to ujiake up the money owed, but found on his return to Europe with the
necessary funds, that his eldest brother had taken possession, and as he did not wish to
disturb him, though he was entitled to the place, he returned to America and to Adams-
County, Penu., where he farmed the latter part of his life. He was also a lime burner,
and probably burned more lime than any other man in the county. He died at Mount
Rock February 6, 1884, aged seventy years. He was married here to Mary Gosman, who
was born in Bavaria, Germany, daughter of Frederick Gosman, and is yet living. Of the
seven children born- to them three are living: Francis, John and Mrs. Susie Klunk; Mary,
another daughter, died at the age of sixteen. Francis Polilman, Jr., was educated near
home and a,t New Windsor, Md. He was married, in this township, to Miss Mary, daugh-
ter of Dominie Gosman, and by this union there is one child, Joseph Dominie. Mr. and
Mrs. Pohlman are members of Conowago Chapel. Politically he is identified with the
Democratic party.
EMANUEL RUDISILL, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born August 20, 1827, in
Heidelberg Township, York Co., Penn. The family was originally of French or German
descent. Three brothers came to Pennsylvania at an early date, one settled near York,
one in Lancaster County, and one near Jefferson, in York County. Our subject's grand-
father, Andrew Rudisill, was born and reared in York County, and was a son of Worley
Rudisill, who was born at Codorus, same county. Andrew Rudisill was a poor boy when
he started out in life for himself; was a shoe-maker by trade; became quite wealthy, and
gave each of his four sons a homestead farm near Hanover, York County. He was an
industrious man, a remarlcable character, and was a representative citizen of York County.
He married Miss Elizabeth Wildesin, a descendant of one of the oldest families in York
County, where her father's brothers used to hunt with the friendly Indians in an eai-ly
day. Mrs. Andrew Rudisill died in York County when over one hundred and eleven
years of age (when one hundred and three years old she would still go out fishing, and
she kept all her faculties till the last). To Andrew and Elizabeth Rudisill were born four
sons and three daughters, who lived to a good old age: Mary was ninety-one years and
some months, John was ninety-one, Andrew was over ninety-one. Eve was eighty-six, Jacob
was sixty-two, Henry, who is still living, is about eighty-eight, Elizabeth was fifty years
old when she died. Of these, Jacob, who was also a farmer, married Christiana Lohr,
who was seventy-two years old at her death. They both died in Hanover, Penn. They
had six children: Jacob, Emanuel, Rebecca, Christiana, John and Abraham. Of these,
Emanuel Rudisill was educated near home and has been a farmer all his life; he now owns-
230 acres of land in Mountpleasant Township, this county. He was united in marriage
with Leah Spangler, born in York County, Penn., daughter of Zachariah Spangler.
Twelve children were born to this union, all now living: Spangler, Alice, Worley, Charles,
Martin, Prank, Jacob, Alverta, Katie, Andrew, Minnie and Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. Rudi-
sill are members of St. James Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat, but is no-
oflflce seeker, preferring aguiet life.
MELCHIOR 8LINGH0FP, farmer, P. O. Red Land, was born September 29, 1838, in
Hessen Cassel, Germany, son of Richard and Margaret (Rosenberger) Slinghoff (who died
490 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in Germany), the parents of three children: William, residing in Germany, Mary wife of
Jacob Hupser, of Russell Connl y Kas., and Melchior. Our subject went to school in his
native land until he was twelve years of age, when he was left an orphan, and was sent by
an uncle to the United States, he and his sister coming over by themselves, and landing at
Philadelphia, Penn., where Melchior worked one month and then came to this county,
•where he worked on a farm for a time and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he
followed for some time. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army, and served as a
nine months' volunteer. After that he obtained an honorable discharge, and shortly after
went to Washington, D. C, where he worked at his trade for the Government, till the
death of Abraham Lincoln, when he returned to this county, bought 150 acres of land
and went to farming, in which he has been very successful. Melchior Slinghofl was mar-
ried, October 13, 1865, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Daniel Bonnetts and by her he has
six children now living: Charles H., Emma E., Sarah J., Ellen M., Millie R. and Lillie M.
Mr. and Mrs. Slinghoff are active members of the German Reformed Church, in which he
was deacon for about eight years. Our subject is one of the representative citizens of
this township, is a Democrat in politics and has filled minor township offices.
HON. J. E. SMITH, merchant, P. O. Centennial, was born near Bonneauville, Mount-
pleasant Township, Adams County, Penn., March 28, 1829. |His grandfather, Charles
Smith, who came from Germany when a young man, and settled in Mountpleasant Town-
ship, was a farmer and distiller; married a Miss Spittler who bore him eleven children
that attained maturity (eight at one time were cradling wheat in their father's field), all
x)f whom married and had large families of their own, who showed the sturdy stock from
which they sprang and made good members of society. The names of the living are
John, Andrew, Anthony, Jacob, Joseph, Charles, Peter, Adam, Elizabeth, Anna and Cath-
arine. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith died near Bonneauville, at a good old age; they were
quiet country people, highly respected by those who knew them, and were devout Catho-
lics, members of Conowago Chapel. Their son, Peter, also a farmer by occupation, died
on a farm between Bonneauville and McSherrystown, aged ninety years; he held some
township and county offices, was a prominent Whig until the Know-nothing party sprang
Tip, when he became identified with the Democratic party. He volunteered in the war of
1812 under his brother-in-law, Capt. Adams, and was one of the defenders of Baltimore.
Peter Smith married Magdalena, daughter of Jacob Adams, of Oxford Township, this county,
s. miller and farmer by occupation. Mrs. Peter Smith died at the homestead, aged seventy-
two years, the mother of eleven children, of whom eight reached maturity: Anna S. (now
Sister DeSales, Order of St. Joseph). John E., David B., Peter G., Maria, Louisa, Ajithony,
Francis J. John E. was educated in the public schools and also by private teachers. In
early life he farmed and taught school (five winters in all), and then entered a mercantile
career at Irishtowc, Penn., where he continued for five j-ears; thence came to Mount Rock,
where he has been keeping a general store; has been also engaged in the lime industry
■since 1855, and has done a large business (he has had several partners at different times),
and for the past five years has manufactured cigars extensively, making usually 900,000
per annum, which he sells to Eastern markets. Mr. Smith has been twice married in this
county. His first wife, Maria, daughter of George Lawrence, died aged thirty-ei^ht years,
the mother of four children, all now living: Louise, Rosa, Gregory and Ignatius. His
second marriage was with Miss Mary Jane, daughter of John Kuhn, and by this union
there is one child living — Edgar. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are prominent members of Cono-
■wago Chapel. Politically he was a Whig, but left the party with his father, and for the
same cause, and has since been identified with the Democratic party. He was elected
justice of the peace about 1850, re-elected twice to this office, and in the fall of 1876 was
elected county commissioner; was subsequently a member of the House of Representa-
tives; and two years ago was appointed by Gov. Pattison to fill the office of associate
judge of Adams County, holding the office one year.
D. C. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Centennial, was born November 5, 1836, in Mountpleasant
Township, this county, son of Anthony B. Smith, who was born and died here. Charles
Smith, the grandfather of our subject, and his brother, Andrew, were born in Alsace, Ger-
many, and there their mother died, and their father, Gabriel Smith, re-married. The step-
mother made home unpleasajit for the boys, so Charles and Andrew obtained their father's
permission to come to America, at the ages of seventeen and fifteen, respectively. They had
to work their way over, paying for their passage by earning the money, Charles working at
grubbing three and a half years for this purpose, and his brother four years and a half at
spinning. Andrew Smith married and had children, but his family finally died out.
Oharles Smith came to Mountpleasant Township, this county, and here married and reared
eleven children: John, Andrew, Elizabeth, Jacob, Charles, Mary, Joseph, Katie, Peter,
Anthony and Adam. 'Thej' all married, and had, collectively. 111 children (of the grand-
■children, only the last born of Adam Smith were twins). Of Charles Smith's children,
Anthony died here in 1855, aged nearly sixty years. Anthony Smith was a farmer and
weaver by occupation; he married Rachel, daughter of Jacob Adams. She died here in
1859, aged fifty years, the mother of eighteeu children, of whom fifteen reached maturity
and thirteen are still living. Of these, D. C, our suljject, attended school in this town-
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 491
ship, but is principally self-educated, especially in music. He was a music teacher in
early life, and stUl follows the profession in addition to farming, and is also an organist of
Conowago Chapel. He taught school for ten years (three terms at Conowago Chapel), and
also taught himself practical surveying. He was married here to Miss M. C, youngest
^aigliter of Henry Spalding, and they have six children: Paul A., Rose G., Henry S.,
,F ^•' ^^l^"^ .^•' ^^^^ J- '^^^ family are all members of Conowago Chapel. Politi-
cally Mr. Smith is a Democrat.
CARROLL J. SNEERINGER, farmer, P. O. Centennial, was born June 3, 1833, in
Mountpleasant Township, this county, sou of John Sneeringer, a native of Conowago
Township, Adams Co., Penn., and a descendant of the old Sneeringer family. John Sneer-
inger was a farmer all his life; a Whig politically. He married Lydia House, by whom he
had six children: Carrie, Carroll J., Joseph, William, Thomas and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. John
Sneeringer died in this township, the latter at the age of seventy-five years. Carroll J.
Sneeringer was educated in the town schools; was a carpenter in early life, and then was
a successful merchant at Hanover, York Co., Penn., fourteen years. He first worked at
carpentering there, and then embarked in the coal and lumber business. In April, 1880,
he returned to agricultural pursuits, and purchased the old Reily farm, and has now 100
acres of land. Our subject was married in this township to Miss Sarah B., daughter of
George Thomas, and by this union there are two children: Edgar and William, both
of whom were educated at home and are now on the farm. Mr. Sneeringer and family
-are members of Conowago Chapel. Politically he has been a Democrat all his life. He
has been as successful as a farmer as he was as a merchant.
NEWTON A. TAWNEY, farmer, P. O. Gettysburg, was born October 33, 1845, in
Mountjoy Township, Adams Co., Penn., son of Abraham Tawhey, a native of this county
and of German descent. Abraham Tawney, who has been a successful mason and con-
tractor, erected many of the important buildings of this county, and among those in Get-
tysburg may be mentioned the gas works, churches, court house, etc. He is now
seventy-six years of age; is self-made in every respect; starting out in life a poor boy, en-
cumbered with debt, he has, by hard work, perseverance and an indomitable will, made
a place for himself in the world, and to-day enjoys the respect and esteem of all who
know him. He never was a politician, but has ever taken an active interest in public
affairs, and is identified with the Republican party. He was married in this county to
Miss Catharine A., daughter of David Zuck, a member of an old pioneer family and an
■old wagoner to Pittsburgh; he kept hotel on the Pittsburgh Pike. Abraham Tawney is
now seventy-six years old, and his wife about sixty-five; they are members of the Ger-
man Reformed Church. The children born to this couple, four in number, were; Newton
A., Susannah E., Selena M., and Clinton J., who was a born mechanic and died when
thirteen years of age. Our subject, Newton A., was educated in his native county; has
learned no trade, but is a meclianic naturally, though he has followed farming the greater
part of his life. He was married, in this county, to Clara J., daughter of Daniel Stall-
smith, and by this union there are four children: Alverta G., Clinton E., Carrie E. and
Charles B. Mr. and Mrs. Newton Tawney are members of the St. Mark's Reformed
Church. Politically he is a Republican.
DR. JAMES G. WATSON, physican and surgeon, Bonneauville, was born August 1,
1851, in Quincy, Franklin Co., Penn., son of Robert Watson, who was born in Washing-
ton Township, Franklin Co., Penn., from where his father, who was a farmer, had
removed, in about 1830, to Hamiltonban Township, where he spent the balance of his days,
dying March 33, 1869, at the ripe old age of one hundred and two years. The grand-
father of our subject was a native of Londonderry, Ireland, and came to America when
fifty years old. He was married here to Mrs. Mary Hindman {nee Gibson), who died
aged sixty-eight, the mother of five children: Robert, James and Eliza (twins), John and
George. Of these Robert, who has been a dentist in Fairfield, this county, about forty
years, was married in Franklin County, Penn., to Hannah Mentzer, who has borne him
five children, of whom four are living: James G., John, Mrs. Anna E. Musselman, Dr. D.
Stuart. He has taken quite an active part in local politics; has filled nearly every town-
ship office, and is one of its prominent citizens. Our subject received his primary educa-
tion in this county; then attended the Mercersburg College, Franklin County, Penn., and
later the first session at the University of Pennsylvania, and second session at the Phila-
delphia University of Medicine and Surgery, whence he graduated in the spring of 1876.
He then located at Montgomery Square, Montgomery Co., Penn., where he remained but
eighteen months, however, and then went to Sabillasville, Md., and after three years
practice came to Bonneauville, this county, in April, 1881, where he has enjoyed a lucra-
tive practice ever since. The Doctor was married, in Philadelphia, Penn., November 18,
1875, to Miss Marie E., daughter of August Diehm, a native of Germany, and they have
three children living: Robert J., Anna L. and William Stuart. Dr. and Mrs. Watson
are members of the Reformed Church. Politically he has alwavs been a Democrat.
DAVID C. WENTZ, farmer, P. O. Bonneauville, was born November 9, 1833, in
Carroll County, Md., a grandson of Frederick Weniz, a native of America, but of Ger-
man descent, a farmer by occupation, who died in Carroll County, Md., when nearly
492 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
eighty years old. David, the son of Frederick Wentz, was born and died in Carroll
County, aged eighty-two years. He was well known in the community, was a prominent
member of the Lutheran Church. He was married to Catharine Crouse, a native of Car-
roll County, Md., daughter of Michael Crouse, and who is yet living in Carroll County,
the mother of eleven children, all of whom are living but two: Valentine C, John D.,
David C, Samuel, William, Noah, Henry, Louis and Mrs. Lydia Kemford. Our subject
was educated in his native State, and there farmed and worked at carpentering for fifteen
years. In April, 1870, he came to Mountpleasant Township, this county, where he has
176 acres of land. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Bankert, also a native
of Carroll County, Md., daughter of Peter Bankert. Of the twelve children born to this
union ten are now living: Mary J., William P., Anna, Emma, Edward, Martin, Laura,
Clara, Ellen and Alverta. Mr. and Mrs. David C. Wentz are active members of St. Luke's
Lutheran Church. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and has filled
the office of supervisor two terms, being re-elected in the spring of 1885.
CHAPTER LXV.
TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD & BOROUGH OF NEW OXFORD.
MRS. LEAH DIEHL. John Adam Diehl and wife emigrated to this country from
Germany in the year 1731. Their descendants to-day are numerous and are singularly
prosperous, and are, with a few exceptions, stanch Lutherans. They are always to be
found on the moral side of all public questions. The erection and maintenance of the
Lutheran Church in New Oxford was and is due in a marked degree to the energy and
liberality of that portion of the family residing in and around the village.
This original couple took up 360 acres of fertile land in what is now known as Spring
Garden Township, York County.Penn., paying an English agent £12 (|60) for it. To this
pair were born four sons: Peter, Daniel, George and Nicholas. Daniel settled in Seven
Valleys, York County; George in Virginia, and Peter and Nicholas in Hellam Township,
York County, having purchased the original tract from the heirs after the death of their
father.
Peter, the grandfather of our subject's hiisband, was born in Germany, and was
probably three years old when his father, John Adam, came to this country. He was
married in 1748, and had a family of six children: Peter, Nicholas, Jacob, Daniel, Eliza-
beth, married to Henry King, and Catharine, married to John Brlllinger.
Peter, the father of our subject's husband, was born in Hellam Township, York Coun-
ty, and had a family of three sons and four daughters: Daniel (our subject's husband),
George, Jacob, Elizabeth Golden, Sarah Blair, Mary Albert and Susan Diller. This fam-
ily moved into Adams County, Penn., in all probability about the year 1801, settling in Ox-
ford Township,havinK purchased a large tract of land lying along the Gettysburg Turnpike
and reaching from the village of New Oxford to the banks of the Little Conowago, em-
bracing several hundred acres of choice land. Mr. Diehl paid half a bushel of silver for
the tract, and brought the money from Hellam Township to New Oxford in saddle-bags,
thrown across the back of his horse. It is said the animal presented a sad sight, having
been sorely blistered by the weight and friction of the coin. Daniel was born in the old
mill near York, which (being rebuilt) is still in possession of the name, and was fifteen
years old when the family moved Into Adams County. His birth occurred on the 30th of
August, 1791. His first marriage was with Elizabeth Carl, October 26, 1809, by whom he
had fifteen children, seven of whom are yet living: Amanda Baehr, Amelia Butt, Cath-
arine SchaefEer, Deliah D. Feiser, Mary E. Wagner, Jesse (a practical farmer) and Carl, a
professional teacher of high rank in the schools of Illinois. These remaining seven chil-
dren are all married and prospering. Mrs. Diehl died September 19, 1833. Mr. Diehl
married again on the 23d of February, 1835; this time Leah (Myers) Baugher, whose name
heads this sketch. Her parents, John and Margaret Myers, now deceased, were residents
of Bucks County, Penn., and at an early daymoved to York County, settling in Warrington
Township. Mr. Myers was an educated man, being able to converse in three different lan-
guages. Two of his sons lost then- lives in tlie war of 1813. The original Myers stock
came from Holland a century and a half ago. From this union of Daniel Diehl with our
subject s.ix children were born: Rebecca (now deceased); Joseph R., proprietor of the
well-known "Diehl's Mill, "on the banks of the Little Conowago; Elijah, a scientific farm-
er, and a newspaper correspondent of some note; Emma, wife of Henry Weikert, a suc-
cessful farmer; Samuel A., a rising young minister in the Lutheran Church, who ha&
already made for himself a name for usefulness, and Miriam, wife of Jacob Heltzel.
OXFORD TOWNSHIP. 493
PETER DIEHL, retired farmer and 'tanner, P. O. New Oxford, is a native of York
County, Penn., where his birth occurred in 1802, having descended from the prominent
and influential family of Diehl, who settled in an early day in York County, and whose
history is recorded elsewhere in this work. His parents were Daniel and Rosanna Diehl.
Peter was reared in York County; was there married in November, 1823, to Anna M.
Smyser, whose family was one of prominence in York County, Daniel Smyser having
been a judge on the bench and his father, George Smyser, one of the early associate
judges of that county. Our subject, in February, 1824, after his marriage, located in the
neighborhood where he now resides, being the first member of his family to settle in that
vicinity. He purchased a small farm and in connection with it a tannery, that was es-
tablished in 1800 by John Slagle, which business he carried on successfully for many years,
retiring therefrom in 1864. A portion of his land lying adjacent to New Oxford, he
had it laid out into lots and platted, and it now forms an addition to the borough. In
1830 he erected the brick mansion in which he now resides, where he and his wife are
spending the evening of their lives together, surrounded with all comforts, the fruits of
their industry and economy in former years. Each has been a member of the Lutheran
Church since 1820, and they have contributed liberally to its support. Time has dealt
gently with this aged couple, who have journeyed together through a period of sixty odd
years, and are in reasonably good health and in full possession of all their faculties.
Mr. Diehl is now the oldest person living in New Oxford. He remarks, with great pride,
that since 1830 lie has been an earnest advocate of the cause of temperance and was the
first person in his neighborhood to openly announce his principles, which were instilled in
his posterity, and some of his sons, all grown, never have tasted intoxicating liquors.
Our subject, in his younger life, was an active local politician, and held almost every of-
fice in the township. He has been a good business man, and is one of the substantial citi-
zens of Adams County. He was at one time a director of the Hanover branch of the
Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1842 he was chosen one of the county commissioners, and in
1875 he was elected a director of the First National Bank of Gettysburg, a position he
still retains. To this couple have been born seven sons and four daughters (ten living),
viz.: Martin, Israel, Jeremiah, Henry, Andrew, Edward, Charles, Sarali A. , Louisa ».,
Anna M. and Elvira J. October 7, 1883, there was a family reunion in the old mansion,
each living representative being present. Israel was one of the most renowned temper-
ance orators in the United States, and traveled extensively in Europe. Having been edu-
cated for a Methodist minister, he accomplished a great work prior to his death, which
occurred January 4, 1875. Five children yet remain in Adams County; all are married
and doing well. Sixty-three years of married life have sat lightly on Mr. and Mrs. Diehl.
GEORGE W. DIEHL (deceased) was a native of Adams County, Penn., born on the
homestead located on the banks of the Little Conowago Creek July 23, 1818. His par-
ents were Daniel and Elizabeth (Carl) Diehl, the history of whose ancestors is given in
the sketch of Mrs. Leah Diehl. Our subject was twice married — the first time to Susanna,
daughter of George Emig, which event occurred in 1840, and to this union were born
three daughters: Leah E., Sarah E. and Amanda. MrS. Diehl died in 1854, and in 1858
Mr. Diehl was married to Sarah, daughter of John Emig, and a cousin to his first wife.
To the second marriage one son, John M., was born, who died in infancy. The mother
of this child died in 1883, and two years later Mr. Diehl died, leaving one daughter. Miss
Sarah E., the only surviving heir. Mr. Diehl was a substantial citizen and a useful mem-
ber of society, highly esteemed and respected by all. His daughter, since 1885, has re-
sided in New Oxford.
ELIJAH F. DIEHL, P. O. Leesburg, Kosciusko County, Ind., son of Daniel and
Leah Diehl, whose family history is given in the sketch of the latter, was born near New
Oxford, Adams Co., Penn., March 13, 1841. He attended the schools of the neighbor-
hood, supplemented by several terms in Dr. PfeifEer's College, at New Oxford. At the
age of seventeen he began teaching in Mountpleasant Township, which occupation he
followed until 1862. In August of that year he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and
Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of
the Potomac. After his service in the army he went to Leesburg, Kosciusko Co., Ind.,
and there taught school one term; thence he went to St. Joseph, Mo., where he was
again for a time engaged in school-teaching. He then returned to Leesburg, where, in
1867 he was married to Miss M. Annie Berst, and to them have been born the following
named children: Willis Edwin, Leah Hulda, Miriam Alice, Henry Albert, Mary, Laura
Kate, Ruth (deceased) and Carl Sanford. After his marriage Mr. Diehl took charge of
one of his father-in-law's farms, and for several years during the winter months, in con-
nection with farming, was employed in teaching school. Since 1880 he has served as as-
sessor, and during that year and in 1886 was land appraiser, and is now filling his third
term ' Conrad Berst, paternal grandfather of Mrs. Diehl, was born near Strasburg, Ger-
many, in 1779, and immigrated to America in 1798, and in 1807 married Catherine Gun-
ther, of Lancaster County, Penn., whose birth occurred in that county in 1785. Her
father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and died of wounds received at the battle
of Bunker Hill. Henry Berst, the fourth of thirteen children and father of Mrs. Diehl,
494 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
was born in Lancaster County August 38, 1814. In 1829 the family moved to Butler
County, and ui 1883 to Erie County, Penn.; thence Henry went, in 1836, to Kosciuslco
County, Ind., where he purchased a large tract of land on Big Turltey Creek prairie and
adjoining it. In 1837 his parents, two brothers and two sisters, located in this locality,
where the mother died in 1849, and tiie father in 1859. Henry Berst's marriage with Mary
A. James occurred June 14, 1840, and to them were born eleven children, of whom Mrs.
Diehl is the fifth, born June 17, 1848. Her maternal ancestors came to America prior to
the war for independence, the Jameses from England, the "Wards from Ireland. Her
grandfather, James Ross James, was born in Sussex County, Del., in 1796, and his wife,
nee Lavina Ward, in the same county in 1797. They were married in 1817, moved to Pick-
away county, Ohio, in 1832, and to Kosciusko County, Ind., in 1837. Mrs. James died in
1864, and her husband in 1871. Mary A. James, mother of Mrs. Diehl, was born January
31, 1819, in Sussex Countjr, Del. Tlie Berst and James families stand high in the estima-
tion of the people of their respective communities, and members of both families filled
important official positions in the war of the Rebellion.
JOSEPH R. DIEHL, miller, P. O. New Oxford, is a native of Adams County, Penn.,
born June 3, 1838, near the old mill in Oxford Township, which, since 1790, has been in
possession of the Diehl family, first owned and carried on by Peter Diehl, the grandfather
of Joseph R. The parents of the latter were Daniel and Leah (Myers) Baugher Diehl,
the history of whose ancestors appears in the sketch of Mrs. Leah Diehl. Joseph R. at-
tended the common schools of his neighborhood, and completed his studies at the college
or academy of Dr. Pfeiffer, located in New Oxford. In 1854, he was employed as clerk
for one year for William D. and Alexander 8. Himes, and then entered the employ of
Aaron Heagy, with whom he remained three years. After this he learned the miller's
trade, with George W. Diehl. In 1860 he again engaged in mercantile business with Mr.
Heagy, and March 4, 1863, was united in marriage with Katie, daughter of Elias and Eliz-
abeth Slagle. The domestic life of our subject and wife was commenced in the old
Diehl mansion, and Mr. Diehl took charge of the mill near by. In 1863, after the death
of his father, he purchased the mill, since which time he has been engaged in the milling
business. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Diehl have been born three sons and one
daughter: Charles E., Martin D., Alverta L. and Ervin J. Charles E. has received acom-
mercial education, and is now engaged in mercantile business in New Oxford. The oth-
ers are still with their parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Diehl have been lifelong members of
the Lutheran Church, of the council of which he has been a member for a quarter of a
century. Mr. Diehl has for many years been earnestly devoted to and interested in the
cause of education, and has since 1870 been secretary of the school board and a director.
A Republican by education and principle, he has always voted with that party, and was.
in 1884 their candidate for county commissioner, but was defeated by a small majority in
a strong Democratic county.
JOSEPH S. 6ITT, civil engineer, P. O. New Oxford, is descended from one James
Gitt, who, with his wife, Mary Magdalena, came to this country, he from Ireland and his
wife from Germany, about the year 1740, and settled in the "Pigeon Hills," near Han-
over. His memory was a most retentive one, and to him his descendants are indebted for
many reminiscences. The red man still occupied the land, and the site of Hanover was
still a primeval forest. At that date he was a constable in the service of his Britannic
Majesty. Hanover was controlled by the British, and the town in its early settlement
was known as a "town of refuge," or "rogues' harbor." William, their only son, was
born in a cabin among the hills, October 15, 1746. Five years later his parents came to
Hanover, and the father disappeared and was never heard from. His son purchased a
farm in Adams County, and was there married to Magdalena, who was born November
13, 1757, and died October 14, 1836. Mary, the wife of James Gitt, was born September
27, 1720, and lived to the remarkable age of • one hundred and three years. William and
Magdalena Gitt were the parents of Jacob, George Henry, William and Daniel, and left
seventy grand and great-grandchildren to represent them. William and Magdalena,
grandparents of Joseph S., died on the farm of Daniel Gitt, in Adams County, he at the age
of ninety-eight years, and she when upward of eighty years. Our subject was born near
McSherrystown. Penn., September 9, 1815, a son of Daniel and |Lydia Gitt, the former
born near New Oxford, this county, the latter, a daughter of David and Catherine Slagle,
and now living at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Daniel and his wife resided
more than half a century upon the spot where they first settled; then moved to McSher-
rystown and finally to Hanover, in York County. The children, Joseph S., Henry, David,
Maria, Permelia, Alexander, Nathaniel, Howard, Walter and Belinda were born and
reared in this county, and are all living but three. Joseph S. was educated at Gettysburg
College, and in 1836 was rodman on the " Old Tape-worm" Railroad. He taught school
near his father's farm two years, and was editor and proprietor of the Herald, Democrat,
Planter and Weekly News, at Hanover for four years. In March, 1841, he was married to
Anna M. Bachman, and one daughter, Alice L., now the wife of Frederick G. Stark, jew-
eler at Hanover, was born to them in that borough. In 1846 Mr. Gitt removed to Car-
lisle, and commenced the publication of the Pennsylvania iStatesman, a semi-weekly Dem-
OXFORD TOWNSHIP. 495>
ocratic paper, and also the American Democrat, which he sold four years later, and
moved back to Hanover and published a campaign paper, and also conducted a book-store
ana Dmaery Ihe absorbmg topic of that day was the building of the Hanover Branch
Kauroaa, and he was engaged as assistant engineer upon that line continually until its
completion, wheff he moved to Media, Delaware Co., Penn., and accepted a position as-
chiet engineer of the Philadelphia & Westchester Railroad. When the Gettysburg &
ijittlestown Kailroads were built, he assumed charge of them in a similar capacity, and
later pertormed his first service on the Western Maryland Railroad. He afterward per-
formed a similar service on the European & North American Railroad, from Bangor,
Me., to JNew Brunswick; later he assumed the same position on the Harrisburg & Potomac
and Hanover &York Railroad; also on the Bachman Valley Railroad, the Emmittsburg.Md.,
Railroad, the Berlin branch, and numerous surveys for proposed lines, traveling, while
making these surveys, 48,580 miles, he is still engaged by the Hanover Junction, Hanover
<& Gettysburg Railroad, but will soon retire from active service. Four children, the one
j'^A °i6°tioned, Luther B. (deceased) was born at Carlisle; Maria L. was born at Hanover,
*°? Ada M (deceased) born at New Oxford, comprised the family, of whom Maria L. is the
^} %? William 6. Smyser, civil engineer, now located at Topeka, Kas. During his busy
lite Mr. Gitt has been a very successful man, and will now retire with a competence hon-
estly earned. He was the first president of the borough council of New Oxford, and has been
a member continuously up to date. For nearly forty years Mr. Gitt has been a member
of the I. O. O. F., and with his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
politics he is a Republican. He is liberal and progressive in all afEairs of public benefit
and improvement. He is also a trustee and on the building committee of the new Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in progress of erection in New Oxford.
JACOB HELTZEL. The ancestors of our subject— citizens of the Palatinate— shipped
on board the " William and Sarah " with 400 other Palatines in the year 1727, and came
to this country to find' a retreat from religious persecution. These early progenitors of
the Heltzel family settled in the county of York, Penn., on a large tract of land, and were
the parents of four sons: Nicholas, Stephen, Philip and one whose name is not known ^
the last son and two uncles on the maternal side were slain in the Revolutionary war;
the two latter in the battle of Long Island. The old gentleman, prior to his shipping for
America, being somewhat prominent in the Palatinate, was, on account of the persecu-
tions, deputized to petition the Crown for protection. Nicholas Heltzel was married to-
Catharine Hershinger, and with the grandfather of our subject moved to Adams County
in 1823, settling in Mountpleasant Township. Five children were born of this union,
viz.: Christina Greenawalt; Jacob, a bachelor; Daniel, a farmer and hatter, who, after a
retired life of twenty-five years, died July 26, 1879, at the age of eighty years; Catherine
McMaster; and Nicholas, a printer the former part of his life, and during the latter part
an extensive farmer; he represented Adams County in the Legislature during the years
1877-78, and filled other important places of trust.
Daniel, our subject's father, married Elizabeth Voglesong (whose ancestry came from
Germany), January 10, 1824, To this couple eleven children were born, viz. : Lucy Ann
Marks; Rufus, deceased; Nicholas, a soldier in the regular army, who lost his life on the
frontier; Caroline, deceased; Daniel, who served three years in the infantry service of
the United States during the late war, and who was captured at Winchester and taken to
Danville, where he died the miserable death of starvation; Franklin, a carpenter and
tradesman; Alfred, a car inspector on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and who gave four
years of his life in the defense of his country; Martin, a confectioner, who served in the
emergency of eastern Pennsylvania; William, a carpenter and soldier for three years;
John (deceased), a printer and telegraph operator, and who was employed as proof-reader
on the new constitution of Pennsylvania, and Jacob. The latter was born September
23, 1843, and was married to Miriam Diehl (youngest daughter of a family of twenty-one
children) June 4, 1871. His life was made up of clerking, teaching, justice of the peace,
census enumerator, in 1880, and of filling the different offices of the district in which he
resides. He is at present engaged in manufacturing infants' and children's shoes for the
wholesale trade. The family are strict adherents to the faith of the Reformation.
J. W. HENDRIX, M. D. (deceased), was a native of York County, Penn., born near-
Shrewsbury, in May, 1828. His parents were Joseph and Nancy Hendrix. Our subject
was reared on his father's farm, and received his scholastic education in the State of Mary-
land. He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Geary, Br., at Shrewsbury, in York
County, and subsequently graduated in medicine from the University of Maryland. In
1849 he located as a practitioner of medicine at New Oxford, where "he continued in his-
profession until his death, which occurred May 26. 1885. November 4, 1852, Dr. Hendrix
was united in marriage with Miss Helen, the daughter of Col. George and Helen (Barnitz)
Himes, whose family history is given elsewhere in this volume. The Doctor's widow was-
born in what was called "Butcher Frederick's Stand," an inn, and the first house erected
in New Oxford. Dr. Hendrix was one of the borough's useful and most esteemed citi-
zens. His popularity as a gentleman, physician and business man of enterprise made him
the unanimous choice of the citizens Jfor the office of burgess, to which he was elected at
496 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ;
the first election held for the borough offlcers in October, 1874. To this office he was con-
tinuously re-elected until his failing health caused him to decline a nomination the year
of his death. As a public-spirited citizen and an advocate of everything pertaining to the
advancement of social and educational interests, he had no peers. Both he and his wife
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church from childhood, and his death deprived
that body of one of its most faithful worlcers. His widow recently purchased the lot at
the corner of Pitt and Hanover Streets, New Oxford, and donated this and $1,000 cash to-
ward the new edifice, which will be completed this year. Dr. Hendrix left no heir to per-
petuate his name, but his good deeds will remain enshrined forever in the hearts of those
who knew him. Modest and retiring in disposition, but earnest In everything undertalien,
he made a success of his business life, and leaves his widow in easy circumstances. She
resides in the mansion where so many years of happiness were spent with her devoted
husband. For a number of years the 'Doctor was a trustee qf Dickinson College, and
made liberal donations from his private purse to that institution. He was also one of the
committee that erected the scientific building connected with that college.
WILLIAM D. HIMES, retired merchant, P. O. New Oxford, Is a native of Adams
County, Penn., born at New Oxford May 29, 1813. His father, Col. George Himes, a son
of Francis Himes, of Hanover, York County, was born December 16," 1775, and was mar-
ried to Helen Catherine Barnitz, whose birth occurred In 1787, and in 1810 removed from
Hanover, Tork County, Penn., to New Oxford, where he purchased from John Hersh
and took charge of a tavern, known as " Butcher Frederick's Stand, " the first inn or
tavern built in the place, and this he conducted until 1828. In the early muster days he was
commissioned a colonel of a regiment of State militia, and bore the title through life. The
wife of Col. Himes was a daughter of Daniel and Susan (Eichelbarger) Barnitz, the former
of whom served as fife major throughout the Revolutionary war, and whose family was
one of note in York County. The first son born to Col. George Himes was Charles F.,
who was graduated from Dickinson College, and read law with Hon. Thaddeus Stevens
before being admitted to the bar. He became one of the first engineer corps that surveyed
the route taken by the old " Tapeworm Railroad, " and was a man of great promise. His
death occurred July 23, 1838. The other children were as follows: William D., Susan C,
{who became the wife of Thomas Himes); Anna M., (married to Rev. James H. Brown);
George B. (married to Elizabeth Eby); Elizabeth C. (married to JohnR. Hersh); Helen, the
widow of Dr. Joseph W. Hendrix, and Alexander S. Our subject was schooled in his na-
tive town, and learned the tanner's trade. May 23, 1836, he married Magdalene, daughter
of Christian Lanius, of York, and to them were born eight children: Edwin (died in in-
fancy), Charles F., Helen A. (wife of Rev. William H. Keith), James L., Mary E., Sarah
M. (died in childhood), William A. and HaiTy O. After marriage Mr. Himes engaged in
mercantile business in Lancaster County, where he remained three years; disposed of his
stock and returned to New Oxford and managed his father's business, who for many
years, in company with John and Charles Hann, had been extensively engaged in mining
enterprises in York County. These were subsequently purchased and carried on by
Himes, Curran & Himes. William D. is still in possession of the furnace property. In
1858 Mr. Himes engaged in mercantile business at New Oxford, which he carried on until
1863, when he retired from active business life. Since 1843 he has been officially con-
nected with the Bank of Gettysburg, a National Bank since 1866, and in 1884 was chosen
vice-president of that institution. For forty years he has been a director of the York &
Gettysburg Turnpike Company, and for fifteen years president of the Petersburg & Gettys-
burg Turnpike Company. He also served as president of the first and only building and
loan association organized in New Oxford, in which $60,000 were handled without the loss
of a penny and without suit to any stockholder. He was president of the New Oxforc^
Cemetery Association for ten years. As a business man he has been successful. He is
the oldest man now living in this borough that was born in New Oxford. Mrs. Himes
died September 25, 1874. Charles F., Ph. D., son of our subject, is now professor of
science and mathematics in Dickinson College, and was a professor in the female semi-
nary at Baltimore, Md., and in Troy University, N. Y., after which he went to Europe,
and as a pupil attended the university at Giesen, Germany, for eighteen months. He is
the author of numerous text books, and is authority in photographic science. He was one
of the number recently appointed by the government to photograph an eclipse of the sun.
His wife was Mary B. Murray. James L., another son of our subject, was graduated
from Dickinson College, studied law with Erastus Weiser,was admitted to the bar of York
County, and died in 1881, leaving a widow, Bellmina E. (Kline) Himes. Mary E., a
daughter of William B. Himes, was married to Lieut. Freemont M. Hendrix, and after his
death became the wife of J. W. Kilpatrick, professor of natural sciences in Central Col-
lege, Fayette, Mo. William A., another son of William D. Himes, was educated in Dick-
inson College, from which he graduated; was married in 1877 to Kate W. Gitt; and is now
a dealer in coal and lumber, at New Oxford. Harry O., the youngest son of our subject,
was educated in Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y., and is now professor of music in a fe-
male seminary at Ashville, N. C.
OXFORD TOWNSHIP. 497
ALEXANDER 8. HIMBS, P. O. New Oxford, youngest son of Col. George and
Helen Catharine (Barnitz) Hlmes, whose family history is given in the sketch of William
p. Himes, is a native of Adams County, born in the old family mansion at New Oxford,
in the year 1828. He received a fair education, first attending Oak Ridge Academy, a
select school at Gettysburg; then pursued a course of study in the academy of Dr. Pfeif-
fer at New Oxford. Two year later he engaged with Thomas Himes, his brother-in-law,
in mercantile business in Lancaster County, where he was occupied two years, and in
company with his brother-in law, who was interested in the Margaretta furnace, took
charge of a store in that vicinity. One year later he entered the employ of John A. Wei-
ser, a merchant of York. The next year the death of his father occurred, and Alexander
S. returned to the home of his boyhood, and in company with his brother, William D.,
engaged in mercantile business, in which he continued until 1861. In 1870 Mr. Himes was
married to Mrs. Sarah F. Reed, daughter of Hon. R. G. Harper, at Gettysburg. One son.
Harper A., has blessed this union. Soon after his marriage Mr. Himes again engaged in
mercantile business in New Oxford, and two years later disposed of tlie same to his
nephew, George T. Himes. In 1866 Alexander S. Himes was elected a director of the
First National Bank of Hanover, and has since held the same position. He was, prior to
1866, a director of the bank of Gettysburg. His attention is now devoted to the manage-
ment of his extensive farms in Adams County. His handsome residence in New Oxford
was erected the year of his marriage, every brick of which Mr. Himes selected witlf his
own hands; Eli Roth was the builder, and the site was purchased of John R. Hersh, upon
which was formerly located the first tannery in the borough.
CAPTAIN JAMES LEECE landlord of the "Eagle House," NewOxford,was born in
York County, Penn., May 2, 1835, son of James and Elizabeth (Palmer) Leece, the former
of whom was a native of Conewago Township, York Co., Penn., and for a time operated
a nail factory at York. James Leece, Sr., was married about 1823, and to the union were
born five children: James, Jacob, Sarah, Benjamin and Rebecca, of whom the captain is
the only resident of Adams County. George and Elizabeth Palmer, the parents of Mrs.
Elizabeth Leece, were among the eai-lie&t settlers of York County, and lived to the rare
ages of ninety-nine and ninety -two years, respectively. The Iktter was a daughter of one
of the Bentzels, and both she and her husband were born, married, lived and died in York
County. George Palmer and the Bentzels were soldiers of the Revolution; one of the lat-
ter, George Bentzel, was a captain in that war. The father of Elizabeth Palmer was the
first miller in Conewago Township, York County, and built the first mill. Our subject,
when young, learned the nail-making trade under his father. In 1855 he enlisted in the
regular army, and in 1857 was married to Catherine Kelly, of Leavenworth, Kas., at
which fort he was stationed, being at that time quartermaster sergeant in Company K,
First Regiment, United States Regular Cavalry. At the expiration of his term of service
they came to York, where Mr. Leece was engaged in stock-dealing until 1862. He then
raised Company K, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer In-
fantry, of which company "he was commissioned first lieutenant, and soon afterward was
promoted to a captaincy. His regiment participated in the battles of Antietam, South
Mountain, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. His term of service having at this time
expired, he returned home, and in 1863 organized Company K, Thirteenth Regiment, Vol-
unteer Calvary, of which he was made captain. The command was at Brandy Sta-
tion, Warrenton Junction, Bull Run, Mine Run, and in numerous skirmishes with Mos-
berg's guerrillas, battle of the Wilderness and on to Richmond. Capt Leece was three
times wounded, and is one of the few who have made no application for a pension. He
is proprietor of the "Eagle House," at New Oxford, and has, associated with him in the
hotel a son, Louis, who was married to Lydia A. Olemiler on the 4th of February, 1885.
The hotel is inviting, and is properly kept in every way. The Captain also owns a fine
farm near New Oxford. . , . , „ ^ • .- -n *
JACOB MARTIN (deceased) was a native of Adams County, born m the village of
New Oxford on the 1st of May, 1806. His parents were Matthias and Elizabeth (Mar-
shall) Martin, highly respected people of Adams County. Our subject was a tailor by
trade, which occupation he commenced in 1831, and after following it for a period of ten
years he commenced mercantile business for himself, in which he was engaged for eight-
een years. He was of a sympathizing and confiding nature, which brought upon him
embarassments in a financial way, and favors extended to acquaintances and friends
proved a financial ruin to him. For a period of ten years after retiring from mercantile
business he managed the "Eagle Hotel." He was twice married; first, to Catherine
Swearinger, by whom he had two sons, Franklin and Anthony M., both soldiers in the late
war the latter serving as first-lieutenant of Company I, Eighty-Seventh Regiment, Penn-
svlv'ania Volunteer Infantry. He was subsequently promoted to adjutant, and was killed
at Monacacy Junction, Md. The Adjutant Martin Post, No. 510, G. A. R., at New Ox-
ford, is named in his honor. Three years after the death of his first wife Mr. Martin was
united in marriage with Lydia Smith, a daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Follow) Smith,
of Adams County, and of this union were born five children: Lizzie and Harry, who
passed childhood years (now deceased) and three who died in infancy. Mr. Martins
26A
498 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
death occuvred May 10, 1885. He lived a long and useful life, which was passed in New
Oxford. He was a devoted Catholic (to which church his widow belongs), and donated
the lot and aided largely in building the church at New Oxford.
DAVID J. A. MELHORN, justice of the peace, P. O. New Oxford, is a native of
Adams County, Penn., born near MoSherrystown April 14, 1833. His great-grandfather
was Simon Melhorn, a native of Suabia, in South Germany, where his birth occurred
September 3, 1725, and when young was brought by his parents to America, the family
settling in this county. Here Simon married Anna Barbara Dubbs, and located at what
is now MoSherrystown, and to this union were born four sons and one daughter, of which
children David was the grandfather of our subject. David was born at what is now
MoSherrystown, this county, August 19, 1761, and in 1784, was maiTied to Rosanna
Swartz, whose birth occurred near Littlestown, this county, January 28, 1763, and in
McSherrystown they settled and lived during tbeir married life, to their death, which oc-
curred—David's on May 24, 1831, and Rosanna's on June 28, 1816. To them were born
eight children: Mary, Elizabeth, Simon, John, J. Henry, J. Michael J. Jacob, and Daniel.
J. Jacob, the father of our subject, was born December 23, 1801, and when about eight-
een years of age married Catharine Reigle (born April 6, 1796), a daughter of Henry
Reigle, whose wife was a Miss Greisher. J. Jacob Melhorn and his wife located near
McSherrystown and there resided several years, when they bought property south of that
village, where they resided until 1849, and where all of their children were born, viz. : Henry
Mary Ann, Harriet, Emanuel, Rosanna E. A., Catharine, David J. A., Caroline and Flora.
From 1849 until his death, which occurred October 6, 1880, Jacob lived on various farms
and in different places in Adams County, occupied mainly as a farmer, though latterly he
was employed as a school-teacher. Toward the latter part of the decade between 1860 and
1870 he was elected to the office of prothonotary of Adams County and served three years.
He was for upward of twenty consecutive years chosen as justice of the peace of his
township, and for many years taught school. His wife died July 17, 1869, and he was
subsequently married to Mrs. Thoman a widow. Our subject worked at agricultural pur-
suits for his father until twenty years of age; then began teaching school, first in Reading
Township. In 1853 he commenced learning the plastering trade with Jacob Melhorn and
Absalom Aulabach, near Hanover, and after finishing it worljed at the same during the
summer seasons (teaching school during the winters) a portion of time in Delaware
County, Ind., for eight months. He then returned home, and on January 22, 1861, was
married to Sarah L. Bender, a daughter of Daniel Bender of Hamilton Township, this
county. The latter, when quite young, came from Lancaster County, and was here mar-
ried to Mary Spangler, a daughter of George Spangler of East Berlin. Our subject and
wife began their married ,life in Mountpleasant Township, where a child, Jacob Daniel,
was born to them January 5, 1863, which died August 35 of the same year. During the
years 1863 and 1864 Mr. Melhorn was engaged in the butchering business in partnership
with his father. In 1868 he sold his property in Mountpleasant Township', and moved to
New Oxford, where he engaged in photographing, and in the Spring of 1869 he became a
partner with D. S. Bender in the grain and produce business, which partnership continued
for three years, when Mr. Bender withdrew, and Mr. Melhorn added to his business the
manufacturing of ice cream and huckstering. December 4, 1883, he disposed of the busi-
ness, excepting the ice cream department, which he still carries on. In the spring of 1882
he was elected a justice of the peace, an office he still holds. February 7, 1881, after a
lapse of nearly nineteen years from the birth of their first and only child, another son was
born to Mr. and Mrs. Melhorn, by name David John Andrew, whose death occurred in
Ohio November 5, 1881, where the parents were visiting.
HON. HENRY J. MYERS is a native of Adams County. Although now engaged in
the business of forwarding and commission merchant and dealer in produce, he was for-
merly an extensive farmer, with large merchant-mill on Conewago Creek, Tyrone Town
ship, near New Chester, at which occupation he was engaged until he removed with his
family to New Oxford, April 1, 1873.
Nicholas Mtbrs, wife and sons migrated from Amsterdam, Holland, in 1753, and
located in Lancaster County, Penn. ; ten years later Nicholas bought 900 acres of land in
Adams County and moved" to the tract, building near Round Hill, in the vicinity of York
Sulphur Springs. Their children were John, Jacob, David, William, Ludwick, Nicholas,
Jr., Elizabeth, Susan, Margaret J. and Mary. John, the eldest, was born in Amsterdam,
married Miss Sherman, of York County, and had issue. Jacob, our subject's grandsire,
was born in 1760, married Hannah Smith, and in 1796 removed to Canowago Mills, and
later to New Chester. Their children were John, Philip, Henry and Elizabeth. The
father lived to be eighty-five and the mother seventy-five years of age, and their remains
were interred in the Bermudian Cemetery. David married Mary Sultzbach.of York County,
and to them three daughters and one son were born. Margaret married Peter Binder, and
became the mother of four sons and one daughter. Elizabeth, daughter of David Myers,
married James Jameson, grandsire of Henry J. Myers, and died October 14, 1805, aged
twenty -five years. They resided a number of years at East Berlin, and were buried at
Abbottstown. William Myers married Miss Erb, of Frederick, Md., and died in Virginia.
OXFORD TOWNSHIP. 499
They had issue -whose names are unknown. Ludwick married a sister of the above
laay ana had issue. His second wife was a Miss Dull, living near Abbotstown.'and they
were tne parents of eighteen children. Ludwick was seventy-nine years of age at his
aeath, and was interred at the Bermudian Church. Nicholas, Jr., married a Miss Weaver,
ana had issue. His second wife was a Miss Chronister; the two bore him twenty-six child-
ren, all ot whom reached an advanced age except two. Philip wedded Mary Heikes, and
to their union were born five sons and one daughter. The parents were interred at the
Jtsermudian Church. Peter also married a Miss Erb, who bore him three sons and two
daughters. Mizabeth married Michael Miller; they had issue whose names are unknown.
Husan wedded Andrew Albert, and their issue was Jacob and Anna. They resided near
DUlsburg. Margaret married Col. Anthony Kimmel, of Frederick County,"Md., who was
elected btate senator of that district, and to this marriage one son, Anthony, was born.
Mary married a Mr. Weaver, of York County, and had sons and daughters, whose names
are unknown. John, the eldest son of Jacob Myers, was born in 1783, and married Eva
Myers, who became the mother of five sons and three daughters. After her death John
married the widow of Adam Myers, who died April 11, 1873, aged eighty-nine years,
ir-hilip was born in November, 1788, and married Elizabeth Smyser, who bore him five sons
c iQoT® daughters. After her death he married Annie Hersh. His death occurred August
5, 1881, at the age of ninety-three years. Elizabeth, only daughter of Jacob Myers, mar-
ried Peter Myers, and their issue was two sons and three daughters. The parents lived
and died near Round Hill; she at eighty-three and he at seventy-nine years of age. Henry
youngest son of Jacob Myers, was born April 1, 1791, on lands located by his grandsire,
Nicholas, Sr. His parents later moved to Conewago Mills. At the age of twenty-one years
he married Nan^ Jameson (their children are mentioned in note of David Jameson). In
1842, when the Whigs had a majority of 700 in Adams County, Henry was elected a member
of the Legislature by the Democracy. He died at New Chester, this county, February
29, 1868, aged seventy-seven years. For the following maternal history of our subject
the writer is indebted to Gen. Horatio Gates Gibson. It embraces five generations.
David Jameson, a graduate of the Medical University of Edinburgh, Scotland, immi-
grated to America about 1740, stopping first at Charleston, S. C., and finally set-
tling In York County, Penn. He was commissioned first as captain, then as brigade-
major and lastly as lieutenant-colonel of the Provincial forces of Pennsylvania, and also
held a commission as colonel of militia of Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary war.
He also held civic offices by executive appointment in the county of York in 1764 and 1777.
He practiced his profession many years in York. His wife, nee Elizabeth Davis, bore him
a family of five children: Thomas, James, Horatio G., Cassandra and Emily. Thomas
was a physician of York until 1838; he served as coroner from 1808 to 1818, with the ex-
ception of two years, and as sheriff from 1821 to 1824. His first wife was Miss Hahn, of
York, whose children were Thomas, Catherine, Charlotte and Margaret. His second wife
was Mrs. McClellan, with two children, and she bore him one son, Charles. Catharine
P., daughter of Thomas Jameson, married Daniel P. Weiser, of York, and had issue —
Gates J., David, Oliver P. and James. Charlotte, the daughter of Thomas Jameson, mar-
ried Adam J. Glossbrenner, formerly member of Congress from the York, Adams and
Cumberland District, and had issue — Emily, Jameson C, Mary and Ivan. Margaret,
daughter of Thomas Jameson, died unmarried. Charles, son of Thomas, became a
Methodist minister and located in or near New York. Oliver P., son of Daniel P. and
Catherine J. Weiser, married and had issue — Emily, Grace, Oliver and James (latter de-
ceased). Emily and Mary, daughters of Adam J. and Charlotte J. Glossbrenner reside in
Philadelphia (unmarried). Jameson C, son of Adam Glossbrenner, died young. He was a
page in the House of Representatives at the time his father was sergeant-at-arms of that
body. Ivan, son of Adam J. Glossbrenner, married Annie Hantz, of York, where they now
reside, their issue being Lottie L., Adam J., Emily M. and Magdalena.
HoBATio Gates Jameson was born in 1778, and August 3, 1797, was married to
Catharine Shevell, of Somerset, Penn. They resided at villages in Pennsylvania, the
last place being Gettysburg, until 1810, when a permanent location was made at Balti-
more, where he founded and became president of the Washington Medical College. Their
children were Cassandra, Elizabeth, Rush, Catharine, Alexander C, David D. and Hora-
tio G. David D., a physician of Chambersburg, Penn., died in 1832, without issue. His
brothers Alexander C. and Rush were also physicians, and died without heirs, the latter in
1887, while in military service. Horatio G., Jr. (son of Horatio Gates Jameson), was born in
1815, and in 1836 graduated at the Ohio Medical College, In 1841 he married Sarah Mc-
Culloch, daughter of Mary (Pannell) and William Porter of Baltimore, Md., whose
brothers, David R. and George B. Porter, were governors of Pennsylvania and Michigan,
respectively, and James M. was secretary of war under President Tyler. The Doctor and
wife left no heirs, and died, within a few weeks of each other, at their home at Mount
Washington. Cassandra Jameson was born in 1798 in Somerset, Penn.. and married the
Rev. William James Gibson in Baltimore in 1832, and had issue — Catharine, Cassandra,
William and Robert; of whom Catharine only survives Cassandra Jameson Gibson died
in 186 -. and the Rev. Dr. Gibson married Elizabeth Murray in 187-, and had issue — Rob-
500 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ert and William. Catherine, daughter of Rev. J. W. Gibson, of Philadelphia, became
the wife of George R. Maze, a merchant of Chicago; Cassandra and Robert died without
issue. Elizabeth Jameson was born in Wheeling W. Va., February 20, 1801, and mar-
ried the Rev. John Gibson, September 27, 1821, and had issue — Margaretta Rebecca Mitch-
ell, William, Horatio Gates Jameson, John and Robert. Elizabeth Jameson Gibson died
In York, November 9, IHrw. William Gibson was born in Baltimore May 26, 1825. As a
protege of Capt. Isaac McKeever, he made a cruise of three years in the Pacific, 1837-40.
February 11, 1841, he was appointed by President Van Buren a midshipman, and rose to
the grade of commander on the active list of the navy — which rank he now holds. He
married at New Orleans, December 26. 1868, Mary Meade Addison, of Washington — a
niece ot Rear- Admiral Sands. Horatio Gates Gibson was born in Baltimore May 22, 1827,
and is now colonel of the Third United States Artillery. He was appointed cadet at West
Point March 8, 1843, by John C. Spencer, Secretary of War, and from that institution
his diploma was received in 1847. March 16,1863, he was married to Harriet L., daugh-
ter of Mary H. and Benjamin Walker of St. Louis, and to them were born Annie, in
St. Louis; Horatio G. J., in Louisville, Ky., and Catherine F., in Fort Preble. Mar-
garetta R M , in 1844, married Hiram Schissler, of Frederick, Maryland, and to them were
born Catherine C, Annie M., Horatio G., William and John. The mother died in 1879
and the father in 1882. Catherine 8., daughter of Hiram Schissler, was born in Williams-
burg, Penn., in 1847, and in 1872 was married to Hon. P. J. Nelson, of Frederick. Annie
M., her sister, married Hon. James H. Hopkins, of Pittsburgh, Penn., late member of
Congress from that city, and to them were born William F., Kate and James H. John
Gibson was born in Baltimore April 17, 1829. He studied law with C. F. Mayer, Esq., and
Hon. Robert J. Fisher, and in 1849 was admitted to the bar and practiced until his election
to the bench in York County, in 1881 . June 22, 1865, he married Helen Packard, of Albany,^
N. Y. Their children were Robert F., Charlotte P. and John. Robert Gibson was born
in 1831, served in 1847 and 1849 as a page in the United States Senate, and was assistant
on coast survey, and in 1857 was appointed by President Buchanan second lieutenant In
Third Infantry, United States Regiment. He afterward graduated in law, and died at
his home in Warrensburg Mo., in 1861, without issue. Catharine, daughter of Horatio
Gates Jameson, who was born In Baltimore in 1808, was married, in 1836, to Robert J.
Fisher, Esq., who for thirty years was president' judge of the Nineteenth Judicial District
of Pennsylvania. To the marriage were born eight children, of whom George, Catherine,
Emily S., Annie, Helen C. and David A. grew to maturity. Catherine J. Fisher died in
1850. Catherine Fisher was born in York, Penn., in 1837. July 2, 1867 she married
James M. Marshall, an army officer, and to the marriage were born Kitty F., Ellen M.,
Robert J., Jonas F., Thomas A. and Emily S. Annie H. Fisher was born in York,
and married James W. Latimer, Esq., now one of the judges of the Common Pleas of
York County, and to them three daughters were born, viz.: Catherine J., Janet C. and
Emily F., and a son, Robert Cathcart. Robert S. J. Fisher was born in York, Penn., July
4, 1847. He studied law with his father, Robert J., and from the position of examiner In
the patent office was promoted, in 1883, to that of chief examiner by President Arthur.
His wife is Harriet Tyler.
James Jameson, grandfather of our subject, married a daughter of David Myers, of
Adams County, to whom were born Nancy and David. The father was also a physician
of AUentown, Penn., and principal owner of a chain bridge across the Lehigh River at
that place. He was born in 1771 and died in 1831. Nancy, daughter of James Jameson,
married Henry (her first cousin), son of Jacob Myers, of New Chester, Penn., and had is-
sue; Jacob A., Singleton (deceased), Henry Jameson, Ann E. J., Horatio Gates, David P.
and William (latter deceased). David Jameson, son of James, married and had issue:
Henry M., Amelia, Nancy, James B., Rush and Elnora. They lived one and a half miles
east of Gettysburg, and their brick barn was used as a field hospital by the Confederates
during and after the battle of Gettysburg. Jacob A., son of Henry and Nancy J. Myers,
a native of Adams County, married Sarah Deardorfl, of York Springs, and their children
were Emily S., George H., Ellis G. (deceased), Nancy, Leigh R., Jacob U. and William B.
Jacob A. resided many years on a farm near York Springs, in Adams County; then moved
to Bethlehem, Penn., where he operated coal lands, which made him rich. Henry J. My-
ers, son of Henry and Nancy Myers, and the subject proper of this sketch, was born in
Adams County November 32, 1826. He married Belinda M. Slagle, of Hanover, York
Co., Penn., and to them were born Charles, Robert Gates, Jacob Ross, Edward, Annola, all
of whom are deceased, except Jacob Ross (Charles reached his sixteenth year). Henry J.
Myers was elected to the State Legislature in 1860, and re-elected in 1862, and since 1873^
has been agent at New Oxford for the H. J. H. & G. Railroad in connection with his busi-
ness, that of a commission merchant and produce dealer. Ann E. J., daughter of Henry
and Nancy J. Myers, was born in Adams County; married Dr. Lewis Stonesifier, of Littles-
town, and had one son, A. C. Stonesifier. After the Doctor's death she married J. M. Wal-
ter, of Gettysburg, by whom she had one son, George M., now an attorney at law. Horatio
Gates Myers married and had issue — Herndon and Elizabeth. He was a merchant of Han-
over, and at the outbreak of the late war became captain of a company In a Pennsylvania.
OXFORD TOWNSHIP. 501
regiment, and died from exposure, at Verdant Mead. Hagerstown, Md. Mollie, his wid-
ow, married William Russell, of Lewistown, Penn. Emily S., daughter of Jacob A. My-
ers, married James Ellis, of Pottsville, Penn., attorney for the Philadelphia & Reading
Railroad and member of the Legislature from Schuylkill. George H. Myers, president of
First National Bank and burgess of Bethlehem, Penn., married Callie Weiss; Nancy, his
sister wedded F. C. Mattes. Leigh R., a prominent lawyer of Bethlehem, Penn., mar-
ried Kitty Weiss. William B. resides m Bethlehem, Penn. ; he married a Miss Chapman
and has issue. J. Upton, another son, is a capitalist in Bethlehem, Penn. J. Ross, son
of our subject, was born near New Chester, Penn., June 30, 1867; now a student of Ursi-
nus C'ollege, Montgomery County, Penn. Herndon Myers, son of Horatio Gates Myers,
married Edith, daughter of Gen. J. Irvin Gregg, and resides at Altoona, Penn. Elizabeth,
his sister, married a son of B. L. Hewitt, of Hollidaysburg, and now resides in Jamestown,
Dakota. Rush, son of James Buchanan Jameson, is a telegraph operatorin Philadelphia,
Penn. J. B. Jameson, Sr., who was during the late war first lieutenant of the Union Light
Guard, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and commander of President Lincoln's and Andrew John-
son's bodv-guard, married for his second wife Miss Amanda C. Myers, of Hanover, and re-
moved to Lake Como, Putnam County. Florida, where he now lives.
PIUS J. NOEL, grocer, New Oxford, was born in Oxford Township, this county, in
1832, a son of Peter R. and Lydia A. (Clunk) Noel, who for many years have resided on a-
farm in the vicinity of Oxford, and to whom were born twelve children (all in Adams-
County), viz.: Caroline, Pius J., Mary, John, Agnes, William, Joseph, James, Louisa,
Francis, Lydia A. and Lucinda. At the age of eighteen Pius J. began the blacksmith's^
trade with his uncle, Joseph Clunk. In 1854 the family removed to Grand Rapids, Mich.,
where William, Pius J., Joseph and James opened a wheelwright shop, the former two
being smiths and the latter wagon-makers. The brothers continued the business until
1873, when Pius J. returned to Adams County and engaged in the mercantile business at
New Oxford, in which he is still engaged. In 1856 our subject paid a visit to Pennsyl-
vania, and married Miss Caroline, daughter of James and Mary (Myers) Robinson, who
had been neighbors of the Noels for many years. Miss Robinson being one of his school-
mates. Mr. Noel returned to Grand Rapids, taking with him his young bride, and during
their stay there eight children were born to them : Mary, William, James, Ella, Martha,
Cora, Henry (deceased) and Carrie (deceased). After their return to New Oxford, two
sons, Pius and Lewis, were born. Mrs. Noel died in March, 1882. Mr. Noel is a self-
made man, and has earned every dollar he is worth. In business he has always been suc-
cessful, and has avoided politics, so far as a desire for official honors is concerned. From
Infancy he has been a consistent Catholic. Mary, the eldest daughter, is a Sister of
Charity. Ella and Cora received a liberal education at the academy at McSherrystown,
and are housekeepers for their father. One son, James, is engaged in business for him-
self at Waynesboro, and another son, William, is clerking for his father at the present
time.
ELIAS ROTH, architect and builder. New Oxford, was born at Roth's Mills, in But-
ler Township, Adams County, Penn., July 21, 1829, a son of Jonas and Barbara (Kauff-
man) Roth, natives, former of York County, and the latter in the vicinity of East Berlin.
The parents came to the neighborhood of Roth's Mills about 1825. and the father was oc-
cupied as a farmer through life. They reared nine children: Maria, Elias, Jeremiah,
Henry, Abraham, Reuben and Sarah (twins), Leander and Susanna, the latter died in
infancy) all of whom, except Susanna, attended public schools and received a fair educa-
tion. Leander, who is now practicing in York County, studied medicine, and graduated
at the Philadelphia Medical College. Elias was gifted with unusual ability in the art of
mechanism, and without instructor (while working on a farm, and before he was twenty
years of age) was making furniture which found a ready sale. His first attempt at build-
ing was the barn on the home-farm, still standing, which he put up when twenty-one
years of age, from which time he engaged regularly in the business. For thirty-five years
he has been the leading architect and builder in Adams County, and has furnished designs
for thirty churches, located in Adams, York, Franklin and Montgomery Counties, Penn.,
and Frederick County, Md. He has erected one-half of these, notably among which are
the Reformed Church at New Chester and the Lutheran at the Pines, the Reformed and
Lutheran Churches at Emmittsburg, Md., the Reformed Church and public school build-
ing at Waynesboro, the Lutheran, Reformed and Mcthodiht Churches at New Oxford, the
Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist and Catholic Churches at Hanover, York County. All
the principal houses erected in New Oxford since 1860 were designed and built by him.
He has invented and manufactured a saw-file set and jointer that has revolutionized the
art of saw-filing, and to date has sold over 30,000. He came to New Oxford in 1860, and
two years later was married to Sarah Shane, and to them were born ten children, six of
whom are living, viz. : Anna M., Harry G., Kate E., Jennie S., Cora B. and John E.
W. C. SANDROCK, M. D., P. O. New Oxford, was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1854,
a son of Julius F. and Sophia Sandrock, the former of whom was, for upward of a quar-
ter of a century, a prominent grocer of that city, and reared a family of four children, of
whom the Doctor is the eldest. Our subject received his scholastic education at Knapp's
502 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Institute, Baltimore. Tliere he studied medicine with Dr. H. "W. Webster, Jr., a promi-
nent physician and surgeon, as well as a member of one of the most noted families of
Maryland. In 1873 he entered the College of Pharmacy, and in 1875 was graduated from
that institution, talking the first prize in a class of fifteen. In the same year he matricu-
lated in the University of Maryland, and in the spring of 1878 graduated in medicine.
Locating in Baltimore, he practiced five and a half years, and had an extensive practice,
but close application to the laborious duties of a practicing physician caused ill health, which
necessitated his removal to a more salubrious clime, and the smoky air of the city was ex-
changed, in the autumn of 1883, for a home in the pleasant borough of New Oxford. In
1879 his marriage with Miss Louisa, daughter of Henry and Louisa Wagner, was cele-
brated. Mir. Wagner was one of the celebrated Seventh Regiment of Hussars, Col. Baron De
Marbot commanding, under Napoleon Bonaparte, and was in action at Waterloo. While
residing in Baltimore Mr. Wagner was a teacher of languages. He died in 1865. To the
Doctor and his wife two sons have been born : Edgar and Walter. Dr. Sandrock has, by
reason of merit and skill, firmly established himself in practice, which Is not only large,
but is rapidly extending among the best families of this section of the county. Although
a young man, his education and lengthy training has eminently fitted him to discharge
well the practice of medicine and surgery, and his success is all that could be desired, in
both a social and professional sense. He is a member of the school board, also belongs to
the Patmos Lodge, No. 348, A. F. & A. M., of Hanover, and is a member of Adams County
Medical Society.
ABRAHAM SHEELY, dealer in lumber. New Oxford, was born near Littlestown,
Adams Co., Penn., January 20, 1828. His father was Jacob Sheely, a son of Nicholas
Sheely, who emigrated from Germany in an early day and settled in Mountpleasant Town-
ship, on land now owned by Solomon Snyder, which he entered from the Government.
He subsequently married Elizabeth Rife, of this county, and their first son, Jacob, was
born in 1799. Jacob's birth was followed by that of John, Hannah, Mary and two other
daughters, whose names are unknown. Upon the farm the parents remained until the death
of the sire, when the mother rented the farm and remained upon it until her death, which
occurred in 1840. Jacob was married to a daughter of Diederich Bishop, by whom he had
six children, of whom John, David, Rebecca and Eliza were reared. Jacob, by trade, was
a blacksmith, and had a shop near Alloway's Creek, on the Gettysburg Turnpike; he also
owned a small farm in that vicinity. The death of his wife occurred about 1820, and two
years later he was married to Catherine, daughter of John Erhart, of this county. Sub-
sequently he moved to Germany Township, and worked at his trade, one and a half miles
distant from Littlestown, where our subject was born. Six children were born to Jacob
Sheely and his wife Catherine, of whom he reared Abraham, Joseph and Catherine, the
others dying in infancy. Jacob purchased a farm in that vicinity, and erected a black-
smith shop, and there lived for several years. Our subject was educated principally in
Germany Township, and was married, at the age of twenty-four, to Catherine Eckert.
They commenced housekeeping on a small farm m Union Township, now owned by Will-
iam Weikart. For a number of years he was engaged in the huckster business, and in
1861 came to New Oxford, and in connection with huckstering engaged in the dry goods
trade. Later tliis was abandoned for the grain and produce business, to which, in 1867,
he added a stock of lumber, to which branch of business he has since devoted his attention.
He was one of the members of the first borough council, after the incorporation of New Ox-
ford borough, and from that time to the present, with the exception of two years, he has
remained a member of that body. His popularity and business qualifications made him
the choice of the Democratic party, in 1884, for county commissioner, to which office he
was elected, and is now one of the present incumbents. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheely nine
children have been born, seven of whom are living: George C. (married to Clara Diehl),
Charles H. (married to Sallie Chronister), William F., Catherine Elizabeth (wife of H. C.
Sanders), Sarah Jane, John A. and Edward V,, all residents of New Oxford except Mrs.
Sanders, who resides at Harrisburg. During the long business life of Mr. Sheely his
sterling qualities have made him a central figure in commCTcial circles, and as a man of
merit his repeated official terms furnish abundant proof.
HENRY I. SMITH, editor and publisher, P. O. New Oxford, is a native of York
County, Penn., born at Hanover, May 13, 1859. His parents were Jacob and Mary A. (Ec-
kenrode) Smith, whose history is given above. Henry I. obtained a fair education in the
public schools of his native place, and in the spring of 1878 commenced the printer's trade
with H. .1. Miller, of White Hall, Adams County, and in the autumn of that year pur-
chased an interest in the Weekly Visitor, then owned by Mr. Miller. In the spring of 1879
the press and material were removed to New Oxford and the name of the paper was
changed to the New Oxford Item, the first number of which was issued on April 18. In
February, 1880, Mr. Smith purchased his partner's interest and has since conducted the
paper, the circulation of which, under his judicious management, has been greatly increased
and the paper improved. There is connected with the Item one of the finest job printing
offices in the eastern part of Adams County. December 35, 1881, Mr. Smith was married
to Mary C, daughter of H. J. and Louisa Hemler, of Mountpleasant Township, Mrs. Smith
READING TOWNSHIP. 503
being the eldest of seventeen children, her birth occurring in 1858. Both the Smith and
ine iiemler tamihes are.long-time residents of Adams County and have always been enter-
prising farmers.
o^ "l^ll^P SMITH, farmer, P. O. New Oxford, is descended from Charles Smith, who, in
aoout 1 /bb, with a brother, came from Germany, both of whom were sold to pay their
passage, and parted never to meet again. Charles was then eighteen years of age; subse-
quently he was married to Miss Spitler, and settled on a farm in Mountpleasant Township,
tnis county, near the village of Bonneauville. Eight sons and four daughters were born
to this union, of whom the following named can be located: Joseph, John, Jacob, Cathe-
rine, -^Qi'ew, Charles, Peter and Anthony. Of these, Joseph was the father of our sub-
ject. Ttie death of the mother occurred several years before that of the father, who lived
to the ripe old age of eighty-six. Joseph, at the age of twenty-seven, was married to
Magdalene, daughter of Jacob Lawrence, and they commenced housekeeping on the Smith
homestead. He was given a part of that farm, and afterward purchased the remaining
interests. This farm he sold about 1832, and purchased another nearer Gettysburg. Of
the children born to this union, George, Jacob, Catharine, Marian, John, Joseph, Allo-
viece and Levi were born on the old farm, and Sarah, Louis, Pius and Cordelia on the
subsequent purchase. Joseph had reared his children strictly to the Catholic faith, and
until his death, in 1859, was a regular attendant at church services. Jacob Smith was
born November 7, 1822. He learned the blacksmithing trade with John Felix, commenc-
ing the same at the age of eighteen years. He has since worked at the trade in diSerent
parts of the United States, and during the Mexican war wasemployed as a blacksmith by
the Government. After peace was declared he traveled through Mexico, and sailed from
the Gulf of California to San Francisco, returning home via the Isthmus of Panama.
In 1850 he was married to Mary A., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hemler) Eckenrode.
During his wandering our subject secured money enough to procure a farm, which he now
owns, and upon which he has since resided, with the exception of two years spent in Han-
over, and on which were born the following named children: Edward J.,' John F.,
William W. (deceased), MaryE., Laura (deceased), Maternus J., Emory K, Francis S,
and Oliver A. Two of their children were born — Josephine, at her grandfather's home in
Mountpleasant Township, and Henry I., in Hanover, Yoik^County. Of this large family
of sons and daughters all are living but two.
CHAPTER LXVI.
READING TOWNSHIP.
JOHN L. BOSSERMAN, farmer, P. O. East Berlin, was born in Reading Township,
Adams Co., Penn., December 23, 1844, and is a son of Daniel and Susanna (Lerew)
Bosserman. natives of this county. His father resided all his life in Reading Township,
engaged in farming, but retired from active life some time prior to his death, which
occurred March 27, 1886; his widow is yet living at the age of sixty-six years. John L.
was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents until twenty-five years of age, when he
married and located on his father's farm, where he lived until the spring of 1886. He then
moved to wherehe now resides, and where he owns 100 acres of land. He makes
a specialty of raising fine stock, cattle, etc. He was married September 9, 1869, to Dilla
J. RafEenspiger. They are the parents of six children: Minnie K., Albert L., Almira,
Nettie M., Collin A. and Ryno. Mr. Bosserman was drafted during the Rebellion, but
paid $850 for a substitute. He is a Republican in politics.
W. HOWARD DICKS, farmer. P. O. New Chester, was born in Adams County, Penn.,
September 13, 1842. and is a son of Thomas N. and Lydia A. (Hanes) Dicks, natives of
Adams County. His father was a farmer, but in his younger days, when the railroad was
yet in its infancy, he was engaged in hauling goods from Baltimore, Md., to Pittsburgh,
Penn., taking about eighteen days to go through. He engaged in farming where W.
Howard now resides on 187 acres, until his death, which occurred October 25, 1884.
Our subject was brought up on a farm, remaining with his parents until twenty years of
age, when he attended the college at New Oxford, under Dr. PfeifEer for two years. In
1868 he took a pleasure trip through Illinois and Iowa, and while in the West taught
three months, but hunted most of the time. Previous to going West he had taught four
terms of school, and four terms after coming home, and is a well educated man. He
farms on the old homestead, comprising 137 acres, and makes a specialty of raising cattle.
504 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :
also buying and selling some. He is a great lover of sport and spends his leisure time in
hunting, killing deer, etc., and has now in his posession a set of eight-prong antlers,
which he took from a deer he killed in Virginia. There were ten children in his father's
family, nine of whom are now living: W. Howard, J. W., John A., Necly, H. B., R, M.,
Margaret A., Kate E. and Mattie A. Most of the family are members of the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. Dicks has held the offices of townsliip and county auditor. He received the
nomination for Assembly at the Democratic County Convention on the 14th of June, 1886,
and will be elected, as this county is largely Democratic.
AARON B. KAUFPMAN, farmer, P. O. Bermudian, was born in Reading Township,
this county, December 12, 1838, and is a sou of Christian and Margaret (Binder) Kaufifman,
natives of Pennsylvania. His father followed farming nearly all his life and camafrom
Lancaster to Adams County when quite small. He died October 1, 1881; his widow is still
living at the age of seventy-seven years. Aaron B. was reared on a farm, and remained
with his parents until twenty-three years of age, when he married and settled on the old
homestead, where he remained about twoyears. He then moved to another farm, which
his father owned, where he lived eight years. In 1874 he moved to where he now resides,
and owns 200 acres of land with very good improvements. He married, September 20,
1860, Anna M. Bushey, who bore him seven children, six of whom are living: Elias L.,
Christian B., Ida N., Ellen J., Mary E. and Minnie M. Elmira J., is deceased. Mr.
Kaufiman is now engaged in the poultry business. He g(;ts from eighty to ninety dozen
eggs a week, has a flock of 200 hens and a fine poultry yard. He also raises cattle to some
extent. '
LEVI LAYDOM, farmer, P. O. New Chester, was born in Adams County, Penn.,
December 31, 1826, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Chronister) Laydom, natives of
Pennsylvania, the former of whom, a farmer by occupation, died in January, 1878. Levi
was reared on a farm, and remained at home until the war broke out. In 1862 he was
drafted in Company F, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Regiment, served ten months, and par-
ticipated in the battle of the " Deserted House," in Virginia. His draft expired in July,
1868, when he was honorably discharged. He was again drafted in November, 1864,
and served until the close of tlie war, when he was discharged. He returned home, e^n-
gaged in (farming, and now owns seventy-five acres of good land. He married, May 9,
1877, Eliza A. Myers. He and his wife are members of the church.
CORJTELIUS MYERS, retired farmer. P. O. Hampton, was born October 29, 1815, in
Adams County, Penn., and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Smyser) Myers, natives of
York County, Penn., who located in Reading Townsliip in an early day, where the form-
er followed farming until he was about sixty years of age, when he removed to New Ches-
ter, Steuben Township, wlierehe remained until his death in 1881. Cornelius was reared
on a farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered the store of John Brough,
where he clerked about one year; then went to New Oxford and there clerked for two
years; next went to Gettysburg and clerked for six months; then returned to Hampton and
clerked for' about three years; afterward worked at farming, etc. He was employed in
driving a team from Baltimore to Pittsburgh for about one year. November 29, 1838, he
married Leviua, daughter of John and Nancy Brough, natives of Pennsylvania. To Mr.
and Mrs. Myers the following children were born: Cornelius L., Seright, Nancy B., and
Levina, all living and married, and John and Philip L. are deceased. After marriage, Mr.
Myers settled on his father-in-law's farm, where he remained three years; then bought
100 acres of land from his father, on which he remained twelve years, when he sold out
and bought 118 acres from his father-in-law, on which he remained until 1877. He then
moved to Hampton, where he is now leading a retired life. He owns the property where
he resides and 140 acres of good land. He has held he offices of inspector of elections and
school director, and also several other offices. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are members of the
Lutheran Church.
ANDREW MYERS, farmer, P. O. Hampton, was born in Reading Township, this
county, in March, 1826, and is a son of Philip and Mary (Haverstock) Myers, natives of
Pennsylvania. He was reared on a farm and remained at home until he was thirty-five
years of age, when he went to work for himself. He married and moved to where he now
resides, and owns seventy-seven acres of land. In 1863 he was drafted into Company I,
Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, Eleventh Corps; served about four months under Gen. Leacock,
and traveled 300 miles in thirteen days on foot. He did not participate in any battles, but
was always in readiness. He married, in January, 1867. Susanna Border, who bore him
seven children: Lewis, Mary B., Charlie, Alice. Soder, Emma and Anna. Mr. and Mrs.
Myers are member.s of the Lutheran Church. He is a Republican in politics.
HENRY MYERS, merchant, Hampton, was born in Adams County, Penn., to
Philip and Mary (Haverstock) Myers, also natives of Adams County. His father, who
was a farmer, died on the old home-place. His grandparents were also natives of Penn-
sylvania. Henry Myers was reared on the farm until he was eighteen years of age. He
then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for about ten years. From 1869
until 1870 he was engaged in the grocery business at Harrisburg, Penn., and in the latter
year moved to Roxbury, Cumberland County, where he engaged in mercantile business.
READING TOWNSHIP. 505
keeping dry goods and groceries, and tlius continued for two years. In 1871 he came to
liampton, where he has been engaged in business ever since. He lieeps a good stocli of
•ary goods ana groceries, has a large trade, and has won the confidence of the entire com-
munity by dealing honestly with all. He was married March 13, 1870, to Sarah A., daugh-
ter ot John and Elizabeth (Snader) Cline, natives of Lancaster County, Penn. Mr. and
mrs. myers are the parents of five children, four of whom are living, Raymond, Luther,
i^iara and Minnie; the deceased was an infant. The parents are members of the Lutheran
n)^b J^""; ^7^^I7^^^ appointed postmaster in 1871, and served until 1875.
OUKNELIUS SMITH, retired farmer, P. O. Hampton, was born August 26, 1836, in
Adams l^ouuty, Penn., and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Crumb) Smith, natives of
Maryland. His father was a farmer and moved to Adams County, Penn., at an early day,
where he lived until his death in 1878. Our subject? was reared on a farm, and remained
with his parents untd he was thirty-flve years of age, when he commenced farming on his
own account and lived on the homestead six years. In 1866 he moved to Hampton and
bought the property where he now resides, and where he has followed farming until last
•^•^^'"'xT^ ^- ^'^^"'^^- He owns twenty-five acres of good land. March 6, 1860, he mar-
ried JNancy Dicks. Mr. Smith is an enterprising, intelligent citizen; Mrs. Smith is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church.
GEORGE W. SP ANGLER, miller, P. O. Hampton, was born in Reading Township,
this county, January 31, 1844, and is a son of Rudolph and Mary (Snyder) Spangler, na-
tives of Pennsylvania. His father spent his life in agricultural pursuits, and died in 1846.
Oeorge W. was reared on a farm, remaining at home until he was ten years of age, when
he was put out among strangers until eighteen years of age. He then learned the miller's
trade at Atheburg's Mill, serving an apprenticeship of one year. He has worked in dif-
ferent places ever since. He has lately rented the grist-mill owned by William P. Himes,
located about two miles northwest of Hampton, which he has operated about one year.
He is a competent miller and does good work. He is a member of the Reformed Church;
politically he is a Democrat.
JOHJSr SPANGLER, farmer, P. O. New Chester, brother of the above, was born in
Heading Township, this county, March 4, 1845. He was reared on the farm and remained
with his mother all his life, his father having died when he was but four mouths old. He
BOW owns sixty-four acres of land where he resides. He married January 20, 1870,
Amelia Morrow, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Morrow, natives of Pennsylvania, and to
this union were born three children: Georgiana, Charles and James Franklin. Mr. and
Mrs. Spangler are members of the Reformed Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.
DR. DAVID M. C. WHITE, P. O. Hampton, was born November 8, 1830, near
Hampton, Adams County, a son of David and Sarah (Dicks) White, also natives of the
same county. His father followed farming until 1836, when he moved to Hampton and
■entered mercantile business, which he followed for a number of years. Later he engaged
in speculating, but died suddenly at Fort Wayne, Ind., August 10, 1853, and was buried in
Hampton. Our subject was six years of age when his parents moved to Hampton. In
early life he received a good education and assisted in his father's store. Later he
studied dentistry and located in Hampton, where he has since resided and where he has
an extensive practice. In 1845 he married Retura S. Blish, who bore him seven children:
Charles, Emma, Wert, David, John, Sarah and Heber, five of whom are now living. Mrs.
White died October 1, 1863. Her father. Dr. Charles Blish, was a native of Massachusetts
and one of the pioneer settlers of Hampton, Adams Co., Penn., where he located in 1818,
and established an extensive practice. He was also the first postmaster of Hampton, and
took an active part in everything calculated to build up the place and promote the inter-
ests of the community. He died May 9, 1861, at the age of sixty-nine years, leaving three
daughters: Retura, Hannah and Addie. Dr. White's second marriage took place in 1876.
JACOB WOLF, merchant, Hampton, was torn in Adams County, Penn., June 4,
1826, and is a son of James and Polly (Little) Wolf, natives of Pennsylvania. His grand-
parents were also natives of Pennsylvania, but his great grandfather was born in Ger-
many. James Wolf, in early life, was engaged at carriage-making, but later followed the
trade of a chair-maker, and died in Adams County March 16, 1855, and was buried in
Hampton Cemetery. Our subject was reared near New Chester, where he learned the
chair-maker's trade, which he followed for thirty years at different points. In 1858 he
entered mercantile business at Hampton, which he continued until 1865, when he moved
to Hollinstown, Cumberland County, and engaged in the same business for four years,
working one year at his trade. In 1869 he moved to Hunterstown, where he bought a
farm of eighty acres, wliich he rented out, working at his trade for twelve years. In 1880
he sold his farm, moved back to Hampton, and again entered mercantile business, which
he has since followed. He was married January 6, 1848, to Mary A., daughter of Griffith
and Anna E. Conner, and to this union ten children were born, nine of whom are living:
James E. (an Evangelical missionary in the Indian Territory), Martha A., Susan A., Rosa
A., Sarah E., Ja'cob O., Mary A., George B. M. and Effle; the deceased was an infant son.
Mr. and Mrs. Wolf are members of the Methodist Church. He has served as township
clerk.
506 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
CHAPTER LXVII.
STRABAN TOWNSHIP.
W. D. BREAM, farmer, P. O. Unity, was born in Butler Township, this county,
March 34, 1840, and is the son of John and Margaret (Myers) Bream, natives of this coun-
ty. The father was a farmer, and reared a family of five children, of whom W. D. is the
eldest. Our subject was reared on the farm and educated at the schools of his neighbor-
hood. He chose the vocation of farming and in it has met with success. He is also a
natural mechanic, and is able to turn his hand to any kind of mechanism. He was mar-
ried, in 1866, to Anna B,, daughter of Jonas Rebert, and of German descent. Mr. and
Mrs. Bream are the parents of the following named children : Harry C, Ella M., John M.,
Edwin S., Edith A., Mary N. and Edna Merttle. Mr. and Mrs. Bream are members of
the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
ISAAC F. BRINKERHOFF, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Granite Hill, was born'
on the farm where he now resides February 16, 1825, a son of James and Susan (Range)
BrinkerhofE; the latter a native of this county and of German descent. His father, grand-
father (John BrinkerhofE) and great-grandfather were all born on the farm, which is now
occupied by the seventh generation, and which formerly consisted of 640 acres, but which
now numbers only 113. James and Susan BrinkerhoflE's family consisted of six children,
of whom Isaac F. is the second. Our subject received a rudimentary education, and from
his youth up has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1846 he was united in mar-
riage with Margaret, daughter of Nicholas Moritz, a farmer of German origin. Mr. and
Mrs. BrinkerhofE have a family of five children, as follows: J. Frank (employed in the
Government Mint, at Philadelphia), Mary Jane, Anna, Maggie and Fannie. The family
are members of the Reformed Church, in which Mr. BrinkerhofE is elder. He has also
served as school director. In politics he is a Democrat.
AMOS CASHMAN, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Plainview, was born on the farm
where he now resides January 25, 1833, a son of George and Rebecca (Thomas) Cashman,
also natives of this county; former, a farmer. Their family consisted of five sons, all liv-
ing, of whom our subject is the third. Amos was reared on the farm where he now re-
sides, and where he has lived all his life, except two years spent in Ohio. He has made
farming his business, and is the owner of seventy-five acres in Straban Township. He has
been twice married; first in 1865, to Lydia Ann DeardorfE, who bore him five children;
Caroline E., Rebecca E., Mary Jane, Emma Kate and Absalom. Mrs. Cashman died in
1875, and in 1877 our subject married Lucy ShuU, a lady of German descent, who has
borne him five children: Cora E., Luther F., Maggie B., Amos B. and Charles H. Mr. and
Mrs. Cashman are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Republican. The
Cashmans are of German origin and have been generally agriculturists. The farm where
our subject now resides has been in the possession of the family ninety-four years.
JOHN CLEVELAND, farmer, P. O. Unity, was born on the farm where he now re-
sides February 7, 1831, a son of John and Sophia (Essick) Cleveland; latter a native of
this county. His father, who was a native of New York and of English descent, fol-
lowed farming and died March 6, 1873. Their family consisted of four children, three of ,
whom survive, our subject being the third. The paternal grandfather, Frederick Cleve-
land, came from New York to Pennsylvania, participated in the Revolutionary war, and
the paternal great-grandfather, Jabez Cleveland, was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill.
The paternal grandmother, Mrs. Cleveland, was Maria VanBuren, of Dutch extraction,
born in New York, daughter of Henry "VanBuren, a full brother of ex-President Martin
VanBuren's father, which made her mother a first cousin to the ex-President. Our sub-
ject was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. He married, January
81, 1864, Anna M. Lower, daughter of George C. and Sarah (Crum) Lower, who were of
German origin; former a carpenter and farmer. The names of the children of Mr. and
Mrs. Cleveland are as follows: George Elmer, Sally K., John Emory, Anna Mary, Ella
Margaret (deceased) and Robert Calvin. The family are members of the German Re-
formed Church. In politics Mr. Cleveland is a Republican. By referring to the history
of the Cleveland family it is found that our subject is a relative of President Cleveland.
EPHRAIM DEARDORFP, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Gettysburg, is a native
of this county, horn January 19, 1833, a son of Daniel and Eva M. (Miller) DeardorfE,
the former of whom was born of German parents in this county, where he spent most of
his life; the latter was born in York County, Penn. Ephraim, their onlj' child, was
STRABAN TOWNSHIP. 507
educated in the district scliool, and from his youth has followed agricultural pursuits, in
■which he has been successful. He is the owner of 150 acres of land on which he resides
and which he acquired by industry and self-denial. In 1844, he married Jane M. Deam-
ree, who bore him the foUowinst named children: Sarah E., Mary M., John and D. W., a
tarmer and teacher. Mrs. DeardorfE died October 26, 1853. and August 33, 1855. our sub-
ject was united in marriage with Anna M. Lott, to which union were born Jacob (de-
ceased), Elizabeth E., Epbraira Oscar. Anna Belle (a teacher), Charles Howard and Will-
iam Henry (a teacher). Mr. and Mrs. DeardorfE are members of the German Baptist Church,
in which denomination he has been deacon. He is a useful, influential farmer, and it is
said of him that no man was ever turned from his door hungry.
WALTER H. DECHERT, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. New Chester, was born in
Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., May 2, 1854, a son of Peter and Margaret (Hoffman)
Dechert, the latter of whom was born on the farm where Walter H. now resides, in Stra-
ban Township, and with whom she makes her home. Peter Dechert was born in Cham-
bersburg, of German origin, and for many years was proprietor and editor of the Valley
Spirit, at Chambersburg, and was widely known for his ability as an editor. Politically
he was a Democrat. He died March 1, 1875, a member of the Lutheran Church. He was
a man of enterprise and a citizen of much influence in the community. His family con-
sisted of two children, of whom Walter H. survives. Our subject received a common
school education in youth, and later attended the Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg.
He adopted farming as his vocation, at which he has been very successful, and is the
owner of 333 acres of land where he resides, which is well improved and stocked. In-
1875, he married Emma Thomas, of German origin. They have one child — Mervin Roy.
Mr. and Mrs. Dechert are members of the Lutheran Church, of which he has been
deacon. In politics he is a Democrat. He is one of Straban's prominent farmers.
AMOS M. DETRICK, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Heid-
lersburg, this county, November 30, 1839, a son of David and Elizabeth (Houck) Detrick,
natives of Pennsylvania, latter of whom was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1801,
and died in November, 1885. His father was born in this county in 1806. and still sur-
vives; he is of German descent; was in early life a carpenter, but later a farmer and mer-
chant. His family consisted of four children. Amos M. was reared on the farm and has
always followed agricultural pursuits. He has passed his life in this county, except some
years after the war which he spent in Maryland. In 1863 he enlisted in the One Hundred
and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in Company B, and was in the fol-
lowing battles: Brandy Station, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor,
Monocacy, Opequon, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg, Sailor's Creek; also following
skirmishes: Wapping Heights, Kelly's Ford, Talopotomay, Bermuda Hundred. Snicker's
Gap, Charlestown, Smithfield, New Market. The distance he traveled was, by rail, 825
miles; by water, 635 miles; distance marched, 1,975 miles; total, 3,425 miles. He served
until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged, and has since followed
farming. June 9, 1861, Mr. Detrick married Lydia A., daughter of Jonathan C. Forest,
who lived to be ninety-two years old. and was never sick a day in his life, except the two
weeks before his death. Mrs. Detrick is of German origin, and a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church. Mr. Detrick is a member of the G. A. R.. and commander of Corp.
Slielly Post No. 9. He is a Republican in politics.
J. R. DICKSON. A. M., M. D.. Hunterstown, was born near this place February 23,
1853, a son of John and Martha E. (Campbell) Dickson, natives of Pennsylvania. His
paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early Scotch-Irish settlers of Straban
Township, this county. His father was a farmer, and his family consisted of five chil-
dren, the Doctor being the second. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the com-
mon school, and spent two years at Chambersburg Academy under the instruction of
Prof. Shumaker; then entered Lafayette College. Penn.. and graduated in the class of
1877. The same year he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylva-
nia, where he graduated in 1880, and has been in the practice of his profession in Straban
Township since 1881. He married, January 31, 1883. Margaret R.. daughter of John and
Rebecca (Taughinbaugh) McCrea, of Scotch-Irish origin; former of whom was superintend-
ent of iron furnaces in Armstrong County, Penn., many years. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson
are parents of the following children: James Allen, Martha Campbell, and an infant not
named. Mrs. Dickson is a'consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Dickson
has been school director, and at present is justice of the peace of his township. He is the
owner of 240 acres of land, well improved and valuable, where he resides.
JOSEPH A. DIEHL, farmer and thresher. P. O. Plainview. was born in this county,
November 7, 1840. a son of Samuel (a farmer) and Catherine (Bream) Diehl. natives of
York and Adams Counties, Penn.. respectively, and of German origin. Their family con-
sisted of seven children, Joseph A. being the fourth. Our subject was reared on the farm,
received his education in the common schools, and chose farming as his occupation, m
connection with which, for seventeen years, he has operated a threshing machine, for the
last eight years a steam thresher. In 1863 he married Anna Mary Heagy, daughter of
John and Amanda (Weigle) Heagy, natives of this county, and of German origin. Mr.
508 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and Mrs. Diehl have one child — Hermie Irene — whose profession is music teaching. The
family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Diehl is a Republican.
S. A. QILLILAND, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born on the farm
where he now resides, June 4, 1834, a son of Flemming and Sarah Gilliland, natives of Stra-
ban Township, this county. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early
Scotch-Irish settlers of Adams County, and many of them participated in the Revolution
and also in the war of 1813. Our subject's father, who was a farmer by occupation, was
a soldier in the latter struggle. His family consisted of four children, three of whom
are still living: J. J. F., a druggist in Texas; S. A.; and Sarah E., who resides in Gettys-
burg. S. A. grew to manhood in Straban Township on the farm where he now resides,
and was educated at the country school. As an agriculturist he has met with great suc-
cess, and his farm consists of 225 aci'es of land. In 1865 he married Margaret G., daugh-
ter of James McKnight, of Allegheny County, Penn., and their union was blessed with
five children, three now living; W. Fleming, Sarah E. and John H. Mrs. Gilliland died
Mav 30, 1885, a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Gilliland is a Dem-
ocrat. Hisgrandfather was a judge and held the first court in Adams County; also was
in the State Senate a number of terms.
DR. CHARLES EDWARD GOLDSBOROUGH, Hunterstown, was born December
16, 1834, at Graceham, Fredericli Co., Md., and studied medicine in his father's office
and at the University of Maryland. His family on his father's side were Anglo-Saxon,
and on his mother's Scotch. His paternal ancestors were seated at Goldsborough Hall,
near Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England, on several cates of land granted to the head of
the family by William the Conqueror. The head of the family in America was an officer
in the British Army, who settled near Cambridge, Dorchester Co., Md., in early colonial
times. Robert Goldsborough, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a
, ■distinguislied black-letter lawyer, and, although educated at the Middle Temple, in Lon-
' don, and married there Miss Sarah Yerbury, he headed the Maryland Delegation in the
First and Second Continental Congresses that met in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, in
17'74-76, against the mother country. He supported and voted for Richard Henry Lee's
resolution, July 2, and also the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776; but as the Dec-
laration was ordered to be engrossed and was not signed until August 2, following, a sick-
ness, that soon after proved fatal, prevented his being present at that time, and it was
signed by Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, who succeeded him, but was not a member when
the bill was passed, July 4. His son William, also a lawyer by profession, married Miss
Sallie Worthingtou, of Annapolis, Md., and located at Frederick City after the Revolu-
tionary war, where, in May, 1804, Leander W., his youngest son, was born, who married
Sarah Ann, daughter of Capt. Perry Dunkin, who for many years sailed from Baltimore,
and was finally lost in the ship " Cervantes." From this marriage six sons and one daugh-
ter were born, Charles Edward being the third child. After crossing the plains with an
ox-team, during the immigration to California, in 1853, he returned via Cape Horn, in
1854, and commenced the practice of medicine in Hunterstown, Adams Co., Penn., in
1855. March 4, 1857, he married Mary McC. Neely, daughter of the late Capt. John
Neely, by whom he had two daughters: Grace Annie, born Januarys, 1858, and now mar-
ried to James F. Bell, and Mary McConaughy, born March 4, 1860, and died August 31,
1860. His wife dying March 10, 1860, he entered the United States Army at Frederick
City, Md., soon after the battle of Ball's BluS, and assisted in establishing the United
States General Hospital at that place. Upon the invasion of Maryland by Gen. Lee he
was captured. September, 6, 1862, but, upon Lee evacuating the city, was released and
did efficient service after the battle of Antietam, as executive officer, in establishing hos-
pitals for the wounded at Frederick. At the battle of Winchester, Va., June 15, 1863, he
was again captured on the field at Carter's Woods, by his brother, William, who was
serving as major of the Second Maryland Infantry, Confederate States Army, and sent to
Libby prison, where he was confined a prisoner until November following, when he re-
ceived the following parole:
."Richmond, October 20, 1863.
" Dr. Charles E. Goldsborough has permission to go North, upon his giving his parole
of honor to return to Richmond, Va., within forty days, if he does not secure the acqui-
escence of the Federal authorities in the following propositions, to wit: That all surgeons
on both sides shall be unconditionally released, except such as have charges preferred
against them. Such proposition is to be understood as embracing not only those already
in captivity, but all surgeons who may hereafter be captured. Ro. Ould,
" Agent of Exchange."
(Indorsed.) " I accept the conditions proposed in the above instrument of writing,
and hereby give my parole of honor to comply with its requirements.
C. E. GOIDSBOROtTGH,
"First Assistant Burgeon Fifth Regiment Maryland Infantry."
Aided by Sec. S. P. Chase and others, he succeeded in effecting the release of about
100 Federal surgeons confined in Libby prison, and more than as many Confederate sur-
STRABAN TOW-NSHIP. 509
geons confined in Fort McHenry; but through the opposition of Gen. Grant and Edwin
m. Btauton he was unable to do anything toward effecting a general exchange of prison-
ers as was hoped. InDecember, 1863, he was assigned to duty at Fort Delaware, where
^f,i^ ~i i.'® t"'ott>er William, who had been severly wounded and captured at Gettys-
Durg, ana J!.ugene, belonging to Harry Qilmore's battalion of cavalry, both prisoners of war.
^ugene died^a prisoner, and William, after being sent to Morris Island and Fort Pulaski,
was returned to Fort Delaware and released in July, 1865, after being a prisoner more
than two years. In the spring of 1864 Dr. Goldsborough went with his regiment to Ber-
muda Hundred, on the James River, and joined the forces of Gen. B. F. Butler, and assisted
m ine siege of Petersburg, where he was wounded July 6, 1864, and sent to Chesapeake
Jiospital. After his recovery, being unfit for field duty because of disability contracted in
tne service, he was assigned to duty at Lincoln Hospital, in Washington, D. C, where he
remained until August, 1865, when he returned to Hunterstown and resumed his prac-
tice, and engaged extensively in farming. November 14, 1866, he married Miss Alice E.,
aaughter ot Jesse McCreery, and had ten children, as follows: Eugene Worthington,
?Q^? ^^ ■ 9' 1868; Alice Lenore, born January 23, 1870; Virginia 6., born August 29,
Iv i . 5^°'^. Josephine, born May 3, 1874; Charles Edward, born September 15, 1875; Mar-
ofl iqIa*^"^' ^°^"- March 25, 1877; Sara Neva, born September 8, 1878; Vera S., born May
^, 1«80; Kobert McCreery, born September 3, 1881; and died March 4, 1883; and William
Worthington, born March 39, 1883. In politics Dr. Goldsborough, although descended
trom old Federal stock, early in life embraced the faith of Jefferson and Jackson, and al-
ways espoused Democratic principles; but when the party became contaminated with
Hamiltonianism, he refused to be bound by its conventions, and voted independently for
such candidates as nearest conformed to his political views. He regards the "mug-
wump " as the offspring of political adultery. He is a member of Corp. Skelly Post, No.
9, Gettysburg, G. A. R. f j >
GEORGE J. GROVE, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in West-
minster, Carroll Co., Md., June 19, 1848, a son of Jacob and Mary(Harbod) Grove;
the latter a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. The father was born in Mar-
tmsburg, Va., March 31, 1790, of German descent. He was a son of Jacob, Sr., who was
a native of Germany, a wheelwright (he spelled his name Groff instead of Grove). Jacob
Jr., was also a wheelwright in early life, having learned his trade in Hanover, but later
followed farming. He was twice married, George J. being the third child by the second
wife. Our subject was educated at Westminster, Md. ; has traveled over most of the
western country, and for a time was engaged in mining; has made altogether, .five trips to
the far West. On his return in 1883, he engaged in agricultural pursuits on the farm left
by his father, which consists of 130 acres. His mother is still living, and resides with
him. In 1886, Mr. Grove married Amanda, daughter of Jacob Foot, a farmer; she is of
German origin and a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Grove is a member of the
United Brethren Church, and also a teacher in the Sunday-school. Politically, he is a
Republican.
F. A. HANKEY, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Cumber-
land Township, this county, March 6, 1836, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shriver) Han-
key, natives of Maryland and of German origin. Jacob was a farmer and also a cattle
dealer and drover which occupation he followed for many years. His family consisted of
eight children, F. A. being the fourth. Our subject's early education was obtained at the
common schools and later at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. He was reared on the
farm and has followed agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with success. In 1863,
lie married Ellen C, daughter of Joseph Wible, of German origin. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hankey the following named children were born: Joseph S. G., B. W., D. S., Elizabeth
Rebecca A., and Willie Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Hankey are members of the Lutheran
Church. He enlisted in 1863, in the One Hundred and Sixty -fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, and served on detached duty most of the time. He entered the enemy's lines
and was the first man to go through the enemy's camp at Gettysburg and report to Gen.
Meade what he saw. After the battle of Gettysburg he took charge of the hospital here
until the close of the war.
JOSEPH HOLTZ, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. New Chester, was born in Straban
Township, this county, September 2, 1839, a son of Frederick and Sarah (Snyder) Holtz,
natives of York and Perry Counties, Penn., respectively. The family are of French-
German descent. The Grandfather Holtz was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; while
crossing the ocean was shipwrecked, but was saved by clinging to a mast. After arriv-
ing in America, he worked in the powder-mill at Philadelphia, to pay his passage money.
Frederick Holtz was married in York County, in 1833, and had a family of seven children,
of whom Joseph is the sixth. Our subject was reared on the farm and educated in the
common schools and Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. For three years he was engaged
in the grocery and produce business in New Oxford, under the firm name of Myers &
Holtz. Since then he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and is the owner of 163
acres of land. "The names of his brothers and sisters are as follows: Caroline, Sarah (wife
of P. C. Harbold), Susan (wife of B. F. Leineberger), David (a farmer), Abraham (a phy-
sician, who died in Hampton) and G. W. (farmer).
510 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ISAAC N. HULICK, fanner, P. O. New Chester, was born on the farm where he now
resides, in Straban Township, this county, January 7, 1840, a son of Jacob^and Sarah (Mon-
fort) Hulicli; former a native of Pennsylvania, both of low Dutch origin. Latter died
June 18, 1858. His father, a tanner In early life but later a farmer, died March 29, 1882;
he came into possession of the farm in 1839 from the executor of David Demeree. Isaac
N., the eldest of the family of two children, was reared on the farm, receiving his educa-
tion in Hunterstown Academy. He engaged in farming and owns the farm of ninety-eight
acres where he now resides, which is well improved and well stocked. In 1868, he married
Elizabeth A. Haverstock, a daughter of Isaac Haverstock, who was a farmer and of Ger-
man origin, and their children are as follows: Jacob M., Sarah Olive, William N., Mary
Jane and John Luther. Mr. and Mrs. Hulick are members of the Lutheran Church. He
is a Republican in politics.
J. B. LEAS, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Menallen Town-
ship, September 2, 1823, son of Joseph and Margaret (Bender) Leas, natives of this county.
The father was a brick-layer in early life, and later a farmer. His family consisted of
three sons and three daughters, J. B., being the second child. The early life of our sub-
ject was spent with his parents on the farm, and his education was acquired at the district
school, and from his youth to the present has followed agricultural pursuits. By his
energy and industry he has succeeded and is now the owner of 187 acres in Straban Town-
ship, on which he resides. In 1850, he married Mary A. Walter, a daughter of Adam
Walter, of Gettysburg. Her parents are of German origin, while Mr. Leas is of French
and German. To them have been born six children: Louisa S., Ellen Mary, Maggie So-
Ehia, Anna K., J. Walter and John H., a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Leas are members of the
utheran Church in which he has been deacon; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He
possesses the respect and confidence of the community in which he resides. In politics he
is a Repiiblican.
CORNELIUS LOTT, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Plainview, was born in Mount-
pleasant Township, this county, in 1821, to Henry (a farmer) and Magdalena (Houghtelin)
Lott, natives of Adams County and of Holland-Dutch descent. In a family of eleven
children, Cornelius is the eldest. He spent his earlier years with his parents on the farm;
received his education in the school of his neighborhood; and since youth has followed
agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of 150 acres of land, where he now resides. In
1849 he married Elizabeth Beggs, who died in 1853, in Lauderdale County, Tenn., where
he resided at that time. He then married, in 1857, Mary J., daughter of John Mcllhenny,
and of Scotch-Irish origin. She has borne her husband four children, three of whom
John K., David G. and M. Lizzie are living. Mr. Lott is a member of the United Presby-
terian Church, in which he has been elder for eight years, and Mrs. Lott is a member of
the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican in politics; and takes an active interest in
school matters and the education of his children, two of whom are teachers. He was jury
commissioner from 1867 to 1870.
JOHN H. MAJORS, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in Adams County, Penn., May 25,
1832, and is a son or Robert and Margaret (Kerr) Majors, natives of Pennsylvania, and of
Scotch-Irish descent, former of whom was a farmer in early life, but later followed mill-
ing for many years, and died in Straban Township, this county, in 1854. Their family
consisted of two children : John H. and Margaret Jane (married to Harney Scott, now
deceased). John H. was reared on the farm, educated in the district school, and chose
farming for his vocation, which he has continued to follow to the present time. He owns
ninety-four acres of land, well stocked and improved. November 24, 1857, he married
Martha Jane, daughter of Hugh Mcllhenny, who is still living, at the advanced age of
eighty-four years; has retired from active duties, and now resides in Gettysburg. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Majors are as follows: Margaret Jane, wife of S. R. Bayly;
Robert K., a farmer; and Anna H. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Politically Mr. Majors is a Republican. He and wife are very highly esteemed in the
community to which they belong.
JACOB G. McILHENNY, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Hunterstown, was born
in Adams County, Penn., February 19, 1830, a son of Hugh and Ann (Taughinbaugh)
Mclllienny, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish and English origin; former of
whom was a miller and a farmer, but made milling his principal occupation. They had a
family of eight children, five of whom are living, and of whom Jacob G. is the second.
Our subject was reared on a farm, educated at the common schools, and learned the mill-
ing trade with his father, which business he followed for twenty years, but of late years
he has devoted his time to cultivating the farm where he now resides,, and which consists
of 180 acres, all acquired by his own exertions. Mr. Mcllhenny was united in marriage,
in 1854, with Miss Sarah A., daughter of Henry Lott, a farmer. Her paternal and mater-
nal ancestors were Holland-Dutch and early settlers of this county. Mrs. Mcllhenny
was a very successful school teacher, and taught in Adams County for several terms. Our
subject and wife are the parents of the following children: Henry Lott, now a practicing
physician in the State of Kansas; William Bell, a farmer in Adams County: Jacob Harri-
son, a teacher in Kansas; Robert Alexander, a merchant in Ohio; John King, with his
STRABAN TOWNSHIP. 511
father on the farm; Eebecca (deceased) and James Gray. The family are members of the
Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Mcllhenny has been trustee many years. He talies
great interest in church and school matters; has served his district as school director for
six years. In 1883 he was elected county commissioner of Adams County, and served one
term. Politically he is a Republican.
JACOB RUMMEL, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Hunterstown, was born in
Adams County, Penn., December 13, 1825, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Stallsmith) Rum-
mel. They were of German orgin, and had a family of twelve children, of whom Jacob
is the youngest. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the district school, and
subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, and devoted his time to that occupation for
ten years; then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has since success-
fully followed, and has a fine farm, on which he and his family now reside. He was mar-
ried, March 16, 1848, to Julian Eckert, of German extraction, daughter of Henry Eckert,
a farmer, and an early settler of Adams County. Mrs. Rummel bore her husband eight
children, four of whom are still living: Charles H., a farmer; Rosanua C.; Emma; Jacob
E., a farmer, residing in Straban Township. Mrs. Rummel died January 19, 1884, a member
of the Reformed Church, of which Mr. Rummel is an elder. He enlisted, in 1864, in
Company K, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Second
Brigade, Second Corps, and served until the close of the war. Politically he is a Re-
publican.
JACOB C. SCHRiyER, carpet weaver, P. O. Gettysburg, was born December 7,
1816. a son of John and Elizabeth (Chronister) Schriver, natives of Adams County, and
of German origin. The ancestors of our subject came from Germany to America about
1736; one settling in Hampton, Reading Township, one at Annapolis, Md., and another at
West Philadelphia. Our subject is a member of the Hampton branch of the family. His
father was a weaver by occupation, which he followed until his eighty-fourth year, and
died in his eighty-eighth year; his wife lived to be eighty-four years old. .Jacob C. was
educated in the district school, and early in life learned the weaver's trade with his
father, and has made that his principal business in connection with his farm, which con-
sists of eighty-two acres of land. In 1840 he married Elizabeth Reynolds, a daughter
of Jonathan Reynolds, and of French and German descent. Her father, who was a
farmer, died at the age of seventy-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Schriver had a family of
eight children, five of whom are still living: Anna Maria, wife of John Rummel; Emma
Amelia, wife of Henry Weigle; Sidney.S.; Francis R., a farmer, and Sadie A. The family
are members of the Reformed Church, of which Mr. Schriver has been elder and deacon.
He has also served as register and recorder of Adams County and school director, and
served nine years as postmaster at Hampton, from 1851 to 1860.
SAMUEL SHULL, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. New Chester, was born on the
farm where he now resides November 9, 1840, a son of John (a farmer) and Elizabeth
(Cashman) ShuU, natives of this county, and of German descent. The family of John
ShuU consisted of eleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and four are now liv-
ing, of whom Samuel is the third. Our subject was reared on the farm, and acquired his
education in the district school. He chose agricultural pursuits as a vocation, which he
still follows, and is the owner of the farm where he now resides. In 1863 he enlisted in
Company B, Twenty-flrst Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, was slightly wounded, and
served until the close of the war; when the time of his first enlistment expired he again
enlisted in the same company. In 1870 he married Miss Retura B. Eiholtz. dautchter of
John Eiholtz, and of German origin; she bore her husband the following-named chil-
dren: Grace A., Anna U., Emma M., Gertrude E. and Kate V. Mrs. Shull died in 1883, a
member of the Lutheran Church. In this church Mr. Shull has been deacon. He has
also been clerk and inspector of elections; is a member of the G. A. R.; a Republican in
politics. „ ^ ,
PETER STALLSMITH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Gettysburg, was born near
that place September 23, 1818, to John and Catherine (Knop) Stallsmith, natives of Penn-
sylvania; the former a cooper in early life, but later a farmer; he reared a family of ten
children of whom Peter is the fourth. Our subject was educated at the country school,
grew to manhood on the farm, aud engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he still fol-
lows. In 1839 he married Rebecca Rinehart, a daughter of John Rinehart, and of German
descent Mr. and Mrs. Stallsmith were the parents of the following children: Mary Jane,
wife of Emanuel Reed; William Henry, died in 1863; Rebecca, wife of E. W. DeardorfE;
John A marrit-d to Sally Blair. Mrs. Stallsmith died in 1868, and m 1869 Mr. Stall-
smith married Mrs. Hannah Herr, a daughter of George and Mary (Bream) Hartzel. Mrs.
Stallsmith had one child by her first husband: Freddie Anna Herr, now the wife of George
Stallsmith The family are members of the German Reformed Church, tn which Mr.
Stallsmith has been deacon and elder. He votes for the man, not for the party, ou politi-
cal questions. He is a useful, influential citizen. j , , , , r. ^
WILLIAM CLAYTON STORRICK, farmer, stock-raiser and school-teacher, P. O.
Gettysburg, was born in this county, September 16, 1856, a son of Adam and Margaret
(Seltzer) Storrick, natives of Germany. Adam came to America in 1833, and in 1840
512 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
settled in this county. He was a tailor in eiirly life, but later a farmer, and died in 1881;
his widow, who came to America in 1833, now resides with her son. Their fami y con-
sisted of seven children, five of whom are living, and of whom William 0. is the younp'est.
Our subject was reared on the farm, and educated at the country school and at Gettys-
burg Normal School. He commenced teaching at the age of seventeen, and taught twelve
terms iu this county, four schools in all. la 1879 he married Mary J. BrinkerhoflE, of Hol-
land Dutch descent, and their children are Charley C, Nina G. and Norman W. Mr.
and Mrs. Storrick are members of St. James' Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Re-
publican.
SAMUEL H. TAUGHINBAUGH, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. New Chester, was
born in Reading Township, this county, June 12. 183S, a son of John L. and Barbara
(Shank) Taughinbaugh, natives of this county, of German origin. John L. was a saddler,
a trade he followed successfully through life. Samuel H., the eldest of the family, was
reared on the farm, attended the common schools and also Cumberland Valley Institute,
and taught school for two winters, but has made farming his principal occupation, in
which he has met with success. He is the owner of 270 acres of well improved land — the
farm where he resides, near New Chester, consisting of 130 acres. He married, in 1861,
Sarah E., daughter of Samuel Deardorff, a farmer of German descent. Their children are
Christian D., Anna C, William A., Samuel Emory, Charles G., Jacob Harvey, Sarah Ida
and Alice May. Mr. and Mrs. Taughinbaugh are members of the Lutheran Church. In
politics he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM P. THOMAS, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was bom near
East Berlin, Adams Co., Penn.. September 17, 1834, son of Isaac C. Thomas, who was
born April 10. 1807, and Anne Riffle, who was born February 29, 1809. Isaac C. Thomas
had, by his first wife, six children: Sarah A., born September 23, 1829; Mary Jane, born
September 23, 1830; William F. ; Isaac R., born January 28, 1836; Joseph, born May 19, 1838;
Catharine, born August 14, 1840. By his second wife, Sally Riffle, who was a sister of
his first, there was but one child — Lydia Ann — born February 9, 1842, married to Adam
Bupp, now with her mother near East Berlin. Isaac C. Thomas was a W.hig in politics, a
member of the Catholic Church. He died March 11, 1856. William F. Thomas, in his
early day, learned the mason trade, and went to Fulton and Schuyler Counties, III., in
1853, and worked at the mason trade one year. In 1854 he went on the Ohio and Missis-
sippi Rivers as second engineer one year, and had to leave the boat on account of illness
of his father, who died March 11, 1856, and since that time Mr. Thomas has remained in
Adams County. In 1859 he married Susanna Yoe, who bore him fourteen children, all of
whom are living at home: Joseph I., born August 10, 1860; Mary A., born August 15,
1861; William F. Thomas, Jr., born October 17, 1882; Henry Edwin, born December 17,
1863; Jacob L., born February 1, 1865; George A., born March 11, 1867; Lydia Jane, born
August 1, 1868; Sara Catharine, born June 24, 1870; Susanna Ellis, born January 25,
1872; James Adam, born March 4, 1873; Amanda Ella, born December 25, 1874; John
Andrew, born January 1, 1877; Elza Anna, born July 2, 1878; Theodore Pius, born Decem-
ber 17, 1879. The family are all members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr.
Thomas is a Democrat. He was elected director of the poor in 1884, and has now served
three years. Since residing permanently in Adams County he has followed agricultural
pursuits successfully, and is the owner of some very fine stock, making a specialty of
Hereford cattle.
HENRY B. WEANER, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Gettysburg, was born in this
county September 22, 1827, a son of Conrad (a farmer by occupation) and Sarah (Bream)
Weaner, natives, respectively, of York and Adams Counties, Penn. Their family con-
sisted of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity, of which number, Henry B. is
the second. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the common schools, and at
the age of eighteen commenced to learn the carpenter trade, a vocation he followed
twelve years. In 1856 he married Margaret B. Cashman, a lady of German origin, daugh-
ter of William Cashman; she bore her husband seven children, of whom the following
are living: Cornelius J., James O. G. and Phebe Jane. The family are members of the
Lutheran Church. Mr. Weaner has served his township as school director; has been suc-
cessful in business, at present owing 125 acres of land. Politically he is a Democrat.
JOHN WERTZ, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Gettysburg, was born on the farm
where he now resides, November 7, 1819, a son of Henry and Susan (Thoman) Wertz,
natives of York County, Penn. The paternal and maternal ancestors were natives
of Switzerland, and early settlers of Straban Township, this county. The Wertz
family first settled in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1743, where the grandfather of our sub-
ject and his three brothers enlisted in the Revolutionary war, in which struggle the last
three mentioned lost their lives in defense of their country. Henry Wertz, who was a
farmer, settled on the place where his son now resides, in 1810. His family consisted of
six children. Our subject was reared on the farm and received a common school educa-
tion. He chose farming for his vocation and is the owner of 128 acres of land. He is a
Democrat; is unmarried; served twelve years as school director in this township. He is
a deacon in the Reformed Church, a great reader and well posted.
TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 513
MARTm S. WITMOR, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Table Rook, was born in this
county, August 34, 1829, a son of Henry and Catherine (Eaholtz) Witmor; the former of
whom was born in Maryland, July 4, 1801, and died in 1874; was a farmer and served in
^^Tsnq ™'"°r offices while a resident of Butler Township; latter was born in this county,
in 1803, and is still living with her son (our subject); she is of German origin. They were
parents of nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity, Martin S. being the second.
He was reared on the farm, attended the common schools of his native county, andem-
barked in the nursery business, which he followed until 1880, and during that time also
paid some attention to farming, but made the nursery business his principal occupation. He
IS the owner of the old homestead of 113 acres of fine land well improved. In 1865 he en-
hsted in the One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged
at the close of the war. He is a member of the I. O. O. P., of the Reformed Church, and
has served his township as assessor.
J. R. WiTMoa, elder brother of our subject, and who resides on the adjoining farm,
was born in this county. May 12, 1827; was reared on the farm and for a time engaged in
the nursery business, since which lie has followed farming and stock-raising. In 1858 he
married Margaret Toot, daughter of Jacob Toot, who was a farmer and of German origin.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. A¥itmor are as follows: Anna Maria; William H., a farmer;
Franklin G. and George E. Mr. Witmor is a member of the Reformed Church, Mrs.
Witmor of the Lutheran. Mr. Witmor owns 138 acres of well improved land.
CHAPTER LXVIII.
TYRONE TOWNSHIP-
THOMAS EHREHART, farmer, P. O. New Chester, was born in this township, in
1825, and is a son of Thomas, Sr., and Margaret (Messersmitli) Ehrehart, natives of York
County, Penn., who settled in this county in 1808 or 1810. They first located in New
Oxford, and ten years later located in Tyrone Township, where the father engaged in farm-
ing and tanning; he was county commissioner one term, and held some of the offices of the
township; was a gentleman of large business capacity, moderately successful, and a good
liver. Thomas Ehrehart, Sr., had ten children: George, Sarah (deceased), Catherine,
Elizabeth (deceased), Mary, Daniel, Thomas, Charles (deceased), Margaret (deceased),
Agnes R. He and his wife belonged to the Lutheran Church, of which he was an offi<:iai
member; he died in 1855, aged sixty -eight years, and Mrs. Ehrehart only a few hours after
the demise of her husband, and was buried in the same grave. Thomas Ehrehart (our
subject) was reared to farm pursuits, and received a common school education. He
married, in 1851, Susanna, daughter of John Thomas, and located on the place where he
now resides. He has filled some of the township offices. He and wife are members of the
Lutheran Church, and officially he has held the positions of deacon and elder. They are
parents of four children: Milton J., Luther T., Margaret E. and Harry E. (latter de-
ceased). Mr. Ehrehart owns a farm of 120 acres of land, which is well improved, produces
grain and rears stock. Politically he is a Democrat.
GEORGE MECKLBY, farmer and justice of the peace, P. O. Heidlersburg, was born
in Tyrone Township, this county, June 29, 1843, and is a son of George MecRley, Sr., who
was a son of George, the latter being a son of John George, a native of Germany, and the
founder of the family in this country. George Meckley, Sr., was born in York County,
Penn., and removed to Adams County, Penn., with his wife and two children, Samuel
and William, in 1836. He died in August, 1870, aged sixty-three years. His wife died in
1854, aged forty-five years. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. He was a di-
rector of the poor from 1863 to 1866. To him were born eight children, six of whom were
born in Adams County: AnnaM. (deceased), Catherine (deceased), George, Elizabeth Ann,
John F. (killed by a runaway team) and Lucy A. Mr. Meckley married Lydia (Wolf)
Flickinger for his second wife. George Meckley, our subject, was reared on a farm, and
in the district schools obtained a practical education. In 1865 he married Mary Getz, and
immediately afterward settled where he now resides, purchasing at the time 124 acres of
land In 1879 he was elected justice of the peace of Tyrone Township, and was re-elected
in 1884, his term expiring in 1889; was director of his school district five years, for four of
which he was secretary of the board; also served as secretary of the board of directors of
the poor of Adams County, from 1883 to 1886. He is one of the directors of the Mum-
masburg Mutual Fire Protection Society, having been elected in 1886. Mr. Meckley pos-
514 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
sesses good executive ability, and in the discharge of his duty, whether of an official or
private nature, he is always found on the side of safety and right. As proof of this, we cite
the fact that, out of seventy-nine cases tried before his tribunal, only one has been ap-
pealed. He and his wife are exemplary members of the Lutheran Church, with which
they have been connected upward of twenty-five years. In the church, Mr. Meckley is
an untiring worker, and a generous supporter of all Christian and benevolent enterprises.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Meckley: Anna K., Mary A., William F., Min-
nie B., Alta A., Clara M. G. and Maggie M. He affiliates with the Democratic party.
J. P. MILLAR, farmer, P. O. Heidlersburg, was bnrn in Tyrone Township, this
county, in 1826, and is a son of Peter and Anna Margaret (Yett) Millar: former of whom
died in 1873, aged eighty-six years, and the latter January 30, 1873, aged eighty-four years.
Peter Millar held some of the offices of the township, and he and wife were members of the
Lutheran Church, and are consistent Christian people. J. P. Millar married, in 1863,
Eliza Plickinger, and settled where he now resides. He is the father of five children:
Maggie, wife of Franklin March; P. Emory, J. Harry, R. M., Katy and Emma. Our sub-
ject is one of Adams County's self-made men. Having begun Jjfe with small means, he
has succeeded admirably; carries on a farm of 100 acres, and owns another of 100 acres,
all well improved. He and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church, with which they have
been connected since quite young. For the past three years Mr. Millar has been an elder
in this church, having previously been deacon. In politics he is a Democrat.
CHAPTER LXIX.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
JACOB G. BASEHOAR, farmer and miller, P. O. Littlestown, was born August 1,
1828, in Union Township, this county; son of George Basehoar, Sr., who was born Dec-
ember 26, 1800, nearPequea, Lancaster Co., Penn., and died in April, 1878, at Littlestown,
Adams Co., Penn. George Basehoar, Sr., came to Union Township, this county, in 1828;
settled on the farm now owned by Ellas Basehoar, and was a farmer all his life. He
married Miss Mary Grove, born near New Holland, Lancaster Co., Penn., daughter of Ja-
cob Grove, and who died on the homestead, aged forty-five years, the mother of nine
children, who reached maturity: Mrs. Susan Kindig, Jacob G., Mrs. Margaret Swartz,
George D., Mary A., Samuel, David, Elias, and Mrs. Sarah Geiselman. Jacob G. Base-
hoar was reared and educated in his native township, and has been a farmer and miller all
his life, operating the mill built by his father in 1845, and owns a farm of 150 acres of
well improved land, on which he built a barn in 1863. Our subject was married, in Novem-
ber, 1851, to Miss LydiaBitinger, born August 25, 1838, in Germany Township, this county,
daughter of Frederick Bitinger. Four children were born to this union, all living: Charles
H., John B., Mary A. and Edward D. The whole family are members of the Lutheran
Church. Politically Mr. Basehoar has generally been identified with the Republican
^arty, but at home, in township affairs, he votes for the best men. He has been successful
financially, having secured a well earned competence, and intends to retire from active
business.
GEORGE D. BASEHOAR, farmer, P. 0. Littlestown, was born on the old homestead
in this township, March 10, 1837, son of George and Margaret (Grove) Basehoar. He was
educated in this county, and has been a farmer all his life. Our subject was married here,
February 23, 1860, to Miss Louisa Duttera, born in Adams County, Penn., in December,
1836, daughter of John and Margaret (Weikert) Duttera. who were among the old settlers
of Union Township.' George D Basehoar and wife were the parents of eight children:
Henry H., E. Frances. George W., Louise Ann, John D. (killed by an accident at ten
years of age): Sarah E., Jennie D. and Daniel D. Tlie family are all members of the
Lutheran Church. Mr. Basehoar resides on a farm of 123 acres of land with good im-
provements, and is counted among the well-to-do farmers of this township. He has
been identified with the Republican party all his life.
HARRY FELTY, farmer, P. O. Red Land, was born September 1, 1863, on the old
homestead which his grandfather, Harry Felty, got from his father-in-law, John Youn^,
one of the earliest settlers in this county. Harry Felty, Sr., was born and raised in
Hanover, Penn., where his parents, who came from Germany, died. He died on the home
farm, aged eighty-four years; and his wife Sally (Young) died there, aged forty-four years.
They were parents of four children; Mrs. Catharine Geiselman, Mrs. Rebecca Young,
UNION TOWNSHIP. 515
Mrs. Anna M. Faver and Harry. Harry Felty, Sr., was married, on second occasion, to
Miss Scliwartz. Of his children, John H. married Sarah, daughter of John Spangler, and
she bore him four children: George W., Mrs. Jane Rife, Emma and Harry. Our subject
was educated at the Union Schoolhouse, has been an agriculturist all his life, and is now
farming on the old homestead. He was married, August 38, 1884, at Gettysburg Penn.,
to Miss Sally, daughter of Edward Stambaugh, by whom he has one son, Mark H., born
July 17, 1885. Mr. Felty is a member of the Reformed Church and Mrs. Felty of the
Lutheran denomination. Politically our subiect is a Republican, as was also his father.
HON. DANIEL GEISELMAN, farmer, P. O. McSher^stown, was born February 19,
1819, in York County, Penn. The family was originally of German descent, though the
great-grandfather came to America from Switzerland (the family in the old country were
of noble birth), first settling in Berks County, Penn. Frederick Geiselman (grandfather
of our subject), a farmer and blacksmith by occupation, went to York County, Penn., in
an early day, andlhere died at the age of eighty -four. His wife, Eva (Pheanus), also died
in York County when nearly seventy years old. They had nine children, all of whom
married and reared families of their own. Of these Michael, who followed farming and
tanning in early life, married Catharine, daughter of Jacob Keller. Michael Geiselman
and wife died in Hanover, Penn., aged sixty-eight and seventy -four, respectively. They
were members of the Lutheran Church. They reared a family of eight children: Daniel,
Samuel, Mary, Catharine, Jacob (deceased), Michael, Sarah and Louisa. Daniel Geiselman
attended the common schools of Adams and York Counties, but is principally self-educated.
He has been a successful farmer and is still owner of 14i acres of good land. He was
united in marriage, in this township, with Fannie, daughter of Abraham Rife, by whom,
he has eight children now living: George R., M. Alexander, Daniel, Elder, Mary, Ellen,
Clara and Saiah J. Mr. and Mra Geiselman and family are members of the Lutheran
Church, at Hanover. Our subject is identified with the Democratic party, and has filled
many township offices'of trust; was elected assessor; then county commissioner, and from
1875 to 1876 was a member of the State Legislature. He has always held to the true
principles of his party, and has filled the offices, to which he was elected, with ability.
JOHN KINDIG, farmer, P. O. Sell's Station, was born November 26, 1819, in Spring
Garden Township, York County, Penn. His father, John Kindig, also a native of York
County, a farmer and distiller, came in 1837 to Conowago Township, this county, where
he died aged eighty-one years. He married Mrs. Catharme Longnecker, nee Lindermoot,
who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and died in York County, Penn., the mother
of four children by her first husband and of eight by Mr. Kindig: Levi, Matilda, John,
Anna, Jacob, Sarah, Martin and Mary. Our subject was reared on the farm and has
followed agriculture all his life. He was married in Conowago Township, this county,
March 26, 1846, to Susan, daughter of George Basehoar. She was born in Lancaster
County, Penn., November 23, 1826, and died June 8, 1878, the mother of ten children, all
of whom are now living: Henry, Mary C, Lucy M., Emma J., Alice R., Susannah M.,
George D., Charles W., Samuel G. and Franklin D. The family are all members of the
Lutheran Church. John Kindig came to Union Township, this county, in 1848, and
bought the old Jajob Wagner farm, and has now 140 acres of land with good improvements,
most of which he has made himself, as he has been a very industrious farmer. Politically
he is a Republican.
JOSEPH L. SHORB, farmer, Littlestown. The ancestors of this old pioneer family
left Lorraine when it was attached to France, because they loved the old German father-
land and language better than the French. Three brothers, supposed to have been named
John, Jacob and Anthony, immigrated to America, and settled in Pennsylvania. One
kept a hardware store in Hanover, York County, buying bis stock in Germany, and
making seven sea voyages for the purpose; one settled in York County, near Hanover,
and the other near Goshen Huppen, Berks County, and there they farmed, and their
descendants lived for many years. John Shorb, the brother that settled in Hanover, was
the great-grandfather of our subject. He married a lady by the name of Fricker, who
bore him three sons and one daughter: Anthony, Jacob, John and Mrs. Mary Obold. Of
the sons Jacob and John finally settled in Frederick County, Md., and Anthony (who
died in Conowago Township, this county, inllSOO) married a Miss Obold, by whom he had
six children, four of whom attained maturity: John, Anthony, Jr., Joseph and Mrs. Mary
Shultz. Of these, Anthony Shorb, Jr., moved to Tyrone, Blair County, Penn., and there
engaged in the iron business as a member of the firm of Lyon, Shorb & Co. He died in
Littlestown while on a visit to relatives. Joseph was a physician, who lived and died in
Littlestown, Penn. Mrs. Mary Shultz died in Missouri. John, the eldest, a farmer by
occupation, was married in Littlestown, this county, to Miss Mary, daughter of Samuel
Beecher, and of the eight children that blessed this union all attained maturity: Basil
A., Joseph L., Alexander C, Samuel J., Edward, Matilda M., Sallie and Johanna. John
Shorb's first wife died February 15, 1833, and his second marriage was with Mrs. Susan
Stonesifer, who also died near Littlestown, the mother of one child, James E., now re-
siding in St. Louis, Mo. John Shorb bought the farm where his son Joseph L. now lives,
was a successful farmer, and died near Littlestown, this county, February 5, 1847, aged
516 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
sixty-two years. He took an active part in public matters, and was mucli respected by
all who knew him for his honesty and uprightness. He had a remarkable memory, and
possessed those sterling traits of character for which the whole family, from the great-
grandfather down to our subject, have been noted. Joseph L. Shorb was born on the
old homestead March 19, 1812, and has been a farmer as well as a business man. When
the Littlestown Savings Institution was started he became its president, and remained so
for eighteen years, when his health failed him and he refused a re-election. He has
served as justice of the peace for forty years, which shows for itself how well he is loved
and respected by his neighbor^. In the evening of life Mr. Shorb may look back over a
busy career that can give him unqualified satisfaction.
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