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YOHK, PA.
The BiiiUfiin^? in wliicli the Aiiu ruan Con
gress *at[ dnring the jjloomiest pe-
riod oi* the Kevohition.
HISTORY
OF
^©BE m^'wmTWi
FROM ITS ERECTION TO THE PRESENT TIME.
Br W. C. Carter and A. J. Glossbrcnncr.
YORK, PA.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY A. J. GLOSSBUENNEIlr
1834.
/' i^^^H
PREFACE.
In presenting to the public a "History of York County,"
I deem it not iinpi-'if'^r to state, that of tlie two persons
named on ths title page as joint authors of the ' History,"
the first named was tiie originator of the \vork.
Mr. Carter labored nssidtious'y. for several years, in col-
lecting matter for a "History of York Couiity." lie spent
many a day in wandering over remote parts of the county
in searcli of such facts as had no record but in the memory
of the silver ha:red renresi^ntatives of a generation long pas-
sed away. Mnny a weary hour he spent in examining, page
jjy pago, the old ro':ords m our public offices. In shorty no
pains were spared by him in the effort to gather all the ma-
terials requisite to the accomplisliment of the object he had
in view. From some causD wliich I have been unable to
learn, Sir. Carter, when he had nearly completed the work,
laid aside his manuscripts in a crude and unfinished state,
in which condition 1 found ihem when, several years after
his death, they cams into nij possession.
Having hurriedly thrown together such of the notes as I
found completed, I commenced printing the work. In doing
so 1 erred. For it has led to the necessity of here apologi-
y
PREFACE.
aing for slisbt deviations from order in presenting the mat-
ter of the volume.
In the hnrr> of printing, I was often compelled, while one
sheet was in the press, to prep:ire m.itler for the next; and as
Mr.Carter's notes on somo.subjects were mere skeletons^ and on
others nearly ready for the hands of the compositor, I was some-
times induced to silence the call for "more co()y,"by hand-
incrtothe workman such matter as co.iKl most readily be pre-
pared. This was sometimes done without a very strict enqui-
ry as tu Uie ri;:;hi of hnSieilule succession of the article thus
prepared. It is h^ped, however, that, as the reader loses no-
thing in quantity of mutter, he will pardon the slight devia-
tion fiO.n correctness in thj ordsr in which ihil mitter is
given. The dishes announced in the bill of fare will all be
found — buttlieyare not arrm^-d on th? t^hleexictly in the
order in which a regular /)r:>/e35Jj' dz culshie would have
desired.
I cannot clos3 this prefice without tendering my thanks
to many gentlemen in the county for their kind aid during
khe j)r(>gres3 of tha work — to the Register and Recorder for
their courtesy in allowing m3 freely to exanoine the records
in their respective o.Ti^es — and to Calvin Mason, Esq., for
a geoioirical sketch of the countv.
Confident that all the promises in the prospectus have
been more than redeemed— that they have been exceeded
in the fulBlment, I hope tint the work, as it is now respect-
fully pr?sented to the public, will meet a kind and general
fecepiion.
The Public's very obedient servant,
A. J. Gl.OSSJ31l£NNBll'
IXDEX.
Indian Purcliasp, - - - - 1-2
SpringettSDury Manor, - - _ - 15
Treaty between G)v. Keith and Indians, - -17
Speecch of Gov. Keith, - - - 17
Speech of Tawenna, - _ . - 19
Settlement of Krcutz creek, - - - - 23
Settlement of the '-Birrens, - - - - 26
Settlement of Newberry, &.C., - - - 27
Erection of tlie county, - - - - 29
An>'iunt bound iries of the county, - - - 30
Present bounduy, - - - - - 31
Erection of townsliips, - - _ - 31
Boroucrh of York, - - - - 32
Lutherati Congregation in York, - _ > 40
English E|)iscopal church, . - - 4"*
English Presbyterian church, - - - 4,
Presbyterian cliurch at Slate Ridge, - - 4S
Germm Reformed church, - - - 50
Ro:nan Catholic chnrcli, - _ _ 54
Methodist Ej)iscopal church, _ . - 55
Moravian church, - - - 56
York County Academy, - - - - 57
Tiieological Seminary, _ _ . 59
Borough of Hanover, - - - .GO
Poor House, - - - - - 65
Directors of the Poor, - - - - 67
Stewards of the Poorhouse, _ - - 68
Clerks to the Directors of the Poor, ■• - 69
Physicians of the hospital, • - - 69
Overseers of the Poor, - - - - 69
Attorneys, - - _ - - 70
IKDEX.
Revolution, - - - - - "^^
Pensioners, - - " - - 83
Congress, - ~ - " - - 89
Printings - - - " - - 96
Gnbcrjiatorial Elections, - - - - 101
State Senators, - - - - ' '^^t
]>I embers of the Legislature, - - - lOr
Sheriffs, - - - - - 1'-
Coroners, - - "" " -^^^
Commissioners, - - " ~ - 118
Treasurers, - - '." "
Justicesof the Peace, - - - " 1'^'2
Census of the County, - - - - 1^^
Protlionotaries, - - "* - - 13a
Clerks to the Court of Quarter Sessions, - - l36
CIciUs or Registers to the Orphan's Court, - " l^J^
Registers, - - - ' - 137'
f"^ Recorders, - - - - - 137
^ Notaries Public, ----- V61
\ Chief Ranger, - - - - 138
Delegates lo certain provincial and state com-entionSj 135
Fairs, - 3 47
Kates in Taverns, - - - - - 149
Courts, - - - - - 140
•istrict Court, - - - - 142
esident Judges, - - - " 14S
sociate Judges, - - ~ - 145
,. Dady, - - - - 145
' Postoffices and Postmasters, - - - 157
Markets, ----- 158
Militia, - - - - - 153
The late War, - - - - 154
'^York Volunteers," - - - - 157
Conspiracy of the blacks, - - - 1 6 i
"Ice flood," - - - - - 164
Flood of 1786, - - - - 164
Flood of 1817, _ - - - 164
Flood of 1822, - - - - 170
Riot in 1786, - . - - - 171
Snow Storm in 1772, - - - - 172
Hail Storm in 1797, - - - - 172
Fire in 1797, - . - - 17S
INDEX.
Drought of 13'2'2, - - - - 176
Geology of York County, - - -116
Mineral Deposits, - - - 177
Incorporated Boroughs in York county, - 178
Unincorporated towns in York county, - - 181
Public Improvements in Y^ork county, - - 18-i
INDEX TO THE BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Col. Thomas Hartley, Appendix, page 4
Hon. James Smith, _ - - - 7
Pifcv. Lucas Piaii^, - - - -J.'''
Gen. Henry Miller, - - - - 15
Col. Michael Schmeiser, . , . - 21
Rev. Samuel Bacon, - - _ 22
Michael Eurirh, - . - - 24
Gen. .lames Ewing, - - - - 25
Rev. Jacob Georing, - - - - 26
Gen. John C'aik, . - - - 28
Gen. Jacob Drill, - - - - SO
HXSTORir or iroRis countit.
CHAPTER I.
INDIAN PURCHASE.
^^^ oon after the first arriva) of William Penx in the
W^ province of Pennsylvania, which was in the year
^•"-^ 1682, he took measures to have the river Susque-
hanna and all the lands lying on both sides of it,
purchased of the Indians for the use of him and his heirs^
The lands were not then the property of the Indians who
dwelt on them: for in a war some years preceding that
time, the original inhabitants along the banks of the Sus-
quehanna had been conquered by their more powerful
though not more warlike enemies. The Indians of the
Five Nations, who dwelt principally in what is now the
state of New-York, were conquerors in the savage war;
and in right of such their victory, they had or claimed a
right to all the lands possessed by their southern neighbors.
It was to them, therefore, that Penn was to apply in making
a purchase of the lands on both sides of the river Susque-
hanna.
As Penn's time was wholly occupied by affairs immedi-
ately within the limits of his infant province, he had not lei-
sure to visit New-York and there make a purchase of the
Indians in person. Being so circumstanced, he employed
as an agent, upon this occasion. Colonel Thomas Dongan,
who had been governor of New-York, and was. afterwards,
carl of Limerick, in Ireland.
Dongan held a number of councils with the Indians, and
at last purchased, or had given hitn, "all that tract of land
A
^^ HISTORY OF YORK COUWTY.
lying on both sides of the river Susquehanna, and the lakes
adj -cent, in or near the province of Pennsjivania " *'be-
ginning at the mountains or head of said river, and runninL'
as far as and into the hay of Chesapeak." What Dongan
gave the Indians for this land, we do not know; but, liav-
ing purchased it, he convey rd it to Penn on the I3th day
of January, 1696, "in consideration of one hundred pounds
sterling." i '
Dongan's deed was confirmed on the 13th day of Sep-
tember, 1700, by a deed given to Penn by ^'WWJiGH Sc
^I)DAGYJV.^KqUAlH. Kings or\achemsoftjl
Susquehanna Indians.'' This deed is "for all the river
Susquehanna and all the islands therein, and all the lands
iying on both sides of the said river, and next adjoinim:
to the same, to the utmost confines of the lands which are,
or formerly were, the right of the people or nation called
the Susquehanna Indians.''^
The Conestogoe Indians were displeased with the salo
made by th.- Five Nations, believing that the latter tribe
had no right to make it. They accordingly complained to
Penn; and he, in their presence, took out the deed of parch-
ment, and, laying it on the ground, told them that the lands
should still be in common between his people and them
1 he Conestoffoes again made complaints concerning thi«
purchase at their treaty with Sir William Keith in 1 722.
As yet the lands on the west side of the Susquehanna
were not considered as pnr< based of the Indians: for the
words in the deed of 1700, -next adjoinino; to the same '>
wcro inconsisient vsith an f-xtensive westward puiciie^ •
and the Indians of the Five Nations still c( ntinued not-
withstanding their de.ds. to claim a right to the river and
the adjoining lands. The sachems or' chiefs, with all the
others of the Five Nations, met in the summer of 1736 at
a great council held in the country ofthe Onondagoes • and
as the old claims h^d not as yet been adjusted, they resol-
ved, that a conclusion should be put to all disputes connec-
ted thrrewith. They accordingly, appointed their sachems
or chiefs as plenipotentMries to repair to Philadelphia, and
there, among other things, settle and adjust all demands and
claims connected with the Susquehanna and the adjoining
lands. After their arrival nt Philadelphia, they renewed
Old treaties of friendship, and on the 11th of October made
KI STORY OF YORK COUNTY. 15
a deed to John, Thomas and Richard Penn. The deed,
which was signeid by twenty three Indian chiefs of the On-
cndagoe, Seneca, Oneida and Tuscarora natioris, granted
"all the river Susquehanna, and all the lands lying on the
west side of the said river to the setting of the sun, and to
extend northward up the same to the hills or mountains
called, in the language of the Five Nations, Tayaniente'
sachta, and by the Delaware Indians, the Kekachtanamin
hills." On that day, (the 11th of October, 1736,) and not
before, do we find the lands of this part of Pennsylvania
clearly the property of the Penns, and freed from all Indian
cliiims.
It is a thing which may well excite wonder that a hun-
dred years ago the Indians possessed the fields and the val-
leys which we now cultivate, and that at present there is
hardly a trace or a mark here of such beings ever having ex-
isted. They seem to have passed a" ay like the beasts that
then inhabited the wilderness, leaving no monument of a
former existence. _ a. i,-
When Springettsbury Manor ws laid out in I72ih, this
part of Pennsytvania was (with the exception of the Mary-
land intruders) inhabited by none but Indians. In the
year 1736, when the lands west of the -usquehannah were
purchased of the Indians, the only white settlements in the
county, were Jirstly, under Pennsylvania rights, within the
limits of Springettsbury Manor, and secondly^ under
Maryland rights, in the southern part of this county, and of
what is now Adams county, in. hiding the region round u-
bout Hanover. The rest of the lands was in the undisturb-
ed possession of the Indians. Even in the white settlements
the Indians still had huts.
CHAPTER II.
SPRINGETTSBURY MAIS OR.
About the year 1684, a violent dispute arose between
William Penn and Lord Baltimore, concerning the bounda-
A 2
^^ HISTORY OF YORK COU.VTY.
ly line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. The dispute
continued until the death ofPenn, in the year 1718, when
It assumed, on the part of the Maryland'^rs, a character of
violence and aggression hitherto unknown to it. Their ob-
ject was to make settlements many miles up into the pres-
ent state of Pennsylvania ; and having thus taken posses-
sion of the hnds, to hold them by the strong arm of pow-
er. With these views they pushed their settlements with
great rapidity along the S.isquehanna : even in 172 2, many
of Uiem were within a short distance of the present borongl,
Such quick work, and energetic proceedings on the lart
ot the Marylanders frightened Sir William Keitli, v. ho was
then Lieutenant Governor of the province of PennsylvnniR.
Iveilh being zealous for the pro|.rietary interest, wa« a^x-
jous to hinder these encruarhmcnts on what he believed to
be the property of the heirs of Penn; but affairs were so
circumstanced, that he hardly knew how to attempt the ful-
filment of his strong wish.
The lands had not, as yet, been purchased from the In-
dians by the proprietor of Pennsylvania, and much less by
that of Maryland The adherents of Lord Baltinmre, litUe
caring whether the land was purchased or not, were -res-
sing onward vvith great eagerness, and were threntcniiU to
settle the whole country. The policy of Ponn cv.r had
been to grant no rights to lands, and to permit no settle-
ments on them, until purchased of the Indians. Sir Wil-
liam Keith wished to keep off the Marylanders, .-.nd vc't,
by the usage and laws of the province, was unable to irrant
rights to Pennsylvanians. To extricate hin,self fron. this
difficulty, he bethougnt himself of a j.Ian, which in its con-
sequences has been the source of great trouble to the'l.-mi-
holders of this county: it was immediately to consult "the
Indians in the neighborhood of the Susquehanna, and ob-
the river'* ''''"'^"^ ^° '^'^ "^'^'"S ''^ ^ ^^''^^ survey west of
wi/l.T^i"5''' Governor Keith consulted or held a treatv
Tt ]j!! T ^[^""^^''-Soe, on the 15th and 16th of
June, 1722, when they counselk-d together concernin-. the
7on.L""r'7 r' ''•' "^^ of Spriligett Penn, thegr'and'
son, and, as then believed, the heir of William Penn
inSTORY OF VORK COUNTY.
^ho r()"owing \< n ropy oftle miiuMos *o3s. S'li-viiis Sf G m
6'JV//T//. the G inawiif I dl iru and
,'AMES LE TORT, I tevprcUr.
The GoveriKM' spoki* «is fallows :
Fi'ipnds and livothevs I
Till* belts which I lately i v
cd from the Five Nations^ >^ii:;nif.y that thrv aw
one pen;)!.^ witli the En^lisli, mid our vcr kitid
neiiijhhors and friends. Tiiey invite me t( *. oina
to them, and I purpose in a short time to ps -^im
meet them at Albany, and to make t!ie ' ?r
between us as bright as the sun. When ;* ; ;
see me, they will remember their i^reat fnind,
"William Prim: and then our he:irts will ^ - =
led with love, and our councils with peac
Friends and Brothers!
Y<»n -ay yon lov« me becj ^*^ "^
come from your father, William Penn, t .
low his WcJvs, and to fulfil all his kind p ..
es to the Indims. You call me William r>nrr
and I am proud of the name you give me. ' n^^
if we have a true love for the memory of ^V jI-
liam Penn, we must shew it to his famil i^nd
his children, that are grown up to be m u\
England, and will soon come over to rep. ^eat
him here. The last time I was with ya liMi sides of the Susquehanna. But I find
b«»th \oa and we are like to be disturbed by i-
dle people from Maryland, and also by others
V. hi) h ive presumed to survey lands on the
hmks of Susquehanna without any powers from
Williim Fenn or his children, to wjjom thty
hebui^ and without so much as askini; your
couseiit. I am therefore now come toxoid a
coiiiiwU and consult with you how t(» prevent
8\uh unjust practices for the future. And here-
by we will shew our love and respect for the
i:;rea! William Penn's children, who inherit
^u^ Tather's estcUe in this country, and iiave a
ji-*;: r:-ht 10 the hearty love and 'friends!)ip of
'11 die Indians, promised to them in many trea-
t I have fully considered this thini^'; and
?. ' i-pjii-^ a my thoughts, I will immediately
•' ti) be tnken up a large tract of land on the
w 1 • V ide of Susquehanna, for the grandson of
^ "' "ri Penn, who is now a mnn as tall as I
'n- when the land is marked with his
}on the trees, it will keep off the Mat-y-
; .o r , and every other person whatsoever,
' miin- to s3tlle near you to disturb you/
bearing the same kind heart to the In-
.iich his grandfather did, will be glad
you any pnrt of his land for your own
^ ^ouvenieoce,- but if other people taki>
HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY. If,
M up, they will make settlements upon it, aiiil
then it will not be in his povvei* to give it you
as you want it.
Mif dear Friends and Brothers/
Those who have any wisdom a-
raongst yoiij must see and he convinct-d, 'that
what 1 tiow s ly is entirely for your good ; fof^
this will effectually hinder and prevent any pef-'^
son fi-om settling lands on the other side of^ti^-^ '
quehanna, according to your desire ; andcWfi-1
sequently, you will be secure from being >Us«
iurbed by ill neighI)ors, and will liave alltliislt--'
land at the same lima in your own powei* to
make use of. This will also beget a true heai^---'
ty love and friendship l)etween you. your (^llfl-*^'-^
dren, and the gre:it VVilliam Penn's grand^ofi, '
who is now lord of all this country in the vnam
of his grandfather. U h tlirref(ue Hi an?Krf#^;
^or,oary for you to begin as soon as you ci.mit\y*
express your respect niu\ love to him. He -fe^- -
pects it from ^ou according to your promises itf;
many treaties, and he will take it very kindft,- ■
Consider then, my brotliers, that I am ti(Ar
giving you an op{)ortunity to epeak your tljeTi^fif* '
lovingly and freely unto this brave yonng lA^^
William Penn's grandson; and I, whom fM^'
know to be your true friend, will take carS^' ib
write down your words, and to sen', sterlin;^ money of Great
Britain, or the value thereof in coin current, according as
the exchange should be between the province and the city
of London." Beside this, the lot wis held "in free and
comnon sojcige, by fealty only in lieu of all other servi-
ces."
When the applicant had built or in some cases had uc-
g in to build, he received if he so wished, a patent. B it this
patent most explicitly stated the conditions; and if these
conditions were not fulfilled, he was dep.-ived of his lot, and
it was granted to soin^; one else.
The building 6f York town proceeded but slowly: for
though mmy took up lots, yet few were enabled fully to
comply with the conditions; the consequence was, the
lots were forfeited, and thereby honest industry discoura-
ged. And indeed the fear of not b.nng able to accoinplisli,
in so short a period, wiiat they wisiiud to co:n:iience, deter-
red many from beginning what might end in folly. It
should be remembered that at that time, the conveniences
for house-building were few. It appears from a statement
inide by George Stevenson on 10th April, 1751, th.it at
that time there were fifty lols built on, agreeably to the tick-
ets. Three of these lois wore tliiii o ^copied by c'lurclies,
viz. two by the German Lutheran, and one by the German
Ueformed. Hence there could not have been at that time
more than forty seven dwelling-lDuses in the town of York,
and many of them must hive been truly miserable.
At about this period, York must have been a most desert
place, very unlike what she now is in the "splendour of her
domes" and the "Tichness of her profusion." In an ols many in-
stances are found recorded in "U ^^pe,^ ^''"'I'^^No
Bilhnayer built on let No. 55, Jacob Falkler on lo No.
60. and Avit Shall en let No. 74, "without the prop"e a-
rie' licence." Each of them was obliged to delner up
possession : and this they did t-n ICth April 1751, "tcN.ch,
olas Scull Esq. agent for the honourable propneta-
"^The early settling of York town was one continual scene
of disturbance nrd contention; there ^■^'%«f";''|.i'S*''t
and clashing interests. It often hapFencd that diffeier^
men wanted the same lot; and when the lot was granted to
«re, the ethers were watchful lo bring about a forfeiture,
The loss of lets by net fulfilling condifcns was for a long
time a serious evil, concerning which clrmours wereleud
We will here insert a letter ."ated at Lancaster, the 24tt.
April. 1750, and addressed by Thcmas Cocksen, "to Geo.
Stevenson Esq. at York."
""'christian Oyster in his life time entered for a !c«
in York, No. 82. The time for building expired, but no
i^ew enl y was made till lately, as I understood with you.
The widow is since married ; and her husband has put up
Jogs for a house en the lot. He told me that he applied tx,
you, and acquainted you with his intentions of building,
'and that vcuhad promised him that no advantage should be
taken of [he forfeiture of the let, and that he might proceed
,o build, and that since, through neglect, you have suffered
another person to enter for that 1°*' « ''"'"^f = ?" V! ha
to it, notwithstanding the building erected on it. I find that
taking advantage of The forfeiture of lots is a greatspurto the
peopfe's buUding. But where there is an intent and pre-
paration for building, 1 would not be too strict n.isist-
Lg on the forfeiture, as the sole intent .3 to have he tow«
improved; and if the first lakers t:p of lots will build mi
^6 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
settle, their priority of application should be favoied A
iew examples uili be necessary to be made : and they
s/iould be made of such persons as take up Jots for
sale without improvement. There are some others here
about their forfeited lots. But I am ^^d\ satisfied that
you ^v.ll do cjcry thing that is reasonable and equitable to
the people, and for the advancement of the proprietor's in-
terest Our couit being so near, I could not spare time to
my'ToLTs" " '' ''' "" '"^" " '''''' Wwardness
I am your most Jiumble servt.
T . . ., Tho. Cookso.n% j
Lancaster, April 24, 1750." f
.K y^^/«^^,^.^^^"g, letter is of a much later date, and shoNvs
that difficulties still continued. It is dated at York, the 8th
June 1 764, and is addressed hy George Stevenson to William
Peters, Secretary of the land office.
"Yesterday at 6 o'clock P. M. Mr. Heme] and myself
met the two Doudels together, with sundry other inhabit'arits
of the place to try to settle the difference between them a-
bout the lots lately granted to Michael, on west side ofCo-
dorus creek, and south side of High Street continued \r.
ter many things said on both sides, Michael proposed to
bind himself by any reasonable instrument of writing not
to build a tan-yard on the said lots for the space of five
ULX""' '' ^^"^^5 ^vhich I thought was reasonable.
But nothing would satisfy Jacob but the lots; and he offbred
to give Michael the two opposite lots on the other side Hieh
street, and to plough them and fence them, (for Michael
has ploughed and fenced his.) This off^er gave great of-
fence to all the company, "what, said they, is no body to
have a lot but the two Doudels?" For my own part, I do ac-
knowledge they are industrious men, and deserve a lot as
irell as their neighbors; but at the same time there are other
people who have paid dear for lots here, and have improved
them well, and deserve lots as well as they. Sundry per-
sons are building on the proprietors' lots on the east side
ctthe creek, saying they deserve and want Jots as well as
tlie Doudels. 1 think an immediate stop ought to be put
to this ; otherwise it will be productive ofgreat trouble to
;ou. 1 make free to write this accoupt of these things to
DISTORT OF YORK COUNTY. S7
put yon upon your guard, and beg leave to advise you not
to grant any other lots, until I see yon, wh'uh will be in a-
bout two weeks. In ihe mefin time, Itball lay out the par-
eon's lot for his pasture, nnd shall bring duwn an exact
draught of it and of all the low bottom lands. Pray let
me hear from you about these people that will build, and
have built. Fas aut nefas, I am &c."
It is said tliat Thomas Cookson who surveyed the York
town lands in 1741, never returned the survey into ofFice.
To supply this deficiency Gc( rge Stevenson re-surveyed
them in December 1742 when he found them to contain
436 acres and a half. The ^'tract of land situate on both
sides of Codorus creek, whereon the town of York stands"
was ag;.in surveyed in July 1768. John Lukens wlio m?.de
the survey, found the tract to centain '-the quantity of 421
acres and 37 perches, with allowance of six ptr cent, for
roads and high-ways, or 446 acres and a half, neat mea-
sure.""
York town was not incorporated during the first forty six
years after it was laid out. On the 24th of September
1787, it was erected into "the Borough of York." Tln> first
burgesses were [Jenry Miller J>q. and David Cantler, where-
of the former was chief buigess. The fust asfi.^tant bur-
gesses were Baltzer Spengler, Michael Doudel, Christian
Lauman, Peter Mundorf, David Grier E?q. and Jarnes Smith
Esq. The first high-constable was Christian Stoer, and
the first town clerk was George Lewis Leoffler.
The population of the town ofYoik, in 1700, was 2076,
in 1800, as taken by John Edie was 2,5C'S, in 1820, astuken
by Penrose Fiobinson, was S, 545, and in 1830, 4772.
' About the year 1814 a considerable addition, (but with-
in the limits of the borough) was made to the tov^'n of
York. The heirs of John Hay deceased, owning 60 acres
and some perches in the northern part of the borough, laid
the same out into lots after the manner of the rest of the
town, extendmg the streets and alleys north through the
tract and laying out an entirely new street (called "Water
street,'^ the second of the same name) running nearly east
and west. The lots were sold by the heirs to the highest
bidders, and the amount of the sum received therefor was
S5,000 dollars. Those lots, now partly built upon^ sre
known by the name of "Hay's Addition."
c
$8 HISTORT OP YORK COUNTF.
The numl^cr of houses in the borough ol York in Apri!,
1761, was 47— in 1780, 290— in 1820, 548— in 1826,
567 — and at tlie present time more than 600.
Jn October, 1780, there were 43 slaves for life io York
town.
At present (here are in York
9 ministers of the gospel,
1 9 attorneys at law,
17 physicians,
17 (eaclicts (»f schools, (exclusive of those in the theolog-
ical and clHssical institutions.)
5 wagon-makers,
23 joiners and carpenters,
5 vvheclurights,
12 saddlers,
16 tailors,
11 blacksmitli-?,
40 cordwaincrsj
4 dyers,
4 gunsmiths,
20 butchers,
1 filverplatcr,
4 bi ewers,
10 masons,
6 uatch and clock makersi
8 tanners,
25 tavern keepers,"
9 coppersmiths St tinners^
7 tobacconists,
5 chair makers,
1 bo(»k binder,
3 book-sellers,
5 weavers,
1 cutler,
15 storekeepers (exclusive of small shopkeepers in vari-
ous parts of the town.)
1 2 coopers,
4 locksraitlis,
13 hatters,
1 t the inh;ibiti.iits of thfi whole region from ten
to fifteen milfs around York composed hut one congr<'ga-
tion ; they now worship the God of their futliers in lifteen
difterent churches.
So early as the year 1733, fo.ir and twenty heads of fam-
ilies, who, for the most part had emigrated from Wuertem*
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. 4!
1i)erg, came here together, and, joining themselves in one
fraternal band, formed an evangelical Luther be their stttled preacher. Mr. Schaum
served thecongrrg tion but a few years, and was succeeded;
by the Rev. Mfssis. Hochheimer, Bager and Raus,inthe or
der in which their names are here mentioned.
As in the time of the Rev. Mr. Raus the congregation had
increased to a uuniHious mult tude, the old wooden church
was much too smill for convenience, it was determined to
build a new church ; and in July, I 760, the corner stone of
a building, 67 l)y 49 fett, was laid. The m-it?rial of this
building was stou^ — It was finished in 176-2, and was sol-
emnly consecrated in OtJber of thatyiar. The congregi..
tioa at that time consisted of 630 members.
4$ HISTORY or YORK COU.VTt.
In the stone church, the following persons preached as
regularly called teachers :
1. The Rev. Mr. IJornell, in whose time sacramental
vessels were purchased.
2. The Rev. Mr. Bager for the second time.
3. The Rev. Nicolaiis Kurtz, who served ihe congrega-
tion twenty years with great fidelity, and died as senior rer-
erendi miaisteril^ in the seventy fouith year of Ijis age.
He was an upright and ddigent servant of Jesus Ciirist.
4. The Rev. Jacob Gaering, who administered to the
congregation one and t^venty years. He was a man of exten-
sive knowledge and of powerful eloquence. Universally be-
loved by a num. ^rons congregation, he entered into the peace
of his Lord in the fifty third year of his age.
Since the first of August, 1809, t!ie Rev, John George
Schmucker has served tiiis congregation, in connexi> n with
a number of others in tlie country. As the old stone build-
ing was fast going to decay, the corner stone of a new brick
church, (the one no\v st inding,')was laid on the 2d of July 1 8 1 2.
This church was not long afterward comjdeted and conse-
crated. Its dimensions are 75 feet in length by 60 in
depth.
The Rev. Mr. S^hmacker has now served the congrega-
tion 25 years, during which period it has greatly increased
in numbers And in wealth, embracing many of the most res-
pectable and wealthy families in the county.
Since tiie year 1831, the Rev. Jonathan Oswald has
preached to this cor)gregation in the English language, Dr.
Schmucker olliciating principally in the German language.
THE ENGLISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST, JOHN'S
IN YORK.
The year 1705 is tlie first certain date we have wifh res-
j->ect to this church ; for though before that time divine ser-
vice had been perf »rmed hfrc according to the rites and
ceremonies of the Churc h of England yet it was not till the
above date that measures were taken for the erection of a
liouse of worship. In that year Thomas Minshall was ap-
i>ointed to receive subscriptions towards building a church;
Horaegave money, some timber, and others oflered labour.
HISTORY Op YORK COUNTY. 4 J
On the I5th February in the sims year, the Genera) as-
fiembiy of tha provlace kindly lent tlieir assist mce. They
authorized the raising, by w ly of loUery, of the sum o^'
3003 pounds and fifteen shillings to be supplied towards
the piytnent of the arrears ofdjot due for finishing St. Pe-
ter^s and St, PauPs Episcopil chnrchas in the city ofPkil-
adelphia', and towards finishing the Episcopal church at
Carlisle^ niid builiiing an Episcopal chnreh in each of the
towns of Fork and Rsailn^^ and repairing the Episcopal
church at Mjlatllii in B^rks county, and the Episcopal
church in Huntingdon in Yovk [\o\\' Adams) county;
and for repairing the Episc^pil ciiurches at Chester and
Concord and purciiasiug a glebe for the Church n^ Chester,
in the county of Chester. The lime limited for drawing
(he lottery was afterwards, in 1776, prolonged. By the lot-
tery, 315 po'.inds was to be applied towards building the
church in York, but as all the fick(!ts werei not sold, the
sum raised fur that purpose, was but 257 pounds 5 shil-
lings.
In the year 1776 the R^v. Dof^tor Peters obtained, upon
appUcation to the propri t )i'3, a lol of gro.ind in York, 80
feet in front and 253f.iet indiplh,for tliL* site of the church
and abiiriril-gro:jnd, at the yeirly rent of 1 shilling sterling,
iftiemanded. The warr mi for lii ^ lot, was granted to Sim-
welJohnston, Tiio nas Minshill and Joseph Aidum, trustees
for the congregition.
The sum arising fiom the lottery being by no means suf-
ficient to defray the expenses of building the churcli, tiie
members of the congregation solicited their friends in Phil-
adelphia, Lancaster, and (dsewhere, from whom they receiv-
ed somewhat more that 150 pounds. Mr. Johnston receiv-
X\\^ money arising from the lottery and from the subscrip-
tion of some of tiis particular ft iends ; the subscription of
the people in York county were recieved by Mr. .Aldum, and
those in Philadelphia and Biltimore by Thomas Usher.
The subscription made by different atlornies at law, were
ireceived by Thomas Hartley. Out of the money collected
by Mr. Usher, the silver communion cup was purchased-
A second and a third subscriptions was afterwards opened
among the members of the congregation, Btit the sums
received being still insufficient, the Rev. John Andrews,
then missionary in York and Cumberland counties, from-
44 HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY.
the society for the propagation of the g03pel, went toPhila-
delpliia, anvi by subtjcription in tliat city, obtained 57
pounds and 6 pence. By means of this subscription, and
of a collection niadcnt the first oj)eninj^ of the church, tho
debts coutracted for the completion of the building were
nearly discharged. In a short time afterwards every de-
mand was satisfied; and thus by unwearied and praiseworthy
exertions this church was at last built.
The ladies of York made the hangings for the pulpit and
desk, of crimson D.nnask, which they had purchased of
their own generosity.
The Cl»iirch being completely finished, the seats were
yearly hired at a half yearly rent for the support of the min-
ister of the church tor t!ie time being, a!l subscriptions for
him having then been discontinued.
During the revolutionary war, (with exception of a short
inter t'al) there was no divine service held in the church: it
was for some time used as an arsenal. Being very much
out of ropair, throutih violence, and through long disuse,
it was after the revolutionary war fitted for a place of wor-
ship.
A petition that the church might be incorporated was
preserted to the legislature on the l3il) December 17So;
and the legislature granted the petition on tiie 20lh of Sep*
lember, 1787.
In the fall of 1 8 1 0, (the sum of 1 300 dollars having been
given forthe purpose by the friends of the church) the in-
eide of the building was repaired anu very much altered.
The pulpit* and reading desk were removed from the north
aide of the west end of the ouilding ; a door was made at the
east end, and in the place of the former door in the south
fide, was made a wiudv)w. Agailery was erected. A chan-
delier was likewise purchased in the city of Baltimore (for
the sum of threo lumdred dollars) principallv given by gen-
tlemen who resided in tlrit city. In this year a small house
was erected near the church for the use of a sexton.
There have been a great many divines connected with
this church: the name of the Rev. Mr. Andrews has already
* In removlnsj this Pulpit, several pounds of powder were found
eoncealed unoa the Kev. Mr. Batwell.
History of york county, 41
been mentioned, but besides him there were a number of
others who preached here occasionally, and at irregular in-
tervals. The first regular preacher whose name is mention-
ed in the records, was the Rev. Daniel Batwell. His resi-
dence was at the parsonage house in Huntingdon, now be-
longing to Adams county, but he preached statedly lo the
congregations in York. He was a missionary from England
and commenced his services in this county, a short time be-
fore the revolution. His feelings, with respect to that event,
all conflicted with those of the people in this neighborhood-
Having come from Hur.tingdon township, he {.reached at
York on the sabbath, and on Monday following was seized
by some rude and boisterous friends of liberty, by whom
he was at three several times ducked in Codorus Creek.
Being freed he set out on his return to his dwelling houso
but he had hnrdly arrived there when a company of armed
men from York roughly seized him, and, returning, confin-
ed him in the public prison.* After sometime Mr. Batv;til
v/as released, when he returned toEngland. Though his po-
litical views did not coincide with those of Americans, yet
it is due to his woith to say that he vvas an accomplished
scholar and a good m-n. After Ins return, he obtaineti a
chursii preferment in the county of Kent, where he ended
his days.
There was no divine service performed now for about
five years. In tl)eyear 1778 or'79 the Rev. Dr. John An-
drews, late Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, came ,
here and contintied to preach somewhat more than a year.
The church was tlien vacant until 1 784, wlien on the 6th of
July in that year, the Rev. John Campbell accepted of an in-
* On the 2'JlofOct., 1777, a memorial from Mr. Batwell was
read in Coiij^ress. It set forth "that on a charge of bein^^ concern'
ed in a conspiracy to destroy the continep.tial mao;aziiies in this
state, he wasin custody of (he keeper ot the jail of York county, by
virtue of a commitment, until Congress or the supreme executive
council ofthisstate should take further order touchingf him or until
hesliould be oterwise dii-char<;jed according to lavv." It appeared to
Con;;ress' by the certificate o ' Dr. D. Jameson that the memoiialist-
was so much eni\ciated by a complication of disorders that his
life would be endantrered unless he was removed from the said
jail." Congress however, referred the memorial to the president
and supreme executive council of the state, in the mean time per-
mitting him to remove from jail, and receive every indulgeqce;,-
yet still remaining in safe keeping.
46 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
Vitation to come to York, and administer to the spiritual
concerns of the congregation. He continiud here iiniil the
year 1804, when he v\eiit to Carlisle, at which place he
died in May 1819.
The church was now vacant until the 1st of April 1810,
when the Kev. John Armstrong hecume the rrgnlar minis-
ter. Mr. Armstrong continued here until May 1818, when
he accepted of an invitation to settle in the vieinity of Fred-
ericktovvn. — Soon jifiervvards liie Rev. Grandison Ais-
quith came here, who continued however but about one
year.
The Rpv. George B. Shaeffer was elected minister of the
congregation on the 6th of March 1821. He shortly after-
wards came to York, where he continued until ilie fall of
1822. His successor was the Rev. ('hnrlcs Willi.ims, who
was invited in Jurie 1823, and who shortly afterwards accep-
led of the invitation. By an account which he took of the
congregation on the 1st of January 1824, it was found to
consist of 153 souls.
The Rev. Mr. Williams was elected President of Balti-
more college in 1825. On the 5th of March he preached
his firewell ser-non to his congregation and on the 29tb
ook leave of York for Baltimore.
After a vacancy of one year, the Rev. Richard D. Hall
was called and chosen Rector of St John's ch«irch, by the
vestry, his call hearing date and his services commencing on
the 16th of April, 1826.
Mr. HalTs successor was the Rev. John V. E. Thorn, of
Carlisle, who was elected on Easter day in 1828. Mr.
Thorn continued, during his ministration, to reside m Car-
lisle, and to appropriate the services of every second or
third Sunday to the church in York. He resigned the
charge of the congregation here on tlie 1st of January, 1831,
iince whicli time there has been no regular ministration to
the spiritual wants of the congregation, though service is
held occasionally in the church, by clergymen visiting this
portion of the vineyard.
The number of members at present belonging to the con-
gregation is very small.
Before we close this article, we may mention an incident
connected with the early history of St. John's church, which
has just come to our knowledge:
^ HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY. 47
About ihe year irr4, Queen Caroline of England sent
three churcli belis as presents, one for York, one for Lan-
caster and one for Carlisle. The bell intended for the e-
piscopai churcii in York, weighing; about 500 pounds, ar-
rived safely, and was deposited belbre ihe house of Joseph
Updegratt; Esq., on the pavement; and as there was no
steeple or cupola in which to place it for the use of tho
church, it lernained there for some time. At length it
was taken without any ceremony, or any opposition on the
part of the vestry (if, indeed, theie was such a body in ex-
istence at that tin»e,) and placed in the steeple of the
court-house, where it remains to this day. Jt now belongs
to the county by the law oi' selzibus bdhrum et han^upibm
in cup olavvm— {see ''0\d law Rook," vol. 76. p. 6592)
and is further secured to the county, by the fact that it is
non comatibus in a.io. The congregation have, however
the use of the bell, as it is used to indicate the titne of meet*
ing whenever service is held in tl-.e Episcopal church.
YORK PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION.
Several families of the Presbyterian denomination resided
I in York as early as iUe year 1750, yet they formed no con-
! gregatiun and had no place of separate worship. After the
building of the Episcopal Church of St. John's, the prea-
byterians worshiped in it, for some years, in common with
the members of the Church of England.
About the year 1789 the present Brick Church was built
in which from that time onward they held separate worship.
The first slated preacher to the congregation was the Rev.
j Robert Cathcart, who was ordained and installed pastor
i of this and of the Hopewell congregation by the presbyte-
ry of Carlisle, in October 1793. The congregation at the
time of his ordination contained about twenty five families.
At present it consists of about thirty families, with betweeq
thirty and forty communicants,*
• In connexion with the York consjregation may be mentioned
that of Hopewell, formerly thatof'Kound Hill." The Hopewell
congregation was formed between the years 1768 and 1770, when a
log house was erected as a plate o( worship. In 1790, a larger
church was built in a more central situation. In (he year 1793, a
connection was formed between the Hopewell and the York con*
^regation, at which time the Rev. R. Calhcart was installed their
joint pastor. Previous to 1793 they regularly had preachers eeut
49 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT '*3LATE
RIDGE/' IN PEACHBOTTOM TOWNSHIP.
This congregation is ofr.ncient origin. The first church
was built near Muddy Creek, sometime before the year
1750. Tl»is church was afterwards burnt, and a second
temporary building was then erected about three miles
further south. The latter chnrch was soon de?ertrd, and
a new and third house of worship was erected at a still dif-
fcrenf place, viz. the place where Slate Ridge church noxv
stands. In the year 1762, a new and belter and/cur/A
church was built of squared logs on ilie same site. In or
about the year 1800, the log church was burnt by an incen-
diary, when ^Jiflh church was erected, it beirg the third
one built on the same ground. This fifth chnrch is a large
stone edifice; it is still standing, and is uniformly known
by the name of the ^-Slciie Kidgt Church:'
The first preacher in the first of these churches was the
Rev. Mr. Whittlesay. As the population was very small
when he commenced his labors, he administered unto the
spiritual wants of those who inhabited that tract of country
which is now included within the townships of Chance-
ford, Lower Chanceford, Fawn, and Peac)jbottom. As,
the population increased, other congregations and church-
es arose. Even during the time of Mr. Whiitclsay, his in-
fant congregation had so increased, that those, who at
first worshipped in one church, worshipped in two. For
during his time and under his directi«ui a church was c-
rected in what is now Lower Chanccford, which church
by the way was a building: of about 60 feet by 30, wag al-
ways called the *-frame meeting-house" and stood until a-
bout the year 1800, when it was removed, and the present
itone church was erected on the same ground. How long.
thorn by the presbytery, several of whom remained with them for
one year. A few years a^o an elegant brick church was erected,
it beiDR the third one built by this congregation
In 1825 the congregation consisted of about fifty f«mUie«i MMl
a hixndrsd and fifty commuaic»Dti.
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. 4§
Mr. Whittlesay laboured with his people cannot now be as-
certained; but he did previous to the year 1750. It was
during his lime that the church was erected.
After the death of Mr. Whittlesay but before the yea?
1750, came the Rev. Mr. Morrison, an emigrant from Scot-
land. It was in his time that the second church was erected.
After Mr. Morrison's departure, this congregation jointly
with that of what is now Lower Chanceford, was blessed
with the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Black. During his time
ihe third church was erected.
The successor of Mr Black, was the Rev. John Strain,
who was, in 1760, installed joint pastor of this and of the
Lower Chanceford congregation. In his lime ihe fomth
church was erected. Mr. Strain died in March 1774.
He was a man lemarkable for his piety, and was distin-
guished for his zeal and fidelity in his holy office. His la-
bors were much blessed; and, after he had ceased from the
earth his memory was affectionately cherished.
The Rev. Mr. Smith then jMcached to this and the Low-
er Chanceford congregation for two years.
The Rev. JohnSlemons was then settled the joint pastor
ftf both congregations. At Slate Ridge^ he preached a-
bout ten years, and then resij^ned that part of his charge
on account of the infirmities of age. He continued to la-
bour in Lower Chanceford about four years afterwards.
The Uev. Dr. Samuel Martin then became the Pastor of
the Slate Ridge congregation. When, in four years after-
wards, Mr. Slemons resigned his situation in Lowes
Chanceford, Mr. Martin became the joint pastor of both
congregations. Mr. Martin left these two congregations
in about the year 1812 | and in about eighteen months af-
terwards he became the pastor of the Lower Chanceford
congregation: about the same time Mr. Parke became pas-
tor of the Slate Ridge congregation: Each of them contin-
ues until the present tinie.
^In the above account we liave spoken of the Lower
Chanceford congregation. Chanceford township was e-
rected while York was apart of Lancaster county: itw^a
divided in the year 1807, when Lower Chanceford was e-
rected. Consequently the "frame Meeting house'' until
1807 was in Chanceford; andhas since that time (bydivisioR
of the towDBhip) been in Lower Chanceford. We preferied
^0 HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY.
deFi^nating the congregation by the present name of the
township, rather than by its former and ("until 18C6) right
name, in order to avoid obscurity, and apparent inconsis-
tency. In like manner tlie church-building at Slate Ridge
was until 1817, in Fawn township; and since that time(bj
the division of Fawn j has been in a newly erected township,
called Pcachbottom, from a ferry in that j>lace which had
long borne the same name. The Slate Ridge Church and
the Lower Chancefoid Church are about eight miles a-
part. The first church was built at the junction of Scott's
run* with Muddy Creek, it being east of tlie fcrmer,
and south of the latter. The second wr.s over the Ma-
ryland line on land then o^^ned by Michael Whiteford.
The present site of the Slate K\(]^e church is but a-
bout three quarters of a mile fr(;m tlie Maryland line,
the congrer^ation consisting of people from both states.
THE GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH IN YORK.
The German Reformed Ccrfrrptirn is without ex-
ception of one the inoit ancient religious associitions in iho
county. The exact xerr wlun tie cot grfg?.ticn vvrs firsl
formed, is m t knc w n ; bit ii h; d exij-tcd &( me years before
it was blessed with the instruction of a stated teacher. As
the congregation, in its infancy, was i ot extensive, it was
unable to support a settled minister; Lut it fast increased
ia strength.
On the 12th of Arprst 1744, tie elders of the church,
\iz. Geoige Meyer, Philip Roilirrck, Sic. seit a written in-
vitation to the Rtv. Jacob Liscliy to be their settled minister,
Mr. Lischy declined accej ting the in\it:.t;on but, in tha
words of il)eCliurch-book,**so/jfl( dieganze Gemtindeihrii
im Nal.men d(s dreycinigcn Gciles^ noih mal zu ihrem
JPrediger bei'vfen.^^ Mr. Lischy accepted the second invi«
talion \\hich vas made on the 2£th of May 1745; and com-
* So called from Mr. Scott, who died about the year 1828, a »ed
nearly 100 years. This man, who lived nearly a cealury, furui*b€<|
uost ot the facts contained ia the above uatrative.
HISTORY OF YORK COtfNTY, S!
ing to York he preached his sermon of intrnduction on the
text in the first six verses of the second chapter of Ezekiel,
and upon the same Sunday administered tlie Sacrament.
Soon after Mr. Lischy had come here, the trustees for
the congregation, viz, Jacob Welsch and Smiuel Welsch
took up a lot of ground in the town of York for a meeting-
house. This lot No. 91, was laid out and surveyed by
Thomas Cooksori Esq., for the use of the congregfition, on
the 11th of March 1746, and is described in a draught
thereof, made shortly afterwards, as '"containing in front on
High Street, 65 feet, and in depth, to a twenty foot alley,
280 feet: Bounded on the east by a lot now in the occu-
pation of John Hay; on the soui/i, by the said alley ; on
the ivest^ by a lot of Zichariah Shugard: and on the north^
by High street aforesaid."* It was on this Jot that the first
church, which was of wood, was erected.
In the year 1750, Mr. Lischy, having received a number
t)f invitations from another congregation, wished for a dis-
missal, and was about to leave York; but by a new and ear-
nest request from the people of his charge, dated the 8 1st
of December he was induced to reninln with them yet a few
5^ear«. In the year 1 754 he agnin desired his dismissal, and
at last preached his farewell-sermon from Acts, 20lh chnpter,,
and 21st verse. But he was again hindered in his design,
for the congregation eagerly entreated him not to forsake
ihem, and more warmly exhibited marks of fond affectionr
In Mr. Lischy 's own v:ords''''da dieGemeinde neuenErnstund
JEifer tind Liebe bezeigte und versprach. bin ich in meinem
Vcrhaben gehinderef, und^ durch einen abermaligen neuen
Beruf, bewogemvorden die Gemeinde fernerhin zu bedim -
Mr. Lischy continued but a short time longer to admin-
ister to the congregation; and upon the cessation of hi»'
ministry, the church was for a season vacant.
*At this early period, the con:;re^ation purchased lot No. 84
-to erect a house on for their minister for the time bein?. The
lot was originally surveyed for Georj^e Schvvaab, George ""Meyer,
Henry Wolf, Joseph Welshhans, Jacoh Obb, and George Hoak, as
trustees for the con^reajation. It U described by George Stevenson,
in a certified plan thereof made on 2-5th Jan'jary 1753, as bounded
on the west by Beaver Street, on the north by lot No 83, on the
east by a twenty foot Alley, and on the south by anothei" tweRtj
^oot alley.
55 BISTORT OF TGHK COUNTT.
The attention of the congregation was now devoted to-
ivards obtaining a successor to Mr. Lischy, Their thoughts
were finally directed to the Rev. Johann Conrad Wirtz, who
vias born in the town and canton of Bern, in Switzerland,
and was then pastor of the Churchfs ofRachorand Fally in
Jersey. The congregation sent him a letter by the hands
of Baltzer Spengler, desiring him to come to York, and
preach a few sermons with the expectation that he might be-
come their clergyman. He received the letter on the 2Ist
of August 1761, and on the 30th, he left Jersey in company
with Mr. Spengler for York. He arrived at York on Satur-
day the 5th of September, and preached his first sermon to
this congregation, on the Sunday following. The congrega-
tion being ple-^sed with Mr. Wirtz, gave him an invitation
to become their pastor, which invitation was signed by the
ciders and members of the Church, and was dated the 13th
of the same month in which he had arrived. Mr. Wirtz ac-
cepted the invitation on condition that he could obtain the
permission of his congregations in Jersey, and of the Eng-
lish Presbytery, at Braunschweig (Brunswick) by which
lie had been ordained to the ministry. Returning to Jersey,
lie obtained the permission of the Presbytery on the 'i4th
of October, and afterwards of his congreaations; and o:i
the 5th of May 1762 he again arrived in York, and on the
following Sunday (viz. 9lh May*) preached his inaugural
sermon from the 10th verse of the lOlh chapter of Revala^
tions.
In Mr. Wirtz's time the congregation had considerabTy
increased. By an account contained in the Church book
dated the 1st of January 1751 it appears that there wero
but eighty seven members of the several congregations viz.
those at York town, Kreutz creek, Codorns and Bermudian
creek, over which Mr. Lischy tlien presided. From an
account made by Mr. Wirtz on the 13th of May 17G2, it
appears that seventeen new persons had been lately added
to the Church of York-town alone, and from another ac-
• On the said 9th of May 1762, the first election was held, that is
recorded in the church books; lhoua;h there had been regular ofR
cers for many years before that time, yet their names nre not now
to b: found. The officers elected on the above mentioned day were
Jacob Hock, Johannes Gugo^es [Coockas] Mariin Danner and Jo-
seph W'elshhans, as JS/ders, John Schultz and Jacob Scheiba* X>ea-
cont't and Michael Schwaab as Secretary.
HlSTOilY OF YORK COUNTY,
5'S
count dated the 24th of May 1 763, it appears that there were
jEifiy-six persons belonging to the same church.
The old church of wood, was, in this stite of the con-
gregation, too small for convenience: it was accordingly
removed, and on 1 he 24th of May 1763. the corner stone
was laid for a new edifice. This church of stone was coffi-
pleted, in the following year, Christian Wamppler being
the architect.
Mr. Wirtz did not long continue a minister to the con-
gregation; for he died on Wednesday, theSlst of Septem-
ber 1763, and v;as bnried on the following Friday.
There was now a vacancy in the church for about two
years; the Rev. Wdliam Otterbein commenced his libors m
September 1705, and continued to administer unto the con-
gregation for about nine years.
In May 1774, the Rnv. Daniel Wagner became tiie min-
ister of the congregation, and such lie continued until the
year 1786, when he removed to Tulpehockin ia Berk*
county.
The Rev. air. Stock and the Rev. Mr. Droldenier thoa
administered to the congregation.
In October 1793 the Rev. Mr. Wagner returned to York*
and again took the pastoral charge of this congregation.
During the ministry of Mr. Wagner, the congregation
suffered a great loss, for on the night of tlie 5th of July
1797, the church, with all its contents, was destroyed by
lire. The congregation immediately took means for the e-
rection of another building. This third church, which is
built of brick, is much larger than that one which was burnt,
and is erected on the same site. It was solemnly consecra-
ted on the 1 1th of May 1300.
It is 65 feet in frontt and 55 feet deep.
The Rev. Mr. Wagner removed from York, on the 1st of
October 1802, having received an invitation to settle in
Fredericktown, ftlaryland.
After an interval of about eighteen month*, the Hev.
George Geistweit became a minister to this congregation
in May 1804; and he continued as such until about Whit-
suntide 18-20; when he resigned his charge. Mr. Geist-
weit still continued to preach occasianally, until the close
of the V ear.
54 HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY.
The Rev. Lewis Mayor, was tli<^ next minialer of this
church. He arrived in York on the 8 th of January 1S21,
and presided over the s;)iiitaal concerns of a niunerous con-
grejjation until April 1825. Havi.ig accepted the office of
professor in the theological institution at Cirlisle erected
by tlie ujembers of the German Reformed Synoplie(J thiw
station.
In 18:33, conference fixed upon tiie Rev. Edward Smith,
to take charge of the station — and at their session in 18y4,
re-appointed the same Rev. gentleman.
Tiic .society has been somewhat increased in number du-
ring the last year.
THE MORAVIAN CHURCH.
The Evangelical Moravian Congregation in York town>
liad its origin in the year 1750. The number of the mem-
bers of the con2,regation at tliat time was about seventy and
some odd. Tiieir first preacher was the Rev. Phiiip Maurer.
During the first six years of this congregation, they held di-
vine service in a private dwelling-house.
In April 175 6, the corner stone was laid of the old
Moravian church. The building still stands; though it is
110 longer used as a church. In 1827, a neat brick church
was built near the old building, the latter being now used as
s parsonage.
BISTORT OF YORK COUNTT. 5T
jDuring the first 84 years of this congregp.tion, it had ap-
i^ardsof twenty different preachers, inchjding tho present
pajtor, the Rev. Dr. Dober.
In conclusion of this brief account we would observe,
that since the commencement of the congregation to the
present time, 312 members of it have been called hence to
another world; their mortal parts repose in the burying
ground adjoining the church. "Our fathers — where are
they ?"
THE YORK COUNTY ACADEMY.
On the 31st of July, 1777, Conrad Leitherman obtaineci
a ticket for lot No. 633, in iha town of York. He conlin-
wed to be the owner of the lot until the 23th of February
1785, when he sold it to the Protestant Ei>iscopa] Church
of St. John's.
The Rev. John Campbell then journied throughout Penn-
sylvania, and the neighboring st\tes, and obtained from the
generosity of individuals, the sum of about 5000 dollars to-
wards building a school-house or academy on the above
mentioned lot, and a parsonage house on a lot adjoining.
The building of the academy was immediately commenced,
and towards the close of the year 1787, although it was
not fully completed, instruction first commenced. Tho
building, as soon afterwards completed, was (and it stands
the same at present) a large and convenient two ^tory brick
edifice, having forty feet in front, and 60 feet in depth, with
three spacious rooms on each floor.
The general assembly of Pennsylvania on the 20th of
September 1787, incorporated the Episcopal Church to
which this institution was then attached. Under the incor-
poration, as far as regards the academy, Thomas Hartley
was the first president, Robert Hetrich the first secretary,
Henry Miller the first treasurer, and Messrs James Smith,
David Grier, William Harris, and the Rev. Mr. Henderson,
the first visiters. The first instructors were two, viz. James
Armstrong of the English language, and Robert Hetrich of
the Latin and Greek languages. The first official meeting,
particularly with respect to the academy, recorded in its
archives, was held on the 28th of February 1788.
From the small number of Episcopalians belonging to the
church, and from the want of proper funds, tho corporation
•^ tilStORT OF YORK COUNTt.
^as"nnab]e to uphold and snjiport the acidemy." On Ihii
account a petilion was presented to ths legislature on the
18th of March 1797, the object of which was ta surrender
the building to tlie stUe on conJition th:it it be used as a
fichool-hoiise for the county of York, and that such a sum
of money be granted as would be sufficient to support it.
The legislature accepted this offer of surrender, and on the
first of March, 1799, incorporated and endowed tho*'York
Count)' Academy/*
The first trustees appointed under the new charter, wera
James Cafnpbell, Jdcob Goering, Daniel Wagner, John
Black, Robert Cathcart, William Paxt:)n, Thomas Hartley,
James Smith, John EJie, John Clark, Jacob [lay, Jacob Ru-
disell, Elihu Underwood, \Villiam Ross of Chanceford, John
Baraitz, Michael Schmeiser, Conrad Laub, William Mc-
Lean, William Scolt, Philip Gosslcrand George Bard. The
first President of the board of trustees was the Hon. James
Smith, Esq: he was elected at the first meeting, but on ac-
count of his age and inffirmaties he resigned on the 8th of
March 1800, when John Edie was elected Iiis successor.
The first instructor under the fir^t incorporation was Mr-
Robert Hctiich.
In the year 1811, endeavors were made to obtain a repeal
of the act which incorporated the *'York County Academy.***
On the 11th of January the rector, church-wardans and
vestrymen of the Episcopal church of St. John petitioned
the legislature for that purpose. On the 2 2d, the trustees
of the academy, and some inha!)itaiit3 of the borough of
York rem'Jnstrated to the legislature against the above p-jti-
tion. On the 30th, a number of inhabitants of the borough '
and county petitioned. The legislatire having t^ken the
subject into consideration, resolved on the 26th of February
that the petition of the rector &.c. could not be granted.
In April 18 17, the rector, cliLrrch-vvardens, and vestry-
men of the church of St. John brought an action against the
trustees of the Academy, in order toobtiin the repossession
oithe lot and building. This action is still pending.
The male and female departments of this institution nre
now under the superintendance of excellent teachers. The
Rev. Stephen Boyer, a gentleman of extensive literary at-
tainments, has charge of t'ue male department — and Mr&.
Young is at the head of the feinalo department.
; HISTORY OF TORK COUNTT. V
THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT YORK,
This institution wfis fornded by an act of the Synod of
the German Reformed Church at its session at Bedford in
Septeniber 1S24, and commenced its operations in CarHsIe
on 17th of May 1825, ijie inautruration of the Professor
having previously taken pli.ce on the 6ih of April. It was
removed to York in October 1828 in pursuance cf an act
of Synod at its session at Lebanon in Septerubcr of the
same year. The institution lias a library of between 30CO
and 40CO volumes, chit fly in the German langunge, among
which are some rnre works. There are two professors, viz.,
L. Mayer, D. D. Professor of Dogmatic Theology, and Rev.
F, A, Raucli D. P. Professor of Sacred Literature.
A Classical School under the auspices of the Synod cf
the German Reformed Church was founded by a resolutioa
of Synod at Hanisburg in Septtrnber 1831. It was com-
menced in May 1832. Mr. William A. Good, of Reading
Pa., now pastor of the Reformed congregation in Hagers-
town Md. was appointed Teacher. In September 1832, iho
Synod at Frederick Md. appointed Dr. F. A. Ranch Prin-
cipal of the institution f nd Professor in the Theological
Seminary. Rev. John H. Agnew formerly Professor of
Lanfi'uages in VVasIiington College, Pa. was subsequently ap-
pointed Assistant, and upon his rei-ignation in September
18SS, the Board cf Visiters elected Rev. H. Miller his suc-
cessor. Rev. Charles Dober, pastor of the Moravian church
in York was also engaged as assistant in May 1832, and ia
the Spring of 1834 on the resignation of Mr. Miller, Mr.
Samuel W. Budd A. B. was appointed to the vacancy.
The Teachers at present emj,l«>yed in the school are Rev.
Dr. F. A. Ranch, Piincipal, Mr. Samuel W. Budd and Rev.
Charles Dober, Assistants. The number of students in the
two institutions at present (July 1834) is about 80, who aiQ
generaUy from a distance.
CO HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
CHAPTER VII.
HANOVER.
A topographical and historical sketch of the town of
Hanover cannot fail cf being interesting to a large portion
of the public. We £re indebted for most of tlie facts con-
tained in the following notice cf that toun, to an account
of the place which was written in September 1818, and
with which Mr. Daniel f*.* Xangc very politely favored
Topography. Hanover is situated in York county, Pa.
andi3 39°46' N. L. fcnd 1°48' W. of Philadelphia. * It is
distant six miles fiom the Maryland line; one, from Adams
county; eighteen from York, the seat of Justice for this
couTity; foriy-tvvofrom Baltimore; forty-one, from Freder-
ick tuwn; sixteen from Gettysburg; thirty-six from Harris-
burg; and thirty, from Carlisle. The turnpike road leading
from Baltimore to Carlitle and the road from Frederick-
town to Philadelphia cross each othcrat the centre square of
the town. Alcng the Roads the greatest part of the houses
arc built; they form the different streets and derive their
names from the different places to which they lead. Tho
atreet leading from the square towards Y oik, York-street;
that towards Carlisle, Carlisle-street; and that towards
Fredericktown, Frederick-street; a 5th street in which there are
a number of buildings, intersects York-street near the sqr.are,
and runs in the direction of Harrisburg through Abbott's
town, Berlin, Dillstown &.c. and is ihencs often called Ab-
bottBtown-strect, although the correct name is Pigeon-street,
on account of its leading to the Pigeon hills. Besides these
there are a number of back streets on which many neat
and convenient buildings are erected. Of the several allieg
there is nothing particularly to be observed.
There are no water-streams cf any consideration in the
neighborhood of this town; the nearest are at the distance
of three or four miles, and are the Conewago, Codorus &c.
The very best limestone water is that dady used by the
families in town.
Hanover is one of the largest villages, not a seat of jus-
tice, in the state of Pennsylvania. Of its numerous dwelling
bousei some arc very elegant two story brick or frwa<»
HISTOEY OF tors: COUNTY, 6 J
bnildin^s; others however are but one story high, and are
built of variojs materials.
The public buildings area very neat market house on the
square, and two elegantly built church* s, the one belonging
to the German Luthtran, and the other to the German'Re-
formed congregalioiff Almost the only religious denomina-
tions are the German Reformed and the German Lnlheran:
there are Ijowever a few families of Roman Catholics whose
placeofwcrship is the chapel in Adams county, four miles
from Hanover.
The language of the old and young is the German, there
being bi]t iljree or four English fimilics in tiie town ; yet
the English language is much spoken by the voung,' and
will prcioably at no very distant period supplatit its older
and more energetic sister.
We believe there is not a town in Pennsylvania where id-
lers and vagabonds are more rarely to be met with than in
Hanover. The inhabitants are, with ftw excppiioi s indus-
trious and economical not only in their mechanical and pro-
fessional avocations, but also in their ngricultural pursuits.
Nearly one half of them have lots or small fc.rms near town,"
from which they raise a sufi^cient quantity cf grain for y^ar-
ly home consumption, with not unfrcquenlly, somewhat for
disposal. There are few if any places in thecountry of the
same magnitude in which there are so many wealihy and so
few indigent persons; a very largo mr-joriiy of the inhf^bi-
tants living in affluent circumstances, and mf:ny of them
being independent as to their fortunes; but the '-propensity
for more,^' so natural to man, admits not of erse.
The local situation of Flanover is truly inviting, it Iving
as in the fields of Elysium. It is situated in the tevel 'and
beautiful valley of Conewago, which extends mostly toward
the north west, north, & north east, of the town & which in
fertility of soil is but little inferior to the best land in the
state. The descents from the square of the town are, in
every direction, except one, so gentle as hardly to be jer-
ceived, and are yet sufficient to drain ofi'the wjiter. The
common is large and beautiful, and the whole neighborhood
is calculated to excite admiration and delight. About a
mile from town in a south easterly direction, begins that ve-
ry extensive range of country commonly called' the barrens"
oa account of the poorness of its soil: this ntighbornoodj lo-
62 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
gether with the Pigeon Hills, distant about four miles in a
northern direction from town, can amply sup()ly the inhabi-
tants of Hanover with fruit, and the wealthy farmers of
Conewago with chestnut rails for all ages to come.
History. The history of Hanover is almost wholly lost
in the graves of its first settlers; the following liowever is
the result of every thing that could possibly be collected on
this subject.
Hanover was laid out in lots by Richard M'Alister Esq.
in the year 1763 or 1764, at which time the surrounding
country had been but lately settled, and wore much the ap-
pearance of a wilderness. When the rumour of Mr. M'Alis-
ter's intentions was spread throughout the neighborhood,
the people generally laughed at his project, and considered
it the effect of a wild fancy. A very aged and respect-
able lady of a remarkably retentive memory related a few
years ago the following anecdote on this subject. A certain
farmer of those days returning to his family after some vis-
its through the neighborhood, thus addressed his wife in
the presence of the lady above aluded to. "Mammy," (this
was then, and is yet, a very common address of the Ger-
mans to their wives) ^'mammy, 1 have great news to tell
you — Richard M'Alister is going to make a town." The
wife, after some enquiries and observations, said with a sar-
castic smile which spoke more than words, ''Ha, ha, ha! I
am afraid that man will turn a fool at last. — 1 think he'll
call his new towD, Hickory totvn.'^'' — The spot on winch Han-
over is now in part situated, was then covered with large
hickory-trees, which stood almost impenetrably thick. The
above anecdote although simple is not unpleasant^ for it
shows how the past has been, and by constrasting that with
the present, we see how the world advances. All great un-
dertakings begin in little things, ''of so much labor was
it to found the walls of lofty Rome."
The account written in September, 1818, of which we
have availed ourselves, says: '"The farm-house or residence
of Mr. M'Alister, is yet in existence. It is a two story
log building in Ballimnre street, occupied at present by
Henry Albright, Jun. This house, in which Mr. M'Alister
kept a store and a tavern, (the road from York to Fred-
ericktown then passing his door.) is the second house
to the right coming from Baltimore, The first house
BISTORT OP YORK COUNTY. 6S
built on the appropriated lots, is a one story log-house
in Frederick street, the second to the right coming from
Fredericktown, and at present occupied by Jacob and John
Rieder. It was erected in 1764, by a certain Jacob Nus-
ser, who, from his having been the first improver of the
place, was afterwards jocosely called the governor of 7^/'*^/-
isterstowriy the name by which Hanover was then generally
known. A short time afterwards three or fo»ir more hous-
es were built, occupied at present by Henry Felty, Charles
Barnitz, John Bardt, Sec Stc. Henceforward the progress
of improvement was rapid, until ten or twelve years ago,
when It seemed to have made a stand; there are however
occasionally some buildings erected, but not more than
three or four on an av(;rage every year."
Until near the commencement of the American revolu-
tion, Hanover was under Very singular circumstances. It
was exempt from the jurisdiction of any court, and was for
many years not improperly called- the ^^rogue''s resort.'^'*
All refugees from Justice betook themselves to Hanover,
where they were under no fear of being seized by any
officer. If the Sheriff of York county could catch the de-
linquent one half mile out of town in a north-western di-
rection, then he might legally make him his prisoner under
the authority of the courts of this county; but neither in
town nor nearer the town than that had he any ministerial
power. An anecdote has been related by a respectable
old gentleman of Hanover which deserves credit. A num-
ber of robbers having broken into the store of the proprie-
tor, Mr. M'Alister, he seized them and conveyed them to
York for safe confinement; but the Sheriff refused to ad-
mit them into the jail with these observations to Mr. M'Al-
ister, "you of Hanover, wish to be independent, there-
fore punish your villains yourselves." The officer remem-
bered past obstructions of justice and was not unwilling to
retiliate. Although these circumstances may appear
Btrange, yet the account we have given is strictly
true.
The reason of this extraordinary exemption from all law
was as follows: Charles I. granted Maryland to Cecilius
Calvert, Baron of Baltimore, in Ireland, on the 30ih of June
I63'i — Charles H. granted Pennsylvania to William Penn on
the 4th of March 16S1. For many years the boundary
64 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
line between these two grants was not ascertaiaed. Bai-
tirnore and Penri claimed each the neighborhood of Hdno-
ver as comprised within their several grants, and each so
chiirjiiiig, granted riiilits to lands in oj)position to the other.
Dnring'tliis nncertiin state of things, consequent on tlie dis-
pute, a |)e!ty nobleman, named Jolin Dicji^es, obtained from
tiie proprietor of Maryland, a urunt for 10,000 acres of land;
it being left to the option of Digges to locate snid grant on
whaisoevfr unimproved lands ho pleased within the juris-
diction of his Lordaliip. By the advice and under the di-
redion of Tom, a noted Indian chief, after whom Tom^s
creek is called, Mr. Digges look up, by virtue of said grant,
68-22 acres, contained ;:t present within the townships of
Conevvago and Gt^rmany in Ad.ims county, and the town-
ship of Heidelberg in York county. Hanover, which before
its incor|)oration was a pait of Heidelberg township, was
B'tuated on the south eastern extremity o^'^'Dlgges'' choice.V
The course pursued by each proprietor of making individu-
al grants at random, and, in opposition to each other was
the cause of Hanover and the adjioent country being ex-
empted from all j irisdiction. The laws of neither province
could be extended to a place with respect to which the
mutual claims were not settled either by survey or cliarter.
The citizens of Hanover llierefore were not liable to be
seized by any sheriff, or to be confined in any prison. De-
linquents flew to it on the discovery of their crimes and
escaped all danger of being brought to jus!ice : the appella-
tion v[ Rouge^s llesort was therefore not inapplicable. It is
unnecessary to st :ti any of the grievous evils arising from
this state of things; f<>r any one who has any knowle»!ge of
human niture, can form a correct opinion of the confusion
and disorder then prevalent.
This uncertainty of boiindary continued for some years.
The division line between Pennsylvania nnd Maryland was
not finally sittied till ju.-t bt^fore the revolution. Mason's
and DiX('n"'s line was run in the year 1767 and 17G8, and
the proceeduigs thereon wore ratified by the king in council
on the 11th of January 1769. Th.? proclamations of the
prop- ielaries to quiet tlie settlers &.c. were issued in 1774,
that of Pennsylvjinia bearing date on the 15lh of September
of that year. Hanover was now determined to be a part of
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. ^5
Pennsylvania, and as such fell within the limits of the
county of York. , , •
From this time onward we find but little that is tvorth
recording — The town has escaped, with a few exceptions^,
the ravages of fire: nor have there been many accidents
xvhich CO lid operate agninst it^ improvement and prosperity.
In the year 1804 however the fever and ague raged in ex-
cessive violence, and caused a considerable number of
deaths.
The town of Hanover was not erected mto a borough
until the year 1815; the 4lh of Blarcli in that year being
the date of its incorporation. The statute says of the bor-^
ough that it '-shall be comprised within the tract of land of
Richard aPAIibter, deceased." The first elei:tion ol bur-
gesses and town council was held on the 4th of March
1815, at the house of Jacob Eichelberger in Frederick-street,
and was superintended by Michael Hell man and Henry
Welsch. A very handsome market-house was erected iii
this same year.
The present population of Hanover is about 1100.
CHAPTER VII T.
THE POOR HOUSE.
Theleo-islature on the 6th of February, 1804, authorized
theerectmo- of a house for the employment and support of
thepoorin York county. The persons originally appointed
to determine upon and fix the place for the erection of the
Poor-House, were Martin Gardner, Samuel Collins, Abra-
ham Grafius, Christian Hetrlch, Peter Small, Peter Storm,
John Heneisen, Henry Grleger, and Daniel Spangler.
After a number of meetings, they made their report on the
SOth of June 1804. They "fixed on the spot of ground
within the bounds of the borough of York, called the town
commons, being the south-west part, nextadjommg- Codo-
rus Creek and Water street, containing about twenty hve
*cres." But in conseciuence of difterent claims havmg
®® ' HISTORY Of TORE COUNrr.
been made to the site they tixed upon, it was thou.,ht im-
ZTa I" T'l "•"', ""^^^'"•y l">ildin,;. This wal repre-
senied tothelegislatuie: and that boiFy on the 1st ofA-
pnl 180., empowered the then directors to determine up-
on snch a s,te as to them might appear eligible, and like-
I ^M '","' "^' "«<^'=5sary buildings to be'erected there-
on. 7 he directors immediately proceeded on the business
commuied to their charge, and in the l6th of the same
month, made report oftheir proceedings. From their writ-
'•madepurch.ise of a certain plantation, and tract of land!
?,r» T "^"'''"T '^'"^■'"^O". E'q-> <-nlled Elm-spring
tarm* w, h.nonemde of the boroujh of York, as also one
piece of timber andt containing nearly one hundred acres,
wuhin two miles o( the aforesaid plantation." Shortly'
after this, m 1805, the old buildings were erectedl and
inApdlSoe. rheoHice of overseers of the poor ceased
director!!' "''"■''"'"' '''^^°'^''''' '" P^"' "P»" «''«
T,'"^^^'^> election of directors of the poor was held
at"tl ; Co' n'"''^' ' '°'; "^"'i" ""- '-•^"- elecfed met
.li f^ r' "■" '''^ '"''' ^^"vember following, and
d mded themselves mto three classes. The place^f the
ve,' • h "■ t'. " '"' '"'';'''^ '", "'"^ •^'^P''-"""" °'' tl>e first
yeai;tliat otthe second at the expiration of the second
ye:r-"soth:'^tf ""^'.''''f^' ."--Pi^'ion of the th"d
yeai .—so that those wlm have been chosen since the first
tkI.I'-^d"""'''' "O^"' *■""' " »s foil"-'": On the 17lh Oct 1766
Mn .In . [, \" '?' " "''"^ '■"""'l "Kison." On 41h ofNov
on .5lh Aprn. ™6!tmr;oiV ' ^' 7/^ „1" ""Zl' ^iT^
«>e ;,ifec7''','„"rf.""^^>' Robinson.' I„^ HI.- ,805 t paiod
trie n„,ch! H L f''°°''' '" "n^iJ^alion of 4-100 pounds, the
tract puiUiascd contuin.ng 132 acres, 156 perches and allow-
farm "''cn!^'"' T-^'' " ''""°'''" '">' "'= "'""^ »f ">= "Hermitage
wrpur'cl'^irto'rfoo ^^l^n^?." '^ ''"'^""' """ »"»"-"' ^'^
SlSSsVa-y^Ti'^ "Elm-Sprino;" and "Hermilase- farms wa,
*nd olLf „,7 ,"!'' '"?«"■'<•<> for bricii. Ihne, scone, sand.
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. 6 7
election, have been chosen to serve for three years; & one
third is annually chosen. Their style is "The Directors of
the Poor and House of employment for the county ofYork.*'
In the year 1828, another building was erected
near the poor house, and connected with that institu-
tion. This was the elegant brick hospital which gTeeig
the eye of the stranger coming into York by the Philadelphia
road, and is distinguished for its neatness, elegance and
comfort. It is of brick, two stories high, its interior judi-
ciously divided and the whole well fitted to the purpose
for which it was erected.
The entire cost, in cash, to the county, of this excellent
building,, was §7800, a sum much less than it would have
been but that a good deal of labor was performed, at its e-
rection, by paupers supported at the poorhouse.
We cannot avoid naming the workmen who built and
finished the hospital. The manner in which the work
was executed reflects no little credit upon them» The ma-
son was Mr. Jacob May — the carpenters, Messrs. Moore,
Dietz and Straber.
The following is a li3t of the directors with the periods
of their service.
FIRST CLASS.
Daniel Spangler, from October 9, 1804, to October 9,
1810.
George Barnitz, from October 9, 1810, to April 6, 1813.
George Spangler,* from April 6, 1813, to Aug. 7, l8lo.
Jacob Upp,t from Aug. 7, 1815, to Oct. 8, 1816.
Michael VYelsh, from Oct. 8, 1816, to Oct. 12, 1819.
John Fahs, from Oct. 12, 1819, to Oct. 1822.
Henry Stover, from Oct. 1 822 to 1 825.
Caspar Laucks,frora 1825 to 1828.
John Emig, from 1828 to 1831.
■ Nicholas Diehl, from 1831 to 1834.
* Mr. Barnitz was commissioned on the 26th March, 1S13, an af-
jistant Judge of the courts of York; and it was on this account
;hat the court of quarter sessions on the 6lh April 1813, appoint-
ed Mr. Spangler as Director.
t Mr. Spangler was, after his appoinment, elected Director on
L2th Oct. 1813: he resigned his office on August 7, 1815, when the
'.ourt appointed Mr. U;)p, who was afterwards, viz, ou Oct. 10,
i815, elected to the office.
68 HISTORY OF YOllK COUNTY,
SECOND CLASS.
Jacob Small, from Oct. 9, 1804, to April 6. 180S.
Jonalh.Hi Jessop,* from April 1808, to Oct. 10, 1S09.
Martin VVeiser, from Oct. 10, 1809, to Oct 13, 1812.
Gotlieb Ziegel, from Oct. 1812, to Dec 21, 1816.
Andrew Kramer,! from Jan. 7, 1817, to Oct 14, 1817.
George Spangler, frcm Oct. 14, 1817, to April 8, 1818,
Thomas"l'aylor,J from Apr. 8, 1818, to Oct. 13, 1818
Christian LaniiLs, from Oct. 13, 1818, to Oct. 9, 182K
Micliael Enrich, from Oct. 9, 1821, to Oct. 12, 1824.
Clement Stillinger, from Oct. 12, 1824, to 1827.
Henrv Smyser, from 1827 to 1830.
Alexander S nail, from 1830 to 1833.
Christian Hildebrantl, 1833 to 1836.
THIRD CLASS.
Martin Ebert, from Oct. 9, 1804, foOcKU, 1908,
George Lottman, from Oct. 11, 1808, toJan. 25,181^
Gotlieb Zieoel,§ from April 9, 1812 to Oct. 1812. |
Jacob Schatfer, from Oct. 13, 1812, to Oct. 1814.
Philip Kissinger, from Oct. H, 1814, to Oct. 1817.
Wm. Johnston, from Oct. 14, 1817, to Oct. 10, 1820-
Jacob Laiicks, from Oct. 10, 1820, to Oct 1823.
Jacob Diehl,from Oct 1823 to 1826.
JohnStrickler, from 1826 to 1829.
Henry Wolf, from 1829 to 1832.
John Rieman, from 1832 to 1835.
^he stewards of the poor hoi ie have been John Demuth
S years, George Lottman, 3 years, John Becker, 1 year
William Jordan, 9 years, George Ilgcnfritz, S years, Geo. [
Schank, 4 years, Martin Gardner, from 1829 to the pre;*-;
ent time.
* Mr. Small who was elected a second time on Oct. 4. 1806»
resigned on April 6, 1808, wiien the court appointed Mr. Jessop.
f Mr. Ziegle, who was elected a second time on Oct. 11, 1815.
aied on the 21st ot December 1816; and to fill the vacancy in of-
fice, the court appointed Mr. Kramer.
X Mr. Tytor was appointed in room of Mr. Spangler re-
Bjgned- , ,
§ Mr. Lottman died on the 25th of January 1812; and the court
at their next session appointed Mr. Ziegel to fill the vacancy
occusioned thereby.
HISTORY OF YORK COUNXr. 69
The Clerks to the Directors have been, at different timeg<
Emanuel Spangler, John Stroman, Georg;e W. Spangler*
George Ccirothers, George Haller, Daniel Heckert, Henry
Welsh, George Small and Michael Bentz.
The Physicians of the hospital connected with the poor-
house, have been the following gentlemen, in the order in
which they stand, viz :
Dr. J aim Morris,
Dr. Thomas Jameson,
Dr. John Rouse,
Dr. Martini,
Dr. John Bentz,
Dr. Wm. Mcllvaine,
Dr. Luke Rouse,
Dr. Win. Mcllvaine, ( a second time.)
Drs. Jacob and Michael Hay,
Drs. Mcllvaine and Small,
Dr. Alexander Smallj
Dr. John Fisher.
Drs. Haller and Rouse.
Although the office of Overseers of the Poor is now a-
bolished in this county, yet perhaps it may not be unpleas-
ant to ijear a word concerning them. The first appoint-
ment of Overseers of the Poor, by the courts of York coun-
ty, was on the 2Gth of March, 1750. The record reads
thus: ''At a court of Private Sessions of the Peace held at
York for the county of York, tlie 26th day of March, in
the twenty-third year of the reign of our sovereign Lord,
George the Second, by the grace of God, of Great Britain,
France and Ireland. King, Defender of the Faith Stc. Anno
Domini 1750. Before °John Day, Thomas Cox, George
Swoops and Patrick Watson, Et^quires, Justices assigned
&.C. The following persons were by the court appointed
Overseers of the Poor for the several townships in this
county.
York-toiv7i. William Sinklerai]d aPichael Laub.
Hellam. Caspar Williart and Peter Gardner.
Ckanceford. Robert Moreton and John Hill.
Fawn. Alexander AlcCandless and John Gordon.
Skrewsberry. Hugh Montgomery and Hugh Low.
Codorus. PetPr Dinkle and John Wothering.
Manchester. Peter Wolf and Valentms Grans.
70 HISTORY or YORK COUNTY.
JSewherry. Nathan Htissey and George Thaulj.
Dover. Philip (/oiif and AndreviiiPrSpangler.
Warrington. William Griffith and George Grist.
Huntingdon, [saac Cook and Archibald M'Grew.
Monaghan. James Cafothers and George Cohoon.
Heading. William Wilson and Mathias Maloon.
Tyrone. Robert Mcllvaine and Finley M'Grew.
Strahane. David Turner and James Stevenson.
Menallin. John Gillilandaind John Lawrence.
Cumberland. Joiin M'Farren and David Porter.
Uamilton'^s Ban. James Agnew and William Wagh.
Mountjoij. James Hunter and William Gibson.
Germany. Jacob Koontz Smitli and Peter Lillle.
Mountpleasant. William Block and Alexander M'Car-
ter-
Heidelberg. Peter Shultz and Andrew Shreiber.
Bsrwick. Cispir Weiser and George Baker.
Paradise. Clement Sludebaker and John Rode.
Manheim. Samuel Bugdel and Solomon Miller.'*'
ATTORNEYS OF YORK COUNTY.
Among the attorneys who were admitted at
York, upon the first opening of the courts of
the county, were William Peters, John Law-
rence, George Koss, David Stout, John llen-
shaw, &c. Those who have been admitted}
since, are, 1
Edward Shippen, admitted April 30, 1751
John Mather, jr. April 30, 1751
Samuel Morris July 30, 175 1
Joseph Galloway do.
Hugh Bay Jan. 28, 1752
Thomas Olway April 25, 1753
HISTORT OP TORE COUNTY. 71
William Parr April 25, 1753
Eavid Henderson July 29, 2755
Samuel Johnson Oct. 28, 1755
James Bisset Jan. 23, 27^9
William Atlee July 24, 2759
William M'Clay April 28, 176O
Lindsay Coates Jan. 29, 2765
James Reed April 30, 1755
Jasper Yeates May 29, 2765
Andrew Allen July 23 2765
Alexander Wilcox do.
Henry Eleves ^ do^
Eicliard Peters jr. do^'
Stepiien Porter do.
James Sayre do.
Robert Gilbraith Oct. 22, 1765
William Svveney do.
Edward Riddle do.
James Wilson Oct. 27, 1767
Jacob Moor Jan. 24, 1769
Thomas Hood do.
Jacob Rush April 25, 1769
Stephen Watte do.
CoL Caspar Witzal do.
Christian Hoake ' do.
Thomas Hartley July 25, 1769
John Hubley July 24, 1770
James Lukens April 23, 1771
David Grier do,
David Espy do.
Andrew Scott July 23, 1771
Peter Zachariah Loyd April 28, 1772
Andrew Ross July 28, 1772
George Ross jr. July 37, 1773
72 , HISTORY OP YORK COVtCTf.
John Eeily
llobert Buchanan
John Ste(!raan
John M'GiU
Thomas Smith
Charles 8 ted man
David M'aMecken
Jaspar Ewing
William Barton
James AVilson
Col. Thomas Hartley
Maj. John Clark
George Noarth
Col. William Bradford
Stephen Chambers*
James Hamilton
Col. Robert M'Gaw
Stephen Porter
Thomas Smith
John Lawrence
Mathew M'Alister
John Wilkes Kittera
James Riddle
Jacob Hubley
Ross Thompson
Andrew Hun lap
Joseph Hubly
* Mr. Chambers was a native of Ireland, whence he came to
this country before the Kevoliilion. During the war of our inde-
pendence he signalized himself as a warm and worthy friend of (he
country; and afterwards was honored with several exalted stations,
in Pennsylvania. Among other things it may be irentioned that
he was one ot the council of censors in 1783, and was a member of
the state convention in 1787. On Monday, the 11th May, 17S9, hd
received a wound in a duel fought with Dr. Jacob Kieger, ou
Wednesday ruortincation was discovered, and on Saturday the l6Uk
9f tbe Sduie mouth, he died »t bis bouse in Laucaster.
July 27,
1773
do.
Oct. 26,
1773
do.
Jan. 25,
1774
do.
do.
Oct. 25,
1774
April 25,
1775
Jan. 26,
1779
do.
April 27,
1779
July 27,
1779
do.
April 24,
1781
do.
July 24,
1781
July 23,
1782
April 29,
1783
July 29,
1783
do.
Oct. 28,
1783
Jan. 25,
1785
do.
April 26,
1785
Oct. 25,
1785
do.
HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY.
7S
James Carson
William Montgomery
Peter Huffnagle
John Joseph Henry
John Wooils
John Caldwell
James Hopkins
Charles Smith
James Campbell
George Fisher
John Lukens
Ealph Bowie
Thomas Nisbit
John Moore
Mathias Barton
John Montgomery
James Kelly
David Waltz
James Orbison
Samuel Riddle
John Smith
Charles Hall
George Smith
Mathias Slough
David Moore
Jacob Carpenter
John Ross
Samuel Roberts
William Barber
William Ross
John Shippen
Charles William Hartley
Thomas Elder
David Cassat
Parker Campbell
Jan. 24, 1786
April 25, 1786
do.
do.
do.
July 25, 1786
April 26, 1787
do.
July 29, 1788
do.
Jan. 27, 1789
July2«, 1789
July 29, 1789
July 30, 1789
do.
April 26, 1790
July 27, 1790
Oct. 26, 1790
Jan. 25, 1781
Jan. 26, 1791
do.
April 6, 1791
do.
March 7, 1T92
June 5, 1792
do.
June 6, 1792
do.
March 2, 1793
Junes, 1793
Dec. 2, 1798
do.
do.
March 4, 1794
June 2* 1*;94
74
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
Samuel Scott Gilbraith
June 2, 1794
James Smith
Sept. 7, 1795
Thomas Baily
do.
Thomas B. Zantzinger
Sept. 4, 1797
Robert Hays
Dec. 4, 1797
Joseph Miller
March 5, 1798
Charles Hare
June 5, 1800
E^ichard Brooks
do.
Andrew Buchanan
June 18, 1801
James Dobbins
June 19, 1801
John Strohman
Feb. 19, 1805
John M'Conaughy
Feb. 18, 1806
Bushnell Carter
April 3, 1810
Charles A. Barnitz
Aprils- 1811
Henry Shippen
Nov. 5, 1811
John Gardner
Aug. 4, 1812
Jaspar SI ay maker
Oct. 21, 1814
John Blanchard
March 31, 1815
Samuel Bacon
April 1815
James Merrill
Nov. 3, 1815
Samuel Merrill
Oct. 29, 1816
Thaddeus Stevens
Nov. 4, 1816
Edwin A. White
Dec. 17, 1816
Daniel Raymond
Jan. 6, 1817
Colin Cooke
April 9, 1817
Isaac Fisher
July 28, 1817
Molton C. Rogers
March 26, 1816
Edward Coleman
do.
William Gemmill
» April 6, 1818
Michael W. Ash
May 12, 1818
William H. Brown
May 11, 1818
John Wright
Aug. 9, 1818
James Lewis
Aug. 1, 1820
Daniel Durkee
Oct. 30, 1820
William C. Frazer
do.
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. 95
Thomas Kelly Oct 31, 1820
Webster Lewis - Dec. £8, 1820
Walter Franklin, jr. Jan. 2, 1821
Joseph C. Cohen Jan. 4? 1822
Jacob A. Fisher — March 28, 1822
(Jharles B, Penrose July 21? 1822
John Evans Aug. 3, 1822
Calvin Mason Aug. 5, 1822
Henry C. Campbell Aug. 8, 1822
Charles Worthington Aug. 28, 1822
Creorge W. Klein Aug. 29, 1822
John S. Wharton Sept, J 6, 1822
John Bowie 3N'ov. 4j ]822
Eman'l C. Reigard Nov. 5, 1822
James Findlay Jan. 7, 1823
Henry H. Cassat April 7, 1823
Samuel M. Barnitz do.
Edward Chapin April 3, 182S
F. M. Wadsworth April 15, 182S
George W. Harris Aug. 6, 182S
John Smith Nov. a, 1823
James Anderson do.
Richard Porter Feb. 17, 1824.
Xerxes Cash man July 27, 1824
William C. Carter Aug. 4, 1824
George A. Barnitz Nov. 16, 1824
Robert S. King Aug. 1, 1825
William Miller Aug. 10, 1825
Morgan Ash May 9, 1826
James Buchanan Aug. 21, 1826
David F. Lammot April 2, 1827
George Heckert May H, 1827
William B. Donaldson Nov. 7, 1827
William H. Kurtz Jan. 7, 1828
Ellis Lewis Jan. 10, 1828
76 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
Jamrs Kelly March 3, 1828
Miner T. Leavenworth Aug. 9, 1828
Robert J. Fisher ISov. 4, 1828
Benjamin Champneys / do.
Thomas C. Hambly April 7, 1829
Kohen M. Lee Aug. 8, 1832
William W. Haly Sept. 4, 1832
Ehenezer M'llvame Oct. 15, 1832
Benjamin Rush Jan. 9, 1833
Daniel M. Smyser Aug. 7, 1833
John L Mayer Feb. 20, 1S34
Xc»hn I. Allen March 5, 1834
E. G. Bradford April 11, 1834
CHAPTER IX.
REVOLUTION.
There is not n part of Pennsylvania wherein the love of
liberty displayed itself earlier or more strongly than m the
county of York. Military companies with a view to the re-
sisting of Great Britain, were formed in York, \\hilethe
people of the neigboringcountiee slept. In those days there
were men here, of broad breast and firm step, who feared
nopowerand bowed tono dominion. The first company
that marched from Pennsylvania to the fields of war was a
compRriy of rifle-men from the town of York : they left
this place on the first of July 1775. York county sent out
moie soldiers during the revolution than any one of her
neighboring sisters.
We will Jirst mention the companies of the town of
York before and during the revolution, which, however were
not formed with the view of being immediately engaged in
HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY. 77
the dangers of war, an^l which, as then constituted, march-
ed to DO fields of fame. Hundreds of such companies
were formed throughout the county, but as an enumeration
of them would be lengthy and tedious, and as they are con-
nected with no deed of dinger, we will omit all particular
mention of them, and confine ourselves to the town of
York.
As early as Dacembsr 1774, a company was formed im
the town of York, the object of which was to make soldiers
who would be well diciplined for battle in case the disafFec*
(ion then existing towards England, should proceed to o
pen hostilities. The officers of this company were James
Smith, Captain, Tliomns Hartley, first Lieutenant, David
Green, second Lieutenant, and Henry Miller, Ensign.
Eich of those ofiieers thus early attached to the cause of
liberty, was much distinguiahed in the subsequent history of
our country. The fir^st was a signer of the declaration of
indepenJence; the second was a colonel in the revolution^
and for eleven years a member of congress; and the third
and fourth were each distinguished offic.ers, and "acquired
a fame and a name" connected with the cause thej
supported.
The second r.ompmy formed in the town of York was in
February 1 775, the o.Ticers of which were H^irtman Deustch,
Captain ; Mr. Grubb, first Lieutenant; Philip Entler, second
Lieutenant, and Luke Kause, Ensign.
In December 1775, the third company was formed m
York town, euitled "The Independent Light Infantry com-
pany belonging to the first battdion ol York County.''
This company drew up and signed a constitution consist-
ing cf thirty two articles, the original manuscript of which,
with the signatures of all the officers and- soldiers, lies now
before us. k was signed on the ICth of December by
the following persons, James Smith, Colonel; Thomas
Hartley, Lieut. Colonel; Joseph Donaldson, Major; Mi-
chael Swoope, Major; George Irwin, Captain ; John Hay^
first Lieut.; William Baily, second Lieut.; Chrisloph Lauman,
Ensign; Paul Metzgar, Henry Walter, Jacob Girdner, and
John Shultz. Sergeants ; and Wdliam Scott, Clerk : then
follow the names of one hundred and twenty two persons,
private soldiers, a catalogue of which would be too lengthy.
This company was coirimandcd in 1777 by WilUana Baily^
79
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
Ctplain; Cliristoph Laiimin, first Lieut., and William Soofl,
secori.J Lieut.— Mr. J..hn H .y b.ing elected a member of
the state convent. on held in thdtyear.
Conpani.'s were alrendy form' d throughout all the
county, and every thing si)oke of free-nen under arms for
hluTty. B It confining (ourselves to Y .rk-lovvn, we will
mention the other companies which were formed here at
the corn.nence.nent of the revoi-tion. The fourtk compa-
ny was fonned m the sprini^of 1776,& its offi -ers, were Mi-
chael Hahn, Captain; B diz.^r S,rnorler, first Lieut.; Michael
Bdlmeyer second L.eut.; and G orge Michael Spengler,
±.nsio[n. I he A//A campanv was likewise forined in the
spring of 1776, whereof Charles Lukens was C.ptain;
Christian Stake first Lieutenaui; and Cornelius Sherift'
second Lieut, The slxt/i company was formed in
May of ih^ same year, and was commanded by Ciptain
Rudolph Spangler. The first and second companies form-
ed in town, hai long since been d.ssolved, and the soldiers
thereof join.d and becau.e a pnri of the fifth and sixth com-
panies: so that in June 1776, th re were four ditftrent mil-
itary associations of the town of York. Theiih^ird, fourth,
hlth, and sixths companies constituted a part of tho^e five
bntfalir. Of the four companies raised in York
county, David Grier was Capta n of the first, IVI »ses VI'Lean,
of the second, Archibald .VrAllister, of the tliird, the name
of thecapt. of the fourth vve cannot give. These c )n)|)anies,
which were enhsted for fifteen months left the county to fol-
low the f tie of war in the latter end of Vlnrch. In the year 1777
this rejim^nt formed the 1 Ith regiment of the Pennsylva-
nialine, and itsoficerswereTliomas H utley, Colonel; David
Grier, Lieut. Colonel ; and Lewis Biish, Major,
3. Eirly in Miy 1776, a rifle co npany wnich had been
enlisted to serve fifteen months marched from the connty of
York to Philidelphia, where it was attached to Colonel
Miles'* Ilifle Regiment. The Captain of this company was
William M'Pnerson; and the third Lieut, was Jacob Stake.
4. Fa July 1776, five battalions of militia marched from
York County to NdW Jersey. Oat of these five battalions
there were formed in about six weeks after their arrival,
iwo battalions of the flying camp: those who did not be-
long to the camp returned home. The reason of so many
more than there was occasion for, being called forth from
all the counties seems to have been firstly to try the spirit
of the people, and secondly to show the enemy the power
of the nation they warred against.
As the flving camp is closely connected with the lionourg
and thesuff^erings of many men in this county, we wdl briefly
state its history. Congress, on the 3d of June, 1776, -^lie-
solved, that a Flying Camp be immeliately established in
the middle colonies, and that it consist of 10,000 mpn:'"to
complete which number, it was resolved, that the colony of
Pennsylvania be required to furnish of the militia, 6, 000
Maryland, 3, 409
Delaware, 600
10,000
The militia were to be engfiged until the 1st of Decem-
ber following, that is, about six months. The conference
of committees for Pennsylvania, then held at Philadelphia,
resolved on the 14th of June, that 4500 of the militia
80 HISTORY OF rORK COUNTY.
should be embodied, wliich, with the 1500 then in the pay
of the province, would make 6000, the quota required by
Congress. The safne conference on the 25th, recommend-
ed to the associutors of York county to furnish 400 men.
Thus York county furnishing 400
Tlie other counties, and Philadelphia city, in all 4 100
Troops under Coi. Miles, 1500
Made 6000
The Convention of the state, on the 12th of August, re-
solved to add four addiiional battalions to the Flying Camp,
York county being required to furnish 5 1 5 men toward
making out the ntimber of 2984, the amount of the four
new b'ittiiions. O.i the same day, Col. George Ross, Vice
President of the Convention, Col. Thomas Matlack of Phil-
adelphia, and Col. Henry Sjhiegel, of York county, were
chosen, by ballot, cotnaiissioners to go to head quarters iu
New Jersey, and fortn the flying Camp.
The Flying Cimp was accordingly soon formed: it con-
sisted of three brigades. The brigidier general of the
first brigade was Ja/ne.s E»ving of York county; his brigade
consisted of three battalioiis, the first of which was com-
manded by Col. Swope of York County, the second, by
Col. Bull of Chester county; and the third by Col. Watts
of Cumberland coimty, fither of the late David Watts Esq.
of Carlisle. Of the other brigades and butdions, we are
not at present able to speak with much certainty.
As the two battalions forme. 1 from the five battalions of
York county militia which marched to JSew Jersey, under-
went the hard fate of severe war, wc will be somewhat
particular concerning them.
The officers of the Jir'it battalion were Col. Michael
Swope, Lieut. Col. R.)bert Stevenson, and IM ijor William
Daily. It wa-^ composed of eight companies, of each of
which we will give the names of the officers, as far as we
have been able to learn them*.
1st Company. — Michael Schmeiser, Ciptain.
; Zacharinh Shugart, First Lieut.
Andrew Robinson, Second LieuL
William Wayne, Ensign.
IW Company. — Gerhart Graeff, Captain.
LieuteQint Kaufifman.
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. 81
8d Company. — Jacob Dritt, Captain.
Baymiller, First Lieut.
Clayton, Second Lieut.
Jacob Mnyer, En^^ip^n.
4th Company — Christian Stake, Captain.
Cornelius Sheriff, First Lieut.
Jacob Holtzinger, Second Lieut,
Jacob Barnitz, Ensign.
5th Company.— John McDonald, Captain.
William Scott, First Lieut.
Robert Patten, Second Lieut.
Ensign Howe,
6th Company. — John Ewing, Captain.
John Paysley, Ensian.
7th Company. — William Nelson, (^aptaip.
Todd. First Lieut.
Joseph Welsh, Second Lieut.
Nesbit, Ensign.
8th Company. — Captain Williams.
The officers of the second battalion ware Col. Richard
McAlister (father of Archibald McAlister, already mention-
ed) Lieut. Col. David Kennedy, and Major John Clark*
The Captains were Bittinaer, McCarter, McCoskey, Laird,
Wnison and Paxton, from York county. To this battalion
were added two companies from the county of Bucks.
Thus each battalion consisted of eight companies.
The above list, as to both batt dions, is very imperfect ;
but there is not a document in existence by which it can
be made better. The above information, as likewise nearly
all that follows, has been communicated to us by a few men
of silvered hairs, whose memories are still fresh with res-
pect to the warlike hardships and dangers of their more
youthful days.
The battalion of Col. Swope suffered as severely as any
one during the revolution.
The company of Gerhart Graeff belonging to that regi-
* We perceive, by a number of letters, now in our posseseion,
from Gen. Washiniijton, and Gen Greene, ^-c, to Major CJark,
that the latter gentleman stood very hi^h in the confidence and
esteem of the American commander in chief. He was employed,
during the war, in dutie? for which no individual would have
been selected who was not deemed true as steel.
62 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
ment was taken at the baJtle of Long Island, and but eigh-
teen of the men retunied to join the regiment. Not one
of this company is now alive.
But the place which proved the grave of their hopes was |{
Fort AVashington, on the Hudson, near the city of New- *
York. The officers belonging to Swope's battalion, that
were taken at that place on the 16th of November 1776,
were the following fourteen. Col. Michael Swope, Major
AViliiam Baily, Surgeon Humphrey Fullerton, Gapt. Mi-
chael Schmeiser, Capt. Jacob Dntt. Capt. Christian Stake*
('apt. John McDonald, Lieut. Zachariah Shtiorard, Lieut.
Jacob Holtzinger, Lieut. Andrew Rouinsou, Lieut. Robert
Patten, Lieut. Joseph Welsch. Ensign Jacob Barnitz, Ensign
and Aho presided, at dif-
ferent periods, over the executive council of Pennsylvania,
They were elecled and presided in the following order :
1. Thomas Wharton.
2. Joseph Read.
3. John Dickinson.*
4. Benjamin Franklin. |
5. Thomas Mifflin.J
The first election for Governor was held on the L2th of
October, 1790, at which election the votes stood in York
county as follows:
Thomas Mifflin, 1699 votes,
Arthur St. Clair, 29 ••
Thomas Mifflin was elected.
SECOND ELECTION.— October 8, 1793..
F. A. "Vluhlenberg, 1265 votes'
Thomas Mifflin, 712 u
Thomas Mifflin was elected.
THIRD ELECTION.—Octoberll, 1796.
Thomas Mifflin, 1124 votes,
Peter Dinke!^ 12 *i
Henry Miller, U u
F. A.Muhlenberg, i u
Thomas Mifflin was elected.
FOURTH ELECTION.— October S, 1799.
James Ross, of Pittsburg, 2705 votes.
Thomas McKean, 2026 "
Scattering, 4 u
Thomas McKean was elected.
* John Dickinson was the man after whom Dickinson College at
Carlisle, is named He was born in Delaware—was a member of
the assembly of Pennsylvania in 1764— and a member of the first
Congress in 1774. He died in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1808.
t It is needless to tell aa American who Benjamin Franklin
was.
t Thomas Mifflin was a Quaker. Born in 1744. Member of
4he first Congress in 1774. Expelled from the Society of Friends
in 1775, for accepting the office of Quarter Master General. Meip-
ber of the convention which framed the constitution of the United
States in 1787. First Governor of Pennsylvania under the coastitu -
lion of 1790, in which office he continued for 9 yeara. Died in Lan-
$a8ter m January 1800.
404 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTS.
FIFTH ELECTION.— October 12, iSOi.
Thomas McKean, 'l^'^T'
James Ross, of Pittsburg * 4i
Tiioraas McKean was elected.
SIXTH ELECTION.— October 8, 1805.
Thomas McKean, 1883
Simon Snyder, "^^^
James Ro'^s, of Pittsburg, ^
Thomas McKean was elected.
SEVENTH ELECTION.— October 1 1, 1308^
Simon S lyder, ^f^^
James Hoss, of Pittsburg, i^^ *
John Spayd, *^
Simon Snyder was elected.
EIGHTH ELECTION.— October 14, 1811.
Simon Snyder, ^^^^
Scattering, *^
•Simon Snyder was elected.
NINTH ELECTION.— October U, 1814. ^
Simon Snyder, 1^^^
Isaac Wayne, ^"^'
Simon Snyder was elected.
TENTH ELECTION.— October 14, 1817.
William Findlay 2918
Joseph Hiester, iQ^'*
William Findlay was elected.
ELEVENTH ELECTION.— Oct. 10, 1820.
William Findlay, 2621
Joseph Hiester, 2131
Joseph Hiester was elected.
TWELFTH ELECTION.— October 14, 182S.
John Andrew Shultze, 3915
Andrew Grejig, 2166
John Andrew Shultze was elected.
THIRTEENTH ELECTION.— October 10, lSi6.
John Andrew Shultze, 2494
Scattering, 1^*^
John Andrew Shultze was elected.
FOURTEENTH ELECTION.— October IS, I8i».
George Wolf, 1894
Joseph Rimer, "^^^
George Wolf was elected.
HISVOKl OF YORK COL.NTT. 105
I IFTECNTH ELECTION.— October 9, iS3i.
George Wolf, 2367
Joseph Ritner, 236 7
George Wolf was elected.
7\he above sUtemep.t exhi'jits the fluctaotions of politic ii
opinion in t'jis county, and affords several rcmarkp/ole in-
gtanoes of entire revohition ia public opinion ia t. singlo
gubernatorial term of three years. At the first i lociifs broken,
and considerable blood shed: but, fortunately for the hon-
our of the county, no life was lost in the affray, l he Ger>
mans, keeping po^s'session of the ground, gave in their votes
without moleltation: whereby McAlister had an overwheU
mins majority. But this availed not : for Ham, ton was a
S Ta o te of the executive, and was, shortly alter the
^lecUcommissioned as sheriff of the co^n^X <>^ J^^^*^;
and as such he continued untd the 10th of October,
' Hlmilton was, after an interval of three years, again com^
missioned as sheriff, the only instance to be tou.id in the
Tecoids of our county, of an individual serving more than
one term as sheriff. ' ^^^
That the second election in York count, was not con-
dacted n a less, fierce spirit than the first, appears from
Slowing extract from the record "f Jl.e courU^f Qu^-
tor Sessions for the 30th of October, 1750. Whereas,
J **
^14 HISTORY OP YORK COUNlT, '^1
Hans Hamilton, Esq., High Sheriff of this county, hath bJ
his remonstrance in writing to this court set forth, that by\
reason of the tumultuous behaviour of sundry persons at'
he last election held here for this county, and of the bal-
lots or tickets not having been delivered to the inspectors
on th.ee several p.eces of paper, as directed by an act of
the General Assembly of this province, entitled ''an act for
raising the county rates and levies," he could not make
such returns as by the aforesaid act is enjoined : It is there^
fore considered and ordered by the Court here, tha the
commissioners and assessors who served ihis county nhei^
several stations the last year, shall, (in pursuance o^f the acl
^uf\^T^ Hamilton was much honored in the earlv part
r„g o^n '"'"^' "' '^^"^ '' P^^i-^ '- -^« t'- follow-
He became, several years after he had served two terms
Alexande \lcK.l)\UrvfL'-^'}''" '""""'^ '»!
Kk',„\ H.n n ■' ;l ^" ('"''" mimed to Hiigli Mc-
Kea«.)H,,„,Guia,n. George. John, William and Jafnes
Mr. Hamilton was succeeded after his first term b» Fnhn
Adlum, who was elected in O.Uober, 1749 m"" Z, "'',"
rio:x'''7?af\!fdTh'7;f- ""'■-- ^^^^^
bis successors ti U^:^^^':;:^^ ofThe^^T "^
tions respectively: * ^"^'^ ^^^c-
Thornas Hainiiton, pl^n»«^ • r.
ZachRriah SlMu,ard elected in Oct. 1756.
Peter ShuoRrd^ ' ^^*- ^758.
Kobert M i
8 And there was a great slaughter, for the batt.e con-|
tinued until the going down of the sun. ,
9 For the Conradites come forth by hundreds and br 1
Jusands, by their tribes, as sands by the «asUore for muU
litude.
■^he friends of William McClellan.
4The friend* of Henry hchlegel.
tThe friends of Jacob Rud.sel.
ixhe friendsof Conrad ShermiD,
flThe friends of Pliilip Oo»5 kr.
Sxhe friends of Henry MiHer,
**The friends of John Campbell.
^^EliLewia.
nJolin Lukens.
§§Conrad LauU
elected in Oct.
1792.
0(t.
1795.
Oci.
1798.
Oct-
1801.
Oct.
1804.
■ Oct.
1807.
Oct.
1810.
Nov.
1811.
Nov.
1815.
Oct.
1818.
Oct.
1821.
Oft.
1824.
t.
1827.
Oct.
1830.
Oct.
1833.
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. U7
10. And so it was, that the army of the Williamitcs was
discomfit ted.
11. Now the land will have rest for three full yenrs.-'
The *nhree full years" having come to an end, Conrad
Laub was succeeded by
Godfrey Lenhait,
William McClellan,
Nicholas Gehvicks,
John Strohman,
Jacob Ei« helber^er,
iVIichael Klinefelter,
Benjamin Hirsih,
Michael Gardner,
John Kanffelt,
Zachariah Slangier,
Thonias Jameson,
Blichael Doude!,
William Spangler,
Andrew Duncan,
Adam Eichelberger,
CORONERS.
Alexander Love was the first coroner, and continued in
office for five years from 1749, the time of the erection
of the county. He was succeeded by
Archibald McGrew, in the year 1754.
Zachariah Shugard, 17o5-
William Kinjj:, 1758.
Michael Schwaabe, 176l.
.Tohn Adlum, 17G3.
Joseph Adlum, 1764.
Mr. Adlum continued in office fourteen years — the elec-
tion for cot oner in those times was held annually', and
there was no limitation to his term of service. Who was
coroner in 1 779, '80, & '8 1 , the records do not show. Af-
ter that time the succession was as follows:
Jacob Rudisell, 1782.
Ephraim Pennington, . 1784.
Andrew Johnson, 1786.
John Morris, 1790,
Jacob Updegraft; 1796.
George Hi y, 1799.
George Stake, 1802.
lis iiisTorvY OF von:-; county-
Jo^m Spangler, 1806.
Tl»f>mas Jameson, ISOS.
At the election in O^tob^r, igit, the votes f.>r coroner
were 1S93 for ^ti'->hriel Gardner, and 1893 for John Rou*e.
Mr. Gardner, )io'V"vor. being npp'>inted sherift' upon the
ri»signation of B- Hi sch, in ISll, did not receive anj
cornnission a:^ coro!ier. by reason whereof the person then
in office, (Dr. Thomi* Jasjiecoi,) was continued.
John Rouse, 18 t2.
Thomas Jameson, 1816.
Wdnani MclUaine, 181S.
Lake Rou^e, 3801.
Ihjurv Ne^, 1824.
J-^ch Gerrv. 18 SO.
Tb;>odore X'. Halk^ 18S3.
Cli.^FTER XVr.
COMMISSIONERS.
The following is a list of commissioners of York county
wilh the time on which each of tliem was q'lalified or vn-
torcd on the dnties of his oITice.
FIRST CMSS.
Gc irg • Soliw^abe, qualified on O^t. 31. 1740
Bartliolemew Maul, Oct. 29, 175!
Feier Shujrnrd, Oct. 175 i
Martin Eichelberg.r, Oct. 17r>7
James Welsch, Oct. 1760
WiJlir.m Douglas, Oct. 1763
Joseph Updogriflf, Oct. 17''^C
John HeckenJorn, Oct. 31, 1769
Jolui Hav, O'.t. 20, 1771
Mirhael Hahn, O't. 1775
W'i'liam Ross, 177C 7
Hisro:
K-7 YOl:;x CilA'TT.
219
Philifi RotlirC'Ck,
Jacob S( hmt^iser,
Michael Hahn,
Godfri^y Lenhart,
Johij SuengliT,
Josepli VVeLshhans,
John Foi^ylhc,
DiUiiel Sptii^Ier,
CJifistojtiitM- LHun.an,
Abraham Giofliiis,
J!ic<*h HecUtrt,
PcUr SciiJill,
Jat;ob Sjiergler,
h'\\n Bernitz,
iliciiael Doudd^
Henry S< hineiser,
John Vod "Western Ex-
pedition,'* it was to supply his place as commissioner that Mr. Fran-
kelberger was elected for one year.
$Mr. Heckert was appointed till the next election to supply the
See of Samuel Nelson deceased : he was nominated by the com-
"Ts, and the nomination was assented to by the court.
HISTORY Of YORK COUNTY. l2l
Joseph Glancy, Oct. 29, 1804
William Collins, Nov. 6, 180T
John Klein, Nov. 5, 1810
Peter Reider, Nov. 2, 18 IS
Charles Emig, Nov. 5, 1816
Stephen T. Cooper, Nov. 2, 18 i^
Peter Wolfhart, Nov. 1822
Charles Diehl, Nov. 1825
Daniel Kimmel, Nov. 1828
John W. Hetrick, Nov. 1831
Samuel Harnish.* i83S
The clerks to the commissioners have been ten in num-
ber, viz.
John Reed, appointed in October 1 749, and succeeded by
John Redick, appointed in 1757, and succeeded by Henry
. Harris, appointed in October 25, 1757, and succeeded by
William Leas, appointed on October 30, 1764, and succeed-
ed by John Morris, appointed in 1776, and succeeded by
George Lewis Loeffler, appointed in Oct. 1780, and suc-
ceeded by Jacob Spengler, appointed in 1792, and succeed-
ed by Peter Spengler, appointed in 1815, and succeeded
by George W. Spengler, appointed in Nov. 1823, and suc-
ceeded by Daniel Small, the present Clerk, who was ap-
pointed in 1829.
TREASURERS.
The following is a list of the treasurers of York Coun-
ty from the erection thereof until the present time, with the
dates of their appointments or the commencement of their
services.
David McConaughy, appointed in Dec. 1749.
Thomas McCartney, Dec. 1752.
Hugh Whitford, 1754.
Robert McPherson, 1755.
Frederick Gehvicks, Nov. 1756.
•John W. Hetrick, was, in 38S3, appointed prothonotary, and
the two other commissioners, (Jacob Dietzand WilMam Patterson,)
appointed Samuel Harnish to supply the vacancy until the ensuing
election. At the election in 1838, Harnish was chosen to serve
©ut the last year of the time for which Hetrick had been elected.
K
123
HISTORY Off ¥ORK COUJKTT.
William Delap»
John Blackburn,
David McConaugby,
John Blackburn,
*Robert McPheiacn,
Michael Schwaabe,
tMichael Hahn,
John Hay,
Rudolph Spangler,
John Forsyth,
John Strohman,
Peter Kurtz,
George Spangler,
William Nes,
Henry Smyser,
John Voglesong,
Peter Ahl,
Jacob Bayjer,
Daniel HartmaDt
i75r.
Dec
1759.
Oct
1764.
Oct.
1766.
Aue;u6t
1767
Oct.
1769.
-^pril,
1777.
1778.
Oct.
1801.
Nov.
1805.
1808.
Nov.
1811.
Nov.
1814.
Nov.
isir.
Nov.
1820.
Nov.
1829.
Nov.
1826.
Nov.
1829.
Nov.
1832
CHAPTER XVI.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The follcwirg tables exhibit the ncmea of all the justi-
ces of the pesce snd cf the Court of Common Flees for th«
county of York, with the dates of their respective commis-
sions.
•Robert McPherson was appointed to supply the place of John
BiacLburn, doceased.
jExtract from the records of the proceedings of the Commit
sioners, for April 10, 1777. — "Whereas the late treasurer, Michael
Schwaabe, is a priponer of war with the enemy, and is thereby
incapable of exercising and doing the duty of treasurer, and where-
as it is abeolutely necessary that some fit person should be appoint-
ed in the room of the late treasurer, therefore the members pre#-
ent unnaimouely voted in Michael Haho, Esq., to h« treasurer i»
«be room of Michael Schwaabe, £«q.'*
HISTORY OP TORiC OOUKTT.
its
TABLE I.
justices before the Revolution. ^^\ number of the
following gentlemen were cominissioned^icice or more fre-
quently. We give the d^ite of their ^rs^ comniission^ only.
John Day,
commissioaed Sept. 1749
Thomas Cox,
Sept. 1749
John Wright, Jim.
Sept. 1749
George Scliwaabe,
Sept. 1749
Matthew Dill,
Sept. 1749
Hans Hamilton,
Sept. 1749
Patrick Watson,
Sept. 1749
George Sieve nso.n,
Sept. 1749
John Witherow,
April 175 i
Walter Buchanan,
Do.
Jofm Blackbornc,
Do.
John Pope,
Do.
-AViJiiam Griffith,
Do.
Herman Updegraff,
Do.
John Adlutn,
October, 1755
Thomas Armor,
Do.
Richard Brown,
Do.
Hugh Whiteford,
Do.
Michael Tanner,
Do.
Martin Eichelberger,
January, 1760
David Kirkpatnck,
April, 1761
Abraham NesLit,
Do,
Archibald McGrew
Do.
David Jameson,
October, 1764
Michael Schwaabe,
Do.
Samuel John-ton,
Do.
Samuel Edip,
Do.
Matthew Dill, (son of Matthew Dill, who was com-
missioned in 1749.) Do.
James Welsh, Do.
Robert McPherson, Do.
John Smith, Do-
Henry Schlegel, Do.
Thomas Minshail, Do.
Cunningham Sample, Do.
William Dunlop, Do.
Joseph Hutton, Do.
William Smith, December, 1764
3 24 HISTORY OF rORK COUNTT.
Kichard >IcA lister,
March I77i
William Rankin,
Do.
Joseph Updegraff,
Do.
David McConaughy,
April 1774
William Scott,
Do.
Benjamin Donaldson,
Do.
William Bailey,
Do.
William Leas,
Do.
William McCaskey,
September, 1774
Josiah Scott,
Do.
William McLean,
Do.
Thomas Latta,
Do.
TABLE
ir.
Justices since the Revolution, and prior to the forma-
tion of the present Constitution of Pennsylvania. These
commissions were granted by the convention v*'hich framed
the first constitution of Pennsylvania, and by the President
and Council under that Constitution.
Robert McPherson, September, 1776
Martin Eichelberger, Do.
Samuel Edie, Do.
David McConaughy, Do.
Jlichard McAlister, Do.
Henry Schlegel, Do.
Matthew Dill, Do.
William Rankin, Do.
William Leas, Do.
William Bailey, Do.
William Scoit, Do.
William Smith, Do.
William McCaskoy, Do.
Josiah Scott, Do.
Thomas Latta, Do.
William McLean, Do.
John Mickel, Do.
David Jameson, June, 1777
Samuel Ewing. Do.
David Watson, Do.
John Chamberlain, Do.
Andrew Thompson. Do.
JohnHmkeJ, Do.
I
HISTORY OF YORK COLjNTY.
1S5
John Herbaugh,
Robert Stevenson,
Archibald McLean,
James Nailor,
Thomas Douglas,
David Messerley,
Benjamin Pedan,
Joseph Reed,
Thomas Fischer,
Peter Wolf,
Frederick Eichelberger,
Jacob Eichelberger,
William Mitchell,
John Rankin,
David Beatty,
Robert Chambers,
Michael Schwaabe,
George Stake,
Cunningham Sample,
Michael Hahn,
Thomas Lilly,
William Cochran,
Jacob Kudisill
Michael Schmeiser,
William Gilliland,
Daniel May,
Conrad Sherman,
Robert Hamersly,
Jacob Barnitz,
Henry Miller,
David Beatty,
Bernhart Zeigler,
Robert Mcllhanny,
Elihu Underwood,
Jacob Dritt,
June, 1777
Do,
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Sept, 177r
Do.
March, 177S
June, 1779
May, 1780
Do.
Jan. 1781
Nov. 17S2
Do.
Aug. 17;8S
Sept. 1764
Do.
Oct. 17S4
Do.
Do.
Nov. 1784
April, 1785
June, 1765
July, 1735
March, 1786
Aug. 1786
June. 1787
Do.
May, 1788
June, 1788
Sept. 1789
TABLE HI.
Justices of the Peace under the present Constitution.
Those who resided when commissioned, within the pres-
ent limits of thejirsf district,* composed of York Borougi*
*The legislature on the 4th of April 1803, required the com-
jciasionurs ot the differeut couaties to lay mi their counties i»t>
3S€
BISTORT OF YORK COUNTY.
and Township, and part
Andrew Billmeyerj
Conrad Laub,
William McLean,
Jacob Hay,
George Lewis heofRetj
Andrew Johnson,
John Forsythe,
Jacob Heckert«
Peter Mundorff,
Jacob Le fever,
Ignatius Leitner,
Kphraim Penington,
John Strornan,
Thopnas Whitaker^
George Haller, — —
Daniel Heckert,
Joseph Morris,
Henry Schaeffer,
Charles F. Fischefy
Martin Boyer,
John Youse,
Louis Shive,
Henry Riithrauf!', — '
Penrose Robinson,
George Klinefelter,
Francis IVIcDermott,
Jacob Seitz,
Philip Saiyscr,
of Springgarden, were
commissioned Aug. 29, i?9l
Dec. 14, 1792
Do.
Oct. 6, 1794
Nov. 6, 1795
Do. I
June 2, 1799 I
June 18, 1800 1
April 2, 1802 f
April 2, 1804
April 1, 1806
Sept. 30, 1803
Feb. 15, 1809
Jan. 3, 1811
Nov. 1, 1813
May 15, 1815
Feb. 14, 1917
March 31, 1817
Dec. 17, 1819
Nov. 1, 1820
April 5, 1821
July 17, 1821
Aug. 3, 1821
Get. 31, 1921
Dec. 9, 1823
Dec. II. 1823
Dec. 12, 1823
March 10, 1825
districts for justices of the peace. & to make returns to the Secretary
&c. containing the number and deacription of the bounds of each
district, the nun)ber of acting justices in each, and, as near as might
be, the place of their residence. la pursuance of this request, the
commissioners of York county met, and after having divided the
county into fourteen districts, and collected the information requir-
ed completed their report and set their hands and aflBxed the seal of
office thereto on the 26th of October, 1803. From the report it ap-
pears at that time there were 6540 taxables in the couuty and
ctiog justices.
HJStORY Of 'fOEE CoV^tt, lH
John Smith, March 26, 1824
Anthony Kniseiy, March 26, 1824
Michael Gardfier, March 21, 1825
Francis McDermott, Nov. 9, 1825
Zachariah Spanglerj Aug. 25, 1828
George Laurnan, Nov. lO, 1829
Benjamin Lanius, Dec. 10, 1829
Jacob Eichelbergerj Dec. 14, 1829
Jacob Lehmanj February 19, 18S0
John A. Wilson, ^.i^ ' Jan. 2S, 1832
John Sliaeffer, Feb. 25, 1833
Benjamin Zeigler, Do.
SECOND DISTRICT.
Composed of the townships of Heidelberg and Manheim?
inchiding the borough of Hanover.
Philip Wolfhart, [The commission is not to be found on re*
cord.l
Henry Welshj
Oct. 29, 1795
John Hinkel,
Jan. S, 1803
Michael Hellmatij
April 1, 1805
Anthony Hinkel?
Feb. 15, 1809
Peter Reider,
May 6, 1814
John Hoshauer^
Dec. 9, 1816
David Shuhz,
Dee. 18, 18l6
John L. Hinkel,
March 14, 181?
Peter Storm,
Dec. 21, 1818
Michael Lechner,
Feb. 2^, 1819
David T. Storm,
Dec. 11, 182G
Charles T. Melsheimer;,
Feb. 18, 1822
Michael Bucher, Jun,
Nov. 27. 2 82$
Peter Overdeer,
May 5, 1824
Luther H. Skinner,
Oct. 20, 1825
George Freysinger,
Oct SI, 1825
John Maulj
Aug. 12, 1831
THIRD DISTRICT,
Composed of the townships uf
Newberry and Fair-
view.
Martin Shettcf,
April 2 S, 1792
Henry Greiger,
March 8, 8796
Michael Simpson,
April 1 9, 1197
Robert Hamefsiijr,
Feb. 1®, nn
J^g HISTORY OF 70I\K COUNTY.
James Todd, March 28, WJO
John Soence, April 1, 1805
Adam Kister, -Jan. 1, 1807
Michael Hart, March 30, 180<^
Robert Thornburg, March 29, iSlS
Isaac Kirk, Feb. 2, 1814
Frederick Stoner, Bee. 23, 1814
Mills Hays, Aug. 13, 1817
Isaac Spence, March 2, 1818
George A?hton, Jan. 7, 1820
Henry Etter, Oct. 17, 1822
William Ciilbertson, Jan. 19,1823
John C. G.oom, Feb. 7, 1825
John Rankin, May 2, 1827
Jacob Kirk, Jun. April 15, 1830
John G. Kister, April 4, 1831
John Thompson, March 30, 1831
James Nichols, April 2 4, 1833
Jacob Smith, Do.
Joseph McCreary, Jan. 30, 1834
FOURTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the townships of Chanceford and Lower
Chanceford.
William Morrison*^
Oclober 1, 1799
William Ross,
[Comraisson not recorded.]
James Patterson,
June 18, 1800
Joseph Herr,
April 1, 1805
William Morrison,-
— - .
April 1, 1800
William Douglass,
Oct. 20, 1808
John Geben,
March 22, 1811
John Finley,
Oct. 9, 1814
John Lane,
Jan. 11, 1816
Hugh Long,
Feb. 4, 1818
Samuel Nelson,
Dec. 11, 1820
Andrew Clarkson,
April 1, 1822
Andrew Duncan.
Do.
Hugh Ross,
March 31, 1823
FIFTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the
townships
of Warrington and VVash-
ingtoQ.
Jl. Underwood^
Aug. 29, 1791
HISTORY OF YORK COU?fTY 129
John Hippel, June 18, 1800
William Squibb, Oct. 24, 1807
George Hiiber, March 29, ] 808
Frederick Herraan, March 28, 18U
David Bauer, Dec. 9,* l 82S
Jacob Strickell, j)o_
William Ross, March 5, 1830
John S. Smith, May 23, 1633
. Abraham Griffith, Feb 7 1834
SIXTH DISTRICT. * '
Composed of the townships of Monaghan and Frank-
lin.
Thomas Black, l^ov. 22 1797
Francis Culbertson, March 28,1799
John Blackley Jones^ • Dec. 9 1799
David Meyer, March 10^ I8l3
Wiilium McMillan, Jan. 9, 18 16
William Divin, Jan. 24, 1818
Peter Wolfhart, March 15, 1820
Matthew Black, April 1, 1822
Hugh O'Hail. Do.
Hugh McMullen, Dec, 5, 1823
Daniel Bailey, June 19, 1827
Robert Hamersly, April 23, 1829
Thomas Godfrey, Sept. 24, 1829
James O'Hail, July 15, 1334
SEVENTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the township of Shrewsbury including
Strasburg.
Henry Rehman, June 18, 1800
Caleb Low, April 2, 1807
George Klinefelder, JVov. i, 1813
Jacob Rothrock, May le, 18IS
Joshua Hendricks, Do.
Jacob Rothrock. June 10, 1822
Henry Snyder, S3pt. 15, 1823
Jacob N. Hildebrand, . May 8, 1S.S3
EIGHTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the township of Codorus.
John Brien, Aug. 21, 1797
June 18,
1800
Dr
April 2,
1802
March 15,
1809
March 18,
1817
March 99,
1S21
Way 28,
1823
Feb. 23,
1883
Feb. «5,
1883
March 1,
18S4
ISO HISTORT OF YORK COUNTT.
Henry Miller,
Johtt Drexler,
Henry Strickhauser,
Peter Reidar,
John Hendrick,
Graham McCamant,
Daniel Lease,
George Fisher,
Jefferson Droiit,
Jacob D eh off,
NINTH DISTRICT.
C)n:iposed of the townships of Dover and Conewago
John Sfiarp, [Commission not recorded.]
John Bull,
Henrv Stover,
William Caldwell,
John McCreary,
John Aughinbaugh,
Koss Bull,
TENTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the township of Paradise*
William Zicgler,
Henry Meyer,
Jacob Ernst,
Henry Buse,
ELEVENTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the townships of Manchestej
chectcr.
Yost Herbach,
George Philip Zeigler,
Andrew Ritter,
John Weyer,
Frederick Eichelbergcr,
John Qiiic-kell,
Adam Wol(f.
John Weyery
Jacob Sinyser,
Charl«3 Bishop,
Anthony Dessenbcrger,
Cornel C.Bonham,
Dec
3,
1799
Feb.
15,
1809
Jan.
SO,
1814
Jane
10,
1823
Dec.
9,
1823
Dec.
13,
1823^
A"g.
25,
1796
July
11.
1809
June
11,
1810
April
4,
1833
and West Maa-
Drtc.
^0,
179 4m
1799f
Mav
21,
Dec
..8,
1799
June
18,
1800
Jan.
7,
1805
Dec.
19,
1808
March 2 4,
1817
Apn
12,
1813
June
12,
1822
March 26,
182 4
Feb
. 6,
1833
March
25,
1833
BISTORr OF YORK COUKTT. tSl
TWELFTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the townships of fleiltun and Windsor and
pnrt of Springgarden.
Henry TysoD, April 10, 1793
SamuclJago, June 20, 1797
Jacob Licbhart, Dec. 10, 1799
Henry Lie bhart, June 18, 1800
Christian Rathfon, Jan. 2, i804
^'^ ,'•''-' ^'",^'' April 1, 1806
Matthias Baker, March IS, 1«09
John Welschans, Maich 29, 1813
William Wilson, March 2, 1818
Wilham White, March 2, 18:21
Christian Haniaker, March 2, 1822
Samuel Johnson, March 26 1824
Jacob Fiics, p^
John Ruby, Feb. 26,*1828
Adam Paules, Aug. S, 1829
Geoige Addig, j^^^ 7^ leso
George Shei.berger, lyiay 23, 18SS
Samuel LandeF, jujy jg 1934
THIRTEENTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the township of Hopewell.
William Smith,*
Andrew Duncan [Commission not recorded.]
Thomas Jordan, A^,„ jO 1800
^,^'^" Smith, Aug. 16, 1821
AdamEbaugh, Feb. 6, 1834
Henry Fulton, Feb. 11,1834
Sampson ^nntb, Aprils, 18g4
FOURTEENTH DISTRICT.
Composed of the townfihips cf Fawn and Peach Bottom.
Jacob GibEon, [Cc^mission not recorded.]
^»S^y«^» March 7, 1799
27\\f^t^wcVLfT^Z^^ in the report of the cciBn^isdoiierB of
^th Uct. 18C8; and thty def^cnU his residence as being nearly in
J^-.^j'w.r'i*"^ Hopewell townshii,.- When his con.imKicnis a
fn-rTn fJ.T*'^''" /^0P«^€" wasisBi^ed, I cannot find: but
«n 7ih ^ec. 1764 be was for the first lime commissioned as a JudM
of the Courts of York County ; and after the revolution he was re-
K «♦ I'.Si^^'Vx.*^ ^^* "f * ^^^^^ °^ 1«^^ J^'^e 1777, and on 17th
o«Ji\ 7 \v^5" upright magistrate, and unshaken friend of hk
to Wt£ %\XhI '"'^''' ''^'*""^' ""'^ '"^ ''''"^' ''*'
132
HISTORY OF TORK CQVNTX.
William Anderson,
James Walton,
John Livingston,
Samuel Jordan,
James Wilson.
James Johnson,
Robert Cunningham,
William Coultson,
Joseph James,
James Ramsey,
Samuel Irsvin,
Joseph Bennet,
Thomas Henderson,
March 29,
Do.
Dec. 20,
Dec. 5,
Jan. 24,
March 1,
March 3 J,
Dec. 9,
March 26,
March 5,
July 8,
April 4,
Feb. 20,
180>J
1810
1815
1818
1820
4823
1823
1824
'1830
1830
1832
1S34
CHAPTER XVH.
CENSUS OF YORK COUNTY,
At all eniamerations^ between 1790, and 18^0^
inclusive.
In 1790, there were
Free white males, of 16 years and up-
wards, including heads of fami-
lies, 9,213
Free white males under 16, 9,527
Free white females, including heads of
families, 17,671
All other free persons, 837
Slaves, 499
Total number,
37;747'
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. ISS
CENSUS OF 1800.
Free white males^
under 10 years of age,
4,280
of 10 and nnder 16,
2,126
of 16 and nnder £6,
2,146
of 26 and nnder 45,
2,480
of 45 and upwards,
1,726
Total, free white males, 12^758
Free white females,
under 10 years of age, 4^248
of 10 and under 16,' 9,061
of 16 and under 26, 2,202
of 26 and under 45, 2,305
of 45 and upwards, 1,645
Total, free white females, 12,456
To which, add, males 12,758
Total free white population, 25,214
All other free persons, including Indians
not taxed, 352
Slaves, 77
Total population in 1800, 25,643
CENSUS OF 1810.
Free white males, 15,919
Free white females, 15,410
Total, whites, 31,329
All other free white persons, 607
Slaves, ' 22
Total population in 1810, 31^958,
I«t4 HISTORT OP YORK COUNTT.
CENSUS OF 1820.
Free white males, 19,256
Free white females, 18,704
All other white persons, 12
Total white population, 37,972
Free persons of color, males, 382
Do. females, 399
Slaves, males, 2
Do. females, 4
Total population in 1820, 38,75^
Of the population in 1820? there were
Foreigners, not naturalized, 509
Persons engaged in Agriculture, 5,710
Do, Do. Manufactures, 2^796
Do. Do. Commerce, 106
And the population to the square mile t
was 43
CENSUS OF 1830.
BY TOWNSHIPS
Codorus,
2429
Conewago,
1093
Dover,
1874
East Manchsster,
2198 ,,
Fairview,
1892 1
785 ^
Fawn,
Franklin,
1003
Hellam,
1876
Hanover Borough,
998
Heidelberg,
1528
Hopewell,
1941
Lower Chanccfordj,
1051 ,
Manheim,
1361 J
53ISTORT or YOBK COUHtT, 155
Monaglian, i2\4»
Newberry J 1856
Paradise, 1819
Peach Bottom, ^^^
Shrewsbury, ^^^ ^
Springgarden, IGOS
Upper Chanceford, 11'/''
Washington, 1^37
Warrington, 1229
Westmanchester, 1269
Windsor, ^760
York, 1181
York Borough, 4216
42,859
Population in 1830 to the square mile, 4J
CHAPTER XVIII.
PROTHOXOTARIES.
The following is a list of the Prothonotarics
«)f the court of Common Pleas for the county of
York, with the years of their several appoint-
ments to office.
George Stevenson,
appointed in 1749
Samuel Johnston,
1764
Archibald M'Lean,
1777
Henry Miller,
1786
Joh-nEdie,
11794
i36 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
Charles William Hartley, 1800
William Barber, 1806
Michael W. Ash, 1823
Jlichard Porter, _ 1830
John W. Iletrick, 1833
CLERKS TO THE COURT OF QUAR
TER SESSIONS.
George Stevenson, appointed in 1740
Samuel Jolinston, 1764
Archibald M'Lean, 1777
Henry Miller, 1786
John Edie, 1794
Charles W. Hartley, 1800
William Barber, 1S06
Adam King, 1818
Robert Hamersly, 1821
Adcxm King, 1823
Jacob Spangler, 1827
Jacob B. AVentz, 1830
CLERKS OR REGISTERS TO THE
ORPHANS' COURT.
George Stevenson,
appointed in
1749
Samuel Johnston,
1764
Archibald AL'Lean,
1777
Henry Miller,
178(5
John Edie,
179 i.
Charles W. Hartley,
1800
William Barber,
1806
Adam King,
1818
Robert Hamersly,
1821
Adam King,
1823
Jacob Spangler,
1827
Jacob B. Wentz,^
1^30
HISTOHY OP YORK COUNT?, US'?
REGISTERS.
The registers for the probate of wills and for
granting letters of administration, are as fol
lows:
George Stevenson, appointed in 1749
Samuel Johnston, 1764
Archibald M'Lean, 1777
Jacob Barnitz, 1785
Jacob B. WentZj 1824
Frederick Eichelberger, 1829
William P. Fisher, 1830
Jesse Spangler, 1830
Michael Doudel, IbSS
RECORDERS OF DEEDS.
George Stevenson, appointed in I749
Samuel Johnston, 1764
Archibald M'Lean, 1777
Jacob Barnitz, 1785
Jacob B. Wentz, 1824
Frederick Eichelberger, 1829
Charles Nes, 1830
NOTARIES PUBLIC.
The Legislature of Pennsylvania, on the
5th of March 1791, directed the appointment
of notaries public in different parts of the state.
Those of York county are as follows, viz.
John Doll, appointed in 179I
John Morris, (father) 1792
John Morris, (son) 1806
George Carothers, 1810
George W. Spangler, 1814
Henry Schaeffer, 1818
Charles F. Fisher, 1820
JS8 HISTORY OF YORK CODXTY,
CHIEF RANGER.
George Stevenson, who was so much honoured in the
early clays of this county,* supported an office vviiich is
now unknown to our laws. James Hamilton, deputy gov-
ernor of Pennsylvania, constituted him on the 7th of Jan-
uary 1750, Chief R(ing€r of and for the county of York:
granting ''full power and authority to range, view and
inspect all our v/oods and lands within the said county,
and to seize, take up, and appropriate to our use all and
every such wild colts or young horses, cattle, and swine,
as shall be found within the bounds of said county, that are
not marked by the owners of their dams, and are liable to
be seized by law; and also all marked strays for which nolj
lawful owner can be found, that may be taken up in the*'
said county; and to publish every such stray in the most
public places oftiiesaid county for the space of one year,
and also keeping some public mark of their being strays
for the said space about them hereby requiring you to sue
and prosecute all persons presuming to act contrary to law
in cutting down or destroying any of our timber-trees or
wood, or that shall in any wise invade the powers hereby
granted to you within the said county/'
This commission of Chief Ranger induces us to trans-
cribe a few passages connected therewith from the records
of Quarter Sessions for the county.
*'Mose3 Wallace of Chanceford township, his marks for
horses, cattle, sheep, swine &c. acfop on the left ear &c.
Brand an I on the near shoulder and buttocks. April 25th^
5751."
**James Hefiick, his marks, a crop and slit on the of
ear, and a slit in the near ear. Brand a fleur-de-luce,
on the n«ar buttocks. May 2d 1751"
*'AlexanderCieiu;hton, Shrewsbury township, his brand
fcr horses kc, A. C. on the near buttocks; and marks for
cattle, slieep, swine &c. a crop in the off ear, a half penny
ont of the forepart t)f the near ear. June 26th 1751." ' ii
''The milks of Jacob Shelter's hogs and cattle; the off' ear I
cropt, and the near slit. Entered the 10th of January
^757.''
•Stevenson, besides beina: Prothonotary, Re£;iater and Recorder,
Justice, & ; Ulc. wns I kewise Ihe first deputy surveyor of th*
€«aixty, he bsjuo; coiomiat'ioued as such on the 20th of Oct 1749.
c.
e,|!
HISTORY OF TORE COUNTY. 1 S9
CHAPTER XIX.
DELEGATES TO CERTAIIV PROVIN^
ClAL AIVD STATE COlVVENTlOJ^fS,
FROM THE COUNTY OF YORK.
1. The provincial meeting of deputies from the several
counties, which was held at Philadelphia on the 15th of
July 1774, and was continued by adjournments from daj
to day:
James Smith,
Joseph Donaldson,
Tiiomas Hartley.
2. The provincial convention which was held at Phila-
delphia on the 23d of January 1776, and was continued by
adjournmenls until the 28th of the same month:
James Smith, Esq.,
Thomas Hartley,
Joseph Donaldson,
George Eichelberger,
John Hay,
George Irwin,
Michael Schmeiaer.
S. The provincial conference of committees at PhiJa-
delphia, which begaa on the 18th of June, 1776, and was
fonlinued until the 25th of the same month:.
Col. James Smith,
Col. Robert McPherson,
Col. Richard McAlister,
Col. David Kennedy,
Col. William Rankin,
Col. Henry Schlegel,
Mr. James Edgar,
Mr. John Hay,
Capt. Joseph Read.
4. The convention which was held at Philadelphia ©b
the 15th of July 1776, and was continued by adjournments
wntil the 27th of the following September. (This conven-
sion framed the first constitution of the State of Pennsylya^
»ia.) . '
John HajTj
140 BISTORT OP YORK COUNTY.
James Ed^ar,
William Kankin,
Henry Si- 1 1 lege!,
James Snvith,
Robert McPherson,
Joseph Donaldson.
5. The council of censors, the first day of whose meet-
ing was on the lOtli of November, 1783: ^
Thomas Hartley, J
Kichard McAlister. '
6. The c* nvention which framed the second constitu-
tion of the commonweaUh of Pennsylvania, viz. that of 2d
September 1790.
Henry Miller,
Henry Sthlegel,
William Read,
Benjimin Tyson,
Benjrimin Pedan,
Matthew Bill.
FAIRS.
These joyful institutions are mentioned very early in the
kjBtory of our town. Even in the original instructions for
Uyingit out are these remarkable words. *'The privilege
•fa fair shall be granted, for which purpose I desire to be
certified the most convenient times twice in a year for the
sale of cattle.'' The grant of this privilege however, on
•ccount of the sparsity of population, was for some time
delayed. But when nature had became more divested of
her rude attire, and the land had increased in the multi-
lude of its inhabitants, our sturdy fathers began soberly to
think on the enjoyment of that privilege to which many of
Ihem had been acctistomed before their emigration to this
^ildernegg. At length what they wished for, was obtain-
ed. Thomas Penn, then lieutenant governor of Pennsyl-
T%iMa, complied with their requests on the 29th of October^
^7^; such U the date of the iastument, gigned by him at
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. 141
Philadelphia. A {3art of this charier of privileges is as fol-
ows.
•'Whereas it hag been represented to us that it would hs
of great service and utility to the inhabitants of the town
and county of York, thit two fairs be held yearly in the
said town, for baying- and selling go^ih, wares, merchan-
dize, and cattle; Kii9iv ye^ that we, fivouring- the reasonable
requestor the inhabitants, and considering the fl)urishing
state to which the town hath arrived through their industry,
have, of our free will, granted, and do, by these presents,
for us, our heirs, and successors, grant to the present and
succeeding inhabitants of the town, that they shall and may,
forever hereafter, have and keep in the said town, two
tairs in the year, the one of them to besiin on the ninth
day of June yearly, to be hell in High Street, and to^
continue that day and the day fallowing*, and the other of
the' said fiiirs iQbe held, in the aforesaid place, on the se-
cond day of November, every year, and the next day at ■
ter it, with all the liberties and customs to such fairs belong=«
ing or incident."
This charter was received as a high & peculiar blessing.
Travelling dealers in small wares tjien found themselves,
with a punctual devotion, at these semiannual congrega-
tions. But as the number of stated merchants increased,
our ancient and venerable institutions began to be shorn of
their glory. Yetwlien,in ir8r,the town was erected into
a borough, the legislature particulaily continued this privi-
lege of our fathers, unto their children. But manners were
changing; one part of the community was growing more re'-
lined, and another more corrupted; fairs had degenerated
from the primitive purity of former years, and become but
a scene of a wild merriment or of a riotous commotion*
At last on account of the degeneracy of the times, the leg-
islature on the 29th of January 1816, prohibited the hold*-
ing of fairs within the borough of York, and declared such
holdincr to be a common nuisance.* Yet bo great is the
*riie iin-Ti-^ixte cauje of tho prohibition wm this. On the 23th
of Ovtober IS 15, bein^ the day of the autu:na fair, a yciung 0»an
named Robert Dunn, lost his life in a very melancholy tnaiincC'
At the court in Novenibor following-, when three peraons were of-
rai^ne'i for the murder of Dunn, the Grand Jury presented the
hoidin^? of fairs as a public nuisance. In January 1316, the persoru
who had before been arraigned, received their trial, the end of
3 42 HIStORY OF YORK COUNTY.
inveteracy of ancient custom, the former stated days are e-
ven now but too punctually obsei ved. A few years hence
the observance of these institutions will have ceased as to
our county; those who succeed us, may, proud in their own
belief, look upon these days as times of a rude and unpol-
ished wilderness.
*'RATES IN TAVERNS."
1
. The general assembly of Pennsylvania, considering that
Inn-holders See. exacted excessive rates for their wine, pro-
vender, &,c. made a law on the 3 1st of May 17 1 8, by which
the justices of the peace, in their quarter sessions, should
set such reasonable prices as they should see fit. The jus-
tices of York County on the 2Sih of January 1752, estab-
lished the following rates and prices: we give them in an
extract taken word for word from the records of the Court
of Quarter Sessions.
"One quart sangaree made with one pint of >
good Madeira wine and with loaf sugar, )
A bowl of punch made with one quart water )
with loaf-sugar and good Jamaica spirits, )
One pint good Madeira wine,
One pint good Vidonia wine,
One pint of good Port wine,
One quart of mimbo made with West-India }
rum and loaf-sugar, ^
One quart of mimbo made with New-England }
rum, end loaf sugar, j
One gill of good West-India Rum,
One gill of good New-England Rum,
One gill of good whiskey.
One quart of good beer,
One quart of good cider,
which was a conviction of manslaughter. Petitions were now pre-
sented to the legislature, who con^plicd with the wishes of every
honest citizen.
s.
D.
1.
6.
((
1.
6.
a
1.
3.
li
0.
10.
a
1.
0.
0. 10.
0. 9.
C(
0.
4
u
0.
S
((
0.
2
a
0.
4
ti
0.
4
ll
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTT. 14S
One man's breakfast, " 0. 6.
One man's dinner, " 0. 8.
One man's supper, " 0. 6.
One horse at hay twenty four hours, " 0. 10.
One horse at hay one night, " *0. 8.
Half a gallon of good oats, " 0. 3.
*'The above rates were settled by the court and proclaim-^
ed by the crier in open court of general quarter sessions, in
pursuance of an act of general assembly of this province in
such case made and provided."
The above continued for some years to be ihe tavern
rates within the county of York. But the statutes requiring
them, have long since been repealed; and inn-holders are
now permitted, as they ought to be, like other personsj tq
regulate their own prices.
CHAPTER XX,
COURTS.
The first Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peac«
for the County of York, was holden at York, on ''the
thirty first day of October, in the twenty third year of the
reign of our sovereign Lord, George the Second, by the
Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King,
Defender of the Faith, &c. Anno Domini 1749. Before
John Day Esquire, and his Associates, Justices of the
said court" &c. The second court of Quarter Sessions was
held on iheSOth of January 1750.
The earliest records of *'An Orphans' Court held at
York, for the county ofYork are dated on the first day of JNToy,
in *Hhe twenty third year of the reign of our sovereign
Lord, George the second, by the Grace of God, of Great
Brit ain, Fiance and Ireland King, Defender of the Faitii
144 HISTORY OP TORK COUNTY.
&c. Anno Domini ore (liousand Fevtr hundred and for-
ty nine, Before Jdin Day, Thomas Cox, and Palrirk
Watson Esquires, Justices &.c."
The court of Ccn^.mon Plecs was organized in October
1749, and the £rst suit \m.s brought an January term
1750.
The first pnnel of Jurors for York County was return-
ed by Hans H.-milton on the 3 1st ef Octol er 1749. Ihe
jurors were ef\en'.efn in nunber, and these were their
u&niGF, viz. ]Michi;el M'Crtaiy, Wjllirm IVrLellan, James
Agrew, Kidard Proctor, Ihgh lirighiim, John Pope,
James Hall, William Prector, William Betty, Nathan
Dicks, Jen m Loi;chndge, Ihcnias Hosock, Tiicmas Stl
iick. Scmoel Mocre, Jianes Smith, Kithiird Brown, and
Thomas Neily.
Though courts were regulaily held from the first erec-
tion of the coui ty, yit a ccuitheuj-e was not built till {i
seme years afteiwaids. The legii^l.Tiure on the 19ih off
August, 1749, apjointcd Thon^as Cox, Michael T;mnfr,
George Schwa; be, Nathan Hi:ssey and J< hn Wright,
trustees to jure hcise ''a piece of land in srme conveni-
ent place in the county, to be r)prov(d cf Ly the gover-
nor," ''and thereon to erect a courthouse and prison suffi-
cient to acccnimedate the public service of the county
and for the ease and convenience of the inhcbitants.'"
Nothing however was efiectually done towards buildiig
the courthouse until the year 1754. In that year l};o
commisf-icneisof the county made an acreemeiit with Wil-
liam Willis of Manchester township, biirklaycr, to build
the walls cf tlie he use; with Henry Claik ol W^arrington
township, to saw and deliver the scantlings, for the build-
ing, and moreover with John Mecm and Jacob Klein, car-
penters of Yoik town, to do all the joiners and carpenters
work. Robert Jones engaged to bring 7C00 shingles from
Philadelphia; and in like manner many oilier particular a-
greements were made. The work, however, progressed but
slowly; for the building was not cempleted till early in the
jear 1756.* The building thus erected still stands, though
n his been a number of times ''internally rcgenernted.-'
*Th» towD clock, which graces th« court-hous«, WM obtaia»dift
It)* y«ar 1819.
HIS TOUT OF YORK COUNTY. 146
Before the erection of the building, the courts were held
in private houses. The commissioneis* usually held their
meetings at the house of George Schwaabe.
DISTRICT COURT.
?n 1826 a district court was established for the counties
of York and Lancaster, of which the Hon. Ebenezer G.
Bradford was appointtd president judge, and Alexander
Thompson, associate. Judge Thompson being appointed
president jndge of the common ];leas of the 16th judicial
district composed of the counties of Franklin, Bedford and
Somerset, the Hon. Alexander L. Hays was appointed his
successor.
In 1833, York and Lancaster were formed into separate
districts and a judge appoint* d lor each district. I'he Hon.
Alexander L. Hays was appointed judge of the Lancaster
(district, and the Hon. Daniel Dnrkee e precipitated into the flood.
The torrent now rolled through the streets of York, as
thouo;h the fountains of the great deep had been broken up.
The Codorus had swollen into a mighty river — it was froia
166 ■ HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY.
^ quarter lo a half mile wide, and deep enough to float thd
proudest war-ship that rides the ocean. On came the tor-
rent, bearing on its broad bosom trophies of the ruin and de-
struction it had already spread throughout the region of its
inarch. Bridges, the wood-work of dams, mills, liouses,
barns, stables, &c., from the country above, all, in rapid suc-
cession, came floating through the town.
House after house either rose on the water and was borne
off" or was undermined and sunk beneath the waves. As
the small and less strong houses were most exposed to dan-
ger, their inhabitants betook themselves to those which were
more fortified against the element. Many beat holes from
room to room, thereby asrendiui; to the tops of their dwel-
lings •, arid then, by jurriping from roof to roof, they escaped.
in some instances, the houses deserted were swept away in
less than a minute from the time they were left.
The houses in which the people mostly collected for
safety, were Mrs. Vlargaret Doudle's, Jesse Spangler's and
Jesse Love's. There were eight persons saved in .VI rs. Dou-
dle's house-, six in Mr. Spangier's; and between twenty-
five and thirty in Mr. Love's. The people in these houses
remained for nearly four hours in continued expectation
of instant death ; for the houses stood in the midst of a
current which was on all sides overthrOwitlg buildings ap-
parently as firm as they. These houses, with several oth-
*3rs, were watched from the shore with a breathless anxiety ;
hut though one corner after another had given, or was giv-
ing way, yet enough remained to secure the lives of those
who were in them and upon them.
Helpless relatives and friends were seen extending their
arms from roofs and windows for assistance, expecting that
♦ he house which sustained them, would instantly yield be-
neath them, or float down the torrent. The cries of the
Jiving and the dying were heard on all sides; and every one
tvas taking, in breathless agony, a last look at some dear
object of affection.
It would be a labor almost endless to recount all the
hair-breadth escapes, and to detail every deed of individual
prowess, for which this day will long be mentioned with a
melancholy and a tearful recollection. Every thing which
human power could etfect, was done to aid and to save
There were a few men whose exertions on this occasion en-
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. 167
titles them to honorable notice. Messrs. Penrose Robinson
and John Wolf secured two coloured people who were
floating down the torrent on the roof of a house, at the risk
oftheirown lives. Messsrs Seacrist, Eichelberger, Leitner,
Cookes, Hart, Doughen, Delterman, and John Miller
exerted themselves in boats, like heroes, fearless of the
waves, and despising danger.
There were ten peisons who lost their lives by this flood;
they were Mr. Hugh Cunningham and lady, Mr. Daniel Up-
degraff (formerly editor of a paper entitled ''The Expositor")
Master Samuel Eichelberger (son of Maitin Eichelberger,)
aged about 15 years, a Miss Colvin of York county, a child
of Mr. John F. Williams, aged about two years j and four
persons of colour.
Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham, and Samuel Eichelberger were
found in one and the same room, lying dead side by side.
They were in part of Mrs. xMcClellan's house, which was lodg-
ed a few perches from the channel against a tree. Out of
this hou.se, Mrs. McClellan had been taken but a few min-
utes before it was carried away. Mr. Joseph Wren, a sol-
dier of the revtdution, was found alive in the garret of the
same house.* Mrs.Williams' child was thrown from its cradle
in sight of its mother, who was herself saved with difficulty.
The following is a list of most of the buildings that were
ruined or carried off*ijy the flood, between Water and New-
berry streets.
Michael Doudel's large currying shoj), tan-house &c. an<^
his stock of hides and leather, all swept away,
Jacob Barnitz's stone brewery, destroyed.
Samuel Welsh's brick brewery (with all its contents)
nail-factory, and out-houses,* carried off"; and the brick
dwelling house much injured.
Jesse Spangler's hatter shop, stable, and out houses de-
stroyed; and his dwelling house (occupied by him as a taT-
ern) ruined.
Mr. Schlosser's brick dwelling-house, stable, and oul
house destroyed.
Josph Morris' kitchen, stable, and out-houses destroyed:
his dwelling house greatly injured.
Mrs. Morris' stable and out-houses destroyed; dwellings
house injured.
*)ise chapter wnder headof "Pensioners.**
168 HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY.
Mr. HaLtz's tavern, (orcnpied by Thomas Smith) stablcy
^lieds, and out-houses carried off: the tavern and back-
buildings, all of brick, nearly ruined.
Peter RuhPs dwelling-house, kitchen, and stable cairi-
ed off.
John F. Williams' brick grocery store, brick kitchen, sta-
ble, and out-houses destrc>y< d : dwellin|:-h(iuse ruined.
Alexander Underwood's kitchen, stable, and out-houses
destroyed*, dwelling-liouse very much injured.
Messrs. Jef^sop's and Davis's jeweller's shop carried
off.
Jonathan Jessop's cotton wnre-honse, with a large quan-
tity of cotton •, his stables, and out-houses, all carried off.
John Elgar's nail-factory, stable, and out houses destroy-
ed : dwelling-house greatly injured.
George R(;throck"'s staljles and out houses destroyed.
Mr. Lanius' stables and out-houses dcWroyed.
Martin Spangler's tan-ho»ise, two other houses, and stable
destroyed: dvvelling-houpe injured.
Jacob Smyser's tan -house iic. destroyed.
Blr. llgenfritz's stable carried off.
Jacob Gardner's tan-house, baik-house, barn &.c. carried
off: dwelling-house injured.
Israel Gardner's new two story brick house (occupied by
George Lauman) with all its contents cariied off: back
baildings injured.
Thomas Owing's back-building and stable carried off:
dwelling-house ruined.
John Love's tan-house, hark -house, stable &c. carri-
ed off.
The Rev. Michael Dunn's* stable and out-houses carried
©ff: dwelling-house injured.
Weirich Bentz's two dwelling houses, stables, and out
bouses carried off.
Mrs. Margaret Doudel's tan-house and out-houses carri-
ed off: her large and strong two story brick dwelling-house
very much injured by the falling in of the whole west ga-
Ue end.
Mrs. Rummel's stable, and Mr. Carnan's stable carried
off.
Mr. Behler'a log-house and still-house in Water street
carried off.
HISTORY OF \ORK COUNTY. 160
Mr. Sie( hrist's shed full of bricks, carried off.
The whole of tlie cmtiiii and wing walls of the stone
bridge in High street brckon down.
Jn mcA of these cases the buildings and improvements
were either entirely carried uff, or were so much injured
Es to be incapable of repir.
The tenants who sufH red :ind who mostly loFt their all,
were Martin Eicbelbergc r, Mrs. !\I(Ctelb;n, G. K. Kane,
Samuel Hartman, George LaLman, Abncr ^rhimas, and sev-
eral others.
One account of the flood* says that "seven tan yards, two
taverns, three stores, two hrew( ri» s, one candle and soap
factory, one whip factory, two nail factories, one jeweller's
shop, one cop{ eismith's phop v.nd ^exirA (tlier shofs. be-
sides other buildings, in ^^^^ fjty-four iuildivgs^ were de-
stroyed." Another acrounl s^^ys, ''all tlie herns, stabJes,
and out-houses, with ore or two exceptioi^s, fvow the creek
to Newbury street v-^ere carried away. The luiildifigs swept
avvay or irjured, such as dwelling-houpeF, barns, su.blesand
work-shops, could not he far from one hundred."
It is estimakd that the damage done to York and its im-
mediate vicinity amounted to mc're ih.an two lnjner had ex( ept ihe cloihes on his latk. The bridcei
•n the Baltin.oreio-.d weie bicktn down: the stage was i.nable to
travel the road on Monday. The laitje biidfje over (he Conewae*
•n the York Haveu road was destroyed. And so of a thousaiid oA
Aer things."
•In particular it iray le mentioned that three arches of thm
Wjdge in Main etieet, Ycik, ai,d five arches otthe thtn new stone-
fcndge over Conewapo. at Beilin. wtre thiowo dow n Ly th« («
«t. the bridges being ihereljy deaiioyed.
telSTOnY OF YORK COUIfTY. Hi
CHAPTER XXVL
RIOT IX 1786.
There was an affray m the Boroufrh 6f York m Decem-
ber, 1786, which m ly not be unworthy of a brief notice, it
being a matter still fresh in ihe recollections of many of the
inhabitants of the town. This was a dot occasioned b?
the excise-law then existing.
A certain man in Manchester, viz., Jacob Bixler, Was un-
willing to pay his tax or rather excise: whereupon his cow
Was distrained or taken by the cDllector, for the payment.
h was to rescue ( i. e. forcibly tike from the hands of the
officer) this cow, that the affray h ippaned. The beasi had
been driven by the officer from Manchester to York town,
and. by advertisement, was on a certain day to be exposed
to sale. On the day of the sale a company of about 100
men set ojt from the neighborhood of the poor animal's
former residence, armed some with clubs, others with pis-
tols or guns; and directing their mirch towards York,
tJiey crossed chicken bridge [at the end of north George street]
and m singh or Indian file muclied into town. Their
captain, who was Godfrey KmiX, led them on, with dread
determination, to the place where her vaccine excellence
was exposeil to vendition. This was the square where
Main and Beaver streets cross each other. The appearance
of such a body of men so armed f)r outrage, was the sub-
ject of an instant alarm. They had hardly proceeded to
commit violence when the whole town, as on the alarm of
fire, was assembled together. The inhabitants met the ri-
oters with the like weapons, clubs, pistols, guns and swords.
One justice hall deprived of his senses hastened to the spot
and supporting himself with both hands against a corner
said ''1 command thee in my lame to keep peace." But
something more forcible was found in the weapons of Hen-
ry Mder, John Hay, John Edie, William Baily &c. all well
prepared for tlie battle. Miller during the affray, struck with
his sword at one Hoake, who leajjing over a waggon-tongue,
just escaped the blow; the sword fa.ling upon the wagoifi
tongue, sunk into it about an inch.
After some boxing and striking, the party digperset^ ift
lift HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
every direction, find the whole ft;m\ilt hushed. The men
became ashamed oftheir folly and said tl);it "they had jusl
come in to see what became of the money."
Frederick Hoake w;is afterwards severely fined for cut-
ting the rope around the cow's neck, and letting her loose,
though the fact was, Peter ScJineider, jnn., did the very
thing for which Hoike, innocent as to this, was punished.
The several rioters were shortly afterwards bronglit be-
fore the justices of the peace^ and bound f«)r appearance at
nest court, and on the 2.Sd of Janunry 1 787, Go(]frey Kin*.';,
Andrew Hoake, Philip King, [son of Godfrey] Piiilip VVinte-
mcyer, George iMi'ler and Adam Huake were each bound
before the court of Qiarter Sessions in a considerable sum
to appear at the next Supreme court to answer such hills of
indictment as should be presented agiinst them, r.nd not to
depart the court without leave and in the mean time to keep
the peace to all the liege suhjrcts of the comnionwealth."
They accordingly appeared, and witli others of their breth-
ren, were fined, ''juclgment being tempered with mercy."
Tiius ended an aftVay of which many speak, and of which,
from the much speaking we have been induced to N^rite. It
vfRs'in I'sivA a CO w-insurrer Hon \ it brougiit Manchester and
York into a fond and loving union.
In January 1772 there was an uncommon fall of ynow in
York county. On the 27th of that monl)i the snow was
three feet and a half deep. A heavy rain then came on.,
which, freezing, formed a thick crust. — Nearly every man
and boy in tlie county now turned out to chase deer, for
\vhile the hunter could run fleetly on t!ie crust, the poor ani-
mals struck through, and from the wounds received in their
,eg«, were unable to pro<'eed fur. The consequence was
thj.t (with exception of a few that were on t'le mountains
ami in the more remote parts of the county) the race was
nearly extirpated. Before that time deer were common
throngliout the county, yet since then but few have been
found.
HAIL STORI^I IN 1797.
The following account of a hail storm in the year 1797,
HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY. 17S
is extracted from manuscripts left by the Hon. Thomas
Hartley,
On the **** day of June 1797, there was a hail storm in
the town of York, and in a part of the neighborhood, which
as far as it extended, destroyed the gard^^riis and broke
down the winter grain in a most extraordinary manner :
there was hirdly a hope that any would be saved , but the
farmers were able, in the harvest, to gather more than half
of what they considered as lost. The Indian corn was ap-
parently injured, but the sun brought it up again. The hail
stones were prodigiously large. Several persons were in dan-
ger of losing their lives from them. Many fowls and birds
were killed. Some of the stones were as large as a pullet's egg,
or as the apples then growing. Il is suj)posed that in York
town and Buttstown, fully 10.000 panes of glass were bro-
ken."*
FIRE IN 1797.
As an account of the fire which raged in York town in the
year 1797, we give two extracts, the first from the manu-
scripts of the Hon. Thomas Hartley, and the second from
the private papers of another late member of the York
bar.
*'The hail-storm had made a serious impression upon the
citizens; but on Wednesday night, the 5th of July, 1797,
between the hours of 12 and 1 o'clock, the town was alarm-
ed by the cry of fire, which it seems, had been communica-
ted from an oven of Mr. John liay. The house of Mr.
John Hay was soon in flames. The Reformed German
Church also took fire. The kitchen and small stable were
soon on fire; the stable stood about forty feet from my back
buildmgs. The sparks and inflamed parts of shingles ascend-
ed into the air, and were then dispersed and carried upon
parts of the town, and far into the neighboring country. Be-
tween twenty and tbiity houses and barns were on fire
nearly at the same time ; but by mighty exertions, none
*0n the 29th of May, 1821, an uDcommon hail storm destroyed
most of the graia in the neighborhood of York. On that same day
the heat was uncomraonly oppressive in the borouj^h of Hanover,
and in the evening there was violent thunder and lightning: but (a
circumstance very strange) at the distance of three DiJltts from
Hanover there was a deitruclive hail tt^rxn.
N 2
174 HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
were materially injured beside those I first mentioHed. Mjr
house, it is said, was on fire four or five times. A willow
tree nearly fifty feet high, standing beyond my buildings,
away from the fire, had everal of its upper branches scorched
and burnt. — The trees and shrubs in the garden wf^re hurt.
A sma!! bush of a monthly vvhit3 rose, at the distance of
perhaps seventy feet from the church, was totally blasted
and destroyed, never to rise again. So great was the heat,
that pears hanging on espaliers in my garden, fifty feet
from the flames, were in part roasted. — The circumstances
of the garden, I carefidly noticed on my return home
(which was on the 8th of July;) and I shewed the trees and
pears to several of my acquaintances, among others, to Mr.
Milledge, a member of Congress from Georgia. There was
scarcely any wind at York in the night of the fire, (Mr. Mil-
ledge says that at the great fire at Sivannah, the air was
calm, and the horizon clear and serene.) But after the
flames had ascended some heiglit in the sky, the sparks be-
came disturbed and mf)re scattered, and fell upon several
houses, which caught fire at the same time, and drew oflT
the people from the places at which they were first engaged
to take care of their n spective dwellings. What does great
honour to the town is, that, though the furniture, goods,
wares, and merchandise were carried out by different hands,
yet scarcely a single article is, as 1 hear, missing-
Thomas Hartley."
The second account is as follows:
^'Last Wednesday night was a night of terror to the in-
hijbitants of this place. Between the hours of twelve and
one o"* clock, a fire broke out in the back-buildings, adjoin-
ing the dwelling-house of John Hay, Esq. l\Ir. Hay, who
slept in one of the back rooms, on being awakened by the
noise of tlie fire, immediately arose and gave alarm. But
before tlie citizens had collected in numbers sufficient to
Biake an effectual resistance to its progress, the fire had been
communicated to the dw^elling bouse and to the German
Reformed Church, both of which were in a few minutes all
in flames. The fire advanced with such rapidity that all
the efforts to save those buildin;»s were soon found to be in
vain. The burning was, in a small degree, an object of
terror, — ^^Sparks of fire, and blazing shingles were thrown to
ft vagt height) many of them falling upon houses and itable&
HISTORY OF TORK COUNTf, 175
in different parts of the town. From fifteen to twenty
buildings, among which was the court house, were on fire du-
ring the° night. All however, except the two first mention-
ed, were saved through the vigilance and activity of the cit-
izens. The buildings in the immediate neighborhood of
Mr. Hay's house and°of the church, were almost continually
on fire; but. by the most surprising intrepidity and perse-
verance of the citizens, tlie ruinous element, which threa-
tened general devastation, was, at last under the favor of a.
calm night, happily subdued.
'^The citizens, animated with a sense of duty as well as
danger, exerted their utmost strength in warring against
the invading flames. S jme were stationed on the roofs of
the neighboring houses, where they remained for hours a-
midst fire and smoke, resisting the progress of the destroy-
ing element, which seemed every moment to be gathering
with fresh fury around them: some kept the fire engines in
continual operation, while others furnished a constant supply
of water. JVI my of the fair sex, of every age, strengthened
by strong apprehensions of danger, were employed the
greater part of the night in conveying water, thereoy con-
tributing mucii to the common safety. A few strangers,
who were accidentally in the town, also rendered essential
service.
"At about six o'^clock in the morning the danger was over..
No lives were lost, and but two persons were materially
hurt. Mr. Hay lost part of his furniture, a large quantity of
grain, 8lc. but his papers, and most valuable eflects, it it
said were saved. The church organ, bells, and records
were entirely destroyed. * * *
"The fire appears tohave origin-^ted from an oven, in the
walls of which a wooden post was placed to support the
shed above. The oven had been twice heated the preceding
day; and as there was but the thickness of a brick between
the fire and the wooden post, it is probable that by long and
repeated use of the oven, the wall separating the fire from
the wood, had been in some measure demolished ; so that
the wood became exposed, and, when the oven was heated,
took fire ; but that, for want of air, the fire made so slo\¥ a-
progress thai it did not break out till late at aight."
176 HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY.
DROUGHT OF 1822.
Persons who liad lived nearly a century had witnessed
nothing like the great drought of 1822. There was no rain
of any conseq'ience from the 'ilst of February, the time of
the flood, until sonieiirue in September, a period of about
six months. Fountains which had been considered as per-
ennial, were dried up. Grinding was not done at one mill
OLitoften; and where grituling was done, tlie demand for
flour was not siipi)Iied. Many firmers went twenty miles
to mill, and then were obliged to return with a quantity of
flour not sufficient to satisfy immediate want. An ac-
count of the drought written on the 13th of August says
"the summer crops have almost totally failed; some fields
will yield not a grain of corn, and the best fields not more
than a few bushels to the acre." Shortly after this there
were two showers, which greatly relieved the distress of the
country: the one fell on the 23d and the other on the 24th
of August. The showers, however, did not extend to the
north-western part of the county, where the distress arising
from the drought was still excessive. As a proof that tha
scarcity of water at this time was unparalleled, it may be
mentioned that on the I3th of September, 1822, there was
not a drop of water to be seen in the channel of the Big Con-
ewa^o, at the place where the bridge is thrown across it on
the Carlisle road. At low water, the stream there is gener-
ally from 90 to 120 feet wide.
CHAPTER XXVII. ♦
GEOLOGY OF YORK COUJVTY.
York county is mostly of transition formation.
A ridge of Roof Slate, commencing near the Susquehan-
na river in tlie South East corner of the county extendi
several miles along the Southern line of the county, and fur-
nishes an abundance of slate of the best quality.
HisTORr OF YORK couxxr. 177
A!)nvo the Roof Siite, and occupying a considerable por-
tion of the Soiith Eisierii townships of the caiinty, is a
range of Siiiaifig Argillite; pissiniT m some places into Stea-
tite, under which, in one or t>v() places, Dolomite, or Mug-
nijsiin carboiiato of lime, have boen dincovered by sinkinj
sh lifts.
North of this range of Argil!i(?, is a more extensive one
of C.hJorite rock, aitjrniilin..^ wilh, or c.o itii lin:^^ veins of
Qiartz, overhiid with Red Shale, and Micacious Sciiiste, con-
taining G.rn, to.
From ihij rang?, we descend jDto tlie cji'e.t Lim-.'stono
v?d!ey ofYoik, c.^ntiining Bujo and White Li-n;!,-t,nr)e, with
veins of very beautitul Cal. S.) ir Calcifjroiis SmdRick.
A ridge of Gray Wacke form;:tion, and eo-^^^isting of Gray
WiickeSindstone, Gray Wacke Si ite, afid R ibble, of the
character of the Cocalico \liiIstone:=? of fmicaster county,
rnns North of the York Limsstoae Valley Com the Si^>]i.;-
Iianna river.
North of this Gray Wacke elevation, and nearly as ex-
tensive, is a second valley of Limestone, under which thero
is a thin layer, or stratum of coal, in no place more than
four inches thick.
In the North part of this valley, tlie Conglomerate, or
Breccia marble, of the range extending fro.n tlie Poto;nac
through the D. of Colum!)ia, Frederick county Maryland,
York, Lane ister, and Berks coiinly &c. in Penn'a., crops out
in two or three places, in favorable situations for quarrying,
and of a qtialiiy fit for use or ornament.
This second or North Limestone valiny is terminated by
tlie Old Red San Istone formation of tlie Conewago hill.',
which occupies nearly the balance of the county to the
North. The great Limestone valley of Cumberland coun-
tv, a narrow strip of which extends into York county, sue*
ceeds to the Korth of iho Red Sand g\.one furoiaticn.
There are in a number of townships of York county,
denosits of Iron of a greater or less extent, some of which
furnish ore of a an excellent quality for manufacture.
ladicatioiis of Copper exist in a number of places in this
17S HISTORY OP YORK COUNTY.
county, but no extensive depo^ite ha^ yet benn discovered.
Silphiiret of Lead, or Galena, has been found in sma 11
portions near tlie Susquehanna.
Sulphuret oflroi is extensively disseminated.
Coloplionite, Prise, Actynolite, Asbestos, Mag. Ox. of I-
ron, and iVlicacions ox. of Ir )n, exist in different pirts of
the county. No F.issil renuins fnve yet been found.
Particles of Gold have been found, and ve-y strong indica-
tions exisft of pretty extensive drpo.vits of this rnintralin
several townships South of the Li uioatone valley of York.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
INCORPORATED BOROUGHS ly YORK
COUNTY.
1. The Borough of YORK was incorporated on the 24th
ofSeptember, 1787. [Fi)r an account of the Borough see
pages 3-2 — 40, of this volume.]
2. The Borough of HANOVER was incorporated on
the 4th ofiMarch, 1315. [See pages 60—65 of this vol-
ume.]
3. The Borough of LEVVISBERRY was incorporated
on the 2d of April, 1832.
Lewisberry derives its name from Eli Lewis, by whom
it was founded. It is agreeably situated at the western
boundary of Newberry township, about 14 miles from the
county seat, 18 from Carlisle, and 10 from the seat of
government of the state. The state road from Lancaster
to Carlisle passes through the borough. The present pop-
ulation of Lewisberry is about 260. There is one Meeting
House in the borough for Methodists, and one in the vicin-
ity for Lutherans and Ref»)rmed Presbyterians. The
Uev. Mr. Lauer, of Germany, is the present Lutheran Min-
ister. There is a grist mill on Bennet's run, in the im-
mediate vicinity of the borou«;h, to which is attached a
saw mill, and machinery for boring and grinding gun bar-
HISTORT or TOKK COUKTT. J 7f
rcls. There is also a mill, wifhjn (he borough boundaries
purposely constructed for boring and giindinggun arrels
and ,„, these two e^tabCshn.enls .heLrrels^a?e f„3
the boro.,gh. A variety of mechanical blanches afe in
sa"n1 iTtt^t.!:;"^''' ''" "" '■"''^ ^'•^'"- ""- - "»' P'-
IRsi ^'''I'S'^UKG wns incorporated on the 9th of April
of ctroll In^^h"^ ," ^r"'^ '""'"""^ '" "'* "^^ '""-"^'"P
Dill,t, ", ' ^'"^i ""^ -"corporation the boundaries of
Uillsburg are described as follows :
Firlulhl"'"^ 'r * ,''""• ^<'i"'"ing 'l^^ lands of Frederick
Eiclulberger.alinebesnrRnonh eiphfj-six and a quarter
degrees, west one hundred nnd f..ur .e, hes, ,o a^ po ,
hence sooth twelve degrees, e.st one hundred and ninety'
LTZTr to- "T^' *''i! 'T' •"■'""-« Mumper and P £
Lighjnetio a white oak; thence north one and a q.iarter
3r and McMullen's heirs, to a «hite oak; -tKFi^e^S
one and a qua. ter degrees, east one hundred and fiftyseve.
etf b^iTnfn?;'^^''^^^^^- -"^•"'"" '^-"P"' -"«
pri'- liu^r^^l'"'' T '""^-P-'^^don the 9th of A-
«^o borough ,s situat.d in a township of the
BaT.Lorr'.?"i"'%'""'l"*" '■""•' f'^dirgfrcmYork o
Baltimore. Its boundaries are described in the act of in-
corporation as follows:
r,,},?."^'""'.?^ »t stones, thence by land of Peter Ruhl and
eml;'° ;,''''".'^-'T'"'^§"'^^' ^«' ^"d hundred and
eigteen perches and a half to stones: souih six and a half
degrees, west one hundred and foi.y-seven perches and a
.^l'JrZT?''r"'^ ''^'" -^^S"*'' ^^^t '"° hundred and
SIX perches, to stones; n„rth seventv-two degrees, east one
hundred and eighteen perches andan half.to^ston sTlru!
eight degrees, west two liundred and six perches, to tones
aorth SIX degrees and a half, east one h.fndred 'and S
.even perches and an half, to the place of beginning » "
April m4"'"T?T'-^ r' --^P'-t'd - the 14,h of
n He Up ; ." '"""."S'' '" *'"'«'<'^ o" "'6 Su.qnehanna,
Lrv r, ft'"TP- I'.«'^f<>™^rly known as Wright^
>erry-bu after the erection of the Columbia bridge over
L.Tw'k." ?,?'">" '"'' "'^ °'^ »»■»«. and haf borne
tat of Wnghtsville tot a number of years. It was at on*
«.. » c»aten.pIa,ion to „,ake th/ground up^ %h^
ISO HISTORY OP YORK COUXTY.
Wrightsville Flrnds, tic- scito of the Capital of the United
Stales. Gen. Wasrhirgtiin wrs tainf stiy in favor of erect
ing the national l.uildings htre. urging its beauty,
its security, &c., indeftnce of his p(tfer( nee — hut a small
m^jori'y prevailed rgainsl liirn. Some of t lie events of the
late war, (events vvIik h we do not v^.ry well like to sprak
or thii.U (f.) would prrhaps rot have occurred, hrid the
wishes of Gen. Washiigton jirf.vailed.
We snljoin the fxrsi section ofihe act of Assembly by
which Wijgliteville was cmstituK d a boroiijjh.
''Be it eriactf d Stc, 7 hot ihe villages of Wrightsville and
Westphalia, in thecoipty ofYcik, {-hall be and the same are
herely erected into a bon ugh. which shsll be called the
boroiigh c»f Wrightsville, ;.nd shall be bounded and limited
as follows, viz: Begin n: tig fta Lirch tiee (,n the river Sus-
c]U(hanna, at the fett of Bridget street and land of W^illiam
Wright, south seventy fve- d«grics, west ninety five perclies,
to a black oak on the h.nd if James Wright; thence along
said land to Fourth street; thence alo!!g the west side of
said street, south t\^elve s.nd a half degrees, west eighty nine
perches and a quarter, to the north side of Locust street;
along the north side of said street, south seventy seven de-
grees, west ninety tight perches to a post on Jonathan Mif-
flin's land; tie nee twdsij six ai;d a half perel-es, to the
middle of Helh:m stre«t; the, nee along said stsect, north
seventy seven degrees, cast one hunelred and eighteen
perches and a half, to the west side of Third street, south
twenty two degrees, east f.fty six perches, to the south side
of a street adjoining laid of Jose; h Detwillcr; thence
along said street, north sexfy ei^ht degrees, east twenty
perches, to the west side (f B; rnes' alley: thence souuth
twenty three degree's, east twe),ty ei^ht pciches, to a post oa
Joseph Detwiller's land; thence south two degrees, east for
ty eight perches to a Ha
ber and coal and several large arks of ^run were brought
to the borough of York, through this new medium, and so
far asan opportunity has been had to test the utility of the
work, It has more than fulfilled the expectations of its most
sanguine friends.
There are also numerous state and county roads; and all
cur streams are bridged wherever public conveaience r^^
^tiircs ]t.
miOG:B.A.WMtcAt, smsTcnBS.
Ooionel Thomas Hartley was born in the neighborhood
of Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of Sep-
tember, 1748. Having received the rudiments of a good
classical education in that town, he removed when eigh-
teen years of age, to York, Pa., when he commenced
thestudy of the law under the tuition of Mr. Samuel John-
son. Having pursued his law studies with diligence for
the term of three years, he was admitted to practice in the
courts of York on the 25th of July, 1769. He now arose
in his profession with an almost unexampled rapidity, for hs
not only had a thorough knowledge of the law, but was ac-
quainted with two languages, each of which was then neces-
sary in such a county as York : his early days having been
spent in Reading, then as now mostly peopled by Germans,
he was from childhood acquainted with their lancruacre,
which he spoke with the fluency of an orator. Another
thing which favored young Hartley, much, was that
he and the Hon. James Smith were for some time the onlf
practicing lawyers of the county; Mr. Johnson with whom
he had studied being then prothonotarj.
H;irtley was early distinguished as a warm friend of his
country, both in the cabinet and in the field. In the year
1774 lie was elected by tlie citizens of York county, a
member of the provincial meeting of deputies which was
4 BIOGRAPHICAL SK£TCHE?.
held at Philadelphia on the 15th of July. In the year
1775, ho was a member, from the same county, of the pro-
TJncial convfintion which was held at Philadelphia on the
23d of January.
The war of the revolution was now approaching and
Hartley \va3 soon distinguished as a soldier. The com-
mittee of safety for Pennsylvania recommended a number
of persons to Congress, for field officers to the sixth battal-
ion ordered to be raised in that colony; and Congress ac-
cordingly on the 10th of January 1776, elected Wiiiiam Ir-
win, Eiq. as Colonal, Thom.is Hartley, Esq. as Lieut.
Colonel, and James Dunlap, Esq. as Mnjor. Mr. Hartley
-was shortly afterwards promoted to the full degree of Col-
onel.
Colonel Hartley having continued about three years in
faithful and laborious duty as an officer, wrote a letter lo
Congress on tho I3th of February 1779, desiring leave lo
resign his commission. Congress thinking the reasons of-
fered satisfactory^, accepted his resignation, and on the same
day resolved that they had '-a hi^'h sense of Colonel Hart-
ley's merit and services.'^
In October 1778, he was elected a member of the sli:^
legislature from the county of York. •
In the year 1783, he was elected a member of the council
of censors, the first day of whose meeting was on the 10th
of November.
In the latter part of the year 1787, he was a member of
the state convention w-hich adopted the constitution of t'le
United States.
In the year 1788, he was elected a member of congress,
and accordingly attended their first session under the pres-
ent constitution. As a new order of things had now com-
menced, the public mind was filled with hope and fear.
The citizens of York county had taken a great interest in
the establishment of the new constitution, and as Colonel
Hartley was the first person who was to go forth from among
them, as a member of Congress under that constitution, they
determined in the warmth of their feelings, to shew him ev-
ery honour. When he set out from York on the 23d of
February 1789 on his way to the city of New-York, where
the congress was to sit, he was accompanied to the Susque-
hanna by a great number of the inhabitants of the borough
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
rltfuT^ '^V^' '"^ was there received by a company
r. o.^ that part of the county and from Lancaster. The cit-
snlZf" ?'r'''-^ ^^ \ ^^'""^^' ^"d the whole was one
ardvedat't u?"p ^^^'" "" '^' ^^^^ '^^^is return, he
Z\lffl\^''^^'^l'^^''y ^'^ *h^ 6th of October, he Vas
met at that place by a number of gentlemen from the bo-
ro ngh and county of York, and wa. there cond.icted to his
house m town amidst the acclamations of his friends and
fellow citizens.
Colonel Hartley continued a member of Congress for a-
dcath ' ^''''' ^' '"'' ''''^' ""*^^*^^^ t""^^ ^^ ^''''
On the 28th of April 1800, he was commissioned by gov-
ernor M>Kean as Major General of the fifth division ofShe
Adams ^"''' ' consisting of the counties of York and
in^lV'^^ of labor, usefulness, and honour was now draw-
h.r? 1L%^ ^^^' ''^''^ ""^^ destroying his energies, and
«n1 tT^^ commenced the work of death. After a long
and tedious sickness he died at his house in York, on the
morning of the 21st of December IS'OO, aaed 52 vea^s S
inonths, and 1 4 days. When his mortal parF was deposited
in the burial ground of the Church of St. John's, the
tollowmg tribute of respect to his memory was paid, by
the Rer. Dr. John Campbell, his pastor and friend:
"If r could blow the trump of fame over you ever so loud
and long,— what would you be the better for all this noise ?
yet,-^let not your integrity, patriotism, fortitude, hospitalitr *
and patronage be forgotten~An«ther-( who need not be
named}-.hath borne away the palm of glory,-splendid with
me never-dying honour of rearing the stupendous fabric of
American freedom and empire. Departed friend l—you
* Colonel Hartley was the first gentleman from the State of
lluT\?T '^ATl'^""''''^ a%ounseJJor in the Supreme
°^ o A^^ u"'*.^^ ^?^^'- The first session of that court
oX T?n>^^V-^"/''y ^^.^^^ ^°^'^' ^'^«" '^^ «e^t of Government
o! the United Slates, on Monday the 1st of February 1799. The ,
^"hln «^'f''°«*^^^°""'^i'''" ""^^ °" ^''^^y^ ^l^e 5th of that month.
When Ehas Boudinot, Esq. of New Jersey, Thomas Hartley. Esq.
01 Pennsylvania and Richard Harrison Esq. of New York respect-
iTeiy appeared in oourt, took the oath for that purpose, and were ap-
pointed counsellors of the said court accordingly." These wef©
ail wno wef« admitted dturing the first week of the session.
A2
4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
hear me not,-— the gravo is deaf and silent. In this work
of blessings to future ages you bore, though a subordi-
nate, yet an honourable part. Soldiers of liberty ! como
drop a tear over your companion in arms. Lovers of jus-^
tice! come drop a tear over her able advocate,— and ot
science, come drop a tear over its warmest patron,— chil-
dren of misfortune! come, drop a tear over your benefactor
and protector. Brethren of this earthly lodge ! rejoice .
that our brother is removed to the temple of the Supreme 1
Ministers of religion! come, drop a tear to the memory
of a man, who (lamenting human frailty) was ever the
friend of truth and virtue. And thou my soul! come
not into the assembly of those who would draw his repo-
sed spirit from the bosom of his Father who is in hea-
ven."
As an appendix to tlie biography of this soldier and states-
man, we give the following address to his constituents which
he published a short time before his decease and which is
•one of the last acts of his life.
Fellow Citizens,
Through want of health, and a wish to
retire from a sedentary public life and to attend to my pri-
vate concerns, which have been much deranged by my ab-
sence from York town, I have been induced most fixedly
to decline serving in the House of Representatives in Con-
gress after the third day of March next. Indeed it is
well known that for some years past 1 have not wished to
be elected; and shouKl long since have declined the hon-
our had it not been for the political condition of the world
and of our own States in particular, which have frequent-
ly suftered from two great nations|— I hupe however
we shall soon have peace.
A great portion of my life has been devoted to the ser-
Tice of my country as will appear from tlie following facta
1 have to say that 1 was in two provincial conventions pre-
vious to the revolution, that [ served in the revolutionary
armv more than three years, was one year in the assem
bly of the state of Pennsylvania, in the council. of censors
one year, was in the convention which adopted the con
stitution of the United States, jmd have been twice electee
by the citizens of Pennsylvania at general elections, aw
BIOGRAPHICAL StETCHES. /
four times at district elections, as a member of the house
of representatives in congress. In sume instances 1 have
perhaps been useful; but I may say I have ever desired to
advance the interests of the United States as tar as my
powers and constitution would admit. 1 shal endeavor
to be of as much service as possible in the militia, which
will occasionally require some attention and exercise.
I thank the citizens of Pennsylvania at large lor shew-
iua their frequent confidence in me, and particularly ot
that part of the state composing York and Adams coun-
ties, and wish them every happiness.
lam with due respect for them,
THOMAS HARTLEY,
York, Sept Sth 1800.
js[, B.— My indisposition has retarded this publication
longer than I intended."
jVofe —Colonel Hartley was married to a daughter of Bernhart
Holtzinger of York County. He had two children viz a son.
Charles William Hartley, for some time prothonotapy of Yor^
county, and a daughter. Eleanor, married to DrJame^ Hall, who
was afterwards physiciaa to the Lazaretto at Philadeipma,
HO:sr. JAMES SMITH.
The American people have for a long time taken a deep
interest in whatever concerns those illustrious worthies
who signed their names to the declaration of independence.
The biographies of most of them have been written, where-
by the events of their lives are familiar to the public; but
of some ofthem little is now known & bat little can be col-
lected; for the records of families have been destroyed, and
the memories of friends have faded. There is not a record
in manuscript or in print that gives a biography of Mr.
Smith; nor are there many sources whence materials for
his life can be drawn. A misfortune which happened the
year before his death destroyed his private papers and with
them all his family records. From relations but little
cafl )b« gathered— for of all his descendants m any degree Qn^
O BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
only now lives. This quick fading of the past into the ohscu^
niy of ignorance or uncertainty should remind us how flee-
tjngjiow transitory, how like a shadow life is; fifty years
hence and who will speak of «s, if those who once direct-
ed the councils of their country and were the foremost in
her senates, have passed away, leaving (with the exception
of some one solitary monuniont of their greatness) no trace
of life or deed.
Mr. John Smith, father of the Hon. James Smith, was
born and educated in Ireland, in which country he was a re-
spectable and enterprising farmer. But having a large fam-
ily, he thought that in the new world he could provide bet-
ter for those who would follow him; he determined there-
fore to visit America and take up his abode in the vallies of
Pennsylvania. What induced him to prefer this one of the
colonies, was that some of his brothers and uncles had em-
igrated hither before him, having come over with Penn
"when that proprietor first visited tiiis province. Those of his
relations settled in Chester county and became Q-iakers;
their decendants still live in that county and the county of
Lancaster.
Mr. John Smith being thus induced to follow his rela-
tions, sailed from Irelmd with his family, and after a voyafre
of a few weeks, arrived at Philadelphia. His sons who
came over with him were in the order of their ages, George
James, and Arthur. Several daughters likewise accompa-
nied their father to the new world; but of them little
that is certain, is now known.
Mr. John Smith proceeded with his family to Lancaster
county, and finally settled west of the Susquehanna in what
is now York county. Here he continued to reside until a-
bout theyear 1761, when he died in the neighborhood of
Yorktown, at an advanced age, an example of all the happy
virtues of domestic life.
George Smith, the eldest son of Mr. John Smith, studied
law in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, under the tuition of Thom-
as Cookson,Esq. I£e was admitted to the bar in that place,
and resided there in the practice of law until the time
of his death. In company with a number of his friends he
went to the river Susquehanna to bathe, opposite the place
where Columbia now stands; but while in the water he
IV w seized with the cramp j and before assistance could b«
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 9
given, assistasice was useless. He is represented as a
young man whose prospects were bright, and who seemed
destined to enjoy many future honours.
Arthur, the third and the youngest son of John, and a
brother of James Smith, resided for some years as a firmer
in Newberry township, in York county. He afterwards re-
moved with a large family of children, into the Western
country and has not since been heard of.
James Smith, the second son of John, and the subject
of our present biography, was aged about ten years when
he came with his father into this country. He resided in
the paternal mansion for some years; but when his brother
George had begun to practice law, he removed to Lancas-
ter, and commenced in his office, the study of the same
profession. He completed his law studies under the tuition
of his brother, at the time of whose deuth he was aged but
twenty one.
Not long after he was admitted to the practice of the
law, he removed to the neighborhood of the place where
SIffppensburg now stands, in company with Mr. George
Uoss, who was the friend and companion of Mr. Smith in
" early and later life. The chief occupation of Mr. Smith in
his new abode, was that of surveying; thou;:^h wiieaever
occasion offered, he gave advice on subjects'connected with
his profession. After a few years \m removed to the town
ofYork, where he made his permanent home for the rest
of his life. Here he commenced the practice of the law,
and continued in it with few intermissions uniil near the
time of his death.
Hitherto Mr. Smith had led a single life ; but in or about
the year 1760 he married Eleanor Armor, daughter of Joiui
Armor, who lived near New-Castle in Delaware, and who
was brother of Thomas Armor, a justice and surveyor in
York county before the Revolution. Eleanor, at the age of
twenty one, came to reside for a while with her uncle in
York ; but in less than a year after her arrival, she was wed-
ded to one of the best of husbands.
Mr. Smith begun about this time to have a very exten-
sive practice -. he attended the courts of all the neighbor-
ing counties. With no other events in his life than those
which are incident to most gentlemen of his profession, he
continued in York until the beginninjj of the revolution.
\
i^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
But here it should be remarked that Mr. Smith was for som«
lime the only lawyer in York; for though Joseph Yeates
and other lawyers of the neighboring counties did much
business here, yet Mr. Smith had (with the exception of
perhaps of a few years) no brother in the law that resided
here. When Thomas Hartley, afterwards Colonel in the
revolution, and a member of congress, commenced prac-
tice here in the year 1769, tliere were but two lawyers in
the county of York, viz. himself and Mr Smith.*
At the commencement of the revolution, Mr Smith was
distinguished as one of the warmest friends of our liber-
ties. ^
In 1774, he was chosen a deputy from the county of
York to attend a provincial meeting at the city of Philadel-
phia j which meetmg began on the 15 th of June and was
continued by adjournments from day to day. Mr. Smith
was one of those who were appointed by this meeting or
rather "committee for the province of Pennsylvania," to
"prepare and bring in a draught of instructions" '"to the
representatives in assembly met."|
In ivrs, he was elected a member for York county of the
•'Provincial Convention for the province of Pennsylvania^
Iield at Philadelphia January 23d and continued by adjourn-
ments from day to day, to the 28th." In the 'same year
he received a military honour, viz. the appointment of
Colonel.
In 1776 lie was deputed by the committee of York
*For3ome years before and daring the revolution, Mr. Smith was
concerned in iron works on the Codorus creek, where the 'Codo-
rus forge'' now stands. From his studious habits he was but ill
calculated for business of this kind; he lost by those works about
5000 pounds, and of the two manaji;er5 who w ere the cause of it, he
said with his wonted pleasantry "that the one was a knave, and the
other a fool-"
From the records in the office of the Register and Recorder, I
find that the forge and furnace on the Cocioi us Creek in the town-
ship of Hellatn, were formerly owned by William lJennet;a3 the
property of Bennet, they were sold by the Sheriff on 27th May 1771
to Charles Hamilton; Hamilton on the 9th of November in the
same year sold them to Mr. Smith; and xMr. Smith on the ICth of
April 1778 sold them to Thomas Neil.
fThese Instructions together with the "Essay on the constitutional
power of Creat Britain over the Colonies in America," form the
niost learned state paper ever wiittea in Pennsylvania; this may
be called the commencement of the revolution io our state.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ii
county "to join in a provincial conference of committees of
the province of Pennsylvania:" the conference was held
at Philadelphia and began on tne 18th of June and ended
on the Si5ih of the same month. In the same year (1776)
he was elected a member of the convention for the state
of Pennsylvania which commenced their session at Phila-
delphia on the 15th of June and ended it on the 28th of
September: this convention framed the first constitution of
the commonwealth. In the same year (1776) he was elect-
ed a delegate from Pennsylvania to serve in the continental
congress, at which time he signed the declaration of indc^"
pendence.
Mr. Smith was likewise a member of Congress in the
year 1777 and 1778. When Congress sat in York, the
board of war was held in his law office.
After'the cessation of his congressional labors, he contin-
ued to reside in York, devoting himself with great suc-
cess to the practice of the law.
In October 1780, we find him elected a member of the
general assembly of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Smith becoming burthened with a weight of vears ^
snd having a sufficiency of this world's goods, lelinquished
the practice of the law in 1801.
An event happened in the autumn of 1805, which is
much to be regretted, viz. the destruction of his office by
fire.* His books and papers of business, which were on
the lower floor, were saved, but all his numerous private
papers, which were in the upper part of the building, were
destroyed. Among these were the records of the family
and manuscripts of his own connected with the history of
the times, and numerous letters from Benjamin Franklin
Satt»uel Adams, and many other m.en distinguished in the
revolutionary history of our country. Mr. Smith cor-
responded, both during and after the revolution, with ma«
♦This fire, Tvhich happened on the ]7(h of August in (he above
laerinoned year [1805] originated in the harn of Jchn Hay Eso
ivhich was set on fire by an incendiary, and was consi.med with its
contents, consis ing of about 700 bu/hels of ^r^in. The fiTe was
wr/r"'"^''"^*^^ ^ """^^"'' of adjoinini buildirgs. ^^0^^
those destroyed, H.ay be mentioned a tavern-htuse. the property o?
?o»i til ^'''^'r'^?>'/P'o^.^y''°^» Glessner. another dwelling
Xl'oS.SJffiLgL"'" '^'""^^^ ^^^ «^- ^'''- ^-^^^^ -^^'
i2 ElOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. \
ny of those patriots with whom he had been in intimate
connection while a member of cong-ress: &. as their letters
were destroyed, the burning- of the office may be considered
a public loss.
Mr. Smith employed his latter days in conversation
with his friends, and in reviewing and re-perusing those
works which had been the delioht of liis youth. In view
of his present and increasing intiimities. he made his will
on the 25th of April 1806.* He died at' his house in York
on the nth July in the same year, at a very advanced age.
There is no small diilference of opinion with regard to
the age of Mr. Smith. His tomb-stone erected by his son
James, in the yard of the English Presbyterian Church at
Yoik, states that he was ninety three vears old at the
time of his death. Many of his sui viving* friends say that
he could noi have been so old, and place his age at about
eighty seven; others say that he was not more than eighty
lour or five. Two points however we have as certain, viz.
that he was but ten years of age when he came to America,
and was but twenty one years of age at the time of his
brother George's death; supposing his age then to have
^/-eii-eighty sev^n (a matter on which there is doubt) he
must have been born In 1719 and came with his father lo'
America in 1729, and have lost his brother George in a740,
at which time he, (James) had completed his study of
the law. An obituary notice of Mr. Smith says "he was
the oldest advocate in York and perhaps in Pennsylvania,
for he had been in practice of the iavv more than fifty years.-'
He could not but have been a member of the bar betweei)
sixty and sixty five years.
*Ihave thought that In the will of Mr. Smith I rould discover
seme traits of his originality of character: he goes, like a man of
business, directly to the point. The following we have transcribed
irom the original in the office of the Register of wills. "I, James
Smith, the elder, of the borough of York, in Pennsylvania, do hereby
give and devise unto my son James Smith, his heirs and assigns for-
ever, all that lot of ground fituated on the north side of mv dwel-
ling and adjoining the alley, as the same is now under f^nce, and
aato the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real and personal,
of whatsoever it may fxist, I will and devise the same to my belov.
.'^ f'..r^**"°'^ Smith, to hold and to have during the term of her
A rU im' W»'"««« "»y band and seal this twenty-fifth day of
JAMES SMITH,*'
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IS
5Jr. Smith, having lived through one generation and the
half of another, witnessed many changes in the political
world. He was born in the reign of George the first, came
to America in the reign of George the second, and helped
to throw off British allegiance in the reign of George the
third: having witnessed the completion of his country's
olory, he died in peace.
'^ Mr. Smith was remarkable for an uncommonly reten-
tive memory, the strength of which did not seem to be im-
paired bv age. He was uniformly facetious and fond of an-
ecdotes,' which he always told with a happy manner.
Possessing in a high degree that faculty of the mind which
isdefined\y metaphysicians to be the tracing of resemblan-
ces or analogies between distant objects, he often exert-
ed it in the halls of justice, producing a wild and roaring
discord from all within the reach of his voice.
Mr. Smith at different times had many law students. Among
them may be mentioned the Hon. Robert Smith, who began
his studies here but did not complete ihem, and who is the
same gentleman that afterwards became secretr.ry of the na-
vy and secretary of state under the United Slates govern-
ment. Another of his students was Mr. David M'Mecken,
who was one among the most eminent lawyers of the city of
Baltimore. Another was David Bush, w^ho was major in the
revolutionary war. and who died on his bed of glory at the
battle of Brandy wine. Mr. David Grier, who practiced law
and died inYork, was likewise a student of Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith left « widow and two out of five children sur-
viving him: they are all now gathered to the house ap-
pointed for all living.
The above is all we have been able to collect concerning
a man who was once among the earliest and warmest friends
of the liberties of America.
RET. I.UCAS RAUS.
The Rev. Lucas Raus, son of Lucas and Justina Raus,
was born in May, 1723. His native city was Hermanstadt^
jB
14 tlOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Ihe capital of Transylvania, which formerly was annexed to
Hungary, but now belongs to Austria. Tiie family to which
lie belonged, had produced many eminent divines in Hun-
gary ; and among them may be mentioned his own father,
and his maternal grandfather.
Mr. Raus spent the first twenty years of his life in the
city of his birth. There he pursued his studies under the
direction of his father, preparing himself for the pulpit.
Ilermanstadt being mostly a catholic city, Lucas was indu-
ced to visit the institutions of other places, in order to coia-
plete his studies. Accordingly he left the paternal mansion
in 1743, and proceeded to Tresburg, the caj)ital of Hunga-
ry. At this place he continued four years in the prosecu-
tion of his studies, when in May 1747, he removed to Leip-
5^ic,*in upper Saxony. In the year 1749 he removed from
Leipsic to Jena, the place which, on the 14lh of October,
1306, witnessed the triumph of the French over the Prussi-
an army. At Jena he resided but a few months, for he had
now completed his studies, and was, by travtjing, adding
the polish to the polite world to the erudition of the scholar, ii
His intention was now to visit Holland, and then to return I'
cirectly to the residence of his fatlier. He proceeded to
Anisterdam, where, at that time, there was a general spirit
of migration to America. Much that was inviting was said
of this part of the world; and emigrants from various parts
-were sailing weekly from that city. Mr. Kaus caught some
of the feeling which then prevailed; and as a good oppor-
tunity olfered itself, he determined to cross the Atlantic,
spend a few months in this country, which was represented
. as the land of promise, and then, returning to Europe, com-
xnence the labors of his holy calling. Accordingly in tlie
Tear 1750, Mr. Raus sailed from Amsterdam and arrived at
Philadelphia.
In a few years after his arrival in that city, he changed
his views as to his future residence: for, although youthful
affection still bound him to Hermanstadt, which he liad not
visited since he first left it in 1743. yet he determined to
spend the remainder of his days in this country.
Soon after he determined to remain in this country, he
■j^ ;*The uuiversity of Leipsic was founded in the year li69, ajid
lias Ign^ been one of the most celebrated ia Europe.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 15
ering was invited to take
<;harge of the Lutheran congregaiion in York, and accept-
ed the invitation. Alter preaching five or six years here,
Jje received and accepted an invitaiitm to preach to the
congregation in Hay^erstovvn, Maryland. Daring his ab-
sence from York of twelve or fifteen months, there was no
preacher to the Lutheran congregition here; and such was
thelove entertained bvthe members for their former pas-
tor, that they earnestly entreated him to return, and per-
sisted so warmly in their entreaties that he was at length
induced again to take charge of the congregation.
Mr. Goering continued to minister to the congregation in
York until his decease. He died at his residence in this
place on the 2rth of November, ISOT, leaving to survive
fiim a wife and eight children, with a numerous congrega=
tion who mourned for him in tears.
Mr. Goering wrote much, though he published but little.
His manuscripts contained much that marked his original
♦Goerin? had previously been married ; but his first wife di<&d
y^ung anJ childless.
%8 BIOGRAFHlCAL SKETCHES.
and energetic mind. Tliese valuable papers, with all the
letters lie had received, he coinnitted ^> tlie flames during
his last illness. The author of the yE jeiad commaoded
the last six books of his poem to he committed to the
flames ; but happily th? order was not executed — and well,
too, would it have been if the maniiscri|)t3 of Mr. Goering
had n »t shared that fate to which many men of genious in
their last hours wish to see most of their works consigned.
Viewing the worhl as passing away, and themselves about
to take an eternal farewell of all the thin'j;s of earth, they
wish every thing they have done to pass with them into ob-
livion. The rnannscripts of Mr. Gosling did not contain
disquisitions on theological subjects only — they embraced
many inquiries into the oriental languages, with translations
from the m!)st beautiful works of Aiabic poets.
As a njan of pr-dound th >ught and deep investigation,
£S an elegant scholar and eloquent public speaker, as a.
strict observed of every social and domestic duty, as a
warmhearted and ch iritable christian, Jacob Goevin^ &Uiod
pre-eminent; and many genentions may pass away before
the world will look upon his equal.
GEN. JOHX CLARK.
Gen. Clark was born about the year 175 U h Lancaster
county. Pa. When ab)Ut twenty four years old he enter-
ed theservice of his country, and was distinguished during
the war of the revolutiun by his zeal in the cause of lib-
erty.
Early in life, G':jneral Clark held a number of civil and
military ofties, the duties of all of which he faithfully dis-
charo-ed. Among otirer trusts committetl to him during
the revolution was his appoiritmi^nt by ("ongress, on the
6th of February. 1778. as one of the auditors for the army
under General Washington.
We have now in our possession a number of oriiiinal co
pi<^s of letters to General Clark, from General Washington,
General Greene, and other distinguished officers of the
BSOGRArHiCAL 8KBTCHB*-
f.9
revoktion; hud from tliem we learn that Clark was a
familiar correspondent oi" the father of our country auq of
Taanj of his illustrious contemporarie?.
Gen. Ciark had just commenced the jiracticc of law*
when the iroablesone times of the rovoiutiori came on —
end receiving, shortly afterward the j;pp.>intment of £i4-
de-cainpto Gin. Greene, he abaiidonoii his practice bid
devoted his whole services to his country.
Some years after tlie terminathm rf the r vol quo Qarr
struggle, Gen. Clark resumed the prnclice of law, and cou-
inued in it ualil the time of his death, which was in iL^
(ear I8l9. On the i27ih of December, in that yeir, he :;i-
tended conrt, and parsued his business as usual — in trie
evening of that day he went to bed al ab tjI half past eight
j o'clock in his ujual health — and at ni.ie o'clock o.i tb«
i same evening his race on e^?^! ;. Mj is active*
sensible and enterprising, and has ren ' 3i\'d me very great
service since the army has been in Fenasylvania, by procur*
jng ma constant and certain mtelligince of the rnotiois,artd
intentions of the enemy. It is somewlut uncertain whalhcr
the statti ofhis health will admit of hU romiining in the
military line: if it shoild, 1 shill pjrhaps have occasion lo
recommand him in a more pirticular m snner to the fdvor of
Congress at a f itnre time. At present, i can assure you, that
ifyou should, while he remiina in Ycrkj hsive ^ny occa«itoii-i
*Hc b&d stuiisd '.sa-Jer SaaiaeS Jo^iOigoa,. E?q . ;, of York.
for his serrices, you will find hirn not only wiiling, but ver)
capable of c:Kecuting any of your comraands.
Keapeclfally,
GENERAI> JACOB DRITT.
Gon. Jacob Dritt, of York co".nly, was a military cftirrp.
in O'jr revolutionary struggle, being a captain in Colonel
Swopo"'^ battalion of the Pe.nnsylvani?i Flying Camp. He
was made prisoner at the taking of Fort Washington, nnd
under-vent, as a consequence of ihal event, a long and cIks-
tressing captivity. When the linos of our army were at-
iicked by the enemy, previovisly to the capture of the Fort,
Captain Dritt with a party of men chiefly of his own cnm,)a-
ny was ordered in advance to oppoao tho landing of tha
Bi'itish who came in boats across Haerlem crefek, bolow^
Ktrig'sbiidge. He defen led his position with great brave-
ry^ until hiving lost a number k,C Wm »nc.n,and being nc*r-
)y SJrroTnded with the Hessian Riflomsn on one aide, en I
^^^ Bri:!s''( troops on th^ other, he retreated into the f;>rt
With difliG'ilty an 1 was there cnotur^d.
O.i the 19th of December 1817, Gen. D.itt, and a yojnf>
man n:uT\Ovi Giifnth, who i»ad livod with the General, startod
jil about l<>o'cl )c:k from t!ie York shore, (in tho neighbor-
hood ofD-itt's plantation) with tho intention of reach;og
ChififiUon on the opposite shore where liis son Col. John
Dritt resiJefl. Bit the S i.«^q ich-^nni had increased in t!)0
ifmltitideof its waters, ice floated in it, and the cold was se-
vere and the winds high. They were both carried away by
the torrent, and dro'Vnod. The body of Gen. Driit was
frjnd some time afterward about 30 miles down the rivftr.
Tho honourable spirit and manly feelings which wanned
the arm of the revolutionary patriot, Gen. Dritt, accompa-
nied him through life. Of flfieen OiBcers who belonged lo
Col, S^ope^s battalion of York county, and who were taken
pnjonejs at the battle of Fort Washington, Gen. Dritt was
thelftst survivor but one— and that onei? now sleeping tbe
■le«p whiQhJcoi^a no ivsk'^. Ij\ ^ \^
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