USA > Maryland > Allegany County > Cumberland > History of Cumberland, (Maryland) from the time of the Indian town, Caiuctucuc, in 1728, up to the present day : embracing an account of Washington's first campaign, and battle of Fort Necessity, together with a history of Braddock's expedition > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
February 21 .- A meeting of mechanics was held at the Court House, when a committee of five was appointed to prepare an address to the citizens of Cumberland and Allegany, setting forth the greviances under which the mechanics of Cumberland labor, and the best means of remedying them. The com- mittee afterwards reported at great length, to the effect that it was wrong and unwise for the merchants of Cumberland to send East for such articles as were manufactured at home; that they ought to encourage home manufactures, and build up the town, &c., and finally submitted the following pledge, which was signed by 42 persons:
We, the undersigned members of the Farmers' & Mechanics' Union Society of Cumberland, mutually pledge ourselves to support each other by using, and causing to be used in our families, by ourselves and our servants, the manufactures of the mechanics of this community, and will give our undivided support to those who encourage us in like manner. To the faithful performance of which we individually pledge our sacred honor.
Justices Orphans' Court :- Thomas Cresap, George Hebb and John McNeill.
April 2 .- Grand jubilee meeting in commemora- tion of the passage of the $2,000,000 Canal Loan Law of Maryland, for the purpose of completing the Canal.
April 11 .-- Captain David Lynn, a soldier of the Revolution, died at "Rose Hill," in the 78th year of his age.
43
338
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1835.
Mayor, John Gephart; Councilmen, Peter Hoffman, Emanuel Easter, Jacob Snyder, Richard Beall and John M. Lawrence. Clerk, William McMahon.
Thomas Shriver appointed Superintendent of that part of the National Road lying in Maryland.
June 20 .- Elijah Curtis fell from the cliff in the Narrows and was killed.
There were at this time five Churches in Cumber- land, viz: Catholic, Father M. Marshal; Lutheran, Rev. Kehler; Presbyterian, Rev. McDonald; Metho- dist, Rev. Lipsicomb; Episcopal, Rev. Leavenworth.
September 29 .- A town meeting was held with a view to petitioning against the location of the Canal along the "high level," as it was feared the work would be located along the base of the hills, near the present line of the Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad to the Narrows. A portion of the population favored this route.
At the election October 13, William McMahon, Joseph Frantz, Jeremiah Berry, Jr., and William Matthews were elected to the Legislature, over Robert Bruce, Wm. Shaw, A. Bruce and H. Shircliff.
November 20 .- Captain George Calmes died, at his home, on the bluff across the river, at the age of 80 years. He was an officer of the Revolution. His wife, Mary, died December 17th, following, aged 82 years. She was a daughter of Captain Thomas Price, of Frederick.
At this time there seemed to be a prospect of the completion of the Canal, and in consequence thereof real estate advanced in price, the population increased, and many new buildings were erected.
339
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1836.]
In January, 1836, it was announced that the appropriation for the Canal had been exhausted, and work was stopped, whereupon a panic occurred, and town lots were offered at insignificant prices.
A town meeting was held and resolutions passed urging the Legislature to appropriate $2,500,000 to continue the work. David Shriver, John Hoye, George McCulloh, Robert Bruce, and James Smith were appointed a committee to go to Annapolis, and present the petition.
In April a company of Boston capitalists purchased some coal lands, and secured a charter to build a railroad along Braddock's Run, and their operations caused some improvement in affairs.
May 2 .- At the town election John Wright was chosen Mayor, the Councilmen being Peter Hoffman. E. Easter, Baptist Mattingly, R. Worthington, and George Blocher.
In November George Smith, Robert Bruce. Thomas Perry, and John M. Buchanan were elected to the Legislature, and Thomas Dowden, Sheriff.
The County Commissioners were James D. Arm- strong, John Slicer, Henry Brown, Cornelius Kight, Peter Preston, Burgess Magruder, John Cress, Wm. Newman, Daniel Folck and Robert Lashley.
In December the stone bridge over Will's Creek, at the Narrows, was completed, under the superin- tendence of U. S. Engineers Page and Turner, the contractors being Lane & Sumner. This work had been much delayed by freshets. Upon its completion the National Road was opened by this route for travel.
-
340
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1836-37.
In 1833 the Legislature had authorized the erection of a new Court House in Cumberland, and John Hoye, Martin Rizer, John G. Hoffman and Bene S. Pigman had been appointed Commissioners to super- intend the work. A levy of $5,000 was to be made, $1,000 to be collected each year until the amount was secured. Some effort was made to have the building located on the east side of the Creek, but it did not amount to anything. The excavation for the founda- tions was commenced in the fall of 1836.
Andrew Bruce and Richard Beall were elected members of the electoral college and were of the "immortal twenty-one" whig electors who prevented the subversion of the State government.
January 3, 1837 .- The Mineral Bank commenced business, with George E. Dyson, cashier.
Justices of Orphans' Court: Thomas Cresap, John McNeill and George Hebb. Surveyor, Benjamin Brown.
Mayor, Gustavus Beall; Councilmen, Thomas I. McKaig, Moore N. Falls, J. P. Carleton, John Hoye, B. Simkins, M. Rizer of M.
A forcing engine was purchased for fire protection, and a special tax of 30 cents on each $100 levied to pay for it. This engine was known as the "Goose Neck," and was about the size of a No. 1 store box.
May 13 .-- The Cumberland Bank suspended specie payment, and the Mineral Bank followed, three days later.
The receipts and expenditures of the town for the fiscal year, ending May 30, amounted to $614.97.
The vote for Congress in the County was, Merrick,
341
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1837.]
(whig) . 851; Thomas, (Democrat) 732. Francis Thomas had a majority in the District of 296 votes.
Michael C. Sprigg, John Neff, Daniel Blocher, and Jonathan Huddleson were elected to the Legislature.
By the close of the year, 1837, the burnt district had been almost entirely rebuilt, and many of the houses were large and substantial. The Cumberland Bank, the National Hotel, the buildings on each of the corners of Baltimore and Mechanic streets, and several others further up street, having been reconstructed. A large hotel building was erected on the North side of Baltimore street, where the St. Nicholas now stands, known as Slicer's Tavern, which was kept at this time by Joshua Johnson. The ground on this corner was bought several years previous to this date, by Peter Lowdermilk, who gave in payment therefor one lady's saddle. A frame house was erected just below the hotel, and another on the Southeast corner of Baltimore and Liberty streets. A row of two- story frame buildings, lathed and plastered outside, were built on Baltimore street, South side, just below Liberty street, and on the Southwest corner of Liberty a residence by Levi Hilleary. On the South- east corner of Centre and Baltimore Edward Sullivan placed a blacksmith shop. A stable was built on Shryer's tan-yard property, on Centre street, and a double brick house on Baltimore street, a short distance East of the Lutheran Church. A number of residences had been also erected on Bedford street.
Commerce between the East and West rapidly increased, and the Cumberland Road became the great highway of traffic. The heavy passenger travel,
342
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1837-38.
and the transportation of goods, led to the establish- ment of hundreds of houses of entertainment along the road, and Cumberland reaped her full share of patronage, being the principal point between Baltimore and Wheeling.
In the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal thousands of Irish laborers were employed, and as bad feeling existed between the clans, riots were of frequent occurrence. On New Year's Day, 1838, a number of men employed at the tunnel marched up to Oldtown, and made a raid on the place, almost demolishing Nicholas Ryan's tavern. Thomas Dowden, the Sheriff, summoned the Cum- berland Guards, and other citizens, as a posse, and went down to quell the riot, but the disturbers had left.
In view of these troubles a company of riflemen was organized, and the Governor sent to Cumberland 189 muskets and 120 rifles to arm the Militia.
The following officers of the 50th regiment, Maryland Militia were appointed: C. M. Thruston, Colonel; Thomas I. Mckaig, Lieutenant Colonel; Normand Bruce, Major; Dr. H. G. Grieves, Surgeon; Alexander King, Captain; George M. Reid, Ist Lieutenant, and John M. Carleton, 2d Lieutenant.
April 25 .- The chain bridge over Will's Creek gave way at the Western abutment, and the structure fell into the stream. At the time of the accident two men and a boy were on the bridge, and all went down with it. The men saved themselves by swimming to the shore, and the boy clambered over the wreck to a point of safety. The Creek at the
343
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1838.]
time was much swollen. Court was in session, and the accident occurred only about half hour before the time for persons to attend
Gustavus Beall, George Blocher and George Hob- litzell were appointed Commissioners to rebuild the bridge, and on the 4th of May advertised for proposals. The construction of a wooden bridge was shortly after commenced, the plan being two wooden arches reaching from shore to shore, with a carriage way in the centre, and a foot walk on either side. This bridge was covered, and closed in, with heavy lattice work on the sides, and the floor covered with tan bark.
May 31 .- George E. Dyson, Cashier of the Mineral Bank was thrown from his buggy and killed. C. M. Thruston was then President of the bank, and Jonathan W. Magruder was elected Cashier.
Mayor, Frederick Deems; Councilmen, George Hoblitzell, J. Witt, Robert McCleary, Henry Wright, Peter Hoffman, and Henry Wineow. Clerk, Daniel Blocher.
October 3 .- State Senator: William Matthews. Delegates to Assembly: John Neff, Jonathan Hud- dleson and Daniel Blocher.
County Commissioners: Jno. Slicer, Henry Brown, Cornelius Kight, George M. Blocher, Martin Rizer, Burgess Magruder, John W. Mountz, Walter Bevans and George H. A. Kunst.
October 13 .- Ordinance to grade and pave Wash- ington street from Will's Creek bridge to Spruce Alley.
October 17 .- Evangelical Synod of Maryland met in Cumberland.
344
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1838-39
October 28 .- Methodist Protestant Church, Bed- ford street, dedicated, Rev. Isaac Webster, President of Maryland Conference, officiating.
October 30 .- John Burbridge, living five miles below town, on line of canal, beaten nearly to death by a lot of Irish laborers, on that work. Colonel Thruston took the militia companies of Captains King and Haller to the section on which the guilty parties were at work, and arrested thirteen who were suspected, and brought them to town for a hearing.
The first semi-annual report of the Superintendent of the National Road, showed the receipts for the half year ending November 20, to be $3,980.56.
December 15 .- The Mountaineer Hose Company was organized, the following officers being chosen: President, John Beall; Treasurer, J. G Hoffman; Secretary, John M. Carleton. The town supplied them with a suction engine at a cost of $750.
During the greater part of the year the scarcity of small money led the merchants generally to issue "shinplasters," for the accommodation of the public. On the 22d of December a meeting of the merchants and traders was held at the National Hotel, when it was resolved that the necessity for such currency no longer existed, and that they should not thereafter be circulated.
January 18, 1839 .- The Presbyterian Church on Liberty street was opened for worship, and on the 20th it was dedicated, Rev. Samuel H. McDonald officiating.
The progress of the work on the new Court House
345
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1839.]
was very slow, and in January a petition was sent to the Legislature praying that the location of the building might be changed to the East side of the Creek, and alleging that such a change would be just and wise, since the hotels, business and population were there; also, that the petitioners would con- tribute a lot and pay for the removal of the material. Another petition was presented protesting against such removal, and setting forth the advantages of the location which had been selected by the proprietor of the town in 1785. The petition asking the change had 143 signers; the other 390. The Legislature declined to order any change, and the Court House was finished during the year, proving a large, roomy, and comfortable building.
February 12 .- Ellen J. Albright, a young lady, fifteen years of age, was burned to death, her clothing having taken fire from a stove.
February 24 .- A fire broke out in a frame building on North Mechanic street, just above Bedford street, occupied by John Hoffman as a cabinet-maker's shop. That and six adjoining buildings were destroyed.
March 25 .- The town council passed an ordinance requiring every person owning a house or store inside the corporate limits to provide a leathern bucket, of at least two and a half gallons capacity, for every building such person owned, and to have his name plainly marked thereon.
The "Gooseneck" fire engine was given in charge of the "Cumberland," or "Canada," Hose Company, by the town, together with four axes, three hooks and four ladders, and $30 was appropriated to build a
44
346
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1839-40.
house for them. The hose were carried on a wagon.
Mayor, Samuel Charles; Councilmen, Baptist Mat- tingly, George Shuck, Daniel Wineow, Archibald McNeill, Martin Rizer, and Robert A. Robinson. Clerk, Charles Heck.
August 27 .- In consequence of a number of serious riots on the canal, at the tunnel, Colonel Thruston went with the military companies of Cumberland to that point, where he was joined by Colonel Hollings- worth's troops from Washington county, and a company of cavalry from Clearspring, Md., under Major Barnes. Colonel Thruston took command, and arrested twenty-five of the ring-leaders, captured and destroyed about two hundred fire arms, and sixty barrels of whisky, and pulled down fifty shanties. The prisoners were brought to Cumberland, and put in jail, and most of them afterwards sent to the penitentiary, for terms ranging from one to eighteen years.
May 17, 1840 .- Mayor, Samuel Charles; Council- men, Thomas Perry, George Shuck, Daniel Wineow, Archibald McNeill, and E. Easter. Clerk, Charles Heck.
The political campaign of 1840 was probably one of the most enthusiastic ever known in Allegany county. The Harrison men were particularly active, and two interesting events occurred in the town of Cumberland during the spring. On the 28th of April delegations from the Pennsylvania counties of Greene and Fayette arrived here, on their way to the - Young Men's Harrison Convention, at Baltimore. A large number of citizens left Cumberland at 2 p.
347
THE CAMPAIGN OF '40.
1840.]
m. to meet the delegations and escort them to town. They went out on horseback, in carriages, and in coaches, under command of Wm. Lynn, marshal of the day. Three miles from town they met the delegations, which were marching with a band, flags and banners, and a log cabin on four wheels. As the procession marched into town there was great enthusiasm, the band playing and the people shout- ing, the streets and houses being crowded with the multitude. The log cabin was the feature of the demonstration; it was drawn by six gray horses, and was decorated with coon skins, buck horns, &c. The Pennsylvanians stayed over night, and an immense meeting was held in the new Court House. On the following day they were escorted out of town and went on their way. One day later, the Allegany delegation, consisting of about fifty young men, also left for Baltimore. They were clad in the blue hunting shirts of the mountaineers, and made a fine appearance. Under the energetic direction of Thomas Shriver, Allegany had prepared the most novel and striking feature of the campaign. A large wooden ball, some twelve feet in diameter, was built in the barn of Mr. Shriver, for the occasion. It was made of light timber, firmly joined, and a wooden bar passed through its centre, protruding some two feet on each side; to this was attached ropes, and at intervals of three or four feet short hand bars were fastened in the ropes, by means of which the delega- tion dragged it forward, and the ball, once set in motion, was kept rolling till the election gave the "Hard Cider and Log Cabin" Boys a victory. Upon
348
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1840.
the completion of the ball it was found that it was larger than the opening in the barn, and it became necessary to tear out parts of the walls to increase the means of egress. The ball was covered with red, white and blue cloth, in alternate stripes, and at the polls were stars on a blue ground. It was covered with various inscriptions, amongst them being the following:
OLD ALLEGANY,
With heart and soul, this ball we roll; May times improve, as on we move.
This Democratic ball first set rolling by Benton Is on another track from that it first was sent on.
Farewell, dear Van; you're not the man To guide the Ship; we'll try old Tip.
"STOP THAT BALL."
The gathering ball is rolling still; And still gathers as it rolls.
The delegation from Allegany started off in high spirits for Baltimore. The ball was rolled through the streets and along the Baltimore pike for some distance, and was then placed on a wagon prepared for the purpose. When a town was approached on the route the ball was unloaded and rolled through, with shouts and songs. At the great procession in Balti- more it was greeted with cheer after cheer, and Henry Clay declared it to be the "Lion of the Day." It was regarded as so great a novelty that the New York delegation asked and secured permission to take it with them, to their celebration of the battle of Fort Meigs, on the 8th of May. They took it through Philadelphia and New York City, and everywhere it attracted great attention, of which, of course, the Allegany boys were very proud.
349
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1840.]
On the 22d of September the Whigs had a grand procession in Cumberland, and on this occasion rolled another ball, about twenty feet in diameter, through the streets, while the town was literally packed with people.
February 9 .- A disastrous freshet occurred. The river and creek had been frozen over, and a sudden thaw took place, causing both streams to rise to a great height, doing much damage and badly injuring the work on the canal.
February 12 .- A public meeting was held at the Court House, and resolutions passed, urging the Legislature to give additional aid towards the com- pletion of the Canal. The meeting was very large, and a memorial setting forth the sentiments of the people was adopted, and sent to Annapolis in charge of C. M. Thruston, Thomas Perry and Samuel M. Semmes. The committee discharged its duty, but the Legislature failed to make a further appro- priation, and the people of Cumberland became quite despondent in consequence thereof.
April 1 .-- Another public meeting was held for the purpose of determining upon the best means to be taken to secure the completion of the work. It was determined to petition the Governor to call an extra session of the Legislature in order that the matter of a further appropriation might be again considered.
April 30 .- Beall's Row, consisting of nine small houses, on the west side of North Mechanic street above Bedford, was destroyed by fire.
July 11 .- Population of the town 2,384. In 1830 it was 1,162.
350
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1841-42.
May 18, 1841 .- Mayor, James Smith ; Councilmen, E. Easter, Benjamin Simkins, J. G. Hoffman, George Shuck, Martin Rizer of M., George Blocher. Clerk, S. A. Swartzwelder.
January 15, 1842 .- A little daughter of Theophilus Beall, 4 years of age, was accidentally burned to death, her clothing having taken fire from an open fire place.
February 28 .- The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, during the construction of its road in the vicinity of Cumberland, paid its employees in its notes. For some months they passed current at their face value, but on this date the merchants of the town held a meeting and determined that thencefor- ward they would accept them only at a discount of 20 per cent. In Baltimore they were subject to a discount of 25 per cent. The Good Intent Stage Company were then issuing "shinplasters" which commanded their full value, and were redeemable on presentation.
May 18 .- Mayor, John Gephart; Councilmen, George Mattingly, Martin Rizer of M., Samuel Eckles, James A. Annan, George Shuck, and Arch. McNeill. Clerk, S. A. Swartzwelder.
The new Council contracted with Nelson Beall, for the construction of a market house, which was finished in 1843, at a cost of $1,700. .
October 5 .- Sheriff, Normand Bruce. Delegates, W. V. Buskirk, John Neff and John Pickell.
County Commissioners: John Brobst, Henry Bruce, Peter Yeast, G. Fazenbaker, H. Kreigbaum, Alexander King, George M. Reid, L. M. Jamison,
351
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1842.]
Henry Bevans, Robert Lashly, and John Frantz.
The following was the assessment of property in Cumberland in January :
.
Lands and tenements. $452,229
Slaves ...
. 40,100
Stock in trade. 105,985
Bank and other stocks.
61,877
Private securities.
200,273
Live stock
23,327
Household furniture
32,440
Plate
2,488
Gold and silver watches.
3,661
Other property ..
8,738
Total.
.$931,118
November 1 .- The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was on this date opened to Cumberland, and the wonderful locomotive made its first appearance here. No other event has ever transpired in the history of the place which created so much pleasurable excite- ment. Business was entirely suspended, and men, women and children gathered about the terminus of the road to witness the arrival of the trains. From the mountain tops, and valleys, throughout the adjoining country, the people came in crowds, and the town was in a fever of excitement for many days.
The opening of this road proved the inauguration of a new era in the history of the town. This was made the point of exchange for passengers and merchandize between the East and West. Hotels were erected for the accommodation of travelers, and large ware houses, along the railroad tracks, for the storing of goods which were to be transhipped from cars to wagons for the West, and from wagons to cars for the East. The facilities thus furnished for
352
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1842.
rapid transportation induced many persons to make the journey across the mountains, and the stage companies were compelled to build new coaches and to erect large stables Every morning and evening upon the arrival of the cars long lines of stages drew up in front of the hotels. Inside they carried nine passengers, and outside one on the seat with the driver. In the "boot" and on the roof was placed the baggage. When all were loaded, at a given signal, a dozen whips would crack, a dozen four-horse teams would take the road, and dash through the streets at a brisk trot, which would be kept up until Frostburg was reached, in less than two hours. Here horses were exchanged, and up the mountain grade they went, on their way to Wheeling.
In a little while after the completion of the railroad to Cumberland, the National Road became a thorough- fare such as the country has never before or since seen, for a like distance. On every mile of the road were to be seen stages, carriages, and heavy freight wagons, carrying tons of merchandize piled up under their canvas-covered bows, drawn by six powerful horses. In addition to these, great droves of cattle, hogs, sheep, &c., were daily on the road. Taverns were to be found every few miles, with jolly landlords, who knew all the teamsters, drivers and guards. Those were "good old times," and the "pike boys" still living look back to them with many a sigh of regret.
May 19, 1843 .- Mayor, Thomas Shriver; Council- men, A. McNeill, George Shuck, A. L. Withers, Samuel Eckles, Benjamin Simkins, and John Gephart. Clerk, S. A. Swartzwelder.
353
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1843.]
This Council, under the energetic inspiration of Mayor Shriver, made great improvements in the town. Grades were established on all the principal streets, and sidewalks laid on Mechanic street almost its entire length. Baltimore, Liberty, Bedford and George streets were paved, and new bridges built over the mill race, and paved with stone. The Blue Spring was improved and walled up, and protected by ordinance. Late in the fall Washington street was paved to Smallwood street.
The steadily increasing tide of passengers passing to the East and West, over this route, led to still greater enterprise in the supply of stages as a means of conveyance. "The National Road Stage Com- pany," owned by Stockton & Stokes, found an active competitor in the "Good Intent Stage Company," the owners of which were Wm. H. Still, John A. Woert, Alpheus Beall and Thomas Shriver. In the summer of 1843 Reesides & Sons started the "June Bug Line," and a short time afterwards the keepers of the taverns along the line of the National Road, put on a splendidly equipped set of stages and horses, and established the "Landlord's Line." This company had many advantages, as the active, energetic men who fed the passengers were the owners, and constantly exerted themselves to make it popular. Amongst them were John W. Weaver, Joseph Dilley, Samuel Luman and William Willis. Still another line was put on the road, between Hagerstown and Wheeling, by Peters, Moore & Co., and known as the "Pioneer Line." The competition became so great that the June Bug Line was driven off the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.