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 26
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
September 6 .- William Mitchell, who shot and killed Michael Allwine, a stage driver, in January, was arrested at LaFayette, Ind., and was released on a writ of habeas corpus. He was afterward
371
1850-51.] LOCAL INCIDENTS.
brought back, and tried. The jury rendered a ver- dict of "not guilty," on the ground of self-defense.
At the same term of Court, November, 1850, August Beerman was tried for the murder of Joseph Mumma, and acquitted.
The population of Cumberland at this time was 6,105, Frostburg, 790, and of the County, 22,799.
January 2, 1851 .- James Evans and George W. Hoover, commenced the publication of a new paper called "The Unionist."
The Mount Savage Iron Company, in conjunction with the Messrs. Lynn, had constructed the Potomac Wharf, for loading boats with coal, and extended its railroad from the main line, at the Narrows, to the river, passing down the west side of the Creek, and through the deep cut of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to the river. This company also engaged largely in the manufacture of "continuous" railroad iron, and fire brick, at Mount Savage, giving employ- ment to hundreds of men.
It also extended its railroad from Mount Savage, to the foot of the hill at Frostburg, where it received the coal from the mines opened at that point.
The Gerge's Creek Coal and Iron Company, whose coal lands are located at Lonaconing, during this year constructed a railroad from that point to Pied- mont, where it connected with the Baltimore and Ohio Road. and thus prepared for the transportation of its own coal. These improvements led to the rapid development of the coal fields, and largely enhanced the value of all the property lying along the lines of the new roads.
372
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1851.
Mayor, Daniel Saylor; Councilmen, John B. Wide- ner, Ephraim Shipley, G. S. Watts, B. M. Blocher, S. A. Vrooman, and D. W. McCleary.
County Commissioners : R. Fairall, John Frantz, T. W. Dawson, H. Brotemarkle, H. D. Carleton, Jesse Wilson, E. R. Engle, A. Chisholm, Leonidas Bevans, George McCulloh, F. L. Friend and U. R. Long.
April 30 .-- Richard W. Clark, a shoemaker, at Flintstone, was arrested on a charge of murdering his wife, by strangulation, and sent to the penitentiary for eighteen years. He afterwards confessed the murder.
October 1 .- The election for Congressmen resulted in the county in 1,566 votes for Wm. T. Hamilton, Democrat, and 1,542 for J. Philip Roman,. Whig. Hamilton's majority in the District was 232.
State Senator, Wm. Weber; Delegates to General Assembly, John Everett, Richard Fairall, Jefferson M. Price, and John Frantz, of Joseph.
Register of Wills, Wm. R. McCulley; State's Attor- ney, Josiah H. Gordon; Sheriff, George M. Blocher.
Orphans' Court : Jacob Fechtig, Edward Mullen, and Jasper Robinett.
County Commissioners: J. W. Browning, George Matthews, Eli Engle, G. W. Dawson, C. A. Scott, N. D. Smith, A. Willison, Elza McElfish, James Watson, Jesse Wilson, J. McC. Mason, and Perry Schultz. Clerk of the Court, Horace Resley.
A passenger packet was placed on the canal and made regular trips, between Cumberland and George- town, carrying a full list of passengers.
373
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1851-52.]
November 2 .- The Mountaineer and Pioneer Hose Companies visited Baltimore, and took part in the Firemen's Parade there, the former as the guests of the New Market Company, and the latter as guests of the Vigilant Company. Our firemen made a fine display, and were highly complimented. The Mountaineers had their apparatus surmounted with a splendid buck, which was afterwards served up for dinner.
February 11,1852 .- A distressing tragedy occurred on the evening of this day, which plunged a large number of persons into the deepest distress, and created the most intense excitement. About 7 o'clock in the evening Robert Swann, stepped into the large room used as an office and bar-room, of the Barnum Hotel, armed with a double-barrelled shot gun, with which he instantly fired at William O. Sprigg, of Joseph, who was seated near the stove. Imme- diately upon seeing Swann raise the gun, Sprigg sprang to a door opening into a side yard ; the door was fastened, however, and being unable to open it he turned to escape through another door, some twelve feet distant, opening into the dining room. The first shot fired by Swann passed through the woodwork of the door, a few stray shots taking effect in the object of his aim. Sprigg had hardly taken half a dozen steps when Swann fired again, with deadly aim, the charge entering the back of Sprigg's neck at the base of the skull, and lodging in the pupil of his right eye, causing instant death. Swann, who made no effort to escape, was arrested and con- signed to jail. This tragedy was the result of a
374
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1852.
quarrel which occurred between the two young men some months previous. Both were of high social standing, and the consequence was a great bitterness of feeling between their respective friends. On the 6th of May, Swann's trial was begun. His Honor, Judge Perry, declined to sit in the case, being a near relative of the prisoner, and Judge J. J. Merrick, of Washington county, took his place on the bench. The prosecuting attorney, J. H. Gordon, before the jury had been fully impanelled, applied for a removal of the case, on the ground that an impartial trial could not be had here. The motion was argued at great length, and finally granted. Swann's counsel then asked that he be admitted to bail ; after hours of argument, this too was granted, bail being fixed at $20,000. The greatest excitement now prevailed amongst the friends of all parties, and on the one side this resulted in an indignation meeting, and the passage of resolutions condemning Judge Merrick's action, after which a crowd of men carried an effigy of the Judge through the streets on a scaffold, and burned it in front of the Revere House. Eventu- ally Swann was tried in Washington County and acquitted.
April 1 .- Washington Evans left the Virginia House, and took the United States Hotel, the former proprietor, A. Cowton, having removed to Baltimore. On the 1st of June, J. A. Heffelfinger left Barnum's Hotel and opened the Revere House, which had just been finished in the most attractive manner.
March 9 .- The annual Conference of the Metho-
375
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1852.]
dist Episcopal Church was held here, remaining in session one week.
April 18 .- A great freshet occurred, the river and creek both overflowing their banks. The water broke through the wall between Bruce's and Brengle's warehouses, on Canal street, and a considerable portion of the town was overflowed. Both the railroad and the canal were badly damaged, the latter suffer- ing to the extent of $80,000.
April 18 .- David Shriver died, in the 84th year of his age. He had been engineer in charge of the construction of that portion of the National Roadlying between Cumberland and Washington, Pa., and was at the time of his death President of the Cumberland Bank.
March 1 .- The City Council concluded that it was necessary to establish a night watch, and passed an ordinance for that purpose, laying off the town into districts, and appointing a captain and six watch- men.
May 12 .- Mayor, John Hayes; Councilmen, H. D. Carleton, Jesse Korns, James Duff, Samuel Ma- guire, F. M. Gramlich, and D. W. McCleary.
The corporation tax was fixed at 50 cents on each $100, and $1,000 was appropriated towards building an engine house for the Mountaineer Hose Company, the building being located on South Liberty street, corner of Hay street.
May 21 .- H. W. Hoffman purchased a half interest in "The Civilian," and became associate editor with Archibald Carey.
October 7 .- In order to furnish better facilities for
1
376
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1853.
protection against fire, the authorities had large cisterns built in the streets in various sections of the town. These proved very useful on many occasions, and were relied upon until the establishment of the Holly system of water works, in 1871, when they became useless.
January 10 .- The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was opened for travel between Cumberland and Wheeling, and two great excursion trains passed over the road, from Baltimore to the Western terminus. The effect was soon felt in Cumberland, as most of the stage lines were taken off, and the great business of transferring merchandise at this point was largely diminished.
February 7, 1853 .- D. W. McCleary, James Duff and H. D. Carleton were appointed a committee to have the town surveyed, with a view to the exten- sion of the corporate limits.
February 14 .- "Hoffman's Row," the three story block of buildings extending from Liberty to Centre streets, on Baltimore street, was set on fire by an incendiary, and a great conflagration resulted. The upper story of the block was burned from one street to the other, as well as four or five houses adjoining. The losses by fire, water, breakage, theft, &c., were very heavy. On the same day several other houses were set on fire, amongst them Belvidere Hall, the United States Hotel, and Semmes' block, corner Baltimore and Mechanic streets. Fortunately the fire was discovered in these buildings before any damage was done.
March 7 .- The Pioneer Hose Company having
377
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1853.]
undertaken the construction of its new house, corner of Centre and Frederick streets, the city appropriated $1,000 towards paying for the same.
March 7 .- A great disaster occurred on the Balti- more and Ohio Railroad, one mile from the Cheat River bridge, on the heavy grade. While passing down the grade, the passenger train was thrown from the track, and several of the cars rolled down the mountain side. Seventeen persons were killed, and thirty-nine wounded badly. Almost every person on the train was more or less hurt. The killed and wounded were brought to Cumberland, and cared for at the Revere House.
April 1 .- Washington Evans took charge of Barnum's Hotel.
The United States Hotel was improved, remodeled and greatly enlarged, by M. P. O'Hern, and opened as the finest hotel in Western Maryland.
April 28 .- The "Cumberland Telegraph," a weekly newspaper, had been established in 1851, by Hilleary & Ogden. On the above date T. E. Ogden sold his one-half interest to Aza Beall, who shortly afterward purchased Hilleary's share, and became sole editor and proprietor.
Messrs. T. I. Mckaig, William W. McKaig, Alpheus Beall, J. H. Tucker, M. P. O'Hern, S. M. Semmes, M. O. Davidson and A. T. Roberts formed a joint stock company, and erected and put into operation a cotton factory, which was located at the extreme north end of Centre street. The mill was managed by Ira Stanbrough.
May 6 .- Mayor, F. B. Tower; Councilmen, D. W. 4S
378
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1853.
McCleary, John E. Russell, Jesse Korns, Joseph Hughes, Henry Shuck and J. B. H. Campbell.
Davidson street was graded and paved in June.
The bridge over Will's Creek became unsafe, many of the timbers having rotted and given way, and in August it was propped up with heavy timbers. Steps were at once taken towards having it replaced by an iron structure.
July 27 .- The Postoffice was removed to No. 93 Baltimore street, by W. A. Taylor, P. M, where it remained until November, 1869, when it was removed to a new building, erected for the purpose, on Centre street, between Baltimore and Frederick streets, Will H. Lowdermilk being the Postmaster.
August 12 .- Thomas Conner, jailor, was killed while engaged in coupling cars at the Cumberland Coal and Iron Company's wharf.
A little daughter of U. Stineman, aged 8 years, fell into the race near Beall's mill, and was drowned.
August 13 .- A son of Thomas Sheridan, aged 8 years, fell into the canal, and was drowned.
August 16 .- A heavy rain of several days' duration caused the river and creek to overflow their banks and a great part of the town was inundated. Bedford, Centre, Liberty, Mechanic, Frederick and Baltimore streets were covered with water, and a great mass of filth and ooze was deposited in the streets, cellars, &c., on which the hot sun poured down for several days, generating disease. On the 17th a case of cholera occurred, and this was followed by others, the scourge soon becoming epidemic, and producing a panic. Thousands of people fled to the country, and
379
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1853-54.]
to distant cities. For two weeks the town was almost depopulated, business having been abandoned. Those who remained, and escaped the disease, devoted themselves heroically to the care of the sufferers. At the expiration of two weeks frost came, fortunately somewhat earlier than usual, and the epidemic ter- minated. During that time there were fifty-five deaths from cholera.
Prominent among those who gave themselves unremittingly to the relief of the sick, were J. H. C. Morrison, W. H. Billmire, Asbury Simkins, Maria Shuck, Mrs. McGirr and Mrs. Bacon. The City Council in September, appropriated sums of money to each of these persons, in recognition of their services.
May 1, 1854 .- Stone arches were built over the race on South Liberty and Harrison streets, each costing about $700.
The necessity for the immediate construction of a new bridge over Will's Creek became so apparent that active steps were at once taken by the County Commissioners. The board proposed to the City Council that the cost of the improvement should be divided between the County and the City, the former to pay four-fifths of the cost, and the latter one-fifth. The proposition was promptly accepted, and a con- tract made with a Baltimore firm for the erection of an iron bridge of the Bollman pattern. The new structure was erected before the close of the year.
May 7 .- Mayor, A. L. Withers; Councilmen, Joseph Hughes, John B. Keller, John T. Peterman, B. M. Blocher, Joseph McCulloh and James Sullivan.
380
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1854-55.
At this time the ground now occupied by Butler's furniture rooms and factory, and the lots adjoining, were vacant, and poorly drained, and constituted an unsightly marsh. The authorities caused a brick sewer to be constructed, crossing Centre and Balti- more streets, and running thence to the race on South Liberty street, by means of which tolerable drainage was secured. During heavy rains, however, this sewer now gets choked up and bursts, as its capacity is not equal to the volume of water flowing into it.
November 10 .- The city was, on this date, lighted by gas, for the first time. The Cumberland Gas Light Company was organized in May, 1854, Messrs. Pericardus & Hoye, of New York, Joseph Shriver, E. T. Shriver and Alpheus Beall, of Cumberland, being the stockholders. The officers of the corporation first chosen were : Joseph Shriver, President; E. T. Shriver, Treasurer, and C. A. Seay, Superintendent. These gentlemen still occupy the positions to which they were then chosen.
December 21 .- The Council passed an order authorizing the erection of twenty iron lamp posts, on the principal streets, at a cost of $25 each, and contracted with the Gas Light Company to light them with gas at $30 each per annum.
February 15, 1855 .- The City Council entered into contract with Connor & Brant, for cleaning the streets, for one year, at $995.
April 23 .- Columbia street was graded and paved from Bedford street to the alley north of the viaduct.
May 8 .- Mayor, W. W. McKaig; Councilmen,
381
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1855.]
John Beall, Wm. Gephart, Jesse Korns, Francis Madore, D. W. McCleary and H. Startzman.
August 25 .- An ordinance was passed for grading and paving Baltimore street, between Mechanic street and the new iron bridge.
October 14 .- This day marked the brutal murder of two citizens of Cumberland, by a German adven- turer known as Frederick Miller. Miller's antece- dents were unknown, but he had been in Cumberland some weeks, and formed the acquaintance of Dr. J. F. C. Hadel, a practicing physician, and a popular gentleman. Miller, from some cause, became im- pressed with the belief that Dr. Hadel carried on his person a considerable sum of money, and with a view to securing it, he determined upon the Doctor's murder. On Sunday morning, October 14, he called on Dr. Hadel, and by some means induced him to go with him into the woods, on foot, taking him along the old turnpike, through Sandy Gap, to a point within sight of the National Road. When they arrived at the old school house, near the Eckhart Railroad, Miller deliberately shot Dr. Hadel in the back, with a heavily loaded shot gun. The wound must have produced death in a few minutes. The wretch then stripped the body, hid the clothes under the floor of the school house, and then proceeded to sever the head from the body. After this he secreted the head in the crevices of some rocks, and dragged the mutilated remains into the woods and concealed them among the bushes. Miller then returned to the Doctor's office, evidently intending to rob it; but he found there Henry Graff, a young German, who was
382
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1855.
a carver of wood, in the employ of K. H. Butler, and who was a friend of Hadel's and a student of medicine in his leisure hours. Miller induced Graff to accom- pany him, also, and they took the same route the unfortunate Hadel had taken in the morning. At Steel's house, the murderer stopped to get his shot gun, which he had left there after killing Hadel. They then went a short distance further, when they reached the culvert on the old pike. Here the monster emptied the contents of his gun into the back of Graff, and taking the body dragged it into the culvert and covered it with stones. Again he returned to Dr. Hadel's office, which he robbed of jewelry, clothing, books, medicines, &c., all of which he packed in a box; this he had removed, next morning, to his boarding house, on north Mechanic street.
The disappearance of the murdered men led to much anxiety on the part of their friends, and when it became known that they were last seen on the pike with Miller, foul play was suspected. On Tuesday the fire bells were rung, and hundreds of persons went in search of the missing men. Graff's body was found first, and a few hours later the muti- lated remains of Dr. Hadel. Miller was arrested in his bed, at midnight, and taken to jail. Court being in session, he was immediately indicted, tried and con- victed of murder in the first degree. Judge Perry passed sentence upon him, and the doomed man was the most unconcerned of all in the court room.
On the 4th of January, 1856, he was hanged. The execution took place near the almshouse, and although
383
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1855.]
the day was bitterly cold, thousands upon thousands of persons flocked through the deep snow to witness the horrible sight. The prisoner was wholly unmoved, and when his spiritual advisers, Rev. M. Mair and Rev. W. T. D. Clemm, told him he was about to die, and that he might say anything he desired, he raised his right hand, and said: "With my last breath, and in the full knowledge of the judgment awaiting me, I deny all knowledge of the death of Dr. Hadel and Henry Graff. I am pre- pared to meet their spirits, in the presence of God, as witnesses of my innocence."
The execution then immediately took place, Dr. John Everett, the Sheriff, performing that unpleasant duty.
The evidence against Miller was undeniable. He even went so far as to wear Dr. Hadel's studs after the murder, and when arrested had them in his possession.
November, 10 .- The candidates for Congress were Wm. T. Hamilton, Democrat, and Henry W. Hoff- man, American. Hoffman was elected by a majority of 732. Hamilton carried Allegany by 38 majority, and Hoffman carried Frederick by 716, and Washing- ton by 54 majority.
December 3 .- The Council passed an order appro- priating $100 to Captain James M. Schley, of the "Cumberland Guards," and Captain J. H. Tucker, of the "Cumberland Continentals," towards fitting up an armory. The old ten pin alley on George street, opposite the Mineral Bank, was rented, and used for this purpose. These companies became wonderfully
384
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1855-56.
proficient in the drill, and attracted a great deal of attention on their visits to other cities.
December 14 .- The extension of the Pittsburgh and Connellsville Railroad to Cumberland was undertaken in 1854, and Hon. Andrew Stewart and M. O. Davidson appeared before the City Council, and submitted a proposition from the Company with a view to securing the city's aid in the matter. The Mayor called a public meeting at Belvidere Hall, which was largely attended, on which occasion Mr. Stewart addressed the citizens, explaining the inten- tions and desires of the Company. The meeting passed resolutions endorsing the projected improve- ment, and requesting the City Council to subscribe $200,000 towards the completion of the work, on condition that the company should establish its machine shops and other local improvements in Cumberland. This was agreed upon, and the city went so far as to have its bonds prepared, but they were never issued, some insurmountable difficulties having occurred in Pennsylvania. The extension to Cumberland was then delayed for nearly twenty years.
May 12,1856 .- Mayor, Joseph H. Tucker; Council- men, William R. Beall, Thomas Devecmon, Jesse Korns, Henry Korns, D. W. McCleary, and John B. Widener.
October 6 .- Smallwood street, between Washing- ton and Cumberland streets, was graded and paved.
An ordinance was passed forbidding burials inside of the corporate limits.
May 11, 1857 .- Mayor, Jas. W. Jones; Councilmen,
385
1857-58.] LOCAL INCIDENTS.
Henry Hagan, Henry Korns, Hanson Willison, John Longabaugh, A. McEldowney, and F. M. Gramlich. H. Mckeon, Clerk.
June 22 .- An order was passed in the Council for the construction of a brick arch bridge over the race, at the foot of Mechanic street.
An appropriation of $50 was made towards the purchase of a town clock, to be placed in the tower of the German Lutheran Church, Bedford street.
October 5 .- The Mineral Bank closed its doors, and appointed Trustees to settle up its business. The Trustees were Messrs. John Beall and George A. Pearre; the total liabilities amounted to $199,681.33. The losses sustained by the creditors of the bank were small, since the Trustees paid them at 83} cents on the dollar, besides defraying all the expenses incurred by this method of settlement.
November 5 .- Hon. Jacob M. Kunkel was elected to Congress over Hon. H. W. Hoffman, by a small majority. The vote in Allegany County stood, Kunkel, 2,236; Hoffman, 1,843.
December 7 .- The Council passed an order for the sale of Plum Alley to the German Catholic, or Redemptorist, Association, for the sum of $300. The sale was never effected, however, and the alley has never been closed up.
January 4, 1858 .- An order was passed by the Council for the extension of the City limits, the line to run from the north east corner of Rose Hill Cemetery to the iron railroad bridge; thence north to Stony Battery; thence to Mullen's Lime Kiln; thence to top of Shriver's Hill; thence south-east to T. I.
49
386
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1858-59.
McKaig's lot, on the Baltimore turnpike; thence to the top of McKaig's Hill, and thence along the base of the hills to the river, below Mertens' boat yard.
April 12 .- An effort was made to secure the location of a national foundry at this place, as such an enterprise was talked of in government circles. The project was never carried into effect.
May 9 .- Mayor, D. W. McCleary; Councilmen, C. B. Thruston, J. B. Walton, W. O. Sprigg, C. H. Ohr, Geo. Clark, and Michael Treiber. H. Mckeon, Clerk. The tax was reduced to 40 cents, this year.
In June the Commissioners had the Court House grounds inclosed by an iron fence, to take the place of a dilapidated wooden fence.
June 18 .- A little daughter of John Blackhurst fell into the water in the gas-holder cistern, at the gas works, and was drowned.
November 27 .- The Cumberland City Bank closed its doors, and J. R. Annan was appointed Trustee.
April 6, 1859 .- The Allegany County Bank was established, with a capital of $50,000, the officers being Dr. George Lynn, President, and A. C. Whet- more, Cashier.
March 17 .- "'The Civilian" and "The Telegraph" were united, and published under the name of "The Civilian and Telegraph," the new proprietors being Evans & Maupin.
The steam canal boats "Bluebird" and "Cathcart," arrived, having in tow several canal boats, the trip being made as an experiment. The result did not justify any further experiments in that direction.
May 9 .- Mayor, D. W. McCleary; Councilmen, H.
387
LOCAL INCIDENTS.
1859.]
Resley, Samuel Luman, C. H. Ohr, Jesse Korns, A. J. Ryland J. T. Shuck.
June 30 .- The Lynn Cement Mill took fire, and was wholly destroyed. The owners rebuilt at once, and had the mill running in less than two months from the date of the fire.
July 18 .- President Buchanan and suite arrived, enroute to the Bedford Springs, and remained over night at the Revere House.
July 20 .- George T. Percy, a young man, 24 years of age, son of Douglas Percy, of Frostburg, was acci- dentally drowned while fishing in the river, near Brady's Mills, with a party of friends.
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.