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 29
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
On the 31st of July, Cumberland was again panic- stricken. A soldier brought intelligence of the
416
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1864.
passage of the river, at Hancock, by a strong force of Confederates, whose destination was Cumberland. It was rumored that a smaller force was also approach- ing from the direction of Bedford. The wildest ex- citement prevailed throughout the city, and a public meeting was held Sunday night, for the purpose of organizing a militia force to assist the soldiers under command of General Kelly. The meeting was ad- dressed by Mayor Ohr, who urged the immediate formation of companies of citizens, for the defense of the town. Three companies were formed, consisting of about two hundred men, which limited force was placed under command of General C. M. Thruston. On Monday morning it was ascertained that the Confederates were still advancing, and in the after- noon scouts reported them in the vicinity of Folck's Mill, some three miles from town. The excitement now reached fever heat; the mer- chants loaded their goods and sent them off to places of safety ; the railroad companies moved their trains off to the West, and men were rushing about the streets arming themselves with muskets, rifles and shot guns, while thousands climbed to the hill-tops, for the purpose of obtaining a view of the expected conflict. Meantime, General Kelly had taken a regiment of infantry and a section of artillery out the Baltimore pike, and stationed them in sight of the enemy, near Folck's Mill. A little after three o'clock he sent a shell into the Confederate ranks, and they responded in like manner. The infantry engaged in desultory firing with the enemy's sharp- shooters, but the engagement did not become general.
417
DEFENSE OF THE CITY.
1864.]
The artillery duel was kept up until dark. The enemy then moved off towards the South, and made their way to the Potomac at Greenspring Run.
General Thruston had been posted with his com- mand on Williams Road, on the right flank of General Kelly, which position he maintained until the departure of the Confederates. At Green Spring an iron-clad locomotive and cars, with a small piece of artillery, fell into the hands of the enemy, as also some eighty men in the block-house. The attacking force consisted of probably 2,000 mounted men and a battery of artillery, under Generals Ransom and McCausland. On Tuesday they sent in a demand for the surrender of the city. General Kelly declined to accede to this, and immediately posted his men to give battle. The demand, however, proved only to be a ruse adopted to prevent any movement on the part of the Union troops which might interfere with the recrossing of the river by the Confederates.
The citizens' organization which went out to meet the enemy on this occasion, in defense of the town, was composed as follows :
Commander-Gen. C. M. Thruston.
Quartermaster-William Wickard. Commissary Sergeant-Josiah Witt.
Company A-Captain, Samuel Luman; First Lieutenant, Samuel J. Edwards; Second Lieutenant, James J. Watkins; Orderly Sergeant, E. A. Lingo.
Privates-J. M. Kearner, P. W. Hoblitzell, George W. Hoblitzell, John W. Hummelshime, William Wolf, Robert W. McMicha .I, William Reid, Morris Sibley, John Heck, John Ohr, Charles Shaw, Daniel Web- ster, Wiufield Jordan, Walter Beall, William Reid, of Geo., William Brengle, W. W. Beall, Jacob Suter, Wm. Anderson, Thomas R id, Sum- merfield Speelman, S. Valentine (color bearer), Wm. Shepherd, Chauncey McCulloh, Lona Ward, John T. Mahaney, Charles Kizer (d ummer), Alonzo Smenner, Thomas Hays, Thomas Wickard, James Reil, James Wingard, John Madore, Amor Keller, John Laney, Frank Finnegan, Charles B. Madore, Wm. Trieber.
53
.
-
418
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1864.
Company B-Captain, J. J. Craigen; First Lieutenant, Joshua Steiner; Second Lieutenant, G. F. Shryer. First Sergeant, Henry Shriver; Sec- ond Sergeant, Robert Shriver; Third Sergeant, Charles A. Seay; First Corporal, George T. Knorr; Second Corporal, C. B. Smith; Third Corpo- ral, S. H. Fundenberg.
Privates-A. M. Adams, Samuel Anderson, L. W. Brant, Thomas D. Davis, J. H. Doke, Geo. F. Gephart, O. C. Gephart, George M. Gloss, William Hext, Geo. A. Hoffman, E. M. Johnson, Thomas Johnson, John Morris, M. Y. Rabold, Oliver Rice, John Schilling, Thomas Shuck, Josiah Shuck, Augustus Smith, Amos Stallings, J. Speelman, W. H. Wilkins, John P. Wolf, J. H. Young.
Company C-Captain, Pat. Morrisey; First Lieutenant, H. M. Carle- ton; Second Lieutenant, John Winterstine; Orderly Sergeant, John Wefer.
Privates-Henry Bersee, John Taffel, John Smith, John Reis, John Hart, John Sheiler, Frederick Minke, John Baker, George Zink. John Himmler, John Keogel, John Rhitter, Kuhnrod Hartman, John Willer, Thomas Leow, George Morgan, James Shaning, Joseph Schilling, Henry Willison, George Shuck, Jr., Benjamin Bakley, John Baker, Kuhnrod Waltz, William Smith.
August 18 .- A party of burglars undertook to blow open a fire-proof safe in M. M. Kearney's grocery store, corner of Baltimore and Centre streets, but having used too much powder, they blew up the building, and aroused the entire neighborhood. The damage was so great as to require the rebuilding of the house.
September 3 .- General Duffie's brigade, of General Averill's division, arrived here and went into camp. The Second Maryland Regiment P. H. B., returned to Cumberland, their term of service, three years, having expired, and were mustered out. A veteran battalion was then formed, four companies re-en- listing .*
September 25 .- Taylor & Co.'s iron foundry, on George street, was destroyed by fire, together with the machine shop, the railroad warehouse, black- smith shop, and six dwelling houses, involving a loss of more than $30,000.
·See page 403.
419
1864-65.] INCIDENTS OF THE WAR.
A soldier named Averill, belonging to the Twenty- First New York Cavalry, was shot and killed by a guard on Mechanic street, near Bedford.
September 30 .- Joseph Prevost, a soldier, who had been convicted of the murder of Christian Miller, was hanged by the military authorities. He declared his innocence up to the last moment. When the trap fell with Prevost, the rope broke, and the unfortunate man was precipitated to the ground. He was taken on to the scaffold again, and after a new rope had been procured, was launched into eternity.
In October, 416 men were drafted, in Allegany County, for the United States service. Cumberland having supplied her quota was not included in the draft. These men, however, were not required to report for duty.
November 8 .- The contest for Congressman resulted in the election of Hon. Francis Thomas over A. K. Syester, by a vote of 11,196 against 7,985. The vote in Allegany was: Thomas 2,487 ; Syester, 1,933.
State Senator, C. H. Ohr; Delegates, Samuel P. Smith, Henry Brown, S. W. Wardwell, M. Sherry and M. G. Dean. Judge of the Circuit Court, James Smith.
The call made by the President for 300,000 men, in December, 1864, induced the County Commis- sioners of Allegany, in February, 1865, to offer a bounty of $200 to every man who should enlist in the United States army, from the county. The State also gave a bounty of $300. The sum proposed to be raised by the County was $54,200, for which it
420
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND.
[1865.
issued and sold its bonds, the work being performed by a board consisting of Hopewell Hebb, Nelson C. Read and John H. Young.
One of the most startling events in the history of the war occurred here on the night of the 21st, or early morning of the 22d, of February, when a small body of Confederates entered Cumberland and took two Major-Generals from their beds, while not less than 6,000 or 8,000 troops were encamped in the city.
This daring invasion was made by MeNeill's Rangers, and was participated in by a number of Cumberlanders, who were perfectly familiar with every foot of ground about the place. One of the leading spirits in the enterprise was John B. Fay, who performed the duty of a scout. He, with C. Ritchie Hallar, a young Missourian, crossed the Potomac near Brady's Mills, and from some acquaintances obtained throrough information as to the number of troops in Cumberland, the location of the various headquarters, pickets, &c. With this fund of knowl- edge they returned, and reported the facts to Lieutenant McNeill. Some sixty-five men, a num- ber of them belonging to various companies of General Rosser's command, under McNeill and Fay, at once started for Cumberland. They again crossed the river near Brady's Mill, and almost within hearing of a cavalry picket. A portion of the command went to the house of S. D. Brady, amongst them Lieuten- ants McNeill and Fay, J. L. Vandiver, Joseph Kuy- kendall, John Cunningham, James Daily, Charles Nicholls and Isaac Parsons, where a consultation was
421
CAPTURE OF GENS. CROOK AND KELLY.
1865.]
held. McNeill proposed to capture the picket and return, as he was afraid it was too late to do more before daylight. Fay and a majority of others opposed this, and without delay the command was ordered forward. When the cavalry pickets were reached, the raiders were challenged, but by a quick dash they captured the pickets before a gun could be fired. The countersign, "Bull's Gap," was extorted, and with this the Confederates had no difficulty in securing the picket post which was stationed at the junction of the river road and the old pike, just below Steele's. Ten men were then detailed to secure General Kelly, and put him in charge of Sergeant Joseph Kuykendall; and ten others to take General Crook, and turn him over to Sergeant Joseph L. Vandiver. Sprigg S. Lynn and Charles Nichols were in the first squad. Lieutenant Fay's duty was to take a number of men, and destroy the telegraph lines. The party then rode rapidly along the road to Green street, down Green street and then leisurely across the bridge, and along Baltimore street to the Barnum House, bandying words occasionally with the guards on the street. Halting in front of Bar- num's, the headquarters guard was taken in custody, and compelled to point out the rooms of General Kelly and Adjutant Thayer Melvin, both of whom were aroused from their sleep, and requested to dress as speedily as possible. The astonished General and his aid quickly comprehended the situation, and submitted. Meantime, a similar scene was being enacted at the Revere House, where General Crook was sleeping in fancied security. Lieutenant Fay
422
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1865.
had also done his work, completely destroying the office of the military telegraph. Eight of General Kelly's best horses, amongst them his favorite, "Phillippi," were captured, and then the Confederates rode off with their prisoners, taking the tow-path, and crossing at Wiley's Ford. Shortly after their departure the alarm was given, and a company of mounted men went in pursuit. The fugitives were overtaken near Romney, and a skirmish followed, but the prisoners were beyond recapture.
Generals Hayes, Lightburn and Duval were in camp in the city at the time, but the Confederates having carried out their plans to the very letter, did not stop to hazard a further harvest of Generals. This event caused much excitement throughout the country, and was commented upon largely in every direction. The captured officers were sent to Rich- mond, and shortly afterwards exchanged.
Upon the surrender of General Lee, in April, it became apparent that the war was virtually ended. The Union men were proud and happy, while the friends of the Confederacy were correspondingly depressed. None of the bitterness between the differ- ing elements, however, seemed to be obliterated. The bloody contest was just being terminated, and time alone could soften the memory of all the acts and words that had disrupted the political and social fabrics of the nation. When the overthrow of the Southern armies became assured, meetings were held in all parts of the county, at which resolutions were passed declaring that those who had left to take up arms against the government should not return to reside
423
INCIDENTS OF THE WAR ..
1865.]
again at their old homes. Gradually, however, this spirit became modified, and most of those who had gone South returned. For several years there was little or no intercourse between them and the men who had remained true to the Union, and not unfre- quently violent discussions and personal collisions occurred. The lapse of time, however, wore away the sharp edges of hate, until the soldiers of both sides became friends again, and neighbors renewed their friendly relations.
At the city election, May 8th, the following officers were elected : Mayor, George Harrison; Council- men, Dr. J. J. Bruce, C. B. Smith, H. Startzman, George Long, John Young and John R. Cruzen.
Early in the summer of 1865, Cumberland was designated as one of the posts at which troops should be mustered out of the United States service. in the Middle Department. Consequently a number of soldiers and long wagon trains arrived almost daily during the month of June. A camp was established by the Fifth United States Cavalry in a grove on the National Road, three miles west of town. This camp was laid out with great regularity, and the grounds handsomely ornamented with arches, bridges, &c., and lighted at night by means of large lamps. Almost as rapidly as they arrived the troops were mustered out, paid off and sent to their homes.
July 1 .- The "Civilian and Telegraph" was pur- chased by Will H. Lowdermilk, who became there- after sole editor.
August 14 .- Hon. James Smith, Judge of the Circuit Court, fell dead from his horse, while riding
424
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1865-75.
along the old pike, in the vicinity of Mr. Steele's house. His death was the result of disease of the heart.
At the election in November, Daniel Duncan was elected Sheriff, James Chisholm, Surveyor; Commis- sioners, Robert McCulloh, Ashford Trail, R. S. Day- ton, D. H. Friend and S. J. Beachy.
Hon. George A. Pearre received 2,082 votes for Judge of the Circuit Court, and had no opposition.
Before the close of the year 1865, the last of the troops departed from Cumberland, and in the pursuit of peaceful avocations, a spirit of improvement soon manifested itself. The merchants began to enlarge, remodel and beautify their places of business, while numerous elegant private residences were erected. On Baltimore street, within five years following the declaration of peace, many old landmarks were destroyed, and the elegant buildings of Messrs. S. T. Little, F. Minke, M. M. Kearney, Hopewell Hebb, the fine block known as "Merchants' Row," em- bracing the stores of C. C. Shriver & Co., John F. Johnson, C. F. Hetzel, andothers, were erected. These were followed by J. B. H. Campbell's, A. M. L. Bush's, the Second National Bank, S. J. Edwards', T. W. Shryer's, the Reynolds Block, &c. Baltimore street becoming crowded, Centre street was invaded, and the elegant furniture rooms of K. H. Butler were built, after which a new building for the Post Office followed, and blocks of business houses by M. J. Smenner & Son, O. C. Gephart, and John E. Buck. The whole space from Baltimore street to Bedford street was soon occupied, and this became a busy part of the town. The formation of building asso-
425
IMPROVEMENTS.
1866-75.]
ciations proved a great incentive to poor men to secure homes for themselves.
In 1867 the city authorities gave to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company 40 acres of land in South Cumberland, upon which to erect rolling mills, for which land $28,000 of bonds were issued. The construction of these mills resulted in the employ- ment of nearly 800 men, in consequence of which there was a rapid increase of population, and a great demand for houses. Real estate advanced in price to figures never before thought of in the town, and hundreds of new dwellings were erected. Maryland avenue and half a dozen other new streets east of the railroad were rapidly built up, and Cumberland enjoyed a brief season of great prosperity. The railroad company erected and opened the Queen City Hotel, a magnificent establishment, which cost more than $300,000. The old depot at the Baltimore street crossing was torn down, and the station removed to the new hotel.
The city authorities caught the infection, and in- augurated several much needed improvements. The necessity which had long existed for a satisfactory system of water works was now fully recognized, and in 1870 a committee, consisting of Mayor Lowe, W. A. Piatt, F. M. Offutt, and George H. Myers, of the City Council ; James M. Schley and Asa Willison, of the Water Board; T. L. Patterson, engineer; Dr. S. P. Smith, W. E. Weber and Will H. Lowder- milk, was sent by the city to Dayton, Ohio, for the purpose of examining into the merits of the Holly system of water supply and fire protection, in use at
54
426
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1866-75.
that place. The committee reported unanimously in favor of that character of water works, and the city at once entered into a contract with the Messrs. Holly for the construction of the necessary machinery, and issued $100,000 of bonds to meet the expenses. In 1871 the works were completed, and they are still in successful operation. A year later a bridge was built over the Potomac river to connect the city with West Virginia, and shortly afterwards two bridges were built over Will's Creek. In 1874 the erection of a new City Hall was commenced, and it was com- pleted in 1876.
The building is of brick, having a massive, lofty and striking exterior. Its length on Centre street is 126 feet; on Liberty street 115 feet; depth on Frederick street 104 feet; on Bedford street 80 feet; height to square of building 62 feet; to cresting 78 feet; to top of tower 140 feet.
The ground floor is occupied as a market, having a superficial area of more than 10,000 feet.
Above the market the building is divided into two distinct parts by a corridor thirteen feet in width, which also accommodates the stairways. On the north side of the corridor are the Council Chamber, Mayor's office, Clerk's office, and committee room. These occupy the second floor. The rooms are handsomely frescoed, and the Council Chamber, which is 50 by 38 feet, in size, is furnished with desks of black walnut. On the third floor are three rooms, used by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; while the upper floor supplies a full suit of elegant rooms for the Masonic fraternity, the lodge room
CITY HALL AND ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
427
THE CITY HALL.
1866-75.]
being 60 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 18 feet high.
The south side of this edifice, above the market, is devoted entirely to the purposes of amusement, and is known as the " Academy of Music." It is elegant in all its appointments, and is one of the most beautiful interiors to be found in any place of amusement in the country. The ceiling is a work of art, upon which was expended the skill of the best painters in the employ of Emmart & Quartley, of Baltimore. The lower floor of the Academy is divided into the "Orchestra," and "Orchestra Circle," and is supplied with nearly 500 patent folding chairs. The next floor is the "Dress Circle," and above this the "Balcony." The balconies are supported by hand- some iron columns, and the fronts are of iron open ornamental work, in soft colors, picked with gold, and a vermilion background. The "Sunlight" re- flector in the centre of the ceiling illumines the house, but is supplemented by handsome brackets on the walls.
The dimensions of this room are: from the door to the curtain 66 feet; width 62 feet; to the ceiling 43 feet; stage 31 feet deep and 30 feet wide between the boxes, the entire width being 62 feet; the pro- scenium is 27 feet in height to the crown of the arch; there are four private boxes, two on either side. The drop curtain is a handsome painting, represent- ing the "Decline of Carthage." On the apron border is a faithful portrait of Shakespeare, with suitable surroundings.
Dressing rooms, with water, heat and all conve- niences occupy a portion of the space under the
428
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1866-75.
stage, and a door leads directly from the stage to a comfortable room for the "stars."
The entire house is heated by steam, the arrange- ments being such as to guarantee a comfortable temperature in the most extreme weather.
The Building Committee, under whose care this structure was erected and completed, were, H. W. Hoffman, chairman; J. B. H. Campbell, Jesse Korns, Josiah H. Gordon and F. Haley. The architect was Frank E. Davis, of Baltimore, and the contractor, J. B. Walton.
The Academy was opened Tuesday night, March 7, 1876, under the auspices of John T. Ford, when his company presented "The Big Bonanza," and a beautiful address was delivered by Frederick B. Warde.
The County Commissioners being impressed with the necessity of furnishing increased accommodations for the Courts and their various officers, in 1872, caused the old Court House to be entirely remodeled and enlarged, at a cost of about $50,000, and thereby secured a handsome, commodious and complete structure, in every way suitable for the purposes to which it is dedicated. They also built a new jail, in the rear of the Court House, the old one, adjoining the Academy, being afterwards demolished.
The depressing effects of the financial crisis which began in 1873, were not felt until a year or two later, in Cumberland, but then every branch of business was blighted, and much suffering followed. The closing of the rolling mills was particularly disastrous. Real estate depreciated in value to an alarming
429
CITY OFFICERS.
1866-76.]
extent, and hundred's of houses were unoccupied; bankrupts became numerous, and dozens of persons who had almost secured homes finally lost them. In common with all parts of the country, Cumber- land was a sufferer.
In May, 1869, the "Transcript," a daily news- paper, was established, by Will H. Lowdermilk, and was published for three months, when it was abandoned, because of the ill health of the editor.
In April, 1871, the "Daily News" was established, by Charles, Fanagin & Co. It was afterwards sold to George Charles and Henry J. Johnson; and eventu- ally they dissolved partnership, the paper going into the sole possession of Henry J. Johnson.
In the same year the "Daily Times" was estab- lished, Lloyd L. Clary being the editor. After his death, it was continued by T. F. McCardell and John Broyderick, and was finally discontinued in 1876.
The following is a list of the county and city officials from 1866 to 1876 :
May 14, 1866 .- Mayor, John Humbird; Council- men, F. Mertens, Asa Willison, Francis Haley, Andrew Gonder, George Long and George W. Hoover.
November 6 .- State Senator, Dr. C. H. Ohr ; Dele- gates to Legislature, Charles Gilpin, William R. McCulley, S. M. Haller, D. C. Bruce and George W. McCulloh. For Comptroller, Robert Bruce received 2,410 votes, and W. J. Leonard 2,292. For Congress, Francis Thomas received 2,376 votes, and William P. Maulsby 2,308.
The State Senate unseated Dr. Ohr, and gave
430
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND. [1867-76.
his seat to Alfred Spates. The House unseated Charles Gilpin, and gave his seat to William Devec- mon.
May 13, 1867 .- Mayor, John Humbird; Council- men, A. J. Clark, Asa Willison, Henry Gerdeman, Andrew Gonder, Wm. O. Sprigg, and George W. Hoover.
November 5 .- Chief Judge, Richard Alvey ; Associate Judges, Thomas Perry, Wm. Motter ; State Senator, Alfred Spates; Delegates, G. W. McCulloh, Anthony Kean, Wm. Devecmon, Noah Trimble, E. G. Hall. Clerk of Court, Horace Resley ; Sheriff, Hanson Willison; State's Attorney, Charles B. Thrus- ton; Register of Wills, Elijah Fuller; Judges of Orphans' Court, John Coulehan, Patrick Hamill and John M. Buchanan. County Commissioners, Wm. Browning, John Farrell, Wm. Barnard, H. Shircliff, and Daniel Frazee. Surveyor, W. M. Owens.
May 11, 1868 .- Mayor, John Humbird; Council- men, Frederick Mertens, Jas. H. Percy, A. J. Clark, F. M. Offutt, A. Willison, F. M. Gramlich.
At the election in November, the vote in Allegany was, for President, Grant 2,428, Seymour 2,721. For Congress, Patrick Hamill 2,702, Daniel Weisel 2,421. Hamill was elected to Congress by a majority of 586.
May 13, 1869 .-- Mayor, Lloyd Lowe ; Councilmen, J. B. Walton, John Bauer, J. J. McHenry, W. W. McKaig, Jr., J. J. Bruce, John Weible.
State Senator, Alfred Spates; Delegates to the Legislature, John M. Standish, Geo. Myers, Geo. Percy, Anthony Kean, James Wilson.
431
1869-76.] CITY AND COUNTY OFFICERS.
County Commissioners, Israel Thompson, William Browning, Michael Naughton, William McCullough, Adam Garinger. Sheriff, George Layman. Surveyor, William Armstrong.
May 15, 1870 .- Mayor, Lloyd Lowe ; Councilmen, James B. Walton, Frederick Mertens, F. M. Offutt, Wm. Piatt, F. M. Gramlich, George H. Myers.
The Congressional election in November resulted in the success of John Ritchie of Frederick county, Democrat, over John E. Smith, of Carroll county, Republican, by a majority of 1,818. The vote stood Allegany county, Ritchie 2,843; Smith 1,980; Washington county, Ritchie 3,756, Smith 3,284; Frederick county, Ritchie 4,739, Smith 4,664; Car- roll county, Ritchie 2,966, Smith 2,558.
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.