USA > Pennsylvania > A history of the Juniata Valley and its people, Volume I > Part 38
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George Frysinger, who married their daughter Elizabeth, became a resident of Hanover in early life, and soon took prominence as a citizen. He was a member of the first town council of that borough, organized in 1815. Previous to this, however, in 1811, he was elected a member of the Pennsylvania legislature, and took an active part in the proceedings favoring the war with England, known as the war of 1812. In that war, when the British attempted to take Baltimore, he joined a hastily improvised volunteer company, which, although not regularly enrolled nor attached to any particular command, participated in the battle of North Point. As soon as they got under fire the captain became demoralized and made a hasty retreat, calling on his men to follow, which they were disposed to do, as a whole regiment broke into a run: but Lieutenant Frysinger rallied his wavering compatriots, and under him they did good service while the brief conflict lasted. In consequence of this meritorious conduct, he was afterward chosen cap- tain of another company regularly organized, but which, on account of the cessation of hostilities, saw but a short term of service as appears from the following record in "Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. XII, Second Series" (published in 1895) containing the "Muster Rolls of the Penn- sylvania Volunteers in the War of 1812-14, with Contemporary Papers and Documents, Vol. I," page 164:
"Roll of Capt. George Frysinger's Company .- Receipt-roll of a com- pany of militia, commanded by Capt. George Frysinger, of the Third Regiment. First Brigade, performing a tour of duty under the command of Col. Lefever, who rendezvoused at Hanover, under the general order of the Governor, dated October 15, and 22, 1814. Commencement of service, November 1 ; expiration of service, December 5."
As he gave the writer some personal incidents connected with one of the northern campaigns of the war, it is probable that he was one of the twelve men from Hanover and vicinity who responded to the first call for volunteers and joined the Army of the Northern Frontier, but the record of the names has not been found to date (1913).
Mr. Frysinger carried on the business of building wagons of the "Conestoga" make, a favorite with the teamsters who moved most of the merchandise handled in that day. A gentleman of Baltimore city told the writer that his father purchased these wagons in lots from Mr. Frysinger, and that they were so well made that his customers were
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never disappointed in them. Some of them were used to convey heavy loads from Baltimore to Pittsburgh. While his father profited by the builder's honesty and skill, this gentleman said that the children, of whom he was one, profited by his generosity, for with every consignment of wagons came a liberal consignment of nuts or fruits for the juveniles. The census record of "no slaves" indicates the aversion to slavery which the early ancestors of the family entertained, as they were well able to avail themselves of such service, and this feeling seems to have been inherited by their children. If not the principal agent in the community, George Frysinger sustained some connection with "the underground railroad," of which Hanover as a border town was a station, a very aged colored man many years ago having so informed the writer, at- tributing his own freedom to Mr. Frysinger's assistance. After many years of useful citizenship in Hanover, he removed to York, Pennsyl- vania, where he conducted a small business until enfeebled by age, and where, respected by all who knew him, he departed this life April 5, 1870, in his eighty-ninth year, his wife having deceased May 21, 1852. They had four sons: Jesse, George, Jacob and William; and three daughters : Elizabeth, Polly and Matilda, the name Polly being still re- tained in memory of the vessel which brought the grandparents to this country.
Jesse, the oldest of the sons, was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1806, where he spent a long and useful life. For many years he served the public in the capacity of a magistrate, and so just were his decisions and so accurate his work as a scrivener that he ob- tained a reputation which few in such a position have won, being famil- iarly known in the community as "the Honest Squire." In 1827 he married Caroline Grumbine, and to them were born nine sons: Henry, Edward, Lewis, Charles, William, John, David, George and Jesse; and four daughters: Elenora, Amelia (who died in infancy), Sarah, and Emma (who died in her tenth year). Four sons became extensive to- bacco manufacturers, of whom Edward is still living in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and Charles in York, Pennsylvania. Three became print- ers. William was for many years editor and publisher of a weekly paper in Brownstown, Indiana, where he died. David has for a quar- ter of a century or more been a trusted attache of the Harper establish- ment in New York. The venerable Henry Frysinger, who passed his
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eighty-second birthday anniversary October 9, 1912, is one of the oldest newspaper editors in Pennsylvania, having been in the profession since 1852, when he began the publication of a weekly paper in Hanover, Pennsylvania. He subsequently took charge of the Clinton Democrat at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and in 1854 purchased the True Democrat of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, which he conducted successfully for about twenty-five years. Since, September, 1879, he has owned and edited the Delaware County Democrat, at Chester, Pennsylvania. He is the father of nine children.
George Frysinger Jr., son of George Frysinger Sr., was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, November 4, 18II. He early developed a literary taste. Such was his fondness for books that before he was twenty-one he had read a thousand volumes, filling his retentive mem- ory with a rich store of information. In 1827 he entered the office of the Baltimore American, one of the oldest journals in the country, and obtained a thorough knowledge of the printing trade and business. While in Baltimore he became a member of Gratitude Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., which, as its name indicates, was the fifth lodge of Odd Fellows organized in the United States. He was personally acquainted with Thomas Wildey, founder of the order. In 1832 he went to Wash- ington city, where he was employed in what was nominally the govern- ment printing office as a proofreader, an important and responsible posi- tion, as the mere misplacement of a comma in one of the congressional bills which passed through his hands might have affected national legis- lation. Disabled by an accident, he returned to his native town, and in 1835 established the Hanover Herald. In 1841 he removed to Le- banon, Pennsylvania, and became the proprietor of the Courier, which he conducted until 1844, when he again went to Baltimore, entering into an engagement with Taylor & Company, publishers of The Western Continent, a high-class periodical edited by the talented Park Benjamin. This firm published the first edition of Dumas' "Three Guardsmen" issued in this country, the proofreading being entrusted to Mr. Fry- singer. In 1846 he purchased the Lewistown Gazette, and spent the remainder of his life in Central Pennsylvania. With the exception of one year, he published the Gazette until 1883, making nearly thirty- eight years of editorial work in Lewistown. Had all employers been as just and considerate as he there would be no labor troubles. Every
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week he gave his hands, usually five in number, a whole or half holiday, without lessening their pay. He was one of the most unselfish of men, almost impoverishing himself in helping others. Many poor families were the recipients of his bounty, and a number of young men received from him substantial aid to start them in life. He was a public-spirited citizen, serving four terms as chief burgess when there was virtually no salary attached to the office, and acting as clerk to the county commis- sioners when the important period of the civil war demanded a man of his capacity in that position. Much higher and more remunerative offices were repeatedly tendered him, but he invariably declined them in favor of others. He was a lover of nature, and manifested a deep reverence for nature's God. What was said in the funeral oration of General Grant could with as much truthfulness be said of this man of equally retiring disposition :
"He was taciturn concerning his religious faith and experience- not, however, from doubt and fear, but from mental characteristics. The keenest, closest, broadest of all observers, he was the most silent of men. He lived within himself. His thought-life was most intense; his memory and imagination were picture galleries of the world and libraries of treasured thought. He was a world to himself."
On June 16, 1839, he married Sarah Susanna, daughter of Daniel and Maria Barnitz, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, who, as a model home- maker, proved an efficient helpmate. It is worthy of note that her father as well as his was a member of Hanover's first town council. She received a common school education in Hanover and was then sent to York, where better school advantages were to be had. While in the latter place, in the year 1825, she had the good fortune to see Lafayette as he rode in the long procession which passed through the principal streets of the town, witnessing the pageant from a window of the resi- dence of her granduncle, Charles A. Barnitz, afterward a member of the twenty-third congress. Mr. Frysinger's almost invariable rule to take a day's recreation every week and his temperate habits contributed to a long and enjoyable life. An incident illustrating his appreciation of outdoor recreation as well as his regard for veracity may not be out of place here. With his oldest son he was about setting out for a day's fishing, when a prominent lawyer hurriedly approached him and stated that he had an important legal document he wanted printed. "I cannot
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do it, Mr. W.," was the answer. "I promised my boy to give today to him, and I always keep my promises to my children". "I will give you double your price for the job," pleaded the lawyer, "it will be a great dis- appointment to me if you will not do it". "It would be a greater disap- pointment to my boy", said the father, "if I did not keep the promise I made him". And off they went, fishing rods in hand. The writer was that boy, and his whole life has been influenced by that incident. Such was the character of this unassuming man. He died December 14, 1901, over ninety years of age, his companion following him July 15, 1902, being over eighty-nine years old, their wedded life having extended through sixty-two years. They had three sons. The youngest, Charles, died in infancy at Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
The oldest son, William Maslin, was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1840. He received an academic education in Lewistown, and then learned printing in his father's office. Before he was twenty, he was offered a position in Sherman's book printing establishment in Phil- adelphia, which would have paid him $1,000 a year; but a call from the Methodist Episcopal church to enter its ministry coming at the same time, he chose the latter, receiving $100 for his first year's labor, which was mission work in York, Pennsylvania, and out of which grew what has become the second of five flourishing churches of the denomination in that city. In 1871 he received the degree of A. M. from Dickinson College, being at the time pastor of the chapel connected with that in- stitution. Subsequently he received the degree of D. D. from the same source. For seven years he conducted the M. E. Book Room at Harris- burg, Pennsylvania, editing the Conference News at the same time, and for seven years more was president of Centenary Biblical Institute (now Morgan College) of Baltimore. Then for five years he was editor of the Baltimore Methodist. In 1894 he again became "Preacher to the College" in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, remaining the full limit of five years. After serving two other important charges, Tyrone and Bloomsburg, in the Central Pennsylvania Conference, he ended his pastoral work and devoted a year to the secretaryship of the Conference Annuity Fund. In 1904 he retired from active work and is spending the evening of life in California, where he still preaches occasionally and performs some literary labors, having been fifty-three years ( 1860-1913) a minister of the gospel.
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The second son of George and Sarah S. Frysinger, was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1841, and was given the name of George Ritter. He was educated in Lewistown, where he spent nearly all his life. Like each of the males of the family, he was a printer "to the manner born." Following in his father's footsteps he spent some time in the government printing office at Washington, acted as foreman in a Baltimore newspaper office, and for many years has been connected with the Lewistown Gasette, either as publisher or special contributor. For several years he edited and published the Lewistown Free Press. For some time he carried on the book and stationery business. He has never found anything to his taste unless flavored with printer's ink. He is known and consulted as the local historian of Mifflin county. In- heriting his father's love of nature, he has made an amateur study of natural history, contributing an article on the Robin to Lippincott's Magasine which was widely copied. His influence as an upright citizen and active Christian of the Lutheran persuasion is generally acknowl- edged. He was one of the three months' volunteers at the time of Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863, and his regiment, although arriving on the scene too late to participate in the battle of Gettysburg, was put in charge of the field. While on duty there he contracted what was popularly known as "the battlefield fever," and for some time his life was despaired of, but the vitality inherited from a sturdy ancestry over- came the disease and prolonged his days. He still resides in Lewistown with the history of which he is probably more familiar than is any other member of the community.
Jacob, son of George Frysinger Sr., also a native of Hanover, Penn- sylvania, born about 1818 (?), went to Baltimore, Maryland, as a young man, entering the establishment of one of the prominent mer- chants of that city. He subsequently married a daughter of the pro- prietor, Miss Agnes Caughy. They removed to Rock Island, Illinois, where he engaged in business for himself, and where, after a residence of more than fifty years, he died. He was the father of three children.
William, son of George Frysinger Sr., was born in Hanover, Penn- sylvania, April 19, 1822. In early life he removed to York. His trade was that of printing, and for several years he was engaged in newspaper publishing. Subsequently he became a merchant, but eventually con-
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centrated his attention and business energy on carpet manufacturing, in which he acquired a good reputation and trade. His probity of char- acter, unassuming but large benevolence, and genial disposition, won the esteem of the entire community. For many years he was one of the most ardent members and liberal supporters of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, effectively filling various official positions. In 1844 he married Henrietta, daughter of John and Eve Stine of York, Penn- sylvania, a most happy union which extended through just half a cen- tury. His death occurred March 15, 1894, and that of his wife in 1900. Their children were five in number: Francis, who succeeded him in business ; Horatio, Lizzie E., Alice and Nettie. Alice married the Rev. W. W. Evans, D. D., and a son bears the honored family name of Frysinger.
Elizabeth, daughter of George Frysinger Sr., was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, about 1808 (?). She married Judge Horatio Price, of Westminster, Maryland. Their union proved one of great felicity, and both were held in the highest esteem throughout their long lives which were spent in the quiet enjoyments of domestic life. They had no children.
Mary (Polly), daughter of George Frysinger Sr., was born in Han- over, Pennsylvania, in 1810. She married a Mr. Houck, of Jefferson, York county, Pennsylvania, by whom she had one child, Cordelia, who was married twice and left several children. Mrs. Houck also married twice, her second husband being a Mr. Werner, whom she outlived. She was of most gentle disposition, amiable, patient, charitable, a rare and lovable character. She died August 15, 1875, aged about sixty-five, at the residence of her daughter, near Baltimore city.
Matilda, daughter of George Frysinger Sr., was also born in Han- over, Pennsylvania, November 27, 1814. In 1831 she married Francis Shriver, of Westminster, Maryland. Their home was ever one of plenty and generous hospitality, and was blessed with eleven children. Both were honored and useful members of the Methodist Protestant church. After years of great suffering, which she bore with remark- able patience and resignation, she died in great peace, January 27, 1884.
While the family name is said to be a common one in Germany, it is doubtful if, aside from the pedigree of those here given, any number bearing it are to be found in this country.
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The literal significance of the name Freisinger in German is "Free Singer," and it was no doubt bestowed upon the first who bore it as title denoting both distinctive rank and native musical talent. That it in- dicated the latter is confirmed by the frequent recurrence of such talent as an hereditary quality in the line of succession. William, son of George Frysinger Sr., manifested this peculiarity as a child. At an early age he played any instrument put in his hands. As a lad he be- came a member of a brass band in Hanover, and created such a furore of enthusiasm by his performances on his first appearance in public, that some of the musicians mounted him on their shoulders and carried him through the streets, followed by a cheering crowd. While yet a mere boy he became leader of this same band. Although he excelled in the use of various instruments, his favorite was the flageolet, of which he became a master. Most of his family have exhibited remarkable musical ability.
A daughter of Henry Frysinger has achieved quite a reputation as a vocalist, and has sung upon the stage in this country and Europe ; and a granddaughter in Philadelphia is a notable pianist. Agnes, daugh- ter of Edward Frysinger, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, and wife of Professor Norcross, of Williamsport, Dickinson Seminary, has attained more than local eminence as a pianist, performing the difficult compo- sitions of classical artists with ease and grace of expression, making her a favorite in high-class recitals wherever she is known. It may be said of George R. Frysinger that "his life flows on in endless song," as, on account of his musical bent, he has been retained in the choir of St. John's Lutheran Church, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, for a greater part of his earthly sojourn. In appreciation of the services thus rendered, the congregation of said church in 1907 presented him a handsome gold watch bearing the following inscription: "In recogni- tion of 50 years' service as a member of St. John's Lutheran Choir, Lewistown, Pa., Sept., 1907." A son of the late Jesse Frysinger Jr. is an organist of superior merit, his public recitals attracting much favor- able attention and comment. He is also a composer of more than or- dinary ability. He is at the head of the University School of Music at Lincoln, Nebraska. An infant son of Frysinger Evans, a child of the fifth generation born in America, though but four years old (1913), is a musical prodigy.
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The history of this branch of the Greene family begins GREENE in Pennsylvania with Kenzie L. Greene, born in Hamp- stead, now Coxiestown, Maryland, in 1803, died in Or- bisonia, Pennsylvania, in August, 1896. He lost his parents when little more than an infant, and was left to the guardianship of William Lovell, who, when the lad was about six years of age, located in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Lovell and his wife Margaret were kind and just to their ward, giving him the advantages of such schools as the neighborhood afforded at that early day. He grew to manhood on the farm, but later learned surveying, becoming a well known expert in his profession, prospered and became the owner of considerable property in Huntingdon county, including a farm of two hundred acres in Clay township. When he first came to that township he settled in Trough Creek Valley, later moved to Three Springs, where he remained until ten years prior to his death, when he moved to Orbisonia, making his home with his daughter, Melissa, widow of Thomas C. Ashman. He was a man of more than ordinary mental ability, an extensive reader, and possessed of unusual practical common sense and judgment. He was left a widower the last fifteen years of his life, and lived practically retired during that period. He was a Republican in politics, well known in the county, and hield many public offices of trust, including that of commissioner of Huntingdon county. He married Diana Hudson, of English descent, daughter of William H. and Linda (Doyle) Hudson. William H. Hudson was a large landowner, part of which he cleared and improved, and on which he erected a flouring and grist mill. He died aged seventy years, leaving three children: Nancy, married Moses Greenland, a wealthy resident of Huntingdon county; George, died at Three Springs, Pennsylvania, a farmer and hotelkeeper; Diana, of previous mention, wife of Kenzie L. Greene. Mrs. Greene died Febru- ary 28, 1881, the mother of nine children: I. Melissa, married Thomas C. Ashman, whom she survived, a resident of Orbisonia until her death in 1899. 2. Amon, died in childhood. 3. Carroll, died in childhood. 4. William H., died in childhood. 5. Margaret, married Elijah C. Houck and died in Cairo, Illinois, in 1869. 6. Priscilla, married Rev. David W. Hunter, a Baptist minister, whom she survives, a resident of Lewis- town, with her daughter Anna, wife of Albert B. Spanogle. She also had two sons, Edwin and Dr. John P. Hunter, the latter now deceased.
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7. Calvin, of whom further. 8. Ruth Ann, married Rev. James T. Bradford, and resides at Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. 9. Dr. B. Frank- lin, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, an eminent physician, who died at Three Springs, Pennsylvania, June 16, 1874, leav- ing a son, Franklin H. Greene.
(II) Calvin, son of Kenzie L. and Diana (Hudson) Greene, was born at Three Springs, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1845, and now, after an active, useful life of successful effort, is living practically retired at Lewistown, Pennsylvania. He obtained a good elementary education in the public schools at Three Spings, supplemented by a three years' course in the higher branches at Shirleysburg Academy, under Professor J. B. Kidder, and a business course at Iron City Com- mercial College at Pittsburgh, whence he was graduated in 1865. He then taught two terms in Shirleysburg public school and then embarked on a business career, with little capital except a good education, health, high ideals, an excellent reputation for manly uprightness, and a stout heart.
He married at the age of twenty-four, and about a year later entered the employ of Leas & McVitty, as bookkeeper at the Saltillo Tannery, Saltillo, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, (the junior partner, Mr. McVitty, was his father-in-law). Here he acquired his first knowledge of the tanning business, in which he later became so conspicuous a figure. He grasped every detail of the manufacture of leather, from the green hide to the finished product, and in 1873 was made manager of the Saltillo Tannery, and a partner in the firm, which continued busi- ness for the next twenty years as Leas, McVitty & Sons. The personnel of the new firm included the original partners of the old firm, William B. Leas and Samuel McVitty, with their sons, David P. Leas and Thomas Edward McVitty, and Calvin Greene. The only change was caused by the death of William B. Leas, whose interest ceased in 1884. Mr. Greene was a potent factor in the success of the firm and besides his interest in the prosperous Saltillo Tannery, he acquired in 1887 an interest in the North American Tannery at Lewistown, owned by the firm, Leas, McVitty & Greene. Of this plant Mr. Greene had general supervision, visiting it every two weeks until the dissolution of the firm by mutual consent in 1893. The same firm obtained a charter from the state of Virginia for the Salem Tanning Company, capital stock two
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