USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers > Part 37
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Smedley Lamborn continued his trade in that vicinity until the spring of 1837, at which time he moved to a tenant house on Elijah Worils' farm, which was one-half mile northeast of Liberty Square, and from this place he went back and forth to do a little farming on his Martic township tract, the resi- dence being occupied at this time by Jacob Paxon. In the spring of 1839 he moved to that place and commenced the heavy work of clearing up a farm, the first business being the removal of scattered trees, bushes, stones and rocks and the draining of swamps, preliminary to fencing, as none of the latter had been finished, with the exception of fourteen acres. The buildings consisted of an old log house and barn, and a stone spring-house, the latter being still a stanch relic of days prior to the time of Smedley Lamborn. The old barn was roofed with straw and was almost in a swamp, while the dwelling was also old and uncomfortable, being the second one on this place. Although things had a rather discouraging outlook Smedley hired help, and being a man of un- tiring energy he instilled a part of it into his assist- ants, and in a few years brought a fine farm out of the seeming chaos. The dwelling was repaired, a wagon house and other shelters were built, and in 1847 a substantial barn was erected. These were years of unremitting toil, and although there was never a pause in the industry of the father, he was ably assisted by the efforts of his sons, George S. and Aquilla B., the labors of the latter including the clearing of the land, the sawing of logs and the hauling of limestone and lime, and aside from these duties, the necessary farm work and chores came also within their line.
Mr. Lamborn recalls the occasion of his first experience in hay loading. This was in the summer of 1839. His father was taking in a load of sweet meadow hay, and, probably being short of help, placed his son George S. on the load to trample it down as he pitched it in great forkfulls from the ground. Although but a lad of eight years, his
wholesome bringing up had made him sturdy and strong, and he recalls with satisfaction that from that first successful experience during the sixty-three years that have passed since then he has never missed the enjoyment and exhilaration of participa- ting in a hay or wheat harvest, and still further. he has never had a single load to play him the scurvy trick of falling off.
From 1847 to 1851 prosperity smiled on the ef- forts of Smedley Lamborn in his farming opera- tions, although the dear and sympathetic mother was often seen to be sorrowful that her family had to be content with such plain food, through the struggling years. She was a woman of the most cie- vated character, and was beloved by all who knew her. In the fall of 1851, Smedley died, and his wid- ow and the noble sons carried on the work of the farm for some time. The children born to Smedler Lamborn and wife were: George S., Aquilla E., Emeline, Elwood, William Lewis, Elizabeth, Sarah E., Priscilla S., Alice Ann, Lucinda and Lydia. All of these married, six of them adhering to the prin- ciples of Friends to the degree of using the simple and expressive marriage ceremony, these being George S., William Lewis, Sarah, Alice Ann. Lu- cinda and Lydia, while the others were married by the mayor of the city of Lancaster.
George S. Lamborn, of Liberty Square, Lancas- ter county, was born Nov. 24, 1831, the eldest child of his parents. In the fall of 1853 he attended Benja- min Hoops's Boarding School, near Avondale, Ches- ter county, and remained there through that winter. In the spring of 1854, he hired with his uncle. Ja- cob Baker, as clerk, and for other work, the uncle being engaged in the business of lime burning in Chester county, and Mr. Lamborn remained with this relative until the fall, at which time he returned to his home, and with his brother Aquilla B .. took charge of the farm, and in the summer of 1855 they built a new house. The family still remained to- gether at this time, with the exception of Emeline. and great were the anticipations and preparations for the occupancy of the new and comfortable resi- dence. The pleasant plans were forgotten, however, in the sudden illness of the beloved mother, who was taken ill with pneumonia, and died Nov. 21, 1835. Elizabeth then took charge of the home, but with the beloved mother gone, the others gradually left, and the family became scattered.
On May 8, 1856, George S. Lamborn was united by Friends' ceremony to Sarah W. Coates, who was born Feb. 7. 1831, a daughter of Ellis and Abigail Coates, of Homeville, Chester county. Then George S. and Aquilla B. took charge of the farm, in part- nership ; Elwood went to work at the blacksmith's trade; Williamn embarked in an agency business. also taught school; and the younger girls found homes in neighboring families. In the school year of 1866-7, George S. taught school, the fall term be- ing in an old stone schoolhouse situated in a swamp, near the Buck hotel, that being in the days prior
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to the discovery of the germs, which in later years : ciety, this organization then being prominently be- we are disposed to think lurk in every marshy spot. The winter school was at Oregon schoolhouse, which was situated in the forest, south of the Hugh l'enny farm in Drumore township.
In 1861, George S. bought out his brother's in- terest in the farm, or rather, a division was made, by which George S. took the old homestead, and Aquiila B. the southern portion of the place, which had been bought and added to the original. This farm had been taken up in 1754, and it has been the home of George S. Lamborn for sixty-three years. In 1856 he became especially interested in mineral- ogy, his curiosity being awakened by his first find, when a boy, of a cubic specimen of "fool's gold," or iron pyrites, and during succeeding years he has continued collecting, until now he has one of the most interesting as well as valuable assortments of minerals, Indian relics, fossils, shells and other curiosities, in the locality. well worth a position in some public museum. Mr. Lamborn through study of Mineralogy, Geology, Archaeology and Paleon- tology has become thoroughly acquainted with his collections, and a study of Philately has also in some degree, occupied his attention, as he has be- come the owner of a valuable assortment of stamps. Although naturally this collection is very precious to Mr. Lamborn, and has cost time, money and effort, in its acquirement, he is very unselfish about it, and has endeavored to make practical use of it in the instruction of the school children of his lo- cality.
In 1862 Mr. Lamborn accepted a position as school director, being peculiarly well qualified for its duties. As secretary of the board, when making his monthly visits, it was his custom to take with him some of the minerals, and when the children became interested in looking at these, he would in- struct them concerning these things, and thus en- deavor to awaken a love for the wonders of a world which too often was but as a sealed book to them. It was also the commendable custom of Mr: Lamborn to carry with him his galvanic battery, and make merry with the children, while explaining to them its powers and use. These visits were welcomed by the children, and the occasions were never for- gotten. After closing his relations with the school board, after a period of fifteen years, Mr. Lamborn was elected to the office of district auditor, faith- fully performing the duties pertaining to it until the present time, having also efficiently served dur- ing the intervening years as county . juryman and road and bridge-viewer.
Perhaps in no way has Mr. Lamborn been more conspicuous in his locality, than in his unswerving allegiance to the cause of temperance. The disas- trous effects of strong drink were so realized by him in early life, that at the age of eleven years he induced eleven other youths to join him in taking the pledge of the Washingtonian Temperance So-
fore the public, the occasion being at a meeting at the old Silver Spring schoolhouse, near Liberty Square. Mr. Lamborn has been consistent in his attitude on this question, having never handled or tasted intoxicating liquor, and has been the only voter of the Temperance ticket in his district.
It was not strange that when Mr. Lamborn reached the age of mature reflection he should become a strong anti-slavery man, his feeling of right making him the advocate of all men, without 1 regard to color. While still a lad in the public . school, he testified his faith in a schoolmate of an- other race, the occasion being related by Mr. Lam- born. A colored lad had been subjected to punish- ment for some infraction of the rules, and the teacher decided to exact the "pound of flesh" un- : less the offender could find some one to offer to be , ! security for him. Doubtless, if the lad had been white, many excusers would have been found, but George S. Lamborn was the only fellow-student who was willing to show that much confidence in him. When the week of trial was ended, the colored boy had fully satisfied his bond. As a testimonial of his gratitude, he presented his bondsman with a musi- cal instrument, this being one of his own most val- ued possessions.
Reared in the Society of Friends, the simplicity and peacefulness of their religious belief, has al- ways been of the greatest moment to George S. Lamborn. To the Bible he has given much study, and he is inclined to fall in with many of the lead- ing religious thinkers of the day, that very much of it must be taken in a spiritual sense, and that many of the incidents related therein must have been writ- ten by different authors, from their own point of view. It would be his wish to have it so elim- inated that its history has no contradictions and all impure sentiments should give way to the lofty imagery which in that sense makes it the Book of Books.
Through long years of study and reflection, Mr. Lamborn has done his best to exert an influence against impurity in politics, believing that many ma- chine manipulations tend not only to breed, but to foster tendencies toward the vile tyrant, Anarchy. In the true sense of the word. he has been a member of the Republican party, although at times he has felt called upon to vote for the man he judged best, irrespective of party tie.
Possessing a mechanical and inventive turn of mind, Mr. Lamborn has produced many articles well worthy the time consumed in their construc- tion. In connection with his other business, he bought the agency for farm and other machinery, his judgment enabling him to select the best and most satisfactory kinds. As a farmer, he was al- ways considered one of the most successful and pro- gressive, having at all times had an eve to conveni- ence and improvement, both in farm and in farm buildings. Although Mr. Lamborn has never given
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any attention to the mechanical part of music, his ear is one attuned to sweet sounds, the blowing winds, the rolling billows as well as the singing · birds and the whisperings of the forests. producing harmonies for him. In all her aspects, Nature pre- sents to him an attractive face.
Few men in this locality have seen more of their own land than Mr. Lamborn, his enjoyment of travel being both physical and mental. From the time he made his first trip, from Strasburg to Phil- adelphia, in 1851, until the date of the last one, from McCalls Ferry to Bedford, Pa., he has covered 14,- 425 miles by railroad. 270 miles by steam-boat, this not inclusive of the long trips made on foot and by carriage. In his pleasant wanderings, Mr. Lamborn has made three trips to Monroe, Iowa. the first in 1879, the second in 1884, and the third in 1893 : to the World's Fair, in Chicago; three visits to Niagara Falls ; the Provincial Fair, in Toronto, Canada ; the Centennial, in Philadelphia, to sea shore and through mountains, and all over several counties of the Key- stone State. The time and money which Mr. Lam- born has expended on these visits, he considers more remunerative in every way, than if he had used the same for either questionable enjoyments or for the purchase of strong drink, or tobacco, having such an antipathy to the latter as to refuse even to grow it.
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Mr. Lamborn is most highly esteemed in his neighborhood, where his kindly, charitable nature is so well known. His hand is ever extended in manly friendship to those who deserve it, while many have been the cases when he has quietly as- sisted those who did not always deserve his charity. Social by nature, his travel and study have made him a very delightful host, and one of the many re- unions of various kinds, well remembered, is one which took place on Feb. 22, 1897. the gathering being composed of his brothers and sisters, in his hospitable home. At this time, Mr. Lamborn ad- dressed the company in these words :
Brothers and sisters, relatives and friends: We are happy once more to welcome you back to the old home- stead. where memory loves to linger, and where. in child- hood's unconcern, we children gathered wild flowers in wood and vale, and fished beside the laughing stream, chased the butterfly in vonder meadow, or in wintry sport. sliding down the icy hills, little realizing the care and anxiety that filled our parents' hearts for our comfort and support. for it is but little that children know of the trials and privations parents undergo for them, only as the ex- perience in after years proves it.
Yes, when I wander back. in mind. I hear the sweet voice of our dear mother singing a lullaby to the infant in its cradle, or hear her merry song as she goes about her daily work. busy with the spinning wheel in the kitchen at one end of the apartment. or. as the two were one, adjust- ing her little parior at the other, while the old clock upon the wall ticks away the fleeting moments. I imagine, too, I hear the voice of our dear father, humming a favorite song, while about the duties of the farm, or whistling a lively march, as with his brawny arm he forges the heated iron on the anvil.
I also see that old. old house from within whose walls came many merry voices, and where were shed many
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bitter tears of sorrow: and through whose roof sifted :hc driving snow, spreading its icy mantle upon the hunde couch beneath; and the beating rains came relentless; through the walls and ran in little streams across the warped and uncarpeted floor. As tradition has it, it was used by former occupants as an inn. dealing over its bar that which brings to the human family untold misery. woe and want. And seemingly to make amends for the evil, the old house was so arranged that religious meet- ings might be held therein. Then in their turn came the clank of the loom and the humming of the spinning wheel. which now are hushed. Nothing now remains to mark the spot where the old house stood but that bunch of roses planted by our mother's hand. The old shop is gone: the ring of the anvil is heard no more; and the old barn. where we frolicked and played upon the straw, and fought the wasps in the old thatched roof. leaves no trace be- hind. All have gone, except the old spring-house, which. too, is following the inevitable law, passing away, passing away, and then all will be gone save that spring of pure and sparkling water, at whose brink many weary travelers have been refreshed, and in whose waters were many ban- tisms. It alone will remain as a living monument of the past.
This same law is carrying us down the stream of time; and in a few short years will land us on the brink of Eternity. There, standing by the waters of the river of Death, piercing through the over-hanging mist, lister- ing to the sweet voices from the other shore, beckoning us to come hither, away from a cold and selfish world into a state of everlasting bliss -- yes, the voices of our parents, sisters and brothers.
Dear ones, let nor this review of the past. or thoughts of the future, discourage us, for the time will soon come when all knowledge and trace of our existence here will have passed into oblivion. For such is the law of Nature, that one generation passes away and another comes. Now many of us are parents, and our children look to us for support. counsel and influence. Do we fully realize our responsibility? Can we stand firm for the right? Let not the light remark or the impertinent reply, coming from the lips of the little ones we love, permit us to lose our control in our management of them. for, most assuredly it will lead to disobedience. first to parent and friend, next to country, and then to God.
Disobedience to known law leads to ruin, and obedi- ence to greatness. This is strikingly exemplified in the life of the illustrious man whose birthday we now cele- brate, and whose obedience to the guarded care and inilu- ence of a wise and devoted mother, placed him at the head of our nation, and through his untiring efforts, hardships and trials, in connection with other patriots of his time. succeeded in establishing the best form of government the world has ever seen. Although corruption steals in, yet the people have the power to rectify all mistakes or griev- ances that may arise, by exercising their judgment at the ballot-hox. This power can be greatly strengthened hy extending to both sexes alike the right of suffrage, under certain educational qualifications. When this is done, the fell monster. Intemperance, with all its ruinous conse- quences, would soon lose its power and be banished from our midst. Would not this be progress? Would not this be adding to the great work commenced by the Father of the Republic? The labor they commenced we inuist shoulder, and with the battle-axe of right hew down the forests of evil that exist or may rise before us: and as each succeeding celebration of the birthday of the Father of his Country comes upon us, let us see that the portals are guarded and the governmental apartments are cleanly swept.
Also, let it be a reminder that not only this day but every day should be celebrated unto Him who has seen fit to place us in this world to work out our own destiny. for good or for evil. Then let us look on all earthly trials as lessons given us in the school of adversity, lessons which, if rightly understood, will teach us to enjoy the
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persent; and let that enjoyment be of such a character that it will leave. no sting behind, but will lead us, step by step, into the paths of purity and peace.
1
The children born to George S. Lamborn were: Margaret Coates ; Mary Miller ; Priscilla S., John Comley ; Anna Mary ; Charles Linnaeus ; and Lucre- tia Mott. Mr. Lamborn is now retired from busi- ness activity. It has never been an object with him to accumulate large means, although his standing is one of substantiality and responsibility in the neigh- borhood. Few men have crossed the stage of ai- fairs in Lancaster county who have left a more in- delible impress upon the locality in which circum- stances placed them than George S. Lamborn, standing as he always has for the highest standards of living and ever working to promote those intiu- ences which work for the progress and deveiop- ment of the best interests of his section. By ex- ample, by tongue and pen, he has lived as he has preached, and represents in every way the highest type of representative citizen.
Since the above was written, and as if to verify it, George S. Lamborn appeared as an advocate for rural free delivery. He was the first in the neigh- borhood to make a move for the establishment of a route -- a privilege almost unheard, or unthought. of by most of the inhabitants of his vicinity. He com- menced his work for it Jan. 13, 1902, and regard- less of the filed protests against it in the Postoffice Department, the jeers and scoffings by the country postmasters and their henchmen, he succeeded by the kind efforts of Congressman H. Bard Cassel. and the just considerations of the Postoffice Depart- ment, in establishing the route on Nov. I, 1902, which he feels to be a crowning effort of his life work, and a cherished boon to his fellow pa- trons of the Bonview Route No. I. This new de- parture is quite a contrast, and Mr. Lamborn has bridged a period of time in mail facilities almost unequaled by any other nation of the world. He well remembers being sent for mail, when a boy. several miles from home, to be rewarded by receiv- ing a letter for his father, from the latter's father in Ohio, which had been on the road about ninety days at a cost of twenty-five cents. Now a letter can be had from the same place in two days, at a cost of two cents, and delivered at the yard gate. Rapid strides have been made in improvements, economy, extravagance, and selfishness in the last fifty years of the country's history.
REV. CHARLES LIVINGSTON FRY, long- time pastor (1881-1901) of the historic old Luth- eran Church of the Holy Trinity in Lancaster. founded in 1730, has left a monument to liis zeai and devotion in this great congregation, which is numerically the strongest in Lancaster, having I,040 communicants.
Mr. Fry is descended from a family that for gen- erations has been prominent in Pennsylvania, both in church and State. His grandfather was famil-
iarly known, during his official life at Harrisburg, as Auditor General of the State. as "Honest Jacob Fry." His father, who for thirty-two years was pas- tor of Old Trinity Church at Reading, Pa .. is now the Professor of Homiletics and Practical Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Mount Airy, Philadelphia, and one of the leading spirits in the venerable Ministerium of Pennsylvania. He is the author of a work on the Science of Homiletics, now in general use as a text-book in Lutheran Sem- inaries throughout the country.
The first ancestor to come to this country, from the Palatinate, Germany, was Henry Fry, who ar- rived in America in the year 1680. having been driv- en from his home by religious bigotry and persecu- tion. He was one of the founders of Germantown, where his son Jacob, and his grandson. Henry, spent their lives on the paternal estate. It is a matter worthy of note, that in this family for generations the names of Jacob and Henry alternated.
Dr. Jacob Fry, the distinguished Professor at Mount Airy, was ordained to the ministry at the age of nineteen years. Eliza Jane Wattles, his wife, was born in New England. a daughter of Harvey Wattles, afterwards a resident of Gettysburg. To this union were born the following children: Rev. Charles Livingston: Miss Mary Gross : Miss Kate Wattles; Annie Gillespie, wife of Philip S. Zieber, a lawyer of Reading: Rev. Franklin Foster, for eleven years pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, of Bethlehem, Pa .. and now of the Church of the Re- formation, Rochester, N. Y .: Josephine Cassady, wife of William Benbow, church organist and musi- cian, at Reading ; and Miss Jennie, unmarried.
Rev. Charles Livingston Fry graduated from the Reading High School in IS75; from Muhlen- berg College, at Allentown. in 1878, and from the Theological Seminary, at Philadelphia, in 1881. Immediately after his entrance upon the work of the gospel ministry, he was called to Lancaster. as an associate of Dr. Emanuel Greenwald, the pastor of Holy Trinity Church, who was then a very aged man, and upon his death in 1885 succeeded to the pastorate by unanimous vote of the congregation.
Mr. Fry has lectured before many institutions of learning, and educational conventions. While in charge of Trinity Church. his constant effort was , to develop the religious life of the young people. His labor was unceasing to bring the Church ciose to the hearts of the people, and in this he was eminently successful. Mr. Fry has been a frequent contributor to the press, was associate editor for some years of Christian Culture, and a member of the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania Chautau- qua. He was president of the Lancaster Center of University Extension from its inception in the city until his removal to his present metropolitan field of labor, which occurred Jan. I. moot, when he he- came pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. in Philadelphia, one of the most important churches in his denomination in the State. He is also the
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Literature Secretary of the Luther League of America, having entire charge of mapping out its various reading courses and student efforts. The Sunday school of Trinity Church is one of its prin- cipal features, and Mr. Fry devoted much of his time to its interests. The singing of oratorio an- thems by the young people, and the music on great festivals, was proverbial as the standard of compari- son in the community.
On June 9. 1891, Rev. Mr. Fry was married, the tenth anniversary of his ordination, to Miss Laura F., only daughter of Henry M. Housekeeper, a re- tired architect and builder in Philadelphia. The summer of that year they spent on a bridal tour in Europe visiting Holland. Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, France and England. On their return they were extended a public reception in which all de- nominations participated. Mr. Fry was the prime mover in the refined entertainments that were given every month in the court house during the winter of IS90-91, free of cost to the laboring classes, and was for years an active worker in a number of literary societies of the city.
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