USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Centennial biography : Men of mark of Cumberland Valley, Pa., 1776-1876 > Part 23
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JOSEPH MCELROY, D. D.,
S another distinguished son of Cumberland valley. His parents were of the staunch and godly Scotch-Irish race. He was born near Newville, then called Big Spring, in 1791, Or 1792. He obtained his primary education in the school of the vicinage ; but when quite a lad was deprived of his father by the hand of death. His mother, who was a woman of exemplary piety, and no little energy, removed her family to the county of Washington, near the borders of Allegheny. There he resumed his studies, and by great energy and industry, not only assisted his mother in the matter of livelihood, but at the same time was qualifying himself for entering college. At an early age he entered Jefferson College, Pa., and pursued his studies with that diligence which insures success. Soon after he graduated he proceeded to New York and entered the Seminary under that prince of theological teachers and preachers, Dr. John M. Mason. There he was the contemporary of such men as John Knox, W. W. Phillips, George Junkin, William R. Dewitt and others of like stamp, and he proved himself their peer in most of the elements of ministerial ability. Perhaps none of the students of Dr. Mason caught more of that great man's preaching power, than did young McElroy.
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Having completed his theological studies, he returned to west Pennsylvania, and presented himself to the Associate Reformed Pres- bytery of Monongahela, as a candidate for licensure. His examina- tions and trial exercises were highly creditable, but, like George Junkin, he did not believe in close communion, and like that fellow student, he was on the point of being refused license for that heresy. But inas- much as he had no disposition to propagate his opinions on that sub- ject, and was willing, whilst a probationer, to abstain from preaching on a question so non-essential, they licensed him. This result was brought about by the intervention of the Rev. Dr. Riddle, undoubtedly the ablest man of the Presbytery and a man of the most Catholic spirit.
From the day of his licensure, Mr. McElroy became, as a preacher, a man of mark, not only in his denomination, but in the whole of western Pennsylvania. Possessing a tall and well proportioned form, a finely shaped head, long and gracefully moving arms and hands, a countenance expressive of benevolent earnestness, and a voice, firm. yet melodious and well modulated, he was from the first a very
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attractive and popular preacher. The writer of this sketch, then quite a small boy, has a distinct remembrance of the impression Mr. McElroy made upon an audience, when he first appeared as a probationer.
His services were, of course, eagerly sought by "the vacancies" in the Associate Reformed Church, but he declined all offers. Dr. Riddle, who served the largest congregation in the region of Pittsburgh, and who was beginning to feel the infirmities of years, desired him to become co-pastor with himself, but young McElroy preferred building on a foundation of his own laying, and he proposed to his venerable friend to commence a new enterprise in the city of Pittsburgh, then rapidly growing in manufacturing and commercial importance. Dr. Riddle approved of the undertaking. There was a small Associate Church, and a Covenanter, (Reformed Presbyterian,) in Pittsburgh, the former served by Dr. Bruce, the latter by Dr. Black ; but no attempt had been made to establish an Associate Reformed congregation. Mr. McElroy undertook the enterprise single handed. He obtained from the County Commissioners leave to hold public service in the Court House, in Pittsburgh. It was customary, in all the western counties to use the Court House for such purposes ; and all denomina- tions shared in the privilege.
Mr. McElroy began his labours in 181 -. His audiences were small at first, but did not long continue so. He was an eloquent preacher, a man of fine address and attractive manners : and his pulpit perforni- ances were a novelty in that Scotch-Irish city. With all the doctrinal exactness and logical arrangement of sermons demanded by the old fashioned Presbyterians, he added a freshness and energy of manner and an attractiveness of style, to which the people were unused. With all the disadvantage of Rouse's version of the Psalms, and the other peculiarities of his sect, the Court House became the point of attraction, not only for those who inclined to the Associate Reformed Church, but for the educated men and women of the city. Mr. McElroy was a memoriter preacher, yet never, or rarely wrote his sermons. He was a careful student, and never entered the pulpit without thorough preparation. Thus, independent of paper, and thoroughly master of his subject, he was free to add to the energy and graces of his style great force of delivery and action. Dr. Merron, the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, the leading one of the city, was a good preacher, but was trammeled by manuscript. Mr. McElroy was free, graceful and energetic in delivery and action.
It was not to be wondered at, then, that he soon gathered round him a strong congregation, and that many men of high intelligence attended
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upon his ministrations. Such men as the late Judge Shaler. Judge Balwin, and others, became very much interested in his preaching. A commodious church was built, and thus was founded, by his labours, the First Associate Reformed Church of Pittsburgh. The great Mason, his theological preceptor, once rode on horseback from New York to Pittsburgh to assist his pupil at a communion season ; which showed the appreciation of that gifted man of the subject of this sketch. When the Presbytery met for his ordination, objection was made on account of his opinions on Catholic communion ; but a majority voted to ordain him ; yet two ministers, who strenuously opposed the ordination, would not join in the laying on of hands, but remained during the solemnity in Bitler's tavern drinking gin.
Mr. McElroy was married to Miss Alison, of Canonsburg. George Junkin was his groomsman. The marriage was solemnized by the celebrated Dr. John McMillan, and when the groomsman tendered him the usual fee, he shook his head and declined taking the fee, quaintly saying, " No, no ; dog won't cat dog." Dr. McElroy continued in a prosperous pastorate in Pittsburgh some years. Meanwhile his beloved wife died, leaving a daughter to his care. He subsequently married Mrs. Pointell, daughter of the late Judge Walker, and sister of the Hon. Robert J. Walker, late Secretary of the United States Treasury. and Senator of the United States. She was a woman of peculiar loveli- ness and talent.
Dr. McElroy was subsequently called to the church formerly served by Dr. Mason-the Scotch Church, New York -- then located in Cedar street. The church had been weakened by various causes, one of which had been the organization of a new church in Murray street, for Dr. Mason ; another was that the process of moving " up town " and leaving lower New York to trade, had already commenced. But under Dr. McElroy's eloquent and efficient ministry, and his great prudence and wisdom in counseling his people, the church rapidly grew in numbers and also in wealth, so that they soon contemplated a change of locality. As the result, the congregation purchased a site at corner of Grand and Crosby streets, and built a spacious and elegant church with marble front and pillars. There the Doctor's ministry was continued with eminent success, and the large edifice was filled with hearers, whilst the communion roll was vastly increased. Not many years had rolled around, when another migration of the congregation of the Scotch Church seemed necessary. Many of the people had gone far " up town " for their residences, and business was beginning to press around their place of worship. This change of locality was
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not so easily effected as the former. Many were slow to see the necessity of the change, but such was the influence and address of Dr. McElroy, and such the wisdom and skill of his management, that, with not many dissenting voices, the congregation agreed to the change. A site was procured upon that grand thoroughfare, Fourteenth street, near Sixth avenue, and the spacious and elegant brown stone structure was erected which is still occupied by the congregation. The church in Grand street was sold to another congregation of Presbyterians ; and the Doctor's labours were transferred to the new locality.
There he continued to labour with great energy and success, until increasing years and failing health constrained him to seek assistance in the pastorate. He has had two co-pastors previous to the present one, Rev. Samuel M. Hamilton. Mr. McElroy still lives in a good old age. He has seen many afflictions, and has ripened under them for the better land. He has been four times married, and survives all his partners. . They were all superior women ; of eminent piety, prudence and social position. Miss McLanahan, a native of Cumberland valley, was his third, and Mrs. Jeffray, of New York, his fourth.
The subject of this sketch was a man of mark and of great influence, whilst strength remained. Not only was he a great preacher and attractive pastor, but he was a wise counsellor, and a man of great dis- cernment, sound judgment and prudent discretion. He rarely spoke in the church courts, but when he did, it was with weight, such as usually secured the success of his recommendations. He was a man for executive work-knew men and how to measure them -- knew things and how to manage them discreetly. He was, during his active life, a member of most of our Church Boards, and his counsels were always sought and heeded. His church was always amongst the most liberal in our body, and his business tact challenged respect in all affairs of public interest.
But he is passing away, and in a few weeks, or years at the farthest, he will be numbered with the distinguished sons of the valley who are no more on earth.
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HON. JAMES HAMILTON.
AMES HAMILTON was commissioned President Judge of the Ninth Judicial District by Governor Mckean, on March Ist, IS06, and died at Gettysburg, the 13th of March, 1819, having gone there in the discharge of the duties of his judicial office. His age was sixty-seven years.
His wife was Sarah Thompson, a daughter of Gen. William Thomp- son, who was a man of distinction in his day, and an officer of our Revo- lutionary Army. Judge Hamilton had two children who survived him ; a daughter, Susan H., who was married to the Rev. J. E. V. Thorn, of Carlisle, and died childless, on the 9th of November, 1867; and a son, James Hamilton, Esq., who died on the 23d of January, 1873; he never married, and the name and blood of Hamilton is now extinct in Carlisle. No one now at the bar of Cumberland county ever prac- tised under Judge Hamilton. But few ever saw him. George Metz- gar, Esq., now ninety-three years of age, but in the full possession of his mental faculties, is the only living member of the bar that practised when he presided.
Judge Hamilton was born and educated in Ireland, and was a lawyer when he came to Cumberland county. He held the office of Deputy Attorney-General or Prosecuting Attorney for several years before he was appointed Judge. In this office he gained the reputation of a most industrious officer. He prosecuted for conviction as unrelent- ingly as ever did a Crown officer in the land of his birth. So much was this the case, and so unpopular was the part he had taken, that when he took his seat on the bench he found inscribed on the walls of the old court house, in large letters, the words, " More Leniency."
It is likely that the education he received in Ireland had a part in forming his notions of duty, not only as a prosecuting officer but also as a presiding judge; for as soon as he assumed the judicial office, he required the sheriff and two tipstaves to escort him from his residence to the court house and thence back to his residence. This was a duty imposed on the sheriff which was not only new but irksome to him and the tipstaves, and one against which he rebelled, and, it is said, had himself relieved of by legislative interference. It was probably more waywardness of mind and the want of adaptation of manners to the disposition of the people, than lack of ability or confidence in his
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integrity, that led to his impeachment before the Senate. His trial took place and resulted in his acquittal, at Lancaster. His counsel was Wm. Hopkins, Esq., then an eminent member of that bar.
During his term the leading lawyers at the Carlisle bar were, David Watts, Esq., and Hon. Thomas Duncan, afterwards a Judge of the Supreme Court of the state. They were two of the most remarkable men then living in the state, of great fame and large practice. The characteristics of their minds were marked and widely different. Mr. Watts was a man of very positive character, of great grasp and vigour of mind, fonder of arguing his causes upon principle than hunting up cases with facts assimilated to the one at bar. Judge Duncan was a man of acute mind, of amazing industry, and was possessed of a re- tentive memory, and thus, when arguing a case in court, was ever ready with an authority at hand with which to persuade the court that the point was there ruled. Judge Hamilton also was a student, but lacked always self-confidence, and was more inclined to take what he was told ruled the case, than to trust to his own judgment or the reason of the law. This often led him, as it ever has done others, into error : and resulted in frequent reversals by the Supreme Court; and there is a legend here that the following strange Act of Assembly was passed at his instance, to get rid of the multitudinous authorities with which Judge Duncan was wont to confuse his judgment :
Be it enacted, etc., "That from and after the first day of May next, it shall not be lawful to read or quote in any court of this Commonwealth any British precedent or adjudication which may have been given or made subsequent to the fourth of July, in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six. Provided, that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the reading of any precedent of maritime law, or of the law of nations." Approved the nineteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and ten. Pamphlet Laws, 1810, page 136.
Whether this was true or not, to any extent, it was no doubt certain thạt Judge Hamilton had a stormy time of it, holding the reins of justice with two such coursers as Watts and Duncan for leaders. As time advanced his career became more popular. It is likely that his man- ners changed, and the people began to recognize those excellent quali- ties which do not attract the casual observer : such as his industry, his prompt attention to the business of the court, and above all his un- questioned honesty. There has no blemish, not even the suspicion of a blemish, on his judicial integrity, come down to the present day. The universal judgment of men, from all that is known and all that is reported of him, is, that he was perfectly honest, impartial, just and upright.
JOHN BOGGS, M. D.
R. JOHN BOGGS, born August 17th, 1787, was the youngest of six children.
Having lost his father at an early age, he was adopted by his uncle, Dr. Johnston, who was able to give him not only a classical education and the use of his extensive library, but the further advan- tage of association with his own cultivated mind. The boy thus adopted proved to be studious and reflective, and became a fine classi- cal scholar. He was the college class-mate of Thomas McCulloh, Matthew St. Clair Clarke, John H. Clarke, and many others who were inen of mark. After leaving college, Dr. Boggs studied medicine with Dr. McClellan, of Greencastle, and attended lectures at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. Before he was through with his medical course, he was summoned home by the serious illness of his uncle, an illness which speedily terminated in his death. The will once made by this uncle, leaving John his heir, had been destroyed, and he found himself obliged at once to begin the practice of medicine. After trying Huntingdon county, Pa., and finding but a poor opening there for a physician, Dr. Boggs decided to try some other locality. He was offered great inducements in Cincinnati, but the declining health of his mother decided him to settle in Greencastle, and practice there as partner of his old preceptor, Dr. McClellan. He first went to Baltimore, passed an examination before the Medical Faculty of the University of Maryland, and received a diploma.
About this time, while the war of 1812 was in progress, a call cane for recruits, and was promptly responded to by the young men of Franklin county. Dr. Boggs joined Company 3, Franklin county Volunteers, and went with it to Baltimore, September 8th, 1814. There his company, with several others, was formed into a regiment, of which Dr. MeClellan was appointed surgeon, and Dr. Boggs assistant sur- gcon. They were emergency men, and their services were needed but a short time. After this Dr. Boggs returned to Greencastle. resumed the practice of medicine, and four years later married Isabella Craig, daughter of William Allison. His practice became very large and necessitated his traversing a wide circuit of country on horseback. He was singularly successful as a physician, and had a strong hold on the confidence and affection of the families under his medical care
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Families, in times of sickness and affliction, looked as eagerly for the coming of Dr. Boggs, in his capacity of Christian friend and comforter, as in that of a healer of bodily illness.
In 1825, he was ordained an Elder in the Presbyterian Church of Greencastle, and in the discharge of the duties connected with this office was earnestly and actively engaged until his death.
A man of deep religious fervour and strong attachment to the church of his choice, he was yet wholly free from the narrowness of sectarian bigotry. Ministers of all denominations partook alike of the hospi- tality of his house-a house in which the "Prophet's Chamber" was rarely untenanted-and all were made equally welcome to his pro- fessional services. During his thirty years' residence in Franklin county Dr. Boggs received many proofs of the esteem and affection of the community, and now that more than a quarter of a century has passed since he joined the "great multitudes," his memory is still fondly cherished in many hearts.
On a monument in the burial ground of the "Old Red Church " there is an inscription, in few and simple words, that tells the sweet story of his life :
" John Boggs, M. D., born August 18th, 1787. Died July 12th, 1847.
"An eminent physician, a faithful elder, an affectionate husband. father and friend, a useful citizen, a humble Christian ; his life was piety, his death was peace."
His wife died two years later, leaving five sons and three daughters.
HON. DAVID FULLERTON.
ORN in Cumberland valley, (1772,) and of the predominant stock, Mr. Fullerton was highly esteemed, and is, to this day, prominently remembered as one of the most honest, active and self-denying representatives who ever served the people.
He was for many years in the Senate of the state (in 1832) as re- presentative from Franklin county, and also in the Congress of the United States, (in 1828.) While in the State Senate he gave much of his time and attention in opposition to the construction of the then projected railroad ("tape worm") from Gettysburg to Hagerstown, having as his most active opponent the late Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, of Lancaster. Mr. Fullerton, as he then stated in an address before the Senate, had "traveled over the mountains for upwards of fifty years, * and was confident the work was to cost double the amount of the estimate." He then produced and presented before that body careful estimates of the actual cost of the road, made after a personal survey of the whole route.
While in Congress Mr. Fullerton, in a matter of considerable agita- tion throughout the country, voted contrary to the views of some of his constituents, and for this act he was burnt in effigy in Carlisle. He was much incensed, and immediately resigned. He was urged to re- turn, but declined. His whole career as a representative was marked by the highest integrity, combined with the most active measures for the good of the people.
Until near the close of his life Mr. Fullerton possessed considerable property in Greencastle and vicinity. He was also President of the bank at. Greencastle, and conducted the leading mercantile business of the town. Certain irregularities of others in connection with the bank led him to make a total sacrifice of his very considerable wealth, soon after which he died, (February Ist, 1843.) The railroad and other improvements of Franklin county are in a great measure due to his disinterested energy in behalf of the public welfare.
In the support of the church he was always in the lead ; an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Greencastle, a regular correspondent of Rev. Dr. Knox, of New York, and others prominent in the church, and the first superintendent of the earliest (1817.) Sabbath-school organi- zation known of in the history of the place of his residence.
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Mr. Fullerton was the father of the Rev. Matthew Fullerton, for a time the esteemed pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Hagerstown, but called from his earthly labours to his heavenly reward in his early ministry. . He stood deservedly high in the community in which he so long lived. Many yet affectionately cherish his memory, as an intelli- gent, upright and useful citizen, keeping steadily in view life's great aim. Being dead, he yet speaketh.
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COM. JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, U. S. N.
ESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT, was born at Hagerstown, Md., July 14th, 1782. His parents were Pennsylvanians by birth. Young Elliott lost his father when at a tender age. Colonel Robert Elliott, who was a contractor in the United States army, was killed in 1794 by the Indians, while traveling from Fort Washington to Fort Hamilton with his servant. The Colonel being somewhat advanced in life wore a wig. The savage who shot him, in haste to take his scalp, drew his knife, and seized him by the hair. To his astonishment the scalp came off at the first touch. The wretch exclaimed, in broken English ; " damn lie." The body was recovered and was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, and was subsequently re-interred by his son, then Commodore Elliott, in the city of Cin- cinnati, and a suitable monument erected to his memory. The Colonel's pocket book, containing papers and a lock of hair, were purchased from the Indians by an American officer, at the Greenville Treaty, in 1795, who handed them over to the Colonel's son, since Commodore Elliott .*
Mrs. Elliott, by the death of her husband, was left in a destitute con- dition, and through the exertion of John Thompson Mason, a promi- nent citizen of that day, of Washington county, Md., Congress voted a small gratuity for the relief of the relict of a brave officer, and Thomas Jefferson, then President of the United States, deprecating the parsi- mony of the grant, forwarded warrants for midshipman in the Navy to young Elliott and his brother, St. Clair. The warrants were dated April 2d, 1804, and were accompanied by orders attaching the subject of our sketch to the Essex, Captain James Barron, while St. Clair was assigned to the President.
The Essex sailed for the Barbary States, on the Mediterranean, to humble them, negotiated a peace with Tripoli, and brought home the crew of the Philadelphia, who had been confined in the dungeons of that city. In 1So7, Elliott was attached to the ill-fated Chesapeake, and again departed for the Mediterranean, which vessel while on her voyage, was attacked by the British ship Leopard, and as the attack
* In a letter received February 20, 1875, from Mrs. Elliott, widow of Commodore Elliott, who is residing at York, Pa., at the advanced age of 83 years, she states that the scalp lock and pocket book spoken of are still in her possession, also the flag that was fought under, at Lake Erie.
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was sudden, and from a vessel belonging to a nation with which our country was at peace, the Chesapeake was obliged to strike her flag.
Midshipman Elliott was promoted to a Lieutenancy on board the John Adams, April 23d, 1810, and was bearer of dispatches to our Min- ister, William Pinckney, at the Court of St. James. Lieutenant Elliott was a warm admirer of his country, and stood up for his flag in public and private. A little incident that occurred during his five months' stay in London, shows his spirit. After delivering some dispatches he was advised by Mr. Pinckney to take lodgings at Hatchell's Hotel, with a view of being near his residence. Whilst taking his tea, a stranger took a seat by his side, and noticing his uniform, which somewhat resembled the British, he observed, "I believe there is a Yankee fri- gate on the coast?" " Yes," was the Lieutenant's reply. "What's she after," he again observed, and added, "I reckon she's after the Chesa- peake affair ; they had better let that alone," &c. He then lavished all manner of abuse on the Yankees and their country. Lieutenant Elliott handed him his card, and said, "Sir, you are now addressing a Yankee, as you call us, and an officer of the frigate in the Downs. There's my card." The stranger not apologizing, Elliott stepped to the person in waiting, and said, " Sir, you put a scoundrel. instead of a gentleman in the box with me; he has grossly insulted me. There's my card; give it to him, and tell him I demand his." By this time the fellow had slipped out and was not heard of afterwards.
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