USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Centennial biography : Men of mark of Cumberland Valley, Pa., 1776-1876 > Part 26
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Chambersburg. He died at the age of seventy-five years. So long a life necessarily carried with it more or less of the crosses and distresses of this world, from which he was not entirely exempt --- but in his cup was mingled an unusual portion of all that makes life valuable-the respect of the whole community, the sincere esteem of his fellow-citizens to whom he was more intimately known, and the ardent and devoted affections of those intimately connected with him-these conspired in aid of a clear and excellent understanding, and a warm and generous heart, to encourage and invigorate the efforts of his life, and to give enjoyment and happiness to his declining years. He was a wealthy, hospitable, public-spirited, unselfish man, and when called to fall under the stroke that spares none, his loss was deeply and long deplored by the com- munity with which he had so long been identified, and especially by those bound to him by closer ties.
Mr. Crawford was married twice. His first wife was Catharine Hostinger, of York, Pa. Thomas Hartley Crawford was a son by this marriage, who attained eminence as a lawyer, was elected to Congress from his district, became Secretary of Indian Affairs under President Jackson, and was afterwards Judge of the District Court, Washington, D. C. His second wife was Rebecca Colhoun. Their daughter, Elizabeth Sterritt, married Reade Washington, Esq., of Clark county, Va. His grandson, Edward Crawford Washington, was killed in the advance on Vicksburg, May, 1863.
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COL. JAMES AGNEW.
AVID ELLIOTT, D. D., LL. D., long an intimate acquaintance and friend of Col. James Agnew, amongst other words of commendation, uses this language of him in his obituary: " This venerable man was of a sound and vigorous mind, wise and sagacious in the management of business." An eminent and promi- nent citizen in his day, he is worthy of mention amongst the men whose history belongs in whole or in part to the Cumberland valley. and its borders.
He was of that brave. hardy, godly and persevering race, the Scotch- Irish. His parents came from the north of Ireland, and settled in Adams county previous to the War of Independence. In that struggle several of the members of his father's family bore an honourable and patriotic part, although a cousin of his father, Gen James Agnew, was an officer in the British army, and fell at the battle of Germantown.
The subject of this sketch was born in Adams county, Pa., July 31st, 1769. His mother's name was Ramsey. An incident is related of her that illustrates the fact that Providential impulses for which we cannot account, are sometimes, for wise purposes, made upon the human mind. She was living, for the purpose of attending school, at the house of her brother, Col. Ramsey, in Franklin county. One day she felt a special aversion to going, and could give no reason for the feeling. It was, however, so strong and decided that she yielded to it, and remained at home. That day a band of hostile Indians came upon the school house, and murdered and scalped the teacher and all the small children, and carried the larger boys and girls into captivity. One boy, who had been wounded and scalped, had the self-control to lie still and pretend he was dead ; the savages did not strike him with the tomahawk, and he lived to tell the tale. Had Miss Ramsey gone to school that day she would probably have been killed or taken captive. Eleanor Cochran, afterwards Mrs. Junkin, and mother of Drs. George and D. N. Junkin, was also detained at home and saved from the fate of the other scholars.
Col. Agnew's parents were of the Reformed Presbyterian (Cove- nanter) branch of the church, but at the time of the union of most of that body with the Associate Church, (Seceders.) forming the Associate Reformed Church of North America, they joined in the said Union.
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Educated in the doctrines, and trained in the stalwart morality of that strictest sect of Presbyterians, Mr. Agnew, through a long life, was a man of unswerving integrity of devotion to the principles in which he had been brought up. He obtained under domestic instruction, and in the school of the vicinage, such elements of education as fitted him for business; and his remarkable self-control and perseverance enabled him to improve to the best advantage the limited opportunities he enjoyed.
An incident occurred in the beginning of his career that had an .im- portant influence on his own life and the lives of others. He and a young man of the name of George, had been companions from boy- hood, and had grown up devoted friends. They were to leave home on the same morning for their respective points of destination. Agnew was disposed to go west, the other east and south. They were both greatly distressed at the prospect of separation. Having met, young George with strong persuasion, earnestly besought his early friend to turn aside from his purpose. At last "the lot," the whole disposing of which is of the Lord, was appealed to for decision. In a certain con- tingency, Agnew was to be the companion of his friend and go with him to Baltimore. In another contingency, he was to follow his first wishes. With beating heart young George cast the lot. With excited hopes and anxious looks, they sought the index of their destiny. It favoured the previous desires of Agnew. Long and sadly they talked with each other but at length parted and moved forward, each in the path predetermined. Mr. George closed, a few years back, a long and useful life in Baltimore, the city of his choice. His career as a merchant was successful, and he died a man of wealth and influence. But the friendship of the two, like that of Jonathan and David, never ceased nor grew cold in their hearts. The periodical visits of Colonel Agnew to Baltimore, cemented and strengthened the early ties of a friendship, strong and enduring as the hills.
llis natural force of character, under agonizing pain, is well displayed in the following surgical operation:
Dr. John McClellan, of Greencastle, Pa., having been consulted about a small tumour that appeared on the Colonel's tongue, supposed to be cancerous, advised its excision. This was at once assented to, although informed that the operation would prove dangerous and pain- ful. That it might be done most effectually and with least danger, he kneeled beside a table and protruded his tongue. It was then fastened thereto with an awl, the end opened and a portion cut off. The Doctor in old age pronounced his own act to have been rash, as an
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artery was severed and the profuse bleeding arrested with difficulty. It showed, however, the valuable traits that made him in his day one of the most eminent of physicians. After the Colonel's wound was par- tially healed he was out on his farm one day, when the artery burst and a spurt of blood gushed from it as when first cut. He was in much peril, but with great presence of mind, pressed the tongue firmly against the roof of his mouth, hastened home, seized a pen, requested a piece of sheet lead from the store, and with this compressed the artery and staunched the flow of blood. The Doctor, twenty miles away, could not have reached him to save his life, before this timely self applied remedy. The energy, unflinching nerve, power of will, and fortitude, displayed in the above operation, proved him to be a person that could be relied on as help in like emergencies. Dr. McClellan therefore, as also the physicians who subsequently settled in McCon- nelsburg, made him their companion in cases requiring these traits. To them he rendered valuable aid in the discharge of their painful duties, and was rewarded with their lasting friendship and regard.
llis maternal uncle, Colonel Ramsey, owned an estate on West Conococheague, near Mercersburg, called Ramsey's, (now Heister's) Mills. At an carly age young Agnew went to live with him, and assist in managing his affairs. Here he acquired, in part, those habits of business, energy, care and diligence, in the exercise of which, in after life, he constructed one of the largest fortunes in that part of the com- monwealth. At the time of his advent to the vicinity of Mercersburg, cmigration to western Pennsylvania had been inaugurated, and a con- siderable trade was carried on between the settlers west of the Alle- ghenies and the older settlements of the Cumberland valley. This trade was prosecuted by means of " pack horses," and the route cor- responding pretty nearly with the present turnpike was called, " The Packer's Path." Passing through the Gap by Stony Batter to the Big Cove, it left the east side of the Cove Mountain and thence along Side- ling, (or Side-long-hill.) to Pittsburgh. At "Stony Batter," an old Scotchman had a little store, in which he traded with the packers and others in salt, groceries, hardware, and dry goods. He subsequently moved into Mercersburg where he put his son James to school, and in time sent him to Dickinson College. That son. James Buchanan, afterwards became President of the United States. By the assistance of his uncle, Colonel Ramsey, young Agnew, about his twentieth year. established a trading post in the "Great. Cove," seven miles west of Mr. Buchanan's store, on the " Packers' Path." At this station where McConnellsburg now stands, he built up a very prosperous business,
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and continued it the greater part of a long life. To the mercantile business which was his first and chief pursuit, he added a farm and tannery, the latter being at that early day, very necessary for the supply of settlers, and very profitable. His father had sunk a tannery on his farm in Adams county, and employed a man to work it for him. But when quite a lad James seeing something wrong in the manage- ment of the employee, of his own choice, and by his energy and atten- tion, so thoroughly learned the details of the business, as to save his father from losses, and to make this knowledge afterwards a means of profit to himself.
By diligence, skill and energy in business, Col. Agnew prospered and became one of the wealthiest men in central Pennsylvania. At least twice in every year he repaired to the commercial cities, to make purchases. In these very early days this was done on horseback. Although he often carried large sums of money, and the mountains were infested with robbers such as Lewis and Connelly, and others, he was never molested by them. He put his trust in God, was a man of habitual prayer, and seemed never to fear, although other merchants and travelers were robbed along the same road.
When his first purchases were made, he was introduced by his relative, Col. Ramsey, to one or two merchants of Philadelphia, but had no character for business qualities established at this early period. One fact, however, in the very beginning operated in his favour -- his caution. It at once secured the good will of the merchants. The goods selected made such large bills, that he feared to assume the responsibility of taking them. He directed the clerks to deduct cer- tain portions. This was done until the amount was within a certainty of his ability to pay. When the heads of the firms learned these facts. they called on him, and on inquiry found out from himself the reasons of his procedure. They were confirmed in the opinion that he woukd be a safe and good customer, and insisted on his taking all the goods ; assured him that he would not be harrassed about payment, and that if the time therefor was too limited, it should be extended to suit this exigency. The goods were bought; and now came a time of trial. Many were the obstacles in the way of meeting his engagements. The produce that availed in city payments was limited, banks were few in number, were widely separated, the circulation of their notes confined within narrow limits, and subject to heavy discount in the cities. Other hindrances pressed on him. Unwilling to fail in punctuality, he vigor- ously set to work ; made sale of his goods, secured such collections as were possible, purchased horses, sold them in eastern markets, and
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made such energetic efforts in various ways, that success crowned his endeavours, and his contracts were fulfilled to the entire satisfaction of the men who had so generously trusted him. But the scarcity of money, together with the embarrassments arising in that carly day from his isolated and mountainous position, was for years a source of anxiety and trouble in the fulfilment of his city purchases. Yet his ceaseless energy, fertile resources, capacity of business, rigid integrity and indomitable will, not only carried him safely through his difficulties, but secured him the increasing and life-long friendship of the men who first confided in him. These traits and these friendships, laid the found- ation for such general esteem in the cities, that he could command almost unlimited credit. So wisely, so prudently, and so successfully did he manage his commercial transactions, that not many years elapsed before he was able to make all his purchases in cash. This policy he pursued until the close of his mercantile life.
In properly estimating his character, the early period at which his mercantile career commenced must always be kept in mind. The advantages were very few and limited, the difficulties great and many. Yet, by the force of his character, he made himself a popular and successful merchant. Seasons came when particular kinds of mer- chandise would become very dear and scarce for years together. They were articles that would be greatly needed, not only in the household but on the farm. The want of some would be sorely felt both by man and beast Yet his foresight of these times was such that he met and successfully overcame obstacles that appeared insuper- able. On one occasion the preparations made from garret to cellar of his house, and even in the erection of exterior buildings, were so extensive as to appear foolish and extravagant. The end foreseen, however, came, and proved the wisdom of his acts. He was able to sell his merchandise from twenty-five to two hundred per cent. cheaper than other stores for many miles around, and to keep up the supply until the exigency was past. Thus he not only made himself useful and popular but secured his own benefit without detriment to his fellow-men.
His fertility of resources was such that he created demands for large quantities of produce, greatly to the advantage of the farmers. Some- times as many as one and two hundred sleds, in the town and vicinity. were coming and going and awaiting their turns for purchase and exchange. Not only was the whole day, but occasionally the entire night was consumed in the traffic thus created.
Col. Agnew became, at an early period of his life, a decided Chris-
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tian, and was for many years a ruling elder of the church. He was remarkable for the soundness of his judgment, the punctuality of his attendance upon every duty appointed him, and for his direct, explicit and business-like manner of performing official duties. At the time of the troubles in the Presbyterian Church, which resulted in separation in 1838, he took decided ground with the Old School. He was a . member of the Convention which adopted and signed "The Act and Testimony," and to his dying day was a firm and consistent believer of the sound doctrine, and the sedate and efficient order of the church of which he was a member and office bearer.
The congregation of McConnellsburg, of which he was in part the founder, was originally in connection with the Associate Reformed Church ; but when that body united with the General Assembly, in 1825, it came cordially into the union. Dr. George Junkin, when a licentiate, several times supplied the pulpit of that church, and was once invited to its pastorate but did not accept. When at McCon- nellsburg he was the guest of Col. Agnew.
On one occasion an incident occurred which illustrates the character of both these men for brave and firm adherence to principle and law. It was before the days of canals and railways, and when the " Cones- toga Wagons," with their stout draught teams, were the only mode of conveying freight from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. These sometimes formed a long caravan on the road that passed through McConnells- burg. Very few gave to themselves and their horses the benefit of the Sabbath's rest ; and what with the noise of the wagons and horses, and the boisterous voices and terrible oaths of the teamsters, became a serious nuisance to the Christian people along their route. The law of the State was against it; and many persons felt impelled by con- · science to enforce the law. Colonel Agnew was one of these. This aroused opposition, and a portion of the community conspired to annoy him by nominating him for the office of constable. They supposed that, rather than accept it he would pay the usual fine. He was elected, and very soon they were disappointed and mortified with the results that followed. He accepted and took the oath of office. It now became his sworn and official duty to enforce the law ; and he did it with firmness and zeal. One Monday morning, attempting to arrest a large and powerful teamster who had, the day before. violated both the law of God and the law of man, he was resisted. Colonel Agnew was a large, finely built man, over six feet, and very strong. The teamster was stalwart and violent, and withstood so fiercely that the Colonel was not equal to the task. Mr. Junkin was his guest at
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the time, and seeing the struggle could not resist the impulse of a generous nature to rush to the help of the officer. Though short of stature, young Junkin was a man of vast muscular strength and activity. With his help the giant wagoner was soon overpowered, and carried before the magistrate.
Colonel Agnew was an early and consistent friend of the temperance reformation. All the stores kept liquor, but he determined to banish it from his own. The person employed in the store to whom one-third of the profits was given, made objection, that it was a very profitable part of the business. He was directed however, to make a calculation of the usual amount of income from this source. This was done; the amount was added to his third, and the poison banished from the store. Through his example and influence the other stores, with one excep- tion, discontinued the traffic.
In his prime he stood high in the confidence of his fellow-citizens, and was frequently called to execute important trusts, both civil and ecclesiastical ; and he always, it is believed, did it to the full satisfaction of those who confided in him.
The subject of this sketch was one of the public spirited citizens of his region, who took a lively interest in improving the country. When he went to the Great Cove it was a wilderness, the settlers were few, the roads but paths, the wild animals numerous, and the houses cabins. But one or, at most, two log dwellings made the beginning of the village that was to be the theatre of his life. On the bank of a small stream was laid the foundation of his trading post and home. There, until a few years before his death, stood a tall elm under which the Indian had smoked his pipe, whilst he drew from the waters the fish that filled the streams in that early day. His latest dwelling of stone. was built as early as 1793. He lived to see great changes, and was active in promoting public improvements. "The Packers' Path" gave way first to the great State road, and that to the McAdamized turn- pike, in the survey and location of which he had assisted ; and before his deccase, McConnellsburg had ceased to be on the great thorough- fare from city to city ; the Canal and afterwards the Pennsylvania Cen- tral Railroad, having entirely superseded the Conestoga wagons in the great business of transportation. He lived many years after the great Cove was stricken from Bedford and included in the new county of Fulton, of which McConnellsburg became the seat of justice.
His home, though a private residence, was known as the " Minister's Hotel." This arose from the cordial hospitality with which clergymen of all denominations were received and entertained. This hospitality
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was practised for weeks and months at a time. Nor was it confined to persons only of the class named. They came from the cities and from all parts of the country north, south, east and west, and even from foreign lands. They were going to and from the Legislature, Congress, the "Springs," and various ecclesiastical bodies. A great amount of knowledge and of interesting incidents of men and things was thus obtained, that made his company instructive and entertaining. Had he done in this, as was done in another matter, a large amount of pleasant reading would have been left for his family and for others. He had kept, from an early period, a daily thermometrical and other records of the weather, and was so punctual in its performance, that even when from home it was not neglected. Carrying a pocket ther- mometer, he noted down in a small book the varying phases of the weather from day to day. A similar record of the above nature was once suggested to him by a person who had been greatly interested in his conversation, but he replied, that he was too old, and that his habits of writing unfitted him for the task.
Col. Agnew's systematic and strictly temperate habits assured a long life, and his death, the result of a fall down a flight of stairs, occurred on the ninth day of September, 1855, in the eighty-seventh year of his age.
As an appropriate conclusion of this biographical sketch we make the following extracts from the obituary notice written by the venerable Dr. Elliott, who knew him during a great part of their lives, including the period of their greatest vigour : "There was much in the character and conduct of Col. Agnew which furnished credible evidence of his being a child of God. In the discharge of religious duties, not only those of a public but those of a private nature, no one was ever more punctual. Family and secret worship were never omitted except on the ground of providential impediments. For both of these duties he had his fixed hours; and when these arrived neither company nor busi- ness were allowed to detain him from their performance, and when the place of his secret retirement was occupied, he has been noticed to retire to some spot out of the house where he supposed he was entirely secluded from observation, and there pour out his soul to God. The Sabbath he consecrated sacredly to religious duties. He was particu- larly attentive to the religious instruction of his children on that day, in hearing them recite portions of Scripture, and of the Shorter Catechism committed to memory. These exercises were followed by an earnest and solemn appeal to them on the subject of their personal salvation, which often affected them to tears. The writer has the
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declaration of one of his children. that if to any human instrumentality he was indebted as a means for his salvation, it was to the faithful in- struction and appeals and prayers of his father. He also by his example gave constant sanction to the value of public ordinances and meetings for social prayer. His place in the church and the prayer meeting was never vacant until the illness which terminated his life. His last illness was protracted and severe. During its continuance he suffered intense pain, which he bore with remarkable fortitude and patience. By this protracted suffering God seems to have been detach- ing his affections from the world and raising them to higher and more enduring objects. His mind, as we are informed, was much exercised in reference to the state of his soul. With tears he lamented his short- comings in duty, but while he had his doubts and fears, his eye was steadily fixed on the Saviour of sinners, and he expressed an humble hope of salvation through the merits of Jesus Christ. It was in Christ, and Christ alone, that he placed his reliance, and in him we trust he has found salvation. I only add that Col. Agnew long held the honourable office of ruling elder in the church, and was favourably known in the judicatories of the church, as a wise and judicious counselor.
He was married twice. His first wife was Mrs. Ochiltree, of Vir- ginia. Her parents had emigrated there from Adams county, Penn- sylvania. She became a widow about a year after marriage. Col. Agnew, who had too late addressed her when she was Miss Elizabeth Finley, a second time sought her hand, and became her husband. Of eight children left, the second son, John R. Agnew, is in the Christian ministry. After graduating at Dickinson College, he spent two years at Union Theological Seminary, Prince Edward, Va., and one year at Princeton, and was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of East Hanover, in 1834.
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