USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Chambersburg > Historical sketch of Franklin County, Pennsylvania : prepared for the centennial celebration held at Chambersburg, Penn'a, July 4th, 1876, and subsequently enlarged by I. H. M'Cauley John M. Pomeroy, publisher. To which is added a valuable appendix by J. L. Suesserott, D. M. Kennedy and others, and embellished by over one hundred lithographic illustrations, drawn by W. W. Denslow > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
snccess. They accordingly urged the Classis of Mercersburg to purchase the old college property, which had reverted to the citizens of Mercers- burg. The purchase was made, the school organized, and in 1865, the Court of Franklin County granted a very liberal charter to the Board of Regents of Mercersburg College.
Rev. Thos. G. Apple, D. D., a graduate of Marshall College, and a student of Dr. Nevin's in theology ; a sound and logical reasoner, and very clear in the expression of his thoughts, was elected the first Presi -. dent. He was assisted by an able faculty, and the first class through the regular course was graduated in 1871. The Theological Seminary was removed to Lancaster in 1870. Rev. Dr. Higbee then resigned bis chair (of Church History) in the Seminary, and Dr. Apple was elected to fill his place. To the Presidency of the College, left vacant by the resigna- tion of Dr. Apple, Dr. Higbee was elected by the Board of Regents.
Rev. Dr. Higbee, who is now President, is a graduate of the Universi- ty of Vermont, and studied theology under Dr. Nevin and Dr. Philip Schaff. He is a thorough classical scholar, and is eminently successful not only in imparting instruction to his students, but also in maintaining, with the aid of a faculty of able and energetic young men, the general discipline of the College.
During the twelve years that have elapsed since its institution, Mercers .. burg has been quietly, but steadily progressing in character and reputa. tion. It's standard of instruction is as high as that of the most renowned institutions of the kind in the country, and year by year it sends forth small, but thoroughly drilled classes of graduates. It has now a post- graduate course in Theology, in successful operation. It possesses abun- dant chemical and philosophical apparatus, and the college libraries, in- cluding those of its two literary societies, the Marshall and the Washing- ton Irving, number over four thousand volumes, and are constantly receiving additions from publications on both sides of the Atlantic.
RESIDENCE OF ADAM FORNEY-WAYNESBORO', FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA.
This very elegant mansion, situated on East Main street, on lot No. 4 adjoining the residence of the father of Mr. F. is constructed of brick and as will be seen is 3 stories high. It is elegantly furnished, even up to the roof, and furnished with all the modern conveniences. With a tank in the garret of a capacity of 35 barrels, it is supplied with hot and cold water troughout, and would be a credit to a large city, as it isto its proprie- tor. The dimensions of this house are 27 feet front by 100 deep. The lower room is used as a store room, and the balance, as the residence of Mr. Forney. At the rear end of the lot there is a very convenient stable. Mr. F. was engaged in tanning forabout 12 years, and a view of the estab- lishment will be found in this book, but he has also contributed to the prosperity of the town, by erecting a number of buildings, 5 of which he has now in the occupancy of tenants. Adam Forney, who is a son of Mr. L. S. Forney, was born Oct. 15th, 1840. He married Ada, daughter of Wm. Dice, Esq., of Scotland, Pa., May 10th, 1870. They have two · children, viz: Wm. Dice, and Lillie.
-
262
Appendix.
FARM AND RESIDENCE OF JACOB HEGE-PETERS TOWNSHIP, FRANKLIN CO.
The buildings represented in our sketch consist of a stone log, cased with brick, and brick honse, and also a very capacions barn. The farm which contains 173 acres of first quality of flint, gravel and limestone land, adjoining which Mr. Hege has another one of 165 acres, is situated a little south of the Warmspring road, about six miles from Mercersburg, 12 from Chambersburg and 13 from Williamson Station on the S. P. R. R. The land was first taken up by a Mr. Clapsaddle, and was purchased from one of his descendants, George Clapsaddle, abont 63 years ago by John Hege, father of the present owner. Jacob H. at the time of the purchase was a boy. His father was born in Lancaster County but came to this county at the age of 14 years and resided with his parents at Marlon. He married Mary, daughter of Jacob Lesher, near Greencastle. He resided on a farm belonging to his father-in-law until the death of Mr. Lesher which occurred on December 31st, 1813, when he purchased and removed on the property represented in the picture. At this time a cabin built of unhewn logs and roofed with clapboards, occupied a place now included in the front yard. This Mr. H. allowed to remain for about ten years, notwithstanding the fact that he had erected a larger log house 24 by 25 feet, the part of the present one that is now cased with brick and forms the centre of the building. He also erected a stone kitchen, same width as the log house, and about 18 feet long which also remains as built. Mr. Jacob Hege has made an addition, of brick, 17 feet long at the north end, which is also the same width as the log brick cased part. This is now occupied by him as a residence, the other portion being used by his son Jacob W. and his family. When this land was purchased by John Hege it was nearly all covered with heavy timber, only about 10 or 5 acres having been cleared. The price paid for about 73 acres, was $00 per acre, and afterwards he secured a large tract, some as low as $4 per acre. At the time of his death, which occured in his 80th year, he was possessed of 700 acres. He built a substantial log barn over 100 feet long with floors. This barn was torn away to give place to the one built by his son Jacob in 1867. The present brick barn contains 3 threshing floors, five long stables, one of which is 17 feet wide, constructed for the purpose of fattening cattle. The land which is somewhat rolling is well adapted to grain or stock raising, about 30 acres are still well covered with thrifty timber. There is a never failing well of good water, 23 feet deep, near the house. Two good cisterns, one at house the other at barn. There is a lime kiln of 700 or 800 bushels capacity on this place, the good effect of its product being demonstrated by the fact that the average yield of wheat is about 1,000 bushels, 1,000 bushels of corn, 1,000 bushels of oats as well as a goodly supply of hay. There is also a fine apple orchard in full bearing, and an abundance of small fruits. Jacob Hege was married Dec. 17th, 1844, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Weaver, of St. Thomas Township. They have two children Jacob W. and George. The former as already noted, living in part of the house represented, and the latter on the adjoining farm. Jacob W. was married to Mary, daughter of Joseph Kriner. They have had three children, viz: Elizabeth, John Henry, and an infant. John Henry is dead. George married Fanny, daughter of Samuel Etter, near Marion. They have one child named William Milton. The farm on which they reside contains 165 acres, which united with the other one, makes 438 acres. The Father of Jacob Hege and also his mother were buried on this farm in a family burying ground, known as Hege's graveyard. Hans Hege the progenitor of the Hege family, emi- grated from Schauffhausen, near Zweibrucken, at Eberstein Hoff, in Switz-
Appendir. 263
eriand. He landed in Philadelphia, Sept. 27th, 1727, having been a pas- senger on the ship "James Goodwill," David Crockett, Capt. He was accompanied by his brother-in-law Hans Lehman and about fifty-three other families. From Philadelphia they went to Rapho Township, Lan- caster County, and settled near Manheim. Mr. H. bought a farm there, where he remained all his life and was buried on his own place.
FARM AND PRESENT HOME OF JOHN WALKER, ESQ.,-ST. THOMAS TOWN-
SHIP, FRANKLIN CO., PA.
This delightful place, late the residence, and old homestead, of the cel- ebrated Wilson family, is situated about seven and a half miles west of Chambersburg and about 3 miles from the village of St. Thomas. It was purchased by its present owner, Jan. 4th 1872, of James Shields of Mount Pleasant Borough, Westmoreland Co. Pa., one of the heirs at law of the Wilson estate. The barn which is a very fine brick structure 102 feet long by 62 feet wide, was built in the year 1847, and the commodious house, which is also of brick 58 by 40 feet, was erected in 1848 by the surviving children of John Wilson, Sr., and Sarah his wife, but remained unoccupied as a residence until Feb. 1855. The deed from Wm. Steel, of Hamilton Township, at that time, Cumberland Co., Pa., to John Wilson, Township of Derry, Lancaster Co., P'a., bears date twenty-October A. D. 1779. The place then contained 212 acres and allowance, and was sold for what would appear to be the enormous sum of nine thousand pounds. Remembering however that at that date the continental currency was at a very large discount, the price was probably much less than it would now bring without its valuable improvements. The family of John and Sarah Wilson consisted of seven sons and three daughters, viz: Moses, David, James, John, Alexander, William, Robert, Elizabeth W. afterwards Mrs. Shields, Florence, afterwards Mrs. Patton, and Sarah. All of these, with the exception of the two designated, continued in a state of single blessedness. John Wilson, Sr., died Jan. 31st, A. D. 1826, aged about 76 years. Mrs. Sarah Wilson, after attaining the age of 96 years, 3 months and 28 days, died July 1st, 1848. The children now all sleep with their fathers, Moses at the age of 80 years. died Oct. 15th, 1861, David aged 78, died 27th Feb. 1862, Jaines who died July 28th 1847, was 56 years old, John Jr., died March 10th, 1818 being yet in his 29th year, Alexan- der still younger, departed this life Sept. 24th 1823, at the age of 24 years, William attained the age of 71 years and died Jan. 29th 1869, Robert in the month of July, the 6th day, aged only 54, Elizabeth, Mrs. Shields, ex- ceeded the remarkable age of her mother and died March 23d, 1873, 97 years old, Florence, Mrs. Patton, died March 6th 1855, aged 68 years and Sarah the muniticient benefactress of Wilson College, in whose honor it was named, died Feb. 9th, 1871, aged 76 years. Wehave been thus careful to give this chronological list of deaths for the reason that amongst the many families and individuals who have resided in Franklin County none are more deserving to be kept in grateful rememberance than that of the Wil- sons. Notalone because of thoaid that their honestly accumulated wealth afforded in establishing an institution of learning that is an honor to our county, but also because of the fact that one of the peculiar characteristics of these people was their unstinted liberality and humanity to the poor, and their fair and honorablo dealings, not only with their many tenants, but with the public generally. The old house around whose hearthstone this numerous family gathorod for so many years, continued to be occu- pied by the surviving members until its destruction by fire in Feb. 1865. It will be noticed that the present brick structure was erected in 1848, yet
264
Appendi.r.
notwithstanding its attractive appearance and commodious apartments the recollections of childhood days were so entwined around their heart- strings that nothing but the devouring element was able to cause them to leave, for better accommodation, those made dear by memory's cariy hours. With the old building many valuables, consisting of money, bonds and notes, together with a lavish supply of bedding and other household goods were destroyed, and even title papers, in the iron safe, were so charred as, in some instances, to be rendered illegible, as was the case with the bal. lance of the date on the first deed of this farm.
John Walker, Esq., the present well and favorably known proprietor, was born in St. Thomas Township, April 24th, 1824. His grandfather Robert Walker was a native of Ireland and landed in Philadelphia, Aug. 23d, A, D. 1786. On the first of September of the same year he located near Franklin Furnace, and soon after commenced the erection of the first fulling-mill west of Carlisle, employing as a power and appropriating the site now used by the saw-mill of Mr. John Heckman. He died April 16th A. D. 1837 aged 78 years. George Walker, the father of John, was born Feb. 21st, 1790 and died June 13th, A. D. 1868 aged 78 years, leaving two children, one daughter, now Mrs. George Sprecher, and the owner of the place under consideration. John Walker has been twice married, his first wife was Sarah, daughter of Wm. Gillan, Esq., of Hamilton Town- ship, now deceased. to whom he was married March 12th, 1846. She died in 1869 at the age of 43 years leaving an interesting family of seven children, three sons and four daughters. His second wife, Sarah Shields of Hamilton Township formerly of Westmoreland County, is one of the descendents of the Wilson family, being a granddaughter of Elizabeth W. They were married in 1873, and have one child a son. Few men who have entered into the matrimonial venture, for the second time, are as fortunate as has been Mr. W., at least the writer is acquainted with no one who has drawn two prizes of equal worth. At the time of the pur- chase of the farm, for which he paid $14,627.32 it contained 241 acres, but Mr. Walker, who has another farm but a short distance away, has reduced this one to 143 acres.
RESIDENCE OF J. M. RIPPLE, M. D.
In the year 1872 Dr. Ripple of Waynesboro', Pa., purchased the site on which his very convenient home is now located. At that time it was occupied by an old school building. The lot has a width of 83 feet, is 200 feet deep, and the house standing back 65 feet from the pavement, is adorned with beautiful shade trees. It is 42 feet front by 30 feet deep, and has a back building 30 feet long attached. The paternal ancestors of Dr. R., three or four generations back, were natives of Germany, and their first settlement in this country, at a very early date was in Hlagers- town, Md,, where they engaged in agriculture. In the year 1810 Lewis Ripple, the grandfather of the Doctor, purchased what is now known as the Monterey Springs property, at that time occupied by an old log house which was used a tavern stand. This Mr. R. removed and erected in its stead a commodious stone structure together with the necessary out build- ings. The property then became widely known as Ripple's Tavern. About six years after, the hotel building proper, was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt by its proprietor who continued to keep a favorite place of ac- commodation for man and beast until about the year 1840 when ho dis- posed of it to Samuel Buhrman, and removed to Waterloo now Rouser- ville, where he again engaged in the hotel business and continued so em- ployed until the time of his death, His family consisted of four sons John, James, Joseph and Lewis, and five daughters Elizabeth, Matilda,
VALLEY SPIRITO PRINTING OFFICE
A
PRESSES RUN BY WATER POWER
OFFICE
G. SMITH . BOOTS & SHOES
SCHEAP JOB PRINTING
&
KUNINE!
GILLAN DRY GOODS
GILLAN
DRYGOODS
JEWELENTS
1
VALLEY SPIRIT BUILDING , COR. MAIN & MARKET STS. CHAMB & PA.
Page 294.
KINOLINE GILLAN DRY GOODS
RES. OF JACOB FRICK, NEAR MERCERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.
B
Appendix, 265
Harriet, Margareta and Julia Ann. Of these the two oldest sons John and James are dead. Joseph, the father of the Doctor, was born in the year 1813 and when he had attained a sufficient age he entered the employ of his father, taking charge of one of his teams, of which he had several for the purpose of conveying freight to and from the cities of Baltimore and Pittsburg. He continued at this business until about the year 1845 when he engaged in farming near Beaver Creek Md. He was married in 1835 to Mary daughter of Mr Sheeler who lived on the property now owned by Christian Shockey north of Rouzerville. Mr R. resided for some years in Maryland after which time he purchased, from his father 75 acres of land near Rouzerville, about the year 1850, upon which he re- mained until 1865 when he disposed of it to Christian Shocky and pur- chased the farm upon which he is now living, but which he sold, in the spring of 1876, to his son, Dr. J. M. Ripple in whose possession it still remains. This farm is situated about one mile from Waynesboro', near the Baltimore and Pittsburg turnpike, and 3 miles from the Waynes- boro', station of the W. M. R. R. It contains 130 acres of highly culti- vated land, and is supplied with very attractive buildings which were erected in 1863 by James Brumbeck. The soil is limestone and is well adapted to the production of grain, or for stock raising. The surface is rolling and is well watered by two fine springs which empty into a stream running nearly parallel with the farm, the house is supplied by a well of excellent water. The capacity of the farm, which, by judicious culture, is being year by year increased, has been as much as 30 bushels of wheat per acre. Dr. J. M. Ripple, who graduated from Jefferson Medical Col- lege in the spring of:1868, and who immediately upon his graduation located in Waynesboro', was compelled to hew his own way to the honorable position which he now occupies, and the remarkable energy which he displayed in early life affords the secret to his present success. He was married in the year 1872 to Margaret Lee, daughter of Jacob B. Cook, Esq., of Quincy Township, and has two children Joseph and Martin.
WAYNESBORO' HOTEL.
Whilst we are satisfied that our artist has done justice to the above named commodious place of entertainment we are certain that the guests, and they who chance to be made the recipients of the kind and generous attention of the gentlemanly host, Mr. M. G. Minter and his estema. ble family, can alone give full credit to this establishment. The hotel property is owned by Mr. Jacob J. Miller, who purchased it April 1st, 1867 from Valentine V. Gilbert and Rebecca his wife. It is located on the north-west corner of the diamond, is built of brick and contains 30 rooms. The dining room, that which is of so great importance in a hotel, is 18 by 40 feet, and has had gathered around its sumptuous tables as many as 33 regular be ders. The house can accommodate 75 guests, and the stabling has a capacity for the care of 50 head of horses. The lot occupied by a large portion of this property is what is known as No. 30 on the general plan of the town, and was conveyed by John Wallace, the original proprietor, on the 27th day ot June 1798 to Michael Stoner, Sr., and Elizabeth his wife, from those parties to Christian Funk and Jose- phine his wife. From Christian Funk and wife it passed into the poses- sion of Francis Bowden and Mary Ann his wife. The deed from Bowden and wife to V. B. Gilbert, is dated August 1st, 1865. The hotel, which contains a large store-room, occupies a frontage of 84 feet and has a depth of about the samo extent. It was built in the year 1818 by Michael Stoner, Sr., and the east end, has ever since been used as a hotel. In its
.
-
266
Appendi.r.
general appearance, and all its appliances, it does full credit to the enter. prising town of Waynesboro'.
FARM AND HOMESTEAD OF PHAREZ DUFFIELD, ESQ.
The region which is fringed by the South Mountain, so replete in min- eral wealth, and constituting some of the most productive farms in this county, appears to have been settled upon by sturdy Irish, and Scotch- Irish and their descendents at a very early period. The homestead which we represent in our picture is located about 6 miles south-east of Cham- hersburg, in Guilford Township, near the little village of New Guilford. It is about 2 miles from Fayetteville station on the Mount Alto Railroad. Theland was taken up by Richard Cowden in the year 1762, from whom it passed into the possession of the Wallace family, The first buildings, . which remained until about 60 years ago, were of stone and logs. These have disappeared and the present house which is also of logs, weather- boarded, with a brick extension, was built in the spring of 1820 by Rebecca Duffield, the grandmother of the present proprietor. It has on several occasions been remodeled by his father, Simon Duffield, and by himself. The barn which is built of stone, frame and brick, is 94 feet long and was erected by its present owner in the year 1866. The farm contains 110 acres, 20 of which are well covered with excellent timber, viz: hickory, white and black oak. It is in a fine state of cultivation, and is adapted to the production of all kinds of grain. Having an abundance of lime-stone and the facilities for the conversion of it into lime, the time is in the far distant future when this will be known as any other than a fertile, thrifty place. The grandfather of the present well-to-do owner of this land, William Duffield, a native of Ireland, arrived in this country sometime during the Revolutionary war, and entered into the service of his adopted country. After the expiration of his enlistment he married into the Wallace family and raised a family of five sons and two daughters, viz: Simon (father of Pharcz) Josiah, Philip, James, William, Anne and Sarah. These all sleep with their ancestors, James the last one having died Jan. 24th, 1878'at an advanced age. Josiah, the date of whose death is not known, encountered the perils of war at Baltimore in 1812. Simon Duf- field, who was- born in 1780 on this farm continued to reside here until the time of his death which occurred in 1856. His mother also died in the same house having resided there during her widowhood. l'harez Duffield married Sarah Jane, daughter of George Cook, Esq., of Quincy Township, in the year 1849. He came into possession of this property by inheritance and purchase, in the year 1836. His children numbering six, consist of four sons and two daughters, viz: Casslus W., John J., Mar. Acc shall C., George P'., Sarah E., and Ida J.
L. S. FORNEY'S TANNERY.
The buildings represented in the sketch are situated in Waynesboro', on a lot on East Main street, which formerly belonged to the Garland estate.
The tannery was erected in the spring of 1831, was remodeled and enlarged in 1858, and has a capacity of two thousand hides per annum. Philip Forney, Sr., great grandfather of L. S. Forney, emigrated at a very early date from France. His son Philip, (grandfather of L. S. Forney ) was born Sept. 29th, 1724; was married May 18th, 1753, and had ten children. Mr. Philip Forney, Jr., died Feb. 17th, 1783, and his wife, Elizabeth, died August 10th, 1794.
Adamı Forney, (father of L. S. Forney, ) was born June 15th, 1754. He married Rachel, daughter of David Schrieber, who lived near Win- chester, Md., Oct. 26th, 1784. She was born Jau. 7th, 1767. Their family consisted of ten children.
Simon Enat
267
Appendi.r.
David Schrieber, Sr. (grandfather of L. S. Forney, ) was a member of the Maryland State Legislature for many years. His son David, was, when a boy, pressed into service in the Continental Army under Gen. George Washington. He was afterwards educated, and appointed to a position on the U. S. Engineer Corps, which he held for a considerable length of time. He assisted in the survey of the Mason & Dixon's Line, and in the laying out of the National Road from Baltimore, Md., to Wheeling, Va. He held a government position until within a few years of his death.
L. S. Forney was born in Hanover, York County, Pa., May 26th, 1805, and was the youngest, save one, of a family of 10 children, 5 of whom are still living. Samuel the eldest of the surviving members, was born March 8th, 1790, and now resides at Gettysburg, Pa. Mr. L. S. Forney was married Nov. 1st, 1832, to Mary, daughter of Jacob Hollinger. She was born Nov. 5th, 1811, and died Jan. 23d, 1873. They had eleven children, three of whom died in infancy, the rest are still living. Although ad- vanced in years, Mr. Forney is still actively engaged in business. He has contributed very largely to the prosperity of the town in which he has spent so large a portion of his useful and unobtrusive life. His residence, situated on East Main St.,-one of eleven brick houses erected prior to 1831, was purchased by its present occupant in 1854.
RESIDENCE OF JACOB J. MILLER.
This homestead is located about 33 miles south-west of Waynesboro' on the public road leading to Hagerstown. At a very early date the land, of which this constitutes a part, was taken up by Henry Miller, the great grandfather of the present owner. Deeds in possession of the family, show that its proprietorship dates back to 1786, and it has continued in the Miller name ever since. Henry Miller who was a native of Germany, entered the patriot army and served during the entire period of the Revo- lutionary war. After his death the property passed into the hands of his son whose name was also Henry. At the death of Henry, Jr., it be- came the property of his son Samuel, and is still owned by his heirs. He had three sons, John, Samuel and Henry. John Miller the father of Jacob J. is still living, at the age of 77 years, on part of the homestead. He married Eve Harbaugh about the year 1831. They have three chil- dren, viz: Jacob J. Daniel R. and Susan, now Mrs. Benjamin Funk. The farm represented by the illustration contains 162 acres. The buildings, which are very attractive, are of brick, and the barn which is 80 by 54 feet, in its convenience and finish, is considered one of the best in that section of the county. It was built in 1873 and has a never failing well of water beneath a portion of it. The present owner of this place is the architect, of and superintended the construction of all these buildings. Whilst the house was being erected in 1862 the memorable battle of Antietam was fought, and few can imagine the anxiety and consterna- tion of Mr. M. during these troublous times, but with a rarely equaled amount of energy he pushed forward the work to completion. The soil of this very productive farm is of limestone, and its greatest capacity has been as much as 45 bushels of wheat to the acre, but this was ex- ceptional. The average production is from 20 to 25 bushels. Mr. Miller, who is also the owner of that capacious and well known hostelry, the Waynesboro Hotel, moved upon this property shortly after his marriage. which occurred Feb. 19th, 1856. His wife was Elizabeth C., daughter of Harry and Susan Funk. The children of JJacob J. Miller and wife are seven in number, viz : John J. H., Adolphus B., Martha S., Charles Ottis, Daniel L., Mary Elizabeth and Etta Viola.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.