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 27
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FARM OF THE LATE JAMES CRAWFORD. 1
This farm, which is now owned by Frederick B. Crawford, but oceu- pied by his brother Milton, is situated in Guilford Township, about one and a half miles from Fayetteville and one mile from the Mount Alto Railroad, and is part of the original tract taken up by Edward Crawford, a native of Drumgavan, near Donegal, Ireland, and at that time (1740) known by the name of Clearfield. He erected the first buildings of log, which re. mained until about the year 1832, when the house was torn down and re- built, about 50 yards from the original site, by his grandson, James Crawford, using the same material. This building is still standing. The house and barn which we represent, and which are of brick, were built by James Crawford, the former in 1828 and the later in 1838, and have not received any alteration or change since then, except by the great mutator of all things carthly, old Father Time. The dimensions of the house are 60 by 25 feet, and the barn 72 by 50 feet. The farm, which is ef limestone soil and very productive, contains 171 acres, of which about 30 are in choice oak and hickory timber. It has a fine stream of water running through it, and as an evidence of its productiveness we will state that its last year's crops (1877) consisted of 1,300 bushels of wheat, 2,500 bushels of corn, 500 bushels of oats and about 80 tons of hay. The family history of these descendents of the first Edward Crawford deserves more than a passing notice at our hands. Whilst most of them have been un- obtrusive in their characters, yet as a family they have been noted for their intelligence, and for possessing that old styled gentility that unfortunately at the present day is giving way to the leveling influences of that reckless- ness that is inaptly denominated progress. Of the family of Edward Crawford, consisting of nine children, viz: Martha, John, James, Eliza- beth, Ruth, Edward, Joseph and Mary, John and Edward were soldiers of the Revolution. John, who was a Lieutenant, was captured, together with 2,300 other prisoners, at Fort Washington, and was kept in custody on Long Island during the remainder of the war. We append to this article a letter written by him to his father, which demonstrates the fact that there were" hard money men in ,his time as well as now. Edward Crawford will be still remembered by some of the oldest residents of the county as the clerk of the first court ever held in Chambersburg. Joseph was killed by the Indians. John and James inherited the farms and in 1796 John, in consideration of 300 pounds paid to his brother James, became proprietor, of the 311 acres held by said brother. James removed to Mercersburg where he died; and in 1827 John died on the same farm on which he was born. His family consisted of eleven children of whom but two now survive, namely Joseph and Beckie, now Mrs. McKee, relict of the late Matthew Mckee. Holmes, one of the number, was for many years the honored head and front of the old Chambersburg Saving Fund. He also was a soldier of the war of 1812 and was present at the siege of Fort McHenry. For a long time a resident of Chambersburg, no one ever enjoyed a more unsullied reputation for integrity and for everything that goes to make up the christian gentleman. James Crawford, the father of the present owner, and also of the present occupant of the farm, died Jan. 18th, 1872. His family consists of three sons John E., Frederick B., and Milton. John Crawford died May 1875 and has also left three children, viz; Walter B., Jane Ann and Martha. Joseph Crawford, full of years, and revered by all who know him, is still living on his farm. Ho together with his brothers James and John inherited the farms which made up this very valuable tract of productive Jand. All of the original tract of land which was owned and occupied by the first Edward Crawford
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Appendic. 269
in 1740, still remains in the possession and occupancy of his descendente. First letter written by Lieutenant John Crawford, to his parents after he was taken prisoner.
NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 21ST, 1776.
Honored Father and Mother :- I am a prisoner here and without clothes or hard money, only what was on me when I was taken. I left my clothes with Eddy the other side of the river, expect to get them again, I would be glad you could send me some hard money as no other will pass here. I have the liberty of walking the streets. You need not be uneasy about me. I am well at present and live in hopes to see you yet. I am your dutiful son and humble servant,
LIEUTENANT JOHN CRAWFORD.
I was taken the 16th inst., at Fort Washington with about two thousand three hundred more.
RESIDENCE OY A. M. HOKE, ESQ , MERCERSBURG, MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP.
This fino brick structure which is located near the east end of Seminary street, adjoining the borough of Mercersburg, is 30 by 37 feet with a back building 18 by 22 feet, and was erected by Mr. II. in 1877. The land upon which it was built was purchased in the same year from Mr. A. R. Snively. The farm of Mr. Hoke is located in Montgomery Township, about 2 miles south of Mercersburg. It was purchased from John Myers in 1866 by Michael Hoke, Jr., who willed it to its present owner in 1873. It con- tains 196 acres, is provided with a brick dwelling house and stone barn. There are 4 good wells of water, 2 at the house and 2 at the barn. The
lime kiln on the place has a capacity of 1,100 bushels. The fencing is of very good quality. The grandfather of Mr. A. M. Hoke, Michael Hoke, Sr., was born April 25th, 1763, and died Nov. 15th, 1846; Elizabeth, his wife was born Jan. 11th, 1770, and died Aug. 20th, 1833; Michael Hoke, Jr., was born Oct. 19th, 1808, and died Oct. 30th, 1875; Hannah Bossman, his wife was born June 23d, 1812, and died Nov. 12th, 1859.
FARM AND RESIDENCE OF ADDISON IMBRIE, ESQ , GREENCASTLE, PA.
The very attractive place represented in the sketch, is situated just outside of the borough limits, on the turnpike leading from Mercersburg to Waynesboro'. The large and commodious house is constructed of brick, in the modern style, and in its internal arrangement is very con- venient. The barn, which is -built of stone and frame, is intended to secure the product of the 75 acres of fertile land which serves to make up this place. Mr. Imbrie who is a son of John Imbrie, a now deceased citizen of Beaver County, came to this country in 1843, and engaged in merchandizing at Mercersburg. He moved to Greencastle in 1861, where he continued the mercantile pursuit until 1863, when he engaged in the for- warding and commission business, to which he still devotes nearly all of his time. He purchased the place, which we have just attempted to describe,in the year 1875, and occupied it at once.
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Appendic.
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF MERCERSBURG, PA.
This substantial edifice, erected at a cost of $9,064.11 under the con- tractorship of John Waidlich, was commenced in the spring of 1867 and was consecrated to the service of the Triune God on the 5th of July 1868. Prior to the year 1740, the now widely extended denomination of Chris- tians know as the Evangelical Lutheran Church, was unknown in this section of the State, the first families having settled in what is now styled Franklin County in 1742. In 1765 Rev. John George Bager, who resided at Conewego, YorkCounty, began to make semi-annual visits to the Luth- eran settlements, preaching the word, catechising and confirming the
youth and administering the holy sacraments. The members of the de. nomination in the region of Mercersburg were organized into a congre- gation by Rev. John Ruthrauff about the year 1800. They worshiped in an old log house until the year 1813, when a stone church was built on the old site, conjointly by the Lutherans and German Reformeds. Rev. Ruthrauff resigned in 1827 and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Shultze, who served the church for two years. In 1830 Rev. Mr. Baughey became the pastor and continued in that capacity until 1832, when Rev. Reuben Weiser, now the venerable Doctor of Divinity who resides in Georgetown, Colo- rado, took charge. During his ministry, the church building was re- paired at a cost of $1,000,00. The church membership at that time being 60. Rev. Weiser resigned in 1835, and left his pastorate in a prosperous condition. From 1835 to 1846, no stated pastor had charge of this flock, but at the end of this period, Rev. Michael Eyster, who had taken charge of the congregation at Greencastle, also preached at Mercersburg, resigned in 1849 and in 1851 was succeeded by Rev. P. P. Lane, who also resigned in 1853, after which Rev. M. M. Bachtel served the church for one year. In 1854 Rev S. McHenry was settled as pastor in the Mer- cersburg charge, which position he occupied until 1859, when he was immediately followed by Rev. G. Roth. In June 1860 the Sunday School was organized, and in the spring of 1863 Rev. Roth resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. A. M. Whetstone, Jan. Ist, 1866. Having been called to the Lutheran church at Somerset,, Rev. W. took leave of his devoted people, and was succeeded, Feb. 1872 by Rev. A. J. Hossan, the present pastor. The church at this time has a membership of 210. Thelot occupied by the church and parsonage was bought for the sum of $820, and during the summer and fall of 1876 the parsonage was built at a cost of $1,800, under the supervison of Waidlich & Bros., who where also the architects. It was occupied in the spring of 1877.
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THE FARM OF JOHN CROFT, ESQ., ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP.
This very valuable plantation was taken up in two tracts, the north end consisting of about 108 acres was surveyed on a warrant in the name of Wm. Rankin, dated May 8th 1751. The other consisting of abont 210 acres was surveyed on application of James McFarlan, the date of which was March 13th, 1767. That taken up by Rankin was purchased by McFarlan Oct. 30th, 1765, and after the location of the other it was all known by the name of the McFarlan tract. In 1801 John Wilson, the father of the celebrated Wilson family, became its owner. The first buildings, consisting of a log house and barn, were erected by James MeFurlan, these remained, the barn until 1814 and the house until 1816, when the present substantial and attractive buildings were placed in their stead by the heirs of John Wilson. The house as will be seen is a two story brick edifice constructed in the form of an L. The barn which is
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1
C ... . ...
ULCOUNCIL
ADINA'S DUKE
ONE H1103
ALBERT
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Appendir.
one hundred and one feet long is also of brick. At the present time about eighty acres, of these three hundred and eighteen, are well set with thriving timber. As it is located on the dividing ridge between the Slate and limestone regions, the land is of good quality and is well adapted for either grain or stock raising. It is rolling in character and is well watered by a stream running through it. The largest production of wheat in one year was about 1,500 bushels. Mr. Croft became the owner of this place in the year 1871, having purchased it from Mrs. Elizabeth Sinelds of Westmoreland County, at that time the only surviv- ing member of the Wilson family, the price paid being $22,190.00. One very remarkable circumstance connected with Mr. Croft's relation with this place is the fact, that he resided on it, and conducted the farming operations, for 33 consecutive years as tenant of the Wilsons, a strong evidence that his integrity was such as to merit the respect and confidence of his landlords. Mr. C. has always lent his aid in improvements of all kinds, but in no one thing has he contributed to the wellfare of his neigh- borhood in a greater degree than in his efforts to elevate the grade of the neat cattle of the county. His first purchase of thorough bred cattle was in the year 1873, the first pair "Albert" a herd book animal, got by the "Duke of Hewston, " was from the farm of Charles W. Wordsworth, of Livingston County N. Y .. and "Edith" also a herd book heifer, got by the 4th "Grand Duke of Oxford," from the farm of James Wordsworth, of Genessee, N. Y. His second purchase was from the herd of S. F. Letton, Paris, Ky., and consisted of a thorough bred animal named "Adina's Duke," sired by "London Duke 2d." This animal was sold by Mr. Silas Corbin, of Paris, Ky. The fine south-down ram No. 271 was purchased from John D. Wing, of Duchess County, N. Y. Thrown upon his own resources very early in life, Mr. C. has worked his way, through many tribulations, up to the enviable position he now occupies.
CARRIAGE WORKS OF J. A. HARPER-GREENCASTLE, PA.
The works represented in our sketch are situated on South Railroad avenue, Greencastle, Pa. They consist of wood and paint shops, black- smith shop and warehouse. They have a capacity of about 50 new machines per annum, besides repairing, &c. Mr. H. employs 10 men besides salesmen through the country. His sales last year (1877) amounted to 53 new vehicles and 75 secondhand ones, and the value of the repairing was to the extent of $2,800. Four years ago, the successful proprietor of this large and growing business, commenced at this place, in these shops, but had been engaged in manufacturing carriages nearly all the time since he entered upon his trade at the age of 14 years. He employs none but first-class workmen and has everything done under his own supervision. These buildings which are all frame, were erected 4 years ago and as soon as completed were occupied by Mr. H. A great deal of the work manufactured here is shipped west and south, to Maryland, Virginia, &e., and in as much as all styles and classes of work are turned out. the re- attirements of even the most exacting can be met. The proprietor, not- withstanding his large sales endeavors to keep a supply of all kinds of véhieles on hand, and is prepared to repair, or construct new work on the shortest notice. The energy of Mr. Harper is very commendable when we consider that during the dark days of the Rebellion, whilst living at Greenmount, 10 miles from Gettysburg, he was stripped of all he pos- sessed. His property consisting of store goods was appropriated, his carriage works were used as a hospital, and all of his movable effects were consumed by the armles, both Union and Confederate. And as if
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Appendix.
not content with thus reducing an unoffending citizen to penury, the das- tardly invaders at last took his body, and carried it, as well as that of his aged father to be incarcerated in their hellish prison pens. Wm. Harper, the father of J. A., who during nearly his whole life had followed farm- ing, was captured as a private citizen at Gettysburg, was taken to Salis- bury, North Carolina, and after having endured all the privations, and in- fernal tortures of rebel prison life, for the period of 18 months he died, with the sole comfort of having the attendance of his faithful son, J. A. Harper, who was captured whilst acting as Post-master at his home, Greenmount. He was first taken to Stannton, Va., where he was kept two weeks, then taken in a box car to Richmond. Va., and thrown into "Castle Lightning," here he was stripped of all his valuables, money, etc., and on the same day was taken to Libby Prison, where he remained 4 weeks. From there he was removed to "Castle Thunder," where he re- mained but a short time, when he was taken to Salisbury, North Carolina, and was put into the Rebel Penitentiary, where he was confined until Feb. 22d, 1865. His father, Wm. Harper, was taken sick directly after reaching Salisbury, and had the tender care of his son, who was acting as hospital steward, and when he died his remains were carefully buried, the son, under guard, being allowed to attend to the sad rites. Two brothers of J. A. Harper, George and William served in the Union army during the rebellion. William was in the cavalry that burned the Salis- bury Prison, only one day after his brother J. A. was removed with the other prisoners to Richmond. After the war he engaged in rail roading, and was a conductor on the unfortunate train that met with the fearful calamity at Ashtabula, Ohio, and is supposed to have been among the lost as he has never been heard of since. George is now living in Harrisburg. J. A. Harper, after his fathers death, was shipped back to Richmond and again incarcerated in Libby Prison, from there he was taken to "Castle Thunder," and from there down the river to Akiens Landing, and deliv- ered to a company of Union Cavalry, after having been in confinement for 213 months. During the time of his imprisonment the average number of deaths, amongst the inmates was about sixty per day. Leaving these sad scenes we will return to the consideration of Mr. J. A. Harper, as he is now surrounded by his interesting family. He was married in 1857 to Lydia Ann, daughter of Abraham Plank, who was born April 9th, 1834. They having seven children living and three dead. Those now living are as follows: Henry Clay, Sarah Virginia, Lillie May, Lydia Ann, Jacob Edward, Wesley Plank and Clinton Hayes. The dead were named Nettie E., Cora Bell and John A.
RESIDENCE AND WAREHOUSE OF SAMUEL PLUM-LEHMASTER'S STATION, SOUTH PENN R. R.
These attractive buildings are situated in the promising village of Leh- master's Station, in Peters Township, Franklin County, 16 miles, by rail road, west of Chambersburg, at the intersection of the public roads lead- ing from Greencastle and Mercersburg to London. Five miles south-east of the latter place and 4 miles north-east of Mercersburg. The village consists of the buildings represented in the sketch, and has a Postoffice, Express, Ticket and Freight office, together with a store and nine other dwelling houses. It now covers about 12 acres of ground which was pur- chased March 26th, 1874 by Mr. P. formerly a resident of Sinking Springs, Berks County, Pa., but a native of Franklin County, from Jacob Lehmas- ter, from whom it derived its name. At the time of the purchase by M.r. Plum there were no houses here except the farm buildings of Mr L. The
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Appendix.
warehouse, which was erected in the spring of 1874, is a frame structure 50 by 26 feet, with a slate roof, and is located on the south side of the rail road. It has a capacity of storing upwards of 5,000 bushels of grain, together with a large space for the reception of freight; and contains the Post, Ticket, Express and Freight offices, together with a ladies and gentlemens waiting room. Mr. Plum also erected his fine dwelling house during the summer of 1874. Itis a brick building 333 feet front by 40 feet, is covered with slate and contains 3 rooms and 1 hall on the first floor, and 5 rooms and 2 halls on the second. Samuel Plum was born near Keller's mill in St. Thomas Township on the 29th, of Dec. 1837. He is a son of Chris- tian Plum, who was born in Adams County, Pa, His grandfather, Adam Plum, a native of Switzerland, located in Adams County when quite young and engaged in the pursuit of farming, to which occupation. he reared his son Christian. The maternal grandfather of Samuel Plum was Jacob Gelsinger, a native of Berks County, who had married a Miss Christina Hershberger, and Mr. Plum's mother was Hannab, daughter of the above named. Whilst living at Sinking Springs, Berks County, Mr. Plum married Mary, daughter of Isaac Ruth of said place, and they have three children, viz: Lizzie, Willie and Irvin. Together with conducting the warehouse where he deals largely in lumber, coal, plaster, salt, etc., he is also Postmaster, Express and Freight Agent. During the year 1877 he shipped 600,000 feet of lumber, 600,000 shingles, and a vast quantity of grain. Considering that his enterprise, as well as the entire village, is only four years old, we can safely predict a large degree of prosperity for the energetic pioneer and his earnest co-workers.
FARM OF JACOB MIDDOUR, JR.
The farm, upon which the buildings that appear in our illustration are located, is situated in Quincy Township, one and a half miles north-east. of Waynesboro'. It has for its nearest railroad station Mont Alto. The buildings as represented, with the exception of the barn, were built by the present owner. The house which preceeded this one was constructed of logs and was one and a half stories high, with a stone back building, it was erected by Jacob Friedly, and was destroyed by fire in the year 1867. In the same year Mr. M. caused the present fine brick structure, with slate roof, to be built. Its dimensions are 42 by 30 feet with a back building 24 feet long. The barn which is of stone is 40 by 85 feet, and is roofed with straw. This place consists of 165 acres of limestone land, somewhat broken and rolling, well adapted to the production of grain. It is well watered and under good fencing. The minerals to be found on this land are iron ore and baryta. Mr. Middour's fine stock of horses and cattle are supplied with pure water by means of a Stover Wind Engine, a labor saving machine that is more appreciated the longer it is used. The average product of wheat on this place is 35 bushels per acre and that of corn 60 bushels per acre. Mr. M. is a son of Jacob Middour, Sr., who was born in the year 1780 and died in 1862. ITis maternal grandfather was Jobn Hess, the date of whose birth was in the year 1768 and who departed this life in 1819. The property came into the possession of Mr. M. by purchase from his brother Samuel Middour in 1864. He was married in 1855 to Mary, daughter of David and Susan Shank. They have eight children.
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RESIDENCE AND OFFICE OF DR. BENJ. FRANTZ-WAYNESBORO', FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA.
This property is located on West Main street, in the thriving town of Waynesboro'. It is 35 feet front by 60 feet deep and has an office at- tached. The house proper was built in the year 1858, by John Ervin, and was bought by Dr. F. in 1870, and occupied by him in 1871, when he built the office and made other improvements. Ile is one of a family of seven sons and one daughter, children of Christian Frantz, who were named Isaac, John, Abraham, Jacob, Chris- tian, Samuel, Benjamin and Anne. Isaac, John and Anne are dead. Abraham, Jacob and Christian are farmers, and Samuel is a miller, re- siding near Waynesboro'. Dr. Benjamin Frantz commenced the study of medicine with Drs. Martin & Jacob Muner, of Lampeter Square, near Lancaster, Pa., and finished with Dr. A. II. Senseny, of Chambersburg. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College, in the class of 1846, and located, and commenced the practice of medicine in Waynesboro', where he has enjoyed a lucrative practice ever since. He was married Oct. 13th, 1849, to Mary A., daughter of Michael Ryder, of Loudon, Pa. They have ten children living and one dead, viz: Samuel, Charlotte, Caroline, Joseph, Isaac, Abraham, Anne, John, Mary and Herman. Dr. F. was born Oct. 17th, 1824, near Litiz, Lancaster County, Pa. Mrs. F. was born April 15th, 1830, in Franklin County, near Dry Run, in Path Valley. The progenitors of the Frantz family in this country, migrated at a very early date, in company with many families who were driven from their native land, Switzerland, Palatinate, on account of persecution by the Lutherans and Catholics, who denounced their religious belief, they being "Anabaptists." They came to Lancaster County, having procured a grant for a settlement from the proprietors along the Peque Creek. The Frantz who first came here, probably as early as 1670 or 80, was the great, great grandfather of Dr. Benj. Frantz, and very many of his descendants are still to be found near where he first settled. Christian Frantz, the father of the Dr. came to this country in the spring of 1825, and purchased, and settled on, a farm formerly belonging to John Stoner, and now owned by John R. Frantz. It has remained in the Frantz name ever since. Nearly all the buildings 'on this place were erected by Chris- tian Frantz, who also made many improvements on the farm. In the spring of 1843 he ceased farming, and sold the place to his son John, and built for himself, a residence on land now owned by John Frantz's heirs, near Fair View Mill, now in the possession of Jolin Philips, Esq., where he resided until his death, which occurred in Feb. 1862, at the age of 76 years and some months. Mr. Frantz was ordained as a minister of the Reformed Menonite Church, while he yet resided in Lancaster County, and he spent nearly his whole time preaching, having stated meetings near Carlisle, Shippensburg, Chambersburg, Loudon, and near Hagers. town, Md., and was the only minister of this denomination in this county for many years. He frequently took long trips on missionary duty, through New York State, Canada, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and other states. Although he was the first of the denomination of which he was a member, who came to this county, he was shortly after followed by others, among whom can be mentioned the Fricks, Bakers, Lantzes, Beshores, Millers, etc., etc. It was through his efforts that the church was established near Ringgold, Md., about the year 1827. There was also a house of worship erected in Waynesboro' in 1876. On account of his untiring efforts in advocating the doctrines of this church, which to most of bis hearers was before unknown, it is by many called the "Frantzite Church," and its members are called "Frantzites."
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