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 30
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Crossing this subterraneous stream, and clambering up a short distance a small room is found very interesting and beautiful, being ornamented with innumerable crystal formations-stalactites and stalagmites which sparkle profusely, when illuminated by the light of torches, or candles. Just over this little room there is an opening, into another passage, similar to the first, already described, leading to a distance of perhaps one hun- dred and thirty yards, when it becomes so narrow as to render further ox- ploration impossible. The cave, from beginning to end, is one of much interest. It is commonly known as "Needy's Cave."
There is also a very remarkable series of underground passages, or miniature caves, under certain portions of the town of Waynesboro. The entrances, into these caves, are through arches in the foundation walls of a number of houses, of West Main Street, the south side. These arched entrances are used in summer, as refrigerators, being made very cool by a constant current of air from the caves. The best entrances are in the cel- lars of Dr. J. N. Snively and Mrs. Sarah Brotherton.
Strange to say, these passages well represent the streets of a town, lead- ing in numerous directions, and often crossing each other at right angles, thus enabling visitors to start, at a given point, and proceeding around again return to the place of starting. This is done frequently.
FARM OF DANIEL BONEBREAK, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
This fine place, of 91 acres, is located on the Antietam creek, two miles east of Waynesboro, adjoining lands of Henry Bonebreak, father of Dan- iel, John M. Hess, L. Frantz, and others. Its nearest railroad station is, on the South mountain, about 3 miles distant. The land was first owned by Henry Thomas, from whom it passed to Philip Reed. It was purchased
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from him by Zachariah Allbaugh, and, in 1816, it was deeded by Allbaugh to Conrad Bonebreak, grandfather of its present owner. In 1848 it was sold by the heirs of Conrad Bonebreak to Henry, one of his sons, and father of Daniel, who in 1861 disposed of it to his son Daniel. The first buildings were erected by Zachariah Allbangh. These, which consisted of a log house, part of which was two stories high, the balance one story, rough cast, and a small stone bank barn, remained until the years 1850 and 1860, when they were removed by Henry Bonebreak, to give place to the present fine structures. The house, which is built of brick, with a slate roof, is 30 by 50 feet, and was erected in 1859. The barn 50 by 96 feet, also of brick, with slate roof, was built in 1860. The average yield of the farm, is about 25 bushels wheat, and 50 of shelled corn, to the acre. It has a fine orchard of young apple trees. It has been well cared for in the way of liming, the erection of necessary outbuildings, fencing, and general repairs to property. Conrad Bonebreak was born Feb. 24th 1768, and died Nov. 11th, 1844. His wife Mary Thomas was born Feb. 6th 1764 and died July 26th, 1835. Henry Bonebreak was born July 19th 1798, and was married in Nov. 1829, to Anna, daughter of Wm. Stewart, she was born in 1804, and died Aug. 1862. They had 8 children, viz: Lydia, Daniel, Catherine, Nancy, Henry, Julia A. Jacob, and Susanna. Daniel Bonebreak was born Nov. 29th, 1832. He was married in the fall of 1857, 10 Barbara A. Senger, who was born Jan. 25th, 1838. They have three children, viz: Ida A. Edwin II. and Alice. The property' of Henry Bone- break Sr. was taken up by James McLanahan, in 1732, after which it went into the possession of IIenry Thomas, from whom it was purchased by Conrad Bonebreak, in 1803, and is still in the Bonebreak family belonging now to Henry B. It consists of 24 acres. The house, which is a large and fine one, is built of stone, the barn is constructed of stone, and they were both erected by Conrad Bonebreak. There is also a good saw mill and water power on this place.
MONTGOMERY MILLS-THE PROPERTY OF F. AND S. B. SPECK.
This property is located on the west Conococheague Creek, in Mont- gomery Township, midway between Mercersburg and Upton, three miles from either place, both of which are provided with a Postoffice. The near- est railroad station is Mercersburg. The land upon which these buildings are erected, was taken up, at a very early date, by a man named Sheffer. By whom the power was first utilized, or by whom the first mill was built, is unknown, but it is presumed to have been Sheffer. In 1825 the mills were owned by William Brown, who disposed of them in 1826 to James Reynolds, in whose possession they remained for a number of yenrs, and at his death he bequeathed the same to his nephew, the Rev. Proctor. In 1859 Mr. Proctor disposed of the property to Edward Hayes, who removed the old dwelling and built the present one in 1865. Hayes sold to Frederick Foreman who rebuilt the mill, and added a story to it, in 1875. The Messrs Speck purchased from Foreman in 1876, remodelling the house and erecting the back building. The main structure, which is of frame, is 80 by 32 feet, and there are 15 acres of land belonging to the property. The mills manufacture a good grade of extra and family flour, most of which is shipped to the eastern markets. They have a capacity of 80 barrels per 24 hours, are driven by two five foot metal turbine wheels, under a head of 8; feet head and full, and give employment to from 3 to 4 hands.
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ROCK DALE, FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA. -- THE RESIDENCE OF ABRAHAM KIEFFER, OF S.
This farm and residence is located in the north-eastern part of Peters Township, eleven miles south-west of Chambersburg, five miles east of Mercersburg, and one and a quarter miles from Williamson Mills and Postoffice. The S. P. R. R. runs through this place giving it a flag station. The buildings are situated on a commanding eminence, and although in the country, with constant communication with the outside world, no more desirable home need be wished for. This land was held by two warrants, the first bears date December 2d, A. D. 1743, in favor of James Glenn, and the second April 2d, A. D. 1787, in favor of Thomas Wason, who died in 1803, but the land was held by his heirs, until April 1st, A. D. 1812, when it was sold to Stephen Kieffer, by Archibald Bard, Esq., and John Wason, executors of the last will and testament of Thomas Wason, dec'd. Stephen Kieffer died July 26th, A. D. 1846, and the farm was held by his heirs until April 1st, A. D. 1853, when it was bought by Abraham, one of his sons, and is still owned by him. The first building was a cabin, built in 1787 by Thos. Wason, this was removed by his heirs in 1810 and the present stone house 30 by 56 feet, which was commenced in 1809 was finished in 1811. The log barn which was built by Thos. Wason in 1788, was destroyed by lightning on the 13th day of July, 1829, and the present stone bank barn 45 by 90 feet was built by Stephen Kieffer in 1830, who also, in 1833, made a frame addition to the house. The out buildings which were erected at different timos are in good repair. The farm contains 256 acres, 50 of which are well covered with timber, viz: hickory, white and black oak and locust. The soil is limestone and slate, well adapted to grain or stock raising. It is well supplied with water, and possesses an abundance of undeveloped iron ore. The highest pro- duct of the farm in one year was 1,665 bushels of wheat, 1,400 bushels of oats, 1,500 bushels of corn and G5 tons of hay. The lowest product was 876 bushels of wheat, 895 bushels of oats, 800 bushels of corn and 30 tons of hay. There are two good orchards in full bearing condition on this thrin. Jacob Kieffer, the paternal grandfather of Mr. K. was a native of Germany, and came to this country in 1540 and located in Berks County, ten miles from the city of Reading, in Maiden Creek Valley. He was married to Susan Barnitt, and raised a family of four sons and one daughter, viz: Abraham, Jacob, Stephen, Daniel and Susan. Stephen was born Oct. 21st, 1776, and migrated to this county about the year 1807: Ile married his second cousin, Miss M. M., daughter of Abraham Kieffer, who had settled in this county about the year 1590, but was born and raised near Womelsdorf in the Lebanon Valley. Ile was married to a Miss Beaver. The father and maternal grandfather of the present Abraham Kieffer were pioneer wagoners on the route between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, and the latter, with his team, was prested into the British service, but made good his escape. He also fought for the independence of his country. He died at the advanced age of 96 years and some months. having served for many years as ruling elder of the German Reformed Church, of which he was a prominent and exemplary member. Stephen Kieffer died July 26th, 1846, at the age of 69 years and several months, and his wife, who was ten years his junior, died at the age of 75 years. They were both consistent members of the German Reformed Church, Mr. K. having served as ruling elder for many years. The present Abraham Kieffer married Frances A. R., daughter of Jacob Hassler, late of Mercersburg, on the 17th of March, A. D. 1844. They have five children now living, one son and four daughters. Two sons dead, the
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first and third born. Among the pioneer settlers, of this neighborhood, we note the Sloans, the husband killed by the Indians and his wife taken captive from this farm, also the Wasons, the Bards, the McCoys, the MeColloughs, the Dunlaps, the McClelands and the Ridenours. Some of these endured great privations, and many tortures, at the hands of the cruel savages. 1
TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, WAYNESBORO, PA.
The members of the Reformed Church residing in, and around, Way- negboro were originally connected with, what was then known as Besore's, now Salem Church, located several miles west of this place, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Jonathan Rahauser. About the year 1816, however, the members living at Waynesboro, came to feel the need of a congregation nearer home, and, accordingly, withdrew themselves from the Salem Church, for the purpose of effecting an organization here.
The congregation, however, was not fully organized, and regularly supplied with preaching, until the year 1818, when the Rev. Frederick A. Scholl, who succeeded Rev. Mr. Rahauser at Salem, took charge of the interest.
At this time, the congregation worshipped in what is still known as the Union Church, on Church street, owned jointly by the Lutherans, Pres- byterians and Reformed, each occupying the building every third Sunday.
On account of some difficulty, or misunderstanding, between the three congregations, as to the time when each was entitled to occupy the church for divine services, and to avoid all strife, the Reformed people, in 1826, withdrew from the Union house, and built for themselves, a small log church, on a lot of ground donated, to the congregation by Conrad Detterow, one of the elders of the church at that time. This new build- ing was consecrated on the 20th of May, 1827.
Inasmuch, however, as the services in the new church were still to be conducted exousively in the German language, whilst the children of the Rotarmod people were being educated in English, a demand now arose for services in the English language. To supply this, and thereby save the younger members of Reformed families to the church of their fathers, it was resolved, by that portion of the membership prefering English services, with the permission of Classis, to call a minister who could preach in that language. Accordingly, in the year 1831, an effort was made, after due deliberation, to secure the services of such a minister. The choice fell upon Mr. G. W. Glessner, then a student in the Theological Seminary, at York, Pa., who, after being properly licensed and ordained, com- menced his labors here in the summer of 1831.
About this time Rev. Mr. Scholl, pastor of the German congregation, closed his labors in the log church, and Rev. Mr. Glessner commenced preaching in that building. The membership rapidly increasing, under the ministry of the new pastor, it soon become evident that a larger house of worship was needed. It was consequently resolved to build a new church, of which the corner stone was laid in the spring of 1833, and the building completed and dedicated to the worship of God on the 21st of June, 1834. This church was built of brick, in a neat and substantial man - ner, with an end gallery, and its dimensions were forty by forty-six feet.
On all ordinary occasions, this church was found large enough to accom- modate those who assembled for divine worship. But on special occasions, as the celebration of the Holy Communion, the want of more room soon made itself felt, and hence, in the years 1839, an addition of eighteen feet
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Was built to the rear end of it, making the building now forty feet in width, by sixty-four feet in length.
The Rev. Mr. Glessner resigned the pastorate of this church, and re- moved to another field of labor, in the spring of 1840.
The Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger was then elected pastor, and served the congregation from the spring of 1840, to the spring of 1845, when he also accepted a call to labor elsewhere.
The immediate successor of Mr. Bomberger, was the Rev. Theodore Apple, a recent graduate of the Theological Seminary, at Mercersburg, in this county. Mr. Apple assumed the pastorate in April 1845, and resigned in the spring of 1847.
At this time, a colony of about thirty-five or forty members, of this church withdrew from its connection, and, having organized themselves into a separate congregation, built a house of worship near the residence of Mr. George Harbaugh, father of Rev. Dr. Harbaugh, known as Har- baugh's church.
After the resignation of Rev. Mr. Apple the congregation recalled its former pastor, Rev. G. W. Glessner, who entered upon the duties of the pastorate a second time, in April 1847, and resigned in April 1851.
In October of 1831, an election for pastor was held, which resulted In the choice of Rev. H. W. Super, who commenced his labors here in November, of the same year, and resigned in March 1854, but, after an absence of one year, was recalled, returning in March 1855, and closed his labors finally in April 1862.
'The vacancy, caused by the resignation of Mr. Super, was filled by call. ing Rev. Walter E. Krebs, who assumed charge of the congregation in October 1862, and resigned in August 1868.
At an election for pastor, held in March, 1869, the Rev. H. H. W. Hibabman was choser, as successor ot Mr. Krebs. Mr. Hibshman entered upon the duties of the pastorate in June, of the same year.
The corner-stone, of the present stately and commodious edifice, which occupies the site of the two former buildings, was laid on the 7th of August, 1870, and the building dedicated to the worship of God, on the 24th of December, 1871, under the name of Trinity Reformed Church of Waynesboro.
The Second Reformed congregation, of this place, was organized on the 9th of August, 1873, by a number of persons who were previously mem- bers of Trinity Church, but withdrew from its connection, at this time, for the purpose of forming themselves into a separate organization. They subsequently built, and now occupy, a very neat chapel, on Main street, known as St. Paul's Reformed Church of Waynesboro.
The Rev. H. H. W. Hibshman resigned the pastorate, of Trinity Church on the 1st of October, 1877.
The present pastor, is Rev. F. F. Bahner, who assumed charge on the 1st of December, 1877.
PEOPLE'S REGISTER.
The Centennial Register was first issued on the 5th day of Jannary, 1876, and as will be noticed, should have been included in the Newspaper Article in Mr. McCauley's History. From the beginning it has been owned and edited by J. G. Schaff. At the end of about fifteen months from its first issue the word Centennial was droped as inappropriate, and the word People's substituted, and it now bears the title of People's Register. Under many discouragements and disadvantages, its projeotor has persevered, and is being rewarded by a steadily increasing circulation. The main object of the People's Register is to chronicle the local news.
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DRY GOODS BUSINESS HOUSE, OF JAS. P. AND J. M. WOLF, WAYNESBORO, FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA.
Mr. James P. Wolf, the senior partner of this firm, commenced busi- ness in Waynesboro, on the site of the present Odd Fellows Hall, in the summer of 1868. His rapidly increasing business soon required more extended accommodations, and the old building was made to give place to a new and more commodious one. The present elegant room 65 feet in length, is meeting the requirements for the present, but with a growing reputation, for fair. and honorable dealing, in a town of remarkable busi- ness enterprise, it is possible that at some future day, even larger appart- ments will be required. On the 15th of April, 1876, Mr. W. received into partnership, his brother J. M. Wolf, since which time the style of the firm, has been "Jas. P. & J. M. Wolf." They have adapted the "cash system," and are so greatly encouraged by the plan, that they expect to adhere to it. These young men are of German descent, and grandsons of David Wolf, Esq., who was born March 19th, 1765, and was married to a Miss Catherine Butterbaugh, and located in this county. two and a half miles south of Welsh Run, near the Maryland line, where their father, John Wolf, Sr., was born June 8th, 1812. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Zuch, May 14th, 1840. James P. Wolf, was born March 7th, 1841, and was married Jan. 7th, 1868, to Miss Alice S. Funk. He entered the service of his country, Oct. 24th, 1862, as a private in Battery "B," 112th Reg't, Pa. Vol., 2d Artillery. Jan. 1st, 1863, he was promoted to Corporal, July, 11th, 1864, to Serg't, Feb. 12th, 1865, to 1st Serg't, May 3d, 1865, to 2d Lieut., and was commissioned 1st Lieut., Dec. 21st, 1865. During this time he participated in quite a number of hotly contested engagements, in the "army of the James." And has now settled down in the peaceful pursuit of merchandising.
DRUG STORE OF F. FORTIIMAN, WAYNESBORO, P'A.
The lot, now occupied by the prominent building, of F. Forthman, on East Main St., Waynesboro, Pa., and occupied by him, as a residence and drug store, an engraving of which, we give in this work, was owned in 1798, by John Wallace, who sold it to Jacob Stevens, on the 25th, of May, of the same year, and after numerous conveyances, it was sold to Sanders Van Rensellear, on the 13th day of April, 1840, who in turn sold it to John C. Frey, on the 10th day of. May, 1844. It was afterwards sold to John Clayton, April 11tb, 1845. On April 1st, 1847, Mr. Clayton dis. posed of it to Miss Martha Brotherton, and, by her, it was conveyed to John R. Sellers, on July 27th, 1860, he disposing of it, to F. Forthman on the 30th of March, 1867.
Mr. F. Forthman commenced his business career in Waynesboro, Oct. 2d, 1856, in the building opposite the one he now occupies, then owned by Mr. John Gilbert, deceased. He continued in business at this place, up to November 1867, at which time he removed to the building, erected by him, and in which his flourishing business is carried on.
This drug house is finely located, and is one of the largest and finest in the county, having all the modern appliances for conducting the business according to the latest rules of Pharmacy.
THE RESIDENCE AND FARM OF DR. JOHN S. FLICKINGER, PATH VALLEY, FRANKLIN CO. PA.
This desirable home, and valuable landed property are situated in
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Metal Township, two miles north of Fannettsburg, and ten miles north of Richmond, the terminus of the South Penn Railroad. They are in the centre of Path Valley and in one of the loveliest spots of that beautiful vale. The farm was originally taken up by John Elliot and Richard Chillison, and was surveyed in pursuance of a warrant dated May 14th 1755. The old mansion house was frame, and is near to and east of the Doctors present residence. This house was on the property when John Flickinger, the grandfather of the Doctor, purchased it. The house and barn, shown in the illustration, were built in 1855 by Joseph Flickinger, and the former was originally shaped as an L but is now nearly square, having been enlarged and remodled in 1875 by his son Dr. John S. Flickinger, the present proprietor. The surroundings were also improved at the same time. The dimensions of the house 38 by 40 feet, brick, shingle and tin roof, with upper and lower porches. The farm contains 225 acres, 50 of which are timber, consisting of locust, oak, chestnut, maple and walnut. The land is limestone, adapted to wheat and corn, surface generally level, except along the creek, where it is more hilly. Three lovely springs, come laughing and gushing up here and there from the fields, and one beautiful stream, which is shown in the illustration, called Marsh run, bends its graceful curves through the entire farm, and finds repose in the bosom of the grand old west Conococheague, the last named stream turning two mills erected by Dr. Flickingers' father-in- law, the late John McAllen, Esq., a gentleman who was distinguished for his enterprise and public spirit, as well as for many estimable quali- ties of head and heart. Marsh run is full of trout, and the children of the family readily catch them in a dip which they call a net. No minerals have ever been developed on the property. The farm has produced In one year as much as twelve hundred bushels of wheat, and fifteen hun- dred bushels of corn. .
Dr. John S. Flickinger is the only son of Joseph Flickinger who was born near, Lancaster, Pa., in 1789, his father, John Flickinger, having emigrated from that county to Franklin, and after residing a few years near Greencastle located in Path Valley. They were of German descent. The Doctor's mother's name was Nancy Stotler, of the vicinity of Green- castle, said to be of French extraction, a lady of rare christian virtues, as all testify who knew her.
The wife of Dr. John S. Flickinger, was Jennie S. McAllen, whose ancestors were good old Scotch Irish Presbyterians of the highest respec- tibility and merit, and occupyed a prominent position among the people of their region. Dr. Flickinger after pursuing his studies for several years at Marshall College, Mercersburg, Pa., commenced the study of medicine with Dr. John C. Richards, of Chambersburg, where he re- mained three years, graduating in medicine at Pennsylvania College, Philadelphia, March 8th, 1850. Though inclined to go South, he yielded to the wishes of his father and sisters (now all dead) and located at his father's house, where he has practiced constantly for thirty-eight years, his practice extending through Path Valley and into Huntington and Fulton Counties. His marriage took place October 16th, 1867, and they have two children, Joseph M., and Edith S. The property has come down in regular descent from John Flickinger, the grandfather of the Doctor, who purchased it from Mr. Chillison in 1797.
THE VALLEY SPIRIT NEWSPAPER.
The first number of the VALLEY SPIRIT was issued in Shippensburg, near the close of the first week in July, 1817, by John M. Cooper and
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Daniel Dechert, under the editorial management of the former. One year thereafter-July 1st, 1848-it was removed to Chambersburg, when Peter S. Dechert, a brother of Daniel, was admitted to the firm. At this time the Cumberland Valley Sentinel-originally called the Franklin Telegraph, (in 1831, when it was started by Ruby & Hatnick, ) and atter- ward changed, with a change in ownership, to the Chambersburg Times, and subsequently to the title above given-was the recognized organ of the Democratic party in Franklin County. But the VALLEY SPIRIT advanced rapidly in circulation and influence, and on the 1st of July, 1852, its proprietors purchased the Sentinel and added its material and subscrip- tion list to that of the VALLEY SPIRIT. In 1855 Daniel Dechert withdrew from the firm and removed to Hagerstown, Md., where he purchased an interest in the Mail. In 1857 the paper passed into the hands of Geo. II. Mengel & Co., a change made more for the purpose of effecting a settle- ment of old accounts than with a view to permanency. Mr. Cooper con- tinued to edit it, but having received an appointment in the Attorney General's office at Washington, under Judge Black, the local department of the paper was conducted by Dr. Wm. II. Boyle, who also contributed at his pleasure to the general editorial columns. Early in 1860 Mr. Cooper withdrew from the editorship, and from that time till 1862 it was edited in all its departments by Dr. Boyle, with an occasional contribution from Mr. Cooper ..
The entire ownership of the establishment having fallen back to .J. M. Cooper and P. S. Dechert, they sold it in 1862 to H. C. Keyser and B. Y. Hamsher, who subsequently admitted William Kennedy to their firm. He retired in 1863, and Keyser & Hamsher continued to edit and publish the paper, (with a brief interruption caused by the burning of the town on the 30th of July, 1864, ) till the summer of 1867, when J. M. Cooper, Augustus Duncan and William S. Stenger became its editors and pro- prietors, their purchase dating from the first of July in that year, though made a month or two later. The paper was published by J. M. Cooper && Co. from this time till July, 1869, when Mr. Cooper retired, leaving it in the hands of Duncan & Stenger, who sold it to Joseph C. Clugston on the 1st of June, 1876, when Mr. Cooper returned to its editorial chair. Mr. Stenger was elected to Congress in 1874 and re-elected in 1876, and the weight of his public and professional duties induced him to retire from the paper.
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