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 31
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
At this date-April, 1878-Mr. Clugston remains the proprietor and publisher, and Mr. Cooper the editor. They are cousins and natives of the county, both of them having been born about two miles south-east of Marion-Mr. Cooper on the 16th of January, 1833, and Mr. Clugston on the 26th of March, 1831. Their ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. Robert Cooper, whose name appears in the list of taxables in Antrim township in 1786, given in this book, was the editor's grandfather. He was a native of Chester county and came to Franklin before the Revolution, when about 17 years of age. John Clugston, whose name appears in the list of taxables in Guilford township the same year, was a great grandfather of both the editor and publisher. His son, Capt. John Clugston, their grandfather, owned and lived at the Big Spring, northeast of Brown's mill and southeast of Marion, near the close of the first quarter of this century. Mr. Cooper is a printer and much the larger portion of his life has been spent in that business, but Mr. Clugston, previous to his purchase of the printing office in 1876, had been a farmer and dealer in produce.
The VALLEY SPIRIT has been one of the most successful "country journals" in Pennsylvania. It went upward from the start and has never
-
296
Appendix.
taken any back ward steps. Its circulation at this time is five hundred higher than that of any other paper in Franklin county, and its advertis- ing and jobbing patronage is correspondingly heavy. In politics it is Democratic, but it aims to interest its readers of all sorts, and pays particu- lar attention to mitters of consequence to the farming community, recog- nizing agriculture as the foundation of all the worldly prosperity enjoyed by the people of Franklin county. The office is eligibly located on the north-west corner of the Diamond, opposite the front of the Court House, and is well stocked with printing materials. Its presses have been run by water-power since November 1877, when a motor invented and pitent- ed by N. F. Eyster of Chambersburg was put in.
-
---
The VALLEY SPIRIT Building, of which an accurate view is given in this book, is occupied on the first floor by Kindline & Gillan's Dry Goods Store, Ludwig & Co's. Jewelry Store and Smith's Shoe Store. The Printing Office occupies the second floor and part of the third, and the remainder of the third is occupied by an Association.
FARM AND RESIDENCE OF JACOB P. STOVER, ANTRIM TOWNSHIP.
William Stover, grandfather ot Jacob P. was born in Switzerland, A. D. 1725. He migrated to Pennsylvania in 1754, and located upon a tract of land one mile east of "Shady Grove," now owned by Wesley Kuntz. He had seven children, viz: George, born 1748; William, born 1750; Margaret, born 1752; Michael, born 1753; Daniel, born 1757; Jacob, born 1759; and Emanuel, born 1761. Dr. George, and Emanuel, married sisters, the Misses Hannah and Susan Price. Their great grandfather, a half brother of the then King of Prussia, of the House of Hapsburg, came to this country, from Berlin, Prussia, with one child, He left Prussia because of the war against the family. On his arrival here he located near Waynesboro. Dr. George Stover, sold his interest in the farm given to him and his brother Emanuel, to the latter, taking continental money in payment, and moved to Virginia, having bought a property there, but before he got to Virginia his money was worthless, and because of his fallure to tako the land purchased there, he was thrown into prison for debt. He had some other property, all of which he gave to effect his release. He had the following children, John, Elizabeth, Susan, Jacob, Polly, David, George, Catharine, Hannah, Abram, Anna, William, Sarah, Nancy, Joseph, Emanuel, Joel, and two others that died in infancy, making nineteen in all. Emanuel Stover at hrst engaged in tanning and carried it on for some time in connection with farming. He was after- wards engaged in distilling for many years, and died at the place upon which he was born, A. D. 1833, aged nearly 73 years. He had five sons and five daughters, viz: Elizabeth, Polly, Susan, John, Hannah, Jacob, Catharine, David, Daniel and Samuel. Jacob P. Stover was born, July 9th, 1800. He married Elizabeth Emmert, locating at his present home. purchased of James McLanahan, near Greencastle. A log house and barn were the principal improvements, these have given place to the present ones. The barn was built in 1819, and was considered at that- time, the best finished one in the county, but unfortunately on the 10th of July, 1876, it, together with the entire crop and much valuable machinery, was consumed by fire, causing a loss of about $3,000. It was rebuilt in the fall of the same year, by Mr. Stover, who was then in the 76th year of his age. The beautiful spring, now arranged into trout ponds, where hundreds of the finny tribe, can be seen sporting in the sunlight, was, until within a few years an unsightly swamp, but through the enterprise of his youngest son, J. Mitchell Stover, who is, at this time, residing on
-
---
-----
---
207
Appendix.
the home place, it has been made a great source of pleasure, as well as profit. Young Mr. Stover has also established a promising dairy trade, and is now furnishing the people of Greencastle with a pure article of milk. The "Stover Wind Engine" one of the greatest inventions, of the age is manufactured at Greencastle for the Eastern States, under the supervision of J. M. Stover, one of the partners of the "Stover Wind Engine Co." of Freeport, Ill. In our illustration, just over the barn is seen a 12 foot engine, to which is attached a grinder, close under the floor of the granary, and which receives the grain from the garner above and discharges it, ground, into a large chop-chest beneath. This en- gine and grinder, at a cost of about $100, prepare all the grain needed for a large stock, at the same time, it can be arranged to draw, or pump water from the spring, or from a well, and supply the stock with pure fresh water, without leaving the yard. This invaluable machine has been tested alongside of every other Wind Mill of any note in use, and has gained great honors, at the leading State, and hundreds of County fairs, all over the United States, and Canada for the past six years. It also received the highest award, over all other competitors, at the Centennial Exhibition held in 1876. To the Stover family belongs the credit, of having produced and perfected this admirable labor-saving machine, it having evolved from the brains of Emanuel and Daniel C. Stover, elder brothers of this family, after years of hard study. These gentlemen, who now reside at Freeport, Ill., have discovered and patented a number of valuable features, not combined in any other wind engine in use. One of which, now considered almost indispensable, is the application of chilled iron antifriction balls, on which the entire weight of the engine rests, making the action sensitive to the least change of wind, and so quiet and steady, are its motions that after years of use it continues to do its work, without a jolt or a jar in heavy as well as light winds.
"BELFAST" THE PROPERTY OF SIMON LECRON, ESQ.
This elegant place composed of parts of two large tracts, called "Bel- fnat, " and "Smith's Retirement," is situated partly in Washington, and partly in Antrim Townships, 4 miles west of . Waynesboro, on the road leading from the Waynesboro and Greencastle turnpike, to the Marsh store, one and a half miles north of the latter place, and two miles south of the turnpike. Greencastle is six miles distant, and is the nearest R. R. station, nearest post office is Waynesboro. This farm was conveyed, by warrant and order of survey," to Elias Davison bearing date Aug. 1st A. D. 1766. By him conveved to Henry Campbell, Feb. 21st, 1768, by Camp- bell to James Ferris, March 12th, 1773, by Ferris back to Campbell, Aug. 10th A. D). 1775, and, on the same date by Campbell to Gotlieb Evert. From Evert it passed to James McNulty, Oct. 5th, 1782, and from McNulty by decd of conveyance dated April 11th, A. D. 1794, to Daniel Mowen, grandfather of the present owner. Patent deed obtained by Daniel Mowen, Dec. 3d, A. D. 1812, Book II. No. 8, page 369.
"Smith's Retirement" was conveyed to Abram Smith by patent deed Nov. 2d, A. D. 1785 and by him to Daniel Mowen, Feb. 2d, 1795. By public outcry it was sold by Jacob Snively, administrator of Daniel Mowen, dec'd, to John Lecron, Sept. 27th, A. I). 1824, and by deed of conveyance dated March 4th, A. D. 1851, by him to his son Simon, the present owner. The first buildings, which consisted of a small log shanty and log stable, were erected by Campbell, about 1769 or 1770. In 1802 or 1803, these were removed by Daniel Mowen, who selected a site about 200 yards north of the old buildings, and had a swiss barn, 66 by 40 fect,
298
Appendix.
stone to 1st square, the balance logs, and a two storied stone house, with basement, 36 by 30, erected instead. This house is still standing but the barn was removed in .1857 by Mr. S. Lecron, when the one repre- sented in our picture was built. He also erected, in 1862, an addition of 18 feet to the house, building of the same material and making it corres- spond, in height with the original. The house as it now stands, is 54 by 30 feet, and contains nine rooms and a basement kitchen. The barn which is also of stone. is 80 feet long by 54 wide. It is constructed with a view to good yentilation of the stables, and is a good substantial building.
There are one hundred and fifty-one acres included in this tract of land, twenty-five of which are well set with white and black oak and hickory timber. The soll, which is somewhat broken, is rolling and is of clay mixed with sand. There is an abundance of limestone, which can be readily utilized. About nine acres are good meadow with a fine stream of water running through it. As the land is all well drained it is well adapted to the cultivation of every variety of produce. The largest pro- duct of wheat on 20 acres, were 37} bushels per acre, and the largest crop in one year 1268 bushels on 40 acres, making a fraction less than 32 bushels per acre. The general average of the farm is from 900 to 1,000 bushels of wheat, 600 to 800 bushels of corn, 400 to 600 bushels of oats, and 40 to 50 bushels of rye. Mr. L., is feeding his farm by having all of his corn and oats consumed on it, purchasing the stock in the fall, and having it ready for the spring market.
The paternal ancestors of Mr. Lecron, were of French origin, his father, John Lecrou, who departed this life on the 14th day of Feb. 1878, at the age of 84 years, was married in May, 1817, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel Mowen of Washington township. His grandfather is said to have left France, about the beginning of the French Revolution, fled to Poland, and from there to the United States, and settled in Lancas- ter county, about the year 1789, from there his two sons, Simon and Jacob, migrated to Washington county, Md. , about the year 1790. Simon, grandfather of the present Simon Lecron, married Elizabeth Lydey, and died aged 48 years, in the year 1814, leaving eleven children upon a small estate. John, the father of Simon, who was the 2nd child, moved to Pennsylvania in the spring of 1819, and located upon a farm belonging to his father-in-law, in Antrim township, the same that is now owned by Daniel Lecron, brother of Simon. In the spring of 1825, he bought, and moved upon the "Belfast," farm in Washington township and continued there until his death. The maternal ancestor of Mr. L. located in Antrim Township at an early day, and is thought to have come from Switzerland. Ilis son, Daniel Mowen, who was the maternal grandfather of Mr. Lecron, died in 1819 at the age of 54 years. Daniel's 3rd child, Catherine, mother of Mr. L., was born April 8th, 1796, and is now at the age of almost 82 years, still living. Her son Simon, who is her 2nd child, was born April 18th, 1820, and was married Sept. 7th, 1843, to Anna Eliza- beth, daughter of Jacob Middlekauff, of Beaver Creek, Washington Co., Md. They have eight children, four sons and four daughters.
.
"THE BURNS PLACE." FARM PROPERTY OF J. MORROW BURNS, NEAR WAYNESBORO, FRANKLIN COUNTY. P'A.
The position occupied by our artist, when taking his sketch, of these buildings, was on the banks of the historic Antietam, on an old road, vacated about 100 years ago, along which the soldiers of the revolution marched. The farm is located in Washington Township, three miles east of Waynesboro, and four from the Waynesboro station, W. M. R.
-----
5
5 5
RES.OF J. MORROW BURNS, NEAR WAYNESBORO. WASHINGTON TP, FRANKLIN CO., PA.
Page 298.
-
-
..
-
٦٠٠٠
& G. WATSON
J
DIAMOND NOTION STORE of J. & G. WATSON.
Page 226
CHAMBERSBURG, PÅ.
299
Appendix.
R. It was taken up, Sept. 6th, 1762, by George Martin, and named "Calidity." Jan. 14th, 1772, it passed into the possession of George Shil- ley. who sold it to Robert Espey on March 11th, 1772. From him it was transferred to John McGuier, July 28th, of the same year. April 17th, 1773, over a century ago, it came into the possession of John Burns, the grandfather of the present occupant. March 18th, 1803, James Crooks, and James Downey, executors, of John Burns, dec'd, disposed of it to Jeremiah Bourns, father of J. Morrow Burns, who rented the farm, at the time of his father's death, Feb. 16th, 1847, and on June 21st, 1862, he became the sole possessor, of the estate. The present house was erected, about the year 1831 by Jeremiah Bourns, and is of brick. There are the necessary out buildings, and also a good saw mill, on the place, which was originally erected in 1774, over one hundred years ago. The farm contains 128 acres, of good soil, well adapted to grain, or stock raising. The surface is level. There is a never failing spring, and also a good water power which drives the saw mill. The product of the farm, in 1877, was about 1200 bushels of wheat and corn, and it abounds in iron ore of excellent quality. In the year 1751, Archibald Bourns, with his wife and two young sons, accompanied his wife's brother, the Rev. John Cuthbertson, to Lancaster County, Pa., from the county of Lanark, in Scotland, their native land. Mr. Cuthbertson became permanent pastor to the Covenanters, at Octorara, in Lancaster county. Mr. Bourns set- tled in "Carrol's Tract," now in Adam's county, Pa., on the farm his wife had received as a gift from her brother, Mr. Cuthbertson, where Archibald died, leaving his sons, John, and James, still lads, to the care of their widowed mother. Mrs. Bourns re-married, her second husband being Francis Meredith, Esq., and her sons, now young men, found homes of their own, James settled in the wilds of Ohio, becoming pro- prietor of parts of the land on which Cincinnati now stands. John wed- ded a danghter of Jeremy Morrow, of the vicinity of "Carrol's Tract," -whose grandson became one of Ohio's carly governors, and in honor of whom one of her counties is named. With his young wife, John Bourns, made his home on the Antietam, in the spring of 1773, on the property above described. Ho established himself, mainly in the business of manufacturing sickles, erecting a shop, and mill, for the purpose, and also n saw mill. He put about sixty acres of land under cultivation. Here ho, and hils wife Esther reared their seven sons, and, four daughters, and here both died, higlily honored for their personal worth, and Chris- tian lives. They were both intered in, what was then called, the "Cove- nanter's" graveyard, two miles lower down the Antietam. Their chil: dren all survived them, excepting the eldest, their names given in the. order of birth, being Margaret, Jeremy, Jolm, Sarah, Archibald, Thomas, Elizabeth, James, Francis, William, and Esther. The eldest was born in 1773, and the youngest in 1792, and the last born was the latest survivor of the eleven children; Mrs. Esther Wallace, who died in 1876. The latest living, of the sons, was General James Burns, whose death occur- red in 1875, he lacked but one day of being ninety years old. The gener- al, and his brothers, dropped from the family name the ancestral letter "O," and but one, of the connection, now retains it, writing his name in the old manner-J. Francis Bourns, M. D. of Philadelphia. Soon after the birth of his third child, in 1776, John Bourns was summoned to be a soldier, in the Army, of the Revolution. Before the close of the war, Mr. Bourns was appointed a Magistrate, and he continued to hold the office until his death, in 1803. Ilis son Jeremy, became owner and ocen- pant of the paternal homestead, and succeeded his father in the, still lu- crative, business of sickle-making, and also in the sawing of lumber, and,
300
Appendix.
he somewhat enlarged the work of the farm. Having erected new mills, with encouraging business prospects, Jeremy met with the misfortune of having the mills, together with his barn, totally destroyed by fire. Part of the heavy loss was that of about one hundred dozens of sickles, that were nearly ready for the coming harvest. He at once replaced the buildings, but his business was crippled for years afterward. Jeremy Burns married Sarah, daughter of John Renfrew, Sr. and granddaughter of Samuel Rea, in 1811, and their children were twelve in number, viz : Nancy, John, Francis, Samuel, Rea, Esther, Elizabeth, Jeremy, Morrow, Sarah, James Cuthbertson, Margaret Renfrew, and Hannah Jane, with three others, that died in infancy. Margaret R. died when a child, and Esther S. and Sarah in mature years ; while the rest are living. They have their homes in Franklin County, John Francis excepted, who for many years has resided, a physician, in Philadelphia. Their father died in 1847, and their mother in 1855. Endowed with more than common elevation, and force of character, both departed as they had lived, devo- ted and honored christians. Covenanters in church fellowship, they sleep in the before mentioned family burial place, with other beloved and hon- ored dead, awaiting the resurrection of the just.
"FAIR VIEW PLACE," PROPERTY OF JOHN PHILIPS, WASHINGTON TOWN- SHIP, FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA.
This valuable mill property is situated, on the east branch of Antietam Creek, about one and a half miles south east of Waynesboro, and three and a half miles from the Waynesboro station, on the W. M. Railroad and is crossed by the line of the proposed Baltimore and Cumberland Valley Railroad, connecting Baltimore with Chambersburg. The mill was built by Abraham Stover in 1821, it is driven by an overshot wheel of 18 foot diameter. Samuel Frantz erected the mansion house in 1847, he also erected the barn and miller's house. The mill which is built of brick, is 50 by 58 feet, three and a half stories high, there are three runs of burrs for wheat, and two for chopping. It hasa capacity of about 12,000 barrels of flour per year. The water power, which in addition to the Antietam is furnished by two large springs, emptying into the dam, a short distance above the brest, is considered the best on the stream. It never fails, and because of the large amount of spring water, it never freezes. The brick mansion house is 33 by 36 feet, with a wing attached, 20 by 30 feet. It contains eleven large rooms, and the cellar which is arched has a well cemented floor. There is a brick summer house in the rear of the main building, 16 by 38 feet. The cottage, which is a frame structure, is 28 by 26 feet. The bank barn is constructed of stone and frame. The entire number of buildings is fifteen, and they are all in first-class condition and present a fine appearance. The land, which is mostly meadow, is well adapted to the production of all kinds of grain, and also to the cultivation of tobacco. Although consisting of only 80 acres, it is considered one of the most productive farms, in the Township. It was purchased by Mr. Philips in June 1877, since which time its appearance has been greatly improved by painting, and other repairs. The stock in the barn yard is supplied with pure water, through pipes, from the forebay, and there are two good wells, one at the summer house, and the other at the cottage. Besides these there is a spring at the north-east corner of the farm, and running water in every enclosure, except one. The fencing, is nearly all post and rail. The buildings are all surrounded by fruit trees, and there are two thrifty orchards of the most choice summer, and winter, varieties of apples. The largest production in one year from this] farm was 650
-
301
Appendix.
bushels of wheat, 500 barrels of corn, besides oats, etc., and about 30 tons of hay. John Eichelberger, the maternal grandfather of John Philips, who was of German deseent, served during the Revolutionary war, and fought in the battle of Bunker Hill, etc. He married Mary, daughter of Michael Leonard. She died Feb. 22d, 1840, aged 88 years, he in the year 1822. They both were buried in the St. John's Lutheran graveyard, at Hagerstown, Md. They had six children, viz: John, Peter, Jacob, Henry, Mary, and Catherine. Mary, mother of John Philips, was born August 7th, 1792. She married Thomas Philips, July 25th, 1811, near Frederick . city, Md. He was engaged in milling during, the greater portion of, his business life. He died at Hagerstown, Feb. 19th, 1844, in the 56th year of his age. His children were Mary Ann, Thomas, William, Israel. Mary, John, and Samuel. Mary Ann, and Mary, died in infancy. Thomas practiced medicine at St. Thomas, in this county, and died Nov. 29th, 1841, aged 29 years. William, is professor of Belles Lettres at Seton Hall College, South Orange, N. J., which position he has held for about five years. Israel, died at Hagerstown, Dec. 29th, 1845. Samuel, is a pastor of the Presbyterian church. John, was born Feb. 17th, 1821, at Browns Mills, Franklin County. He was educated at a private school in Washing- ton Co., Md. At sixteen years of age, he engaged himself in the employ of Harper & White, dry goods merchants, Shepherdstown, Va., where he continued until twenty-two years of age. In 1845, he located in Waynesboro, and commenced merchandising, continuing until 1856, when he was elected Treasurer, of the Waynesboro Savings Fund Society, since changed to the First National Bank, of which he was elected cashier, this position he still continues to hold. He has been the President of the Steam Engine and Boiler Works, Frick & Co., since their organization. He married Susan S., daughter of John Clayton, Esq., of Waynesboro, Sept. 14th, 1848. Their children were six in number, but are not all living, Sallie, born June 19th, 1850, died June 4th, 1867. William D.
born Jan. 18th, 1854, died April 22d, 1831. Minnie Bell, was born July 3d, 1856, died Jan. 6th, 1863. S. HI. Clayton, was born Feb. 5th, 1859. Margarette, born July 31st, 1861, died Feb. 6th, 1863, and Grace E. was born June 4th, 1864. Mr. Philips is highly respected by his fellow citi- zens, who have every reason to admire his strict integrity, and sterling moral worth.
HARDWARE STORE, AND RESIDENCE OF S. B. RINEHART, WAYNESBORO, FRANKLIN COUNTY, P'A.
This valuable business property and residence is located on lot No. 50, West Main street. The store room, with office, attached, has a depth of 70 feet, and is 18 feet wide. Mr. R. commenced the hardware business, in partnership, with Martin Geiser, in the year 1865, in a building on the south east corner of the Diamond. In 1866, the firm purchased the hard- waro store of Wm. II. Brotherton, and moved into the building, in the spring of the same year. The store room, at that time, was 18 by 30 feet, and was owned by Win. Hammett and Brotherton's heirs. In 1870, Mr. Rinehart purchased the property, and, in the same year, he enlarged it, by erecting a two story back building, 18 by 40 feet, making the store room 58 feet in depth. In 1872, he enlarged the iron house, to the extent of 21 feet. In 1875, the front above the store room was remodled, by cutting the windows down to the floor, making twin windows, and adding a portico. The front had been remodled when the building was enlarged in 1870. In June 1871, Mr. Rinehart purchased the interest of his partner, Mr. Geiser, in the business, and contined alone until 1876, when he asso-
302
Appendix.
-
ciated with himself Daniel Trittle. In 1876, he made another improve- ment by erecting a warehouse 32 by 20 feet. The office 18 by 20 feet, was added in 1877, making the entire structure, store room, office, warehouse and iron house, all of which are connected, and under the same roof, 139 feet long. In January 1878, Mr. Rinehart purchased the interest of Mr. Trittle, and is again conducting it alone. In 1878, the residence was re. inodled, extending the portico, above the store room, the full length of the front of the building, and cutting the windows down, and making them double. There was also a one storied extension made to the dwell- ing, 12 by 30 feet. . The main building is stone, and the back buildings are brick. There is a never failing well, on the lot, 50 feet deep. It is the only one, in the town, that has never failed. The value of the stock of goods, carried by Mr. R. is from eight to ten thousand dollars. Lewis Rinehart, grandfather of S. B. Rinchart, moved to this county, from Virginia, in 1828, and settled about one mile cast of Waynesboro, on a farm, now owned, and occupied, by his son Samuel. He had eight children, two of whom are living. He died July 7th, 1844, aged 67 years, 3 months, and 13 days. His wife died Jan. 22d, 1852, aged 72 years, 11 months, and 2 days. Samuel Rinehart, father of S. B., was born May 12th, 1811. He married Catherine, daughter of Conrad Bonebreak, March 81st, 1831. She was born June 13th, 1807. They had eight children, viz: John, Susan, Mary, Samuel B., Lewis, Henry, Daniel, and Catherine. They are all living but Lewis, who died Feb. 9th, 1877. Samuel B. was born Jan. 5th, 1839. He worked on the farm until about 1860, when he engaged in school teaching until 1865, when he commenced the hardware business, in which he has continued ever since. He married Lizzie, daughter of Rev. Joseph F. Rohrer, of Washington County, Md., Sept. 29th, 1868. They have four children, the three eldest of whom are named Elmer, Rohrer, and Archie Vard.
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.