USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Littlestown > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 16
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Gettysburg > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 16
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > East Berlin > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 16
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Oxford in Adams County > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 16
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > York Springs > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 16
USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Berwick in Adams County > History and directory of the boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa. : with historical collections > Part 16
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Cashtown .- A fine village on the turnpike to Chambersburg, about eight miles northwest of Gettysburg. The north branch of Marsh Creek flows past, near this village. The population is 134. Cashtown has the highest elevation of all the towns in Adams County, being 800 feet above tide level at Philadelphia. Abraham Scott was appointed postmaster of Cashtown, Sept., 1849. The Reformed church, at Cashtown was built in 1877, and was dedicated Jan. 13th, 1878. The cost was $3,450.
Hilltown is a small hamlet, one mile north of Cashtown, on the road from Mummasburg to Chambersburg.
McKnightstown, or New Salem, lies six miles northwest of Gettys- burg, on the Chambersburg and Gettysburg pike, and close to the old Tape Worm line. It is located on grounds once owned by Thomas Mc- Knight,-hence its name. It was long known as a place, but not regu- larly laid out until the year 1860, in January of which year John Hartman purchased of Albert Van Dyke, the greater part of the ground around the village, and with Hezekiah Latshaw, laid out lots, when improvement, began, and the village is now a thriving place. The first house in 1860 was built by Abraham Mickley. It has a population of 127 inhabitants. There are two daily mails through this place. The town has a Reformed church, built in 1875, at a cost of $6000. The pastor is Rev. A. J. Heller, who is also pastor of the Reformed church in Cashtown, built in 1877. These two congregations formerly worshiped together at the old Flohr's
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Union church, on the pike between Cashtown and McKnightstown, the corner stone of which was laid May 2nd, 1822. The Lutheran congrega- tion retained the site of the old Union church, and erected a new building in 1875.
Mummasburg .- This is a neat village, at the terminus of the Mum- masburg and Gettysburg pike, five miles northwest of Gettysburg, and near Little Marsh creek. The location is at the crossing of the old Phil- adelphia and Pittsburg and Baltimore and Shippensburg roads. John Mumma, the founder, owned the land and not being able to find a pur- chaser, says our informant, Mr. E. W. Stahle, conceived the idea of disposing of it by lottery in town lots. Judge John L. Hinkle, of Han- over, made the necessary draft and survey. It consisted of 150 lots, and each ticket sold to draw a lot-no blank tickets; the price of tickets was $56. No. I was the farm and outbuildings. After a number of tickets were sold, the drawing began, and No. I-the highest prize-coming out first, no more tickets could be sold. One lot containing a spring was do- nated to the public, and several others to churches, and one for a school- house. The laying out of the town took place about 1820. The Men- onite church was built in 1823, on a lot drawn by Benjamin and John Wis- lar, who exchanged with John Mumma for another lot. (The mansion was drawn by James Black, who opened a tavern, which gave name to "Gettysburg and Black's Tavern Turnpike Company.") These people, known as the "Mennonischte Gemeindschaft " heretofore worshiped in a log house, where now is Flohr's school-house, between New Salem and Cashtown. The majority of the members residing at Mummasburg, a new church building or "Gemeindts' haus," was projected by John Mum- ma. The money and materials were contributed by everyone, without regard to sect, and the building was finished in 1823. The first Trustees were John Wislar and Tobias Boyer, succeeded by John Reiff, Andrew Reiff; John Throne and John Shank are the present trustees. The first preachers were Bishop Abraham Roth, David Reiff and George Throne ; followed by Christian Shank, Daniel Shank, (now Bishop of Adams county,) and Martin Wisler, the last two at present officiating. Leonard Hartzell wrote the subscription list, and not having very definitely de- scribed the privileges to which the subscribers should be entitled, it occa- sioned some difficulty, which culminated in the building of another church (the Union) by the English-speaking people of the vicinity. John Mumma gave the lot, and stipulated that the church building should be free for the use of all evangelical preaching. Solomon Hartman (Lutheran) and Jo- seph Wilson (Presbyterian) were named in the deed as trustees; David Wills, Esq., superintended the erection of the church.
The most prominent man at that time, of this region, was David Wills Esq. He was a large-hearted, liberal minded man, and a just Judge.
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He served as a magistrate many years, and for the rectitude of his offi- cial career, is very highly spoken of at this day. He emigrated, with his family, to Tennessee, about forty years ago. He raised a family of good men, who have adorned the pulpit, the bar, the medical profession, the most notable being Rev. Dr. David Wills, a learned Presbyterian divine, now of Washington City. On his annual visits to Gettysburg, he never forgets his native village, and he has for years, preached at intervals to his old friends.
The business men of the town are, H. W. Witmore, (postmaster), dry goods ; John Rife, notions; Peter Hart, wagonmaker; J. F. Hartman, blacksmith. The population is 104. The town is located at an elevation of 524 feet.
The Mummasburg Fire Protection Society was organized under a char- ter from the State of Pennsylvania, April 10th, 1858. The first president was Wm. D. Gobrecht, and was managed by a board of twelve directors. John Hartman, Benjamin and E. W. Stahle, have held the position of president in the order named, the latter for the past twelve years.
Seven Stars, post-town, on Chambersburg pike, four miles from Get- tysburg. About forty years ago, the only building was Andrew Hentzell's hotel. The business men are, Israel Little, hotel; H. J. Little, coach- maker ; E. J. Little, merchant; Postmaster, Israel Little.
Graeffenburg, on the Franklin and Adams County line, on the pike leading from Gettysburg to Chambersburg, one-half mile from Caledonia Furnace, consists of a hotel and a postoffice, kept by a Mr. Ramer.
The "Mountain Church."-St. Ignatius' Catholic Church, better known as the Mountain Church, is situated in the Buchanan Valley, five miles from Graeffenburg, near Mr. Kimple's Mill, on the road to Cor- well's. This church was originated by a Mr. Lostetter, who gave 150 acres of land, and the money to build a church was collected through the adjoining counties. The corner-stone was laid Oct. 10th, 1816. There was an old Catholic graveyard on the tract long before the church was built. The first settlers of the Valley were Irish and named their estates according to the baronial system of Great Britain. Mr. F. Cole's tract was originally called "Armagh." The first church consisted of nothing but the walls, a table being used for an altar. Mr. Lostetter failing in business, the tract was sold at Sheriff's sale, and was purchased by the Jesuits of Georgetown and Conewago Chapel. The first services at this place were held in Mr. Andrew Noel's house. The ministers serving this congregation from Conewago Chapel, were, Revs. Louis De Barth and Matthew Lekeu until 1829; Rev. Michael Daugherty from that period un- til about 1840; Rev. Father Kendler in 1843; Rev. Joseph Deitz from 1844 to 1850; Rev. Father Catani now attended the congregation for a
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short period ; Rev. J. B. Cotting from 1850 to 1853 : Rev. F. X. Denecker until 1858. These Fathers also attended Gettysburg and Millerstown, the latter congregation being few in numbers had as yet never been asked to contribute anything for the support 'of the pastor, They now petitioned the Bishop of the Diocese of Philadelphia to supply them with a pastor, which was complied with on condition that Gettysburg, the Mountain church, and Millerstown form one charge-the pastor to reside at Gettys- burg. The ministers supplying the charge from this time (1858) were, Rev. Messrs. Basil A. Shorb, to 1859 ; L. J. Miller, 1860 ; A. McGinnis until 1863 ; Joseph A. Boll from 1864 to 1873. The congregation was now connected with the Chambersburg charge-Path Valley, Waynes- boro', Chambersburg, and the Mountain church-J. M. Boetzkes and D. A. Riley serving from 1873 to 1875, and T. J. Fleming and Joseph Kaelin from that time until the present. Services were held once a month under the Jesuits, and since then twice a month. Father Cotting was desirous of selling the land, but Mr. George Cole suggested that it be laid out in lots, and sold only to Catholics, in order to strengthen the congregation and keep them together, which was accordingly done, in lots of ten, fifteen and twenty acres. Messrs. George Cole and John Brady purchased eight acres of woodland, and donated it to the church, to be used only for sup- plying firewood. The first repairs of the church were made by Father Dietz, who built the first altar. Father Cotting put pews in the church, procured a bell and an organ, and made other improvements. Father Fleming repainted, and otherwise remodeled the church during the past summer.
Freedom Township .- Freedom was formed out of Liberty town- ship, Jan. 22d, 1838, and borders the Maryland line, Cumberland on the east and north, and Highland and Liberty on the west. The population is 544.
Germany Township .- It borders the Maryland line on the south, Mountpleasant on the north, Union on the east and northeast, and Mount- joy on the west and northwest. It is one of the oldest townships, and was settled by the Germans previous to 1750. The Scotch-Irish gave the dis- trict the title of German Settlement, from which the township was named. It contained* 32,000 acres; greatest length, 8 miles; breadth, 4 miles ; the land is of the best in the county, being limestone, and a rich loam in the valleys. The population is 1002.
St. James' Lutheran Congregation, on the Emmittsburg road, four miles southwest of Littlestown, was organized Nov. 20th, 1851. The members formerly belonged to Christ Church. A new house of worship was erected the same year, mainly through the persevering efforts of Jacob
*These estimates were made before the townships of Butler, Freedom, Highland Union and Oxford were erected, by the formation of which the length, breadth and area of some of the other townships were reduced.
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Spangler, Sr. In 1878, this building was almost entirely razed to the ground, and a new building, much enlarged and beautified, was erected in its stead. Upwards of thirty members constituted the numerical strength of the congregation at the time of its formation. The congrega- tion numbers at present about one hundred and thirty members. It be- longs to the Littlestown charge, which is vacant since the death of Rev. John Ault.
Kingsdale is a station along the Frederick division of the Pennsyl- vania Railroad, two miles west of Littlestown. It has only been built up since the opening of the railroad, in 1858. There is a postoffice, ware- house, store, and a few private residences at this place.
St. John's Lutheran Church .- This church is situated about half a mile west of Littlestown, and formerly belonged to the Hanover charge of the Lutheran church. According to an historical sermon of St. John's, preached by the present pastor, July 24th, 1880, this church was organized Nov. 13th, 1763, and is "one of the oldest Lutheran churches in Adams county." The first pastor was Rev. Carl Frederick Wildbahn, who served from 1763 to 1782. The other ministers were, John Daniel Shroetter, 1783 to 1806; John G. Gruph, 1807 to 1826; G. R. Hoffman, 1826 to 1830; Jon- athan Ruthrauff, 1831 to 1837; Jacob Albert, 1837 to 1847; Charles A. Hay, 1848-49 ; D. P. Rosenmiller, 1849 to 1856 ; M. J. Alleman, 1856-7; Frederick Ruthrauff, 1858 ; S. Henry, 1859 to 1867; P. P. Lane, 1868-9 ; L. T. Williams, 1870 to 1874; E. J. Metzler, the present incumbent, from 1875. The first communicant list was kept by Rev. Shroetter, and bears date July 13th, 1783. There were at that time 104 communing mem- bers, and 22 confirmations. During the ministry of Rev. Hoffman, the erection of a new church was commenced, Rev. S. S. Schmucker, of Get- tysburg, being present at the corner-stone laying. It was a two-story brick building, and was completed during the ministry of Rev. Jonathan Ruth- rauff. The present charge is composed of St. John's, St. Luke's, near Bonneauville, and Grace Evangelical church, Two Taverns. The erection of a parsonage was begun in Littlestown, during the ministry of Rev. Fred- erick Ruthrauff, but was not completed until Rev. S. Henry took charge. of the church in 1859. After the building of St. Paul's church, in Littles- town, and its organization by members of St. John's congregation, nothing out of the ordinary line of church work occurred, except the building of the present church in 1876, until Rev. E. J. Metzler took charge, July 4th, 1875. Since then there has been a steady growth in membership, and marked prosperity in every way.
Hamilton Township .- This township was organized from parts of Berwick, Aug. 29th, 1810. It borders the York county line, the townships of Oxford, Berwick, Reading, and a part of Mountpleasant. The greatest length is six and three-fourth miles; breadth, four miles; area in acres, 10,240 ; the soil is red gravel and flint ; population 721. A short distance from East Berlin, near the Berlin Branch railroad, there is a German Bap-
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tist meeting-house. Rev. Adam Brown, of near Hampton, has served as preacher for the past thirty years.
Hamiltonban Township is one of the original townships, and prior to the formation of Highland and Liberty, contained an area of 31,360 acres; its greatest length was ten and three-fourth miles; breadth, eight and one-fourth ; the surface of the country is level, the soil is slate and red gravel ; the population is 1642.
Fairfield or Millerstown, is a post-town, on the Hagerstown and Gettysburg road, about eight miles from Gettysburg. It is pleasantly situated in a productive country, and a fine view of Jack's mountain is had from the village. The town was laid out in 1801, by William Miller, by whom the first house was built. The Maria Furnace was started here in 1822, which for a time was a success. The town has been built up rap- idly during the past ten years. In 1872, a two-story brick school house was erected. There are four churches in Fairfield : Evangelical Luth- eran, German Reformed, (in which the Presbyterians occasionally wor- ship,) Methodist and Catholic. The first church was built about 1824, at the east end of the town, on lands donated by Rev. Paxton. This church was used by the Presbyterian and German Reformed congregations. When the church was built, the scaffolding had been put up on some large locust trees, then growing near by, and when the walls were almost ready for the roof, a terrible storm came up and shook the trees so that the walls were thrown down. They were rebuilt in the following spring. Among the prominent members were Alexander Mock and John Hoke, (Reformed, ) and James McGinley, William McMillen, Daniel Witherow, and Joseph and Martin Hill. Within the last two years, a new brick church was built on the site of the old church. It was built by the Re- formed congregation, but by mutual agreement, the Presbyterians were allowed to hold services in the building for ten years, in lieu of the claim they held against the old church. The Reformed congregation numbers about 150 members, Rev. Cramer being pastor, who preaches also in Em- mittsburg. The Methodist church was built in 1830. Before this the Methodists worshiped in private houses. Among the later pastors were; Revs. Ganoe, Hicks and Moorehead. During the ministry of Rev. Ganoe quite a revival of religion took place, and many members were added to the church, then weak in membership. An effort was then made to build a new church (the old building being much dilapidated,) and a handsome brick church crowned their efforts. The corner-stone was laid June 9th, 1876, in regard to which we take the following from a county paper of that date: "There was a large attendance and the services were interest- ing, being conducted by Dr. Hamlin, the Presiding Elder, assisted by Revs. Minnigh, Ganoe and Hicks, (pastor, not Ganoe, as above stated.)
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The exercises were interspersed with appropriate music, led by an excel lent choir, who tendered their services for the occasion, and in turn re- ceived a vote of thanks. The church will be a neat and beautiful edifice, and will be pressed to an early completion by the contractors, Messrs. Lady and Florence, backed by an efficient building committee. The en- terprise grows out of the revival effort of last winter." This church origi- nally belonged to the Gettysburg Circuit, but lately has been added to that of Littlestown. The Catholic church was built in 1851, and until 1858, was served by the Jesuits of Conewago Chapel, Rev. Joseph Enders being then Superior. It was afterwards united to the Gettysburg charge, and has been attended by the ministers serving Gettysburg. The church was built of brick, and its members were few in the beginning, but the membership has increased considerably during the past few years. Among the first members were, Messrs. Jesse T. Topper, Michael Lawver, Capt. Peter Dick, John Sanders, and others. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Joseph A. Boll. The Lutheran church was built in 1854-5. It started with about a dozen members, among whom were Messrs. John Nune- maker, Jacob Musselman, Christian Musselman, Maj. John Musselman, Wm. Culp, Barnabas Riley, and R. C. Swope. They succeeded in erect- ing a neat and handsome brick church, about the middle of the town. The first pastor was Rev. H. Bishop. The church was connected with the Emmittsburg charge, the same pastor supplying both places. Upon the resignation of Rev. Bishop, Rev. W. V. Gotwald was chosen pastor, and served some three years. He was followed by Rev. E. S. Johnson, the present pastor, who has ministered to the congregation for upwards of fourteen years.
Fountain Dale is a postoffice, in Hamiltonban township, on the road to Fairfield.
Highland Township, taken from Cumberland, Franklin and Ham- iltonban, was annexed to Freedom in 1861, and formed into an indepen- dent township, Nov. 16th, 1863. It borders Menallen, Cumberland, Free- dom, Liberty and Hamilton. The population is 502. This township com- poses the twenty-third election district, the place of voting being the school house at Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church.
Huntington Township is one of the oldest townships in the county. Its greatest length is eight miles ; breadth, three and a half miles ; area in acres, 17,280; the soil is limestone and gravel, and the surface of the country is rolling. It is bounded by the Cumberland line, Latimore, Reading and Tyrone townships. The population is 1630.
Rock Chapel .- This is one of the oldest places of Methodist worship in Adams County, yet little information in regard to its early history can be obtained. It is situated on the "old Carlisle road," a short distance
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from' Petersburg. The first building was erected about 1776, some say 1773. Previous to the building of the chapel, preaching was held in Mr. Group's house, about one mile northeast of the chapel. Protracted meet- ings were also held there, says our informant, the venerable Isaac Sadler, of Carlisle-whose reminiscences we give just as he gave them-when people gathered from a great distance, and on such occasions Mr. Group lodged all he could, spreading beds on the floor and filling the house from garret to cellar. As many as fifty horses could be counted in pasture at one time. Mr. Harr was then class-leader. He lived half a mile east of the chapel, and owned a scythe factory where Mr. Heikes now has a woolen factory. Bishop Asbury preached here, in the orchard. Among the early ministers were, Freeborne, Garretson, Bishop Roberts, Amos Smith, and others. Many of the people in this vicinity were Episcopalians, and had a church located about one and a half miles southeast of the chapel. The chapel was rebuilt in 1849, during the pastorate of Rev. Francis Dyson. It belongs to the York Springs charge, of which Rev. Wm. Moses is at present pastor.
York Sulphur Springs .- These Springs are within a mile and a half of Petersburg. They were discovered in 1790, on the plantation of Jacob Fickes. The water was analyzed by M. Hetrick and Dr. James Hall, and was found to contain ingredients highly valuable for their medi. cinal properties. When this became known, crowds of people assembled to try the virtue of the water. The first buildings were erected by Messrs. Long and Joseph Worley ; a Mr. Lowrey made some additions afterwards. Mr. McCosh improved the appearance of the place very much. The Springs were owned some thirty years ago, by Messrs. Pennington and Baggs, of Baltimore, and were kept by Mr. Arnold Gardner. These Springs were long a favorite place of resort of the wealthy citizens of Bal- timore and Philadelphia. Tradition has it, that deer and other game, guided by instinct, frequented the pool before the country was settled, bet ing evidently attracted by the saline properties of the water. The presen- proprietor of the Springs, is Mr. Adam Fisher, under whose management it sustains the high reputation enjoyed for years.
York Springs Chapel, near York Springs Borough, was built on a tract of land containing forty perches, purchased by Philip Myers in 1859. It was built first for a school-house, though worship was held in it until 1875, when it was purchased from the Huntington School Board by the U. B. Church. It was then remodeled, and has since served as a house of wor- ship of that denomination. Rev. John Fohl was the first minister who served this congregation, and was successful in doing much good. The pulpit has been filled all along with able ministers, and gracious revivals of re-
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ligion have attended their efforts. Rev. J. O. Clippinger is the pastor in charge.
There is a German Baptist meeting-house in this township, near Trostle's Mill. Rev. Adam Brown, of Hampton, is minister.
Latimore Township .- This township was formed of such parts of Warrington and Monaghan townships as fell in Adams County, when the division was made, but was only organized Aug. 9th, 1807, the line having been run in 1800. Its greatest length is 734 miles ; breadth, 4 miles ; area in acres, 14,720. The population is 1283.
Bermudian Churches .- These two churches, about one hundred yards apart, are situated two miles southwest of Mechanicsville, in Lati- more township. The one is called Mt. Olivet, and is a Reformed church ; the other is Christ Evangelical Lutheran church. The Reformed church is a splendid brick building, 60x40 feet, and was built in 1871, under the pastorship of Rev. Aaron Spangler. The present pastor is Rev. A. War- ner; the membership is nearly 200 strong. The Lutheran church is also a fine brick structure, 60x40 feet, with basement story, and has a fine bell. The church was built in 1879, during the pastorate of Rev. Henry Seifert, the present incumbent.
These churches are of early origin, and first belonged to the Hanover charge. The following data has been obtained through the kindness of Mr. M. B. Blauser. March 19th, 1745, the union congregation, (Lutheran and Reformed,) was organized under the open canopy of heaven. For a number of years they held services in private houses and in barns, and afterwards began the erection of a house of worship, called Long Green church. This was dedicated April 15th, 1754, Rev. Bacher (spelled "Bager" by Glossbrenner and Carter, and "Bader" by Rupp, and all the same, was pastor at York and Lancaster,) being the Lutheran pastor, and Rev. Jacob Lischey the Reformed. The church was held as a place of worship by the two congregations until 1795, when they erected another building, 35x38 feet, on the same site, which took the name of Lower Ber- mudian church. The congregations worshiped in this church up to 1871, when the building ground adjoining the old church was purchased by the Reformed members, and Mt. Olivet church erected, The Lutherans con- tinued to worship in the old church until 1879, when they purchased from the Reformed congregation their interest in the old church and ground, on which they erected their present place of worship. Thus Christ Evan- gelical Lutheran church stands, on nearly the same ground which the old Long Green church occupied, over one hundred years ago. The cost of the church built by the Lutherans in 1879, was about $5,000. It was dedi- cated Dec. 6th, of that year.
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