History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc, Part 133

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Publisher: W. Taylor
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 133
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 133

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Reformed Dutch Church of Conowago .- This church in its entirety was brought by the Dutch with them from Holland. The site of their first church was on what is now the York pike, two miles east of Hunterstown, and down the pike to the Two Taverns-long known as the Low Dutch Road. In March, 1817, the Legislature authorized the congregation to sell their property, which was done, and the church dissolved and merged into the Presbyterian Church. The congregation had had internal dissensions, a split at one time, but the chief cause of its winding up its affairs was the fact that the Dutch were a migrating people.

The Dutch emigration from Adams County commenced in 1800-in two directions, north and west. Daniel Boone was a native of Bucks County, Penn., born in 1735. He was the pioneer that led the way to Kentucky in that time only inhabited by the red man. He was in Kentucky in 1769, and founded the site of Boonesboro, where he lived until 1792. Following him to the Indian lands the first to go were some of the Dutch from Conowago. Col- Jins, in his "History of Kentucky," says: "The first Dutch emigration to Kentucky, in a group or company, was in 1781, to White Oak Springs Station, on the Kentucky River, one mile above Boonesboro. Among the emigrants were Henry Banta, Jr., Abraham and John Banta, Samuel, Peter, Daniel. Henry and Albert Duryee, Peter Cosart or Casad (Cassat) Fredrick Riperdan and John Fluetz (Yeury)." These names are all familiar names in Adams County. It tells very plainly where they were from. This was the commencement of the stream that poured into Kentucky from Pennsylvania for many years.

These men had come through the trackless wilderness to this place, where they paused a few years, recuperated and simply continued their western jour- ney, starting the stream of immigration to the great Mississippi Valley, where this century has witnessed the most wonderful human development the world

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ever saw. Guided by the north star, by the streams and mountain passes, by the moss growing on a particular side of the trees, by their keenly whetted senses of the deep tangled wildwood, they successfully piloted their way, easily overcoming difficulties that in this day and age would be simply appall- ing. Silent, obscure, illiterate men, wandering nomads upon the earth's waste places, poor in this world's goods, uncultured and without a particle of ambi- tion, but in all the history of great deeds by great men who were their supe- riors ? Stern and silent, full of religious zeal and childish superstitions and fears, often disputatious, dogmatic and domineering over inferiors or equals; independent, brave unto death, never knowing fear of anything mortal, and cowering in agony at conjured shadows from another world, their works alone can fitly symbolize their glorious immmortality. They were our nation builders. They laid the enduring foundations of this remarkable civilization. The men "in undressed jerkins and the good dames handling the spindle and the flax" were the world's truly great heroes and heroines. Immortal men and women! We cherish thy sacred memories, adore thy noble works and would reverently gather thy ashes to be kept forever as a token and talisman for all generations and all time. The other branch that immigrated to New York in 1793 were led by the Brinkerhoff's. They settled in what is now Cayuga County. And thus the names of these early Dutch settlers have be- come known in nearly all the States.

Christ's (Evangelical Lutheran) Church. - It is not known when this church was organized in Gettysburg. It was here in 1789 in "an old log schoolhouse" on the corner of High and Stratton Streets. In 1811 a church was put up. The earliest church records now obtainable date 1819. Rev. Herbst was pastor until 1829, succeeded by Revs. Charles Weyl and F. Ruthrauff. In 1835 the lot now occupied was secured, and the church building erected. The pastors were Rev. Benjamin Keller, 1839; Rev. J. H. Smith, who was succeeded by Rev. H. L. Baugher, who continued until 1852, and Rev. Dr. Schmucker officiated. In 1855 he was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Krauth, who served until 1861, when Dr. Baugher was again put in charge. In 1866 Rev. C. A. Hay succeeded. This is generally known as the College Church.

Episcopal Church .- This society was started by Rev. Henry L. Phillips, in June, 1875, and a temporary chapel built in 1876, Rev. J. H. Marsden in charge, succeeded by Rev. E. A. Tortal.

Catholic Church. -- The church building was commenced in 1826, under the direction of the Superiors of Conowago Chapel. Father Lewis De Barth was first in charge as visitor, then Father Mathew Leken. In 1831 the church not yet completed; May 18th the building was struck by lightning. Father Michael Dougherty officiated alternately with Father Leken until 1843. From 1830 to 1851 Fathers Kendler, George Villiger, V. H. Barber and F. X. Denecker were the visiting priests. The new brick church on High Street was built in 1852. under the care of Father J. B. Cotting. At this time the Jesuits passed the church over to the Bishop of Philadelphia; then the pastor became a resi- dent of Gettysburg. Soon after the battle of Gettysburg, 1863, Rev. Joseph A. Boll was placed in charge, and he is the present pastor.

Methodist Episcopal Church (John Vrooman, pastor). - There were thirty members of this church in Gettysburg, in 1818. A small house on Baltimore Street was rented and Rev. Van Orsdel officiated, followed by Rev. Wesley Woods. The church was built on Middle Street in 1822. The rear portion of the lot was used as a burying ground until Evergreen Cemetery was made in 1854. A Sunday-school was started in 1826; Ezekiel Buckingham, superin- tendent and George Walsh, assistant. In 1835 a parsonage was purchased; this

J. W. C. Oneal

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was sold in 1856 and the present parsonage secured. The new church as it now stands was built in 1872.

Reformed Church .- This was organized and placed under the care of Rev. George Troldenier in the year 1790; at first in "an old log schoolhouse," and this being too small they held worship in the court house. They then united with the St. James Lutheran Church, and in 1814 the two erected the "Union Brick Church," on the corner of High and Stratton Streets. In 1515 Rev. John Runkle was in charge, succeeded by Dr. Schaff, and he by Dr. Harbaugh. To this time services were held in the German language. Rev. David Bossler was in charge for six years. Then the field was vacant two years, trying all the time to find a preacher who could preach alternately in German and English on a salary of $400. Finally Rev. B. S. Schneck was secured. The church was empty from 1835 to 1838. Rev. Samuel Gutelins then came and remained until 1843, when E. V. Gerhart came; then Rev. Jacob Zeigler. The congregation now purchased the St. James Lutheran interest in the church building. The building was enlarged and re-dedicated June, 1862. Rev. Bucher resigned in 1863, and Rev. Deatrich became pastor, and he was suc- ceeded by Rev. Dr. M. Kieffer.

SOCIETIES.

Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 200. F. & A. M., was instituted January 1, 1825. The original officers were Sampson S. King, W. M .; Robert Goodloe Harper, S. W. ; Thomas C. Reed. J. W .: George W. King, Sec. Charter mem- bers: Sampson S. King, Robert G. Harper, Thomas C. Reed, George W. King, Francis Leas, Thomas C. Miller. In 1832 the great wave of Thad. Stevens' anti- Masonic war struck this part of the country, and January 7 of that year the Good Samaritan Lodge suspended its meetings and surrendered its charter. Robert Goodloc Harper took charge of all the papers and carefully preserved them, say- ing to his brothers that he expected to live to reorganize the lodge and that it would grow strong and flourish. Time verified his fondest hopes. This anti-Masonic war was ephemeral it controlled one election. The lodge was revived and reorganized January 23, 1860, and then the number of the lodge was changed to 336, but no other change in name. The officers of the new organization were Robert Goodloe Harper. W. M .: Edward G. Fahnestock, S. W .; Henry B. Danner, J. W .; Joel B. Dannor, Treas .; William A. Dun- can, Sec. The charter members: Robert Goodloe Harper, Edward G. Fahne- stock, H. B. Danner, Joel B. Danner, William A. Duncan, Henry S. Benner, Samuel K. Foulk, John Geiselman. Present officers: John C. Felty, W. M .; W. H. Tipton, S. W .; Calvin Hamilton, J. W .; William T. Zeigler, Treas. ; Daniel A. Skelly, Sec. The present membership is seventy-one.

Masonic Chapter, F. & A. M., was organized March 23, 1886. Officers: Daniel A. Skelly, H. P .; H. D. Scott, K .; Winfield S. Shroder, S. : Henry S. Benner, Treas. ; Charles H. Ruff, Sec. The charter members: Charles P. Gettier, W. D. Holtzworth, Daniel A. Skelly, Hugh D. Scott, Charles H. Ruff, Winfield Shroder, Hanson P. Mark, W. T. Zeigler, Henry S. Benner.

Cayugas Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, No. 31, was organized June 25, 1854. The present officers: F. M. Garlach, Sachem; Peter Thorn, Sr., Sagamore; E. K. Culp, Jr. Sagamore; C. H. Stallsmith, C. of R .; William N. Miller, Asst. C. of R .; D. Kitzmiller, K. of W. Trustees: T. J. Stahle, J. W. Flaharty, C. B. Shields. The charter members: John L. Holtz- worth, W. B. Wank, Samuel Weaver, Obidiah Beard, Henry Hughes, Thomas F. Frazier, S. W. Kale, Michael Meals, John Peter Hoffman, J. H. Skelly,

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Henry G. Karr, B. G. Hallebaugh, Jesse Ebert, William Trickel, Thomas Warren, Augustus Schwartz, Nicholas Weaver, Jacob Rinehart, James W. Shultz, James N. Shruekhise. John J. Burbell, T. T. Titus, John Sellers, Isaac Heitshue, Henry G. Wolf, Dr. J. L. Hill, G. A. Long. The officers of the original organization were John Burbell, Sachem; Henry G. Cave, Sr. Sagamore; John L. Holtzworth, Jr. Sagamore; Henry G. Wolf, C. of R .; Samuel Weaver, K. of W.

I. O. O. F .- Present officers: J. H. Fleming, N. G .; Robert D. Armor, V. G .: Charles H. Ruff, Sec .; William C. Stallsmith, Asst. Sec .; J. L. Shick, Treas. Trustees: Robert D. Armor, Jeremiah Culp, W. T. Zeigler.

Union Encampment was instituted October 3, 1857. First members C. H. Buehler, J. H. Culp, G. W. Stover, N. Weaver, J. L. Shick. Officers at the organization: J. L. Hill, C. P .; William B. Meals, J. W .; John Winebren- ner, S. W .; Robert D. Armor, H. P .; Charles X. Martin, Sec. ; John Rupp, Treas. Present officers: W. N. Miller, C. P .; Charles Zeigler, S. W .; W. C. Stallsmith, S .; David Kitzmiller, Treas .; Robert D. Armor, H. P. The I. O. O. F. lodge was instituted August 18, 1845. The officers first installed were W. P. Bell, N. G .; John G. Baker, V. G .; George W. Bowen, S .; Robert D. Armor, A. S .; Samuel Yingling, Treas.

Corporal Skelly Post No. 9, Department of Pennsylvania G. A. R., of Gettysburg, was among the first posts organized in Pennsylvania. It was named in honor of Corp. Johnston H. Skelly, of Company F, Eighty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, who was wounded at the battle of Carter's Woods, near Winchester, Va., on the 15th of June, 1863, and died in the hospital at Winchester on the 12th of July, 1863. The first organization did not exist very long, owing to political dissensions in the post, and the charter was surrendered. In September, 1872, the post was reorganized with its original name and number, but did not increase in mem- bership very fast (having only about forty-five members) until the year 1879, when the prejudices which had existed for some time in this locality against the G. A. R. were removed and applicants began to come in very fast for admit- tance to the order, and the membership was increased until the present time (1886) it numbers 103 members. After its reorganization the post held its meetings in the three-story building nearly opposite the court house until March, 1880, when the members purchased the old Methodist Church on East Middle Street, which was remodeled and fitted up for a post room. the walls of which are all hung with fine pictures, comprising battle scenes, views of dif- ferent battle fields, photographs of members of the post, and votes of thanks from the department of Pennsylvania G. A. R., and different posts of this and other States. The post owns a very fine collection of relics gathered from Gettysburg, and other battle fields. The commander's pedestal is made from a section of a hickory tree cut along the bank of Willoughby's Run (the scene of the first day's battle of Gettysburg). with a Hotchkiss shell stick- ing in the center of it, and the top is a piece of dressed granite from the woods in front of Round Top. Another relic in the post room is a small can- non, weighing 150 pounds, with one and one-half inch bore, made from one of the guns of Henry's North Carolina rebel batteries, which exploded during the battle of Gettysburg in front of Round Top. The post also owns the chair belonging to Gen. Ewell, and which he left in his hurry to get away from Gettys- burg. It was presented to the post by a former citizen of the town, Hiram Warren (deceased). The following are the names of the post commanders: Rev. Jesse B. Young, N. G. Wilson, Robert Bell, Theodore C. Norris, J. W. Cress, S. R. Andrews, J. Jefferson Myers, H. S. Buehler, C. E. Armor, Will- iam E. Culp, John Orr. J. E. Wible, William T. Ziegler, S. H. Eicholtz, W. H. H. Pierce, William D. Holtzworth and J. H. Skelly. The following are

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BOROUGH OF GETTYSBURG.

the officers of the Post for ISSO: Com. A. M. Detrick: S. V. C., H. W. Light- ner: J. V. C., John G. Frey; Adjt., Thad. L. Welty: Q. M., N. G. Wilson; Surgeon, C. E. Goldsborongh; Chaplain. Rov. H. W. McKnight; O. D .. W. T. Zeigler: O. G .. H. S. Buehler; S. M., William H. Rupp; Q. M. S., J. E. Wible: O. S., J. H. Sheads; Trustees, R. E. Culp, C. Hamilton, Robert Bell.

The Phrenakosmian Society of Pennsylvania College .*- February 4, 1831, the students of the Gettysburg Gymnasium were called together to take meas- ures for the formation of literary societies. Profs. J. Marsden and M. Jacobs addressed them on the subject. The roll was then divided, and the first half became the founders of the Phrenakosmian Society. They numbered eighteen. Prof. Marsden presided over the first meeting. Two weeks later, Friday evening, February IS, the second meeting was held, at which the constitution was adopted. J. C. Hope was elected the first archon. The records show that at least six different constitutions have been adopted and enforced.

The library connected with the society was founded by a resolution of April 15, 1831, Harper's library being purchased as the nucleus. The library, consisting now of nearly 6,000 books, occupies one of the large rooms on the fourth floor of the present college building. The society has accumulated a fund, the interest of which is spent in the purchase of books. October 30, 1867. Mr. Manges moved that a committee be appointed to consider the ex- pediency of providing a reading room. The project met the approval of the society, and the reading room was opened at the beginning of the next session. The periodicals subscribed for are designated by a vote of the society. A num- ber is furnished gratuitously.

Since 1868 public exercises have been held every alternate year, on Feb- ruary 22. Several literary contests have been held with the sister society, the Philomathæan. The society has published two catalogues, one in 1846 and another in 1853. Were one to be issued now (1586) it would record over 1,200 names of those who are or have been active members. [Communicated.]

A NATIONAL RESORT.

The fame of Gettysburg is now spread all over the civilized world. Here is the historic battle-field of centuries, the magnificent National Cemetery, and its grounds and splendid avenues now being lined with battle field monuments that record in granite the position of the different commands in the battle; the park on Little Round Top; the lovely landscape; the quiet and picturesque, blue, distant, sweeping hills; the neat, cleanly, solidly built town; the clean paved streets; the smooth, wide sidewalks; the shade trees throwing their grateful shade along the streets; the broad avenues; the reposing landscapes: the exhaustless supply of pure, sweet water; its hotels and business houses and the many elegant and spacious mansions; and then in the suburbs the Katal- zine Medical Springs and the summer hotel by them, all go to make this one of the most inviting places to the tourist and the oppressed in the great citios, and pleasure seekers in the world. The air, the water. the scenery in its sweet and reposing splendors; the old and elegant institutions of learning, both literary and theological: the quiet and pleasant manners of the people, their refinement and culture and open frankness and true hospitality to the visitors and strangers, are the "open sesame" to the hearts of all comers to this rapidly, becoming National Mecca, for the patriotic veterans of the late war as well as the favorite resort to all.

To the writer of these lines the recollections of Gettysburg will, while he lives, linger as one of the most vivid and pleasant pictures in his pathway of life.

*The facts are mostly taken from "the Pennsylvania College Book."

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXVI.

PHYSICIANS-OF THE EARLIEST OF WHOM TRADITION IS AT FAULT-PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN EARLY DAYS-EARLY PHYSICIANS-ADAMS COUNTY MEDI- CAL SOCIETY-PRESENT LICENSED PRACTITIONERS.

THE gifted poet-philosopher made some desultory remarks about "minister- ing to a mind diseased," and answering his own question exclaimed in dis- gust, "throw physic to the dogs." That will do for a strong man in prime health, but upon the ears of the poor invalid it would fall less heeded than the idle winds. In the olden time the intensity of religions faith deemed it enough, in fact, the be all and the end all, to minister to the poor, sick souls of men, and they looked with contempt upon what they regarded as wicked attempts to doctor the body. It was but the vile vessel, doomed for a few brief days to bear in this vile and troublous world the immortal soul, to coffin and confine its impatient wings in its eager anxiety for its flight to the bosom of the blessed God and the endless and infinite joys of heaven.

Of the earliest immigrants here tradition is wholly at fault as to how or who ministered to the sick and afflicted. Had we even the most shadowy tradi- tions to seize upon, we might construct a fair and reasonable story as to the manner of those early times in this respect, and do this, too, with no great fears as to the assertions we might make being authoritatively contradicted. Alas! no physician of a century ago, or three-quarters of a century, or fifty years ago, jotted down in his journal of recollections his knowledge and the traditions that had come to him of his predecessors in his profession; who they were, how they plied their trade, and other items of interest that would now be a store-house of wonderfully interesting information to us. Confronted as we now are with this painful omission of our ancestors, the lesson loudly calls upon the young men of to-day, of every profession, every guild, trade and occupation to keep a handy diary, where details and daily facts may be transmitted to far future generations. Young man, it is an easy road to immortality-to build- ing of your own monument that will endure beyond the bronze or the hardest granite!

There must have been a generation of people here who were practically without any scientific medical aids in combating the " ills that flesh is heir to " in all newly-settled countries. The work-a-day mothers, the kindly-faced old grandmothers nursed the sick and ministered to the sufferers those simple re- medies that they had learned of, that were gathered from the forests, the fields and the gardens. True, their knowledge of diseases and remedies were very limited, but they ventured upon no experiments of a heroic kind, and merely tried to gently assist nature in efforts at a cure. The priestly office in those days was esteemed a source of nearly infinite wisdom, especially if the reverend could gibber words in Greek and Latin. Doubtless these learned pundits were often impressed to prescribe for the body as well as pray for the soul. Then, there were the faith doctors, and then, too, as now, were the ever-living and ubiquitous quacks-arrant humbugs-a prolific race, tenacions of life, plying their nefarious trade and peopling the silent city of the dead. We all abuse these poor despised shams and dishonest frauds-tampering for gain with that most precious boon-health and life-and yet are we not nearly all more or

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MEDICAL.

less guilty; that is, are we not a race, nation and people of empires-looking only upon the one side with a dull and dim vision in all the affairs of life, and, as we are told, the yet more important, because eternal, concerns beyond the grave ?

What seienee and almost all the art of medicine and surgery we have are the discoveries and inventions of the present century. Look at the improve- ment in the treatment and cure of our insane, the cleaning and drainage of our cities, the healthful comforts added to our houses and homes, the understand- ing and proper preparation of our food, the intelligent battle we can now make against epidemies! In short, we have performed what at one time could have only been done by a miracle-prolonged the average life of a generation ten years. What else has the human race done that can be compared to this? Think of it, reader. Here is a suggestion that may lead the intelligent mind to the contemplation of the most instructive and interesting subjects it is possible to place before it.

The beginning of this eentury found Dr. John Agnew a practicing physi- eian in Gettysburg. The Agnews were a very prominent family long prior to the Revolution, and in that war the different members made the name historic. Dr. Agnew would have made his name illustrious in any age or among any peo- ple. An industrious and patient investigator, with a strong, active brain and a stont heart. he walked life's path single-handed, and boldly pursued new aven- nes of knowledge and thought out many of the intricate problems of life. The people of his time, of course, could have but small appreciation of his worth to them and mankind. In the very early part of this century he wrote and pub lished a most valuable paper on vaccination, the first thing of the kind ever published in this country. We are informed that the State Medical Society, at one of its meetings a few years ago, learned something of this historieal in- cident of Dr. Agnew's article, and eventually sent one of its members to Get- tysburg in the hope of finding the publication, but failed to secure it. The writer of these lines found it in the early files of Harper's paper, the Centinel, now in the Star and Sentinel office.

The commencement of the nineteenth century found here, practicing his profession. Dr. William H. Crawford, a man of great and varied abilities. His aet- ive and brilliant intellect made him, at an early period of his life, pre-eminent among men, and he wrought out by the sheer force of his own genius a national and lasting fame. A born leader of men, and whether in the science and prac- tiee of medicine, a law-maker in the halls of Congress, on the stump or in the forum as a statesman or orator, or wielding his pointed and trenehant pen, he found few equals in his day among the world's greatest men, and no superiors. A tolerably complete account of Dr Crawford may be found in another part of this work.

Dr. John Runkle was a native of Maryland, born in 1786, a son of Rev. John William Runkle, of the Palatinate, Germany, who lived to the age of eighty-four years and died in 1832. Dr. John Runkle studied theology for a time, but nature's impulses turned his attention to the study of medi- eine. He was great enough in his profession to impress his life upon his age, and there has been handed down to the present generation even the glow- ing accounts of his great worth as a physician, as a fellow-citizen, as a guide, counselor and friend to his neighbors and widely extended list of patients. In the biographical portion of this work will be found an extended sketch of Dr. Runkle.

Dr. John B. Arnold was born in Connecticut in 1775, and died in 1822. He was in early life a graduate of medicine, and came to Adams County before the end of the last century. (See his biographical sketch. )

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Dr. James Hamilton was among the early educated and able physicians in this county. He was a Southern man by birth; had received a good education both in the literary and medical schools. A man of dignified and gentlemanly deportment, of a high sense of honor, he was greatly respected and beloved by all our people. He lived in this county nearly fifty years. He came here with ample means, and invested largely in lands in the Piney Mountain region, and instead of this making him money it impoverished him, and in his old days, when too feeble longer to practice his profession he died in the extremes of poverty about the year 1825.

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Author: Publication date: Publisher: W. Taylor Number of Pages: 1280

Author:
Publication date:
Publisher: W. Taylor
Number of Pages: 1280