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 48

Author:
Publication date:
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 48
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 48

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).

The boys' branch was organized as a part of the association, which, in a short time, numbered forty members. Also the ladies' auxillary society was organized as part of the association. August 13, 1883, the association moved into Marion Hall building, on West High street, using the parlors on the first floor for daily and evening reading-rooms, and having control of the halls and rooms on the second floor front, also the large back building and spacious yard. Mr. D. D. Thompson was elected president of the association for the year 1884. In November, 1884, Prof. J. A. McKnight, the general secretary, was called to the Allentown Association, when Mr. F. M. Welsh, of Philadel- phia, acted as general secretary for the Carlisle Association, until July, 1885, when J. F. Mohler, of Carlisle, served as general secretary until the following October, when Mr. A. B. Paul, assistant secretary of Columbus (Ohio) Associa-

2.17

BOROUGH OF CARLISLE.

tion, was called to fill the position, and is goneral secretary at the present time. Mr. John C. Eekels, Jr., served us president of the association for the year 1SS5, when his successor, Dr. George Neidich, was called to the chair for the year ISSB. The membership of the association has varied at different times throughout its history, numbering from thirty to sixty, while ut the present writing it numbers 165, active, associate and sustaining. A decided step in advance was taken when the association employed a general secretary for the supervision of the work. Religious meetings are held for young men only on Sabbath afternoons, with an average attendance of thirty. A class for Bible study on Tuesday evenings. A meeting for boys semi-monthly on Friday evenings, when they are provided with practical talks, wonder lectures and entertainments. At stated times public receptions are held at the rooms for members and contributors, for clerks and mechanies, and during the winter of 1855-56 a course of lectures and entertainments was arranged for the public, which have given great satisfaction. The association, in its present appoint- ment, is meeting the demands needed for the work among the youth and young men of the community. (Communicated.)

Temperance Societies. - The subject of temperance received early attention in Cumberland County. As early as 1829 a society, pledging its members to total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks, was formed in Carlisle, the first of the kind in the county. Distilleries were regarded then as legitimately necessary business enterprises, and the drinking of ardent spirits was not only approved by society, but a failure to do so was looked upon with disfavor. It may well be conjectured that moral heroism was required to join a total ab- stinence temperance organization at that time, when the Cumberland Valley had some eighty distilleries.

But the cause of temperance grew, and with it a public conscience on the subject. Men of position finally gave it their sanction and influence. Organ- izations in various parts of the county sprang up, whose meetings were largely attended. On Christmas Day, 1835, the annual meeting of a county organiza- tion was held, at which sueh men as Rev. Dr. Durbin, of Dickinson College, and John Reed. president-judge of the court of common pleas, participated, and succeeded in passing the following resolution: "Resolved, That the cause of temperance is the cause of humanity, of philanthropy and of religion; and that all laws licensing or in any way recognizing the traffic in, or sale of, ar- dent spirits, are erroneous in principle and injurious in practice."

Temperance has an unceasing warfare to wage. The conflict between the stomach and the brain is a severe one; and with the unthinking, who seek pres- ent gratification at the expense of personal and society welfare, victory usually declares in favor of the stomach. Hence the beneficent results expected by temperance advocates have not always been fully realized.

St. John's Commandery, No. 8. M. K. T. Number of present members, seventy-nine. Names of present officers: Rev. Jeremiah M. Carvell, E. C .; Samuel R. Cloudy, Genlo. : William R. Bailie. Capt. Gen. ; Joshua P. Bitler, Treas .; John G. Bobb, Recorder.

St. John's Chapter, No. 171, R. A. M., organized August, 1853. Charter members: Dr. Charles E. Blumenthal, John Hyer, Dr. George Z. Bretz, Dr. O. H. Tiffany, John Gutshall, James M. Allen. S. M. L. Consor, Ephriam Cornman. George Weise. Present number of members, sixty seven. Present officers: Charles W. Strohm, M. E. H. P .; Rev. Jeremiah M. Carvell, K. ; Edward J. Gardner. S. : John Hver, Treasurer; John G. Bobb, Secretary.

Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197, F. & A. M., organized November 6. 1824. Charter members: Willis Foulk, George Patterson, Jr., and John Lease. Pres-

248

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

ent membership, ninety. Present officers: Niles M. Fissel, W. M .; E. J. Gardner, S. W .; John Olliver, J. W .; W. Vance, Treasurer; Theodore Corn- man, Secretary.

St. John's Lodge, No. 260, F. & A. M. Organized April, 1852. Charter members: Dr. Blumenthal, John Hyer, Dr. Geo. L. Bretz, Dr. O. H. Tiffany, R. K. Burns, Michael G. Ege, Rev. Herman M. Johnson, William J. Collisshaw, H. J. Meck. Present number of members, eighty-two. Present officers: Chas. W. Strohm, W. M .; John A. Means, S. W .; Joseph L. Herman, J. W .; William H. Bretz, Treasurer; John G. Bobb, Secretary.

Carlisle Lodge, No. 91, I. O. O. F. Instituted December 22, 1843. Char- ter members: Edward P. Lyons, N. G .; Holmes Fernald, V. G .; Thomas Con- lyn, Sec. ; John C. Williams, Ass't Sec .; Peter Monyer, Treas. Present num- ber of members, 119. Present officers: J. H. Gardner, N. G .; Dr. I. M. Bentz. V. G .; Theodore Cornman, Sec .; H. G. Beetem, Ass't Sec .; Robert Sheatfer, Treas.

Conodoguinet Tribe, No. 108, I. O. R. M. Established September 27, 1868. Charter members: F. C. Kramer, C. C. Faber, Levi Leeds, John Yaiser, L. Leidig, John Liszman, H. Gotverth, Wm. Elmer, P. Liszman, Peter Miller, John Doner, A. More, H. Linekhul, Fred A. Chel. Number of present mem- bers, 55. Present officers: Harry G. Beetem. P .; Louis Klucker, S .; J. R. Brown, S. S .; Charles Faber, J. S .; A. B. Ewing, K. of W .; C. C. Faber, C. of R.

Knights of the Golden Eagle, Carlisle Castle, No. 110. Instituted in July, 1886. Present membership, 75. Present officers: J. E. Barnitz, N. C .; O. F. Conly, V. C .; William Vance, P. C .; - Weltzel, H. P.

Patriotic Order Sons of America, Washington Camp, No. 171, was chartered June 18, 1886, with 43 names.

Sons of Veterans, Captain Beatty Camp, No. 35, was instituted January 30, 1883.

There was also instituted, in October, 1SS5, for social and insurance bene- fits, the Improved Order of Heptasophs.

CONCLUSION.

We have given briefly, in the foregoing pages, a general outline of the his- tory of this old and historic borough. The town, until of late years, has been noted principally, not as a mercantile or manufacturing center, but as a place of homes. In it there are many handsome residences, built by those who have left the more busy scenes of active life, or those who have al- ways lived retired lives, withdrawn, in a measure, from the tumult of the world. Its capital has often been idle, and it has been conservative in its business interests. On the other hand, the beneficial influences of its in- stitutions of learning are clearly perceptible, while the social atmosphere of the place, although much changed since the days when it was a military post, makes it still a distinctive town in the Valley in this respect

219

BOROUGHI OF MECHANICSBURG.

CHAPTER XVII.

BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG.

ITS BEGINNING-GROWTH-WILLIAM ARMSTRONG -POPULATION-WAR OF THE REBELLION SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES-CHURCHES-NEWSPA . PERS-PUBLIC HALL AND MARKET HOUSE-BANKING INSTITUTIONS-GAS AND WATER COMPANY-SOCIETIES-CONCLUSION.

M "ECHANICSBURG is the second town in population and importance iu L. the county. It lies almost midway between Carlisle and Harrisburg, on the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and almost midway between the mountains north and south. in a rich and prodnetive portion of the valley.

It dates its early history as a settlement, from nearly the beginning of the present century. In 1790 the woods or underbrush grew where the town now stands, and the deer and other animals could be seen. About this time, or shortly afterward, there were two houses built at what are now opposite ends of the town; the lower one an inn, built by one Frankenberger, and the upper one by some one now unknown. Even as late as 1806 the greater part of the site of the town was covered with underbrush or woods. A " few strag- ling houses were to be seen," of which only one or two remained in 1846.

Considering the date of the formation of the county, the town is therefore of comparatively recent origin. Its beginning was unpretentious. The first brick house was not built until after the war of 1512. This was a house built about 1516, in the western portion of the town, by Lewis Zearing.

For some time after the settlement, which had begun in 1805 or 1806, the place was known as Drytown, owing to the great scarcity, at times, of water, and as Stoufferstown after Henry Stouffer, who owned the land in what became after- ward, the central portion of the town. The houses which existed up to 1820, had been built before any lots were regularly laid out and we have no evidence to show that the place was known as Mechanicsburg prior to this time. Up to this year. 1520, the number of houses, we are told, had increased to twenty-five or thirty: but about this time, or in the succeeding year, a number of lots were laid out in the eastern portion of what is now the town. upon which some six or eight houses were soon afterward erected. In 1828. Henry Stouffer laid out some lots upon his land in the central part of the town, and a number of dwellings were erected. In April (25th) of this year, it was incorporated as a borough, and a new impetus was given to the place. From this time it grew rapidly. Within the next three years some twenty or thirty houses were put up. In December, 1831. Maj. Henry Lease and David Brenizer bought eight or ten acres of land. on the south side of Main Street, from George Stein- bring, which they laid out in lots.

From that time forward, for the next fif- teen years, the town gradually increased, until in the year 1845, it had, accord- ing to the description given of it by " Rupp." 133 comfortable dwellings, 11 of brick. 67 frame, 35 plastered: 4 churches: a Union, Methodist, Lutheran and Bethel; a commodious schoolhouse, in which three public schools were taught; 3 taverns; 3 warehouses on the railroad; a foundry and machine shop; a num- ber of mechanics' shops and of mercantile houses, and a population rising to 800. After its incorporation in 1528, a burgess and town council were elected.

250

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

This was on the 16th of May. Henry Ford was the first burgess and Lewis Zearing the first president of the town council.

Nine years later (1837) the Cumberland Valley Railroad was finished through the town, and opened for travel and transportation, thus giving to it increased facilities for future growth. For a quarter of a century after its in- corporation the town steadily improved, and from 1853 to the breaking ont of the Rebellion, its progress was still more marked, both in population and in material development. During this period several new churches were erected, Cumberland Valley Institute and Irving Female College were built, two or three forwarding houses, a new town hall and engine house, and a large num- ber of dwelling houses were put up, all adding greatly to the appearance and prosperity of the town. During the period of the war there was but little improvement, but after it was over the town started on what seemed to be an unexampled period of prosperity. Houses sprang up as if by magic, and the borough was extended. In one summer alone not less than 120 houses were erected, mostly by men of moderate means. Mechanics- burg threatened to outstrip her sister towns. But this period of rapid devel- opment was of short duration. She had grown too rapidly, and a reaction came. This, however, lasted only for a few years, since which time the town has continued steadily to improve. Within the last ten years new streets have been added, and many handsome residences and villas have been erected. Particularly is this true of the east and west ends, and the southern side of the town, where its rapid improvement has been most marked. The whole new portion of the town, south of Simpson Street, has been built up within the last quarter of a century, and many of the handsomest residences in Mechanics- burg have been erected within the last few years.

POPULATION.

The total population of Mechanicsburg, in the different years here given, was as follows: 1830, 554; 1840, 670; 1850, 882; 1860, 1,939; 1870, 2,569 ; 1881, 3,018.

In 1876 the population, in detail, was as follows: White male adults. 719; white female adults, 947; white male children, 645; white female children, 645; colored male adults, 29; colored female adults, 39; colored male chil- dren, 27; colored female children, 30. Total, 3,081.

WILLIAM ARMSTRONG.

In June, 1879, Mechanicsburg lost its oldest citizen in the death of Will- iam Armstrong. He was a native of the northern portion of Ireland, born April 6, 1779. When but three years of age his parents immigrated to this country, landing at Philadelphia, and taking up their residence at Harrisburg, in 1783, then but a small village. About the year 1792 Mr. Armstrong was indentured to Robert Harris, a grandson of John Harris, the founder of Har- risburg, and with whom he lived until he was about nineteen years of age, when he took French leave and landed in Carlisle, where he was soon after- ward discovered by Mr. Harris, who used every effort to have him return with him to his old home, but without avail; so, for a valuable consideration, $40, Mr. Harris released the indentured lad, and "Uncle Billy" was a free man. Whilst in the service of Mr. Harris, Mr. Armstrong, in 1794, then but a lad of fifteen years, witnessed the father of his adopted country, George Washington, crossing the Susquehanna on his way to the western portion of the State, with a force of men to quell the Whiskey Insurrection that occurred in that year. Mr. Armstrong was married by the rector of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Carlisle, and soon after (1812) enlisted in the Carlisle Guards. He met

251

BOROUGHI OF MECHANICSBURG.

Kossuth, the Hungarian refugee, and heartily shook hands with the exiled patriot. In 1553 he came to Mechanicsburg and took up his residence with his nephew. Robert Wilson, and with him continued to live till his death, which occurred June 20, 1979, at the patriarchal age of one hundred years, two months and fourteen days. The deceased was never sick during his century of years, his death being the result, not of disease but old age. Ho was buried in the Trindle Spring grave- yard with the honors of war.

WAR OF THE REBELLION.

Mechanicsburg contributed many brave soldiers to the war of the Rebellion, and was among the towns of the valley invaded by the Confederate forces in 1863. Some 1,200 or 1,500 of Jenkins' cavalry entered the town at about 9:30 o'clock on Sunday morning on the 28th of June. They came in with a flag of truce, which is explained by stating that they mistook Chestnut Hill, where the new cemetery had just been laid out, for a fortitication, and that they supposed Union troops were near. They soon found to the contrary; captured the flag that had been floating in the center of the town, which had been taken down and concealed; when they encamped below the town, the General making his headquarters at the Railroad Hotel. They then demanded rations, which were granted, and after having remained for about three days as uninvited guests they departed, without having done any injury either to individuals or property. By Wednesday morning on the Ist of July, the town was clear of the last band of Confederate troops, who went thence to Gettysburg.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES.

Mechanicsburg has twelve public schools, systematically graded, which are under the control of a competent body of directors. The schools are in build- ings comparatively new, and are well furnished with all modern appliances. Besides the public schools, Mechanicsburg had, until within a few years, two other edneational institutions-the Cumberland Valley Institute at the upper, and the Irving Female College at the lower end of the town. A brief history of them is as follows: Some time prior to 1553 a select school was opened by Mr. F. M. L. Gillelen, which passed into the hands of Rev. Joseph S. Loose, A. M., who removed it, in 1853, to a building erected for that purpose, which has since been known as the Cumberland Valley Institute. In 1857 it passed into the hands of Prof. I. D. Rupp, of local historie fame, and in 1855 into the possession of Messrs. Lippincott. Mullen and Reese, who conducted it until 1860, when it was purchased by Rev. O. Ege, who, in connection with his son. Alexander Ege, and several adjunct professors, conducted it until 1875. since which time it has not been open for the reception of students.

Irving Female College, situated at Irvington. a name given to the eastern end of the town, was founded by Solomon P. Gorgas, and incorporated as a college by an act of the Legislature in 1857. Its first principal was Rev. . 1. G. Marlatt, under whose management this institution for the education of young women attained considerable popularity and influence. At his death. in 1565, it passed into the hands of Rev. T. P. Ege, who conducted it until within the past few years, when, owing to the gradual diminution of patronage or want of financial support, the college was closed.

CHURCHES.

The churches of Mechanicsburg. ten in number. are as follows: Methodist Episcopal. Presbyterian. Reformed. St. Luke's Lutheran. Trinity Intheran, United Brethren. Bethel. African Methodist Episcopal Zion, the ohl Union Church and a handsome Episcopal Chapel in the new portion of the town.

252

HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

NEWSPAPERS.

There have been a number of newspapers published in Mechanicsburg, an account of which will be found elsewhere.

" The Microcosm," started by Dr. Jacob Weaver, in 1835, was the first pa- per published in the town. The Independent Journal, which was created by consolidation of The Valley Democrat and The Cumberland Valley Journal, by Robt. H. Thomas, in October, 1872, is the paper still in existence, and still edited by Mr. Thomas, who has also since (January, 1873) established the Farmer's Friend. As Mr. Thomas is the Principal founder of the State Grange of Pennsylvania he has made this paper the month-piece of that prominent organization. The Salurday Evening Journal, a small local sheet, is also pub- lished in the Independent Journal office, and furnished gratuitously to the sub- scribers of the latter paper.

PUBLIC HALL AND MARKET HOUSE.

Franklin Hall and Market House, on the Public Square, at the corner of Market and Main Streets, is a three-story brick edifice, surmounted by a tower and town clock. The building was begun in 1866 and completed in 1867. The hall was formally dedicated by a soiree under the auspices of Irving Female College, on the evening of December 24, 1866. The third story of the main building is used as a Masonic Hall; the second floor is the hall proper, with a seating capacity for 600 persons; while the side and the two-story rear extension on Market Street, are occupied by stores and the commodious market house. The first market in this building was held on the 3d of November, 1866.

BANKING INSTITUTIONS.

The first bank in Mechanicsburg was started in 1859 by Levi Merkel, Jacob Mumma and others, transacting business under the title of Merkle, Mumma & Co. This institution was incorporated by the Legislature in 1861 as the "Mechanicsburg Bank," and, a few years later, when the National banking system was inaugurated, it applied for and obtained a charter, in March, 1864, as "The First National Bank." under which title it commenced business in May following, with a capital of $100,000. Its first president was S. P. Gorgas; cashier, A. C. Brindle. It now occupies a handsome brick and brownstone building on West Main Street.

The Second National Bank was organized under the United States banking law. February 20, 1863, with a capital of $50,000. Thomas B. Bryson was its first president, and Levi Kauffman its first cashier. Both of the above banks have been successfully conducted and have been of great benefit to the business interests of the town.

GAS AND WATER COMPANY.

Mechanicsburg was first lighted with gas in September, 1868. The gas works are owned by an incorporated company, and are situated at the eastern limits of the borongh. The town is also well supplied with water, from a res- ervoir located in Upper Allen Township. Both the gas and water are under the control of the same "Gas and Water Company," which was chartered in 1854. The water works were built in 1856.

SOCIETIES.

Eureka Chapter, No. 209, R. A. M., was organized July 3, 1866, with the following charter members: Robert H. Thomas, Samuel N. Eminger and George K. Mooney. Number of members, about thirty five. Present officers: Josiah P. Wilbar, H. P .: J. Morris Miller, K .; Robert H. Thomas, Jr., S .; E. Rankin Huston, Treas. ; George Bobb, Sec.

Peter A. Ahl

255

BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG.

Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M., had its charter granted June 16, 1856. First officers: John Palmer, W. M .; Ira Day (now deceased), S. W .; Jacob Dorsheimer (now deceased), J. W. Number of members about 106. Present officers: Levere G. Firestine, W. M .; A. J. Loudon, S. W .; H. S. Mohler, J. W ; J. C. Miller, See. ; S. F. Houston, Treas.

Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., was organized December 21, 1848. Its first officers were Isaac Kinsey, N. G. ; John Palmer, V. G. ; Henry Carus, S. ; John Emminger, A. S. ; Samuel Eckels. T. Number of members, ninety-eight. The present officers are Martin Milleisen, N. G. ; Thos. M. Mank. V. N. G .; S. S. Diehl, T .; R. Senseman, S.

Wildey Encampment. No. 29, I. O. O. F., was organized at Carlisle, and a new charter obtained July 11, 1878, Geo. Bobb, John Webbert, J. A. Sibbet, Jos. Totton, Reuben Senseman, S. B. King, Christian Swartz and Simon S. Diehl being petitioners. Number of members, twenty-nine. The present officers are John Webbert, C. P .; W. H. Hench. H. P .; W. B. Railing, S. W .: J. N. Young, J. W .: R. Senseman, S. ; S. S. Diehl, T.

Melita Lodge, No. 83. K. of P., obtainel its charter June 4, 1868, charter members being. F. F. Singiser, William Matthews, J. S. Shopp, William Y. Johnson, J. R. West. D. H. Westfall, G. K. Mooney, George W. Titzell, and Henry F. Geyer. Has a membership of about seventy-five. Present officers are S. R. Miller, C. C. ; Samuel Landis, V. C. C .; Samuel Kline, K. of R. & S. : G. S. Markley. M. of F. ; Martin Arnold, M. of E.

Washington Camp of Patriotic Sons of America, No. 164, was organized June 5, 1572, the first officers being P. P., A. Z. Hade; P., P. B. Grable; MI. of F. & C., J. J. Miller; Sec., S. J. Mountz; Treas., George W. Singiser. Number of members September 17, 1SS6, 106. Present officers are P. P., L. W. Pierce; P., W. M. Koller; V. P., H. R. Bowman; M. of F. & C., E. C. Rupp; Sec., E. C. Gardner; Treas., J. A. Hutton. (D. H. Barnhill of this camp is District President. )

Order of U. A. Mechanics, Integrity Council, No. 197, was organized March 18, 1869. Number of members, about eighty- three. Officers: E. E. Mountz, S. ex . C .; Daniel White, J. ex.C. ; Henry Schriver. Councilor; S. A. King. V. Coun- cilor: E. C. Gardner, Rec. Sec. ; F. P. Hall, F. Sec. ; S. M. Wagoner, Treas.

Knights of the Golden Eagle, Cumberland Valley Castle, No. 109, was or- ganized July 3, 1886; membership ab ont 100. Officers are H. H. Mercer, N. C .; T. MI. Mauk, V. N. C .; Israel Flohr, P. C .; W. H. Coover, K. of E .; George Hullinger, C. of E. ; John Felker, M. of R.

There have also been organized, for social and insurance benefits, Royal Arcanum and Improred Order of Heptasophs.

Allen & East Pennsborough Society for the Recovery of Stolen Horses and Mules and the Detection of Thieres, was originally organized October 22, 1836; revised and adopted June 7, 1554, and again January 7. 1565, and again Feb- uary 22, 1573, and again February 22, 1886. Chartered November 14, 1870. To Dr. J. F. Sta liger belongs the credit of bringing together a number of the citizens of Allen and East Pennsborough Townships, at the public house of Frederick Kuster, in Shiremanstown, on the 21th day of September, 1836. The stealing of horses having become frequent, and the ordinary protection found insufficient, the community. impressed with these facts, met to form an association for mutual defense and assistance. Daniel Sherban was appointed president, and Levi Merkel, secretary of this meeting. A committee was ap- pointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, consisting of Dr. J. L. Stadiger, Levi Merkel and William R. Gorgas. met October 26, 1936. agreeable to ad journment, at the house of Frederick Kuster, in Shiremanstown. Christian

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.

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

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