USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania > Part 36
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HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
township, which are given under the head of Londonderry, were from now Derry township. The reference to the reformation of the two townships explains this matter :
1759. Constable .- John Ree. 1768. Constable .- Robert Walker. Overseers of Poor .- David Ree, Adam Baum. Overseers of Poor .- Robert Allison, Stophel Shoop. Overseers of Roads .- Hugh Hays, James Forster. Overseers of Roads .- Adam Haymaker, William Mc-
1760. Constable .- James Russell. Overseers of Poor .- Moses Potts, David Johnston.
Overseers of Roads .- James Shaw, John Tanner.
1761. Constable .- Christian Snider. Overseers of Poor .- John Meban, John Logan. Overseers of Roads .- James Campbell, Adam Baum.
1762. Constable .- Patrick Kelly. Overseers of Poor .- Charles Clark, Robert McKee. Overseers of Roads .- John Tanner, John Mabin.
1763. Constable .- John Long. Overseers of Poor. - John Campbell, Joseph Candor. Overseers of Roads .- John Campbell, Martin Brand. 1764. Constable .- John Tanner. Overseers of Poor .- William Willson, William Sterrett. Overseers of Roads .- Mat- thew Laird, Christly Sny- der.
1765. Constable .- James Foster. Overseers of Poor .- Matthew Laird, Robert McCallen. Overseers of Roads .- William Willson, Stophel Shoupe. 1766. Constable .- Adam Baum. Overseers of Poor .- John Walker, Sr., Frederick Humble.
Overseers of Roads .- William Boyd, Robert McKee.
1767. Constable .- John Fleeman. Overseers of Poor .- Andrew Shridley, William Sawyer. Overseers of Roads .- Joseph Candor, William Moore.
Clinket.
1769. Constable .- Robert Walker. Overseers of Poor .- Robert McKee, Michael Hoover. Overseers of Roads .- Castle Byers, William Dean.
1770. Constable .- Moses Willson. Overseers of Poor .- William Shaw, Abraham Strickler. Overseers of Roads .- David Johnston, Henry Nover. 1771. Constable .- John Appler. Overseers of Poor .- William Shaw, John Brandil.
Overseers of Roads .- Chris- tian Stopher, Jacob Smith. 1772. Constable .- William Deam. Overseers of Poor .- Max Spiddle, Robert Allison. Overseers of Roads .- William Laird, Jacob Mitzker.
1773. Constable .- William Bredin. Overseers of Poor .- Martin Brand, Moses Willson. Overseers of Roads .- Peter Landis, Moses Campbell.
1774. Constable .- John Myers. Overseers of Poor .- Castle Byers, Moses Willson. Overseers of Roads .- Max Spidle, William Shaw.
1775. Constable .- Stophel Shoop. Overseers of Poor .- Castle Byers, Jacob Smith. Overseers of Roads .- Henry Snyder, Frederick Hess. 1776. Constable .- Joseph Misker. Overseers of Poor. - John Myers, John Coffman. Overseers of Roads .- Henry Snyder, Samuel Bell. 1777. Constable .- Jacob Metzgar.
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
1778. Constable .- Moses Campbell. Overseers of Poor .- Jacob Smith, Christian Stoufer. Overseers of Roads .- David Datwiller, Andrew Sretley. 1779. Constable .- William Laird. Overseers of Poor .- James Russell, Jacob Shofner. Overseers of Roads .- John Blair, Jacob Reiger.
1780. Constable .- William Laird. Overseers of Poor. - John Ritzell, George Allison.
Overseers of Roads .- Daniel Eliot, John Kain.
1781. Constable .- John Ritzell. Overseers of Poor .- Daniel Elliott, John Myer, Jr.
Overseers of Roads .- Nicholas Lighty, Henry Larndy. 1782. Constable .- Daniel Shelly. Overseers of Poor. -- John McFarland, John Kaufman. Overseers of Roads .- Jacob Neesly, Abraham Coppagh. 1783. Constable .- James Russell. Overseers of Poor. - John Branson, Fred. Hess. Overseers of Roads .- William Mills, Henry Etter. 1784. Constable .- Henry Etter. Overseers of Poor. - John Long, John Kain. Overseers of Roads .- John Sherer, John Kauffman.
In the Derry return for 1780, which is herewith given, we find that mills were possessed by Michael Haun (2), Adam Hamaker (2), Barbara Sharer, and William Scott. Stills were operated by Martin Brand (2), James Laird (2), and David Mit- chell (2). Negroes were owned by Joseph Candor, George Cass, and William White (2).
DERRY TOWNSHIP RETURN, 1780.
Acres.
Acres.
Alison, David
40
Berine, Danl. 40
Alison, Geo.
I55
Blair, John 150
Alison, Robt.
48
Chambers, James . .
Bransor, Chrisn.
Coss, Jacob
120 25
Bousor, Henry
Cobough, Abram 120
Borholder, Chrisn 164
Cander, Joseph 200
Bower, George
150
Caufman, Jno.
. .
Bransor, John
Cain, Jno.
40
Bricker, Mathias
200
Cough, Mathias
25
Baum, Adam
150
Coss, Geo.
80
Brand, Martin
212
Camble, Moses
IO0
Bradon, Robt.
50
Couns, Geo.
. .
Breden, Wm.
200
Darr, Conrad
15
Etter, Henry
150
Beaver, Geo.
50
Elliot, Danl
200
Bucks, John
. .
Fryer, Andw.
. .
Bayers, Casimor
243
Fifer. Jno.
.
Byers, Jno.
. .
Foutz, Conrad 150
Blessley, Anthony
100
Felix, Stephan 150
Blessley, John
. . Fox, Jno.
. .
. .
Bucks, Peter
.
Espy, Thomas
. .
Bucks, Geo.
. .
375
376
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
Acres.
Acres.
Foutz, Barnard
Rusel, James 50
Fleck, Alexr.
100
Roadrock, Peter
85
Fritz, Henry 100
Ridley, Henry 140
Grossman, Nicholas
Rouse, Martin 60
Galoway, Jos. .
Reitzel, John
250
Grimes, Hector .
Rife, Jos. 114
Gingrey, Jno.
132
Risser, John
Gingrey, Abram 259
Rham, Martin 40
Grape, Wm.
Richart, Philip . .
Hershey, Andw.
Smith, Jacob
. .
Hall, Hugh
251
Sharer, Jno.
. .
Hunsberger, Jacob
50
Sharer, Barbara
100
Humel, Valenn.
100
Shire, Jno.
Henry, Adam
Shote, Fredk.
100
Hindman, Wm. . .
Sellars, Philip
. .
Hamacher, Chrisn.
100
Sellers, Fredk.
100
Hamacher, Adam
. .
Shaffner, Fredk.
100
Hess, Fredn. 100
Spidle, Mack 100
Hock, Philip
Spidle, Mack, Jr. . .
Hood, Geo.
Spalsbach, Geo.
. .
Haun, Michl.
Stephanson, Geo.
. .
Hamacher, Adam, Jnr 174
Scott, Wm. (James Gold)
..
· Hanna, Saml.
. .
Singer, Jacob 115
Hindman, John
Singer, Jno.
Laird, James 221
Spidle, Adam
Myers, Jno., Junr 100
Spidle, Jacob . .
Myers, Jno. 25
Stul, Dennis . .
Mills, Wm. 3
Stoufer, Chris.
. .
McGee, Henry
Shelly, Danl. 150
Mitchel, David 160
Shriedly, Andw. 90
Myers, Jno. 240
Stall, Fredk. . .
Monigh, Vandle . .
Strickler, Jacob
. .
McKee, Saml. 130
Mars, Jno. .
Simerman, Nichl.
. .
McGinnis, James . .
Scott, James . .
Mitzger, Jacob 150
Shaffner, Jacob 274
McKee, Robt. 400
Shearer, Henry
McKee, Esther lott.
Thomas, Adam 100
McFarland, Jno. .
Thrum, David
. .
Nissley, Jacob 240
Tetweiler, David
100
Nupher, Henry
Tetweiler, Jacob
130
Nupher, Christian
Hindman, Saml.
Oagel, 'Thos. 350
Jackson, Jno.
. .
Prim, Jos. 100
Johnston, Thomas 100
Patton, James
Johnston, David
100
Persht, Peter, Junr.
Johnston, Saml. 100
Persht, Peter . .
Jackson, Edward . .
Rodes, Michl . .
Jamison, William . .
Rife, Jacob 75 Kile, James 230
·
Shoop, Margaret
Hamacher, David
.
.
Strickler, Abram .
377
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
Acres.
Acres.
Lightic, Nicholas
250
Wagner, Fredk.
90
Long, Jno.
100
Whitmer, Jno.
150
Laferty, Patrick
White, Wm.
Landis, Peter
. .
Wilson, Mosses 150
400
Landis, Jacob
Williams, William
. .
Laird, Wm. 263
Wickersham, Abner
. .
Landis, Henry
. .
Servine, Stephan
. .
Titts, Fredk.
2
Hurst, Charles
. .
Taylor, Jno.
50
Yeates, Anthony
66
Taner, Michl.
Yeates, Peter
Wolf, Geo.
.
HUMELS TOWN.
Fredk. Humel.
Adam Deam.
Ann Arbuckle.
Wm. Whigand.
Ann Ales.
Lodwig Emrich.
Geo. Lower.
Suseanah Wetherholt.
Richard Hall.
Peter Spade.
John Gall.
Michl. Spade.
Christoph Bower.
Martin Fredley.
James Donally.
Lewis Meyer.
Jos. Furey.
Mary Heroof.
Adam Cram.
Adam Haverling.
Jacob Quhard.
Peter Fredley.
Jacob Derrey.
James Glung.
Andw. Gamble.
FREEMEN.
Samuel Glark.
Philip Blessly. James Claines.
Jacob Bricker.
John Shoop.
Henry Cooper.
Hirman Birnard.
John Landis.
Frederick Sellars.
Chris. Landis.
John Mclaughlin.
Henry Miller.
Wm. Gray.
Jacob Luhard. John Camble.
Robert Henderson.
Edward Burgess.
Daniel Robinson.
Geo. Minet.
Jacob Shearer.
Jacob Axnoe.
George Crabner.
.
. .
James M. Glester.
As now constituted Derry is south and east of Swatara creek, and is bounded east by Lebanon county and south by the townships of Conewago and Londonderry. It is among the most productive of all the twenty-three townships in Dauphin county. In searching for the full list of all township officials, which was the aim of the
378
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
historian, success has only been achieved in the single township of Derry, which will be given in connection with the above list :
TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS 1785 TO 1905.
1785-J. Sherer. A. Strickler.
1811-Peter Geib. Jacob Brooks.
1786-A. Blessing.
1812-F. Hummel.
Joseph Rife. Henry Goss.
1787-J. Brenser.
1813-James Wilson.
J. Risser. 1789-J. Kingrich. C. Stauffer.
John McKee. 1814-John Landis. Henry Horst.
1792-G. Balsbough.
1815-Christian Apple. Jacob Heister.
1793-J. Candor.
J. Nissley.
1794-Frederick Hummel. J. Hoffer.
1816-M. Hoover. Henry Booser. 1817-Abraham Brandt. F. Wagner.
1795-Geo Bower. Philip Fishburn.
1818-G. Hoover.
C. Brennaman.
1796-D. Brandt. P. Roadrock.
1819-H. Strickler. John Hoffer.
1797-Geo. Louer. J. Funck.
1798 -- J. Groff.
M. Brandt.
1799-C. Earnest.
J. Bricker. 1800-M. Wolford. A. McCleary.
1820-M. Nissley. Daniel Seiler. 1821-John Nissley. Geo. McCan. 1822-J. Beinhauer. J. Lime. 1823-David Metzler. C. Landis.
1824-H. Roadrock.
T. Smith. 1825-H. Howk. John Detweiler.
1826-A. Henry. John Minnick.
1827-Christ Stoner. Henry Landis.
J. Ginrich.
1805-P. Beinhauer. D. Detweiler.
1806-A. Hocker. W. Laird.
1828-John Fishburn. Peter Berst. 1829-John Landis. Jonas Miller. 1830-Jacob Coble. C. Nissley.
1831-Christ Stoner. B. Fishburn. 1832-John Bear. Abram Yingst. 1833-David Earnest. Abram Yingst.
1801-C. Baer. J. Mumma.
1802-C. Baughman. Jo. Rife. 1803-D. Baum. J. Martin. 1804-C. Kouffman.
1807-J. Harshey. D. Shoop. 1808-H. Shaffner. J. Greenwolt. 1809-Abram Hoober. John Moses. 1810-John Berst. Jacob Merisler.
J. Nissley.
379
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
1834-David Earnest. John Baum. 1835-Jacob Hoover. 1860-M. Nissley. Sam Bechtel. Christ Landis.
1836-Christ Rutt. Sam Bechtel.
1837-Fred Shreadly. John Mumma.
1838-Abraham Yingst. Christ Landis.
1839-John Landis. John Felty. 1840-A. Strickler. D. Fishburn. 1841-A. Strickler. John Yingst.
1842-Jacob Shenk. John Yingst. 1843-M. Nissley. John Yingst. 1844-J. Hershey. W. Parthimore.
1845-John Strickler. Christian Eby. 1846-David Reitzel. S. Bechtel. 1847-John Berst. D. Lehman. 1848-John Yingst. David Reitzel.
1849-Adam Hocker. C. Hollinger. 1850-Adam Hocker. John Leetz. 1851-D. Berst. J. M. Hummel.
1852-John Landis. John Moyer. 1853-Jacob Landis. D. Fishburn. 1854-Adam Hummel. John Henry. 1855-J. Hummel. D. Fishburn. 1856-Jo. Nissley. Geo. Shiffler. 1857-D. Hummel. D. Coble. 1858-J. Emerick. Elias Smith.
1859-John Yingst. Abraham Yingst.
1861-H. Fausnatch.
A. Hummel.
1862-H. Fausnatch. J. Hocker. 1863-A. Hummel. J. Goodman. 1864-J. Barnhard. M. Eby. 1865-J. Balsbaugh. John Letter. 1866-D. D. Lehman. J. Hoffer. 1867-Dan. Felty. Philip Siders. 1868-F. Balsbaugh. A. Hummel. 1869-F. Balsbaugh. A. Hummel. 1870-J. Hocker. S. M. Hummel.
1871-Jacob Zoll. David Ginder. 1872-J. Kauffman. 1873-John Snavley. Peter L. Inman.
1874 -- 1875-M. L. Nissley. Saml. L. Seder. 1876-Wm. Bishop. Geo. Rupp.
1877- 1878. 1879-John H. Buckmaster. 1880-Joseh L. Gingrich. Samuel Gingrich. 1881-James L. Brady. D. Bechtel. 1882-Jacob Nissley. Joseph Keifer.
1883-I. Hoffman. J. M. Hoffer. 1884-John Snavly. Henry Brandt. 1885-John Snavly. Henry Brandt.
1886-
380
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
1887-Samuel Reiger. MI. Minnick.
1888-Wm. Mirich.
Jacob H. Balsbaugh.
1889-Wm. Gordon. Jacob H. Balsbaugh.
1890 -- Geo. F. Hallman. Wm. Gordon. 1801 -- Geo. F. Hollman. Martin Keggerries.
1902-Phil Hook. Martin Yingst.
1892-Martin Keggeries. Geo. F. Hollman.
1903-Phil. Hawk. Martin Yingst.
1904-Daniel Slessor.
David Gordon.
1905-Daniel Slessor.
David Gordon.
1895-Martin Keggeries. E. F. Kreiger.
1896-Martin Keggerries. Philip Hawk.
1897-Levi E. Hershey. David Book.
1898-Alfred Felty. Geo. Hollman.
1899-Alfred Felty. Geo. Hollman.
1900-Samuel P. Keifer. Josiah Foreman.
1901-Samuel P. Keifer. Josiah Foreman.
1893. - Benj. Longnecker. Henry Brandt. 1894-H. M. Brandt. Benj. Longnecker.
1906-David Gordon. Jacob S. Grubb. Albert B. Shenk.
1907-Samuel Moyer. David Gordon. Jacob S. Grubb.
Among the rare curiosities exhibited at the Dauphin County Centennial in 1885, was "A Book Purchased By the Public to Keep an account of Highways and Road Taxes For The Township of Derry, March 28, 1791." It was in an excellent condition, and within its pages were found an accurate account of all relating to the roads of the township between its date (1791) and July, 1867. The accounts are stated in pounds, pence and shillings until the year 1806, when dollars and cents obtain. This book shows that in 1799 John Leper and John Funk "laid taxes two times," amounting to £151.14.10; that these supervisors paid "I.s. 3.p. per pound" for collecting the tax, 24 shillings per day for a wagon with four horses, 5 shillings for labor, that they paid for "warning the hands," for powder, and for laying the tax, etc.
The fording places of the Swatara were quite noted at an early date. Dixon's ford was in the bend of the Swatara, near the Lebanon county line. It was styled Laudermitch's ford. Hamilton, or Derry's Church ford is between Manadaville and Union Deposit. Farther down than these is Logan's ford. Colonel Rogers' (now McIlhenny's) is at Manadaville. Earnest's and Sherer's ford, or ferry, was located for many years at the Swatara, one mile due west of Hummelstown, on the Reading pike. Before 1816 the Swatara could be forded easily at the point just designated, during the summer months, but ferry boats (flats) were employed in high water times. When the fourteen-foot dam was built across the
38I
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
Swatara, at Nissley's mill, the back water necessitated the building of a bridge at Sherer's ferry. John Earnest, Sr., who. lived on the east bank, and Samuel Sherer on the west bank of the stream, built the first bridge, of two spans, across this ferry, owning it and collecting toll jointly. In 1821 Mr. Sherer died, and the interest held by him fell to his son Joseph. By the breaking away of the big dam above the Union water works, five miles north of Lebanon, in 1851, the bridges were swept from their piers from that point all along the Swatara (except the one at Laudermitch's ferry) to its mouth at Middletown. In less than a year from the time of the flood, the bridge at Hummelstown was rebuilt by the original owners. Joseph Sherer died March, 1824, and his wife disposed of her interest to Mr. Hefflefinger, in 1838. Samuel Klopp finally held entire control of the bridge until he sold to the Commissioners of Dauphin county in 1855, since which it has been known as the "Free Bridge." The waters of the Swatara at this point average about fourteen feet in depth. The first bridge was erected in 1818. The structure built about thirty years later, at Hammaker's mill ferry by Dauphin county, was always a free bridge. The old Red bridge, leading from Centre Square through Water street, Hum- melstown, to the Hanover townships, was built by a stock company, but was also purchased by the county twenty-five years or more ago, and is free for travelers. Below Landis' dam, one-eighth of a mile north of Hummelstown, and visible from the railroad depot, is another ferry or fording place, which is still used by the farmers of Lower Paxtang and West Hanover, between their homes, the mill, and the railroad depot.
Derry Village (postoffice), about thirteen miles distant from Harrisburg, is within Derry township, named from "Old Derry Church." It was an early post-town, located in a charming, pro- ductive farming section, where the landscape is ever a feast to the eye. The United Brethren have a church at this point, and the same was rebuilt in 1881.
Hershey is a newly platted town, upon which is located the great Hershey Chocolate Works.
The lovers of chocolate, in all of its various forms and uses have but little idea of the process of its manufacture, where it is made, or what section of the globe the raw material comes from. At the new village of Hershey, near by Old Derry church postoffice and hamlet, is located the most extensive plant for the manufacture of chocolate to be found within the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania. This plant was first established at Lancaster, in 1895, by M. S. Hershey, who operated there until the spring of 1905. In
382
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
April of the last named year he first occupied his newly-built plant at the above named point, which is on the line of the Philadelphia and Reading railway, about a fourth of a mile from the old historic Derry Church.
Here one finds a thoroughly equipped, modern manufacturing plant of great capacity. The buildings comprise nineteen massive limerock structures, having a total floor space of six and one-half acres. The vast ramification of producing machinery is propelled by a twelve hundred horse-power steam engine. The whole of the buildings are slate roofed and fire-proof. This immense factory employs three hundred persons, one-third being girls and women. All grades of chocolate products are here produced in great quantity, and find a ready sale in all parts of the country. The chocolate is a product of the cocoanut tree, and is only a native of the tropical climates.
A plot of land has been laid off into building lots and is known as Hershey, which bids fair to become a thriving factory town. Everything about these works bespeaks cleanliness and good taste.
A banking institution known as the Hershey Trust Company, is capitalized at $125,000, and will soon move from temporary quarters into their magnificent two-story stone structure, hard by the Hershey Chocolate Company's works.
Swatara Station, one mile to the west of Derry village, is also situated on the line of the Philadelphia and Reading railway.
Mechanicsburg, a mere hamlet, is to the east of Derry, and is but an extension of Palmyra, in Lebanon county.
Among the churches found in Derry township is the Dunkard meeting-house, a half-mile south of Derry Station; it was erected about 1833.
South from Hummelstown about two miles is the oldest church in the township, Hill Church, of the Evangelical Lutheran con- gregation. The original log church was built by pioneer worshipers in 1756, and was rebuilt in 1875. There are several other places of worship within Derry township, which are referred to in the Religious Chapter, but before passing, mention will be made of a Memorial United Brethren church one and one-half miles south of Hummelstown, dedicated August 4, 1872, and built by Edward Stover as a memorial to his only son and child, Edward. A ceme- tery adjoins the church, and there an imposing monument twenty- two feet high bears the following inscription in raised letters :
"At Rest, Edward Stover, died July 31, 1870, aged 21 years, 10 months and 3 days."
383
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
An extended account of the historic "Old Derry Church" will be found in the "Religious History" Chapter.
In 1900, the population of Derry township was placed by the United States census at 2,322 ; the assessed valuation of all taxable real estate in 1904 was $1,514,390. Total number of district schools in 1905 is thirteen, and the enrollment of pupils 464.
The chief place in Derry township is Hummelstown borough, which was platted in 1762, by Frederick Hummel, and named Frederickstown. The history of the site is as follows: In 1738 there was warranted to Valentine Gloninger one hundred and fifty acres of land on the Swatara. In 1761 this right was purchased by John Campbell, one of the earliest settlers of that place, who the year following sold to Frederick Hummel. The lots sold freely, and among the earliest to purchase was Anthony Doebler, of Leba- non, who bought a lot on Market street, January, 1763, within one month from the time lots were offered for sale. That lot is des- cribed as being along "another lot taken up by Adam Hurshey." Doebler agreed to pay a yearly rent for the fee of ten shillings sterling, "one shilling sterling of which sum was to be paid yearly forever, for the use of a German Lutheran Church intended to be erected," the purchaser binding himself to erect a substantial house eighteen by twenty feet "at least," on the premises. No time for the fulfillment of this condition is fixed. The name of the place was not changed to Hummelstown until after his death. From the assessment list here appended, it will be seen that from 1771, of Frederickstown, to 1779, Hummelstown-eight years intervening, there was no increase in the inhabitants of the place. Probably the absence of "single men" and "freeholders" was due to the war for independence. The absence of the name of Hummel in the list is a striking contrast with recent returns. The Hummels then resided on a farm adjoining the town, and are included in' other portions of the Derry tax lists. In 1789 it is well known that there were a large number of gunsmiths at Hummelstown making arms for the Continental army.
FREDERICKSTOWN LIST-1771. Peter Shot. Jacob Reigart. Widow Wetherhold. Sebastian Creas. Fred Hummel. Widow Eurick. Jacob Hammer. Adam Baum.
Bernard Fridley. Jacob Myer. Henikle Schwoontz. Peter Hiney. Christopher Bogner.
Melchor Reigert.
John Philips. Henry Wieser. Andrew Hearuff.
384
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
Freemen.
Peter Fridley.
Heinkle Evart.
Joseph Ferree.
Wm. Grab.
Widow Haupt.
Thos. Flack.
Geo. Lauer.
Jacob Fridley.
Jacob Ricard.
HUMMELSTOWN LIST-1779.
Martin Rise.
Elizabeth Clooney
Peter Spade.
Jacob Deery.
Nicholas Smith.
James Dairsy.
Adam Baum.
Ludwik Emerick.
Widow Wetherhold.
David Eatly.
Andrew Gambel.
John Ferguson.
Michael Spade.
Martin Fridley.
Hall.
In 1885 the oldest house in the place was that owned by Christian Garver, on Swatara creek. It was of logs and weather- boarded, and once stood on the Square, and was the home of Fred- erick, son of the town's founder. The partly stone and partly log house on the Square was erected prior to the platting of Harrisburg. James Clunie lived and kept the pioneer store of the town in it. Rahm & Baum operated a store on Main street in 1790, in a build- ing years afterwards owned by James Hayes. Among the early physicians was Dr. Duncan King, who died in 1826. Frederick Hummel conducted a hotel on the northwest corner of the Square, and Michael Rahm another at the same time, about 1792. John Fox was also an early innkeeper on the Harrisburg, Ephrata and Downington road. Among the very early school masters was David Eckstein, as early as 1792, in the Lutheran church. He had served in the Revolutionary war in the bodyguard of General Washing- ton. The first cooper in the town was Peter Fishburn. In 1814 general stores were kept by Philip Leebrick, Jacob Earnest, George Gish and Thomas Fox. At that time Drs. William Henderson and Nice were physicians. The taverns then were conducted by Michael Spade, George Fox, Greenwalt and Hill. Allison Piney, John Phil- ips and David Eckstein were school teachers about that date. The village blacksmiths were Thomas Ramsey and Daniel Seiler, while cabinet shops were operated by Samuel Spidel and John Shadle. For many years Hummelstown was a favorite resort for militia "training" (drill) for the old-time battalions.
On Thursday morning, November 20, 1880, two shocks of earthquake were sensibly felt by the inhabitants of Hummelstown and vicinity. The first took place about fifteen minutes before five o'clock, and lasted about forty seconds. The knockers on some of the doors rapped as though moved by hands, and at the house of Philip Leebrick a set of china was shaken from the table and broken.
385
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY
Many were alarmed and arose from their beds. The second shock came twenty minutes later, lasting fully half a minute. In both cases a rumbling noise and fearful trembling of the earth occurred. Many repaired to the meeting-house, where prayers were earnestly offered up.
Hummelston became an incorporated borough August 26, 1874. Among the early burgesses were: John Z. Grove, C. A. Nissley, W. R. Hendricks, George F. Greenawalt, Dr. J. B. Crist and Dr. H. B. Rupp. The first town clerk was Franklin Smith, 1874-8 1, succeeded b John J. Bolton.
The first newspaper established here was The Weekly Press. Volume 1, No. I, came forth from the press July 4, 1870. Its publisher, Mr. Kersey, was also an engineer and surveyor. It did not survive through the first year. In December, 1871, was launched The Sun, which under various owners has made a success to the present time, and is now a live up-to-date journal full of all that is newsy and valuable to its many patrons.
Fire companies have been numerous as well as useful in this borough, even from early days. Hummelstown Fire Company No. I was formed in 1819, continuing until 1882, when the name was changed to Citizens No. 1. In January, 1819, the first named company bought an engine built in Philadelphia fully forty years before, and the same was still in use in the "eighties." Niobe Fire Company No. 2 was organized in 1837, possibly earlier, but a bill shows that they had purchased its second engine in 1850. It was reorganized in 1865, and again in 1872, when John Hummel was elected president. It was incorporated in July, 1879. Vigilant Fire Company No. 3 was formed in the autumn of 1881. As the town has grown and new methods obtain, better appliances have been secured, and today the fire-fiend is well mastered by able fire- men.
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