USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > History of Lancaster and York Counties > Part 44
USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of Lancaster and York Counties > Part 44
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
YORK TOWN, April 13, 1775. Honored Friends and Countrymen :
Sorry are we to hear that the hand of oppression still bears hard on your city, and that the distresses of your poor are not yet alleviated. If your misfortunes and sufferings could be divided, the inhabitants of this county would cheerfully bear a part. This, it seems, cannot be done-your destined town must stand the shock alone. , We want words to ex- press the high sense we have for your conduct and virtue; few men in the world would have opposed despotism, and stood the torrent of ministerial vengeance with so much stea- diness, intrepidity, and resolution, as the inhabitants of your town and country have done. You have true notions of liberty. You have purchased it. You ought to enjoy it. The noble stand made by the Massachusetts Bay, if faith- fully adhered to, has laid the foundation of establishing
much difficulty the deer could get along at all ; the crust bearing the pursuer, and thus the deer were readily taken. Thus this genus.cervus were nearly wholly extirpated in this county. Previous to that, deer were numerous."
600.
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
American liberty on the most firm bases. The other colo- nies will be equal gainers by a favorable termination of the conquest, and will not desert you in the time of danger; they will, doubtless, grant you the most effectual assistance.
This county, upon the earliest intelligence of your dis- tress, forwarded subscriptions for the poor of Boston. Grain was generally subscribed-we expected to have sent it last fall, but could not collect it at any sea-port before the win- ter season came on, so that the shipping of it was postponed till the spring. Upon the meeting of the committee of this county, in February last, shortly after the receipt of the King's speech to the Parliament, it was thought it would not be safe to send grain. The committee, therefore, deter- mined to convert the grain into cash, and remit the sum in specie or bills of exchange to you. Your poor have suffered much by this resolution, as the price of wheat is greatly fallen. The subscriptions of but a part of the county are yet come in. We send you the sum of £246, 8s. and 10d., to be remitted to you in bills of exchange, or specie, by Messrs. Jonathan B. Smith, and John Mitchell, merchants of Philadelphia, which, be pleased to distribute among our poor and unhappy countrymen in your town, or in its neigh- borhood, in such a manner as you shall think proper. As there are a few disaffected people in this province, we must trouble you to publish the receipt of the donations, as is mentions in the enclosed paper .*
* The Committee of Boston received the sum of £246, 8s. 10d, val- ued at the rate of Pennsylvania money, being donations from a part of the county of York, in the Province of Pennsylvania, to the poor of Boston, and its neighborhood; subscribed as follows : York town, £124, 10s. 9d. Heidelberg township, £36, 17s. 5d. Germany township, £16, 2s. Od. Manheim, by the hands of Adam Eichelberger, £5, 15s. 6d .- by the hands of Michael Karl, £5, 9s. 9d .- by the hands of David Newman,"£3, 16s. 3d. Manchester township, from the following, by the hands of Michael Smyser, £6, 12s. 1d .- Simon Cappenhoffer, £2.
601
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
Your friends here are numerous, and most heartily inter- est themselves in your favor. As soon as the rest of the subscriptions in the county are paid, we shall cheerfully re- mit the same to you.
· We wish you a speedy relief from all your sufferings, and are, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your real friends, and most obedient humble servants,
1
JAMES SMITH, Pres. Com.
George Eichelberger, Michael Doudle, David Grier, Mi- chael Swope, Peter Reel, Thomas Hartley, George Fuvin, Jas. Donaldson, Michael Smyser, Balzer Spangler, John Hay, Committee of Correspondence of York county.
5
17s. 7d .- Jacob Hark, £6, 18s. 6d. Shrewsberry township, £10, Os. Od Dover township, £6, 9s. Od. Fawn, £6, 0s. Od. Codorus, £2, 168. 6d. Dover township, 623 bushels of wheat, and 3 bushel of rye. Manches- ter township, 393 bushels of wheat. Paradise township, 20 bushels of wheat. Codorus township, 5 bushels of wheat, and } bushel of rye York township, 4 bushels of wheat-part of which grain has been made into flour and sold here, £16, 13s. 3d.
£246,8s. 10d.
8*
602
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
CHAPTER VII.
The Revolution-Meeting at York-Meetings of Committee, &c .- Companies formed in York town-Address to the "Pennsylvania Delegates in Congress-A company marches to Boston-Committee of safety, and committee of correspondence appointed-More com- panies formed-Flying camp-Officers of companies-Remarks- Congress meets at York-Extracts from the proceedings of the Journal, &c .- Correspondence, &c.
The transition from the defensive, to open resistance, on account of its proximity, is natural and easy. The course pursued by the mother country, roused the people of the co- lonies. The opposition of the Bostonians to Gen. Gage was approved by Congress then assembled at Philadelphia, (Sept. 7, 1774) Committees were every where appointed .- No where was the love of liberty earlier and more lively displayed than in York county. Meetings were called by committees for that purpose, as will be seen from the follow- ing :--
YORKTOWN, June 24, 1774.
In consequence of a letter from the Committee of Phila- delphia, the inhabitants of this town met on Monday, the 21st ult., Michael Swope, Esq., was appointed chairman, who explained the design and cause of the meeting; the dis- tressed state of the inhabitants of Boston; and the nature and tendency of the Acts of Parliament lately passed. Af- ter due deliberation, the following resolves were come into, nem con.
1. That we will concur with our brethren of Philadelphia and Sister colonies, in any constitutional measure, in order to obtain redress.
603
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
. 2. That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the inhabi- · tants of Boston are now suffering in the common cause of liberty.
3. It is directed, that to obtain the sense of our fellow in- habitants of York county upon the present important and alarming occasion, notice shall be given to the inhabitants of this county, that they, or such as shall be delegated by the several townships in the county, do meet at the court house, in York town, on Monday, the 4th of July next, at one o'clock in the afternoon, to enter into such resolves as may be for the public good, and tend to restore the liberties of British America.
A committee of thirteen persons was then appointed for this town, to remain till altered by any other general meet- ting, which they were authorized and directed to call.
Several meetings were held between the 4th of July and the month of December, adopting decisive measures.
Agreeable to notice given to the Freeholders and inhabi- tants of York county, entitled to vote for members of As- sembly, a respectable number of them met at the court house, in York, December 16, 1774.
James Dickson, Philip Rothrock, John Hay, Michael Hahn, and Richard Bott, were appointed judges of the election.
Whereupon the electors proceeded to vote by ballot, and the following persons were duly chosen as a committee for that county, Henry Slegle, Joseph Donaldson, George Eichelberger, George Irwin, John Hay, Archibald M'Lean, David Grier, David Kennedy, Thomas Fisher, John Kean, John Houston, George Kuntz, Simon Coppenheffer, Joseph Jefferies, Robert M'Corley, Michael Hahn, Baltzer Speng- ler, Daniel Mefferly, Nicholas Bittinger, Michael Davis, Jacob Dahtel, Frederick Fischel, James Dickson, William M'Clellan, of Cumberland township, William Cathcart,
604
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
Patrick Scott, Michael Dautel, Michael Bard, Casper Rein- ecker, Henry Liebhard, John Maxwell, George Oge, John O. Blenes, Wm. Dill, Henry Banta, sen., William Kilmary, William Chesne, Francis Holton, Peter Reel and Andrew Finley ; and ten of whom, with their President or Vice President, (if their attendance can be had) to do business, except in such case in which other regularities may be made.
This committe is chosen in such a manner, that there is at least one of that body in each township of the county, so that the inhabitants of the several districts will have the earliest intelligence of any material transactions, or may be assembled upon important business on the shortest notice.
On the day following the election, the committee met at the same place, when they elected James Smith, President, Thomas Hartley, Vice President, John Hay, Treasures, and George Lewis Lefler, Clerk of the Committee.
They formed Rules to direct them in the course of their proceedings, entered into measures for the raising of a fund to defray the expense of communicating intelligence, and give instructions for the forwarding the subscriptions for the poor at Boston. They then adjourned to Thursday, the 29th day of December, instant, of the court house, York.
GEO. LEWIS LEFLER, Clerk of Com.
This meeting was soon followed by a second one, held at York, the 14th of February, 1775.
The committee took into consideration the proceedings of the late Provincial convention, &c.
1. Resolved, unanimously, That we heartily approve of the proceedings of that convention.
2. The committee, apprehending, that from the non-im- portation agreement, and the present state of public affairs, unless great care be taken, there would, in a short time, be a scarcity of gunpowder, which is so necessary to our In-
1
605 ...
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
dian trade, and the hunters of this province. Therefore, Resolved, That we recommend it to the several members of, this committee; that they, in their respective townships, with the assistance of the township committee men, do discourage. the consuming of that article, but for the most useful pur- poses.
3. It being represented that sundry persons in this county had formed themselves into: military associations, and that they would discontinue them if disagreeable to this commit- tee; upon consideration of which, Resolved, unanimously, That we would by no means discourage these: proceedings; on the contrary, we are of opinion that said associations, if conducted with prudence, moderation, and a strict regard to good order, under the direction of a man of probity and understanding, would tend much to the security of this country, against the attempts of our enemies.
4. Resolved, unanimously, That we recommend to the inhabitants of this country, a strict adherence to the Asso- ciation of the Continental Congress, and the directions of our late provincial convention; and that, in case any township committee should meet with obstructions in carrying the same into execution, that we will, and the rest of the county, ought to assist them.
5. Resolved, unanimously, That the township committee men in this county ought, as soon as possible, to collect the flour and grain subscribed for the poor of Boston, and con- vert the same into cash; and that they immediately pay such cash and all other moneys subscribed, into the hands of Messrs. John Donaldson and George Irwin, who, with the direction of any ten of the committee, are to remit the same in Bills of Exchange to the committee of Boston, for the poor of that place.
6. Resolved, unanimously, That in case the committee of correspondence of this Province appointed at the last
606
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
convention, shall think proper, or if a majority of the coun- ty committee shall consider it expedient that another Pro- vincial convention should be held, we do appoint James Ewing, Michael Swope, James Smith, Thomas Hartley, and Henry Slegle, Esqrs., and George Irwin, George Eich- elberger, David Kennedy, and John Houston, or any five or more of them, as the deputies of this county to attend such committee, and to agree to such matters and things as may be deemed necessary for the safety and welfare of this province, or the common cause of American Liberty.
Extracts from the proceedings of the said committee.
GEORGE LEWIS LEFLER, CIk. Com.
In the interim companies were formed as early as De- cember 1774 "in the town of York, the object of which was to make soldiers, who would be well disciplined for battle in case the disaffection then existing towards Eng- land, should proceed to open hostilities. The officers of this company were James Smith, Capt. ; Thomas Hartley, First Lieut .; David Green, Second Lieut .; and Henry Miller, Ensign. Each of these officers, thus early attached to the cause of liberty, was much distinguished in the subse- quent history of the country. The first was a signer of the Declaration of Independence ; the second, a Colonel in the Revolution, and for eleven years a member of Congress; the third, and the fourth, each was a distinguished officer, and "acquired a fame and a name" connected with the cause they so ardently espoused .*
" A second company was formed in York town, Februa- ry 1755. The officers were, Hartman Deustch, Captain ; - Mr. Grubb, First Lieut .; Philip Entler, Second Leut. ; and Luke Rause, Ensign."+
While these preliminaries were making, the committee of
* Gloss brenner's His. of York co., 77. + Ibid.
607
, HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
York county addressed the Pennsylvania Delegates in Con- gress.
YORK TOWN, July 1, 1775.
Gentlemen :
We had the honor of receiving your favor of the 15th ultimo, enclosing a resolve of the Continental Congress of the 14th ultimo. We immediately summoned the committee of this county, and laid before them your letter, &c. The committee proceeded to the choice of officers fit to be re- commended to the Congress, to command the company of riflemen to be raised, and appointed six commissioners to provide the necessaries for them. Every resolve passed in committee with the greatest unanimity, and the gentlemen of York town, after the meeting, dispersed themselves through the county, and assisted the officers in recruiting.
The spirit of the people, on this occasion, gave the com- mittee infinite spirit. The men seemed actuated with the greatest zeal, and thought themselves honored in having their names enrolled among the sons of liberty, who are to fight for their country, and in defence of their dearest rights and privileges. The only uneasiness they feel is, that they are not this moment at the scene of action. From the spirit of the soldiers, we entertain the most flattering hopes that they will prove serviceable to the cause of liberty, and re- flect honor on this county.
The principal people here have caught the spirit of the honorable Congress, and in their small circle have done every thing in their power to animate their neighbors to stand forth in this day of despotism, and resist the arbitrary and unjust measures of Parliament with all the power which Heaven has given them. And we have the pleasure to in- form you that their labors have not been in vain, and that the county is ready to strain every nerve to put nto execu-
1
: 608
. HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
tion any measures which the Congress may judge necessary to our common defence.
The officers now take the liberty to recommend to you, Captain Michael Dowdle, Lieuts. Henry Miller, John Dill and John Watson. They are men whose courage . we have the highest opinion of. The company including the officers and soldiers, are beyond the number fixed for this county, and as General Gates thought it improper to discharge any, we have sent all.
We request the favor of you that proper care be taken that none are draughted out of their company into another. This is the request of the inhabitants of this county, many of them having their dearest friends engaged in the service, and would not by any means have them taken from their present officers.
We hope no alteration will. be made in the officers. The captain has behaved very well on this occasion, and has done all in his power, by advancing money, &c. to forward the important common cause.
Mr. Miller is known to some of you, gentlemen. The other officers are men of worth and property; they have all wives and families, and are entitled to the warmest thanks of their country.
The commissioners appointed to provide missions for the men, will forward their accounts as soon as they possibly can.
We are, gentlemen, your most humble servants,
James Smith, George Irvin, John Kean, Joseph Donaldson, Thomas Hartley, Michael Hahn.
" The first company that marched from Pennsylvania to Boston, was a rifle company from the town of York-they left here, July 1st, 1775." The time of resolute and organ- ized action having arrived, no time was lost, to elect or ap-
609
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
point a county committee, and a committee of correspond- ence. Preparatory meetings were held returns from twen- ty-six townships were made, and a committee chosen. The following, are the proceedings :
On the 3d of November, 1775, the returns of twenty-six townships were received at York, whereby the following gentlemen appear to be chosen as a committee for York county, to continue for the space of one year, unless they shall think it expedient to dissolve themselves sooner, viz :
Michael Swope, James Smith, Thomas Hartley, John Hay, Charles Lukens, David Grier, Joseph Donaldson, Geo. Irwin, John Kean, William Lease, William Scott, George Eichelberger, Philip Albright, Michael Hahn, David Can- dler, Baltzer Spangler, John Huston, Thomas Armor, John Schultz, Christopher Slagle, Andrew Rutter, Peter Wolfe, Philip Jacob King, Zachariah Shugart, John Herbach, Wil- liam Johnston, John Spangler, James Dixon, Francis Cre- zart, George Brenkerhoof, John Semple, Robert M'Pher- son, Samuel Edie, William M'Clellan, Thomas Douglass, John Agnew, David Kennedy, George Clingen, Geo. Kerr, Abraham' Banta, John' Mickle, Jr., Samuel M'Conaughy, John Blackburn, William Walker, Richard M'Allister, Christian Graff, Jacob Will, Henry Slagle, John Hamilton, John' Mintecth, Thomas Lilley, Richard Parsel, Charles Gilwix, John M'Clure, William Shakly, Frederick Gilwix, John Hinkel, John Hoover, Patrick M'Sherry, James Lee- per, Joseph Read, Patrick Scott, James Egar, Benjamin Savage, Andrew Thompson, Peter Baker, Jacob Kasel, William Mitchell, John Williams, Lewis Williams, William Rankin, James Nailer, Baltzer Kuertzer, Henry Mathias, George Stough, Daniel Messerle, John Nesbit, William Wakely. John Chamberlin, Andrew Thompson, Alexander Sanderson.
9
4
610
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
On the same day, the committee met at the court house, in York, when James Smith was chosen President, and Tho- mas Hartley, Vice President of the committee.
The following gentlemen were unanimously elected, as a committee of correspondence for York county, viz : James Smith, Michael Swope, Thomas Hartley, Joseph Donald- son, George Eichelberger, Charles Lukens, David Grier, George Irwin, Thomas Armor, William Lease, Geo. Cling- er, John Nesbit, James Leeper, Francis Crezart, Peter Wolfe, David M'Conaughy, and five, or more of them, were empowered to act.
The committee men in York town, or any two, or more of them, were appointed to carry into execution the orders of the committee of safety, relating to the person of Dr. John Kearsley, now confined in the jail of this county, and were fully empowered to act in this matter.
The committee adjourned. to the first Thursday in Decem- ber next, to meet at the court house, in York.
THOMAS ARMOR, Clerk.
The committee of the county were exceedingly careful to have every Provincial resolve observed, as may appear from the following :
YORK TOWN, Aug. 22, 1775.
Whereas, the committee of York county has received information that sundry butchers and drovers, from Mary- land, have lately been purchasing sheep, in this county, con- trary to the Resolutions of the Convention of the Province of Pennsylvania.
These are, therefore, to give public notice to all such per- sons who purchase sheep to kill, or sell to butchers, that if they hereafter be detected in purchasing any sheep in this couny, or driving any through it, purchased in this province,
-
611
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
under four years old, that they will be stopped, and treated as enemies to their country.
By order of the Committee:
THOMAS ARMOR, Clerk.
In December, 1775, a third company was formed in York town, called 'The Independent Light Infantry Company,' belonging to the first battalion of York county."* This company formed, adopted, and signed a Constitution, consist- ing of thirty-two articles-the original manuscript of it, with the signatures of all the officers and privates, is still preserved.
" The Constitution was signed December 16, 1775, by the following officers, viz: James Smith, Colonel ; Thomas Hartley, Lieutenant Colonel; Joseph Donaldson, Major ; Michael Swoope, Major; George Irwin, Captain ; John Hay, First Lieutenant; William Bailey, Second Lieutenant ; Christopher Lauman, Ensign; Paul Metzgar, Henry Wal- ter, Jacob Gardener, and John Shultz, Sergeants; William Scott, Clerk. Then follow the names of one hundred and twenty-two privates.
" This company was commanded in 1777, by William Bailey, Captain; Christoph Lauman, First Lieutenant, and William Scott, Second Lieutenant .- Mr. John Hay being elected a member of the State Convention, held in that year.
" Companies were already formed throughout all the county, and every thing spoke of freemen under arms for liberty. But confining ourselves to York town, we will mention the other companies which were formed here at the commencement of the Revolution. The fourth company was" formed in the spring of 1776; and its officers were Michael Hahn, Captain ; Baltzer Spengler, First Lieuten-
* Glosbrenner's His. York. co.
612
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
ant ; Michael Billmeyer, Second Lieutenant; and George Spengler, Ensign. The fifth company was likewise formed in the spring of 1776, whereof Charles Lukens was Captain; Christian Stake, First Lieutenant; and Cornelius Sheriff, Second Lieutenant. The sixth company was formed in May, of the same year, and was commanded by Captain Rudolph Spangler. The first and second companies, formed in town, had long since been dissolved, and the soldiers thereof, joined and became a part of the fifth and sixth com- panies: so that in June, 1776, there were four different mi- litary associations of the town of York. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth companies, constituted a part of those five battalions which marched to New Jersey, in 1776, to form the flying camp. Though they thus marched out of the county, yet it was to no warlike field ; the only object being to form other companies, which shall be mentioned in their places.
" We will, secondly, consider the companies composed of the citizens, both of York town and York county, which were formed with a view for actual service, and which shared in the dangers and glories of the Revolution.
"1. The first company to be mentioned, is the rifle com- pany already alluded to, which left York on the 1st of July, 1775, and marched directly to Cambridge, near Boston. It was at first commanded by Captain Michael Doudle; who, however, was soon succeeded by his First Lieutenant, Henry Miller. Those who belonged to this company, may be called enlisted volunteers ; for they actually enlisted, and bound themselves to military service for the space of one year, and this they did "of their own heads," without being required, or even so much as requested thereto, by the State or by Congress.
"2. In 1776, the counties of York and Cumberland were
613
HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.
required, each, to raise four companies, for the forming of. a regiment. Of this regiment, William Irwine, at first, was Colonel; Thomas Hartley, Lieutenant Colonel; and James Dunlap, Major. Of the four companies raised in York coun- ty, David Grier was Captain of the first, Moses M'Lean of the second, Archibald M'Allister of the third-the name of the Captain of the fourth, we cannot give. These compa- nies, which were enlisted for fifteen months, left the county to follow the fate of war in the latter end of March. In the year 1777, this regiment formed the 11th regiment of the Pennsylvania line; and its officers were, Thomas Hartley, Colonel; David Grier, Lieutenant Colonel; and Lewis Bush, Major.
"3. Early in May, 1776, a rifle company, which had been enlisted to serve fifteen months, marched from the coun- ty of York to Philadelphia, where it was attached to Colo- nel Miles' Rifle Regiment. The Captain of this company was William M'Pherson; and the Third Licutenant was Jacob Stake.
"4. In July, 1776, five battalions of militia marched from York county to New Jersey. Out of these five battal- ions, there were formed, in about six weeks after their arri- val, two battalions of the Flying Camp. Those who did not belong to the camp, returned home. The reason of so many more than there was occasion for, being called forth from all the counties, seems to have been, firstly, to try the spirit of the people ; and, secondly, to show the enemy the power of the nation they warred against.
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.