History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 140

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372

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From the time of the close of the war until 1890, the Public Common was a ne- glected spot. In fact the southern part of it became a dumping ground for refuse and two or three acres of the tract were covered with a dense thicket, a convenient place for the boys to play hide and seek. "Squire " Braxton, a manumitted negro slave from Virginia, who came to York about 1831. had his habitation made out of slabs and covered with a sheet iron roof, on these grounds. Braxton and his dogs, sometimes more than a dozen in number, were the Farquhar only denizens of the Public Common for nearly a third of a century.

achievements of the soldiers and sailors from York County in the Civil War. The monument was designed by J. A. Dempwolf and his brother, Reinhart Dempwolf. It is sixty-five feet high and is surmounted by a statue of Victory, with a sword and a wreath in her uplifted right hand, while her left hand is resting on a shield. E. G. Smyser Sons, proprietors of the Variety Iron Works, presented a fountain which cost $2,500; the Order of Elks erected a rockery at the fountain at a cost of $2,200; J. T. Kopp presented an electrical fountain costing $2,200; the Ivy Minstrels erected a pavillion at a cost of $800; the Sons of Malta and the Knights of St. Paul beautified plats of ground, and the Rescue Fire Company erected a statue representing their com- pany. Penn Park has become a pleasure resort for thousands of people during the summer months. Band concerts are held at regular intervals.

A. B. Farquhar presented to the city of York a tract of nearly

Park. an acre on the summit of a hill

in the northwestern part of

After the city of York was incor- York. Soon afterward the York Improve- porated, enterprising people saw the ment Company, composed of enterprising

Penn

Park. necessity of turning these fourteen citizens, set apart for the purpose of a park thirty-two acres of valuable land, surround- ing the gift of Mr. Farquhar. This pleas- ure resort, since known as Farquhar Park, has been laid off into walks and drives and beautiful grass plats and parterres. Two pavillions and a fountain have been erected under the direction of the park commis- sioners. acres into a public park for the rap- idly growing population. In 1890, A. B. Farquhar gave the sum of $1,400 for im- proving the grounds. Walks and drives were laid out and trees planted. Since the land had been given to the borough of York by the heirs of William Penn, this public resort was named Penn Park. In 1898, Charles W. Brant, then mayor of York, ap- During the past year Salem Park in the pointed A. B. Farquhar, D. F. Lafean, western part of York and Albemarle Park George P. Smyser, M. L. Van Baman, in the east end have been laid out for pub- Henry Small and Thomas B. Loucks a lic use. Board of Park Commissioners. This body immediately took steps to improve the con- CHAPTER XLIV dition of Penn Park. A handsome monu- MILITARY AND FIRE DEPARTMENT Early Companies-Militia Drills-The Big Muster-York Volunteers-Worth In- fantry-York Rifles-The Military En- campments-G. A. R .- Yorktown Chap- ter D. A. R .- Fire Companies, Laurel, Vigilant, Goodwill, Union, Rescue, Royal, Liberty and Reliance. ment was erected on an elevated spot in Penn Park and dedicated with imposing ceremonies June 15, 1898. On this occa- sion, E. W. Spangler, of the York County Bar, presided, and Rev. E. T. Jeffers, D. D., delivered the oration. There were a large number of persons present at these exer- cises. Under special act of assembly, the cost of this monument, $23,500, was paid by The martial spirit pervaded among the the county commissioners. It was erected first settlers of York County, and as early as

781

THE CITY OF YORK

1755 military companies, fully armed and equipped, existed. Two of these companies The Big took part in the French and Indian war. Muster. The story of the organziation of the Asso- ciators and other militia, and the part taken by them in the Revolution is given in an- other chapter in this work. Soon after the close of the War for Independence, local military companies were organized for drill and discipline. In 1791 there were two companies in York. One of these was com- manded by Captain George Hay ; the other was a cavalry company, commanded by Captain William McClellan. Both of these companies appeared on parade when Pres- ident Washington visited York in 1791, and were reviewed by that distinguished soldier.

A new militia system was put in force in Pennsylvania by act of Assembly passed July 1I, 1822. Under this law all the able-bod- ied men between the ages of 18 and 45 were required to meet five times a year for com- pany drill. On the first Monday of May the companies paraded separately, and were re- viewed by the brigade inspector. This was known as the "little muster," and took place in various parts of the county. The bat- talion drill took place on the second Monday in May, when an entire regiment, and some- times a brigade appeared and were reviewed by the brigade inspector, on the present site of Penn Park. This was known as the "big muster." On these occasions some of the men in line carried muskets, others ri- fles, while many used broomsticks or any- thing by which they might be trained to go through the manual of arms. This militia law was in force until 1842, when it was re- pealed. From that date until the Civil War volunteer military companies were organ- ized and drilled. There were a number of these companies in York, the most promi-

In 1800 when President John Adams ap- proached York from his home in Massa- chusetts, he was met down the road toward Wrightsville by two local military compa- nies. One of these, a light infantry company, was commanded by Captain Philip Gossler, and a cavalry company by Lieutenant John Fisher. President Adams was then making his first trip to Washington, which be- nent of which were the Worth Infantry and came the capital of the United States in the York Rifles.

1800.

In 18II when war between England and ler, on the 9th of September, 1834, was at- the United States again was threatened,

The funeral of Captain Michael H. Spang- tended by the officers of the 94th Regiment, military companies were organized and Pennsylvania Militia, by the survivors of drilled, not only in York but in every sec- tion of the county, and in 1814, when the British, under General Ross, marched upon Baltimore, Captain Michael Spangler's com- pany, from York, marched to the defence of Baltimore and took part in the battle of North Point.

the York Volunteers and by the following companies of the borough: The Washing- ton Artillerists, Captain Jacob Upp, Jr .; The Pennsylvania Volunteers, Captain John Evans; The Citizen Guard, Captain Samuel Hay; The National Greys, Captain Alex- ander H. Barnitz; The York Rangers, Cap-

After the war with England had again tain Samuel E. Clement.

ended in the triumph of American arms, the military spirit was kept up in the borough of York, and among the sturdy sons of toil throughout the county.

Friendly

Visits.

During the year 1839, the York military companies paid a visit to Baltimore, which was returned by the Independent Blues of that

In 1825, when Lafayette visited York, on city, on the 4th of July, in the same year. his tour of the United States, there was a The Baltimoreans considered themselves fine opportunity for the militia companies treated with so much kindness, attention and hospitality by the citizens of York, that they were prompted to make some acknowl- to make a display of their discipline and training. When he approached the town from Baltimore he was met down the turn- edgment; and, August 31, 1839, the Inde- pike by Captain Nes' artillery, three infan- pendent Blues presented a splendid United try companies from York, commanded re- States flag to the volunteer companies of spectively by Captains Small, Barnitz and York. This beautiful flag was in the pos- Stuck, and one company from Hanover, session of Colonel George Hay, and was fre- commanded by Captain Frysinger. quently suspended in front of his residence

782

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

on West Market Street on patriotic occa- with black fringe, a black fur hunting cap sions. The material of the flag is of the with three ostrich feathers. In 1835 George finest silk; the head of the staff is a spear of Hay, of York, was chosen captain of this massive silver elegantly chased, with two company, which he commanded for many silver tassels. On the head is the following years, and during that period it was one of the most noted military organizations in the state of Pennsylvania. By-laws were adop- ted in the year 1838. In accordance with

inscription :

"Presented by the Independent Blues to the York Volunteers August, 1839, as a mark of esteem for the unbounded hospi- these by-laws the uniform then consisted of black cloth frock coat, black cloth panta- loons, to be trimmed with black fringe and

tality extended to them during their visit July 4, 1839.'

The flag was presented August 31, in gold lace, shoulder mountings, a white front of the White Hall hotel, now the Na- drooping plume and pompon, patent leather tional hotel, in the presence of the military body belt and ball pouch, a scalping knife and a concourse of people, by a committee and tomahawk, black stock, white gloves of the Washington Blues, and accepted on and boots.

behalf of the soldiers by Hon. Charles A.

The rank and file of the company at this Barnitz. The companies in York at that time was as follows: Captain, George Hay ; time were the Washington Artillerists, Cap- tain Upp: the Washington Blues, Captain

first lieutenant, Frederick B. Cook; second lieutenant, Daniel F. Wilhelm; third lieu- Barnitz; the York Pennsylvania Rifles, Cap- tenant, Alfred Connellee; D. A. Stillinger, tain Hay, and a company of cavalry, the George P. Koch, Henry Spangler, Henry Washington Troop, Captain Garretson.

The York Riflemen was the first York Riflemen.

Lehman, Granville Fissel, Jacob Fry, Philip Peiffer, A. G. Weiser, Peter E. Wilt, Mich-

military company west of the ael Epley, Samuel W. Taylor, Matthias Susquehanna river to join the Yeaney, Edmund Connellee, Henry Ickes, patriot army during the Revo- Levi Spangler, William Eurich, Oliver Stair, lution. This company left York July 1, Jacob Koons, Henry Rupp, William F. 1775, and joined the army under Washing- Yingling, Charles Metzell, John J. Cochran, ton near Boston, July 25. It was com- Isaac Elliott, Henry Koch, Jacob Luckins- manded by Captain Michael Doudel, of land, Richard Simmons, Emanuel Hoke, York, and Lieutenant Henry Miller, who John King, Edward P. Lynes, Edwin C. Ep- afterward rose to the rank of brigadier gen- ley, Urban A. Ogden, Charles Clopper,

George Odenwalt, Jesse Harry, Nathan Coggins, Frederick Zorger, Oliver Luttman,

eral. This company served in the army during four years and its record is given in the history of the Revolution in this vol- Isaac Kepner. Caleb Kepner, Thornton ume. In 1791, the York Riflemen, then un- Connellee, Henry Ziegler, L. S. Stroman, der command of Captain James Cross, Daniel Rupert, Joseph Peiffer, William marched with the army to quell the whis- Sponsler, Charles Karg. John T. Kelly, key insurrection in western Pennsylvania. Jacob Alterdice, William Thompson, John Beard, Jacob Liedy, Edward Spangler, Charles Nes.

During the War of 1812 Captain Thomas Shriver, of York, commanded a company known as the York Riflemen, and in 1814 The company took part in the parade at when Baltimore was threatened by the the inauguration of Governor Ritner, at British, this company marched to the de- Harrisburg in 1835; were present at a mil- fense of that city and remained in the ser- vice from September 1, 1814, to December 4, 1814.

In 1834 a company was organized

itary display at Hanover in 1837; in the same year the company went to Philadel- phia, when they were present at the launch- ing of the steamship "Pennsylvania;" at-

York under the name of the York Penn- tended the inauguration of Governor Por- Rifles. sylvania Riflemen, with John Clem- ens, captain : T. N. Haller, first lieu- tenant : Samuel Herman, second lieutenant.

ter at Harrisburg, in January, 1839; at- tended a large encampment at Paoli in 1840; attended the funeral ceremonies of The first uniform consisted of green me- President Harrison at Washington in 1841, rino frock coat and pantaloons, trimmed being the only military company present

783

THE CITY OF YORK

from Pennsylvania. In 1844, during the erick Zorger, Edward Lay, Jacob Lehman, riots in Philadelphia, this company. under Allen Balke, Henry Philby, Samuel Eicholtz, Captain George Hay, proceeded to that V. S. Erney, Peter Schriver, James C. Mc- city.

In 1846, when the Mexican war opened, the company offered its services to the gov- ernment. The quota from Pennsylvania having been filled they were not called upon to enter the American army, and the com- pany disbanded. It was reorganized in 1859 as the York Rifles and made a fine appear- ance in the encampment on the Public Com- mon in 1860.

Meantime, Captain George Hay had been chosen brigadier general of the state mili- tia. When the Civil War opened, the York Rifles entered the army as Company K, Sec- ond Pennsylvania Regiment. Its subse- quent history is found on page 357.

York

The York Volunteers was an excellent military organiza- and while on his way from Washington to

Volunteers. tion which existed at opening of the War of 1812. was received by the Worth Infantry, who This company was commanded by Captain M. H. Spangler, and the part it took in the defense of Baltimore is told on page 344.

The Worth Infantry, a noted Worth Infantry. military organization, was organ- ized at York August 10, 1849. The first officers were Thomas A. Ziegle, captain ; John McGuire, first lieu- tenant; F. S. Whitesell, second lieutenant ; Charles F. Karg, third lieutenant ; William I. Reisinger, ensign; John Q. A. Hyde, or- derly sergeant; William Albright, Alonzo A. Shultz. John Ziegler, Samuel Simon, Wil-

Captain Ziegle continued to drill and dis- cipline his company, which always made an attractive appearance when present at dif- ferent state encampments. When the Civil War opened the Worth Infantry tendered its services to the governor of Pennsylvania and was accepted April 17, five days after Fort Sumter had been fired on. On the evening of April 20, 1861, this company and liam Sponsler, Joseph Allison, Jere G. Hil- the York Rifles, fully armed and equipped, debrand, Henry George, Jacob Craver, were sent to Cockeysville, Maryland, for the George M. Ettinger. Henry Weltzhoffer, purpose of guarding railroad bridges along musicians ; J. A. Erney. Levi Strickler, C. A. the Northern Central Railway. After their Klinefelter, Charles Henry, John Weiser, return to York, Captain Ziegle became col- Samuel Stair, John Small, James A. Stahle, onel of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Regi- Thomas Strickler, Joseph R. Swanger, George A. Stroman, Leonard J. Karg, Elias Spangler, Edmund P. Welsh, Joseph in the three months' service.

ment, and his company, under command of Captain John Hays, entered that regiment Its subse- quent history will be found on page 357. Ziegle was appointed to the command of the 107th, an account of which will be found on page 372.

Schall. John Minnan, Charles Collars, Peter Ahl, Samuel Carter, Henry Brandt, Wil- After the expiration of this service, Colonel liam Patterson, Oliver P. Stair, John M. Deitch, John Hays, George Smith, Andrew Glessner, Samuel Hamme, Henry Glessner, Charles Ginter, Leonard Koons, Albertus On Tuesday, Wednesday and Welsh, William R. Armpriester, Frederick Camp Thursday, August 23, 24, 25, 1841, there was an encampment of military on the York Common Shutter, John F. Spangler, Stephen Wallick, Lafayette. Henry Stroman, David Myers, Lewis Su- deck, Samuel Dillon, Levi S. Smith, Fred- known as Camp Lafayette, at which there

Guire, Martin L. Duhling, W. H. Albright, W. F. Reisinger, William F. Shelley, John Albright, G. L. Heidler, T. C. Stroman, F. Strausbaugh, John Staunton, Anthony Boll, privates.

Captain Thomas A. Ziegle, who organ- ized this company, had served as a sergeant in the Mexican war in the division com- manded by General Worth. The Worth Infantry was mustered into service at York August 10, 1849, in the presence of Presi- dent Zachary Taylor, who was then a vis- itor at York. In July, 1850, the company was present and participated in the funeral obsequies of General Taylor at Washington, D. C. In March, 1861, on the retirement of James Buchanan from the presidential chair,

Lancaster, he stopped at York, where he

acted as his escort to Wheatland, his home, where they were entertained by the retir- ing president and his niece, Miss Harriet Lane.

784

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

were seventeen companies present from dif- delphia. These two companies were first ferent parts of the state. Major Ham- quartered in the arsenal, and after remaining bright, of Lancaster, an experienced mili- there two days, were assigned to quarters tary officer, was commandant by invitation in the Girard bank, at which place and other and reviewed the troops and also organized threatened points they performed guard new companies. There were present two duty. companies from Baltimore City. The York The York companies remained in Philadelphia eight days and during the period of their ser- vice, in addition to performing County companies were the Wrightsville Quelling The Riot. Rifles, Captain Druck, Wrightsville; the Dover Artillery, Captain Worley; the Inde- pendent Blues, Captain Bott, of West Man- guard duty at various points, were called chester; the Jackson Greys, Captain Mc- Abee, Shrewsbury ; the Hopewell Rifles, Captain Smith; the York Pennsylvania out under arms to disperse the rioters. Once during the night they were hastily summoned from their quarters to fall in Rifles, Captain Hay ; the Washington Blues, line, and marched to a place where the ri- Captain Barnitz; the Washington Artiller- oters had assembled, but upon their ap- proach the rioters fled. ists, Captain Upp. Lieutenant Alexander Hay was aide-de-camp to the commanding officer. General Diller, adjutant general of the state, was present. On Wednesday the

After eight days the rioters were subdued and the two York companies returned home. The rank and file of both these troops were reviewed by his excellency, companies received from the state three Governor Porter, who headed the parade in full uniform, on horseback. In the year months' pay in recognition of their valiant services for a period of eight days. In 1841, Colonel Thomas Jameson was bri- all there were sixteen armed companies at gade inspector. There was at this time a Philadelphia during the continuance of the company of cavalry in York called the York riots. County Troop.

Troops at Philadelphia.

When Governor Porter issued his second

In 1843 the Native American call for troops, General Ramsey, commander party came into existence in of the York County Brigade of Militia, or- this country, and was quite dered the different companies to rendezvous strong in Philadelphia. The in York. On Wednesday evening, July 17, members of this party opposed the appoint- ment of foreigners to office and looked with disfavor on foreign immigration in general, especially the Irish-Catholics. In Philadel- phia the movement was attended the next year by disorderly meetings, fatal riots and the burning of houses and churches, involv- ing a loss of nearly $1,000,000 in property. In order to quell this riot Governor Porter called out the militia of the state, under com- in obedience to orders, every volunteer com- pany of Ramsey's Brigade, comprising the commands of Captains Bott, McAbee, Mur- phy and Bartol, and Washington Artillerists of York, numbering nearly a thousand men, assembled at York to await orders to go to Philadelphia. These were all uniformed companies, prominent among which were the Jackson Greys, of Shrewsbury; Muddy Creek Blues, of Chanceford and vicinity, mand of General Robert Patterson, a hero and the Cross Roads Rifles, of Hopewell

of the War of 1812. On July 4, 1844, there was a Native American procession in Phil- adelphia. This revived bitter memories and

Township. For one day the town of York presented quite a warlike appearance. Early on Thursday morning the troops pa- rioting began anew, lasting several days. raded, were reviewed by General Ramsay, The city was put under martial law. Gov- and about 8 o'clock, under his command ernor Porter appeared on the scene of the took their departure by railroad, fully ex- disturbance and issued a call for troops from the interior of the state. In response to this call the York Rifles, armed and equipped,

pecting to reach the scene of the riots. When the train reached Wrightsville, an order was received from General Patterson, under command of Captain George Hay, stating that the riots had been quelled and and the Washington Blues, also well armed their services were not needed. The dif- and equipped and commanded by Captain ferent companies returned to York and re- A. H. Barnitz, proceeded by rail to Phila- paired to their homes. One of the most

785

THE CITY OF YORK

noted political riots in Pennsylvania had York, after three years' service in the Phil- ended.

The last encampment of the or-

Camp ganized military companies of

Patterson. Pennsylvania, prior to the war of 1861, was held on the Public Common at York, in September, 1860, last- ing five days. Tents were pitched on the eastern portion of the Common and were over 400 in number, including officers' mar- quees. A large flag staff was erected im- mediately in front of the commanding offi- cer's marquee, from which floated the col- ors of our country. Two field pieces, one a six-pounder and the other an eighteen pounder were stationed on the western ex- tremity of the encampment and were fired according to general orders. They each bore the following inscription : "Captured at Cerro Gordo, April 18, 1847, by the American army, under Major General Scott, and presented to the state of Pennsylvania, by Major General Patterson." There were seventeen companies represented, number-

National Rifles, Captain T. B. Shaeffer, of Washington, D. C .; Worth Infantry, Cap- tain T. A. Ziegle; Independent Blues, Cap- tain S. H. Buehler, Gettysburg; Jackson Ri- fles, Captain H. H. Hambright, Lancaster; National Rifles, Captain S. B. Faber, Johns- town; Hanover Infantry, Captain H. M. Baughman; Lancaster Fencibles, Captain Emlen Franklin; York Rifles, Lieutenant J. W. Schall; Washington Guards, Captain John Croll, Newberrytown; Allen Rifles, Captain F. W. Good, Allentown; Philadel- phia Greys, Lieutenant D. F. Foley ; Cham- bersburg Artillery; Maytown Infantry, Lieutenant H. S. Bock; Marion Rifles, Cap- tain H. G. Myers, Hanover; Law Greys, Captain Thomas Bowers, Baltimore ; Mary- land Guards, Lieutenant Henderson, Bal- timore; Baltimore City Rifles, Lieutenant C. W. Hiltz.

ippine Islands. The names of these soldiers were :

Sixty-third Company, Coast Artillery- James Plymire, Henry Heltzer, John H. Smith, William Seiffert, George Frey and Carl Fisher.

Sixty-second Corps, Coast Artillery- John Winfelter, Kirk W. Owen, Stewart Petry and Thomas Miller.

Seventy-first Company, Coast Artillery --- John Graybill, William Kipp.

Upon the arrival of the returning soldiers at York they were escorted by the Spring Garden Band to the engine house of the Rescue Fire Company, where addresses of welcome were made by Mayor R. F. Gib- son, Rev. T. T. Everett and M. L. Van Ba- man.

YORKTOWN CHAPTER D. A. R.

Yorktown Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, was organized Octo- ber 10, 1894, at the residence of Mrs. Henry ing over 800 men, not including the various D. Schmidt, on East Market Street. Miss officers and their staffs. The following are Louise D. Black was chosen regent, and the names of the companies who partici- pated in the encampment :

Mrs. Schmidt, vice president. The charter members were Miss Louise Dawson Black, Mrs. Anne Riter Rupp, Mrs. Anna Small Schmidt, Miss Eliza Evans Cochran, Mrs. Anne Fisher Latimer, Mrs. Mary Small Schmidt, Miss Isabel Cassatt Small, Mrs. Mary Louisa Carson Schmidt, Miss Mary Doudel Croll, Mrs. Mary Barry Fisher, Mrs. Mary Miller Spangler, Miss Mary Smyser Lanius, Mrs. Mary Scheller Ebert, Miss Theresa Julia Spangler, Miss Mary Jane Barnitz.

Immediately after its formation, York- town Chapter began the study of the Amer- ican Revolution and the local history re- lating to that eventful period. Regular meetings were held eight months of the year when historical papers were read and dis- cussed. The first important step taken by the chapter was to place a tablet in 1896 in St. John's Episcopal Church to the mem- ory of Colonel Thomas Hartley, a noted sol- dier of the Revolution, and for twelve years

The National Rifles of Washington were accompanied by the Marine Band. The a member of Congress from York County. Worth Infantry, of York, with its ninety- The ceremony of unveiling this tablet was five men, was the largest company present. On March 31, 1902, a public re- witnessed by a large audience, including Dr. C. H. Hall, of Macon, Georgia, a de- scendant of the distinguished soldier. E.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 140

Author: Prowell, George R. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1372

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372