History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 141

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

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Returning ception was given to the York Soldiers. soldiers upon their return to W. Spangler delivered the presentation ad-

786

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

dress and the speech of acceptance was on the principle of mutual aid in time of made by Rev. Charles James Wood, rector need, or comprehended purposes so exalted of the parish. Hon. Chauncey F. Black de- as those embraced in the declaration of the livered the oration. In order to inculcate Grand Army of the Republic, namely, " Fra- a love for the study of American history, ternity, Charity, Loyalty." This society, the members of the Yorktown Chapter of- whose purpose is to band together the men who wore the blue during the war, was orig- inated in the west. To Colonel B. F. Ste- venson, of Springfield, Illinois, is given the credit of being the first person who formu- post was organized at Dakota, Illinois, in 1866. A State Department Encampment was organized in Illinois July 12, 1866, under Colonel Stevenson. In the month of No- vember of the same year a National En- campment was organized at Indianapolis, with representatives present from nearly all of the northern states. These encampments fered prizes to the students of the York High School, who would write the best es- says on topics assigned them. This move- ment had an excellent effect and created a deep interest among the citizens of York lated the plans of its noble aims. The first and the patrons of the school. In 1906 Yorktown Chapter, aided by the Sons of the American Revolution, raised funds for the erection of a tablet to commemorate the meeting of Continental Congress at York, from September 30, 1777, to June 27, 1778. This tablet, neatly designed and with ap- propriate inscriptions, was placed on the business house of P. A. & S. Small, in Cen- have since been held annually in various lo- tre Square. The ceremony of unveiling this calities of the Union. beautiful tablet was one of the most patri- General John Sedgwick Post, No. 37. G. A. R., Department of otic demonstrations ever held in the city of Sedgwick York. Hundreds of people assembled in Post. Pennsylvania, was organized at York, May 8, 1878, with the fol- Centre Square to take part in the exercises. E. W. Spangler presided, and made a brief lowing charter members :

address. George S. Schmidt, a prominent member of the York County Bar, delivered the oration. In this speech he referred to ram S. McNair, David E. Myers, Samuel I. Adams, Joseph W. Test, Abner W. Min- nich, Thomas Minnich, George L. Koons, Robert Burrows, Henry T. Goodling, Sam-

the most important events which took place while Congress held its sessions in the Court House in Centre Square.

The work accomplished by Yorktown uel Simon, Samuel Myers, Samuel Ever- Chapter has produced a beneficial effect by hart. George Horn, Edward R. Herr, encouraging a careful study of the Revolu- Charles H. Busey, Lafayette H. Bastress. George Graybill, William F. Eichar, Andrew tion. It is one of the most active chapters in the state of Pennsylvania. In 1907 the B. Jack, Matthew J. Mckinnon, John Burg chapter contained fifty-two members. Mrs. and August C. Steig. The Post held its

Smyser Williams was regent, and Mrs. L. M. Hartman, secretary.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

All honorably discharged soldiers and sailors, who have served in the army or navy of the United States are entitled to member- ship in the Grand Army of the Republic. Soon after the close of the Revolution, soci- eties were formed which were composed of commissioned officers and their descendants. The most prominent of these was the So- ciety of Cincinnati, which still has an ex- istence. Army organizations of the War of

William H. Lanius, Lewis H. Eppley, Henry M. Davis, Wellington G. Erwin, Hi-

first meeting on the third floor of the Jor- dan building, Centre Square. Captain Wil- liam H. Lanius, through whose efforts the Post was successfully organized, was chosen its first commander.

The Post grew in numbers rapidly and in 1907 there were about 700 names of com- rades on the roll. During that year there were 250 active members. There are over 200 names on the Memorial roll, who have died since its organization. Some have been transferred to other posts. The Post Com- manders in order of succession have been :

Captain William H. Lanius, Charles 1812 and of the Mexican War have existed Horn, Andrew A. Wasson, Captain Henry for social and convivial purposes, but none B. Wattman, William F. Eichar, Captain of these societies named have been based William I. Reisinger, Captain Edward L.

787

THE CITY OF YORK

Schroeder, T. R. Hendrickson, George L. Koons, George O. Luttman, James D. Mil- ler, John Baymiller, Alfred W. Moore, Col- onel James A. Stahle, Adam F. Strayer, George P. Spangler, Alexander A. Rodes, Herman Sauppe, Joseph W. Snave, William A. Cook, David W. Crider, Edward T. Lewis, Henry Tschop, David G. Foose, John T. Stark, George C. Worley, Jacob H. Rahn, George W. Aughenbaugh, Reuben S. Moist.

Sons of Veterans.

Captain Edgar M. Ruhl Camp, No. 33, Division of Pennsylva-

nia, Sons of Veterans, was or- wagons, one hose wagon, one chemical en- what was then known as the Eastern Di- tus and about 10,000 feet of hose. The

ganized and mustered into vision of Pennsylvania Sons of Veterans,

December 22, 1882, by Lieutenant John of forty-nine boxes. Although the depart- Cleckner, of Camp 15, Harrisburg. John C. Hoffman, a comrade of General John Sedg- wick Post 37, G. A. R., whose father was the oldest member of the "York Rifles," in proven their efficiency equal to that of most the three months' service in 1861, was chosen commander of the camp. John M. Rively was chosen secretary and Elmer E. Rei- singer, treasurer. The charter members ment is entirely volunteer service, the com- mendable activity of the firemen and the ex- cellent management of the companies have of the paid departments in other cities and towns. The early history of the fire de- partment of York is full of interest. Orig- inally buckets alone were used to throw water upon fires. Later hand engines were liam F. Steever, James C. Allen, Jacob S. used, and finally steam engines and all the modern apparatus necessary for the rapid extinguishment of fires.

Harry H. Gross, Elmer E. Reisinger, Wil- Kindig, Paul P. Goodling, John M. Rively, John McComas, Robert Hamme, James Henry Davis, John Bloom, John C. Hoff- man, Joseph Culbertson, George W. Spang- ler, Jacob Wasbers and Henry Voss.

There are no records by which it can

The for a certainty be determined when

Sun. the first fire company was organized in York, but, doubtless, the first one

On July 4, 1883, the Camp was mustered into the Eastern Pennsylvania Division of that did any effective service was the Sun Sons of Veterans, by Colonel J. H. Closson. Fire Company, formed April 3. 1772. Ac- In June, 1888, the Eastern and Western Divisions of Pennsylvania were consoli- dated, forming the Division of Pennsylvania Sons of Veterans, Ruhl Camp 33, retaining its number (33) in the new division. Sam- to supply " at his own expense, one leather uel Berger was the commander. John C. bucket, one bag and one convenient basket ; Hoffman, Sr., secretary, and Paul Smyser, the bag to be made of good osnaburgs or treasurer, in 1907.

The following have been Post Captains of this Camp: John C. Hoffman, Sr., Paul Smyser, A. W. Moore, David F. Moore, Harry G. Lightner, Charles A. Hoffman, Joseph Beaverson, Edward W. Neuman, Harry B. Lentz, Hiram F. Nickel, E. Sher- man Miller, Daniel J. Golden, Erasmus M. houses, goods and effects in case of fire."

Heiman, William J. Croll, Samuel Burger, William G. Uhler.

The Camp has a membership of over two hundred:

Company A, Sixth Regiment S. V. Re- serves, the military branch of Captain E. M. Ruhl Camp, has a membership of forty-six.

The officers are Captain, Paul Smyser ; First Lieutenant, Hiram F. Nickel; Second Lieutenant, William J. Croll.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The fire department of York has always maintained a good reputation for its effi- ciency. There are at present within the city seven companies, owning seven steamers, five combination chemical engines and hose gine, one complete hook and ladder appara-

alarms are sounded by a Gamewell system

cording to the minute book of this company its object was for "better preserving our own and fellow townsmen's houses, goods ' and effects from fire." Each member was

wider linen, whereof each bag shall contain two yards at least, and shall have a running string at the mouth, which said buckets, bags and baskets shall be marked with our names and company, and shall be kept ready at hand and applied to no other use than pre- serving our own and fellow townsmen's

Each member in default of the above was fined one shilling. If any part of the appar- atus was lost, it was supplied from the funds of the company. A part of their duty

788

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

was to save the property and carry it in 3 o'clock, near the different engine houses their bags and baskets to a place of safety, in this borough, when the burgesses and detail one of their number to watch it till the owners could claim and care for it. A fine of one shilling was imposed upon each member absenting himself or failing to bring "bucket, bag and basket," on the occasion of a fire in any part of the "town of York." and assistants, sheriffs, constables, com- missioners and all able-bodied citizens, commissioned and non-commissioned, are invited to attend with their fire buckets, baskets, ladders, hooks, etc., in order to par- take of the brilliancy of the scene, and by their assistance facilitate the operations of the different machines. Should the exhi- bition meet with encouragement it is not doubted but the engines will be put in com-

The original members were Michael Swope, John Shultz, Michael Hahn, Jacob Doudel, Baltzer Spangler, Frederick Houseman, Henry Walter, John Hay, plete repair for the gratification of the ad- George Stake, David Candler, Peter mirers of hydrostatics and ready for dis- Duenckel, George Moul, Michael Welsh, play at a moment's warning."

Henry Miller, John Morris, Valentine Lees, Michael Weider, Rudolph Spangler and Michael Graybill, nearly every one of whom became soldiers in the Revolution. Jacob Doudel was elected the first treasurer, and received fines to the amount of one pound, four shillings, six pence, of which amount seven shillings, six pence was a donation from Samuel Edie, editor of the Pennsyl- vania Herald. A water engine was pur- chased in August, 1772, and a house was built for it in 1773. This engine had a side lever gallery and was supplied with water by means of buckets, as a hose was then unknown.

The Hand in Hand was another

company in existence in 1773. Ja-

Hand in cob Shultz, of this company, was

Hand provided with a key to the German Reformed Church, so as to be able to give an alarm by ringing the church bell in case of fire. A fire occurred in York, June, 1773, at which the companies did Laurel.

· good service, and another in Bottstown in December, of the same year.

The Laurel Fire Company was or-

The ganized at the residence of Col. Henry Miller, northeast angle of Centre Square, February 13, 1790. Each member was required to furnish his own bucket, on which was painted his name with the design of a hand grasping a laurel wreath and around the bucket were painted the words, "Laurel Fire Company, 1790."

In 1797 a destructive fire occurred on West Market Street. It broke out in the stables to the rear of the residence of John Hay, immediately east of Zion Reformed Church. Several out-buildings were burned, After the adoption of this style of a bucket, two dwelling houses injured and the George Stuck, Jacob Small, Philip Walte- entire church, including a pipe organ, meyer and Frederick Laumaster were ap- was destroyed by the flames before they pointed to make ladders and hooks. could be checked.

A meeting was held March 1, 1790, for The York Recorder for November 24, the election of officers, when Henry Miller 1802, makes the following announcement: was chosen president; Andrew Billmeyer, treasurer; John Lukens, clerk; Jacob

"Citizens, how you will be as- A Big tonished on Saturday next, with Welshans, keeper of the engine. Septem- Display. a grand display of water works ber 6, of the same year, a committee was to take place in the afternoon at appointed to purchase material to make fire

In 1803 a negro woman was convicted by the Courts of York County for poisoning Sophia and Matilda Bentz, and was sen- tenced to the penitentiary for a period of four years. The sentence caused great dis- satisfaction among the people of her race in York and vicinity. Some of them con- spired to destroy the town. The citizens upon hearing of this intention were on the alert. They did not discover the plans of the conspirators until six successful at- tempts had been made to burn the build- ings within the borough limits. Twenty- one negroes were arrested and a number of them found guilty of arson and sent to the penitentiary. Thus ended an exciting period in the history of York. This con- spiracy gave the fire companies of the town an excellent opportunity to prove their abil- ity to extinguish the flames.

789

THE CITY OF YORK

ladders for the company. March 5, 1792, to him by the Laurel, Hon. John Gibson the same officers were again elected. July making the presentation speech. Michael Edwards died at his home in West Vir-

8, 1797, Joseph Welshans, David Cassatt, Ralph Bowie, John Stroman, John Fisher, ginia, in 1876, aged nearly 100 years.

Jr., were appointed a committee to revise the rules of the company. The member- ship was increased to sixty. In 1798 an engine was built for the Laurel.

The first headquarters of the Laurel Fire Company were on the north side of East Market Street, a short distance west of Duke Street. In 1840 a building was erected on South Duke Street which was remodelled in 1856 and used until 1878, when the pres- ent engine house, an honor to the borough, and the pride of the members of the com- pany, was built. and its first occupancy celebrated with imposing ceremonies. The presidents of this company in late years, in order of succession, have been: Charles W. Myers, James B. Ziegler, William H. Albright and George W. Winehold, who held the position for the last twenty-five

March 7, 1803, Jacob Barnitz was elected president and John Fisher, Jr., secretary. In February, 1816, the company was reor- ganized. George Spangler, at whose house the meeting was held, became president, and D. Heckert, secretary; George Spang- ler, Ralph Bowie, Peter Small, Dr. John Rouse, Peter Wilt, Samuel Weiser, staff- men; George Small, Jacob Rudy, Jacob Laumaster, Michael Emich, axmen; Wil- liam Reese, Daniel Vogelsong, Thomas Baumgardner, Adam Lightner, John Leh- years. man, Jacob Lehman, William Spangler, " Old Suz" was superseded by an im- Peter Ziegler, Jacob May, John Miller, proved La France engine of the second John Heckert, Jr., Joseph Updegraff, hook, class, purchased in 1892, at a cost of $4,350. ladder and roofmen; Christian Lanius, In 1897 a combination hose wagon and Henry Small, Jesse Hines, spoutmen. Mar- chemical engine was purchased at a cost of tin Weiser, Christian Rupp, Jacob Crau- $1,650. The Laurel introduced horse ser- mer, Jacob Rudy, Frederick Youse, were property guards.

vice March 17, 1886, when the company purchased Frank and Harry, two fine ani- mals which did good service for many years. In 1907 the company owned four horses, named Judge, Doc, Frank and Harry. The membership was 160.

In 1840 Dr. Alexander Small, president of the Laurel, and others, petitioned the Legislature for an act of incorporation to exist for fifteen years. A charter was granted by the Court in 1844. In 1840, a The Vigilant Fire Company was steam engine was purchased from the Hu- The organized in 1780. It was first Vigilant. called the Union Fire Company. was brought from Philadelphia to Colum- Soon after its organization a mane Fire Company of Philadelphia. It bia on the railroad, and from thence to hand engine, built by Richard Mason, York, drawn by horses on the turnpike. Philadelphia, was procured. It was a side lever engine and threw water, which was supplied by buckets, direct from the gal- lery. Repairs were made to it. sometime between the date of purchase and 1791. by the employees of Elisha Kirk, and in 1796 repairs were again made and improve- ments added to it by Jonathan Jessop. Charles A. Morris was president from 1850 to 1854. In 1855 a large bell was purchased from the Goodwill Fire Company of Phila- delphia. It rang out an alarm of a destruc- tive fire October 8, 1856; the bell was re- cast the next year. The uniform of the · company at that time consisted of black hats, six inches high, with a rim three inches wide, cap with the name of the com- pany on it and the date of incorporation.

In 1868 a new uniform was adopted. Un- of the Vigilant Fire Company. Philip Smy- der the presidency of Erastus H. Weiser, the steam engine "Old Suz," was pur- chased and arrived in York May II. 1868.

The first change in the name of the " Union " was that ordered December II, 1816, since which date it has borne the title ser was then chosen its president. During the great flood of 1817, the records of the company, which were kept in Jonathan Jes- sop's house on the west side of the Codorus Creek, were lost. The engine was kept at

In 1870 Michael Edwards, one of the original members of the company, visited York. A gold-headed cane was presented this date and until 1834, in a building on

790

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

the south side of West Market Street, be- nection with the other companies of the tween Water Street and the Codorus, after town, and the Humane Company of Norris- town. July, 1883, the company having in view the introduction of the fire alarm tele-

which time it was kept on the north side of Market Street west of the Codorus, a short distance from the present engine house, graph, had the first alarm station erected which was first occupied in April, 1871.

on a flag staff in Centre Square, to connect with a large gong on their engine house. During the flood of June 26, 1884, the water reached the depth of nine feet on the first

In 1831, the company was reorganized and a constitution and by-laws adopted. February 6, 1842, application was made for a charter to the Court of Common Pleas, floor of the engine house, completely sub- which was granted April 7, 1842, under the merging the apparatus which was damaged, name of the "York Vigilant Fire Com- and everything movable swept away. Af- pany." A new engine was needed. For ter the flood had receded, the engine was this purpose the burgesses donated $1,000, put to pumping water out of the flooded and the committee appointed procured one buildings, remaining in service 118 consec- from John Agnew, of Philadelphia, for the utive hours, a work rarely accomplished by sum of $1,120. This went into service in a steam fire engine.

October, 1843, and the old " Mason " after October 15, 1884, the steamer of the com- sixty years' use in York, was sold to the pany purchased from L. Button & Sons, in people of Dover, York County. The first 1868, was taken out of service for repairs. alarm bell was purchased from Jones & Hitchcock, of Troy, New York, at a cost of $223 and rang its first call to service, June 7. 1853. March 3, 1885, the new engine was pur- chased for $4,000 from the Button Fire En- gine Company, of Watertown, New York. March 6, 1885, the company celebrated the In 1856, the engine was rebuilt by John Agnew, who placed upon it a handsome silver-plated gallery and side badges, which had been purchased from the Vigilant Fire Company of Philadelphia. This engine is still retained by the company. reception of the new steamer by a banquet at the American House. The following named persons have been president of this company from the date of its organization to 1907: Elisha Kirk, John Hay, Jesse Spangler, Philip Smyser, Martin Ziegler, George Wagner, Jonathan Jessop, Charles A. Morris, Benjamin Beitzel, Joseph Mor- ris, Charles Hahn, George Philip Ziegler, Henry Ebert, Michael Doudel, Jacob Smy- ser, Jacob Baylor, Frederick Baugher, Isaac Garretson, William Sayres, Michael Eppley, Daniel Kraber, Daniel Motter, David F. Williams, Henry A. Hantz, Jere Carl, Wil-

In 1867 the first steps toward a steam fire department were taken, and in 1868 Button & Son, of Waterford, New York, built to the order of the company a steamer at a cost of $3,500. In 1868, by order of court, the name was changed to Vigilant Steam Fire Engine Company, No. I. In 1871, the present building was occupied and a new alarm bell, weighing 2,200 pounds and cost- liam A. Stahle, Daniel Heckert, George J. ing $900, was placed in position. The cost Chalfant, Edward Stuck, Luther T. Dein- inger and John Strickler. of the building exclusive of the ground, was $7,199. The expense of furnishing the par- The secretaries of the company since 1873 have been W. B. Wallick, Charles G. Corn- well, Charles Baugher, Jacob W. Brunhouse and David Dierdorff. lors was borne by the members themselves. The spider was purchased from C. F. Harts- horne, of New York, at a cost of $450, and it went into service, January, 1878, becom- ing the property of the company by having been purchased with funds in its treasury. The Button Crane Neck carriage of the com- pany, built by L. Button & Son, was pur- chased for $600, and went into service April 14, 1879.

The Vigilant Company introduced horse service in 1887, when Sultan, Prince and Duke, three fine black horses were pur- chased and continued in service twenty-four years. In 1907 the company owned six horses. In 1904 a Metropolitan engine was purchased from the American Fire Engine Company. of Seneca Falls, New York, for

October, 1880, the company celebrated its centennial anniversary, which was the occa- the sum of $5,400. The other equipments sion of a jubilee and street parade in con- are a hose carriage, a Holloway chemical

BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF YORK FROM ROYAL ENGINE HOUSE TOWER, 1907

COURT OF HONOR IN CENTRE SQUARE DURING SESQUI-CENTENNIAL OF YORK COUNTY IN 1899

791

THE CITY OF YORK

engine and everything needed for an enter- which was afterward sold to the Glen Rock prising fire company. The membership of Fire Company. In November, 1894, a site the Vigilant Company in 1907 is 464. George Strausbaugh is chief driver, Edward Sweitzer, hose wagon driver, and John My- ers, engine driver. on East Market Street was secured upon which an engine house was built by the com- pany. In 1902 this engine house was sold to the City of York. Soon afterward a hand- some brick engine house was erected on this Goodwill. site. It was dedicated with imposing cere- monies. In 1902 the company purchased four horses and the City of York bought the chemical engine and hose carriage.

The Goodwill Fire Company was organized at the school house in Freystown, now East York, December 14, 1839, when Jacob Neff was elected president and Michael Boeckel, treasurer. It was originally known as the Springgarden Active Fire Company. In 1839 the company purchased a hand bucket pump engine. The headquarters were then in a one-story building at the northwest

May 21, 1855, a meeting was held

Union.

The in the business office of Small & Smyser, later the Variety Iron Works, for the purpose of organ- izing a fire company in the northern part

corner of Market and Franklin Streets. of York. Dr. Alexander Small was chosen The name was changed to the Goodwill Fire president of this meeting. The sum of $865 Company in 1852, when they purchased a was raised. John Nevin, George WV. Ilgen- fritz and Dr. Small were selected a commit- tee to purchase a suction engine from Rod- gers & Son, of Baltimore, for $1,200. It was suction pump engine, built by M. J. Gardner, of York, and named the "Hornet." The old engine was changed so as to receive water through hose instead of buckets. In 1858 brought to York in September of the same the company purchased a plot of ground year. After long use this engine was sold to on East Market Street, from John Sleeger, the borough of Phillipsburg, Centre County, upon which an engine house was built. for $300. Thomas E. Cochran, John Nevin, About this time the Goodwill was the and George M. Shetter framed a constitu- first fire company in York to use horses tion and by-laws, and the organization was to convey the apparatus to the scene of a named the Union Fire Company. Upon re- fire raging at the Motter House, near the ceiving a charter the following officers were Market Street bridge. This incident won a chosen: president, Thomas E. Cochran ; vice president, George A. Heckert; secre- tary, George M. Shetter; treasurer, George W. Ilgenfritz; directors, John Eppley, Charles Collars, Gates C. Weiser, George Upp and A. J. Dick. A uniform hat for firemen was adopted by the company May 29, 1857. It was an ultra-marine blue. On July 4, 1857, the Union participated in a parade and celebration at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, by a special invitation of the Franklin Fire Company, of that borough.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 141

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