History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 165

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

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Members of the United Evangelical Church of Windsor and vicinity worshipped in Bethlehem Church in Windsor Town- ship during the early history of the borough. In 1900 the present neat and commodious church edifice was erected at Windsor, and the congregation has since increased in strength and importance. Rev. Edward Falcomer organized the congregation and during his pastorate the church was built. He was succeeded by J. H. Hertz and Charles Brillhart. the present pastor.

WINTERSTOWN.

During the early part of last century. Rev. John Smith, a Presbyterian clergyman, owned a large farm in the northern part of Hopewell Township. In 1830, Townsend Winter of Steuben County, New York, pur- chased a part of this farm and laid it off into lots. When he first came into possession of this tract, it was covered with woodland. ley. Kuntz and Shettle.

originally called "Apple Grove." Town- send Winter sold his land in large lots. He began to build a house, which before its completion was purchased by Daniel Bren- neman, who lived to an advanced age. This property was later owned by Daniel Herbst. Winter then erected another house which for half a century was owned and occupied by Henry Landis. Winter resided in the town he laid out, until 1875, when he re- moved to Galesburg, Illinois. Before leav- ing for the west, the name of his town was changed from Apple Grove to Winterstown, and this name was retained when a charter of incorporation was procured January 2, 1871. William Norris made a survey of the borough, which is twelve miles from York and seven miles from Stewartstown. The population in 1880 was 190, in 1890 was 209, and in 1900, 217.

The first store in the village was kept by Emanuel Klinefelter. Graham and Snyder owned a general store for several years and it was later owned by U. S. Snyder. Daniel S. Mitzel and Brother owned a store in the northern part of the borough. Franklin Yagle, Philip Mitzel, R. H. Maffet and J. F. Graham own cigar factories. Dr. C. F. Hildebrand practiced medicine here for ser- eral years and was succeeded by D. F. Lutz and C. F. Frees.

The first class of United Brethren in Christ at Winterstown was organized about 1830. Rev. Frederick Flinchbach then formed the scattered adherents into a con- gregation that first worshipped in dwelling houses and barns. Successful campmeet- ings were held in the vicinity. In the year 1868, Rev. John H. Young held a revival meeting in the barn of John Strayer, which resulted in many additions to the congrega- tion. The following year a church was built. The trustees then were John Strayer, Granville Jackson. A. E. Fulton, and Rev. Peter Carl. minister in charge. The min- isters of this circuit since organization have been : Christian S. Crider, Henry Green- blade, J. S. Wentz, Tobias Crider, W. H. Craumer, J. H. Young, A. H. Rice, Samuel Enterline, Isaac Coomes. W. B. Raber, Jesse Cline, Lewis Kohr, J. C. Smith, Craumer, Lightner, L. Kohr, Beatty, Quig-

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The United Evangelical Church estab- lished about a third of a century ago, has since increased in membership and influ- ence. The congregation owns a neat church building. The pastors have been Revs. Seibert, Rodes, Kane, Foose, Snyder, Hoke and Nace. The meeting house, in the ex- treme northern part of the borough, belongs to the German Baptists. The congregation is large and prosperous. The preachers are Rev. Jacob F. Myers and son, and Rev. Nace.

Andrew Finly, or Finley, a Scotch-Irishman, emigrated from

"Andre Finley died in the year 1800.

His pilgrimage on earth was four score years and three. In his early youth he bravely served his Majesty,

In whose army he was a captain bold, And fought for honor, not for sake of gold. Firm and undaunted he had courage brave

And drew his sword his country for to save."

There is another couplet relating to his kindness to the poor, which is not clearly legible. A difficulty arose between the poet and Finly as to the charge for his services, which was not adjusted until after the death of the latter, when McCandless laid in a bill of ten pounds, or about $50, for the epitaph and recovered it. Finly, who, doubtless, had many virtues even if he was possessed of considerable vanity, left no children and his

King of the County Antrim, North Ireland, Barrens. to this country in 1832. He landed at New Castle, Delaware, young wife died many years before him. proceeded with others to York County, and He lived in a comfortable home, now in the limits of Winterstown. He served as lieu- tenant of a company of soldiers from his section that, in 1758, joined General Forbes' expedition against the Indians, and after- wards was at the surrender of Fort Du- quesne, now Pittsburg. Part of his land around Winterstown was given, by will, to a relative, who became the wife of Rev. John Smith, and who, with her husband moved to Steuben County, New York. The tract for many years lay as an open com- mon, surrounded by valuable timber land. It was a resort for sportsmen during this period, in quest of wild pigeons which were found abundantly there. purchased a tract of land on which the vil- lage of Winterstown was built. Tradition gives Finly a great deal of prominence in the lower end of York County. He was a sort of modern Shylock, demanding not a pound of flesh, however, from every person to whom he loaned money, but a quart of old rye, together with the principal and in- terest. This inspiriting fluid was all placed in one demijohn and dealt out to his friends who visited him on convivial occasions. He was called by his neighbors the "King of the Barrens." Before his death, he em- ployed James McCandless, a school master of the olden time, also a justice of the peace, to write some verses which were to be placed on his tombstone. The ingenious WRIGHTSVILLE. Scotchman, who it is said, was able to repeat nearly the whole of the poems of Robert

The borough of Wrightsville, situated on the banks of the Susquehanna, is noted for Burns from memory, and had acquired a its historical associations. It was at this place that the earliest settlers crossed the Susquehanna to take up the fertile lands now within the region of York County.

local reputation as an amateur poet, was unable to please Finly at the first attempt, as the verses were not laudatory enough to suit his ambition, believing with the im- mortal Shakespeare that

"The evil that men do lives after them,

The good is oft interred with their bones."

tomb, in the "Round Hill " graveyard, about three miles southeast of Winters- town :

In 1726 Robert Barber, Samuel

Early Blunston and John Wright, prom- Settlers. inent members of the Society of Friends came from Chester County and settled upon the east bank of the river, where Columbia now stands.

He ordered McCandless to consult the Wright took up 250 acres lying south of Muses and make another attempt. The Walnut Street in Columbia, and Blunston, poet finally produced the following effusion, 500 acres north of that street. Soon after- ward John Wright took up several hundred

which pleased his master, and it is neatly carved on the marble slab which covers his acres of land on the west bank of the river, extending from the creek up to John Hen- drick's land, about 200 yards from the bridge.

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA

Although the proprietaries of the prov- one of the points named for the National ince prohibited any settlement west of the Capital, a complete account of which is river, and refused to issue a license to any- given on page 666. one except John Wright and John and Notwithstanding the early settle- James Hendricks, several families from Town ment of the locality, and the promi- Chester County settled in Conojohela (now Laid nence attained by the ferry, the Out. town was not laid out until 1811, and later. The part of the town known as Wrightsville containing 101 lots lying between Hellam Street and Limekiln Alley and between the river and Fourth called Conodochly) valley, four miles lower down the river and were removed in 1730. A number of German families settled a short distance west of Wrightsville. These settlements having been planted west of the river, it was with great difficulty others Street (except a portion of the square be- were restrained from joining them. John Wright saw the necessity of establishing a ferry and applied for a patent, but on ac- count of the opposition of a rival applica- tion at the larger settlement in Conestoga Manor, four miles below Wright's, he did not procure his patent until 1733. Im- mediately thereafter John Wright and Sam- nel Blunston petitioned the court to ap- point viewers to lay out a public road from the ferry at the foot of Walnut Street, in Columbia, to Lancaster, which road was laid out and confirmed by the court in 1734.

tween Front and Second and Hellam and Locust Streets), was laid out by William Wright in 1811, and by him conveyed to Jacob Kline. To the lot owners of this portion of the town belongs the public ground at the corner of Front and Walnut Streets. "Westphalia", containing ninety- six lots, and "Westphalia continued", were laid out by Susanna Houston in 1811 and 1812 and embraced all that part of the town south of Hellam Street. "Wrightsville con- tinued", embracing the part of the town north of Limekiln Alley was laid out by William Wright in 1813. "Wrightsville

John Wright, Jr., son of John Wright, re- moved to the west side of the river and extended", lying between Hellam and Lo-

erected a ferry house at the foot of Hellam Street. He received a license to keep a public house for the years 1736-37-38-39. and in 1739, a public road was laid out from his ferry, extending thirty-four miles, and connecting with the Monocacy road in Maryland, and from thence to the Potomac at the base of Shenandoah Valley.

cust Streets, and west of Fourth Street, was laid out by Samuel Miller. It may be inter- esting to know that the lots in Wrightsville were disposed of by lottery, or rather that the lots were sold at a uniform price, and the choice of lots was determined by chance.

The first bridge over the Susquehanna at this point was erected in 1814, and since that time the place has been known as Wrightsville, instead of Wright's Ferry, as

In the year 1726, Joshua Minshall, John and James Hendricks, Quakers, crossed over from the east side of the river. John before. Hendricks received a license for 350 acres Wrightsville was incor- of land extending along the river above Incorporation. porated as a borough, April John Wright's land and Minshall settled II, 1834, and the first elec- about a mile and a half back from the river tion was held on the 9th of May, following. on the land later owned by John Strickler Henry Snyder was chosen chief burgess, William Wilson, assistant burgess, Tempest Wilson, Michael Clepper, Samuel Sheaffer, and George D. Ebert, a record of which is found on page 31.

John Wright, Jr., was elected a member George Green and Robert W. Smith, men- of the Assembly for York County at the bers of the town council, and Jacob Harris first election after the county was formed constable. This council organized on the in 1749, and annually re-elected until 1759. 12th of the same month by the election of Robert W. Smith, president. He died about the year 1763.

The postoffice was established at Wrightsville January 13, 1816, when Wil- liam White was appointed the first post- master. The other postmasters in order of

Wright's ferry, during and after the Rev- olutionary War was well-known through- out the country, being the principal thor- oughfare over the Susquehanna, and from the importance gained in this way, became succession as furnished by the government

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WRIGHTSVILLE

at Washington were the following: James in Japan, was appointed to the charge but Jordan, 1823; James Kerr, 1828; George W. remained only a short time when he was Hinkle, 1838; William S. Cochran, 1841 ; sent to another field of labor, being followed John Kerr, 1845; George W. Oberdorff, by William Reed.

1849; Joseph A. Wolf, 1852; James Kerr, 1855; Alexander J. Thomson, 1861; Jacob G. Leber, 1867; William McConkey, 1869; John I. Smith, 1879; Jacob H. Freet, 1885: Calvin G. Smith, 1889: Robert S. Magee, 1895, and William H. Flora, 1899.

Religious In the year 1817, Susanna Houston presented to the peo- History. ple of the village of Wrightsville

The pastors in order of succession from 1849 to 1885 were Franklin Gearhart, Wil- liam Gwynn, W. C. Steele, W. W. Welsh, D. S. Monroe, WV. S. Wilson, S. W. Sears, Oliver Ege, M. S. Drum, G. W. Dunlap, Emory Buhrman, J. Max Lantz, J. W. Ole- wine, H. M. Ash, Richard Mallalieu, E. A. Deavor, J. Y. Shannon, J. P. Moore. The Methodist congregation owns a convenient

a tract of land upon which a and commodious house of worship and a union meeting house was built of stone in parsonage. Rev. Elmer E. Hatter was pas- the same year. In this building religious tor of the congregation in 1907 when the services were held by Presbyterians and church membership was 250, and the Sun- Methodists. It was known as the Union day School contained over 300 teachers and Meeting House and continued to be used scholars.

for religious worship and for school purposes The Presbyterian congregation dates until 1854, when it was torn down. The site from May 8, 1828, when Rev. William F. of this original house of worship and the ad- Houston became pastor. Services were joining grounds are now occupied as a held in the Union chapel on Chestnut Street until 1847, when the lot of ground at the

cemetery. In 1828 a lot was purchased from Leonard Rathfon for the erection of a northwest corner of Second and Locust Methodist Episcopal Church.

Streets was purchased and a two-story church built. This was used by the congre- and a commodious and beautiful church

During the next year a frame church was built. Wrightsville was then one of the ap- gation until 1882, when it was torn down pointments on Shrewsbury Circuit. The first record was made in 1840, when John A. edifice erected on the same site. The pas- Collins and Penfield Doll were the tors of the congregation in their regular preachers of Shrewsbury Circuit, to which order have been as follows: William F. Wrightsville was still attached. They were Houston, G. L. Moore, R. W. Dunlap, succeeded, in 1841, by Oliver Ege, as Stephen Boyer, Joseph H. Graff, Elijah preacher in charge, and Thomas Mitchell, Wilson, John J. Lane, S. Morton Pearce, S. as junior preacher. This was the last year Henry Bell, George S. Bell, E. W. Gaylord. that Shrewsbury Circuit extended so far. I. Potter Hayes and George E. Whitemack. In the spring of 1842, Codorus Circuit was The longest pastorate was that of Rev. John formed, and Thompson Mitchell appointed J. Lane which continued from 1853 to 1868. preacher in charge. In 1844 John More- Trinity Evangelical Lutheran congrega- tion of Wrightsville was organized July II, head was appointed to Wrightsville, the appointment at that time consisting of 1852,with seventeen members, by Rev. J. B. Wrightsville and Margaretta Furnace. He was succeeded, in 1846, by

Christ. The first church building stood on I. Chestnut Street, between Second and Third. H. Torrence, afterward secretary of the It was completed in the fall of 1854, and Pennsylvania Bible Society, during whose pastorate of two years the congrega- tion resolved upon the erection of a more commodious house of worship. dedicated October 7 of that year. Soon after the completion of the church building, Mr. Christ tendered his resignation as pas- It was tor, and the pastorate was vacant until Rev. dedicated in 1848 during the pastorate of F. Ruthrauff took charge of the congrega- Dabney Ball, who afterward joined the tion July 8, 1856. He resigned January I, Methodist Episcopal Church South, and 1858, and was succeeded March 9. 1858, by was a chaplain in the Confederate army Rev. P. Raby. Mr. Raby served the con- during the Civil War. In 1849, R. S. Mc- gregation until April 1, 1860, and was fol- Clay, afterward superintendent of missions

lowed by Rev. L. B. Berry. Since that time

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

the pastors have been Albert Mclaughlin, from Georgetown University, Frank J. J. M. Rice. George P. Weaver. L. K. Se- Magee was appointed principal of the public christ, S. E. Herring, D. Stock, William schools, and filled that position during the Jordy, J. W. Brubaker, D. S. Kurtz, S. W. succeeding two years. He then entered the Herman and Charles Leonard. April 28, army as captain in the 76th Regiment, 1870, the church building occupied by the congregation was struck by lightning, and totally destroyed by fire. The present church was dedicated October 24, 1875. Pennsylvania Volunteers. Captain Magee was a successful teacher and built up a strong educational sentiment in the borough of Wrightsville. After he returned from the war, he became the editor and owner of the "Wrightsville Star" and for several years published an article weekly, in relation to the schools of York County.

United Evangelical Church of Wrights- ville was organized through the missionary labors of Rev. L. S. Reichard who began to conduct religious services in the town hall in the year 1889. His efforts were success- ful. A congregation was organized, and a house of worship dedicated in January, 1891. Rev. D. M. Metzgar was the next pastor and ministered to the congregation until 1895 when he was sent by the Evangelical

Stephen G. Boyd, a native of Peach Bot- tom Township was principal of the schools until his election to the state legislature in 1867. Later he was chosen county superin- tendent, and in his first official report to the school department at Harrisburg, for the

Association as a missionary to the state of year 1870, stated that "Wrightsville had Oregon, and Rev. J. M. Metzgar finished just completed a large and commodious his term as pastor of the Wrightsville public school building, at a cost of $22,000." This building has since been utilized for the public schools of the borough.

church. In 1896 Rev. D. F. Young suc- ceeded until 1899, when Rev. E. Zehner be- came the pastor. He was succeeded from 1903 Rev. A. Stapleton took pastoral charge pals.

B. N. Conner, S. M. Gable and T. L. 1900 to 1903 by Rev. D. A. Artman. In Graham succeeded each other as princi- David H. Gardner was principal of this congregation which, under his care from 1875 until 1893, when he was elected increased in numbers and influence. The county superintendent, which office he congregation owns a neat and attractive filled for four consecutive terms. E. U.

church building, and in 1907 with Rev. N. Aumiller,

formerly superintendent of Young as pastor, had a membership of 162, schools in Perry County, has served as and a Sunday School with 300 teachers and scholars.

Previous to the Civil War many negro slaves followed the underground rail- dents graduate annually from the High way to Columbia and settled there. Some School.

of them remained in Wrightsville and in

The school directors in 1907 were: Wil- 1855 an African Methodist Episcopal liam H. Kerr, Jacob P. Levergood, A. J. Church was established on Orange Street. Warfield, S. K. Fisher, John Holtzinger and The congregation in Wrightsville for many Watson B. Reisinger.

years was connected with the church of the same denomination at York.

From the time that Wrightsville Star.

Schools.

was laid out in 1811 until 1834, it

The

The Star Publishing Company, of which Robert S. Magee is president, conduct the Wrightsville Star, an excellent family journal. The paper

formed a part of Hellam Town- was founded in 1854 by Robert W. Smith ship. During this period, there was one who was editor and publisher for several township school within the present limits of years. It was later purchased by the Star the borough. It was situated in the lower

Publishing Company and next owned by end of the town, not far from the river. Cal. G. Smith and Frank J. Magee. Colonel The Union Church, built in 1817, was used Magee was the sole owner for several years. He sold it to W. W. Moore and J. Weltz-

for school purposes. Later a four room school building stood on Second Street, hoffer. The latter owned the paper for which was used until 1869. about six years. The next owners in order In 1859, immediately after his graduation of succession were G. A. Seilhamer, Samuel

principal during the past twelve years. A regular course of study has been in use for many years, and from twelve to twenty stu-

929

WRIGHTSVILLE

Clair and James H. Smith. Meantime, Rev. operated a saw mill in the southern part of S. E. Herring of York started the Wrights- Wrightsville for a dozen years.

ville Sun which he continued for a while P. J. Gilbert owns and operates a plan- and then combined it with the Star, of ing mill. Henry Lanius and his son Cap- which he was editor and owner. He sold tain W. H. Lanius owned a large lumber the paper to William Trimmer.

Another yard at Wrightsville for many years. Henry paper named The Journal was founded by Kauffelt was also engaged in the lumber trade in this borough.

Robert S. Magee and others. The Star Publishing Company was then formed. The Journal was discontinued and the Star has since been the only paper published in Wrightsville. It is owned by the Columbia

Aurora Furnace was erected at Wrights- ville shortly after the Civil War by Wil- liam McConkey, David E. Small, D. S. Cook, Captain Frank J. Magee, Henry Embroidery Company, an industrial es- Kauffelt, Charles Billmeyer and others. tablishment, engaged in the manufacture of The furnace was operated with success for fine lace curtains, of which Robert S. Magee is president, and W. W. Drenning, super- intendent.

Bank.

Wrightsville was organized Jan- The Wrightsville Hardware Company, founded about 1880, has been a prominent industry of this borough. This company has been engaged in the manufacture of staple and builders' hardware and employs about 175 workmen. N. H. Caldwell is president, F. W. Crandall treasurer and W. A. Coventry, general manager. uary 16, 1864, one year after the na- tional banking system went into operation. The original board of directors were: Wil- liam McConkey, George S. Ebert, Jacob Strickler, James Cook, John E. Beard, C. S. Stoner, Jacob Gohn and George Kauffelt. William McConkey was chosen president and William F. Lloyd, cashier. After de- positing the necessary securities with the Riverside Foundry was founded in March, 1907, by Harry B. Kerr, Charles W. Shultz and Harry K. Smith. This firm em- ploys twenty-five workmen in .making general foundry supplies. comptroller of the United States currency at Washington, the bank began business February 24, 1864, with a capital of $100,- 000. The presidents in order of succession have been William McConkey, Barton Susquehanna Casting Company of which Evans, Henry Kauffelt, John E. Beard and D. S. Cook is president, and Ralph P. Wil- D. S. Cook. The cashiers have been Wil- ton is secretary, treasurer and general liam F. Lloyd, George K. Shenberger, H. C. manager, employs about eighty workmen Lewis and L. K. Fondersmith. This in- and is engaged in the manufacture of a stitution has had a prosperous career since variety of castings.

the time of its organization. The capital stock has been increased to $150,000, and the amount of $470,750 has been paid out as dividends to the stockholders from 1864 to

C. H. A. Dissinger & Brother engage in the manufacture of gasoline engines and give employment to forty persons.

B. F. Beard is engaged in burning

men.

He recently purchased the kilns

In 1847, Henry Small & Sons owned for many years by Kerr Brothers

Industries. established a saw mill in the Company.

southern part of Wrightsville. In 1863, the mill was purchased by Charles Billmeyer, John H. Small and David E. Small. After the death of John H. Small, in

Steacy, Wilton & Company own and operate several lime kilns, employing a number of men.

J. E. Baker Company, formerly the 1902, the interests were purchased by Wrightsville Lime Company, is engaged in George S. Billmeyer, and operated under burning a fine quality of quick lime and the firm name of The Billmeyer & Small also own several limestone quarries.

Company, employing about fifty workmen.

Cigar making has been an important in- Henry James & Company of Baltimore dustry in Wrightsville since 1870. Among

twenty years or more, employing a large number of workmen. Later it was sold to the Susquehanna Iron & Steel Company. Within recent years it has not been in oper- ation.

The First National Bank of

1907. The surplus and undivided profits in Snow Flake lime and employs about sixty

1907 were $95,000.

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

the early factories in the town were those cians of York. He completed his medical owned by S. R. Kocher, Keller & Kline, D. education at the University of Maryland S. Detwiler and Thomson & Brother. In from which institution he received his de- 1907 S. R. Kocher had about fifty employ- gree in 1876. Immediately after his gradua- ees, and El Francisco Cigar Company forty. tion he located at Wrightsville where he re- mained during the whole of his professional career. Dr. Rebman was a diligent student of the science of medicine, excelled as a diagnostician and through his energy and ability commanded the highest regard and Physicians. respect of his patients and the medical fra- ternity. He was devoted to his profession, faithfully performed all his duties and was a valuable citizen of the borough. S. L. Reisinger and Kinard Cigar Factory each employ a number of workmen. A large amount of leaf tobacco is brought to Wrightsville by farmers and sold to dealers. Dr. John Houston resided in Hellam Township near the site of Wrightsville, and prac- ticed medicine in that vicinity as early as 1770. He was a surgeon in the Flying Camp in the brigade commanded by Gen- eral James Ewing, whose home was two miles west of Wrightsville.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 165

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