History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 108

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended > Part 108

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On the night of Sunday the 20th of Feb- ruary, the stable of Richard Koch was burned.

On the night of Monday the 7th of March the stable of Mr. Edie, then in the tenure of Dr. Spangler. The flames were commu- nicated with rapidity to the stable of Dr. Jameson on the west, and to that of the widow Updegraff on the east. Those three buildings were all on fire at the same time, and sunk down in one common ruin.

On the 8th of March the academy was on fire, but the flames were extinguished. This was the fifth fire in the town within the period of nine days.

On the 14th of March, they set fire to the barn of Mr. Zinn, whence the flames were communicated to the barn of Rudolph Spangler, Jacob Spangler, G. L. Loeffler and Philip Gossler. These five barns, built of wood, filled with hay and straw, and standing near one another, formed but one fire. This was the fire which led to the im- mediate discovery of the conspiracy.

After the fires had ceased, and most of those who had been engaged in the conspiracy were confined in prison, the justices of the peace and burgessess of the borough pub- lished a notice (on the 21st of March) "to the inhabitants of York and its vicinity to the distance of ten miles," requiring such as had negroes "to keep them at home under strict discipline and watch, and not let them come to town on any pretense whatsoever without a written pass," and when they came they were to leave town one hour before sun- down "on pain of being imprisoned." Free negroes were to get a pass from a justice of the peace, in order that they might not be restrained from their daily labor. Suffice it to say that the colored people of a later day in York are a different people.

OLD TIME INNS OR TAVERNS, AND LATER DAY HOTELS.

Adam Miller, who was recommended to the governor by the Lancaster Court in 1741, kept the first public house in York.

Baltzer Spangler soon after opened a tav- ern, and at his place the first elections were held, at which the whole county voted.

There were eighteen persons licensed in 1765, to keep "public-houses of entertain- ment " in York. It will thus be learned, that at a very early date there was an abundance of them. No attempt is here made to give a list of all the most important ones. A few

of the old-time taverns are mentioned, some of which will be remembered by the older class of our readers.

The Globe Inn and Stage Office, on South George Street near the square, was taken charge of by Thomas McGrath, in March, 1820. It was first kept by Robert Hammers- ly. The same building is now the residence of the heirs of Mr. McGrath. Thomas Mc- Grath subsequently removed his tavern to "Rupps Corner" in Center Square, where he did a large and successful business. It was the best hotel of its day in York. Gen. La Fay- ette stopped there on his visit to York.

The Swan Tavern was located on North George Street near the bridge. It contained eleven rooms for guests, and had a pump in front of the door. For many years, it was owned by Samuel Weiser, and was sold by him in 1815. In front of the tavern, on the familiar sign post, was the image of a swan.

Gotlieb Ziegle's tavern on George Street was a popular inn for many years. In April 1819, Clement Stillinger took charge of it and put up the sign of "Geu. Jackson."

The Sign of the Black Horse was a sub- stantial stone tavern which was located on the site of the wholesale business stand of Jacob Stair on West Market Street. Col. Samuel Spangler was the first proprietor, in 1808. Johu Koons succeeded in 1818, when he gave notice that he "always kept at com- mand an elegant hack, gig and horses to hire." In 1819 Jesse Evans began to run a mail and passenger stage from this tavern to Oxford and Gettysburg. Joseph Worley was next proprietor and Jacob Stair became his successor in April, 1823. He kept it for a number of years, when it went by the name of the "Golden Sheaf Inn."

The Union Inn was opened April 1, 1820, by Patrick McDermott. It was located on the corner of George and Princess Streets.

Jacob Shultz, Sr., resumed the business of tavern-keeping at his old stand known as the "Cross Keys," on the corner of Market and Water Streets, April 1, 1820. He was fol- lowed by Thomas Smith. This hotel was kept in the building now owned by Jona- than Owen. Smith had a lumber yard near his hotel, and at Eib's Landing.

Black Bear Inn, with the sign of Com. Perry, was kept from 1800 to 1820 by George Brickle. During the latter year Jacob Cramer became proprietor. It was located on East Market Street.

The Golden Plough. - On the 1st of April, 1820, Jacob Shultz, Jr., moved from the "Cross Keys Tavern " to the "Sign of the Golden Plough " in the stone house on the

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

corner of Main and Water Streets. It was used as a store by Samuel Nes, and before that by Robert Hammersly as a tavern. Francis Jones built the house in 1770, and for many years afterward kept a tavern in it. The building is still standing.

The Sign of the Lamb, or Peter Wilt's Inn was located on East Market Street, opposite the present site of the Presbyterian Church. In 1819 Robert Wilson advertised that " old Bob was on the spot at his house, opposite Wilt's Inn." He said " he had cryed all his life without weeping." Wilson was one of the popular auctioneers of that day, and was the founder of the town of Loganville.

Sign of the Bird in Hand was a public inn on the corner of King and Beaver Streets, kept by Thomas McAleer as early as 1810. He was proprietor as late as 1825. It was a popular resort for Irishmen, who were about that time employed in digging canals and making turnpikes.

Sign of the Golden Sheaf was a tavern opened by George Keller, April 1, 1820. He was followed by Peter Wiest, Henry Hantz and Martin Carl, and was long a pop- ular stopping place. This building is now used as a hardware store by Charles Kline- felter.

Eyster's Hotel was built nearly a century ago, by Daniel Ragan, who married Ruth (Collins) Worley, widow of J. Worley, a grandson of Francis Worley, who was one of the commissioners to survey Springetsbury Manor in 1722, and afterward became one of the first English settlers west of the Susque- hanna. Ragan and his wife were strict members of the Society of Friends, and at the time of the "York monthly meetings" their home was a stopping place for prominent persons of the Quaker faith, who came from a distance to attend these meetings. In 1854 Capt. John Myers purchased this house and kept what was known as "Myers' Hotel" until 1860; was succeeded by Frederick Myers, Marshall & Smith, W. T. Williams, and Elias Eyster. Jacob H. Bear is the owner, and his banking establishment is in the building.

The States Union was built in 1820, and for a long time was called the "Green Tree Tavern." Charles Strine, was for many years the proprietor. A large swinging sign, had painted on its center the representation of a green tree. Few places were better known to wagoners during the first half of the present century than this tavern. Farmers from a distance, who took their grain and produce to Philadelphia and Baltimore, brought with them, on their return, goods and merchandise which were unloaded and stored

in a warehouse adjoining this tavern, under the special supervision of Mr. Strine. In the large yard to the rear of the building, and on the street in front, large numbers of the "covered English bed" wagons could be seen at the close of each day. Some were farmers and some regular teamsters, who wagoned as a business from Philadelphia"and j Baltimore to Pittsburgh, Wheeling, and other points along the navigable Ohio River. Each wagoner had with him his "bunk" on which he slept. In winter, this was spread out on the floors of the hotel, which then was full of lodgers. In summer they slept in the wagons in the open air, in the barn or in the house. The horses, as was the custom of those days, were compelled to endure the cold of mid- winter, by being tied to the rear or sides of the wagon during the night, and eat out of the "feed box," which was a necessary ap- pendage to every wagon. If it had not been for the profits obtained from the sale of the "ardent," and that possibly at 3 cents, or a "fip" a glass, one would wonder how the hotel man made any money in olden times. The teamster always had with him his horse feed. All he had to pay for was what he ate. An economical teamster would go from the vicin- ity of York to Baltimore with a team of four horses, and return, after having spent only fifteen shillings. He stopped by the wayside to ask the time of day, if he wished to know it, and used a hickory stick for the cane as he trod wearily along beside his faithful horses. His sons, or grandsons, possibly to- day are sporting the best American lever, or swinging a gold-headed cane, as the result of their ancestor's industry and economy. The scenes and incidents here described occurred before the time of railroads, as it was then that the Green Tree Inn, under "mine host" Strine, was known far and wide. The goods stored in his warehouse were loaded on other wagons, and conveyed westward to waiting merchants. Henry Hantz became proprietor for a time, and then removed to Wrightsville, where he died. Daniel Witmyer, Jacob Strine, son of the early proprietor, Frederick Kline- felter succeeded in order named. Eli Kindig is now owner, and Oliver Deardorff proprietor.

The Motter House .- Before the year 1800, Mr. Reed kept a hotel in the building now known as the "Motter House." Thomas Smith followed and was the proprietor at the time of the disastrous flood of 1817. It was known as "Smith's Tavern" until 1821, when Jacob Hantz became the owner and proprietor. He did a large business for twenty-one years in succession, until 1842, when he became the sheriff of York County.

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BOROUGH OF YORK.

Michael Hoke who had just retired from the office of sheriff, then took charge, and was some years afterward succeeded by Charles Underwood. It then came into the hands of Daniel Motter, after whom the hotel has since been called. He died while there. Israel F. Gross purchased the entire interest, and for about eighteen years did a prosper- ous business. In 1882 it was sold to Messrs. Henry J. Gresly and Edward Smyser, when Mr. Landis became proprietor. Mr. Hamme succeeded April 1, 1885.

The Pennsylvania House was first used as a private residence, and was owned by Henry Wolf. In the year 1863, Eli H. Free bought it of Mr. Wolf and opened a hotel, which has since been known by its present name. The next proprietor was Robert Kunkel, who, after conducting it for a time, sold it to the German Mannaechor of York, and in 1869 it came into the hands of the present owner, Frederick Hake. It was enlarged in 1873. In this building, some years ago, Barnum's so-called "Feejee chief" died, and one of his "cannibals" forgot himself, and began to talk, telling the bystanders that he would not act cannibal any longer for $12 a month.

The Lafayette House, on South George Street, is a very old hotel, originally kept by Sheriff Andrew Duncan, who had, in 1826 and later, as a sign, a full-size representation of Gen La Fayette in uniform.

The Farmers' Hotel was first opened by the present owner of the building, George W. Reever.

The Avenue Hotel was started by John Peeling in 1882.

The Central Hotel was formerly known as the "Wheatfield Inn," for a long time kept by Daniel Eichelberger, and later by Charles Underwood. It is now kept by Mr. Kohler. The first lot taken up in York was the one on which this hotel stands.

Metzel's Hotel was long known as "The Turk's Head," and kept by Thomas Metzel. For many years it was kept by his widow.

The Ginder House, lately called the Mar- shall House, was originally named after Sher- iff Ginder, who once owned it.

The St. Cloud, near the depot, has long ex- isted with different names.

The Washington House, on East Market, has been well known to the traveling public for half a century. Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Presidents Zachary Taylor and Andrew John- son stopped at it. It was formerly kept by John Koons. For many years it was fash- ionable for city people during the summer. James Kindig kept it for many years. It is now kept by Mr. Wilhelm.

The National House, corner of Market and Beaver Streets, was built by Z. Durkee, and long known as the White Hall. It is the largest hotel in York. Some of its early proprietors were John Welsh, Daniel Ahl, Daniel Miller, Hodges, Rhinehart, Maish, and Mrs. West. It was called "The Tre- mont House" for a time by one of its propri- etors, who came from Tremont, Schuylkill County. When it was purchased by Freder- ick Stallman, its present owner, the name which it now bears was given it. The great English novelist, Charles Dickens, stopped at this hotel in 1841, and said that he was here served with the best piece of roast beef while on his visit to America. During the Revolutionary war, and many years later, Peter Dinkle kept a store on this site. He was an ardent patriot, and furnished sup- plies to the army. The following is one of his bills presented to the board of war:

Dr. The State of Pennsylvania with Peter Dinkle of York Town, for Belts, Scabbards and Pouches, delivered to the following captains of York Co. Soldiers in the Army and Militia:

1776.

April 1. To Capt. Philip Albright, Col. Miles' Battalion. £6 4s 1d July 12. To Capt. Charles Lukens, 1st Bat- talion Militia .. .. 2 18 6

16. To Capt. John Wright, 1st Battal- ion Militia. . 2 18 6

" 16. To Capt. Michael Smyser, 1st Bat- talion Militia. 1 78

" 22. To Capt. Samuel Nelson, 5th Bat. 0 10 0 ' 22. To Capt. George Long, 1st Bat ... 0 18 0 Aug. 8. To Capt. William McClellan,2d Bat. 0 40 July 22. To Capt. John McDonald, 1st Bat. 4 17 1

Amount. 19 17 11

The following is a receipt from one of these captains:

YORK, July 16, 1776.

Received of Mr. Peter Dinkle 13 shot pouches at 4s 6d per pouch, for the use of my company. £2 18s 6d. JOHN WRIGHT, Captain.

The following relic is worthy of insertion here:

To Congress,

Dr. To. John Kerlin for sixty-seven suppers for Captain Smyser's Company of Malishiah on their way to Trenton. Certified July 21, 1776, by MICHAEL SCHMYSER,

Captain.

THE MILITARY OF YORK AND CIVIC CELEBRA- TIONS.

The men of York performed their part well at home and on the battle field during the try- ing years of the Revolutionary war, which lin- gered on with its terrible hardships to the American soldiers, with alternate victory and defeat, in ever memorable battles, until the surrender of Lord Cornwallis to Gen. Wash-

552

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

ington, at Yorktown, Va., on the 19th of Oc- tober, 1781, caused hostilities to cease, pro- ducing universal joy. This news was received at York with great rejoicings, business was suspended, bells were rung, and a great bon- fire built.

Fourth of July, 1788 .- To celebrate the adop- tion of the Federal constitution, the borough and county of York hecame patriotic, and July 4, 1788, was a great and notable day in York, the prog- ress of American liberty being appropriately cele- brated by a grand procession and banquet, with speeches and a series of toasts of almost unending length. The names of the orators have been lost in oblivion, but a copy of the toasts offered on the occasion has been preserved; and as they show the zealous spirit in which our forefathers enjoyed their new-born freedom, we quote the entire list:

By the bearer of the flag of the United States- May our powers explore every inlet of the habitable globe, our flag ride triumphant on every ocean. May impartiality wield the sword of Justice and impetu- osity the sword of War.

Flag of Pennsylvania-The State of Pennsyl- vania-may she hold the federal balance, and be- come the arbitress of the continent.

Magistrate's Flag-May Justice with the sword protect her scales, may nothing but righteousness turn the beam, and may she write on Sophistry. what convulsed Belshazzar, "Thou art weighed in balance and art found wanting."

Farmers' Flag-Perpetual laurels to the men who have "beaten the sword of civil dissension into a plowshare," who have sown the seed of good government-may it'spring up without tares, and may each revolving harvest witness its increase.

Masons' and Bricklayers' Flag-May the com- ponent parts of the Federal edifice be squared by the plummet of impartial justice, inseparably at- tached by the cement of citizenship.

Clock and Watch Makers' Flag-May virtue be the mainspring of our Government; patriotism keep its works in order. May the popular voice wind up its chain, and may its hand point to the public good.

Bakers-May an oven "seven times heated," be the fate of him, whose only objects are the "loaves and fishes."

Stocking Weavers-May he who first broached the formation of a new government, have a wreath of laurel twisted around his brow, and a garland of honorary flowers wove for his reward.

Tailors-May Fate with her shears cut the thread of that man's life, Fame dishonor him with the name of Goose, and Society baste him, who en- deavors to Cabbage from this country.

Coppersmiths and Founders-May we be brazed together by a love of country, as by borax and spelter, and riveted by an energetic government.

Potters-As often as the wheel of time revolves this day, let gratitude tell of the heroes, who were proven as by fire; let a tear of remembrance fall for such as were cracked.

Rough Carpenters-May his head be divorced from his body with the hroadaxe of Justice, who does not square his conduct by tlfe rule of Right.

House Carpenters-The new political mansion- May its apartments be commodious; may three rafters be added to the ten which already support its roof; and may its lights be great and many.

Blacksmiths-May the thirteen States be welded into one united empire, by the hammer of concilia- tion on the anvil of peace; and may the man who attempts to blow the coals of discord be burned by the sparks.

Nailers-May our government be well pointed at and have a good head.

Brewers-May he be choked with the grains, or drowned in his ale, whose business it is to brew mis- chief.

Painters-The new Constitution in its true col- ors; neither caricatured nor flattered, and may the brush of investigation correct the glare of light given by its friends, and the profusion of shade thrown on it by its enemies.

Glaziers-May the Pane remain forever un- cracked, that threw light on the subject of our late war, and may the rays of truth be drawn to a focus by the glass of genius.

Saddlers-A curb bit, and a transverse rein to the importation of foreign luxuries; and may the man who denies his encouragement to home man- ufactures, be stirruped round the world.

Hatters-May he who twangs the bow of tu- mult. be stripped to the pelt, then dipped into a ket- tle of blacking; may his head be brought to the block, and their union constitute his character.

Shoe and Boot Makers-May we wax a great and happy nation; be bound by principles of mutual regard, actuated as by one soul, and may our prosperity as a people last until the end of time.

Breechers Makers and Skinners-May he be shorn against the grain, smoked and welted, who has not brains to know that the bands of the old government were loosed.

Tobacconists-May the leaves of anti-federalism be twisted together, and fastened by thorns, or be rolled into tubes, and end in a puff.

Wagon Makers-Three more spokes to our new wheel; a federal band for its tire, a willing people for its axis, political wisdom to set it in motion; and may its progress never be retarded by the lock- chain of opposition.

Saddle-tree Makers-As we are chips of the same block, branches from the same tree. may we be glued together by a general efficient government.

Blue Dyers and Stampers-May Fame stamp immortality on their names, who have died for our country.

Tanners and Curriers-May every limb of that man be hacked, may he be leathered through soci- ety, and have his hide completely tanned, who is mean enough to curry favor.

Weavers-Forever honored be the names of those. who, rejecting even the tbrumbs of the old web, have cut it out of the loom, and wove another to clothe the political nakedness of their country.

Tin-plate Workers-May the shears of liberality and extended policy cut away local prejudices, and may the late heat of political disquisition only tend to melt the cement that is to solder us together.

Scythe and Sickle Makers-May the sickle of in- dustry be filled with heavy harvests, until Time, with its scythe, shall mow down empires and ages.

Butchers-As the matter is connected with the hone, or one joint with another, so let us be united, and may no cleaver ever disjoint us.

Gunsmiths-When the implements of war are req- uisite to defend our country's rights, or resent her wrongs, may coolness take the sight, and courage draw the trigger.

Printers-May no government be so potent as to restrain the liberty of the press; or so impotent as not to be able to check its licentiousness.

Barbers-Hot curling irons and a dull razor to the wig they once took upon them; may they re- main as they now are, in the suds.

Turners-May the anti-federalists be "turned from the evil of their ways," and be held no longer in the vice of groundless opposition.

Coopers-May the new government prove a bind- ing hoop to the States, and never suffer them to go to staves.

Brick Makers-The materials which compose our new constitution-may they sustain the heat of party

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BOROUGH OF YORK.

rage without a crack, and come out more perfect from the kiln of faction.

Rope Makers-May the production of our trade be the neck-cloth of him who attempts to untwist the political rope of our union.

Mathematical Instrument Makers-The political compass, as it has been graduated by the finger of accuracy; may it prove our guide in the winds of legislation, and preserve its counterpoise however shaken by the storms of foreign invasion or domestic broil.

Joiners-The unanimity which augers that the hatehet shall soon be buried.

Surveyors-May the needle of the new govern- ment be magnetized by an honest love of fame, and make the applause of the people its pole; may the sight be taken by the pervading eye of genius, the course be sloped by integrity, and may there be no variations from national honor.

Merchants-The new constitution; may it prove 100 per cent better than the old one; may justice, mercy and wisdom, be found in the invoice of its excellencies; and may its net proceeds be in good order at home, and respected in the councils of Europe.

Lawyers-A mild judge, a believing jury, a blun- dering opponent, a good cause, a handsome fee, and a federal client, to every advocate of our infant con- stitution.

Physicians-The political physicians, wbo, in place of mending, have made a constitution; may it retain its health and vigor, with the aid of medicine, and may the quack undergo, at the same time, the double operation of cathartic and emetic, who pre- scribes bleeding.

Fourth of July, 1819 .- During the first half century of the American Republic, the Fourth Day of July was celebrathd with un- usual pomp and display in all towns in the Union, and especially so in York, which had done so much for the patriot cause. At these annual celebrations, the patriots who had engaged in the battles of the Revolution always occupied a prominent position, and were the most conspicuous personages. The Fourth of July, 1819, came on Sunday. The "York Phalanx," an excellent military or- ganization, commanded by Capt. Doudel, met at the court house, in full uniform, and attended religious services at the Episcopal Church. Monday was set apart for the dem- onstrations. The day was ushered in by a discharge of artillery from the public com- mon, the ringing of bells and the beating of the revielle. At early dawn all the military organizations of the town and vicinity parad- ed, and afterward, with a large concourse of people, assembled at Kraber's Spring, now known as Brockie, home of the late Hon. J. S. Black. There a feast was prepared by ladies. After the dinner was partaken of, a long array of patriotic toasts were proposed and responded to. Dr. John Fisher was president of the meeting, and Michael W. Ash delivered the oration. He was a lawyer of considerable ability, and a member of the York bar. This anniversary was only a typ-

ical one, like many others that occurred, both before and after this one.

VISIT OF PRESIDENT WASHINGTON AND OTHER DIS- TINGUISHED MEN.

Upon his return from his tour through the Southern States, Gen. Washington visited York, arriving here on Saturday, July 2, 1791. He came from Mt. Vernon through Hanover. He was met by a delegation from York at the present site of Nashville, in Jack- son Township. With whom he remained while in York, is not known. Major Clark, Col. Hartley and Hon. James Smith, intimate friends of Washington, were then living. The following bill would indicate that there was an illumination.

YORK, August 30, 1791.

GEORGE FRY:

Bot of Henry Pentz,

41 lbs of candles for illuminating the Court

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History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 108

Author: Gibson, John, Editor Publication date: 1886 Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104