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 112

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 112

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Early in life he united himself with his father's-the German Reformed-church. Later he became a member and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church; where, in church, Sunday-school and prayer-meeting, while in health, his seat was never vacant.

He died July 14, 1885. He occupied a larger place in the public estimation, was more loved and respected throughout the community, has left in his death a greater .vacancy, and been more missed than any other individual in the community ever has been or could be. The day of his interment was observed by a general suspension of business and a universal exhibition of grief,

THE YORK GAS COMPANY.

For more than a century, York existed with- out being lighted by the town authorities. In front of many of the numerous old hotels lanterns, containing tallow candles or lard, were hung by the proprietor for the double purpose of lighting the way of footmen and inviting profitable customers. Saloons in the basements were not so common then. In front of the houses of some of the wealthy citizens, lanterns were also placed. The inner apart- ments of houses were lighted by tallow can- dles, "fat-lamps," fish oil and sperm oil lamps. The invention of manufacturing illuminating gas from bituminous coal was made in the year 1792 by William Murdoch, of Cornwall, Eng- land. In 1798 he successfully proved his ex- periment by lighting a large foundry with artificial gas. A great event in the history of science was the illumination of the Lyceum Theatre, London, in 1803, by which it was first proven that the gas could be conveyed in pipes from one point to another. The first patent was obtained in 1804, and soon after this event the large cities were publicly lighted with gas.

On the 24th of January, 1849, an act was

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BOROUGH OF YORK.

passed incorporating the " York Gas Com- pany." Dr. Alexander Small, Daniel Hart- man, Dr. W. S. Roland, Edward G. Smyser, Charles Weiser, William Wagner, Peter Mc- Intyre, A. J. Glossbrenner, Thomas P. Potts, Emerson Case, Dr. Luke Rouse, John Evans, Thomas E. Cochran and Matthew Tyler were the commissioners named in this act. July 3, 1849, Dr. Alexander Small was chosen president of the company; Thomas P. Potts, secretary and treasurer; A. J. Glossbrenner, Samuel Wagner, John Evans, W. S. Roland and Thomas E. Cochran, managers. A con- tract was made with the Trenton Improve- ment Company to build the works at a cost of $23,000. The entire amount expended was $35,000. The gas used until 1857 was made from rosin. The capital stock of the company at first was $20,000-400 shares at $50 a share. The capital stock is now $70,000. There are (1885) about 800 con- sumers and 10,000,000 cubic feet of gas are annually burned in York.

The first superintendent of the works was Samuel Crull, who was followed by Samuel Herman, Simon Kopp, John Schall and Jacob L. Kuehn. The last-named gentleman has occupied the position and performed its duties with excellent ability since the year 1856.

Philip A. Small was for many years presi- dent of the company, and was succeeded by David E. Small, who served until his death, when G. Edward Hersh, the present incum- bent, was elected. The board of managers are John A. Weiser (who has been treasurer for nearly thirty years), 'William H. Kurtz, Latimer Small, George S. Billmyer, John G. Schmidt and Jacob L. Kuehn. Entirely new works have been put up since 1868, at a cost of $70,000, and during the summer of 1885 additional new works were erected in an eligible spot, along the line of the Hanover & York Railway, at a cost of $40,000. An improved process of manufacturing gas has been introduced.

PROSPECT HILL CEMETERY.

The site of this delightfully located bury- ing place for the dead was, for nearly a cen. tury, known as Willis' Woods, owned chron- ologically by William, John and Samuel Willis. A charter of incorporation was granted, a company formed, and the ceme- tery grounds purchased and laid out in 1859. The remains of Capt. Enos Small were the first to be therein interred. There are 10,000 bodies resting in this silent "city of the dead." It is tastefully laid off, and con- tains many fine and artistically-made monu-

ments. The one near the entrance gate, dedicated to the memory of the lamented dead who lost their lives during the civil war, was placed there largely through the influence and exertion of some patriotic ladies of York. To the south side of the cemetery rest the remains of Philip Livingstone, a signer of the declaration of Independence, from New York State, who died while congress was in session in York. His remains were first interred in the graveyard adjoining the Re- formed Church. They were taken to the cemetery soon after it was laid out, and a monument erected to his memory by Stephen Van Renselear, his grandson. Toward the west end of the grounds is the tomb of the late Jeremiah S. Black, the distinguished jurist, publicist and statesman.

This cemetery, which now covers an area of seventy-five acres, is well taken care of by Mr. Morningstar.

THE YORK CLUB.

Among the social institutions of York worthy of notice is the York Club. The fol- lowing is abstracted from a sketch delivered at its twenty-fifth anniversary by William H. Jordan, treasurer since its commencement to the present time:

In 1857, a few young men, who were accus- tomed to congregate at the "Old Washington House," established this club. A room was selected on the second floor of Hartman's Building, and the following-named per- sons each subscribed $10 for the purpose of furnishing the same, viz .: Dr. Alexander Small, Dr. T. Tyrell, John Gibson, Dr. Richard Dingee, W. H. Jordan, E. C. Eichel- berger, J. Milton Bonham, J F. Rosenmiller, D. W. Barnitz, F. A. Eichelberger, J. C. Jor- dan, Peter Bentz, W. H. Strickler, Jacob Em- mitt, Jr., and Jere Carl.

The first officers elected were: president, Dr. Alexander Small; vice-president, John Gibson; secretary, Jere Carl ; treasurer, W. H. Jordan; executive committee, John Gib- son, Peter Bentz and E. C. Eichelberger. Of the original members, six have died. Three have retained their membership uninter- ruptedly to date, viz .: J. F. Rosenmiller, J. C. Jordan and W. H. Jordan.

April 1, 1872, the quarters were removed to the room which they now occupy in Centre Hall.

Two members of the club have been mem- bers of congress, viz .: A. J. Glossbrenner and Levi Maish; four have served as members of the senate and house of representatives of Pennsylvania: W. H. Welsh, A. H. Glatz, Levi Maish and G. W. Heiges-Mr. Welsh

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

being chosen speaker of the senate in 1858; Chauncey F. Black has recently been elected lieutenant-governor of this State; John Gib- son was elected and served as a member of the State constitutional convention of 1873, and in 1881 was elected additional law judge for York County, which position he now holds; W. C. Chapman, J. W. Bittenger, and John Blackford, have each held the posi- tion of district attorney of York County; W. H. Welsh, secretary of the American legation at the court of St. James, under Hon. James Buchanan; Jere Carl, chief-burgess of York; James A. Schall, cashier of York County National Bank; G. E. Hersh, president of York National Bank, and Farmers Fire In- surance Company; David Strickler, secretary of Farmers Fire Insurance Company; N. F. Burnham, president of York Opera House Association; E. W. Spangler, secretary of the same, and now editor of the York Daily ; W. S. Roland, president York County Agricultural Society; A. H. Glatz and E. Chapin, secretaries of the same; Horace Bonham, United States as- sessor; M. S. Eichelberger, J. W. Bittenger, J. W. Latimer, W. F. Bay Stewart and Daniel K. Trimmer, borough attorneys; H. H. Car- ter, superintendent Middle Division Penn- sylvania Railroad; H. E. Passmore, assistant supervisor Northern Central Railroad; John K. Gross, agent of the same at York, and Alexander Wentz, treasurer of York County. The fame of Edward Havilland as an archi- tect is widely known. Thirteen have given their services to their country in the late war, viz. : Levi Maish, John Schall, A. E. Lewis, J. Emmitt, Jr., Henry W. Spangler, A. H. Glatz, H. S. McNair, W. H. Lanius, E. R. Herr, E. W. Spangler, Charles Fox, John M. Young and O. K. Harris. The club itself, in the emergency caused by the invasion of Gen. Lee in 1862, formed a company called the Keystone Guards, and under the leader- ship of John Gibson, as captain, was fully equipped, mustered into the service of the State, and was ready to march to its defense. They were detained at York by a dispatch from Gov. Curtin, and when the emergency ended were disbanded.

The visitors of the club include some of the most prominent men of the country, viz. : Govs. Hoyt, Hartranft, and Curtin, of Penn- sylvania; Cochran and Stenger, members of congress; Coms. Wells and Gibson, of the United States navy; Gens. Kilpatrick, Gib- son and Small, of the United States army; Judges Jere S. Black, Pere L. Wickes, and R. J. Fisher, members of the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania; Capt. J. M. Marshall, of the regular army, and Lieut.

Reeder, of the navy; Col. Devin and other officers of the New York Sixth Cavalry; Col. J. M. Riely, of Winchester, Va .; Gilmore Hoffman and H. W. Corner, of Baltimore, Md. The late Dr. George Griffith, of Cali- fornia, was a frequent visitor and warm friend, and his handsome present, purchased in London, is proof of the esteem in which he held the club. George D. Prentice, Rob- ert Tyler, Park Benjamin and Dr. Shelton Mackenzie, lectured for the club in its earlier days.

Among the resolutions adopted by the club, we find the following: " Resolved, that no games of chance or gambling of any kind be permitted in the York Club," which was carried unanimously, and has been adhered to ever since.

List of Members from 1857 to 1882-Dr. Alexander Small, John Gibson, J. F. Rosen- miller, W. H. Jordan, Jere Carl, J. C. Jor- dan, W. H. Strickler, J. M. Bonham, D. W. Barnitz, Peter Bentz, E. C. Eichelberger, Dr. T. Tyrrell, F. A. Eichelberger, Jacob Emmitt, Horace Bonham, A. M. Barnitz, Levi Ar- nold, David Strickler, John W. Schall, W. C. Chapman, S. S. Hersh, A. E. Lewis, John A. Weiser, Alex Wentz, Dr. R. Dingee, O. K. Harris, Robert Gibson, George Fisher, W. H. Welsh, H. W. Spangler, B. F. Spang- ler, John Williamson, A. H. Glatz, A. Gart- man, W. H. Kurtz, William Parrott, L. F. Allen, Charles Sprigg, C. F. Black, John McIntyre, J. F. Shunk, Martin S. Eichelber- ger, J. W. Latimer, J. W. Bittenger, G. E. Hersh, J. D. Heiges, James Smith, Henry Black, Charles F. Sheafer, H. E. Passmore, L. M. Blackford, John Hough, S. Kochenour, J. A. Schall, N. F. Burnham, G. A. Heckert, W. S. Roland, W. H. Throne, T. K. White, Thomas White, E. Havilland, Charles Bell, G. W. Heiges, J. B. Hauer, William Smith, H. S. McNair, H.M. Smyser, J. M. Danner, W. H. Lanius, A. J. Glossbrenner, Charles Karg, J. H. Hause, Levi Sprenkle, Charles J. Fox, C. S. Weiser, Jacob Brillinger, E. R. Herr, J. K. Gross, E. Chapin, John Black- ford, Horace Keesey, E. W. Spangler, J. M. Young, H. H. Carter, Levi Maish, W. F. Bay Stewart, D. K. Trimmer, John M. Young.

List of Active Members, 1885 .- John W. Bittenger, N. F. Burnham, Edward Chapin, James M. Danner, M. S. Eichelberger, Alfred Gartman, John Gibson, George W. Heiges, E. R. Herr, W. H. Jordan, John C. Jordan, Horace Keesey, W. H. Lanius, J. W. Lati- mer, H. S. McNair, Levi Maish, H. E. Pass- more, J. F. Rosenmiller, H. M. Smyser, E. W. Spangler, W. F. Bay Stewart, W. H.

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BOROUGH OF YORK.

Strickler, D. K. Trimmer, Charles Mayer, Grier Hersh, Richard E. Cochran, Schall Wilhelm, Gates B. Weiser.

Deceased Members of the Club, 1885 .- Dr. Alexander Small, Dr. Thomas Tyrrell, B. Franklin Spangler, D. Wagner Barnitz, Al- bert M. Barnitz, Thomas White, John Hough, Robert Gibson, Edward C. Eichelberger, Ja- cob B. Hauer, John Williamson, Edward Havilland, Samuel S. Hersh, Louis F. Allen, Levi Sprenkle, Charles J. Fox, William Par- rott, James F. Shunk, Lewis M. Blackford, Frederick A. Eichelberger, Jacob Emmitt, George A. Heckert, Samuel Kochenour, Charles C. Sprigg, John Blackford, O. K. Harris.

Officers, 1857 .- President, Dr. Alexander Small; vice-president, Hon. John Gibson; secretary, Jere Carl; treasurer, William H. Jordan.

Officers, 1885 .- President, James W. Lat- imer; vice-president, N. F. Burnham; sec- retary, Horace Keesey; treasurer, William H. Jordan.

THE OPERA HOUSE.

On the east side of South Duke Street, dur- ing the year 1882, was built the beautiful and artistically designed York Opera House, now the pride of the amusement-loving peo- ple of the town. It was built by a stock company, who elected as the first officers the following-named persons: N. F. Burnham, president; John Blackford, vice-president; Frank Geise, secretary; Jere Carl, treasurer. The cost of the building was $38,000. There have since been added a number of needed conveniences. It was opened during the fall of 1882 by the distinguished comedian, John S. Clarke. The present officers are N. F. Burnham, president; David Rupp, vice-pres- ident; B. C. Pentz, secretary and C. M. Bill- myer, treasurer.

THE FRANKLIN LYCEUM.

Among the memorable institutions of York was the Franklin Lyceum, originally the Franklin Debating Society, a literary associ- ation for "mutual improvement," by means of debates, essays and lectures, which held its meetings on the third floor of the York County Academy building. This hall was the public lecture room of York at that time, when a church edifice was not used for that purpose. Many of the young men of that day, pupils of the academy and others, de- rived great benefit from its teachings and discussions. It was formed in December, 1839, and continued in active operation until 1845. In the State House, that stood in the

Centre Square, which was torn down with the old court house, in 1841, was the York County Library, a large collection of stand- ard works, which was removed to the room. occupied by the Franklin Lyceum. But, in. course of time, for want of any library organ- ization, the books were carried off, and no doubt grace many private libraries. Efforts were made from time to time to have this library restored, the members of the Lyceum advertising for the missing books, but with- out success. Among the members of this as- sociation, now deceased, were G. Christopher Stair, David F. Williams, D. Spangler Wag- ner, Joseph Garretson, Charles M. Smyser, William Sayres, David E. Small and Erastus H. Weiser. Among the living, who were members, are Daniel Kirkwood (the great astronomer), Rev. Augustus C. Wedikind, D. D .; Rev. John Fritz; Commander William Gibson, United States navy; Gen. H. Gates Gibson, United States army; Thomas Frank -. lin, civil engineer; W. Henry Welsh, for- merly State senator from York County and speaker of the senate, and Henry J. Stahle, editor of the Gettysburg Compiler. After the dissolution of the Lyceum, in 1845, there was formed the Franklin Literary Associa- tion, with the same object. This was com- posed of the younger fry and continued in existence until 1848. The Franklin Lyceum was subsequently reorganized in 1849, and continued for several years,

THE UNITED LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

This valuable acquisition to the borough of York was originated through the united efforts of different secret organizations. George E. Sherwood offered a resolution at a meeting of Humane Lodge No. 342, I. O. O. F., on January 10, 1874,which called for the estab- lishment of a library; whereupon, George E. Sherwood, John M. Deitch, James H. Fisher, . Henry J. Deitch, Franklin L. Seiffert and : Harry Lamott, a committee who secured a . union of efforts on the part of the Mount Zion, . Humane and Harmonia Lodges and Mount , Vernon Encampment of Odd Fellows, Cone- wago, Conewingo and Codorus Council of Red Men, York and Star Circles of Union Brotherhood, Eureka Council of Knights of the Mystic Chain, Keystone Lodge, Indepen- dent Order Mechanics, White Rose Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Rose and Codorus Coun- cil of American Mechanics, York and Zere- detha Lodges of Masons and William Penn Lodge of Manchester Unity O. F., met repre- sentatives from all these lodges in the wig- wam of Conewago Council and agreed to

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

establish a library for the special use of their members, and the general use of the public. The first officers elected, were president, George E. Sherwood; vice-president, John M. Deitch; librarian, John Hays; assistant libra- rian, A. K. Burger; treasurer, Charles A. Key- worth; secretary, James H. Fisher; attendant, Walter B. Shaffer; managers, Jacob Dick, Solomon Myers, George E. Sherwood, J. M. Deitch, D. Philip Heckert, W. F. Bay Stewart, Curtis Sanders, Joseph W. Ilgenfritz, John Hays, Jacob Lebach, William H. Bastress, A. K. Burger, Charles Keyworth, James H. Fisher, John Stallman, W. E. Moore, George E. Becker, William H. Albright and J. P. Madsen. Six hundred volumes were first pro- cured, and the library opened to the public. The first rules of the library have been changed by consent of the various bodies interested, and require at this time an annual donation of $20, from the several lodges to secure their respective membership free tickets. All other persons, not members of any of the original organizations, desiring to make use of the library, are required to pay the nominal fee of $1 per annum, to entitle them to free use of the library. The last catalogue issued shows that there are now over 3,000 volumes in use, classified as follows: Fiction, 1,198; history, 310; mis- cellaneous works, 560; statistical, 690; secret society works, 51; literary and scientific, 149; poetical, 47; German works, 103.

The board of officers and managers at this date consists of the following gentlemen: president, George E. Sherwood; vice-presi- dent, John M. Deitch; secretary, James H. Fisher; librarian, John Hays; assistant libra- rian, William H. Bastress; treasurer, Solomon Myers, managers; George E. Sherwood, John M. Deitch, Solomon Myers, Curtis San- ders, Joseph W. Ilgenfritz, Jacob Lebach, William H. Bastress, George A. Sleeger, D. P. Heckert, Albertus Hibner, W. Haack and John Hays.

THE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.

The Benovolent Association has been in existence for many years and has done a great amount of good in assisting the poor of York. The late Samuel Small was president of it, and gave liberally of his means. Many thousands of dollars worth of provisions, clothing, wood and coal have been distributed among those deserving of assistance. Judge David Fahs for several years past has taken a great and worthy interest in this work and has done much good. He thus has con- tributed greatly to the comfort and happiness of many a deserving person.

THE YORK WATER COMPANY.

A move was made by enterprising citizens of York during the year 1815 to supply the borough of York with water. By act of as- sembly, George Spangler, William Nes, John Barnitz, George Small, C. F. Fisher, Abra- ham Gartman and Jacob Smyser were ap- pointed commissioners to receive subscrip- tions to stock. No member was originally allowed to take more than four shares; $3 on each share were to be paid at the time of subscription. A board of nine managers was elected at a meeting held in the court house on Monday, the 18th of March, 1816; as fol- lows: John Barnitz, George Spangler, Martin Danner, Abraham Gartman, John Demuth, Peter Small, Christian Lanius, George Small, and David Cassat. Contracts for 16,000 feet of trunks or logs, with a bore of four inches, were made at the public house of George Hay, March 19, 1816. David Cassat was first president; John Barnitz, secretary, and George Haller, treasurer. The same com- pany with many changes in management, still supplies the town with water. Within the past few years noted improvements have been made, and the source of supply changed from the original place. At present there are about 3,500 consumers in the town. The engine and water works to obtain supplies from the Codorus were built in 1850; the present reservoir on South Queen Street was constructed in 1852.

FRANKLIN INSTITUTE .*

The history of what is now known as the Franklin Institute dates back to August 6, 1878, when a secret organization, then known as the Excelsior Literary Society, was organ- ized. The persons who originated this soci- ety, were E. O. Goodling, Samuel Price, Elmer E. Ilgenfritz, Jacob Stager, Jr., Oliver Weiser, George Pinkerton and C. V. B. Aurand. These persons met at the residence of Jacob Stager, Sr., on South Park Alley. E. O. Goodling was elected president; Elmer E. Ilgenfritz, vice-president; C. V. B. Aurand, secretary; Oliver Weiser, assistant secretary; George Pinkerton, treasurer. The society afterward held its meetings in the lodge room of the " Junior American Mechanics," in Lebach's Building, Centre Square, where its name was changed to "Goethean Literary Society," by which title it was known until it dissolved, November 3, 1879. The founders of the Franklin were Perry J. M. Heindel, E. O. Goodling, C. V. B. Aurand, George Swords, Charles Stager, Jacob Stager, Jr., B. F. Harnish, Jeff. Lee Davis, B. F. Briggs, J. T.

*By F. L. Spangler.

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BOROUGH OF HANOVER.

Rubie, Jr., F. P. Ilgenfritz and C. Wegman. On the night of February 24, 1879, these persons adjourned from the hall of the Goethean to the parlors of the Central Hotel, opposite the conrt house, where the following officers were elected: president, E. O. Good- ling ; vice-president, Perry J. M. Heindel; secretary, Jeff. Lee Davis; assistant secretary, George A. Swords; treasurer, Jacob Stager, Jr.

On the 28th of April an entertainment was given by the Franklin in Odd Fellows' Hall, from which sufficient funds were real- ized to enable the society to rent and furnish a room on the second floor of 222 West Market Street, over what was then Wallick's book store. Here the quarters of the Frank- lin remained until April 4, 1881. On April 4, 1881, a room on the fourth floor of Small's mercantile and law building was rented and occupied. This event was also celebrated by special exercises and a banquet. Prof. Thiele's Amateur Orchestra, at this time connected with the society, and largely composed of its members, furnished the music for the occasion.

In June, 1884, the fourth anniversary enter- tainment was given in the Odd Fellows' Hall. This entertainment gave an impetus to the progress of the Franklin, from which it has at this,date not declined.

In December, 1884, the constitution of the Institute was amended so as to admit ladies to full active membership. This was one of the most fortunate steps that the Institute had yet taken, as it supplied an element in its working material that lends an influence at once refining and elevating in all the social and moral relations of its member- ship.

The Institute has at present a list of forty- five active members, whose zeal, energy, and intelligence have made their organization an efficient agency in the moral elevation of the young men and women of the town.

THE BOROUGH OF HANOVER.

D URING the year 1728, John Digges, a petty Irish nobleman of Prince George's County, Md., obtained a grant for 10,000 acres of the rich agricultural lands which now surround the town of Hanover. When Lord Baltimore gave this grant, the land was thought to be in the province of Maryland. The conflicting claims concern-

ing this land and the difficulties of the early settlers, are fully given in an article, headed "Digges' Choice," in the front part of this work, to which the reader's attention is directed. Digges' tract extended into what is now Adams County. A few of the first settlers were Catholics, but as early as 1731, some thrifty Germans, the descendants of whom are now among the most prominent citizens of the community, came and took possession of most of this fertile land.

The following is a copy of one of John Digges' bonds to give at some future time an absolute title to the land which was granted him:

Know all men by these presents, that I, John Digges, of Prince George's County, in the Province of Maryland, Gent, am held and firmly bound un- to Adam Faurney (Forney), of Philadelphia coun- ty, in the Province of Pennsylvania, Farmer and Taylor, in the full and Just sum of Sixty pounds current money of Maryland, to which payment well and truly to be made and done, I bind myself, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, firmly by these presents. Sealed with my seal and dated this fifth day of October, Anno Domino, 1731.

The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound John Digges, his Heirs, Executors or Administrators, shall and will at the reasonable request of the above Adam Faurney, make & order by sufficient conveyance according to the custom and common usage of the Province of Maryland, a certain parcell of land containing one hundred and fifty acres, already marked out by the above named Adam Faurney, near a place known by the name of Robert Owings' Spring, and ou the same tract of land where the said Robert Owing now Dwells in the Province of Maryland, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in Law.

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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 112

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