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 146

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 146

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Alex Moore, 150 acres .. 118

William McClurg, 100 acres. 153

Michael Morrison, 150 acres. 128

Conrad Miller, 60 acres 41

John Montgomery, 50 acres. 88 William McClevey, 50 acres 67

Hugh McClurg, 66 acres 51

Christian Ealy, 150 acres. 155

William Edie, 200 acres. 184

Alexander Allison, 100 acres 75

John Forkner, 17 acres. 25

Samuel Fulton 17

Moody Moine, 100 acres 50

Widow McIsaac, 50 acres 61

Andrew Findley, 100 acres. 174

Jacob Feaster, 62 acres 57

John Forsythe, 50 acres 68

Willam Gemmill, 150 acres, 1 slave. 250

Robert Proudfoot, 160 acres

Robert Richey, 50 acres.

Alexander Ramsey, 135 acres

140

John Richey, Jr., 71 acres

John Richey, Sr., 60 acres. 73

Adam Reed 29

John Raney, 170 acres. 141

Samuel Rosebrough 76

Jacob Saddler, 300 acres 195

James St. Clair, 100 acres 85

William St. Clair, 110 acres 57

Stoffel Harkle, 100 acres. 162

Michael Hively, 100 acres. 70

Samuel Harper, 100 acres. 134

Lawrence Heindel, 100 acres 119

Boston Hickman, 100 acres. 60

Jacob Hiestand, 150 acres. 122

Nicholas Heney, 144 acres 91

Rudy Yount, 150 acres. 257

William Jameson, 160 acres 51

Thomas Jamison, 50 acres. 46

Jacob Junt, 100 acres. . 111

Christian Krug, 50 acres. 37

Barnet Kousley, 150 acres. 80

James Kerr, 112 acres. 137

118

Widow Killwell, 100 acres

144

Henry Kirsmoyler, 45 acres

Christian Leib, 100 acres. 153

Jacob Landmesser, 50 acres 39

Wm. Liggett, Sr., 200 acres. 154

Wm. Liggett, Jr., 200 acres. 138

Herman Miller, 25 acres, 1 slave. 132

Anthony. Miller, 50 acres. 61

John Miller, 50 acres. 46

John Marshall, 100 acres. 91

268

Richard McDonald, Jr., 160 acres.

George McMullen, 100 acres.

Conrad Miller, 50 acres ..

William McClark, 50 acres.

James McDonald, 156 acres 188

Daniel Miller, 50 acres .. 52

Benjamin Manifold, 119 acres. 102

Thomas McCarrol.

Joseph Manifold, 322 acres 206

THE INTRODUCTION OF LIME.

Lime as a fertilizer was introduced into the eastern part of Hopewell in 1830. During that year Henry Manifold, on his way home from Baltimore, brought seven bushels of lime, which he purchased near

Joseph Kooper, 80 acres .. 64

David Kennedy, 150 acres.

Peter Strayer, 100 acres

Richard McDonald, Sr., 350 acres.

William McElling . 209

Francis Weinmiller, 150 acres

Valuation.

Widow Godfrys, 25 acres 29

John Quartermau, 30 acres.

750

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

Towsontown, Md. All of his neighbors went to his farm to see what was then consid- ered a curiosity. The effect of the application of lime was watched the next year with the greatest interest. It resulted in success and revolutionized the business of farming in this section. The next year Henry Manifold, Joseph Edgar and Benjamin Payne built a kiln, and brought the limestone down the Susquehanna to McCall's Ferry, and burned it in this township. So manifest was the success that the burning of lime became an important business, and many farmers erected kilns. Before the introduction of lime the soil had become very much impoverished. Except on newly cleared land, very little wheat could be raised in Hopewell, and in- deed in the entire lower end of the county. Wheat for family use was obtained from the region around York. Corn and rye could be raised in small quantities by a judicious application of manure as a fertilizer. Flax and wool were raised for clothing and sale. Buckwheat grew quite luxuriantly, and pro- duced well. Farmers depended mostly on marketing to Baltimore as a means of gain- ing a livelihood; at this business some prospered.

The recent use of phosphates has produced a marvelous change in the whole aspect of "The Barrens," a name absolutely inapplic- able now to any part of that section. Im- proved modes of agriculture, careful cultiva- tion of the land, the introduction of the new fertilizers have caused Hopewell, and its ad- joining township to bloom and produce like the fertile region around far-famed Damas- cus. An intelligent farmer will no longer say that limestone land is most valuable. There is faithful evidence that corn produces well here, and wheat, during the past few years, has yielded so abundantly, and in such excellent quality, as to astonish, not only the farmers of our limestone regions, but the wide awake descendants of the Scotch-Irish themselves.

Tobacco farming began in Hopewell about 1874. It is now considered a very profitable crop. The land is specially adapted to its cultivation. It produces well, and is of superior quality, and finds a ready market. In the eastern part of Hopewell it is raised in large quantities. On one tract of two and three-quarter acres as many as 6,800 pounds were raised. Within the past year Havanna leaf has been planted, and yielded well in all of the lower end of the county.

Potatoes, in large quantities, are raised in this township, especially in the vicinity of Stewartstown.

HOPEWELL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The early facts concerning the history of this church have been lost, so that the date of its organization is merely conjectural. In the roll of the churches, as given in the manual of Westminster Presbytery, the date of its organization is given as 1756, followed by an interrogating mark. The volume of the minutes of Donegal and Carlisle Pres- byteries for that period has been lost, hence' the date cannot be verified. In the records, under date of June 5, 1759, there is the fol- lowing minute, viz: "A supplication from the inhabitants of Shrewsbury (Hopewell Town- ship was not yet erected) to be formed into a congregation, was brought in and read. The action was deferred until the people of Guinston be notified. Ordered that Mr. L. Smith write to the people of Guinston." The request seems to have been granted sub- sequently, however, for under date of April 15, 1760, there was a supplication from Shrewsbury Church for supplies; and in 1761, a supplication from York and Shrews- bury for the appointment of Mr. Hanna as their stated supply for one year, promising £90 during that time. Permission was given to these congregations to invite him to preach for them, until the meeting of the synod and presbytery allowed him to comply with this invitation. The most definite information is that a congregation was organized, a log church built at Round Hill, about 1770. Rev. Joseph Long of tlie Presbytery of Car- lisle was stated supply for one year. The elders during this period were William Smith and Andrew Duncan. The congrega- tion seems to have been dependent on the presbytery for supplies until 1791. In 1790 a new log church was built in a more central location. On December 20, 1791, the con- gregations of York and Hopewell called Rev. Dr. Cathcart (see page 411). James Wilson, Robert Anderson, Michael Morrison, Andrew Warwick and Robert Gemmill were then ruling elders of this church.

On Saturday, November 6, 1813, at a meeting of the heads of families of the con- gregations of Hopewell in the house of Sam- son Smith a series of resolutions were agreed to, relating to the building of a new house of worship. It was built that year and the name changed from Round Hill to Hopewell, though Hopewell seems to have been given it in minutes of presbytery as early as 1783. In 1818 Henry Manifold, John Gemmill, Ben- jamin Payne and James Patterson were rul- ing elders. The communicant membership then was 160. In 1834 Andrew Anderson, Andrew Gordon, Robert Wilson and Hugh

751

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP.

Hogg were ruling elders. Dr. Cathcart preached his farewell sermon in November, 1834, having served nearly forty-two years. After he left, the congregation was supplied by Revs. Boyer and Houston for one year, and on the death of Mr. Houston by Mr. Boyer for another year, after which it had occasional supplies, among whom are meu- tioned, J. M. Boggs and S. M. Boyless. The latter was appointed to supply Hopewell Church one half of the time October, 1843. Rev. L. H. Smith was ordained and installed pastor of Hopewell and Stewartstown Churches, June 17, 1845, served these con- gregations with great acceptance for twelve years, and died February 4, 1857. Messrs. Porter, C. W. Stewart, J. A. Divine and others served as supplies. June 27, 1858, Rev. J. Y. Cowhick, a licentiate of the pres- bytery of Columbus, Ohio, began supplying the church, and was installed pastor for one half of his time Friday, May 6, 1859. In the same year John Manifold, A. C. Mani- fold, Samson Smith, Sr. and John Trout were ruling elders. The church then had 131 members. In 1867 John Anderson, William Wilson and John Hyson were ruling elders. Rev. J. Y. Cowhick continued pastor of this church in connection with Stewartstown and Center Churches until September 24, 1873, when he was released from Hopewell, to give his whole time to Stewartstown and Center.

In September, 1874, the present pastor, Rev. T. L. Springer (to whom we are under many obligations for this sketch), became the supply. He received a call the same year, and was ordained and installed pastor. At this time the church had 135 communi- cants. The session consisted of its present members, viz .: Robert Wilson, William Wilson, A. C. Manifold, John Anderson and John Hyson. At the present time, 1885, there are 173 communicants. In 1876 the church building was thoroughly and taste- fully refitted. It now is comfortable, neat and attractive.

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The church of this denomination in Hope- well, was organized about 1800, it is supposed by the Rev. Thomas Smith. The first elders were Alexander Thompson, Alexander Proud- foot and John M. McCleary. Rev. Charles Campbell, the second pastor, died April 7, 1804. Rev. Josiah Wilson became a supply in 1807, was installed pastor January 1,1808, and died in September, 1812. The congre- gation was served by supplies Revs. Aunan, Weir, McConnell and Graham, until 1823, when Rev. Alexander Sharp became pastor.

He was succeeded in 1828 by Rev. Alexander McCahan, who continued until 1832. His successors in order were Revs. Robert Gracey, 1836; James Green, 1837; Alexander Miller, 1838; John Ekin, 1839. Buchanan, McElroy, Dick, Pressly, Findley, Jones, all of whom were supplies except the last-named, who was installed pastor August 30, 1843, and re- signed in 1847. Revs. Van Eaton, D. D., C. Sharp, D. D. were supplies until Rev. William Carlisle became pastor October, 1848, and served until 1856. Rev. Joseph Boyd served one year.

In 1858 the union was formed by the Associates and Associate Reformed Churches and Guinston and Hopewell were united in one charge and Rev. Francis McBurney took charge of Hopewell for one-third of his time. He resigned October, 1868, and was followed by Revs. Rait, Mccutcheon, Young, Carlisle, and Samuel Jamison as supplies. In April, 1871, Rev. Jamison, the last named was chosen pastor in connection with Guinston. Rev. John Jamison, the present pastor, en- tered upon his duties in October, 1875, giving one-half his time. Since July, 1885, he has devoted his whole time to this congregation.

The first church was built of logs, and in 1843 it was remodeled. In 1867 the fine brick church now owned by the congregation was built. In 1883 six acres of land were purchased, on which the parsonage was built. The number of members is ninety-three, elders are Jacob Grove, James Grove, John T. Grove and A. Hyson. A Sunday-school of ninety scholars; James W. Wallace is superintend- ent, and W. N. McAllister, assistant.

A member of the congregation furnished the following interesting facts concerning this church:

"To show the esteem Rev. Thomas Smith was held, in 1823 he sent Rev. Alex Sharp to supply, and directed him where to stop. Ar- riving at the place a call brought the old gentleman to the door; Mr. Sharp addressed him thus: 'I have been sent to preach for you.' 'What is your name?' Being told: 'Who sent you?' 'Rev. Thomas Smith.' 'If Thomas Smith sent you, come in, I do not care how sharp you are.' "

Four young men from this congregation have entered the ministry, one became pro- fessor of languages in Union College, New York.

"About 1817 the congregation was not sup- plied very regular; some lukewarm members saw there was money in the log build- ing, consequently came to the conclusion to have it sold. A day was appointed, each party on hand, the one quite in the minority.

752

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

One old gentleman, who had quite a large supply of Irish blood in his veins, volunteered the expression, "Here it is, and here it shall stand to the day of judgment." The would- be-sellers left without asking for a chairman being appointed."

LEBANON LUTHERAN AND REFORMED CHURCH.

This church is situated in the northeastern part of Hopewell. In 1814, Rev. John Herbst organized a Lutheran congregation here. The trustees were Michael Sechrist and George Barshinger. The first Reformed clergyman was Rev. F. A. Sholl. The original building stood until 1859, when a new and ·commodious one was erected. Benjamin Ty- son was one of the trustees at the time of its erection. Some of the oldest members and church officers are Frederick Flinchbaugh, John Stabley, Jacob Diehl, Henry Sentz, Michael Sechrist and, George Barshinger. There being no carefully kept records, ac- cording to the memory of the oldest members, the Lutheran clergymen who have officiated here were Rev. John Herbst, chosen in 1814; George Stecher, in 1820; Jacob Kempfer, in 1832; A. Burg, in 1852; P.Warner, in 1873; E. Lenhart, is the present pastor. The Re- formed pastors were F. A. Sholl, G. Hoble- stein, H. Ryneka, W. Ryneka, D. Gring and R. Rahauser, now vacant.

SADLER'S CHURCH.

This church is located in the eastern part of the township, near the old plank road. It was named after an early German settler. The Lutheran congregation that at present wor- ships in this church is served by Rev. John Conaway, of York. Mount Pleasant Church, situated three miles from Winterstown, was built about 1855. Rev. Berg was the first pastor, who was followed by Rev. Kempfer. Rev. John Conaway has been pastor for the past nine years.

THE BOROUGH OF STEWARTSTOWN.

This beautiful and interesting town is lo- cated in the southern part of Hopewell, and was named after Anthony Stewart, who in 1812, purchased a tract of land on which most of the town is built. In 1814, David Edgar made a survey of Stewart's land and laid out nineteen lots. Benedict Meads about the same time opened a store and tavern, and the new town was for a time called after him, though its founder earnestly desired to have that much coveted honor. A number of me- chanics purchased lots and successfully plied their respective trades, whereupon the name

of Mechanicsburg was suggested. This again greatly disconcerted the founder. In 1825 the people of the vicinity held a meeting in order to lay plans to secure the establish- ment of a postoffice, and decided to call it Me- chanicsburg. The department at Washington named the office Guilford, and appointed An- thony Stewart, postmaster. He was commis- sioned December 19, 1828. Some time before 1840, the name of the office was changed to Stewartstown. The village was incorporated by act of the legislature, March 29, 1851, as the "Borough of Mechanicsburg." This dis- pleased Anthony Stewart, who secured the passage of a supplementary act, February 24, 1853, changing the name to Stewartstown. Benedict Meads the first storekeeper, lived on the east side of the main street, in the next building south of what is now Hartman's store. Anthony Stewart, the founder was a good mechanic himself and made a great many of the old time spinning wheels. He turned his attention to astronomy and natural philosophy, and was somewhat of an inventive genius. A fine marble monument costing $400, was erected to his memory in the cem- etery to the rear of the Presbyterian Church. He was born in 1788, and died in 1866, aged seventy-eight years. He was an albino.

During the early history of Stewartstown, it was not by any means a temperance town, but there has been no public house licensed to sell intoxicating drinks within its limits for nearly a quarter of a century.

Some of the postmasters who succeeded Anthony Stewart were Jacob Forman, Agnes Fulton, Mrs. Green, James A. Grove, William Hartman and J. C. Hammond.

A new impetus to the growth and prosper- ity of the town was given it in 1885 by the completion of the railroad from this place to join the Northern Central Railway at New Freedom. The opening of the road was cel- ebrated at Stewartstown, with great cere- mony, September 10, 1885; about 3,000 people were present. The road is seven miles long and cost $65,000. Col. W. W. Stewart and J. S. Gilt, were the civil engineers. James Fulton is president of the company; J. W. Anderson, vice-president; A. G. Bow- man, Andrew Anderson, Andrew Leib, John B. Gemmill, John Wiley, John Marsteller, William Hammel, Jacob Althouse, J. Y. Keeney, M. W. Bahn and James C. Jordan, directora

General stores are kept by James Fulton & Son, W. W. Hartman, C. C. Prall; book- store, by J. C. Hammond; tinware and stove store, by E. H. Redding; drug store, by J. H. Fulton; physicians, J. L. Free and J. R.

753

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP.

Martin; notary public, J. E. Green; canning factories, Col. Jordan and S. Gable; lumber yards and planing-mills, R. M. Richey and Hoshour, Dise & Co. A number of business places have recently been opened, and the future prospects of the town are very encour- aging.

The Presbyterian Church .- The early his- tory of this church is connected with the "Union Associate Church of Mechanicsburg." At a meeting held October 22, 1839, it was determined to erect a church to be used by different Christian denominations. The first vestry consisted of Henry Anstine and Sam- uel Baird, to represent the Methodist Protes. tant denomination; Gen. Archibald Steele Jordan and Henry Fulton, the Presbyterian; Joseph Leib and Jacob Waltemeyer, the Bap- tist, and Adam Ebaugh and Michael Kurtz, the Reformed and Lutherau. Deeds for the land were executed by George Anstine and wife, William Griffith and wife and Henry Ebaugh. On this land, which cost $45, a house of worship, which is still standing, was built, at a cost of $1,200. Benedict Meads was the largest contributor, $50. Judge Ebaugh who, at that time, was a member of the State senate, received some valuable con- tributions to the church from his fellow mem-

bers. This building continued to be used by several denominations for a number of years. In 1844 Rev. Stephen Boyer, of York, organ- ized the Presbyterian congregation with David K. Ebaugh and Archibald Thompson, as elders. Some of the first members were James Anderson, James Smeaden, Dr. Henry Ebaugh, Miss Jane Jordan (afterward Mrs. Dr. Free), Robert Gemmill and James Jor- dan. The last two became elders. Rev. S. Hume Smith became stated supply of the church June 17, 1845, and became full pas- tor June 21, 1851. In 1848 the membership was thirty-eight. The pastor died February 4, 1857; he was a graduate of Jefferson Col- lege and a very efficient clergyman.

Rev. J. Y. Cowhick became a supply of this church, and May 29, 1859, was or- dained and installed pastor, and continued as pastor of the Hopewell and Centre Churches until 1873, when he resigned the Hopewell charge.

The congregation continued to worship in the Union Church until 1862, when the present brick building was erected, for which two acres of land were conveyed by Nicholas Richey for $105. The church land was con- veyed to Robert Gemmill, Levi Zellers, Will- iam Fulton, Henry Fulton, Henry Ham- mond, David Anderson and Dr. John L. Free, trustees. Robert Gemmill contracted

to build the church for $2,400, but was & loser.

In June, 1875 Rev. J. Y. Cowhick re- signed his charge and became pastor of a church in Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory. Rev. J. M. McGauchy, a young man from Princeton, was the successor, and was or- dained and installed November 4, 1875, and began a series of meetings lasting five weeks, during which time fifty new members were added to the congregation. After a term of three successful years, Rev. McGauchy ac- cepted a charge at Laramie, Wyoming Ter- ritory.

January 5, 1879, Rev. W. H. Fentress, of Baltimore became a supply, who, at the early age of five years had lost his sight. Rev. H. B. Scott, was installed pastor in 1879, and served until September, 1882. The present pastor is Rev. A. S. Fox. He is a graduate of Bethany College, Virginia, and of Yale Theological Seminary. The church has recently been repaired, and is now a neat and attractive building. It was dedicated October 29, 1885. (The author is under many obligations to Prof. J. A. Murphy for the facts in the history of this church.)

The Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first services of this church, 1833, were held in the dwelling house of John Leib, and afterward in a schoolhouse, about one mile south of the town, near the site of Col. Jordan's canning factory. It was orig- inally called "Hopewell Methodist Episcopal Church," and the house of worship built of logs stood below town, at the present burying ground. The ministers who served this congregation during its early history, belonged to the Castle Fin Circuit, and their names will be found in the sketch of Lower Chanceford, in this work. Of the first mem- bers, Mrs. Catharine Gable and Mrs. Bar- bara Bowman are still living.

In 1872 the present Methodist Episcopal Church was built at a cost of $11,000, and the old building below town was torn down. Revs. John E. Lloyd and E. A. Deaver were then the circuit preachers, followed by Revs. J. M. Clarke, J. Russell, Asbury Geyer, H. R. Bender, B. F. Stevens, N. W. Colburn and P. P. Strawinski. Church member- ship, 120; Sunday-school membership, 200 pupils.

Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. - This church is located about three miles east of Stewartstown, was built about 1845. The Methodists of this congregation original- ly belonged to the Stewartstown Church. This now has a membership of sixty-five and. a Sunday-school of eighty-five pupils.

754

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

There is a Methodist Episcopal Church near Cross Roads Postoffice, which also be- longs to the Stewartstown Circuit.

There is also a Methodist Protestant Church in Stewartstown. .

THE BOROUGH OF WINTERSTOWN.

About 1830, Townsend Winter, of Steu- ben County, N. Y., purchased of the heirs of Rev. John Smith, 400 acres of land for $2,000, on which the scattered borough of Winterstown is now built. The land then had become very poor, and Winter, like an in- genious Yankee, turned his attention to clear- ing off the woodland. The name first given to the town was "Apple Grove," on account of the abundance of that fruit. He sold off his land in large lots and commenced to build the house now owned and occupied by Daniel Brenneman, who purchased it of him while in course of erection. He last lived in the house now occupied by Henry Landis. In order that he might perpetuate his own name, before moving to Galesburg, Ill., where he died, a few years, ago, he had the name changed to Winterstown, which was retained when a charter of incorporation into a borough was obtained. The survey was made by Wilson Norris. The population in 1880 was 199. It has increased very little since. This borough is in the northern part of the township, distant about twelve miles from York and seven miles from Stewarts- town. The first store was kept by Emanuel Klinefelter, now of Shrewsbury. Graham & Snyder do a business in general merchandise in the south end of town, and Daniel S. Mitzel has a similar store in the north end. C. Geesy is proprietor of the hotel. There is but one school building, which was built a few years ago at a cost of $700. The term is five months; State appropriation, $45. The board of school directors for 1885 were Joseph Snyder, president; George N. Joeckle, secretary; Dr. C. Y. Hildebrand, Daniel Hildebrand, Joel Hildebrand and Henry Landis. Chief burgess, Levi Strayer; coun- cilmen, Frank Brenneman, Cornelius Hake, J. W. Brenneman, Charles Kibler and Daniel Brenneman. Justice of the peace, Frank Strayer. The meeting house, in the extreme northern part of the borough, belongs to the German Baptists. (See page 387.)

Church of the United Brethren in Christ .- The first class of this church at Winters- town was organized about 1830. Rev. Fred- erick Flinchbach then organized the scat- tered adherents into a congregation that first worshiped in dwelling houses and barns.

Successful camp-meetings 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 addi- tions to the congregation. 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 ministers of this circuit since organization have been: Christian S. Crider, Henry Greenblade, J. S. Wentz, Tobias Crider, W. H. Craumer, J. H. Young, A. H. Rice, Samuel Enterline, Isaac Coomes, W. B. Raber, Jesse Cline, L. Kohr, and J. C. Smith. Trustees now are A. F. Strayer, John Brenneman, Elias Grim and J. W. Strayer. Church membership is sixty; Sun- day-school has sixty-five pupils. W. H. Sny- der is superintendent.

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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 146

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