USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of the counties of Dauphin and Lebanon : in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; biographical and genealogical > Part 26
USA > Pennsylvania > Lebanon County > History of the counties of Dauphin and Lebanon : in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; biographical and genealogical > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118
In July, 1778, a large number of the survivors of the Wyoming massacre arrived at Harri- Ferry in boats and flats to seek protection from the enemy. Matthew Smith, writing from Paxtang, July 12th, says,-
"I am th'y moment arrived at Harris' Ferry, and just now behold the greatest scene of distress I ever saw ; the numerony poor ran away from their habitations, and left their all, and several families lost, part killed and scalprd on their retreat; the mwst cruel butchering ever known ate practiced : wonudled and othery thrown into fires while yet living. The> inhabitants, however, are much distressed; the Wyoming people are undoubtedly. by last accounts, entirely defeated. Northumberland county is evacuated. Not more than one hundred wien with Cul. Hunter at Sunbury ; the Blue Mountain five miles above Harrisburg is now the frontier; and I am afraid Lancaster county will shortly follow the example of the other county The stores at Carlisle are something very considerable. I doubt not their object is to destroy that place. I am informed there is not that care taken that should be. I think it won't be necessary to appoint some careful officer at that place. that would do the duty more punctually.
" This party is large, having Col. Butler at their heal, one hundred regular troops at first , about the same number of Tories, but is increased in two or three times that number : seven hundred Indiana, all aroun 1 in a most formidable manner, every one of theni, exclusive of guns atel tomahawks, as usual, each one has a large spontoon, and a - soon as en- gaged, rushev on in a most dreadful manger. It is said they have feld- pieces, or swivels, and a number of light horse.
" It is the earnest request of all friends of their country, as well as your humble servant, that something shall be done in the greatest baste. Be pleased to send an order for what arnis are ready a: Lancoter and Hundelatown, also for ammunition, and I shall exert every nerve in forwarding matters to the spot the men .hall collect."
The year following another Indian marand was feared, and the struggling settlers of Northumber- land made an carne-t appeal for succor. During the month of April the sixth class marched to Bedford County for the protection of the inhabitants there while putting in their spring crops. Orders were issued by Col. Robert Elder, sub-lieutenant of the county of banca-ter, to Capt. John Rutherford, who commanded the following detachments fron. the ser-
." SIR : I have received several letters fron,-Col. Hunter lately, men- farming the distressed situation of Northumberland County, etc. It . eral companies mentioned, marched to Bedford, where
104
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY.
they remained about six weeks, until relieved by President Reed. dated 3d of August, 1779, informs ranging companies recruited for the purpose :
Captain. John Rutherford. Privates.
Capt. Murray's Company. John Cochran, Er. Michael Steover. John Grames.
-- John Bunnel, 4th sergt. Sammel Pollock. Samuel Cochran.
Capt, Fullier's Company. Stophel Earnest. John Smith.
Conrad Alleman. Philip Newhouse.
James McCord.
Robert Me Whorter.
Matthias Winagle.
John Brand.
Capt. Rutherford's Company. Martin Houser.
Jacob Miller.
Peter Pancake. George Pancake. Barnaba- Soop.
Chpt. Crouch's Company.
Adam Ritter. John Minsker.
Conrad Wolfey.
Dr. Robert Kennedy. Albright Swineford. Christian King. John Ritter.
Capt. Clark's Company. Robert Kennedy. Samuel Ki-ler. Andrew Richardson. Richard Allison.
John Chambers. Jesse Packer. Samuel Barnet.
Lemuel Snyder.
Abraham Neighbour. Andrew Yeager. Michael Chattel.
William Gamble. Conrad Yountz. John Bell, Jamies Boyle.
John Hatfield. Dennis Dougherty. William Hogan.
For the relief of the Northumberland people Col. Matthew Smith raised a company, and by a letter to
that functionary that he "had arrived at Sunbury with sixty Paxtang boys," and that "the neighbor- ing townships turns out a number of volunteers. Cumberland County will give a considerable assist. ance; to-morrow at twelve o'clock is fixed for the time of march ;" that " provisions is scarce," but that "they will follow the savages and hope to come at them, and if they do will give a good account."
In 1780, on the 1st of March, the Assembly of Penn- sylvania passed an act for the abolition of slavery. A full reference with the law is given in the history of Lebanon County. To William Brown, of Pax- tang, much credit is due for this humane measure. In 1777. in the first Assembly under the State Con- stitution, he proposed a similar law, which was at the period referred to enacted. The record of the -laves then held in thi- county is herewith given :
REGISTER OF NEGRO AND MULATTO SLAVES AND SERVANTS, 1:80
[Name, age, and owuer : all slaves for life.]
sept. 1. ELIZABETH CARSON, widow, of Paxtang township. Pompey, aged 14 years.
Sept. 11. ARCHIBALD MCALLISTER, of Londonderry township. Ned, aged 52 years; lage, aged 20 years: Jem, aged 5 years; Sal, aged 14 years; Nace, aged 10 years.
Sept. 11. JAMES BURN, of Tinian. farmer. Lucey, aged 35 years; Cuff, aged 13 years : Dina, aged + years ; Venus, azed 2 years. 1 Sept. 11. JAMES CROU.it. of Paxtang township, captaun. Exdily. aged 60 years ; Sonho, aged 0 years; Phillis, aged 50 years : Joch, aged 30 years; Lucey, aged 30 years. Peter, aged 15 years: Jan, aged 12 years : Kot, agood 9 years; George, aged 7 years ; Nell, aged " years; Isee, tedy months.
Sept. 14. JOSEPH MONTGOMERY, of the township of Paxtang, cierk. Tom, aged 2% year -; Margaret, aged 55 years. Sept. 21. JOHN FORSTER, of Faxtang township. Ambrose, aged 21 years. Supt. 21. CORNELIUS Cox. of Paxtang township. Andrer, aged 10 years; Ere, aged 20 years ; Jena, aged 20 years; Dave, aged 10 years; Aby- gul, aged 2 years. Sept. 30. WILLIAM KIRKPATRICK, of Paxting township, gentleman. Richard, aged 27 years. „Oct. 2. WILLIAM KELso, of Prxtung ternship, former. Wall, aged 18 year -; Peter, aged 4 years; Dian, aged 23 years; Si, aged 1 year. Ver. 5. MAXWELL CHAMBERS, of Pantang. Strach, aged A yours; Jack, aged 15 years ; Charles, aged 9 years ; How, aged 2 years. Oct. 5. JAMES COWDEN, of Paxting township, farmer. Larburn, aged 13 years.
Oct. 5. JOHN GILCHRIST, of Paxtang township, farmer. Ruchel, aged 21 years. Oct. 5. WILLIAM KERR, of Pixtang township, farmier. To a, aged 17 years ; Dies, aged Is yours
Oct. S. JAMES McKEE, of Fixing township. Hummin. 25 years : Pau- lima, aged 3 years; George wget e months. Oct. 9. JOHN Harkte, of Paxting t wn hip, yeenan. Juck, aged 45 years; Inc., aged 15 years best August: For & aged If your last May.
Ort. O. MARY REED, of Paxting towashing widow. Down, Santa years; her daughter Min gazed + years het November; Jurk, agent one month. Oct. 12. JAME. DUNCAN, of Paxting towaship. Catty, Aged 20 years; Sim. aged 5 Jours. Oct. 12. WHEREAM WALLAP rad WILLIAM AILEN, Jr., farmers, of Han- over township. IN welkSpap. Leden 0 years ; James, suPil ; - Neste; M'. agi . yeus, fej, ale years. Det. 1 .. ALEXANDER JOHNSTON, of L'instant Lownelup, farmer. Wil, aged 36 YRAN.
--
Philip Tinturfl.
William Forster.
George Consor. John Little. Lodwick D.con. Abraham Brunson.
Benjamin Jones. George Sheets.
Frederick Castle.
George Car-on. James Gailey.
Jacob Miller. John Swineford. George Segance.
Robert Harron.
George Williams. Simon Rairdon. Joseph Mark.
Cipt. Weaver's Company. Jonathan Woodside, -ergt. Indwick Light. Frank Conway. Capt. Whitley's Company. Christian Crawl. Jacob Weiser. Charles Grogan. Thomas Miller (sick ). Capt. Gilchrist's Company. James Cochran. Samuel Cochran. James Morrison. William Boyd.
3
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.
105
GENERAL HISTORY.
Oct. 12. JJons WigGins and BonkEr Gricunist, farniers, and RICHARD MAGFIRE, blacksouth, of Pantang township. Niente, aged 9 years; Heck, azel 7 years; T.h. and IS years; P'te, apel 10 years
Out. 12. RICHARD DEARMOND And JAMES WILSON, of Hammer township. farmer -. Tina, aged 20 years ; Inne, aged 20 years ; Sunnel, aged 1 year : London, aged 23 years: Sip, aga 22 years: Hege, azed & years.
Oct. 12. Wirmiss Brow's, of Hanover townships Feg, aged 19 years: Dina, azed 11 months.
Oct 12. ELIZABETH GALLAGHER, of Paxtang township. I'mf, aged 25 years ; Renebo .f., agod is yrats ; Sombou, aged + years.
Oct. 12. DAVID MONTGOMERY, of Pantang township. Joseph, aged 26 Vers.
Oct 18. L'HOMAS MINSHAIL, of Paxtang township, former. Jung, aged 31 years; Ante, aged 14 years; Dan, Agent lo years; Phebe, aged 0 ve.iry.
Ort Is LayPH CANDore, of Perry township, farmer. Files, aged 27 years.
Det ID. MARY SMITH, Gloverist, of Paxting township. Shemay aged 22 veir's.
Oct. 21. JOHN CLARK, of Paxtang township, farmer. Ath (f.), aged 6
Oct. 23. TIMOTHY GREEN, of Hanover township. Jam, aged 35 years ; a negro wench, !ged 33 years ; a negro wench, aged & years : a negro male child. aged 3 years.
Oct 23 HABERT STURGEON, of Paxtang township, miller. Cute, aged 22 years; Vance, aged 16 months.
Oct. 5. JACOB AWL, tanner, of Paxtang township. Jo (run away sobie time ago), aged 28 years; Casar, aged 24 years : Philhs, aged =5 years: Pele, aged 6 years: Culo, aged 3 years; Fran, aged 9 months. Oct. 23. DAVID RITCHEY, of Paxtang township. Bristol, aged 14 years ; Wine (f.), aged 16 years.
Oct. 23. Just A ELDER, Esquire, of Paxtang township. Jack, aged 35 years; Por, aged 20 years; Gin (f), aged 19 years; Suono, aged 2 years ; Syria, aged 6 months.
Oct. 25 JAMES ANDREW, of Hanover township, farmer. Solomon, aged 32 years: P'uy (f. , aged 22 years ; P-wes .f.), aged 3 years ; Ph.che, aged 215 years; Samson, aged 9 months and 17 days.
Oct. 25 DAVID RAMSEY, of Hanover township, farmer. Daich, well 23 years ; C'h. rles, aged 3 years.
Oct. 25. WILLIAM PLUNKET. of Paxtang towaship, " Dr. of Phystek." Tony, age 1 25 years; Bea, azed 23 years.
Oct. 25. JOHN HOLLENRACE. of Paxtang township. Bess, aged If years. Oct. 25 WILLIAM DICKEY, of Paxthing township, farmer. Ext. aged 20
Oct. 25. THOMAS KING, of Paxting township. York, aged If years.
Oct. 25. ROBERT BOAL, of Hanover township. farmer. Hamur, aged 20 years ; binh, axel it months.
Oct. 25. JAMES Rogins, of Hanover township, miller. Adam, aged 25 years.
Oct 25 ANDREw HOGERs, of Hanover township, farmer. Samuel, aged 6 years
Oct. 21 WILLIAM ROGERS, of Hanover township, blacksmith. Sue aged 20 years: Jack, aged + years.
01 1. 25. SAMT FE STURGEON, of Iciover township. Poli, aged 5 years. . Oct 26. JUNEEN FULTON, of Paxtang township, farmer. Atind, aged 29 Vira; Jack, aged 2 years.
OCT 26. WILLIAM FULTON, of Paxtang township, farmer. D.rick, aged" Ju year-
Oct 26. Judy LoGus, farmer, of Londonderry township. Sampson, aged 14 years: London, aged 21 years.
Oct. 27. JACOB Cook, Esq, of Londonderry township. Duval, aged 17 years, " months, and 17 day -.
Oct 27. WILLISSE HAY, of Londonderry township, former. Dembeth aced 26 years ; Phillis, aged 19 years ; Phillis, aged It years; a mulatto hoy aged : veurs, came unknown, a servant until 31 years, bought of James Crouch.
Oct Is. SAMUEL STEWART, of Hanover township. Pompey, aged 19 years ; Prag, aged 6 years.
Oct. 20 DAVID MCQUEEN, of Londonderry tow uship. farmer. Jich, agadt *% year -: Phallo, aged 25 years ; Din, auwill yrare. Monet m.), agod 9 jours : Sampon. agel 7 year: In, aged & your
Ort. 31. Ssures BELL, of Hanover township, farmer. Laugh, aged 19
Out. A. David Hays and JAMES CAMPBELL, both of Londonderry I WD. Huge. Bet, aged 12 years; Pre, wie 121 year.
Oct B. James WILLeis. of Hundred townshin, farmer. Jak, aged ly yeary.
Oct. 31. RICHARD CRAWFORD, of Hanover township, farmer. Arch, aged Is years.
Oct. 31. Grotes Casix, of Hanover township. Thay, aged 21 years; Fre, aged 22 years; Je, agli years.
Oct. S. SINCEI BRADLEY, of londonderry township. Punk, aged 30 your; Prince, aged 15 years; Pompey, aget 3 years ; Tom, aged I your.
Oct. 31. JOHS CuenRAN, of Upper Paxtang township. Nance, aged 15 years: Dinah, aged 12 years.
Oct. 31. PATRICK HAYS, of Londonplenty Township, farmer. Grace, aged 80 years ; Violet, aged 3 year ; Today aged + months.
Ort. 31. ROBERT HASEN, of Londonderry township. Bus, aged 13 years. Nov. 1. WILLIAM MOORE, of Lon lomerry township Miriz, ag-d 35 years; Suopson, aged 11 years
Nov. 1. JAMES FURSTEN, of Londonderry township. Sam, aged 1; years.
Nov. L. JOHY CLENDENIN, of Pastang township, surveyor. Printre, aged
Nov. 1. JOHN MccOWN, of Henover township, fazer. Indy, alors Sharper, aged 27 years.
Nov. 1. JAUN FRENCH, of Hanover township,' farmer. Lowon, aged 24 years.
"Iu pursuance of the act of Assembly, entitled ' An Act for the grad- nal Abolition of Slavery, enart. d on the first Day of March, Auny Dom. 17sh, the foregoing Entries beginning with the Entery of Christopher Crawford fof Lancaster borough atet ending with that of John French of Hunwowver township, have been made on and before the first day of November. 1780.
" In Witness whereof I hereto set my Hand. "JOHN HUBLEY, " Clerk of the Peace for the County of Lancaster."
The rolls of companies of soldiers in the various regiments of the Pennsylvania Line after 1776 are very imperfect or not in existence, which is greatly to be regretted. Dauphin County men are scattered in most of the command-, especially in the artillery and German regiments, and it is a ditfienlt matter at this late day to designate all. In Col. Thomas Hart- ley's regiment, one of the additional battalions or- dered by Congre -- , we find the company of Capt. Ar- chibald Mc Allister, a roll of which we have compiled from that officer', account-book :
Roll of Capt. Archibald Me . Mister's company of Col. Thomas Hirtley's Regiment. Captain. Archibald MeAlli-ter.
Lieutenant. Isaac Sweeny. Sergeant. John Lesly; served three year -; was in the actions of Germantown, Chestnut Hill, Sullivan's cam- paign ; died in Berkeley County, Va., June 4. 1325, aged ninety years.
Drummers. John Elliott.
Patrick Conuer.
Prientes.
Bissell, Thomas. Chambers, William. Clark, John.
Britt, Francis.
Britt, George. M'lark, Robert.
Binke, James. Clendennin, Adamı.
Burns, James. Crangle, James.
Cardass, Jolin. Croxel, Charles.
106
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY.
Cusick, George.
MeLean, John.
Dill, Jame -.
McManamy, James.
Denisay, Lewis.
MeManamy, Samuel.
Byrns, William, promoted sergeant.
Casebolt, Robert, twenty ; five feet six inches; York County ; April 7, 1777 ; resided in Green County, Ohio, in 1832, aged seventy-seven.
Coleman, James (c).
Douglass, William, resided in Buffalo township, Union Co., in 1796.
Gallagher, James, seventeen ; five feet five inches ; Lancaster County ; March 7, 1780.
Grant, Robert, twenty ; five feet eight inches ; farmer ; England ; Feb. 1, 1777.
Gray, Alexander.
Grier, James.
Herrington, Isaac.
Horner, John, twenty-two; five feet nine inches ; weaver ; Ireland ; April 15, 1777.
Keating, Edward, twenty-three; five feet seven inches ; Ireland ; March 15, 1777.
McCoy, Nicholas, twenty-seven; five feet seven inches ; Newfoundland ; May 11, 1777.
MeCullough, Robert, prisoner; died March 7, 1807. MeDonough, James, twenty-six ; five feet nine inches ; tobacconist ; Ireland ; May 1, 1777.
MeIntire, James, thirty ; five feet three inches ; Ire- land ; May 17, 1777.
MeGeary, Noal, from Hartley's regiment ; transferred to Third Pennsylvania, 1781.
MeKimmins, John, twenty-four ; five feet six inches ; Ireland ; March 1, 1777.
Mummart, William, eighteen ; five feet four inches; Lancaster; Feb. 10, 1777; transferred to Ger- man regiment Sept. 15, 1780.
Murray, Daniel.
Nixon, Marion, thirty ; five feet six inches; barber ; Ireland; April 17, 1778.
O'Bryan, William, May 12, 1778.
Patton, Anthony, eighteen; five feet eleven inches; blacksmith.
Peters, Henry, twenty-one; five feet six inches ; tailor ; Germany ; May 1, 1777.
Savage, William. Shatfner, Francis. Simmonds, William, March 1, 1777. Smith, Edward.
Williams, William, May 7, 1778-81.
.
Ellison, Robert.
Mahan, John.
Falls, John.
Missum, Benjamin.
Gardner, Henry.
Morrow, Thomas.
Harper, Richard.
Murray, Corlias.
Hayes, William.
Nicholas, Thomas.
Hendrick, John.
Page, Jolin.
Herrington, Thomas, May 2, 1777.
Irwin, Thomas.
Roach. Patrick.
Judge, Thomas.
Keller, Matthias.
Thompson, Robert.
Leray, Denni -.
Tenbrooke, Christian.
MeBride, John.
Timpler, Thomas.
McDonald, John.
Walker, Andrew.
MeGichen, John.
Webb, Andrew.
MeGinness, William. White, Robert. J McGill, Henry, Feb. 5, Wolf, Frederick. 1777.
In the (New) Eleventh of the Pennsylvania Line we find the roll of Capt. Andrew Walker's company. Most of the men were from the Hanovers :
Roll of the Fifth Company of the New Eleventh, Lieut .- Col. Adam Hubley, Jr., commandant, 1777-81. [Age, height, trade, where born, and when enlisted.] Captain. Andrew Walker. Lieutenant. James Pettigrew. Sergeants.
James Johnson, twenty-two: five feet -ix inches; carpenter ; Philadelphia; May 22, 1778.
Barnet Carny, twenty-four; five feet seven inches ; Ireland ; March 5. 1777.
James Robinson, thirty ; five feet seven inches ; Ire- land; Jan. 19, 1780.
Corporals.
Robert Jefferies. Patrick Limerick.
William Wiley, twenty-nine; five feet nine inches; miller ; America: Jan. 22, 1777.
Drummer. James Thornton. Fifer. Frederick Wolfe. Privates.
In the early part of the year 1781, the Tories of South Carolina and theorgin, by the aid of British dragoons under Tarleton, created great distress in many sections of those colonies. They hell cruel Benson, Jamies, thirty ; five feet eight inches ; Eng- , sway, killing such of the male inhabitant- who were land ; June 2. 1777. Whigs, burning their dwellings, and driving the Boe, William, thirty-one: five feet nine inches; cooper ; Ireland ; April 11, 1.77. women and children from those sections, who ted to Maryland and Pennsylvania. Such was the de-titute Brown, William, twenty : five feet six inches; Ire- land: Feb. 1, 1777: resided in York County in 1805. condition of these people that prompt measure- were taken for their relief by the various county commit- tees. Paxtang town-hip was appealed to by the
.........
2
Patterson, Andrew.
Parker. Thomas.
Terry, Paul.
Buekly. Philip, forty-five; five feet eight inches; Ireland : June 1, 1777.
107
GENERAL HISTORY.
chairman of the Lancaster committee, but although "silver and gold they had none," they gave of their substance. Several loads of flour and other provi- sions were procured and hauled to Philadelphia from Frey's and Elder's mill. The following letter, writ- ten in reply to the committee's request, is sufficiently explanatory. It was, as we have stated, followed by a liberal offering :
"PANTANG JUth O.tober, 1751.
"SIR :- On the Rect, of yours, I communicated the m ster to a num- ber of the Inhabitants of the Township, who serin'd willing to comply with the benevolent design, and to contribute freely to the lielief of But as the Inhabitants are not f isse -. nl of hord money. we concluled that an attempt to raise a Contribution in that was would be to no purpose, We agreed to consult some friend. in Philli, whether a quan- tity of wheat or flour would an- wer the end ; and as soon as an answer is Rec'd from Town we intend to forward this matter with the ntmost dispatch. I am, sir, with great esteem, Yr. trot obed't and very bum- ble Smivt.
" JOHN ELDEE.
"JASP'E YEATS, Esq. in Lancaster."
The Indians in the spring of 1721 were again threatening the West Branch Valley, and to afford the inhabitants protection, Capt. John Ruther- ford's company, of Paxtang, and Capt. Martin Weaver's, of Upper Paxtang. were ordered to their relief until the spring planting should be completed. They were absent one month. The muster-roll of the former has been given. That of Capt. Weaver's is as follows. Capt. Weaver was connected with Capt. Matthew Smith's company of 1775, and probably was among those who returned home sick from Boston, a- he seems to have been second lieutenant in Capt. Deibler's company in the spring of 1776. We regret we are unable to give the roll of the company as or- ganized in 1778-79. The descendants of the Hoff- mans, Deiblers, Sallada, Steever, Seal, and others, whose names are enrolled among these heroes of the "times which tried meu's souls," will no doubt be gratified to learn of the valor, the bravery, and un- ' dying courage of their ance-tors. As they read over these names, let their heart. be imbued with the lofty spirit of patriotism which fired the souls of their forefathers, and cherish faithful remembrance of their gloriou- deeds of a century ago, in behalf, not of themselves, but of posterity.
Return of Capt. Martin Weaver's Company of Upper Paxtang, April 23, 1781. Captain.
Martin Weaver. :
Lieutenant.
John Sheesley. Ensign. Daniel Steever. Sergeanta.
Matthias Deibler. Ludwig Bretz.
John Harman.
Corporals.
John Motter. George Ragel.
Christian Lark,
Drummer. William Cline.
Privates.
First Class --
Edward Wheelock. George Paul.
Jacob Sheesly. George Ream.
Frederick Paul. James Miley.
William Ingram. 1 Jolin Moyer.
Second class-
John Motter. IIenry Warfel.
Abraham Jury. John Ditty.
John Miller. John Richter.
Lawrence Kortz. George Klinger.
Third class-
Michael Sallade.
Michael Shadel.
Leonard Snyder. Abraham Neighbour.
Andrew Yeager.
Frederick Bender.
Henry Ults. Andrew Spangle.
Fourth class-
John Hoffman.
Peter Metz.
Deidrick Stonebreaker.
Adam Cooper.
George Deibler.
George Shoop.
Jere Berger.
Christopher Yeager.
Zacheus Spanaberger.
Fifth class-
Francis Conway.
Leonard Steever.
Sebastian Metz. Henry Henn.
Henry I'mholtz. Ludwig Shott.
Michael Meieher.
Leonard Kauffman.
Sixth class-
Philip Rauskolb.
Peter Miller.
Jacob Harman. John Woodside.
Adam King.
John Wirtz.
Christopher Sheesly.
Jonathan Woodside.
William Armengost.
Seventh class-
David Harman.
Thomas Korts.
George Seal.
Anthony Fraley.
John Nicholas Hoff-
Adamı Wirtz.
man.
George Minnich.
Christian Wirtz.
Henry Moyer.
Eiglith class-
Michael Deibler.
Samuel Jury.
Christian Hoffman. George Buffington.
Henry Woof. Michael Shott.
George Lark.
Stephen Bender.
The campaign of 1781 terminated with the sur- render of Cornwallis army at Yorktown, as did also the war for independence. Dauphin County was well represented in that battle. One brave soldier at least became conspicuous. In Feitman's diary of the Peansylvania Line at the siege of Yorktown, under date of Oct. 19, 17-1, it is recorded :
" At one o'clock this day Maj. Hamilton with a
.
10S
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY.
detachment marched into town and took possession of the batterie- and hoisted the American flag." This gallant officer, James Hamilton, was commis- sioned captain in the First Pennsylvania, Continental Line, March 10, 1776 ; made a prisoner of war Nov. 2, 1777 : subsequently exchanged and promoted major of the Second Pennsylvania Dee. 10, 1778. and re- tired the service Jan. 1, 1783. The parents of Maj. Hamilton came from the North of Ireland with the Calhouns, Polk-, and other emigrants who located on the Swatara and its branches about 1730-35. At the close of the war for independence, Maj. Hamilton was in the Southern Department. There he married Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas Lynen. SR, whose son, Thomas Lynch, Jr., was one of the -igner- of the Declaration of Independence from South Carolina. Their son, Gen. James Hamilton, was Governor of South Carolina, 1830-32. He married a grand- daughter of Thomas Hayward, who was also a -igner.
It may naturally be supposed! there was great re- joicing at the Yorktown capitulation. A letter from John Harris to Col. John Montgomery, of Carlisle, giving him the news of Cornwallis' surrender, brief though it be, expresses the jubilant feeling prevailing :
" PAXTANG, Oct. 27, 1751.
" SIR, -- We have good news from the southward. Cornwallis and his whole army surrendered to Gen. Washington on the 19th. As soon as we get up the Province cannon we will fire a fue de jorn. The bearer Is waiting and I must close.
" Your very h'ble servt., "JOHN HARRIS."
On the 7th of November, 1752, John Dickinson, the author of the " Farmer's Letters," and at the out- set of the Revolution one of the mo-t energetie in the cause of American right4, was elected by the As- sembly of the State and the Supreme Executive Conneil President of the state of Pennsylvania under the Constitution of 1776. Although Mr. Dickinson was foremost in the defense of the liberties of the colonies, when the resolutions for independence came before the Continental Congress, he believed, and no doubt sincerely, too, that the "Declaration" was premature, and was one of the members who wa- not returned to Congres- by the Convention of July 15, 1776. There is no doubt that, had he been chosen, his name would have been affixed to that instrument. His course during the debates on Mr. Lee's resolve made him unpopular, and for several years he was not in active life. Nevertheless, he was not an idle spectator, and in October, 1777, he was made a briga- dier-general in the Pennsylvania militia, having pre- viously been in command of a Priladelphia battalion doing active service in the Jersey- during Washing- ton's campaign there. It was at this period that the officers of the Lancaster battalion became ac- quainted with the statesman, Dickinson. Gen. Dick- inson, in 1779, was chosen by Delaware as one of her representatives in the Confederated Congre-s. and in 1781 he was President of that state. In obedience
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