USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of the counties of Dauphin and Lebanon : in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; biographical and genealogical > Part 79
USA > Pennsylvania > Lebanon County > History of the counties of Dauphin and Lebanon : in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; biographical and genealogical > Part 79
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
"The matter which produces ague, -i.e., miasmata, caused by vapor- from low and marshy situations and waters, rendered baneful from certain adventitious circumstances, may be pronounced to be the support or aliment of all diseases, more particularly of the latter perhaps, when the exhalations are rendered more than commonly noxious from the general state of the atmosphere ;- this cause existed at Harrisburg. A mill-dam had been erected the season before on the Paxtang, rather a turbid and sluggish stream, within five or six hundred yards of the middle of the town on its eastern side. The obstruction must have spread the water over a surface of from eight to ten acres, and this co-operating with a state of the atmosphere unusually morbid this season in such situations may fully account for the fear which prevailed.
" In the fall of the year 1793 there were some cases of it, and -till more in that of 1794, equally malig- nant, after which the mill-dam was removed. Ihave been the more particular on this subject, though with- out bring able to offer anything satisfactory, from knowing it to have been a matter of some interest with the physicians of Philadelphia to ascertain the nature of the Harrisburg disease, thence to deduce
IN the autumn of 1792 there was considerable sick- ne -- at Harrisburg. In the succeeding year this was much greater and of a violent character. At this period the yellow fever was prevailing to an alarming extent at Philadelphia. Graydon, in his " Memoirs." thus alludes to the pestilence : " Measures were taken, says he, in almost every town and village to prohibit the entry of persons suspected of infection, and even . data towards the solution of the question, whether the
CITY OF HARRISBURG.
303
yellow fever, as appearing in our cities, be, or not, a malady of exclusively foreign origin ?"
It appears that on the 16th of April, 1790. John Harris sold to Peter, John, and Abraham Landis a mill-seat, with the privileges of a dam and mill-race, containing three acres of land, situated in what is now the First Ward of the city, on Paxtang Creek. Sub- sequently the Messrs. Landis purchased an additional tract of land from Gen. John A. Hanna, and erected upon it a mill, etc. The citizens having decided that the fever was can-ed by the Landis mill-dam, took immediate and decisive measures to abate the nuisance. After some preliminary proceedings, a meeting of the citizens was held May 5, 1794, at the house of George Reitzel, and a committee appointed to wait on the Messrs. Landis to treat with them for the purchase of their mill, land, and appurtenances. On the follow- ing day the committe met and agreed to pay for the property two thousand five hundred pounds, as fol- lows: fifteen hundred pounds in thirty days, and five hundred pounds on the Ist of May, 1795 and 1796, with interest. This proposition was immediately sub- mitted to the Messrs. Landis, with the request that they inform the committee of their acceptance or re- jection of the offer within a few days. To enable the committee to comply with the proposition for the purchase of the mill property, the following agree- ment was signed on the 7th of May, 1794:
" It is proposed by the Borough of Harrishair to purchase the mill or mills now in the occupation of Abraham Landis on the waters of Pax. tang Creek, together with the appurtenances thereto belonging, and to have the same conveyed to the said Borough as a fund to defray the taxes of the inhabitants forever.
" We, the subscribers, to enable the Burgesses to complete the said purchase and for the saul consulerations, do severally but not jointly bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators unto the said Burgesses for the time being and their successors in such sum ur sunis of money as may be annexed by us to our names, to be paid to the said Burgesses and their successors in the manner and at the time herein- after specified, to wit : oue morety or half part on the first day of Juno next ensuing the date bereuf, and the remaining moiety or half part in two equal annual payments from the said hist day of June with lawful interest for the same. Provided, nevertheless, that if the said purchase should not be completed by or on behalf of the said borough within one month from the date of these presents, that then the above obligation to be void and of no ellert, otherwise to be and remain in full force and effect. In witness whereof we have severally bereunto set our bands and affixed our seals this seventh day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven bundred and minety-tour :
£. 3.
d.
£
d.
George Fisher. 20)
0
0 Lawrence Beunelt.
4
Janus Duncan.
14
0 John Bucher
6
14
Adam Boyd
0
0 Jacob Ebright G
1 4
=
George Petter.
3
0
= Alexander Graydon =
=
Jacob Wain.
0
C Galbraith Patterson
U
0 Thouias Llder. IC
16
Jacob Frust
0
Thomas Gregg
Irwin Glass
1 10
U Maj. Swiney .. 0
Denjanan Fenton
4
1G J Rean
Unit, Funterirk
3
=
() Reel, Anthony
I
I'veg.r. Martin
2
Reel, Philip. Ritz. Julin .
I 10
John Mi Chesney
3
J. D/117el =
Jobn Wyeth
Thomas More ..
5
1) Win. Crabo.
1
1
Humanit 4:, John, Exrc
1 .
Il ze, John .
Ramer's Excentorg.
3 n
Hocker, John.
16
1 Hottroff, Henry.
12
The following was "an estimate made of the pro- portion of each citizen of Harrisburg to purchase the
mill belonging to the Landis family, in order, with divine favor, to restore the borough to its former state of health and prosperity :"
£
AwI. Jacob, Exec.
0
llorter, Valentine. 4
Alles, Jacob.
4
Hover, Genige ... 23 11
Allen, George
4
16 Hume, John 1
4 Hocker, Adam . 13
10
Allroin, James
1
4 Hocker, Christopher 13
IO
Armstrong, .Andrew
14
3
=
Abbot's House.
10
0
Bønner, John
4
Heallev, Jobin.
3
C.
Bennett, Thontas.
4 Ilise, John 10
=
l' yd. John
11 Hatman, Matthias
Hartman, Grolgo
14
Butcher, Jacob ..
Ilutz. Geur ce
Ilonse, Joseph
1.0 Ilething, Jacob
C
Boyd, Widlow.
5
8 Holstein, George.
Horning, Conrad.
3
Bumbausb, Comad.
20
4 Irwin. hobit ..
12 Issett, Henry
6
Bollinger, Widow
1
Bombangh, John.
1
4
Bleyuihre, Johu,
U
C
Kamp, William
I
Deatty, Gawin
1
0
Kunkel, Christian.
1
Kran-e. John & Andrew Kunkle, Peter
10
4
Brooks, James
?
=
1
Berryhill, Sungel.
3
14 Kapp, Michael
18
Baker, Peter
0
Krau, Jolin.
11 3
4 =
Brooks, John.
7
10 Knatcher, Michael
14
Beatty, James
12
Balsles, Juhu
0 12 King, Charlotte
Bennage. Lawrence
1
10 Koffman, Andrew.
Kleckner, Frederick
J.
Luther, John
4
Laflery, Justinia
1 16
Crabb, William
S
Lever. Nicholas
16
Lawyer, Adam
1
1
Cumnans, John ..
1
1
Lipbart, Henry
1 10 Lover. George
Carson, William
1
4 Little's house
3
0 McCart, Robert.
1
4
Cassel. George
3
Cairns. James.
0
12 Murray, Williamo.
5 3
Comfort, JJohn
6 MeCarty, Becjamiin. Mish, Jarub
16 18
Degar. Jacole
0 -Maclay, John
3
Duncan, Jaurs
14 Mooney, Abraham Mc Maunns, Patrick
1 16
Downey, Charles.
Denning, Peter, Exec.
6 Me Laughlin, Alexanuer
0 1 1 16
Drawley, John
16 Mytinger, Lewis
1 1
Dentzel, Tohu
5
Dickey, Thomas.
2
Ebright, Jacob
16 10 Morse, Moses.
Eller, Julin
4 16 Montgomery. Alexander ...
1
Earnest, Juin
3
0
Miller, Jacob.
16 Moore, Thomas.
3
0)
Eit-neyer, Widow.
1
1 Montgomery, Joseph
15
Elliot. Jamies Martin, J. & Thomas.
5 14
Ensminger, Michael
1
16 Mackey, James,
1
Elder. Joshua
15
0 Miller. Charles
12
Fisher, Gourge
40 McAllister. Archibald .. 1
Metaslin, John
12 Newman, John
·2
F. ger, John
1
16 N rton, John ..
15
I'ru ler, John
4 Newman. Nicholas
1. 18
Fridley, G & Barney
19
IO
U
Ford, Henry.
7
1
1
Firestone. George
1 Peffer, Gentsr.
0
Forrest, Amirew ..
0 Fogelsanger, John
6
0
Potts, Stacy
6
= 1)
Gregg, Thonins.
5.
1
11
Geiger, But uhart.
4
Greenawalt, Christian
4
Ciltmor, Masps.
Patterson, Robert ...
7
Pont, John, Jr .
1)
Giverson, Ruben.
-1 PAeager, Frederick.
3
firastill, Peter.
14
Poters, Michae !. 10
Graydon, William
1
Rymuth, Philip Heitzell, Jacob
16
William Martin. 3 12 1
3
4
0 SatQuel ofinies. 11
= Hess, George.
.
5
12 Kumjean, Jalin.
. . Hamilton, Widow
10 Richm, Andrey
John Loyd 14 U
8. 10
14
8 Poal, Jusephi.
1 %
0 Patterson, Galbraith1. Pool, Jolin
10
Michael Fuckmes
3
Abraham MIJones. 1 16 flemy Fulton .. 16
6 0 11. I -- tt ... U (allmin. John. 15
..
Julen Hitz 1 10
1) Andrew Forrest .... 1 .
Gdbraith, Jahn.
1
1.
Pfeifer, John.
Panrake, Valentine. 1)
10 Pancake, George
David Owen.
4 0 Glass, William 16 Porter. William.
2
¥ Newman, Andrew.
Ott. Nicholas.
2
Davis, Samnel B
16 Murray, Patrick
Mitchell, Jantes ..
7 1 19 C
Dickey, Willrim
1
4 Murphy, Barney
1) Milier, John
6 1 9 1 19 16
Larr, Robert
4
Brun, Peter ..
F
Clark, Widow,
1
Conrod, Henry
Chambers, John, Exec.
1) 3 C
Clunie. James.
17
0 Machesuv, John
*
Be uler, Heury.
I'miy hill, Alexander
12
Ingram, William
3
Irwin & Howard
Barr, Alexander.
Berryhill, Alex., Sr.
0 .16 Kreamer, John 4
Burmeister, Charles
0
Kurtz, Benjamin
U
Brindle, Philip
7
Bruner, Henry.
6
12 Hillegas. Corsad
Hall, Samuel ..
Allen, Joseph
4
(1 Horning, stephen
0 9 Totdas seyhuth 0
.
11
Ebbert, John
Fulton, Henry 16 16
Fenton, Benjamin
I'de. John .
1 Peter, Heury
= For-ter, Thomas Graydon, Alex
George Allen.
0 Joshua Eller.
Thomas Dennett ..
1 subscribed £20.
15
0 Kapp, Michael, Jr ..
Boyd, Adam ...
£ 15
304
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY.
Saur, Charles
3
Whitehill, George.
14
Snyder, Sinion.
Wilson, William
7
1
Storhr's house,
= Wait, Ja tut:
1
=
Sweeney, Major.
= Walter, Peter
Stehley, Widow
Whitehill, Rubert.
Sees, Balthazar ...
4
Wickersham, Hinnah.
1
Sees, Christopher.
·
16 Weir, Samuel
1
Stephen Hugh.
1
4 Wertherhond, Widow of
0
Smith, Casper ..
9
= Wingert, Widow .. 8
4
Shoch, John
1
10
Weathrup, Jolin.
3
Smith's. Mi:ss ...
5
4 Watters, Christopher
5
Scarlett. Devill
Wiison, John ..
1
4
Shiom, Jacol.
W.i'live. Benjamin.
10
U
Saur's, Casper, house.
Wilhelms, Jacob
Seyfert, Anthony.
3
Wyeth, Indlin.
shorts, .I. hn ..
1
,
1
1
Smith, Widow
1
Williams, Christopher.
2
=
1
Youse. Frederick
0
Snyder, John ..
Youas, Harrt ..
I
Senley, John ..
15 Zollinger, Jacob ..
14
Staugh & Bulesanger.
1
1 Ziun, John. 10
0
Tresenrider, Courad ...
2
4
Ziegler, George ....
2
0
Updegraff, Abraham
0
Zarver, Frederick
0
Single Men.
£
Thomas Elder.
0
Michael Krekl.
3 12
Saminel Laird ....
6
=
Anthony Lever ...
3 1-2
Andrew Mitchell.
0 . Peter Reitzel ..
3 12
John Patterson
6
0 James Shaw,
3
Dr. spangler
6
=
William Wanless
3
12
Joseph Waceline.
0
William Martin
12
William Wallace.
=
William Brown.
3
Jacob Ben+!
3
MichalKnutz.
Adan: Brady ...
3
1. John Lear ..
S
Jncol, Burkhart.
3
1: Duncan MeGachin
12
John Ober.
Jacob Feger.
3
12
James Sini; suo
Jacob Glass
3
12
John I'mhults
Robert Hunter
3
12
John Weaver ....
Philip Horing
3
Willing Porter ..
3
1 .*
William Irwin.
Bryan Hooper.
2
1:2
Matthias Henderson. 6
0
John Irwin.
6
0
For Lots of Ground.
£
£
Thomas Forster.
1
16
Moses Gillnior.
1 16
Thomas Murray
I
Jobn Elbert .....
1 16
Samuel Weir.
1
16
Henry Bruner.
1
George Hoyer.
2
Mengel's Executors
4
Chris. Kunkel.
1
10
Shoulder, fur shock's house 5
S
Mich iel Kapp
1
Henry Izsett, for smith's house ..
3 12
William Maclay's land in borough ..
Conrad Bombaugh, for Sey- fort's house 6 9
Peter Lyeth
Brindle and Montgomery ...
4 10
Ed. Burk's house ..
3
0
Hailer's house.
6
Weit's out-house
6
U
Robert Hi !!
1 16
Jolin Weir's house
4
16
l'asper smith.
16 · 1
Alexander MIMer.
John Bayd.
10
Peter Pancake.
Thomas Gray 0
James Buis ..
Less.
10
0
Harris' Executors. snyder's
William Giass 1 IS
house ..
6 12
Landlords who do not Lire in Town, or Other Houses.
£
€
8
Martin Gregor.
0
Edward Lynch
=
Sammel Grinteg.
U
Mar. Stiller.
3
1
Willow Witherold.
12
0
Chambers' Executors.
16 Juseph Dritt
7
William Wallace.
+
Tobias ses both.
0
Andrew Stewart
Wellheffer 5
8
Henry Sailor.
1
tı
County of Danphin
0
Jamies Humes
12 Bricker's honse
5
John Steinmetz.
1_
Dr Fibre-t .k
14
Joshua Eller ...
Fredrick Y ave. 9
6
John wal hrist
6.10
William Porter.
C. B.
Peter Hola
11.00
Christian Wilhorn.
1
Thomas Dickey
Morderai Mckinney
4.00
WThat & len
Istort Freekrit :1 ....
Charles Ruwan.
Rudolph Keker.
4.
Anthony Keller.
James Roed
2.00
1.00
Robert Boal.
In addition to the amount of money so raised, thic heirs of John Harris, Mes-rs. David Harris, Robert Harris, William Maclay, and John A. Hanna paid sixteen hundred dollars, the purchase money, or per-
haps something more than the amount which the Landises had paid for the property.
These proceedings did not. however, accomplish anything. as the Messrs. Landis refused to sell their property for the sum proposed by the citizens' com- mittee. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the bor- ough of Harrisburg on the 16th day of January. 1795, it was unanimously agreed "that two thou- sand and six hundred pounds be immediately a>- served on the property of the citizens of the said borough ; that one thou-and and six hundred pound- of the said sum be collected on or before the 6th day of March next: that the remaining one thou- and pounds be secured to be paid. with interest, in two equal annual installments, and that the whole (to wit, the sixteen hundred pounds in cash and the residue in bonds; be tendered to Peter and Abraham Landis, or either of them. proprietors of the mill and other water-works, with the appartenances thereto belonging, near the borough afore-aid, as a full com- pensation for their property in the -ame; and that in case they refused to accept the said sum as a full compensation for the said mill, with the appurte- nances, that then we unanimously agree to prostrate the dam ereeted on the waters of Paxtang Creek, for the purpose of conveying water to said mill, and pay our proportionable parts of all legal expenses and damages that may acerue on any suit or suits, indict- ment or indietments that may be brought or prose- ented in consequence of such act or aets.",
A committee, consisting of Stacy Potts, Moses Gillmor, Wm. Graydon, Jacob Bueber, John Kean, John Dentzell, and Alexander Berryhill was ap- pointed to wait upon Peter, John, and Abraham Landis and negotiate for the purchase of the mill property.
The following sub-criptions were made by the eiti- zens named to the miil-dam fund, independent of the amount assessed upon their respective properties at the town meeting :
" We, the subcribers, do promise to pay the sums annexed to our names, to Conrod Bumbangli, Esq,, as a gratuity towards paying the expense of the purchase or the reduction of the mill-dam ou Paxtang Creek, next the borough of Harrisburg, and that when called upon. Witness our banda, Jan. 21, 1795:
William Crabb. $20.00
LAilward Crouch.
$2.00
Maj. Swiney .. 15.00
George Whitehill .. 10,00
Jacob Burckart.
5.30
Juhh Wel.inan
George Reitzell.
loruan Markel.
4.(1)
John Martin.
Peter Livu ...
1. **
Anthony Sey fort.
10.00
Simon Bassler.
t John Maclay
20 01
George Lutz
10.00 William Krel
24.0 Iacob Zetyler
1.00
Juhu Patterson
Jacob Fetter.
1 ..
Joseph Wrigley.
John Spangler.
Thomas Greg.
Samtel Aw!
Irwin & If war!
William Patterson
John McFarl'm.
Col. Shoutter ..
4 Rev. Nathaniel Snow der. 0
Michac. Kapp
15
=
Rev. Shaffer's house.
0
Samuel Berryhill.
3
0 Res. Hautz. 8
0
U
sweigart, Daniel
Welchants, Jacob
4
Shields, John
1
Sawyer, Jatues
1
Syboth:, Toidas
Youse. George.
U Ziegler, George. carpenter .. 15 0
Unger, Peter
Reitzell's honse. 3
Tualy Frazier.
6
6.00 Jaunes Byers ..
16
John Peltier ..
16.00
Benjamin Hunt
Jacob Fridley
William Stew irt ..
Samuel Finnev.
18
Margaret Bulinger ...
1
12
George Reddlicht.
3
James Elliot.
John Burkinbine.
Jacob Bretz
3
3
8
£ 6
21 +
Smith, Nicholas,
1
1 ..
Thom- Trovadate.
S
14
$
George Ilocker
305
CITY OF HARRISBURG.
The committee called upon the Messrs. Landis and tendered them for their property the price demanded the previous year, which they indignantly refused. The owners now a-ked two thousand dollar- for their water-right alone, and a much greater sum for their entire property than the committee felt inclined to give. Apprehending that the owners of the mill prop- erty intended to take advantage of the situation to extort an unreasonable price | £4112 10%.) from the people, Galbraith Patterson, a noted lawyer of his day, in the Orvele of Dauphin of March 23d, gives the following as his views of the situation ; .
"The bad effects that have flowed from the mill-dam, near Harris- burgh, have been manifest!y evalent; but the melancholy consequences of a continuation of this evil ars quornions in proportion to the former growing prosperity of the place. It is well kunwa that few places in the United States were built so rapidly, or became more nourishing in so short a time, nor could any inland situation boast of more advantages. A county-town, in the heart of a good country, beautifully situated on the Susquehanna, and deriving many extraordinary benefits from that circumstance. That the increase of Harrisburgh was not upon false premises. we iQay say with propriety ; for every industrious man had materially bettered his situation during the health of the place, which continued for six years after the town was laid out. In this situation the mill-dam found ns, when its bad offrets began to be felt. Paxtang Creek, of itself, and the low ground on each side of it, was to be dreaded, when exposed to the sun, by the loss of the timber near the town; but cultivation would again restore health. Now the mall-dam ruts up every expectation-it is a bed of stagnant water and putrid vegetables, and prevents the possibility of any improvement. It is impossible to drain the swamps upon the creek, there is no fall to carry of the water, nay, occasionally covered with this mill-dam ; and when the waters ebb away they retain to the extent of their surface until exhaled by the sun ; for the land! is lower a distance from the creek than immediately at the banks.
" Ilere our prosperity seems to be arrested-we have not even hope left, because the mill-dam, in truth, does away the possibility of im- provement, which, it not immediately, would in time, and according to the extent of it, give this place health. Another truth is, that Mr. Lan- dis dams the water not only upon Mr. Harris's land, of whomthe fumight. but upon that which was Mr. Muclay's, before the bargain, which is an unjustifiable extension of the mischief. Conscious of the destructive influence of this will-dam, the inhabitants of Harrisburgh entered into a negotiation with Mr. Landis, last year, for the purpose of buying his property, that they might prostrate the dam. At which time, theextent of his demaod was twenty six hundred pounds, £1600 in hand, and the residue in two annual pay ments ; which price, although it was thought too high, there was some efforts made to raise ; however, beture it could be accomplished, the season became too far advanced to take down the dam, which, together with the greatness of the sum, relaxed our en- deavers upon the subject. Another season was experienced, which . brought with at its calamities, and the people more unammously took up the matter again, about the Ton of January '05; when they agreed to give Mr. Landis the $2000 according to hts demand. A committee was appointed to wait upon Mr. Landis, to accede to his offer, and he gave them for answer, that $4112 10%, was the lowest price he would take at that time. I ask Mr. Lunchs, if he did not offer the quill, &c., to the in- habitants of the twrough for $25th, as I have mentioned, last March, in a paper subscribed with his own hand? I ask him, if he would not have taken that money for it in May last? I ask him, if he did not take his work from tradesthen in the borough because they would not subscribe to pay a proportionable part of it? We complied with his terms in January, and I ask hits, if las nall rose in value £:12 in seven months? It is very w. Il knows that Meets. Elder and Ober's mills take the country custom, and a great share of the town, so that Mr. Landis's mill depend- greatly upoo the town cto which ulea Mir. Landi- accedes !. It is as well known that the popnition of Harrisburgh has But increased, and that property has depreciated for some time part- and how his mint, in this -it non, uh hav appreciate1 $1512 in seven months is tryand all conception. To be sure, lands have en- creased in price somewhat in 7 anti-, but not in this proportion. But how a mill, and Sacres of land, lependoor, in a great degree, njum its enemies for support, could have thus raised in value, appears truly astot-
20
ishing : that Mr. Landis would have taken £2000 in May, 1794, for his till and won't take less than $4112 10s. in Jan. following, might indeed ap- pear a riddle. However, a thing is always wistth as much as it will fetch, and who would stand to inke terms with a surgeon, when he has bis forceps fixed to extract the stone from the bladder? Who would uot readily say, give me relief, and take all I have? .
" Upon the present occasion, Mr. Landia ares the people pressed by their calamities, exceedingly anxious and unanimous, aud although he took his work from a man last year, for not enteriling his proportion- able part of £2600 he may see his way clear this season, in levying a contribution of #4112 lug upon the inhabitants of the borough.
* Fellow-citizens, you have acted justly, and yom have acted with pa- tiener, in offering to pay the man's price, before you came to the power- lution of destroying thi- reservoir of contagion. You have done mate than the inhabitants of Carlisle, and other places, who have removed nuisances of this kind without asking who owned them, and without dreaming of compensation. Go on, gentlemen, in an midlertaking which is foundel in such justice-ninke i.p the E26ou and tender it according to the nian's terms; and if he does not receive it, have re- »pect for yourselves, for your fautilies, and for your solemn resolution- TEAR DOWN THE MILL-DAM ! .- Will you be played upon this way ? Will men, who have vested their all here, and are in business, live in a continual state of anxiety about their families, after making up their minds to sacrifice to the amount of this man's demands will they let him assess their happiness, by caprice and sordid principles, at £1512 for seven months ?
"some might say, I'll go and leave the place. I say no-it is not an easy matter for a householder to rise up and leave a place in which he is settled in business, and a place which once offered the fairest pros- pects. If this idea prevailed, property would sell for little, and little would make us turn our backs upon a place, which, from its situation, promises as much as any inland place in Pennsylvania. No, gentlemen, we can't deseit our property and interest. Let us remove the mill-dan, in the honorable way we devised-clear out the creek, and put the lands under cultivation ; and be the means, under God's blessing, to give health to the place, which I have no doubt, will be followed with pros- perity to the rich and poor, who are industrious."
The following proceedings of the "Committee of Seven" are of interest in this connection :
"At a meeting of the Committee of Seven, ap- pointed to superintend and direct the appropriation of the moneys raised for the demolition of the mill- dam and for the further removing the nuisance in Paxtang Creek, April 8, 1795 :
" At Brindle's: present, Pott-, Gillmor, Berryhill, W. Graydon, Dentzell, Bncher, Kean.
" John Kean was appointed secretary and treasurer. "Ordered, that the treasurer take up the bonds due to Adam Boyd and to George Allen.
** Adjourned to Saturday evening next, at six o'clock, at Mr. Berryhill's.
"Saturday, 11th .- The committee met and viewed the dam, and adjourned till Monday evening, at six o'clock, at Berryhill's.
" Monday, 13th .- Met, and the members mentioned the names of persons wishing to borrow money. Agreed, that the money be retained in the treasury a few day- longer.
" Agreed, that on Saturday next at one v'elock the bell be rung, and the inhabitants a-semble and de- molish the remainder of the dam.
"Saturday, 18th .- The committee met and pro- cerded with a number of the inhabitants to the dam. Committee hired four persons to open the bed of the creek twelve feet wide, which was done, and the per- cons employed were paid six dollars, which was raised by voluntary contribution on the spot."
4
.
306
HISTORY OF DAUPHIN COUNTY.
The Oracle of Monday following gives this account of the affair :
"On Thursday last a committee appointed by the citizens of Harrisburg waited on Abraham Landis and Peter Landis, and tendered the whole demand they made last year for the mill, with its appurte- nances, agreeable to the terms they had proposed ; but they now thought proper to require a much greater sum ; wherefore, apprehending that the owner- of the said mill intended. through the distressing calamities thought to be occa-ioned by the mill-dam, to extort an enormons price from the people for the enjoyment of health, by the unreasonable sum now demanded for the mill, they did almost unanimously procee.l, on Saturday afternoon last, to take down and destroy that intolerable nuisance which has for three years past rendered this borough a mere hospital and grave- yard; and therefore it is now hoped that, under the blessing of Divine Providence, this once flourishing place may be restored to its former state of healthi- ness and prosperity."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.