USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, a history, Volume I > Part 11
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Very soon after the close of the War of the Rebellion, in Pennsyl- vania, there was formed what was styled the "Boys in Blue." At that date the Grand Army of the Republic had not been organized, but as soon as it had been formed and the news spread quickly to the East.
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Pennsylvania was quick to drop the Boys in Blue, which was simply a local society, and become charter members in the various Grand Army posts that were being formed throughout the Union.
The first charter was obtained from the national headquarters for Post No. 1, and bears date October 17, 1866; that of Post No. 2, October 29, 1866, granted by the Department of Wisconsin. An Order No. I was issued from headquarters Grand Army of the Republic, Springfield, Illi- nois, November 22, 1866, establishing a Provisional Department of Penn- sylvania and designating General Louis Wagner commander. Upon assuming command General Wagner issued circulars and forms of organ- ization for posts, and the work of "mustering in" recruits was zealously commenced. Posts multiplied rapidly, and a membership of many thou- sands was enrolled. The transition from the Boys in Blue to the Grand Army was so sudden that many soldiers of strong political faith and convictions were unwilling to believe it was not the same exclusive order of men, having the same partisan object in view. The organiza- tion was, therefore, for a time, the subject of severe criticism, which, in some instances, was seemingly warranted by the injudicious utterances of thoughtless members. That the organization should suffer under these adverse circumstances was but natural, and for a time it lost its hold on popular favor with the old soldiers. But time and the devotion of those interested in preserving the spirit of comradeship soon con- vinced all of its usefulness and absolute freedom from partisanship in the public affairs of the country.
In 1885 a very comprehensive article was written by a member of one of the five Posts in Montgomery county, which appears to the writer to be valuable for future generations to read, hence so much of it as here follows is given: Objects of the Grand Army of the Republic are :
Ist. The preservation of those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together with the strong cords of love and affection the comrades in arms of many battles, sieges and marches.
2nd. To make these ties available in works and results of kindness, of favor and material aid to those in need of assistance.
3rd. To make provision, where it is not already done, for the support, care and education of soldiers' orphans and for the maintenance of the widows of deceased soldiers.
4th. For the protection and assistance of disabled soldiers, whether disabled by wounds, sickness, old age or misfortune.
5th. For the establishment and defense of the rights of the late sol- diery of the United States, morally, socially and politically, with a view to inculcate a proper appreciation of their services to the country, and to a recognition of such services and claims by the American people.
The organization numbered upwards of three hundred thousand in the United States, between thirty and forty thousand in Pennsylvania, with posts numbering from one to four hundred. At the present time (1923) there are but two Posts left in this county-one at Norristown and one
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MILITARY OPERATIONS
at Pottstown. There are members residing in various parts of the county, but all other Posts surrendered their charters a number of years since on account of the few veterans left. Posts never take the name of living comrades ; this honor is paid the name and memory of those who fell during the war, or who have died since.
General Zook Post, No. II, Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Republic, was instituted December 12, 1866, under special order No. 1, Provisional Department of Pennsylvania. Comrade Wil- liam M. Runkle, 3rd Pennsylvania Artillery, mustered James Dykes and George N. Corson. At a special meeting held on the evening of Decem- ber 14, 1866, William J. Bolton, Joseph K. Bolton, William Allebough, L. W. Reed, Samuel T. Pretty, James B. Heebner and Thomas C. Simp- son were mustered; subsequently R. T. Stewart, Thomas J. Owen, Joseph M. Cuffel, Samuel M. Markley, Freeman S. Davis and H. S. Smith were mustered, and together constituted those designated the charter members of the post. The charter is dated December 1, 1866. This Post takes its name after Brigadier and Brevet Major-General Samuel Kos- ciusko Zook, who fell mortally wounded in the second day's battle at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. If ever a soldier was truly idolized by his friends in his home county it was General Zook, hence this brief per- sonal notice of him is here inserted as a part of the history of the Grand Army of the Republic in Montgomery county :
This gallant officer was born March 27, 1822, near Paoli, Chester county, Pennsylvania. His father, Major David Zook, moved to Upper Merion township, this county, settling near Port Kennedy, where the son grew to man's estate on his father's farm. He received the advan- tages of a fair academic education. When twenty years of age he fin- ished his studies and was appointed adjutant of the 100th Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, on the staff of Colonel James Mills, November 3, 1842. In 1844 he was appointed superintendent of the New York and Washington Telegraph Company, and conducted the construction of the first line established by that pioneer organization through the South and West. He took an active part in quelling the great riots in Phila- delphia in 1844, and subsequently was transferred by the company referred to to New York City. In 1851 he was commissioned major in the 6th New York Volunteers. In 1857 he was promoted to lieutenant- colonel of the same regiment. He served in the same organization dur- ing the three months' campaign in 1861, and upon its return, after the battle of Bull Run, organized the 57th New York Volunteers, a three years' regiment. He was commissioned brigadier-general November 29, 1862, and assigned to the command of First Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, Army of Potomac. His brevet commission of major- general bears date of July 2, 1863, for "distinguished gallantry on the battlefield of Gettysburg." His remains are buried in the Montgomery Cemetery, and are marked by a suitable and enduring memorial shaft;
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
a tablet is also erected near the spot where he fell on the battlefield at Gettysburg.
Graham Post, No. 106, at Pottstown, was named in honor of two brothers-Eli H. and William H. Graham-of the 53rd Regiment. The Post was instituted in February, 1868, and was reorganized in 1880. It is still in existence.
Lieutenant John H. Fisher Post, No. 101, at Hatboro, was organized April 28, 1884, and was named for Lieutenant John H. Fisher, of the 138th Regiment, who was killed at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. He was only twenty-one years of age.
Colonel Edwin Schall Post, No. 290, at Lansdale, was organized November 10, 1882, in honor of Colonel Schall, who fell at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, while gallantly leading the 51st Regiment.
The Spanish-American War, 1898-This was a short but decisive conflict between the United States and Spain, which latter power was completely subdued during the month of April, and November, 1898, their fleet being sunk by our battleships in Manila Bay by our success- ful Admiral Dewey.
The United States depended largely on the reorganizing of the National Guard system for its soldiers in that war. Montgomery county, then as in all previous warfares, was accounted strong in numbers and quality of men furnished. More than eight hundred men were sent from this county, while many received credit in other counties of the State. These men were all volunteers from the Pennsylvania National Guard. When the war began in April, 1898, there were two National Guard commands in Montgomery county-Company A, 6th Regiment, from Pottstown, with William A. Schuyler, as captain; and Company F, of Norristown, with officers as follows: Captain, Henry Jacobs; first lieu- tenant, James R. Hunsicker ; second lieutenant, James Cresson. Later on, Company M, of the 4th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, went from Pottstown and had these officers: Captain, L. Y. Messimer ; first lieutenant, H. M. Ebert, who died and was succeeded by I. V. Elick. Others from Montgomery county found their way into the service in companies from Phoenixville, Doylestown, and other nearby points. The dates of mustering in and out of service were as follows: Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, mustered into service May 9, 1898, mustered out, November 16, 1898; 6th Pennsylvania Regiment, mustered in, May 10-13, 1898, mustered out, October 17, 1898. The 4th Regiment had 47 officers and 1,014 men; lost 32 men by disease; served in Porto Rico. The 6th Regiment had 50 officers and 927 men ; lost eight men by disease.
It is not practicable to attempt to give a roster of the men who went to this war from Montgomery county, the records being compiled by the State Department in commands and not by counties. However, it will be of some interest to know where the men from this county oper-
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MILITARY OPERATIONS
ated during the war with Spain, hence the brief regimental account is given here of the 4th and 6th Pennsylvania regiments of volunteers :
The 4th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was a part of the Second Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps. Company M, of Pottstown, was attached to the Third Battalion, and was mustered into service July 6, 1898, left Pottstown July 7, proceeded to Chica- mauga, Georgia; remained there until July 22, then left for Porto Rico, arriving at Guanica, Porto Rico, August 2nd. The next day they were ordered by General Brooke to proceed to Arroyo, fifty miles to the east and there disembark. When the peace protocol was signed August 27, 1898, the regiment left for home, arriving in Pottstown, September 7, and was given a thirty-day furlough ; participated in the Peace Jubilee Parade in Philadelphia, and was mustered out of service November 16, 1898.
The 6th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, of National Guard, reported at Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1898. The regi- ment was mustered into the volunteer service of the United States, May 12, 1898, and May 19th was ordered to Camp Alger, Virginia, where it arrived the following morning, with 50 officers and 928 men. August 24 the regiment was ordered to Camp Meade, Middletown, Pennsylvania. The regiment was paid off September 7, 1898, and returned home, having been given a furlough until October 7th. The regiment was finally mus- tered out October 17, 1898. That these men did not see actual service on a foreign soil was not their fault, for they were anxious to be sent abroad. Many of these soldiers who were but mere youths in 1898, are now among the elderly business men of Montgomery and adjoining counties. The facts connected herewith have largely been furnished the historian by Messrs. John J. Graham, sergeant, Company B, of the 6th Regiment, from Chester county, Pennsylvania, but now of Norris- town; and Charles V. Finley, corporal, Company F, 6th Regiment, now of Norristown ; with valuable data sent in by Melvin B. Krause, of Potts- town, who was of Company M, 4th Pennsylvania Regiment.
There are two camps of the United Spanish War Veterans within Montgomery county-one at Norristown, the other at Pottstown. The Norristown Camp is known as the General J. K. Weaver Camp, No. 52, United Spanish War Veterans, who have headquarters at No. 1431/2 West Main street, and their present officers include Commander George McGiligan; Adjutant George Fullmer. The present good-standing membership is approximately 125. The Camp at Pottstown is Colonel Frederick Funston Camp, No. 81, and has a membership of about one hundred.
The World War-It is to be regretted that the records of the world's greatest war, known as the "World War," involving as it did nearly all nations of the earth, were not properly preserved, and especially is this
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
true of the smaller units, such as towns, cities and counties. When the War Board who had charge of the drafting of men for service, as well as the numerous departments and committees which had charge of the munitions and food supplies of this country, had performed their work as directed by the general government at Washington, they failed in a majority of counties in the United States, including, of course, Mont- gomery county, Pennsylvania, to retain a copy of their transactions. The State capitals and the War Department at Washington have the only list of soldiers that were preserved, and these lists have never been compiled in regular order, and the public is informed they will not be obtainable for reference for a number of years yet, hence the author of these chapters can in no wise be expected to give the facts about what Montgomery county furnished. Thousands of men went into the service as citizens of this county, but who enlisted or in other ways entered the service of the country from the cities, including Philadelphia, and they have not been properly credited to Montgomery county.
However, this is not the first time in the history of wars that the records in local sections have not been perfect. Immediately after the Civil War in the United States, the adjutant-generals of various States attempted to compile a roster of the Union army soldiers by States and counties, but it was a failure, in that too great haste was made in the compilation of such records. The same was true of the United States Adjutant-General's report of that war. But as time passed and soldiers were seeking pensions, and for other causes, another effort was made, and additional volumes and corrections of old ones were made; and the States also took up the work locally and republished many volumes on the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, which have given us a fair record of all that was important concerning each company and regiment in that great conflict. It took years of time, careful research and vast sums of money in way of appropriations before this could be attained. It is to be remembered, too, that in that war, hundreds of thousands of men only had to be listed ; whereas in the late World War, millions of men must needs be accounted for. So it is that no accurate account of the men who served in this war can possibly be given in this work. Had dupli- cate records been kept by the War Boards and Committees, all would have been different.
It should be said in justice to the local press, that all possible care was taken to publish the names of soldiers going and coming to and from the army from this county. The people were from time to time urged to send in such facts as they personally possessed concerning members of their immediate families and its soldier members. In a few instances this request was granted, but usually resulted in nothing of value toward making up a Montgomery county soldiers' roster. But from what the local newspaper files do contain it is gleaned that something in excess
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MILITARY OPERATIONS
of two hundred men from this county paid the supreme sacrifice, either "somewhere in France" or in the camps of this country. In this con- nection let it be said that the last soldier of all to die on foreign soil, as reported in a recent issue of the "Norristown Herald," was Francis W. Lawler, from Trooper, Montgomery county. He passed from earth's shining circle at Coblenz, only a day after the last troops of the Amer- ican Army of Occupation had sailed for home in America.
There were but few counties in the country furnishing more men and money for this last war (outside the great cities) than did Montgomery county. From Norristown borough there were 1,375 soldiers whose names are already accounted for, besides many others who drifted into the service from nearby cities, hence not credited to their home county.
Montgomery county may well be proud of doing its full share in the purchase of the various series of Government War and Victory Loan bonds, with which this country was enabled to successfully carry on its part of the World War. From figures obtained at the Government Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, the headquarters of the War Bond sale for this district, it is shown that there were sold from the various townships and boroughs, through the banks, amounts as follows :*
Name of Borough.
Ambler
Ambler Trust Company $357,750
First National Bank.
1,849,300
Ardmore
Ardmore National Bank .. 2,184,150
Merion Title & Trust Company 3,408,050
Bridgeport
Bridgeport National Bank 798,006
Bryn Mawr
Bryn Mawr National Bank
600,550
Collegeville
.Collegeville National Bank 408,750
2,973,700
Tradesmen's National Bank.
1,522,350
East Greenville
Perkiomen National Bank.
589,200
Glenside
Glenside National Bank
1,405,350
Green Lane
Valley National Bank
707,450
Harleysville
Harleysville National Bank.
110,000
Hatboro
Hatboro National Bank.
534,000
Jenkintown
Jenkintown National Bank
983,458
Lansdale
.Citizens' National Bank.
234,350
First National Bank.
892,050
Norristown
First National Bank ..
I,049,450
Montgomery National Bank
1,631,600
Montgomery Trust Company
1,076,600
"
Penn Trust Company
2,334,000
North Wales
North Wales National Bank.
597,600
Pennsburg
Farmers' National Bank.
496,000
Pottstown
Citizens' National Bank.
800,400
National Bank of
2,351,650
National Iron Bank
1,508,500
Security Company
1,033,950
Royersford
National Bank of.
689,450
Royersford Trust Company.
718,400
Norristown Trust Company.
1,178,700
People's National Bank.
876,000
Jenkintown Trust Company
1,642,800
Bryn Mawr Trust Company 1,254,650
Conshohocken
First National Bank.
Note -* It should be understood that all five of the War Bond Drives and the amounts each subscribed have here been added into a total amount, which includes also the last or "Victory Liberty Loan" bonds sold.
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Name of Borough.
Schwenksville
National Bank of. 540,006
Souderton Union National Bank. 566,500
Telford
Telford National Bank. 160,900
West Conshohocken People's National Bank.
343,500
Total amount of War Bonds purchased in County, $40,409,108.
By the figures just footed, it is seen at a glance that Montgomery county had the wealth to invest in bonds in a government her citizens believed in and were ready to fight for if need be. Remember the figures -forty million dollars to aid in carrying on a war in which we were only helping our allies on a foreign soil.
COUNTY COURT HOUSE, NORRISTOWN
CHAPTER VIII. COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT.
Prior to September 10, 1784, Montgomery county was included in Philadelphia county, but by act of the General Assembly on that date it became a separate and independent sub-division of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The act was approved by the Supreme Council com- posed of His Excellency John Dickinson, Esq. (president), the Hon. James Irvine, Stephen Balliot, George Wall, Jr., Barnard Dougherty, John McDowell, John Byers, Sebastian Levan, John Neville, Samuel J. Atlee, Isaac Mason. The name Montgomery as applied to this county was either in honor of General Montgomery of Revolutionary fame, to please more especially the Welsh settlers; or for William and Joseph Montgomery, of Lancaster and Northumberland counties, both of whom were active in having the bill passed which created this county. His- torians do not agree on this, and the record showing the petition asking to have a new county made, is silent as to what name they desired to place upon the new municipality to be taken from the parent-Philadel- phia county. It matters but little, for all three of the Montgomeries named were excellent men in their day and generation.
John Dickinson, president of the Council, in his message delivered to the Assembly, January 19, 1784, showed great interest in having the proper laws well executed by honorable citizens. He spoke as follows:
Gentlemen,-It is much to be desired that the system of our jurispru- dence may receive every improvement we can give it as soon as such a work can be accomplished. Constancy in the laws, the preservation of domestic concord, order, tranquillity, and a strength sufficiently pre- pared for defense against injuries, are essential to the happiness of a State. They are also the foundations of a reputation that invites an accession of ingenious and industrious people from other parts of the world to share in the blessings of which such a character offers them an assurance. Every citizen, therefore, who respects his own interests, the welfare of his family, or the prosperity of his country, will desire and endeavor that the vast importance of these subjects may be perfectly understood and religiously regarded.
First Courts-The first judges of the several courts were appointed by the Supreme Executive Council, as follows: Frederick A. Muhlen- berg, Esq., James Morris, Esq., John Richards, Esq., Henry Sheetz, Esq., and William Dean, Esq. The first court was held December 28, 1784, in the barn on the premises of John Shannon, then known and licensed as the "Barley Sheaf Hotel," situated in Norriton township, on what is now the Germantown pike, a short distance northwest of Hartranft sta- tion, on Stony Creek railroad. This was built of stone in 1735, and still
Mont-7
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
stands. Zebulon Potts, first sheriff of the county, was elected October 14, 1784, and commissioned by the Executive Council. Thomas Craig was appointed first prothonotary, September 10, 1784, and commissioned by John Dickinson on the following day. He was also appointed to serve as the county's first clerk of the courts. The first recorder of deeds was Augustus Muhlenberg, also register of wills. There appears nothing in the records to show that the county had any commissioners until a board was organized in 1790, at which date the records show the fol- lowing members: Christian Scheid, Nathan Potts, John Mann. Isaac Markley seems to have been the county's first treasurer.
It should be remembered that at that time there was no Governor for the State of Pennsylvania. In common with other States, it was acting under the Articles of Confederation, adopted November 15, 1777. The United States Constitution had not been adopted; the first Con- gress did not assemble until 1789. The only representation this county had was in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, and the first members elected to represent Montgomery county in that body were Peter Rich- ards, Robert Loller, George Smith, and Benjamin Rittenhouse. The first senator elected under the revised constitution of 1789, was Linsay Coates.
Quarter Sessions Docket, No. I, page I, contains the first minutes of a Montgomery county court, hence it is here inserted, as it is the beginning of a real independent county government for this county :
Montgomery County | ss.
Minutes of a Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace, in and for the County of Montgomery, held at the house of John Shannon, on Tuesday, the 20th day of December, 1784. Present, Frederick Augustus Muhlen- berg, James Norris, John Richards, Henry Scheetz, William Dean, Esquires.
The Court opened at 12 o'clock m. Proclamation being made enjoin- ing all manner of persons to keep silence. Commissions from the Su- preme Executive Council of Pennsylvania were read appointing the fol- lowing Gentlemen Justices of the Peace, viz .: William Dean, Esquire, bearing date July 14, 1783 ; Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, Esq., March 19, 1784; John Richards and Henry Scheetz, June 24, 1784; and James Morris, Esq., September 20, 1784; and a commission to Thomas Craig, Esq., appointing him Clerk of the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace.
Proclamation for the Sheriff of Montgomery County to return the Precept to him directed being made; the said Sheriff to wit, Zebulon Potts, Esquire, returns a Grand Jury, to wit: Thomas Rees, Henry Cunnard, James Wotmough, Linzey Coats, Robert Shannon, John Rut- ter, James Stroud, Lewelling Young, Henry Powling, Samuel Wheeler, Peter Muhlenberg, Archibald St. Clair, Samuel Holstein, William Lain, James Veaux, Robert Curry, John Edwards, Benjamin Markley, Jacob Auld, Anthony Carothers, Frederick Weise, Nathan Pawling, Abe Mor- gan, Francis Swain, who were all except Archibald St. Clair and Freder- ick Weise, severally sworn or affirmed.
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COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT
Proclamation being made for silence, the President, Frederick Augus- tus Muhlenberg, delivered the charge to the Grand Jury.
This proceeding was followed by a return of the Constables of the Several Townships.
The only cases adjudicated at this Court were the Overseers of the Poor of New Hanover Township vs. The Overseers of the Poor of Provi- dence Township, and the Overseers of the Poor of Whitemarsh Town- ship vs. the Overseers of the Poor of Springfield Township.
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