USA > Pennsylvania > Notes and queries historical, biographical, and genealogical, Vol. I > Part 40
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Parthemore, Eve ( Winagle) w. of George, b Jan. 4, 1782; d. Mar. 24, 1844.
Parthemore, George, jr., b. June 25, . 1795; d. Aprit 6, 1843.
Realt, Franklin, b. March 8, 1827; d. Aug. 2, 1829
Rathvon, Elizabeth, b. Jan. 11, 1803; d. Aug. 26, 1858.
F. R. B R.
Reif, Barbara, w. of Abraham, b. June 15, 1778; d. Dec 25, 1802.
Shenk, Catharine, d. of Samuel and Sa- rah, b. Aug. 21, 1818; d. Dec. 18, 1820. Shepler, Michael, b. July 3, 1779; d. Dec. 11, 1833.
Shepler, Catharine, b. Sept. 5, 1810; d. Oct. 10, 1833.
Shepler, John, b. Sept. 3, 1815; d. Sept. 29, 1833.
Shepler, Michael, b. Sept. 13, 1812; d. July 21, 1833.
Shepler, Lavina, b. Oct. 29, 1820; d. Sept, 10, 1833
[It will be noticed that the last named persons died in the autumn of 1833. The family resided at the old Frey Mill on the Swatara near the railroad, in Middletown, and probably died of typho malarial fever. ] P.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
JOHN ARMSTRONG, M. D.
John Armstrong, the son of Dr. James Armstrong, was born in 1798, in Carlisle, Penna. His grandfather, General John Armstrong, settled at Carlisle in 1751, and assisted in laying out the town; and his public services, civil as well as military, had an important bearing on the frontier settlements The destruction of the In- dian town of Kittanning, in what is now Armstrong county, by the expedition under his command, completely broke the power of the savages in the central portion of the Province. He was after- wards a member of the Provincial Con- gress and as a Major General in the army of the Revolution did valiant service at the battle of Brandywine. He left two sons: Major John Armstrong, aid-de camp to Gen. Gates in the war for Independence, afterwards Minister to France, and Secretary of War during Madison's administration. He married into the Livingston family, of New York, and his daughter became the wife of William B. Astor of that city. The other son, James Armstrong, became a physi
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Historical and Genealogical.
cian, having finished his medical cduca- tion in Europe, married a Miss Steven- son, of Carlisle, and became eminent in his profession. Dr. John Armstrong was the oldest son of this marriage. He studied medicine under his father, and practiced several years in Bellefonte and in Carlisle, From 1833 to 1837 he was located at Harrisburg, where he was greatly appreciated. He possessed highly cultivated mind, and his talents under more favorable auspices would have gained distinction in almost any walk of life His skill as a physician was of no ordinary character; his social qualities were of a high order, and he had a gracc and dignity of manner that bespoke the innate gentleman. Owing to failing health he relinquishcd the prac tice of medicine early in life, and resided mostly in Carlisle, Harrisburg and Prince- ton, N. J., at which latter place he died on the 7th of February, 1870. in his seventy-second year. His remains were interred at Carlisle, Penna. . Dr. Arm- strong was the brother of Prof. Alfred Armstrong, for many years principal of the Harrisburg Academy, and who re- cently deceased.
REV. SAMUEL DUBBENDORFF.
SAMUEL DUBBENDORFF, a native of Germany, where he secured a classical education and ordained to the ministry, camcto America at the outset of the Revolution as chaplain to one of the regi- ments of the Hessian mercenaries. Shortly after his arrival, having procured permission from Gen. Howe, to leave New York, he went to Philadelphia where he ministered to the Reformed congregation at Germantown. He labored there with much success, but impoverished by the war through the plunderings of the English soldiers, he left that field and removed to Lykens Valley in the early part of the year 1780, where he "labored poor among the poor " In the minutes of the Re- formed Synod is this reference to that pa- tient, and faithful and self-denying min- ister : " Herr Dubbendorff verlæst Ger- mantaun und nahm weit entlegene Ge- meine an, in Leickensthal genandt. Dieser alte Herr hatte das Schicksal, mit den Hessischen Truppen herueber zu
kommen, und hielt sich eine geraume zeit auf unter den Britten zu New York, woraus mann argwæhnete, er halte es mit denselben, und verlohr daher das zutranen der Germantauner." It is stated that much sympathy was manifested for him in Holland and fifty guilders were sent him. In 1784, a call was extended to him from Carlisle, which he declincd, preferring to remain with his people in Lykens Valley. Laterit seems he went to Carlisic, where he resided from 1790 to 1795, returning however to his former field of labor, where he re- mained until too fee'ole from age to min- ister to the congregations, removed to a friend's near Selinsgrove, where he closed his life and sufferings. His grave is un. marked.
JAMES FINDLAY.
JAMES FINDLAY, son of Gov. William Findlay and Nancy Irwin, was born in the year 1801, near Mercersburg, Frank lin county, Penn'a. His father removed to Harrisburg when James was in his twelfth ycar, and his early education was received in the old Harrisburg Academy; and at the age of ninetcen was sent to Princeton College, where he graduated. He studied law with his brother in-law Francis R. Shunk, and was admitted to the Dauphin county bar at the Novem. ber term, 1822. He at first located at York. Penn'a, but afterwards re- moved to Greensburg, Westmoreland county. Upon his
locating he was appointed prosecuting attor- there ney for that district, the duties of which position he discharged with integ- rity and ability. In 1831, be was sent to the Legislature and re eleeted in 1832 and 1833. In December, 1833, Samuel Mc- Lean, then Secretary of the Common- wealth, having been chosen United States Senator, Mr. Findlay was tendered the position by Governor Wolf, which he accepted, resigning his seat in the House. At the incoming of Governor Ritner's administration Mr. Findlay decided to locate at Pittsburgh, which he did, subse- quently entering into law partnership with Francis R. Shunk, and the firm be- ing successfully established when James Findlay died suddenly in 1843 in his for- ty-second year. He never married. He
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Historical and Genealogical.
was a man of versatile genius, of legal crudition. and of amiable disposition. None ever enjoyed in as great degree the respect and affection of his profes- sional brethren.
REV. JOHN MOODY, D. D.
JOHN MOODY, the son of Robert Moody, was born July 4, 1776, in Han- over township, Lancaster now Dauphin county, Penna. He was educated at the college of New Jersey (Princeton) where he graduated in 1796. His theo- logical studies were pursued under the direction of the Rev. James Snodgrass, of Hanover. He was licensed to preach by the Carlisle Presbytery, and in 1803 having accepted a call, was installed pastor of the Middle
Spring Presbyterian church about two miles north of Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania.
This was the only congregation of which he ever
had the charge- serving it for period of fifty years. During his protracted and faithful ministry the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by the trustees of Washington College, Penna. During his pastorate at Middle Spring, Dr. Moody resided at Shippensburg. Being the owner of some fields near to his dwelling, he carried on agricultural operations to some extent. His time, however, was mainly devoted to the spiritual interests of his congregation, which was very large, and scattered over a wide extent of territory. He died at Shippensburg, October 7, 1857, at the age of 81 years. The Rev. Dr. Moody m. Elizabeth Crawford, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Crawford, of Hanover. Of their children Robert Crawford Moody, the eldest, was a life ; physician, but died in middle the second son, John W. Moody, also a physician, who long and successfully practiced his profession in Greensburg, Indiana, died there in 1870; the third son, James Craw- ford Moody, is a lawyer of ability. and about 1865 was a United States judge for the districi of Missouri; the fourth son, Joseph, died in early youth; Mrs. Jane Culbertson, of Cincinnati, O., is a daugh- ter.
Dr. Moody was a gentleman of stately
personal appearance and dignified bear- ing. He was eminently courteous in manner and sound in judgment. Ap- parently free from ambition, he was de- sirous only to be found faithful in the duties of the sphere to which Providence had called him. "As a preacher," wrote the Rev. Dr. Alfred Nevin, "he he had an excellent reputation. He was a logical, instructive and able expounder of the Gospel. He al- ways read his sermons. With him there were none of the flourishes of oratory or flashes of fancy, or efforts after novelty, which so often attract without any per- manent interest or benefit; but his minis- try was ever characterized by a plain, manly and edifying exhibition of the Word, and a bringing of things new and old out of his treasure, which saved his acceptableness in the pulpit from any- thing like abatement." The remains of Dr. Moody now lie entombed in the same grave with those of his wife; and over the grave the congregation has erected a handsome monument, a fitting expression "of their affectionate regard for one to whom their parents were so much at- tached, and whose memory is endeared to themselves by so many tender and touching associations."
NOTES AND QUERIES
Relating to the History of Dauphin County.
LXXV.
MILLER .- JACOB MILLER, of Middle Paxtang township, d in the year 1800, leaving a wife SUSANNA, and children, as follows :
i. Susanna; m. Henry Kreick.
ii. Isaac.
iii. Adam.
iv. Elizabeth; m. Philip Ettinger.
v. Daniel.
vi. Margaret: m. Joseph Cogley. vii. John.
Can any of our readers tell to which family of Millers the foregoing belong ?
A CENTURY AGO .- The following bill gives the prices current just one hundred years ago:
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Historical and Genealogical.
24 yds. cloth at 358
£3
18 9
14 yds. sattin at 10s
12
6
{ yd. sarconet.
1 10
§ yd. lawn at 12s. 6d.
6
3
2 skenes silk.
2
0
6 yds. chintzc at 13s
3
18
0
4} yds. plush at 15s
3
3
9
Newspapers.
7
17
6
2 yds. gauze at 3s. 6d.
7
0
yd. muslin
8
9
Stockings
1
2
6
Buckles.
12
6
Pamphlets
4
0
2 1b. tea.
18
0
3 1b. chocolate.
7
8
3 1b. pepper.
4 0
Memorandum book
18
Black ball.
1 10
£25
5 5
GOV. SIMION SNYDER .- The recent un. veiling of the monument over the rc- mains of that famous Governor of Penn sylvania, and the error in the inscription thereon, call to.mind the following fam- ily record in our possession. It will be seen that the birth of the Governor should be 1759 instead of 1769 which itis, and no delay should be made in correct ing the blunder:
ANTHONY SNYDER, father of the Gov- ernor, was born in Plaenig, near Kretz- nach, in the Palatinate, Germany, in November, 1725. He emigrated to America in 1744, where he married in 1750 Maria Elizabeth Knippenhurg, widow of John Kreamer. He died on the 25th of April, 1774 and left issue:
i. Peter, b Sept. 16, 1751.
ii. Rosina, b. July 3, 1753.
iii. John, b. Nov. 15, 1755.
iv. Simon, b. Nov. 5, 1759.
v. Catharine, b. Oct. 12, 1762
CHARACTERISTIC LETTER OF THE FOUNDER.
[An extract from the following letter has been heretofore published. We now give the letter, written to Jasper Yeates, in full. In view of our Centennial, as also the recurrence of the nation's natal day, it will prove an acceptable contribution to our county's history. ]
PAXTANG, July 4th, 1775.
SIR :- The cash you rec'd of Wm. Kelsoe due to the Estate of my De-
ceased Brother, Wm. Harris, you'l please pay to myself only, as his widow is deceased and I design toadminister to the Estate and the take whole into my hands in a Short time. If you have the s'd Cash in Philada, on rceiving a line from you, I'll draw for it. If at Carlisle, you can order it paid to me in a short time. I saw Mr. Hoge this day, the former guardian, who is willing to resign and settle the whole Estate with me, when he gets his harvest in. I wrote you about my son David; I forgot to inform you I never hinted to him, anything of the kind. You see I am willing to send all the sons I have to serve their country-with the greatest checrfulness, let the con- sequence be to them what Providence turns uppermost. Perhaps Mr. Geo. Ross, yr. Friend, may not chuse to serve me in recommending David, as he did last year displease numbers by his vote in Assembly-tho' I think nothing will have the least weight with him of such trifling, at this time, or Perhaps any other. He is my old fr'd and Ancient acquaintance. I am, Sir, Y'r Most humble Servant,
JOHN HARRIS.
P. S.
My sons will not Presume to Dis obey my Directions. I Expect, therefore in such a Case advising with them, I think not necessary.
SOME OLD LETTERS.
[The following letters are worth pre- servation, and no doubt will interest our. readers ] :
Robert Montgomery to Joshua Elder. L'AXTANG, February 24th, 1783.
Sir: I understand that Mr. John Steel has been with you, and has Proven an account against John Hersha for taxes, which account I will make Bold to say is not Right. To Let you know the true state of the case, I told Mr. Steel 2 years ago, or near, that I would Pay him Hersha's tax, and ac- cordingly paid him £30 of s'd monies. If you will look in Mr. Steel's Papers you have, you will find Christian Page for a Bushel of wheat $30 which I never counted with John Steel, for which he cannot Deny, if he lets conscience speak; the wheat was for me, for he paid Mr.
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Historical and Genealogical.
Steel in money. Steel told me so him- self, & advised Page to vet it set in his Book as it would Pay his taxes, which is just £30, which monies we never counted for, which I am free & willing to prove. Last spring I told Max'l Chambers to Pay him the Rest, which he said he would do, but I can't say whether he has Paid him or not. But if he has not paid him, if he will be 80 good as to go Down to Coln. Cham- bers, I will Engage he will Pay the Re- mainder. If there is anything here writ- en that Mr. Steel has the conscience to Deny, Let me know & will make it good; But I Begg you would stop the Execu- tion. From your
Very humble servant,
ROBT. MONTGOMERY. To Squire Elder, these.
James Campbell to Mrs. Sarah Elder. CANNIGOCHIGUE, August ye 23d, 1786.
DEAR SALLY: I take this opportunity .of letting you know we are all well. The childer is got well over the small- pox, and your Mama enjoys as reasona- bell state of health, and all other Friends here in general is well. I Received a letter from Mr. Elder, Dated the 10th in- stant-gives account he is well. He has had much Dificulty to get the Depreciation land over the Alleganie put to sail, as the last sail went to low. The sail is to be the 6th of next month, which he must attend to get his fees, and does not know how long after, as he says money is scarce, and has hard getting fees for what has been done in the District, so that you may not think much about his staying long untill you see him come home, which, if health permit, will be as soon as his Business will admit him. I have nothing worth Ritting to mention. Your Brothers and sister, Mama and myself joyns in our best wishes for your health and wellfair. Give my complyments to cusen Charles Campbell and Misses Campbell. JAMES CAMPBELL. To Mrs. Sarah Elder.
TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS
In Old Paxtang Church Grave Yard.
IX.
WILLLIE B. son of J. A. & L. A RUTHERFORD Died Oct. 14, 1865 Aged 5 yrs 1 mo and 20 days
WILLIAM BRISBEN son of Samuel S & Mary A. RUTHERFORD Died Oct 7, 1855 Aged 4 yrs 1 mo & 1d. Dearest child thou hast left us Here thy loss we deeply feel But 'tis God that has bereft us He can all our sorrows heal.
JESSIE Daughter of Wm S & J. Eliza RUTHERFORD Died July 24, 1864 Aged 6 months and 3 days
SAMUEL S. RUTHERFORD Born December 17, 1803 Died January 23, 1872
In Memory of MARY G. RUTHERFORD Born Feb. 8, 1805 Died Aug 13, 1872 Aged 67 years 6 mos and 5 days
MARY W. wife of S. S. B. RUTHERFORD Died Sept 26, 1874 Aged 32 years
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Historical and Genealogical.
ALICE GERTRUDE, daughter of Wm. S. & J. Eliza RUTHERFORD, Born Jan. 15, 1870, Died Aug. 9, 1870, Also JAMES, Born July 9, 1873, Died July 28, 1873.
In memory of JESSE L. RANDALL, who died March 25, 1831, aged 27 years.
ELEANOR RUTHERFORD RENNINGER, Born Sept. 3, 1874, Died Oct. 8, 1874,
In memory of SARAH A. RENNINGER (RUTHERFORD,) Died Dec. 21, 1883. Aged 38 years, 3 mos and 21 days.
In memory of ELIRABETH STEWART who Departed this Life May the 1st 1773 aged 28 years
In memory of MARY STEWART who Departed this Life April 30th 1772 aged 65 years
In memory of ANDREW STEWART who departed this Life March the 31st 1774 aged 75 years
In memory of THOMAS SIMPSON and his family who settled in Paxtang Anno Domini 1720
As a tribute to the virtues and worth of ELIZABETH SIMPSON consort of Michael Simpson this monument has been erected She died in 1806 aged 67 years. Mourned and regretted by Friends and Relatives
Sacred To the memory of MICHAEL SIMPSON who died on the 1st day of June A D. 1813 Aged 73 years
In Memory of ANN E. STEPHEN consort of Andrew Stephen deceased Born October 8th 1754 Died August 10th 1814
In Memory of ANDREW STEPHEN Died Dec. 3, 1800 Aged 47 years Also in memory of ANDREW son of Andrew & Ann E. STEPHEN Born May 30, 1791 Died Jan 12, 1832 Aged 40 years 7 mos & 12 ds.
In Memory of MARY wife of Andrew STEPHEN Born Oct 11, A D 1797 Died May 29 A D. 1855 Aged 57 years 7 mos & 18 ds.
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Historical and Genealogical.
Also In memory of ANN STEPHEN Died April 20, 1800 Aged 15 years.
In Memory of MARGARET R. SHERER who departed this life July 17th 1822 aged 34 years 10 months and 9 days
ELIZABETH SHERER died September 24th A D 1816 Aged 55 years NOTES AND QUERIES
Relating to the History of Dauphin County.
LXXVI.
MEYER FAMILY .- From Rebersburg, Centre county, Pa., we have the follow- ing :
"I have been engaged for several years at intervals in tracing the genealogy of the Meyer family of which I am a member, and have read with much interest that part of your recent history of Dauphin and Lebaron counties re- lating to the early settlers who located along the Muhlbach, the place where our ancestor from Germany took up his abodc on his ar-
rival in this country. You have given a number of facts in relation to Alex. Schaeffer, who laid out Schaef- ferstown, a list of his children and grandchildren, &c. Now, Christopher Meyer, who married Maria Schaeffer, daughter of Alexander Schaeffer, was a son of the Meyer who came across from the old country and settled at the Muhl- bach spring and gave name to the stream. I have been down in that sec- tion and "interviewed" a number of the old citizens, but failed to get the infor- mation I was trying to secure. I thought possibly you could direct me to a source where I could find some information in regard to our family."
We present the foregoing in full, be- cause it is but one of a large number of letters received weekly making similar inquiries in regard to the families of our early settlers. These go to show that in all directions there are many persons who are awakening to the duty they owe to posterity to preserve somewhat of the records of the past-that relating to their own families-all of which is laudable and praiseworthy. Meagre though the data of the Scotch Irish and German settlers may be, yet much can be gathered from old wills, deeds, orphans court records, assessment lists and other documents extant in the court houses of the various county towns. Tradition is of great assistance, but unfortunately when too much relied upon leads genea- logists astray. The deep interest taken by so many is deserving of cheerful aid in their genealogical work, and we are glad that we have had it in our power to render assistance to a vast number. Our regret, too frequently, is that we have no information in our possession. As to the Meyer Family, concerning whom our correspondent makes inquiry, we have little more data than given in the History of Dauphin and Lebanon Counties, and that is what follows:
John, Isaac and Henry Meyer, broth- ers, were among the earliest settlers in Heidelberg township. All were on the assessment list for 1752. Christopher Meyer was probably the son of Henry. He was a farmer, and in 1790 conveyed to his son John, whose wife was Catha- rine, a tract of land in Heidelberg, "for natural love and affection." Our court records may show in the distribution of his estate who his other children were, but we presume our correspondent is in possession of that information.
OLD CHURCH RECORDS.
[Among the archives of Fetterhoff's church, in Armstrong Valley, is the fol- lowing, which I have translated for Notes and Queries, dceming it of sufficient local and general interest to merit publication. It is the first official record of this noted house of worship. L. J. E. ]
Communicants.
1797. Up to Holy Whitsuntide, Rcv- erend Enderlein (Enterline) gave weekly
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Historical and Genealogical.
instruction to young people and after our catechism truly instructed them in the Christian doctrine. On Saturday they assembled in the confessional. Were called forward on Whitsunday. An ex- amination was held. They made their confession of faith before God and the Denomination, and were by Reverend Enderlein consecrated or confirmed, and along with others were admitted for the first time to the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Their names were:
1. Daniel Enderlein, son of Philip Enderlein.
2 . Henry Betz (?), son of Martin
3. George Scheaffer, son of Franz Scheaffer.
4. Johannes Herman.
5. Simson Herman.
6. Johannes Miller, son of Jost Miller.
7. Elizabeth Miller, da't of Jost Miller.
8. John Adam Warfel, son of Henry Warfel.
9. Catharine Warfel, da't of Henry Warfel.
10. Elizabeth Zimmerman.
11. Catharine Zimmerman.
12. Catharine Enders, daug'ter of Philip Enders.
13. Elizabeth Bauerman.
14. Magdalena Schneider (Snyder).
Of the Denomination the following partook of the Sacrament:
1. Philip Enders and daughter
2. Christiana.
3. Anna Maria Miller.
4. Henry Warfel.
5. Anna Maria Zimmerman.
6. Isaac Brown and his wife
7. Eva Maria.
8. Barbara Deisen.
9. Anna Maria Sweigard.
10. Magdalena Chubb.
11. M. Eva Messerschmidt.
REMINISCENCES OF THE OLD HOME.
[Nearly three years ago, a native of the county wrote us a personal letter, from which we take the following. It will no doubt prove as interesting to our readers, as it has been entertaining to ourselves. We give the notesas written without note or comment, for there is a freshness and piquancy in the recital that commend them to all. In this connection, we trust that our estecmed friend will find it conven-
ient to grace the Cenntennial of his native county by his presence in September next. ]
I am waiting with special interest your forthcoming history of the Conestoga massacre. I have seen your criticism of my article on the the Paxtang Boys, and learn with great surprise that Captain Smith was not responsible. My attention was called to this incident, of Provincial history in early life. In 1828 or '29 I saw an article on the subject in "Niles Reg. ister," copied in part from an old issue of "Hazzard's Register," which, to my recollection, gave Smith full credit for the act. My father, Uncle Sam. and Uncle Gray, at that time concurred in the same view. In 1840 my Uncle James Collier, then in his 91st year, stated to me the same opinion. He was ten years old at the time and remembered it well. No. doubt you have Day's "Historical Col. lections" by you to the same purport. Captain Stewart always denied the kill- ing. Did nobody do it, or was it a myth; an event that never happened ?
Uncle Robert Gray was drafted for ser- vice in 1777, and was ordered to join General Sullivan's expedition against the Susquehanna Indians. The rendesvous was at Middletown, where they were mustered in and awaited the forces from below. The second days' march brought them to McKee's, where they rested two days and then went on to Shamokin. McKee, he described as an old man, with a large farm well supplied with stock and forage. "We took everything we could use and stripped him bare." "Mc- Kee," he added, "never received any- thing for his loss." In my boyish sim. plicity I enquired, "And did they never make him any compensation ? Anan." "Did the State never pay McKee for his loss ?" "No, he was a Tory." No In- dians were seen, but their corn fields could not run away and were destroyed as high up as Wyoming. Coming back to Shamokin, a few com-
the panies marched up West Branch to make a treaty with the Sene- cas. The conference was held in a set- tler's deserted cabin. Uncle was on guard, and as the day was rainy he stood inside the door. Chiefs Cornplanter and Bald Eagle were present. Cornplanter
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Historical and Genealogical.
he described as a very large man, and as he thought the noblest looking he had ever seen; although he had looked upon the faces of Washington and of Mercer many times. Bald Eagle was of middle size and of less distinguished ap pearance He was killed two years after. wards by Capt. Brady.
My mother lived in Harrisburg when the town was plotted. Her stepfather, Casper Smith, was a carpenter, and worked there the remainder of his life. He is buried in Paxtang. If I remember her aright, the first two cellars were dug by a Mr. Murray and excavated in a field of rank wheat. When the troops for the Whiskey Expedition camped at Harris's ferry, they brought with them the new French song "Marsellaise." It was very popular and having a taste for music, she could in her old age repeat one or more of its verses in the French text Of these troops the best drilled and the best equipped were the "Macpherson Blues" 800 strong from Philadelphia. According to her recollection, Dr. Fen- ton was the first physician. He was a bachelor and sporting man, with a fond- ness for whisky. Kept a race horse of pony make which he called "Bucky," and what was as rare then perhaps as it is now. he ran him without a rider. In my own lifetime I have never seen but one race o' the kind. That was at Mt. Patrick, in Perry county, where the rider- less horse won easily by two lengths.
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