Notes and queries historical, biographical, and genealogical, Vol. I, Part 45

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: s.n.
Number of Pages: 618

USA > Pennsylvania > Notes and queries historical, biographical, and genealogical, Vol. I > Part 45

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).

The order of March 28, 1756, to the commander of each fort to send a guard of thirteen men with the paymaster from fort to fort, in a foot note in Pennsylvania Archives, vol. II, p 603, is to the effeet that the letter sent to Col. Burd, at Gran- ville, ordered him that on leaving his fort the escort was to go with Salter to "Pom- fret Castle or Patterson's Fort.' This expression has probably led to the error in the Archives (Article on Forts), that the two names designated the same place. The phrase might mean a place called "Pomfret Castle or Patterson's fort," and it may mean, and in this ease does mean, that the escort was to go either "to Pomfret Castle or Patterson's fort" as the ease might be, for it was uncertain at which place the soldiers might be, and the one could be passed on the way to the other, and it is unlikely that Pomfret Castle ever was finished, for when Au- gusta was ordered they no longer had need for the castle. A. L. G.

THE FAMILY OF AGNEW. From the "List of the first settlers on

the Manor of Maske," I learn that my great-great-grandfather, James Agnew, settled on that Manor in May, 1741, and as my great-grand father was born Janu- ary 29, 1738, he must have been three years old when his father went there. I find by my family record that he was born in Laneaster county, Penn'a. This important fact I had overlooked, and from the fact that they were identified with the Maish Creek country from its first settlement, I had supposed was the place of his birth. It is now established that he was a child when the family went there. The "List" contains the name of Samuel Agnew as having settled in Marsh ereek at the same time as James Agnew. This confirms a tradi- tion that our great great grandfather had a brother Samuel, and there is said to be yet another who settled in New Jersey. From the record in my possession I send you the following:

"JAMES AGNEW, born July 31, 1711; died October 2, 1770; married MARTHA his first wife, and had two chil- dren:

"i. John, born March 4, 1732; married. twiee; d. childless; was a judge, and re- sided at Carlisle, Pa.

"ii, Janett, born August 22 1735; married Abram Scott, and had several children.

"James Agnew, married the second time Rebecca Seott, fourth child of Abram Scott. She was born December 17, 1707, and died Dec. 23, 1789. There Were born unto them nine ehildren, viz: i. Samuel.

ii. Martha.

iii. James.

io David.

v. Margoret.

vi. Rebecca

vit Sarah. viii Abram.

ix. Ann.

"Abram Seott had six children, viz: i Ann

ii Samuel.

iii. Jonas.

iv Rebecca.

g. Alexander.

vi Grace. "Arthur Patterson, born in 1696; mar -. ried in 1724 Ann Scott. She was born

332

Historical and Genealogical.

in 1698 or 1699; died May 1792, aged 93 years. There were born to them nine children, viz:

i Catharine; died young.

". Samme ; married Martha Agnew.

iii Elizabeth.

iv. James; married Margaret Agnew.

o Eleanor.

vi. June. vii. Rebecca.

viii. William.

ix. Arthur.

"From the above it seems that Arthur Patterson and James Agnew were both sons in law of Abraham Scott "

SAMUEL A. AGNEW.

Bethany, Lee co., Miss.

tThe date of warrant of survey in very few instances denote date of settle inent. The latter frequently was from five to ten years previous. At the time when Samuel Agnew was born the Marsh creek settlement was in Lancaster coun- ty. ]

HARRISBURG IMPRINTS.

[In the early months of 1792, Harris- 'burg, Was an infant town, but several printers were enterprising enough to forsee future profits in the lines of their avocation, so a press was set up and it is possible a newspaper was issued at once. It is, however, certain. thet in October of that year the Oracle of Dauphin was is- sued. The proprietors of it had excellent founts of type and were trained and capa ble workmen. Their firstimprint in book form, was an expensive work in two volumes, issued in 1802 With the in crease of population and the patronage of the State, in the next twenty years, a great minv printing offices were estab- lished, from whence issned a profusion of miscellaneous works. Excluding the State printing we find the following imprints before 1840, in books generally very well prin ed and bound. ] A. B H.

Abridgement of the Lawsof the United States by William Gravdon, Esq , printed by John Wyeth, 18)2: Price $4 50: 850 pps , 2 vols. [This was a standard refer- ence work for many years ]

Adventures in a Casile. an original story written by a citizen of Philadelphia. Harii-burg, Jacob Elder, 1806.

Reflections on Courtship and Marriage

in Two Letters to a friend. Harris- burg : Printed by John Wyeth : 1803.

Essays on Faith and Repentance. By Thomas Scott, D. D., Rector of Aston Sanford. Backs, and chaplain to the Lock Hospital, London ; author of the Commentary on the Bible, &c, &c. Harrisburgh : Printed and sold by W. Gillmor. 1812. 24 mo pp. 316.

Geistliche Lieder, von Bernhard Hen- richi Sasse, einem Hausmann in Kirch- lengern nebst Einem Anhang. beste- hend aus geist-und trostreichen Leidern von verschiedenen Dichtern. Harris- burg : Gedruckt und zu haben bey C. Gleim, 1814. 48 mo. p. vi , 128.

A sermon preached in Harrisburg be- fore both houses of the legislature of Pennsylvania on the 13th of January, 1815, the ;day of the late General Fast, by Henry R. Wilson, A. M., pastor of the church of Silvers Spring. "Cry aloud and spare not," &&c. Isaiah. Harrisburg. Printed by James Peacock, 1815

A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, adapted to the state and condition of all orders of Christians by William Law, A. M. From the fifteenth London edition. "Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me " Rev. 22.12. Har- risburg, printed and sold by William Gill- mor, 1816.

The Alphabet of Thought, or Elements of Metaphysical Science: By a Lady [ Mrs. Dunlop Harris, Bellefonte, ] Har- risburg, Hugh Hamilton, 1825.

To the Public: The answer to a rule entered on 28th July, 1821, viz: Law- rence D. Frauks, &c., by Jobn Adams Fisher. Harr sburg, John S. Wiestling, 1827.

Jacob Wrestling with God, and Prevail. ing; or a Lecture concerning the neces- sity and efficacy of Faith and Prayer. By Thomas Taylor [John xvi .. 24.] First American edition published by James McGregor. Harrisburg. Printed by Francis Wyeth, 1830. 24mo. pp. 138.

Constitution of the Harrisburg Benefi- cial Society, founded 1829. Harrisburg, D. K. Callender, 1833.

Repository of Sacred Music, by John Wyeth. Harrisburg, John Wyeth, 1826. [Printed ] 1834.

Discourses on the Depravity of the Human Family, particularly applied to

333

Historical and Genealogical.

this nation and these times; under the Divine Master, by John Landis, sacred historical painter, author of "the Mes- siab," and the "Soul's Aid," &c., 20 Cor. chap. 13. verse 5th. Harrisburg, Pa , Rich S. Elliott & Co , 1839. . [Ou a fly leaf of this copy is this dis- tich addressed "to the author:"

In t'other words expect bard blows,

No water will wash your stains out,

Horace will pluck you by the nose,

And Hornet will beat your brams out. D. S. Harrisburg, 1839. ]

The Social Lyrist : A collection of Sen- timental, Patriotic. and Pious Songs, set to Music, arranged for one, two and three voices. By J. H. Hickok. Harrisburg. Pa .; Published by W. Orville Hickok, 1840. 33mo. p 144.

The United States Constitutional Man- ual; being a comprehensive compendium of the system of government of the coun - try, &c., in the form of questions and answers, designed for academies, schools and readers in general By Mordecai Mckinney. Harrisburg, Hickok & Can- tine, 1845.

NOTES AND QUERIES

Relating to the History of Dauphin County.

LXXXVII.

OBERLANDER .- George Oberlander, a son of Frederick Oberlander, d. in 1816, leaving his est ite to his aunt, Mary Gil- liard, his uncie, Conrad Seebaugh, and Aunt Barbara Jamison. Can any one at Middletown give us a record of the Ober lander family, or tell us somewhat con- cerning them?

CAMPBELL. - Margaret Campbell, widow, of West Hanover, died in Decem- ber, 1813. Her children were-

i June. m. David McCreight. ii. Margaret.

iii. James, who had a daughter Marga- ret.

iv. William, whose daughter Margaret m. a Snodgrass.

Information is desired as to these fami- lies.

OLD HANOVER CHUCH GRAVE-YARD. -A correspondent, who recently visited

this old land mark of our Scotch-Irish emigration, states that the coping of the graveyard wall is decaying rapidly and requires prompt renewing-that in some places the stone wall is cracking, owing to exposure consequent thereto. The trustees who have in hand an amount the interest of which has not been touched for at least fifteen years should see to it that these repairs are attended to at once.

THE NEGLECTED GRAVEYARDS AT MIDDLETOWN, -In the Journal of last week, the Rev. Georgc Whitman of New York, a native of Middletown, calls the attention of the people to the neglected condition of the old Lutheran, Reformed, and Presbyterian graveyards on High street in that ancient town. Two years ago, we alluded to the sad neglect of these places of sepulture-and it is to be hoped that there is public spirit enough in that enterprising borough to take prompt action in either properly en . closing the yards or of removing the re maias of those buried therein.

OUR EARLY SETTLERS.

For the year 1755 we have the returns for the East and West Ends of Derry which are herewith given, followed by that of the South End of East side of Derry in 1757 and the West End of Derry in 1759. These are valuable as they give us the names of those who were among the earliest settlers.

West End of Derry-1755.

Armstrong, Robt., Magill, Larence,

Bradshaw, Robt., Martin, Edward,

Bredy, William, McKce, Robert,

Blackny, Anthony, McCee, Widow,

Black, Hugh,

McCormag, Alex.,

Black, Thomas,

Nelson, James,

Bever, George

Newcommer, Fran-

Baum, Adam, cis,

Brand, Martin, Paterson, Moses,

Camble, David, Parks. Thomas,

Cander, Joseph, Pennelton, John,

Cander, James, Pennelton, Isaac,

Caruthers, Robert,

Reed, Samuel,

Campbel, Moses,

Ramsey, Robert,

Cooke, John,

Russel, James, Jr.,

Chambers, James,

Russel, James,

Caruthers, Hugh,

Starratt, William,

Caruthers, James,

Shaw, James,

334

Historical and Genealogical.

Crocket, John,

Sample, Widow,

Dalker, Adam,

Soop, Stofel.

Dornnan, Wm.,

Spangler, Peter,

Fleming, John,

Singer, John,

Frey, Georgc,

Spencer, William,

Taylor, Robert,

Thompson, Wilson,

Groseles, Peter,

Tyce, John,

Greap, John,

Vanlear, John,

Gensel, Frederick,

Vence, Handel,

Hall, Thomas,

Wilson, Robert,

Hepsher, Wolry,

Walker, Robert,

Iluber, Michael,

Wilson, Mathew,

Heart, Henry,

Wagner, Adam,

Ireland, James,

Wilson. Moses,

Karr, John,

Wiseler, Conrad,

Karr, Thomas,

Walker, samuel,

Kinter. Peter,

Wesberry, George,

Lard, John,

Wiry, Anthony,

Lard, Mathew,

Walker, James,

Morrow, Lewis,

Freemen.

Bowman, John,

Queen, Cornelius,

Clark, John,

Rannex, Alex.,

Finton, James.

James, John,

Sherger, George Phillip.

McCormack, Saml.,

Snoddy, James,

McCleery, William,

Vanlear, James

Queen, Edward,

ROBERT CARUTHERS,

Collector.

REV. RICHARD MCALLISTER.

Sketch of a Noted Dauphin County Meth- odist.

[In 1854, this sketch was prepared by the Rev. Dr. Holdich of the Baltimore Conference, and we reproduce it here, because it is the bright record of a worthy native of our county. ]

Many pleasing facts connected with the early history of Methodism are, no doubt, embalmed In the memories of its older ministers. They delight to relate them as illustrations of the work of God in its origin and carly progress, and they generally interest, and not unfrequently edity their hearers. One such incident is in my possession, and I communicate it for the reader's entertainment, and per- chance instruction.

Within the bounds of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Conferences, many yet re- member the devoted Richard McAllister. I knew him well. It is more than thirty years ago that I had the privilege of

forming his acquaintance. Nearly three years I lived in his father's house, and the incidents I shall relate I received di- rectly from the family or himself.

Archibald M'Allister, Esq , the father of Richard, was a man of note in his neighborhood. Hc had been an officer in the revolutionary army, and had some thing of the military in his character. To a genial warmth of feeling, ease and cor- diality of manner, and real kindness ot heart, he added a considerable share of self will. He was easily excited; but bis passion soon died away, and left him sub- ject to the kindest feelings.

His residence was at Fort Hunter, on the east bank of the Susquehanna river, six miles above Harrisburg, where he owned a handsome property, which still remaine in the family. It is a romantic region. On the one side the majestic Susquehanna rolls its ceaseless tide of waters. which, chafed and irritated by the numerous rocks against which they per- petually beat in their passage, send forth a constant murmur, amounting in damp weather even to a roar. Some distance above the house, the river breaks through a spur of the Blue Mountain and makes a rapid descent, forming what are called Hunter's Falls. The channel of the river, though the stream is a mile wide, is very narrow, and is navigable for rafts and arks only a few weeks in the year; that is, in the freshets of spring and fall. The farm is surrounded by mountain ridges, green and well wooded to the top. The entire scenery is beau- tifully picturesque and wild. The road from Fort Hunter to Clark's Ferry was one of the most romantic that I ever saw. In some spots it was truly sublime, the towering mountains rising abrubtly from the water's edge. I say was; for the Pennsylvania canal, made since that day, has very much changed its character. But it is wildly grand still; and no doubt many a voyager on the canal has felt his mind elevated to sub- limity as, passing between the mountain base and the noble river, be has seen the immense masses of rock jutting out high above his head, threatening to fall upon him and crush him and his frail craft at once.

It was but a few years before I resided

Flenshabouch, Mel char,

335

Historical and Genealogical.

there that Methodism had been intro duced into that neighborhood. I found two members of Mr. McAllister's family (nieces) members of the Methodist church; and also a daughter, but she was married and had removed to the State of New York. Richard bad already com- menced his ministry. It is of this fact in his history that I am about to speak.

When the Methodist ministers first came into his neighborhood, Mr. McAllis- ter was strongly opposed to them. Nevertheless, he at length yielded so far as to allow them to establish ineetings on his property, his tenants and work people, and servants forming a consi .er- able part of the congregation. At length his oldest daughter and youngest son united with this flock, at that time so feebly and lightly esteemed in the circle of his acquaintance. This was far from being agreeable to the father's wishe ; but he was not implacable nor unreason- able. In fact he found that these people were not as at

he first supposed, "setters forth of strange gods," but only "pre ached unto them Jesus and the resurrection." A decided change in his views took place, so that he at length gave land upon his estate to build a church and contributed a large part toward the expense. Many still remember the old Fishing Creek Church, on what was then, and for many years afterward, Dauphin Circuit. An unostentatious church, to be sure, it was, nest'ing there in the valley, with the mountain stream- let gurgling by its side: yet to many souls is that little church dear, for it was radiant with more than worldly charms. To many it was as a gate of heaven.

Yet was Mr. McAllister still far from possessing a sanctified or Christian spirit. This was a great grief to his eminently pious and devoted children. Indeed, he barely endured their Christian life, and often gave painful evidence of his want of sympathy with them It happened one day when he and Richard were en- gaged in their rural affairs on some part of the premises distant from the dwell- ing, that Mr. McAllister, under a provo- cation, gave way to a burst of temper, accompanied with a profane expression, for which Richard reproved him This so offended the father that he struck him,

and ordercd him instantly to leave his house. Richard took him at his word; went home, packed up a few things in a handkerchief, and, with his bundle on his arm, kissed his mother and departed, no one knew whither.

When his father came in, the first thing he did was to inquire for Richard. When Mrs McAllister, who was a most superior woman, as well as affectionate mother, related what occurred, the father was struck dumb, not dreaming that what he had said in his haste would be literally taken. Hc loved his son, and thought with agony of his situation It was the depth of winter. He had gone on foot, slenderly provided, as he knew he must be, without funds, without letters, a small supply of clothing, and but indifferently prepared to buffet with the world. He immediately ordered every horse from his stables, and sent a rider in every direc- tion in search of the wanderer Butit was in vain. The river was frozen over, and Richard, unseen by the family, had crossed on the ice, and taken the road di . rect for Baltimore, where he had few ac quaintances, if any; but where he had learned that the Methodist church was strong and influential, and where he hoped to find or make friends. The jour- ney came near to having a fatal termina- tion. The ground was covered with snow, the road on that side of the river running up a wild valley but thinly set- tled, was not well broken, and walking was very laborious. Richard having traveled on foot most of the day, became completely exhausted. Providentially, a gentleman who knew him overtook bim on the road, and seeing his pitiable con- dition, dismounted an:l gave him the use of his horse, until they reached a place of accommodation. Thus assisted he finally reached Baltimore in safety. After what was thought a suitable delay, a friend communicated the piace of Rich- ard's residence to his father, who imme- diately sent another son to bring bim home, giving him every assurance of the utmost indulgence in his religious views and habits. After this, for some time, he walked liis Christian path without hinder- ance or molestation.

Sometime after this-I do not know exactly how long-Richard felt that a

$36

Historical and Genealogical.

dispensation of the gosgel was committed to him; and having obtained permission, he began to pray and exhort in social meetings, greatly to the satisfaction of his Christian friends and the Church.

Mr. McAllister thought Richard not at all fitted by education for the work of the ministry. His two elder sons, intended for professional life, were liberally edu- cated; the two younger, being intended for rural pursuits, received only good substantial English instruction. To un- dertake the responsible work of the min- istry, with so slender an amount of intel. lectual culture, the father thought pre- posterous in the extreme. Hc was will- ing to send him to college and prepare him for the ministry in a branch of the Church possessing better opportunities for eligible situations; but this did not meet Richard's views. He was a Meth- odist. He was impatient to begin his work. Ilis brethien and the officiary of the Church saw that he had native tal. ents,-sound judgment, clear views of theology, and especially a correct knowl. edge of the way of salvation-and they saw him fitted in their view for immedi- ate usefulness, and holding out great promise for the future. They were as carnest as Richard was that he should lose no time in commencing his ministry.

It was drawing toward the close of the conference year, and Richard was par- ticularly anxious to obtain his recom- mendation from the Quarterly Conference and be admitted into the ensuing Annual Conference in April: the father was cqually anxious to prevent it. They both had a secret motive for this solicitude- and yet scarcely secret either, since each knew what was passing in the other's mind. The fact was, Mr. McAllister's eldest son, George Washington, afterward well known as Col. McAllister, who on completing his cducation, and gone to Georgia, had married and become wealthy, was expected with his family to spend the summer at his father's house. He was a very superior man, of high accomplish - ments, finished educatfon, and of noble, honorable, elevated sentiments and bear- ing. Richard feared as much as his father hoped from the influence of this highly cultivated but worldly brother. However, Washington arrived, and

Richard was yet at home. His father had utterly refused to supply him with a horse and the necessary equipments for an itinerant minister. Richard feared the. worst from the combined influence of father and brother. The father

soon communicated his views to Washington, and according to expecta -- tion, quite secured him on his own side. Washington had no idea that Richard should expose himself and disgrace the family by attempting what he considered; him inadequate to perform.

It so chanced some little time after this, that Richard, who had already received a local preacher's license, and officiated oc- casionally in the neighborhood, had an appointment in the church on his father's estate. The father, hcaring of it, told Washington that it would be an excel- lent opportunity for him to hear and judge for himself, when he had no doubt he would soon put an end to this preach- ing mania. All things being thus ar- ranged, Washington placed himself in. the congregation. Those who were pres- ent related to me the facts. Richard, in- stead of quailing before the keen eye that was so scrutinizingly bent upon him, only called more fervently upon bis God, and threw himself upon His gracious aid. He was nerved to uncommon vigor. The opening services passed off without any thing marked. After taking his text, the preacher soon began to show that he was not the novice that his brother had supposed. He handled his subject with skill, his ideas flowed freely, his language was correct and sufficiently copious, and after a time there began to breathe through his worde a holy influence, a sacred power that touched the heart. Washington was first sur- prised, then astonished, at length amazed, until, forgetting where he was, as his hands rested on the back of the seat before him, he gradually and unconsciously rose upon his feet, his nether jaw dropped down. and thus standing up in the middle of the congregation with his mouth halfopen he listened in breathless attention to the sermon. As soon as the services was ended he returned to the house. The father was waiting to learn the issue. "Well, Washington, what do you think of this preaching now ?"

337

Historical and Genealogical.

"Father," was the calm and serious reply, "if ever a man was called to preach the gospe: Richard is; and be ought to preach; and if you will not give him & horse and saddleba. s [ will."

"O l" said the father-for his resist. ·ance was all gone-"it he must have a horse and saddlebags, I suppose I am the most suitable person to buy them for 'him."

Richard had no more trouble. He ran a brief but bright career. He was ap. pointed first to the city of Philadelphia, I think, by the Presiding Elder; he then traveled for a short season with one of the bishops, by whom he was appointed to Baltimore to fill a vacancy, and thus be- came attached to the Baltimore Confer- ence. After traveling a few years, while stationed a second time in Baltimore, he married a daughter of Colonel Barry, of that city, and the same year took the 'ye low fever, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. He filled one or two appointments afterward ; but his health utterly failing. he went to the South for change of climate, and died in great peace and Christian triumph at the house of his brother in Georgia, who sub- gequently became a pious man, and died the death of the righteous.

Thus rose, and shone, and set, "a bright particular star" iu Methodism. He was not a meteor. His light was mild, gentle, and constant; "a buroing and a shining light" he was, and by the brightness of bis cxample many were guided into the way of peace. As "be that winneth souls is wise," and "they that be wise shall sbine as the brightness of the firma- ment, and they thai turn many to right- eousness, as the stars forever and ever." so shall many in the last day, while they admire and approve his choice, bless God that they were ever permitted to know that devoted and exemplary minis- ter of Christ, Richard McAllister.

NOTES AND QUERIES

Relating to the History of Dauphin County

LXXXVIII.

INDIAN NAMES. -- There seems to be a prevailing ignorance as lo the origin of Indian rames-and unfortunately several

recent publications are more frequently wrong than right. We propose in time to givea list of the streams and localities in our own neighborhood with a view to correct the many errors which writers who never looked deep enough into the subject perpetrate.

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.

Notes and queries historical, biographical, and genealogical, Vol. I, Part 45

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: s.n. Number of Pages: 618

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: s.n.
Number of Pages: 618