USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > Middletown > The chronicles of Middletown : containing a compilation of facts, biographical sketches, reminiscences, anecdotes, &c., connected with the history of one of the oldest towns in Pennsylvania > Part 19
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
To have and to hold the said liberty and privilege hereby granted, or intended so to be, to him, the said John Fisher, his heirs and assigns, forever, and the said George Frey, for himself and his heirs, executors and administrators, doth hereby covenant, promise, grant and agree to and with the said John Fisher, his heirs and assigns, that he, the said George Frey and his heirs, the said above liberty and privilege and premises unto the said John Fisher, his heirs and assigns, against him the said George Frey, his heirs, and against all and every other person lawfully claiming the said premises, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents.
In witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereto inter- changeably set their hands and seals the day and year first written. GEORGE FREY.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of Jno. Jos. Henry, C. Fred Oberlander.
Received on the day of the foregoing indenture of and from the above
172
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN.
named John Fisher the sum of five shillings in full for the consideration in the foregoing deed specified.
GEORGE FREY. Attest :- JNO. Jos. HENRY,
C. FRED. OBERLANDER.
On the reverse of this deed is the following:
Dauphin County:
Be it remembered that on the twenty-fourth day of June, one thou- sand seven hundred and eighty-nine before me, Jacob Cook, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Court of Common for said county, personally came George Frey and acknowledged the within indenture to be his act and deed and desired the same might be recorded as such. In wit- ness whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal the day and year aforesaid. JACOB COOK.
Dauphin County, ss:
Recorded August 28th, 1848, in the office for recording of deeds be in and for said county in Deed Book S, Vol. 2, Page 266.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said office at Harrisburg the day and year aforesaid.
ROBERT F. BLACK, Recorder.
NOTE :- This document is on ordinary writing paper and is in a very dilapidated condition. In phraseology and punctuation it is a verbatim copy of the original.
XLIII.
The Great Rebellion cannot be attributed to the efforts of the abol- itionists, for, as far back as 1776, John Adams wrote to his friend Gates, "All our misfortunes arise from a single source-the resistance of the southern colonies to a republican government."
Unlike New England, the Middle States, or their children of the west, which were settled by the freedom loving refugees from tyranny in Europe, most of the early Southern States filled up with adventurers, Royalists, Cavaliers, from England; Huguenot noblemen and their re- tainers from France, and the worn out, impoverished nobility of Spain. The institution of slavery increased and perpetuated a governing class, that was rapidly turning this whole section of our country into the es- tates of a landed and slave-holding oligarchy, which controlled not only the legislation of the South, but also that of the nation. Slavery kept out immigration, hindered development, and tended gradually to ener- vate and emasculate the population of the territories where it existed. The free States, oppressed by no such incubus, rapidly grew in wealth, power and intelligence; the northern democracy, the "mud-sills," from being subservient had become aggressive. The serf-begotten aristoc- racy saw that the power which they had so long wielded was slipping from their grasp. They endeavored to retain it by annexation of fresh territory-by legislation-finding all of no avail they resolved on sepa- ration.
I73
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN.
On November 6th, 1860, the vote of Middletown was: Lincoln (Re- publican), 227; Breckenridge (Democratic), 184; Bell (Union), 34. January 2Ist, 1861, there was a large mass meeting of citizens at Union Hall. Colonel John Raymond called the assembly to order and nominated Mercer Brown for president. Thirty-three vice-presidents were chosen. The secretaries were Benjamin Whitman, Thomas Wilson, William Ross and Henry Raymond. Addresses were made by Messrs. Christ, Buckingham, Eves, Seymour, Raymond, John Raymond, Henry Raymond, and Frederick Lauman. The meeting passed strong Union resolutions.
April 12th, 1861, news was received here of the attack that morning on Fort Sumter by the rebels. April 15th, President Lincoln issued his proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers.
There was great excitement in town. Volunteers, singly and in groups, left to join different companies. The bands played. Ladies marching to the depot sang patriotic songs as the trains filled with sol- diers passed, and sent a delegate to offer their services to the government to care for the sick and wounded, if necessary. On Sunday, national songs were sung and patriotic sermons preached in the different churches. Subscriptions were started to provide for the families of those who enlisted, several persons offering $500 each. A full company, under Major Rehrer, was formed.
April 22nd, this company, the J. D. Cameron Infantry, was organized, tendered themselves to the Governor, and were accepted.
Sunday, May 5th, the company left Middletown for Camp Curtin, to which place they were conveyed by canal boats, accompanied by a brass band, and at least two hundred citizens. Before leaving the wharf here the company was addressed by Rev. J. S. Lame (M. E. minister), in the presence of over a thousand spectators. "Then amidst the beating of drums, blare of trumpets, waving of handkerchiefs, farewells, tears, and shouts of sympathizing friends, the boats moved off bearing away their freight of American patriots. Fathers and husbands, brothers and sons, have left their homes to fight their country's battles."-Dauphin Journal.
May 24th, the company received their uniforms, viz: A light gray coat, fine cassimere pantaloons, and caps to match, the outfit being pre- sented by J. D. Cameron, Esq. Their subsequent history is that of the regiment of which they formed a part.
EXTRACTS FROM THE Dauphin Journal.
The Dauphin Journal of May 9th, 1861, says: "In addition to the above company a number of young men from this town joined the Cam- eron Guards and the State Capital Guards; and another company, to be called the Middletown Rifle Company, is now being formed." In Com- pany E, of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, organized April 20, 1861, was Elijah S. Embich; in the Second Pennsylvania Regiment, in Com- pany I, were James Harvey, Henry Brestle and Lot B. Allen. There were others whose names I have been unable to obtain. Neither of these
174
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN.
regiments were in any general engagement, and at the expiration of three months, their term of enlistment, the men were returned home and mustered out of the service.
On the same day (May 9th) the Journal says: "J. Rohrer, Esq., is now drilling a company at Union Hall. Mr. R. has had considerable military experience and will make an excellent officer. Captain D. J. Boynton is getting up a rifle company to hold themselves in readiness for any emergency.
"May 23d-The Invincibles meet regularly for drill at Union Hall, and the company is making rapid progress under Capt. Rohrer.
"June 6th .- Gen. Philip Irwin, of this place, appointed sutler in U. S. Army. Among the deputies selected by the General is W. H. Kendig, postmaster. William C. Ross, of this place appointed to a clerkship in U. S. Arsenal, Philadelphia. On last Monday (3rd) a number of the patriotic ladies of Middletown made havelocks for the J. D. Cameron Guards.
"August 22nd .- Mr. Joseph Rife has been promoted to a second lieu- tenancy in the regular army.
"August 29th .- Mr. L. B. Allen has been authorized to recruit a com- pany of cavalry, to be attached to Col. E. C. William's regiment. A meeting will be held at Union Hall this evening, when all who desire to enlist are invited to attend. Headquarters at Raymond & Kendig's Hotel.
"October 3rd .- We are pleased to learn that Rev. John McCosker, pastor of the Catholic churches at this place and Elizabethtown, has been appointed by Gov. Curtin a chaplain to one of the Pennsylvania regiments. Honor could not have fallen upon a worthier recipient ; he commands the respect and esteem of all who are acquainted with him, and the army will contain no better Union man, nor one who will be more devoted to the welfare of those under his spiritual charge.
On Saturday evening (September 28th) a meeting was held in Union Hall, to get volunteers for Colonel McCarter's regiment, of Lebanon. The meeting was addressed by Captain D. J. Boynton and Rev. Lame. Several young men enrolled their names. Colonel McCarter is a minis- ter of the gospel. Those wishing to join will report immediately to A. Black of this place, or Henry Pear. Colonel McCarter is expected to deliver an address in this borough this week.
"October 24th .- A number of our most respectable young men have joined this company (Col. McCarter's) and a few more, of good, moral character, are wanted to fill it.
"October 3Ist .- Lieut. J. R. Rife, now at Fort Columbus, N. Y., is promoted to a first lieutenancy in the regular army. Col. McCarter's regiment, in camp at Lebanon, has received orders to move on Friday (Nov. Ist). Capt. D. J. Boynton's company, of this place, is attached to this regiment.
"November 7th .- Rev. John McCosker is appointed chaplain to the ninety-fifth (Col. Goslin's) regiment. Shortly after his appointment
175
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN.
he was the recipient of a handsome sword and belt, presented to him by Mr. James Young, of this place, as a slight token of the donor's regard for the many estimable qualities possessed by the reverend gentleman. A number of young men from this place are at Camp Cameron, attached to a cavalry regiment.
"November 28th .- Middletown has now two hundred and twenty- five volunteers in the U. S. service. Mr. Alvan McNair, Co. D, 6th cavalry regiment, in writing to his father from Bladensburg, Md., says: 'I like the service very well, and although a minor, am determined to fight for my country. You need not go to the trouble to get me out of the army, for I have made up my mind to stick to Uncle Sam until this outrageous rebellion is crushed.' There had been an effort made to get the writer out of the army on the plea of his being a minor. We admire the pluck of that young man.
"December 12th .- A box of knit wool socks, sent as Christmas gifts to the soldiers by
Mrs. James Young,
Mrs. D. Beaverson,
Mrs. Ehrehart,
Mrs. D. Fortney,
Mrs. Daniel Kendig,
Mrs. Aple,
Miss Clem. Fortney,
Mrs. S. Henderson,
Mrs. J. K. Buser,
Miss Lizzie Arnold,
Miss S. M. Eves.
Mrs. Edward Kendig,
Mrs. J. Beitleman,
Mrs. Catherine Wolfle.
Miss M. Kissecker,
Mrs. Gray Kultz,
Mrs. M. G. Shott,
Mrs. Stouch,
Mrs. Jno. Snavely,
Mrs. Wash. Snyder,
Mrs. McCammon,
Miss Mary E. Murr,
Mrs. Atkinson,
Mrs. Elizabeth Snyder
Mrs. J. Eves,
Miss May Fairman,
Mrs. R. C. Mckibben,
Mrs. A. Poorman,
Mrs. Lorish,
Miss S. S. Thompson,
Mrs. Dr. Shaeffer,
Mrs. Thomas Fairman, Mrs. B. Graham,
Mrs. C. Neff,
Mrs. Wm. Embick, Miss Eliza Wagner,
Mrs. Kleiss,
Mrs. W. Etter, Miss B. J. Brown.
"December 19th .- Lieut Shipley, of this place, complimented by Col. H. Brown, commander at Fort Pickens, for coolness and bravery dis- played during two days' engagement.
"December 26th .- Capt. D. J. Boynton returns thanks to Morris Johnson, E. S. Kendig, George Crist, D. Kendig, James Young, S. Landis, George Lenhart and others, of Middletown, for sword pre- sented to him."
March 20, 1862, the following advertisement is quoted in the Dauphin Journal:
"ESTATE SALE-EIGHTY NEGROES.
"On Monday, 14th February, 1862, at 10 o'clock a. m., will be sold at the residence of the late William Seabrook, Sr., Esq., on Edisto Island (S. C.), a prime gang of eighty negroes, accustomed to the cultivation of Sea Island cotton, belonging to the estate of the late Robert C. Sea- brook, Esq. Terms: For the negroes, one-third cash; balance in one
Mrs. M. Rambler,
Mrs. John Ulrich,
Miss Violet Ramsey,
Mrs. Rogers,
Mrs. F. Fisher,
176
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN.
and two years, with interest from day of sale, secured by bond mortgage and personal security. Purchasers to pay for paper.
"The sale did not take place as advertised, owing to the arrival of U. S. troops, and the following is written at the bottom of the bill:
"'As the above property has not been disposed of I bequeath it to Father McCosker, chaplain 55th regiment, P. V.
'MRS. SARAH SEABROOK.'
"May 22nd .- George F. Ross, of this place, appointed aide-de-camp to Col. Crocker, acting Brig. Gen. 6th Div., Iowa Vols.
"June 12th .- Rev. John McCosker, chaplain of 56th Pa. Vols., died in Philadelphia, in his 32nd year. Dr. Jas. A. Lowe, of our town, ap- pointed surgeon at the military hospital of St. Joseph's, Phila. Soldiers' aid association formed. Dr. B. J. Wiestling called to the chair; T. J. Ross, Sec .; Rev. C. J. Ehrehart, Treas. Resolved, That we organize a society to be called the Soldiers' Aid Society of Middletown, and that the present officers be permanent officers of the society. Dr. John Ringland and J. J. Walborn, Esq., appointed a committee to wait on the surgeons at Camp Curtin and ascertained from them the wants of the sick and wounded soldiers. An executive committee consisting of four persons from each ward was appointed-two ladies and two gentlemen-viz: N. Ward-Mrs. Brua Cameron, Mrs. J. W. Stofer, Dr. J. Ringland, J. J. Walborn, Esq. M. Ward-Mrs. J. E. Carmany, Miss M. Kis- secker, Henry Smith, Seymour Raymond. S. Ward-Miss S. Eves, Mrs. George Whitman, Jno. Snavely, E. McCreary. Dr. Wiestling's residence was selected as the depot for all contributions.
"July 3rd .- Amount realized from festival of Soldiers' Aid Society was $217.42. "J. T. Ross, Sec. S. A. Soc.
"At a meeting of the Soldiers' Aid Society, in the council chamber, Dr. Wiestling was authorized to make bandages of the muslin in his possession and Drs. J. Ringland and J. Schaeffer appointed a committee to purchase 'Sharpee.' A committee consisting of Rev. C. J. Ehrehart, Dr. Ringland and Dr. Schaeffer to inquire into the expediency of estab- lishing a hospital in our borough. Also resolved, That the ladies be requested to meet in council chamber Tuesday morning 7.30 a. m., and divide themselves into committees for the purchase of materials and manufacture of needed garments. The president was also instructed to extend aid to any sick or wounded soldiers brought here in need.
"July 17th .- July 12th a citizens' meeting held at Union Hall for the purpose of encouraging enlistments in response to the call of the Presi- dent for 300,000 additional men. Rev. J. S. Lame was chosen president, and J. J. Walborn, Esq., secretary. Rev. O. C. McLane moved that committees be appointed to arrange for another meeting. Rev. C. J. Ehrehart gave patriotic address. On motion of Mr. P. Irwin audience joined in singing the 'Star Spangled Banner,' led by William Smith. On Tuesday evening a large and enthusiastic meeting was held at Union Hall. Daniel Kendig was called to the chair; Messrs. Jacob Rife and Henry Smith, vice-president ; Dr. J. Ringland and J. J. Walborn, Esq.,
The P. R. R. Company's New Depot, Middletown, Pa.
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN. 177
secretaries. After organization, singing the 'Star Spangled Banner,' and prayer by Rev. D. A. L. Laverty, Rev. George T. Cain delivered a very eloquent and stirring address. Patriotic resolutions were offered by J. J. Walborn, Esq., and adopted. The audience was then addressed by Rev. D. A. L. Laverty, and after singing the 'Red, White and Blue,' adjourned."
"December 24, 1863 .- A meeting was held December 18th at Union Hall. Committees were appointed to solicit subscriptions, and receive and ship goods to the soldiers from this place now in the Army of the Potomac. Committees to raise funds for this purpose: North Ward- Mrs. J. W. Stofer, Mrs. Maj. Brua Cameron, Miss Eva Wiestling. Middle Ward-Mrs. W. H. Kendig, Mrs. Kate Church, Miss Maggie Kissecker. South Ward-Mrs. Eves, Mrs. Rambler, Mrs. Fisher. Com- mittee to receive, pack and ship goods-Capt. J. K. Shott, Messrs. J. L. Nisley and John H. Snavely. The ladies met with great success and on December 29th five barrels and six mammoth boxes of turkeys, geese, ducks, chicken, butter, bread, cakes, pies, tobacco, preserved fruits, &c., were shipped.
"January 21, 1864 .- Major Brua Cameron, son of Hon. Simon Cam- eron, died at Lochiel (his father's residence) on Wednesday, the 13th inst. The deceased was thirty-eight years of age, and was a resident of this place, where he leaves a wife and several children. He held a com- mission as paymaster in the army, with the rank of major. He had a great many warm, personal friends here, and was well and favorably known throughout the state. His remains were interred in the Middle- town cemetery on Friday afternoon, followed by the largest funeral procession ever witnessed in this place. Peace to his ashes.
"January 28th .- A meeting was held in the North ward, in the Pres- byterian church. John Heppich was chairman. Patriotic speeches were made by Dr. Wiestling, Messrs. J. L. Nisley, J. J. Walborn, T. C. Search and others.
"February 17th .- George Rodfong enlisted in the signal service corps for three years. Lieut. J. H. Waltz (93rd Penna.) opens a recruiting office at C. Neff's tavern, in this borough.
"March Ioth .- Dr. George F. Mish, surgeon 15th Penna. (Anderson) Cavalry, home on furlough.
"May 19th .- Middletown Guards, organized in the Fall of 1862, paid off.
"June 6th .- The Pennsylvania Reserve Corps returned home, after three years' service.
"June 23rd .- A picnic given to Company G, Sixth Reserves, at Fisher's woods. At 9 o'clock the soldiers, forty in number, formed in line at the market house and with martial music marched to the beautiful grove. They were met and escorted by Baumbach's brass band. Exer- cises : Singing "The Star Spangled Banner,' by the Lutheran choir ;
(The file of the Journal from July 17, 1862, to Aug. 13, 1863, is missing .- C. H. H.)
12
178
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN.
Rev. Mckinney, late chaplain of the Ninth Penna. Cavalry, addressed them; song by the choir; Rev. Rakestraw, of the Methodist church, then addressed them, alluding and pointing to the worn and tattered flag, which was in the rear of the speakers, as evidence of what they had passed through; song; banquet. The number in attendance was 1,500. The committee of arrangements were: N. Ward-Dr. John Ringland, J. L. Nisley, T. C. Lerch, Mrs. B. F. Kendig, Mrs. A. Hem- perly, Mrs. J. H. Nisley. M. Ward-Samuel Landis, Dr. J. H. Nona- macher, John Monaghan, Mrs. Yetman Eves, Mrs. Morris Johnson, Mrs. Henry Siple. S. Ward-Dr. J. H. Schaeffer, John H. Snavely, B. S. Peters, Mrs. F. Fisher, Miss Murr, Miss C. Fortney. D. R. Ettla presented each soldier with a fine silk badge."
The news of Lee's surrender, April 9, 1865, was received here with ringing of bells. The schools were dismissed, and "all gave themselves up to the general joy." The citizens were preparing for a grand dem- onstration over the return of peace, when the news of the assassination of President Lincoln (April 14th) reached here. Says the Journal of the 20th: "The news of the assassination of our noble chief-our second Washington-reached us on Saturday morning at the breakfast table. We can never forget the sad, horror-stricken expression on the faces of the people as they wended their way to the depot to ascertain if the horrible intelligence was true; men looked into each other's faces as though each was moving to the grave with the body of a near and dear relation. It could not be true; the change from speechless amazement to wild indignation was not a wide one; a cry for vengeance went up, the day of retribution has come, we take back every word uttered touch- ing a humane policy towards the active promoters and sustainers of the rebellion."
The funeral train passed through here at 11.30 a. m. Saturday, April 22. A handsome arch of spruce was sprung across the track at this place, bearing the inscription in large black letters, "For Freedom Fallen !" Several hundred citizens assembled to see the train pass through town. It consisted of nine elegant cars, elaborately draped in mourning. Watchmen were stationed every half mile.
July 4, 1865, there was a parade of returned soldiers, cavalry, infantry and artillery. Several salutes were fired. The soldiers met at Smith's Hall, formed in line and marched through the principal street to Center Square where the "Declaration of Independence" was read, followed by an address by the Rev. G. Rakestraw.
"July 29th .- A meeting was held to raise funds to erect a monument to Middletown soldiers who fell in war."
XLIV.
Soon after the incorporation of the borough, February 19th, 1828, an engine was procured, and a fire company organized under the name of
179
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN.
the "Union." The engine was small but very effective for its class, and was built in Philadelphia by Philip Mason in 1875.
An ordinance was passed by the borough council, requiring the owner of each house to provide "fire buckets," one for each story; they were made of heavy leather; were long and narrow, and held two or three gallons each, they were painted in different colors, each having the name of the owner and "Union Fire Company" inscribed upon it. (Some of these buckets are still in existence.) They were kept hanging in some convenient place, frequently in the hall or entry, and it was the house- holder's duty, in case of an alarm, to carry or send them to the fire. Double lines of the townsfolk were then formed to the nearest pumps, and the buckets were passed from hand to hand, to and from the engine. The women were the most effective workers, they standing at their posts and handling buckets, while the men were running around giving orders. The machine remained in use until 1868, and on several occasions did good service. It passed afterwards into the possession of Raymond & Campbell. Its subsequent fate I do not know.
UNITED STATES ENGINE HOUSE.
In 1861 a meeting of citizens of Portsmouth was held, at which steps were taken to provide better facilities for extinguishing fires. Those present subscribed liberally, and a committee appointed to solicit sub- scriptions were so successful that David R. Ettla, then a resident of Philadelphia, was selected to visit the manufacturers, and secure an engine. He made a contract there with Mr. Agnew to build a suction engine after the pattern of the old "United States," of that city (of which company he was a member). It was built and delivered and then turned over to a company for service.
The company purchased a hose-carriage and hose, but becoming financially embarrassed soon afterwards disbanded. The engine was sold and taken to Harrisburg; it was there used by the "Friendship Fire Company" several times, but was soon afterwards destroyed by fire, to- gether with the building in which it was placed.
THE GOOD WILL ENGINE.
On November 16th, 1866, on the petition of one hundred and eighty- three freeholders of the borough, an appropriation of two thousand dol- lars was made to purchase a fire engine and erect an engine house. For four hundred and fifty dollars an engine with hose-carriage, etc., was purchased from George Smuller; and Christian Fisher, for nine hundred and eighty dollars, contracted for and erected an engine house at the northwest corner of Union and Emaus streets. (The building was after- wards moved to Catherine street, above Emaus.) The engine was never very effective, and was afterwards stored in a stable on Susquehanna street, then to the furniture factory, and was finally broken up and the metal part sold.
180
CHRONICLES OF MIDDLETOWN.
THE LIBERTY FIRE ENGINE COMPANY.
As may be judged the borough was but poorly provided with means to check or subdue any conflagration, therefore in the year 1874 a num- ber of the residents resolved to raise a sufficient sum of money to pur- chase a steam fire engine. The firms of Raymond & Campbell, Fisher & Smith, Shott & Ulrich, Daniel Kendig & Co., Etter, Carmany & Siple, Kendig, Bricker & Lauman, Coolbaugh & Hendrickson, with James Young, Benjamin Peters, M. B. Rambler, Geo. Hendrickson, and some eighteen other citizens, subscribed about $60 each. The necessary amount was raised, and a committee went to Philadelphia and pur- chased at Harkness' bazar, for $1,500.00 the Liberty engine.
The Liberty Steam Fire Company was organized November 7th, 1874, and incorporated by a decree of the court in January, 1875.
Its presidents have been : 1874-75, D. R. Ettla; 1876, H. G. Ray- mond; 1877-78, W. G. Kennard; 1879, Rufus Franks; 1880-82, W. G. Kennard; 1883, Emanuel Kling; 1884-86, A. J. Lerch; 1887, John Hipple; 1888, George Patton; 1889, Samuel Nusky; 1890-94, A. J. Lerch; 1895, John P. Seitz; 1896-1901, J. S. Kennard; 1902, W. H. Koons; 1903-05, A. L. Etter.
In 1886 A. J. Lerch, D. H. Bucher, Samuel Nuskey, H. H. Rake- straw, William Schuetz, Frank J. Stipe and F. B. Bailey made applica- tions for a charter which was granted January, 1887.
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.