USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Bedford County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 43
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MALES.
CENSUS of 1840 of FRANKLIN CO., PA.
under 5
5 and under 10
10 and under 15
15 and under 20
20 and under 30
30 and under 40
40 and under 50
50 and under 60
60 and under 70
70 and under 80
80 and under 90
5 and under 10
10 and under 15
15 and under 20
20 and under 30
30 and under 40
40 and under 50
50 and under 60
60 and under 70
70 and under 80
80 and under 90
Males of all ages.
Females &c.
Greencastle boro'
65
54
43
45
68
48
35
24
12
4
1
61
53
43
52
85
48
33
12
6
2
43
44
Chambersburg,
230
169
131
145
315
188
107
59
35
18
4
267
187
164
182
336
188
116
67
37
18
8
126
162
Fannet,
148
116
138
102
161
83
63
38
31
11
8
141 /134
111
124
164
106
62
47
30
10
4
10
13
Green,
221
155
157
117
263
147
94
68
27
41
4
210
151
132
133
245
121
95
63
16
8
4
42
32
Fayetteville,
30
31
21
22
42
30
14
4
5
1
0
32
33
21
19
42
29
11
7
6
2
0
5
4
Guilford,
265
204
184
177
239
171
110
71
40
20
3
239
213
206
182
283
159
102
58
39
28
1
64
65
Hamilton,
152
1175
123
87
104
94
62
27
34
7
3
124
119
90
67
148
88
55
44
23
9
1
71
68
Letterkenny,
182
163
137
85
153
96
75
42
25
15
164
134
111
114
169
104
54
47
27
11
3
6
6
Lurgan,
86
88
90
63
84
57
42
32
15
5
3
88
86
74
66
100
63
43
23
13
9
0
7
7
Metal,
101
83
75
52
76
68
41
19
18
2
3
102
79
741
60
80
72
33
21
18
0
2
18
15
Fannetsburg,
18
21
8
18
25
16
8
6
1
1
0
29
11
16
19
25
16
10
2
0
0
0
1
Montgomery,
231
209
203
141
202
139
116
75
44
13
3
254
193
162
152
236
131
118
78
27
15
4
260
240
Mercersburg,
57
43
54
67
143
64
43
16
7
20
2
63
44
61
67
93
45
36
16
9
8
2
92.
98
Peters,
147
101
137
941
167
76
74
39
21
10
2
132
147
110
113
171
83
67
39
12
7
0
95
95
Loudon,
32
19
19
24
25
15
12
9
3
1
0
22
21
37
26
26
13
15
12
2
0
1
1
5
Quincy,
245
194
181
124
228
144
102
52
23
20
4
217
141
133
109
231
135
S9
45
33
16
5
19
12
St. Thomas,
133
105
117
106
152
81
70
50
21
8
1
140
132
102
93
1441
87
781
36
13
9
5
15
26
Southampton,
151
127
121
88
142
80
55
45
10
0
126
12]
97
93
158
81
54
41
201
12.
0
27
33
Warren,
59
44
39
36
68
37
26
15
6
0
581
42
48
32
43
35
22
151
15
61
0!
0
0
Washington,
213
162
151
136
196
111
100
45
38
2
231
206
150
132
174
119
891
51
40
8
0
17
16
Waynesboro'
61
59
92
42
99
32
37
17
13
2
67
47
32
47
72
46
37
15
14
OF
2
8
8
Total Population. 3100 2455 2373 1926 3201 1928 1406 835 479 191 54 3020 2043 2151 2045 3300 1925 1338 829 149 199 47 1037 1075
FEMALES.
|| Col. po.
TOWNSHIPS.
273|
137|
2121
155
249|
151
120| 81|
32|
17
5
253
1911
177|
1631
275
156|
102| 69| 50
431
15| 31
104|
96
Antrim,
under 5
15
1
20
16
A SYNOPSIS OF THE CENSUS OF 1840, OF EACH TOWNSHIP.
CENSUS OF 1840
Furnaces.
Forges, rol. mills
Flouring mills.
Grist mills.
Saw mills.
Oil mills.
Tanneries.
Distilleries.
Horses & Mules
Neat Cattle.
Sheep.
Swine.
Bushels of
Bushels of
Indian corn.
Oats.
Barley.
Bushels of
Potatoes.
Tons of hay.
Pounds of wool
Value of the
products of the dairy.
TOWNSHIPS, ETC.
3|1364(3315|3317 7555 91756|16181 |118131|84075|1210| 278|13305|3302|6794| $5344
Chambersburg,
01
0 0
0
0
1 0
83
76
10 174
675
150
1060
990
00
00
522
45
00
00
Fannet,
01
-
0}
8
2
2
2)
615 2063 2629 2711 |29339 18718
32012 38673
80 4647
8867 1801 5375
3689
1| 2| 825|1763 2019 3315 45303 11792
41812 51412
50
212
7703 1810 2752
3272
Green,
70204 74632
00
297
1800 2972 5781
4394
Guilford,
0
0
61
3
0
0
0
0
1
474 1086 1255 1911 17859
9146
24913 28428 37523 43350
513|1175
6008|1351 2266
2484
Hamilton,
0
0
1
0
1
6
0
6
0
354| 930 1192 1380|11571 9251
17375 18360
00 1448
4062 1284 1921
1599
Lurgan,
0
1
0f
1
0
8 11
0
4
5
532 1632 1635 2421 26176 14915
30150 30349
00 3021
6906 1499 3086
3805
Metal, Mont'y & Merc'burg, Peters,
1 0
0
3
6 14
0
4
3
673 1579 2235 3102 43859 7956
64552 47868
00
945
7790 1893 4641
2871
Quincy,
1
31
61
2 8
2
3
657|1483 1428 3240 47865|13835
37447 29690
00
23
4488 1643 2912
2822
St. Thomas,
1
01
0
7
1
2
2
653 1814 2273 2500 40570 40416
45665 27538
240
620
6843 2025 4665
2905
Southampton,
2
0
7 7
0
1
1 526 1492 1490 2873 38008 12609
49910 41843
250
4071
6745 1341 2843
2615
Warren,
1
1
0
0
0
0 228
680
698 1089 8452
2925
11885
9586
688
3653
421|1556
886
Wash. & Wa'ns'boro'| 0| 0| 6
0 3 7 1038 2349 1716 7981 75282 139901 67725463101
00 56
259
9174 1952 3864
3416
2
9
8
1
3
1
1
9 1]
2 19
0
0
617 1824 1886 2136 21630 16774
206 2400
9101 2331 2666
3310
Letterkenny,
0
3
5 6
2
3
1 6
3
1
3
10 1277 3032 3258 6476 78802 10901 104819 74909
64
571 12388 2800 7230
3855
1
0
5
1
0
1|141
1
-
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Wheat.
Rye.
Buckwheat.
raised.
Antrim & G'n'castle, 0| 0|
2
6
1 1031 2548 2668 4893 84758 16792
456
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Streams .- In Fannet township, rises a branch of the Tuscarora, runs in a northern direction by Concord, and steals its way through the Tus- carora mountain and unites with the main branch of the Tuscarora creek. Amberson's run rises in the same township, and flows south- westwardly through the whole extent of the township and empties into the West Branch of the Conococheague creek, the latter of which flows south of Tuscarora mountain, through Metal, Peters and Mont- gomery townships, and unites, about three miles on this side of the Pennsylvania and Maryland line, with the East Branch of the Cono- cocheague, receiving in its course numerous small tributaries, princi- pally on the north, such as Dickey's run, Licking creek, Welsh run and a few others ; and affords water power for some fifteen or more grist mills, some saw mills, several forges and a furnace.
The head waters of the Conodoguinett rise in Fannet, Lurgan and Letterkenny townships ; one of these streams rises in Horse Valley, the other between the Blue mountain and Kittatinny, and unite a few miles north west of Roxbury, and in their onward course in Franklin county from the dividing tine between Lurgan, Letterkenny and South- ampton townships ; receiving several small tributaries, such as Read's run, Boyd's run, Spring run and others.
The East Branch of the Conococheague rises in Adams county, flows through Green township, through the borough of Chambersburg ; and its southern course forms the dividing line between Hamilton, Guil- ford, St. Thomas, Antrim and Montgomery townships; in its course receives many tributaries, such as Falling Spring at Chambersburg, Back creek, a considerable stream ; Brown's run ; the West Branch of the Conococheague, and then wends its way through Maryland and falls into the Potomac river at Williamsport.
Back creek, a tributary of the above, rises in Hamilton township, receiving Rocky Spring, Dickson's run, Campbell's run and a few smaller ones in its course, and unites with the East Branch of the Conococheague creek at the south west corner of St. Thomas township.
The Anticturn creek, consists of two main branches, both rising in Quincy township, flowing in a southern direction and uniting near the Pennsylvania and Maryland line. The Anticturn with its several tributaries, affords water power for some fifteen mills, and several forges and furnaces within Franklin county.
Licking creek, which rises in Bedford county, flows through War- ren township and receives Cove run, a little stream that runs the whole length of this township along the south base of the Tuscarora mountain.
Marsh run, which runs southward, separating Washington from An. trim township.
These streams afford an abundant water power to numerous mills, viz : to 33 flouring mills, 64 grist mills, 120 saw mills, 7 oil mills, 7 fulling mills, 9 woollen factories, clover mills, paper mills, &c.
Natural Curiosities .- A Cave in Peters township was discovered in 1832, and is graphically described by a writer in the Christian Advo- cate. "A few days ago, Mr. Reese, of Peters township, Franklin co .. living on the base of the North mountain, was about digging for water: and as there is a very large spring issuing out of the rocks, at the foot of a hill of considerable height, and a kind of sink hole some distance above the spring, he thought he could probably come on the stream-
-
457
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
accordingly he commenced digging in the sink hole, and had proceed- ed but a few feet, when he could plainly hear the water running, seemingly with great rapidity ; and at the distance of about twenty feet from the surface, came to the water, at the lower extremity of a fissure in the rock, which immediately expands into a large and beau- tiful cavern, the entrance of which is partially obstructed by loose rocks, which after advancing a little distance, entirely disappear, and instead of loose rubbish, solid rocks appear with spar of different co- lors. In every direction are to be seen the most beautiful icicles- stalactites-suspended from its noble, and in some places, ma- jestic ceiling. Concretions without number, and of almost every co- lor, size and dimension, are seen pointing downward from the ceiling, and inward from the sloping walls-some white, some red, some brown, some green, and others as transparent as glass, and all solid as mar- ble. 'They threaten the curious adventurer with being torn to prices by their craggy points, if he attempts penetrating any further into it ; and indeed, in some places he is obliged to proceed in a stooping po- sition, in order to avoid them. In proceeding up this subterraneous passage, you are obliged to walk in the run nearly all the way.
The run is in some places dry, at the present season of the year .- Yet it is evident from the bed of the run and other visible marks of the water, that in some parts of the year the water must flow through the different channels in large quantities. Even at this time, there is a great deal running through it, but mostly through channels alongside the principal one, as is evident from the great noise it makes, in fall- ing over the craggy rocks which impede its progress.
There are in the principal channel several falls, which might very properly be denominated cataracts (cascades)-the extent of the cave is as yet unknown, as it has been but partially explored ; the greatest distance any person has been up it, is about eight hundred feet, at which distance there was no appearance of its termination. In as- cending the cave, the eye is most agreeably struck with its grandeur ; at every step new wonders present themselves-here is the spar found in trees, shrubs, &c. which makes it have the appearance of a petrifi- ed grove-in some places the spar is formed into the likeness of men, birds, beasts, &c., &c., and in one place, raised on a pedestal, is a striking resemblance of a half unfurled flag. Besides this, there are hundreds of other likenesses, which I shall not attempt a description of. When we first saw them, we were only surprised at their diversity and beauty, but on a more minute examination, we were struck with amazement."
Remains of a Mammoth .- In August 1829 the remains of a mammoth were discovered in Path Valley, by Gen. Samuel Dunn. In widening his mill race a tooth of about seven feet in length and fourteen inches in diameter at the root about which a portion of the jaw bone was found. The tusk weighed seventy pounds. Other bones were dis- covered at the same time ; but they crumbled to pieces on exposure to the air. The enamel of the tusk was firm-the inner part was soften- ed, but retained a beautiful whiteness.
Public Improvements .- The Cumberland Valley railroad, noticed be- fore, extends from Harrisburg to Chambersburg, where it connects with the Franklin railroad, extending from Chambersburg to Hagers- town in Maryland.
39
458
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Turnpikes .- The main turnpike road, by the southern route to Pitts- burg, passes through this county by way of Shippensburg, Chambers- burg, St. Thomas and Loudon, thence onward to Pittsburg. A vast amount of travelling has been done since the road has been made and is still doing.
The following note* taken from the Franklin Repository, being an abstract of an account kept by Henry R. F. Mollwitz, keeper of the North mountain turnpike gate, leading from Loudon to McConnells- town, for the years 1830 and 1834, exhibits at one view the amount of travelling, &c., on the turnpike during those years. It might be added that thousands of travellers pass over this turnpike on foot and in stages.
The main turnpike road is intersected by the turnpike from Balti- more by way of Gettysburg. In the south and south western part of the county another turnpike road passes through the county, which branches from the Pittsburg, near McConnellstown, in Bedford county, passes south eastward through Mercersburg, by Upton, Greencastle and Waynesboro' to Emmettsburg in Maryland and thence to Balti- more.
Common roads are numerous and kept in good condition, except in the more monutainuos or rough parts of the county, when the roads and the country partake of one common quality. A few bridges, be- sides those already erected, are mach wanted.
Names of Taxables of 1751 .- Lurgan township, which has since been divided and subdivided: Alexander Culbertson Alexander Walker Archibald Machan Arthur Miller Alvard Terrence Abraham Wier Andrew Murphey Andrew Neal Andrew Baird jr Alexander Mitchel Archibald Campbell Andrew Finley Alexander McNutt Benjamin All- worth Charles McGlea Christian Irwin Charles Stewart David Watson David Heron David Paxon Dennis Cotter David Johnson David Mc- Cright Francis Heron Francis Brain Gustavus Henderson Geo Mitchel Gavin Mitchel Geo Gin ley Geo Pumroy Humphrey Montgomery Hugh Wier Henry Machan Joseph Culbertson John Finley sen John Kirk- patrick John Kirkpatrick jr Joseph Thomson John Jones John Weyley John Finley esq John Miller esq James McCamont James Brecken- ridge John Kerr John Erwin James Norrice John McKeaney John Mc- Call James McCall John Lowrie James Henderson John McCrea John McKee John Cesna James Callwell John Wier John Crawford John Johnson John Cumins John Mitchel John Boyd James Patterson James Boall John Rippie James Mitchel John Mitchel jr John Leckey Jacob Donelson John McCrea John Waid James Tait John Finley sawyer Josiah Ramage James Kirkpatrick John Machon James Boyd John Wilson John Gaston John Kenedy John Evans Joshua Henderson James Culbertson Joseph McKibben James Reed sen Isaac Grier John McNaught James Henry John Graham James Ortan James Reed jr
* During the year
1830
1834
1830
1834
Broad wheeled wagons
6641
6359
Riding horses
3116
2817
Narrow wheeled "
495
374
Draft horses
39824 42330
Single horse
761
1243
Heads of cattle,
5834
6457
Carriages
138
107
Sheep
2180
2852
Two horse wagons
318
779
Hogs
1180
40
Gigs
18
00
Corts
18
00
459
HISTORY OP FRANKLIN COUNTY.
James Reed John McCappin James Sharp James Finley James Lawder James Allison John Montgomery John McCombs Laird Burns Mahan McCombs Mat McCreary Nathaniel Wilson Nathaniel Cellar Oliver Culbertson Oliver Wallace Robert Kerr Robert McConnell Robert Gabie Robert Boyd Robert Long Robert Scott Robert Urie Robert Mil- ler Robert Finley Ranald Slack Robert Machan Samuel Culbertson Samuel Cochran Samuel Rippie. Samuel Buckenstos Samuel Jordan Samuel Laird Steven Collwell Thomas Jack Thomas Urie Thomas McComb Thomas Neal Thomas Grier Thomas Minor Thomas Alex- ander William Kerr William Erwin William Young William McCon- nell William Barr William Reed William Linn William Linn jr Wni Cox William Greenlee William Turner William Devanner William Mitchel William Breckenridge William McNutt William Jack Wm Withrow William McCall William Baird turner Wm Baird at Rock- spring William Woods William Cochran William Chambers William Walker William Guthrie Robert Reed cordwainer Nathaniel Johnson David Linn John Grier Mr Reily at Mr Hoops David Carson John Kennedy Charles Murray John Hawthorn John Burns Joseph Mitchel Arthur Graham - Freemen: Geo McKeaney James Hawthorn George Ross William Milrea Morgan Linch Charles Moor John Tait.
Antrim, 1751 .- Samuel Smith Joseph Walter Jas. Jonston Wm. Ali- son Wm McGaw Sam. McFaran John Reynolds Wm. Grimes John Mitchel Thomas Brown John Scott Robt. Southerland Wm. McAlmo- rey Wm. Mearns John Smith Wm. McClean Geo. Martin Wid. Leeper Jacob Batterly Peter Leeper Wm. Erwin John Mouk James Scott Jas. Ramsey John Moorhead John Chambers Jacob Piskacker Kath. Leath- erman Edward Nichols Paulus Harick Dietrich Lauw Nicholas Gulp James Lilou David Scott John McMath Thomas Patterson George Cas- sil John Pritchet Wm. Dunbar Thomas Poa Wm. McBriar David Mc- Briar Thos. Nisbet Wid. Adams Jas. McBride Josh. McFaran David McClellan John Gyles Henry Pauling Abraham Gabriel John Staret David Kennedy John Willocks Wm. Clark Wm. Cross Henry Stall Peter Johnston Thomas Long James McClanahan John Roal Joshua Coal Thos. Davis Josh. Crunkleton jr. Robt. Harkness Wm. Hall Hugh McClellan Lorence Galocher Wm. Rankin John Potter Wm. Ramsey Nath. Harkness Josh. Alexander Patrick McIntire John Ruass Arch'd McClean Jas. Paile John Davies Peter Craul Henry Dutch Ileary Ke- fort Mathias Ringer Kath. Thomson Jacob Snider Wm. Shauon Thos. Grogan George Gordon Samuel Monagh Jacob Snively John Crunkle- ton Anthony Thomson Wm. McClellan John Moor John McCoon Jos. Roddey John McDowell Alex. Miller Jas. Ker Christian Hicks John Stoaner Wm. Brotherton Robt. Erwin David Duncan James Jack Mo- ses Thomson James McKee Robt. Hamilton Wm. Patrick James Fin. ley Pat. McClarin Jas. Pattro John Wallace Adam Hoops. Freemen : Jacob Gabriel Hugh Galocher E. Alexander W. Campbel Alex. Cook, James Ross Adam Murray Jas. Young Hugh McKee Daniel McCoy Daniel McCowan Chas. White Wm. McGaughy Jas. McGowan John Snively Joseph Morgan.
Peters' township, 1751 .- Daniel Alexander Andrew Alexander Wil'm Armstrong Hez. Alexander Adam Armstrong Arthur Alexander John Baird James Blair Alexander Brown Thomas Barr Ann Black, widow Thomas Boal Samuel Brown William Barnett Joshua Bradner John Black John Baird Jas. Black widow Brown Robert Barnet David Bow-
460
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
-
el John Blair George Brown Hugh Kerrell Wm. Clark Robert Clogage William Campbel Michael Carsell Samuel Chapman Thomas Calhoun Michael Campbell Robert Crawford Patrick Clark Wm. Campbel Ro- bert Culbertson Charles Campbel Thomas Clark John Dickey James Dickey widow Donelson Wm. Cunwoody John Docherty Samuel Da- vis David Davis James Davis widow Davis Philip Davis Joseph Dun- lop Arthur Donelson David Davis Nath. Davis Josh. Davis Thomas Davis Joshua Edwards John Erwin Mathew Erwin James Erwin wid- ow Farier John Flanaghin James Flanaghin Moses Fisher James Gal- breath John Gillmore widow Garison Samuel Gilespie James Galaway Josh. Hariss John Hariss Jeremiah Hariss Charles Hariss widow Hus- ton James Holland John Huston John Hamilton Joseph How John Ho- lyday William Holyday Wm. Hanbey David Huston John Hill James Holiday Alexander Hutchison Messech James Wm. Lowrie Henry Larkan Wm. Maxwell James Mitchell James Sloan John Morlan John Martin James Mercer John Mercer Wm. Marshall Wm. Moor widow McFarland Andrew Morison John McDowell Alexander McKee Robt." McClellan Wm. McDowell jr. Wm. Mcclellan John McClellan Andw. Moor Wm. McDowell James McConnel Robert McCoy Wm. McIllhal- Ion Jas. McMahon James Murphy Wm. Morrison James McClellan Robt. Newell Victor Neeley James Orr Thos. Orbison Thomas Owins Nathan Orr Matthew Patton John Patton Francis Patterson Dav. Rees James Rankin Alex. Robertson Wm. Semple Richard Stevens Andrew Simpson Wm. Shanon Hugh Shanon Wid. Scott Alex. Staret Collin Spence John Taylor Jas. Wright Wm. Wilson John Wilson John Win- ton James Wilkey James Wilson Math. Wallace Moses White John Waason Joseph Williams John Woods Joseph White Thos. Waddel. Freemen : Samuel Templeton Wm. Taylor James Wilson Jas. Wallace And. Willabee Oliver Wallace Robert Anderson Gayin Cleggage Robt Banefield David Alexander James Coyle James Brown Alex. McCon- nel James Carswell James Blair Alex. Hutchison Ed. Horkan William Gueen John Laird David Wallace.
Guilford township 1751 .- Henry Thomson Charles McGill George Cook James Jack Patrick Jack Wm Adams John Henderson Solomon Patterson Wm Mckinney Nathaniel Simpson James Lindsay John Mushet Benjamin Gass Benjamin Chambers John Anderson Frederick Craft Peter Coaset John O'Cain John Noble Wm Newjant John Lind- say James Crawford Edward Crawford Marjant Duff Thomas Baird Robert Patrick John Forsyth-Freemen: Robert Uart Henry Black Archibald Duglass Alexander McAlister.
Hamilton township 1752 .- Joseph Armstrong John Eaton Wm Mc- Cord Josh Eaton James Eaton Samuel McCarnish Thomas Patterson John Campbell Josh Barnet Jas Barnet Thos Barnet jr James Denny Jas Hamilton Patrick Knox Samuel Moorhead John Swan Geo Rey- nolds Jas Boyd Robt Donelson Thos Barnet Widow Swan Robt Eliot Johnston Eliot John Hindman Wm Rankin And Brattan Adam. Carson Aaron Watson Josh Blain John Dixon Math Dixon Math Arthur John Thorn Edward Johnston Wm Boal Joshua Pepper Robert Barnet Al- exander Hamilton Wm Eckery John Galaway-Freemen: Josh McCa- mish Dennis Kease.
CHAPTER XXXI.
FALLING SPRINGS, CHAMBERSBURG, MERCERSBURG, &C.
Falling Spring settlement commenced by Benjamin Chambers-Cham-
bers' mill-Fort at Falling Springs-Young's letter-Chambersburg -Synopsis of census of 1840-Freshet at Cumberland 1831-Early incidents, &c., by Geo. Chambers-Mercersburg-History of Theo- logical Seminary and College-Incidents, &c. &c.
Falling Spring, is the name by which the first settlement in the wes- part of Lancaster county, was known for many years. As early as 1730, Benjamin and Joseph Chambers, two brothers, visited a spot at the confluence of Falling Spring and Conococheague creeks. Benja- min, a younger of several brothers, settled permanently at the Springs, erected a house, which was, while he had been absent on a visit, re- duced to ashes, " for the sake of the nails," by being set on fire by sone unprincipled hunter-an act which the Indians at that time, though still numerous, would not have been guilty of; for with them Mr. Chambers was on terms of intimacy.
Mr. Chambers had not been here long before he erected a mill to meet the wants of the times.
When the Indians had become troublesome, after Gen. Braddock's defeat, Mr. Chambers erected a private Fort, garrisoned it with a few meniprovided with some cannons. Which on one occasion, he refused to deliver to Col. Armstrong, who speaks in consequence of the refu- sal, in unkind terms of him in a letter to the Governor.
It appears from a number of letters in the State archives, which I have examined, that Mr. Chambers was a ready writer. He was fre- quently called on to write ; and he never failed to express himself freely. (See his letters p. 90, &c.)
Mr. James Young, in a letter to Gov. Denny makes mention of Chambers' private tort.
Harris' Ferry October 17, 1756.
In our journey to Fort Littletown, we stopped at Mr. Cham- bers' mill, ten miles beyond Shippensburg, towards McDowell's, where he has a good private Fort and on an exceeding good situation to be made very defenceable, but what I think of great consequence to the government, is, that in said fort are two four pound cannon mounted, and nobody but a few country people to defend it. If the enemy should take that fort they would naturally bring those cannon against Shippensburg and Carlisle, I therefore would presume to recommend it to your Honor, either to have the cannon taken from thence or a proper garrison stationed there. Pardon this liberty from
CHAMBERSBURG, post town, borough and seat of justice of Franklin county, at the junction of Falling Spring and Conococheague creeks,
39*
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
situated in north latitude 39 deg. 57 min., 137 miles west of Philadel- phia ; 77 north west of Baltimore, 92 from Washington city, 48 south west of Harrisburg, population 1820, 2300 ; 1830, 2794; 1840, 3239- within the borough at present about 3600. It is one of the most plea- sant inland towns in Pennsylvania-it is in a prosperous and flourish- ing condition-in the midst of a healthy, fertile, highly cultivated country. It was laid out in 1764, by Benjamin Chambers.
Synopsis of the Census of 1840 .- White males, under 5, 230; 5 and un- der 10, 169; 10 and under 15, 131; 15 and under 20, 145; 20 and under 30, 315; 30 and under 40, 188; 40 and under 50, 107; 50 and under 60, 59: 60 and under 70, 35; 70 and under 80, 18; 80 and under 100, 4.
White females, under 5, 267; 5 and under 10, 187; 10 and under 15, 164; 15 and under 20, 182; 20 and under 30, 336; 30 and under 40, 188; 40 and under 50, 116; 50 and under 60, 67; 60 and under 70, 37; 70 and under 80, 18; 80 and under 90, 8.
Colored males, under 10, 23; 10 and under 24, 28; 24 and under 36, 26; 36 and under 55, 20; 55 and under 100, 9.
Colored females under 10, 26; 10 and under 24, 58; 24 and under 36, 41; 36 and under 55, 24; 55 and under 100, 12; 100 and upwards, 1.
Of the above population 3 were engaged in agriculture, 434 in man- ufactures and trades, one in the navigation of the ocean, 36 in the learned professions and engineers, one pensioner, 2 insane and idiots at private charge, 4 academies and grammar schools, 120 scholars. In 1844 there were in operation 11 public schools, open 73 months, 5 male and 8 female teachers, 305 male and 316 female scholars; 58 of whom were learning German. The district tax raised $1088.86 ; State appropriation $988.00 ; cost of instruction $1,713.33 ; fuel and coutin- gencies. Several Female Seminaries are in successful operation.
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