USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 52
USA > Pennsylvania > Bedford County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 52
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 52
USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 52
USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 52
USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 52
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Previous to 1818, not a saw was drawn, not a plane pushed, neither auger nor wimble turned, a burnisher or a paint brush used, by the hand of a Coach Maker in Gettysburg .- In that year, an old shed was occupied as a shop, and in which two hands were engaged in making repairs to old stages ; depending exclusively upon repairing and now and then a new stage, for support .- For two years the proprietor had to twist and screw to get ahead-and withal, failed in his enterprise .- Soon, however, another attempt was made; and in 1830, there were no less than ten or eleven shops, great and small, in successful operation, giving at the different branches connected with the business, employ- ment to 130 workmen. The amount of work sold, is not much short of $40,000-principally disposed of in Maryland and Virginia.
According tothe census of 1830, the town contained 9 stores, one furnace, I foundry, 2 tanneries, 1 brewery, 1 pottery, 4 printing of- fices, 3 weekly newspapers, 1 periodical, 2 colleges, 190 students, 1 academy, 42 students, 8 schools, 330 scholars. At present (1844) it contains 7 schools, 3 male and 4 female teachers; 190 male and 160 female scholars; district tax raised $1,613 84; state appropriation $390 00 ; cost of instruction $1,353 00 ; fuel and contingencies $167 00. The town contains 8 churches, viz: Presbyterian, Lutheran, Union, Methodist, German Reformed, Independent, Catholic, and African.
Literary and Theological Institutions .- Gettysburg is distinguished for the highly respectable institutions of learning and piety of the place, & which constitute the prominent local source of its prosperity. Among these, the oldest is the " Theological Seminary of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States." This in- stitution, which stands related to the Lutheran church at large, and is also open to students of all denominations, was established in 1825. The early ministers of the Lutheran Church in America, having them- selves been educated in the Theological institutions of Germany, and having been among the most learned and pious ministers of any de- nomination in their day, were deeply impressed with the conviction of
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their utility, and often expressed a desire to establish one in this coun- try. Sundry preparatory measures were adopted by individual Syn- ods, which were however not attended with the desired effect. Among the motives which led to the establishment of the General Synod, was the desire of concentrating the energies of the Church, that they might be adequate to the establishment of a respectable Thological Semina- ry. Accordingly, at their third session, held at Fredericktown, Mary- land, November 1825, the General Synod resolved no longer to defer this important matter ; took measures to obtain the necessary funds, elected a Board of Directors, and also the Revd. S. S. Schmucker, D. D., then pastor of a church in Virginia, as their first professor. At a meeting of the Board, held in Hagerstown, the institution was located at Gettysburg, not only as having made the largest pecuniary offer, bu: principally as being most central to the whole body of the church.
By the active and laudable exertions of the Revd. Benjamin Kurtz, D. D., who visited Germany for this purpose, about $10,000, and a very respectable collection of books were contributed by the Lutheran chur- ches in the Father-Land, to aid in establishing this Institution.
The Professor elect spent the summer of 1825 in visiting the prin- cipal Atlantic cities, and then, and in several extended efforts since, obtained subscriptions to the amount of more than $25,000, the greater part of which has been realized. The Revd. J. G. Schmucker, D. D., the Revd. J. Herbst, Revd. Benjamin Keller and Revd. Ruthrauf, sen. at the same time visited the Lutheran churches in the interior of our country; as has also since been done by the Revds. C. Weyl, F. Ruth- rauf, W. Heilig, S. Sprecher, & F. W. Conrad, and thus a secure foun- dation was laid, by the divine blessing, for the successful operation of the institution.
The inauguration of Professor Schmucker took place September 5, 1826, and the instruction of the institution forthwith commenced. Up- wards of two hundred students have already enjoyed the benefits of this institution ; the greater part of whom are now preaching the gos- pel in the different parts of the Middle, Southern and Western States ; and one, the Revd. Gunn, is laboring as a missionary among the Tela- goos in Hindostan.
According to the last Catalogue, the number of students connected with the institution, during the current year, was 30. At the same time there were between 60 and 70 others in the College & Grammar School of the town, preparing to enter the Seminary.
The Seminary edifice is a plain, but handsome four story brick build- ing, 100 by 40, situated on a commanding eminence about half a mile to the west of the town, of which it commands a beautiful view. A number of rooms have been furnished by congregations and benevo- lent individuals, by which the expenses of the indigent students are materially diminished. At a short distance on each side of the Semi- nary are the Professor's houses, likewise constructed of bricks.
By the industry and taste of the students, the yard around the Semi- nary edifice was, at an early day, beautifully improved by flower beds and ornamental trees. Handsome walks, shaded by trees, were also more recently made from the Seminary to the public roads, which pass equi-distant on either side of it; and within the present year, a larger avenue, 40 feet wide, lined by two rows of ornamental trees, has been opened by them, directly in front of the Seminary, extending about a
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quarter of a mile to the turnpike. The following gentlemen have been appointed Professors of the Institution, according to dates, as follow :
S. S. Schmucker, D. D. 1825, E. L. Hazelius, D. D. 1830, C.P. Krauth, D. D. 1833, H. J. Smith, A. M. 1839, C. A. Hay, A. M., 1844. The pres- ent Faculty are Samuel S. Schmucker, D. D. Chairman of the Faculty and Professor of Didactic and Polemic, Homeletic and Pastoral Theolo- gy. Charles P. Krauth, D. D. Professor of Sacred Philology and Exe- gesis. Charles A. Hay, A. M. Professor of Biblical Literature, &c.
The Library of the institution is one of the most valuable collections of Theological works in this country, containing about 7,500 volumes, three-fourths of which, written in all the languages of Europe, and treating of every branch of Theological science, were procured in Germany by the Revd. Benjamin Kurtz, D. D. and the remainder, con- sisting of the latest and best works of English and American Theolog- ical Literature, were obtained by the exertion of Dr. S. S. Schmucker.
There are two Societies in the Seminary; one the Society of Inquiry on Missions, and the other the Theological Society. Tuition, use of Library and rooms, are gratis.
The Seminary is in a flourishing condition, and the healthiness of the situation, the moderate expense, the advantages of a good library, the acknowledged high standing of the faculty, warrant the hope, that this institution is destined to become, yearly, more useful to the cause of the Redeemer.
The government, design and character of this institution may be more fully learned from the following extracts from its Statutes and Constitution.
Whereas, The General Synod regard it as a solemn duty imposed on them by their Constitution, and due from them to their God and to the Church, to provide for the proper education of men of piety and talents, for the Gospel Ministry :- Therefore,
Resolved, That the General Synod will forthwith commence, in the name of the Triune God, and in humble reliance on his aid, the es- tablishment of a Theological Seminary, which shall be exclusively de- voted to the glory of our Divine Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. And that in this Seminary shall be taught, in the German and English languages, the fundamental doctrines of the Sacred Scriptures, as contained in the Augsburg Confession.
That this Institution shall be under the sole government of a Board of Directors, which shall regularly meet semi-annually, and as often at intermediate times as they may think expedient. This Board are not, in any respect, under the control of the General Synod ; but each member is responsible, individually, to the Synod by which he is elec- ted.
That this Board consist of five Directors, viz : three pastors and two laymen from each Synod, which is connected with the General Synod, aud contributes pecuniary aid to the support of the Seminary. .
That the General Synod elect the first Board of Directors agreeably to the preceding article, whose term of service shall be determined by their respective Synods ; after which, the several Synods shall elect their Directors in such manner, and for such time, as may be deemed most expedient by themselves: Provided always, That one half of their quota of Directors vacate their seats at one and the same time.
That a Professor shall be elected by the General Synod, after which
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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
the Board of Directors shall forever have the exclusive authority of electing additional Professors and filling up all vacancies.
Any Professor may be impeached, at any time, for fundamental er- ror in doctrine, immorality of deportment, inattention to the duties of his office, or incapacity to discharge them ; and, if found guilty, may be dismissed from office, by two-thirds of the Directors present : Pro- vided always, That a motion for impeachment be made at one semi- annual meeting, and lie over for consideration until the next ; and that the Secretary of the Board of Directors be required to give written no- tice to every Director absent from said meeting, within four weeks after the meeting at which such motion was made.
The Directors are responsible for their conduct to the respective Synods by which they were elected, and may be removed for such causes, and in such manner as said Synods shall specify.
CONSTITUTION .- The design of this institution is, to provide our churches with pastors who sincerely believe, and cordially approve of, the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures, as they are fundamentally taught in the Augsburg Confession, and who will therefore teach them in op- position to Deists, Unitarians, Arians, Antimonians, and all other fun- damental errorists.
To meet the exigencies of our Churches, many of which require Ministers capable of preaching in both the German and English lan- guages.
To educate for the Ministry pcor young men of piety and talents ; by affording them gratuitous instruction, and, as far as the funds will ad- mit, and their necessary requires, defraying also their other necessary expenses.
To make the future ministers of the Church devoted, and deeply pious men ; by educating a number of them amid circumstances most favorable to the growth of genuine godliness, and affording the most powerful stimulus to its attainment.
To make the future Ministers of the Church zealous and learned men ; workmen that need not to be ashamed, being qualified rightly to divide the word of truth, and to give unto each hearer his portion, both of instruction and edification, in due season.
To promote unanimity of views and harmony of feelings, among the Ministers of the Church, by having a large number educated by the same teachers, and in the same course of study; and thus to ena- ble them to co-operate more effectually in promoting the kingdom of the Redeemer.
To increase the number of Ministers, and make it commensurate with the increasing wants of the Church.
The Board of Directors shall inspect the fidelity of the Professors, as well with regard to the doctrines actually taught, as to the manner of teaching them. If any just reason be given them to suspect the orthodoxy, or piety, or habitual diligence, or capacity of a Professor, or his devotedness to the Lutheran Church, it shall be their sacred duty to institute an investigation at the next regular meeting; or, if the case be one of fundamental heterodoxy, they shall call a special meet- ing for the purpose. If, after candid and deliberate examination, they shall judge any Professor guilty of either of the above charges alleged against him, it shall be their sacred duty to depose him from office, to appoint immediately some suitable Minister of our Church to conduct,
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pro tempore, the instruction of the Seminary, (requiring of him the same doctrinal profession, and oath of office, as of the Professor) and to take the earliest constitutional measures to elect a new Professor.
At every stated meeting of the General Synod, the Board shall for- ward to said Body in writing, a detailed and faithful account of the state of the Seminary.
In their efforts to promote the grand designs of this Seminary, and in short, in all their official acts, the Directors shall conform to the Constitution of the Seminary, and the statutes on which it is founded : and if, at any time, they should act contrary thereto, or transcend the powers therein granted them, the party deeming itself aggrieved, may have redress by appeal to the judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsyl- vania, who are hereby constituted and authorized to judge in such ca- ses, and a majority of whom may declare null and void any decision of this Board, from which an appeal is made to them, and which, after mature deliberation, they believe to be contrary to the Constitution of this Seminary, or the Statutes on which it is founded, and with which it must ever harmonize.
Every Professor elect of this Institution,shall on the day of his inaug- uration, publicly pronounce and subscribe the oath of office required of the Directors, and also, the following declaration : " I solemnly de- clare in the presence of God and the Directors of this Seminary, that I do EX ANIMO, believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the inspired word of God, and the only perfect rule of faith and prac- tice. I believe the Augsburg Confession and the Catechisms of Lu- ther to be a summary and just exhibition of the fundamental doctrines of the word of God. I declare that I approve of the general principles of church government adopted by the Lutheran church in this coun- try, and believe them to be consistent with the word of God. And I do solemnly promise not to teach any thing, either directly or by insinua- tion, which shall appear to me to contradict, or to be in any degree more or less remote, inconsistent with the doctrines or principles avowed in this declaration. On the contrary, I promise, by the aid of God, to vindicate and inculcate these doctrines and principles, in oppo- sition to the views of Atheists, Deists, Jews, Socinians, Unitarians, Ari- ans, Universalists, Pelagians, Antinomians, and all other errorists, while I remain a Professor in this Seminary."
The preceding declaration shall be repeated by each Professor at the expiration of every term of 5 years, in the presence of the Direc- tors : and at any intermediate time, if required to do so by a vote of the Board of Directors. And no man shall be retained as Professor who shall refuse to make and repeat this declaration, in the manner and at the times above specified.
Course of Study, Examination and Vacation .- The regular course of in- struction and study in the Seminary, shall embrace the following bran- ches : Greek and Hebrew, Philology, Sacred Geography, Sacred Chro- nology, Biblical and Profane History corrected, Jewish Antiquities, Philosophy of the Mind, Evidences of Christianity, Biblical Criticism, Exegetical Theology, Biblical Theology, Systematic Divinity, Practi- cal Divinity, Ecclesiastical History, Polemic Theology, Church Gov- ernment, Composition and Delivery of Sermons, and Pastoral Theology.
Particular attention shall be paid to the German language, and the
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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
course of studies shall be so regulated, that a due portion of them may be pursued in the German language by all the students who wish.
There shall be two vacations in each year, of six weeks continuance each, to commence on the third Thursday of April and September. When the third Thursday of April falls into the week of Good Friday, the spring vacation shall begin one week later.
Of the devotional exercises of Students .- It ought to be considered as an object of primary importance by every student of the Seminary, not to lose that in ward practical sense of the power of godliness which he may have attained, nor to suffer his intellectual pursuits at all to im- pair it ; but on the contrary, to aim at constant growth in piety and enlightened zeal for the interests of religion.
Religious exercises shall be performed every morning and evening during term time, either by the Professors, or such Students as they shall appoint. In the morning a devotional chapter or psalm shall be read, and a prayer offered up. In the evening a hymn shall be sung, and the services concluded with prayer.
Every Student shall constantly, and punctually, and seriously, at- tend these religious exercises ; as well as all the stated public worship in the Church.
This important institution has received several small legacies from the friends of religion, and it is to be hoped will hereafter be similarly remembered by those who feel it a duty and a privilege to consecrate a portion of their early substance to the cause of the Redeemer.
Pennsylvania College .- This had its origin in the want of the German community in general, and especially of the Theological Seminary. Some of the applicants for admission to that institution, being found deficient in classical attainments, they resolved May 16 1827, to estab- lish a Preparatory School, to be under their direction, and appointed S. S. Schmucker, D. D., and the Revd. J. Herbst to select a teacher and carry their resolution into effect. The Revd. D. Jacobs, A. M., was chosen, and in June, 1827, the school went into operation, as a prepa- ratory department of the Seminarv, although students of every descrip- tion were always received into it. From this humble beginning it gra- dually rose to importance and influence. In 1829, when the County Academy, in which the school was held, was sold for debt, it was pur- chased by Dr. Schmucker, who divided the price of the cost to him, into shares of $50, and invited the prominent ministers in different parts of our country to purchase shares, and join with him under cer- tain articles of agreement, giving to the stockholders the management of the fiscal interests, and to the Directors and Professors ot the The- ological Seminary, the selection of teachers and regulation of the course and study and discipline, and assuming the title of Gettysburg Gymnasium. Under this concentration of interest, the number of pu- pils grew with increasing rapidity. In 1830, Revd. Mr. Jacobs died. and was succeeded in 1831 by Revd. H. L. Baugher, A. M. As the pros- pects of successfulness, especially to the German community of our country, who were at that time without any collegiate institution of their own, continued to brighten, measures were adopted, chiefly thro' the exertions of Dr. S. S. Schmucker, to obtain a charter from the Le- gislatnre, by which the Gettysburg Gymnasium was erected into a College, under the name of Pennsylvania College. Under these fa- vorable auspices, the College was organized on the day of American
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Independence, July 4th, 1832, on which occasion the Hon. C. Blythe delivered an appropriate oration ; and in October following went into full operation. The Trustees immediately appointed Professors in the different departments. Drs. Schmucker and Hazelius of the Theolog- ical Seminary, by request of the Board, officiated temporarily and gra- tnitously; the former as Professor of Intellectual and Moral Science, and the latter as Professor of the Latin language, until the funds of the institution would justify the appointment of additional teachers. Rev. H. L. Baugher and Mr. Jacobs, who had already established a high re- putation as teachers in the Gymnasium, were regularly appointed, the first as Professor of the Greek Language & Literature, and the second as Professor of Mathematics and the Physical Sciences. In October, 1834, the Revd. C. P. Krauth, D. D., a gentleman of established schol- arship and learning and connected with the Faculty of the Seminary, was inducted into his office as President of the College. Other teach- ers were successively added, until the present faculty embraces in it an amount of talent, learning and experience, surpassed by no institu- tion in the State.
Revd. C. P. Krauth, D. D., President, and Professor of Intellectual & Moral Science. Revd. H. L. Baugher, A. M., Professor of Greek Lan- guage and Literature, Rhetoric and Oratory. Revd. M. Jacobs, A. M., Professor of Mathematics, Chemistry & Mechanical Philosophy. Revd. W. M. Reynolds, A. M., Professor of Latin Language and Literature. M. L. Stoever, A. M., Professor of History and Principal of the Prepar- atory Department. Rev. Charles A. Hay, A. M., Professor of German Language and Literature. Herman Haupt, A. M., Professor of Mathe- matics. Rev. W. H. Harrison, Assistant Professor of Languages. Da- vid Gilbert, M. D,, Lecturer on Anatomy and Physiology. John G. Mor- ris, D. D., Lecturer on Zoology.
There are two Literary Societies-the Philomatheon and the Phrena- kosmian-which exert a favorable influence on the improvement of the young men in these important studies.
The course of instruction in the Preparatory Department, which is in a very flourishing condition, embraces a solid and thorough English Education, whilst those who desire to prepare for business, or for Col- lege, have every advantage for the acquisition of the elements of Math- ematics and the Latin, Greek, German and French languages. For those who propose taking a regular Collegiate Education, the course of instruction contemplates a period of 3 years, but the student is ta- ken through in a longer or shorter period according to his attainments, abilities and application.
Libraries and Apparatus .- The College Library, to which the stu- dents have access, contains many valuable works and is regularly in- creased by annual appropriations for that purpose. The Libraries of the Phrenakosmian and Philomatheon Societies also comprise a large number of well selected volumes.
Linnæun Society .- The object of this Society is to promote cause of Science in the Institution, by fostering among its members a spirit of investigation and a love for the works of God. For this purpose they are increasing the Cabinet by Zoological Specimens, Minerals, Dried Plants, Fossils, Coins, Antiquities, and such curiosities.
* * . The College edifice is a short distance from the town. It is a chaste specimen of the Doric order of architecture, consisting
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of a central building and two wings, with end projections, front and rear. Whole length 150 feet. The building is four stories high, of brick, painted white, making a very imposing appearance. It is well aired by a spacious hall, and passages on every floor, the whole length of the building. The number of students at present connected with the college, including its preparatory department is upwards of 150.
In addition to these Theological & Literary Institutions, Gettysburg has a Female Seminary, under the charge of Mr. H. Haupt, who has for some years been known as our able and successful teacher. The entire arrangements of the institution are such, as to merit the confi- dence and encouragement of those, who wish to give their daughters, or wards a decidedly useful, as well as ornamental education.
Petersburg, a post village, in Huntingdon township, is on the Carlisle and Hanover turnpike road, 14 miles from the former, and 16 from the latter ; 14 from Gettysburg, and 21 from York. The State road from Harrisburg to Frederick city also passes through here. The town con- tains about sixty dwellings, many of which are substantial brick edifi- ces, three brick churches; a Lutheran, a Presbyterian and an Episco- pal ; an Academy, which was erected in 1826, and a Lyceum number- ing sixty members ; 3 stores ; 3 taverns ; an extensive Coach Manu- factory, a tanyard and the usual number of handicrafts found in coun- try villages.
The town was laid out about the year 1803 or '4, by Peter Fleck who, and Isaac Saddler, erected the first two houses in the place ; soon af- terwards Jacob Gardener, Joshua Speakman, Vincent Pilkington and others added dwellings .- It is now quite a brisk place for business. A good public school and an academy are supported by the inhabitants of the place and vicinity.
The York Sulphur Springs, are within a mile and a half of Petersburg. They were discovered in 1790, on a plantation of Mr. Jacob Ficks, who had the qualities of the water analized by M. Heterick and Dr. James Hall, who ascertained that it contained ingredients highly valuable for their medicinal effects ; and when this was made known, crowds soon flocked together to try the virtue of the water. Tradition has it, that deer and other game, guided by instinct, frequented the pool, before the country was settled, because the saline properties of the water attracted them.
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