YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY Gift of
Susan Morse Hilles

Annals of Harrisburg
COMPRISING
MEMOIRS, INCIDENTS AND
STATISTICS FROM THE PERIOD
OF ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT

Compiled by
GEORGE H. MORGAN

Revised and Enlarged by
L. Frances Morgan Black
Daughter of Geo. H. Morgan

Copyrighted 1906,
By L. Frances Morgan Black.

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PREFACE.

Says that accomplished and indefatigable annalist,
Watson, "Our love of antiquities — the contemplation of
days by-gone — is an impress of the Deity. It is our hold
on immortality. The same affection which makej us
reach forward and peer into futurity, prompts us to
travel back to the hidden events which transpired before
we existed. We thus feel our share of existence pro
longed even while we have the pleasure to identify our
selves with the scenes on the emotions of our forefa
thers. For the same cause relics are so earnestly sought
and sedulously preserved. 'They are full of local im
pressions,' and transfer the mind back to 'scenes be
fore.' "
The object of this work is to rescue from the ebbing
tide of oblivion all those forgotten memorials of unpub
lished facts and observations, or reminiscences and tradi
tions, which will serve to illustrate the domestic history
of Harrisburg, past and present.
It is designel as a museum of whatever is rare, sur
prising or agreeable concerning the primitive days of our
sturdy forefathers, or of the subsequent changes by their
sons, either in the alterations or improvements of given
localities, or in the modes and forms of "changing men
and manners." It is a picture of the doings and char
acteristics of a "buried age." By the images which their
recital creates in the imagination, the ideal presence is
generated, and we talk and think with men of other
days. Herein the aged citizen may travel back in memory to
the scenes and gambols of their sportive boyhood days;
v

PREFACE.
and the youth of the borough may regale their fancies
with recitals as novel and marvelous to their wondering
minds as the "Arabian Tales," even while they have the
gratification to commingle in idea with the plays and
sports of their own once youthful ancestors. The dull,
unheeding citizen who writes "nil admirari" of the most
of things, may here see cause to "wonder that he never
saw before what the compiler shows him, and that he
never yet had felt what he impresses."
To natives of Harrisburg settled in distant lands,
these particulars concerning the "old homestead" will
present the most welcome gifts their friends here could
offer them.
It is not too romantic to presume that a day is com
ing, if not already arrived, when the memoribilia of Har
risburg, and of its primitive inhabitants, so different from
the present, will be highly appreciated by all those who
can feel intellectual pleasure in traveling back through
the "vale of years," and conferring with the "mighty
dead." Such will give their thanks and gratitude to
labors as humble as these, for the compiler has not aimed
to give them that "painted form" which might allure by
its ornaments of rhetoric; he has rather repressed the
excursive fancy he sometimes could not but feel. His
object has not been to say all which could have been ad
duced on every topic, but to gather up the segregated
facts in their several cases which others had overlooked
or disregarded, or to save fugitive facts which others had
neglected. In this way he has chiefly labored to furnish
the material by which better or more ambitious writers
could elaborate more formal history, and from which, as
a repository, our poets and painters, and imaginative au
thors could deduce themes for their own and their coun
try's glory. Scanty, therefore, as these crude materials
may seem, "fiction" may some day lend its charm to
vi

PREFACE.
amplify and consecrate facts, and "tales of ancient Har
risburg" may be "touched by ,genius and made im
mortal." The materials for the work have been chiefly derived
from the Archives of the State, County, and Borough
offices; Hazzard's Pennsylvania Register; Watson's An
nals; Colonial Records; Legislative Documents; Gray-
don's Memoirs ; Rupp's History of Dauphin County, etc. ;
Day's Historical Recollections; Pennsylvania Gazeteer,
files of old newspapers, and from old citizens generally,
among whom the compiler is particularly indebted to
Messrs. Geo. W. Harris, Valentine Hummel, Sr., David
Harris, Joseph Wallace, George Eicholtz, Robert Gill-
more, James Peacock, Frances Wyeth, and John Roberts,
for valuable aid.

vii

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

Part I.
JOHN HARRIS — HIS FIRST SETTLEMENT.
From authentic records, we learn that John Harris
commenced a settlement, on the present site of Harris
burg, a short time previous to the year 1719.
Mr. Harris was a native of Yorkshire, England, and
appears to have been a brewer by profession, as he
worked at that business in the city of London. In "Wat
son's Annals," it is stated that "he was a middle-aged man
when he came to America, and was one of the first emi
grants with William Penn, at which time his entire cap
ital amounted to only sixteen guineas." He first settled
in the city of Philadelphia; and according to a writer in
Hazzard's Register, "the nucleus of his future wealth was
formed by a profitable contract he obtained from the au
thorities for removing the stumps and opening streets in
that city."
During his residence in Philadelphia, Mr. Harris was
on intimate terms with, and enjoyed the friendship and
esteem of Edward Shippen, Esq., the first mayor of that
city, and for a long time one of the leading members of
the Provincial Council. It was in this gentleman's family
that he first saw and become acquainted with his future
wife, Esther Say, also a native of Yorkshire, who is rep
resented to have been a lady of superior intelligence and
extraordinary energy.
HARRIS BECOMES AN INDIAN TRADER.
From Philadelphia, Mr. Harris and his wife moved to
Chester county; thence to the neighborhood of the pres-

2 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ent site of Bainbridge, Lancaster county. Being an en
terprising man, he became an active pioneer, and with
the fruit of his industry commenced a trade with the
Indians, penetrating by degrees to the westward until he
reached the present site of Harrisburg.
On the 17th of December, 1733, the proprietaries of
Pennsylvania granted to John Harris, by patent, three
hundred acres and allowance of land, extending from
South street which is now the upper boundary of the
borough of Harrisburg, down the river to a black oak
somewhere near the termination of Walnut street with
Front street, and thence back by a line, now the upper
line of the Messrs. Hamilton's brickyard, (on the site of
the old Wister furnace) to the rear line, now the line
of Mrs. Sale's farm (corner Thirteenth and Derry
streets). On the same day, December 19, 1733, a patent
was granted to Joseph Turner for five hundred acres
and allowance, adjoining the above, and extending down
the river from the aforesaid black oak to what is now the
division line between the lands of the late John Mahan
and Mrs. Hanna, deceased, extending back from the
river, and embracing the James Harris tract, now the
property of A. B. Hamilton. This was taken up by John
Harris in the name of Joseph Turner, no doubt, to com-
ply with certain usages of the Land Offices, for on the
next day (December 18) Joseph Turner conveyed to
Edward Shippen, who on the next day (December 19)
conveyed to John Harris.
Here Mr. Harris deposited his merchandise, and
opened a profitable commerce with his red neighbors,
who at that time were very numerous. He gradually ac
quired the friendship of most of these tribes, receiving
their peltry and other objects of Indian traffic for his
ammunition and rum. This led to an active exchange
of commodities, and gradually enabled him to purchase

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 3
the land adjacent to his establishment, and to undertake
considerable agricultural improvements.
The majestic Susquehanna, nearly a mile broad, flowed
in front of his hut, while along its high banks nothing
was to be seen but one dark mass of woods, reaching to
the summit of the lofty hills that bounded the view in
every direction. BIRTH OF JOHN HARRIS, JUNIOR.
In the bosom of this wilderness Mr. Harris' family
was located, and here was born, about the year 1727,
John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg, who, it is said,
was "the first white child born in Pennsylvania west of the
Conewago hills who attained the age of manhood."
The son thus born was carried to Philadelphia by his
mother for the purpose of being baptized, and according
to the Parish Register of Christ Church, in that city, this
event was duly solemnized on the 22nd day of September,
1728 — his age at the time being 11 months.
HARRIS MANSION ON THE SUSQUEHANNA.
Mr. Harris' first habitation was on the lower bank of
the river, about one hundred and fifty or two hundred
feet below the spot where now repose his remains. The
foundation walls of this house stood for many years. A
well, dug by Mr. Harris, existed until 1848, when it was
covered over, but its site was easily distinguished for a
long time after by, a small circular mound of earth.
IMr. David Harris, a great-grandson of John Harris,
States that in his early days "this well supplied a large
neighborhood with water, which was exceedingly cool
and pleasant to the taste."
In connection with his mansion-house* he erected a
large range of sheds, which were sometimes literally
filled with skins and furs, obtained by him in traffic with

4 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
the Indians, or stored there by Indian traders, who
brought them from the western country. These skins
were carried, at an early day, on pack horses to Phila
delphia for sale.
HARRIS CONDEMNED TO BE BURNED — HIS RESCUE.
In this state of affairs, it happened one day that a num
ber of Indians of the Mahanoy, Mahantongo or Shawa-
nese tribe, (most probably the latter,) who had been down
the river either on a predatory or trading expedition,
stopped at the house of Mr. Harris on their return north
ward. Most, or all of them, were under the influence of
liquor, and demanded of Mr. Harris an additional sup
ply of lum, meaning West India rum, as the modern
whiskey was not then manufactured in the Province.
Perceiving that they were already intoxicated, and fear
ing mischief, Mr. Harris refused to grant the demand ;
whereupon they became greatly exasperated and dragged
him to an adjoining mulberry tree, to which they firmly
bound him.
Here they declared their intention to torture and burn
him alive, and bade him prepare for instant death. Dry
wood was gathered and piled around his feet, and torches
held in readiness to kindle it; the yells of the enraged
savages echoed along the river shore and through the
surrounding forest, while with demoniac gestures they
danced around their victim. Death in its most cruel form
was before him ; and, bereft of hope, he gave himself up
for lost. In vain he supplicated for mercy, and offered
to give up everything in exchange for life; but the sav
ages were deaf to his entreaties, and declared he should
die. The flaming torch was advanced toward the pile,
and about being applied, when a band of friendly Indians,
supposed to have belonged to the Paxton tribe, and to
have come across the river from either the Indian village

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 5
opposite Harris' residence, or the one situated at the
mouth of the Candogoguinet creek, burst suddenly upon
the scene and set him at liberty.
These Indians were led on by a negro man named
"Hercules," a slave belonging to Mr. Harris, who at the
first alarm ran to the neighboring tribe to beg for succor,
and now brought it to his master's relief. The deliverance
was well-timed. A moment's delay would have been
fatal. The presence of mind, the decision, the speed of
this negro alone saved Mr. Harris ; and so sensible was
he of the great service rendered to him by this poor slave
that he instantly emancipated him, and some of the de
scendants of the worthy Hercules resided in the borough
for a number of years, enjoying their freedom, so nobly
won. An escape so providential was suited to make a deep
and lasting impression on the mind of Mr. Harris. Pious
and grateful feelings fastened to his heart. It was a
signal deliverance; it was a manifest evidence of God's
merciful interposition. Struck with this conviction — in
order to perpetuate the memory of it among his descend
ants — he directed that at his death his body should be
deposited at the foot of this mulberry tree; and there it
lies, a memento at once of savage ebriety, domestic fidel
ity, and above all, of the watchfulness of Him "who
alone can inflict or withhold the stroke of death.
The above facts are gathered chiefly from an account
of the affair written and published in 1828, by Hon.
Samuel Breck, at that time a State Senator or Represen
tative from Philadelphia. Mr. Breck enjoyed an intimate
acquaintance with Robert Harris, Esq., from whom he]
derived the particulars of the incidents as the latter gen
tleman had received them as a part of the traditional his
tory of his family.
Mrs. Bell, a daughter of Mr. Plunket, a native of Ire-

6 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
land, who was married to Esther, a daughter of John
Harris, Sr., made the following statement in relation to
this affair to George W. Harris, Esq., in the year 1840,
she being then in the eightieth year of her age :
"That in 1766 she was coming from Carlisle, where
she lived, to Harrisburg, in company with her father and
a son of her sister. When she came to the river opposite
Harrisburg, at the Kelso place, where William Harris
was then living, some of the children pointed out to her
old Hercules, who was sitting on a rock fishing in the
river, stating that he had saved the life of his master
from the Indians. Mrs. Bell is represented to have been
a woman of remarkably good memory, and well educated.
It has been asked by some why the figure of the faithful
slave Hercules was omitted from the beautiful paintings
representing the affair. It was done, we believe, at the in
stance of Robert Harris, who furnished the artist with
suggestions relative to the scenery and grouping of the
figures in the picture. Mr. Harris at this period was
disposed to doubt if Hercules had been in any manner
connected with the affair. It is believed, however, by
some of his children, that when he entertained this opin
ion his memory had become impaired by old age, and he
had entirely forgotten the circumstances which induced
him to believe differently when relating the particulars
to Mr. Breck.
Under these circumstances, there is no reason for
doubting the agency of Hercules in preserving his mas
ter's life on this occasion ; and whenever this story is told,
let the virtuous African share largely in our praise and
admiration. As there has never been any documentary evidence to
substantiate this exciting episode in the life of Mr. Har
ris, there are some disposed to consider it a myth; yet
we might very properly ask, has .there been anything ad-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 7
duced to disprove it? Tradition may err; but it strikes
us that if it does in this case, it would not have remained
over one hundred and thirty years without being dis
covered. If any other testimony was needed to prove the love
and friendship the slave Hercules entertained for his
master, we might also relate that, upon another occasion,
he saved the life of Mr. Harris from being destroyed by
an excited steer, while crossing the river on a flat. The
truth of this is established beyond doubt.
BURIAL PLACE OF JOHN HARRIS, SR.
Part of the trunk of the mulberry tree to which Mr.
Harris was tied is still standing. The title to the grave
yard, to the extent of fifteen feet, is secured by convey
ance from the commissioners who laid out the town. , The
deed is recorded in book A, in the Recorder's Office, at
Harrisburg, and reads as follows :
DEED OF CONVEYANCE OF THE BURIAL LOT.
This indenture, made the twenty-eighth day of July, in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
eighty-five, between Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew
Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown, all of the
county of Dauphin, and commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
gentlemen, of the one part, and John Harris, of Harris
burg, county and State aforesaid, of the other part, wit-
nesseth : That the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew
Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown, in con
sideration of the sum of five shillings, lawful money of
Pennsylvania, to them in hand well and truly paid by the
said John Harris, at and before the execution of these
presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged,
and from the payment thereof the said John Harris, his

8 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
heirs, executors, administrators, assigns are fully ac
quitted and forever discharged, have granted, bargained,
sold, released, enfeoffed and confirmed, and by these
presents do grant, bargain, sell and release, enfeoff and
confirm unto him, the said John Harris, his heirs and
assigns, a certain lot of ground, situate on the common
or front street of the town of Harrisburg, where John
Harris was buried, beginning at a mulberry tree on the
southwest side of the stone dwelling house of the said
John Harris, thence from the said mulberry tree on the
north side so as to contain fifteen feet square, together
with all and singular the rights, liberties, privileges,
hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the same
belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the reversion
and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues
and profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest,
use,- possession, claim and demand whatsoever, of them,
the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart,
James Cowden and William Brown, of, in and to the
same, to have and to hold the said lot and premises hereby
granted or mentioned, or intended so to be, with the ap
purtenances unto him, the said John Harris, his heirs
and assigns, to the only proper use, benefit and behoof of
him, the said John Harris, his heirs and assigns forever ;
and the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart,
James Cowden and William Brown, for themselves, their
heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, do covenant,
grant and agree, to and with the said John Harris, his
heirs and assigns, the said described lot of ground, hered
itaments and appurtenances, against them, the said
grantors, their heirs and assigns, and against all and
every other person and persons lawfuly claiming, or to
claim by, from or under them, or either of them, jointly
and severally warrant and forever defend by these
presents. In witness whereof, the parties of these pres-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 9
ents have interchangeably set their hands and seals the
day and year first above written. Jacob Awl [seal]
Andr. Stewart [seal]
Jas. Cowden [seal]
Wm. Brown [seal]
Sealed and delivered in presence of us —
J. Montgomery.
John A. Hanna
Received, on the day of the date of the above written
indenture, of the therein named, the sum of five shillings,
being in full for the consideration money therein men
tioned by us.
Jacob Awl.
Jas. Cowden.
Wm. Brown.
Witness:
J. Montgomery.
John A. Hanna.
Subsequent to this conveyance, the descendants of
Harris secured from the borough authorities an addi
tional five feet of ground, thus making the graveyard
J twenty feet square, which they surrounded with an iron
railing. HARRIS'' INDIAN NEIGHBORS.
When John Harris first settled in Peixtan, as Harris
burg was then called, Indian villages were existing near
the large stone house on the bank of the river, opposite
Harrisburg, and at the mouth of the Conodoguinet and
Yellow Breeches creek. There had been one on the low
ground along the river, about the lower line of the town,
and another at the mouth of Paxton creek, but these
are supposed to have been abandoned at the time Harris
made his settlement. The Indians who claimed the soil

10 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
in this neighborhood were of the Leni Lenape or Dela
ware nation.
~Day, in his Historical Recollections, says:
"The Leni Lenape nation was divided into three prin
cipal divisions— the Unamis, or Turtle tribes, the Una-
lachtgos, or Turkeys, and the Monseys, or Wolf tribes.
The two former occupied the country between the At
lantic ocean and the Kittatinny, or Blue mountains, (five
miles north of Harrisburg,) their settlements extending
as far east as the Hudson, and as far west as the Poto
mac. The Monseys, or Wolf tribes, the most active and
warlike of the whole, occupied the mounatinous country
between the Kittatinny mountain and the sources of the
Susquehanna and Delaware rivers.
It is not definitely known what particular clan or tribe
was located in this section, but it is supposed they were
the Assumpinks. INDIAN REMAINS.
Many vestiges of the Indian race have been found from
time to time in and about Harrisburg, in the shape of
spear and arrow heads, composed of flint or quartz, stone
hatchets, pieces of crockery ware, beads, etc. In the low
ground at the lower end of the town, a large number of
these relics were found, buried a foot or so beneath the
surface of the soil.
In 1850, while digging the foundation for a new house,
near the river, in the southern part of the borough, the
workmen exhumed a large number of human skeletons,
some of which were in a remarkable state of preservation.
They were all found in a sitting posture, with their faces
fronting the east, from which fact, combined with other
circumstances, there can be no doubt that they were the
remains of Indians, and that the spot was the burial

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 11
place connected with the Indian village already alluded
to as existing in that vicinity.
A few years prior to this discovery, similar remains
were found while digging the foundation for a row of
frame buildings at the corner of Raspberry and Black-
berry alleys. ->Uc!<-&-
VISIT OF JOHN EVANS, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF PENN
SYLVANIA, TO PEIXTAN.
Peixtan (Harrisburg) is frequently spoken of in the
Colonial Records. From these we learn that Honorable
John Evans, Lieutenant Governor of the province of
Pennsylvania, in company with Messrs. John French,
William Tonge, Michael Bazillion, one Mr. Gray, and
four servants, visited Peixtan in June, 1707. The fol
lowing is the journal of this visit :
"On Tuesday, the 1st of July, 1707, we went to Con-
estoga, and lay there that night, and the next morning
proceeded on our journey, and arrived in the evening
within three miles of an Indian village called Peixtan.
The Governor had received information at Pequehan,
'that one Nicole, a French Indian trader, was at that
place, against whom great complaints had been made to
the Governor, of which he acquainted the chief Indian
at Peixtan, as also of his design to seize him, who wil
lingly agreed' to it; but advised the Governor to be very
cautious in the manner, there being only young people at
home, who perhaps might make some resistance if it
were done without their being told of it. For this reason
we lay short of the village that night; but early in the
morning we went within a half mile of the town, and
leaving our horses, marched afoot near the same, from
whence the Governor sent Martine to the village, order
ing him "to tell Nicole that he had brought two kegs of
rum with him, which he had left in the woods, for fear

12 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
any Christians were there ; and withal to persuade Nicole
to go with him and taste the rum. Martine returned
with James Letort and Joseph Jessop, two Indian traders,
but could not prevail with Nicole. Upon which Martine
was sent back, with orders to bring down some Indians,
and Nicole with them. Then we drew nearer to town,
and laid ourselves in the bushes; and Martine returned
with two Indians, whom the Governor acquainted with
his intention of taking Nicole, telling at the same time
that he had spoken with the uncle of one of them upon
that head, who ordered the Indians to submit to the
Governor's commands, with which they were contented;
though we perceived too well the contrary, by their in
quiring how many we were, and how armed, and the
concern they seemed to be in when they found we were
in more number than they. But still Nicole was wanting ;
it was therefore resolved to try once more if he could be
Igotten into the woods. Accordingly, Martine went again
[to the place, and brought Nicole where we lay concealed,
•and asking him to drink a dram, he seized him; but
(Nicole started from him and run for it, when immediately
we started out and took him, and presently carried him to
the village, (Peixtan) through which we were obliged
to pass; and there we found some Indians with guns in
their hands, who looked much displeased at what we had
done; but being in readiness against any surprise, they
thought it not fit to attempt anything. Here we staid
about half an hour, and then started for Turpyhocken,
[Tulphocken] having mounted Nicole on a horse and
tied his legs under the belly; we got within a mile of
Turpyhocken about two of the clock. On Friday morning
about seven, the Governor went to the town ; from thence
we went to Manatawney that night, and the next day to
Philadelphia." It will be perceived by the date of the above incident,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 13
that it transpired about twelve years previous to the time
fixed for the settlement of John Harris in this vicinity.
The village (Peixtan) alluded to, was evidently the In
dian town previously mentioned as having existed on the
low ground below the site of the present borough.
A CLEARING COMMENCED BY HARRIS, AT THE MOUTH OF
THE JUNIATA RIVER.
By the following extract from the Colonial Records, it
appears that John Harris was desirous of extending his
trading operations further westward, and with this view
had commenced clearing land at the mouth of the Choni-
ata (Juniata) river, about 1732 or 1733 :
June 19, 1733.
"At a council held at Philadelphia, Shickalamy, a chief,
by Conrad Weiser, as Interpreter, asked whether the
Proprietor had heard of a letter which he and Sassoonan
sent to John Harris, to desire him to desist from making
a plantation at the mouth of the Choniata, where Harris
has built a house and commenced clearing fields."
"They were told that Harris had only built that house
for carrying on his trade; that his plantation, on which
he has houses, barns, etc., at Peixtan, is his place of
dwelling, and it is not to be supposed he will remove
from thence ; that he has no warrant or order for making
a settlement on Choniata.
"Shekallamy* said that though Harris may have built
a house for the convenience of his trade, yet he ought
not to clear fields. To this it was answered that Harris
* "Shekallamy was an Indian of much consequence among the
Five Nations. He was the father of the celebrated Logan. It
appears he was a Cayuga Sachem, and styled by Loskiel, First
Magistrate and head Chief of all the Iroquois Indians living on
the banks of the Susquehanna, as far as Onondago. He died
at Shamokin, his residence, in 1749. He had been a great friend
to Moravian missionaries." — D. Rupp's History of Dauphin
County.

14 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
had only cleared as much land as would be sufficient to
raise corn for his horses. Shekallamy said that he had
no ill will to John Harris ; it was not his custom to bear
ill will; but he is afraid that the warriors of the Six
Nations, when they pass that way, may take it ill to see
a settlement made on lands which they had always de
sired to keep free from any person settling upon. He
was told in answer that care should be taken to give the
necessary orders in it."
HARRIS' REAL ESTATE POSSESSIONS.
George W. Harris, Esq., a great-grandson of John
Harris, relates, "that the latter was once offered by the
Penns all of the land from the western shore of the Sus
quehanna to Silver Spring, and extending across the
Cumberland Valley from mountain to mountain, for
£5,000. He offered £3,500, and refused to give more.
At his death he owned about 900 acres of land, including
the present site of Harrisburg ; also 200 acres on the oppo
site shore, and seven or eight hundred acres at the mouth
of the Conodoguinet creek, on the upper side, once the site
of an Indian town.
PRESENCE OF MIND AND BRAVERY OF HARRIS' WIFE.
The same gentleman also relates the following anec
dotes of Esther, the wife of John Harris, which estab
lishes the promptness and energetic character of that
lady: "The mansion house situated on the river bank, as be
fore mentioned, was surrounded by a stockade, for secu
rity against the Indians. An English officer was one
night at the house, when by accident the gate of the
stockade was left unfastened. The officer clothed in his
regimentals, was seated with Mr. Harris and his wife at

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 15
the table. An Indian entered the gate of the stockade
and thrust his rifle through one of the portholes of the
house, and it is supposed pointed it at the officer. The
night being damp, the gun simply flashed. Instantly
Mrs. Harris blew out the candle, to prevent the Indian
aiming a second time, and he retreated."
Watson, in his "Annals," alludes to this affair as fol
lows: "We hear, says the editor of the Pennsylvania
Gazette, July 20, 1758, from Harris Ferry, that on Sun
day night last, as Mr. Harris and some people were sit
ting in a room, a gun was attempted to be fired at them
through a loop-hole, but luckily it happened not to go
off, upon which the neighborhod was alarmed by some
guns from the fort, and the next morning the track of
an Indian was seen."

S

A DANGEROUS CANDLESTICK.

It has been observed that John Harris kept articles for (
trade with the Indians. At one period Mrs. Harris had
an Irish girl in her employ. On one occasion the girl
was sent up stairs for some purpose, and she took with
her a piece of lighted candle, without a candlestick. The
girl came down without the candle, and on Mrs. Harris
asking her what she had done with it, replied she had
stuck it into the barrel of flaxseed; this, however, hap
pened to be a barrel of powder! Mrs. Harris instantly
rose, and without saying a word, for fear of alarming
the girl, went up stairs, and advancing to the barrel, cau
tiously placed her hands under the candle and lifted it
out, and then cooly reproved the girl for her carelessness.
an Indian's revenge.
"A party of Indians from the Susquehanna, at one
time went off on a war or predatory excursion against the

16 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Southern Indians. In the course of the expedition a
hostile Indian was killed, and one of his relatives deter
mined upon revenge. He is said to have come from the
Catawba, in South Carolina. He came alone, and event
ually reached the bank of the river opposite the present
site of Harrisburg. He there secreted himself to observe
the fording place, and watching an opportunity of glut
ting his revenge. Having observed the ford, below Fos
ter's island, he one night crossed the river, and cautiously
approached the Indian town a short distance below. As
he advanced, a dog barked, and an aged squaw came to
the door of one of the wigwams, to ascertain the cause of
the disturbance. The Indian leaped forward, and sink
ing his hatchet into her brain, he drew his knife and
scalped her; then raising the war-whoop, he ran to the
river, leaped into a canoe and started for the opposite
shore. The -town was aroused and the warriors gave
chase, but though closely pursued, it is said he escaped,
and bore away in triumph the bloody trophy, the evidence
of his courage and barbarity." — G. W. Harris; Esq.
WILLIAM PENN'S CITY ON THE SUSQUEHANNA.
In the year 1690, William Penn issued proposals for a
second settlement, or city, upon the Susquehanna. Where
the proposed city was to be located, or what was the rea
son for his relinquishing the plan, is not known; but as
the site subsequently occupied by Mr. Harris was at that
period on the great, and indeed the only highway to
Western Pennsylvania, besides being the nearest available
point for communication with the Schuylkill river, which
is looked to in the proposals, there is every reason to be
lieve that it was the point selected for that purpose.
The following are the proposals, extracted from Har-
zard's Register, for 1828:

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 17
SOME PROPOSALS FOR A SECOND SETTLEMENT IN THE
PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Whereas, I did, about nine years past, propound the
selling of several parts or shares of land, upon that side
of the Province of Pennsylvania next Delaware river,
and setting out of a place upon it for the building of a
city, by the name of Philadelphia ; and that divers persons
closed with those proposals, who, by their ingenuity,
industry and charge, have advanced that city, from a
wood, to a good forwardness of building (there being
above one thousand houses finished in it), and that the
several plantations and towns begun upon the land,
bought by those first undertakers, are also in a prosper
ous way of improvement and enlargement (insomuch as
last year ten sail of ships were freighted there, with the
growth of the Province for Barbados, Jamaica, etc., be
sides what came directly for this kingdom). It is now
my purpose to make another settlement upon the river
of Susquehannagh that runs into the Bay of Chesapeake,
and bears about fifty miles west from the river Dela
ware, as appears by the Common Maps of the English
Dominion in America. There I design to lay out a plan
for the building of another city, in the most convenient
place for communication with the former plantations on
the East: which by land, is as good as done already, a
way being laid out between the two rivers very exactly
and conveniently, at least three years ago; and which
will not be hard to do by water, by the benefit of the
river Scoulkill; for a Branch of that river lies near a
Branch that runs into Susquehannagh River, and is the
Common Course of the Indians with their Skins and
Furr's into our Parts, and to the Provinces of East and
West Jersey, and New York, from the West and North
west parts of the continent from whence they bring them.

18 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
And I do also intend that every one who shall be a
Purchaser in this proposed settlement, shall have a propor
tionable Lot in the said City to build a House or Houses
upon ; which Town-Ground, and the Shares of Land that
shall be bought of me, shall be delivered clear of all In
dian Pretentions; for it has been my way from the first
to purchase their title from them, and so settle with their
consent. The Shares I dispose of, contain each, Three Thou
sand Acres for £100, and for greater or lesser quantities
after that rate: The acre of that Province is according
to the Statute of the 33th of Edw. I. And no acknowl
edgement or Quit Rent shall be paid by the Purchasers
till five years after a settlement be made upon their Lands,
and that only according to the quantity of acres so taken
up and seated, and not otherwise; and only then to pay
but one shilling for every hundred acres for ever. And
further I do promise to agree with every Purchaser that
shall be willing to treat with me between this and next
spring, upon all such reasonable conditions as shall be
thought necessary for their accommodation, intending,
if God please, to return- with what speed I can, and my
Family with me, in order to our future Residence.
To conclude, that which particularly recommends this
Settlement, is the known goodness of the soyll and sit
uation of the Land, which is high and not mountainous ;
also the Pleasantness, and Largeness of the River being
clear and not rapid, and broader than the Thames at
London bridge, many miles above the Place intended for
this Settlement; and runs (as we are told by the In
dians) quite through the Province, into which many fair
rivers empty themselves. The sorts of Timber that grow
there are chiefly oak, ash, chestnut, walnut, cedar, and
poplar. The native Fruits are pawpaws, grapes, mulber-
rys, chestnuts, and several sorts of walnuts. There are

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 19
likewise great quantities of Deer, and especially Elks,
which are much bigger than our Red Deer, and use that
River in Herds. And Fish there is of divers sorts, and
very large and good, and in great plenty.
But that which recommends both this Settlement in
particular, and the Province in general, is a late Patent
obtained by divers Eminent Lords and Gentlemen for
that Land that lies north of Pennsylvania up to the 46th
Degree and an half, because their Traffick and Intercourse
will be chiefly through Pennsylvania, which lies between
that Province and the Sea. We have also the comfort
of being the Centre of all the English colonies upon the
Continent of America, as they lie from the North East
parts of New England to the most Southerly parts of
Carolina, being above 1,000 miles upon the Coast.
If any Persons please to apply themselves to me by
letter in relation to this affair, they may direct them to
Robert Ness, Scrivener in Lumber street in London for
Philip Ford, and suitable answers will be returned by the
first opportunity. There are also Instructions printed for
information of such as intend to go, or send servants, or
families thither, which way they may proceed with most
ease and advantage, both here and there, in reference to
Passage, Goods, Utensils, Building, Husbandry, Stock,
Subsistence, Traffick, etc., being the effect of their ex-
pence and experiance that have seen the Fruit of their
Labours. Wm. Penn."
"Printed and sold by Andrew Sowle, at the crooked
Billet in Halloway Lane, Shore Ditch 1690."
REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD AT HARRIS FERRY.
A granddaughter of John Harris, Sr., related that when
the celebrated preacher, George Whitefield, was passing
through Pennsylvania, ab9ut the year 1740, he remained
some time in and about Harris' Ferry, and preached re-

20 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
peatedly to the people, who flocked from all quarters to
hear him. So great was the fascination of his eloquence,
that many of the people neglected the cultivation of their
farms, and their fields were left unsown. Mr. Harris re
monstrated with them, but ineffectually; and the conse
quences of their improvidence were likely to prove seri
ous, since not a few, at the end of the season, found them
selves in want. Seeing their destitute condition, Mr.
Harris sent a considerable quantity of grain to the nearest
mill, and gave directions that meal should be furnished
to any of his poor neighbors who might apply for it.
Thus were the families of those who had not listened to
the prudent counsels of Harris saved from distress, by his
liberal kindness. INDIAN VISITORS.
In Gordon's History of Pennsylvania, mention is made
of a party of Indians, consisting of twenty-one Onon-
dagoes and seven Oneidas, under the command of a
Captain of the former nation, who arrived at Harris'
Ferry in 1742, on an excursion against the Tallapoosas,
resident in Virginia. They left their canoes here, and
procuring a pass or letter of protection from a magis
trate of Lancaster county, traveled through the Province,
obtaining provisions from the inhabitants.
Harris' Ferry, or Paxton, was often visited by the In
dians, Agents, etc., for consultation with the Provincial
authorities. Conrad Weiser, a distinguished Indian
Agent, upon one occasion wrote to the Secretary of the
Provincial Council, as follows :
"To Richard Peters, Esq.:
Sir: Last night I arrived here with the Indians, all
in good health but Canachquasey,' the speaker, who took
sick by the way to my house, and one of the women, but
I hope not dangerously.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 21
This day I delivered the goods to them, and they are
well pleased for my adding two half-barrels of powder
to the four which they were to have. George Croghan
- was present, and he undertook to find men and horses to
carry the powder and lead, with two casks of liquor with
them, to the Ohio. I was obliged to allow them the liq
uor, because they all followed my advice, and did not get
drunk neither in town (Philadelphia) nor by the way.
Scaiohady, after they had received the goods, spoke
to me in the following manner :
'Brother : I am very glad that our brethren in Phila
delphia took into their serious consideration what we
have said to them. The French party is very strong
among us, and if we had failed in our journey to Phila
delphia, or our expectations had not been granted by our
brethren in Philadelphia, the Indians would have gone
over to the French to a man, and would have received
presents or supplies from the French, who have offered
it; but now I hope we have got the better of them. Let
me desire you to set out early in the spring with the sup
plies our brethren have been pleased to promise us, and
send some body before you to give us timely notice, that
we may meet you, for we are scattered up and down the
country, and we will send three or four men to meet you
by the way, and to convey you to the place appointed.
Pray don't miss, and let us, that are for our brethren
the English, not be ashamed ; the French party, who speak
now under ground, will speak above the ground if you
should miss ; but if you arrive early in the spring, all the
Indians will unite heartily, and the French party will be
brought over to us."
Then he spoke to George Croghan and me, who must
be my guide. I made answer 'that nothing should be
wanting that I could do, and if I was alive and well I
hoped to see them in their country next spring before the

22 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
grass comes out, or at farthest, when they begin to plant
their corn.'
Scaiohady pressed upon me to put the Government in
mind of what he had said against the traders in rum,
that it might be suppressed; 'For the Indians,' said he,
'will drink away all they have, and not be able to do any
thing against the enemy for want of ammunition;' and
if rightly considered, death, without Judge or Jury, to
any man that carries rum to sell to any Indian town, is the
only remedy to prevent that trade ; and a just reward to
the traders, for nothing else will do. It is an abomina
tion before God and man, to say nothing of the partic
ular consequences. It is altogether hurtful to the public
for what little supplies we can give them to carry on the
war is not half sufficient ; they must buy the greatest part
with their hunting, and if they meet with rum, they will
buy that before anything, and not only drink away their
skins, but their clothing, and even everything they may
get of us ; in short, the inconveniences occasioned by that
trade are numerous at this very time. The English and
French party will fall out in their drunkenness, and
murder one and another, and the English will be charged
with the mischief thereof. I must leave off before I wear
out your patience. Sir, your very dutiful,
Conrad Weiser.
• P. S. — Scaiohady told Shikamy, at my house, very pri
vately, that Peter Chartier and his company had accepted
of the French hatchet, but kept it in their bosom till they
could see what interest they could make in favor of the
French." DEATH OF JOHN HARRIS, SR.
John Harris, Sr., died in 1748, about the month of
December, and was buried where he had directed, under
the shade of his own memorable tree. The John Harris

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 23
hereafter mentioned, as stated previously, was born in
1727. He was twice married. His first wife's name was
^Elizabeth McClure, and his second, Mary Reed, by both
of whom he had children. His second wife, Mary, died
November 6, 1787.
GRANT OF THE FERRY RIGHT.
The following is a copy of the original grant to John
Harris, Jr., of the right to have a ferry over the Sus
quehanna :
"Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Esquires true and
absolute proprietaries and governors in chief of the Prov
ince of Pennsylvania and Counties of New Castle, Kent
and Sussex upon Delaware. To all unto whom these
presents shall come, greeting: Whereas it hath been
represented to us that the frequent passing and repassing
of people over our river Susquehanna hath made it neces
sary that ferries should be erected and established at
proper places for the ready carrying over our said River,
all travelers and other persons whose business and affairs
may call them into these parts of our said province ; And
it being made known to us that the plantation and tract
of land belonging to JohnHarris of the County of Lan
caster, yeomen lying on the East side of the said River
Susquehanna in the township of Pextang and county
aforesaid by means of the convenient situation thereof is
a proper place for erecting and keeping a ferry for that
part of our said Province, and the said John Harris hav
ing requested our license for erecting and maintaining
a ferry over the said river at the place aforesaid, and that
we would be pleased to grant him the same for a certain
term of years therein expressed. Now Know Ye, that in
consideration of the charge and expense that must arise
on providing of necessary flats and boats and constant
attendance requisite thereunto. We have given, granted

24 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
and confirmed and by these presents for us and our heirs,
do give, grant and confirm unto the said John Harris,
his executors, administrators and assigns the sole priv
ilege of keeping and occupying the said ferry over the
said river at the place aforesaid where a ferry has always
been kept for the carrying over of all persons, wagons,
carts, horses and cattle traveling or passing that way,
hereby strictly forbidding and prohibiting all other per
sons on either side of the said River from carrying over
the same within the distance of one mile and a quarter
above and below the ferry hereby settled and established
for hire, pay or reward in any flat, boat or canoe, any per
sons or travelers, wagons, carts, horses or cattle as afore
said : And we do further give and grant unto the said
John Harris, his executors, administrators, and assigns
during the term of this grant to take and receive from all
persons passing over the said river for themselves, wag
gons, carts, horses and cattle all such reasonable toll fees
or reward as hath heretofore been accustomed or shall
be hereafter settled for the same (Us, our heirs and suc
cessors and our Lieutenant Governor attendants and serv
ants only excepted). To have and hold the said Ferry
privileges and profits hereby granted unto the said John
Harris his Executors, administrators and assigns from
the first day of March next unto the full end and term
of seven years from thence next ensuing and fully to be
complete and ended yielding and paying for the same
yearly unto us, our heirs and successors at the town of
Lancaster, in the said county, at or upon the first day
of March in every year during the said term ten English
silver shillings or the value thereof in coin current accord
ing as the exchange shall then be between our said prov
ince and the city of London to such person or persons as
shall from time to time be appointed to receive the same :
Provided always and these presents are upon this con-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 25
dition and limitation that the said John Harris his ex
ecutors, administrators or assigns shall from time to time
and at all times hereafter, during the said term continue
to keep or cause to be kept a Boat or Boats, Scow or
Scows in good sufficient repair with good and sufficient
persons or hands to give attendance for the transporting,
ferrying or carrying over of all passengers, waggons,
carts, horses and cattle aforesaid according to the true
intent and meaning hereof otherwise this present grant
and every other matter and thing contained therein, shall
cease, determine and be void to all intents and purposes
whatsoever. Witness: James Hamilton, Esquire, Lieutenant Gov
ernor of the said province, who by virtue of Certain
Powers and authorities to him for this purpose inter alia
granted by the said proprietaries, hath hereunto set his
hand and caused the great seal of the said province to
be hereunto affixed at Philadelphia, this fifth day of Feb
ruary in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hun
dred and fifty-three, the twenty-sixth year of the reign
of King George ye second over Great Britain, etc., and
ye thirty-fifth year of ye sd. Proprietaries government."
James Hamilton [l.s]
Recorded ye 19th Feb., 1753.
DEATH OF HALF-KING AT HARRIS' FERRY.
Half-King, also called Tanachrisson, of whom frequent
mention is made in the Colonial Records, arrived sick,
at the residence of John Harris, Jr., the 1st of October,
1754, and; died on the night of the 4th following, and was
buried with due obsequies by Mr. Harris. During the
Half-King's illness, his Indian followers procured a con
juror to ascertain the nature of his illness and death, be
lieving that the French had bewitched him.
3

26 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Immediately after the death of the warrior, Mr. Harris
wrote the following letter to Governor Hamilton :
"Paxton, Oct. 2, 1754.
"May it please your honor:
At the earnest request of Monacatootha, one of the
chiefs of the Six Nations, I take this opportunity to in
form your Honor of the death of Half-King, who de
parted this life last night. There are about twenty In
dians here who wait to see him buried, and then intend
for Aughwick immediately; he likewise desired that the
melancholly news might be forwarded with all possible
dispatch to his Honor the Governor of Virginia. These
Indians that are here blame the French for his death, by
bewitching him, as they had a conjuror to inquire into
the cause a few days before he died ; and it is his opinion,
together with his relations, that the French had been the
cause of this great man's death, by reason of his striking
them lately, for which they seem to threaten immediate
revenge, and desired me to let it be known. All the In
dians that are here are in great trouble, especially his
relations. I have sent an account to Conrad Weiser, at
Shamokin, this day, who I expect will be down upon
notice. I humbly presume that his is a very great loss,
especially at this critical time. I am, etc.,
John Harris."
The Half-King, it appears, was a man of much con
sequence among the Indians. Rupp says that "he had
his residence at Logg's Town, on the Ohio, fourteen
miles below Pittsburg, on the opposite side. George
Washington visited him in 1753, and desired him to re
late some of the particulars of a journey he had shortly
before made to the French commandant at Fort Du-
quesne." Monacatootha was also visited by Washington
at Logg's Town.

annals of harrisburg. 27
The followers of the Half-King allowed Mr. Harris
to bury him as he thought proper, which was done much
to their satisfaction.
Shortly after this event Mr. Harris visited Philadel
phia, where he wrote the following letter to Mr. Peters,
Secretary of the Provincial Council:
"Philadelphia, Oct. 29, 1754.
"Sir: On the first of this instant, Monacatootha and
several others, the chiefs of the Six Nations, came to my
house, and brought the Half-King and his family along
with them who were in general in a very low condition,
particularly himself, who died in a few days ; after which
I asked Monacatootha, and others, where they chused to
bury him, and in what manner, or if they wanted anything
necessary for his funeral? Their answer was, that they
looked upon him to be like one of ourselves, and as he
died amongst us, we might bury him as we thought
proper ; that if he was buried well, it would be very good ;
which I did much to their satisfaction.
Immediately after, Monacatootha and the chiefs set
off for Aughwick, leaving the Half-King's family and
their relations under my care, saying that in a short time
there would some horses and Indians come down for
them, which they had not yet done, and I have been at ex
penses for their provisions, and his funeral. My ac
count I shall send down, which I hope you shall be pleased
to lay before the Assembly. I shall continue to give his
family provisions till they remove, and should be satisfied
how soon that might be.
"I conclude, sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
John Harris."
"Dec. 17, Post Meridian, 1754. — The Committee of
Accounts reported a balance of ten pounds, fifteen shil
lings and four pence due to the said John Harris for his

28 annals of harrisburg.
expenses, and five pounds for his trouble, etc., in burying
the H)alf-King, and maintaining the sundry Indians that
were with him." — Votes of Assembly, 1754.
It is not known how long Half-King's family remained
with Mr. Harris. They were still there in December fol
lowing Half-King's death.
THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. — ALARM OF THE SETTLERS.
The hostilities that were openly declared between the
French and English in 1744, marked the close of the
peaceful era in Pennsylvania, and the dark cloud of sav
age warfare began to gather in the Western frontier.
An alarming crisis was at hand. The French, hovering
around the lakes sedulously applied themselves to seduce
the Indians from their allegiance to the English. The
Shawanees had already joined them ; the Delawares only
awaited an opportunity to do so ; and of the Six Nations,
the Onandagoes, Cayugas and Senecas were wavering.
The French were fortifying the strong points of the Ohio.
To keep the Indians in favor of the Colony required
shrewd diplomacy and expensive presents.
The Indians who joined the French, instigated by
their new allies, committed many fearful depredations
among the peaceful settlers, killing and scalping, or car
rying off as prisoners, all who were so unfortunate as to
fall into their hands. The inhabitants of Paxton
from their defenceless position, were early alarmed
at these sanguinary forays, and heartily joined with the
neighboring districts in the following petition to the
Governor and Council, praying for succor :
July 22, 1754.
"The humble petition of the inhabitants of the town
ships of Paxton, Derry and Hanover, Lancaster county,
humbly sheweth; that your petitioners, being settled on

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 29
and near the river Susquehanna, apprehend themselves in
great danger from the French and French Indians, as it
is in their power several times in the year to transport
themselves, with ammunition, artillery, and every neces
sary, down the said river ; and their conduct of late to the
neighboring Provinces increases our dread of a speedy
visit from them, as we are as near and convenient as the
Provinces already attacked, and are less capable of de
fending ourselves, as we are unprovided with arms and
ammunition, and unable to purchase them. A great num
ber are warm and active in these parts lor the defence
of themselves and country, were they enabled to do so
(although not such a number as would be able to with
stand the enemy), we, your petitioners, therefore, hum
bly pray that your Honor would take our distressed con
dition into consideration, and make such provision for
us as may prevent ourselves and families from being
destroyed and ruined by such a cruel enemy ; and your
petitioners as in duty will ever pray.
Thos. Forster, Jas. Armstrong, John Harris, Thos.
Simpson, Samuel Simpson, John Carson, David Shields,
Wm. M'MulHn, John Cuoit, William Armstrong, William
Bell, Jno. Daugherty, Jas. Atkin, And. Cochrin, James
Reed, Thos. Rutherford, T. McCarter, Wm. Steel, Sam'l
Hunter, Thos. Mayes, James Coler, Henry Remmicks, Rich
ard M'Clure, Thos. Dugan, John Johnson, Peter Flem-
ming, Thos. Sturgeon, Mathew Taylor, Jeremiah Stur
geon, Thos. King, Robert Sjmith, Adam Reed, Jno. Craw
ford, Thomas Crawford, Jno. M'Clure, Thos. Hume,
Thos. Steene, Jno. Hume, Jno. Creage, Thos. McCleur,
Wm. M'Cleur, Jno. Rodgers, James Peterson, Jno.
Young, Ez. Sankey, Jno. Foster, Mitchel Graham, Jas.
Toalen, James Galbraith, Jas. Campel, Robert Boyd, Jas.
Chambers, Robert Armstrong, Jno. -Campel, Hugh Black,
Thos. Black.

30 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
This petition read in Council 6th August, 1754-"
Some of the present citizens of Harrisburg will not
fail to notice the names of their ancestors in the fore
going list.
LETTERS FROM JOHN HARRIS, JR., AND OTHERS ON THE
STATE OF THE COUNTRY.
We extract in chronological order, from the Colonial
Records and Archives, the following letters from John
Harris and others, written in the years 1754, 1755, 1756,
which gives a lively picture of the condition of this vicin
ity during these exciting periods. Paxton, Dec. 28, 1754.
"Sir: This week Capt. Andrew Montour has made
his interest so good with my brother Wm. Harris, as to
persuade him to go with him to our camp, and he en
gages that he shall receive a Lieutenant's command under
him, upon the strength of which, and the willingness to
serve his king and country, he resolves to go. Their
company of white men I expect to have completed by
Monday next, or the day following ; they expect to march
for Will's creek by the way of Aughwick, in order to take
a number of Indians with them. Some Indians that are
here leave their families, and set off with them with all
cheerfulness ; and I'll ensure upon my brother's inclining
to go, the young men about here enlisted immediately
with the small encouragement I gave them, which was
but my duty, and I hope that this company will act their
part so well as to be a credit to our River Men, of which
almost the whole consists. It is rumored here that thtre
are now taken prisoners lately at our camp, fifteen French
Indians. Upon what I hear our Indians at Aughwick

ANNALS OF . HARRISBURG. 31
are to go and determine their fate, either death or Liberty,
I only mention this, but am not yet certain of the fact.
,[Excuse blunders.] Your very humble servant,
John Harris.
Edward Shippen, Lancaster." Paxton, Dec. 30, 1754.
"Sir : I design tomorrow to march with my men raised
here for Wills' Creek by the way of Aughwick. I leave
under the care of John Harris two Indian families, one of
, which has been at his house since the death of Half- King,
and has been so kindly treated that they don't care to
move to Aughwick at this cold season, and they may be as
cheap maintained here. I ordered John Harris to pro
vide for them after the frugalist manner. All the men
of the aforesaid Indian families go the camp with me
cheerfully, and are of the Mingoes, and were at the
skirmish when Laforce was taken and his men. I expect
to take a number of Indians along with me from Augh
wick to the camp, where I design to be with them. I'll
assure you John Harris's kind usage to the Indians this
fall has been of much service, and ought to be properly
recorded. I hope Monacatootha has before this time left
your city on his way for the Six Nations. The good ac
counts from England lately will spirit up our Indians
much, and I trust have its desired effect.
I am, sir, your most obed't, humble serv't,
Andrew Montour.
Richard Peters, Esq."
Conrad Weiser, at the request of Governor Morris,
came to this place in August, 1755, where he found "Lit
tle" or "Old Belt," and "Seneca George," both noted
Indian warriors.

32 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
INDIAN MASSACRES AT MAHANOY CREEK.
On the 15th of October, 1755, a party of hostile Indians
fell upon the inhabitants of Mahanoy, or Penn's Creek,
Union county, and killed and carried off about twenty ¦
five persons, besides burning their buildings and im
provements. LETTERS FROM JOHN HARRIS IN REFERENCE TO THE
MASSACRE. Paxton, Oct. 20, .1755.
"May it please your honor:
I was informed last night by a person that came
down our river that there was a dutch (German) wo
man who made her escape to George Gabriels, and in
forms us that last Friday evening, on her way home from
this settlement, on Mahanoy, on Penn's creek, where her
family lived, she called at a neighbor's house, and saw
two persons lying at the door of said house murdered
and scalped ; and there were were some Dutch (German)
families that lived near their places, immediately left, not
thinking it safe to stay any longer. It is the opinion of
the peqple up the river that the families on Penn's creek
being scattered, that but few in number are killed or car
ried off, except the above said women, the certainty of
which will soon be known, as there are some men gone
out to bury the dead.
By report this evening I was likewise informed by the
belt of wampum, and these Indians here, there were seen
near Shamokin about six days ago, two French Indians
of the Conawago tribe. I a. little doubted the truth of the
report at first; but the Indians have seemed so afraid
that they dispatched messengers immediately to the moun
tains above my house to bring in some of their women

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 33
that were gathering chestnuts for fear of their being
killed. A person just arrived down our river brought in
formation of two men being, murdered within five miles
oi George Gabriel's, and it is imagined that all the in
habitants on Penn's creek and little Mahanoy are killed
or carried off, as most of them live much higher up, where
the first murder was discovered. The Indian warriors
here send you these two strings of white wampum and
the women the black one, both requesting that you will
lay by all jour council pipes immediately, and open all
your eyes and ears,, and view your slain people in this
land, and to put a stop to it immediately, and come to
this place to our assistance without any delay; and the
belt of wampum particularly mentions that the proprie
tors and your honor would immediately act in defence of
their country, as the old chain of friendship now is broken
by several nations of Indians, and it seems to be such as
they never expected to see or hear of. Any delay on our
acting -vigorously now at this time would be the loss of
all Indian interest, and perhaps our ruin in these parts.
I am your Honor's most obed't serv't, John Harris.
P. S. — -I shall endeavor to get a number of my neigh
bors to go out as far as the murder has been committed,
and perhaps to Shomokin to know the minds of the In
dians, and their opinions of these times ; and to get what
intelligence I can from them, and to encourage some of
their young -men to scout about, back of the frontiers, to
give us notice of the enemy's approach, if possible, at any
time hereafter. I heartily wish your honor and the As
sembly would please to agree on some method at this time
towards protecting this province, as this part of it seems
actually in danger now ; for should but a company of In
dians come and murder but a few families hereabouts,

34 | ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
which is daily expected, the situation we are in would
oblige numbers to abandon their plantations, and our cat
tle and provisions, which we have a plenty of, must then
fall a prey to the enemy.
Our Indians here seem much discouraged at the large
numbers of families passing here every day on account
of the late murders on the Potomack, and will be much
more so if it should happen to be our case. There were
two Indian women set out from here two day's ago for
the Ohio, to bring some of their relations (as they say)
down here; and should the French, or their Indians
hear by them, as they will be enquiring for news, the ef
fect that their late murders has had among our inhab
itants, it will be a matter of encouragement to them.
I conclude your honor's
Most obed't and most humble serv't,
John Harris."
Paxton, October 28, 1755.
"To Richard Peters:
Sir: I received your letter, and shall observe the
contents. There is melancholy news, concerning which
I have written to his Honor, the Governor. If there were
encouragement for 1,000 or 1,500 men to meet the enemy
and build a fort some place up the Susquehanna, I imag
ine a number of men will go at their own expense to
assist. I am, sir, your humble serv't, John Harris.
P. S. — I shall endeavor to keep out a number of Mo
hawks that are here as spies. The "Belt" promised to
send out some; but it was our river Indians, and some
scouts from the French army, attacked us at Mr. Penn's
creek. Yours, J. H."

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 35
EXPEDITION OF THE PAXTONIANS TO MAHANOY CREEK.
On the 23d of October following this massacre, up
wards of forty of the inhabitants of Paxton went to
Mahanoy, or Penn's creek, for the purpose of inquiry
and burying the dead. The following declaration, from
one of the party, gives the result of the expedition :
"I and Thomas Forster, Esq., Mr. Harris, and Mr.
McKee, with upwards of forty men, went to Capt. Mc-
Kee at New Providence, in order to bury the dead, lately
murdered on Mahanoy creek; but understanding the
corpses were buried, we then determined to return im
mediately home. But being urged by John Sekalamy
and the "Old Belt" to go up to see the Indians at Sho-
mokin and know their minds, we went on the 24th, and
staid there all night — and in the night I heard some Del-
awares talking — about twelve in number — to this pur
pose: "What are the English come here for ?" Says another,
"To kill us, I suppose. Can we not then send off some
of our nimble young men to give our friends notice that
can soon be here ?" They soon after sang the war song,
and four Indians went off, in two canoes, well armed —
the one canoe went down the river, and the other across.
On the morning of the 25th, we took our leave of the
Indians, and set off homewards, and were advised to go
down the East side of the river, but fearing that a snare
might be laid on that side, we marched off peaceably on
the west side, having behaved in the most civil and
friendly manner towards them while with them; and
when we came to the mouth of Mahanoy creek, we were
fired on by a good number of Indians that lay among
the bushes; on which we were obliged to retreat, with
the loss of several men; the particular number I cannot
exactly mention; but I am positive that I saw four fall,

36 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
and one man struck with a tomyhawk on the head in his
flight across the river. As I understand the Delaware
tongue, I heard several of the Indians that were engaged
against us speak a good many words in that tongue dur
ing the action. Adam Terrance."
"The above declaration was attested by the author's
voluntary qualification, no magistrate being present, at
Paxton, this 26th day of October, 1755, before us.
Jno. Elder, Thos. McArthur, Michael Graham, Alex.
McClure, Michael Teass, Wm;. Harris, Thos. Black,
Sam'l Lennis, Samuel Pearson, Wm. McClure.
N. B. Of all our people that were in the action, there
are but nine that are yet returned."
THE INDIANS ADVANCING.
Heidelburg, Oct. 26, at 11 o'clock, night, 1755.
Mr. Jas. Reed — Loving Friend :
About one hour ago I received the news of the enemy
having crossed the Susquehanna, and killed a great many
people from Thos. M'Kee's down to Hunter's Mills.
Mr. Elder, the minister at Paxton, wrote to another
Presbyterian minister, in the neighborhood of Adam
Reed, Esq. The people were then in a meeting, and im
mediately designed to get themselves in readiness to op
pose the enemy, and lend assistance to their neighbors.
* * *. * Yours,
Conrad Weiser."
john harris takes the field.
On the 28th of October, 1755, John Harris wrote the
following letter to Governor Morris :
Paxton, Oct. 28th, 175-5.
"May it please your Honor:
This is to acquaint you that on the 24th of October,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 37
I arrived at Shomokin, in order to protect our frontiers
(people ?) up that way till they might make their escape
from their cruel enemies ; and learn the best intelligence
I could. The Indians on the West branch of the Susquehanna
certainly killed our inhabitants on Penn's creek ; and there
are a hatchet and two English scalps sent by them up the
North Branch, to desire them to strike with them, if they
are men.
The Indians are all assembling themselves at Shomo
kin to counsel ; a large body of them was there four days
ago. I cannot learn their intentions ; but it seems Andrew
Montour and Mona-ca-too-tha are to bring down the
news from them. There is not a sufficient number of
them to oppose the enemy ; and perhaps they will join the
enemy against us. Theer is no dependence on Indians;
and we are in imminent danger.
I got certain information from Andrew Montour and
others, that there is a body of French with fifteen hun-
red Indians, coming upon us, Picks, Ottaways, Onandox,
Delawares, Shawanese, and a number of the Six Nations ;
and are now not many days march from this Province
and Virginia, which are appointed to be attacked; at the
same time some of the Shomokin Indians seem friendly,
and others appear like enemies.
Montour knew many days ago of the enemy being on
their march against us, before he informed; for which I
said as much to him as I thought prudent, considering the
place I was in.
On the 25th inst, on my return with about forty men,
we were attacked by twenty or thirty Indians — received
their fire, and about fifteen of our men and myself took
to the trees, attacked the villains and killed four upon the
spot, and lost but three more — retreating about half a
mile through the woods, and crossing the Susquehanna,

38 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
one of whom was shot off an horse riding behind my
self, through the river. My horse was wounded, and
failing in the river, I was obliged to quit him and swim
part of the way.
Four or five of our men were drowned crossing the
river. I hope our journey, though with fatigue, and
loss of our substance, and some of our lives, will be of
service to our country, by discovering our enemy, who
will be our ruin if not timely prevented.
I just now received information that there was a
French officer, supposed Captain, with a party of Shawa-
nese, Delawares, etc., within six miles of Shomokin, ten
days ago; and no doubt intends taking possession of it,
which will be a dreadful consequence to us, if suffered.
Therefore I thought proper to dispatch this message to
inform your honor. The Indians here, I hope your
Honor, will be pleased to cause them to be removed to
some place, as I do [not] like their company ; and as the
men of those here were not against us, yet did them no
harm, or else I would have them all cut off. Belt (In
dian so called) promised at Shomokin, to send out spies
to view the enemy, and upon hearing of our skirmishes,
Old Belt was in a rage, gathered up thirty Indians im
mediately and went in pursuit of the enemy, as I am this
day informed.
I expect Montour and Mona-ca-too-tha down here this
week, with the determination of their Shomokin Coun
cil. The inhabitants are abandoning their plantations,
and we are in a dredful situation. I am, etc., John Harris.
P. S. — The night ensuing our attack the Indians burnt
all George Gabriel's houses — danced around them."

annals of harrisburg. 39
john harris and his family threatened with death
Paxton, Oct. 29, 1755.
"Edward Shippen, Esq. :
Sir: We expect the enemy upon us every day, and
the inhabitants are abandoning their plantations, being
greatly discouraged at the approach of such a number
of cruel savages, and no present sign of assistance. I
had a certain account of fifteen hundred French and In
dians being on their march against us and Virginia, and
now close upon our borders; their scouts scalping our
families on our frontiers daily. Andrew Montour and
others at Shamokin desired me to take care, that there
was a party of forty Indians out many days, and intended
to bum my house and destroy myself and family. I
have this day cut loop-holes in my house, and am deter-
miined to hold out to the last extremity if I can get
some men to stand by me. But few can be had at pres
ent, as every one is in fear of his own family being cut
off every hour. Great part of the Susquehanna Indians
are no doubt actually in the French interest, and I am
informed that a French officer is expected at Shomokin
this week with a party of Delawares and Shawanese, no
doubt to take possession of our river. We should raise
men immediately to build a fort up the river to take pos
session, and to induce some Indians to join us. We
ought also to insist on the Indians to declare for or
against us, and as soon as we are prepared for them we
should bid up their scalps, and keep our woods full of
our people upon the scout, else they will ruin our prov
ince ; for they are a dreadful enemy. I have sent out two
Indian spies to Shamokin ; they are Mohawks.
Sir; yours, etc.,
John Harris."
The defences which Mr. Harris constructed around

40 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
his dwelling at this time, are thus noticed by Edward
Shippen, in a letter to Governor Morris:
"John Harris has built an excellent stockade around his
house, which is the only place of security that way for
the provision of the army, he having much good cellar
room ; and as he has but six or seven men to guard it, if
the Government would order six more men there to
strengthen it, it would in my opinion be of great use to the
cause." ADDRESS FROM THE SETTLERS.
In October, 1755, the enemy was in the neighborhood
of Shamokin in considerable force, and in the month
following, murdered a number of settlers, upon which
the people of Paxton published the following address to
the inhabitants of the Province :
"John Harris', 12 o'clock P. M., Oct. 31st, 1755.
To all his Majesty's subjects in the Province of Penn
sylvania, or elsewhere:
Whereas, Andrew Montour, Belt of Wampum, two
Mohawks, and other Indians came down this day from
Shamokin, who say the whole body of Indians, or the
greatest part of them, in the French interest is actually
encamped this side of George Gabriel's [thirty miles
above Harris' Ferry, on the west side of the river] near
Susquehannah, and that we may expect an attack in
three days at farthest; and a French fort to be begun at
Shamokin in ten days hence. Tho' this be the Indian
report, we, the subscribers, do give it as our advice "to
repair immediately to the frontiers with all our forces to
intercept their passage into our country, and to be pre
pared in the best manner possible for the worst event.
Witness our hands:
James Galbraith, Jno. Allison, Barney Hughes, Rob-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 41
ert Wallace, John Harris, Jas. Pollock, Jas. Anderson,
William Work, Patrick Henry.
P. S. They positively affirm that the above named
Indians discovered a party of .the enemy at Thos. Mc-
Kee's upper place on the 30th of October last.
Mona-ca-too-tha, the Belt, and other Indians here in
sist upon Mr. Weiser coming immediately to John Har
ris', and his men, and to council with the Indians.
Before me, Jas. Galbraith."
Mr. Hamilton informed the Provincial Council that
"in November, 1755, he was at John Harris', and found
the people collected there in the utmost confusion, and
in continual fear of being fallen upon by the French and
Indians." Houses that had been occupied, barns filled
with the fruits of a rich and plentiful harvest, newly
sowed fields, and standing corn, were all abandoned by
the hardy and industrious frontier settlers.
"In December, 1755, John Harris, Jr., of Paxton town
ship in consequence of instructions from George Cro
ghan, continued a guard of thirty-two men upon the
frontiers of said township for the space of eighteen
days." — Votes of Assembly.
COUNCIL WITH THE INDIANS AT HARRIS' FERRY.
On the 8th of January, 1756, a council with the In
dians was held at the house of John Harris, Jr., in Pax
ton, composed of Hon. Robert Hunter Morris, Gover
nor, James Hamilton, Richard Peters, Secretary, Joseph
Fox, and Conrad Weiser, Interpreter ; two Indians of the
Six Nations, called "The Belt of Wampum," a Seneca,
and the "Broken Thigh," a Mohawk.
The Governor addressed the two Indians as follows :
Brethren : I am glad to see you and your families in
4

42 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
good health. You have ever been esteemed our hearty
friends, and you show you are really so by residing
among us at a time when so much mischief is done on
every side of the Province.
I sent Mr. Weiser to acquaint you that I had kindled
a council fire here, and had invited the Indians on Sus-
quehannah to meet me the beginning of this moon, and
that I expected you would stay here till I should come,
and afford me your assistance in council.
I thank you for staying here. You see that, agreeable
to my message, I come at the time appointed; but I find
no other Indians here than you two, and indeed I expect
no more, as I believe my messengers were prevented
going to Wyomink by the ravages of the Indians, which
began in their neighborhood at the time they were pre
paring to set out on their journey.
The public business requires my presence at Carlisle,
where I am now going, and I invite you to go along with
me. If you incline to take any of your families with
you, I shall readily agree to it, and provide a carriage for
them and you."
To this "The Belt" replied :
"Brethren : I thank you for sending for us to council,
and for your kind speech. What you have said is very
agreeable. Brethren : The sky is dark all around us. The mischief
done to you I consider as done to the Six Nations, and I
am sorry for what has happened, and heartily condole
with you upon it; but be not disheartened. As the public
business is committed to you, nothing should be suffered
to lie on your minds that might in any wise impair your
judgment, which is now more necessary than ever. Let
me therefore, by this string, intreat you to put away all
grief from your heart, and to dry up your tears, that you
may think and see clearly when you come to council.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 43
I accept your invitation, and shall follow you to Car
lisle." Gave a string.
At the time this council was held there appears to have
been but a single house and few conveniences at Harris'
Ferry, and "Mr. Weiser was asked if it might not be
better to hold it at Carlisle, where all the business of that
county could be done at the same time, and proper enter
tainment provided, as well for the Governor and his
company as for the Indians, should they prove numer
ous." They then went to Carlisle.
THREATENED MURDER OF THE FRIENDLY INDIANS AT HAR
RIS' FERRY.
Conrad Weiser, in a letter to Governor Morris, dated
January 29, 1756, says: "On the 31st of last month, one
James Young came over from Tobias Hendricks', and
told me privately, in the presence of John Harris, that
about fifteen men with arms came that day to Tobias
Hendricks', in order to come to this side of the river to
kill the Indians at John Harris', judging them, of being
guilty or privy to the murder committed in Shearman's
valley a few days -ago ; and that he had much ado to stop
them, and desired me to take all the care I possibly could.
I took for granted what they said, and sent immediately
an express to bring the Indians that remained in Carlisle,
since the last treaty, away to Harris' Ferry."
The treaty alluded to was held at Carlisle, in January,
1756, where it was left to the Indians' choice till a fort
had been erected at Shamokin, to reside at one or other of
the forts then building, or at Harris' Ferry or Conestoga
Manor. They chose Harris' Ferry.
THE GOVERNOR AGAIN AT HARRIS' FERRY.
After the adjournment of the Assembly, in April, 1756,

44 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Governor Morris again visited Harris' Ferry, and in the
early part of May issued a message summoning the
members of Assembly to convene at Philadelphia. He
also signed several bills here, and "affixed the great seal
of the Province to the transcribed copies thereof."
In concluding his message to the Assembly, dated
Harris' Ferry, May 23, 1756, he says : "I propose to leave
this place to-morrow, or on Tuesday at farthest, and hope
to be with you by the time you can have any business pre
pared to lay before me."
THE ENEMY INVADE PAXTON.
The storm of Indian warfare which had been so long
raging in the neighboring districts, at length spread into
the settlements of Paxton and adjoining townships.
"The first assault," says Rupp, "was upon a wagon be
longing to a German, in which he was endeavoring to
move off; but being killed a small distance behind the
wagon, those with the wagon fled to a fort not far dis
tant. The men at the fort being alarmed at the report of
the Indians' guns, came to see the occasion of it, and met
a woman running towards them, crying; they proceeded
to where the wagon stood, and at some distance behind
laid the man, tomahawked and scalped, and the brains
issuing from the wounds, although he was still breath-
ing. Murders in Paxton and Derry townships appear to
have been an every-day occurrence in August, 1756:
"Derry Tp., 9th Aug., 1756.
Sir : There is nothing but bad news every day. Last
week there were two soldiers killed and one wounded,
about two miles from Manada fort; and two of the
guards that escorted the batteaux were killed. * * * We

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 45
shall all be broken in upon in these parts. The people are
going off daily, leaving almost their all behind them.
* * * * James Galbraith.
Ed Shippen, Esq." Derry Tp., ioth Aug., 1756.
"Honored Sir : There is nothing here almost every day
but murder committed by the Indians in some part or
other. About five miles above me, at Manada Gap, there
were two of the Province soldiers killed, one wounded.
* * * * Yours, James Galbraith.
P. S. — I am in want of the pistols."
The names of some of those murdered and abducted
in Paxton, Derry and Hanover townships, are given in
the Pennsylvania Gazette of 1755, and are as follows:
Elizabeth Gallway, Henry Gibson, Robert Peer, Wm.
Berryhill, and David McClelland; Beatty, Fleming's
son and one Hicks, James Mackey, murdered. A son of
James Mackey, a son of Joseph Barnet, Elizabeth Dickey
and her child, the wife of Samuel Young and her child,
John Martin's wife and five children, William
Gallway's wife and two children, and a young wo
man; Chas. Stewart's wife and two children, David Mc-
Clelland's wife and two children, and Wm. Flemming
and wife were taken prisoners.
"Aug. 19, 1757. — Fourteen people killed and taken
from Mr. Cinky's congregation, and one man killed near
Harris' Ferry."
The Colonial Records and Archives contain numerous
letters from Paxton, written at this period, giving ac
counts of Indian massacres in this neighborhood.
Estherton, the present country seat of Judge Heister,
and Fort Hunter, the present residence of J. C. McAl-

46 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
lister, Esq., both a short distance above Harrisburg, were
important posts of rendezvous for the early settlers.
CONTEMPLATED MASSACRE AT PAXTON CHURCH.
"A party of hostile Indians had come down the n'ver
to murder the people of Paxton. They formed a camp
in the thicket back of Elder's mill-dam. They designed
falling on the people when at worship in Paxton church.
They are supposed to have come on Monday, and after
waiting several days they came to the conclusion that the
congregation would not assemble, and they went off. They
left the settlement by the way of Indiantown Gap. On
their way off they murdered several persons and took a
prisoner, from whom it was afterwards ascertained that
they had been encamped here for several days. The
people of this congregation, before and afterwards, came
to the church armed; and Mr. Elder, the pastor, also
carried his gun into the pulpit." — G. W. Harris, Esq.
The above incident is mentioned in "Webster's History
of the Presbyterian Church," as having occurred in 1756.
The same authority also states that in 1757 an attack was
actually made on the settlers as they were leaving the
church, two or three of whom were killed.
Mr. Elder succeeded Mr. Bertram as pastor of the
above church when it was first built in 1732, and preached
to that congregation and in the Derry church 60 years.
He was a colonel of the Paxton Rangers, whose duty it
was to keep a lookout for the Indians, and range the set
tlements, for their protection, from the Blue mountain
to the river. He died at the advanced age of eighty-six,
in 1792, on his farm near Harrisburg.
"The first Paxton church building was erected about
the year 1732. It was constructed of logs and stone,
chiefly of the former; and stood a short distance south-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 47
west of the stone church, (erected between the years 1750
and 1755,) still standing, about two and a half miles
from Harrisburg, on the Hummelstown turnpike."
ANOTHER INDIAN COUNCIL AT HARRIS' FERRY.
"A meeting of the Six Nations and their Allies, and
George Croghan, Esq., Deputy Agent to the Hon. Sir
William Johnson, Baronet, His Majesty's sole Agent and
Superintendent of the Six Nations, their allies and their
dependents, was held by special order at John Harris',
the first day of April, 1757. Present — The Rev. John Elder,
Capt. Thos. McKee, Mr. James Armstrong, Mr. Hugh
Crawford, Mr. John Harris, Wm. Pentrup, Interpreter,
and warriors from the Mohawks, Oneidas, Tuscaroras,
Onondagoes, Nanticokes, Cayugas, Delawares, Senecas,
and ConestogoeS, with their women and children."
Before this conference had concluded, the council fire
was removed to Lancaster, where the remainder of its
business was transacted."
ORIGINAL LETTERS OF JOHN HARRIS, JR.
The following letters are copied verbatim et liberaiim
from the original, in the handwriting of John Harris,
Jr., now in the possession of his grandson, David Har
ris, Esq. : "Paxton, April 30, 1757.
Sir : I sent you butter with * * * Hambright last com
mand w'ch I hope you Received safe. I shall Endeavor
to Procure another Crock for you against next trip. I
forwarded all the Letters you sent me by * * * to Lan
caster immediately and Capt'n M'Kee was going to Phil-
ada. from there, & took them with him, so that there
was not the Least Delay. Mr. West wrote me this week
that there was an English Packet arrived at Antiqua
w'ch left Spithead the 26th Feb'ry. * * * And that there

48 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
was laying there 200 Transports, storeships, etc., with 16
sail of the Line commanded by Admiral Knowles, which
were to sail in a few Days for North America (God send
them a Quick and Safe Passage) there is actually arrived
at Ft. Cumberland 126 Catawba warriors & 50 or 60
other Indians and a number more expected who seems
Hearty in our Cause. I expect they'll pay our cruel en-
emys in their own coin this Sumer. I am sir in Hase
your most obed't Humble serv't.
John Harris.
To Major James Burd att Fort Augusta."
Paxton, Nov'r 15, 1757.
"Dr Sr. :
I am just arrived from Philada. No News of Im
portance, the Troops from the Northwerd are Part ar
rived in Philada., such as are to be Quartered there this
Winter, & three Companys if not more of the first Bat-
tallion of Ye Royal American Riegement from Carlisle is
to Pass here Next thursday, on their way to Winter
Quarters in Philada., the 2nd Battallion is to soon follow
& Remain at Lancaster, excepting some who is by the
General Report, to be at York, Reading, &c, this Winter.
We have acco'ts of our Grand English Fleet Sailing in
September last on a Secret expedition, & good accounts
soon expected from them. No Battles Lately in Europe
except Skirmishing between us, the French, Prusians,
Austrians, Russians, &c, tho' its currently Reported Gen
erally Believed that ab't seventy thousand Turks is ac
tually on their March against the Queen of Hungary, &
a Larger Army of Turks & Tartars is also marching
against the Russians, to make a Diversion on the side of
Prussia. Good accounts is also Expected from his Prus
sian Majesty, tho' his enemy is numerous on all sides, the
French seems to be yet to strong for the Duke in Han-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 49
over but considering the Numbers Greater Strokes might
have been expected from them. We have been Tollerably
Quiet on all the Frontiers this Long time (from Indian
Incursions) the Barracks in Philada. in Great Forward
ness. I am sir your most obed't Humble serv't.
John Harris.
P. S. — Mrs. Shippen & Mrs. Burd and family's well
yesterday. I am sr. &c. J. H.
To Major James Burd at Fort Agusta."
THE PAXTONIANS RETALIATE.
The constant scenes of warfare infused a military and
adventurous spirit into the young men of this vicinity
incompatible with the quiet habits of agricultural life,
and we find them, in time of peace, roaming through the
mountin wilds as traders, or seeking out rich lands yet
unpurchased from the Indians; and in time of war or
frontier disturbance, they were ranging the border, watch
ing the movements of the Indians, cutting off occasional
parties, and breaking up their haunts. Being beyond the
reach of the laws of the Province, as well as beyond the
protection of the lower counties, the Paxton men were
under the necessity of protecting themselves, and were
governed by usages of their own. Many of their fam
ilies, as we have shown, had suffered by the tomahawk,
and it was suspected by them that the hostile Indians
were harbored, if not encouraged, by the friendly Indians
at Conestoga, and among the Moravians. A deadly an
imosity was thus raised among the Paxton men against
all of Indian blood, and it was during the height of this
feeling that the bloody and unjustifiable massacre was
perpetrated at Conestoga.
The following, from "Day's Historical Recollections,"
combines the substance of the several conflicting state
ments in regard to this massacre :

50 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
"On the night of the 14th December, 1763, a number
of armed and mounted men from the townships of Pax
ton and Donegal, most of them belonging to the company
of frontier rangers of those townships, concerted an at
tack on the Indians at Conestoga, Lancaster county, for
the purpose, as they alleged of securing one or more hos
tile Indians who were harbored there, and who were sup
posed to have recently murdered several families of
whites. The number of the Paxton men is variously es
timated from twenty to upwards of fifty. Few of the
Indians were at home, the men probably being absent
either in hunting or trading their baskets at Lancaster.
In the dead of night the white men fell upon the village.
Some defence was doubtless attempted by the few male
Indians present (Dr. Franklin's narrative says there
were only three men, two women and a young boy,) but
they were overpowered, and the whole, men, women and
children, fell victims to the rifle, the tomahawk, and the
knife of the frontier men. The dwellings were burned
to the ground.
The citizens and magistrates of Lancaster, shocked at
the horrible outrage, with commendable humanity gath
ered the scattered individuals of the tribe who remained,
into the stone work-house of Lancaster, where, under
bolts and bars, and the strict supervision of the keeper,
they could not doubt but the Indians would be safe until
they could be conveyed to Philadelphia for more secure
protection. But the Paxton men were satisfied with nothing short
of the extermination of the tribe, alleging, however, that
one or two of the hostile Indians were still among the
Indians protected by the civil authority at Lancaster.
Concealing themselves at night near Lancaster, they
waited until the next day (27th December), when the
whole community was engaged in the solemnities of the

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 51
sanctuary ; then, riding suddenly into town in a gallop, the
band seized upon the keeper of the work-house and over
powered him, and rushing into the prison, the work of
death was speedily accomplished. The poor Indians,
about fourteen in number, were left weltering in gore,
while the Paxton men left the town in the same haste
with which they entered it. The alarm was raised
through the town, but before the citizens could assem
ble, the "boys" were beyond their reach. In consequence
of this affair, the Morovian Indians at Wyalusing and
Nain, who had come to Philadelphia for protection, were
removed to Province Island, near that city, and placed
under the charge of the garrison.
The Paxton men, elated by their recent success, as
sembled in great numbers early in January, and threat
ened to march to Philadelphia in a body, and destroy the
Indians there. The people of the city were prodigiously
alarmed, and several companies of foot, horse and ar
tillery were formed to repel the expected attack. The
Paxton men, who had approached the Schuylkill on their
march, finding such a force prepared to receive them, re
turned home."
Rev. John Elder, in a letter to Gov. John Penn, dated
Paxton, December 16, 1763,, says: "On receiving intelli
gence, the 13th inst., that a number of persons were as
sembling on purpose to go and cut off the Conestoga In
dians, in concert with Mr. Forster, the neighboring mag
istrate, I hurried off with a written message to that
party, entreating them to desist from such an undertak
ing, representing to them the unlawfulness and barbarity
of such an action; that it was cruel and un-Christian in
its nature, and would be fatal in its consequences to
themselves and families.
In another letter to Gov. Penn, Rev. Mr. Elder de
scribes Mr. Stewart (one of the Paxton boys) as. hu-

52 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
mane, liberal and religious. In a subsequent letter to the
Governor, he says : "The storm which had been so long
gathering has at length exploded.
Had Government removed the Indians from Cones
toga, which had frequently been urged without success,
this painful catastrophe might have been avoided. What
could I do with men heated to madness? All that I
could do was done; I expostulated, but life and reason
were set at defiance. And yet the men in private life are
virtuous and respectable; not cruel, but mild and merci
ful. The time will come when each palliating circum
stance will be calmly weighed. This deed, magnified into
the blackest of crimes, shall be considered as one of the
youthful ebullitions of wrath caused by momentary ex
citement, to which human infirmity is subjected."
There is no doubt that the massacre was committed by
the younger and more hot-headed members of the Rev.
Col. Elder's corps of Rangers, residing at and about
Harris' Ferry, joined as they proceeded on their way to
the fated village, by residents of Derry and Donegal
townships, who were led on by one Lazarus Stewart, a
daring partizan, and a man of considerable influence and
standing in the Paxton settlement.
The following extracts are from a series of historical
papers written by Redmond Conyngham, Esq., of Lan
caster :
"Imagination cannot conceive the perils with which the
settlement of Paxton was surrounded from 1754 to
1765. To portray each scene of horror would be impos
sible; the heart shrinks from the attempt. The settlers
were goaded on to desperation; murder followed mur
der; scouts brought in intelligence that the murderers
were traced to Conestoga. Rifles were loaded, horses
were in readiness. They mounted; they called on their
pastor to lead them. He was then in the fifty-seventh

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 53
year of his age. Had you seen him then you would have
beheld a superior being. He had mounted,, not to lead
them on to the destruction of Conestoga, but to deter
them from the attempt. He implored them to return ; he
urged them to reflect; pause, pause, before you proceed.'
It was in vain; 'the blood of the murdered cries alound
for vengeance ; we have waited long enough on Govern
ment ; the murderers are within our reach, and they must
not escape. Col. Elder reminded them that 'the guilty
and innocent cannot be distinguished.' 'Innocent ! can
they be called innocent who foster murderers?' Mr.
Elder rode up in front, and said, 'As your pastor, I com
mand you to relinquish your design.' 'Give way then,'
said one Smith, 'or your horse dies,' presenting his rifle.
To save his horse, to which he was much attached, Mr.
Elder drew him aside, and the Rangers were off on their
fatal errand." SMITHES NARRATIVE OF THE MASSACRE.
A Mr: Smith, one of the "Paxton Boys," thus narrated
the particulars of the massacre :
"I was an early settler in Paxton, a member of the con
gregation of the Rev. Mr. Elder. I was one of the chief
actors in the destruction of Conestoga, and in storming
the work-house in Lancaster. I have been stigmatized
as a murderer. No man, unless he were living at that
time in Paxton, could have an idea of the sufferings and
anxieties of the people. For years the Indians had been
on the most friendly terms; but some of the traders had
been bought by the French ; these corrupted the Indians.
The savages unexpectedly destroyed our dwellings and
murdered the unsuspicious. When we visited the wig
wams in the neighborhood, we found the Indians occu
pied in harmless sports or domestic work. There ap-

54 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
peared no evidence that they were in any way instru
mental in the bloody acts perpetrated on the frontiers.
Well do I remember the evening when

stopt at my door; judge my surprise when I heard his
tale: 'Four followed the Indians to the Big Is
land; from thence they went to Conestoga; five of us,
 ,  ,  ,  , rode off for the village.
I left my horse under their care, and cautiously crawled
where I could get a view. I saw Indians arrived — they
were strangers; they outnumbered us by dozens. I re
turned without being discovered. We meet to-night at
 ; we shall expect you with knife, gun, and ammu
nition.' We met, and our party, under cover of night,
rode off for Conestoga. Our plan was well laid; the
scout who had traced the Indians was with us; the vil
lage was stormed and reduced to ashes. The moment
we were perceived an Indian fired at us, and rushed for
ward, brandishing his tomahawk. Tom cried, 'mark
him,' and he fell pierced by more than one ball — ran up
and cried out, 'it is the villain who murdered my mother.'
This speech roused to vengeance, and Conestoga lay
harmless before us. Our worst fears had been realized ;
these Indians who had been housed and fed as the pets
of the Province, were now proved to be our secret foes ;
necessity compelled us to do as we did.
We mounted our horses and returned. Soon we were
informed that a number of Indians were in the work
house at Lancaster.  was sent to Lancaster to get
all the news he could. He reported that one of the In
dians concerned in recent murders was there in safety;
also, that they talked of rebuilding Conestoga, and plac
ing these Indians in the new buildings.
A few of us met to deliberate. Stewart proposed to
go to Lancaster, storm their castle, and carry off the
assassin; it was agreed to; the whole plan was arranged.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 55
Our clergyman did not approve of our proceeding fur
ther. He thought everything was accomplished by the
destruction of Conestoga, and advised us to try what we
could do with the Governor and Council. I, with the rest,
was opposed to the measure proposed by our good pas
tor. It was painful for us to act in opposition to his will,
but the Indian in Lancaster was known to have murdered
the parent of  , one of our party.
The plan was made. Three were chosen to break in
the doors, five to keep the keepers, &c, from meddling;
Captain Stewart to remain outside, with about twelve
men, to protect those within, to prevent surprise, and
keep charge of the horses. The three were to secure the
Indian, tie him with strong cords, and deliver him to
Stewart. If the three were resisted, a shot was to be
fired as a signal. I was one of them who entered; you
know the rest; we fired; the Indians were left without
life, and we rode hastily from Lancaster. Two of the
Indians killed at Lancaster were recognized as murderers.
This gave quiet to the frontiers, for no murder of our
defenceless inhabitants has since happened."
Mr. Smith, the above narrator, after the Revolution,
went to Milton, Northumberland county; his son, Wilson
Smith, removed to Erie, and represented that district in
the Senate of Pennsylvania in 1812-13.
Stewart, soon after the massacre, joined the Con
necticut men, and became very conspicious in the civil
wars of Wyoming. He was once taken prisoner there,
and delivered to the sheriff of York county; but his
rangers rescued him, and he suddenly appeared with
them again at Wyoming. He was slain there during
the Revolution, in the disastrous battle of the 3d July,
1778. A proclamation was issued by the Governor,express-
ing the strongest indignation at the outrages at Cones-

56 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
toga and Lancaster, and offering a reward for the arrest
of the perpetrators ; but sucti was the state of public opin
ion in the interior counties that no one dared to bring
the offenders to justice, although they mingled openly
among their fellow citizens.
PAXTON DURING THE REVOLUTION.
Tradition and the records bear ample testimony that
the first settlers of Paxton were not wanting in patriot
ism. At the first sound of alarm, these heroic farmers
flocked eagerly around the standard of their country, and
their blood was shed on many battle-fields of the Rev
olution. JOHN HARRIS FURNISHES SUPPLIES.
"When Independence was first agitated, John Harris
thought the declaration premature. He feared the Col
onies were unequal to the task of combating with Grrat
Britain ; but when Independence was declared, he at once
espoused the popular cause. Upon this occasion it is stated
he took his mother aside, and in the presence of one of his
sons, read to her the Declaration of Independence from
a Philadelphia paper. When he concluded it, he observed
that the "act was now done,' and that 'we must take sides
either for or against the country. The war in which we
are about to engage cannot be carried on without money.
Now we have £3,000 in the house, and if you are agreed,
I will take the money to Philadelphia, and put it into the
public treasury, to carry on the war. If we succeed in
obtaining our independence we may lose the money, as
the Government may not be able to pay it back, but we
will get our land.' His mother agreed to this proposi
tion, and he carried the money to Philadelphia, where he
deposited it in the treasury, and took certificates. After
the war, he sold these for 17s. 6d. in the pound. After

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 57
the debt was funded, certificates rose to twenty-five shil
lings for the pound." — G. W. Harris, Esq.
Three of Mr. Harris' sons, David, William, and John,
were officers in the Revolutionary Army — the former a
Colonel, and the two latter Captains.
CITIZENS OF PAXTON AND DERRY OFFER THEIR SERVICES.
Rev. John Elder wrote as follows to the "Committee
of Safety," at Philadelphia :
"Paxton, 21st February, 1776.
"Gentlemen: If offers for the several companies al
lowed to complete the Battallion to be raised now in this
Province are not yet appointed, I would beg leave to rec
ommend Mr. Wm. Bell for a Captaincy, or a first Lieu-
tenantcy; he is a young gentleman of good character,
and well esteemed in this part of the country, and from
his influence and agreeable disposition can, I think, in a
short time engage a number of stout young men, farmers'
sons, well affected to the American cause, and who may
be expected to serve from principle and a due regard to
liberty, but who will not enlist under officers they are un
acquainted with.
I am, gentlemen, your humble serv't, John Elder."
Hon. Valentine Hummel, Sr., of Harrisburg, has
in his possession, carefully preserved in a frame and
glass, a manuscript containing the original agreement of
certain settlers residing in Derry township, to serve in
the battallion commanded by James Burd. The first
name attached to it is that of Judge Hummel's father,
then a very young man. The document reads as follows :
"July 25th, 1776. — This is to certify that we, the asso
ciates of Derry Township, in Lancaster County, Province
of Pennsylvania, in the fourth Battalino, commanded by
5

58 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
James Burd, Colonel, do bind ourselves in all the rules
and regulations made by the Honorable Congress in con
vention, for the militia of this Province."
The following is the same date, and written immediate
ly under, in German, and then the names are attached :
"Derry Township, July 25, 1776.— We the undersigned,
are willing to serve in the fourth Battalion, commanded
by Col. James Burd agreeably to order of Congress and
agree to serve until the first day of November, 1776, in
the land service of the country, in favor of the flag of
Liberty. Frederick Hummel, Alexander Montgomery, David
Hummel, Philip Blessing, Philip Fishburn, Henry Miller,
Nicholas Zimmerman, Samuel Ramsey, Peter Grove,
Mathias Hoover John McFarlane, George Lower, Thos.
Roulin." (This document is still in possession of Rev.
Valentine Hummel Berghaus of this city.)
HARRIS LOOKS AFTER THE RESOURCES OF THE COUNTRY.
On the 20th of March, 1776, John Harris wrote to the
committee of safety, informing that body that "a large
quantity of pitch and tar may be made up the Susque
hanna, Juniata, &c, which, if wanted for the public use,
may be brought down the river in boats to Middletown,
and from thence to Philadelphia." He also states that,
"there are some good four pounder cannons at Sunberry,
cannon balls, swivels, &c."
JOHN HARRIS TO PRESIDENT WHARTON ON THE STATE OF
AFFAIRS. "Paxton, January 29, 1778.
Sir : The bearer, Col. Wm. M'Eleary, is an honest man,
and a true friend to the glorious cause of liberty, going
down for aid to defend our frontiers against the en-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 59
croachments of the savages I am of opinion that the In
dians will take an active part next spring (for or against
us,) as their young men dont understand acting as neu
trals in time of war; and unless they, the Western In
dians, deliver up hostiges to the United States immedi
ately, or sends a number of their warriors to our camp
to join us, we may depend upon an Indian war taking
place against us, and ought to prepare for it as well as
our present circumstances will admit. A defensive war
against savages will never do the needful.
However prudent and necessary it may be to grant
assistance to several parts of the frontiers, &c, at par
ticular times, and when we are assured that a general
Indian war will take place, we must attack them in their
own country at all hazards. If a French war takes place,
I hope we may be eased of an Indian war, which will be
a great mercy. I make free to give your honor my sen
timents of the times, and conclude
Your Honor's humble servant. John Harris.
Hon. Thos. Wharton."
JOHN HARRIS OFFERS HIS SERVICES TO TRANSPORT
SUPPLIES.
The situation of the people of Northumberland county
in the spring of 1778, was imminently critical. A large
party of Indians, Tories and English had entered the
county and commenced a war of extermination upon
the settlers, who, being without the means of defence,
fell an easy prey to the enemy. It was to furnish sup
plies to these settlers that prompted Mr. Harris to write
the following letter to the Vice President of the Exec
utive Council: "Paxton, June 3d, 1778.
Sir: I have received several letters from Col. Hunter

60 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
lately, mentioning the distressed situation of Northum
berland county, &c. It appears absolutely necessary that
some person should receive, store, provide and forward
any stores the public may order up the Susquehanna,
Juniata, &c, during the present Indian war. A quantity
of flour is wanted; not a cask or bag to put it in. The
inhabitants are leaving said county in great numbers. I
pity my bleeding country, and am willing to assist the
supplying the county of Northumberland by any means
in my power, or forward any article up the different
branches of this river from time to time. I am as good
a judge of the navigation, in either boat or canoe, on our
river as can be found. I expect to send up a quantity of
stores to the lead mines, up Juniata, at Water Street, as
soon as I receive a letter from Mr. Roberdeau, which I
hourly expect. The present flood, to convey by water,
should not be lost, as perhaps no other may happen till
next fall. The Quartermaster can furnish provisions for
boatmen or any necessary escorts, &c. If the inhabitants
in their fright are suffered to move off as they are doing,
and assistance not soon sent up, the crops will be lost in
many frontier places, that may be saved by their getting
timely aid from the public. A quantity of arms, some
powder and lead, is here for Northumberland county,
which I expect will be forwarded to-morrow. There's
two good store-houses at my dwelling plantation, ex
clusive of a cellar fifty feet by forty, under my dwelling
house, so that there's plenty of store room for the public
use if wanted. There's a great concourse of public wa
gons, &c, with stores, on the Reading road, too few
flats at the Ferry here, and what there is will not be
properly attended, that the public may suffer for want
of a few men employed by the public (to assist in my
opinion.) I have rented my Tavern, Ferry, &c, and am
at leisure to assist the transport ing stores, &c, up the

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 61
Susquehanna as offered, if proper instructions are sent
me. You'll please write to me by bearer, Mr. Whitsell,
if you judge necessary.
I am, sir, with the greatest esteem,
Your most obed't and most humble serv't,
John Harris.
Hon George Bryan.
P. S. — Excuse haste and blunders. J. H."
WYOMING REFUGEES SEEK PROTECTION AT HARRIS FERRY.
In July, 1778, a large number of the survivors of the
Wyoming massacre arrived at Harris' Ferry in boats
and flats to seek protection from the enemy. The follow
ing letter from Col. Matthew Smith alludes to this cir
cumstance as follows: "PaxTang, July 12, 10 o'clock, 1778.
Sir: I am this moment arrived at Harris' Ferry, and
just now behold the greatest scene of distress I ever saw;
the numerous poor ran away from their habitations, and
left their all, and several families lost, part killed and
scalped on their retreat; the most cruel butcheries ever
known are practiced, wounded and others thrown into
fires while yet living. The inhabitants, however, are
much distressed; the Wyoming people are undoubtedly,
by last accounts, entirely defeated. Northumberland
county is evacuated. Not more than one hundred men
with Col. Hunter at Sunbury; the Blue Mountain (five
miles above Harrisburg) is now the frontier; and I am
afraid Lancaster county will shortly follow the example
of the other county. The stores at Carlisle are something
very considerable. I doubt not their object is to destroy
that place. I am informed there is not that care taken
that should be. I think it would be necessary to appoint
some careful officer at that place, that would do the duty
more punctually.

62 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
This party is large, having Col. Butler at their head,
one hundred regular troops at first, about the same num
ber of Tories, but is increased in two or three times that
number; seven hundred Indians, all around in a most
formidable manner, every one of them exclusive
of guns and tomahawks, as usual, each one
has a large spontoon, and as soon as engaged, rushes on
in a most dreadful manner. It is said they have field
pieces, or swivels, and a number of light horse.
It is the earnest request of all friends of their country,
as well as your humble servant, that something shall be
done in the greatest haste. Be pleased to send an order
for what arms are ready at Lancaster and Hummels-
town, also for amunition, and I shall exert every nerve
in forwarding matters to the spot the men shall collect.
I am yours, &c,
Mathew Smith."
harris' ferry a supply depot for the army.
It would seem that Harris' Ferry was a depot for
army supplies during the Revolution. Col. Hartley wrote
to President Reed, May n, 1779, that "the Commissary
in this county (York) had exerted himself very much
in procuring provisions for the troops on the Susque
hanna. The expedition on these waters must greatly de
pend upon the supplies from hence; but unfortunately
no wagons, can be provided in the ordinary course to
transport the flour to Harris' Ferry, where the boats
are to receive the same."
Middletown, in this county, is also noticed in the Colo
nial Records as being a supply depot for the army.
COL. SMITH PROPOSES RELIEF TO THE SETTLERS IN
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY.
The earnest appeal of the struggling settlers of North-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 63
umberland county for succor, was quickly responded to
by the Paxtonians, as will be seen by the following letter
from Col. Smith: "Paxtang, July 31, 1779.
"Sir: I take the opportunity of conveying a few lines
by the bearer, John Gilchrist, Esq., (a member of the
House of Assembly,) who, I think, was pitched upon,
thinking he might have more influence with Council than
another that might as quickly deliver the dispatches.
For my part, I think the distresses of the Northumber
land county people, equal, if not superior, to anything
that has happened to any part of the continent since the
commencement of the present war. You will see the late
accounts, in some measure, by the letters enclosed by Mr.
M'Clay (Maclay?) ; I believe only in some measure, as
the accounts is almost every minute arriving by people
who have escaped the enemy, that, if true, are indeed
truly alarmjng. The accounts this moment is, the town
of Northumberland is evacuated; if so, then Sunbury
will soon follow the example, and the same frontier will
be where it was twenty years past. This day the town
ship of Paxtang met to appoint a committee to act in
conjunction with other parts of the State to fix and lower
the prices. As soon as the letters came to hand, Messrs.
Elder, M'Clay, and myself attended, had the whole mat
ter laid before the people, that was no inconsiderable
number, and proposed a scheme for volunteers to turn
out immediately for the relief of the distressed people.
We have fixed Sunday morning, at 8 o'clock, to march,
when I doubt not at least fifty men will go that way, as
the distress was so great. Everything has been done to
encourage, but no promise of reward absolutely given.
I know the difficulty of getting the militia out; this
method in the meantime, in hopes to stop the progress
of the enemy, if the volunteers can be allowed wages,

64 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
or even their expenses, it will be acceptable if it cannot
he done. A few lines from your Excellency and Council,
will be truly acceptable to me, and I will make the best
use of it in my power, as I assure you I have made every
proposal in my power, and perhaps more; but as the
greater number now going from this battallion is officers,
I hope to make the matter more easy than if they were
generally privates. If you write by the bearer direct to
Northumberland county, as I will be there two or three
weeks from this date, if the country is not entirely
broken up. Your humble servant,
Matt. Smith.
His Excellency Joseph Reed."
THE PAXTONIANS AFTER THE ENEMY.
Col. Smith again wrote to President Reed, on the
3d of August, 1779, informing him that he "had arrived
at Sunbury with sixty Paxtang boys," and that "the
neighboring townships turns out a number of volunteers.
Cumberland county will give a considerable assistance;
to-morrow at 12 o'clock is fixed for the time of march;"
that "provisions is scarce," but that "they will follow
the savages and hope to come at them, and if they do will
give a good account."
THE ICE AND PUMPKIN ELOODS.
The ice flood happened in the winter of i784-'85, and
the pumpkin flood in the fall of 1787. During the ice
flood, the low ground about Harris' graveyard was cov
ered with water, and the ferry flats were tied to the
bars of the cellar windows of the stone house (now
Pensylvania Female College.) On that occasion the wa
ter rose into the first story of Judge Carson's house,
above Harrisburg, and a considerable part of the river
ran around the house and down Paxton creek. The
fences on its route were generally carried away. During

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 65
the pumpkin flood, the ground about the graveyard was
also covered with water, and the pumpkins, carried off
chiefly from the Yankees in Wyoming valley, were
strewed in profusion over the low ground below Har
risburg." — Preface to Napey's Harrisburg Directory.
It is evident, by the extracts appended below, that the
dates given in the above statement are inaccurate. The
ice flood above alluded to is thus described by th ecele-
brated Dr. Benjamin Rusk, in a letter to the editor of the
Columbian Magazine for November, 1786:
"The winter of i783-'84 was uncommonly cold, inas
much that the mercury in Farenheit's thermometer stood
several times at 5 degrees below o. The snows were
frequent, and in many places from two to three feet
deep during the greatest part of the winter. All the riv
ers in Pennsylvania were frozen so as to bear wagons
and sleds of immense weights. In the month- of January
a thaw came on suddenly, which opened our rivers so as
to set the ice a-driving, to use the phrase of the coun
try. In the course of one night during the thaw, the
wind shifted suddenly to the northwest, and the weather
became intensely cold. The ice, which had floated the
day before, was suddenly obstructed; and in the river
Susquehanna the obstructions were formed in those
places where the water was most shallow, or where it
had been accustomed to fall. This river is several hun
dred miles in length, and from a half a mile to a mile
and a half in breadth, and winds through a hilly, and in
many places a fertile and highly cultivated country. It
has as yet a most difficult communication with our bays
and the sea, occasioned by the number and height of the
falls which occur near the mouth of the river. The ice
in many places, especially where there were falls, formed
a kind of dam of a most stupendous height. About
the middle of March our weather moderated, and a thaw

66 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
became general. The effects of it were remarkable in
all our rivers, but in none so much as in the river I have
mentioned. I shall therefore endeavor, in a few words
to describe them. Unfortunately the dams of ice did
not give way all at once, nor those which lay nearest to
the mouth of the river first. While the upper dams were
set afloat by the warm weather, the lower ones, which
were the largest, and in which, of course, the ice was
most impacted, remained fixed. In consequence of this
the river rose in a few hours, in many places, above
thirty feet, rolling upon its surface large lumps of ice
from ten to forty cubic feet in size. The effects of this
sudden inundation were terrible, whole farms were laid
under water. Barns, stables, horses, cattle, fences, mills
of every kind, and in one instance a large stone house,
forty by thirty feet, were carried down the stream.
Large trees were torn up by the roots, several small is
lands covered with woods were swept away, and not a
vestage of them was left behind. On the barns which
preserved their shape, in some instances, for many miles
were to be seen living fowls ; and in one dwelling a can
dle was seen to burn for some time after it was swept
from its foundation. Where the shore was level, the
lumps of ice and the ruins of houses and farms were
thrown a quarter of a mile from the ordinary height of
the river. In some instances farms were ruined by the
mould being swept from them by the cakes of ice, or by
depositions of sand; while others were enriched by large
depositions of mud. The damage, upon the whole, done
to the state of Pennsylvania by this fresh, was very
great. In most places it happened in the daytime, or the
consequences must have been fatal to many thousands."
A writer in Hazzard's Register for 1832, who claimed
to be in possession of a record of all the great floods that
occurred in the Susquehanna since 1744, says: "

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 67
"The first regular flood on record is that of 1744; the
second occurred in 1758; the third in 1772; the fourth
in March, 1784; the fifth, known as the 'great pumpkin
fresh,' happened in September, 1786; the sixth in the
spring of 1800; the seventh in August, 1814; and the
eighth in August, 181 7."
ERECTION OF DAUPHIN COUNTY, AND HARRIS' FERRY MADE
THE SEAT OF JUSTICE.
Dauphin county, named in honor of a son of Louis
XVI., was created out of a part of Lancaster county, and
Harris' Ferry made the seat of justice thereof, by an act
of Assembly dated March 4, 1785. The act is entitled,
"An act for erecting part of the county of Lancaster into
a separate county." The first, second, third, fourth, fifth
and sixth sections provides for the name and bounda
ries of the county. The seventh section directs the Court
to sit for the said county of Dauphin near Harris' Ferry,
in the months of February, May, August and November,
yearly for the dispatch of the public business of said
county. The eighth section provides that it shall and may be
lawful to and for Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew
Stewart, James Cowden, and William Brown, of Paxton,
or any three of them, to take asseverance to them and
their heirs of such lot or piece of ground as shall be laid
out and approved of by the said commissioners, or any
three of them, for the erecting of a court-house and goal
thereupon, in trust and for the use of the inhabitants of
the said county of Dauphin, and thereupon to erect a
court-house and prison sufficient to accommodate the
public service of the said county.
The ninth section gives the commissioners power to as
sess and levy taxes for building the same.

68 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The tenth section provides that the sum of money so
raised shall not exceed £1,500.
HARRIS PROPOSES TO LAY OUT A TOWN AT HIS FERRY.
Previous to the passage of the above act, Mr. Harris
had made the following proposals to the General As
sembly, which, perhaps, influenced that body to select
Harris' Ferry as the seat of justice for the new county:
"Philadelphia, March 3, 1784.
Proposals of John Harris for the laying out of a Town
on his Land, on the river Susquehanna.
That the said John Harris will immediately (if en
couraged by Government) lay out a Town of Two hun
dred lots, on the high grounds above his present dwelling
house, the lots of about the Quantity of a Quarter of an
acre, each in such form, with respect to streets, lanes and
alleys, as the Commissioners may approve, a large street
to be let for publick landings along the River side. That
the said John Harris agrees that the Honorable Assem
bly of this Commonwealth shall appoint commissioners
to value his said lots, after reserving Twenty Lots for
his own use: That the s'd John Harris will convey all
the streets, lanes and alleys, to the inhabitants of s'd
Town, & will convey to proper commissioners a lot for
a Court House & Jail, and a square of Four Acres to the
State of Pensilvania, for such purposes as the Govern
ment may apply the same. The applyers to have it at
their choice to take the lots on a reasonable Ground-rent,
or to purchase the fee simple of the same : The Commis
sioners in both cases to be Judges : That as soon as the
s'd Two Hundred lots are built on or disposed of, should
there be a further demand for lots, the s'd John Harris
engages, that the Publick shall be accommodated at a
reasonable rate. John Harris."

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 69
THE TOWN LAID OUT  DEED OF CONVEYANCE TO THE
COMMISSIONERS.
The town proposed by Harris was laid out in the spring
of 1785, by William Maclay, who was a son-in-law of Mr.
Harris. Mr. M. also made the draft of the town, and
drew up the following conveyances from John Harris to
the commissioners : "July 6th, 1785.
* * * "By virtue of which said several grants, devices
and conveyances the title to the land on which the town
of Harrisburg in the county of Dauphin is situated is
legally vested in the said John Harris, his heirs and as
signs; and whereas in and by a certain bond or obliga
tion duly executed by the said John Harris to the State
of Pennsylvania for the sum of five thousand pounds law
ful monies of the same State bearing date the 4th day of
March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hun
dred and eighty-five conditioned for the faithful perform
ance of all and singular the agreements promises engage
ments, articles, matters and things which he had therein
undertaken to do and perform, among other things did
covenant to, and with Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew
Stewart, James Cowden and William Brown as follows:
Whereas the Representatives of the freeman of the
said Commonwealth in General Assembly met, in and by
a certain bill before them now depending have resolved to
erect part of the county of Lancaster into a separate
county to be known and called by the name of the coun
ty of Dauphin, and that the seat of Justice in the said
county of Dauphin shall be fixed at or near the place of
the said John Harris' residence, and that Joshua Elder,
Jacob Awl, Andrew Stewart, Wm. Brown and James
Cowden or any three of them shall be commissioners for
certain purposes, in the said bill mentioned ; And Where-

70 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
as the said John Harris in order to promote the good in
tentions of the said General Assembly in fixing the seat
of Justice at the said place to enable the said commission
ers to regulate the laying out a county town there to
public advantage, and to promote the more speedy set
tlement thereof by a liberal encouragement to purchasers
hath promised, covenanted, and agreed to and with the
said commissioners, that as soon as the said bill shall be
passed into a law he, the said John Harris will without
delay lay out two hundred lots containing about one
quarter acre each on the high grounds near his dwelling
house on the bank of the river Susquehanna as a site for
the said county town, and with the same lots shall be
laid out such streets, lanes and alleys as the said com
missioners or a majority of them shall direct, which
streets shall be confirmed for public use forever; and
that he will also lay out a large street along the river for
public landing places ; And Whereas the said John Har
ris in consideration of the promises and other good caus
es has also promised covenanted and agreed to and with
the said intended commissioners that in case the said bill
shall be passed into a law he will upon request convey
to the said commissioners or any three of them and
their heirs a sufficient lot of ground for erecting a
Court House and goal thereon in trust for the use of the
inhabitants of the said county of Dauphin." [Here fol
lows a quotation from the act erecting the new county.]
"Now this indenture witnesseth that in consideration of
the premises and for and in consideration of the sum of
five shillings lawful money of Pennsylvania to them the
said John Harris and Mary his wife in hand paid by the
said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James
Cowden and William Brown at and before the ensealing
and delivery of these presents the receipt of which sum
of five shillings they the said John Harris and Mary his

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 71
wife do hereby acknowledge, and thereof, and every
thereof do acquit release the said Jacob Awl, Joshua El
der, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and William
Brown their and each of their heirs executors administra
tors and assigns, and every of them have granted bar
gained sold released enfeoffed and confirmed and by
these presents do grant bargain, sell allien, release en
feoff and confirm unto the said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder,
Andrew Stewart, James Cowden and Wm. Brown their
heirs and assigns all the streets, lanes alleys or high
ways as laid out by the commissioners of, in, and for the
town of Harrisburg aforesaid in the county of Dauphin
the butts, boundaries, courses, distances length and
breadth thereof are as follows :" [Front, Paxton, Second,
Market, Third, Pine, Locust, Walnut, Chestnut and Mul
berry streets ; River, Raspberry, Barbara, Cranberry,
Strawberry, Blackberry and Cherry alleys are
here described] ; "And' in consideration of the further
sum of five shillings lawful money aforesaid to them the
said John Harris and Mary his wife in hand well and
truly paid by the said Jacob Awl, And. Stewart, Joshua
Elder, James Cowden and Wm. Brown the receipt there
of is hereby acknowledged and thereof and every part
thereof the said Jacoh Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stew
art, James Cowden and Wm. Brown, their and each of
their heirs are fully acquitted and forever discharged,
have granted, bargained, sold, released alliened enfeoffed
and confirmed, and by these presents do grant bargain,
sell allien release, enfeoff and confirm unto them the
said Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, Jas.
Cowden and Wm. Brown, and their heirs and assigns
four certain lots of ground in the aforesaid town of Har
risburg, marked on the general plan of said town Nos.
120, 121, 142, 143, situated and bounded as follows: Be
ginning at a corner where Rasberry alley intersects Mar-

72 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ket street. Thence along the line of Market street, to the
line that divides lots No. 141 and 142 ; thence on the same
division line crossing Strawberry alley to Walnut street;
thence on the line of Walnut street to Raspberry alley;
thence down the line of said alley to the place of begin
ning." CONVEYANCE OF THE FERRY LOT.
On the 6th of July, 1785, "in consideration of the sum
of five shillings," John and Mary Harris also conveyed to
Jacob Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cow
den and Wm. Brown, in trust for the use of the public,
"a certain lot of ground in the town of Harrisburg,
called and known as the *'Ferry Lot,' beginning at a post
marked for a corner on the line of Front street, thence
north 37 degrees east 10 perches, to a corner; thence
53 degrees west 4 perches to a corner; thence south 37
degrees west 10 perches to the place of beginning, con
taining one quarter of an acre, together with all and
singular the rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments
and appurtenances whatsoever therunto belonging."
THE FUTURE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA
PREDICTED.
Impressed with a strong faith that this point on the
Susquehanna would be looked to, if not as a great com
mercial point, at least one possessing advantages from
its central position, and at that early day presenting
itself as the great crossing for the growing trade of the
western and northern settlements, Mr. Harris is said to
have observed to a gentleman, Mr. Hollenback, who af
terwards settled at Wilkesbarre, that this place would
become the seat of government of Pennsylvania; and so

* This lot was on river bank opposite Race street.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 73
strongly pursuaded was he of the realization of his
prophecy, that by deed dated July 6, 1785, he gave in
trust to the commissioners, for the use of the Common
wealth, in case the seat of government should be fixed
at Harrisburg, four acres and twenty-one perches of land,
being the present site of the State Arsenal.*
The following is an extract from the deed conveying
the same. It is recorded in book A, Recorder's Office :
"In consideration of the sum of five shillings, grant,
bargain, sell, release and enfeoff, and confirm unto Jacob
Awl, Joshua Elder, Andrew Stewart, James Cowden, and
William Brown, their heirs and assigns, in trust for
public use, and such purposes as the Legislature shall
hereafter direct, a certain lot or piece of ground, situated
in the said town of Harrisburg, in the said county of
Dauphin, marked on the general plan of the said town
"Public Ground," situated and bounded as follows: Be
ginning at a post marked for a corner on the lines of
Third and Walnut streets ; thence along the said Walnut
street, north thirty-seven degrees east seventeen perches
and a quarter to a post marked for a corner ; thence north
thirty-five degrees west thirty-one perches to a black
oak; thence south fifty-seven degrees west twenty-three
perches to a post marked for a corner on the line of Third
street; thence down the said street, south forty-five de
grees east thirty-seven perches to the place of beginning."
The late Thomas P. Cope, of Philadelphia, informed
George W. Harris, Esq., in 1846, that he was at the house
of John Harris, on the present site of Harrisburg, he
thinks, about the year 1785. He ate breakfast with Mr.
Harris, who expressed to him the opinion that the place
(Harrisburg) would become the seat of government of

*The first State Arsenal stood in Capital park, near the pres
ent site of the Mexican monument.
6

74 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Pennsylvania, and he pointed out the public hill as the
spot where the public buildings would be erected.
ATTEMPT TO FIX THE FEDERAL SEAT OF GOVERNMENT AT
OR NEAR HARRISBURG.
The question of fixing, permanently, the seat of the
Federal Government, began to occupy public attention
shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War; and
was strongly agitated in the Congress of 1789, then in
session at New York.
The question was first submitted to the House of Rep
resentatives of that body in the shape of the following
resolution, which, with the subsequent information, the
compiler gleans from the "Pennsylvania Packet," pub
lished at Philadelphia, in the year above stated :
"Resolved, That a permanent seat for the government
of the United States ought to be fixed as near the centre
of wealth, population and extent of territory as shall be
consistent with the convenience of the Atlantic naviga
tion, having also a due regard to the circumstances of
the western country."
Adopted.Mr. Goodhue observed that the members from the
Eastern and Northern States had contemplated the sub
ject of a permanent seat of the Federal Government with
deliberation. They had turned their eyes to different
parts of the country, and had at last, after a mutual and
full consultation, came to an agreement that the banks of
the Susquehanna was as far South and as near the center
of the population and extent of territory as was consist
ent with other circumstances important to the country.
They felt disposed to be governed by principles of ac
commodation, and were of opinion that the banks of

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 75
the Susquehanna ought to be chosen for the permanent
residence of Congress. He concluded by reading a res
olution to this effect.
Mr. Hartley supported the resolution, and pointed out
Wright's Ferry as an eligible place.
Mr. Lee moved to amend, by fixing the seat of govern
ment on the Potomac instead of the Susquehanna. Not
agreed to — yeas 20, nays 31.
Mr. Madison proposed to amend, by leaving it discre
tional to be either on the Potomac or the Susquehanna.
Not agreed to — yeas 20, nays 31.
On a subsequent day, the House of Representatives,
in committee of the whole, proceeded to consider the
resolution of Mr. Goodhue, which read as follows:
"Resolved, In the opinion of this committee, that the
permanent seat of government of the United States ought
to be at some convenient place on the east bank of the
Susquehanna river, in the State of Pennsylvania," &c.
Mr. Heister moved to insert after the words "Susque
hanna river," the words "between Harrisburg and Mid-
dletown, inclusive."
A lengthy and spirited debate occurred, participated
in by nearly all the principal members of the House ; those
from the Northern and Eastern States generally favoring
the amendment, and those from the South opposing it.
The, amendment was finally lost.
Several other amendments were proposed and lost ; and
the original resolution was carried.
In Committee of the Whole House next day, it was
resolved that the Secretary of the Treasury be directed
to borrow the sum of $100,000, to be repaid in twenty
years, with five per cent, interest, for the purpose of
erecting the necessary buildings on the bank of the Sus
quehanna.

76 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Mr. Fitzsimmons moved for the "appointment of com
missioners to examine and report upon the most eligible
situation for the public buildings on the Susquehanna;
and that they be authorized, by and with the advice of the
President, to purchase such quantity of lands as may be
thought necessary," &c.
Mr. Hartley said the State of Pennsylvania, both by its
convention and Legislature, had made the cession of the
jurisdiction by Congress over any district of ten miles
square in the State that might be selected for the seat of
government. The resolution of Mr. Fitzsimmons, after being so
amended as to make the acts of the commissioners subject
to the approval or rejection by the President, was adopt
ed — yeas 28, nays 21.
The resolution went to the Senate, which body struck
out all relating to the Susquehanna, and inserted a clause
fixing the permanent seat of government at Germantown,
Pa. The House at first agreed to the clause, but refused to
concur with some subsequent action of the Senate there
on ; and pending the further consideration of the subject,
Congress adjourned sine die for that year.
At the session of 1790, the question was again brought
before Congress, and created an intense excitement
throughout the country. The Northern and Eastern
members were strenuous in their efforts to prevent the
seat of government being located south of the Susque
hanna river; while, on the other hand, the Southern and
Western members were just as active in their labors to
prevent it being located on the Susquehanna, or at any
point north or east of that river. The vote on the ques
tion was divided equally.
Finally, this sectional feeling became so strong as to
endanger the safety of the Union itself, and Washington,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 77
Jefferson, Hamilton, and other patriots, earnestly sought
to effect a compromise, but were unsuccessful.
At last, by changing the votes of one or two of the
Northern members, brought about through the instru
mentality of Mr. Jefferson, a bill, pretty much in the
shape of that proposed at the previous session, passed
Congress, fixing the site of the seat of government on
the banks of the Potomac, at such place as should be se
lected by commissioners under the direction of the Pres
ident. APPEARANCE OF THE TOWN WHEN FIRST LAID OUT —
INCIDENTS.
The following incidents originally appeared in Napey's
Directory, and were written by George W. Harris, Esq. :
"When the town was first laid out, the old orchard [be
longing to the mansion house, now the Pennsylvania Fe
male College] extended up to about the line of Mulberry
street. About the intersection of Mulberry street with
Second street, was a ridge from which the ground de
scended from six to ten feet to the present Market
Square, [the ground in and about which was of a swampy
character,] and the water ran from the Square upwards
and into the river, along the channel which is under the
bridge now erected across Front street, above Walnut.
At this time the ground above Market street was chiefly
in woods.
"Mr. Robert Harris, who died in the year 1851, fre
quently saw several bears killed in the river in one day.
In the fall of the year they would come down from the
mountains to the cornfields, and were quite abundant in
the neighborhood. It was quite common to see them
while riding along the roads. The farmers, when going
out to plough, would frequently take their guns to guard
against their depredations. On one occasion, Mr. Robert

78 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Harris, with his sister, Mrs. Hanna, were playing at the
river near the mouth of the run at the end of Walnut
street. A thicket of bushes extended up along the run.
Some boys came running from a barn on the bank, and
told them that two bears were coming down the run.
They scampered up the bank, when presently the bears
came along and took into the river.
"On another occasion a man named Rennox, with some
others, went in pursuit of a bear. When the canoe ap
proached near to it, Rennox made a stroke at the bear
with his socket pole, but missed it. He either lost his
balance or was drawn overboard by the weight of the
pole, and the bear struck him with his paw and tore his
cheek open.
"Wild turkies were also abundant here at this period.
John Harris shot wild turkies from the door of his store
house. Beaver and otter were then and afterwards killed
along Paxton creek, and on the islands in the neighbor
hood. "The town, as laid out by John Harris, extended as far
down the bank as Mulberry street, and the lot now oc
cupied by the 'Swan House,' corner of Front and Mul
berry streets, owned by the heirs of Valentine Egle, was
No. i on the plan of the town. In the course of a few
years afterwards he extended the plan down to Mary's
alley, which bounds the stone-house lot on the upper
side. His executors, in 1792, extended the plan of lots
further down.
"There is no house, except the building now occupied
by the Female College, on Front street, yet standing
within the limits of Harrisburg, which is certainly known
to have been erected before the town was laid out.
"John Hamilton erected the first permanent embellish
ment to the town, after Harris' stone house, by building

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 79
a brick house at the upper corner of Front street and
Blackberry alley, and the large establishment for his
store on the corner of Market square and Market street,
which was known a few years ago as the Washington
House,' but since replaced by a new structure, termed the
'Jones House.' Mr. Hamilton carried on an extensive
trade with the Western settlers. In place of the present
rapid mode of conveying merchandise and passengers to
Pittsburg, he kept large numbers of horses and mules,
and every few weeks his caravans set out 'for the West,'
ladened with salt, powder, lead, &c.
"The first clergyman established in the town was Rev.
Mr. Montgomery, a Presbyterian. His first discourse,
it is said, was delivered in the lot (Third and Cherry
avenue) where recently stood the ruins of the Presby
terian Church, on a pleasant afternoon in the month of
June. The congregation — the entire village — were shel
tered by two or three large apple trees and some noble
oaks, the primitive growth of the forest.
"Chief Justice M'Kean resided here for some time, at
least when Congress sat at York. He lived in a sub
stantial one story log house, a short distance above what
is now Locust street. He wore an immense cocked hat,
and had great deference shown him by the country people
and the straggling Indians, who had their village a short
distance from the town. When he and the other Judges
of the Supreme Court came to the town to hold court,
numbers of the citizens would go out on horseback to
meet them and escort them to town. Sometimes one or
two hundred people would attend on this occasion. And
each morning while the Chief Justice was in town hold
ing court, the sheriff and constables escorted him from
his lodgings to the court room. When on the Bench, he
sat with his cocked hat on, and was dressed in a scarlet
gown."

80 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
FIRST COURT AT HARRIS' FERRY.
The first courts in Dauphin county were held by Jus
tices of the Peace, and the earliest record of a court
reads :
"At a Court of Quarter Sessions holden near Harris'
Ferry, in and for the county of Dauphin, &c," on the
"third Tuesday of May, in the year of our Lord, 1785,"
before "Timothy Green, Samuel Jones and Jonathan
M'Clure, Esqrs., Justices of the same court."
The sheriff of Lancaster county exercised the same
office in Dauphin county.
The names of the Jurymen were : James Cowden ( fore
man), Robert Montgomery, John Gilchrist, Barefoot
Brunson, John Clark, Rowen M'Clure, John Carson,
John Wilson, William Crane, Archibald M'Allister, Rich
ard Dixon, John Pattimore, James Crouch, Jacob Awl,
William Brown, Andrew Stewart, James Rogers, Samuel
Stewart, John Cooper, Alexander Berryhill.
Alexander Graydon was the first Prothonotary ; An
thony Kelker the first Sheriff, and Rudolph Kelker the
first Deputy Sheriff.
The earliest record of a punishment is the account of
one inflicted on William Courtenay and James Lackey,
who were sentenced to receive eighteen lashes and pay
fifteen shillings sterling, on the 18th of August, 1785,
between the hours of four and six o'clock in the after
noon. Several records occur in which punishment was
inflicted by lashes and "standing in the pillory." An
unusually large number of the cases tried during the
first term were for horse stealing.
CHANGES IN THE NAME OF THE TOWN.
The minutes of the second court held in the town are
dated at "Harrisburg;" and on the 3d of August, 1786,
the following endorsement appears on the docket:

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 81
"The name of the County Town, or Seat of the Courts,
is altered from 'Harrisburg' to 'Louisbourg,' in conse
quence of the Supreme Executive Council of the Com
monwealth so styling it in the commissions of the Jus
tices of the said Town."
On the 1 6th day of May, 1791, the Docket contains the
following note:
"The name of the County Town is altered to Harris
burg, in pursuance of an act of Assembly creating it into
a borough under that name, passed 13th of April, 1791."
George W. Harris, Esq., relates that his father (the
late Robert Harris, Esq.) informed him that when the
act of Assembly was passed, in 1785, establishing Dauphin
county, it fixed the seat of government near Harris'
Ferry. The design was to leave to John Harris the priv
ilege of naming the town.
But the Chief Justice (M'Kean) and some of the
Judges of the Supreme Court conceived the notion that
as the county was called after the Dauphin of France,
the town should be called Louisbourg, after Louis XVI.
At this time the prejudices of the people ran high in
favor of France for the aid that kingdom had given
America during the Revolution. Besides, Judge M'Kean
and John Harris had had a personal difficulty, which
occurred about the time the former was leaving Harris
burg, after his residence here; and, perhaps, being in
fluenced by motives of hostility towards Mr. Harris, Mr.
M'Kean strongly urged that the town should be called
Louisbourg. Accordingly, in the first precept for holding the courts
here, the court was directed to be held at Louisbourg.
John Harris, however, told the Judges that they might
"Louisbourg" as much as they pleased, but that he would
never execute a title for any lot in any other name than
that of Harrisburg; and his determination prevailed.

82 annals of harrisburg.
the First court houses.
The building in which the first court at Harris' Ferry
was held, was a log house which stood until about 1843,
at the corner of what is now Washington avenue and
Front street; and the "pillory," or punishing place, was
in that neighborhood. The courts were afterward held
in the old log jail which formerly stood on the north
west side of Strawberry alley a short distance north
east of Raspberry alley (now Court Avenue), and in a
log house which formerly stood on the east side of Market
street, near Dewberry alley. From this place the court
moved into the present Court House, which it occupied
until December, 1812, when it vacated that building for
the use of the Legislature, which body occupied it until
January 2, 1822, when it took possession of the State
Capitol, as will appear hereafter.
When the court vacated the Court House it moved into
the then partially finished brick building, owned at the
time by Mr. Capp, now known as the "White Hall"
tavern. While here, the Commissioners of the county
erected the brick buildings opposite the "Franklin
House," corner of Walnut street and Raspberry alley,
into which the court moved, and which it occupied until
the Legislature vacated the present Court House, as
above stated.
The following is a list of the President Judges of the
Dauphin county courts since the adoption of the Consti
tution of 1790. It is derived from the "Executive Min
utes," in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth :
John Joseph Henry, commissioned December 16, 1793.
Walter Franklin, commissioned January 18, 1811.
Amos Ellmaker, commissioned July 3, 1815.
David Scott, commissioned December 21, 1816.
Samuel D. Franks, commmissioned July 29, 1818.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 83
Calvin Blythe, commissioned February i, 1830.
James M. Porter, commissioned July 1, 1839.
Anson V. Parsons, commissioned January 16, 1841.
Calvin Blythe, commissioned February 4, 1842.
Nathaniel B. Eldred, commissioned March 30, 1843.
John J. Pearson, commissioned April 7, 1849.
John J. Pearson, elected October 14, 1851.
st
CURIOUS CASE OF SWINDLING.
About the year 1790, there flourished among the poor
residents of the western part of Berks county, a noted
swindler named George Savin, alias Greene. He was a
man of talent, possessed a winning address, and was a
thorough master in quick and correct discernment of
character, which enabled him for a long time to prey upon
the purses of his credulous neighbors with impunity.
The following extract from 2d Yeats' Reports will ex
plain the character of his swindling operations :
"At Nisi Prius, at Harrisburg — October Assizes, 1798.
Corum, Yeats and Smith, Justices.
Abram Stout against Randolph Rassel.
Special action in the case. The plaintiff declared that
whereas George Savin, alias Green, was indebted to him
in £100, the defendant, in consideration that the plaintiff
promised to accept him as his debtor in the room of the
said George Savin, alias Green, on the 2d July, 1790,
promised to pay him the said £100 within six weeks from
that time or sooner, nevertheless, &c. Plea non assump
sit. The evidence on the trial turned out as follows :
Savin was an artful swindler, and gulled a number of
ignorant persons to deliver him divers sums of gold and
silver, under a pretence that he would double the amount
by some chemical process in a short period. He first

84 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
received, as if reluctantly, some small sums, and deliv
ered to the adventurers in his bank, (so called,) a few
days afterwards, genuine Spanish dollars, apparently
new, doubling the sums paid him. When his fame was
sufficiently known, and the avarice of the weak people
in the neighborhood highly inflamed, he soon got into his
custody considerable sums, and then decamped privately
in the night from his haunt — a retired place twelve miles
from Reading, and concealed himself in Dauphin county.
To his latter hiding place he was pursued by the plaintiff
and one Francis Umbehocker, two of his dupes, who of
fered a reward for apprehending him. The person whom
they made use of for this purpose ingeniously held out
to the defendant the lure of having £200 in specie at
home, ready to be put into Savin's bank, if he should
come to his house and receive it for multiplication.
Some strong suspicious circumstances were shown
against the defendant as being in connection with Savin.
The latter first came to the house, in pursuance of the
scheme, about ten o'clock at night of the 2d of July, 1790.
The plaintiff and Umbehocker lay concealed in the barn,
and were notified of Savin's presence. On their appear
ance Savin was alarmed, and desired them to walk up
stairs with him. On a signal given the defendant also
appeared, and some altercation occurred; but afterwards,
on being informed of their respective demands, he be
came security for Savin's appearance at his house the
next morning before day. Thither they all came on the
3d of July, 1790, and defendant promised to pay the
plaintiff his demand against Savin, £ioo, within six
weeks from that time, or sooner; and as Savin owed to
Umbehocker $303 11, to pay him $100 down, and the res
idue on the Tuesday following, at the same house in
Dauphin county. Whereupon Savin was set at liberty.
Verdict pro quer for £ 149 17s. 6d. damages. Messrs.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 85
Clymer and Reed pro quer. Messrs. Ingersoll, Hopkins
and Fisher pro def.
A motion was afterwards made for a new trial, and a
rule to show cause obtained; but the argument coming
on in December term, 1799, the defendant's counsel dis
charged the rule."
THE TOWN INCORPORATED INTO A BOROUGH.
The act to erect the town of Harrisburg into a borough
was passed on the 13th day of April, 1791 ; and an act to
alter the same without interfering with the boundaries
originally laid down, was approved February 1, 1808, on
the ground "that experience has fully proved that, owing
to a difference in the local situation of the places, and
various other causes, the act of Assembly for erecting
the town of Reading into a borough, however applicable
to the purposes for which it was originally intended by
the Legislature, is not well calculated for the good gov
ernment of the borough of Harrisburg; therefore, be it
enacted, that the said town of Harrisburg shall continue
and forever remain a borough, under the name and title
of the 'Borough of Harrisburg;' the extent and limits of
which shall be the same as in the original law, to wit :
LIMITS OF HARRISBURG., INCORPORATED I3TH APRIL, I79T.
Beginning at low water mark on the eastern shore of
the Susquehanna river; thence by the pineapple tree
north sixty degrees and one quarter east, seventy-nine
perches, to an ash tree on the west bank of Paxton creek ;
thence by the several corners thereof three hundred and
twenty-three perches to a white hickory on William
Maclay's line ; thence by the same, south sixty-seven and
three quarters degrees west two hundred and twelve
perches to a marked chestnut-oak, on the eastern bank

86 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
of the Susquehanna; thence by the same course to low
water mark to the place of beginning."
The borough limits were extended by the act of the
16th April, 1838, by the 17th section of "An Act grant
ing certain authorities to the cities of Lancaster and Phil
adelphia, and for other purposes," in the following lan
guage : "The north-western boundary line of the borough
of Harrisburg shall be, and the same is hereby extended
and enlarged as follows: Extending it along the river
line to the upper line of the land of the late William
Maclay, on said river ; thence to Paxton creek, and thence
along said creek to the north-western corner of the
present boundary;" thus annexing the town of Maclays-
burg, or all that part of the present borough laying
north-west of South street; and in the 18th section, giv
ing its inhabitants the privileges and subjecting them to
the same liabilities as if they had been originally included
within the corporate limits of said borough.
The minutes of the first Town Councils are not to be
found; and the only record the compiler could discover
relative to the affairs of the borough in the first year of
its incorporation, is an account of the Overseers of the
Poor, which reads as follows:
"To amount of Hogs and Butter for ye use of
ye poor,  £16 is. ij^d."
DEATH OF JOHN HARRIS, JR.
John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg, died 29th
July, 1791, and is buried in the graveyard of Paxton
church. He was about sixty-five years of age.
COST OF THE COURT HOUSE.
The Minutes of the first Boards of County Commis
sioners are not to be found, and it is' therefore difficult
to discover any great amount of information respecting

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 87
the erection of the county buildings. There is, however,
in the Commissioners' office, what is entitled an "Order
Book" for the years 1785, and those following until
1799, inclusive, which gives the receipts and expenditures
of the county for that period. By it we learn that the
old Jail was erected at a considerable period before the
present Court House; for among the first expenditures
noted in the book are sums of money paid for the erec
tion of a "stone wall around the goal."
The expenditures for the erection of the present Court
House commenced in 1792, and occur at different per
iods after that until 1799, inclusive. They appear in
the book as follows: I s. d.
James Mitchell, new Court House,  103 o 0
Mitchell & Kapp, do  8 51 10
John Kean, do  56
do do  79 10 o
do do  93 72 o
do do  500 o o
do do  ioo o o
do do  100 o o
do do  100 o 0
John Kean & R. Harris, do  400 o o
do do do  10 14 o
do do do  152 4 2
do do do  150 o 0
do do do  250 o 0
do do do  75 16 11
Robert Harris, do  75 o o
do do  18 15 o
do do  37 10 o
do do  75 o o
do do  528
do do  3 7 6'/2
do do  4 12 1
do do  17 12 8
do do  30 7 3
Trustees, do  85 15 o

88 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. £ s. d.
do do  269 12 2
do do  2578 3 8
John Cumins, do  500
James Ingraham, do  126
Benjamin Kurtz, do  300
John Balsely, do  18 9
Connelly & Rowen, do  172 15 4
do do do  115 6 3
Frederick Cleckner, do  1 1 3
do do do  76
William Wray, do  2 17 6
C. Kuncle, do  12 6
do do  2 14 3
Benjamin Trego, do  14 7 2
Bricker & Bennet, do  4 15 7J^
L. Lemmers, do  5 5 i°
Charles Rowen, do  9 11 I
do do  616 1^
Henry Bruner, do  2 17 6
Jacob Wain, do  10 n 8
H. Eckert, Jail and do  15 16 9
H. Ford, do  660
Court House Bell,  131 18 10
Residue of Bell,  26 13 10
Henry Brimer,  2 5 0
New Bell,  112 10 0
THE MARKET HOUSES — THEIR COST.
In the borough account for the year 1807, we find a
statement of the expenditure of monies for the construc
tion of market houses, the sum total of which was
$915.86. The first buildings appropriated to this pur
pose were very small, and in the language of an old citi
zen, "mere sheds in comparison with the present capa
cious buildings." GREAT SICKNESS AT HARRISBURG.
About the year 1793, Harrisburg was exceedingly sick
ly. A fever of a violent character, similar to the Yellow

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 89
Fever, prevailed, especially among the new settlers or
foreigners. At the same time the Yellow Fever was
prevailing in Philadelphia, and fears were entertained of
its introduction into Harrisburg. A patrol was accord
ingly established at the lower end of the town, to pre
vent infected persons of Philadelphia from coming into
it. A large number of Irish emigrants died, and some of
the citizens; but most families of the place were to some
extent afflicted.
A MILL DAM THE SUPPOSED CAUSE THEREOF.
A mill dam, owned by two men named Landis, was
generally thought to be the cause of this sickness, and
the citizens entered upon decisive measures for its re
moval. Meetings were held, committees appointed, funds
were raised and tendered to the Landis's, the mill dam
removed, the mill purchased, &c, as will appear by the
following extracts from papers furnished by the late
Hon. J. C. Bucher and R. F. Kelker, Esq., and published
in Rupp's History of Dauphin county :
MEETING OF THE CITIZENS.
"At a meeting of the inhabitants of the borough of
Harrisburg, on the 16th day of January, 1795, it was
unanimously agreed that two thousand and six hundred
pounds be immediately assessed on the property of the
citizens of the said borough; that one thousand and six
hundred pounds of the said sum be collected on or be
fore the 6th day of March next ; that the remaining one
thousand pounds be secured to be paid, with interest, in
two equal annual instalments, and that the whole (to
wit: the £1600 in cash, and the residue in bonds) be ten
dered to Peter and Abraham Landis, or either of them,
proprietors of the mill and other water-works, with the
appurtenances thereto belonging, near the borough afore-
7

90 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
said, as a full compensation for their property in the
same ; and that in case they refuse to accept the said sum
as a full compensation for the said mill, with the appur
tenances, that then we unanimously agree to prostrate
the dam erected on the waters of Paxton creek, for the
purpose of conveying water to said mill, and pay our
proportionable parts of all legal expenses and damages
that may accrue on any suit or suits, indictment or in
dictments that may be brought or prosecuted in conse
quence of such act or acts.
Witness our hands and date aforesaid: [Here follows
the signatures of over one hundred citizens.]
The following subscriptions were made by the citi
zens named to the mill-dam fund, independent of the
amount assessed upon their respective properties at the
town meeting:
"We the subscribers do promise to pay the sums an
nexed to our names, to Conrod Bombaugh, Esq., as a
gratuity towards paying the expense of the purchase or
the reduction of the mill-dam on Paxton creek, next the
borough of Harrisburg, and that when called upon.
Witness our hands, January 21st, 1795:
Wm. Crabbe,  $2000 John Spangler,  800
Major Swiney,  15 00 Thomas Gregg,  10 00
George Whitehill,  10 00 Thomas Dickey,  2 00
Jacob Burckart,  8 00 Mordecai M'Kinney, ... 4 00
George Reitzell,  6 00 Samuel Awl  4 00
Soloman Markel,  4 00 Irwin & Howard,  12 00
John Peiffer  16 00 William Patterson, .... 4 00
Anthony Seyfort,  10 00 John M'Farlind  4 00
John Maclay,  20 00 Anthony Kelker,  2 00
Benj. Hunt,  10 00 Robert Boal,  2 00
Jacob Fridley,  2 00 Edward Crouch,  $2 00
John Patterson  4 00 William Stewart,  2 00
John Gilchrist,  6 00 Samuel Finney,  2 00
Joseph Weigley,  8 00 John Weidman,  2 00

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

91

James Byers,  2 oo
John Martin,  1 00
Peter Lien  I 00
Simon Bassler  1 00
George Lutz,  50
William Krebbs  1 00
Jacob Zeigler,  1 00
Jacob Fetter,  1 00
William Porter,  2 00
C. B  1 00

Peter Bobe  1 00
Christian Walborn,  1 00
Thomas Trousdale,  1 00
William Allen,  2 00
Robert Freckelton,  2 00
Jacob Houck,  6 00
Charles Rowan,  2 33
Rudolph Kelker,  4 00
James Reed,  1 00

An Estimate of the proportion of each citizen of Har
risburg to purchase the Mill belonging to the Landis
family, in order, with Divine favor, to restore the bor
ough to its former state of health and prosperity.

£ s.
Awl, Jacob, Exec.  15 0
Allen, Jacob,  4 o
Allen, George,  4 16
Allen, Joseph,  4 4
Allcorn, James,  I 4
Armstrong, Andrew, . . 14 12
Abbot's House,  2 14
Bener, John,  4 2
Bennet, Thomas,  2 4
Boyd, John,  2 14
Boyd, Adam,  23 2
Bucher, Jacob,  6 14
Bruner, Henry,  6 6
Brindle, Philip,  7 12
Boyd, Widow,  5 8
Bader, Henry,  7 4
Bombach, Conrod,  20 4
Berryhill, Alexander, . . 12 12
Bollinger, Widow  1 16
Bombach, John,  1 4
Bleymire, John, 
Beatty, Gawin  1 o
Barr, Alexander,  7 4
Brooks, James,  3 o
Berryhill, Alex., Sr., ... 16

£ s.
Berryhill, Samuel,  3 14
Baker, Peter,  3 o
Burmister, Charles, ....
Brooks, John,  7 16
Beaty, James,  12 0
Balzly, John,  9 12
Bennage, Lawrence, ... 4 10
Barr, Robert,  4 4
Brua, Peter,  6 6
Clark, Widow,  1 4
Crabb, William,  4 8
Conrod, Henry,  10 16
Cummins, John,  1 4
Chambers, John, Exec.,. 1 10
Carson, William,  1 4
Clunie, James,  17 o
Cassel, George,  3 0
Cairns, James,  12
Comfort, John,  6 18
Culp, Mark,  2 8
Degar, Jacob,  2 o
Duncan, James,  20 14
Downey, Charles,  2 8
Denning, Peter, Exec, . 6 0
Davis. Samuel B.,  2 16

92

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

£ S.
Drawley, John,  2 16
Dentzell, John,  5 o
Dickey, William,  1 4
Dickey, Thomas,  2 o
Ebright, Jacob,  16 10
Elder, John,  4 16
Earnest, John,  3 o
Ebbert, John,  11 16
Eiteneyer, Widow,  1 4
Elliot, James,  2 8
Ensminger, Michael, ... 1 16
Elder, Joshua,  45 0
Fisher, George,  40 o
Fulton, Henry,  16 16
Fenton, Benjamin,  6 12
Feger, John,  1 16
Feder, John  4 10
File, John,  2 8
Fridley, G. & Barney, . . 12 o
Ford, Henry,  7 4
Firestone, George,  7 4
Forrest, Andrew,  6 18
Fogelsanger, John  6 0
Foster, Thomas,  14 8
Graydon, Alex.,  18 o
Gregg, Thomas,  6 12
Geiger, Barnhart,  4 4
Greenawalt, Christian, . 4 10
Gilmore, Moses,  12 12
Gillem, John,  6 14
Gibson, Reuben,  2 4
Glass, William,  4 16
Graybill, Peter,  6 14
Graydon, William,  4 16
Girt, Frederick,  3 o
Galbraith, John,  1 o
Greegor, Martin  2 4
Hess, George  7 o
Horning, Stephen,  5 12
Hamilton, Widow,  16 16
Hamilton, John, Exec, . 36 18

£ s.
Hoge, John,  9 o
Hocker, John,  16 4
Horter, Valentine,  7 4
Hoyer, George,  23 14
Hume, John,  4 10
Hocker, Adam,  13 10
Hocker, Christopher, ... 13 10
Hillegas, Conrad,  3 o
Hill, Samuel,  10 o
Heafley, John,  3 6
Heas, John,  10 0
Hutman, Mathias,  2 8
Hartman, George,  2 14
Hatz, George,  3 8
House, Joseph,  2 o
Heaming, Jacob, . .'  9 o
Holstein, George,  9 o
Horning, Conrad,  2 8
Irwin, Robert,  20 8
Issett, Henry  6 18
Ingram, William,  3 8
Irwin & Howard  12 0
Kamp, William,  1 o
Kunkle, Christian,  22 18
Krause, John & Andrew, 10 4
Kunkle, Peter,  1 6
Kreamer, John,  4 0
Kapp, Michael,  18 0
Kean, John,  11 4
Kurtz, Benjamin,  3 o
Knatcher, Michael,  2 14
Kapp, Michael, Jr.,  6 o
King, Charlotte,  1 4
Koffman, Andrew,  9 o
Kleckner, Frederick, ... 1 o
Luther, John,  19 16
Laffery, Justinia,  1 16
Lever, Nicholas,  7 16
Lawyer, Adam,  1 4
Liphart, Henry,  3 o
Lever, George,  2 8

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

93

£ s.
Little's house,  3 0
M'Cart, Robert,  1 4
Machemy, John,  5 8
Murry, William,  3 12
M'Carty, Benjamin,  2 16
Mish, Jacob,  15 18
Maclay, John,  3 12
Mooney, Abraham,  1 16
M'Mannus, Patrick, ... 28
M'Laughlin, Alexander,. 1 o
Murray, Patrick,  1 16
Mytinger, Lewis,  1 4
Mitchell, James,  7 4
Murphy, Barney,  18
Miller, John,  12 o
Morse, Moses,  2 8
Montgomery, Alex., ... 2 4
Miller, Jacob,  2 o
Moore, Thomas,  3 o
Montgomery, Joseph, ... 15 o
Martin, J. & Thomas, . . 5 14
Mackey, James,  I 16
Miller, Charles,  2 12
M'Allister, Archibald, .. 14
M'Caslin, John,  2 2
Newman, John,  2 2
Norten, John,  15 o
Newman, Nicholas,  2 18
Newman, Andrew,  2 18
Ott, Nicholas,  10 0
Peter, Henry,  1 4
Peffer, George,  9 o
Peifer, John,  2 o
Potts, Stacy,  6 o
Poat, Joseph, 
Patterson, Gailbraith,* . 10 16
Pool, John,  1 o
Pancake, Valentine,  3 o
Pancake, George,  2 o
Patterson, Robert,  2 0
?Subscribed £20.

£ s.
Pool, John, Jr.,  6 o
Pfleager, Frederick,  5 o
Porter, William  3 o
Peters, Michael,  2 16
Rymuth, Philip,  12 o
Ritzell, Jacob,  10 16
Reel, Anthony,  1 18
Reel, Philip,  2 6
Ritz, John,  I 10
Romjeaw, John,  4 4
Riehm, Andrew,  6 18
Redding, George,  6 18
Ramer's Executors, ... 3 o
Rothroff, Henry,  2 12
Saur, Charles,  3 6
Snyder, Simon,  2 8
Stoehr's house,  4 o
Sweeney, Major,  6 o
Stehley, Widow,  9 12
Seez, Balthazar,  4 4
Seez, Christopher,  7 16
Stephen, Hugh,  2 4
Smith, Nicholas,  18
Smith, Casper,  9 o
Sweigart, Daniel,  2 14
Shoch, John  I 10
Smith's, Miss,  5 2
Shields, John  1 4
Scarlett, David,  I 10
Sawyer, James,  6 18
Shrom, Jacob,  2 14
Sawr's, Casper, house, . 2 16
Syfert, Anthony,  3 12
Sheets, John,  1 o
Smith, Widow,  I 4 '
Snyder, Adam,  1 10
Sayler, Henry,  4 16
Syboth, Tobias,  9 °
Snyder, John,  2 8
Sealey, John,  15

94

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

£ S.
Staugh & Volesanger, . . 14
Trenenrider, Conrad, . . 80
Unger, Peter  2 4
Updegraff, Abraham, . . 18
Whitehill, George,  4 10
Willson, William,  7 4
Wain, Jacob,  1 0
Vv alter, Peter,  8 2
Whitehill, Robert,  2 14
Wickersham, Hannah, . 6 4
Weir, Samuel,  4 o
Weatherhold, Widow &
George,  6 o
Wingert, Widow,  8 8
Welchance, Jacob,  7 4
Weathrup, John,  3 0
Waltz, George  2 4
Walters, Christopher, _ . 24

£ s.
Wingert, Simon,  2 o
Wilson, John  1 4
Wallace, Benj.,  10 o
Wilhelm, Jacob,  2 8
Williams, Vincent,  I 4
Williams, Christopher, . 2 0
Wyeth, John,  2 8
Youse, Jacob,  2 8
Youse, Frederick,  2 14
Youse, George,  6 o
Young, Robert  1 4
Zollinger, Jacob,  14 14
Zinn, John,  10 0
Ziegler, George, carpen
ter  15 o
Ziegler, George,  2 0
Zerver, Frederick,  2 0

Single Men.

Thomas Elder,  6 o
Samuel Laird  6 0
Andrew Mitchel  6 o
John Patterson,  6 0
Dr. Spangler,  6 0
Joseph Wageline,  6 0
William Wallace,  6 o
Jacob Bener,  3 12
Adam Brady,  3 12
Jacob Burkhart,  3 12
John Burkinbine,  3 12
Jacob Bretz,  3 12
Jacob Feger,  3 12
Jacob Glass,  3 12
Robert Hunter,  3 12
Philip Horing  3 12
George Hocker,  3 12
Bryan Hooper,  3 12
John Irwin,  6 o

Michael Krell,  3 12
Anthony Leyer,  3 12
Peter Reitzel,  3 12
James Shaw,  3 12
William Wanless,  3 12
William Martin,  3 12
William Brown,  3 12
Michael Kuntz,  2 8
John Lear,  2 8
Duncan M'Gachin,  2 8
James Elliot,  2 8
John Ober,  2 8
James Simpson,  2 8
John Umholtz,  2 8
John Weaver,  2 8
William Porter,  2 8
William Irwin,  2 8
Mathias Henderson, ... 6 0

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

95

For Lots of Ground.

Thomas Forster  I 16
Thomas Murray,  I 16
Samuel Weir,  I 16
Moses Gillmore,  I 16
John Ebbert  i 16
Henry Bruner,  I 4
George Hoyer,  2 8
Chris. Kunkle,  I 10
Michael Kapp,  1 10
George Reddich,  1 12
William Maclay's land
in borough,  2 14
Peter Lyeth,  2 20
Ed. Burk's house,  3 o
Wier's out-house,  6 o
John Weir's house,  4 16
Alexander Miller  2 8
Peter Pancake,  6 o
James Ross,  3 o

Reitzell's house,  3 o
Harris' Executors, Sny
der's house,  6 12
Mengel's Executors, ... 7 4
Shouffler, for Shock's
house,  5 8
Henry Issetts, for
Smith's house,  3 12
Conrad Bombach , for
Seyfort's house,  9
Brindle and Montgomery, 4
Haller's house,  6
Robert Hill,  1
Casper Smith,  1
John Boyd,  10
Thomas Gray  8
Leys,  10 16
Rody Frazier,  6 o
William Glass,  1 18

6
10 o
1616 4 2

Landlords Who Do Not Live in Town, or Other Houses

Martin Gregor,  2 o
Margaret Bolinger,  2 o
Mar. Stiller,  3 4
Chamber's Exec,  4 16
William Wallace,  7 4
Andrew Stewart,  6 8
Henry Sailor,  1 0
James Humes  5 12
John Steinmetz,  12 o
Joshua Elder,  22 10
Col. Shouffler,  16 4
Michael Kapp  15 o
Samuel Berryhill,  3 o

Edward Lynch,  8 4
Samuel Grimes,  18 o
Widow Witherold,  18 0
Joseph Dritt,  7 16
Tobias Seyboth,  3 o
Welshoffer,  5 8
County of Dauphin, .... 72 o
Brickler's house,  8 8
Dr. Farnestock,  8 14
Frederick Youse,  9 6
Rev. Nathaniel Snowden, 6 o
Rev. Shaffer's house, . . 80
Rev. Hautz,  8 o

In addition to the amount of money so raised, the
heirs of John Harris, Messrs. David Harris, Robert
Harris, William Maclay and John A. Hanna, paid $1,-
600, the purchase money, or perhaps something more

96 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
than the amount which the Landis's had paid for the
property. "At a meeting of the committee of seven, appointed
to superintend and direct the appropriation of the monies
raised for the demolition of the mill-dam, and for the
further removing the nuisance in Paxton creek, April 8,
1795: "At Brindle's— Present, Potts, Gilmore, Berryhill, W.
Graydon, Dentzell, Bucher, Kean.
"John Kean was appointed Secretary and Treasurer.
"Ordered, that the Treasurer take up the bonds due
to Adam Boyd and to George Allen.
"Adjourned to Saturday evening next, at 6 o'clock, at
Mr. Berryhill's.
"Saturday, nth. — The committee met and viewed the
dam, and adjourned till Monday evening at 6 o'clock, at
Berryhill's. "Monday, I3th.: — Met, and the members mentioned the
names of persons wishing to borrow money. Agreed,
that the money be retained in the Treasury a few days
longer. "Agreed, that on Saturday next, at 1 o'clock, the bell
be rung, and the inhabitants assemble and demolish the
remainder of the dam.
THE MILL-DAM DESTROYED BY THE CITIZENS.
"Saturday, 1 8th. — The committee met, and proceeded
with a number of the inhabitants to the dam. Committee
hired four persons to open the bed of the creek twelve
feet wide, which was done, and the persons employed
were paid six dollars, which was raised by voluntary con
tribution on the spot.
"Saturday, 25th April, 1795. — The committee met.
Peter, John and Abraham Landis attended, and offered

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 97
to take $2,000 for the water-right, which the committee
positively refused.
THE MILL SEAT PURCHASED BY THE CITIZENS.
"April 25, 1795.— Peter, John and Abraham Landis
sold to Stacy Potts, Moses Gilmore, William Graydon,
Jacob Bucher, John Kean, John Dentzell, and Alexander
Berryhill, of the borough of Harrisburg (a committee
chosen at a public meeting of the inhabitants of the said
borough, at the court room, on the 7th of April), sold
and conveyed to them their mill, &c, for £2,633 4s- 6d.,
"to hold and to have the said two pieces of lands, houses,
mills, mill machinery, &c."
This sum, as before stated, was raised by taxing the
citizens. The payments were made in three annual in
stalments; one-half of the amount assessed was paid in
1794; one-half the balance in 1795, and the balance in
1796. For example, a citizen taxed £4 had to pay £2 in
1794, £1 in 1795, and £1 in 1796.
It may be remarked that some citizens who refused to
contribute to the subscription, were obliged to leave the
town. No violence was offered to them, but no one
would employ them in their several pursuits, and they at
length went elsewhere.
The mill seat, with the privileges of a dam and mill-
race, was originally purchased from John Harris, Jr.,
by the Landis's, April 16, 1790; subsequently they pur
chased a small piece of land from Gen. John A. Hanna,
adjoining that purchased from Mr. Harris.
The mill was erected about one-quarter of a mile below
Harrisburg, about as low down as the old "White House"
between the "old mill road" and the canal; and the race
extended up along or nearly along the present route of
the Pennsylvania canal, to a lane which ran across to

98 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
the ridge, about the upper line of the brickyard field
opposite Pratt's Rolling Mill, where the dam was erected.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE MILL-DAM TROUBLES
Another writer, in describing the mill-dam difficulties,
states that "the money raised by subscription was ten
dered to the Landis's, who refused it. The citizens then
prepared for the forcible removal of the dam, and the
Landis's threatened to use force to prevent it. The
citizens accordingly marched in a body to the dam, on
a cold, snowy day in March. The owners were there
with several men, armed with guns, threatening to fire.
The citizens, however, advanced into the water, and the
dam was soon demolished. The Landis' threatened suit,
and the citizens handed them a list of several hundred
names to be sued; but the proprietors finally took the
money." ALEXANDER GRAYDON, ESQ., ON THE SICKNESS.
Alexander Graydon, Esq., an uncle of H. Murray
Graydon, Esq., of Harrisburg, in his "Memoirs," a work
of sterling interest, alludes to the sickness at this place
while speaking of the Yellow Fever that raged in Phil
adelphia. He says :
"Measures were taken in almost every town and vil
lage to prohibit the entry of persons suspected of in
fection; and even fugitives from the seat of it, though
in health, were regarded with a jealous eye. Some of
the people of Harrisburg were for following the example
of their neighbors, though a malady not less fatal than
that in Philadelphia was raging among themselves. But
the difference was, that one was called a plague, the
other but a simple fever. It is somewhat remarkable,
that if yellow fever is of foreign origin, as insisted upon
by many, that a disease of a similar type should make its

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 99
appearance at the same time on the banks of the Susque
hanna, at the distance of an hundred miles. Shall we
say, that the state of the atmosphere which generated the
one, was favorable to the diffusion of the other? This,
I believe, is the doctrine of those who contend that the
yellow fever is of exotic growth, and always imparted
when it appears among us. I would venture, however,
no opinion on the subject. With respect to the mortality
produced by the two diseases, that at Harrisburg was,
I believe, in proportion to the population of the place, as
great as that at Philadelphia. I cannot take upon me
minutely to describe the symptoms of the Harrisburg
disease, nor were they the same in all that were sick;
but a general one was, an affection of the stomach, or
nausea, with violent retchings, and a yellowness of the
skin. Some were ill a week, some longer, some died in
two or three days from the time of their being seized,
and others who were walking about with symptoms only
of the ague, suddenly took ill and expired. The black
vomit, which has some time been supposed peculiar to
the yellow fever, appeared in some cases.
A mill-dam had been erected the season before on the
Paxton, rather a turbid and sluggish stream, within five
or six hundred yards of the middle of the town, on its
eastern side. The obstruction must have spread the
water over a surface of from eight to ten acres ; and this,
co-operating with a state of the atmosphere, unusually
morbid this season in such situations, may fully account
for the fear which prevailed.
"In the fall of the year 1792, there were some cases of
it, and still more in that of 1794, equally malignant, after
which the mill-dam was removed.
The "Oracle of Dauphin," printed here at the time,
contains a number of spirited communications upon the
mill-dam troubles.

100 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
*
One writer, in alluding to the tender of the terms of
sale demanded by the Landis' a year previous, says:
"Should they (Landis') refuse to accept them now, there
cannot be a doubt but that we shall be fully justified,
both upon the principles of law and justice, in prostrat
ing the dam. * * * * As to those persons who may
refuse to contribute, in proportion to their ability, to
do away with this dreadfully destructive nuisance, I
hope their fellow-citizens will have spirit enough solemn
ly to agree to have no kind of dealings with them, and
(as far as in them lies) by all just means to oblige them
to leave the town, and make room for others who may
have more sense than humanity."
Another writer says : "Fellow-citizens, you have acted
justly, and you have acted with patience, in offering to
pay the man's price before you came to the resolution
of destroying this reservoir of contagion. * * * Go
on, gentlemen, in ah undertaking which is founded in
such justice; make up the £2,600, and tender it accord
ing to the man's terms ; and if he does not receive it, have
respect for yourselves, for your families, and for your
solemn resolution — tear down the mill-dam/"
The editor of the "Oracle" wrote as follows: "On
Thursday last, a committee appointed by the citizens of
Harrisburg waited on Abraham Landis and Peter Landis,
and tendered the whole demand they made last year for
the mill, with its appurtenances, agreeable to the terms
they had proposed, but they now thought proper to re
quire a much greater sum ; wherefore, apprehending that
the owners of the said mill intended, through the dis
tressing calamities thought to be occasioned by the mill-
dam, to extort an enormous price from the people for
the enjoyment of health, by the unreasonable sum now
demanded for the mill, they did almost unanimously pro
ceed, on Saturday afternoon last, to take down and de-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 101
stroy that intolerable nuisance which has for three years
past rendered this borough a mere hospital and grave
yard ; and therefore it is now hoped that, under the bless
ing of Divine Providence, this once flourishing place may
be restored to its former state of healthiness and pros
perity." FIRST NEWSPAPER IN HARRISBURG.
The first newspaper printed in Harrisburg was estab
lished in 1791, by Mr. John Wyeth. It was called "The
Oracle of Dauphin, and Harrisburg Advertiser," and
was published every Monday, in Mulberry street, at fif
teen shillings per annum. It was a common folio, and
its pages measured 17 by 9^ inches, containing three
columns each. We have before us several bound files
of this paper from 1794 to 1802, from which we extract
a number of items that will be read now with interest.
THE "WHISKEY INSURRECTION" — UNITED STATES TROOPS
AT HARRISBURG.
1794, Sept. — "On Friday, three companies of horse,
containing in all 130, arrived from Philadelphia, the
whole under the command of Capt. John Dunlap. The
company of light dragoons, commanded by Capt. John
Irwin, of this town; the corps of light infantry, com
manded by Capt. George Fisher, with the most disting
uished officers of the county, were paraded all in com
plete uniform, in order to receive them. After the usual
ceremonies, the dragoons dismounted to refresh them
selves, and yesterday morning they proceeded to Car
lisle." "Tuesday last, passed through this place, on their way
to Gen. Wayne's army, about 80 regular troops, com
manded by Captain Lyman. They were from the State
of Massachusetts, and in good spirits."

102 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
"Thursday evening, arrived here from New Jersey,
under the command of Richard Howell, Esq., Governor
of that State, about 370 dragoons, completely mounted
and equipped — all volunteers. It raining very rapidly
on their arrival, the citizens of Harrisburg, with their
usual degree of affection to the sons of liberty and pa
triotism, voluntarily opened their doors for their recep
tion. The next morning they crossed the Susquehanna,
on their way to Carlisle, after expressing their satis
faction in the following manner:
'The commander of the Jersey militia detachment feels
himself bound to acknowledge the politeness of the citi
zens of Harrisburg to his company, and requests that
their" gratitude and his own, joined with the highest re
spect, may be signified in a proper manner.
Richard Howell,
Commandant Jersey Detachment.
Harrisburg, Sept. 25, 1794.' "
"Harrisburg, Dec. 1, 1794. — On Tuesday last, arrived
in town from the westward, Capt. M'Pherson's company
of Blues, belonging to Philadelphia, and the next morn
ing proceeded homeward.
"And on Saturday last, Brigadier General Proctor's
brigade also arrived, and this morning early marched
for their respective homes.
"Col. Chambers' brigade, we hear, will also arrive this
day or to-morrow, with one hundred prisoners."
VOLUNTEERS FROM HARRISBURG CALLED INTO SERVICE DUR
ING THE INSURRECTION.
The following is a list of the companies composing
the second Pennsylvania regiment, ordered into service
by President Washington during the "Whiskey Insur-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 103
rection." The regiment was composed principally of
citizens of Harrisburg and vicinity.
Regimental Officers. — Lieutenant Colonel, Thomas
Forster; Major, Frederick Hummel; Paymaster, John
Brown; Sergeant Major, Philip Stoher.
Infantry. — Captain Wallace's company, composed of i
captain, i lieutenant, i ensign, 4 sergeants, 2 corporals,
and 32 privates — served 1 month and 20 days.
Riflemen. — Captain Ainsworth's company, composed
of 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 2 sergeants, 1 cor
poral, and 19 privates — served 1 month and 20 days.
Captain Devin's company, composed of 1 captain, 1
lieutenant, 1 ensign, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 30
privates — served 1 month and 20 days.
The above list of companies is taken from the adver
tisement of the paymaster of the troops, published in the
"Oracle of Dauphin" in January, 1795. It is presumed
that the companies named were only mustered into the
service of the United States, but did not march to the
scene of the rebellion.
A company of volunteers, however, from this place,
commanded by Capt. George Fisher, father of J. Adams
Fisher, Esq., actually marched as far as Carlisle on their
way to the seat of the rebellion. At Carlisle, Capt.
Fisher was elected Major of the battalion of troops from
this and adjoining counties.
GEN. WASHINGTON IN HARRISBURG.
"On Friday last, (October 3, 1794,) the President of
the United States arrived in town. The pleasure excited
in beholding, for the first time, our beloved chief in this
borough, is not easily described. The following address
was delivered to him by the Burgesses, in behalf of the
town:

104 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
To His Excellency George Washington, President of the
United States of America:
Sir: We, the Burgesses and citizens of Harrisburg,
while we rejoice in the opportunity of presenting our re
spects to a character so justly revered and dear to Amer
icans, we cannot but lament that we should owe it to
an interruption of the peace and prosperity of our coun
try, those constant objects of our public care. We trust,
however, that the just indignation which fires the breasts
of all virtuous citizens at the unprovoked outrages com
mitted by these lawless men, who are in opposition to
one of the mildest and most equal of governments of
which the condition of man is susceptible, will excite
such exertions as to crush the spirit of disaffection wher
ever it has appeared, and that our political horizon will
shine brighter than ever on a dispersion of the clouds
which now menace and obscure it.
Though our sphere of action is too limited to produce
any important effects, yet we beg leave to assure your
Excellency that, so far as it extends, our best endeavors
shall not be wanting to support the happy constitution
and wise administration of our government.
Signed, in behalf of the borough,
Conrad Bombaugh,
Alex. Berryhill,
Harrisburg, October 3, 1794. Burgesses.
gen. Washington's reply.
To the Burgesses and other citizens of Harrisburg:
Gentlemen: In declaring to you the genuine satis
faction I derive from your very cordial support, I will
not mingle any expression of the painful sensations which
I experience from the occasion which has drawn me
hither. You will be at no loss to do justice to my feel-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 105
ings. But relying on that kindness of Providence to
wards our country which every adverse appearance hith
erto has served to manifest, and counting upon the tried
good sense and patriotism of the great body of our fel
low-citizens, I do not hesitate to indulge with you the
expectation of such an issue as will serve to confirm the
blessings we enjoy under a constitution that well de
serves the confidence and support of virtuous and enlight
ened men. To class the inhabitants of Harrisburg among
this number, is only to bear testimony to the zealous and
efficient exertions which they have made towards the de
fence of the laws. George Washington."
MR. GRAYDON ON THIS OCCURANCE.
Mr. Graydon, who then resided at Harrisburg, speaks
of this occurrence in his "Memoirs," as follows :
"The Western Expedition, as it was called, gave me
an opportunity of seeing a number of my old friends
from Philadelphia ; and it afforded also a momentary tri
umph to the poor handful of Harrisburg federalists, who
were stated by their opponents to amount to only five.
A French flag, which had been flying at the Court
House, then building, had been the cause of some squab
bling in the newspaper; and this flag was peremptorily
ordered to be taken down by the troops from the city.
Had I been disposed for revenge, I might, upon this oc
casion, have been fully gratified, as I was repeatedly
asked who had caused it to be put up, and impliedly cen
sured for giving evasive answers to the questions ; which,
from their manner, evinced a disposition to treat the
authors of it much more roughly than would have been
agreeable to me.
"Conspicuous among the crowd that rolled on to the
eastward wag Gov. Mifflin. On the day of his arrival he
convened the people at the market house, and gave them
8

106 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
an animated harangue, in which there was nothing ex
ceptionable, save a monstrous suggestion that the British
had stirred up the discontents to the westward, and been
the cause of the present opposition to the Government.
"A few days after the Governor, Gen. Washington, ac
companied by Col. Hamilton, came on. After waiting
on them, I prevailed upon the Burgesses to present an ad
dress to the President, which I sketched out, and which,
from the cordiality of the answer, appeared to have been
well received:" WHERE WASHINGTON LODGED.
In the preface to Napey's Harrisburg Directory for
1842, it is stated that "General Washington's headquar
ters while at Harris' Ferry, on the Western expedition,
I were in a small frame house which stood, until the last
I few years, at the corner of Vine and Paxton streets."
A similar statement is made by another writer, in the
preface to Osier & Irvin's Harrisburg Directory for
1856. This account, from all the evidence the compiler has
been able to gather, is incorrect. The "small frame
house" above alluded to was built for, and used for a
number of years after Washington's visit here, as a
ferry house, not a house of "public entertainment," but
a common rendezvous for the ferrymen, and, in the lan
guage of an old citizen, who often visited it, "a place
where people went to get booked for a passage over the
river." The only houses of public entertainment that existed
in that immediate neighborhood in 1794 — the time of
Washington's visit — was that known as the "Bell Tav
ern," kept by one Simon Snyder, a vendue cryer by pro
fession, and that kept by Nicholas Ott. The former was
situated on the site of the new brick house recently erect-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 107
ed by Mr. Shellenberger, on Front street, a few doors
below what is now called Washington avenue, and the
latter is still occupied as a tavern by Mr. Hogan. Both
of these buildings were wooden structures, the latter at
that time painted red, and were what might be termed
second-rate taverns ; hence it is not likely that the good
citizens of Harrisburg would . have permitted their be
loved Chief Magistrate to lodge here, if they had any
better accommodations to offer.
Mr. Peter Snyder, still living, was a lad about four
teen years of age when Washington visited the borough.
Was standing at the corner of Mulberry and Second
streets when Washington passed up the latter street in
a carriage. The General had his hat off, and Mr. S. dis
tinctly recollects his commanding form, as he stood up
in the carriage, returning the salutations of the surround
ing multitude. The carriage containing the General pass
ed up into Market Square, followed by an immense con
course of people. I am pretty certain the General lodged
over night at the tavern situated on the east corner of
Market street and the square. Never heard any other
place assigned as his lodging place while here but that.
The General was accompanied to the ferry next morning
by the burgesses, Messrs. Bombaugh and Berryhill; and
when he had embarked upon the flat to cross the river,
there was a discharge of artillery, stationed on the bank
of the river, near the graveyard.
Mr. Henry Peffer, still living, was a lad about six
years of age when Washington passed through the bor
ough. Recollects the form and features of the General
as he passed through Second street into the square.
Heard the General deliver his address in reply to the bur
gesses, from the steps on the Market square side of the
tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. Believes that the Gen
eral also lodged at that tavern, but is not positive. Has

108 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
never heard any other place but that tavern assigned as
his quarters while here.
Mr. James R. Boyd, still living, was a lad of about
four years old when Washington arrived here. Came
with his mother from Front street to Chestnut and Sec
ond streets, where he saw the General pass up the latter
street into the square, accompanied by a great crowd of
people. Concurs with Mr. Peffer in the belief that
Washington made his headquarters while here at the
tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder. Never heard any other
place assigned as his stopping place while here.
The father of Francis Wyeth has often told him that
Washington lodged over night at the tavern indicated
by Mr. Snyder. Mr. Wyeth, with Mr. Thomas Elder,
was boarding at that tavern at the time.
Mr. Jacob Ziegler, still living, came to Harrisburg in
December, 1794, two months after Washington's visit
here. Has always heard that upon that occasion Wash
ington lodged at the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder.
The house had been used as a tavern eight or ten years
before his arrival here.
Mr. Benjamin Taylor, still living, was about fifteen
years old when Washington arrived here, but was out
of town upon that occasion. Has always heard the tav
ern indicated by Mr. Snyder as the place where Wash
ington stopped during his stay here; never heard it con
tradicted. Messrs. Valentine Hummel, John Kelker, Robert Gill-
more, George Eicholtz, J. Adams Fisher, Jeremiah Reese,
and other old citizens, all concur in the belief, from what
they have always heard, that Washington lodged while
here at the tavern indicated by Mr. Snyder.
From the above testimony it is pretty conclusive that
during Gen. Washington's visit to the borough he made
his headquarters at the brick tavern which, a few years

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 109
ago, stood on the site of the present "Jones House," at
the east corner of Market street and the square, and that
it was named the "Washington House" in remembrance
of that event.
It is probable, however, that a portion of Gen. Wash
ington's staff, with the small troop of dragoons compos
ing his escort, lodged for the night in the nieghborhood
of the lower ferry, perhaps at Ott's or the Bell tavern.
The detachments of troops that had previously passed
through the borough to join the main body of the army
on the Western expedition, bivouaced for a few hours on
the bank of the river, near the lower ferry. Some of these
troops passed over the river at what was called the upper
ferry, at a point above where the Water-house is now
situated. POSTMASTERS OF HARRISBURG.
The first postmaster in Harrisburg under the federal
constitution was Mr. John Wyeth, editor of the "Oracle."
The Post Office was kept with his bookstore, at his resi
dence in the building at present owned and occupied by
Mr. John Knepley, on the south side of Second street,
below Mulberry. We append a list of the postmasters
who succeeded Mr. Wyeth, to the present day :
John Wright, Isaac G. M'Kinley,
Mrs. John Wright, A. J. Jones,
James Peacock, John H. Brant,
George W. Porter.
FIRST MAIL CARRIER FROM HARRISBURG NORTHWARD.
Mr. Benj. A. Taylor, still a resident of the borough,
was one of the first mail carriers from Harrisburg north
ward. His route extended to Alexandria, Huntingdon
county, and the mails were carried on horseback. In this

110 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
way it was usual for him to ride two hundred and six
teen miles every six days.
THE FERRY TO LET.
The following are among the advertisements in the
"Oracle" for March 23, 1795 :
"Harris' Ferry.— To be let, for the term of one year,
by public vendue, on Wednesday, the 25th of March in
stant, at the house of Mr. Conrod Bombaugh, in Harris
burg. Attendance and terms made known by
Val. Hummel,
Conrod Bombaugh,
David Krause,
Commissioners."
THE HARRIS MANSION TO LET.
In February, 1795, Mr. David Harris, of Baltimore,
a son of the founder of Harrisburg, advertised several
valuable lots for sale on Second and Back streets; also,
"his large lot and stone house, built of the best materials,
containing four spacious rooms on the first story, with
fire-places in each, and six rooms on the second, with a
large stone kitchen, and a stable which will contain
thirty or forty horses;" adding, "there is an excellent
cellar under the whole house, divided into three apart
ments, with vaults, &c. This property is under rent till
the first day of April, 1796, at £80 per annum."
A NEGRO FOR SALE.
"A healthy, stout negro wench, about thirty-three
years of age. She is excellent for cooking, washing, and
any kind of house or kitchen work, and understands
feeding cattle, and any work necessary on a farm. For
terms, apply to the Printer."
Similar advertisements frequently appear at this per
iod.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Ill
A FOURTH OF JULY IN HARRISBURG SIXTY-TWO YEARS AGO.
"Last Saturday presented to our view another anniver
sary o£ Columbia's freedom, being twenty-three years
since a noble band of her legitimate sons assumed the
daring effrontery to declare us a sovereign and inde
pendent nation, capable of declaring war, concluding
peace, contracting alliances, capturing whole armies,
transporting, hanging and shooting tories, &c, &c, with
out the assistance of 'these our royal letters patent.' This
memoriable day was distinguished by every demonstra
tion of joy and mirth which the importance of the occa
sion could possibly inspire true sons of patriotism in this
town. About 12 o'clock the bell rang as a signal for
the citizens to proceed to the Federal Spring, (on the
ridge near Haehnlen's tavern, north-east of Harrisburg),
where, and under the boughs of the spreading arbor, they
partook of a public entertainment provided by a com
mittee appointed for that purpose; after which Gen.
Hanna being unanimously appointed to preside as Pres
ident, the following toasts were given under a discharge
of cannon from citizen Fenton." — Oracle, July 6, 1795.
REMOVING OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE SUSQUEHANNA.
"On Wednesday next, the committee appointed by the
Governor and directors of the Maryland Susquehannah
Canal, mget in this town to concert with the citizens of
Pennsylvania on the most eligible mode of removing the
obstructions in the river Susquehannah. In consequence
of which the inhabitants of this town, and those of the
neighborhood, are requested to meet at the Court House
this afternoon at 4 o'clock, in order to appoint a com
mittee to co-operate in a measure calculated to promote
the interest of the public in general." — Oracle.
At a respectable meeting of a number of gentlemen

112 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
from the counties of Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Cumber
land, Mifflin, Huntingdon, and Northumberland, in the
State of Pennsylvania, and the counties of Cecil and
Harford, in Maryland, held at Harrisburg, on Wednes
day, the 12th day of August, 1795, for the purpose of
concerting the most eligible mode of improving the navi
gation of the river Susquehanna, it was
Resolved, unanimously, That subscriptions be imme
diately opened to raise a sum of money for removing
the obstructions and improving the navigation in the bed
of the river Susquehanna between Wright's Ferry and
the Maryland line; and that half the money thus sub
scribed be made payable on the nth day of September
next, and the other half on the 1st day of August, 1796.
Resolved, That the following persons be empowered
and requested to solicit subscriptions for the purpose
aforesaid, and that they transmit monthly to the treas
urer hereinafter named, a particular account of all the
monies subscribed on their respective lists.
(Here follows the names of persons appointed in Cum
berland, Mifflin, Northumberland, Luzerne, Huntingdon,
Bedford, Lancaster, York, and Philadelphia counties, to
solicit subscriptions.)
The following named gentlemen were appointed for
Dauphin county : John Kean, Archibald M'Allister, Mar
tin Weaver, John Murray, James M'Creight.
Messrs. Ephraim Blane, Robert Whitehill, John Brat-
ton, George Gale and Samuel Hughes were appointed
commissioners to superintend the work ; and Stacy Potts,
Esq., of Dauphin county, Treasurer of the fund.
After this organization, the association published a
spirited address, dated at Harrisburg, "to all those inter
ested in the navigation of the river Susquehanna;" but
we can find no record of its subsequent operations.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 113
The following advertisement appears in the "Oracle"
of the same date with the preceding:
"Wanted. — A number of persons who are acquainted
with blowing rocks and removing obstructions in the
Susquehanna river, between the mouths of the Swatara
creek and Juniata; those that can be well recommended
shall have generous wages. Attendance will be given
at Harrisburg during court week for making contracts,
by Samuel Boyd and
Elijah Green."
harrisburg library company.
As early as 1794, some of the public spirited citizens of
Harrisburg organized themselves into an association for
mental improvement and the promotion of the arts and
sciences. This organization was called "The Mechanical
Society of Harrisburg," and it held weekly meetings,
generally at some one of the taverns in the borough.
We find among its members the names of Stacy Potts,
Henry Beader, Jacob Bucher, Jacob Reitzell and Sam
uel Hill. From this Society originated the "Harrisburg
Library Company," which was organized in the early
part of 1795, by the election of the following named gen
tlemen officers for the ensuirrg year, viz :
Directors. — John Kean, Rev. Henry Mceller, Gen. John
A. Hanna, William Graydon, Adam Boyd, John Dentzell,
Rev. Nathaniel Snowden and Stacy Potts.
Secretary. — Henry Fulton.
Treasurer. — Stacy Potts.
THE FOURTH OF JULY IN HARRISBURG, 1 796.
Harrisburg, July n, 1796. — "The Fourth of July was
observed by the citizens of this town with much hilarity
and social glee. The dawn of that auspicious morning

114 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
was announced to the inhabitants and neighborhood by
a discharge from the field piece of Captain Kean's com
pany. At 12 o'clock the citizens assembled at the Market
square, formed a procession, and marched to Federal Hill,
preceded by Lieut. Elder's Light Dragoons, the Presi
dent and Managers of the day, Captain Fisher's Light
Infantry and Captain Kean's company of Artillery, the
Sheriff, the reverend Clergy and Magistrates. After
partaking of a collation, the President, Gen. Hanna, gave
the following toasts, each of which was accompanied by
a discharge from Captain Kean's Artillery and Captain
Fisher's Light Infantry." — Oracle.
THEATRE AT HARRISBURG IN 1 796.
"The Harrisburg Company of Comedians, we hear,
intend giving the public a specimen of their abilities, some
evening during the present week. Attendance and rea
sonable credit will be given!' — Oracle, Sept. 12, 1796.
"A number of young gentlemen of this town, on the
evenings of Thursday and Friday last, performed the
celebrated comedy of "The Prisoner at Large," to a very
numerous audience ; considering the many inconveniences
which these young men have surmounted in order to give
a few hours amusement to this little social village, great
credit is due them for their great perseverance and polite
ness." — Oracle. SQUIRRELS BY THE BARREL.
"According to modern prediction, the ensuing winter
will be very severe indeed; for never, perhaps, since
the memory of man, were there known a greater quantity
of squirrels than has been in this neighborhood since
some days. We are told that during last week several
hundred per day crossed the Susquehanna from Cumber-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 115
land into this county. Some of the inhabitants, it is said,
who live near the banks of the river, have been enabled
to salt barrels of them for their winter's use." — Oracle,
September 26, 1796. MISCELLANY.
Among the business men in Harrisburg during the
years 1794-' '5 and '6, we observe by the advertisements
in the "Oracle" the names of Andrew Forrest, druggist,
Chestnut street, near Front ; Doctor John Spangler, Mar
ket square ; Robert Irwin, dry goods ; Gregg & M'Connel,
dry goods, Front street; John Kean, dry goods and gro
ceries ; Irwin & Howard, dry goods, Market street ; Peter
Fahnestock, druggist, Walnut st. ; Stacy Potts, lumber;
John Wyeth, books, &c, Second street ; Obed Fahnestock,
books, "opposite the sign of the King of Prussia;" Dal-
zall & Awl, groceries, Front st. ; Andrew Crouse, to
bacconist, Paxton street, "next to Mr. Robert Harris;"
Gustine & Ripton, groceries, brick house at the corner
of Front and Chestnut streets; Stewart & Wier, mer
chandise, "Second street, at the sign of the Lion and
Unicorn ;" Thos. Murray, dry goods, Market street, "near
the court-house;" Curtis & Dutton, button makers, op
posite Casper Smith's tavern; Thos. Foster, dry goods
and groceries, Front street; Jacob Singer, dry goods,
Market square; Lepelletier & Benoist, groceries, &c,
Front street; George Reininger, rope maker, Chestnut
st. ; Jacob Fridley, hatter, Front street ; Jacob Burckhart,
merchandise, turning, &c, Market square.
Messrs. Peter Shaw, Anthony Seyfort, Alpheus John
son,  Moderwell, Richard Dougherty, and John
M'Cann, respectively, advertise that they will "teach the
young idea to shoot ;" and while the above named gentle
men directed the heads of their pupils, Messrs. Richard

116 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Haughton,  Currier, and M. Peticollas, from France,
instructed their feet in the "poetry of motion."
The principal hotel at Harrisburg in 1796 was that
known as the "Dauphin Hotel," at the sign of the "In
dian Chief," kept by John H. Shaeffer, who devotes near
a column of the "Oracle" in pointing out the superior
merits of his establishment, in a style little less grand
iloquent than that done now-a-days by the landlords of
some of our hotel palaces. We cannot learn positively
where this hotel was situated. Some old citizens think
it was the building afterwards known as the "Washing
ton House," at the east corner of Market street and the
square. PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS IN 1797.
The difficulties that existed between the American
Government and the Directory of the French people in
1797, created an unusual degree of excitement through
out the country, and preparations for war were made
everywhere. The following extracts will show the pa
triotism evinced by the citizens of Harrisburg on that
occasion :
"On Monday last, agreeable to notice given, the com
pany of Light Infantry commanded by Captain Matthew
Henry paraded at this place. Their commander, in a
very animated address, informed them of the occasion
of their meeting; when the young gentlemen unanimous
ly offered their services as part of the quota of this State
— to hold themselves in readiness to march when called
upon." — Oracle, Nov. 15, 1797.
"On Saturday last, Captain Connelly's Artillery met
at their usual parade in this town. The Captain address
ed the company in a style of real patriotism, in which he
plainly evinced the necessity and virtue of supporting
the rights and laws of our country in time of danger.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 117
In consequence, we hear, all the members present, ex
cept one, voluntarily offered themselves as a part of
the quota to be furnished by this State." — Oracle, Nov.
22, 1797.
In May, 1798, a large and respectable meeting of the
citizens of the borough was held at the house of Mr.
Andrew Berryhill, when an address to the President,
(John Adams,) of which the following is an extract, was
agreed upon :
"That in our opinion the conduct and designs of the
French Republic (scarcely aggravated or made more ap
parent by the profligacy of their avowal) are such as to
produce alarm and indignation in every breast which
feels for the honor and happiness of America, and to
excite the apprehensions of every man, of whatever na
tion or country, who' may place a sense of justice, of
morality and piety among the ornaments of his nature
and the blessings of society. That under this persuasion,
we hold it wise to be prepared for every event, and shall
therefore most cheerfully acquiesce in such measures of
defence as may be adopted by you, sir, and the other
branches of the Administration, at the present moment
ous period."
The address was transmitted to the President, who ac
knowledged its receipt in an appropriate and extended
reply, which commenced as follows :
"To the Inhabitants of the Borough of Harrisburg, in the
State of Pennsylvania:
Gentlemen : Your address has been presented to me
by Mr. Hartley, Mr. Sitgreaves, and Mr. Hanna, three
of your Representatives in Congress.
I know not which to admire most, the conciseness,
the energy, the elegance, or profound wisdom of this ex
cellent address."

118 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The reply concluded as follows :
"That America may have the glory of arresting this
torrent of error, vice and imposture, is my fervent wish ;
and if sentiments as great as those from Harrisburg
should be found universally to prevail, as I doubt not
they will, my hopes will be as sanguine as my wishes.
John Adams.
Phila., 12th May, 1798."
INDIAN VISITORS.
"Last Friday crossed the Susquehanna near this town,
on their way to the President of the United States, sixty-
three Indians and seven squaws, having in their custody
a white man prisoner, (charged with having murdered
one of their chiefs,) whom they mean to demand of the
President, in order to sacrifice according to their custom,
(pine-knot splinters and the stake!) and agreeable to
treaty. It is said they are the principal Indians who
fought at St. Clair's defeat." — Oracle, June 6, 1798.
SINGULAR OCCURENCE.
On the night of June 18, 1799, two farmers residing
near this place took a tour in the woods, in company
with their dogs, to hunt racoons. They had not pro
ceeded far ere they descried one of the animals they were
in quest of, which they immediately shot. As the weath
er was intensely warm, and they expected to be abroad
some time, they concluded not to keep the meat of their
game, and therefore took the skin off and threw the car
cass away. The party continued scouring the woods
during the greatest part of the night, but with indifferent
success; at last, however, they observed their dogs had
discovered something, which by their constant howling,
induced the farmers to go to them. They found, on
going up, their faithful servants attentively watching an

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 119
old log, and upon making incisions in the same with axes,
judge of their astonishment to see running from the log
the very racoon whose hide they already had in their
possession! This circumstance is related in the 'Oracle
of Dauphin' of 1799, as a fact.
THE SEDITION LAW.
The only arrest in Harrisburg under what is termed
the "Adams sedition law," is noticed in the following
paragraph from the "Oracle of Dauphin" of August 28,
1799: "On Saturday morning last, William Nichols, marshal
of Pennsylvania, arrested Benj. Moyer and Conrad
Fahnestock, printers and proprietors of the 'Dutch Au
rora' of this borough, for publishing a 'false, scandalous
and malicious libel against the laws and government of
the United States.' They have given bail for their ap
pearance at the District Court of the United States, to be
held at the city of Philadelphia, October n, themselves
in $2000, and four securities in $1000 each."
The marshal who made the arrest was accompanied to
the borough by a troop of horsemen, and they made their
entry into town up Front street.
DEATH OF GEN. WASHINGTON.
The "Oracle of Dauphin" of December 30, 1799, ap
pears in mourning for the death of Gen. Washington.
"At a meeting of a number of gentlemen of Harris
burg, at Capt. Lee's, (old Washington House) on Mon
day evening, December 23, it was, among other resolu
tions, "Resolved, That as a mark of our unfeigned regret
upon this melancholy occasion, we and our respective
families will wear mourning for one month ; and that we
will recommend to such of our fellow-citizens as have

120 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
similar feelings, to unite with us in this small testimonial
of respect and veneration for his (Washington's) illus
trious character."
The citizens generally carried out the recommenda
tion of the meeting.
On the 9th of January, 1800, the citizens of Middle-
town and surrounding country testified their sorrow for
the loss of the nation's favorite by meeting at the farm
house of Geo. Fisher, Esq., and moving therefrom in
the following order to the meeting house :
Trumpeteer.
Calvary on foot, swords drawn.
Infantry, arms reversed, by platoons inverted.
Rifle company, arms reversed.
Militia officers in uniform.
Music.
Standard.
Surgeons. Clergy.
Pall bearers.
Young ladies in white.
Ancient citizens first.
Citizens in general by two.
Boys by pairs.
Having arrived at the meeting house, the troops form
ed lines right and left, when the clergy, pall bearers and
citizens entered, followed by the troops, while the Dead
March from Saul was performed by the organist.
The exercise was opened by a short prayer, and sing
ing part of the 90th psalm.
Rev. Mr. Snowden and Rev. Mr. Mceller then deliver
ed impressive and well adapted addresses.
Most of the military who joined in the procession were
from Harrisburg.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 121
EARTHQUAKE AT HARRISBURG.
On Thursday morning, the 20th of November, 1800,
two shocks of an earthquake were sensibly felt by the in
habitants of Harrisburg and vicinity. The first took
place about fifteen minutes before five o'clock, and lasted
about forty seconds. In some houses the effects were
more visible than in others ; the knockers on some of the
doors rapped as though they were moved by hands, and
in one dwelling a set of china was shaken from a table
and broken to pieces. The fright occasioned many of the
inhabitants to rise from their beds.
The second shock took place five minutes after five
o'clock, and lasted about half a minute. It was not as
severe as the former, but was sensibly felt in every dwell
ing. In both instances a rumbling noise accompanied the
trembling of the earth.
HARRISBURG IN l8o8-'9-'lO-'l I.
In the year 1808, Mr. John Wyeth's paper, having
reached its seventeenth volume, appeared enlarged from
three to four columns. Its title at this period was sim
ply "The Oracle of Dauphin," the words "and Harris
burg Advertiser," which formed part of the title when
it was first published, being omitted. The publication
office had also been removed from Mulberry to Second
street, where it remained until September, 1809, when it
was again removed to Market Square. A large portion
of each number of the paper is devoted to foreign
news, detailing particulars of the Napoleonic wars.
The following is .a summary of the advertisements and
items of local interest which appeared in the files of this
paper from October, 1808, to October, 181 1 :
1808, October — The Harrisburg and Philadelphia
stage advertised to start once a week.
9

122

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

received 534

votes

92

tt

3

546
u
539
n
84
tt
78
a
557
a
559
a
' 56i
tt
55
tt
49
Ci
49
It
Frederick Wolfersberger, Sheriff.
Result of the State and county election held in Har
risburg :
Governor — Simon Snyder
James Ross
John Spayd
Congress — Robert Whitehill
David Baird
John Glonninger
Wm. Alexander
Assembly — Jacob Bucher
James Wallace
Andrew Shultz
John Stoner
Jacob Beam
Chris. Ley
Hon. John Joseph Henry, President Judge of the
county court, offers to dispose of ten different
tracts of land.
A new mail stage line between Harrisburg and Alex
andria, Huntingdon county, is advertised to run
once a week. Fare for passage, $6.
A dancing school "at Mr. Norton's large room" is
advertised.
Samuel M'Clintock advertises a night school at his
residence, corner of Front and Market streets.
November 12. — The friends of Mr. Simon Snyder, in
Harrisburg, commemorated that gentlemen's elec
tion to the Executive chair by a public dinner yes
terday. Over one hundred and fifty persons sat
down to the repast. In the evening a number of
the houses were illuminated, and a huge lantern
containing a number of lights, displaying sundry
emblematical words thereon, was paraded through
the streets.
ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 123
The stockholders of the Lancaster, Elizabethtown
and Middletown turnpike company are admonish
ed to pay up arrearages to finish the road, other
wise "their names will appear in the papers."
James M'Ginnis desires patronage for a public
school.
i8og, February. — The public are invited to attend the
opening of the new Presbyterian Church, in Sec
ond street, on Sunday and Monday, the 12th and
13th. Several clergyman were expected to be
present to install Rev. Mr. Buchanan as pastor
thereof; and some attention to music was to be
given.
Died, at Fort Hunter, a few miles north of the bor
ough, aged about twenty-five years, Dr. Gates
M'AUister, second son of Capt. Archibald M'Allis-
ter.
Messrs. Hamilton, Albright and Ehrenfried pro
posed to establish a German paper, to be called
the "Volksfreund," in the borough.
George Fisher, Esq., of Harrisburg, having laid out
a new town called Harborton, at the confluence of
the Swatara with the Susquehanna, in Dauphin
county, proposes to dispose of the lots at $60 each.
The name Harborton was subsequently changed
to Portsmouth.
"We learn," says the Oracle, "that the bill for the
removal of the seat of government of Pennsyl
vania to Harrisburg has passed the Senate, and
is to be taken up in the lower House this day,"
(February 25.)
March n. — The same paper says: "The act for remov
ing the seat of government to Harrisburg is post
poned in the Senate, and recommended to the early

124 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
attention of the next Legislature. For postpon
ing, 16; against it, 14.
In the lower House it was agreed not to take up the
question of removal this session — yeas, 47; nays,
42.
March 25. — At the election for borough officers on the
17th inst, Thomas Elder, Esq., was elected Chief
Burgess, and Moses Gilmore, Assistant Burgess.
April 15. — At an election held on Wednesday last for
Chief Burgess, in place of Thomas Elder, Esq.,
who declined serving, William Graydon, Esq., was
duly elected to that office.
In the account of monies expended by the corpora
tion of the borough of Harrisburg for the current
year, appears the following:
"To C. Kunkel, balance due for erecting
market houses,  $3°5 75"
Mr. John Gingrich, of Londonderry township, offers
to sell the time of a stout, healthy negro boy, aged
about fourteen years.
Mr. Jacob Steinman advertises entertainment for
man and beast at the "Golden Lion," in Market
street, opposite the Court House.
April 22. — The books for subscription to the stock of
the company incorporated to erect a "permanent
bridge over the Susquehanna at or near Harris
burg," are advertised to be opened on the 2d of
May next, at the public houses of Andrew Berry
hill, George Brenizer, Daniel Stine, George Zieg-
lar and Jacob Fridley, in Harrisburg.
The "Harrisburg Volunteers" are requested to meet
at Col. Ziegler's on Monday next, by order of the
Captain, John Irwin.
Andrew Miller, of Paxton, three miles from Harris
burg, offers to sell a mulatto wench who has five

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 125
years to serve, and has a child five or six months
old, which will be sold along.
May 13. — The directors of the Philadelphia Bank ap
pointed the following gentlemen directors of the
office of discount and deposit established in this
borough: Robert Harris, Samuel Laird, Chris
tian Kunkle, George Hoyer, Obed Fahnestock,
Jacob Bucher, John Foster, Conrod Bombaugh,
of Harrisburg; Elisha Green, Edward Crouch, of
Middletown ; John Carson, of Paxton ; Thos. Dun
can, James Given, Richard O'Bryan, of Carlisle;
and Jacob M. Haldeman, of Allen township, Cum
berland county. Robert Harris, President; Moses
Musgrave, Cashier.
The Bank commenced discounting on Monday, the
22d, following; and the days of discount were on
each Monday afterwards.
The office of the Bank was located in the building
which stood until 1854, at the south-west corner
of Market square and Blackberry alley, the site
of the present Harrisburg Bank building. It ap
pears to have been the first banking institution
in the borough.
June 3. — The annual Spring Fair is advertised to be
held on Thursday and Friday, the 8th and 9th of
June, in Harrisburg. Great accommodations
would be provided for pedlars and merchants of
all descriptions.
June 17. — On Wednesday, while a flat was crossing
the river at the ferry three miles below the bor
ough, (loaded with very valuable goods belonging
to a merchant in Kentucky,) several horses and
sundry persons, it was suddenly overtaken by a
very violent gust nearly in the middle of the
river, and notwithstanding the utmost exertion

126 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
of the ferrymen, was in a few moments sunk to
the bottom. Fortunately, the wagoner had the
precaution to disengage the horses from the wagon
a few moments previous to the gale reaching
them, by which means both the lives of the men
and the horses were saved. The contents of the
wagon were lost.
June 10. — A grandson of the celebrated William Penn
resided in the borough at this period, in the brick
house owned at the time by Mr. John Wyeth, now
occupied by Mr. John Knepley, situated in Sec
ond street, below Mulberry.
July i. — Died, on Tuesday evening last, in Middle-
town, in the sixty-sixth year of his age, Mr.
George Lauman, mason. His death was occa
sioned by a severe kick of a horse.
July 8. — The anniversary of American independence
was celebrated in a conspicuous manner by the
Harrisburg Volunteer Light Infantry, and a num
ber of other citizens of the borough. The In
fantry, under the command of Ensign John
Brooks, proceeded from Front street to the upper
ferry, where they were received into a commodi
ous flat, and safely transported to William Mac-
lay's island, opposite the town, at which place,
by previous arrangement, a delicious repast was
prepared. Dr. James M'Ginnis was chosen Presi
dent, and Dr. Samuel Agnew Vice President. The
company then took their seats and dined sumptu
ously; after which a number of patriotic toasts
were drank, each accompanied by a regular vol
ley of musketry.
A number of the citizens of the borough also cele
brated the day on "Laurel Hill," near town. Dr.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 127
John Luther presided, assisted by John Downey,
Esq.
October 14. — At an election held at George Ziegler's
inn-keeper, on Thursday last, for officers of the
Harrisburg Light Infantry, John Foster was elect
ed Captain, James M'Ginnis, Lieutenant, and
Charles Still, Ensign.
The Harrisburg volunteers are notified to meet at
Col. Zeigler's on Monday, the 16th, by order of
the Captain. Henry Peffer, Sergeant.
October 21. — "An act relative to a nightly watch. —
Whereas the President and Directors of the Phil
adelphia Bank, for the better protection and great
er safety of the branch bank in the borough of
Harrisburg, have appointed a watchman: and
whereas, a number of the inhabitants of the said
borough have contributed (with the approbation
of the officers of said bank) an additional salary,
for the purpose of compensating the said watch
man to patrol a certain portion of the said bor
ough at certain hours of the night; therefore, in
order to carry into effect the intention of so use
ful a regulation, be it ordained," &c. (The sec
tion invests the said watchman with all the au
thority of constables to arrest disorderly and sus
picious persons.)
The "persons who wish to encourage' a singing
school in the borough are requested to meet at Mr.
John Norton's."
The Middletown races are advertised to commence
on Wednesday, the 22d, on which day a subscrip
tion purse of $60 will be run for three mile heats.
The Directors of the Poor advertise that the Poor
House mill, with the appurtenances, will be rented
on Thursday, the 7th of December.

128 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
John Shoch advertises entertainment for man and
beast at the sign of the "Wheat Sheaff," corner
of Market and Front streets, in the borough.
December 16. — Drs. Samuel Agnew and John Cleave-
land commence a spirited controversy in the "Ora
cle" upon their respective professional merits.
December 23. — The Commissioners of the county ad
vertise the ferry at Harrisburg for rent.
1810, January 12. — Mr. Colome, dancing master, Pro
fessor of the Academy at Paris and Madrid, gives
notice that he will open a dancing academy at the
public house of Col. Geo. Zeigler, in the borough,
on the 1st of March.
February 17. — The editor of the "Oracle" says "we
cordially congratulate our fellow-citizens of Har
risburg on the pleasing prospect of its shortly
becoming the permanent seat of government for
the great and respectable State of Pennsylvania.
The following bill passed the House of Represen
tatives of this State on Monday last, by a large ma
jority, and in the Senate on Wednesday last, by
a majority of one vote; and nothing but the sig
nature of the Governor is required to make it a
law, of which not a doubt remains." (Here fol
lows the act of Assembly establishing the seat of
government at Harrisburg, which_ will be found
under the head of "Removal of the Seat of Gov
ernment.")
March 3. — Accounts are given of experiments made at
Washington city with certain torpedoes and har
poons invented by one Robert Fulton, for war pur
poses. The editor admits that the machinery of
the instruments were ingenious, but places little
confidence in their utility, and seems disposed to
be facetious over their failure. (A few years pre-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 129
vious, this same Robert Fulton had proved the
practicability of navigating the North River, New
York, with a steamboat of his own invention.)
March 10. — In the proceedings of the Senate of Feb
ruary 21, appears the following:
"To the Senate and House of Representatives: —
Gentlemen: I have this day approved and signed
the following act of the General Assembly, and di
rected the Secretary to return the same to the
House in which it originated: 'An act establish
ing the seat of government of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, in the county of
Dauphin."
March 24. — At an election held on Friday, the 16th
inst, for borough officers, Joshua Elder was elect
ed Chief Burgess, and John Wyeth Assistant Bur
gess. Messrs. Robert Harris, George Ziegler,
John Shoch, Christian Kunkle, Peter Keller,
Jacob Boas, John Capp, John Irwin and Moses
Gillmore were elected Councilmen.
March 31. — Mrs. Smith, (late from Northumberland,)
gives notice that she will open a school on Mon
day, the 2d of April, "at the house of Mr. Dubbs,
next door to Mr. Stine's Tavern."
Chamber's Ferry, three miles below Harrisburg, is
offered for rent.
April 7. — Adam Rupley advertises accommodation for
man and beast "at the sign of the Bell," in the
house formerly occupied by Simon Snyder, and
latterly by Herman Frederick as a tavern, a few
doors below Mr. Harris' stone mansion, in Front
street.
April 21. — A large vein of beautiful colored marble
of superior fineness was recently opened near the
borough; and another of a very fine white has

130 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
likewise just been discovered on the plantation of
Mr. Neidig, near the County Poor House. (Is
this quarry exhausted? — Com.)
May 5. — Died, on Wednesday afternoon, in this bor
ough, in the forty-third year of her age, of pul
monary consumption, Mrs. Polly Cox, consort of
the late Cornelius Cox, of Coxestown. This lady
was distinguished for her engaging deportment
through life. Her remains were deposited in the
family graveyard at Coxestown.
June 16. — Died, on the 12th inst., in this borough, of
pulmonary consumption, Mrs. Catherine Elder,
consort of Thomas Elder, Esq., and daughter of
the late Cornelius Cox, of Coxestown.
June 2. — The "Oracle" contains the following adver
tisement taken from a Baltimore paper. We give
it a place as a curiosity :
Riflemen attention! — A man to be shot for the bene
fit of his wife and children — $1 a shot, one hun
dred yards distance, with rifles — on Wednesday,
the 13th inst., at Govanstown, at 3 p. m. The
above mentioned man is in a very low state of
health, and wishes to leave his family snug."
July 7. — The thirty-fourth anniversary of American
independence was celebrated by the citizens of the
borough with the usual demonstrations of joy and
patriotism. The morning was hailed by seven
teen volleys from Captain Boas' company of In
fantry; and about ten o'clock one hundred and
fifty citizens, preceded by Capt. Boas' company
and martial and other music, walked in procession
to an agreeable rural spot near the borough, where
Moses Gillmore, Esq., was chosen President, and
Jacob Bucher, Esq., Vice President of the day.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 131
The Declaration of Independence was read by the
Vice President, and patriotic toasts drank.
The "Harrisburg Volunteers," commanded by Capt.
John Irwin, met at an early hour at Col. George
Zeigler's, from whence they retired to Maclay's
Island, accompanied by Col. George Zeigler and
Major Umberger, for the purpose of celebrating
the day. The usual number of toasts were drank,
each accompanied by a volley of musketry.
On Thursday, the 5th inst., about thirty young
ladies of the borough, desirous of emulating the
other sex in their 4th of July hilarities, marched
to a beautiful spring near the town, and after an
agreeable repast, spent the day in gay and cheer
ful conversation. During the entertainment they
drank a number of patriotic toasts, "accompanied
with animating cheers."
August 11. — Previous to the erection of the public
sewers in Market and Second streets, the Square,
or at least the greatest part thereof, was usually
flooded with water after a heavy rain, which some
times would remain there for a considerable per
iod. In alluding to this circumstance, the Lancas
ter Journal, under the head of "Inland Naviga
tion," intimates a design on the part of the citi
zens of Harrisburg to adopt the Venitian style of
visiting in gondolas!
181 1, January 19. — The. Hon. John Joseph Henry,
President of the Courts of Common Pleas and
Quarter Sessions for the district composed of the
counties of Lancaster, York and Dauphin, resign
ed his office.
January 26. — Appointment by the Governor. — Walter
Franklin, late Attorney General of the State, to be
President of the Courts in the counties of York,

132 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Lancaster and Dauphin, in the room of John J.
Henry, Esq., resigned.
February 2. — Departed this life on Monday morning
last, after a short but severe illness, Dr. John
Luther, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, for
many years a useful, humane, and fortunate prac
titioner in the science of physic and surgery in the
borough.
March 23. — The bill to appropriate $30,000 to complete
the public offices at Harrisburg passed both houses
of the Legislature, and only awaits the signature
of the Governor to become a law.
April 6. — On Tuesday last the Legislature of this Com
monwealth adjourned sine die. Among the most
important acts it passed was one appropriating
$90,000 towards building a bridge across the Sus
quehanna river at Harrisburg.
April 13.— On Sunday afternoon last, as two brothers
and a sister, by the name of Hahn, belonging to
Cumberland county, were attempting to cross the
Susquehanna, near the borough, in a canoe, the
youngest lad, aged about fifteen years, by some
sudden jolt of the canoe, fell overboard, when the
sister, about two years younger, with the view
probably to save her struggling brother, was like
wise precipitated into the river, and both were
drowned before any assistance could be offered
them.
* April 20. — Mr. John Wyeth, Editor and Bookseller,
advertises a Circulating Library, charging each
reader six cents per volume for perusing duodeci
mos, and ten cents for octavos.
An ordinance was passed by the Town Council au
thorizing the town regulator to contract with some
person for the erection of a sewer, "to carry off

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 133
such redundant water as may from time to time
collect in Market square."
April 27. — Died at Lancaster, after many years afflict
ing illness, John Joseph Henry. (The deceased
was the first President Judge of the courts in
Dauphin county after the adoption of the new
Constitution of Pennsylvania, in 1790, the judicial
district then being composed of the counties of
Dauphin, York and Lancaster. In the year 1775,
Mr. Henry, then a young man, joined the Amer
ican army at Boston, as a volunteer cadet, and at
the close of that year he marched with the First
Penna. regiment on the expedition to Canada, a
campaign distinguished in the history of the war
for the gallantry and sufferings of the army. Of
these sufferings Mr. Henry bore more than a com
mon share, for he was among the first of seven,
(one of which was the notorious Aaron Burr,) who
volunteered to go in advance and explore a route
for the army through the wilderness, for nearly
300 miles, a service of great fatigue and danger.
During that time, as well as before Quebec, young
Henry acquired, by his bravery and good conduct,
the approbation of his officers, who gave very
honorable testimonials of his gallantry. At the
storming of Quebec, under General Montgomery,
he shared the fate of his brave but unfortunate
countrymen, and was taken prisoner. While in
that situation, having concerted a plan of escape
with some of his associates, in order to rejoin the
American army, he was closely confined in irons
for many months, in which position he contracted
a scorbutic complaint, which prevented his re-en
tering the army on being released, and which,
after impairing his health, reduced him to a state

134 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
of great disease and decrepitude, and rendered
him prematurely old. — From the report of a com
mittee made to the Legislature in January, 1811.)
May 4. — Died, on Saturday last, at New Market
Forge,, in this- county, Mr. John Elder, Sr., aged
about fifty-four years. His remains were interred
in Paxton burial ground, near the borough.
May 25. — The "Yearly Market" at Middletown,
Dauphin county, is advertised to commence on the
nth of June, at which time and place a great num
ber of valuable horses, cows, sheep, lambs, calves,
and hogs, with many articles suitable to the taste
of the season, such as pickled oysters, roast beef,
punch and wine, will be offered for sale. The
market to be enlivened with all kinds of music.
June 22. — An unfortunate occurrence took place on
Monday last at the public buildings in this place.
While a number of the hands were employed fix
ing a large stone about the cornice, a cross piece
of timber which supported the scaffold broke,
which occasioned part of- the scaffolding to give
way, and precipitated four of the workmen to the
earth. A Mr. Jesse Gohagan, who probably had
hold of the stone at the moment, fell under it,
which mashed the entire upper part of his head,
and killed him instantly. Two or three others
had some of their limbs broken. The deceased re
sided within four miles of Baltimore.
June 29. — The Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy
advertise for a teacher.
July 13. — The "Harrisburg Volunteers" celebrated the
anniversary of American independence by a public
dinner on Maclay's Island. Samuel Agnew, Esq.,
officiated as President, and Mr. John Fager as
Vice President, on the occasion. Appropriate

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 135
toasts were drank, accompanied with discharges
of musketry.
REMOVAL OF THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT TO HARRISBURG.
The first indication of a realization of the prophecy of
John Harris that the town he had laid out on the banks
of the Susquehanna would become the future >seat of
government of Pennsylvania, occurred in the winter of
1808-9. In the State Senate, on the 4th of January of the lattSr
year, Mr. Laird presented the petition of sundry inhabi
tants of the town of Northumberland, in Northumber
land county, stating the central situation of that place,
and showing the advantages of fixing the State govern
ment there, offering accommodations for the officers of
the State and members of the Legislature, and praying
a removal of the seat of government thither.
The petition was referred to a committee consisting
of Messrs. Laird, Heston, Doty, Heister and Laycock.
On the same day, the following preamble and resolu
tion was presented to the Senate, and also referred to the
same committee :
"Whereas, The books, records and documents belong
ing to the different departments of the government of
this Commonwealth, particularly those of the Land Of
fice, are in want of suitable buildings for their safe keep
ing, greatly exposed to dangerous accidents by fire and
otherwise — for a remedy whereof,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed' to prepare
and report a bill to fix the permanent seat of government
at  , in the county of  , and provide for erect
ing thereat suitable buildings for the accommodation of
the Legislature, and the several offices attached thereto,
before the first Tuesday in December, 18 — ."
The committee to whom the subject was referred short-

136 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ly after submitted a report recommending the removal
of the seat of government to the town of Northumber
land, in the county of Northumberland. The Senate,
however, when considering the report, struck out the
words "Northumberland, in the county of Northumber
land." February 17, 1809. — In Committee of the Whole, in
the Senate, Mr. Sommer moved to fill the blank with the
words "city of Philadelphia."
Mr. Sommer said he was as far removed from being
influenced by any local interest as any member of the
Senate. He wished to fix the seat of government per
manently where it would most conduce to the interest of
the people, and he believed Philadelphia to be that place.
Wherever the seat of government is, to that place trade
will in some measure be directed ; and it is the interest of
the State to secure the trade to her metropolis.
Mr. Dorsey said there, were already buildings in Phil
adelphia sufficient for all the officers of government and
for the Legislature. This was not the case elsewhere.
If they removed to any other place, much expense would
be incurred in the erection of these buildings. He had
many other reasons for voting for Philadelphia; but,
under a belief that the seat of government would not be
fixed there, he would not take up the time of the Senate
in mentioning them. Any other place than Lancaster,
however, would be cordially voted for by him. He would
vote even for Pittsburg.
The motion to fill the blank with the word "Philadel
phia" was lost — only eight yeas voting in favor of the
same. Mr. Laird moved to fill the blank with the words
"town of Northumberland, in the county of Northumber
land." Mr. Burrows said: This question was of the first im-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 137
portance to Pennsylvania; it was important to the State
to concentrate her whole interest in fixing the permanent
seat of government. And how is this to be done but by
fixing upon as central a place as can be found. He con
fessed that, for this purpose, Harrisburg was next to
Northumberland; but then Harrisburg was but twenty
miles from the southern boundary of the State, and
Northumberland was eighty. And (said Mr. B.) are we
to fix it at Harrisburg, and make the people come over
the mountains with knapsacks on their backs, only that
the rich at this end of the State may have an opportunity
of riding to the seat of government in their coaches.
Mr. Irish observed that he had lately examined all the
situations from the mountains above Harrisburg down to
Columbia, and he thought the most suitable situation was
near Middletown. That place, he said, was best to divert
the trade to Philadelphia; a canal was contemplated
which would afford water carriage for produce to the
city of Philadelphia from Middletown. The situation at
Harrisburg was very pleasant and handsome, but it was
not so eligible for the purpose of intercepting the trade
and preventing its going to Baltimore. He thought a
committee should be appointed to examine the situations
on the Susquehanna, and make report to the next Legisla
ture. The question was then taken on filling the blank with
the words "the town of Northumberland, in the county
of Northumberland," and lost — seven only rising in favor
of it.
Mr. Lane then moved to fill the blank with the words
"borough of Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin;"
which was agreed to — 14 to 10.
The resolution attached to the report was adopted;
when the committee rose, and the Speaker took the
chair. 10

138 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The Senate proceeded to consider the report.
Mr. Weaver moved to postpone the report for the
purpose of introducing a substitute, which contemplated
a purchase by the State of one hundred and fifty acres
of land, the property of Abraham Huey, a short distance
above Harrisburg.
This ( (with the motion to postpone) was opposed by
Burrows and Dorsey, on the ground that this land was
to be purchased for the purpose of speculation, and that
it was disgraceful for the Legislature to enter into it.
Neither, they said, did this tract of land adjoin Harris
burg. The report was postponed, and the substitute intro
duced. Mr. Sommer moved to strike out that part of the
substitute which authorized the purchase by the State
of one hundred and fifty acres of land from Abraham
Huey. Carried — yeas 13, nays 9.
The part appropriating money for the erection of pub
lic buildings, &c, was also stricken out.
Mr. Roberts moved that the blank in the resolution at
tached to the substituted report be filled up with the
words "first of November," which was agreed to; and
the substitute as amended was carried.
Subsequent to this action, a bill for the removal of the
seat of government to Harrisburg was prepared and con
sidered in the Senate, and postponed until the next ses
sion. The House of Representatives refused to take up
the bill during that session.
No further action on the subject appears to have been
had in the Legislature until February, 18 10, when a bill,
of which the following is a synopsis, passed both branches
of the Legislature, and became a law:

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 139
"An act establishing the seat of government of the Com
monwealth of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, in the coun
ty of Dauphin.
SECT. i. Be it enacted, &c, That within the month of
October, 1812, all the offices attached to the seat of gov
ernment of this State shall be removed to the borough of
Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin, by their respec
tive holders, and shall after that period cease to be exer
cised elsewhere ; at which said borough of Harrisburg the
session of the Legislature thereafter, as well as all future _<•
sessions, shall be held; and the said borough of Harris
burg is hereby fixed and declared to be the seat of gov
ernment of the said Commonwealth.
SECT. 2. — (Directs the Secretary of the Common
wealth, State Treasurer, Auditor General, Secretary of
the Land Office, and Surveyor General, the clerks of
both Houses of the Legislature, and all officers whose
official duties are attached to the seat of government, to
remove, or cause to be removed, all books, records, pa
pers, &c, to the said offices respectively, or to the State
generally, to the borough of Harrisburg, in the manner
provided for in this act.)
Sect. 3. — That Robert Harris, George Hoyer and
George Zeigler shall be, and they are hereby appointed
commissioners, who, together with the respective officers
aforesaid, shall superintend and direct the removal of
the books, records, papers and other documents afore
said, and shall provide at the borough of Harrisburg
good and suitable rooms and apartments for the con
venient accommodation of the Legislature, and also for
the receiving, opening and depositing the said books, rec
ords, papers and other documents, and for conducting
and transacting the business of the offices aforesaid, re
spectively; and in case of the resignation of any of the

140 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
aforesaid officers, or of their or any of their neglect and
refusal or incapacity to attend to the business of the re
moval aforesaid, then it shall be and may be lawful for
the said commissioners, or a majority of them, to pro
ceed therein as if the said officers were attending.
Sect. 4. That the Governor be, and he is hereby au
thorized and required, on behalf and in the name of this
Commonwealth, to accept of the offer of ten acres of land
in or adjoining the said borough of Harrisburg, at one
hundred dollars per acre, made by William Maclay, ad
joining to the four acre lot formerly appropriated by
John Harris, for the use of the State ; and to pay for the
same and receive sufficient conveyances and assurances
in fee simple therefor, to be recorded in the office for
recording of deeds in the county of Dauphin aforesaid.
Sect. 5. — (Appropriates $3,000 for the purpose of
making the aforesaid purchase and discharging the ex
pense of removal, to be paid in advance — $2,000 to the
said commissioners, and $1,000 for the said purchase.)
Sect. 6 — (Appropriates the further sum of $30,000 for
the purpose of erecting the offices at the seat of govern
ment, to wit; one for the Secretary of the Common
wealth, one for the Secretary of the Land Office, one for
the Surveyor General, one for the Auditor General, one
for the Treasurer, and one for any purpose to which it
may hereafter be applied, each of which shall be fire
proof, for the safe keeping of all the records and papers
belonging to said offices.)
Sect. 7. That the Governor is hereby authorized and
required immediately after the passage of this act, to ap
point, and by supplying vacancies happening from re
fusals to act or other causes, to keep in appointment as
long as may be necessary, three commissioners, whose
duty it shall be, immediately after their appointment, to
fix upon a site in or on the four acre lot described in the

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 141
fourth section of this act, or on the ten acre lot purchas
ed from William Maclay, and procure one or more plan
or plans on which the said offices are to be built, and after
a place shall be agreed on, according to the provisions
which hereafter follow, it shall be their duty to contract
for, direct and superintend the building and completing
of the said offices. And it shall also be the duty of the
said commissioners, as soon as they shall have ascertained
the site for the said offices and procured one or more
plans, to lay the said plan or plans before the Governor,
Secretary of the Land Office, Surveyor General, Auditor
General, and the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, who,
together with the three commissioners aforesaid, shall
each have one vote in order to decide on a plan for the
offices aforesaid; and such plan as shall have a majority
of the votes aforesaid, shall, by the commissioners afore
said, be carried into execution.
SECT. 8 — (Directs that as soon as the plan shall be de
cided on, the commissioners shall give notice in two news
papers of Philadelphia, Lancaster, York, Carlisle, Har
risburg, Pittsburg, and Reading, for four weeks success
ively, that proposals will be received by them until a cer
tain day, by them to be fixed, from any person or persons
who shall be willing to undertake the building of the
offices aforesaid: Provided, that every contract shall be
made in writing, and that the parties contracting with the
said commissioners give bonds with sufficient surety for
the performance of their cantracts.)
Sect. 9 — (Provides that the money appropriated for
this purpose shall be paid by the Treasurer of the Com
monwealth, on the order of any two of the said commis
sioners, who are required to keep strict accounts of their
transactions, and to transmit an abstract thereof to the
Governor once in every three months after their appoint
ment.)

142 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Sect. 10 — (Provides that the aforesaid commissioners,
before entering upon the duties of their appointment,
shall subscribe to an oath or affirmation that they will
faithfully perform the duties enjoined upon them by this
act; and that each of the said commissioners shall re
ceive for every day's attendance upon the duties herein
£njoined upon them, the sum of two dollars and fifty
cents, and that any two of them may do and perform any
act or duty herein enjoined on the said commissioners.)
The commissioners on the part of the State, named in
the third section of the above act, in their negotiations
with Wm. Maclay for the purchase of the ten acres upon
which the Capitol now stands, wished to have it adjoin
the four acres and thirteen perches granted by John Har
ris, but as the grant of Harris was separated from the Ma
clay property by a range of five lots, extending
from * High to Third St., originally the property of
the heirs of Harris, viz: of David Harris, Mrs. Maclay,
Mrs. Hanna, James Harris, and Robert Harris, Mr.
Maclay could not convey the title without first purchas
ing these lots from the then owners, which he did, and
then conveyed the ten acres, as described in the deed from
him to the Commonwealth. This deed, however, did not
convey all the ground now enclosed as the public ground.
In order to obtain it, the State, by virtue of an act of the
Legislature, purchased lots Nos. 271, 272, 273, 274 and
275 in the plan of the borough, from the individual
owners, and after enclosing what was necessary to com
plete or square the grounds, and open High street as
it is, sold the residue of said lots, lying between High
street and Tanner's alley, and from Cranberry alley to
the Maclay line, to the present owners or their vendors.
The commissioners appointed by the Governor, by

?High street ran diagonally across Fourth street from a point
near Dewberry avenue to a point near Cranberry avenue.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 143
authority of the 7th section of the above act, were Wm.
Findlay, Richard M. Crain, George Bryan, John B.
Gibson and William Graydon, who immediately invited
architects to exhibit to them plans and elevations for
the contemplated buildings. A premium of $400 was
to be given for the plan adopted by the Board, and $200
for that which they should adjudge the next best. Ste
phen Hills, Esq., was declared the successful competitor,
his plan contemplating the connection of the main build
ing with the offices by corridors.
A supplement to the foregoing act was passed Feb
ruary 7, 1812, which provided in the first section for the
removal of all the offices, within the month of April, to
the borough of Harrisburg, the change of all papers,
records, books and documents placed with the clerks
of the two Houses, and expenses to be paid under the
authority of the second section, out of the money al
ready appropriated for that purpose.
The second supplement to the original act was passed
the 10th March, 1812, which appropriated, in the first
section, $13,000 to complete the fire proof offices at Har
risburg contemplated in the sixth section of the original
act. In the second section it directed the clerks of the two
Houses, on or before the 1st of June next, (1812), to
remove, or cause to be removed, "all the papers, records,
books and documents belonging to each House, as afore
said, together with whatever furniture may be thought
fit for removal."
From the above records, it is ascertained that the gov
ernment of the State was removed, in all its departments,
in the year 1812, from Lancaster to Harrisburg, and
that the first organization of the latter was in December
of that year.
The first sessions of the Legislature in Harrisburg

144 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
were held in the present Court House building; the
Courts, as previously stated, having vacated all the rooms
therein excepting those occupied by the Prothonotary
and Register, for that purpose. The large room on the
second story was occupied by the Senate, and the present
court room by the House of Representatives. The State
Library was in the room now occupied by the Town
Council. The remaining rooms were used by the tran
scribing clerks and the committees of the Legislature.
The circular vestibule in front of the building was erected
by the State at this period.
Recapitulation of Appropriations for Public Offices. *^
By act of 21st February, 1810,  $30,000
28th March, 1811,  30,000
10th March, 1812,  13,000
By resolution of 25th June, 1839,  10,000
21st April, 1840,  2,300
THE STATE CAPITOL — ITS COST.
By "an act to erect the State Capitol, passed the
18th of March, 1816, there was appropriated $50,000
By "a supplement to an act providing for the
erection of a State Capitol, approved the 27th
of January, 1819, there was appropriated .... 70,000
With the provision that said Capitol building should not
cost more than  $120,000
By a further supplement, passed the 28th of March, 1820,
for the purpose of constructing the columns and capi
tals thereof of hewn stone, and to cover the roof of the
dome, &c, there was appropriated  15.000
Whole cost of Capitol,  $135,000

By the fourth section of a supplement to the act, ap
proved the 27th January, 181 9, the sums appropriated

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 145
were directed to be paid to the builder and architect, as
follows :
First payment,  $50,000
Second payment,  30,000
Third payment,  30,000
Fourth payment,  10,000
Making  $120,000

The fourth payment of $10,000 by act of Assembly
hereafter recited, was divided into two parts, for what
reason is not stated; the first of $3,000, and the last of
$7,000. The entire cost of the public buildings and grounds,
up to January, 1819, as near as can be ascertained, was
as follows:
Cost of Executive offices north west and south-east of
Capitol building,  $93,000
Cost of Capitol,  135,000
Cost of Arsenal,  12,000
Public grounds, its enclosure and embellishment,  35,ooo
Total,  $275,000

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL.
The corner-stone of the Capitol was laid at twelve
o'clock on Monday, the 31st of May, 1819, by Gov.
Findlay, Stephen Hills, architect and contractor for the
execution of the work; William Smith, stone-cutter; and
Valentine Kergan and Samuel White, masons, in pres
ence of the commissioners, and a large concourse of cit
izens of Harrisburg; and was followed by three dis
charges from one of the public cannon.
The Harirsburg band of music attended, and added
much to the interest and satisfaction which all seemed to

146 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
feel and enjoy; and after the ceremonies of the occasion
had been concluded, the commissioners, architect, stone
cutters, masons, carpenters and workmen, with a number
of citizens, partook of a cold collation provided on the
public ground by Mr. Rahm.
The commissioners deposited in the stone copies of the
following mentioned documents:
Charter of Charles II. to William Penn.
Declaration of Independence.
Constitution of Pennsylvania, 1776.
Articles of confederation and perpetual union between
the several States.
Copy of so much of an act of the General Assembly
of Pennsylvania, by which indemnity was made to the
heirs of William Penn for. their interest in Pennsylvania.
Treaty of peace and acknowledgment by Great Britain
of the independence of the United States.
Constitution of the United States, 1787.
Constitution of Pennsylvania, 1790.
Acts of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, by which the
seat of government was removed from Philadelphia to
Lancaster and Ha'rrisburg, and the building of a State
Capitol at the latter place authorized.
A list of the names of the commissioners, architects,
stone-cutter and chief masons; likewise a list of the then
officers of the government of Pennsylvania, embracing
the Speakers of the two Houses of the Legislature, the
Governor, the Heads of Department, the Judges of the
Supreme Court, and Attorney General, with the names
of the President and Vice President of the United States.
It was a singular oversight of the commissioners or
architect to omit distinguishing this stone by some ap
propriate mark or inscription. Out of twelve of our old
old citizens who witnessed the ceremony, the compiler
could find but one (Mr. George Eicholtz) who was able

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 147
to inform him positively at which corner of the building
the stone is situated. This gentleman states that it is at
the south-western corner; and further, that "when Gov.
Findlay went through the form of laying it, he accident
ally broke the mallet, which was considered by the as
semblage of people as a bad omen."
Furnishing state capitol.
An act providing for the furnishing of the State Cap
itol, and for other purposes therein mentioned, was passed
March 30, 1821.
Section 1 . The Governor, Auditor General, State Treas
urer, William Graydon, Jacob Bucher, Francis R. Shunk,
and Joseph A. M'Ginsey appointed commissioners to su
perintend the furnishing the State Capitol.
Section 2. Commissioners to contract in manner pro
vided, for providing furniture for the Executive, enumer
ating the articles.
Sections 3, 4 and 5 provide in like manner for furnish
ing furniture, closets, &c, for chambers of the Senate
and House, and for the joint library and committee
rooms, together with a six-faced clock, four of which
shall be outside the dome, one to be fixed in a suitable
place in the Senate Chamber, and the other in the Hall of
the House of Representatives.
Section 6 provides for building out-houses, levelling
public grounds, paving, and authorizing the putting the
telescope in the Library in complete order.
Section 7. The sum of $15,000 appropriated, to be
drawn on the warrant of the Governor to meet the fore
going provisions.
DEEDS FOR PUBLIC GROUND, WITH THEIR DATES.
Cost $400, from John Fleck and wife to Common
wealth, for lots Nos. 271 and 272, August 27, 1828.

148 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Cost $200, from Ebenezer Ward and wife to Common
wealth, for lot No. 273, July 16, 1828.
Cost $200, from Joseph Black to Commonwealth, for
lot No. 274, August 7, 1828.
Cost $300, from John Trimble and wife to Common
wealth, for lot No. 275, August 4, 1828.
The foregoing lots had for their boundaries High street,
South street, Farmers' lane and Cranberry alley, author
ity for the purchase of which was given by act of As
sembly, passed April 14, 1828.
The above lots, it appears by reference to acknowledg
ments of purchase moneys, cost the Commonwealth $1100,
which, after cutting off such parts as were needed for
public use, sold for $412.
SALE OF PART OF THE ABOVE LOTS.
The third section of an act to provide for additional
clerk hire, &c, passed the 22d day of April, 1829, pro
vides that the commissioners appointed to superintend
the improvements of the public grounds attached to the
State Capitol, or a majority of them, are authorized to
sell such parts of five lots of ground adjoining each other,
lying east of High street, in Harrisburg, which was pur
chased by them in pursuance of the provisions of an act
passed April 14, 1828, as they may deem necessary for the
extension and improvement of the said public grounds,
and to execute a deed or deeds conveying an estate in
fee simple therefor to the purchaser or purchasers thereof ;
and the money arising from such sale shall be added
to the fund already appropriated by law for the improve
ment of the said public ground, under the direction of the
said commmissioners.
The record of the sale of the lots is found in the ac
counting department of the State, as follows :

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 149
July 10, 1829, from James Trimble, two lots,  $239 00
July 13, 1829, from Henry Buehler, one lot,  58 00
July 13, 1829, from Mr. Carson,  115 00

Total,  $412 00

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS,
Dated Harrisburg, November 27, 1827, and signed by
J. D. Barnard, Secretary of the Commonwealth; David
Mann, Auditor General ; William Clark, State Treasurer ;
united in by C. Blythe, Secretary of Commonwealth;
Alex. Mahon, State Treasurer:
January 11, 1828. — (See Journal of the House of Rep
resentatives, 1827-8, page 675.) The report is full and
complete, evidences the ragged and uneven surface of the
grounds, the marshy character of State street, the ex
cavations necessary in front of the Arsenal, and recom
mends that the grounds be surrounded with an iron
palisade or railing, on a low stone wall, containing the
necessary number of entrances or gates, with the planting
of trees in proper places.
From the fact that they ask for an appropriation of
$187 25 to cover deficiencies, the sum of $5,000 specially
appropriated by act of 16th of April, 1816, appears to
have been overrun. An accompanying statement of ex
penditures show work to have been done amounting to
$5,187 25. THE HARRISBURG ACADEMY.
The Harrisburg Academy, to which the State had be
come a patron as early as the year 1809, the Legislature
having passed an act on the 4th of April of that year ap
propriating the sum of $1,000 "to enable these trustees to
purchase a lot of ground whereupon to erect a suitable
building," having for a number of years owned under title

150 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
from the State a part of the now public grounds, is neces
sarily connected with their history.
"An act for the aid of the Harirsburg Academy.
"Sect. i. Be it enacted, &c, That there. is hereby
granted to the Trustees of the Harrisburg Academy, and
to their successors, forever, the following described part
of the public grounds in the borough of Harrisburg, to
wit : Beginning at the cornor of High and Walnut streets,
thence up High street eighty-five feet six inches; thence
south forty-five degrees west one hundred and sixty-three
feet four inches ; thence by a straight line to a point one
hundred and fifty-eight feet four inches from the place
of beginning, and thence in a straight line to the place of
beginning, containing fifty-six perches and eight-tenths,
for the purpose of erecting thereon a building for an
Academy, and for no other purposes whatsoever.
Approved March 8, 1814."
The foregoing donation was a clear violation of the
purpose of John Harris and wife, as expressed in their
deed of conveyance to the Commonwealth, although with
in a liberal construction of its language.
The Legislature, however, finding that they had com
mitted an error in this generous donation, and that the
intended improvements would be obstructed by it, passed
a resolution on the nth of April, 1825, authorizing and
requiring the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the
State Treasurer to purchase of the Trustees of the Har
risburg Academy, for the use of the Commonwealth, the
lot of ground adjoining the Arsenal, granted to the Trus
tees of the said Academy by the act of March 8, 1814,
for a price not exceeding $500. The purpose of this
resolution was consummated March 28, 1831, when the
sum of $500 was paid to the Trustees of the Academy.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 151
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS TO THE
RIVER.
A resolution was passed by the Legislature, April n,
1825, authorizing the Secretary of the Commonwealth
and State Treasurer to purchase the several lots in front
of the State Capitol, lying between North street and
South street, and Third street and Sweet Briar alley, in
the then village of Maclaysburg, but the purchase was
subsequently abandoned in consequence of the high
prices at which the said lots were sold, and the difficulty
of obtaining the will of all the owners required by the
act to sell. The price asked for the lots, as reported by
viewers, headed by Archibald M'Allister, was $24,400.
FIRST OCCUPANCY OF THE STATE CAPITOL.
We conclude our sketch of the public buildings and
grounds by a description of the ceremonies observed at
the inauguration of the State Capitol.
The following extract from the House Journal, Decem
ber 21, 1 82 1, indicates that the session had been opened
at the usual place in Harrisburg (Court-House) in that
year, for the last time :
"Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives,
That when the Legislature meets at the new State Cap
itol, on Wesdnesday, the 2d of January next, that it is
highly proper, before either House proceeds to business,
they unite in prayer to Almighty God, imploring His
blessing on their future deliberations, and that the joint
committee already appointed be authorized to make the
necessary arrangements for that purpose."
"Wednesday, January 2, 1822. — On motion of Mr.
Lehman and Mr. Todd, the House proceeded to the build
ing lately occupied by the Legislature, and joined the
procession to the Capitol, and attended to the solemnities

152 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
directed by the resolution of the 21st ultimo, relative to
the ceremonies to be observed by the Legislature upon
taking possession of the State Capitol."
On Thursday, the 3d of January, a motion was made
by Mr. Cassat and Mr. Wierman, which read as follows :
"Resolved, That the committee of arrangements be re
quested to procure a copy of the introductory prayer and
address delivered on the 2d instant in the State Capitol,
previous to the commencement of public business, and
that the usual number of copies of each be printed."
The following account of the ceremonies attendant on
the removal of the Legislature to the new buildings, is
taken from the "Harrisburg Chronicle" of January 3,
1822: "The members of, both branches of the Legislature met
in the morning at 10 o'clock, at the old State House,
(Court House,) from whence they moved to the Capitol
in the following Order of Procession.
The Architect and his Workmen, two and two
Clergy.
Governor and Heads of Departments.
Officers of the Senate.
Speaker of the Senate.
Members of the Senate, two and two.
Officers of the House of Representatives.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Members, two and two.
Judges.
Civil authorities of Harrisburg.
Citizens.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 153
In front of the Capitol, the architect and his workmen
opened into two lines, and admitted the procession to pass
between them and the Capitol.
The ceremony of "uniting in prayer to Almighty God,
imploring his blessing on their deliberations," required
by a concurrent resolution of the two Houses, took place
in the presence of a large assemblage of the inhabitants
of this borough and county, and strangers.
Conclusion of the Prayer.
The service was opened by a pertinent and impressive
prayer, by Rev. Dr. Lochman, of Harrisburg, which con
cluded as follows:
"And O, thou great and good and benevolent Father
of the human family, grant that whenever the members
of the Legislature enter into their respective Chambers
to attend to the duties assigned to them, they may always
consider that the welfare of thousands may depend upon
their deliberations, and that they are accountable beings,
who will once have to give an account of their steward
ship to the just and impartial sovereign of the universe.
These are the petitions which we, on this solemn occasion,
bring before thee, the Most High, the God of Heaven and
of earth. Oh ! hear them for our Saviour's sake, to
whom, with Thee, the Father and the Spirit, we would as
cribe glory and honor forever. Amen."
The Discourse.
The prayer was followed by an appropriate discourse,
by Rev. D. Mason, Principal of Dickinson College, which
concluded as follows:
"Sixty years have not elapsed since the sound of the
ii

154 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
first axe was heard in the woods of Harrisburg. The
wild beasts and wilder men occupied the banks of the
Susquehanna. Since that time, with the mildness which
has characterized the descendants of William Penn, and
that industry which has marked all the generations of
Pennsylvania, the forests have been subdued, the wild
beasts driven away to parts more congenial to their na
ture, and the wilder men have withdrawn to regions where
they hunt the deer and entrap the fish according to the
mode practiced by their ancestors.' In the room of all
these there has started up, in the course of a few years,
a town respectable for the number of its inhabitants, for
its progressive industry, for the seat of legislation in this
powerful State. What remains to be accomplished of
all our temporal wishes? What more have we to say?
What more can be said, but go on and prosper, carry the
spirit of your improvements through till the sound of the
hammer, the whip of the wagoner, the busy hum of man,
the voices of innumerable children issuing from the places
of instruction, the lofty spires of worship, till richly en
dowed colleges of education, till all those arts which em
bellish man shall gladden the banks of the Susquehanna
and the Delaware, and exact from admiring strangers that
cheerful and grateful tribute, 'this is the work of a Penn
sylvania Legislature !' "
ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT FROM
PHILADELPHIA TO CARLISLE.
It may be curious to know that in 1795 an attempt was
made to remove the seat of government of Pennsylvania
from Philadelphia to Carlisle. A bill to this effect ac
tually passed the House of Representatives, but was de
feated in the Senate. We append the following extract

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 155
from the Journal of the House, in reference to this
matter :
"Saturday, March 28.— The bill entitled 'An act to es
tablish the permanent seat of government of Pennsyl
vania,' as amended in Committee of the Whole, was read
the second time.
And the first section of the said bill being under con
sideration, viz:
Sect. 1. Be it enacted, &c, That the permanent seat
of government of Pennsylvania shall, from and after the
1st day of December, 1798, be established in the county
of Cumberland, and within the borough of Carlisle, at
such place therein as shall be chosen for that purpose by
Samuel Postlewaithe, John Montgomery, and William
Henderson, who are hereby appointed commissioners for
the purposes in this act mentioned.
On the question, Will the House agree to the same?'
it was agreed to — yeas 64, nays 6.
The fifth section of the said bill being under consider
ation, viz :
Sect. 5. And be it further enacted, &c, That prior to
the 1st day of December, 1798, the whole of the ground
and all the buildings in the city of Philadelphia, the
property of this State, shall be sold under the direction
of the aforesaid commissioners.
. Passed — yes 36, nays 33.
And the said bill having been fully considered by sec
tions, on the question, 'Shall the bill pass ?" it was agreed
to — yeas 36, nays 34. So the bill passed, and was sent
to the Senate, which body refused to concur."
"An act making provision for the removal of the seat
of government of this Commonwealth, and the offices at
tached to the same, from the city of Philadelphia to
Wright's Ferry, on the Susquehanna," also passed the

156 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
House of Representatives in March, 1798, but was non-
concurred in by the Senate.
HARRISBURG DURING THE SECOND WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.
The citizens of Harrisburg and its vicinity, in 1812,
emulated the patriotic spirit of their ancestors in the
French, Indian and Revolutionary Wars, by quickly re
sponding to the call of their country, and rallying around
the standard of "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights," in
opposition to British aggression.
MUSTER ROLLS OF VOLUNTEERS FROM HARRISBURG AND
VICINITY.
We give the muster rolls of the several companies of
volunteers from Harrisburg and Dauphin county who
rendezvoused at York on this occasion, and from thence
were marched to the defence of Baltimore.
Capt. Thomas Walker's company, First Regiment, com
manded by Col. Kennedy:
Thomas Walker, Capt. John Young, J. C. Wright,
Charles Still, Lieut. Ludwig Ressing, M. Wain,
C. Gleim, Ensign. John H. Kroberger.Daniel Miller,
*Jno. M. Foster, Serg. Martin Good, Jacob Zollinger,
William Allison, " George J. Heisely, Philip Lawyer,
George Beatty, " M. Rupley, Michael Fields,
John Frazer, " Jacob Rahm, Robert J. Skinner,
John Fisher, Corporal. A. Anderson, George F. Kcehler,
William Bryan, " John Sheffy, John Kunkel,
Richard Adams, " John Zearing, Alex. J. H. Jackson,
George Boyer, " John Deemer, A. W. Gleason,
Jacob Dubbs, drum'er. Jacob Meek, James Officer,
Samuel Holman, fifer. John Stahl, Samuel Henry,
George Stine, " Hugh M'llwaine, Charles Durang,
tJohn Roberts, Jacob Slough, Ferdinand Durang,
?Promoted to Brigade Major.
t Promoted to 1st Sergeant, in place of John M. Forster, Bri
gade Major.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

157

George Cole, Plunkett Crabb,
G. C. Moyer, John Jontz,
Joseph Stroman, " Samuel Wunder,
John E. Williams, C. Carson,
Joseph Jackson, James Jackson,
Jacob Kuhn, Isaac Maguire,
Austin Ball,
Henry Wilson,
Jacob Bauchman,
Jacob M. Awl,
Ezekiel Shelcut,
John Sample,
William Harper, C. Heichel,
Joshua Elder, P. Martin,
William M'Bay,
Fred. Zimmerman,
John L. Wallis,
Capt. R. M. Crain's company, First Regiment, com
manded by Col. Kennedy:

Samuel Smith,
Charles Hinckley,
Henry Antes,
W. Fulton,
James Montgomery,
John Shott,
Samuel Himmelright, James Mitchell,
George Ockerman, A. S. Dearmond,
Robert Stephenson, Henry M'Kinney,
Thomas Minshall, Robert Dickey,
Robert B. Wilkins, David Harris,
Jacob Steinman, John A. Stehley,

Isaac' Updegrove,
Ellis Uudegrove,
Frederick Hyneman, Abm. Funk,
Jacob Winnagle, William Cowhick,

R. M. Crain, Captain.
Joel Bailey, ist Lieut.
G. Caruthers, 2d "
Alex. M. Piper, 1 Serg.
R. T. Jacobs, 2 "
Jas. R. Boyd, 3 "
Jos. C. Laveille, 4 "
Jno. Benjamin, I Corp.
George Taylor, 2 "
Jacob Elder, 3 "
John Walborn, 4 "
D. Krause, drummer.
Jacob Pool, fifer.
John Mitchell,
Francis R. Shunk,
John M. Willis,
Elisha Brotherton,
John Wilson,
Perry C. Nabb,
John Beisel,
Henry C. Sheirman,

John Keller, Thomas Kurtz,
Richard T. Leech, Thomas S. Mitchell,
John B. Thompson, William S. Findlay,

John Rodney,
Jacob Gleim,
Wm. M. Carson,
George Eicholtz,
John Shannon,
Thomas White,
George Myer,
Thomas Barnett,

Samuel Shoch,
Nathaniel Ewing,
George Gongwher,
John M. Barnett,
Andrew Vanbuskirk,
George Adams,
Joseph Youse,
John Shrier,

Nicholas HitzelbergerSamuel Harris,

Henry Leak,
Peter Krum,
Jonathan Heister,
Joseph Wallace,
Henry Smith,
Luther Reily,
Henry H. Burr,
William George,

Samuel Wienman,
James Murphy,
Robert Graham,
Michael Lebkicher,
John Search,
John Conner,
Jacob R. Stine,
Samuel Boyer,

Michael Daugherty, Alex. Graydon, Jr.,

158

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

Marcus Vanderslice,
Matthew Ferguson,
John Smith,
Henry Blake,
Jacob Knepley,
John Swoyer,
Jacob Kunkel,

William Robertson, John Fleck,
Thomas Brown, Jacob Hoyer,
John Lebo,
Charles Kimmel,
John Keighler,
Truman Bostwick,
Samuel Capp,

William Newel,
William Boye'r,
William Reily,
George Cochran,
William Barnett.

Capt. John Carother's company, First Regiment, com
manded by Col. Kennedy :

John Carothers, Capt.
John Horning, i Lieut.
Hen. Crangle, 2 "
Thomas Orr, Ensign,
John Lyne, 1 Serg.
John Cams, 2 "
I. Tomlinson, 3 "
J. Emerson, 4 "
Eras. Hooper, 1 Corp.
M'Nair Wilson, 2 "
John Wingert, 3 "
Wm. Burton, 4 "
Michael Capp,
Jacob Miller,
Michael Machon,
Philip Stimmel,
Nicholas Stiff,
Jacob Kentzel,
Henry Geitsweite,

George Sellers,
William Harrison,
Joseph M'Vannen,
George Nagle,
Jacob Kline,
James Floyd,
John K. Peacock,
John Robinson,
Norman Callender,
George Shott,
Jacob Elwell,
Henry Morningstaff Joseph Henry,
Jacob Philiger, John Brown,
John Morningstaff, John Martin,

John Krebb,
John Neckle,
Robert Barr,
Wm. M'Glaughlin,
Patrick Kirk,
Frederick Peek,
Joseph Keller,
Arthur Moore,
Benjamin Bevens,
Samuel Keller,
Benedict Singer,

Wm. Brigle,
John Hasselbaugh,
James M'Cowen,
Daniel Housman,
Caleb Musser,

Rudolph Mulhollan,
Daniel M'Cristal,
Jonathan M'Bride,
Joseph Walhaven,

Capt. Jeremiah Rees' company, Fifth Battalion militia,
commanded by Lieut. Col. Daniel Lefever :
(This company marched from Berks county to York under the
command of Capt. Fisher, who from sickness or some other
cause resigned. Capt. Rees was transferred to the company
from the one afterwards commanded by Capt. Knight.)
Jeremiah Rees, Capt. Daniel Deal, " Conrad Spats,
Conrad Knepley, Lieut Philip German, " Anthony Katerman,
James Dill, Ensign. Henry Kendall, " John Misseman,
P. Etchberger, Serg. John Hosier, Adam Griss,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

159

Samuel Gable,
Peter Shall,
George Lutz,
Michael Troutman,
John Haun,
Lawrence Solliday,
Henry Bardoff,
John Forry,
John Mell,
Andrew Cernand,
Adam Briggle,
John Coleman,
John Strong,
Michael Fisher,
Henry Miller,
George Null,
Henry Foltz,

Peter Newman,
Joseph Rutter,
Jacob Null,
John Dam,
William Nipple,
Jacob Reed,
Jacob Wolf,
Samuel Matthew,
Adam Hayne,
Jacob Reiggle, Jr.
John Katerman,
Daniel Reedy,
Henry Seetz,
Daniel Kliner,
Jacob Shingler,
Michael Keith,
George Laird,

Daniel Deckart,
David Bridegrum,
Peter Krick,
Frederick Fisher,
Jacob Reiggle, Sr.
Henry Fidler,
John Foust,
John Fryberger,
Samuel Dirgler,
John Draffenbach,
Henry Doughbert,
Rudolph Stoner,
Daniel Heipner,
Henry Metz,
John Feag,
Henry Zimmerman.

Capt. Thomas M'llhenny's company, Second Regiment,
commanded by Col. Ritcher:

Thos. MTlhenny, Cap.
Thos. Finney, Lieut.
John Berry, Ensign.
Henry Wolver, fifer.
John Jamison, Serg.
John Strock,
David Fishburn, "
Jacob Ruff,
Wm. Hamilton, Corp.
Mich. Speck, "
Jacob Painter, "
Jacob Denius,
Sam'l Reeser,
Henry Hetsenhiser,
John Bassler,
Michael Moyer,
Jacob Getz,
Peter Spangler,
Christian Sponhoot,
John Brownewell,
Philip Katerman,

John Rowland,
Adam Basor,
George Wittemeyer,
John Switzer,
John Keyley,
James M'Laughlin,
John Swier,
Patrick M'Kinty,
George White,
Christopher Leib,
Frederick Bulman,
John Tice,
Peter Staufer,
John Fortney,
Benjamin Noaker,
Jacob Deel,
Jacob Moyer, .
John Harrison,
Christian Early,
John Baseford,
Henry Basor,

Henry Smith,
Daniel Kuntzman,
Samuel Roody,
Warner Olewine,
Enoch Riter,
George Robison,
John Bright,
John Himes,
Henry Harvy,
John Yingst,
Martin Swigert,
John Baylor,
Henry Blecker,
John Wolf,
Daniel Fegan,
James Johnston,
Benjamin Mengle,
John Miller,
Henry Moyer,
John Young,
Henry Cope,

160

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

Frederick Bush,
Martin Funk,
John Luton,
Jacob Ulrich,
Philip Netenoun,
Patrick M'Kinney,

Jacob Keller,
George Horner,
Frederick Nagle,
Henry Dasher,
James Beard,
Frederick Plestley, .

John Lance,
Frederick Stuky,
Adam Nigh,
Henry Frankford,
George Pallum.

Capt. Peter Snyder's company, Second Regiment, com
manded by Col. Ritcher :

Peter Snyder, Captain. David Mosey,
Benj. Bona wit, Lieut. James Grundon,
Robt. Moody, Ensign. John Sawyer,
Jos. Hummel, I Serg. John Duncan,
" Frederick Hummel,
" Hichael Hemperly,
" David Etteler,
Corp John Conrad,
" Charles Hughes,
" George Jontz,
4 " Michael Gross,
John Waltz, drum maj. Frederick Cassel,
Sol. Hayes, fife maj. William Curry,

Christ. Spayd, 2
John Snyder, 3
John Leehigh, 4
David Manley, 1
Geo. Heathorn, 2
Josh. Heppick, 3
M. Hargleslager,

John Bule,
Michael Cassel,
Jacob Brown,
Abraham Eversole,
Michael Waltz,
Jacob Hostler,
Robert Conogom,
John M'Elrath,
Peter Hedrick,
John Wolf,
Jacob Andrew,
James Wright,
David Weilrich,

Daniel Bollinger,
George Critizen,
George Remley,
William Strouse,
Laurantz Alberty,
Jacob Bollinger,
Henry Harrow,
John Albright,
John Boyer,
John Smith,
John Batdorf,
Jacob Hite,

John Shaffer,
David Moyer,
George Shaffer,
Peter Burket,
Godfrey Snyder,
Peter Seiler,
John Stine, Jr.,
George Stine,
Michael Fritz,
Philip Zarver,
Michael Souser,
Henry Eckler,
John Belleman,
Jonathan Priegle,
John Deel,
Henry Ebbert,
John Lunkinbill,
Martin Felty,
Jacob Winter,
John Nigh,
Michael Kramer,
Richard Hays,
Benjamin Zerver,
Christ. Karp, fifer.
P. Youngblood, drum.

Capt. John B. Morehead's company, First Regiment,
commanded by Col. Kennedy :

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

161

J. B. Morehead, Capt. Joseph Wheeler,
Jno. Manley, Lieut. John Welsh,
David Hebel, Ensign. William Wilson
Jno. M'Cord, I Serg Benj. Myer,
Det. Fishburn, 2 " Samuel Pearson,
Simon Louer, 3 " John Wallace,
Wm. Hamill, 4 " John Pollock,
Wm. M'Cord, 1 Corp. Jacob Barr,

F. Drummond, 2
Thos. M'Nair, 3
Thos. Ramsey, 4
Andrew Frazer,
Robert Moorhead,
John Cromwell,
William Twig,
Thomas H. Moore.

Edward Shannon,
James Cowden,
John Gilchrist,
Andrew Stephen,
Joseph Starrett,
Andrew Welsh,

John Haverstick,
Joseph Simmons,
David Espey,
David Unger,
John F. Brown,
George Enghst,
Thos. M'Kissick,
John W. Simonton,
Jacob Zhent,
Robert Sturgeon,
Geo. W. Foster,
Henry Holtman,
John Cross,
Archibald E. Burnet,

Matthew B. Cowden, Jacob Enk,
Allen Sturgeon, Reuben Collins.

Capt. James Todd's company, Second Regiment, com
manded by Col. Ritcher :

James Todd, Captain. David Tood,
John Ward, Lieut. John Hoofnagh,
Henry Winter, Ensign.Peter Enghst,
John M'Quig,
John Fox
W. M'Creight,
Simon Duey,
John Martin,
George Fisher, 2 "
Samuel Todd, 3 "
Sam. Johnston, 4
W. Bumbarger, drum,
Samuel Winter, fifer.
Henry Spitler,
Samuel O'Bryan,
Philip Hunsicker,
Caspar Lumsing,
John Winter,
John Albert,
John Houser,
George Farling,
Peter Beshore,

1 Sergjames Martin,
2 " James Morton,
3 " Robert Snodgrass,
4 " Benj. Hoofnagh,
1 Corp. John Wolf,
John Hijeman,
John Meese,
Jacob Walburn,
Conrad Kyzer,
George Shark,
George Fomwold,
Dewald Feesick,
George Painter,
David Welkman,
John Hedrick,
John Folmer,
Henry Stoner,
George Wolmer,
Peter Kremer,

Jacob Beck,
Felix Light,*
John Klick,
Jacob Emerick,
George Lutz,
George Binner,
Daniel Loas,
Jacob Brown,
John Yonker,
Benjamin Weiser,
John Fauver,
George Knoll,
Andrew Wanner,
Peter Goodman,
John Walburn,
Conrad Mouray,
Henry Walburn,
John Secondeorst,
Henry Kock,
Christ. Hasinger,
Conrad Hoover,
George Pruss,

162

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

John Pruss, George Failor, George Felty,
John Dibbons, Adam Shaffer, John Simon,
Capt. Richard Knight's company, First Regiment, com
manded by Col. Kennedy :
(This company marched from Harrisburg to York under the
command of Capt. Jeremiah Rees, who at that place was trans
ferred as previously stated. Capt. Knight marched the company
to Baltimore, when from some cause he relinquished the com
mand to his first lieutenant, Philip Cline.)

Richard Knight, Capt.
Philip Cline, Lieut.
Geo. Roberts, Ensign.
Josh. M'Connell, Serg.
John Carson,
Jonathan Balsley, "
Mathias Croll,
John Johnston, Corp.
Peter Swartz, "
H. Rightmyer, "
R. Updegrove, "
Geo. Hammon,
Abram Saul,
Wm. Onks,
David Weaver,
Andrew Hamen,
Michael J. Senheda,
Wm. Orth,
Andrew Herrof,
Ludwick Bretz,
Jno. Garverich,
Philip Gaul,

Jno. Wilson,
Michael Strain,
Samuel Henning,
John Rhoads,
Henry Miller,
Wm. Smith,
George Grey,
Jno. Zimmerman,
Jacob Shroy,
George Wise,
Samson Hains,
Peter Mooney,
Abraham Swartz,
Jno. B. Lawsen,
Henry Miller,
Jacob Cassel,
Samuel M'Intire,
Jas. Killhoon,
Wm. Killhoon,
Daniel Shell,
George Urich,
Daniel Bowman,

Samuel Saul,
Jacob Wolf,
Samuel Wetsell,
Henry Myers,
Joseph Lightner,
Jno. Books,
Jno. Yenks,
Geo. Miller,
Wm. Patrick,
Jno. Ealey,
Jacob Fisler,
Martin Lease,
Jacob Baker,
Hugh Wade,
Wm. Mileisen,
Peter Real,
Peter B. Lansen,
George Myers,
Wm. Miller,
Christian Capp,
James Duncan,
Wm. Duncan,

Capt. John Elder's company, First Regiment, com
manded by Col. Kennedy :
John Elder, Captain. George Shive, " George Wolheber,
William Reed, Lieut. John Regel, Corporal. John Snyder,
H. W. Conrad, Ensign. George Christ, " Adam Reed,
Jacob Stouch, Serg. John Miller, " Jacob Stall,
Daniel Hess, " Henry Reinoehl, " Jacob Stengle,
Jacob Walborn, " Conrad, Shrefler, John Brown,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

163

John Stub,
Daniel Schoch,
Christian Neyswinder,
Henry Gebhard,
John Aman,
John West,
Abraham Shaffer,
Philip Whitman,
John Wenrick,
John Shaffer,
John Stoler,
Daniel Umpehouer,
Abraham Bates,
Martin Walborn.
Henry Deater,

Peter Dinger,
Benj. Bartow,
John Snyder,
John Hide,
Valentine Banney,
Peter Weaver,
Michael Miller, Sr.,
John Dubb,
John Haag,
John Lebauch,
Jacob Rohrer,
John Hontz,
Michael Haverling,
Henry Bare,
Abraham Keefer,

John Bonewitz,
Michael Trane,
John Bender,
Michael Miller,
John Werts,
Jacob Liminger,
Jacob Shade,
Daniel Aman,
Philip Wilhelm,
Andrew Schrick,
Samuel Shade, Jr.,
Peter Lutz,
Jon. Zethman,
Jacob Rouch,
Philip Schwalm,

Capt. Isaac Smith's company, Rifle Battalion, com
manded by Major Hamilton:
Isaac Smith, Capt. Frederick Frank,
Michael Lentz, Lieut. Christian Peters,
N. Buchanan, " Peter Marsh,
John Taylor, Ensign. Michael Bower,
Thomas Black, SergDaniel Wilson,
George Taylor, " John Black,
James Freeburn, " Peter Chub,
Henry Sheafer, " John Miller,
Wilson Fuller, Corp. William Loge,
Abm. Freed, musician. Adam Beacht,

Isaac Rutter,
Joseph Urich,
George Lentz,
Grey Hilliard,
Peter Biting,
George Zinn,
David Swigard,
John Noblit,
John Lingafelter,
Adam Bower,
Jacob Gray,
George Jurey,
Samuel Huston,
Philip Cline.

Samuel Hummel, " Abraham Jurey,
Thomas Freeburn, Daniel Heckerd,
John Clark, Daniel Lewer,
John Reed, Casper Heckerd,
Jacob Bower,
Capt. Philip Fedderhoff's company, Second Regiment,
commanded by Col. Ritcher:
P. Fedderhoff, Capt. G. Fedderhoff, 4 " Frederick Foight,
Thos. Woodside, Lieut. Henry Frank, 1 Corp. William Elliott,
John Shife, Ensign. Philip Enders, 2 " Adam Frantz,
J. Baughman, 1 Serg. Jas. Howard, 3 " George Matter,
Peter Wenner, 2 " John Hoffman, 4 " Peter Yeats,
John Winn, 3 - " John Franklin, George Cooper,

164

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

Dennis Harding,
John Werth,
Joseph Shoop,
Philip Umberger,
John Frank,
George Dunckel,
Adam Lawdermilk,
Christian Lower,
Jacob Werfel,
Jacob Pouel,
Jacob Boardner,
Jacob Harman,
Stophel. Yeager,
Henry Neece,
Peter Willier,
Jac. Yeager,
David Feagely,
Lewis Imshoffstall,
Peter Ritzman,
Peter Rumberger,

Daniel Harman,
Peter Reist,
Henry Hiebsher,
George Weaver,
Jeremiah Shawbell,
Jacob Shoop,
John Ritzman,
Philip Shut,
George Lebo,
Jacob Houge,
William Miller,
Daniel Fleisher,
Peter Minich,
Lewis Powel,
John Weise,
Jonathan Woodside,
Conrad Cempel,
Michael Lankart,
James Gardner,
Abraham Bicksler,

Jacob Dunckel,
Daniel Shupp,
William Snyder,
John Dunckel,
John Novinger,
Benj Keiter,
John Reickhart,
Thomas Shartis,
Henry Metz,
Henry Umholtz,
Peter Hoffman,
Daniel Ossman,
Henry Koch,
Isaac Novinger,
Reuben Ossman,
Henry Shay,
Jacob Byrod, drum.
Jacob Anderson,
Henry Vesley.

Capt. Gawen Henry's company, Rifle Battalion, com
manded by Major Hamilton:
Gawen Henry, Capt. James Brickley, Jesse Lukens,
Wm. Thomas, Lieut. Albert Winegardner Joseph Lukens,
Adam Ross, Ensign. John Winegardner, Henry Moyer,
Dennis Hawes, I SergEdward Hughes, Philip Kunkle,
Abm. Crossley, 2 " Alexander Lytle,
Alex. Glasgow, 3 " William Gibson,
W. M'Courdy, 4 " Conrad Nichols,
Chr. Swayer, 1 Corp. Thomas Ridge,
John Newman, 2 " Adam Wilhelm,
Mord. Boone, 3 " Thomas Best,
E. T. James, 4 " George Lefever,
Henry Isett, drum. James Ramsey,
John Bryon,
Samuel Carson,
John Over,
David Over,
William Wade,
Aaron Lukens,

Thos. Byron, fifer.
John Midlem,
Joseph Midlem,
Griff eth Greene,
Henry Erles,
Andrew Johnston,

John Crook,
John - Berryman,
George Hiney,
Peter Miller,
John Porter,
Wendel Baumgardner
Thomas Fulton,
Samuel Geistweit,
Joseph Geistweit,
John Ferguson,
Daniel Baker,
William Weaver,
George Rupley,
George Flasher,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

165

Peter Burns,
James Campbell,
William Meilim,
Samuel Reem,
George Fair,
William Scott,
Jacob Shirts,
William Baxter,
Benj. Murphy,
Jacob Heiser,
Daniel Thomas,

John Price,
George Wiant,
John Cohick,
James Murray,
Peter Aubert,
King Reed,
Thomas Blake,
Thomas Woods,
Joseph Finurty,
James Peling,
John Waggoner,

John Linton,
James M'Namee,
Henry C. Moyer,
James White,
Henry Wanmaher,
Isaac Caselott,
George Sheffer,
Archibald M'Neal,
Lewis Dheble,
Jonathan Jones,
Robert Scott.

The following is a list of the principal field officers
of the First Brigade, of which the above companies
formed a part :
Brigadier General — John Forster.
Aid — Amos Ellmaker.
Brigade Inspector — Christian Spayd.
Brigade Major — John M. Forster.
Paymaster, appointed by the State previous to the
troops being mustered into service — Robert Harris.
Paymaster under United States Government — Chris.
Gleim. THE CITIZENS REJOICING.
On Wednesday evening, October 15, 1813, the citizens
of Harrisburg manifested the high sense they entertained
of Commodore Perry's gallant achievement on Lake Erie,
by the firing of cannon, a handsome display of sky-rock
ets, and a splendid illumination of the houses. The win
dows in front of the State House (Court House build
ing) were ornamented with elegant transparencies, em
blematic of the glorious event, and for a while party feel
ing gave place to the generous glow of patriotic enthu
siasm. General Harrison's victory at the battle of the Thames
river was also celebrated by the citizens of the borough

166 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
with every testimony of heartfelt joy. A piece of ar
tillery was put on board a flat-bottomed boat, from which
nineteen rounds were fired as it floated past the town. A
riumber of sky-rockets were likewise fired from the
middle pier of the Harrisburg bridge, which produced a
very handsome effect. fires in 1813.
Two very disastrous fires occurred in the town dur
ing the months of March and May of 1813.. The first
broke out about 1 o'clock in the morning of the 14th of
the former month, in a stable belonging to William Gray
don, Esq., situated on River alley," between Chestnut and
Market streets. Owing to the combustible materials
of which the stable was constructed, the fire progressed
with astonishing rapidity; and notwithstanding the ex
ertions of the citizens and the wetness of the morning, its
course was not arrested until it had destroyed the fol
lowing property: A stable belonging to Joshua Elder;
one belonging to John M. Price, of Philadelphia; one
belonging to Henry Fulton, of Pittsburg; one belonging
to William Graydon, in which it originated. Several ad
jacent buildings were in imminent danger, but were saved
by the exertions of the citizens and members of the Leg
islature. The second fire originated about sunrise on the 4th
of the latter month, in a stable occupied by Mr. Miller,
innkeeper, situated in River alley, between Chestnut and
Market streets, and adjoining the spot where the previous
fire was arrested. This fire consumed the following build
ings: A new brick building, belonging to John Fager, hatter ;
a stable belonging to Henry Isett, of Greensburg, where
it originated; three stables belonging to George Hoyer,
merchant, in the occupancy of himself, Adam Coover,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 167
innkeeper, and Mr. Miller, innkeeper; a stable of Wil
liam Murray, merchant; a stable of Dr. Martin Luther;
a stable of Moses Musgrave; all of which had more or
less of flour and provender therein, which was entirely
consumed. The Bank and many other valuable houses
were at one time in imminent danger. It was the work
of an incendiary. The fire department at this period con
sisted of the "Union" and "Friendship" engines.
Fire in 1819.
"Fire. — On Wednesday morning last, about the dawn of
day, a fire broke out in this borough, at the corner of Front
and Mulberry streets, and the adjacent buildings being in
a very combustible state, it was not got under control
until six dwelling houses and several stables were reduced
to ashes. Providentially the morning was uncommonly
calm, and what little wind there was stirring, was chiefly
in a direction towards the river, otherwise, in all prob
ability, the destruction would have been immense. The
principal sufferers by the fire were: Valentine Egle, the
corner (tavern) house; Joseph J. Marshall, mercer and
tailor, whose loss is severe; the next was the house oc
cupied by David Wilmot, as a grocery store, which, with
a considerable share of its contents, was destroyed; and,
melancholy to relate, Mr. Wilmot himself, in the act of
shoving some bulky article of furniture out of the second
story window, became entangled with it, or lost his bal
ance, and was precipitated to the pavement. His skull was
fractured, and he survived but about two hours. Mr. W.
was a man of excellent moral character, and all who knew
him were his friends. He has left a disconsolate widow,
in a precarious state of health, to deplore the loss of an
excellent husband, whose departure is rendered doubly
afflicting by its suddenness and the circumstances attend
ing it. Mr. W. was interred in the Presbyterian burial

168 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ground yesterday morning, with Masonic honors, in the
presence of a large assemblage of the citizens of Harris
burg. Mrs. Hess (widow) and Mr. Samuel Sees, tailor, were
the last in the order of sufferers, but we have not learned
the extent of their loss. Mr. Sees, we understand, saved
the most of his property. Mrs. Hess, it is said, beside
the loss of her house, was a loser in personal property to
a considerable amount.
Whether the fire originated from design or accident re
mains unknown." — Harrisburg Republican, July 16, 1819.
HARRISBURG CANAL.
In the winter of 1822-3, an act of Assembly was passed,
entitled "An act to enable the Governor to incorporate
a company for making a canal and lock navigation on the
waters of the Susquehanna, near the borough of Har
risburg, with power to the said company to supply the
said borough with water and to insure against fire."
The law contemplated that the water for the canal
should be taken from the Susquehanna, near Stoney
creek, about eight miles north-west of the borough, and
was to be discharged at the mouth of Paxton creek. The
objects to be attained were, "water power for manufac
tories, and the construction of reservoirs for supplying
the town with wholesome water for domestic use and ex
tinguishing fires."
The gentlemen named in the act met at the house of
Mr. Gleim, in Harrisburg, on the 3d of December, 1825,
and organized by appointing the following officers :
President — John Forster; Managers — John Zinn, John
S. Weistling, C. Gleim, Samuel Pool, John Ritchey, Benj.
Kugler, A. Bombaugh, and Valentine Hummel; Treas-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 169
urer — Thos. Whiteside; Secretary — John Roberts.
L. Baldwin, Esq., of Boston, was engaged as Engineer,
who made a survey of the route, and located the canal.
A large portion of the subscription to the stock of the
company had been taken, but not all paid in, when the
Legislature authorized the construction of the State canal,
which was located over the route of that occupied by
the Harrisburg canal, and which consequently extin
guished the rights of the company owning the latter.
THE SHAKESPEARE HOUSE.
This building, situated at the corner of Locust street
and Raspberry alley, now occupied by the Harrisburg
Female Seminary, was erected in the year 1822, by the
late John Wyeth, father of John and Francis Wyeth,
still residing here. The architect was John - Hills, a
son of Stephen Hills, who constructed the public build
ings. He threw up the contract, however, before the
building was completed, and it was finished by another
architect. The building is about one hundred feet long by fifty
feet wide, and originally contained in the basement story,
beside a capacious cellar, six large and commodious
rooms, for kitchens and private apartments, suitable for
a restaurant. The second story had thirteen rooms, in
cluding a large dining room, with an entry through the
house. The story above had a large ball room, thirty
by twenty-seven feet, and a number of smaller rooms, with
a theatre and stage, capable of holding six hundred per
sons. The first person who opened the building for hotel
purposes was Thomas Wallace, who had been an officer
of the Legislature. The first theatrical performances in
the building were under the direction of Mr. H. A. Wil-
12

170 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Hams, of Philadelphia. His lease of the theatre con
tinued for two years, and among his performers were his
wife, Miss Carter, Messrs. Morrison, Mathews, Blissit,
Hughes, Simonds and Anderson.
We are indebted to a friend for the following extract
of a letter from an aged and now prominent citizen of
New York city, who in 1827 performed in this theatre,
under the name of "Tancred." It relates an incident
with which our old citizens may be familiar :
"Chagrined and disappointed in not 'dying on a field
of battle,' I left the editorial chair and betook myself to
the stage, by invitation of the manager at Harrisburg,
in the month of January, 1827. Here I appeared under
favorable auspices, and in a couple of months took a
benefit, producing a piece of my own getting up — an old
story I had read being dramatized for the occasion. The
older stagers had taken their benefits, and had but slim
houses. The novelty of 'the first time on any stage of
Tancred,' and to be represented before the assembled
wisdom of the State — the Legislature being in session at
the time — occasioned a crowded house of the beauty,
fashion and elite of the capital. The curtain rose upon a
piece entitled 'Family Jars;' my maiden effort was to
crown the evening's entertainment. The jealousy of the
older stagers was at the highest pitch at the good ap
pearance of the 'front.' Never before was the Harris
burg Theatre so crowded. A conspiracy was set on fo.ot
by four of the actors, and they at once determined to
blast, or in theatrical parlance, 'd — n the piece and its au
thor.' Fortunately, however, I had provided a large
portion of the audience with printed copies of my play, in
three acts, and the conspiracy was discovered by them as
well as by myself. These four actors spoke anything but
the author's words, and by every effort endeavored to
ridicule the affair.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 171
At the end of the second act, I who was performing the
principal character of the play, stepped before the drop
curtain, and, in an appropriate manner, begged the in
dulgence of the house, and spoke of the wrongs under
which I was suffering; and added, that all who chose
should receive their tickets from the door-keeper, and
present them at the box office, where they would receive
their money back. A universal shout of 'no ! no !' 'go
on! go on!' was the only response; and, bowing in
humble acknowledgement of their kindness, I retired
through the stage door, and was immediately attacked
by the four ruffianly conspirators — one with a drawn
sword, who gave a well-night fatal cut on my head.
In the excitement, the ladies on the stage screamed with
terror — the curtain was run up instanter, and I crossed
the stage, a bleeding, ghastly figure, and fell from loss of
blood at the opposite wing. The terror spread through
out the house, and a grasping of shawls and bonnets, of
hats and a rush for the doors, was the result. With
commendable praise, two gallant surgeons, who were in
the house, and who were my friends, rushed upon the
stage to my rescue. I was removed to one of the dress
ing rooms, where my wounds were cared for, and by four
o'clock the next morning I was restored to consciousness.
One of the assailants fled across the Susquehanna bridge
in his stage dness, and the remaining three were seized
by the police and placed in durance. Three days after,
I left them off on leg bail.
The manager pocketed the funds of the night, and
waited a week — then put up bills for a benefit of the fa
vorite lady of the corps ; but it was 'no go.' Not a single
ticket could be sold; and this was the last attempt at a
theatrical performance in that theatre. It was after
wards converted into a large hotel, called the Shakes
peare."

172 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
GEN. LA FAYETTE IN HARRISBURG.
On Sunday, the 30th of January, 1825, notice was re
ceived that Gen. La Fayette and suite were on their way
to Harrisburg; whereupon Messrs. Hawkins and Baker,
of the joint committee of the Legislature, and M. C.
Rogers, Esq., Secretary of the Commonwealth, proceeded
from town in carriages towards York, by the way of
Middletown, for the purpose of meeting the General's
party. Dinner was prepared for them at Middletown,
and an outrider sent forward to ascertain if the General
was upon that road. At about half-past ten, the General,
accompanied by his son, George Washington La Fayette,
and secretary, Gen. Spangler, Col. Spangler, and Dr.
King, a committee deputed to escort him from York,
were received at Middletown, and took dinner. At about
five o'clock they arrived in Harrisburg, and were hailed
by the expecting crowd with great enthusiasm. The Gen
eral and suite were then escorted to the Governor's res
idence, in consequence of an invitation which had been
forwarded to him for that purpose.
A committee from the Dauphin cavalry waited on the
General at the Governor's and tendered a renewal of
their respects paid to him in Philadelphia, as the Gov
ernor's late escort to that city. He recognized them, and
informed them it would give him great pleasure to see
them all at his lodgings that evening. After which the
members of the troop, who resided in town generally, with
many other citizens, paid their respects to him, and were
highly delighted.
He remained at the Governor's that night, and on the
next morning he was waited upon by the legislative com
mittee of arrangements, on behalf of whom Mr. Hawkins
welcomed the General to the seat of government in a

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 173
neat and feeling address, to which the General made a
happy response.
About eleven o'clock has was conducted to the Ex
ecutive Chamber in the Capitol, where the greater part of
the members of the Legislature and many others were in-
troducd to him. A little after ten o'clock the members
of the Harrisburg bar waited upon him in a body, when
George Fisher, Esq., on their behalf, made an appropriate
address, to which the General replied. At two o'clock
he returned to the Governor's residence; and at eight
o'clock in the evening he visited Perseverance Lodge of
Masons, and remained there about a quarter of an hour.
On Tuesday, at twelve o'clock, he was conducted again
to the Capitol, escorted by a corps of dragoons, under the
command of Major Forster, and companies of volun
teers from the counties of Cumberland, Lebanon and
Dauphin, and the firemen of the borough. His arrival
at the Capitol was announced by a salute of thirteen guns,
under the direction of Lieut. Weise, of Carlisle.
He was introduced to the Senate by Mr. Hawkins,
and the Speaker welcomed him by a beautiful address,
to which the General made an appropriate reply. He was
then invited to a seat at the Speaker's right hand, and
presently afterwards the Senate adjourned. A number
of gentlemen and ladies were then introducd to him.
At one o'clock he was introduced to the House of Rep
resentatives by Mr. Baker, when the Speaker, Gen. Suth
erland, welcomed him by an eloquent address, commenc
ing as follows :
"Dear General- — About half a century ago, one of the
purest of the patriots of the Revolution, the venerable
John Hancock, occupied the chair from which you have
just risen."

174 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
To which the General returned an appropriate reply,
commencing as follows :
"Mr. Speaker and gentlemen of the House of Repre
sentatives — Amidst the patriotic recollections which the
sight of the presidential chair of my venerable friend
John Hancock could not fail to excite, and which have
been described by you, Mr. Speaker, in a manner ad
equate to the sublime theme, it is hardly permitted to
indulge private remembrances; yet, encouraged as I am
by the kindness of this House in my behalf, I beg leave
to acknowledge before you the emotions connected with
the thought that from this chair also he signed my early
admission as a soldier in the American army."
He was then invited to a seat at the Speaker's right
hand, and presently afterward the House adjourned. At
two o'clock he was waited upon by the students of Dick
inson College with an address, to which he replied.
About three o'clock he returned, escorted as before, to
the Governor's.
At four o'clock a subscription dinner was given to the
General at Matthew Wilson's Hotel, by a number of the
members of the Legislature, at which his Excellency
the Governor, the Heads of Department, Judge Gibson,
George W. La Fayette, the committee from York, a few
veterans of the Revolution, and a number of the residents
of the borough were present. Mr. Speaker Marks pre
sided. The most cordial hilarity prevailed on the oc
casion. At the particular request of the General "Hail
Columbia" was sung by himself and the whole company
standing. After the cloth was removed, a number of
patriotic toasts were given, among which was the fol
lowing :
"Gen. La Fayette. — Our fathers hailed him as a de
fender; we rejoice to welcome him as a guest."

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 175
The General rose, and after having expressed to the
members of the Legislature the grateful sense he had of
their kind welcome, gave the following toast :
"The State of Pennsylvania. — First founded upon the
basis of justice and philanthropy, now governed by uni
versal suffrage on the unalloyed principle of equal rights ;
may it long preserve these dignified and fruitful bless
ings." The Governor and Gen. La Fayette retired about eight
o'clock, and the company presently afterwards broke up.
The students of Shoop's school, situated about three
miles from the borough, sent a written patriotic address
to the General, which was handed to him at his lodgings ;
to which the General replied a few days after by letter
from Washington.
On Wednesday morning the volunteers were paraded
in Market Square, and reviewed by the General, sup
ported by the Governor, after which they saluted him at
his quarters. At eleven o'clock he took his departure for
York, accompanied by his suite, two of the committee
of arrangements of the Legislature, and the Secretary
of the Commonwealth.
IMPROVING THE NAVIGATION OF THE SUSQUEHANNA.
As previously shown, public attention was first directed
to' the importance of removing the obstructions and im
proving the navigation of the Susquehanna river as early
as the year 1795. The Legislature, however, appears
to have taken no definite action in relation to the matter
until March, 1823, at which time an act was passed for
the improvement of the river from Northumberland to
tide-water, and appointing Jabez Hyde, Jr., John
M'Means, and Samuel L. Wilson, commissioners to su
perintend the work.

176 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
These commissioners, in a report made to the Legis
lature, January 14, 1828, state:
"That the contracts entered into for the improvement
of the navigation of the Susquehanna river, between the
town of Columbia and tide, is nearly completed, and when
the residue is finished, they believe all will be done that
is necessary to perfect the descending navigation between
said points. Crafts will then be able to descend from
Columbia to the head of the Maryland canal carrying
from fifty to sixty tons, at a stage of water at which,
previous to the improvements, they could not arrive at
the latter place with more than one-half that quantity."
"The commissioners further report, on the improve
ment of the river between the towns of Columbia and
Northumberland, that the unfinished contracts of the
years 1825 and 1826 are completed, but will not be of
that infinite advantage until further improvements are
made to correspond with those already finished, the Leg
islature having suspended the appropriation for the past
year." The total amount of expenditures made by the com
missioners for the improvement of the river from the
town of Columbia to the town of Northumberland, up to
January 14, 1828, as stated in the report, was $1,201 50,
and that for improving the river between the town of
Columbia and tide-water, to the same. period, $14,323 37,
making the sum total of $15,524 87.
STEAMBOATS ON THE SUSQUEHANNA.
This action of the Legislature, together with the favor
able report of the commissioners, induced a number of
enterprising citizens of Baltimore to form a company for
the purpose of testing the practicability of running steam
boats on the Susquehanna, between the towns of York
Haven and Northumberland. The project was favorably

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 177
received, and the stock of the company immediately sub
scribed. Three light-draught steamboats, named, re
spectively, the "Codorus," "Susquehanna," and "Pi
oneer," were constructed, all of which arrived for the first
time ai Harrisburg in the fall of 1825.
The following extracts have reference to these boats :
"The sheet-iron steamboat 'Codorus' paid another visit
to Harrisburg on Sunday last, with the members from
York county as passengers. The members of the Leg
islature in general are much pleased with the perform
ance of this boat, and express great satisfaction with the
success of the experiment. From what we have heard,
we infer that there will be a legislative enactment in favor
of the enterprising proprietors." — Chronicle, December
5, 1825.
"Steamboats. — The steamboat 'Susquehanna' left this
place on Monday last for York Haven.
The 'Pioneer' returned to Harirsburg on Wednesday
last. The machinery of the vessel is not of sufficient
power to stem the current of Hunter's Falls.
The 'Codorus' is lying at Montgomery's Ferry, about
twenty miles above Harrisburg." — Ibid, April 3, 1826.
In a letter dated July 14, 1834, addressed to the Sec
retary of War, Hon. Lewis Cass, by Henry K. Strong,
Esq., on behalf of the citizens of Harrisburg, relative to
opening a steamboat communication between the Ches
apeake Bay, by way of the Susquehanna and the lakes,
allusion is made to one of the above named steamboats,
perhaps the "Codorus," as follows:
"Eight years ago a sheet-iron steamboat, built at
York, in this State, was put upon the river, about twelve
miles below Harrisburg, and forty from tide-water, and
was propelled by steam to the line separating the States
of Pennsylvania and New York, nearly two-thirds of the

178 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
whole distance from the Chesapeake bay to the lakes.
If this was not the first steamboat ever constructed, it was
the first that ever sailed upon American waters."
The editor of the "Harrisburg Chronicle," Hugh Ham
ilton, Esq., appears to have been somewhat skeptical as to
the practical use of these boats, as will be seen by the
following extract from that paper:
"The people of Baltimore are in high spirits in conse
quence of the successful trip of the 'Susquehanna' up the
North and West branches, to Danville and Milton. While
we think great credit is due to the enterprise of the Bal
timore Steamboat Company, and congratulate them upon
the result of the experiment, which has demonstrated
that a steamboat can move against the rapids of the river
Susquehanna, we remain skeptical as to the practical
use of the boats that have visited us. The weight of
an engine of sufficient power to propel the boats up the
rapids produces such a draught as must prevent their
running, unless the water should be at a high stage, and
such a stage we have not more than three months of the
year, March, April and May."
The steamboats continued to visit the borough at short
intervals during the continuance of a medium stage of
water in the river until after April, 1826, when one of
them — the "Susquehanna" — exploded its boiler while
making its way through a narrow passage of shoal water
in the river, at or near Berwick, Columbia county, which
almost totally destroyed it, beside killing two, and se
verely injuring several of its passengers, among whom
was Christian Brobst, Esq., member of the Legislature
from Columbia county. This accident appears to have
damped the ardor of the proprietors, and shortly after
wards the boats were removed from the river to a more
favorable latitude.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 179
The steamboat enterprise was not again renewed on
the Susquehanna, in this vicinity, until the spring of 1857,
when a company of citizens purchased and brought here
a small side-wheel steamboat, that had formerly been
used as a pleasure boat on the river Delaware, at Phil
adelphia. The boat made frequent excursions on the
river during the summer following, but the speculation
proving a failure, the stockholders resold it to its original
owners, and in the fall of the year it was returned to
Philadelphia.Correspondence between the citizens of Harrisburg and
the War Department, on the subject of Sloop and
Steamboat Navigation.
On the 20th of September, 1833, a large and respect
able meeting of the citizens of Harrisburg was held at
the Court House, in Harrisburg, to take into considera
tion the propriety of opening a steamboat and sloop
communication between the Chesapeake bay and the
lakes, by way of the Susquehanna river.
The following were the officers of the meeting: Val
entine Hummel, Sr., President; Joel Bailey and Henry
Buehler, Vice Presidents; Charles C. Rawn and Mor-
decai M'Kinney, Secretaries.
At this meeting resolutions were passed declaring the
project national in its character and advantages, and
necessary for national defence.
A general committee was appointed, from which select
committees were chosen to draft an address to the peo
ple of the United States; to draft a memorial to Con
gress, and to address the Secretary of War.
On the 17th of October following, Henry Buehler, Es
quire, from the select committee, published an address
to the people of the United States.
At the same time, G. W. Harris, Esq., from the se-

180 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
lect committee, reported a memorial to Congress, which
was published, circulated, and signed by a large number
of citizens in various parts of the country, and sent to
that body at its next session. A bill favorable to the
project, and making a specific appropriation for a sur
vey, was reported by the Internal Improvement Com
mittee in the House of Representatives, but at so late a
period in the session that it was not acted upon.
On the 25th of July, 1834, Henry K. Strong, Esq.,
from the select committee, transmitted an able and con
vincing address to Hon. Lewis Cass, then Secretary of
War, in which, after showing the advantages of a sloop
and steamboat communication between the Chesapeake
bay and the lakes, by way of the Susquehanna, he in
quired "whether a survey of the route could not be made
by an engineer in the service of the government during
the present summer?"
In reply, John J. Abert, Lieutenant Colonel Topo
graphical Engineers, stated that "the Department zvas
fully impressed with the importance of the route de
scribed, but the conditions and engagements of the office
were such that it was not in its power to attend to the
project during the present season."
A few days after the receipt of this intelligence, Mr.
Strong again addressed the Secretary of War, repeating
a request for the services of an engineer to survey the
river; to which Col. Abert, on behalf of the Secretary
of War, again replied, stating that "Dr. William Howard,
with two assistants, are the engineers whose services
would be placed at the disposal of the parties interested
in the matter."
At a meeting of the general committee of the citizens
of Harrisburg, held August 16, 1834, the following of
ficers were chosen: Valentine Hummel, President; Mor-
decai M'Kinney, Secretary; Henry Walters, Treasurer.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 181
A communication was received from Dr. William
Howard, United States engineer, estimating the expense,
and making several suggestions relative to the proposed
improvement; and stating that, "by his orders, he was
entirely under the direction of the committee, and ready
to execute any plan of operations which they might de
termine." The following gentlemen were then chosen an execu
tive committee: Henry K. Strong, George Mish, Valen
tine Hummel, Sr., Jacob M. Haldeman, John C. Bucher.
The report of Dr. Howard was referred to the execu
tive committee, with instructions to devise a plan of oper
ation for the survey.
The project was ultimately abandoned, in consequence,
we believe, of the death of Dr. Howard, and the refusal
of Congress to extend pecuniary co-operation.
riot in 1825.
On Thursday, April 21, 1825, the borough was dis
turbed by a serious riot. A man from Maryland had
followed a runaway slave of whom he had obtained in
formation, after an absence of more than a year, found
~him in Harrisburg, and lodged him in jail. He was
brought up on a writ of habeas corpus, and after a hear
ing surrendered to his master. A great number of col
ored people attended the investigation, armed with clubs
and cudgels, and exhibited a menacing appearance. As
a matter of precaution, the master tied the slave's hands
behind his back ; but as he left the Court House steps, the
colored men rushed furiously upon him and attempted a
rescue. A serious combat ensued, in which a number
of the citizens were involved and received injury. In the
melee one of the Marylanders fired a pistol, after having
received several blows from the colored men, one of
whom he wounded in the arm.

182 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Resistance then subsided, and the slave was taken to
a public house and secured. The colored people gather
ed about the door, and after some time another fracas
took place. The consequence was, that the civil author
ities interfered, and about nineteen of the colored men
were committed to prison. The Court commenced its
sessions on the following Monday, and the grand jury
found a true bill against sixteen of them. The trial last
ed until Wednesday evening, and on Thursday morning
the jury rendered a verdict of guilty against twelve of
them, and acquitted four. One of the twelve convicted
subsequently escaped, but the remaining eleven were sen
tenced to the tread-mill — the grand jury having appro
priated $300 for the construction of the same.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The borough was divided into the South and North
ward election districts by an act of Assembly passed in
1822. In digging a cellar, about thirty-five years ago, on
Foster's Island, opopsite Harrisburg, at the depth of five
feet several Indian darts were found. Trees of enormous
growth stood a few years before on the spot where they
were exhumed.
A strenuous effort was made in the Legislature, in
1827, to remove the seat of government from Harrisburg.
In 1825-6-7 there were Five military companies in the
borough, as follows:
Dauphin Calvary — R. T. Jacobs, O. S.
Harrisburg Guards — P. Frazier, O. S.
Pennsylvania Guards — H. Chritzman, Adjutant.
Harrisburg Junior Guards — S. Pool, O. S.
Harrisburg Union Infantry — J. Black, O. S.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 183
THE PENN LOCK OF THE PENNSYLVANIA CANAL.
On Tuesday, March 14, 1827, the first corner-stone
that was laid in the locks of the Pennsylvania canal, was
laid in lock No. 6, at the foot of Walnut street, Harris
burg. There was a Masonic procession, followed by
the Governor and Heads of Department, the members
of the Legislature, the Burgesses and members of the
Town Council, and a great concourse of citizens. In
the stone were deposited the names of the members of
the Legislature at the time of the passage of the act for
commencing the Pennsylvania canal, (1825), and the
Governor who- approved it, with the following scroll :
"This corner-stone
Of lock No. 6, from the Swatara river, was laid in Ma
sonic form, on the 13th day of March, Anno
Domini 1827, Anno Lucius 5827,
By the Worshipful Master and brethren of Perseverance
Lodge, No. 21,
In presence of the Governor, Heads of Departments of
State, members of the Legislature, and the citizens
of the borough of Harrisburg;
When it was unanimously styled by the Engineer
and Acting Commissioner,
THE PENN LOCK.
In commemoration of the great founder of the State, and
of the enterprise of the citizens of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania in the promotion of
internal improvements.
William and Michael Byrne, and Alexander and
Paul Provost, builders.
Charles Mowry, Acting Commissioner.
Dr. Wm. Darlington, President.
John Sergeant, David Scott, Abner Lacock, Daniel Mont
gomery, John Philips, Thos. Enochs, Geo. M.

184 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Dallas, Esqrs., Commissioners.
Joseph M'lllvaine, Esq., Secretary of the Board.
William Strickland, Engineer.
Francis W. Rawle, Assistant Engineer.
Samuel H. Kneass, Geo. Merrick, Wm. B. Norris, Emer
son M'lllvaine, Robert Faries, William Rodrigue,
Chas. L. Schlatter, Assistants.
William Grove, Superitendent of Masons.
Frederick William Leopold, Clerk of the Works."
After the Masonic ceremonies, Mr. Ritner, Speaker of
the House of Representatives, delivered an address suit
able to the occasion. The procession returned to town;
and the Masonic fraternity, who had for their guest
Gov. Carrol, of Tennessee, and a number of citizens, par
took of an excellent dinner at Mr. Henzy's Jackson
Hotel. In altering the course of the canal, last summer, a
short distance to the east of the original line, this lock
was torn down, but we could not learn what disposition
was made of the cornerstone. It should have occupied
a conspicuous place in the new lock; and if this was not
the case, its contents ought to have been preserved in the
museum of the State Department.
THE HARRISBURG LANCASTERIAN SCHOOL.
From the adoption of the Constitution of 1790 until
1809, no legislative provision of a general nature was
made in reference to public schools. An act was then
passed "for the gratuitous education of the poor." It
required a report to be made by the assessors of the town
ships, wards and boroughs, to the commissioners of the
respective counties, of all children between the ages of
five and twelve years whose parents were unable to
provide for their education; and that when the lists had
been approved by the commissioners, that such parents

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 185
should be notified thereof, and be permitted to send their
children to the most convenient schools, at the expense
of the county. Notwithstanding the many defects of
this law, it continued in force until it was repealed by
that of 29th March, 1824, which provided that every
township should elect three "schoolman," who should
superintend the education of poor children within their
respective townships, and "cause them to be instructed
as other children are treated, the expense of tuition to
be paid by the county." But each county might author
ize the "schoolmen" to divide the township into school
districts, and to establish schools at the expense of the
townships, to which all children belonging to the districts
might be sent for three years at any time between the
ages of six and. fourteen years. This law was applicable
to the whole State, with the exception of certain school
districts in the city and county of Philadelphia and city
and county of Lancaster. It was repealed in 1826, and
the act of 1809 revived.
By the act of 2d April, 1831, however, the basis of a
more efficient school system was laid. The Secretary of
the Commonwealth, the Auditor General, and the Secre
tary of the Land Office, were appointed commissioners
to receive and manage the school fund, with power to re
ceive and hold for the use thereof, all gifts, grants and
donations that might be made thereto, and all the mon
ies due the Commonwealth by the holders of unpatented
lands; also, all monies secured to the Commonwealth by
mortgages or liens for the purchase money of the same,
(this land debt was estimated at two millions of dollars,)
as also all fees received in the Land Office, with the addi
tion of the sum of one mill on the dollar added to the
county rates by the act of the 25th March, 1831, were
assigned to the common school fund, and held by the
Commonwealth for the use thereof, at the interest of five
13

188 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
per cent, per annum. The interest was directed to be
added to the principal as it became due, and the whole
amount to be holden by the Commonwealth, subject to
the payment of interest on loans made to the State for
internal improvements, until the interest should amount
to one hundred thousand dollars annually, after which
the interest was to be distributed annually to the sup
port of common schools throughout the Commonwealth,
in such manner as would thereafter be provided by law.
Besides the general provisions for education above
noticed, special ones were enacted for certain portions
of the State. Thus, in 1818 the city and county of Phil
adelphia were erected into a district, called the "first
school district" of Pennsylvania. By the act of April 1,
1822, the city and county of Lancaster were erected into
the "second school district," with privileges and duties
similar to the first. By the act of nth April, 1827, the
same system was established at Harrisburg, and by act of
19th February, 1828, at Pittsburg.
The following is a copy of the act of nth of April,
1827, establishing the Lancasterian school system at
Harrisburg :
An act to authorize the Commissioners of Dauphin coun
ty to establish a public school in the borough of Harris
burg.Sect. 1. Be it enacted, &c, That the commissioners of
Dauphin county be authorized to make use of any part of
the court house of the said county which may be unoccu
pied, build, or procure a suitable building for the pur
pose of educating the children directed to be taught at
the public expense, and also to furnish the same for the
accommodation of children.
SECT. 2. That said commissioners be authorized and
required to engage a suitable teacher or teachers, at a

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 187
fixed salary or otherwise, as they may deem proper:
Provided, such teacher be approved of by the school
committee to be hereafter appointed.
Sect. 3. That the commissioners shall be required to
direct all the children educated at the public expense, who
shall reside in the borough of Harrisburg and within
one mile thereof, to attend a school established by their
direction, which shall be taught and conducted on the
principles of Lancaster's system of education, in its most
approved state.
Sect. 4. That the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin
county, at their regular spring term, and during the
spring term of each and every subsequent year, shall ap
point nine respectable citizens residing within the bor
ough of Harrisburg, to be denominated a school commit
tee, whose business it shall be, at the request of the coun
ty commissioners, to examine the qualifications and abil
ity of said teacher, and if found worthy, shall give him
a certificate of approval, which shall be a sufficient vouch
er to said commissioners ; and it shall be further the duty
of said committee to visit and examine said school twice
in every quarter, or oftener if necessary, and recommend
such rules and regulations as will best contribute to the
advancement of the youth of said school.
Sect. 5 — (Provides for the supplying of vacancies in
the school committee.)
Sect. 6. That said commissioners may admit children
whose parents or guardians are in circumstances to pay
for their tuition, and shall be at liberty to charge in each
individual case any sum which may be agreed on between
the parties, which shall be applied in all cases to the sup
port of said school.
Sect. 7. That the said commissioners shall have power
to draw orders on the county treasurer for any sum or
sums of money to pay the expense of erecting or procur-

188 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ing a suitable building for the purpose aforesaid, and
also for such sums of money necessary in furnishing
books, stationery, and all things necessary in establish
ing, maintaining and conducting said school; and all
such orders drawn upon the county treasurer shall be
paid by him, and the orders thus paid shall be his au
thority for paying such sums, and to the persons men
tioned in said orders.
SECT. 8. That it shall be the duty of said commission
ers to keep an accurate account of the proceedings of
said school, which account shall be examined and settled
annually by the auditors of the county, and shall publish
a statement of the same in the month of January in
each and every year, the number of children educated
in said school, as well as the amount of expenditure, and
of the sums received for the tuition of children whose
parents, guardians or friends have defrayed any part or
the whole of the expenses of their education.
Sect. 9. That as soon as the said school shall be es
tablished and fit for the reception of scholars, the said
commissioners shall give public notice thereof in at least
three public newspapers printed in said borough of Har
risburg; and that no tuition for children taught at the
expense of the county, who shall reside within the bounds
of aforesaid, will be paid by the county, contracted after
thirty days' notice given as aforesaid.
Sect. 10. That so much of every act of Assembly re
lating to the education of the poor, as far as the same
may affect the borough of Harrisburg, and within one
mile thereof, as is altered or supplied by this act, shall
be repealed, and cease to operate from and after the time
mentioned in the ninth section of this act."
The "Lancasterian system" provided for in the third
section of the above act, was so called in honor of its
founder, Mr. Lancaster, a native of England. It was

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 189
based upon monitorial or mutual instruction. Thus, a
school would be divided into several sections, according
to the acquirements of the scholars, over each one of
which was appointed by the master a "monitor" — gen
erally the most intelligent and advanced scholar — whose
duty it was to superintend the instruction of his com
panions in the section to which he belonged. Of course,
all the sections were under the general superintendence of
the master.
We give several extracts from the minutes of the pro
ceedings of the commissioners of Dauphin county in re
lation to the above quoted act of Assembly, which illus
trates the rise, progress and final abolition of the Lan
casterian school in Harrisburg: "July 4, 1827.
Commissioners met. Present — Messrs. Brua, Rathfon
and Moody. The following preamble and resolution
were read and adopted:
Whereas, The commissioners of Dauphin county have
caused a room in the Court House to be prepared for a
school on the Lancasterian plan, and have engaged a
teacher to conduct such a school agreeably to the act of
Assembly of April n, 1827; therefore,
Resolved, That the teacher employed by the commis
sioners of the county be directed to receive into the said
school, to be instructed according to the aforesaid plan,
all the children whose tuition is required by law to be
paid by the county, and whose names are or shall here
after be entered on the list of poor children in the com
missioners' office, residing in the borough of Harris
burg, or within one mile thereof. Other children to be
admitted into the school at the rate of one dollar per
quarter of a year, to be paid for the use of the county.
A reduction from this rate to be allowed according to the

190 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
circumstances of the parents of the children, at the dis
cretion of the commissioners."
By another resolution adopted at this meeting of the
board, the school was directed to be opened on the 9th
of July, 1827; but at a meeting held on the nth of May
previous, the board elected William C. Jenks teacher, at
a salary of $550 per annum, and directed the school to
commence on the 7th of May. It is probable, however,
that one of these dates is a clerical error; or perhaps it
was the original design of the board to open the school
on the 7th of May, but not having concluded the ar
rangements in time, deferred it until the 9th of July.
At a meeting of the commissioners held in the month
of April, 1828, William C. Jenks was reappointed teacher
of the school at a salary of $800 per annum.
At this period the whole number of children taught in
the school was three hundred and fifty.
The number of children taught in the school whose
parents, guardians or friends defrayed or agreed to de
fray any part of the whole of the expense of their tuition,
was one hundred and fifty-four.
The amount received for the tuition of children whose
parents, guardians or friends defrayed the whole or any
part of their education, was fifty-five dollars and eight
cents. The amount due for the tuition of children whose
parents, guardians or friends agreed to pay the whole or
any part of their education, was two hundred and fifty-
one dollars and twenty cents.
The limited accommodations which the room in the
Court House afforded for such a large and increasing
school, induced the county commissioners to avail them
selves of the privileges extended in the first section of
the act authorizing the establishment of the school; and
accordingly they purchased of the late Thomas Elder,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 191
Esq., the two lots of ground stiuated in Walnut street,
numbered in the general plan of the borough 262 and 263,
for the purpose of erecting thereon a suitable building
for the accommodation of the school. The deed con
veying these lots is recorded in book B, vol. 2, page 427,
in the Recorder's office. We continue our extracts from
the commissioners' minutes : "June 20, 1828.
Commissioners met. — Present, Messrs. Moody, Brua
and Cochran. Proposals were received for building a
school house for the 'Lancasterian school.' "
"July 4, 1828.
Commissioners met. — Present, Messrs. Moody, and
Peter Brua. The commissioners entered into a contract
with Samuel Bryan for the building a house for the Lan
casterian school, in Harrisburg, at a cost of $4,250, ac
cording to article of agreement."
It is probable that Mr. Bryan completed his contract
in the fall of 1829, for we find in the "Order Book" that
he was paid by Order No. 25, dated January 9, 1830,
the sum of $585.54, "being the balance due him on settle
ment of his account for building Lancasterian school
house." "November 7, 1832.
Commissioners met. — Present, Messrs. Archibald
Orme, John Imshoffstall, and Abraham Bombaugh.
The following resolution was read and adopted :
Resolved, That the clerk inform Jacob Richardson,
teacher of colored children in Harrisburg, that in future
the colored children under his tuition shall be taught in
the Lancasterian school, as the law directs ; and that the
commissioners will, hereafter allow him no compensation
for teaching said children."

192 ANNALS OF HARRtSBURG. "December 3, 1833.
Commissioners met. — Present, Messrs. Imshoffstall,
Bombaugh, and Kendig.
Mr. Bombaugh offered the following resolutions, which
were adopted :
Resolved, That in consequence of an act of the Gen
eral Assembly, approved the 9th of April, 1833, the public
school in the borough of Harrisburg on the Lancasterian
system, and the services of J. A. Prest, as teacher thereof,
be discontinued from and after the 20th day of March,
1834. Resolved, That J. A. Prest, teacher of the public school
in the borough of Harrisburg on the Lancasterian system,
be and he is hereby notified and requested to deliver up
to the commissioners of the county of Dauphin, on Fri
day, the 2 ist day of March, 1834, all the accounts, vouch
ers, books, papers, furniture, &c, belonging to said public
school house, and vacate the premises himself on the
first day of April following."
By a resolution of the Board, passed January 20, 1834,
the time for discontinuing the school and the delivery
of the accounts, vauchers, books, &c, was extended to
Tuesday, the 20th of May, 1834, at which time it ap
pears to have been finally abolished.
In 1849 tne school building, with the adjoining prem
ises, were sold by the county commissioners to the school
directors of the North Ward of the borough of Harris
burg, who made considerable alterations in its interior,
better adopted to the use of schools under the pres
ent beneficial common school system. When occupied
by the Lancasterian school, the teacher, with his fam
ily, resided in the building. It is occupied now we be
lieve, by four of the North Ward public male schools, all
in separate apartments.
The building is constructed of brick, two stories high,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 193
surmounted with a neat wooden steeple. It fronts on
Walnut street, nearly the breadth of two lots upon which
it is built, and has a depth of about fifty feet. That por
tion of the lots not occupied by the building is enclosed
with a substantial board fence, affording an excellent
play-ground for the scholars during recess.
Fire in 1828.
"Fire. — At daybreak on Wednesday last an alarm of
fire was given in this borough. A small frame building,
occupied by Mr. Geety as a tailor shop, situated on the
east side of Market square, about midway between Bueh-
ler's Hotel and Wyeth's book store, was discovered to be
on fire, and before relief could be procured, though the
utmost diligence was exerted, the contiguous houses on
both sides (being also frame buildings) had caught fire.
All those towards Market street, including Wyeth's cor
ner, (and down Market street to the building adjoining
Wyeth's Hall) were burned to the ground ; but those to
wards Buehler's Hotel were saved by extraordinary ef
forts, aided by the circumstance of a narrow vacancy be
tween the building where the fire originated and the one
occupied by Mr. Slaugh. Most of the furniture, it is
believed, of the sufferers, Messrs. Geety, Wormley, Wolf,
and Wyeth, was saved. A small loss, however, is a ser
ious deprivation as it regards most of them, and gives
them a strong claim to the sympathy of the public." —
Intelligencer, July i, 1828.
First water in the Pennsylvania canal at harris
burg.
"Pennsylvania Canal. — The water was on Tuesday
last let into ihis canal, at M'Allister's mill, and a gentle
man has just stepped into our office with the information

194 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
that it has reached and is filling the basin near this place.
— Harrisburg paper, March 20, 1828.
GREAT SNOW STORM.
The year 1831 was distinguished for a great snow
storm, which occurred in January.
"We do not recollect ever having witnessed so great a
fall of snow as that which took place during the late
storm. It commenced on Friday evening last, with an
easterly wind, and continued without intermission until
Sunday morning. If the snow had fallen without being
disturbed by the wind, we presume it would have been at
least two feet deep. But, as it was light and the wind
fresh, it was blown and drifted in many places so as to
be -completely impassable. Many of our roads are filled
up to the fence tops on each side, and are altogether im
passable. Those compelled to travel have, in many places,
to pass through fields and woods entirely off the track to
find a passage. Our court commenced on Monday, and
owing to the impossibility of getting to town through
the snow, but four grand jurors out of twenty-four an
swered to their names, and it was not until Tuesday that
a sufficient number appeared to do business, and then the
whole number was but thirteen. We were for several
days cut off from all communication eastward by mail.
The Philadelphia stage, which should have arrived on
Saturday night, did not reach us until Tuesday; and
several of the stages that left here on Saturday morning
were obliged to return. We have this consolation, how
ever, if there is any consolation to be derived from com
pany in difficulty, that there is not a paper received that
has been published since the storm, particularly from to
wards the south, north, and east, that does not detail
similar consequences from the same cause." — Harrisburg
Reporter, January 21, 1831.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 195
WATER POWER.
"A few days since, John Davies, Esq., at the instance
of a number of gentlemen of Harrisburg, leveled the
route of a canal or race for supplying the borough of
Harrisburg with water, and creating a water power. The
route pursued commenced at Brushy Rock, immediately
below M'Allister's ; thence along the shore to the lock
above Updegraff's; thence along the low ground near
the State canal, as far as the farm of John Fox; thence
towards the river to the low ground on the south side
of the ridge, extending through the lands of Messrs.
Cox, Elder, M'Kee and Hummel, to the farm of Messrs.
Orth and Reily; thence either crossing the turnpike and
continuing along the bank to the upper end of Potts-
town, and there again crossing the turnpike till after
passing the works of the Messrs. Wiestling, there re-
crossing the road and continuing along the river to
Maclaysburg or Maclay's rock, or else proceeding-
through the land of Messrs. Orth and Reily direct to
North or State street, Maclaysburg, and thence to the
river. The estimate of the cost of the race was $22,450.29,
exclusive of sixteen hundred perches of post and rail
fence. It was to be 17 feet wide at bottom, and the fall
from M'Allister's to Harrisburg was 16 feet.
Judge Geddes, the distinguished engineer, formerly of
this neighborhood, now residing in the State of New
York, has kindly examined the principal points of the
projected canal, and has expressed a very favorable opin
ion of it. He recommends a race of larger dimensions
than the one above stated, viz : one of 25 feet wide at bot
tom, 40 at the surface, and 5 feet in depth, on account
of its liability to freeze, and a fall of 4 inches in the mile.
A race of these dimensions, Mr. Geddes calculates, would

196 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
furnish 14,064 cubic feet of water per minute, or 234
cubic feet per second; also, that agreeably to the table
stated in Evans' Mill-wright Guide, 8 cubic feet and six-
tenths per second, acting upon a pair of stones of 5 feet
in diameter, making 97 revolutions per minute, with a
fall of 14 feet and two-tenths, will grind five bushels of
wheat per hour. 234,406 divided by 8.6, gives 27.48.
Thus a race of the latter capacity, with a head of 14
feet and two-tenths, will produce a power sufficient to
turn about twenty-seven pair of stones, capable of grind
ing five bushels of wheat per hour. But if, with the aid
of a low dam on the falls at M'Allister's, the head be in
creased to 15.47 feet, it will require scarce 8 cubic feet
of water per second to turn the same stones, and 234
cubic feet of water per second will then turn more than
thirty pair of stones.
As the channel outside of Brushy Rock is used only
when the water is too low to suffer craft to pass the chan
nel next the shore, it is evident that a dam of two, three
or four feet high will improve the inner channel, and thus
benefit rather than injure the descending navigation.
For the ascending navigation the canal has almost wholly
superseded the river, but a windlass placed at the head of
the channel would enable boats to pass it. If our citi- .
zens should be generally favorable to this project, (and
there should be but one opinion on the subject,) the pas
sage of the necessary law can in all probability be pro
cured; and if so, the rapid advancement of our borough
in wealth and population can be confidently anticipated."
— Harrisburg Chronicle, August, 1831.
THE "FALLING STARS."
The 13th of November, 1833, 1S signalized as the per
iod of the great meteoric shower — an exhibition of nat
ural "fire-works" that will long be remembered by those

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 197
who witnessed it. In Harrisburg, the scene is described
as being "grand, awful and sublime." It occurred on a
market morning, and to the ignorant and superstitious
citizens and countrymen the phenomena was overwhelm
ing and terrific. In the language of an observer, it
"rained stars." Never before or since did such a count
less number of meteors fall from the empyrean in so
short a space of time. Most of them were globular in
shape, but many in their rapid motion left behind a lu
minous tail, and these the imagination of the credulous
very readily transformed into so many "fiery serpents."
It is almost impossible to conceive the horror of mind
which seized upon some people, even when the phe
nomena was explained by the better informed. Many of
the bold as well as timid citizens, yielding alike to appre
hension, gave over all as lost, and passed the exciting
period in lamentations and prayer. It was astonishing
to behold how many became suddenly devout who were
never devout before, yet, generally speaking, the fit of
devotion was of no longer duration than the phenomena.
"When the devil was sick, the devil a monk would be;
When the devil was well, the devil a monk was he" —
might apply very well to the history of these conversions.
The following descriptions by eye-witnesses of this
phenomena, were published in the Harrisburg Chron-j
icle, printed at the time by Hugh Hamilton & Son : <
"This morning (Wednesday, November 13, 1833) at a
quarter past five, I was told that a very unusual number
of shooting stars were to be seen; and going out, I
saw them radiating from a point overhead in every direc
tion. It was not possible to count them, but I thought as
many as from five to twenty in a second were darted off.
The radiating space was not exactly in the zenith, but
a little S. S. E. of it. Some of the meteors were so

198 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
bright as to throw a strong light on the whole sky, and
attract my attention even when they were behind me.
Sometimes a long track of light was left in the sky, and
remained for more than a minute.
The very great number and rapidity of motion of these
meteors could be compared to a large shower of hail. One
of them appeared to be as large as a man's fist, and was
of great brilliancy. The stream of light that remained
in some cases ceased to be a straight line, and assumed
first a snake-like form, and then doubled together.
The east was ruddy, and the morning star very bright
when I first saw the meteors. They were not always
regular in their emission, but there was not, I think, an
instant of -time in which several were not visible. It
seemed as if there were several great discharges every
minute. .
I watched them till a quarter past six, when the sun
was nearly up, at which time their light was very faint;
but it seemed to me the number was only apparently
diminished by being lost in the light of the morning. A
very bright one was seen just at that time. E. L."
"About eleven o'clock on Tuesday night, an immense
number of shooting stars, as they are erroneously termed,
were observed in the atmosphere. They continued to in
crease until five o'clock in the morning, (Wednesday,)
when the view which the heavens presented was grand
beyond description. Ten thousand little meteors might
be observed at a time, igniting, falling perpendicularly
for a short distance, and then disappearing to be sup
plied by others. Not a cloud was visible, not a breath of
air was perceptible. The luminous trail which each
meteor left behind it as it moved, gave the heavens al
most the appearance of a solid mass of flame. The scene
continued until their light was eclipsed by the morning
dawn."

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 199
FIRST ARRIVAL OF RAILROAD CARS AT HARRISBURG.
The first locomotive, drawing a train of cars, that ar
rived at Harrisburg, came from Portsmouth, (now in
cluded in Middletown,) over the Harrisburg and Lan
caster Railroad, in the month of September, 1836. It
was called the "John Bull," and was an object of great
curiosity to the citizens of the borough and vicinity, who
congregated by hundreds on the railroad below Paxton
street, to witness its approach. The railroad, at this time,
was only completed between Portsmouth and Harrisburg,
and the locomotive used on the occasion had been brought
to the former place on a canal boat, from the State road
at Columbia.
In the month of December following, fifteen miles of
the road, extending westward from Lancaster, were com
pleted and opened. Passengers were then taken twice
a day in each direction over the finished portion of the
road, and over the intervening distance by stages. In
the month of October, 1837, the whole line of the road
was completed, with the exception of a track through
the tunnel at Elizabethtown, which was crossed over
by a good board-walk.
The Cumberland Valley railroad was first opened for
public travel from a terminus in Cumberland county, op
posite Harrisburg, to Carlisle, in July or. August, 1837.
the "buckshot war/'
The first proceedings of the Legislature which con
vened at Harrisburg on the 4th of December, 1838, were
marked with extraordinary scenes of disorder and con
fusion, and originated what is commonly called the
"Buckshot War."
The Senate met at three o'clock on that day, and or
ganized by electing Hon. C. B. Penrose, Speaker. The
Democratic members from the county of Philadelphia

200 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
were refused their seats, and the opposition members ad
mitted. Mr. Brown, one of the ejected members, was permitted
to address the Senate, after which a motion was made
to have the election returns brought forward; pending
which the Speaker called Gen. Rogers to the chair which
he had vacated, and the session shortly afterwards broke
up in confusion.
The House met at nine o'clock on the same day, when
the Secretary of the Commonwealth was introduced, who
presented the official returns of the members elected to
the House of Representatives.
The clerk then read the returns from the city of Phil
adelphia, and was about proceeding to read the returns
from the county of Philadelphia, when Mr. Charles Pray
stated, in his place, that this was not the legal return,
and presented to the clerk a certified copy of what he
alleged to be the correct returns from the Prothonotary's
Office of Philadelphia county, and requested it to be
read. The clerk then put the question, "Shall both of the re
turns be read?" and numerous shouts of "aye," "aye,"
were echoed throughout the House.
Several members protested against the reading of the
latter returns; but the clerk put the question, which was
carried, and both of the returns were read.
Mr. Stevens suggested that the House proceed to its
organization by electing a Speaker; and when tellers
were appointed for that purpose, he expected they would
read but the names of those members who had been re
turned from the office of the Secretary of the Common
wealth. When this was done, those gentlemen who did
not think these returns proper might decline voting. If
this course was pursued, and it should so happen that
two Speakers were elected, he trusted there would be

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 201
that courtesy exhibited which would find room for both
gentlemen upon the platform. He therefore moved that
the House proceed to the election of a Speaker, and that
Messrs. Watts and Ziegler be appointed tellers; which
motion was declared to be agreed to, and those two gen
tlemen immediately took a stand at the Speaker's table.
Mr. Hopkins moved that the clerk be instructed to
put down the names of the members from the county of
Philadelphia who had a majority of votes, and were cer
tified as members of the House by a majority of the re
turn judges.
Mr. T. L. Smith hoped that those who agreed with
him in relation to the matter would vote "no" on this
question. The motion of Mr. Hopkins was then agreed to, and
the names of the Democratic members were inserted on
the roll.
Mr. Hill moved that the clerk of the House call over
the roll according to the custom heretofore observed;
which motion was agreed to, and the clerk proceeded to
call the roll — the tellers at the same time commencing
to call over the names of the members, for the purpose
of electing a Speaker.
Before the clerk had concluded the roll, the tellers an
nounced that Thomas S. Cunningham had received 52
votes, and was therefore duly elected.
Mr. Cunningham then took the chair, and called upon
Mr. T. L. Smith to administer the oath of office, after
which he proceeded to administer the oath to the fifty-
two members who had elected him, the remainder of the
House keeping their seats, and the clerk still calling the
roll, at the conclusion of which he anonunced that fifty-
six members had answered to their names.
Mr. M'Elwee then moved that the House proceed to
the election of a Speaker, and that the clerks act as tel-
14

202 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
lers; which was agreed to. And the clerk having called
over the names, announced that William Hopkins, hav
ing received 56 votes, was duly elected Speaker.
Mr. M'Elwee conducted Mr. Hopkins to the Speaker's
platform, where he obtained a seat beside Mr. Cunning
ham. Mr. Hopkins then called upon Mr. Smith, of Frank
lin, to administer to him the oath of office, and took and
subscribed the usual oath.
In the meantime that portion of the House over which
Mr. Cunningham presided, adopted the rules of the last
House for their government, and appointed committees
to wait upon the Governor and the Senate, to inform them
that the House was organized and ready to proceed to
business, after which it adjourned.
The body over which Mr. Hopkins presided appointed
similar committees, and after nominating officers, also
adjourned. Immediately after the occurrence of these extraor
dinary proceedings, Gov. Ritner issued the following
proclamation. (See Executive Minutes, 1838, page 64,
Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office.)
"Pennsylvania, ss.
In the name and by the authority of the Common
wealth of Pennsylvania, by Joseph Ritner, Governor of
the said Commonwealth: A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, A lawless, infuriated, armed mob from the
counties of Philadelphia, Lancaster, Adams, and other
places, have assembled at the seat of government, with
the avowed object of disturbing, interrupting, and over
awing the Legislature of this Commonwealth, and of
preventing its proper organization, and the peaceable and
free discharge of its duties:

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ,203
And whereas, The said mob have already, on this day,
entered the Senate Chamber, and in an outrageous and
violent manner, by clamoring, shouting, and threatening
violence and death to some of the members of that body,
and other officers of the government ; and finally by rush
ing within the bar of the Senate Chamber, in defiance of
every effort to restrain them, compelled the Senate to
suspend business ;
And whereas, They still remain here in force, encour
aged by a person who is an officer of the General Gov
ernment, from Philadelphia, and are setting the law at
open defiance, and rendering it unsafe for the Legisla
tive bodies to assemble in the Capitol ;
Therefore, This is to call upon the civil authority to
exert themselves to restore order to the utmost of their
power, and upon the militia force of the Commonwealth
to hold themselves in instant readiness to repair to the
seat of government; and upon all good citizens to aid in
curbing this lawless mob, and in reinstating the suprem
acy of the law.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State,
at Harrisburg, this fourth day of December, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
[l. S.] and thirty-eight, and of the Commonwealth the
sixty-third.
By the Governor:
Thomas H. Burrowes,
Secretary of the Commonwealth."
The publication of this document, as may readily be
conceived, created the most intense excitement through
out the State; and large numbers of people flocked into
the borough daily, attracted by curiosity, or to partici
pate in what many conscienciously believed would ter
minate in a sanguinary struggle.
A mass meeting of citizens from all sections of the

204 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
State was held at the Court House on the evening of
the 4th December, and a committee of safety, consisting
of nineteen prominent men, was appointed.
This committee met on the same evening, when it
was informed that there was a body of men stationed in
the State Arsenal, and that large quantities of powder,
cartridges, and other ammunition, had been taken there
since the last evening.
At this moment, Major George Ford, of Lancaster,
and Mr. Joseph Henderson entered the room where the
committee was assembled, professing to be a committee
from the State authorities, and wished to confer with
this committee in reference to the protection of the Ar
senal, and the public property of the Commonwealth,
such as arms, ammunitions, &c. They went on to state
that the Arsenal had been assailed by a large force of
the people, and that great danger was to be apprehended.
The committee informed them that, under existing
circumstances, they had no power to • allay the excite
ment; that certain intelligence had been received that
Gov. Ritner had issued his orders for the assembling of
the militia, which orders were sent last evening by ex
press to Carlisle and other places; and that the people
expected Harrisburg would be filled with persons who
would supply themselves with arms and ammunition
from the Arsenal; that the people were acting only on
the defensive, but that they would not permit the public
stores to be employed against themselves in the lawful
pursuit of their rights.
Messrs. Ford and Henderson, on the part of them
selves and those who sent them, made the following
pledge :
"That as men of honor, no ordnance, arms, muskets
or ammunition should, by any order of the Governor, or
any other authority whatever, be taken from the Arsenal

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 205
for the purpose of arming any forces that might collect
in obedience to the proclamation of the Governor; and
that if any use of them should so be made, they would
hold themselves personally responsible for the conse
quences." This pledge was satisfactory to the committee, who
believed that the only object of the people in making a
demonstration upon the Arsenal was, not to employ the
public arms themselves, but, if possible, to prevent their
adversaries from making use of them.
At this time a large multitude had collected around the
Arsenal, having been attracted thither by the intelli
gence that a quantity of ammunition had been taken
there, and that their adversaries had stationed in the
building a body of armed men as a rendezvous to subdue
the people. The excitement had became tremendous,
and for the purpose of acting in good faith on the part
of the committee, on motion of L. Kidder, it was
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to
go and address the people, make known the pledge of
Messrs. Ford and Henderson, and urge them quietly to
disperse. Whereupon, L. Kidder, Gen. Adam Diller and Lewis
S. Coryell were appointed the said committee, who im
mediately retired to discharge their duties.
Afterward, the above mentioned committee, by L. Kid
der, reported that they had successfully discharged the
duties assigned to them, and that they had severally ad
dressed the people, who manifested every disposition to
preserve the peace and to act on the defensive, and that
the multitude had already quietly dispersed.
On motion, the report was adopted as entirely satis
factory. On the 5th of December, the Governor made a special
requisition on Major General Robert Patterson, com-

206 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
manding the first division Pennsylvania militia, for a
force of troops sufficient to quell the "insurrection," and
march them immediately to the seat of government.
About one hundred of the troops arrived on Satur
day night following, and obtained quarters in the Court
House; and at four o'clock, p. m., the next day, the main
body, numbering about eight hundred, under the com
mand of Major General Patterson and staff, arrived
below town, and halted until communication could be
had with the State authorities, which was effected in
about an hour, when the troops entered the town, and
after marching through several of the streets, proceeded
to the public ground in front of the State Arsenal, where
they were divided off into detachments, who severally
obtained quarters in the Arsenal, the Exchange, the Court
House, the Lancasterian school house, and the Presby
terian Church.
Several other companies from Cumberland county,
called out by requisition from the Governor, were quar
tered on the opposite side of the river, not being able to
obtain lodgings in the town.
The Governor also made a requisition on the United
States authorities for the troops stationed at the Carlisle
barracks and other neighboring military posts, but this
was not complied with.
It is estimated that between thirty and fifty thousand
strangers were in the borough at this period.
In the meantime, each division of the House of Rep
resentatives continued to hold sessions separately; that
over which Mr. Hopkins presided in the Representatives
Chamber of the Capitol, and the one presided over by
Mr. Cunningham in the Supreme Court room; but as
neither branch had a constitutional quorum of undis
puted members, they were both refused recognition by
the Senate.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 207
Affairs stood in this position until December 17, when
Messrs. Butler, Sturdevant and Montellius left the Cun
ningham branch, and were sworn in as members of the
Democratic House, under Mr. Speaker Hopkins. This
gave to the latter body a quorum of fifty-one members
whose seats were undisputed, so that no legal obstacle
could longer prevent the Senate from recognizing it as
the legitimate House.
Accordingly, on the 27th of December, in the Senate,
Mr. Michler submitted the following preamble and reso
lution, which, after various fruitless attempts to amend,
were adopted by a vote of 17 yeas and 16 nays :
Whereas, Difficulties have arisen in the organization
of the House of Representatives, and two bodies have
for some time been in existence, each claiming to be the
regularly constituted House of Representatives of Penn
sylvania, but neither having had a constitutional quorum
of members whose seats were regularly returned, and
neither has yet been fully recognized by the Senate ;
And whereas, The House organized by the election of
Mr. Hopkins as Speaker, is now composed of a constitu
tional quorum of regularly returned members ; and being
thus brought within the pale of the constitution, the Sen
ate ought no longer to refuse to recognize the said House
as the proper constituted House of Representatives of
Pennsylvenia ; therefore,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inform
said House that the Senate is now organized and ready
to proceed to business.
The committee so appointed immediately waited upon
the House, and a joint committee was appointed by both
branches to inform the Governor that the Legislature was
organized. At the meeting of the House on the morning of the

208 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
27th, Mr. Cunningham, with some twenty of the mem
bers of his division, were present and duly qualified.
Mr. Hokpins, the Speaker, then resigned, but was im
mediately re-elected.
The troops from Philadelphia evacuated the borough
on Sunday, the 16th of December, and the battalion from
Cumberland county on the 23d following.
The following is "a list of the ordnance stores issued
to the Philadelphia troops from the Frankford Arsenal,
on requisition of the Governor :
"12,480 musket-ball and buck-shot cartridges; 600 pis
tol cartridges ; 400 priming tubes ; 68 6-pounder strapped
shot, fixed; 132 6-pounder cannon balls; 200 musket
flints; 100 pistol flints; 20 pounds slow match.
Geo. D. Ramsey, Capt. of Ord.
Frankford Arsenal, Dec. 7, 1838."
great fires in 1838.
Two destructive fires occurred in the borough in the
summer and fall of 1838. The first was on Friday, the
20th of July, which broke out in a stable belonging to
Mr. Osier, very near to, and on the line of the wind from
the iron foundry of Mr. Graydon, on Fourth street, be
tween Walnut and Market. It was generally believed
that a spark from the foundry originated the fire. The
weather at the time was hot, and everything being dry,
the flames spread rapidly to several adjoining stables,
and from thence to an extensive lumber yard on Fourth
street, between Market street and Strawberry alley, and
several houses on Market street and Huckleberry alley,
(now Aberdeen), nearly all of which were entirely con
sumed. The wind was brisk, and but little water could
be obtained from the pumps, so that fears were enter
tained that the entire blocks of buildings from Fourth
street to the canal, between Market street and Strawberry
alley, would be destroyed by the devouring element.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 209
The flames, however, were checked at Huckelberry alley
by the fire companies, aided by the citizens, male and fe
male, many of which latter stood in the ranks passing
water with buckets for four hours, exposed to the heat
of the flames and a fervid sun. The estimated loss of
the property destroyed on this occasion was about $15,-
000, divided among twenty-five individuals. The entire
insurance amounted to only $2,000.
A meeting of the citizens was held after the fire, and
committees appointed to solicit subscriptions for the suf
ferers. This meeting also petitioned the Town Council
to provide the Citizen Fire Company with suitable hose,
as there seemed to be a great want of this material at the
fire. The second fire broke out about five o'clock in the after
noon of Sunday, the 20th of October, in the carpenter
shop of Messrs. Holman & Simon, in Market street, near
Fourth, and directly opposite to where their extensive
lumber yard was consumed at the previous fire. The
flames communicated to the dwelling house of Mr. Simon,
another (only partially burned), owned by Mrs. Shannon,
a grocery store of Mr. Hutton, (pulled down,) the Luth
eran Church, and a school house and lecture room stand
ing near it. The cost of the property destroyed was
about $22,000, most of which was insured.
GREAT FLOOD IN THE SUSQUEHANNA.
In the spring of 1846 the water in the Susquehanna
rose to an extent scarcely excelled by the disastrous fresh
ets of 1784 and 1786. The water upon this occasion
carried away the eastern end of the old Harrisburg
bridge, and four spans of the eastern end of the Cumber
land Valley Railroad bridge, then in progress of con
struction, in place of the one previously destroyed by
fire. All of the piers of this latter bridge, and those of

210 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
the eastern end of the former bridge, were more or less
swept away by the violence of the water. Paxton street,
and the low ground lying on the east side of the town
between the canal and the ridge, were completely over
flowed, and several inhabitants of houses located in that
section were rescued from drowning with great difficulty.
The engine and boiler rooms of the Water-house were
completely submerged, and the machinery therein con
siderably damaged. The cellars of houses situated in the
town below Washington avenue, were in a like condi
tion. Houses, bridges, fences, hay, hogs, cattle, sheep,
&c, were carried down the river, all combining to pre
sent a scene of destruction never previously witnessed
by the then "oldest inhabitant."
THE MEXICAN WAR.
The requisition of the President of the United States
on the Governor of Pennsylvania for Volunteers to serve
in the War with Mexico, met with a ready response from
the citizens of Harrisburg.
A company, composed of nearly 100 members, styled
the "Cameron Guards," in honor of Gen. Simon Cam
eron, was enrolled on the 26th of December, 1846. This
company was under the command of Capt. E. C. Wil
liams, and was mustered into the United States service
at Pittsurg, to serve "during the war," by Lieut. Fields,
of the U. S. Army, on the 2d day of January, 1847.
MUSTER ROLL OF THE CAMERON GUARDS.
We annex a table containing a roll of the members'
names, the place of their nativity and residence, their
occupation, with remarks, &c. It is taken from the orig
inal roll of the company, in possession 'of Capt. Williams.
Those of whom no mention is made in the column of
"remarks" served "during the war," and were honorably
discharged at Pittsburg.

MUSTER AND DESCRIPTIVE ROLL of Capt. Edward C. Williams' Company, (G.) Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.

Names.

Edward C. Williams,
Peter H. M' Williams,
David J. Unger,
Isaac S. Waterbury,
Henry A. Hambright,

James Elder,

William G. Murray,
John Fleck,
John Simons,
Thomas R. Jordon,
Wm. H. P. Derry,
George Bressler,
Samuel Simons,
George Simons,
Auchmudy, Samuel S.
Auchmudy, Shipman,
Albert, John,
Alexander, William,
Brown, Alexander,
Bowman, George,
Brua, Jacob,

Rank.

Age

Height

Captain, 1st Lieut.
Sd do.
3d do.
1st Sergt.

8725343736

5 9%
5 11
5 8
5 8
6 2

Sergeant,

21

5 10%

do.do.

2329

5 11%
5 &&

Corporal,

31

6 4%

do.

23

6 1%

do.
do.
Drummer

272328

5 6
5 10
5 10

Fifer,Private, do.

222224

5 m
5 7%
5 11

do.

20

5 5>&

do.

23

5 6

do.do.

3139

5 11
5 11%

do.

38

5 7

Where born.

Philadelphia,Harrisburg,Dauphin county,
New York city,
Lancaster city,

Harrisburg,

Harrisburg,Harrisburg, Bedford, Lancaster city,
Wilmington, Del.,
Dauphin,Perry county,
Perry county,
Northumberland co.,
Northumberland co.
Middletown,Montreal, Canada,
Bolton, England,
Lancaster city,
Harrisburg,

Occupation.

Bookbinder,Printer,Merchant,Tailor, Contractor,

Gentleman,
Merchant,Plasterer,Teamster,
Carpenter, Boat builder,
Mill wright,
Blacksmith,
Blacksmith, Carpenter,Tailor, Tailor,
Tailor,Puddler,
Carpenter,Printer,

Remarks.

Promoted 1st Lieut, company H,
Aug. 12, 1847, by order of Gen.
Quitman.
Promoted 2d Lieut, llth infantry,
April 16, 1847, by President of
United States.
Do. do. do.
Disch. from hospital, Vera Cruz,
April 21, 1847.
Transf. to N. Y. regt. (since dead)
Oct. 31, 1847.
Disch. from hospital, Puebla,
Nov. 5, 1847.
Promoted to Drum Major, Nov.
12, 1847.

Promoted to rank of Sergeant,
Feb. 39, 1848.
Deserted at New Orleans, Jan.
37, 1847.
Deserted at New Orleans, Jan.
27, 1847.
Deserted at New Orleans, Jan.
37, 1847.
Died in hospital, Perote, July 3,
1847, about half an hour after he
received a Lieutenant's commis
sion in the regular army.

>>
r1w Oa>2
en w
CI w
o

CO

MUSTER AND DESCRIPTIVE ROLL— Continued.

Names.

Boden, Hugh,
Balmer, Jacob,
Brobst, George,
Bolton, William,
Crooks, Clark B.,
Cosgrove, James,

Cowhick, Daniel,
Clendennin, Thomas
Craft, Levi,
Colton, Robert,
Cromleigh, David,
Daily, Joseph,
Dennison, Bartlett,
Detrich, George,
Davis, Henry,
Evans, Lewis,
Furley, James A.,
Foster, Weidman,
Glasbury, Lewis,
Griffith, Robert,

Rank.

do.

do.do.

do.

do.do.

do.
do.do. do.
do.
do. do.do.
do.do.do.
do.do.do.

Age

Height

26

5 8

1922

5 7
5 6

29

5 7

20 23

65 9%

30

6 10

213420

5 8
5 6
5 6%

29

5 9

28

5 9

28

5 9

38

5 8

2034

5 7
6

23

5 6%

21

6 2%

29

5 10

21

5 8

Where born.

Perry county,
Cumberland county,
Germany,
Harrisburg,Westmoreland ,
Lancaster city,

Perry county,
Dauphin, Lancaster city,
New Brunswick, N.J.
Cumberland county,
Dauphin county,
Bedford county,
Germany,
Harrisburg,
Harper's Ferry, Va.,
Smithstown, Md.,
Harrisburg,
Philadelphia, Philadelphia,

Occupation.

Carpenter,
Blacksmith, Laborer,
Blacksmith, Printer, Laborer,

Farmer,Carpenter,
Coppersmith, Shoemaker, Merchant,
Stone mason,
Clerk,
Farmer,
Butcher, Blacksmith,
Blacksmith, Carpenter,Blacksmith,Farmer,

Remarks.

toDO

Killed at city of Mexico, October
12, 1847.
Deserted at New Orleans, Janu
ary 27, 1847.
Killed at Garreta de Belina, Sept.
13, 1847.
Disch. from hospital for wounds
received in storming Chapulte-
pec, December 7, 1847.
Killed at city of Mexico, Decem
ber 15, 1847.

Deserted at New Orleans, Jan
uary 27, 1847.
Deserted at New Orleans, Jan
uary 37, 1847.
Sent home on account of health,
October 28, 1847; since dead.
Died in hospital, Mexico, October
23, 1847.
Died in hospital, Vera Cruz, April
38, 1847.
Promoted to Orderly Sergeant.
Died in hospital, Puebla, Sep-
tem 9, 1847.
Disch. on Surgeon's certificate of
pension, at San Angel, Febru
ary 28, 1848.
Promoted 2d Lieut, llth infantry,
April 15, 1847, by President of
United States.
Disch. on Surgeon's certificate of
disability, April 10, 1847.
Sent home on account of health,
Oct. 28, 1847.

>>O"1

>
w taelw
o

Grimshaw, James,
Gould, James,
Hester, Frederick,
Hovis, John D.,
Irvin, Matthew T.,
Irvin, Samuel C,
Klatz, William,
Killinger, John,
Kerr, John,
Kurtz, Lewis,
Kaufman, Franklin,
Lukens, William,
Looker, Charles,
Leib, Christian,
Mullen, Chambers C.
Mills, George R.,
Myers, Jacob,
Moyer, Jacob,

Moyers, Emanuel,

Mosely, Charles,
May, Jacob,
Novinger, George,
Novinger, Hiram,
Powers, John,
Palmer, Joseph,
Patrick, John,
Reigle, Simon,
Rock, David B.,
Rees, David,

do.do.do.do.do.do.

do.do.do. do.
do. do.
do.do.do.do.do.do.

do.

do.do.
do.do.do.do.do.do.do.do.

24

33

21

20

20

19

5 7
5 8
5 7
5 9%
5 6%
5 6
5 10
6 1
5 7%
5 7
5 9%
5 7
5 V&
65 10
5 6%
5 6
5 8

5 6
5 7
5 11%
5 11
5 4
5 5
5 7%
5 10
5 7
5 8%

Philadelphia,Carlisle,
Brakle, Germany,
Harrisburg,
Franklin county,
Franklin county,
Lancaster city,
Lancaster county,
Dauphin county,
Philadelphia',Lancaster city,
Dauphin county,
New York city,
Carlisle,
Cumberland county,
Lebanon,
Wurtemburg, Ger.,
Harrisburg,

Millersburg,

Manayunk, Germany,
Millersburg,
Dauphin county,
Lancaster city,
Chemung, N. Y.,
Lancaster city,
Centre county,
Philadelphia,Lancaster city,

Physician, Shoemaker,
Farmer,
Printer,Shoemaker, Farmer,
Laborer,
Butcher, Distiller,
Hatter, Carpenter,Laborer,Shoemaker,
Butcher,Brewer, Stone cutter,
Cooper,Tinner,

Laborer,

Puddler, Laborer,
Farmer,Farmer,Shoemaker,Boatman,Shoemaker,Laborer,
Printer, Moulder,

Promoted Assistant Surgeon in
regular army.
Sent home on account of health,
Oct. 28, 1847.

Disch. at hospital, Puebla, Nov.
5, 1849. Killed on his return
home.
Died in hospital, Puebla, July 21,
1847.
Died in hospital, city of Mexico,
Oct. 10, 1847.

Deserted at New Orleans,
uary 27, 1847.

Jan-

Promoted 2d Lieut, company H,
Nov. 12, 1847, by order of Gen.
Scott.

Died in hospital, city of Mexico,
of wounds received at the storm
ing of Chapultepec. Died Octo
ber 28, 1847.
Disch. from hospital, city of
Mexico, Dec. 7, 1847, on account
of wounds rec'd at taking of
city.
Died on march, at San Angel,
Sept. 7, 1847.
Died on the march, at Beroges,
July 3, 1847.

Dich. from hospital, Vera Cruz,
April 21, 1847.

>>
tn O "Ja>M
en csG W
O

ISOI-'- 00

MUSTER AND DESCRIPTIVE ROLL— Concluded.

Names.

Rees, William, I ' t
Rees, James J.,
Rexford, Ensign,
Roller, Samuel,
Rodgers, Robert A.,
Reighter, Henry,
Shaw, James,
Shoemaker, John
Spayd, Christian R.,
Spong, John,
Snyder, Jacob,
Snyder, Jeremiah,
Shaum, Frederick,
Stentz, Henry,
Trexler, Michael P.,
Underwood, Edward
Unger, Franklin,
Wolf, Samuel,
Winower, George,
Willis, William,
Ward, Patrick,
Wood, Henry B.,
Walters, John,
Washabaugh, Lewis,
Hagan, James P.,
Henry Miller,
Puchalski, Eugene,

Rank.

do.

do.
do.

do.do.

do.
do. do. do.
do.do.do.do.do.do.
do.do.do.do.
do.do.do.do.do.do. do. do.

Age

Height

19

5 9

1822

5 8
5 6

2124

6 7
5 10

2121

5 11
5 7

19302223

5 8
5 5
5 7%
5 6

25 25
36

5 6
5 6
5 7

2119

5 5
5 0%

22
20

5 10%
6 1%

39

5 8%

3219

5 8
5 7

21

5 6

33

5 10

23

5 8

29

5 8

5 11%

Where born.

Centre county,
Harrisburg,New York,
York county,
Cumberland county,

Carlisle,Centre county,
Stoystown,Middletown,
Hummelstown, York county,
Pennsylvania, Lancaster city,
Highspire, Shippensburg,
Carlisle,Lancaster county,
Dauphin county,
Lancaster city,
Cumberland county,
Ireland,
Harrisburg, York county,
Franklin county,
Tyrone,
Carlisle,

Occupation.

Moulder,Printer,
Barber,
Blacksmith, Carpenter,

Brickmaker,Printer,Shoemaker, Printer,Miller,
Farmer,Boatman,Butcher,
Contractor, Cab't maker,
School teac'r,
Shoemaker,
Blacksmith,Bricklayer, Stone mason,
Laborer,Law student,
Cordwainer,Carpenter, Stone cutter,
Printer,

Remarks.

Deserted at New Orleans, Jan
uary 27, 1847.
Died in the city of Vera Cruz.
Deserted at New Orleans, Jan
uary 37, 1847.
Disch. at city of Mexico, for
wounds received at the taking
of the city.
Died in hospital, Puebla, July 21,
1847.
Died in the city of Mexico.
Died in hospital, Puebla, August
17, 1847.

Disch. from hospital, Vera Cruz,
April 13, 1847.
Disch. from hospital, Jalapa, May
19, 1847. Promoted Lieut, in reg
ular army; since Captain.
Disch. from hospital, Puebla,
March 7, 1848.
Died in hospital, Puebla, August
8, 1847.
Disch. from hospital, city of
Mexico, Mar. 4, 1848.
Disch. from hospital, Jalapa,
June 1, 1847.
Died in hospital, Puebla, Novem
ber 9, 1847.
Died in hospital, city of Mexico,
Oct. 12, 1847.
Transferred from N. Y. regt. Oct.
31, 1847.
Joined from General Depot, April
17, 1848.
Recruited at San Angel, April 27,
1848.

to

>>
in O w >w
Wi— i
en a
G SS
o

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 215
RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS.
The remnant of the "Guards" returned to town in
July, 1848, and were welcomed with every demonstration
of joy and delight by our citizens.
The company was met at the foot of Market street
by the citizens and military, who, after escorting it
through the principal streets of the borough, amid the
ringing of bells and the firing of cannon, repaired to
the public grounds in the rear of the State Capitol, where
the survivors were publicly welcomed by Edward A.
Lesley, Esq., on behalf of the citizens, in a beautiful
speech, replete with patriotic allusions.
The entire multitude then sat down to an elegant and
plentiful repast, which had been provided for the occa
sion, free of all expense.
It is believed that there are not now living more than
fifteen members of this company.
EXECUTION OF CONVICTS AT HARRISBURG.
We give an account of all the executions at Harris
burg of persons convicted of murder, since the establish
ment of Dauphin county :
Execution of John Hauer and Charles M'Manus.
The first persons who suffered capital punishment, by
hanging, in Harrisburg, after the erection of Dauphin
county, were Charles M'Manus and John Hauer, or
Hoar, as pronounced by some.
These unhappy men, with Francis Cox, Patrick Dona-
gan, Elizabeth Hauer, and two others, were confined in
the prison of Dauphin county, for the wilful murder of
Francis Shitz, in Heidelberg township, (now forming
part of Lebanon county), on the night of the 28th of
December, 1797.

216 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Francis Shitz, with his brother, Peter Shitz, had been
at a vendue, and returned home in the evening greatly
fatigued. The former laid himself on a bench near the
stove to rest, while the latter retired to bed in an adjoin
ing apartment. They had not been long in this tran
quility before a female of the house discovered a light
in the kitchen, and opening the door, was frightened at
the appearance of several men, and immediately endeav
ored to awaken Francis Shitz ; but she had only in part ef
fected her purpose, when one of the assassins presented
a pistol at his head, which he discharged, and killed him
on the spot. In the meantime two others proceeded to
the bed room of the brother, Peter Shitz, with axes, and
at the first stroke which one of them made, his axe
caught the cord of the curtain, which in some measure
stopped the force of the blow. He was, however, very
much cut on the shoulder, which caused him to leap from
the bed to the floor, and to have the presence of mind to
seize a chair, with which he knocked them both down;
but in leaving the room he received another deep wound
on his posterior, which did not prevent him, however,
from locking the door and escaping out of a window,
and retreating to a barn, where he placed himself in a
narrow passage, armed with a pitchfork; but after wait
ing a considerable time, and finding the murderers had
gone, he repaired immediately to Shaefferstown and gave
the alarm, and by the vigilance of the inhabitants the
assassins were arrested. Peter Shitz was only seventeen
years old. The motive which led to the deed was thought
to have originated with John Hauer, brother-in-law to
the deceased, who expected to fall heir to a considerable
estate had he accomplished his wicked purpose.
The grand jury, at the June term of Court, 1798, found
true bills of indictment against Charles M'Manus and
Peter M'Donoghy as principals, and John Hauer, Eliza-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 217
beth his wife, Patrick Donagan, Francis Cox and Hugh
M'Donough as accessories before the fact.
On Wednesday, the 13th of June, 1798, Charles
M'Manus was brought to his trial first, which continued
nearly eight hours, when he was convicted, upon the
fullest evidence, of murder in the first degree.
On the Friday following, a jury was sworn for the
trial of John Hauer, Patrick Donagan, and Francis Cox,
which trial continued until Sunday evening at half-past
seven o'clock, when the jury, after having been out three
and a half hours, returned with a verdict of guilty against
John Hauer, but not guilty against Donagan and Cox.
M'Manus and Hauer were sentenced by Judge Henry,
at 10 o'clock next day.
The "Oracle of Dauphin," of July 18, 1798, speaks of
the execution as follows:
"On Saturday, the 14th inst., were executed on the
public ground, (between the State Arsenal and Surveyor
General's Office,) John Hauer and Charles M'Manus, in
pursuance of their sentence, for the murder of Francis
Shitz. The deportment of Hauer was much more decent
and composed than was expected from his conduct since
his trial and condemnation. Whether his dumbness was
real or affected, he was at least consistent, and sustained
the concluding scene without uttering a syllable.
"M'Manus, in his last moments, confirmed the testi
mony he had given to the grand jury, viz : 'That he was
not in the house, or present at the murder, but that he
held a horse at the end of the lane, in order to aid the
escape of the perpetrators, who were Hauer and Hugh
M'Donough. He appeared with the same manly and
even cheerful resignation which he had invariably pre
served during his trial and imprisonment, and which,
added to his youth, had, notwithstanding the atrocity of
IS

218 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
his crime, procured him no inconsiderable degree of pub
lic sympathy and favor."
After the execution, "Henry Orth, High Sheriff of
Dauphin county," published a card returning "his thanks
to the inhabitants of the borough, and particularly to the
officers of the several corps of volunteers and militia, for
their indefatigable care in guarding the public jail for
many months past, and for their attendance and good
order on the day of the execution of the two late unhappy
criminals." The "guarding the public jail," alluded to by the Sher
iff, was rendered necessary in consequence of several at
tempts having been made by the prisoners to escape.
The "Oracle," of January 31st, 1798, states, "there
never was, since the prison has been built, a greater num
ber of criminals in it.
"Last Friday night an attempt was made to burn the
jail in this town, supposed by some of the criminals;
but after the fire had penetrated through the floor, and
the coals dropping on one confined in the dungeon below,
who finding his situation rather critical, was obliged to
give the alarm, when the fire was in a short time extin
guished. "Much praise is due to Captains Henry, Connolly, and
Berryhill, and the gentlemen belonging to their military
companies, who voluntarily form a sufficient guard every
night to prevent the prisoners from having any oppor
tunity to escape."
Execution of James M'Gowen and James Jamison.
James M'Gowen and James Jamison were tried and
convicted by the court of Dauphin county, for the mur
der of Jacob Eshleman. Monday, the 6th day of De
cember, 1806, was the day fixed for their execution, at
Harrisburg. Jamison, however, before that period, ef-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 219
fected his escape from durance, and M'Gowen was, con
sequently, the only one who suffered the extreme pen
alty of the law on the appointed day.
Although the day was excessively cold, a large number
of both sexes assembled at an early hour about the jail,
with a view to catch a sight of the unhappy culprit.
About 12 o'clock the culprit was brought out of the pris
on, when a lane was formed by the several militia com
panies which attended on the occasion; through this
opening he marched with much firmness, behind the cart
which contained his coffin, to the gallows on the public
grounds, near the Arsenal. Here he expressed a desire
to address the spectators, and begged a little liquor to
exhiliarate his spirits; as he was thinly clad, and the
weather intensely cold, some of the gentlemen on duty
offered him a bottle, containing about half a pint, to
taste; this he took, and before any interference could be
made, he drained it to the last drop. The effect of this
rather changed the tragedy to a farce. He became en
raged with the executioner, tore off part of the mask the
latter had put on to conceal himself, and even knocked
him down from the cart. Indeed, such was his behavior
in these, his last moments, that it in a great degree eradi
cated that compassion which many felt for him during
his confinement. He was launched into eternity pre
cisely at i o'clock p. m.
Jamison was subsequently arrested near Reading,
brought to Harrisburg, and likewise publicly executed
on the public ground, near the Arsenal.
Execution of James London.
James London, a free man of color, was tried and con
victed before the Court of Oyer and Terminer of Dauph
in county, in June, 1818, for the murder of his wife.
The deceased and prisoner lived in Harrisburg, near

220 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
the African Church, which formerly stood at the foot
of Mulberry street. On the morning of Sunday, the
ist of March, 1818, they were seen at home, sober,
friendly, and rather playful. About 1 o'clock in the af
ternoon he had been abroad and returned. He asked her
for victuals — was displeased with what had been pre
pared, and threw it, with some other articles, into the
street. An altercation took place between them; he
threatened her destruction, and she went for a constable.
In the meantime he was seen to charge a musket, and
upon her return, after near an hour's absence, and before
she had entered the door, he met her, and discharged the
contents of the musket into her head. The report of the
musket immediately drew together a considerable num
ber of persons, to whom he stated that he had killed his
wife, and he must hang for it. This he several times re
peated on his way to, and before a magistrate. There
was no evidence that he had drank any intoxicating liq
uor that day, although he was addicted to it.
Messrs. Irvin, Foster, F. R. Shunk, and Roberts, coun
sel for the prisoner, made eloquent appeals to the feelings
of the jury before whom the defendant was tried, admit
ting that the prisoner was guilty of murder in the second
degree, but insisted that he was under the influence of in
toxication at the time ; and therefore the killing could not
have been, in the language of the act of 1794, "willful,
deliberate, and premeditated."
Mr. Ellmaker was the Attorney General on the occa
sion of the trial, and Judge Scott presided.
The jury retired about 6 o'clock p. m., and at 8 o'clock
next morning came into court, and gave in a verdict of
"guilty of murder in the first degree."
The prisoner was sentenced on the ist of July, 1818,
and hung on the 8th of August following, between the
hours of 10 and 2 o'clock.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 221
London died truly penitent ; and on the scaffold, a few
minutes before he was launched into eternity, it is said
that, in reply to a remark of a lawyer at his side, he said,
"Sir, / would not now exchange situations with you."
The gallows upon which he was hung was erected in
Second street, above State street.
Execution of Benjamin Stewart.
On Wednesday, February 6, 1824, between the hours
of 1 and 2 o'clock p. m., was hung, at Harrisburg, Ben
jamin Stewart, a colored man, convicted of the murder
of Ann Oberholzer. He persisted to the last in denying
that he had any intention of killing Mrs. Oberholzer,
but freely confessed that he had been the cause of her
death, in attempting to commit a rape on her person, and
seemed fully satisfied with the justice of his doom.
On the Monday preceding his execution, his coffin was
brought into his room, at his own request, and with this
memorial of his death before him, in the presence of a
number of individuals, and the ministers of the place,
the Rev. Dr. Lochman, Sr., administered to him the sol
emn ordinances of baptism. On Tuesday night, the
prisoner was dressed in his shroud and cap, at his own
request, and in these habiliments of death he partook,
with the clergymen of the place and other pious citizens,
of the Sacrament of the Supper.
On Wednesday, he was led to the place of execution,
in the centre of State street, a short distance below Sec
ond, accompanied by the military, the sheriff, (Gleim),
and the clergy. When he first came out of the prison
his mind appeared oppressed, and the tears flowed freely
from his eyes; he soon, however, recovered, and walked
with firmness to the gallows ; there, after two hymns had
been sung, a prayer offered up, and two short addresses
delivered, he ascended the scaffold, when a prayer was

222 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
offered up for him, which he followed with a prayer for
himself. The 51st Psalm was then sung, and just as
the concluding lines of the 6th verse were sung, the trap
door on which he stood fell, and the prisoner was launch
ed into eternity. On this occasion, the prisoner and the
audience, which was very numerous, were spared the dis
gusting sight of a painted and disguised hangman, the
sheriff performing this duty himself. This was the last
public execution in Harrisburg.
Execution of Courtland Charles Johnson.
Courtland Charles Johnson, a boatman by profession,
residing near Middletown, in this county, was arrested
and confined in prison, in the month of August, 1853,
charged with the murder of his wife, Priscilla, and her
alleged paramour, one Nathaniel P. Colyer.
At the November session, 1853, he was arrainged and
tried for the murder of his wife, and the jury returned a
verdict of murder in the second degree.
At the April session of 1854, he was- arraigned and
tried for the murder of Colyer, when the jury brought
in a verdict of murder in the first degree. His attorneys
made a motion for a new trial, which, however, was over
ruled by the court, and the unfortunate prisoner received
his sentence.
The warrant for his execution was issued on the 8th
of June, 1854.
A short time previous to his execution, he confided to
the Rev. J. Mackey, one of his spiritual advisers, a con
fession of his crime, which was subsequently published,
and from which we make the following extract, which
explains the mode by which the murder was committed.
After stating that the boat upon which he was em
ployed had returned to Portsmouth, in this county, and
that he had left the same at dark, to go and see his wife,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 223
who resided on the opposite side of the Swatara creek,
he was informed, on his way, of her bad conduct, he con
tinues: "But I had often heard such reports before,
and was very certain they were too well grounded. Still I
don't know that I was much moved by the story I now
heard. Passing on I arrived at the board fence which
surrounded the shed dwelling where she lived. On ap
proaching the place, I thought I heard some persons
conversing in a low tone of voice, and on coming nearer,
it appeared to me I recognized the voice of Priscilla.
Now suspicion at once seized me, and creeping up quietly
to the fence, and unobserved, I discovered my wife in
the lot, on the ground with some man whom I did not
know, and which afterwards proved to be Nathaniel P.
Colyer. "Remaining in this position long enough to satisfy me
of their criminal connection, I raised myself up, which
they discovered. They immediately rose up and passed
hastily round the house into rather a dark and shady
spot, for I think, if I mistake not, the moon shone or else
the stars very brightly. — Discovering the direction they
took I passed round the house the opposite way, which
I think they did not know, <nor do I think they yet knew
who I was. Wrought up to the highest pitch of rage
and jealousy, and being somewhat under the influence of
liquor, for I had been drinking freely all the day, I now
laid hold of my revolver. On turning the corner of the
house my wife turned suddenly around, hearing my foot
steps. We stood face to face, within a few paces of each
other. I said, I have caught you now, raised the deadly
weapon and discharged its contents, aiming for her
breast. She dropped upon her knees and cried out, 'My
God, Johnson, you have shot me!' and in a short time
sunk over in the agonies of death. Where Colyer was
precisely at this time I do not now distinctly recol-

224 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
lect, nor the distance he was from me. It is said I fired
another shot at some one, which, if I did, (for I was all
confused,) it may have been at Colyer, as the evidence
shows he received the ball in the spine."
The day appointed for the execution of the prisoner
was on the 25th of August, 1854. On the morning of
that day he was busily engaged perusing the 14th chapter
of St. John, in the New Testament, which was his fav
orite study.
About twelve o'clock the jury, selected by the Sheriff,
the physicians, Drs. Bombaugh, Seiler, Roberts, and
Rutherford, with the members of the press and clergy,
were admitted into the prison ; while the latter proceeded
to the cell of the prisoner and engaged in devotional ex
ercises. At twenty-five minutes before one o'clock the cell was
vacated by the clergy and the Sheriff entered with a white
shroud, and proceeded to array him therein. The pris
oner, led by the Sheriff, soon appeared in the vestibule
of the prison, when a procession was formed, and the
entire body marched to the scaffold, which had been
erected the day previous, in the yard, at the rear of the
building. When the procession reached the scaffold, the
prisoner mounted with a firm step, followed by his spir
itual advisers, the Rev. Messrs. A. Cookman, of the
Methodist Episcopal ; Colder and Mackey, of the Bethel ;
and Holmes, of the United Brethren Church. The Rev.
Mr. Mackey, after a few remarks, gave out the hymn of
"Jesus the Lord of my soul," which was sung by the
congregation. A fervent and impressive prayer was then
delivered by the Rev. A. Cookman. After which each
of the clergy embraced the prisoner, and descended the
scaffold. Sheriff Williams then adjusted the cap and
rope, and after taking a fervent leave of him, descended,
and precisely three minutes before one o'clock P. M., pull-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 225
ed the bolt of the drop which launched the prisoner into
eternity. He appeared to die without the least struggle,
and his pulse ceased to beat when he had only been sus
pended four and one-half minutes.
The last sentence spoken by the prisoner was "Lord
Jesus, receive my soul — " which hung on his lips when
the drop fell. He remained suspended for thirty min
utes, when he was pronounced dead by the physicians
and cut down by the Sheriff, who had his remains placed
in a coffin prepared for interment.
Execution of William Williams.
William Williams, a coal miner by profession, at the
November sessions, 1857, of the Dauphin county court,
was tried for the murder of Daniel Hendricks, near
Lykenstown, in this county, by shooting him with a gun.
The warrant for his execution was issued by the Gov
ernor on the ist of March, 1858, and it fixed Friday, the
2 ist day of May, 1858, for the time of said execution.
A little before twelve o'clock on the morning of said
day, the culprit, accompanied by Sheriff Jacob Eyster,
Revs. Marquet, Martz and Bartine; the jury, Deputy
Sheriff, and other persons who had been permitted to
witness the execution, left the prison, and marched in
procession to the scaffold, which was the same as that
used for the execution of Johnson, and placed in the
same position. Here, the prisoner ascended the scaffold,
with the Sheriff, followed by Revs. Bartine and Martz.
After a solemn prayer by the former clergyman, an ap
propriate hymn was sang. His spiritual advisers then
took an affectionate leave of him and descended from the
scaffold, when the Sheriff proceeded to adjust the rope,
and placed the cap over the prisoner's head and face;
after which he likewise descended from the gallows, and
proceeding to the rear thereof, touched the spring, which

226 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
caused the drop to fall, and the unfortunate culprit was
launched into eternity.
This was the last execution that occurred in our coun
ty. A death-warrant, for tne execution of an Irishman
named Simon Green, had been issued on the 26th of Oc
tober, 1856; but about one hour previous to the time
fixed for his execution, he was respited by the Governor
to a fixed day, which was subsequently extended without
date; and he still continues an inmate of the county
prison. CONCLUSION.
This concludes our record of the most striking events
that have transpired in our borough, from the period of
its first settlement, to the present day. Many interesting
incidents, however, connected with the early history of
the town, will, for want of proper dates, be found in
the appendix.

HARRISBURG AT PRESENT.

Harrisburg, a post town, borough, seat of justice of
Dauphin county, and capital of Pennsylvania, is situated
on the east, or left bank of the Susquehanna river, one
hundred and six miles from Philadelphia, thirty-eight
from Lancaster, one hundred and twenty-one from
Washington city, and two hundred and forty-eight from
Pittsburg, computed by railroad. It is situated in latitude
40 degrees, 16 minutes north; longitude o degrees, 5 min
utes, 30 seconds east, from Washington, or 76 degrees,
50 minutes west, from Greenwich, England. The east
ern part of the site of the town is a gently swelling hill
or high bank, between the river and Paxton creek, which,
technically speaking, is a superficial deposite, consisting
of diluvium and alluvium, whose antiquity may be dated
with that geological epoch which witnessed the produc
tion of the "Erattic block, or Boulder group formation."
Its composition is chiefly a fero- argillaceous clay, with
beds of silicious sand and gravel arranged in parallel
strata, and extending to an average depth of about thirty
feet, to the blue limestone formation which occupies the
bed of the river.
The following streets and alleys run parallel with the
river, and are given, beginning at the river, in their reg
ular order, to the canal :
Below Paxton Street.
Water street, Shower alley,
Race street.
Above Paxton Street.
Front street, Rasberry alley,
River alley, Third street,
Second street, Dewberry alley,

228

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

Fourth street,
Huckelberry alley,
Fifth street,
Sixth street,
High street,
Farmer's alley,
West alley,
Short street,
Spruce street,
East alley,

Filbert street,
Poplar lane,
West avenue,
East avenue,
Hasel alley,
Washington street,
Cedar alley,
Commerce street,
Canal street,
Meadow lane.

The streets and alleys named above are intersected, or
crossed, at right angels, by the following:

Nagle street,
Reily street,
Paxton street,
Vine street,
Washington avenue,
Mary's alley,
Mulberry street,
Cherry alley,
Chestnut street,
Blackberry alley,
Market street,
Strawberry alley,
Walnut street,
WEST OF STATE CAPITOL.
Locust street,
Cranberry alley,
Pine street, Partridge

Barbara alley,
South street,
West State street,
Liberty alley.
EAST OF STATE CAPITOL.
Cranberry alley,
Short street,
South alley,
East State street,
North alley,
Dauphin street.
NORTH OF STATE CAPITOL.
North street,
North avenue,
Primrose alley,
Astor alley,
York street,
alley.

There are a number of other streets, lanes and alleys,
recently made in the suburban parts of the borough,
which have not yet received names.
"Market Square" is located in Second street, between
Strawberry and Blackberry alleys, both of which com
municate with it, and is bisected by Market street. Two
capacious market houses occupy its centre — one on each
side of Market street.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 229
The population of the town in the year 1800 was 1,-
472; in 1810, 2,287; in 1820, 2,990; in 1830, 4,311; in
1840, 6,020; in 1845, 6,193; in 1850, 7,834; of which
3,456 were females, 3,468 were males, and 910 were col
ored people; in 1854, 12-400, and at the present time
about 16,000.
According to the Mercantile Appraiser's return for
1858, there are twenty-two dry-goods stores in the bor
ough, six of which pay an annual license of $7; seven,
$10; three, $12.50; one, $15; and five $20; — and forty-
four grocery stores, twenty-nine of which pay an an
nual license of $7; twelve, $10; one, $12.50; and two,
$20; and one hundred and four miscellaneous mercantile
establishments, seventy-two of which pay an annual li
cense of $7; twenty-three, $10; six, $12.50; one, $15 ; one,
$20, and one, $25. Three billiard tables and two ten-
pin alleys, the former paying $50 and the latter $40 li
cense; five breweries, three of which pay $25, and two
$16 license; a bill and exchange broker paying $60 li
cense; twenty-three oyster and eating houses, two of
which pay $10 license; twelve, $12, and one $20. Twen
ty-nine taverns, of which nine are of the first class.
Since these returns a large number of additional licenses
for beer and eating houses have been taken out.
Harrisburg is now a thriving and prosperous town;
and, from present indications, bids fair to surpass in the
race of progress any inland town in the State. The
large amount of capital held by many of its citizens, has
within a few past years been put into active circulation;
and as a natural consequence the spirit of industry has
received a powerful impetus. Important enterprises
have been put on foot and properly sustained; and whilst
these have served to impart a busy, bustling appearance
to the place, they have also been the means of adding to
our material wealth, as well as to increase our popula-

230 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
tion. The products of the various manufactories have
acquired an enviable reputation; and, we are pleased to
learn, meet with rapid sales in the markets to which they
are shipped. The works of the Harrisburg Car Factory,
the foundries of Messrs. Bay and Jennings, the Novelty
and Keystone Iron Works, the furnaces of Messrs. Por
ter and M'Cormick, the machine shops of the Pennsyl
vania Railroad, the rolling mills of Messrs. Pratt & Son
and Messrs. Bailey & Brother, and the Cotton Factory,
afford regular employment to hundreds of operatives,
each of whom contributes much to the development of
the resources of the town. Such a large, thrifty and in
telligent body of men in our midst necessarily required
an extension of the limits of the borough in order to sup
ply them with the conveniences of life. The swelling
tide of population naturally sought an outlet in the
suburbs. Where a few short years ago the forest flour
ished, or the plough sped, we now see neat, tidy and com
fortable houses dotting the scene. For the most part they
are owned by the humble mechanic. The sagacity of the
shrewd speculator saw to what great advantages the
demand for "more room" might be turned. He laid
out lots suitable in size for the erection of a respectable
home, and made the terms so easy that the indigent could
purchase with the least exercise of economy. He thus
not only benefitted himself in a pecuniary point, but pre
sented decided inducements to the poor to secure for
themselves a homestead. The villages of West Harris
burg, Paxton and Parkville, on the north and west, and
that of Prospect on the ridge east of the borough limits,
testify to the wisdom of the capitalist as well as to the
wisdom of the purchasers. The one increased his store
of dollars and the other obtained a home, whilst both
promoted the improvement, progress and beauty of our
town.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 231
The situation of Harrisburg is delightful. It stands
on an eminence which commands a beautiful view of the
Susquehanna and the surrounding mountains. The
salubrity of its climate is such that no epidemic has ever
been known to decimate its inhabitants. The scenery
around it would extort praise from the lover of nature,
and give inspiration to the pencil of a Claude. Travelers
from other lands have been known to stand in raptures
gazing on the gorgeous panorama of shifting clouds,
tinged with every variety of splendid colors, as they
marshal about the sun, sinking sublimely behind the tops
of the hills, whose peaks his parting rays bathed in glory.
So long as the heavens are clothed with beauty, Harris
burg need never be ashamed of its sunsets.
The inhabitants are generous, sociable and hospitable.
The hand of friendship is cheerfully extended to every
new-comer, nor is it ever coldly withdrawn until there be
just cause. Their intelligence prompts them to patronize
all literary entertainments, while amusements of a prop
er character always receive their meed of support.
The hotels, for the accommodation of the public, will
compare favorably with the best of the cities. The build
ings themselves are ample and commodious, and are
fitted up with every modern improvement. The tables
are noted for their variety and luxuries, to supply which
the finest and most excellent markets in the Common
wealth give abundant opportunities.
With these attractions and natural facilities, it requires
no extraordinary acumen to predict that Harrisburg is
destined, at no distant day, to take its station in the front
ranks of the many growing towns of the Keystone. And
many, who now read these pages, may live to see the
day when it will be the centre of the great manufacturing
and industrial interests of our State, as it is now the
centre of all political power.

232 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
We append a description of the public buildings, with
condensed sketches of the societies, and other public in
stitutions of the borough. PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The State Capitol. — The State Capitol occupies a
beautiful eminence on the northern border of the bor
ough. From its cupola may be seen one of the finest
landscapes of the State, embracing a wide extent of cul
tivated country, swelling hills, the meanders of the river,
and the adjacent mountains. The building fronts the
river to the west, which is seen through State street, a
handsome avenue one hundred and twenty feet wide.
The pile consists of the main building, or State House,
and two wings for the public offices, which were original
ly designed to be connected together by low ornamental
walls, with gateways. The centre building is set back
of the wings, so far that the inner columns of the porti
cos, of the parts, are in range, thus affording an unin
terrupted view of them all. The ground slopes in front,
and the main entrance is from State street, by ornamental
massive gates, and a flight of sandstone steps with sub
stantial iron banisters. There are other entrances, by
similar gateways, at the corner of North and Third
streets, Walnut and Third streets, and North and High
streets. Within the last few years a beautiful iron rail
ing has been erected around that portion of the public
grounds fronting on Third, Walnut, and North streets,
and an appropriation will soon be made to continue the
same on High street, which will complete the enclosure;
the entire cost of which will amount to about $25,000.
The main building of the Capitol is one hundred and
eighty feet front, eighty feet deep, and two stories high.
The lower story contains the vestibule, and stair-case,
the chambers of the Senate and House of Representa-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 233
fives, and several small apartments for the accommoda
tion of the members and officers of the Legislature. The
second story contains rooms for the State Library, Canal
Commissioners, Supreme Court, School Department, and
committees. The main entrance is by a circular portico, the whole
height of the building, sustained by six Ionic columns of
red sandstone, painted white, four feet in diameter, and
thirty-six feet high ; the portico receding thirty-seven feet
to a circular wall. The floor of the portico, upon which
the columns rest, is about six feet high from the ground,
and is attained by steps of sandstone, and paved with
massive flags of the same material. From the floor to the
top of the cornice the distance is forty-six feet, and
the whole height of the front is fifty feet, six inches.
From the top of the cornice to the top of the dome is
fifty-seven feet, six inches, making the whole height one
hundred and eight feet. The front, on either side of
the portico, is divided into three equal parts, one of which
is given to the corner, projecting with one window, which
lights one of the transcribing rooms of the Senate at one
end, and the Speaker's, or retiring room, of the House, at
the other. The remaining parts contains three windows,
which give light to both chambers. Under the portico
are four windows on the first floor, two of which also
communicate with the chambers, respectively, and the
others with small apartments appropriated to the Ser-
geant-at-Arms of the Senate and the post office of the
House. The ends of the building are divided into four
equal parts. One is given to each corner projecting with
one window, lighting at the south corner the Speaker's
romm, at the east corner the transcribing room of the
House; at the west corner a transcribing room, and at
the north corner the Speaker's room of the Senate. The
remaining two contain three windows, the central of
16

234 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
which are Venitian. The divisions and lights of the
second story correspond with those of the first.
The rotunda, above the roof, is composed of sixteen
columns, twenty-two inches in diameter and seventeen
feet high, and is forty-eight feet in diameter, outside of
the columns. There is a space of three feet between the
columns and wall. The diameter of the inside is thirty-
four feet. The dome is forty feet in diameter. It con
tains eight windows, three feet six inches wide, and nine
feet six inches in height, and eight niches of like dimen
sions. Four of the latter are partly covered with the
faces of the clock, and the remainder were originally de
signed for the reception of statues.
From the great portico we advance to the vestibule by
large folding doors in the external wall. The vestibule
is illiptical, having on its longest axis forty feet, and on
its shorter thirty-four feet. There are eight doors open
ing into it on each story, two of which, in the first, com
municate with the Senate and Representative chambers,
respectively, and a third, more properly an archway, leads
to a double flight of stairs, which, mounting half the
height of the story, unite and conduct to the second
floor. On this floor the stair-case again divides and as
cends into the roof and rotunda. The vestibule is partly
floored over, leaving a circular opening, surrounded with
a railing, through which, from below, may be seen the
openings of the several landings, the vaulted ceiling, and
through that the interior of the rotunda, with its vaulted
roof. A capacious entry leads from this vestibule to
both ends of the building, communicating with the Li
brary, Supreme Court, and committee rooms of the Sen
ate, at the north end, and with the Canal Commissioners,
School Department, and committee rooms of the House
of Representatives, at the south end. The Library con-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 235
tains about 15,000 volumes, beside a large number of
duplicate volumes.
The Senate Chamber, on the left of the entrance, is
seventy-five feet by fifty-seven feet in the clear, and
twenty-one feet high. The Representatives Chamber has
the same length and height, and sixty-eight feet in
breadth. The Senate Chamber is arranged for the ac
commodation of thirty-three members, to each of whom
is allotted a space of three feet six inches. — Their desks
are two feet wide, and the platform or benches, on which
they rest, are slightly raised, one above the other, and five
feet nine inches wide. There is a space of five feet between
the members seats and gallery. The latter will contain
several hundred persons. The chair of the Speaker, cen
trally placed in the length of the room, is supported upon
an ornamental dais, with a columnar and neatly carved
back, decorated with crimson tapestry. Behind the chair
is an open space, lighted by the Venitian window, from
which doors lead to closets on either hand, used by the
transcribing clerks. The chief and assistant clerks are
accommodated with desks, on a platform, immediately in
front of the Speaker's chair.
The Hall of the House of Representatives is disposed
after the same manner, but being designed for the ac
commodation of one hundred members, the desks are
considerably smaller than those of the Senate. The
chair used by the Speaker of this body is the one occu
pied by John Hancock, when presiding over the deliber
ations of the Continental Congress. It is an object of
great curiosity to strangers visiting the Capitol.
The building is furnished with gas throughout; and
the Senate and Representative Chambers are illuminated
at night, the former with two and the latter with four
immense chandeliers of bronze pendent from the ceiling,
besides brackets on the walls, and burners at the Speak-

236 ANNALS OP' HARRISBURG.
ers' and Clerks' desks. The rotunda is illuminated by
simple brackets on the walls.
Within the last year a large amount of money has
been expended in refurnishing and improving the inter
ior of the Capitol. The floors of both of the Chambers
have been covered with costly Brussels carpeting, and the
rotunda with beautiful tiles ; while the windows of the
Representative Chamber have been fancifully curtained
with damask, uniform with those which previously ex
isted at the windows in the Senate Chamber. The walls
and ceilings of both Chambers, with the rotunda to the
vaulted ceiling of the dome, have also been frescoed in
the most artistic style, giving the whole an appearance
of sumptuousness not often found in legislative halls.
The wings, much smaller in every way than the main
building, are, however, in keeping with it, and have
porticoes of similar form, and if connected with the main
building according to the original plan, would have a
fine effect. At present they have an isolated appearance.
The southern wing is occupied exclusively by the offices
of the Land Department. The northern wing was en
larged by the erection of an additional building at its
north-eastern end, about fifteen years ago; and contains
the Executive Chambers, State Department, Attorney
General's and Adjutant General's offices, on the second
story, and the Treasury Department and Auditor Gen
eral's office on the first floor.
We append a list of the present State officers :
Executive Department. — Governor — Wm. F. Packer,
Private Secretary — Albert Packer. Messenger — Allen
L. Innis.
State Department. — Secretary of State — William M.
Heister. Deputy Secretary — Henry L. Dieffenbach.
Chief Clerk— John A. Innis. Clerks— B. F. Chandler,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 237
Richard Hogeland, John Jones, B. F. Irwin. Messenger
— Benjamin Buffiington.
Attorney General's Office. — Attorney General — John
C. Knox. Clerk — Charles B. Brockway.
Common School Department. — Superintendent — Hen
ry C. Hickok. Deputy Superintendent — John M. Sulli
van. Recording Clerk. — George W. Crabb. Warrant
Clerk — James G. Sample. Messenger — J. A. Spofford.
Auditor General's Office. — Auditor General — Jacob
Fry, Jr. Chief Clerk— William Q. Wallace. Clerks-
Charles Conner, S. W. Bailey, Thomas M. MTllhenney,
J. B. Hutchinson, Carroll M 'Clean, David R. Reynolds.
Messenger — Ephraim Meek.
Land Department. — Suryevor General — John Rowe.
Chief Clerk — Thomas J. Rehrer. Clerks — Samuel Slem-
mer, William D. Earnest, J. M. Cooper, T. N. Brooks,
C. W. Dimmick, Jas. A. Johnson. Messenger — John D.
Williams. Treasury Department. — State Treasurer — Henry S.
Magraw. Chief Clerk — William D. Boas. Assistant
Clerks— Randall M'Laughlin, George J. Bolton, Samuel
Brenizer. Messenger — George Adams.
Superitendent of Public Buildings and Grounds. —
Chambers C. Mullin.
The public buildings are simple and plain in their ex
terior; but having a bold and distinct contour, they are
grand and imposing.
The State Arsenal also stands on the public grounds
east of the Capitol. It is a neat brick edifice, with two
wings, connected by a brick wall, and was built by Steph
en Hills, the architect of the Capitol, under direction of
an act of Assembly approved the 15th of March, 1816,
and cost the net sum of $12,000. Several attempts, not
altogether unsuccessful, have been made to obtain the
passage of an act authorizing the removal of this struc-

238 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ture from its present site, as it is thought to mar the
beauty of the eastern slope of the public grounds, which
have recently been handsomely embellished by grading,
and planted with evergreens and other ornamental shade
trees, by Mr. Mullen, the present superintendent of the
property. An act of Assembly was passed last winter appropriat
ing funds for the erection of a monument in memory of
citizens of Pennsylvania who lost their lives in the Mex
ican war, upon some part of the public grounds. The
commissioners named in the act have solicited plans,
specifications and estimates for the proposed monument,
the cost of which is not to exceed the sum of $30,000.

The County Court House. — This building is situated
at the corner of Market street and Raspberry alley, (now
Court avenue), on the remaining two of the four lots
conveyed by John Harris, Jr., to the commissioners, for
public use.
It is an antique looking structure of brick, two stories
high, with two wings, and a semi-rotunda in front, the
whole surmounted with a circular wooden cupola, con
taining a bell.
The semi rotunda was added to the main building,
after its completion, by the State, to accommodate the
officers of the Legislature, during its occupancy by that
body. The wings are each seventeen by thirty-two feet in
extent, inside of the walls, and contain two apartments
on each story. Those on the first story of the western
wing are occupied by the Prothonotary, and the two
above by the Grand Jury and Town Council. The Reg
ister and Recorder occupy the first story of the eastern
wing, and the County Commissioners the rooms on the
second story.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 239
The front room on the first story of the wings, and all
the rooms on the second story, communicate with the
main building.
The court room is forty-nine feet long and forty-five
and one-half feet deep, to the front of the dais occupied
by the judges, in the rear of which the wall is built in the
shape of a segment of a small circle, and pierced by
three large windows.
Galleries, with seats, occupy three sides of the room,
capable of affording accommodation to about four hun
dred spectators, while nearly the same number can be
accommodated with standing room in the lobbys fronting
them. The bar is circular, and partitioned from the lobby by
neat wood panels, about five feet high, surmounted with
a small neat turned railing, about one foot high. Chairs
and circular tables are here provided for the attorneys.
The inner sides of the bar contain two jury boxes, par
titioned from its centre by neat wood railings, running
parallel with the curve of the circle. That on the south
west side is furnished with benches, and is occupied by
the Grand Jury, and the petit juries when returning a
verdict. The one opposite contains twelve cushioned arm
chairs, and is occupied exclusively by the petit juries
when hearing the trials.
The Prothonotary, reporters for the press, and Clerk
of the Orphan's Court, are accommodated with desks im
mediately in front of the platform occupied by the
Judges. The witness box is on the platform at the left side of
the Judges; and the prisoners generally occupy a seat
on the right side of the gate leading within the bar.
A door at the two rear ends of the room conducts into
a large and beautiful yard, enclosed with a substantial
board fence painted white, and containing a variety of

240 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ornamental trees, disposed in straight lines, whose shady
avenues, during the mid summer months, are much fre
quented by the court visitors.
The main passage to the street, from the court room,
leads through a spacious vestibule to the semi-rotunda
before noticed, from which winds a stair-case to the
second story, where it connects with an entry leading
to an apartment nearly equal in dimensions with the court
room. When the Legislature held its sessions in the building
this room was occupied by the Senate. It was latterly
used for public meetings, lectures, &c, and is now tem
porarily occupied by the Presbytarian Sunday-school. A
door at each corner communicates with the rooms on the
second story of the wings, already described.
The County Treasurer's and Sheriff's offices are lo
cated in the front part of the second story of the main
building, the former on the north-eastern and the latter
on the south-western side of the previously mentioned
entry. The Treasurer's office communicates by a door
way with the Commissioner's office.
The building stands a considerable distance in from
the line of the street, and the space thus derived is oc
cupied by an embankment of earth, properly leveled and
paved with brick, which is attained by a small flight of
sandstone steps running the entire length of the lot on
Market street, and along its extent to the front wall of
the building.
The building is supplied with gas throughout ; and the
court room is illuminated at night with brackets and a
beautiful chandelier, pendant from the ceiling, directly
over the centre of the bar.
The qualified electors of the north, east, south and
west wards of Harrisburg, and of Upper Swatara and

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 241
Susquehanna townships, have each their separate places
of voting in the building.
As nearly all the offices of the county are located in
the court building, it is deemed proper to append the fol
lowing list of County Officers.
President Judge — John J. Pearson.
Associate Judges — A. O. Hiester, Felix Nissley.
District Attorney — A. J. Herr.
Sheriff — Jacob M. Eyster.
Prothonotary, &c— William Mitchell; Clerk— J. C.
Young. Recorder of Deeds, &c. — Peter Hummel; Clerk — John
Fox. Register of Wills, &c. — Samuel Marquart.
Commissioners — John S. Musser, Samuel Singer, Jac
ob Buffington; Clerk — Geo. J. Shoemaker.
Treasurer — Alexander W. Watson.
Surveyor — Daniel Hoffman.
Directors of the Poor — Simon Daniel, Joseph Clark,
John Raysor.
Auditors — Henry Peffer, Isaac Deitrich, George Ham-
mon. Sealer of Weights and Measures — Frederick Trace.
Mercantile Appraiser — John H. Hummel.
Tax Collectors — South Ward — Dan'l Snyder; North
Ward — M. B. Montgomery.
List of Attorneys of the Courts of Dauphin county, from
its organization to the year 1858.
The following is a list of the attorneys who have prac
ticed in the Courts of Dauphin county since the year
1785, the period of its organization, to 1858. It is com
piled from the original list in the Prothonotary's office :

242

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

Stephen Chambers,  May Term, 1785.
John W. Kittera, 
John Clark, 
Joseph Hubley, 
John A. Hanna, 
James Riddle, 
John J. Henry, 
Peter Huffnagle 
Jacob Hubley, 
James Biddle, 
Collinson Reed, 
George Ross, 
John Reiley, 
Jasper Yeats,  August Term, 1785.
Robert Magaw, 
Thomas Hartley, 
Thomas Smith, 
David Grier, 
Thomas Duncan, 
John Caldwell, 
Andrew Dunlap, 
William Montgomery, 
William Graydon,  May Term 1786.
Charles Smith,  "
James Smith,  August Term, 1786.
James Hamilton, 
William R. Atlee,  November Term, 1786.
James Hopkins,  May Term, 1787.
Richard Wharton,  August Term, 1787.
George Fisher,  November Term, 1787.
George Eckart,  February Term, 1788.
William Bradford,  May Term, 1788.
Edward Burd,  "
John Spayd,  "
Matthias Barton,  August, 1788.
Galbraith Patterson,  August, 1789.
Marks John Biddle,  November, 1789.
John Moore, 
John Smith,  February, 1790.
Daniel Smith,  May, 1790.
Joseph Burd,  "

ANNALS "OF HARRISBURG. 243
Ralph Bowie,  August, 1790.
Charles Hall,  May, 1791.
Samuel Riddle,  "
Samuel Roberts,  August, 1791.
Thomas Creigh,  "
David Watt,  "
Robert Duncan,  " "
Thomas Elder,  "
Daniel Clymer,  November, 1791.
Daniel Levy  March, 1792.
William Wallace,  June, 1792.
George Smith,  "
John Kidd,  "
Samuel Laird,  September, 1792.
John Ross, 
James Kellej',  December, 1792.
James Campbell,  "
Jonathan Henderson, . ... March, 1793.
William Barber,  "
William R. Hanna,  December, 1793.
Matthew Henry,  March, 1794.
John Shippen,  "
John Montgomery,  June, 1794.
Samuel S. Galbraith  "
James Crawford,  September, 1794.
John Murray,  December, 1794.
Robert Whitehill,  September, 1795.
James Gilchrist,  December, 1793.
Robert Stewart,  September, 1796.
Evan Rice Evans,  December, 1796.
William A. Patterson,  March, 1797.
Charles Hartley,  September, 1797.
William Laird,  June, 1798.
David Cassatt,  December, 1798.
Frederick Smith,  March, 1799.
Frederick Haller,  "
William Ross,  September, 1799.
Alexander Graydon,  March, 1800.
Patton Ross,  "
William A. Thompson,  September, 1800.
Robert Allison,  December, 1800.

244 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Thomas Graham,  June, 1801".
Andrew Buchanan, ....... "
John Cadwallader,  Adjourned Court, July, 1801.
William Soner,  December, 1802.
David Hays,  Adjourned Court, January, 1803.
Edward Goodwin,  March, 1803.
Hugh Hamilton,  June, 1805.
Washington Lee  March, 1806.
Abner Wickersham,  May, 1806.
Andrew Carothers,  September, 1806.
William N. Irvine,  Adjourned Court, March, 1807.
Moses M'Lean,  May, 1807.
Walker Reed,  August, 1807.
John B. Gibson,  " "
Isaac B. Parke,  May, 1808.
George Metzgar,  August, 1808.
Amos Elmaker,  December, 1808.
George K. Nutz  Adjourned Court, March, 1809.
George Metzgar,  May, 1809.
Stephen Carson,  " "
Alexander Mahon,  April, 1810.
James M'Cullough,  December, 1810.
Thomas Montgomery, ....April, 181 1.
Henry Shippen,  September, 181 1.
John Fisher, 
John Roberts,  February, 1812.
Bushnell Carter,  May, 1812.
Abiather Hopkins,  " "
John Johnson,  August, 1812.
Andrew Berryhill,  " "
James Buchanan,  November, 1812.
James Dobbins,  " "
Jacob B. Weidman,  August, 1813.
George B. Porter,  " "
Henry W. Hurts,  November, 1813.
John M. Foster,  May, 1814.
Charles A. Barnitz,  December, 1815.
Hugh Bellas,  February, 1816.
Samuel G. Strong  September, 1816.
James Hamilton,  October, 1816.
Edwin Atlee White,  December, 1816.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 245
Samuel Bacon,  " "
Francis R. Shunk,  September, 1816.
Mordecai M'Kinney,  May, 1817.
John Mahon,  "
George Burd,  " . "
Jonathan Houle, Jr.,  May, 1818.
Nicholas B. Wood,  October, 1818.
Daniel J. Heister,  October, 1819.
Philip Frazier,  December, 1819.
' John Mumma,  " "
David Durkie,  December, 1818.
Samuel Dauglass,  March, 1819.
Michael Gallagher,  March, 1820.
Samuel Shock,  "
James Maginnis  "
Henry Woodward,  "
William Ramsey,  "
John Smith,  June, 1820.
Frank Bugbee,  October, 1820.
John Adams Fisher,  December 12, 1820.
William Powell,  December, 1821.
William Penrose, 
Charles Davis,  "
Samuel Alexander,  March, 1821.
James Findlay,  November* 1822.
Adam H. Orth, 
Edward Coleman,  January, 1823.
James B. Hubley,  "
John Williamson,  "
David W. Huling,  April 21, 1823.
Jacob W. Harning,  April 22, 1823.
William M'Clay,  " " "
Ethan Baldwin,  July 14, 1823.
Morris Wilson,  '. . . . November 25, 1823.
Richard B. M'Cabe,  " " "
Thomas Burnside,  January, 1824.
Ellis Lewis,  January 19, 1824.
Samuel J. Packer,  January 22, 1824.
David Krause,  August 15, 1825.
James M'Cormick,  " " "
Christopher Leoser,  August 24, 1825.

246 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Herman Alricks,  November 24, 1825.
William Ayres,  April 17, 1826.
Samuel H. Nesmuth,  April 17, 1827.
Hamilton Alricks,  January 22, 1828.
Legrand Bancroft, . /.  April 22, 1828.
John Lashell,  April 22, 1828.
Robert J. Fisher,  August 16, 1828.
Peter A. Browne,  November 25, 1828.
Benjamin Parke, 
Isaac Fisher,  November 30, 1828.
Calvin Blythe,  January 28, 1829.
Walter Franklin,  September 2, 1829.
C. C. Rawn,  January 18, 1831.
John Hogg,  November 17, 1831.
John Cadwallader,  April 23, 1832.
James H. Deaor,  July 14, 1834.
John W. Ashmead,  August 25, 1834.
E. P. Oliphant,  November 18, 1834.
George Griscon,  November 19, 1834.
Ebenezer Harrington,  November 20, 1834.
Samuel Hepburn,  November 24, 1834.
John Gardner,  February 5, 1836.
Thomas Ignatias Walsh, . . April 18, 1836.
Charles Pleasants,  June 12, 1832.
Levi Kline,  April 17, 1837.
John H. Briggs,  April 18, 1837.
David Pool,  " "" "
Joseph W. Cake,  April 26, 1837.
Frederick K. Boas,  August 22, 1837.
William S. Ramsey,  November 30, 1837.
James Cameron,  August 21, 1838.
John H. Berryhill,  August 31, 1838.
James F. Cooper,  August 20, 1839.
William B. Reed,  August 22, 1839.
John T. Adams,  November 19, 1839.
Alexander Ramsey,  December 3, 1839.
Jacques W. Johnson,  January 20, 1840.
H. C. Hickok,  April 28, 1840.
B. B. Crawford,  January 11, 1841.
Samuel W. Wharton,  January 18, 1841.
Lemuel G. Brandebury, ...January 30, 1841.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 247
Charles W. Hepburn,  October 4, 1841.
Charles J. Ingersoll,  October 11, 1841.
David Fleming;  November 17, 1841.
Richard L. Elliott,  November 21, 1841.
Joseph C. Wallace  November 21, 1841.
Richard C. M'Allister, ... " " "
Samuel T. Shunk,  " " "
Jacob Y. Blackwell,  January 19, 1842.
Thomas J. Jordan,  February 6, 1843.
Peter Brua M'Cord,  August 26, 1843.
James Snodgrass,  " " "
Dewitt Clinton Brooks, . . . November 23, 1843.
Edward A. Lesley,  April' 15, 1844.
Cornelius P. Bennet,  April 18, 1844.
George F. Small,  August 19, 1844.
James Fox,  " " "
Richard C. De Armand, . . August 22, 1844.
B. Gibson Peacock,  " " "
David Moore,  " " "
Evans O. Jackson,  April 22, 1845.
Henry K. Strong,  April 29, 1845.
Samuel Alleman  August 19, 1845.
Francis C. Carson,  " " "
Lemuel Todd,  November 25, 1845.
John W. Maynard,  January 23, 1846.
John B. Johnson,  February 4, 1846.
O. J'. Bailey,  February 9, 1846.
John M'Kibben,  February 14, 1846.
Horn R. Kneas,  March 9, 1846.
R. A. Lamberton,  August 17, 1846.
William H. Miller,  November 18, 1846.
William Hamilton,  November 25, 1846.
David Barnitz,  " " "
Benj. Powell,  November 30, 1846.
John M. Reed,  December 7, 1846.
William C. Chapman,  April 28, 1847.
John Henry Adam,  May 24, 1847.
William M. Penrose,  January 17, 1848.
James R. Smith,  January 19, 1848.
Robert E. Monaghan,  January 28, 1848.
James K. Kerr,  March 23, 1848.

it tt
tt tt

248 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
John H. M'Kune,  April 24, 1848.
William Brua Cameron, ..January 23, 1849.
George F. Emerson,  February 6, 1849.
H. Murray Graydon,  August 22, 1849.
Lafayette G. Dimock, .... " " "
William A. Shannon,  " " "
John L. Shuler,  August 27, 1849.
H. B. Wood,  November 20, 1849.
G. A. C. Seiler,  " " "
C. M. Shell,  January 22, 1850.
Charles W. M'Clean,  " " "
J. Montgomery Foster, . . . April 24, 1850.
S. S. Elder  :  " " "
A. J. Herr,  August 20, 1850.
C. L. Lamberton,  '
W. T. Bishop,  "
James Dawson,  August 23, 1850.
R. M. Lee,  December 9, 1850.
John S. Detwiler,  March 25, 1851.
John Detwiler,  April 2, 1851.
B. F. Etter,  November 24, 1851.
John W. Brown,  January 23, 1852.
A. Herr Smith,  May 13, 1852.
Henry W. Lamberton,  November 16, 1852.
David Mumma, Jr.,  April 26, 1853.
John W. Simonton,  " " "
William C. A. Lawrence, .August 31, 1853.
Jesse Landis,  November 29, 1853.
William H. Davis,  April 24, 1854.
George R. Hamilton,  May 13, 1854.
H. C. Alleman,  November 25, 1854.
J. Alexander Simpson, . . . December 29, 1855.
R. L. Muench,  January 22, 1856.
D. H. Hoffues,  March 18, 1856.
James M'Cormick, Jr., . . . August 26, 1856.
J. Wesley Awl,  " " "
George Hill,  May 1, 1857.
Alfred Pearson,  September 2, 1857.
Benj. L. Forster,  January 22, 1858.
John H. Hampton,  February 15, 1858.
James F. Shunk,   July 3, 1858.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

249

William H. Eckles,  August 24, 1858.
George W. M'Elroy,  August 27, 1858.
The following list is given in "Brooks Rules of Court,"
as the present practising attorneys of the Dauphin coun
ty bar. We could find no record of the dates of admission
of a few of the gentlemen named :

Alricks, Herman.
Alricks, Hamilton.
Awl, J. Wesley.
Alleman, Henry C.
Berryhill, John H.
Bishop, William T.
Boas, F. K.
Briggs, John H.
Brown, John W.
Casey, Joseph.
Detwiler, John S.
Eckles, William H.
Etter, B. F.
Fisher, J. Adams.
Fleming, David.
Forster, J. Montgomery.
Forster, Benj. L.
Graydon, H. Murray.
Harris, George W.
Herr, A. J.

Jordan, Thomas J.
Jones, J. A. W.
Kunkel, John C.
Knox, George W.
Lamberton, R. A.
Lawrence, William C. A.
M'Cormick, James.
M'Kinney, Mordecai.
Miller, William H.
Muench, R. L-
Mumma, David, Jr.
M'Cormick, James, Jr.
Parke, Benjamin.
Pearson, Alfred.
Rawn, C. C.
Roberts, John.
Seiler, George A. C.
Shell, C. M.
Simonton, J. W.
Shunk, James F.

The County Prison. — The County Prison is situated
at the corner of Walnut street and Rasberry alley, on two
of the lots conveyed by John Harris, Jr., to the commis
sioners for public use when the town was first laid out,
noticed previously. The buildings occupy the site of the
old County Prison, which was removed in 1839-40, to
give place to the present structure.
The building fronting on Walnut street is constructed
of fine light granite from Chester or Montgomery county,
in the Gothic style of architecture, and is devoted entirely
to the residence and office of the keeper. It is two stories
17

250 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
high, and surmounted with an octagonal tower, original
ly intended to contain an alarm bell. Being built at some
distance from the line of the street, a handsome garden
plot fronts the structure, enclosed with neat cast-iron
railing. Wing-walls of granite flank the building on
either side, which connect with massive limestone walls
twenty-three feet high, enclosing the two sides and rear
of the lots.
Within this enclosure, and connected with the front
building by a corridor ten feet wide, is the prison proper.
It is a plain limestone building, two stories high, con
taining forty cells, each fifteen feet in length and seven
and a half in width, twenty of which are on the first
story, ten fronting each side of the corridor. The twenty
cells on the second story have a similar arrangement, and
are attained by a stairway in the centre of the corridor
leading to a gallery, with which they communicate.
Each of the cells contain a bed and water-closet. The
floors are covered with asphaltum. They are heated by
hot water, and properly' ventilated by apertures through
the outside wall. The floor of the corridor is covered
with brick, and is lighted and ventilated by sky-lights on
the roof. Its entire length is eighty feet.
The cost of the prison, finished in 1841, was $40,000.
It was erected by John Haviland, architect. The Com
missioners of the county at the period of its completion
were John Brohoff, David Hummel, and Henry Peffer,
clerk. We append the Inspectors' and Keepers' report of the
Prison for the year 1857:
Inspectors' Report for 1857.
To the Court of Quarter Sessions of the county of Dauph
in: The Inspectors of the Dauphin County Prison re
spectfully present their report for the year 1857.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.

251

On the ist of January, 1857, there were in prison 35
prisoners ; 1 under sentence of death ; 1 then believed and
since declared to be insane;- 13 sentenced to labor, to
wit : 1 for eight years, 3 for six years, 1 for five years, 2
for four years, 1 for three years, 1 for two years, 1 for
twenty months, three for one year, and 20 awaiting trial.
Of these, 27 were white males, and 1 white female; 5
colored males, and 2 colored females.
During the year 1857 there have been 767 prisoners re
ceived into prison. Of these, 186 are from Pennsylvania,
81 from Germany, 348 from Ireland, 33 from Maryland,
47 from New York, 40 from Ohio, 10 from Virginia, 18
from New Jersey, and 4 from Canada. Of these, 617 are
white males, and 28 white females ; 100 colored males,
and 22 colored females.
Of those received in 1857 — to wit, 767 — there were
committed for

Drunkenness,  153
Vagrancy,  360
Disorderly conduct,  59
Murder,  2
Larceny,  42
Assault and battery,  45
Rape and attempt to com
mit,  5
Robbery,  6
Burglary,  4
Highway robbery,  1
Picking pockets,  4
Forgery,  3
False pretences,  11
Passing counterfeit money, 1
Attempt to kidnap,  2
Disorderly house,  8
Fornication and bastardy, 4
Sodomy,  2
Refusing to support their

wives,  2
Surety of peace,  8
Malicious mischief  12
Fighting and disturbing
elections,  4
Breach of promise to mar
ry,  1
Riot,  4
Arson,  1
Selling liquor without li
cense,  8
Selling liquor to minors, . 2
Slander,  I
Rescuing prisoner from
officer,  1
Bail piece,  3
Default to pay costs,  8
Whole number,  „
 767

252 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
During the year 1857, 732 prisoners have been dis
charged, to wit: by expiration of sentence, 7; by Court,
43; by committing magistrates, 118; under existing laws,
557 ; removed to Pennsylvania Hospital, 1 ; removed to
Cumberland county for trial, 1 ; pardoned, 1 ; committed
suicide, 1 ; died, 3; leaving 35 in prison, January 1, 1858.
Of those in prison, January 1, 1858 — to wit, 35 — 2 are
under sentence of death; 20 under sentence to labor,
to wit : 1 for eight years, 3 for six years, 3 for five years,
2 for four years, 1 for three years, 1 for two years, 1
for one year, 1 for eighteen months, 2 for nine months,
1 for eight months, 1 for six months, 1 for four months,
1 for three months, 1 for two months ; 3 for costs ; 1 for
safe keeping, being insane; 4 to imprisonment only; and
5 awaiting trial. Of these, 18 are white males, and 3
white females; 10 colored males, and 4 colored females.
Of the 20 in prison January 1, 1858, sentenced to labor,
1 was committed at January sessions, 1853 ; 3 at April
and 1 at November sessions, 1855 ; * at January and 2 at
August sessions, 1856; 6 at April, 3 at August, and 3 at
November sessions, 1857. Of these, 14 are from Penn
sylvania, 1 from Maryland, 1 from Virginia, 1 from
New York, 1 from England, and 2 from Germany. Aged,
to wit: 11 between twenty and thirty years, 3 between
thirty and forty, 3 between forty and fifty, 2 between
fifty and sixty, and 1 between sixty and seventy.
During the year 1857 we have drawn from the County
.Treasury $7,000. The account of the Prison for 1857,
was, on the 15th instant, settled and approved by the
County Auditors. A detailed statement will in due time
be published.
In conclusion we remark, that in all respects we have
full confidence in the ability and integrity of the Keeper
and Matron of the Prison; that the Physician, and also
the under-keeper and superintendent of the weaving de-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 253
partment, have each, in their respective stations, render
ed full satisfaction, and that the County Commissioners
have rendered all the aid required.
C. F. MuEnch,
M. Kirk,
H. Antes,
Wm. H. KepnER,
Wm. Colder, Jr.,
Henry Peffer,
Inspectors of the Dauphin County Prison.
Dauphin County Prison,
Harrisburg, January 15, 1858.
Keeper's Report, January x, 1858.
To the Inspectors of the Dauphin County Prison:
Gentlemen : I respectfully submit to you the follow
ing report of the weaving department for the year 1857,
to wit: Dr.
Stock on hand, January 1, 1857,  $1,278 37
Hay & M'Devitt, for yarn, &c,  .*  84 36
Thomas H. Creigh & Co., for yarn, &c,  439 84
Robert Creighton & Co., for yarn, &c,  244 07
Amount on hand and purchased for 1857,  $2,046 64
Cr.
169 pieces check, 9,464 yards, @ 9 cents,  $851 76
535 yards bagging, @ 15 cents,  80 25
38 dozen bags, @ $5,  190 00
3 dozen 2 bushel bags, @ $3.75,  11 25
85 pounds carpets, No. 20, @ 25 Yz cents, ... 21 68
85 pounds carpets, No. 6, @ 23 cents,  19 55
55 pounds warp, No. 6, @ 23 cents,  12 65
150 pounds bleached warp, @ 31^ cents,  47 25
300 pounds blue warp and filling, @ 38 cents, 114 00
Real amount of stock, January 1, 1858,  $1,348 39

254 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
240 yards pants stuff for prison, @ 25 cents, . 60 00
280 yards check for shirting, @ 12^4 cents, . . 35 00
Amount used for Prison,  95 00
Cash received of Robert Creighton & Co., as
per bill of sales rendered November 30,
1857, and since paid treasurer of Dauphin
County Prison,  61 51
Cash due April 4, 1858, from Robert Creighton
& Co., as per bill of sales rendered May 30,
1857,  560 09
 621 60
Aount of cash received and due,  2,064 99
Dr. as above  2,046 64
Balance for Prison,  $18 35

In addition to the above statement, I remark that, in
consequence of the uncertain demand for goods, and the
price in yarn, I have manufactured less than ordinary,
believing it to be a saving to the county to do no more
than was necessary for the healthy preservation of the
body and mental faculties of the convicts.
John T. Wilson,
Keeper of the Dauphin County Prison.
Dauphin County Prison,
Harrisburg, January 1, 1858.

Harrisburg Water Works. — On the 18th day of
September, 1841, the chief engineer, T. Erdman, Esq.,
first announced to the Town Council and citizens, the
final completion of the Harrisburg Water Works, and
at an early day thereafter the pure element was ready for
general use.

ANNALS' OF HARRISBURG. 255
The water house of the works is situated at the west
ern end of North street, on the banks of the Susquehanna,
near a spot known as "Maclay's rock." It is constructed
with a durable variety of granite in a very pleasing style
of architecture.
The top of the structure is on a level with the street,
surrounded with ornamental cast-iron railing, and com
mands a prominent view of the surrounding scenery. On
each side of the building are stone stair-ways to the en
trances below. That on the southern side conducts to
the boiler room; and that on the northern side into the
engine and pumping room. The steam engine is forty
horse power, twelve inch cylinder, five feet stroke, and
performs sixteen revolutions per minute. It uses about
fifty pounds of steam per inch, works a pump with a
five foot stroke, and eight inch cylinder, under a head of
ninety pounds^ throwing three hundred and four gallons
of water per minute a distance of about two thousand
feet, making the necessary allowance for wastage.
The average annual expense of keeping the. machinery
in operation, including fuel, engineer's services, and other
incidental expenses, is about one thousand six hundred
dollars per year.
The reservoir of the works is located on the high
ground directly north of the State Capitol. Its top is
ninety-two feet above the low water mark at the Market
street bridge, and ninety-one feet above the low water
mark of 1803 on Maclay's rock. The lot upon which
it is located contains eight acres and ten perches, and its
cost, including the grounds, was $14,528.92.
The reservoir is capable of containing, at one foot
depth, 43,866 gallons of water; at ten foot depth, 702,-
252 gallons; and at sixteen foot depth, 1,539,195 gallons.
There are between seven and eight miles of conducting
pipe laid through the several streets of the borough, and

256 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
connected with this are about one hundred fire plugs and
ninety stop-cocks, all of which undergo an annual in
spection, and are kept in constant repair.
Statement showing the actual cost of the Harrisburg Water
works.
Water house, inlet, &c,  $13,543 S3
Reservoir, fences and grounds,  14,528 82
Carpenter work and lumber,  1,793 72
Labor, &c,  1 1,681 47
Blacksmith work,  1,086 93
Incidentals,  68,110 99
Removing grave yard,  447 49
Engineering,  3,113 66
Printing,  101 37
Real estate,  4,437 54
Treasurer, Clerk, &s., (pay of,)  1,525 00
Fence at water house, &c  88 50

Total cost,  $120,459

12

It is highly gratifying to the citizens of the borough
to compare this result with that of other towns. When
the city of Philadelphia had expended $657,398.91, her
amount of water rents the first year was only $537.
When the city of Lancaster completed her water works at
a cost of $104,000, her water rents the first year were
$1,200; while the water works in Harrisburg, at the cost
above stated, when in operation only seven months pro
duced upwards of $3,000 rentage.
The following is a list of the members of the Town
Council who authorized and commenced the construc
tion of the water works :
Valentine Hummel, Sr., President; George J. Shoe
maker, Clerk; John Knepley, Sr., William Catrell, Wil
liam Ayres, George S. Kemble, William B. Johnson,
Michael Burke, Samuel Pool.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 257
The Gas Works. — The Harrisburg gas company was
incorporated in 1850, with a capital of $75,000. The
buildings of the company are situated on a lot two hun
dred feet wide and three hundred feet deep, at the east
side of the Pennsylvania railroad, a short distance east
of the foot of Mulberry street. They consist of two
handsome brick structures each one-story high. The
north building is eighty-three feet long and thirty feet
wide, and is occupied by the "retorts" and "benches," of
which there are fifteen of the former, and five of the
latter. There is, also, an apartment used for the stor
age of bituminous coal, of which about eleven hundred
tons are used annually, and one for coke, which is used
as fuel for the bench fires. The south building is sixty-
eight feet long and thirty feet wide. Two of its rooms
are occupied as offices, and one for the meter, which
contains four large purifying boxes capable of passing
80,000 cubic feet of gas per twenty-four hours. Another
room contains four additional purifying boxes and about
one hundred and sixty feet of condensing pipe. There is
also an apartment stored with lime, used in the purifica
tion of gas.
The gasometer is situated a short distance below this
building. It is fifty feet in diameter and sixteen feet high,
and capable of containing 30,000 cubic feet of gas.
The amount of gas consumed in the borough varies
with the season of the year. During the session of the
Legislature, and when the street lamps are illuminated,
the daily consumption of gas amounts to about 25,000
cubic feet. In the fall of the year this amount is reduced
to about 15,000 feet, and in the summer, on moonlight
nights, it is still further reduced to about 10,000 feet.
There are about 28,000 feet of pipe laid through the
streets of the borough, exclusive of one and a half miles
to the Lunatic Hospital. Of this about 10,000 feet were

258 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
laid by the contractors, and the remainder by the com
pany. The works were erected by Messrs. Stewart & Carver,
and cost about $60,000, of which about $16,000 were
paid to the builders.
The first officers were Gen. Wm. Ayres, President;
John C. Bucher, Treasurer; and David Fleming, Secre
tary. Officers in October, 1858: — George S. Kemble, Presi
dent; George Bergner, Secretary; William T. Bishop,
Treasurer;. Dr. W. W. Rutherford, A. Patterson, Wil
liam Dock, Sr., Valentine Hummel, Sr., Directors; Levi
Gray, Superintendent.

The Harrisburg Cotton Factory. — This establish
ment is situated on North street, between Front and Sec
ond. It is built of brick, four stories high, two hundred
feet long and sixty feet wide, with two end wings one
story high, sixty-four feet long, and twenty-four feet
wide. The main building is surmounted with a beauti
ful cupola containing a large and fine toned bell used to
summon and dismiss the workmen in the day time, and
to strike the hours at night by the watchman of the es
tablishment. The building stands a considerable distance off the
street, thus affording room for a spacious and well ar
ranged garden plot in front, which is enclosed with a
handsome wooden pallisade.
At the extreme eastern corner of the lot is a detached
one story brick building devoted to offices and the packing
rooms, in which latter the bales of manufactured goods
are marked with the company's stamp, and packed with a
hydraulic press possessing a power of twenty tons.
Immediately in the rear of this building is an immense

annals of harrisburg. 259
brick stack one hundred and four feet high. Entering
the north-eastern wing of the main building the visitor
will first observe five immense horizontal boilers, which
consume in generating steam, about seven tons of coal
daily. From this apartment a passage leads into the en
gine room, which is in the main building. The engine is
two hundred horse power, with a five feet stroke, driving
a fly-wheel twenty feet in diameter. Adjoining are two
rooms occupied by mechanics of various trades, who
make the necessary repairs to the machinery, &c. Com
municating with these is the carding room, which is one
hundred and thirty feet long, and the entire width of the
building, where the cotton is prepared for spinning. The
picking room is in the wing at the western extremity of
this chamber, and was the scene of a disastrous confla
gration in the winter of 1854-5, caused, it was thought,
by a spark of fire emitted from some flinty or metalic
particle concealed in the cotton when passing through
the machinery. Fortunately, the apartment was sepa
rated from the carding room in the main building by a
massive brick wall and a ponderous iron door, which
confined the flames to the wing, and thus, perhaps, saved
the entire establishment from destruction. The wing it
self sustained but little injury by the fire, owing to the
activity of the firemen, but the machinery and stock of
cotton it contained were almost totally destroyed.
In the basement of the picking room is what is termed
the "willey room," where the cotton in bales is received.
Here are machines which operate on the raw cotton,
opening its delicate fibres, and carrying it by air through
a trough to the chamber above. The draught of air is
obtained by a fan making about eight hundred revolu
tions per minute. In the picking room tbe cotton is
made into laps, and prepared for the cards. A flue is
connected with each picking machine for removing the

260 annals of harrisburg.
dust, the draught for which is produced by a fan making
fifteen hundred revolutions per minute.
The second story of the building is devoted exclusively
to the weaving room, and contains three hundred looms
of the most approved construction.
The spinning room occupies the third story, and con
tains eight thousand and sixty-four spindles. One side
• is devoted to warp spinning and the other to filling.
There are here twelve machines on which are wound a
certain number of threads pieced together to the length of
about four hundred yards.
The dressing room is on the fourth story, where the
sizing is performed. The beams of the warping ma
chines, filled with the thread cotton, are made to pass
between rollers which revolve in copper troughs contain
ing sizing. After which they are made to pass over cop
per cylinders, which, revolving slowly, and filled with
steam, dry the sizing, and render the yarn fit for weaving.
In the fiscal year 1854, the company manufactured and
sent to market two and half millions of yards of cloth,
using in the manufacture thereof about three thousand
bales of cotton. In the same year, three hundred and
fifty persons were employed in the mill, two hundred
and thirteen of whom were females.
Owing to the depressed condition of trade and busi
ness generally throughout the country, caused by the
financial crisis of 1857, the mill suspended operations in
the fall of the year, and did not resume the same until
the 28th of December, 1858.

Brant's City Hall. — This building was erected in
1856 by John H. Brant, Esq., a wealthy citizen of the
borough. It is intended for a hotel and restaurant on the
European plan, with commodious rooms for a theatre,

annals of harrisburg. 261
concerts, public lectures, &c. At the term of Court in
April, 1858, the building was regularly licensed as a
hotel, and will be occupied as such in 1859.
The hall adjoins the Court House (where bank now
stands), with a front of fifty-two feet on Market street,
and a depth of one hundred and eighty feet. It is built
of brick, four stories high; the first story of which is
eighteen feet, the second twenty-two feet, the third four
teen feet, and the fourth twelve feet. An observatory
surmounts the roof of the building, the top of which
is one hundred feet from the pavement, and affords a fine
view of the town and surrounding country.
The front of the building is of novel design and con
struction, being composed of open vestibules, with colon-
ades of brick pillars painted in imitation of marble, on
each story. These vestibules are .twenty-five feet deep,
and run the entire width of the building. The first is
attained by a flight of marble steps from the pavement,
and the others by stair-cases rising at each and leading to
the centre of the next. The floor of the first is tesselated
with small octagonal shaped yellow and black tiles. The
main building is entered on each of the stories from the
vestibules by large double doors in the centre, and smaller
doors at each end. The walls of the first story are twenty-
two inches thick, and those of the upper stories eighteen
inches. The building contains two rooms, which, including the
vestibules, are one hundred and twenty feet long, and
fifty-two feet wide; two rooms fifty feet square, and two
twenty-two by fifty feet, besides a number of smaller
size in the rear part of the building, intended for family
use. The room devoted to theatrical purposes contains a
commodious stage, with a great variety of handsome
scenery, and in fact all the other appointments of a first

262 annals of harrisburg.
class theatre. It will seat comfortably an audience of
about eight hundred persons. It was inaugurated in the
winter of 1856-7, by a theatrical company from Philadel
phia, under the management of Mr. Thomas J. Worrel.
The basement of the building is partitioned off into
apartments, and intended for a restaurant.

The Masonic Hall, (Exchange.) — The Masonic
Hall, more commonly called the Exchange, situated in
Walnut street, between Third street and Rasberry alley,
(on site of present postoffice lot), was erected in 1827,
by Samuel Holman, Esq., architect, for Perseverance
Lodge, No. 21, A. Y. M., of Harrisburg, which body
occupied it for several years, when, owing to financial
troubles, it was seized* and sold by the Sheriff, to satisfy
the claims of creditors.
It is a brick edifice, partially in the Romanesque style,
two stories high, with an attic, basement, and capacious
cellar; the whole occupying a space of about seventy-
five feet front, and a depth of about forty-four feet.
The eve of the roof in front is surmounted with wooden
railing and a central entablature, from which rise pointed
turrets, all constructed of the same material.
Open vestibules, fifteen feet long by nine feet wide,
occur in front on the first and second stories. The main
entrance to the building is attained through the one on
the first story by means of a flight of granite steps, with
iron railing, rising from the pavement. It is paved with
brick, and surmounted with an irregular arch of fancy
wood work. That on the second story has a railing and
colonade surmounted with small arches, likewise of wood.
The interior of the building contains a number of capa
cious rooms, one of which, on the' second story, is used
at present as an Odd Fellows' Lodge. When owned by

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 263
the Masons, the entire building, excepting the basement,
was devoted to the purposes of that society. The struc
ture has a very pleasing appearance, and is much admired
by strangers visiting the borough. It is owned at present
by Machiel Burke, Esq.

The Pennsylvania Railroad Depot. — This extensive
building stands on the west bank of the Pennsylvania
canal, between Market and Chestnut streets, and is owned
by the Harrisburg and Lancaster railroad company, but
is leased and occupied by the Pennsylvania railroad com
pany. A premium of $200 was awarded for the plan of the
structure to Joseph C. Hoxie, Esq., architect, of Phila
delphia, who with Stephen D. M'Calla, of Harrisburg,
subsequently contracted to build it for the sum of $46,-
713- The architectural style of the building is Italian. It is
four hundred feet in length by one hundred and three
feet in width, exclusive of projections, the latter making
the front one hundred and twenty-two feet. The side
walls are twenty-two feet and the end walls thirty-four
feet high, except the two-story projections, which are
forty-six feet high from the railroad track. The build
ing is surmounted with two towers; that on the front is
seventy-two feet, and that on the side sixty-four feet
high. The ends of the structure have a very picturesque
appearance. The walls are of stone and brick. The roof is con
structed with the patent truss, and covered with galvan
ized iron.
The building contains a dining saloon calculated to
seat from two hundred and fifty to three hundred per
sons; ladies' and gentlemens' reception rooms; water

264 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
closets; and a number of offices, including one for the
magnetic telegraph owned by the company.
The structure was completed in 1857, at a cost of $58,-
266.20, being $11,543.20 over the contract price. The
first train of cars passed through it on the ist of August,
1857-

Lebanon Valley Railroad Depot. — A depot for the
Lebanon Valley railroad is now in course of erection
on the western side of Market street, between the canal
and Canal street. It will be of frame, nineteen feet high
in the clear, ninety feet wide and three hundred feet long,
fronting on Canal street. The roof will be arched, and
constructed after Howe's patent, which combines strength
and beauty. It will contain three railroad tracks, and be
lighted by upwards of forty windows. The main passen
ger entrance will be upon Canal street, and fronting on
that thoroughfare will be a ticket office, ladies' room,
gentlemens' room, baggage apartment, and all the essen
tials of a first class depot.

Harrisburg Cemetery. — For the following facts rela
tive to the first organization of the Harrisburg Cemetery
company, the compiler is indebted to a report published
by the Managers in September, 1845 :
"In the autumn of 1843 tne following paper was draft
ed by Henry Buehler, Esq., and presented to the gentle
men who have subscribed the same in the order of their
signatures. After a number of meetings on the subject,
James M'Cormick, Esq., consented to be considered as
one of the original subscribers, and is named in the law
incorporating the association, although his signature is
not affixed to the subjoined:

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 265
We, the undersigned, hereby agree, (provided ten re
sponsible persons join in the proposition,) to purchase and
enclose from ten to fifteen acres of land, in the vicinity of
the borough of Harrisburg, for the purpose of establishing
public cemetery ; the location, price, &c, to be approved of
by a majority of the ten. After the incorporation of a
company for the purpose, we will agree to convey to the
constituted authorities thereof, the said land, with the
provision that it be laid off into suitable burial lots, both
for congregations and for individual families ; and that a
title be made to each of the ten persons hereby associated,
for one family burial lot, free of any expense,* the choice
thereof to be made prior to any sales, and to be made
in the order of the signatures hereto; and also, that the
remainder of the lots be sold, from time to time, to such
persons as may desire to purchase. The original cost,
with interest, to be paid to the ten purchasers out of the
proceeds of the first sales, and that the proceeds of all
sales thereafter, in all time to come, be applied exclusive
ly to the improvement of the cemetery grounds, or roads
leading thereto. Witness our hands and seals at Har
risburg, the 16th day of October, 1843.
Henry Walters, Hamilton Alricks,
John Roberts, James Peacock,
Henry Buehler, Valentine Hummel
Herman Alricks, John C. Bucher,
Luther Reily, William Dock,
At a meeting of the above named gentlemen, held Oc-

* This provision was subsequently abandoned by the members
of the corporation, who are the persons above named, and each
member consented to pay for the lot selected for himself, in
the same manner, and on the same terms, that strangers were
required to pay, reserving only to themselves the right of se
lection before sale, in the order in which their names appear
above. 18

266 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
tober 30, 1843, a committee, consisting of John Roberts,
Jr., Dr. Luther Reily, Valentine Hummel and Hamilton
Alricks, was appointed for the purpose of ascertaining
locations suitable for the purposes of a cemetery, and
the prices at which the land could be obtained. This
committee viewed and reported favorable to two pieces
of ground, one on the hill of Mr. Allison, and the other
being parts of the lands of Henry Herr, John Seales and
John P. Shoop; whereupon, it was directed to make
drafts or plots of the grounds necessary for the contem
plated cemetery, including the dell on the line of Herr
and Seales property, showing the quantity of lands de
sired from each, and also a plot of the Allison property.
These plots were accordingly made and exhibited to
the association, which selected the plot of ground includ
ing the lands of Messrs. Herr, Seales and Shoop; and a
committee consisting of Dr. Reily, Judge Bucher and
Hamilton Alricks was appointed to contract, on the best
terms possible, with those gentlemen, for the ground con
tained in the aforesaid plot.
While this committee, however, were negotiating for
the purchase of the ground, a road was laid out through
a part of it by an order of the Court of Quarter Sessions,
which induced an alteration in the views of the Associa
tion, and the committee was directed to purchase the
ground for the cemetery of Henry Herr alone, which
was done accordingly on the 27th of February, 1844.
This ground was subsequently enlarged by another pur
chase from Mr. Herr, and the grant of about half an
acre from Mr. Sales.
The company were incorporated under the name, style
and title of the "Harrisburg Cemetery Association," by
an act of Assembly passed the 14th of February, 1845,
and organized by appointing Henry Walters, President,
and John Roberts, Secretary and Treasurer.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 267
The Association proceeded at once to improve the
grounds by laying it off into lots and avenues, and sur
rounding the whole with a substantial picket fence, with
the necessary gateways, and on the 30th day of Septem
ber, 1845, in the presence of a large concourse of peo
ple, the cemetery was duly dedicated to its purposes.
Rev. John F. Mesick made the opening prayer, and the
Rev. George M'Cartney the closing prayer. The dedi
cating address was delivered by Rev. William R. De
Witt. On the first day of October, 1845, Gen. James Steel
was buried in lot No. 35, section F, aged eighty-two
years — his being the first interment in the cemetery;
and on the 23rd of same month, an infant of William H.
Kepner was buried in lot No. 44, of same section, being
the second interment. Thus in these first two burials
the two extremes of life were embraced.
Since the period of these interments many additional
ones have been made, and the grounds tastefully orna
mented with a profusion of shrubbery and "monumental
marble." The residence of the Keeper's family is at the east end
of the Cemetery. Its style is Gothic, two stories high,
built of brick, painted and cost $2,200.
We append a list of the officers of the Association for
the year 1858.
A. K., Fahnestock, President and Treasurer; John
Roberts, Secretary and Superintendent; D. W. Gross,
Dr. John Fager, Hamilton Alricks and William Colder,
Jr., Managers; Wm. Putt, Keeper.

The State Lunatic Hospital. — The following de
scription of this extensive establishment is derived prin
cipally from the several reports made by the trustees and
superintendent to the Legislature :

268 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The establishment of an hospital for the relief of the
insane poor of the State claimed the attention of the phil
anthropic and benevolent at an early day. The first move
ment on the subject was made by the philanthropic citi
zens of Philadelphia, who held several public meetings,
and adopted a memorial, which was numerously signed
and presented to the Legislature at the sessions of 1838-
9. This memorial, with others from different counties,
was referred to a committee of five members of the House
of Representatives, of which Hon. Joseph Konigmacher
was chairman.
This committee presented a report embodying a large
amount of information relative to the condition of the
insane throughout the State; and a bill authorizing the
erection of a State Lunatic Asylum, was prepared and
passed both Houses, but did not receive the sanction of
the Governor.
Subsequently an act was passed March 4th, 1841, au
thorizing the Governor to appoint three commissioners,
upon whom was devolved the duty of selecting a site,
and superintending the erection of a suitable building.
The spot selected was on the river Schuylkill, about two
miles from Gray's Ferry, below Philadelphia, and prep
arations had been made for commencing the erection
when their operations were suspended.
But the subject was not permitted to rest, and was still
kept before the public attention until, in the year 1844,
Miss D. L- Dix, in the prosecution of the benevolent work
in which she had been so long, zealously, and untiringly
engaged, having visited and examined the alms-houses
and jails throughout the State, presented to the Legisla
ture a memorial, setting forth the condition of the in
sane throughout the State, and earnestly urging upon
them the necessity and the duty of providing some means
for their treatment and proper maintenance.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 269
Acting in accordance with the suggestions thus made,
the Legislature, in the spring of 1845, appointed Jacob
M. Haldeman, Luther Reily, Hugh Campbell, Charles
B. Trego, Joseph Konigmacher, commissioners, for the
erection of an hospital, to be located within two miles of
the borough of Harrisburg.
The commissioners thus appointed not feeling them
selves authorized to enter on the duties of their appoint
ment until further action of the Legislature, a supple
mentary act was passed in the spring of 1848, appointing
three additional commissioners, Aaron Bombaugh, John
A. Weir, and James Fox, and so modifying the original
act that they were willing to enter on the duties assigned
them. A farm of one hundred and thirty acres was purchased
about a mile and a half north of Harrisburg, and the
work was commenced in the summer of 1848, according
to a plan furnished by John Haviland, architect, of Phil
adelphia, to whom also the contract for the erection of
the building was given.
The corner-stone of the Hospital was laid by Gov.
Johnston on the 7th of April, 1849, and the building was
delivered by the architect and contractor to the commis
sioners on the 19th of June, 1851.
No suitable accommodations having been provided, in
the building thus erected, for the most violent and noisy
class of patients, it was deemed advisable to erect such
as early as practicable, and a contract was made with
Messrs. Holman & Simon, of Harrisburg, for the erec
tion of these additional buildings. The work on these
was commenced early in the summer, and completed at
an early day.
The Hospital building consists of a centre building and
wings extending in a linear direction on each side; each
wing is so arranged that the second projection recedes

270 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
twenty feet behind the first, and the third the same dis
tance behind the second, so that the second and third
projections of the wings on each side of the centre build
ing are open at both ends, which renders them light and
cheerful, and insure, at all times, a free natural ventila
tion. The centre building is of three stories above the base
ment or ground floor, has a large Tuscan portico with a
flight of twenty steps to the main entrance, and is sur
mounted by a large dome, from which a very extensive
view of the surrounding country is obtained.
Along the northern line of the landscape, in its whole
length, extend the Blue Mountains at a distance of five
miles, and almost directly north from the Hospital is the
opening through which the Susquehanna river forces its
way; and spanning the river at this point is the large
bridge of the Pennsylvania railroad company, forming
a very prominent and beautiful feature in the view, while
beyond it, and reposing as it were at the foot of the moun
tain, is the village of Dauphin.
The Susquehanna river is in full view, from the point
where it appears to break its way through the mountains,
until it is hidden by the hills below Harrisburg.
To the south-west is Harrisburg, the whole of which,
with the State Capitol, the cotton factory, the reservoir
of water works, and the bridges across the Susquehanna,
is distinctly seen.
The prospect is bounded on all sides by hills and moun
tains, and embraces parts of the counties of Dauphin,
Perry, Cumberland, York, Adams, Lancaster and Leb
anon. The Pennsylvania railroad and the Pennsylvania canal
pass along the front line of the Hospital, at the distance
of a quarter of a mile, and the passage of the cars on

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 271
the former, and of the boats on the latter, forms an
agreeable and diversifying feature.
In the basement of the centre building, which is raised
three steps above the ground, are, on one side of the
entrance hall, the apartments for the steward ; and on the
other, those for the matron; and in the rear, and sep
arated by a hall at right angles to the hall of entrance,
are the kitchens, one for each side of the house.
On the main floors are the parlors for visitors, one on
each side of the hall of entrance; and in the rear, and
separated from them by a cross hall, are the steward's
office, and the assistant physician's room, with the shop
or medical office between them.
In the second story are the apartments of the super
intendent, and in the third is the chapel, occupying the
front half of the building, and in the rear of it a number
of rooms designed for chambers.
In the attic are the tanks for the supply of water to the
Hospital, three in number, and each holding about three
thousand gallons of water. The water is thrown into
these tanks by steam power, and is distributed from
them to all parts of the Hospital.
The wings immediately adjoining the centre on either
side are of three stories, including the basement. In the
basement are the accommodations for those employed in
the kitchens and the other domestic arrangements of the
house, and also for those engaged in out-door duties.
The two other stories have wards for the patients, and
in each ward are, on one side of the hall, which is ten
feet wide, a dormitory for six or eight beds, six single
dormitories, an attendant's room immediately adjoining
the dormitory, and a parlor; on the other side are the
dining room, with a large closet attached, a clothing
room, a bath room and water closet, and four rooms of
larger size than the single rooms on the other side of the

272 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
hall. On each side of the hall are stairways, one at each
end of the ward, which are of iron, and lead to the
ground floor, so as to admit of free communication with
either ward without disturbance of the other. The food
is sent up to these wards directly from the kitchen by
means of a dumb-waiter; and a speaking tube, and a
bell communicating from the dining room to the kitchen
obviates the necessity of the attendants leaving the ward
for any purpose.
The second projections of each wing are of three stor
ies, with wards on each story.
On one side of the hall are ten single dormitories, and
a large parlor, and on the other side are the associated
dormitory, with an attendants' room immediately ad
joining, a bath room and water closet, a clothing room,
one large room, and the dining room.
At the point of junction of these two projections, the
first and second, and raised a story above them, is the in
firmary on each side, consisting of one large airy room,
calculated for ten or twelve beds, with an attendants'
room immediately adjoining, and five other rooms, ex
clusive of a bath-room and water-closet.
The third projection of each wing, intended for the
most violent and noisy of each sex, is of two stories.
These wards are arranged on the same general plan with
the other wards, except that at the extreme end of each
building, and in both stories are short halls, on either
side of the main hall, with two rooms in each, designed
for the most noisy of each sex. Each of these wards
has accommodations for fourteen patients and their at
tendants, and in each ward a bath-room and water-
closet. In all the windows in the wings, the upper sash is
of cast iron, glazed and stationery, and the lower sash

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 273
is wooden, and made to raise, with a wrought iron guard
opposite to it.
In the rear of the centre building, at the distance of
eighty feet, is the building for the bake-house, the wash-
house and ironing-room, &c. In the cellar, which is ex
cavated thirteen feet, are placed the boilers for generat
ing the steam for warming the hospital, a boiler for gen
erating steam for a steam engine, for heating the water
for bathing and for cooking, with sufficient room for the
storage of one hundred and fifty tons of coal.
On the ground floor, nearest the centre buildings, is
the bakehouse, with a large perpetual oven; and the
other part of same floor, and separated from the bake
house by a brick partition, is the wash-house. In the
wash-house is a small steam engine of eight horse power,
which is designed to drive a steam pump and also all
the machinery of the wash-house.
The washing apparatus consists of a large set of fulling
stocks, a large steaming tub, a large rinsing wheel, a
large wringing machine and frames on which to hang
the clothes to be dried. On the floor of the drying room
are laid a number of steam pipes, through which the ex
haust steam from the engine passes and imparts to the
room the necessary degree of heat. The clothes, after
being washed and dried, are raised by means of a dumb
waiter into the ironing-room in the second story. The
heavier articles are ironed by being passed between two
highly polished cast iron cylinders, heated by steam and
made to revolve by means of a belt connected with the
machinery below.
In the attic of this building are four iron tanks, hold
ing collectively twenty-two thousand gallons of water,
raised into them by the steam pump, which derives its
supply from a large eight inch cast iron pipe by means of
which the water is conducted from the creek to the reser-

274 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
voir of the large hydraulic ram supplying the tanks in
the main building.
The Hospital is heated throughout by steam generated
in two cylinder boilers,, each forty feet long and forty
inches in diameter. The steam generated in these is con
veyed by an eight inch cast iron pipe through an arch
way connecting the two buildings, into the hot air cham
bers, situated under the whole length of the Hospital
building. At the distance of one hundred and twenty
feet from the boilers, the main steam pipe branches, one
branch leading to the north, and the other to the south
wing of the building.
From these branches, at distances of sixteen and twen
ty-four feet, the steam is conveyed into a series of three-
quarter inch wrought iron pipe, called a radiator, and
after passing through all the length of the pipe compos
ing a radiator, varying from five hundred to seven hun
dred feet, according to the size of the radiator, it is con
veyed into a four inch cast iron pipe laid along the floor
of the hot air chamber, and by this pipe returned to the
boilers. By this arrangement the steam is diffused through
sixteen thousand feet of pipe, and the temperature of the
hot air chambers is maintained at varying elevations and
inversely to the temperature of the external atmosphere.
The temperature of the wards can thus be maintained
between 60 degrees to 70 degrees F. even in the coldest
weather, and during the prevalence of very high north
west winds, to which, from its elevated position, the Hos
pital is particularly exposed, and which sweep with great
force along the whole front of the building.
The heating apparatus and the laundry arrangements
were arranged with great care and attention by Messrs.
Birkinbine & Trotter, of Philadelphia, who have exe
cuted their work in a highly creditable manner.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 275
The Hospital is lighted with gas brought from the
works of the Harrisburg gas company.
The above description comprehended the arrangements
of the establishment in the first year of its existence.
Since that time, however, various additions and improve
ments, suggested by time and experience, have been
made. Buildings for museums and reading rooms were erect
ed in 1854. They are built of brick, cemented on the
outside, and are forty-two feet long by twenty-five feet
wide, and fifteen feet six inches to the square. A portico
runs nearly the whole length of the front, from which
a very pleasant view is obtained of the landscape in front.
The roof is of tin, and the centre is raised into an orna
mental structure, so as to afford the means of giving
abundant light to the interior. The buildings are heated
by a hot-air furnace placed in the cellar. Being designed
as ornaments to the grounds^ as well as for objects of
interest and amusement to the patients by the curiosities,
&c, to be placed in them, they have been made as hand
some and ornamental as compatible with their design and
the amount of funds at command. They are placed one
on either side of the front of the building, easily accessi
ble from the wards of the sex for which they are intend
ed. One of these buildings contain the State geological
cabinet. A prominent imperfection of the first arrangements
was the very inefficient supply of water for cooking,
baths, water closets and other domestic purposes, but es
pecially as a means of extinguishing fire, should such a
terrible calamity at any time befall the institution. The
first mode employed was a very large hydraulic ram, but
which, with its connections, was soon shown to be en
tirely inadequate, although it had answered a good pur
pose during the progress of the building. To remedy

276 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
this defect, a pump was placed near the creek^ and by
means of a very long piston rod, worked by the steam
ingine in the wash-house, was made to raise one thou
sand gallons per hour, and which, by being kept con
stantly in operation, furnished enough for the ordinary
purposes of the institution, but none for any extraordi
nary emergency, nor the slightest protection in case of
fire. Under these circumstances, plans were prepared for
permanent works of such a character that an abundant
supply might be relied on at all times. These works are
placed in the ravine to the south-east of the Hospital
buildings, and so situated as to receive the water from
two constant streams. The dam or basin is of a pyriform
shape, and capable of containing about four hundred
thousand gallons of water.
From the imperfect practical acquaintance with the
important subject of heating and ventilation possessed
by the architect, many serious errors were committed in
the original arrangements of the building, which has
since been properly remedied.
The police of the establishment is mild and parental.
The patients are well fed and clothed, and allowed ample
opportunities for healthful exercise.
Religious services are regularly maintained on the
Sabbath during the entire year. Evening prayers are
also regularly kept up during the year, to which all who
feel inclined are invited to come. Attendance on these
religious exercises is at all times voluntary, and many
patients attend regularly, and are gratified and benefited
by them.
The Hospital contains various implements for the
amusement of the patients, such as musical instruments,
violins and flutes, two polyoramas, a large dioptric magic
lantern with a number of slides, a small magic lantern
to be used in the wards, kaleidoscopes, backgammon

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 277
boards, and a number of other games, a large number of
books, engravings, and two large walnut book-cases, each
capable of containing two hundred and fifty volumes, and
two globes.
The garden of the establishment is extensive, and pro
vides the vegetables for the table, and a large surplus
which is sold annually. The grounds fronting the build'
ing have been beautifully laid out, and are in an ad
vanced state of embellishment.
The capacity of the present Hospital is for three hun
dred patients, one hundred and fifty of each sex ; and this
number is now regarded by the best authorities as quite
as large as should ever be collected in one building.
The number of patients admitted during the year 1857
was 143 — males, 76; females, 67.
The number discharged during the year was 126 —
males, 76; females, 50 — leaving in the Hospital, on De
cember 31, 1857, 250 patients; of whom 130 were males,
and 120 were females.
Of those discharged, the number of restored was 25 ;
improved, 32; stationary, 44; died, 25.
Adding these results to the tables of previous years,
we have the following table : Males. Females. Total.
Restored,  79 59 138
Improved,  92 62 154
Stationary,  137 86 223
Died,  85 48 133
393 255 648
The receipts of the Hospital for the year 1857 was
$66,073.65, and the expenditures $64,321.98, leaving a
balance of $1,751.67 in its treasury.
We subjoin a list of the officers of the Hospital in
1858:

278 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Board of Trustees — Thomas S. Kirkbride, M. D.,
Frederick Watts, A. G. Waterman, A. J. Jones, A. O.
Hiester, Hamilton Alricks, George Dock, M. D., George
W. Porter, M. D., John L. Atlee, M. D.
John Curwen, M. D., Superintendent and Physician;
William R. DeWitt, M. D., and S. S. Schultz, M. D.,
Assistant Physicians; Joel Hinckley, Steward; Mary
Ann Wilt, Matron; John A. Weir, Treasurer, Harris
burg.

South Ward Public School House. — This elegant
structure was erected in 1858, on the site previously oc
cupied by the old Bethel Church, in Mulberry street, be
tween Front and Second streets. It is two stories high,
sixty-four feet long and fifty-four feet wide, and contains
on each story a vestibule eight feet wide, two school
rooms, each twenty-five feet wide by fifty feet long, and
two recitation rooms, each ten by twelve feet, besides a
small room, also ten by twelve feet, in the middle of the
second story vestibule for the accommodation of the
school directors. There are also two closets in each of
the school rooms, designed as receptacles for the hats of
the pupils during school hours. The base of the walls
in every room are covered to the heighth of three feet
with pine wainscotting, to protect the plastering from
the mischievous hands and feet of the scholars. A capa
cious and well ventilated cellar occupies the entire base
of the building. From the eaves of the roof of the main
building to the pavement is thirty-seven feet, and from
the apex of the central pediment in front, about forty-
four feet. A handsome square cupalo of wood, twenty-
two feet high, surmounts the forward part of the struc
ture. The front stands back from the line of the street
a distance of about twenty feet, and the space thus made
vacant, is paved and enclosed with a neat and substantial

ANNALS OF harrisburg. 279
iron railing. There are three entrances to the building —
the principal one in front, and one at each of the sides,
at the front end. The former is attained by a flight of
granite steps. There are inserted in the bricks of the
front end two small marble slabs — one at the eastern
corner, on which are engraved the figures "1858," and
one above the arch of the centre door, containing the
names of the then Board of School Directors, and the
architect and builder. The architect of the building was
Mr. Luther Simon, and its builder Mr. Peter Bernheisel.
The brick work was laid by Messrs. Curzen & Cleckner,
all of whom deserve much credit for the manner in
which they performed their respective duties.

THE CHURCHES OF HARRISBURG.
German Reformed SalEm Church. — Previous to the
erection of any regular church building in the borough,
the citizens occasionally worshipped in a small one-story
log school house, which stood at the foot of Capitol Hill,
at the corner of Third and Walnut streets. The com
munity at that early day being made up of all denomina
tions, the original subscription paper for "the first
church," read for the "use of the subscribers," and long
after the erection of the house, clergymen of different
denominations officiated in it, by permission, as oppor
tunity occurred. The undertaking was, however, by
those who professed the doctrines of Ulric Zwingli and
Martin Luther; and the church was owned and occupied
statedly, only by the German Reformed and Evangelical
Lutheran congregations, and was erected on a lot given
by John Harris* to them for that purpose, situated at the

* After the death of Mr. Harris, his heirs released, for five
shillings, all their right and title to the lot, to the trustees of
the Reformed and Lutheran churches, as will appear from the
record in the Recorder's office.

280 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
corner of Chestnut and Third streets, extending two hun
dred and ten feet on the latter street to Cherry alley.
The "first church" stood until the year 1854, at the
corner of Third street and Cherry alley. It was built of
logs, subsequently weather-boarded, two stories high,
with a front of thirty-five feet five inches, and a depth
of thirty feet five inches. The original subscription for
the erection of this church, reads as follows :
"We, the subscribers, do each of us promise to pay,
or cause to be paid, unto John Norton, Christian Gunckel,
George Redig and Henry Bruner, or their order, on de
mand, the sum annexed to each of our names, respective
ly, to be held and appropriated by the said John Norton,
Christian Gunckel, George Redig and Henry Bruner, in
purchasing materials for, and in building a Church and
School House, in some convenient part of the town of
Harrisburg, for the use of the subscribers. In witness
whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, with the sums
annexed, this 12th day of March, Anno Domini 1787."
(Here follow the names of persons whose subscrip
tions ranged from £2 to 1 shilling.)
From the first church book in possession of the Ger
man Reformed Church, it appears that the first pastor
of the said church was Rev. A. Hautz, and that Rev. T.
D. Schaeffer, who then resided in or near Carlisle, preach
ed statedly for the Lutheran congregation of Harris
burg. The first date in the book alluded to is October
18, 1788, and is in the handwriting of Rev. T. D. Schaef
fer; and the entries on the second page are evidently in
the handwriting of Rev. A. Hautz. Both congregations
appear to have been united in their temporal affairs, and
all church regulations from the year 1787 to 1795. Rev.
A. Hautz was the first stationed pastor of the German
Reformed Church, and the first resident pastor settled
in Harrisburg. They chose by mutual agreement their

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 281
own church officers, as appears by the first record of an
election held September 12, 1790, which is as follows:
German Reformed. — George Hoyer, Henry Bruner,
Trustees; Jacob Zollinger, George Hatz, Elders; Jacob
Staely, Jacob Welschans, Deacons.
Lutheran.- — John Dentzel, George Rettig, Trustees;
Christian Kunckel, John Hacker, Elders; Michael Von
Keuen, John Ebert, Deacon.
The elections of 1792 and 1793, are also recorded. The
next congregational entry in the church book is in 1795,
and is as follows :
"Im Jahr 1795, wurden die zwey Gemeinden in Harris
burg, naemlich die Reformirt und Lutherisch von einan-
der Sebarirt, und waehlten auf Reformirter Seite zum
Kirchenrath. Trustees — George Hoyer, Henrich Brunner; Aeltesten
— Jacob Shultz, Simon Schneider; Vorsteher — Henry
Liphart, Johannes Pfeiffer."
The fact of the separation of the two churches in 1795
is further established by the Lutheran church book, which
commences in the year 1795 — the first entries in which,
are made by Rev. Henry Mueller, who had then settled
in Harrisburg, as the first stationed pastor of the Luther
an church.
The two congregations, however, still continued to
worship in the same building until 1814, when the Luth
erans purchased ground in Fourth street, between Mar
ket and Chestnut streets, and erected a handsome brick
church and school house adjoining.
In 1795 the "old church" was wainscotted, and sundry
repairs made; and in 1804 the vestries of the churches
did much to render the building comfortable; a pulpit
was erected and galleries put up on three sides; the
sides were plastered, and the exterior weather-boarded
19

282 ANNALS. OF HARRISBURG.
and painted white. These improvements were finished
in 1805.
On the 28th of March, 181 2, Rev. Philip Glonninger,
Geo. Hoyer, Frederick Kelker, Nicholas Ott and Fred
erick Boas, purchased a lot adjoining the old church
property from Joseph Allen, for $1,400, for the exclu
sive use of the German Reformed Church. On the 13th
of July, 1813, the Lutherans formally proposed a divis
ion of the church property, upon certain conditions, to
which, however, their Reformed brethren would not
agree. On June 17, 181 5, a second proposition was made by
the Lutherans, that the German Reformed church should
purchase an undivided half of the new Lutheran church,
in Fourth street. This occasioned considerable discus
sion, but the majority of the Reformed disapproved the
measure; and the result was, that on the first of April,
1816, the German Reformed congregation purchased for
$1,000, the whole interest of the Lutherans in the old
church lot, ' corner of Third and Chestnut streets, and
buildings thereon erected. On the 3d of July, 1818, the
German Reformed congregation became a body corpor
ate, under the title of "The German Reformed Salem
Church of Harrisburg." The following are the signers
to the articles of incorporation :
Vestry. — Christian Schaeffer, John Zinn, Trustees;
George Witherholt, John Kelker, Elders; John Horter,
John S. Weistling, George Kunkel, Jacob Hise, Deacons ;
M. Rahm, A. Dorsheimer, George Hoyer, Henry George,
Jacob Mish, Jacob Cunkle, Jacob Hoyer, Jacob Bucher,
George Snyder, Frederick Beisel, Joseph Doll, John
Fleming, Henry Fry, Henry Welshover, Jacob Balsley,
Frederick Kelker, David S. Forney, Jacob Steinman,
Jacob Greenawalt, Peter Bachman, Jacob Kunkle, Sam
uel C. Weistling, Jr., Samuel Swartz, Conrad Knepley,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 283
Michael Derstein, Nicholas Ott, John Horn, David Beisel,
Peter Snyder, Daniel Snyder, John A. Stehley, Mem
bers. On the 15th of January, 1821, a meeting of the mem
bers was held in the old church, at which Frederick Kel
ker presided, and John S. Weistling acted as secretary,
at which it was resolved to erect a new church of suitable
dimensions, to front on Chestnut street. The following
persons were appointed to collect subscriptions for the
purpose :
Jacob Bucher, John Kelker, John Zinn, John S. Weist
ling, Rev. John Winebrenner, John Horter, Frederick
Kelker, and Conrad Knepley. "Three weeks afterward,
viz: February 5, 1821, the committe reported six thou
sand and six dollars in cash and subscription, and the
vestry were requested to contract for the erection of a
new church.
On the 8th of March, 1821, the vestry, by their build
ing committee, Jacob Bucher, John Kelker and John
Zinn, contracted with Messrs. Samuel Pool and Henry
V. Wilson, for the erection of a brick church, sixty feet
front and seventy-five feet deep, to be surmounted with
a tower one hundred and ten feet to the top of the wood
work, all to be completed by July ist, 1822, for the sum
of $8,000.
To carry the plan into execution, the old log school
house and the brick house, both of which stood on the
church lots, were torn down.
The church building was immediately commenced, and
carried on with dispatch. The corner-stone was laid on
June 11, 1 82 1, with appropriate ceremonies. On the 21st
of June 1822, the bell, weighing six hundred and sixty-
seven pounds, which had been procured in London, at an
expense of three hundred and forty-six dollars and fifty-
six and a half cents, was taken to the church and placed

284 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
in the tower. The following inscriptions are upon it:
"T. Mears, of London, February, 1822." "May all whom
I may summon to the grave, the blessings of a well spent
life receive." The church was finished August 1, 1822,
and on the fourth day of the same month, dedicated to
Jehovah. The total cost of the church per settlement
made Feb. 15, 1823, was $8,537.54, exclusive of bell.
No repairs or additions were made to the church prop
erty of any importance until 1827, when the "old church"
in Third street was altered, by extending an upper floor
from the eastern to the western gallery, thus converting
the interior into two large rooms. The upper one was
used for a long time by the Sabbath-school, and the lower
as a day school. They were subsequently both occupied
by the common schools until 1854, when the building was
torn down, and four brick dwelling houses erected on its
site by the congregation.
In the summer of 1841, the old pulpit of the brick
church was removed, and its place supplied by one of
modern style; the walls, too, were painted, and sundry
other improvements made. In the same year the con
gregation also erected a spacious lecture room, one story
high, twenty-eight by fifty-four feet, with thirteen feet
ceiling. This building stands a little in the rear of the
church, and has since been extended to Cherry alley,
making a spacious room of twenty-eight by ninety-one
feet. In 1855 the interior of the church was handsomely
frescoed by George Seiling, the celebrated Fresco Painter
of Reading, and in January, 1856, the splendid organ
which now adorns it, purchased from Jardine & Son,
New York, was erected.
It is worthy of mention that the "Confirmation table,"
which in days of old, stood before the pulpit in the first
church, now constitutes the altar in the present Sabbath-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 285
school room, and is in good preservation; around this
table were confirmed many of the grandfathers and fa
thers of the present generation. It is made of black wal
nut, and has been in use more than seventy years. We
append, the following memoranda :
Rev. Daniel Gans, pastor. Residence, Chestnut street,
between Front and Second, south side. Preaching every
Sabbath morning at ioy2 o'clock, and at 7 o'clock in the
evening. Communion on the second Sabbath of each
January, April, July and October. Catechetical class for
adults every Monday evening, and for juveniles every
Tuesday evening, in the lecture room. Lecture every
Wednesday evening. Monthly Concert for Missions the
first Monday evening of every month, in the Lecture
Room. Choir meets in the church every Saturday even
ing for rehearsal. The two Sabath-schools meet at ij4,
p. m.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church. — This con
gregation worshipped in the same church, which, with
their German Reformed brethren, they had united in
erecting in 1787, from the period of its erection until
1814, when they purchased a lot on Fourth street, be
tween Market and Chestnut streets, and erected thereon
a handsome brick church, and adjoining the same, in
1822, a large two-story brick school house. In 1816
they sold their interest in the old church property on
Third street to the German Reformed church for one
thousand dollars. The first record in their oldest church
book is in 1795, by the Rev. Henry Mueller, who was
their first stationed pastor. To the articles of church
government, written out at length in the first part of
said book the first few pages of which are unfortunately
lost, the following signatures appear.. These persons

286 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
may, therefore, be considered as the founders of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, viz. :
Benjamin Kurtz, Henry Sailor, George Pfeiffer, Mat
thias Hutman, George Jauss, George Hartman, Frederick
Youse, Johannes Ebert, John Shoch, George Zeigler,
Martin Krieger, George Seidel, George Scheile, George
Emerich, Peter Walter, Casper Schmidt, Stephen Horn
ing, George Buks, Balthazer Sees, John Fager, Peter
Bricker, Christopher Suess, John Mytinger, Bernhard
Geiger, Peter Brua.
The church and school house erected in 1814, were de
stroyed by fire on Sabbath evening, October 20, 1838.
(See page 209.) It is worthy of note, that on the morn
ing following, before the smouldering ruins were extin
guished, the then pastor, Rev. Samuel Sprecher, together
with the vestry, and a number of the members of the
church, met on the spot, appointed committees and adopt
ed other measures for the speedy erection of the large
and beautiful church which the congregation now oc
cupy. Universal sympathy was felt, and liberal dona
tions were made by sister demoninations. In 1839 tne
building was finished, and dedicated to the worship of
God on the 10th day of November of that year.
The building is sixty-four feet front and eighty-four
feet deep, and has a large lecture and several Sabbath-
school rooms in the basement story. It is of brick, cov
ered with composition, and painted in imitation of mar
ble. The cupola contains two fine bells.
The pastors of the church from its foundation up to the
year 1843, preached both in the German and English
languages, with the exception of the first two, who min
istered in the German language alone. In consequence
of the increase of both the German and English branches
of the church, an amicable separation was effected in
1843, when the German portion organized a new church.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 287
Rev. Charles A. Hay, pastor. Residence in Walnut
street, between Third and Fourth. Preaching every Sab
bath at ioj4 o'clock in the morning, and 7 o'clock in the
evening. Lecture on Wednesday evening. Sabbath-
school at iy2, p. m.

The Presbyterian Church. — Previous to the year
1794, the Presbyterians in this neighborhood attended
at, and were to a great extent united with the Paxton
church, a short distance from the town. Paxton and
Derry churches were organized on the 15th day of No
vember, A. D. 1732. The first pastor of these two
churches was Rev. Mr. Bertram, a native of Ireland.
He was -succeeded, in 1737, by Rev. John Elder, also from
Ireland, who officiated until his death in 1792.
After Harrisburg was laid out in 1785, the population
increased, and the residents found considerable difficulty
in attending church at Paxton. They accordingly in
vited travelling preachers to officiate for them on sev
eral occasions. Rev. Mr. Elder regarded Harrisburg as
justly in his district, and did not favor this movement.
In 1786, the citizens of Harrisburg, and others united
in a petition to the Presbytery of Carlisle, then recently
formed, to be organized into a distinct body. The facts
of the case were laid before the Presbytery, both by Rev.
Mr. Elder and by a representation of the citizens. A
committee was appointed to investigate the matter, with
power to grant the prayer of the petitioners if it should
be thought advisable. The committee consisted of Dr.
Davidson and Mr. Waugh.
In June, 1787, the committee offered articles of agree
ment, one of which was that the Presbytery of Paxton
should have two places of worship — one at Harrisburg,
and one at Paxton. The articles were accepted with

288 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
permission to call a colleague to Mr. Elder, but notwith
standing their existence, Rev. Mr. Elder continued sole
pastor up to the time of his death.
In 1794, the church in Harrisburg was organized, and
Moses Gillmore, Adam Boyd and Samuel Weir ordained
as ruling elders thereof.
After Rev. Mr. Elder's death, Rev. N. R. Snowden
was installed as pastor over the congregation of Pax
ton, Derry and Harrisburg. In October, 1795, he ap
plied for a dissolution of his pastoral relations with the
Derry church. This was granted. In April, 1796, Rev.
Mr. Snowden officiated at Harrisburg alone, but he was
afterwards permitted to preach at Middletown.
In 1799, a room in the Court House was obtained for
worship, the congregation having- previously occupied an
apartment over the old jail.
On the 7th of June, 1804, the congregation purchased
a lot at the corner of Second st. and Cherry alley, for the
sum of £400, and contracted soon after for the erection
of a church with Mr. Glass. At what time the corner
stone of the first edifice was laid, the compiler could not
ascertain. It was opened for Divine worship on Sun
day and Monday, the 12th and 13th of February, 1809,
at which time Rev. James Buchanan was installed as
pastor, Rev. Mr. Snowden having retired from his pas
toral relation with the congregation on the 25th of June,
1805. The house was built of brick, forty-five by sixty
feet; and in 181 6 an addition was added to the front,
which was occupied by the Sabbath-school and used as a
lecture room.
Rev. James Buchanan continued pastor of the church
until September 10, 181 5, when he likewise retired. The
church then remained without a regular pastor for a
few years. On the second Sabbath of September, 1818,
Rev. William R. DeWitt, of the Presbytery of New York,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 289
delivered his first sermon to the congregation. He short
ly afterwards received a call from the congregation,
which he accepted; and he was regularly installed pastor
of the church on the 12th of November, 1819. He still
continues in this relation.
The congregation obtained a legal charter in 181 8. In
1838 the division took place in the general church. The
Presbytery of Harrisburg was formed in connection with
the New School General Assembly, and this church be
came a part of that Presbytery.
During the winter of 1 840-1, the trustees repurchased
of the heirs of Robert Sloan a part of the original church
lot, which" had been sold to that gentleman, and on which
he had erected a three story brick house. In the spring
of 1841 the old church was torn down, and a beautiful
new edifice erected, which was dedicated to Divine wor
ship on the 13th of February, 1842. It was constructed
of brick, covered with white cement. Its dimensions
were sixty-three by eighty-four feet, and adorned in front
with a portico, supported by pillars of the Corinthian
order — an exact copy of the front of the celebrated Chor-
agic monument of Lysicrates, at Athens. The basement
story was above ground, and contained a lecture room,
a Sabbath-school room, and a studio designed for the
pastor. The audience chamber, with the galleries, was
capable of seating about one thousand persons. The pul
pit was of fine polished Italian marble, and the whole
structure was regarded as one of the most handsome in
the borough.
In July, 1854, Rev. Thomas H. Robinson was called
to. act as a colleague of Rev. Dr. DeWitt, and on the 21st
of January, 1855, he was duly installed.
On the night of the 31st of March, 1858, a fire (the
work of an incendiary), broke out in a small stable in
the rear of the church, which spread with great rapidity

290 ANNALS 0E HARRISBURG.
to several adjoining frame buildings, during the con
flagration of which the heavy wood cornish of the church
caught fire, which quickly communicated to the roof, and
before the progress of the flames could be arrested the
entire building was destroyed.
After the destruction of the church building, a part
of the congregation withdrew, and formed another
church. The original congregation, under the pastoral charge
of Revs. DeWitt and Robinson, worship in Brant's City
Hall, Market street. Preaching every Sabbath at ioj4
o'clock in the morning, and 7 o'clock in the evening.
Lecture every Wednesday evening. Monthly concert of
prayer on the evening .of the first Monday of every
month; and prayer meeting every Monday evening, in
the Lutheran church. Sabbath-school at iy2 o'clock in
the afternoon, in the upper room of the Court House.
A splendid new building for the accommodation of the
congregation is now (1858) in progress of construction
at the south-east corner of Second street and Market
Square, under the direction of the architect, Mr. J. C.
Hoxie, of Philadelphia. From the plans and specifica
tions furnished by this gentlemans we find that the gen
eral style of the structure is a rich Romanesque, in size
one hundred and thirty-three feet by sixty-six, exclu
sive of projections. The front of the building will be on
Second street. It will have three entrances from that
street, with one at the side, leading to the lecture and
Sabbath-school rooms, which occupy a distinct part of
the building in the rear. There are two turrets on the
front part of the building, besides the steeple, which will
be located on the upper corner of the building, and will
be one hundred and ninety-three feet in height. A num
ber of minarets will adorn the sides, all of which will
combine to give the building a very rich appearance.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 291
There will be a clock with four faces on the steeple, nine
ty feet above the ground.
The audience room will be seventy-six by fifty-eight
feet in size, and contain one hundred and forty pews,
the pews to be a good distance apart. There will be
no gallery, except a small one for the choir, and the
ceiling of the church will be ornamented by paneling and
stucco work. The height of the walls, at the lower cor
ners of the roof, will be thirty-two feet, and to the cone
of the roof in front, fifty-six feet. The main Sabbath-
school room will be over the lecture room, before spoken
of, in the rear part of the building. The cappings of the
windows, (of which there will be a large number), tur
rets, &c, will be either of brown stone or iron. The en
tire cost of the building is expected to be from $20,000
to $25,000, and when completed it will undoubtedly be
one of the finest structures in the interior of the State.
The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the above
building took place on Tuesday afternoon, the 26th of
October, 1858, in the presence of a large collection of
people. We condense from the daily papers of the bor
ough a description of the ceremonies observed on that
occasion :
The hour appointed for the ceremony was two o'clock,
but before that time a large number of persons were in
attendance. For the accommodation of ladies, chairs
had been placed upon a platform constructed over the
cellar of the building. Upon this platform a stand had
been erected for the officiating clergymen, and a portion
of the space was reserved for members of the Sunday-
school, and young ladies from the Seminary of Mrs.
Dickson, and the Pennsylvania Female College. Every
available part of the neighboring pavements was crowded
with spectators, and many of the windows in the square
also had their occupants. A few minutes after two o'clock

292 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
the reverend gentlemen intending to participate mounted
the platform. The proceedings were opened by anthem
singing by the choir. Rev. Mr. Hutchins then delivered
a fervent and appropriate prayer, invoking the blessing
of Providence upon the enterprise, and asking that the
devotion of the members might never diminish.
A portion of the 15th Parish hymn was then sung,
commencing : "Glory to God on high,
Let Heaven and Earth reply —
Praise ye his name.
His love and grace adore,
Who all our sorrows bore,
Sing loud forevermore.
Worthy the Lamb."
Rev. Wm. R. De Witt next proceeded to read from a
manuscript a recital of the principal events, in chronolog
ical order, which had marked the existence of the church
from the beginning of the eighteenth century to the
present time; at the conclusion of which he proceeded
to the corner-stonefi, and after seeing that the same was
properly adjusted, he was handed a Mason's mallet, with
which he gave the stone a slight blow, and then declared
it laid.The stone was properly squared, and contained on one
side a cavity about twelve inches in length by five inches
in heighth and depth.
In this cavity the following articles were placed, en
closed in a leaden box : — A copy of the Bible ; Confession
of Faith ; Psalm and Hymn Book ; History of the Church ;
Covenant of the Church ; list of pastors, elders and mem
bers of the church, trustees and building committee, ar
chitect, contractor and builders; the various religious
periodicals; a copy of the Daily and Weekly Telegraph,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 293
Union and Vaterland Waechter; and also copies of the
Philadelphia and New York papers.
The concluding ceremonies were as follows: — Prayer
by Rev. Dr. DeWitt. Music by the children of the Sun
day School. Hymn 530, Parish hymns. Address by
Rev. E. E. Adams, of Philadelphia. Address by Rev. T.
H. Robinson. Collection. Music — Hymn 132, Parish
hymns. Doxology sung by the congregation. Benedic
tion. The newly organized church, at present under no partic
ular pastoral charge, worship in the State Senate Chamber.
Preaching every Sabbath, at 10 o'clock in the morning
and 6 in the evening. Prayer meeting every Thursday
evening at 7J/2 o'clock in the lecture room of the Bap
tist church, corner of Second and Pine streets: Monthly
concert of prayer for missions, on the first Monday even
ing of every month, in the same place. Sunday school
at 8y2 o'clock, A. M., in the lecture room of the German
Reformed church, Chestnut street.
In the summer of 1858, the congregation purchased a
lot one hundred and five by eighty-two, at the corner of
Pine and Third streets, upon which in the year 1859, will
be constructed a handsome church edifice of limestone,
in the style of Gothic which prevailed in the beginning of
the fourteenth century. The extreme length of the
building is one hundred and five feet, and its width in the
rear sixty-seven feet. That part devoted to the lecture
and Sabbath school rooms is in the rear, and projects
beyond the side of the main building. The tower of the
main building, projecting from its Third street side, im
parts to the whole pile, breadth and peculiarity, and is
admired for its grace and massiveness. It is surmount
ed with a spire, and the combined height of the two is
one hundred and sixty feet.
The front of the building on Pine street is of great

294 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
symmetry and variety ; and while it has the desirable look
of solidity, it is made pleasing and lively by a sufficiency
without redundancy of ornament.
The main audience room, and the lower floor of the lec
ture room, are about two feet above the level of the pave
ment. The principal entrances to the audience room are
through two large door-ways in the lower section of
the main tower on Third street, and a door-way opposite,
entered from Pine street. There are also two other en
trances, one through the small tower of the lecture room,
and another through the session room.
The lecture and school room are entered through a large
and commodious door on Third street. The construction
of that part of the building containing these, was com
menced in the fall of 1858, and will be completed in the
early part of 1859.
The windows are of light stained glass, which gives
a very pleasant and cheerful effect. The roof is con
structed of open timber, collar braced, and has a span
of fifty-three feet. The principal timbers are moulded,
and painted in colors harmonizing with the rich stained
glass of the windows. An opening immediately beneath
the roof along the entire length of the audience room fur
nishes proper ventilation.
The pews in the audience room are divided by four
aisles running parallel with Third street, and two run
ning parallel with Pine street, and will seat comfortably
six hundred persons.
The choir gallery projects beyond the side of the main
building, to the right of the pulpit. Under this gallery
are the session room and pastor's study.
All the wood work of the interior, excepting the roof,
is grained in imitation of oak, which adds much to the
general effect, and supports the air of solidity and dur-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 295
ability which characterizes the whole structure. The ar
chitect of the building was Luther M. Simon, of Harris
burg.

Methodist Episcopal Church.- — The records of this
church show that as early as 1802, Harrisburg was vis
ited in circuit, statedly, by Rev. Jacob Gruber. The first
society was formed in 1 810. In October, 181 8, the fol
lowing persons constituted the church, viz: John Funk,
William Mitchell, Jane Mitchell, John Bond, Rebecca
Bond, Harriet Henry, Amelia Henry, William Musgrave,
B. Barret, John Hosier, Alex. Buffington, John Rigg,
Jane Wood, E. Wood, Louisa Power, Jacob M. Awl, Au
rora Callender, Mary M'Michael, George Linketter, John
Burkett. At this period, Rev. Mr. M'Allister, on behalf of the
congregation, purchased the small two story brick dwell
ing house which stood until the fall of 1858 on the north
west side of Pine street, a few doors from Third street,
which, after being altered for the purpose was used by the
congregation, until it was sold by the Sheriff to satisfy
a mortgage which existed on it previous to its purchase
by that body.
After vacating this building, the congregation wor
shipped in the small one story log house, still standing
on the south-east side of Locust street, between Second
street and River alley, and subsequently in the school
house of Mr. M'Ginnis, a one story frame building,
which formerly stood in Raspberry alley, east of Chest
nut street, on the lot now owned by Mr. Jacob Miley.
In 1820 the congregation erected the brick building
at the eastern corner of South and Second streets, at an
expense of $1,500. Trustees at that time, John Bond,
James Gallagher and John Funk. This church was ded
icated in December, 1820. Preachers then on this cir-

296 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
cuit, Rev. J. Gruber and H. G. King. It continued to
be a circuit church until 1834, when Rev. Francis Hogd-
son became the first stationed pastor. The society then
consisted of one hundred and seventy-five members.
A few years after the erection of the church building,
some evil disposed persons entered it at night, and, with
an augur, bored holes in the sills of the pulpit, which
they filled with powder and ignited by slow matches, the
explosion of which shattered that structure into frag
ments. Although a reward of $100 was offered by the
Governor, and one of similar amount by the Town Coun
cil, the perpetrators of the deed were never discovered.
Universal sympathy was extended to the congregation
by the citizens of the borough, and liberal donations of
money made, which not only enabled the congregation
to construct a new pulpit, but to pay an onerous debt on
the church building itself, for which the trustees were
bondsmen. The old church being inconveniently small, the society,
in 1837, commenced the erection of its present large and
commodious building, in Locust street. Its size is sixty
feet six inches front by seventy-three feet deep, and cost
$9,459 24. It was dedicated in August, 1838, and re
modeled in 1852. Pastor, Rev. D. W. Bartine. Res
idence in Walnut street near Second. — Preaching every
Sabbath at 10 in the morning and 7J4 in the evening.
Lecture every Thursday evening. Communion first Sab
bath of every month, immediately after morning ser
vice. — Baptism, last Sabbath of every month, immediately
before preaching. Class-meetings in the basement of the
church on Sabbath afternoon at 3 o'clock, and on Mon
day, Tuesday and Friday evenings. Sabbath school at
iy2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the basement. Infant
school and Bible Class at the same hour.

annals of harrisburg. 297
Protestant Episcopal (St, Stephen's) Church. —
This congregation was established May 16, 1826, by the
following persons, who then constituted its members :
George B. Fisher, John B. Cox, William Mileham,
William Putnam, James Woodman, James S. Buchanan,
James Peacock, Samuel Bryan, Alexander C. Wilson,
John E. Forster and John De Pui.
In 1827 the congregation erected a neat and substantial
brick building, of the Gothic order, on Front street, a
short distance below Pine, in size forty feet front by
sixty feet deep, at a cost of $5,000. A lofty square brick
tower surmounts the front of the edifice, in which is one
of the finest bells in the borough. A superior toned or
gan is also attached to the church, whose melodious
strains give good effect to the beautiful services of the
congregation. The Rectory of the church is on Front
street, above Pine — Rev. Robert A. Castleman, Rector.
Regular Sabbath service, morning and evening. On first
Sunday of each month, communion in morning, children
cathechised in the afternoon, and service at evening. Lec
ture on Wednesday evening; Bible -Class on Monday
evening; Sabbath school, morning and afternoon. All
pews free for strangers.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church. — This edifice was
erected in the year 1826, by Rev. Michael Curren. It is
a very neat building, with a tower and large bell, situ
ated on State street, between Second and Third streets.
It was consecrated October 2, 1827, by Right Rev. Henry
Conwell, then Bishop of the diocese of Philadelphia. Its
original size was about fifty by seventy-five feet, and
cost from $6,000 to $7,000. It has since been enlarged
and otherwise improved. Rev. Michael Curren was its
first pastor, who was succeeded by Rev. John Foley, who
20

298 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
held charge of it only a few months. The latter was
succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. Pierce Maher.
Preaching every Sabbath at 10^2 o'clock A. M., and 3
P. M. Sabbath school at 9 A. M. Mass on Sunday at
8y2 A. M., during the week at 6y2 A. M.

Church of God. — A congregation, with the above
title, under the pastoral care of Rev. John Winebrenner,
in the year 1827, erected the brick edifice, which stood
until the summer of 1858, in Mulberry street, between
Front street and River alley, on the lot now occupied by
the South Ward public school building, and worshipped
therein until a few years ago, when it built and removed
to the new brick structure at the corner of Fourth street
and Strawberry alley, which it at present occupies. The
compiler has been unable to procure any further partic
ulars. Pastor, Rev. James Colder. Preaching every
Sabbath at 10 A. M., and yy2 P. M. Lecture every
Thursday evening. Ordinances administered on the first
Sabbath of January, April, July and October. Class-
meetings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings,
and Sabbath afternoon. Sabbath school at iy2 P. M.

First Baptist Church. — Rev. Dyer A. Nichols, un
der the direction of the Pennsylvania Baptist Board of
Missions, arrived in Harrisburg on the 19th of February,
1830. He sought out a few of the same faith. After
• sundry meetings in private houses, they agreed in coun
cil, on the 22nd of March, 1830, to hold a meeting in
the Unitarian church, which then stood where the Meth
odist church now stands, in Locust street, near Third,
for the purpose of constituting themselves into a church.
That meeting was held on the 2nd of April, 1830. Nine

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 299
persons attended, viz : Rev. Dyer A. Nichols, Griffith
E. Roberts, Mary Berry, Abigal Rittenhouse, Ann Wil
kinson, Thos. Corbitt, Julia Thompson, and Fanny Phil
lips. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev.
D. A. Nichols, and these individuals constituted them
selves the "First Baptist Mission Church, of Harris
burg." The first baptism took place on the 4th of July,
1830; persons baptised — Levi L. Tate and Linn Banks.
On the 9th of September following, the congregation
had increased to twenty-one. Rev. Dyer A. Nichols
continued in pastoral charge until September 30, 1830.
In the fall of 1830 the congregation commenced the
erection of a church on Front street, between Walnut and
Locust streets, which was completed in August, 1831.
It is a neat edifice of brick, forty by fifty feet, with a fine
school room in the basement. The original founders
were William Griffith, Rev. D. A. Nichols, Griffith E.
Roberts and Jeremiah Reese; cost of lot and erection of
buildings, $6,700; a large portion of which was con
tributed by a worthy member of the church. The build
ing was dedicated to worship August 18, 1831, and on
the 30th of September, of the same year, Rev. George J.
Miles, of Centre county, Pa., took pastoral charge of the
church, which he retained until February 24, 1835.
The congregation, several years ago, vacated the
church building on Front street, and commenced the erec
tion of a large and commodious brick edifice at the east
corner of Second and Pine streets. The building is now
(1858) under roof, but in other respects remains incom
plete, owing to pecuniary considerations. The lecture
room in the basement, however, has been fitted up for the
accommodation of the congregation, and divine services
are held therein regularly every Sabbath, under the pas
toral charge of Rev. Green Miles.

300 annals of harrisburg.
The German Lutheran St. Michael's Church. —
The difficulties in relation to divine service, in the Eng
lish and German languages, existing in the Evangelical
Lutheran Zion's church led, (as has been previously
stated,) to an amicable separation between the English
and German members in the fall of 1842. After a num
ber of preliminary meetings, the German portion who
seceded from the church, formally organized, and on the
8th of January, 1843, founded the present German Lu
theran St. Michael's church. At this meeting Rev. G.
Mertz was chosen pastor of the congregation; on the
22nd February following, a committee was appointed
to draft rules for their government, which were adopt
ed on the 6th of July, 1843.
As the congregation had no church building of their
own, they worshipped at times in the Court House, old
Methodist church, and in the German Reformed church
and lecture room.
The congregation soon took measures to secure a
building, and having purchased of the late Thomas Elder,
Esq., a lot in Second street, below Meadow lane, a build
ing committee, consisting of John G. Jauss, Christian
Maeyer, Jacob Bogerjacob Reever and John Gastrock,
was appointed, with authority also to collect funds. With
their accustomed liberality towards all good objects, the
citizens of Harrisburg assisted their German brethren,
and several mechanics generously contributed in work
and materials. Rev. G. Mertz's term having expired,
the congregation called Rev. J. Vogelbach, then residing
in Philadelphia, who was installed on the 21st of July,
1844. Soon after this, the building committee con
tracted with Messrs. Jones and Zimmerman for the erec
tion of the church. The corner-stone was laid on the
4th of May, 1844, and on the 15th of September follow
ing the house was dedicated to the worship of God.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 301
During the building of the church, extreme difficulties
were experienced, and often it was supposed that the
enterprise would have to be abandoned. At this junc
ture, with a praiseworthy self-denial, four of the mem
bers, viz: Messrs. John G. Jauss, Christian Maeyer, Ja
cob Boger and Frederick Gauch, advanced each one hun
dred and fifty dollars, making six hundred dollars in all,
to enable the church to succeed.
The church is a handsome brick building thirty-eight
by sixty feet, with basement story; has a front gallery,
organ and Gothic windows — cost with the lot, about
$4,000. In 1844 the congregation was incorporated, and by the
articles of incorporation, it is ordained that Divine ser
vice shall be performed in the German language only.
Pastor in 1858, Rev. W. S. Porr. Preaching every
Sabbath at 10 o'clock A. M., and 7 o'clock P. M.

United Brethren. — This society was established
about ten years ago; but we had no means of obtaining
particulars of its early history. It owns, and worships
in the old Baptist church building, on Front street, near
Locust, and is at present in a very flourishing condition.
The pastor of the congregation is Rev. I. Carpenter.
Residence in North street, near Third. Preaching every
Sabbath at 10 o'clock in the morning and 7 in the even
ing. Lecture every Thursday evening. Sabbath school
at 1% in the afternoon.

Evangelical Association. — A society with this title,
was established a few years ago, and at present its mem
bers are pretty numerous. The congregation worship in
the lower story of the Sons of Temperance Hall, corner

302 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
of Second and South streets, under the pastoral care of
Rev. G. Marquet. Preaching every Sabbath at 10 A.
M., and 7 P. M. Sabbath school, English and German,
at 1 o'clock P. M.

Ohaf SholEm Congregation of Jews, worship every
Saturday at the synagogue in the second story of Dun
can's building, Third street. The congregation is large
and respectable. L. Bernhard is Rabbi; A. Rapp, Pres
ident, and Joseph Newman, Treasurer of the congrega
tion. We could obtain no further particulars.

WeslEyan Union (colored) Church. — This con
gregation was organized under the pastoral care of Rev.
Jacob D. Richardson, on the 20th of August, 1829. The
organization took place in a log building, which was
standing until a few years ago, at the corner of Third
and Mulberry streets.
The congregation, at present, worship in a plain, but
neat church, at the corner of Tanner's alley and South
street, to which they removed November 24, 1839. Pres
ent pastor, Rev. James A. Jones; residence, Tanner's
alley. Preaching every Sabbath morning at 10 o'clock,
2,y2 P. M., and in the evening at 7y2 o'clock. Class-
meetings on Monday and Friday evenings, and on Sun
day at noon. Lecture or discussion on Wednesday even
ing of each week.

Bethel. — A congregation of colored people, with this
title, worship in a small building near Short street, above
Walnut. Preaching at- 10 o'clock in the morning, and
at 2,y2 in the afternoon, and 7 in the evening.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 303
The Presbyterian Church (colored). — About the
ioth of September, 1857, Mr. Joseph C. Bristill, at the
instance of M. M'Kinney, Esq., of Harrisburg, called the
attention of Rev. C. W. Gardner, of Philadelphia, to the
necessity of forming an additional Presbyterian church
in Harrisburg. Induced by this representation^ Rev.
Mr. Gardner visited Harrisburg on the 20th of Sep
tember and conferred with Rev'ds Dr. DeWitt and Rob
inson, and other prominent Presbyterians of the First
church upon the subject, who experienced a lively in
terest in the matter, and promised to extend liberal aid
to the enterprise, provided a suitable place for worship
could be procured. The great financial troubles which,
at this period, prevailed throughout the country, how
ever, caused a suspension of the project until the spring
of 1858, at which time several members of the pro
posed congregation rented the large and commodious
room on the second story of the brick building at the
south-west corner of Walnut street and River alley,
which was fitted up as a place of worship for the con
gregation, who convened to hold Divine services therein,
regularly, every Sabbath, under the direction of Rev'ds
DeWitt and Robinson. A Sunday school was also or
ganized and placed under the superintendence of Mor
decai M'Kinney, Esq.
The congregation, thus formed, invited Rev. C. W.
Gardner, who had returned to Philadelphia, to undertake
its pastoral charge. This gentleman accepted the in
vitation, and arrived in Harrisburg on the 9th of April,
1858. On Sunday, the nth of April, he preached his
first sermon.
-On the 14th of October, 1858, the congregation sent
a petition to the Harrisburg Presbytery, asking to be
regularly organized, which was granted ; and on the 27th

304 annals of harrisburg.
of the same month a committee of the Presbytery met at
the church, in Walnut street, to perform that duty.
Rev. William R. DeWitt presided. An appropriate
sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Wing, of Carlisle, and
an impressive prayer offered to the Throne of Grace
by Rev. James Colder, of Harrisburg.
At 7 o'clock P. M., the following named persons were
duly organized a church, viz: Jeremiah Kelley, Hannah
Kelley, Hiram Baker, Nancy Christy, Matilda Greenly,
Zillah Galloway, Sarah Hawkins, Curry Taylor, Elizabeth
Taylor, Wm. White, Sarah Kelley, and Hannah Hum
phreys, all of whom were received on profession, ex
cept Nancy Christy, who presented a certificate from the
Presbyterian church of Mercersburg, Pa.
Jeremiah Kelley and Hiram Baker were respectively
ordained as ruling elders.
After the ceremonies, addresses were delivered by
Rev'ds DeWitt, Wing and Davis.
The church made immediate application to the Pres
bytery to be supplied with ministerial services for the en
suing six months; whereupon Rev. C. W. Gardner was
unanimously chosen as pastor.
The congregation worship every Sabbath at ioj^ A.
M., and 7 P. M. Sabbath school at 2,y2 P. M.
Educational establishments.
General intelligence is a prominent characteristic of
the citizens of the borough, and the consequence is that
their educational institutions are all in a fllourishing
condition, and numerous.
The Common Schools. — The following tabular state
ment of the common schools in Harrisburg, is derived
from the annual report of S. D. Ingram, Esq., the County
Superintendent for 1858:

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 305
N. Ward. S. Ward.
Whole number of schools,  14 10
Average number of months taught,  10 10
Number of male teachers,  7 3
Number of female teachers,  7 7
Average salaries of males per month,  $40 00 $38 88
Average salaries of females j>er month, ... 27 33 23 93
Number of male scholars,  576 400
Number of female scholars,  407 505
Average number of scholars attending
school,  771 610
Cost of teaching each scholar per month,  49 cts.
Mills on the dollar levied for school purposes, 6}£ 5
Mills on the dollar levied for building pur
poses,  5
Amount of tax for school purposes,  $10,376 09
building "  $5,539 02
Total amount levied,  10,376 09 5,539 02
Received from State appropriation,  532 00 350 74
Received from collector of taxes,  9,198 06 5,279 46
Cost of instruction, i. e. teachers wages, . . . 5,656 00 3,002 20
Fuel and contingencies,  679 04 1,842 20
Cost of school houses, purchasing, building,
renting, &c,  2,951 52 9,700 00
From the report of the same officer made in 1857, we
derive the following statement of the school houses in
the borough:
North Ward. — In State street, one brick school house,
two stories, two rooms, with high ceilings, can seat sixty
pupils in each, means of ventilation good, heated by fur
nace, hydrants in rooms, best style of furniture, a large
portion of the walls painted black, beside a large black
board in each. Two large brick buildings in Walnut
street, two stories high, four rooms in each, plenty of
black surface in each room; out-line and other maps,
globes and philosophical apparatus belong to the schools ;
schools well graded; primary schools crowded. A good
one story brick building for colored school.

306 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
South Ward. — Three brick buildings, each two stories
high, and two schools in each ; schools graded, and pri
mary schools crowded; maps and other apparatus belong
to the schools; have introduced Murrey's and Stoeck's
school register into each school of the ward.
Since the above was written, the new school house
in Mulberry street, previously noticed, has been com
pleted, and an addition built to the brick school house
in State street, giving it nearly twice its former capacity.

Harrisburg Female Seminary. — This flourishing in
stitution had its origin in 1849, in a select class of young
ladies, under the instruction of Mrs. Anna Le Conte, who
continued its principal until July, 1858. The advantages
of her instruction soon led to an increase of pupils, re
quiring assistant teachers, and to an act of incorporation,
by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, in 1853, under a
board of trustees, consisting of the following persons,
viz: James W. Weir, President; John C. Kunkel, Secre
tary; J. Adams Fisher, Daniel D. Boas, James R. Jones,
William M. Kerr, and George H. Small. Since that time
it has been enlarging in numbers and usefulness until
it now ranks among the best institutions of the kind in
our State; one which not only our own citizens appre
ciate and patronize, but which enjoys the confidence and
patronage of many through the Commonwealth and of
other States.
There have been connected with the institution, dur
ing the winter term of 1858, about one hundred board
ing and day scholars.
The following named persons constituted its corps of
instructors in 1858:
Mrs. Sarah E. Dixon, principal; Miss Marion A. Slo-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 307
cum, teacher of Latin, Mathematics and the higher Eng
lish branches; Miss Delia A Slocum, teacher of Eng
lish branches and Drawing; Miss Charlotte L. Metcalf,
teacher of Music; Miss Louisa Whipple, teacher of
Music; Mad'selle Benner, teacher of the French lan
guage ; M. Adolpho Tuipser, teacher of the German lan
guage. The Seminary is on Locust street (now Harrisburg
Telegraph building), near the Capitol grounds, which is
the most quiet and retired portion of the town. Its dry
and elevated situation has rendered it remarkably healthy.
No serious illness has ever occurred in the family.
The building is admirably calculated for a boarding
school, being very large, lighted with gas, well warmed,
with conveniences for bathing, etc., while the school room
is of ample capacity to seat over two hundred pupils,
well ventilated and supplied with Boston desks and all
necessary apparatus.
The religious, moral and intellectual influence of the
Seminary has been very marked. The schedule of studies
is ample; meeting the demands of the age for enlarged
female education.
The catalogues of the institution contain strong testi
monials from gentlemen of the highest character for in
telligence and worth, who have been patrons of the Sem
inary, or who have been on committees of examination.
The success of this institution is a matter of congratu
lation to our citizens, and is eminently creditable to its
accomplished founder, Mrs. Le Conte.

Pennsylvania Female College.— This institution
of learning was incorporated by the Legislature of the
Commonwealth at its session of 1853, and is endowed
with the privileges and immunities of institutions of like
character throughout the United States.

308 ANNALS OE HARRISBURG.
It is governed by a board of twenty-four trustees, of
which the Governor of the Commonwealth is (ex-ofhcio)
President. The course of instruction is intended to develop the
intellectual, social and moral faculties; and by impart
ing a thorough, practical, accomplished and Christian
education, fit the pupil for the faithful discharge of the
responsible duties that await her in life.
Great pains are taken to promote intellectual advance
ment, by rendering the acquisition of knowledge pleasant,
and by training the pupil for correct habits of thought
and reflection.
The proper exercises of the social feelings are encour
aged by inculcating whatever belongs to refined manners,
and dignified courtesy in our intercourse with others ;
while reading and recitations from the Bible, familiar
ize the mind with the truth of our holy religion, and
imbue the heart with the right principles of action and
rules for the government of life.
The collegiate department embraces a course of study
extending through a period of three years — styled the
Sophomore, Junior and Senior classes.
In accordance with the plan recommended and adopted
by a Convention of the Presidents of Female Colleges,
recently held in Cincinnati, Ohio, those young ladies pur
suing a full collegiate course, receive a diploma and de
gree, in correspondence with the nature of their studies.
A general examination of the classes is held at the
close of the summer term ; and at the commencement
held at that time, such young ladies as have, by their
previous diligence and application, merited the honor,
is admitted to the degree authorized by the board of
trustees. Beautiful silver medals are awarded, as spe
cial honors, to those members of the graduating class

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. '309
who have exhibited great proficiency and application in
their studies.
The College building is that known as the "Harris
Mansion," on the corner of Front street and Washington
avenue. These premises have been thoroughly refitted,
the rooms have been altered so as to afford great con
venience, and by the introduction of gas, water, and hot
air from furnaces, are rendered very comfortable.
The College and grounds occupy an entire square on
the banks of the beautiful Susquehanna, and are en
tirely disconnected with adjoining property. The whole
is enclosed with substantial fence and railing, and the
garden and walks are beautifully and tastefully arranged.
The graduates of the College for the scholastic year
1857-8 numbered thirty, and the students fifty-four —
giving a total of eighty-four.
The Principal of the Faculty is Rev. Beverly R.
Waugh, A. M.

The Harrisburg Academy. — An educational estab
lishment with this title existed in the borough previous
to the year 1813.
In the "Pennsylvania Republican" of October 10, of
that year, we find the following notice of the Academy:
Harrisburg Academy. — Rev. Mr. Buchanan, Rev. Mr.
Gloninger, Rev. Mr. Schaeffer, A. Porter, Esq., W.
Graydon, Esq., G. Fisher, Esq., R. Harris., Esq., G.
Byan, Esq., Samuel Agnew, Trustees. Sylvanus Guern
sey, Principal.
A quarterly examination of the students of this in
stitution was held at the Court House, on Friday the
ist inst., before the trustees and some of the parents
of the scholars, with other citizens of the town; and on
the following evening, before a numerous and respec-

310 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
table assemblage of citizens, the pupils exhibited spec
imens of their improvement in oratory.
Harrisburg, October 4, 181 3.
At a meeting of the Trustees of the Academy:
. The board having witnessed with much satisfaction,
on the day of examination, the facility and general
correctness of the scholars in answering the various
questions on the improvement made in their respective
studies, and on the evening of the following day, their
specimens of oratory, deem it a duty to express their
approbation of the system and conduct of Mr. Guern
sey ; therefore,
Resolved, That the secretary cause the foregoing to
be published in the newspapers of the borough.
By order and on behalf of the board of trustees.
ANDW. PORTER, Pres't.
Samuel Agnew, Sec'y.
In 1814, as we have shown on page 149, the trustees
of the Academy received from the State a grant of a part
of the public grounds, for the purpose of erecting thereon
a suitable school building. At this period it appears to
have been a joint stock concern, but we do not know
how long it retained this character.
The present Academy is under the control of Mr. A.
A. Kemble, and a board of trustees, and enjoys a good
reputation for the thorough and systematic course of
instructions the pupils receive therein.
The Academy building is a plain rough-cast edifice,
two stories high, beautifully situated on Front street, a
short distance above South, adjacent to the residence of
the principal.

Select Schools. — A select school for young men was
established a few years ago by Mr. Jacob S. Seiler, at

annals of harrisburg. 311
his residence, . corner of Chestnut street and Raspberry
alley. It is well attended apparently with successful
results. R. M'Elwee, and sisters, Mrs. Pool, Miss Kelker, and
Miss Valentine, also, are in charge of select schools for
infants of both sexes, in which the elementary branches
of study are pursued, with such modification of disci
pline suited to the tender age of the scholars as secures
a good foundation for further intellectual pursuits.
RELIGIOUS instruction.
Harrisburg Bible Society. — The Harrisburg Bible
Society is now in the forty-fourth year of its existence;
having been founded on the 3d of February, 1814. The
original members of the society were as follows : William
Graydon, President; Rev. F. C. Schaeffer, Secretary;
William Findlay, Simon Snyder, Richard G. Leech and
Joseph M'Gimsey, Treasurers. Soon after its forma
tion the following named gentlemen engaged in the good
cause: Dr. Roberts, Dr. Agnew, N. B. Boileau, Rev.
George Lochman, Robert Sloan, John Wyeth, John My-
tinger, Peter Keller, James Trimble, Henry Antes,
George Bryan, James Peacock, Rev. W. R. DeWitt,
George Whitehill, John Whitehill, William Allison, James
Wright, Andrew Graydon, William Murray, Perry C.
Nabb, John C. Capp, M. Ranhausen, F. Heisley, James
Wright, George K. Nutz, John Stoner, Dr. Martin Luther
and Mrs. Hanna.
From this list of names it will be perceieved how cor
dially the prominent citizens of the place entered into this
movement, and the records of the society prove that, for
more than forty years, this truly humane and benevolent
cause has never lost its hold upon the sympathies of our
population. This association was for many years the
only one existing in Dauphin county, but it repeatedly

312 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
undertook and accomplished the exploration of the whole
of our territory, and the supplying of all the destitute
with copies of the Holy Scriptures, at the same time
sending liberal donations annually to the parent society.
In the year 1851 it sent out into the various towns and
villages of the county, committees of its board of man
agers to organize similar associations wherever it was
practicable. Twelve such were established, and these
were subsequently combined, along with the original
Harrisburg Bible Society, into the existing Dauphin
County Bible Society, of which the officers in 1858 were
Hon. A. O. Hiester, President; Rev. C. A. Hay, Secre
tary; A. K. Fahnestock, Treasurer. The present number
of members is one hundred and fifty.
The above particulars were kindly furnished at the
compiler's request, by A. K. Fahnestock, and were pub
lished in the Daily Patriot and Union, from which they
are copied.

Harrisburg Sunday School Teachers' Union. —
This organization had its origin in the expostulating wish
of a warm-hearted Sunday School teacher, at the close
of a monthly concert of prayer for Sunday schools, in
the year 1839 — "Why cannot we" have an association of
Sunday School teachers?" — The expression had a strong
effect on the mind of the person to whom it was ad-
dressd, and immediately led to a consultation among the
superintendents of the several schools of the borough,
who agreed to call a general meeting of teachers and
recommend the organization of such an institution. This
meeting was held in the county court house* in the

* The first Sunday school ever organized in the borough was
held in this building — hence it has been very appropriately called
the "Cradle of Harrisburg Sunday schools."

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ' 313
month of June, 1839, and was attended by about one
hundred teachers and others interested in religious in
struction. The teachers of all the Sabbath schools in
the borough were present, and five out of six of the
schools agreed to make the experiment — the teachers of
the sixth school declined participating in the movement
on the ground that the hour selected for attendance
would interfere with their church services.
The association was organized by electing Charles V.
Kelley, President, and Rudolph F. Kelker, Secretary.
The objects specially arrived at in forming the asso
ciation were — prayer, discipline, exhortation, local in
telligence, the inculcation of fraternal feeling and Sun
day school fellowship, the establishment and support of
Sunday schools in destitute localities, and a depository
of religious books, &c.
Said the annual report of the association, in 1841, "no
better evidence of our fraternal feeling can be referred
to than the full attendance of our meetings, which have
averaged twice or thrice as many as that of the monthly
concert in Philadelphia — the great Sunday School met
ropolitan, with her train bands of fifteen hundred or
two thousand teachers."
The association continued in a prosperous condition
until about the year 1844, when an enthusiastic religious
revival prevailed in all the churches, which absorbed the
interest of the teachers, and caused a suspension of its
meetings until June, 1854, when it was again revived
by the election of Rudolph F. Kelker, President, and
Augustus Burnett, Secretary.
The organization, at present, is in a flourishing con
dition, and meets monthly, in the several churches of
the borough, alternately. The depository is in Chestnut
street, west of Second street, and is under the superin-
21

314 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
tendence of E. S. German. — The officers of the Society
in 1858 were James M'Cormick, Jr., President; Emanuel
S. German, Secretary.

The Union Communion. — The Christian feeling and
brotherly kindness that uniformly prevailed in the meet
ings of the "Sunday School Teachers' Union," suggested
the propriety of a joint public celebration of the Lord's
Supper, by the superintendents and teachers of the schools
represented in the "Union," together with such of the
pupils of their schools as were members of the church.
To avoid interfering with the communion seasons of
any of the churches, the last Sabbath in April was des
ignated for the purpose. The matter was mentioned first
to the superintendents and pastors. It met with a gen
eral approval, and that none might partake but church
members in good standing, each superintendent was to
be furnished with his quota of printed programmes,
containing the order of exercises, hymns to be sung, &c.
Accordingly, at the close of the several schools on the
last Sabbath of April, 1855, those teachers and older
scholars who were church members in good standing,
were invited to remain; and to each was given a pro
gramme, which served as a token of his or her right to
commune. The superintendents and teachers, with the
scholars who were church members, went in procession
to the Presbyterian church, where seats were reserved
for the respective schools. The superintendents and
teachers, with scholars of seven different schools, or de
nominations, participated, viz: the Methodist, Lutheran,
(English and German,) Presyterian, German Reformed,
Bethel, and United Brethren. Ten clergymen officiated
on the occasion. As near as could be ascertained, three
hundred joined in communion. The side pews and gal
leries were crowded with spectators.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 315
\
A correspondent of the "Philadelphia Sunday School
Journal," of November, 1855, who participated in this
communion, wrote as follows:
"Our meeting was one of deep and solemn interest.
Our pastors themselves were deeply moved. No one
present will ever forget the occasion. When the last
hymn was sung, the pastors and communicants rose.
It was a sublime spectacle to witness ten ministers stand
ing in front and three hundred laborers in the Sabbath
schools, each with their token in their hands, and to all
human appearance, singing from their inmost soul the
appropriate words of the hymn, commencing:
'Witness ye men and angels now,
Before the Lord we speak;
To Him we make our solemn vow,
A vow we dare not break:
That long as life itself shall last,
Ourselves to Christ we yield;
Nor from his cause will we depart,
Or ever quit the field.'
Many were moved to tears, and every heart seemed to
heave with deep emotion."
The communion continues to be held regularly on the
last Sabbath of April, in every year, in the churches of
the borough, alternately.

The "Young Men's Christian Association" was
instituted December 12, 1854. Its objects are, according
to article fifth of its constitution, to seek out young men
taking up their residence in Harrisburg, and the vicinity,
and endeavor to bring them under moral and religious
influence, by aiding them in the selection of suitable
boarding houses and employment; by introducing them
to the members and privileges of this association; by

316 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
securing their attendance at some place of worship on
the Sabbath ; and by every means in their power, to sur
round them with christian influences.
The rooms of the association are on the second story
of Kelker's building, corner of Market street and River
alley. They are handsomely fitted up, and contain two
book cases with several hundred volumes of a religious
and miscellaneous character. Members can have access
to them day and night.
The regular meetings of the association are held on
the second Tuesday evening of each month, for the
proposal and election of new members ; for the promotion
of social and religious intercourse; and for the reception
and consideration of such information as may advance
the welfare of the association.
Officers in 1858:
H. Murray Graydon, President; Rev, Charles A. Hay,
|Lutheran,) J. F. Seiler, (Presbyterian,) Rev. R. A.
Castleman, (Episcopalian,) J. Wesley Awl, (Methodist,)
Rev. William Mooney, (Church of God,) R. F. Kelker,
(German Reformed,) Vice Presidents; Chas. Conner,
Recording Secretary; J. W. Simonton, Corresponding
Secretary; Jeremiah Uhler, Treasurer; Robert M'Elwee,
Librarian; A. W. Young, (Methodist,) H. C. Fahn
estock, (Presbyterian,) E. S. German, (Lutheran,)
Charles Connor, (Episcopalian,) H. A. Kelker, (German
Reformed,) George Cunkle, (Baptist,) Managers.

Young Men's Home Mission. — At a prayer meeting
held by the young men attached to the Methodist Epis
copal church in 1857, Mr. B. J. Harris proposed and ad
vocated the organization of a Home Missionary society.
The proposition receiving the favorable support of those
present, a committee, consisting of Messrs. B. J. Harris,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 317
Reid, Nichols and Carman, was appointed to wait upon
the members of the church, and others, to procure sub
scriptions for the support of the enterprise. The terms
of membership were one dollar. The committee in a
short time procured nearly one hundred dollars in sub
scriptions. On the evening of Wednesday, September 16, 1857, a
public meeting of those favorable to the project was held
in the lecture room of the Methodist church, when the
society was organized under the title of the "Young
Men's Home Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
for the borough and suberbs of Harrisburg," and the fol
lowing officers elected :
Rev. D. W. Bartin, President; James Porter, Vice
President; John W. Reid, Corresponding Secretary;
S. H. Ettla, Recording Secretary; Augustus Sayford,
Treasurer. At a subsequent meeting a constitution and by-laws
were adopted, and a committee appointed to select a suit
able place for commencing the operations of the society.
This committee suggested the lower end of the borough.
Accordingly a room was procured in that section, and
on Sunday morning the 4th of October, 1857, a Sabbath
school was opened with the attendance of two male and
two female scholars, under the direction of Mr. B. J.
Harris. The school increased rapidly, and a more com
modious room was procured in Second street, between
Washington avenue and Vine street, which it now oc
cupies. The regular services held in the mission room are,
preaching every Sabbath evening; Sabbath school morn
ing and afternoon; prayer meetings on Tuesday even
ings; and class meetings on Friday evenings. Rev. J.
C. Young officiates as pastor to those who worship here.
A sewing society has been formed by the female mem-

318 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
bers of the mission, by which means the poor and needy
are clothed and properly cared for.
The mission has distributed about six hundred pages
of tracts. The average number of scholars attending
the school is about one hundred, who are supplied with
twenty-three teachers.
The success which attended the opening of this school
induced the mission, in the summer of 1858, to open
another school in the northern part of the borough,
under the superintendence of Mr. Elijah Wise. This
school per last report numbers sixty scholars and fifteen
teachers. Prayer meetings are held in the school room
every Saturday evening.
The limited accommodations afforded by leasing rooms
in private residences, induced the mission last summer
to commence the construction of two capacious frame
buildings, to be specially devoted to the purposes of the
mission. One of these buildings is erected on a lot at
the corner of Vine street and River alley, purchased by
the church for $1,200, and the other on a lot in West
Harrisburg, fronting the river, donated by Mr. William
K. Verbeke. The estimated cost of the two buildings
is $1,800. They will be occupied in January, 1859.

The Episcopal Sunday School Mission was organ
ized in November, 1857. In the summer of 1858 the mis
sion constructed a beautiful frame building, on a lot at
the north side of the reservoir, which, together, cost
about $1,000. The school is well attended. In October,
1858, the school was under the superintendency of R. A.
Lamberton, Esq.

Lutheran Sunday School Mission. — An organiza
tion with the above title, whose objects are similar to the
former mission, erected a beautiful frame building at the

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 319
corner of State and High streets, at a cost of about six
hundred dollars, which was duly dedicated to Divine wor
ship and Sabbath school purposes in the spring of 1858.
The average number of scholars who attend the school is
about one hundred. The following were-the officers of the
mission in October, 1858: Superintendent, Mr. Eby By-
ers ; Assistant Superintendent, Samuel Holman, Jr. ;
Treasurer, Wm. Duncan; Librarian, Wm. A. Parkhill;
Assistant Librarian, D. L. Duncan.
CLUBS AND LIBRARIES.
Aerial Club. — Instituted in July, 1856. Occupy a
room in Odd Fellows' Hall, Second srteet, above Pine
street. Owns a library of about three hundred volumes.
Officers in 1858 — President, William Seiler; Secretary
and Treasurer — John G. Wiestling.

Flash Boat Club. — Instituted in August, 1856. Owns
a swift and handsome row-boat for six oars, purchased
in Philadelphia. The boat-house of the club is situated
on the river shore at the south end of the abutment of
the Harrisburg bridge. Officers in 1858 — President and
Coxswain, William Seiler; Secretary and Treasurer, T.
Rockhill Smith.

Washington Library. — This association was organ
ized on the twenty-second of February, 1857, and occupy
a large and handsomely furnished room in the third
story of Stehley's building, in North Third street. Being
young men of ability and enterprise, they have already,
by their own exertions, secured a fine library of over five
hundred volumes, which is rapidly increasing. The as
sociation is in a very flourishing condition. — Officers in
1858— S. H. Colestock, President; J. S. Boyer, Secre
tary; Wm. S. Buch, Treasurer.

320 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
German Literary Society. — Instituted July 12, 1858.
— Occupy a room at the residence of Mr. Opperman, in
Paxton street. Regular meetings of the Society are held
once every month. Works of the best authors are placed
in the library formed for the use of the members.. Offi
cers in October, 1858 — President, Charles Meyer; Secre
tary, Charles Rosanowski ; Treasurer, Adam Erb ; Li
brarians, Messrs. J. Kehr and J. Reichert.
MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS.
The "Eintracht." — Instituted July 4, 1854. Has up
wards of forty-five members. Object, to promote the
culture of music. Meets on Wednesday and Saturday
evenings, in the second story of Koenig's new building in
Chestnut street, between Second and Third streets. Of
ficers in October, 1858: — H Meyer, President; Adam
Knebler, Vice President; F. Gebert, Secretary; B. Feh-
leisen, Librarian; J. Weiss, Treasurer; F. W. Haas,
Leader.

The Harmonic Society of Harrisburg. — Instituted
in 1858. Meets once every week in Haldeman's building,
corner of Walnut street and River alley. The society
has given several concerts in public, which gave general
satisfaction. The Daily Telegraph of October 29, 1858,
in alluding to this society says: — "The 'Harmonic' so
ciety do not propose to appear in public hereaftet. They
will, however, offer to subscribing members frequent
opportunities of listening to and enjoying the perform
ances of the society — probably opening their room for
that purpose at least once in four weeks, or oftener if
found desirable or necessary. These meetings, divested
of the formality and stiffness usually attending public
concerts, will consequently be far more pleasant and en
joyable for all parties — will, in fact, partake of the char-

ANNALS 0E HARRISBURG. 321
acter of musical soirees. The following extract from the
by-laws of the society will suffice to make known the
terms of admission to these pleasant musical re-unions,
viz: 'Any person may become a subscribing member of
this society upon payment of three dollars annually into
its treasury.' Opportunity will be afforded the public
of becoming 'subscribing members,' on application made
to any of the active members. For the information of
persons desiring to become active members, we will state
that the terms are two dollars per annum for gentlemen.
Ladies free."
Officers of the society in October, 1858: — David
Haynes, President; W. A. Tarbutton, Vice President;
H. C. Fahnestock, Secretary; D. A. Kepner, Treasurer;
S. Ward, Conductor; J. D. Greenawalt, Albert Hummel,
F. Asbury Awl, Executive Committee; W. Knoche, Pi
anist.

The LiEdERKrantz. — Instituted June 26, 1858. Has
between thirty and forty members. Meets every Mon
day and Thursday evening, in Robec's building, Third
street. Officers in October, 1858: — Henry Slep, President;
J. Miller, Vice President; Charles Neeb, Secretary; J.
Dinger, Treasurer; Charles Miller, Librarian; Alfred
Teupser, Leader.

Saxonian Brass and String Band.— Meets for ex
ercise three times a week in Brant's Hall. Officers in
1858: — Chas. F. Volmer, President; William Weber,
Leader.

State Capitol Brass Band. — Meets for exercise on
the fourth story of Cunkle's building, Market street.
Samuel Brumbaugh, President and Leader.

322 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
BENEVOLENT AND BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATIONS.
Free Masons. — Masonry in Harrisburg occupies the
position which some of its adherents claim that it holds
in regard to the world — coeval with its first inhabitants,
before the organization of its government. Hence all
Masonic documents date 4000 years older than the Chris-
tion Era. Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, of free and ac
cepted Masons, ante-dates the organization of our bor
ough and county several years, as appears by the old
parchment charter, yet in pretty good preservation, in
the lodge ; a copy of which is here inserted :
WILLIAM ADCOCK, Grand Master.
JONATHAN BAYARD SMITH, D. G Master.
JOSEPH DEAN, S. Grand Warden.
GEORGE ORD, J. Grand Warden.
To all whom it may concern:
The Grand Lodge of the most ancient and honorable
fraternity of free and accepted Masons (according to the
old constitutions, revised by His Royal Highness Prince
Edwin at York, in the Kingdom of England, in the year
of the Christian Era 926 and in the year of Masonry
4926) in ample form assembled at Philadelphia, in the
State of Pennsylvania, SEND GREETING:
Whereas, The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Eng
land did, by a Grand Warrant, under the hands of the
Right Honorable Thomas Erskine, Earl Kelly, Viscount
Fenton, Lord Baron of Pitton Weem, &c, in Great Bri
tain, Grand Master of Masons; the Right Worshipful
William Osborne, D. Grand Master ; the R. W. M. Wil
liam Dickey, Senior Grand Warden; the R. W. James
Gibson, Esq., Junior Grand Warden, and the seal of the
said Grand Lodge, bearing date June 20, 1764 — A. M.
5764, nominate, constitute and appoint the Right Wor
shipful William Ball to be Grand Master; the R. W.

annals of harrisburg. 323
Captain Blaithwaite Jones, Deputy Grand Master; the
R. W. M. David Hall, S. G. Warden; the R. W. M.
Hugh Lenox, J. G. Warden, of a provincial Grand Lodge,
to be held at Philadelphia, for the province of Pennsyl
vania, granting to them and their successors in office
duly elected, and lawfully installed, with the consent of
the members of the said Grand Lodge, full power and au
thority to grant warrants and dispensations for holding
lodges, to regulate all matters appertaining to Masonry,
and to do and perform all any every other act and thing
which could be usually done and performed by other
Grand Lodges, as by the said above in part recited Grand
Warrant, reference being thereto had, may more fully
and at large appear.
And whereas, The Right Worship fuL William Adcock,
Esq., Grand Master; the Right Worshipful Mr. Alex
ander Rutherford, Deputy G. Master; the Right Wor
shipful Jonathan Bayard Smith, Esq., Senior Grand
Warden ; the Right Worshipful Mr. Joseph Dean, Junior
Grand Warden, legal successors of the above named
Grand Officers, as by the Grand Lodge Books may ap
pear, together with the officers and representatives of a
number of regular lodges, under the jurisdiction, duly
appointed and specially authorized, as also by and with
the advice and consent of several other lodges, by their
letters expressed, did, at a Grand Quarterly Communica
tion, held in the grand lodge room, in the city of Phila
delphia, on the 25th day of September A C. 1786, after
mature and serious deliberation, unanimously resolve,
"That it is improper the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
should remain any longer under the authority of any for
eign Grand Lodge ;" and the said Grand Lodge did there
upon close sine die.
And whereas, All the grand officers of the said late
Provincial Grand Lodge, together with the officers and

324 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
representatives of a number of lodges of the Common
wealth of Pennsylvania, did, on the said 25th day of Sep
tember, 1786, meet in the room of the late Provincial
Grand Lodge, and according to the powers and authorities
to them entrusted, did form themselves into a grand con
vention of Masons to deliberate on the proper methods
of forming a grand lodge totally independent from all
foreign jurisdiction.
And whereas, The said grand convention did then and
there unanimously resolve, that the lodges under the jur
isdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, aforesaid,
lately held as a Provincial Grand Lodge, under the au
thority of the Grand Lodge of England, should, and
they then did, form themselves into a grand lodge to be
called 'The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic
Jurisdiction thereto belonging, to be held in the said city
of Philadelphia, as by the records and proceedings of the
said convention, remaining among the archives of the
grand lodge aforesaid, may more fully appear.
And whereas, By a warrant bearing date the 4th day
of October, A. D. 1779, and of Masonry 5779, under the
hands of William Ball, Grand Master, John Hood, D. G.
Master, William Shute, S. Warden, and John Howard,
J. Warden, and the seal of the late Grand Lodge of Penn
sylvania, the following brethren, to' wit : The Worshipful
Col. Matthew Smith, Master, William Boyd, Senior War
den, William M'Cullough, Junior Warden, with their
lawful assistants, were authorized and appointed to hold
a lodge of free and accepted Masons at Lower Paxton
township, Lancaster county, and State of Pennsylvania,
number 21. And the said lodge, when duly congregated,
to admit, enter, and make Masons, according to the an
cient and honorable custom of the royal craft in all ages
and nations throughout the known world. And also
with the further right, privilege, and authority, to nom-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 325
inate, choose and install their successors, and them to in
vest in the like power, authority and dignity, to nom
inate, choose and instal their successors forever, as by the
said warrant, reference being had, may appear.
And whereas, The said warrant hath been surrendered
up to US, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Ma
sonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, by the present
officers and brethren of said Lodge number 21, praying
that the same may be renewed under the authority of
this Grand Lodge : Now know ye, That we, "The Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdiction there
unto belonging," by virtue of the powers and authorities
vested in us, by the said Grand Convention, do hereby
renew and confirm to our trusty and well beloved breth
ren, to wit: the Worshipful William Boyd, Master;
James Rutherford, Senior Warden, and Major John Gil
christ, Junior Warden, and the other regular members of
the said Lodge No. 21 of Ancient York Masons, and to
their true and lawful successors for ever, all the Ma
sonic rights, privileges, authority, jurisdictian, and pre
eminence, which by their said original warrant herein
before mentioned, and in part recited, they are or may be
in any manner or way entitled to hold and enjoy. Pro
vided always, That the above named brethren and mem
bers of the said Lodge, and their successors, continue, at
all times, to pay due respect and obedience to this Right
Worshipful Grand Lodge, agreeably to the rules and ord
inances, lawfully made, or to be made, for the benefit of
Masonry, and the advancement of our royal craft ; other
wise this Warrant to be of no force or virtue.
Given in open Grand Lodge, under the hands of oui
Right Worshipful Grand Officers, and the seal of our
Grand Lodge, at Philadelphia, this fifteenth day of
March, A. C. 1787, and of Masonry 5787.
Atherton Humphreys, Grand Secretary.

326 annals of harrisburg.
Under this warrant the Lodge was held in a school
house, and afterwards in the dwelling house of one of
the officers, some three miles from where Harrisburg
now stands ; where many of the more intelligent and re
spectable of the inhabitants of the then sparsely settled
country joined, and met as brethren of the mystic tie.
There are yet extant among the older masons, and the
descendants of those pioneers, many interesting and
amusing incidents and reminiscences, connected with their
monthly meetings. One of these, regarded by the craft
as highly honorable to the noble and hospitable wife of
one of the then officers of the lodge, is here narrated as
we have heard it.
The lodge convened at the house of the Master — a log
building, two stories in height, on the one side of which
was a lean-to, or kitchen ; a place of all work, &c.
While the lodge was sitting in the upper room, next the
kitchen, the wife of the Master, as was her usual custom,
was engaged in the kitchen preparing some nice cooking
for such of the brethren as tarried latest — the more par
ticular and intimate friends of her husband. Thus en
gaged, she thought it no harm to remove a little of the
mortar between the logs, that she might occasionally
look in and listen to what was doing in the lodge. She
did so ; and became so deeply interested that she re
mained at her point of observation so long as to be
discovered by some person from without, through whom
the fact became known as well to the neighborhood as
to the brethren; exciting the surprise and curiosity of
the one, and the amusement of the other ; both, however,
anxious to learn from her what she saw and heard. But
she was the true wife of a true Mason, and had, in regard
to this at least, "the faithful breast and silent tongue."
No one, not even her husband, could ever obtain from
her any information of what she saw or heard. To all

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 327
all others inquiring, she would reply, "If you are a
Mason, you don't want me to tell you; if you are not a
Mason, you have no right to know anything about it;
you can't learn anything from me. There was nothing
bad; for my husband is a Mason, and was there."
After Harrisburg was laid out as a town, and some
what built, the place of meeting of the lodge was changed
to the town, where its meetings have since been regularly
held, except from 1828 to 1841, when its labors were
suspended in deference to public opinion, which in this
part of the State, was at that time hostile to secret so
cieties. It is said, by the Masons of the present day,
that "the opposition of that time but tested the integrity
of its members and the real strength and value of the in
stitution; lopped off its barren or rotten branches, and
prepared it, like the oak of the forest, after bending
beneath the storm, to rise invigorated and strengthened
to flourish and spread more widely than ever."
In July, 1818, a Mark Master's Lodge was opened
here, of which the Hon. Daniel Scott, then President
Judge, was the master. In December, 181 8, a Royal
Arch Chapter was opened, William Greer being the
High Priest. By Webb's Masonic Monitor, published
in 1816, it appears that in 1797 an Encampment of
Knights Templar existed in Harrisburg. The craft here
now have no records of it. In 1827 an Encampment of
Knights Templar was opened here, under an authority
from DeWitt Clinton, then Grand Master of Christian
Chivalric Knighthood in the United States. Of this
body, Rev. Gregory E. Bodell, Rev. J. B. Clemson, Rev.
James De Pui, John Neilson, and John De Pui were offi
cers. All these branches of the Masonic body suspended
their work during the period above named.
In 1842 the Lodge and Chapter were both re-constitu
ted and re-opened — Benjamin Parke being elected Mas-

328 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ter and High Priest. Since then Masonry, in Harris
burg, in all its branches, has been highly prosperous.
In the Masonic Register, for 1858, Perseverance Lodge,
Harrisburg, ranks as the third of the working lodges
in the State, now numbering three hundred and twelve,
and Perseverance Chapter as the second of working
chapters, now numbering one hundred and eighty-seven.
The number of Masons under the jurisdiction of this
lodge, is said to be over two hundred; the number in
the State some fifteen thousand.
The following are the Masonic.bodies now in operation
in Harrisburg, their officers in October, 1858, and their
times and place of meeting:
Perseverance H. R. A. Chapter, No. 21, meets on the
first Monday in each month, at Masonic Hall, (formerly
Wyeth's,) corner of Market street and Raspberry alley,
next to the Court House. Officers in October, 1858: —
H. P., Wm. T. Bishop; K., B. R. Waugh; S., C. F.
Muench; Treasurer, William H. Kepner; Sec, A. W.
Young. Past High Priests: — Benjamin Parke, R. A. Lamber
ton. Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, meets on the second
Monday in each month, at the same place. Officers in
October, 1858:— W. M., Robert L Muench; S. W., E. A.
Hassler; J. W., B. R. Waugh; Treas., C. F. Muench;
Sec, Geo. F. Weaver.
Past Masters: — Henry Beader, C. F. Muench, Benj.
Parke, J. J. Clyde, John H. Berryhill, R. A. Lamberton,
John Wallower, Jr., W. T. Bishop, T. J. Jordan.
Parke Encampment of Knights Templar, No. 11, meets
on the Friday next after the second Monday of each
month, at the same place.
Council of Royal and Silent Masters, meets third Mon
day in each month, at the same place.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 329
Harrisburg Lodge, No. 28, (colored). — J. F. Wil
liams, W. M. ; C. H. Vance, S. R., meets in Masonic Hall,
Tanner's alley.
Nehemiah Lodge, No. 16, (colored). — Meets at the
same place.
Prince Edward Lodge, (colored). — Meets at the same
place.

I. O. OF O. F. — The first Lodge, in Harrisburg, of this
great and useful fraternity, was established in 1841.
There are here now three very flourishing Lodges and
two Encampments, with an active membership of five
hundred and nineteen. Much good has resulted from
the operations of Odd Fellowship in our midst. Apart
from other good offices done by its members as such,
they have distributed over twenty thousand dollars, dur
ing the past seventeen years, for the relief of the sick
and distressed, and the burial of the dead.
It is a constitutional requirement, that "no person is
entitled to admission to the Order except free white males
of good moral character, who have arrived at the age of
twenty-one years, and who believe in the Supreme Being,
the Creator and Preserver of the Universe.
After a member of the lodge has obtained a sufficient
number of degrees, and is found to be worthy, he can
be admitted to the Encampment branch of the Order.
Every Lodge and Encampment in the State are re
spectively subordinate to the Grand Lodge and Grand
Encampment of Pennsylvania, and these are under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States.
The principal officers, in every Lodge and Encamp
ment, are elected by the members, and serve for six
months; in the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment
they are elected by the past chief officers, (who vote in
22

330 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
their respective subordinate bodies,) and serve for one
year. During the last year our townsman, R. A. Lamberton,
was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl
vania, he having previously served one year as Dep.
G. M., and a like period as G. Warden.
Since the organization of Lodges in Dauphin county,
the following gentlemen have held the position of Dis
trict Dep. G. Masters: — William Duncan, James B.
Ruple, George V. Zeigler, John J. Clyde, R. A. Lamber
ton, Amos W. Young, Wm. D. Earnest, present D. D.
G. M.
Harrisburg Lodge, No. 68, was instituted August 16,
1841, by John Y. Brown, Esq., Grand Master, who in
stalled the following officers: — N. G, George V. Zeigler;
V. G., William Good; S., Joseph Pilkinton; A. S., James
N. Hoffman ; T., William Duncan. Officers of the Lodge
in October, 1858: — N. G., Andrew Schlayer; V. G, An
drew J. Herr; S., Amos W. Young; A. S., Samuel Pass;
T., John Osier. The number of active members — one
hundred and twenty-eight. Meeting every Wednesday
night, at the Exchange.
State Capital Lodge, No. yo, was instituted December
27, 1841, by John Y. Brown, Grand Master, and the fol
lowing officers were then installed : — N. G., Joseph W.
Cake; V. G, John M'Glauchlin; S., William Heis; T.,
Wm. H. Kepner. Officers of the Lodge in October,
1858:— N. G, Joseph Strominger; V. G, Thomas
Humes; S., William D. Earnest; A. S., Josiah Jones;
T., William T. Bishop. Number of active members at
this time — one hundred and eighteen. Meeting every
Tuesday night, at their Hall, North Second street.
Dauphin Lodge, No. 160, was instituted by P. G. Sire,
Howell Hopkins, presiding as Grand Master, who in
stalled the following officers : — N. G., Edward A. Lesley ;

ANNALS'OF HARRISBURG. 331
V. G, Samuel Berry; S., Daniel E. Wilt; T., John Hal-
deman; A. S., Levi Wolfinger. Officers of the Lodge
in October, 1858: — N. G, Henry Radabaugh; V. G,
George W. Blessing; S., Albert J. Fager; A. S., Daniel
A. Bolt; T., Robert A. Lamberton. Number of active
members — one hundred and fifty-two. Night of meet
ing, Thursday, at the Exchange.
Subordinate Encampments. — D. D. G. C. P., Jacob
M. Eyster.
Dauphin Encampment, No. 10, was instituted January
16, 1843, by Andrew C. Hewitt, Grand Patriarch, who
installed as officers : C. P., George V. Zeigler ; H. P.,
Eby Byers ; S. W., Samuel Bryan ; J. W., Josiah S. Royal ;
S., William O. Hickok; T., John J. Osier. Officers in
October, 1858:— C. P., Jacob M. Barr; H. P., Alfred
Slentz; S. W., Emanuel A. Hassler; J. W., Daniel A.
Bolt; S., Albert J. Fager; T., John J. Osier. Number
of active members — sixty-five. Meeting night, first and
third Friday of every month, at the Exchange.
Olive Encampment, No. 56, was instituted February
26, 1847, by Deputy Grand Patriarch William Duncan,
acting as G. P., and the following officers were then
installed :— C. P., John J. Clyde; H. P., Benjamin Krei-
der ; S. W., Samuel Berry ; J. W., John J. Osier ; S., John
M'Glaughlin; T., John Irwin. Officers in October, 1858:
— C. P., Henry Dickman; H. P., Samuel Miley; S. W.,
William Kuhns; J. W., Joseph Strominger; S., William
D. Earnest; T., William T. Bishop. The number of ac
tive members — fifty-six. Meeting night, first and third
Wednesdays in every month.
Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 796, (colored,) meets every
Monday evening in Eby's building, foot of Market street.
Has about one hundred members. We have no further
particulars.

332 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Union Benevolent Society. — This Society, com
posed entirely of ladies, was instituted about the year
1820. The average amount of funds distributed by it
annually, to the indigent of the borough, is about three
hundred dollars. Officers of the Society in October,
1858: — President, Miss Sarah Henderson; Secretary and
Treasurer, Mrs. James W. Weir.

The Harrisburg Beneficial Society is one of the
oldest of its kind in the borough. It has about one hun
dred and ninety members, who meet on the last Saturday
of every month in the lecture room of the English Lu
theran Church. Officers in 1858: — President, George
P. Wiestling; Vice President, Thomas Worley; Secre
tary, John R. Boyd ; Treasurer, George H. Small ; Door
keeper, Isaac Durstine.

Central Division, No. 10, S. of T., was instituted
August 13, 1844, an(I incorporated by the Court in 1848.
We regret to learn that the organization, at present, is
not in a very flourishing condition. It meets in the
Hall, owned by the Division, at the corner of South and
Second streets. Its present officers, as far as we can
learn, are L. G. Cunkle, W. P.; George P. Wiestling,
R. S. ; Dr. Heisley, F. S. ; John A. Weir, T.

Fulton Council, No. 35, O. U. A. M., was instituted
January 11, 1847, with twenty members. Present num
ber of members about one hundred. The Council meets
on Monday nights, in the upper story of Wyeth's Hall,
Market street. Officers in October, 1858: — Councillor,
Daniel Basore; Vice Councillor, George Fry; Recording
Secretary, Alfred Slentz; Assistant Recording Secre
tary, David Crawford; Financial Secretary, John

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 333
J. Zimmerman; Instructor,  Gould; Examiner, Wil
liam Dehart; Inside Protector, Edward Pancake; Out
side Protector, John Peltz; Treasurer, William J. Law
rence; Trustees, David Crawford, James Wright, Wil
liam Wykoff. The State Council meets in Harrisburg
in January of every year.

German Beneficial Society — Instituted September
26, 1856. Has upwards of seventy members, and is con
ducted almost upon the same plan as the Odd Fellows'
Lodges. Secrecy, » however, is not deemed especially
important. The dues, which each person is required to
pay weekly, are merely nominal, but the disbursements
to sick members are amply sufficient for their support.
Meetings are held weekly, on every Saturday evening,
at Wagner's hotel. Officers in October, 1858: — Pres
ident, P. Meyer ; Secretary, John Essig ; Treasurer, Philip
Britsch; Sick Committee, J. Weiss, Max Eichroth, L.
Weltz.

Harrisburg Union, No. 21, D. of T., is an organ
ization composed of females, designed to promote the
cause of temperance in the borough. It was first insti
tuted February 19, 1846, and the following named la
dies were its charter members : — Jane M. Bryan, Mary J.
Hummel, Lydia M. Lawrence, Mary Martin, Maria
Berryhill, Mary Geiger, Harriet A. Fox, Margaret A.
Davis, Mary Wilt, Marianna Beader, Matilda C. John,
Elizabeth Mytinger, Julia Norton, Anna Markley, Sarah
Ann Fleming, Anna B. Murnane, Mary Putman, Mary
Ann Vogleson, Sarah Bostick, Anna Carpenter, Elizabeth
Douglas, Elizabeth D. Shoemaker, Eliza Ann Davis, Su
sanna Wood, Eliza Carpenter, Elizabeth Chayne, Maria
Mytinger, Fanny H. Awl, and Mary Stehley.

334 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The organization at present numbers about sixty mem
bers, who meet every Friday evening in the Sons of
Temperance Hall, Second Street.
Officers in October, 1858:— Presiding Sister, Miss
Julia Ann Norton ; Associate Sister, Miss Sabina Kelker ;
Recording Scribe, Mrs. L. M. Lawrence; Financial
Scribe, Mrs. Caroline Cunkle; Treasurer, Mrs. Susan
Foltz; Conductress, Mrs. Eliza A. Barr; Guardian, Eliza
beth Varnick.

Good. Samaritan Council, (colored) I. O. oF D. T.,
meets in State street, between Fourth and Short. We
can give no additional particulars.

Sa-os-qua-ha-na-unk Tribe, No. 12, I. O. of R. M.,
was first instituted in Harrisburg in the lodge year 5610,
corresponding with the year of our Lord 1848. It pro
gressed rapidly for a while, but owing to the apathy of
its members and financial embarrassments it gradually
commenced to decline, until the year 5615, (1853,) when
it suspended altogether.
It was revived again, however, in the year 5617,
(1855,) under very favorable auspices, and is now in a
very flourishing condition. It is a secret beneficial so
ciety. The officers of the society in October, 1858, were
as follows: — Sachem, Joseph P. Miller; Senior Sag
amore, Joseph Berrier; Junior Sagamore, Jacob Etter;
Keeper of Wampum, Joseph H. Bowman; Chief of Rec
ords, William Kuhn.

Salem Lodge, No. 26, I. O. B. B., (B'nai B'rith,) was
organized on the 24th of February, 1-856, and at present
consists of forty members, all Israelites. The order in
culcates friendship and fraternal feeling, gives consola-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 335
tion and grants assistance to the sick, lends a helping
hand to the distressed and those that are bowed down
with care, dries the tears of the widow and the orphan,
awakens sympathy for a brother in all the various
changes and different phases of his life, and tries to
ameliorate the burden of unpropitious fate.
The Grand Lodge of New York is the highest tribunal
of the order. Salem Lodge, No. 26, is under the juris
diction of the District Grand Lodge, No. 3, at Philadel
phia. The election of officers is held every six months.
The lodge meets every Sunday evening at the Sons of
Temperance Hall.
Officers in October, 1858:— D. Block, President; J.
Lowengardt, V. P. ; J. Dinkelspiel, C. ; William Wolf, S. ;
H. Hess, M. ; S. Rosenthal, I. G ; N. Adler, O. G. Ex-
Presidents of the Lodge — Lazarus Bernhard, William
Wolf, and Joseph Newman.
A benevolent society, composed of Jewish females, also
exists in the borough, but we could, not obtain any par
ticulars of its organization.

Washington Lodge, No. 107, I. O. of G. T., was in
stituted January 28, 1854. Its members are composed
of respectable males and females, the former over sixteen
and the latter over fourteen years of age. The initiation
fee is fifty cents, and the annual dues for male members
one dollar and four cents, and for female members fifty-
two cents, payable quarterly in advance. The members
derive no pecuniary benefit from the lodge when inca
pacitated from pursuing their regular occupation. The
organization numbers about three hundred members, and
is very serviceable in the cause of temperance. It meets
every Thursday evening, in the Sons of Temperance Hall,
Second street.

336 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The following is a list of the first officers of the Lodge :
—William T. Bishop, W. C. T. ; Lydia M. Lawrence,
W. V. T. ; J. J. Clyde, W. C. ; William J. Lawrence, W.
S. ; William H. Egle, A. S. ; Henry Radabaugh, W. F. S. ;
Jane Meredith, W. T. ; William P. Coulter, W. M. ; J. Isa-
dore Lawrence, D. M. ; Mary M. Barr, I. G. ; Joseph H.
Bowman, O. G ; Martha B. Nevin, R. H. S. ; Ann E.
Barr, L. H S. Officers in November, 1858:— W. C. T.,
James A. Carman; W. V. T., Jane Wyant; W. S., Wil
liam T. Bishop, Jr. ; W. T., Hannah Westfall ; W. F. S.,
William T. Bishop; W. A. S., Jennie Meredith; W. M.,
Isaac W. Hoffman; W. D. M., Mary C. Kunkle; W. I. G,
Jennie Croll; W. O. G, William C. Kurtz; W. R. S.,
Laura F. Lawrence ; W. L. S., Agnes M'Farland ; W. C,
La Rue Lamer; Trustees, J. A. Cannon, J. M. Barr,
George H. Morgan, L. D. G. W. C. T. and D. T., George
H. Morgan; D. D. G. W. C. T., T. L- Tompkinson; G
W. C. T. of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, J. Han-
num Jones. MISCELLANEOUS.
Old Soldiers' Union. — A Society composed of the
surviving soldiers of the war of 1812, residing in this vi
cinity, was organized in the borough, a few years ago,
and at present numbers about thirty members. The So
ciety has no stated times of meeting; but join annually
in celebrating the anniversary of American Independence,
by a public dinner. Officers in 1858: — John Maglaugh-
lin, President; William Allison, George J. Heisely, Vice
Presidents; David Harris, Secretary; James R. Boyd;
Treasurer ; Andrew Krause, Marshal.

Harrisburg Building Association was organized in
1857, for the purpose of buying land, laying it off into
building lots, and improving the same for re-sale. The

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 337
Association at present own about ten acres of fine
meadow land, adjacent to the north-western part of the
borough, which they have laid out for building pur
poses. Several lots have already been disposed of. Of
ficers in October, 1858: — President, A. Boyd Hamilton;
Treasurer, La Rue Metzgar; Secretary, Robert L.
Muench ; Directors, J. Brisben Boyd, John Edwards, The
odore F. Scheffer, Albert Hummel, Eby Byers, David
Maeyer, John Cunkle, Charles F. Muench, Daniel Eppley.

Park Association was organized in November, 1855,
as the constitution declares, "for the making of a course
for training horses." The association has leased eigh
teen acres of land about one mile north of Harrisburg,
which is inclosed with a substantial board fence, about
ten feet high. The track within the enclosure is cir
cular and one-half mile in extent. Officers of the as
sociation in October, 1858: — President, William F. Mur
ray; Secretary, John H. Zeigler; Treasurer, J. C. Bom-
barger; Directors, B. G. Peters, William H. Kepner,
Philip Linn, David J. Unger, William Metzgar, J. D.
Hoffman, John Hoffer, F. P. Haehnlen, Anthony King.

Gymnastic Association. — An Association of this
character was instituted in September, 1858, by Messrs.
Robert L. Muench, James D. Daugherty, R. Ross Rob
erts and Danel W. Seiler. A room sixty-five by twenty-
five feet, with a fourteen feet ceiling, in the Exchange
Building, Walnut street, has been leased for a term of
years, which has been fitted up at considerable expense
for the purposes of the association. The "Portico" is
complete in every respect, and modeled after the direc
tions of J. E. D'Alfonce, Professor in the St. Petersburg
and Paris military schools. It, with the other imple-

338 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ments of the Gymnasium, were constructed by Mr. Hil-
drup, of the Harrisburg Car Factory. Directors — Robert
L Muench, President; J. D. Daugherty, Treasurer; R.
Ross Roberts, Daniel W. Seiler.

Dauphin Guard. — A military company, with the
above name, was formerly inspected and organized, in
Harrisburg, on Friday evening, the 19th of November,
1858. A week previous to that time seventy-six signa
tures were appended to the constitution of the company.
The uniform of the corps is similar to that worn by the
celebrated Fifth Regiment (National Guard) of New
York, consisting of gray cloth coat and pants striped
with black, and a cap of the same material. The officers
of the company, nominated a week previous to the inspec
tion, were, Captain, E. W. Roberts; First Lieutenant,
Eby Byers ; Second Lieutenants, John H. Ziegler, William
H. Miller. BANKS AND SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS.
Harrisburg Bank. — This institution was chartered by
the Legislature on the 9th of May, 1814, with a capital
of $300,000, and was regularly organized in the month
of June of the same year, by the election of the follow
ing board of directors: — John M'Clury, Isaac Hershey,
Henry Beader, Robert Harris, Christian Kunkel, John
Howard, David Ferguson, William Wallace, Jacob M.
Haldeman, Thomas Brown, John Shoch, Abraham Oves,
and Peter Keller. William Wallace, Esq., was elected
president, and John Downey, cashier. Of this organ
ization, Mr. Peter Keller is the only surviving member.
The bank first went into operation at the then residence
of its cashier, Mr. John Downey, in the building now
owned and occupied by Dr. E. W. Roberts, in Second

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 339
street, a few doors north-west of Cherry alley. The
banking room was in Dr. Roberts' present office ; and the
board of directors usually met in the front room on the
second story. The bank remained there, however, only
a few months, when it was removed into the brick build
ing at present owned by the Messrs. Kelker, in Second
street, next door north-west of the residence of Herman
Alricks, Esq., where it remained until 1817, when it pur
chased from the Philadelphia Bank the brick building
which that company had used as a branch, situated at
the south-west corner of Market Square and Blackberry
alley, in which it continued until the summer of 1854,
when the building was torn down to give place to the
present elegant structure; the bank in the mean time
carrying on its business in the house adjoining, owned by
Mr. Geiger.
We append a list of the presidents and cashiers of the
bank from its first organization to the present day :
Presidents. — William Wallace, elected June, 1814;
Thomas Elder, elected, June 19, 1816; Jacob M. Halde-
man, elected May 3, 1853 ; William M. Kerr, elected De
cember 31, 1856.
Cashiers. — John Downey, elected June, 1814; John
Forster, elected April 19, 1815; Henry Walters, elected
November 25, 1833 ; James W. Weir, elected October 30,
1844. Directors in November, 1858: — William M. Kerr, Jo
seph Wallace, Valentine Hummel, Levi Merkel, Jacob
Houser, William R. Gorgas, John B. Simon, Edward L.
Orth, John W. Cowden, William J. Robinson, Jacob S.
Haldeman, Daniel W. Gross, and Henry A. Kelker.
The following named persons are the present clerks of
the bank : — George H. Small, John A. Weir, H. C. Fahn
estock, J. Uhler; John Shanklin, messenger.

340 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The statement of the bank for the month of November,
1858, published in pursuance of an act of Assembly, is as
follows : Assets.
Loans and discounts,  $525,389 74
Stock of the Commonwealth,  50,505 00
Specie,  107,418 13
United States treasury notes,  20,000 00
Due by other banks,  $148,763 32
Notes of other banks,  18,255 00
 '¦  167,018 32
Stocks, (at present market value,)  31,000 00
Bonds, " "  6,000 00
Real estate,  11,600 00
$918,931 19
Liabilities.
Circulation,  $370,060 00
Deposits,  181,425 67
Due to other banks,  41,640 47
$593,126 14

Dauphin Deposit Bank. — Chartered about the year
1839. The banking house stands at the corner of Market
street and Raspberry alley. It is a neat structure, in
the Grecian style, built of brick, stuccoed, and painted
white to imitate marble. The following is a list of the
officers of the bank : — President, James M'Cormick ; Cash
ier, Robert J. Ross ; Clerks, J. M. Kreider, N. H. Davis ;
Messenger, Jacob Miley.

Mechanics' Saving Bank. — Chartered February 8,
1853, with a capital of $50,000. The office of the bank is
in Market street, near Third. The following is a list of
its present officers : — President, Philip Daugherty ; Cash-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 341
ier, Jacob C. Bombarger; Clerks, George Z. Kunkel and
M. Daugherty; Messenger, Jacob Ettla.
insurance companies.
The State Fire and Marine Insurance Company
of Pennsylvania. — Capital, $380,000. Incorporated in
1850. Office in Market street, near Fourth. Officers in
October, 1858:— John P. Rutherford, President; A. J.
Gillet, Secretary; Clerks, William A. Bowdoin, A. J.
Foster, James Thompson ; General Agent, Silas Ward.

Commonwealth Insurance Company — Chartered
capital — $300,000. Incorporated April 12, 1854. Office
in Union Buildings, Third street. Officers in October,
1858: — Directors, Simon Cameron, George M. Lauman,
William Dock, EH Slifer, J. Brisben Boyd, George Berg-
ner, Benjamin Parke, William H. Kepner, A. B. War-
ford, William F. Murray, F. K. Boas, J. H. Berryhill,
William F. Packer. Officers, Simon Cameron, President ;
Benjamin Parke, Vice President; S. S. Carrier, Secre
tary ; Clerks T. Rockhill Smith and A. F. Small.

Central Insurance Company. — Capital $200,000. In
corporated April 14, 1851. Office, No. 5 South Market
Square. Pays interest on deposites of money. Officers
in October, 1858: — President, William Colder, Jr.; Vice
President, Isaac G. M'Kinley; Secretary and Treasurer,
Thomas H. Wilson ; Directors, William Colder, Jr., Isaac
G. M'Kinley, David Mumma, Jr., Thomas H. Wilson,
Elias E. Kinzer, Isaac Mumma, James Young, Oliver
Bellman, David Fleming, Daniel D. Boas, William F.
Murray, John J. Clyde, George H. Bucher, Levi Matt-
son, Amos E. Kapp, Theodore D. Greenawalt; Clerks,
William J. Lawrence,  Wilson.

342 ' ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Keystone Mutual Life Insurance Company. — Cap
ital $100,000. Incorporated in 1850. Office in Front
street, near Market. Officers in October, 1858: — Daniel
W. Gross, President; Edward L. Orth, Vice President;
John H. Berryhill, Corresponding Secretary; David
Dasher, Secretary and Treasurer.
THE EIRE DEPARTMENT.
The firemen of Harrisurg form an institution highly
useful and philanthropic, and those who belong to it are
"Always Ready" to expose their health and lives "pro
bono publico," employing, in their voluntary mission, a
constant energy and a devotion often heroic, meriting the
sympathies of all good citizens and a high place in public
opinion. The present efficient method of subduing conflagrations
in the borough, bears an aspect quite different from the
early doings in such cases. Before hose and hydrants
were introduced, and only pumps and buckets to keep
the engines supplied, the scene was much more animating
than now. There were then few or no idlers among the
spectators. They made long lines of people to "pass the
buckets ;" and if there were any indolent lookers-on, the
cry was raised along the line "fall in," "fall in." If the
summons was disregarded, perhaps a bucket of water was
discharged upon the delinquents. Then it was quite com
mon to see women in the ranks ; and it was, therefore,
the worse provoking to see others, of the opposite sex,
giving no help, but urging their way as near to the fires
as they could. Next day was a fine time for the boys
to look out all the buckets they knew of belonging to their
several neighbors, and carry them home. The street
posts, too, could be seen capped, here and there, with a
stray bucket asking for its owner. These buckets were
made of leather, and had the owner's name or initials

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 343
painted on the outside. Householders, generally, had
them hanging in the entrys of their residences.
The compiler has not been able to determine, with any
degree of accuracy, at what period the borough was first
supplied with a fire engine. At the fire which partially
destroyed the residence of Mr. James Sawyer, in Locust
street, on Friday, the 25th of November, 1796, no men
tion is made of a fire engine; and Mr. Sawyer publicly
returned his thanks to the "citizens (men and women) for
their spirited exertions in extinguishing the flames."
Nor were there any fire apparatus here as late as
March 8, 1797, as we judge by the following extract
from the "Oracle of Dauphin," of March 15th, of that
year: "Harrisburg, March 8, 1797.
At a meeting of the Harrisburg Free Debating So
ciety, held this evening, Rev. Henry Mceller in the Chair,
the question, 'What can be proposed, which, if carried
into effect, would be most beneficial to Harrisburg?'
was put, and after an agreeable discussion, it was unan
imously agreed 'That the making an inlet for boats, the
erecting of wind-mills for grinding corn, the procuring
a fire engine, and establishing a town watch, would be
highly beneficial to Harrisburg, and might easily be car
ried into effect.' John Browne, Secretary."
At the fire which broke out in the building occupied
by Mr. William Porter as a cold nail factory, situated on
the river bank, on Monday night, the 19th of February,
1798, no direct mention is made of a fire engine being
used; but Mr. Porter, in publicly thanking the ladies and
gentlemen for their assistance on that occasion, expresses
his willingness to contribute his "part towards procur
ing another engine;" hence we reasonably infer that at
this period there was at least one engine in the borough.

344 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
This was, most probably, the "Union," it being, accord
ing to tradition, the first fire apparatus in the borough.
The "Union Fire Company" was dissolved about twenty
or twenty-five years ago, and its apparatus, through dis
use and neglect, was ruined beyond redemption. Messrs.
Robert Sloan and Frederick Heiseley were directors,
and George Capp secretary of the company in 1824.
The following Ordinance of the Town Council, passed
July 13, 1813, will give the reader an idea of the state of
the fire department at that period:
An Act for the prevention of fires zvithin the borough of
Harrisburg:
Section i. Be it ordained by the Town Council of the
borough of Harrisburg, and it is hereby ordained by the
authority of the same, That it shall be the duty of every
householder residing within the limits of the borough,
either as owner, tenant or occupier, forthwith to join and
become a member of the fire company to which his dis
trict belongs, and for neglect or refusal thereof, he shall
forfeit and pay one dollar each month so neglected or re
fused, to be recovered in the manner hereinafter provided
for the recovery of fines.
Sec II. And be it further ordained, That every house
holder residing within the borough, whether male or fe
male, either as owner, tenant or occupier, shall within
ninety days after the newspaper promulgation of this
ordinance, provide at least one leathern bucket for each
and every story of the house by him or her so occupied,
under penalty of one dollar for each month's neglect
thereof, and in case such occupier is a tenant, he, she or
they, shall provide the same at the expense of the land
lord or owner, and the reasonable cost thereof shall be
deducted out of their rent respectively.
*********

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 345
SEC. IV. And be it further ordained, That for the pur
pose of establishing fire companies, the borough is hereby
divided into two districts, to be called the Northern and
Southern districts, the centre of Market street being the
division, and that each company shall have power to
form their own by-laws, and fix any fines or amercements
for the contravention of such of their laws as are not in
compatible with the constitution and laws of Pennsyl
vania, or of this borough, and that any fines or forfeitures
so fixed shall be recoverable before the chief or assistant
burgess for the uses in such by-laws expressed.
By order of the Council. Jacob Bucher, President.
John Kean, Town Clerk.
It would appear by the above that at this period there
were but two fire companies in the borough — one for
the Southern and one for the Northern district. These
were the "Union" and "Friendship" companies. In the
newspapers printed here, however, at this period, we see
the advertisements for meetings of the "North Ward Fire
Company;" by which name, we presume, one of the
above mentioned companies, situated in that ward, was
sometimes called.
The following is a brief history of the several fire
companies at present existing in the borough, in the
order of their organization.

The Friendship Fire Company. — This efficient com
pany may be termed the patriarch of the present fire de
partment in the borough, having been instituted previous
to the year 1803, and shortly after the organization of
the Union Fire Company, although its oldest constitu
tion only dates as far back as August 11, 181 2.
The earliest document in the possession of the company
23

346 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
is what purports to be a list of "sundry members of the
Friendship Fire Company who are indebted the sums
annexed to their names respectively, the account being
down to the yearly meeting, November 7, 1809, includ
ing baid meeting." The list is attested by James Magin-
nis, Secretary. The first debtor on the list is Thomas
Ridge, and the amount of his indebtedness was as fol
lows: "1803, August 1.— To sundry fines,  10 shillings.
1804, August 7, "  11 shillings.
1808, Febr'y 2, " "  3 shillings.
Messrs. Samuel Pool, Michael Krell, Albright Weaver,
John Krepp, Isaiah M'Farland, and Patrick Burk, were
also debtors to the company at this period. The indebted
ness arose from tax and fines.
"Messrs. Sawyer, Glass, Brua, Norton, Dorsheimer,
managers of the company, and the secretary, met at the
house of John Norton, February 9, 1808, for the purpose
of holding an appeal; whereat B. Kurtz appealed ten
shillings; Mr. George, five shillings; Mr. Laberty, five
shillings; Mr. Glass, five shillings; and Mr. Dorsheimer,
one shilling; whereupon, it was agreed that Mr. Good
man should give every one that is indebted to the com
pany a call for the pay ; and them that don't pay shall be
sued." — Manuscript minutes of managers, Feb. 9, 1808.
Among the names of the members of the company in
1808, we recognize many of those whose descendants still
reside in the borough. These are, Messrs. John Zinn,
Samuel Pool, Abraham Rupley, Andrew Berryhill, Moses
Gillmore, John Mytinger, Joseph Young, Samuel Bryan,
Christian Stahl, John Forster,* James Brown, Samuel
Black, Dr. Hall, Dr. Cleaveland, Peter Keller,* Joseph
Doll, James Sawyers, Frederick Felty, George Boyer,
* Still living in the borough.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 347
Jacob Boas, John Wyeth, John Wingerd, Jacob Zeigler,*
George Roberts, and Benj. Bowman, secretary.
Obed Fahnestock was president of the company in
1812, and Christian Gleim secretary and treasurer in
1813. In 1818, Abram Bombaugh was the treasurer, who
was succeeded in 1819 by Obed Fahnestock. Jacob Seiler
was secretary of the company in 1827.
From this period we can find no records of the com
pany until 1848, when it adopted a new constitution, and
in many respects increased its efficiency.
The first hose carriage of the company was purchaser!
a short time after the introduction of water into the bor
ough. The old engine being too- limited in its capacity,
and its wood work partially rotten, the company applied
for and obtained the old "Harrisburg" engine, which be
longed to a company of that name formerly existing in
the borough. This was used by the company for several
years, when it was found defective, and was then aban
doned. The company was then granted the use of the "United
States" — a powerful second-class engine, formerly used
by a company of that name in Middletown, but owned
by Judge W. F. Murray, who had it brought here for
sale. The Town Council, however, refused to buy it, and
in lieu thereof purchased in Philadelphia the splendid
second-class engine at present in the service of the com
pany. The apparatus of the company is in excellent condition,
and of the most effective character. The members are
composed of young and respectable mechanics, who, when
duty calls, are ever among the first to respond.
The building owned by the company stands directly on
the bank of the river, above Market street. It is a neat
frame structure, two stories high, but has been found to

* Still living in the borough.

348 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
be entirely too small for its purposes ; and the Town
Council contemplate erecting a new one of brick, cor
responding with those occupied by the other companies.
Officers of the company in October, 1858: — President,
Harry C. Shaffer ; Vice President, Henry M'Gowen, Jr. ;
Secretary, David K. Rudy ; Treasurer, Andrew Schlayer ;
Directors, Henry Rose, Joseph Barger, Jacob Etter, Jacob
Rohrer, J. C. Voglesong, W. Gibson, G. M. Booth, Sam
uel Davis ; Inspectors, H. Soloman, J. Schlayer, A. Stees,
J. Newman, C. Weaver ; Chief Engineer, William Haehn-
len; Assistant Engineer, Joseph Berrier.

The Hope Hose and Engine Company. — This asso
ciation was instituted on the 6th day of January, 1814,
and was the third of its kind organized after the town
was laid out. Its contemporaries were the "Union" and
"Friendship." Captain Thomas Walker was the first
vice president of the company, and the late Hon. John C.
Bucher held that office in 1819. In 1823, Mr. Bucher was
president, and in the year following Henry Buehler was
secretary of the company. Joseph Wallace, Henry Antes,
Dr. Heisely, Dr. Orth, and other prominent citizens were
at one time members of the company.
The long time which has elapsed since its first organi
zation, and the number of changes in the affairs of the
company, render it extremely difficult to obtain any con
siderable knowledge of its early history. We know,
however, that the first engine of the company was manu
factured in Philadelphia by the celebrated Pat Lyon — him
of bank prosecution memory — at a cost of $1,200, and
that it was capable of throwing two hogheads of water
per minute !
After the erection of the water works, the company
added to their apparatus a beautiful hose carriage.
Shortly after this period the affairs of the company

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 349
seem to have been in a depressed condition until January,
I853, when a number of public spirited citizens residing
in the upper part of the borough joined together and ef
fected its complete reorganization, under the auspices of
the Town Council.
A beautiful second-class engine, capable of throwing
two side and a gallery stream, manufactured by G. Ag
new, of Philadelphia, was purchased at a cost of $1,350.
In March, 1858, the company also replaced their hose
carriage by a neat "spider" or "crabb," at a cost of $100;
and in September, 1858, the company further increased
its efficiency by obtaining a beautiful hook and ladder
apparatus, which has thus been described:
"The length between the coupling is twenty-eight feet;
the length of the longest ladder is forty-two feet, and
of the shortest fifteen feet. There are six ladders. The
body of the carriage is painted white, and the ornamental
work handsomely gilt. The iron work is of good quality,
and partly polished. The springs are of good steel. A
bell is attached to one of the axles, which sounds the alarm
when proceeding to a fire. Axes, iron-tipped poles, picks
and lanterns are placed in proper positions, and the whole
is surmounted with a beautiful signal lamp. The cost
of the carriage, ladders, &c, was $800, to which must be
added $14 paid for a silver fire horn, and $20 freight to
the Pennsylvania railroad. It was manufactured by Mr.
C. Schantz, of Philadelphia."
The building occupied by the company is situated in
North Second street, above State. It is a neat brick
structure, two stories high, surmounted with a cupola
containing an alarm bell.
Officers in October, 1858: — President, William H.' Kep
ner; Vice President, Joseph Strominger; Secretary, Rob
ert R. Barr; Treasurer, Andrew K. Black; Engineer,
Thomas Stevenson; Assistant Engineers, J. Cunkle, W.

350 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
W. Wright; Directors, William Hutman, Jacob Cunkle,
Samuel Cline, William Putt, Robert R. Barr, William
M'Coy, Charles Jacobs, Thomas J. Black.

The Citizens Hose and Engine Company. — This ef
ficient fire company was organized in the year 1836. Its
first officers were William Bostick; Sr., President; Henry
Lyne, Vice President; George S. Kemble, Treasurer, and
William Parkhill, Secretary.
The Company, shortly after its organization, purchased
a beautiful and powerful engine, at a cost of nine hundred
and fifty dollars. It is of second class capacity, throwing
a gallery and two side streams, and was manufactured at
the celebrated establishment of Joel Bates, in Philadel
phia. The power and effectiveness of this engine was fully
tested at the disastrous fires which occurred in the sum
mer and fall of 1838, at the opposite corners of Fourth
and Market streets. — At these fires it rendered the most
important services, in consequence of being provided with
a suction apparatus, which forced water from the canal,
thus, in a great measure, dispensing with the then prevail
ing system of "bucket lines."
The introduction of water and hydrants into the bor
ough created a material change in the operation of the
fire department. The "bucket lines" above referred to,
gave way to hose, and it was necessary that the several
fire companies should be provided with this atricle. The
"Citizen" Company was the first in the borough to re
spond to this necessity, and accordingly purchased, in
Philadelphia, a beautiful hose carriage, and sixteen hun
dred feet of hose, the former as a cost of $285.
With this useful addition the company required the
privileges and powers of an incorporation, and accord-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 351
ingly an application for a charter was made and granted
by the Court of Common Pleas in 1841. It was discov
ered, however, by time and experience, that this charter
was defective; accordingly at a meeting of the company,
held May 12, 1858, a new constitution and by-laws were
proposed, and a committee appointed to petition the court
for their approval. This committee petitioned the court
on the 13th of May, 1858; and on the 23d of August fol
lowing, the court granted the prayer of the petitioners, by
directing that the said constitution and by-laws shall
"thereafter be deemed and taken to be the instrument on
which said Association shall be governed as firemen."
The first hose carriage having become dilapidated by
time and service, the company, in the fall of 1856, pur
chased in Philadelphia a new one, handsomely mounted
with silver and other embellishments, at a cost of about
$1,000. In addition to this, the company, shortly afterwards,
procured a handsome "Spider," which was manufactured
to order by R. J. Fleming, of Harrisburg, and cost about
two hundred dollars.
The company, in October, 1858, increased its efficiency
by procuring a "Button Engine" — a lately patented fire
apparatus, manufactured at Waterford, New York, a trial
of which, in front of Brant's Hall, was thus noticed in the
"Daily Telegraph :" "She did nobly and more than real
ized the expectations of the most sanguine members of the
Citizen company. — In our opinion the Engine is fully
equal to three ordinary machines of the old style, and
ranks next to the steam fire engines lately adopted in
the various cities. On the first trial she threw a stream of
water through a 1% inch nozzle a distance of two hun
dred and one feet. On the second trial she threw two
streams at once through iy% inch nozzles a distance of
one hundred and sixty-five feet each. On the third trial

352 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
she threw five streams at once through ^th inch nozzles
from one hundred and five to one hundred and twenty-one
feet. When this feat was accomplished the members of
the Citizen company, pleased with the success of their
new machine, made the welkin ring with repeated and en
thusiastic cheers for the Engine and its manufacturer.
On the fourth trial, the largest nozzle — one and a half
inch — was used, and this powerful volume of water
was thrown a distance of one hundred and sixty-seven
feet. The machine gave entire satisfaction in every re
spect. This is the largest engine of the kind in the State,
weighs thirty-five hundred pounds, requires fifty men to
work it, and cost $2,050 delivered here."
The engine is provided with a suction apparatus.
The building of the company is situated in Fourth
street, above Walnut. It is a neat brick structure, two
stories high, surmounted with a wooden cupola and a
"look-out." The first story is devoted to the apparatus
of the company, and the second, which is very handsome
ly furnished, to the meetings of the company.
The company is composed, principally, of young and
industrious citizens of respectable character, who are
always among the first when duty calls.
Officers in November, 1858: — President, Dr. Christian
Seiler; Vice President, Richard J. Haldeman; Standing
Committee, George Bailey, John Denwiddie and Joseph
Montgomery; Secretary, Augustus L. Carst; Assistant
Secretary, William H. H. Sieg; Treasurer, James Black;
Engineer, George Fager ; Assistant Engineers, Alexander
W. Barr, George Bailey ; Captain of Hose, Joseph Sheets ;
Directors, Ed. W. Shell, Charles Frank, George W.
Krause, Samuel Miller, William Walters, Herman Frisch,
Thomas Nelly, Newton Shoop, J. L. Sengenberger.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 358
The Washington Hose Company. — The example of
the Citizen Fire Company in procuring hose to meet the
requirements of the change in the fire department, caused
by the introduction of water into the borough, was fol
lowed by the organization of a company whose apparatus
consists exclusively of hose and its carriage.
Being convinced of the utility of such an organization,
a number of young men met in the dining room of the
"United States" Hotel, on the corner of Second and
Mulberry streets, on Wednesday evening, January 27th,
1841, for the purpose of organization, and to raise funds
to purchase a hose carriage. A committee was appointed
to solicit money, by subscription, to purchase a carriage,
and on the 5th of February, 1841, that committee report
ed that sufficient amount had been subscribed by the citi
zens, when John L. Martin was deputed to purchase the
carriage of the Washington Hose Company, of Philadel
phia, at a cost of one hundred and eighty dollars. The
carriage was received on the 20th of March, 1841, and at
the same time the Town Council furnished the company
with six hundred feet of hose. On Friday evening, April
2nd, 1841, the company was regularly organized, and de
nominated the "Washington Hose Company," of Harris
burg, Pa. — a constitution and by-laws adopted, and the
following officers were elected: — President, Levi Wol-
finger; Vice President, John L. Martin; Secretary, E. S.
German ; Treasurer, David Lingle. From this period the
company has been one of the most active and efficient in
the borough.
On the 3rd of May, 1843, application was made to
the Court of Dauphin county for an act of incorporation,
which was granted on the 2nd day of September, 1843,
and recorded on the 8th day of September, 1843, in deed
book P, volume 2, page 432.
The want of a suitable building for the carriage, and

354 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
a room for the meetings of the company, was a great in
convenience; and prompted by the generosity previously
manifested by the citizens, it was proposed, and a com
mittee appointed on the 5th of January, 1844, to devise
ways and means to raise funds to erect a suitable house.
That committee was kindly received, and contributions
liberally given, so that in a very short time money and
labor was sufficiently subscribed to build a comfortable,
neat and substantial house.
On the 2nd of February, 1844, a lot of ground was pur
chased on the corner of Second street and Meadow Lane,
from C. L. Berghaus, Esq., for the sum of ninety dollars.
The building was commenced on the 4th of March,
1844, and on the 23rd of March, 1844, the corner-stone
was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The building was
completed on the 3rd of August, 1844. It is one of the
most perfect of the kind in the State, being provided with
all the most approved accommodations suitable to the
character of the uses to which it is applied. The first,
or ground floor, is occupied by the apparatus of the com
pany, and communicates with Second street by means of
two large folding doors, rendering a free and rSpid exit
or entrance. The second story is appropriated to meet
ings, &c, and is furnished in the highest style of magnifi
cence — resembling, indeed, more the luxurious appoint
ments of a fashionable drawing-room than anything we
can compare it to. Imported ingrain carpeting — four
walnut divans and sofas, whose yielding cushions invite
repose — centre tables — fancy desks for the officers — goth-
ic cottage chairs — damask curtains — gas chandelier — glass
book-cases, well filled with instructive volumes — and beau
tiful paintings, constitute but a portion of its elegant and
costly furniture. We opine that a sight of this room
would make some of our city brethren stare. To some,
perhaps, these arrangements might seem superfluous ; but

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 355
we incline to the opinion that the superior order and
beauty exhibited there, has a tendency to cherish and pro
mote a refined taste among the members themselves. The
entire building is heated by a large furnace in the cellar,
and the arrangements for cleaning their hose, &c, are
perfectly in keeping with the character of those we have
already described. The cost of the building was eight
hundred dollars.
The carriage being old and ill-suited, another was pro
posed and urged of more, modern construction, for which
object members were chosen to raise money by subscrip
tion, and on the 22nd day of May, 1850, a contract was
made with George Ruhl, of Philadelphia, to build a "crab"
or hose carriage for the sum of three hundred and fifty
dollars, which was completed and given into the charge of
a committee on the 5th of October, 1850. The company
is clear of all indebtedness.
Officers in October, 1858: — President, John H. Zeigler;
Vice President, Alfred A. Pancake; Secretary, Peter
Bernheisel, Jr. ; Treasurer, George H. Bell ; Directors,
George Pancake, John F. C. Dace, John Bernheisel, Sam
uel Bernheisel, Charles H. Etter, George W. Hoffman;
Inspectors, Peter K. Boyd, Frederick P. Hsehnlan, Thom
as W. Peeples, Charles Gordon, Albert R. Shoop.

Mount Vernon Hook and Ladder Company. — This
company was first organized on the 5th of April, 1858,
under the name of the "Independent Hook and Ladder
Company," which was changed in August or September
following, to the "Mount Vernon Hook and Ladder Com
pany."
The following is a list of the first officers of the com
pany: — President, William C. A. Lawrence; Vice Pres
ident, Richard B. M. Berkman; Secretary, William B.

356 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Wilson; Treasurer, J. A. Carman; Board of Directors,
David G. May, Thomas W. Anderson, Frank A. Murray
and Robert G. Denning; Elective Board, David G. May,
T. Rock Smith and Thomas W. Anderson.
The apparatus of the company was manufactured by
Mr. R. J. Fleming, of Harrisburg, and cost eight hun
dred dollars. It consists of a carriage, hooks and lad
ders, &c, and has been thus described:
"The total length of the apparatus is forty-eight feet;
the length of coupling twenty-seven feet, and the length
of the largest ladder forty feet. The iron work is pol
ished, the springs of steel, and the axles of turned iron.
The wheels and body are elegantly varnished, and deco
rated with gilt and carved work, the knobs being tipped
with brass. The wood work is painted of a dark claret
color, and durably constructed. Axes, picks and lanterns
are provided, and secured in proper positions about the
carriage; and a beautiful signal lamp surmounts the
whole." The company, in 1858, occupied the two-story frame
building on the east corner of Loqust street and Rasberry
alley, which was altered and arranged for its accommoda
tion. Officers in October, 1858: — President, William C. A.
Lawrence; Vice President, William B. Wilson; Secre
tary, A. F. Small; Assistant Secretary, Henry Uhler;
Treasurer, T. Rock Smith; Directors, Frank A. Murray,
David G. May, George Denning, Jacob G May, John
Bigler ; Electing Committee, Thomas W. Anderson, Frank
A. Murray, Charles Reigle. Bridges.
The Harrisburg Bridge. — By an act of the Legisla
ture approved April 2, 181 1, the Governor of the Com
monwealth was "authorized and directed to subscribe a

annals of harrisburg. 357
sum not exceeding $90,000 to the stock of the company,
which may hereafter be incorporated, for building a bridge
over the Susquehanna at Harrisburg ; one-half to be paid
when the piers and abutments shall have been constructed,
and the other when the superstructure shall have been
raised." The same act made appropriations for similar
bridges at Northumberland, Columbia and M'Calls Ferry.
The act authorizing the erection of the bridge was
passed April 3, 1809.
The company to construct the bridge at Harrisburg,
was chartered July 6, 1812, and organized on the 8th of
August following.
The first foundation stone of the bridge was laid De
cember 2, 1812.
The board of directors, in submitting a statement of
the receipts and expenditures of the company, down to
the 30th of July, 1813, made the following report:
"In addition thereto they beg leave to inform the com
pany, that they have contracted with Mr. Theodore Burr,
to build said bridge for the sum of one hundred and eigh
ty thousand dollars; thirty-five thousand dollars thereof
he is to take in stock, the residue to be paid to him in
proportion as the work progresses; he is to find all the
materials, and to have the bridge completed on the first
day of December, 1815.
They have also contracted with the administrators of
the late William Maclay, deceased, for the privilege of
attaching the bridge to the island on both sides, and of
making and extending a road across it, on terms which
they conceive will be advantageous to all the parties con
cerned. The work has been commenced and is in as great a
state of forwardness could be reasonably expected for
the time.
Notwithstanding the preparations that were indispen-

358 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
sable at the commencement of a work of such magni
tude; yet in a little better than three months from the
time it was begun, two of the abutments are finished as
high as to where the wooden work commences, and the
third is rapidly progressing. The work appears to be
very substantial, and composed of the best materials. A
large quantity of stone is prepared, and as soon as the
river is sufficiently low, the piers will be commenced, with
an additional number of hands; and from the superior
qualifications of Mr. Burr, as a bridge builder, aided by
an industry and perseverance seldom equalled, there is
every reason to believe, that the bridge will be finished
within the time specified in the contract.
The president and directors (in compliance with their
duty) inform the company, that the Governor, under the
authority of an act of Assembly, has subscribed for ninety
thousand dollars worth of stock, in behalf of the com
monwealth, which sum will be paid, under the direction
of said act, by his warrants drawn on the State Treasury.
It is with no small degree of satisfaction that the board
have it in their power to inform the company, that the
displeasure expressed by some of the stockholders, on ac
count of the site of the bridge being fixed at the place
where it is now erecting, has nearly subsided. It would
have been an extraordinary circumstance, if all had been
satisfied, when so great a variety of local interests were
interfering with each other — it was more than could be
expected. The few who yet remain opposed, are so very
small in number, and their proportion of stock in com
parison so very trifling, as to render their opposition of
little consequence.
Nothing is now wanting, to forward the work with
spirit, but prompt and punctual payments on the part of
stockholders; and when each individual stockholder re
flects that by such payments, he is hastening and promot-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 359
ing his own interest, it is confidently hoped and expected
that he will not withhold the requisite aid.
Thos. Elder, President; Jacob M. Haldeman, Jno.
Ritchey, George Brenizer, Samuel C. Wiestling, John
Howard, William Bryson, George Hoyer, Jacob Boas,
Henry Beader, Michael Krehl, John Mytinger, Directors.
Attest, John Downey, Treasurer.
July 31, 1813."
The first toll was received by the company October 16,
1816. The bridge and toll-houses were completed in
1817, at a total cost of $192,138.
The bridge is built upon the "Burr plan;" and is sep
arated by Forster's Island. Its total length, including
the island, is about two-thirds of a mile ; width, forty feet,
and has an elevation of fifty feet.
That part of the structure between the island and the
borough was carried away by the great freshet of March
15, 1846, and for about eighteen months afterwards the
passage was made to and from the island by means of a
"rope ferry." The rope used on this occasion was about
three inches in diameter, and suspended between the two
abutments, supported in the centre by masts on the piers.
The flats were connected to -this rope by two small guy
ropes; and by an ingenious contrivance were propelled
across the stream by the action of the descending cur
rent. The rope, especially during high water, frequently ob
structed the passage of the rafts and arks descending the
river, and was finally cut by one of the incensed river
men with an axe.
The present structure was erected and rendered pass
able on the 20th of September, 1847. It is distinguished
for its strength and graceful proportions, affording a

360 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
striking contrast with the antique, though still firm, part
of the first structure spanning the river on the western
side of the island.

Cumberland Valley Railroad Bridge. — The first
bridge owned by this company, across the Susquehanna,
was commenced in the summer of 1836, and opened for
locomotive traveling January 16, 1839.
It was constructed upon the lattice plan, with three
frames, and covered with a strong deck of three inch
plank, laid watertight to protect the timbers from the
weather. A single T rail was laid on the deck along the middle
of the bridge.
The under part of the frame work was arranged for
two carriage ways for common road vehicles, &c, and two
foot paths for passengers. By an act of the Legislature,
however, the company was prohibited from using it for
any other than railroad purposes until the year 1841.
The carriage ways were nine and a half feet wide, and
thirteen feet high in the clear. The foot paths were
three and a half feet wide, set up three feet above the
lower roadways, in order to admit outside braces from
below to the lattice frames.
The main bridge was four thousand feet long ; and, in
cluding the end bridges, four thousand three hundred feet
long. There were twenty-three spans of about one hun
dred and sixty-five feet each. The piers were six and a
half feet wide at the top, and had a batter all around of
one inch to the foot rise. They were thirty feet long at
the top, and from thirty to sixty feet long at the base.
The highest piers were forty-two feet above low water ;
the lowest twenty-two feet.
The western end was twenty feet higher than the Har-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 361
risburg end. This plan was adopted to reduce the heavy
grade on the Cumberland side of the river.
The total cost of the bridge was $110,000. Of this sum
the mason work cost $40,000; the timber and other ma
terials about $40,000, and the framing and building of the
superstructure $30,000.
The railway track was completed, and the bridge pub
licly opened for locomotive use on the 16th of January,
1839. Tbe first trip was made from the western end.
The train consisted of three locomotives, three double
passenger cars, and two baggage cars — the locomotive,
"Nicholas Biddle" having the lead.
The president, managers, and engineers of the com
pany, together with the bridge contractors, and about
three hundred gentlemen, present by invitation, occupied
the cars and locomotives.
Several thousand persons assembled on the bank of
the river to witness the opening ceremony, which was an
imposing spectacle.
The train moved slowly and majestically over the bridge
at the rate of twenty miles per hour, and upon entering
Mulberry street, the air resounded with a welcome huzza.
To test the strength of the bridge a locomotive was
subsequently run over it in one minute, without causing
the slightest vibratory motion.
This splendid bridge was destroyed by fire, excepting
four spans at its eastern end, in December, 1844.
The work of constructing another bridge, at the same
place, was completed in 1846. This was also on the lat
tice plan, but differed materially with the former struc
ture. — The passage way for footmen was in the centre
of the two carriage ways, but was never used for this
purpose, it being found necessary to occupy the place by
cross staunchions for the interior lattice frames. The
bridge and track were originally covered with a shingle
24

362 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
roof, which was subsequently taken away, as it was
thought to endanger the structure by the great resistance
it offered to the wind.
This bridge stood until 1855 or 1856, when it was re
moved for the present beautiful structure, which was
erected within the old one, without causing any serious
interruption to the car travel. The two spans which
crosses the island are constructed of iron, calculated to
resist the progress of fire, that at any time might occur
on either of the sides which they divide.
The company sold its right to collect tolls over the
bridge to the Harrisburg Bridge Company on the 4th of
January, 1855.
Mr. Rudolph F. Kelker has kindly furnished the com
piler with the following memoranda respecting this
bridge :
May 7, 1836, Cumberland Valley Railroad Bridge lo
cated opposite Mulberry street.
May 9, 1836, ground first broke for abutment on the
east side of the river.
June 18, 1838, commenced laying timber of bridge.
January 16, 1839, at two and a half o'clock, p. m. first
locomotive crossed the river on the bridge.
RAILROADS AND CANALS.
There is no town in Pennsylvania that is so advan
tageously situated, with respect to railroad connection,
as Harrisburg. — From every point of the compass these
great public thoroughfares of travel and trade enter the
borough, and passengers and freight trains arrive and
depart almost every hour, giving to the town, at least
that part of it adjacent to the depot, a scene of constant
bustle and activity.
The follow'ing is a list of the railroads either terminat
ing at or passing through the borough :

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 363
Pennsylvania Central, east to Philadelphia; west, to
Pittsburg. The Northern Central, south to Baltimore; north, to
Sunbury. The Cumberland Valley, west to Chambersburg.
The Lebanon Valley, north-east to Reading.
The Dauphin and Susquehanna, north-east to Pine-
grove and Pottsville.
On the Pennsylvania Central four passenger trains ar
rive and depart daily, beside emigrant and freight trains.
On the other roads two trains depart and arrive daily.
The Pennsylvania Canal passes through the eastern
part of the borough. THE PRESS OF HARRISBURG.
"The Press ! whose vantage ground is Mind ;
Language, its sceptre of control;
Its chariot wheels are thoughts that roll
And leave a track of light behind.'
The newspapers of Harrisburg have long been dis
tinguished for the ability with which they are conducted
— their independent expression of opinion upon all sub
jects — and the neatness of their typographical appear
ance. The compiler, after the most diligent search and in
quiry, has been unable to procure, with any degree of cor
rectness, a history or even a list of the many newspapers
that have been published here since the field was first oc
cupied by the "Oracle of Dauphin," previously noticed,
and shall consequently confine his sketches to those only
which at present exist :
The Weekly Press. — The "Harrisburg Weekly Tele
graph" is the patriarch of the Harrisburg press — being
the "lineal descendent" of the "Oracle of Dauphin," es-

364 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
tablished in 1791 — the first newspaper printed in Harris
burg. Under its present title it is in its twenty-eighth volume,
and on the 15th of September last had published 4,644
numbers. It is a folio of large double medium size, con
taining twenty-eight columns of closely printed reading
matter and advertisements. During the session of the
Legislature it is issued twice a week. The price of sub
scription is $2 per annum. It is American Republican in
politics, and enjoys a large circulation and advertising
patronage. Messrs. George Bergner & Co. are its present
publishers. The publication office is in Third street near
Walnut. The "Church Advocate," devoted to the diffusion of
Bible truth, religious news, and general intelligence, is
published once a week by E. H. Thomas, J. S. Gable and
George Ross for the General Eldership of the "Church
of God." It is a quarto, printed on a super-royal sheet,
containing thirty-two columns of reading matter and ad
vertisements, and is in its twenty-third volume. It is
edited with much ability by Rev. James Colder. The
price of sttbscription is $1.50 per annum. It is published
in Fourth street, between Market and Walnut streets.
The "Vaterland Wachter" is published weekly, in the
German language, by Mr. George Bergner. It is a folio
of super-royal size, containing twenty-four columns of
reading matter and advertisements. It has reached its
fifteenth volume. Its politics are American Republican,
and is edited with considerable ability. The subscrip
tion price is $1 per year in advance. Its publication of
fice is at Bergner's bookstore, Market street.
The "Patriot and Union" is in its fourth volume. It is
a consolidation of the "Pennsylvania Patriot," establish
ed March 4, 1854; the "Democratic Union," established
June 7, 1843, by the juncture of the "Keystone," "Re-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 365
porter," and "Gazette;" and the "Keystone," established
several years ago by Mr. O. Barret. The latter paper
joined the consolidation on the ist of September last. It
is a folio of large double medium size, containing twenty-
eight columns of closely printed reading matter and ad
vertisements. During the session of the Legislature it is
issued twice, a week at $2 per annum. It is published at
present by O. Barret & Co., and edited with great vigor
by R. J. Haldeman, Esq., and assistants. It is Demo
cratic in politics, and enjoys a large circulation and ad
vertising patronage. The publication office is located on
Third street, between Market and Walnut streets.
The "Lancaster and Harrisburg Democrat" is publish
ed in the German language, once a week, simultaneously
in Lancaster and Harrisburg. It is a folio of double me
dium size, containing twenty-eight columns of reading
matter and advertisements. The paper is a consolidation
of the "Lancaster Democrat" with the "Harrisburg Dem
ocrat," which was effected on the 29th of April, 1858. Its
present publishers are Messrs. Kuhn, Fuss & Weaver,
and its editors are Messrs. Kuhn and Hass, "the latter of
whom resides here. The subscription price is $1 per
annum in advance. Its publication office in Harrisburg
is in Rasberry alley, near the Court House.
The Daily Press. — The publication of daily papers in
the borough is by no means a novel experiment. The
compiler has been kindly permitted to examine files of
daily papers printed here twenty-five years ago, at which
period it was customary for nearly all the leading jour
nalists to publish daily editions of their respective papers
during the session of the Legislature.
Generally, these papers were about one-fourth the size
of the present dailies, and consisted principally of legis
lative proceedings, which were regularly preserved and
transferred into the weekly editions. They possessed no

366 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
local character whatever, and depended entirely for sup
port upon the patronage extended to them by members of
the Legislature.
A more recent, and what might be termed the first
attempt to establish permanently a daily paper in the bor
ough, was made on the 27th of December, 1850, by
Messrs. George Bergner & Co., who at that time com
menced the publication of the "American Whig." The
paper was handsomely printed on a medium sheet, and
contained twenty-four columns. It was well supported,
but owing to the ill health of Mr. Bergner, that gentle
man was compelled, after publishing it about a year, to
relinquish his interest therein, after which it passed into
the hands of Mr. Collin M'Curdy, who published it a few
months longer, when it ceased to exist.
The next appearance in the daily field was the "Bor
ough Item," started in the fall of 1852 by Messrs. George
P. Crap and George W. George. This paper was about
one-half the size of the present dailies. It was strictly
local in its character, and being edited with considerable
ability, it soon attained a list of over one thousand sub
scribers, besides monopolizing nearly all the local adver
tising patronage. It was daily continuing to gain public
favor, when other dailies entered the field in competition,
which caused its gradual decline until November, 1857,
when it ceased to exist. The first competitor of the
"Item" was
The "Daily Times," published by William H. Egle &
Co. The size of the "Times" was a trifle larger than that
of the "Item." It was edited with great ability by Mr.
Egle, and was, like the "Item," "independent in all things,
neutral in none." After being published a few months, it
was purchased by Messrs. Miller, Clyde & Patterson, then
publishing the "Weekly Telegraph," who enlarged it to

annals of harrisburg. 367
super-royal size, and continued its publication under the
title of
The "Morning Herald." The super-royal size was re
tained only a short time, when it was reduced back to the
size of the "Times." The "Herald" was edited with great
ability, and was a formidable rival of the "Item." It was
published about two years, when its proprietors dissolved
partnership. The "Harrisburg Daily Herald" succeeded the above
"Herald." It was published and edited by Mr. William
P. Coulter. The size of the sheet was about half as large
as the present dailies. It was independent in all things.
Mr. J. J. Clyde succeeded Mr. Coulter as its publisher,
who, in turn, was succeeded by Mr. Benj. Whitman. This
gentleman, in 1858, sold an interest in the establishment
to Messrs. Royal & M 'Reynolds, at which time it was
considerably enlarged, and called simply the "Daily Her
ald." Mr. Whitman occupied its editorial chair. It was
published every morning until the ist of September,
1858, when the firm disposed of their interest in the con
cern to Messrs. O. Barret & Co., of the weekly "Patriot
and Union," who continue its publication under the name
of The "Daily Patriot and Union." The size of this sheet
is considerably larger than either of its immediate pre
decessors. It contains twenty-four columns, and is edited
with marked ability by R. J. Haldeman, Esq., and as
sistants. Its politics are Democratic, and commands an
extensive influence among the leaders of that party. It
enjoys a large circulation and a good advertising patron-
.age. The subscription price to mail subscribers is $4
per annum, and to those residing in the borough six
cents per week.
The "Daily Pennsylvania Telegraph" was established
October 7, 1856, by George Bergner & Co., its present

368 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
publishers. It is a folio of large super-royal size, con
taining twenty-four columns of reading matter and ad
vertisements. As its motto indicates, it is "independent
in all things, neutral in none." It is published every even
ing, and enjoys a very large circulation, with a fair share
of advertising patronage. The editorial department is
conducted with great ability by a corps of talented writ
ers. No labor or expense is spared by its enterprising
publishers to make it a first class newspaper. The sub
scription price to mail subscribers is $4 per annum; to
subscribers in the borough, six cents per week.
CONCLUSION.
This 'concludes, for the present, our collection of "An
nals of Harrisburg;" and the compiler trusts they will be
received with the indulgence due to the enterprise. The
reflecting reader will justly appreciate the difficulties in
procuring minute and accurate information respecting the
early history of the borough, and will not be surprised
if, notwithstanding the efforts of the compiler, by personal
intercourse with old citizens, and by laborious research
among the public records, some inaccuracies should be
found in the work. In the first edition of such a work,
error is unavoidable ; but the compiler flatters himself that
there is no more in this than in others of like character,
and that it will prove useful and satisfactory to the pub
lic.

APPENDIX

The following incidents connected with the early his
tory of Harrisburg, unless otherwise indicated, were
chiefly derived from the reminiscences of several old cit
izens. They give a faithful and lively picture of the bor
ough in the days of "Auld lang syne," and will be read
with interest. THE PAXTON CHURCH.
The first Paxton Church, still standing about three
miles from Harrisburg, was erected about the year 1732;
and from documents in the possession of George W.
Harris, Esq., it appears that his great grandfather, John
Harris, furnished all, or most of the stones used in its
construction. This *ote is made to correct the suppo
sition of many that the Paxton Church was erected pre
vious to the settlement of John Harris on the Susque
hanna. First road from harrisburg To Philadelphia.
The first regular road from Harrisburg to Philadelphia,
by way of Lancaster and Chester counties, was procured
in 1736, by petition of sundry inhabitants of said counties.
A MATRON OF THE OLDEN TIME.
"The wife of John Harris, the first settler, rode once
on urgency to Philadelphia, the same horse, in one day !
At one time when at Big Island, on the West Branch of
the Susquehanna, hearing of her husband's illness, she
came down in a day and night in a bark canoe." — Wat
son's Annals.

370 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
CUMBERLAND VALLEY IN OLDEN TIMES.
George W. Harris, Esq., has heard his grandmother
say that the whole extent of country between the South
and Blue mountains, from the west bank of the Susque
hanna to Carlisle, and beyond, was without timber when
she was young. Now it is a well timbered country.
DERIVATIONS.
Susquehanna is derived from its Indian name — Sa-os-
qua-ha-na-unk, i. e., Long-crooked-river.
Swatara creek is called after Suataaro, a town in the
north of Ireland. SUPPLIES FOR GEN. SULLIVAN'S ARMY.
A large number of the troops, and most of the sup
plies for Gen. Sullivan's expedition against the Indians
on the Susquehanna, in 1779, passed through this place.
Gen. Sullivan, with the main hody of the army, reached
the Susquehanna at Sunbury, by way of Easton. The
supplies ascended the river in battleaux; and it is curious
to know that these were used in accordance with a sug
gestion made by John Harris, Jr., in 1756, showing their
superiority over canoes, then the universal mode of navi
gating the river.
THE RELIGIOUS VIEWS OF JOHN HARRIS, SR.
John Harris, Sr., was an Epicopalian, although he con
tributed liberally to the Presbyterian (Paxton) Church,
then under the pastorship of the Rev. Col. Elder, in
whose language "Mr. Harris was as honest a man as
ever broke bread."
Upon one occasion a man named Thomas Rennox, a
leading elder of the Paxton Church, in company with
Mr. Harris, attended a match at "Bullet playing," (a

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 371
favorite pastime in old times, now forgotten,) of which
they were both very fond. — Presently the players per
ceived Parson Elder approaching on his way to Derry
Church, when Rennox hid himself behind a tree. When
the parson came up, he perceived Mr. Harris, who had
"stood his ground."
"Well," said the parson to Mr. Harris, "of all the men
in my congregation I am most surprised to see you here,"
and then proceeded to give him a severe lecture. After
he had got through, and was going off, Mr. Harris
turned around and called out, "Thomas Rennox come out
here;" whereupon the deacon made his appearance and
also received a sound lecturing.
MULBERRY STREET GRAVE-YARD.
The site of the old Bethel Church, in Mulberry street,
was at one time a grave-yard. Hercules— the colored
man who aided in the rescue of the first settler, Harris,
from the Indians — was buried here; and his grave was
recognizable until excavations were made for improving
the spot, at which time his skull and a few bones were
discovered, and removed by the descendants of Mr. Har
ris to the grave occupied by one of his children in the
colored people's burial ground, at the foot of Chestnut
street. While making excavations in the vicinity of the church,
in May, 1858, for a new school house, the workmen ex
humed a large quantity of human bones.
the first born.
Mr. Jacob Hise, still living in one of the western states,
was the first male person born in the town after it was
laid out.

372 annals of harrisburg.
first u. s senator from pennslivania.
Mr. Maclay, the founder of Maclaysburg, subsequently
annexed to Harrisburg, with Robert Morris, represented
Pennsylvania in the first Senate of the United States.
THE FIRST COUNTY PRISON.
Mr. Peter Snyder, still living, aged eighty-one, states
that the first county prison was a small two story log
house, which formerly stood in the alley, back of the pres
ent prison. POND NEAR MARKET SQUARE.
Some of our oldest citizens recollect seeing people skat
ing upon a frozen pond, which at one time, occupied the
site of the old Coverly House, now Kelker's hardware
store, at the east corner of Market square. In the summer
time the pond was the favorite resort of boys, who amused
themselves fishing for frogs, &c. Subsequently, it was
the site of a lumber yard.
TROOPS FOR GEN. ST. CLAIR'S ARMY.
Several large detachments of regular United States
troops passed through the borough in 1790-1, to join the
army commanded by Gen. St. Clair, operating against
the Western Indians. The father of Capt. Jeremiah
Reese was at that time the lessee of the Harris ferry, and
Capt. Reese, then a young man, steered one of the flats
which conveyed the troops across the river.
THE PUMPKIN FLOOD.
Captain Jeremiah Reese relates that during the cele
brated "Pumpkin Flood" the water covered the floor of
his father's tavern (now the frame part of Hogan's tav
ern, in Paxton street), to the depth of two feet.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 373
THE RIVER RACE COURSE.
About the time that Harrisburg was incorporated into
a borough, the lower or first bank of the river, between
the two bridges, extended about thirty feet further out
than it does at the present day, the earth having been
washed away to its present extent by the annual spring
and fall freshets. The surface of this bank was level,
and covered with a beautiful green sward, forming a
pleasing promenade for the elder villagers, and an ad
mirable play-ground for the juveniles. In later days, the
spot was invaded by "lovers of the turf ;" the promenade
was turned into a race-course; and the innocent prattle
of children gave place to the rude and boisterous slang of
horse jockeys, or the loud vivas of the multitude, ap
plauding some favorite animal speeding along the course.
dr. FEnton's HORSE.
One gentleman, Dr. Fenton, is said to have owned a
horse that was considered quite a prodigy. He was train
ed to run the race-course without a rider, and perform
divers other singular feats, one of which was to carry let
ters. When his master desired to communicate with a
particular friend on the opposite side of the river, he
would write on a piece of paper and attach it to the horse's
mane; then leading the animal to the river, he would
point to the opposite shore and say "go," and off the
noble animal would spring into the water, nor loiter on
his way until he reached the place of his destination on
the opposite shore, where he would wait until the answer
was prepared, with which he returned in the same manner
to his master. "appearances often deceptive.
Upon one occasion, John Harris, Jr., purchased from
a gentleman of Philadelphia a gray horse that had ob-

374 annals of harrisburg.
tained considerable celebrity for his racing qualities. Mr.
H, however, was not aware of this fact, and used the
animal alike in the carriage and plough. A short time
afterwards there came to Harrisburg a man named Clark,
who lived in Detroit, with the family of Thomas M'Kee.
Clark was on a visit to some of his friends in this county,
and had with him one of a number of blood horses which
M'Kee had imported from Europe. The animal attracted
much attention from the "horse fanciers" of the village,
who all agreed that it was a remarkable good looking
"piece of horse flesh," and expressed a desire to see it
perform on the race-course. The owner naturally felt
proud of these good opinions ; and desiring to gratify the
curiosity of the rustic critics, as well as his own vanity,
offered to run the animal against any other horse in the
neighborhood. This challenge was overheard by some of
Mr. Harris' workmen, who immediately accepted it; and
without the consent of their employer, repaired to a
potato field in Mulberry street, near Front, where they
found Isaac (one of Mr. Harris' colored men) engaged
ploughing with the gray horse. This individual, after
being informed of the circumstances, entered heartily into
the affair, and in a short time the gray horse was unhar
nessed, and led by the party to the appointed race-course,
which at that time was located about the line of the pres
ent canal, below Paxton street.
We can well imagine the laughter and ridicule with
which this unkempt animal was greeted as he made his
appearance on the "course," his stout form still reeking
with the sweat of his field labors ; but his leaders, un
mindful of the gibes and jests with which they were as
sailed, began to make their arrangements, and in a short
space of time the "old hoss," as the bystanders termed
him, guided by a blind bridle, was led up to the side of
his clean-limbed and glossy competitor. At the word

annals of harrisburg. 375
"go," both animals started abreast. Clark's horse took
the lead for twenty yards or so; but the sturdy plough-
horse, warmed up with reminiscences of other days, sud
denly passed to the front like the wind, and beat his com
petitor a hundred yards in the mile !
MORE REMARKABLE HORSES.
Drs. Martin Luther and Hall, both eminent medical
practitioners in their day, also owned remarkable horses.
On one occasion these gentlemen were riding their ani
mals across the river, at the usual fording place, oppo
site Harris' red warehouse, and when at a point below
Foster's Island, the horse of the former gentleman stum
bled, throwing his rider head over heels into the water.
As the river was pretty high at the time, such an uncere
monious ducking was not unaccompanied with great dan
ger, even though the unfortunate doctor's head or bones
remained intact after the concussion, for the current was
swift, and the nearest visible land was far beyond the
reach of any ordinary swimmer. Immediately after per
ceiving the disaster, of course, Dr. Hall proceeded to his
colleague's relief; but in this he was anticipated, for no
sooner did the noble animal belonging to Dr. L. see his
master struggling in the water than he grasped him with
his teeth by the coat collar, and in this manner conveyed
him rapidly to the shore, where he safely deposited his
valuable burden, and waited beside it until the arrival of
Dr. Hall, who restored his friend alike to consciousness
and his saddle.
Dr. Hall's horse was never peaceable or tractable but
with his master. If the Doctor, by accident, fell from the
saddle the horse would wait quietly in the road until he
was remounted; nor would he permit any person to lead
him away or touch the Doctor on these occasions.

376 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
A WILD BUFFALO KILLED IN HARRISBURG.
Mr. Peter Snyder relates that on a Sunday morning,
about the year 1792, a wild buffalo suddenly came among
a herd of cows who were at pasture in what was at that
time known as "Maclay's Swamp," which occupied pretty
much all the country lying on the west and north side
of capitol hill to the ridge on the opposite side of Pax
ton creek. The cows were frightened at the appearance
of the strange animal, and scampered off rapidly towards
the town; while the buffalo, as thoroughly frightened
by the sudden stampede, and following the habit of its
kind, ran with the drove for safety. The surprise of the
quiet citizens as these excited animals entered the village,
may be better imagined than described. Many who had
never seen a buffalo, and ignorant of its nature, were
alarmed beyond measure, and retreated to their dwellings ;
while others, better informed, and eager for sport and
profit, quickly procured their guns and went in pursuit
of the singular visitor with the view to its capture. After
an exciting race through the streets, this was finally ac
complished by chasing it, with a number of cows, into
a stable belonging to Mr. Harris, in River alley. Here
the buffalo was killed, and its carcass divided among its
captors. A WILD BEAR KILLED NEAR THE BOROUGH.
The same gentleman also states that about the year
1797, he and his brother chased a wild bear from the
ridge, east of the borough, into what was formerly
known as "Hanna's woods," now the property of A. B.
Hamilton, Esq. Here the bear mounted a tree on the
side of a hollow, and calmly surveyed its pursuers. Mr.
S.'s brother first fired at the animal, but his gun, loadened
only with small bird shot, failed to have much effect;
whereupon the relator loadened a small gun with several

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 377
buck-shot, and fired at the animal, killing it instantly.
The bear weighed about one hundred and twenty pounds.
Mr. Snyder further informed the compiler that he has
caught with his hands a large number of pike fish in a
small branch of Paxton creek, that formerly run through
the meadows, east of the borough, near the line of the
present canal.
ATTEMPTED WHISKEY INSURRECTION AT HARRISBURG.
"A duty being laid upon whiskey, that general and fav
orite beverage in Pennsylvania, it was found a potent
theme for the purpose of sedition ; and it was accordingly
preached upon with so much unction that an insurrection
was the consequence. It began beyond the mountains,
in the summer of 1794, spreading from West to East
with wonderful rapidity. Harrisburg was quickly in
fected; and a meeting had been called for the purpose
of passing 'some inflammatory resolutions. By the per
suasion, however, of a few of us, who were untouched
by the contagion, these inconsiderate men were induced to
desist; though less, perhaps, from a sense of their error
than from our assurance that a body of troops were on
their march to the seat of insurrection, and that if they
persisted in their undertaking they would involve them
selves in the guilt of a forcible opposition to the laws,
and most surely have cause to repent of their temerity."
— Graydon 's Memoirs. BURNING TOM PAINE'S LETTER.
The citizens of Harrisburg celebrated the anniversary
of Washington's birth-day, in 1797, by a public dinner,
at the house of George Zeigler. After the reading of a
number of patriotic toasts, "Tom Paine's brutal letter to
President Washington was burned by the hands of the
drummer, to the tune of the Rogue's March, amid the
general and hearty acclamation of the company."
25

378 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
LADIES' COSTUME.
Some idea of the costume worn by our old-time ma
trons may be gathered by the following extract from a
communication in the "Oracle" of 1797: — "The ladies
who attend Divine service at the English meeting-house
in Harrisburg, do not arrogate an exclusive privilege of
sitting in the circle formerly occupied by lawyers; and
it is happy for them, for the beaux being duly impressed
with the inestimable right of equality, would strenuously
dispute with them that accommodating station, and no
doubt for this laudable and unanswerable reason: that
from that place, which is a little elevated, a more conspic
uous display may be made of the inimitable skill of the
Frizure, and of the adroitness of the highly balloned cra
vat, which can be hardly excelled by the most foppish
footman." WOLVES — A GOOD SHOT.
The "Oracle of Dauphin" of April 12, 1797, publishes
the following as a fact :
"A Fact. — A few years ago, a respectable farmer near
Harrisburg having frequently his sheep destroyed by
wolves, laid wait one evening with a well-loaded musket,
in order to take satisfaction for the depredations com
mitted. He had not remained long in his hidden place
before a gang of them approached, when, filled with rage
for injuries received, and taking good aim he let drive
and killed seven! which was the whole gang. He re-
received the premium for each, agreeably to the law of
this State." CHIMNEY-SWEEPING MONOPOLY.
In 1797, the burgesses of Harrisburg, Messrs. William
Graydon and James Sawyer, enacted the following ordi-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 379
nance : "That if any inhabitant of the borough of Harris
burg shall procure his or her chimney or chimneys to be
swept by any other chimney-sweeper than John Croft,
(unless upon application to the said John Croft he shall
refuse or neglect to sweep such chimney or chimneys) he
or she shall forfeit and pay the sum of one dollar for
every such offence." LIST OF LETTERS.
The list of letters remaining in the Post Office at Har
risburg were advertised in the "Oracle of Dauphin" every
two weeks. The lists published in 1797 and 1798, em
braced the names of a large number of people residing at
the time in Lewistown, Northumberland, Carlisle, Mid
dletown, &c The amount of postage due on each letter
was placed opposite the names.
A CURIOUS STONE MOULD.
A stone mould for running musket and rifle bullets was
found in digging a well, about thirty feet below the sur
face of the earth, near Coxestown, a few miles north of
the borough, in the year 1797. A solid rock several feet
thick lay immediately above it.
THE PRISON WALL.
The stone wall enclosing the County Prison was erect
ed in 1798. The Commissioners of the county issued pro
posals for its construction in November, 1797.
SALE OF THE MILL-SEAT. •
The mill-seat purchased from the Landis' by the citizens
of Harrisburg, previously mentioned, was sold by the
latter "at public vendue, in the Court House, on the 18th
of November, 1797." We cannot learn who purchased
it.

380 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
TRAVELLING ACCOMMODATIONS SIXTY YEARS AGO.
Messrs. Matthias Slough and William Gear were each
proprietors of a line of stages running between Lancas
ter, Harrisburg, Carlisle and Shippensburg, in the year
1797. They had formerly been in partnership. The
stages of the former gentleman "set out from the house
of Capt. Andrew Lee, in Harrisburg," (afterwards called
the "Washington House.") The fare on this line was,
from Harrisburg to Lancaster, $2; from Lancaster to
Carlisle, $3 ; and from Lancaster to Shippensburg, $4.
The stages of Mr. Geer "set out from the house of
William Feree, in Lancaster, on every Tuesday and Sat
urday mornings, at six o'clock, proceeded to the west
ward; and from the house of Mr. Samuel Elder, in Har
risburg, every Wednesday morning, arriving at Shippens
burg on the same evening. This line connected with
stages, which started from the White Horse tavern in
Market street, Philadelphia, every Monday and Friday. —
The same proprietor also ran a stage from Harrisburg
every Wednesday, which arrived at Sunbury every Thurs
day; and returned every Saturday; "so that passengers
from Sunbury, destined for Lancaster and Philadelphia,
could proceed thence on Mondays."
Mr. William Coleman was the proprietor of a line of
stages that started every Monday morning, at four
o'clock, from the public house of Mr. George Zeigler, in
Harrisburg, and arrived at Philadelphia, by way of Read
ing, every Wednesday at noon.
In 1813, Mr. Nicholas Schwoyer ran a light stage,
twice a week, from Harrisburg to the canal, (?) where
it was met by a line established by Mr. Jesse Shaeffer,
which run to York: — This stage left the "Fountain Inn,"
at Harrisburg, every Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
These several modes of conveyance would illy suit the

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 381
people of this progressive age; yet at that period they
were considered quite sufficient, and a decided improve
ment over the "post-horse" system, used previously.
The conveyance of the mails was equally slow. In
1798, the Post Master General, Joseph Habersham, is
sued proposals for carrying the mails, once in two weeks,
on the following route:
"From Harrisburg, by Clark's Ferry, Millerstown,
Thompsontown, Mifflintown, Lewistown, Huntingdon,
Alexandria, Bellefonte, Aaronsburg, Mifflinburg, Lewis-
burg, Northumberland and Sunbury, to Harrisburg. The
mail to leave Harrisburg from October 15th to April 15th,
every other Monday, at six a. m., and return to Harris
burg the next Monday by 7 p. m. And from April 15th
to October 15th, to leave Harrisburg every other Satur
day at two p, m., and return to Harrisburg the next Sun
day week, by seven p. m."
On the 15th of November, 1797, the Post Master Gen
eral, in reply to a letter addressed to him respecting the
transmission of a mail between Harrisburg and Lancas
ter, wrote as follows :
"Mr. Slough has written me on the subject of a private
mail between Lancaster and Harrisburg, but no contract
has been formed on the subject; indeed it does not now
appear to me expedient to form any; as there cannot be
much communication by post between Lancaster and Har
risburg, ( .') and the correspondence between Harrisburg
and this city (Philadelphia) is well provided for already.
Joseph Habersham, P M. G." '
In 1812, Mr. Wright, the postmaster, advertised that
"the Western mail will be closed every Monday, Wed
nesday and Friday, at two o'clock p. m., and the Eastern
mail every day (Sundays excepted) at eight o'clock a.
m."

382 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
DANCING AND DANCING MASTERS.
The inhabitants of Harrisburg, sixty years ago, seemed
to have been unusually fond of patronizing the Terp-
sichorean art; and it is quite amusing to hear the sur
vivors of that period relate incidents of the many "dances"
in which they participated when they were "young rollick
ing blades."
We have previously mentioned the names of some of
those who had the honor of instructing our forefathers
in the "poetry of motion."
One of the most popular means of promoting the art
was that afforded by an organization styled the "Harris
burg Dancing Assembly," which commenced operations
in October, 1796.
We find the following advertisement respecting this
"Assembly" in the "Oracle of Dauphin," for that year :
"Dancing Assembly. — The subscribers to the Harris
burg Dancing Assembly are informed that it will be open
ed on Thursday evening next at six o'clock, at the house
of Capt. Lee.
Seventh October, 1796."
Another advertisement in the "Oracle," for the week
following, requests the "ladies to attend the Assembly
precisely at six o'clock, that the managers may be enabled
to make the necessary arrangements."
Our fathers evidently "kept good hours;" for under
the present system of balls, it is not deemed fashionable
to have the ladies appear much before ten o'clock.
By another advertisement in the "Oracle," the ladies
are again requested "to be particular in attending at six
o'clock, as at that time precisely they will draw for num
bers." What these "numbers" were to represent, the compiler
is unable to say.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 383
Among the managers of the "Assembly," at various
times, were Messrs. Samuel Laird, Fr. Dazell, John Elder
and Alexander Graydon, all gentlemen of the highest re
spectability. In January, 1797, Mr. B. Holdich opened a dancing
school in Capt. Lee's assembly rooms ; and the first prac
ticing ball of his pupils took place on the 17th of Febru
ary following. To this ball "the ladies and gentlemen
(subscribers) were invited to witness the improvement
of the pupils." Gentlemens' tickets (non-subscribers)
were one dollar each; each ticket admitting a lady and
gentleman to the practice of the evening. The Court and
Bath cotillions were to be danced by the company, with
several new country dances. The practice was to com
mence at six o'clock, and end at eleven o'clock.
We conclude our sketch by copying verbatim the fol
lowing advertisement of Mr. Holdich, in the "Oracle"
for April 4, 1798:
"Dancing School. — Subscriptions are respectfully so
licited for a third half quarter, to commence on Monday,
April 9, and conclude with a ball, Saturday, May 20.
In addition to the former objects of tuition will be taught
'The City Cotillion,' as taught by Sicard, Quesnet, and
all the French masters in Philadelphia, New York, &c,
and 'The Plain Minuet.' Such of the pupils as make suf
ficient progress shall also be taught the 'Minuet de la
Courj because it is more than probable that the school
will not be continued during the present winter.
B. Holdich."
Fairs.
About the middle of the month of June, fifty years
ago, there would be merry times in the borough — merry
times as eye could see Or ear could hear; the whole place

384 annals oe harrisburg.
would ring with drums, banjos, bag-pipes, trumpets, fid
dles and fifes ; besides a good deal of bellowing and shout
ing, roaring of laughter, and every other kind of noise
that the human voice could produce. In short, this was
the time of the fair days — "institutions" that now, alas !
,are numbered among the things "long since forgotten."
On these occasions, Market Square would be the grand
centre of attraction for the multitude of citizens and
strangers. In one place might be seen the juggler per
forming all manner of tricks ; in another place rope danc
ers were nimbly pirouetteing before the enraptured gaze
of the country rustics; in another place were the living
anacondas, tame elephants, learned dogs, and a host of
other rare and curious animals brought hither by their
owners to amuse and edify the people. But these were
only accessories and adjuncts to the fair; which was, in
truth, a great commercial mart, where goods and chat
tels of almost every kind were sold, from a hank of yarn
to a mammoth bull.
In several parts of the Square booths of entertainment
would be erected, where revelry, mirth and feasting was
indulged with a degree of license unknown at other times
and seasons ; while in other booths, again, the more sober
farmers, and the large households that they brought with
them, could provide themselves with food at a reasonable
price, and in a decent manner. Through all the streets
and alleys in the neighborhood of the Square would float
' a mixed multitude of all kinds ; buyers, sellers, minstrels,
musicians, old women, beautiful girls, young children,
yankees, wagoners; all jostling, hustling, talking, laugh
ing, singing and playing in the utmost good humor.
Bright and brilliant were these fair days ; a sort of mad
dening merriment was in every sound ; it was intoxicating
and infectious; nobody could help imbibing the miasma
of hilarity that spread around.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 385
We make these as prefatory remarks to the following
extract from the "Oracle of Dauphin" of June 6, 1798:
"On Friday and Saturday last was celebrated in this
town the anniversary fair, with all its accustomed singu
larities. The lasses, as usual, assembled like bees on a
summer's day. The swains, too, were very numerous;
so that none of the former, it is to be presumed, went
home with a heavy heart in consequence of neglect from
the latter." RIVER NAVIGATION FIFTY YEARS AGO.
The principal mode of navigating the river, fifty years
ago, was by keel boats, or "broad horns," similar to those
used on the Western waters prior to the introduction of
steam. These boats, ladened with grain, flour, iron, and
other productions of Northern Pennsylvania and New
York, would descend with the current of the river to tide
water or Baltimore, and after discharging their cargo,
return again to the places from which they started. A
large number of the boats unshipped their cargo at this
place for transportation, by wagons, to Lancaster or Phil
adelphia. The red warehouse, on the bank of the river,
at Paxton street, was erected principally to accommodate
this trade ; and was frequently filled with goods awaiting
wagons to transport them eastward. As many as fifty
keel-boats have been tied up along the shore of the river,
near the warehouse, at one time ; and as the boatmen were
"jolly fellows," the whole town would be enlivened, for
weeks at a time, with their songs, music, and fandangoes.
Mr. Benjamin A. Taylor, yet living in the borough, fre
quently conducted a keel boat to the head waters of the
Susquehanna, in New York State.
maclay's swamp.
At one time the low ground, fronting the State Capi
tol, between Second and Third streets, and from Pine

386 ANNALS 0E HARRISBURG.
street to the ridge north east of the borough, was a dense
swamp, whose edges was so thickly beset with tangled
briars that, in the language of an old citizen, "the place
was almost impenetrable to the dogs." The swamp was
familiarly known as "Maclay's." A natural gully ran
from its lower end into the creek, whose channel, still re
maining, crosses Front street, about Walnut. This creek
was also the outlet of the pond in Market square, already
noticed. When the river was high, the water at the
mouth of the creek would overflow Front street, and ren
der it impassible. On these occasions vehicles and pedes
trians would be compelled to go around by Second street.
At the June Sessions of Court, in 1800, a petition was
presented, praying that body to grant an order for the
erection of a bridge over this creek, or "gut" as it was
then called. The application was successful; and the
County Commissioners were directed to appropriate the
sum of $200 for the erection of the same.
BALD EAGLE NESTS.
The islands in the river, opposite the borough, were
famous fifty years ago, or later, as places of roost for
bald eagles. — Many of them built their nests there, and
on some occasions hundreds of these noble birds were to
be seen hovering in the air, above the river, in that vi
cinity. The fishermen were always informed of the ap
proach of a school of shad up the river by the action of
the eagles, who in great numbers would follow it in the
air above, occasionally descending with lightning rapidity
into the water, from which some of them would invaria
bly rise with an unlucky shad in their talons, which they
would devour while continuing their flight.
INDIANS AT THE GRAVE OF JOHN HARRIS, SR.
When George W. Harris, Esq., was a boy, he remem-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 387
bers seeing ten or twelve Indians at his father's house,
(the frame building now owned by Mr. Trullinger, on
Front street, above Vine.) They were from the State of
New York, and were on their way to the seat of the
General Government. One of the number, an old chief
tain, once lived in this vicinity, and had been well ac
quainted with John Harris, Jr., and Mr. Robert Harris
thought with the first John Harris. He had come this
way on purpose to see John Harris, or his father, and
was greatly grieved to learn of their death. Mr. Robert
Harris invited the party to breakfast; after which they
repaired to the grave of the elder Harris, on the river
bank, where the old chieftain sobbed audibly as he press
ed the soil which covered the remains of one whom, from
his earliest infancy, he had been taught to regard as the
red man's friend.
"Thither once, in slow procession,
Came the children of the forest,
They whose ancestors were rulers
Of the realm that we inhabit.
To that solemn delegation
From the tribes of forest-people,
Spake the pale-faced friend who led them,
In whose guardianship they trusted,
Told them how * * *

He, who loved his red-brow'd children,
When the toils of war were over,
Dwelt in peace 'neath yonder roof-tree,
Sow'd the corn, and reap'd the wheat-sheaf,
And when all his days were number'd,
Slumber'd in that tomb beside them,
While the earth stood up to praise him.

388 ANNALS OE HARRISBURG.
But they paus'd and changed their manner,
Bowing down their heads and weeping,
Round the tomb more closely gathering,
Pour'd a solemn dirge of sorrow,
So prolong'd and so despairing,
That the very birds who heard it,
Lingering 'mid the nested branches,
Closed their wings and caught the cadence.
Mournful 'mid that hallowed scenery,
Echoing thro' that vista'd foliage,
Sighing o'er the funeral cypress,
Rose that wild and deep lamenting
Of the downcast forest-dwellers,
Like forsaken children, wailing,
Hopeless o'er a buried father." — Mrs. Sigourney.
EIRST ANTHRACITE COAL USED IN THE BOROUGH.
Valentine Hummel, Sr., distinctly remembers the first
anthracite coal used in the borough. It was from Wilkes-
barre, and was brought here in an ark, on the river. The
entire load was sold to Jacob Boas, Esq., and was at
that time considered more than sufficient to supply Har
risburg for a year. Mr. Hummel thinks this occurrence
was in the year 1810 or 181 1.
ALEXANDER GRAYDON, ESQ.
The following biographical sketch of the first Prothon
otary of Dauphin county originally appeared in the Phil
adelphia Monthly Magazine for April, 1829:
"Among the contributors to the Port Folio was Alex
ander Graydon, author of a delightful book, entitled
'Memoirs of a life chiefly passed in Pennsylvania.' He
was an officer for a short time in the revolutionary army,
and his book contains many graphic sketches of occur
rences of that eventful period. He wrote with much
pleasantry, and seldom fails to impress, in vivid colors,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 389
his pictures on the imagination of the reader. Graydon
was born on the ioth of April, 1752, in the village of
Bristol. His father, who had been designed for the pul
pit, left Ireland in 1730, and on his arrival in America
directed his attention to mercantile pursuits, and after
wards to the law. In 1761, the subject of our notice
lost his father, whose property being inadequate to the
support of his widow, she removed to Philadelphia, and
established a boarding house. Mr. Graydon received the
rudiments of the Latin language from Mr. Beveridge, and
at the age of sixteen commenced the study of the law.
During this probation he acquired some knowledge of
the French language. In January, 1776, he received a
captain's commission in the battalion under the command
of Col. Cadwalader. In the spring of the same year his
regiment was ordered to New York, and in November
surrendered to the British, at Fort Washington.
It was not until the early part of 1778 that he was ex
changed, and he did not afterwards resume his station in
the army. He now married; was admitted to the bar;
and in 1785 was appointed Prothonotary of the county
of Dauphin, which office he held until the election of
Governor M'Kean, when he was removed on account of
his political opinions.
His reading must have been extensive. He wrote
political essays in Fenno's Gazette, in 1797, and at dif
ferent periods contributed to the Port Folio. He died in
1818, in Philadelphia, aged about sixty-five. In stature
he was beneath the common size, and in his youth re
markably active; possessing an intelligent countenance,
which became animated in conversation. He has been
thus described: 'He was one of the few survivors of
that old school of accomplished gentlemen which flour
ished before our Revolution, at a period when the cour
tesy of society was not disturbed by insubordination in

390 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
systems, nor violated by laxity in sentiments. In his
youth, Mr. Graydon was remarkable for the elegance of
his person, and he retained that advantage in an uncom
mon degree until his latest hour.' He had projected a
revised and an enlarged edition of his Memoirs, but died
before he had made much progress."
A revised and enlarged edition of Mr. Graydon's Me
moirs was published in 1846, by Mr. Littell, of Philadel
phia. DISTINGUISHED FOREIGNERS IN HARRISBURG.
In the spring of 1842, the English novelist, Charles
Dickens, accompanied by his wife, being on a tour
through the United States and Canadas, visited Harris
burg on their way from Baltimore to Pittsburg. They re
mained here over night and the following forenoon, at
the Eagle Hotel, then kept by Henry Buehler, Esq., a"
brother of the present occupant. The distinguished au
thor gives an amusing account of this visit in his "Amer
ican Notes for General Circulation," published after his
return to England, and celebrated for their severe reflec
tions upon the institutions and manners of our country
men. In the same year, Prince de Joinville, a son of Louis
Philippe, King of the French, who was likewise on a tour
through the United States, arrived in the borough from
Pittsburg, en route for Philadelphia. The Prince's suite
embraced several distinguished French noblemen. The
party ate dinner at Matthew Wilson's Hotel.
In the spring of 1858, Lord Napier and Count de
Sartiges, the former the English, and the latter the French
minister near our Government, accompanied by Sir Wil
liam Gore Ouseley, English embassador, arrived in the
borough en route for Reading. During their stay here,

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 391
the distinguished gentlemen were the guests of Gen.
Simon Cameron.
In "Graydon's Memoirs," mention is made of the au
thor being visited at Harrisburg, in 1790 or 1791, by the
Count de Noailles, M. Fallon, M. de Blacons, Capt. Boil-
leau, and other distinguished Frenchmen, and in 1795,
by the Due de Rochefoucault Liancourt, the celebrated
French traveller. THE EASTERN SWAMP.
Among the remarkable changes in the appearance of
the borough within the memory of the present genera
tion, is that which has been made on its eastern border.
The compiler distinctly remembers when the site of
the present handsome depot of the Harrisburg and Lan
caster railroad was occupied by a board-yard, owned, we
think, by David Lingle, Sr. The ground in its vicinity
was exceedingly swampy, which made it a favorite place
of resort for idle school boys, who would find a great
source of amusement in pelting bull-frogs and snapping-
turtles, which abounded there.
At this time, and until about fifteen years ago, the land
laying between the Harrisburg and Lancaster railroad
and Second streets, as far north as the east end of Ras
berry alley, was covered with a sheet of stagnant water.
Along its southern edge, fronting on Second street, was
a long row of lusty willow trees, whose branches in the
spring of the year were much sought after by the boys
to make "whistles" with.
In the winter time this pond was a famous skating
place; and we have often seen hundreds of people tak
ing their holiday and pleasure upon its frozen surface.
Groups of ladies would not unfrequently assemble on the
bank at Second street, watching the gay and animating
scene before them.

392 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Upon one ocacsion a lady, we believe from the State of
Connecticut, made her appearance on the frozen pond
with a pair of skates, which a companion buckled to her
feet, and in a few moments, without the aid of gentle or
simple, she arose to an erect posture, and floated off like
a swan. She was a fine skater, and the people watched
with pleasure the grace and freedom and beauty of her
movements. So admirable a person, of so exquisite a
figure, and such perfect art in her evolutions, seemed to
marry motion to music, beauty and poetry, and indeed
to embody and represent them all. Away she would
sweep through lines of human beings, making dense
masses separate to let her pass, and attracting all eyes
after her.
Among the male skaters who at all times were dis
cernible as being decidedly superior to the rest for dex
terity, power and grace, were, within our recollection,
Messrs. Peter Weaver, Alex. Hamilton, John Lingle, E.
S. German, C. Alward, Amos Cleckner, John Martin,
David G. Krause, not forgetting, by the way, Jim Battis,
a mulatto, who, from his muscle and powerful movements,
might have sprang, as did the noble Moor, from "men
of royal seige." In swiftness he had no competitor; he
outstripped the wind; and his actions were very im
posing in appearance and effect. Of the gentlemen pre
viously named, Mr. Weaver took the lead in graceful
skating, and in superior dexterity in cutting "high dutch"
within a limited space of smooth ice.
The compiler also recollects seeing the remains of
"Maclay's swamp," noticed previously, between Third and
Second streets, and North and South streets. This was
also a favorite place for skaters in winter time, especially
that part of it below State street, as the wing walls of
the arch over which said street passed the swamp, formed
a comfortable barrier against the rude "nor'westers."

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 393
RELICS OF THE "OLDEN TIME."
A lady friend, whose contributions to the newspapers
are much admired for their vigor and piquancy, has, at
the compiler's request, very kindly furnished the follow
ing letter, descriptive of the numerous relics of the "olden
time" preserved with great care in the State Departments
at this place. Aside from its merits as a literary produc
tion, it will form a convenient guide to those of our citi
zens and strangers who feel an interest in, and desire to
inspect the objects it so vividly describes:
"To-day has been one of the pages in my life's book,
whose corner I will turn down as a mark for future ref
erence, and upon whose margin I will write "sunny mem
ories," for such will its recollection ever be to me. Like
the miser who daily adds one more piece of money to his
shining heap, yet pauses most lovingly over the bit of
old gold which perchance was the beginning of his pre
cious hoard, so I fancy, years hence, I will select from
among my store of pleasant remembrances this fragment
of pure ore which I picked up in the mine of a few hour's
desultory wanderings, and upon which I have built a
peculiar reverence for the gallant Keystone State and its
noble capital. Stopping a while at Harrisburg, en route
for Pittsburg, the polite landlord of our hotel proposed
that we should visit the public buildings, and examine
their curiosities. Of course I gladly assented, feeling
a strong desire to see a locality around which clustered
so many varied associations; but never dreamed that
each one of the imposing edifices was, as I found them, in
itself a casket whose rare treasures would gladden the
eyes of the most fastidious antiquary.
There is a heart interest in these objects differing wide
ly from the sensations created by a view of articles of
virtu, rendered curious alone by their mere originality
26

394 ANNALS OE HARRISBURG.
and rarity ; for they are not only the well preserved jewels
of Pennsylvania's great commonwealth, but some of
them, like the magic stone which turned whatever it touch
ed into gold, need but be handled by any true American
to have his patriotism thrilled by a new emotion,'and the
lustre of his devotion to his country made brighter by per
sonal contact with some of the yet living links with
the times and things which helped to make it free. Pre
suming upon your desire to know every minutiae which
has assisted to build up my new enthusiasm, I will give
you a detailed account of what I saw and felt in the
exact order of their succession.
Entering the park through its eastern gate, we ascend
ed the boardwalk a few yards, then turning to the right
into a wide path which diverged from it at right angels,
we walked over its pebbled surface, and between its
fringed borders of dewy grass, directly into the main en
trance of a large pagoda-like looking building, known as
the State Arsenal. Its lower hall bore none^ of the in
signia of "glorious war" in its placid surroundings. The
cleanly-swept floor, white-washed walls, cheerful sun
shine streaming in through the polished window panes,
and huge pile of sacking — which in my ignorance I
mistook for salt bags, but which proved to be the folded
tents just returned from a neighboring encampment —
combined to give the place rather a domestic appearance
than otherwise. However, upon mounting into the sec
ond story, the scene, like from a quiet, grassy, flower-
laden meadow into a blood-stained battle-field, suddenly
changed; for standing in racks, packed in boxes, stacked
in corners, and hanging with soldier-like precision upon
rows of nails, we found almost every variety of military
accoutrements. A vast quantity of "small arms" used
in the revolutionary war, now useless in. point of fact, yet
still preserved for their undying associations, occupy dif-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 395
ferent niches in the rooms; but decidedly the "curiosi
ties" of the place are four beautiful brass cannon, (six-
pounders,) which were brought to this country in the
fleet of Count d'Estang, and presented by Lafayette to the
Continental Congress. All are highly finished, bearing
upon their polished surface and exquisite carving, evi
dences of that superior workmanship and Parisian taste,
which, whether in the moulding of a thundering cannon
or in the forming of a child's tiny toy, are yet unrivalled.
They closely resemble each other in shape, differing only
in the mottoes with which each pair is labelled. Their
handles are carved to represent two dolphins, with bodies
raised in the centre. Encircling the breach of one is the
inscription, "A. Donay, Par., Berringer, 1756." Upon
the middle of the top surface is a plate, upon which
the figures of a sun, crown, cannon and flags are grace
fully combined, crowned by the words "Nee pluribus
impar ;" while the other, bearing the French oriflamme —
a bunch of lilies with spear points at the edges — has be
neath it, half wreathing the muzzle, the strangely signifi
cant warning, "Ultima ratio Regnum." Both letters and
figures are in bas-relief, and for the work of one cen
tury ago, choice specimens of admirable skill. Each one,
"like a warrior taking his rest," now lies undisturbed,
having never since they were deposited here been used
for any fiercer strife than to vie with human tongues in
a welcome to their great-hearted donor, when in 1825 he
visited Harrisburg; and for no less nobler cause than to
swell the glad shout of some national rejoicing, I fer
vently pray, may they never again burn powder.
Here are also preserved in honorable seclusion two
other brass cannon — the one a six, the other an eighteen-
pounder — which were captured at Cerra Gordo by the
American army. The former, cast in Mexico, contains
at the breach the inscription "El Pegaso," in raised let-

396 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ters, and engraved near its muzzle these words: "Cap
tured at Cerra Gordo, April 18, 1847, by the American
army under Major General Scott. Presented to the State
of Pennsylvania by Major General Patterson." The lat
ter was manufactured at Liverpool, England, in 1824, and
bears a similar inscription.
Leaving the Arsenal, with its fearful treasures and
victor's spoils, we traversed a paved avenue, between trees
whose broad branches mingled their October-tinted foli
age above our heads ; beneath a blue sky whose glories
were half veiled by clouds of early autumn's golden mists ;
beside rare groupings of swelling mounds, evergreens
and grassy embankments, and upon stones which echoed
to the tripping of merry little feet, as children, happy as
humming birds, flitted across our path, sipping the sweets
of the morning hours, until, reaching the sandstone steps
leading up to the Land Office, we paused for an instant
to examine a splendid specimen of the India tree, accacia
catechu, which some enterprising botanist has reared until
it is thoroughly acclimated, and from which exudes the
catechouc, to whose preservative qualities we all stand so
much indebted. Within the land office, with its tiled floor,
rows of high desks, pigeon holes filled with dry, dusty
old land warrants, and massive tomes which looked suf
ficiently solemn and dignified to contain all the written
wisdom of the world's mighty Solons, we saw many
quaint specimens of chirography( as unique as they are
beautiful. There are deeds of transfer of land to and
from the brothers Penn and their contemporaries, drawn
upon wide sheets of heavy parchment, and bearing their
separate signatures; a large book in which is a list of
names of the persons proscribed by the authorities as
traitors during the Revolution; an original letter from
William Penn directed "to the Emperor of Canada," his
autograph written with a bold firmness so characteristic

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 397
of the writer; and copied records of land titles and war
rants issued near one hundred years ago, which, while the
fingers that traced them have long since mouldered into
dust, still retain a freshness and exceeding beauty of
color and form which our modern scribes may try in vain
to surpass. There is also preserved in this office two
small blocks of wood — the one of beach, the other of
hemlock — that were once produced before the State Board
of Property as evidence respecting certain land boundary
lines. The blocks were cut so as to exhibit all the annual
rings of the growth of the wood, and their number was
the testimony required. A shrewd defendant was the
producer of these mute witnesses, for well he seemed to
know that, though man may often err, nature never lies.
Upon entering the Representative Chamber, after ad
miring the taste and elegant fitness evinced in its various
adornments, we wondered to see behind the Speaker's
desk a plain, old-fashioned, high-backed, leather cushion
ed walnut chair, standing out in bold relief from the mass
of silken drapery which festoons the pillars and back of
this legislative pulpit; but every feeling was soon ab
sorbed in the one emotion of veneration when we were
told that in it John Hancock sat when he signed the
Declaration of Independence with a force that showed
it was never meant to be erased, and from which he also
signed Lafayette's commission in the Continental army.
For a brief moment I too rested between the friendly arms
which have enclosed the forms of noble heroes, and whose
light clasp seemed a hallowed embrace; and I did wish
most earnestly that, by the thrilling memories of its
past uses, it possessed the power to shake off from its
touch the form of any man, however high his official sta
tion, who would bring to the spot on which whole-souled
patriots once reposed, a heart so full of party prejudices

398 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
and political rancor that love for the real interest of his
country could find in it no place.
Crossing the gaily frescoed rotunda, through whose
circular galleries our softest footfall resounded like the
tread of mailed men, and along whose frescoed walls our
eyes wandered up, up, up, to the sunlit dome, as if in
voluntarily measuring step by step their harmonious gra
dations of light and shade, we passed into the Senate
Chamber. That I did not immediately upon entering
drop a low and reverent courtesy to the two fine looking
gentlemen who seemed standing against the farthest wall,
was because the impulse was checked by a second glance,
during which I saw that a broad gilt frame surrounded
each one, and that they were but painted fac-similies of
their distinguished originals, Washington and Penn; yet
they are majestic in size, and reputed to be exceeding
life-like. They were painted by authority of a resolu
tion of the Senate, about the year 1827-8, and depict both
men when in the prime of their ripened manhood. Not
far from them, and rendered conspicuous by their own
striking beauty, are two small paintings representing the
heads, life size, of those illustrious adventures, Columbus
and Americus Vespucius. They are the work of a cele
brated artist of Florence, Italy, painted at the order of
Commodore Elliott, of the United States Navy, and pre
sented by him to this State. They are said to be faithful
copies of the very few portraits ever taken of them. I
do not possess any artistic skill — am even ignorant of the
application of those technical terms, "tone, breadth,
depth," &c, so much in use by connoisseurs — but the most
uneducated eye cannot fail, like mine, to be arrested by
the warm, mellow, summer sunset glow in which those
heads seem bathed, and which light up every feature as
though a soul gleamed through them. There is that par
ticularly depicted upon the face of Columbus suggestive

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 399
of a world thought, as the artist, with seeming knowledge
of his indomitable energy, has imprisoned in his eye a
flash of that dauntless courage and firm determination
which won him immortality amongst men; and while
reverencing the God-given attributes of the one, we equal
ly admire the genius which portrayed upon the dull can
vass the fleshy tabernacle in which they dwelt.
Another large painting, interesting from its local as
sociations, records a startling event in the life of John
Harris, the first white settler on the spot where Harris
burg now stands, namely, the attempt made by the Indians
to burn him. He is represented as bound to a huge mulberry
tree, growing but a few rods from his mansion. Groups of
fierce looking Indians, with their hideous faces, and in
warrior costume, surround him, some piling the faggots
about his tied feet, others looking on with an expression
of fiendish satisfaction playing upon each swarthy face,
while calm as a Christian martyr their victim seems to
await his doom. The beautiful Susquehanna stretches
out before him, while cutting through the flashing waters
a canoe filled with friendly Indians are seen hastening to
his rescue. The scenery of the picture was suggested to
the artist (who had accompanied the celebrated Catlin
among the Indians) by a grandson of the first settler,
the late Robert Harris, Esq., in whose boyhood days the
foundation walls and some of the timbers of the block
house visible on the right side of the picture, were still
remaining. The entire grouping, then, is supposed to be
very accurate, and delineates a fact in the history of this
borough which the pen of wildest romance could not make
more vivid. Standing on one of the mantle-pieces in this
Chamber is a small marble eagle, also presented to the
State by Commodore Elliott, and carved by a common
sailor on board his ship, out of a bit of a marble pillar
from the ruins of Alexandria, Egypt. The worthy Com-

400 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
modore, in speaking of the sculptor, said : "He was a most
excellent seaman, but strongly addicted to intemperance
when on shore."
The transition from the cheerful looking Senatorial
Hall into the still more inviting State Library, was made
in a chase up a flight of broard stairs; but once within
this— I had almost said sanctuary — where the workings
of so many mighty minds were revealed to our desires,
the previous gratification of sight alone was increased by
the new incentives offered us to touch, think and feel.
Our first look upward to the galleries revealed, suspended
from them, several marine paintings of the battle of Lake
Erie, their frames veneered with oak wood taken from
"Old Ironsides," (the frigate Constitution,) and like
wise the gifts of the liberal Commodore Elliott.
Among the thousands of volumes of choice literature
here displayed, whose gilded titles glanced at hurriedly,
are enough to inflict upon a greedy scholar the pangs of
Tantalus, we saw some that were printed in the seven
teenth century, and handled one — the complete works of
Seneca — which, bearing the date of 1503, is now three
hundred and fifty years old. It really has a very ancient
look, with its whitish gray back, rough edged leaves,
faintly tinged with Time's yellow, and wise, learned
sounding Latin sentences ; and if I treated it with marked
respect, what wonder! seeing that I did not understand
one word of its philosophical contents. But more than
all these mental gems is an object which, if ever there
is built in the United States a national Temple, should be
its altar ; I mean a table which has recently been discover
ed, and authenticated to be the veritable one upon which
the Declaration of Independence was signed! It is made
of mahogany, in the style of an old fashioned escretoire,
with small drawers beneath it ; is six feet long, and nearly
three feet high. Its antiquated appearance among so

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 40T
much modern furniture, renders no other introduction to
a stranger necessary.
In the reception room of the gubernatorial apartments,
in the rear of the State Treasury buildings, are executed
in the highest style of finish, the oil-painted portraits of
twenty-two Governors of Pennsylvania, commencing with
William Penn, as he appeared in 1666, dressed in a full
suit of mail, with long dark hair flowing over his shoul
ders like a girl's; succeeded by Gordon, Logan, Richard
Penn, John Penn, Wharton, Moore, Franklin, Mifflin,
M'Kean, Snyder, Findlay, Heister, Shultz, Wolf, Rit
ner, Porter, Shunk, Johnston, Bigler, Pollock and ending
with the present winning, manly looking incumbent, Wil
liam F. Packer.
Suspended in glass cases along the walls of this apart
ment are also certificates of the election of the first Presi
dents and Vice Presidents of the Colonial Assembly, each
signed by all the members who participated in the elec
tion; also, the first constitution of Pennsylvania, and the
charter of Charles II. to William Penn, both inscribed on
parchment, and the latter a specimen of splendid fancy
penmanship. In one of the corners will be found two
lances, and a musket with bayonet, captured by the Amer
icans during a Mexican battle. But decidedly the most in
teresting feature of this airy room is a glass cabinet con
taining some State relics, almost as highly prized for
their age as the stirring events of which they once formed
a part, and for which they now serve as living indices of
their early history. In it is a flag taken from the Hes
sians at the battle of Trenton, now a bundle of moth-eat
en, faded silk; a package of yellow, torn letters, being
fragments of a genuine correspondence between Alex.
Hamilton and Franklin; also, letters from Washington
and Robert H. Morris, with their respective signatures;
the original charter, on a roll of long, board-like parch-

402 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
ment, of Charles II. to William Penn, for the province of
Pennsylvania; and sundry laws passed between the per
iods of 1682 and 1690. A hundred old deeds of convey
ance of land sold by the Indians to the proprietors, and
bearing the Indian signatures or marks, some of which
would puzzle a naturalist, as there is surely nothing
above, on, or under the earth like to them — snakes, liz
ards, turtles, birds, bears, deers, foxes, elks — almost
every specimen of the animal tribes are endeavored to be
represented as their signs manual ; and if they failed
to be very artistically drawn, their entire originality is
worthy of much praise. A few of the names are rather
euphonious — such as La Kachquontas, Chienoched, Qual-
pagh-ach, and Canassetoga — admitting, however, of no
pet abbreviations; and the best proof of their simple
wants and blissful ignorance is, that one of the "consid
erations" named in a deed of conveyance of land, was a
handful, of fish-hooks. Here are also large seals of
beeswax stamped with devices that would puzzle the most
ingenious to decipher; a mass of continental money, or
more properly speaking, shinplasters, from the denom
ination of one shilling to ten pounds sterling, and pieces
of brass and copper money which are a study for the
curious. The former is a rectangular shaped piece of
brass, about three inches long, one inch broad, and one-
sixteenth of an inch thick. It is very handsomely en
graved on one side with numerous flourishes, amid which
are the words fourteen and sixteen shillings.
The copper piece is three and a half inches long, nearly
a half inch wide, and about an eighth of an inch thick,
also handsomely engraved with flourishes.
This money is supposed to have been in use during the
infancy of the colony, and most probably the brass piece

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 403
was one of the "broad shillings" so often alluded to in
old-time annals.
Within this case are also three of the massive silver
medals that were struck by authority of the Legislature
for presentation to the Pennsylvania volunteers who par
ticipated in the battle of Lake Erie, bearing the names
respectively of "Isaac B. Sill," "Jacob Levensetter," and
"John Cook;" but as yet neither they nor their descend
ants have appeared to claim them. The medals are alike
in size and appearance, being two inches in diameter,
an eighth of an inch thick, and contain four dollars
worth of silver. One side has on them a bust of Perry,
encircled by the words, "Oliverus Hazard Perry Pro
Patria." "Presented by the Government of Pennsylva
nia." The reverse side bears the legend, "We have met
the enemy and they are ours ;" and within a wreath is en
graved — "[The recipient's name]
In testimony of his patriotism and bravery
in the naval action on Lake Erie,
September 10, 1813."
With the re-closed lid of this glass case our examina
tion of the Capitol's hoarded "curiosities" was completed ;
but upon mounting to the dome, and taking a view from
its elevated height, we felt that our visit would have been
as nothing had we missed the magnificent panorama by
which we were surrounded. I would but mislead your
imagination by attempting to convey to you an impression
of the scenic beauty which for a while almost bewildered
me; but think, if you can, of a vast girdle of far-off,
distant, misty blue hills, faintly defined upon the horizon ;
against them put rows of towering, uneven, but withal
gently sloping mountains, purple, black, or darkly blue,
just as each drifting cloud shadows them; within this
inner zone scatter the loveliest valleys of which you can

404 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
conceive; green meadows; wooded hills; golden purple
groves; brown fields, resting from the gleanings of a
bounteous harvest; villages dotting the country here and
there with the most charming irregularity; farm-houses
and farms, each in themselves a little Arcadia; countless
roads diverging from one common centre, and winding
about until in the distance they look like the tiny trail
which a child's stick makes in the sand ; a broad, silvery
river, looking in the sunshine like liquid light, reproduc
ing on its clear surface the wonderful beauty which lines
either bank; studded with green islands that "blossom
like the rose," spanned by splendid bridges, as delicate
in their appearance as lace work or filagree, yet support
ing hundreds of tons daily; in the heart of all see a
city, whose factories, furnaces, churches, majestic public
buildings, handsome private residences and attractive
suburbs betokens prosperity, intelligence, cultivation,
wealth and constant improvement; over the whole throw
that peculiar coleur de rose with which the heart in its
happiest moments paints all it loves, and you will have a
faint, very faint, idea of the aspect of Dauphin county
as seen from that Capitol's dome.
• Leaving the park, with its wealth of choice shrubbery,
noble trees, brown-eyed deer and singing birds, we wend
ed our steps down Front street, to where, almost at its
extreme end, is still standing the trunk of the tree to
which Harris was tied. His body is buried at its foot.
A'handsome iron railing encloses the small lot, between
whose bars woodbines, honeysuckles and roses, planted
there by the hands of his descendants, gracefully wind
their clinging tendrils. The upright trunk is his only
monument; but none other is needed, for his memory,
inseparably linked with the history of Harrisburg, needs
no graven marble to chronicle the spot where his dust
reposes.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 405
And now, sir, being a little wearied with the last two
hours' exercise, and anxious, too, to effect your release
from this rather long letter, I will add nothing more,
save that Harrisburg is one of the most interesting towns
the sun ever shone on; and I am, as ever, yours de
votedly, Nina.
(Nellie Blessing Eyster.)

The compiler concludes his laobrs by presenting to the
reader the following beautiful poem, descriptive of an in
cident recorded on page 10 of the "Annals." It was writ
ten by A. J. Herr, Esq., present District Attorney of
Dauphin county, and originally contributed by him to
the "Home Journal," a literary paper published at New
York, by Messrs. Morris & Willis :
THE RESCUE.
A LEGEND OF BY-GONE TIMES.
By. A. J. Herr.
The Summer had swept with its burning wing
The beautiful brow of the fair young Spring;
The zenith was tinged with a golden glow,
While blazing Sol sublimely sunk below
The lofty hills, with dark green woodlands crown'd,
Bathing their tops with mellow glory round.
'Twas the bright month of June, when Nature fills
The fields with flowers; and o'er an hundred hills
The gush of bloom and beauty filled the eye,
Heightened by rich reflections from the sky.
The gorgeous banks of Susquehanna's stream,
(Where many a dark-eyed Indian damsel's dream
Had been of some loved warrior or brave sire,
When burned upon the shore the council fire,)
Were in the season's fairest beauty dressed;
While on the river's gently rolling breast

406 annals oe harrisburg.
Two verdant islands to the eye were given,
As if suspended between earth and heaven.
Beneath the surface of the silvery wave
Two other islands dim reflection gave ;
And far around, in rugged grandeur, rose
The ragged, rocky cliffs, in grim repose;
Yet graced with green by Nature, and so gay,
They lost the wildness of the wintry day.
See on yon bank, with solemn visage pale,
His white locks streaming in the evening gale,
A tall and stately man surveys the scene,
So deck'd by Nature with rich gold and green;
In simple garb of solemn drab surveys
That aged man the wise Creator's ways ;
While in his ear the still small voice reveals
The goodness of that God, and his heart feels
That all the beauty that his eye could scan
Was made to gratify ungrateful man.
He gazed upon the sinking sun sublime,
The dark blue hills, that spurn'd the tooth of time,
The rushing river and the forest wide,
Then blessed that God who all his wants supplied.
Hark! heard you not the Indian's awful whoop?
Beware ! beware ! old man, that murderous troop !
They have been tasting of the mad'ning bowl,
And savage feeling flames in every soul — •
In every heart there is a hell ; and oh !
If rum thou hast not, thou are doomed to woe.
Their glittering knives e'en now methinks I see,
Ready to reek with gore, old man, from thee.
Oh ! shame that white man should to Indians bear
That curse that brings but death and dark despair ;
That they their vices, not their virtues give,
And sooner doom to death than bid them live
Soon will the last lone Indian bow before
The setting sun, the last time to adore ;
Ere one more century, with step sublime,
Shall march adown the distant tide of time,
The race of red men will have passed away,
And classic scholars as they shall survey
Their mounds and monuments, and relics rare,
Will ask what manner of beings they were.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 407
But see ! around the old man is that band !
Each tongue is mute, but stretched is every hand.
A shout uprose, each lip joins in the cry,
While vengeance flames in every flashing eye;
The good old man, reflecting on the curse,
And all the evils that it brings far worse,
Gently refuses the request, in tones
That meek humility only owns.
Quick as a flash of lightning from the sky,
Rolls down the river bank the dreadful cry —
"The stake !" while from the cloud-capped hills there came
Echo's sound, till heav'n hurled it back again.
Unmoved by threats, the fearless old man stands,
Folded upon his breast his harmless hands ;
"Indians," said he, "to thee I freely sell
The goods of life, but not the ills of hell;
Taste not the accursed draught, 'twill prove to thee
Eternal death — eternal misery."
Scarce had the words from his lips fell
Ere thro' the woodlands rung a long, loud yell —
"Death to the trader !" burst in one wild cry,
But steady still was that brave old man's eye;
He feared not death if duty found a grave,
And violated virtue must life save.
Inflamed with rage, the red-browed race leap'd up
Resolved to force from him the damning cup
Seizing the bold old man, they rudely bore
His unresisting form along the shore ;
He plead nor prayed to them, but smiled alone,
Pointing above to the great White Throne.
Foaming with wrath, beneath a primeval tree,
The bound his limbs to mark his agony :
But Harris saw beyond the verge of time.
A power Omnipotent, a power sublime,
Who from his arms could rend the strongest chain,
And bid him rise, unscathed, unharmed again
Lashed to the tree, the Indians build the pyre,
And pile up faggots ready for the fire;
The blazing torch with shouts they now apply,
Shouts that run echoing through the vaulted sky.
But still that good old man, with quiet gaze,
Beholds around, unmoved, the bursting blaze;

408 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Nor heeds he now the dusky forms that there
Are waiting for the shrieks of his despair ;
His pious spirit, at the chrystal gates
Of heaven in faith, for succor calmly waits.
Wildly the dance of death begins; the flame
Like living viper coils around his frame.
But hark! from yonder woody shore now glide
Three bark canoes across the rapid tide ;
The rescuing Indians leap on shore to save
Their pale faced "father" from a dismal grave.
"Onward, to save him!" cries the brave young chief;
With gleaming knives they fly to his relief;
Back, back they drive the inebriated throng,
Who, mad with frenzy, chaunt the wild death song;
Sev'ring the bonds which bound hom to the tree,
Again beneath the heavens he stood free;
Unscathed he was, and fearless still his eye,
For his soul's trust was in his God on High.
And what is man if in that trust undone?
His heart's a waste, a world without a sun.

27

INTRODUCTORY.
After the lapse of almost fifty years, it has been a de
light to continue the work of the original compiler. To
give a complete and lengthy account of events is not the
present compiler's intention, but to present to the pub
lic an invaluable book of reference. Her aim is to pro
duce in a condensed form a large amount of important
material which is not accessible to the general reader.
The work has been confined chiefly to summaries of
leading events and progress of the city for the past half
century. That it may meet with the same favor and gen
erous reception as the former Annals, and that the re
vised and enlarged edition will be found still more ac
ceptable and useful, is the sincere hope of the compiler.
The charitable consideration of the reader is asked if any
important facts" have been overlooked, as he will realize
that to collect the material for this volume was a task of
no small magnitude.
In conclusion, I desire to express my thanks to those
who have kindly assisted me in the preparation of this
work by furnishing necessary information.
L. F. M. B.
Harrisburg, Pa., May, 1907.

PART II.

PROGRESS OF HARRISBURG, 1858 — 1907.
At the conclusion of the foregoing Annals, Harrisburg
was a borough. In the year i860 the borough received
its highest corporate honor, that of being made a city.
This act aroused much opposition at the time, but its
subsequent growth and prosperity have fully realized the
fondest expectations of its earliest advocates. In i860
the whole district north of North street was little else
than meadow land, and there were but five or six houses
on Allison's Hill. Population was 13,000. In 1870 the
population was 23,000. In 1876 the city was built up as
far as Maclay street from the river to Twelfth street,
covering a district of at least five hundred additional acres.
Fifty acres on Allison's Hill and a large portion of the
ground from Paxton street to the Lochiel Iron Works
was built over. Since this period the city has made rapid
progress. Its area to-day is seven square miles. The
boundary lines are: Beginning at Division street on the
west side of Susquehanna River at low water mark;
thence southwardly along the west side of said river at
low water mark to Poplar street ; thence eastwardly along
Poplar street, to a point 180 feet east of Eighteenth street ;
thence northwardly along a line 180 feet east of Eigh
teenth street to Hamilton street ; thence westwardly along
Hamilton street to Thirteenth street ; thence northwardly
along Thirteenth street to Maclay street; thence west
wardly along Maclay street to Cameron street; thence
northwardly along Cameron street to Division street;
thence along Division street to place of beginning.
413

414 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
There are two hundred and ninety streets and forty-
six alleys in the city, of which twenty-five miles are paved.
Population 80,000. Assessed valuation, $33,244,986.
HARRISBURG DURING THE WARS.
Civil War. — The first stirring event which occurred
after the publication of the foregoing volume was the
Civil War. Harrisburg, as the capital of the state, was
an important point in many respects.
The first public meeting held after the firing upon Fort
Sumter in the State of Pennsylvania, and in fact the
first in any northern city, was in the Court House in Har
risburg, General Simon Cameron being chairman thereof.
Dauphin County was foremost in tendering men and
means to the government for that bitter deadly strife.
Twice Harrisburg was the objective point of the Con
federate troops, and at one time (June, 1863), the enemy's
picket was within two miles of the city. Active prepara
tions were made for its defense, and fortifications erected
on the bluff opposite, and named "Fort Washington."
This was the only fortification deserving a name erected
in any of the northern states. Rifle pits were dug along
the banks of the river, in front of Harris Park. All the
important documents and seals were removed from the
capitol building and buried in the cellar of George H.
Morgan, compiler of the original Annals. Coal was then
dumped over the hiding place, to conceal the recent dig
ging. A special car was chartered by a number of prom
inent men of the city, to convey their families to places of
safety. A most important capture was made at this time
by one of our old and respected citizens, Col. Demming.
About four o'clock one morning he sighted a man in a
boat along our river edge, making careful observations of
our plans for defense. Col. Demming and several soldiers
gave chase, and succeeded in capturing the man, who

ANNALS 0E HARRISBURG. 415
turned out to be a Confederate spy. The Colonel still has
in his possession the receipt for this capture. The Union
victory at Gettysburg checked the further advance of the
Confederates, and with it the last attempt to invade the
North. It would take volumes to rehearse not only the heroism
of the sons of Dauphin county on the battle-field, but the
deeds of mercy and charity and love of the noble-hearted
women. Need we speak of the gallantry of the lamented
Simmons and the six hundred brave dead — stricken down
on the field of battle, in the hospital or in the loathsome
prison, or yet of the living — Knipe and Jennings, the
Awls, Porter, Williams and Jordon, Witman and Davis,
Detweiler, M'Cormick and Alleman, Savage and Hummel,
and many others — a long line of illustrious names — of
ficers and privates of that immense force which Dauphin
county sent out from her midst for the preservation of
the Union.
The location of the first and greatest military camp in
the northern states was within the limits of Harrisburg —
named by Generals Knipe and Williams in honor of the
Chief Magistrate of Pennsylvania, Camp Curtin, which
with being the central point of communication, especially
with the oft-beleagured Federal capital, made it a prom
inent rendezvous. Our citizens were equal to any emer
gency, and a community which fed gratuitously 20,000 re
turned soldiers, repel with disdain the insinuation made
by a malicious correspondent of a New York newspaper,
that our people charged soldiers ten cents for a glass
of water.
From the commencement of the war, the charity of the
citizens was unbounded and without stint; the doors of
hospitality freely opened, and to our honor be it said, two
citizens, Messrs. John B. Simon and Eby Byers, estab
lished the Soldier's Rest, where the sick and wounded

416 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
patriot, on his way homeward, found rest and refresh
ment and gentle care. Thousands were kindly ministered
to, and until the "boys came marching home," the good
work went on unabated.
A temporary hospital was erected on the northeast
corner of Second and Briggs streets. This building,
however, proved inadequate to meet the demand, when
the proprietors of the cotton factory threw open the long
building in the rear of the factory as an extension to this
hospital. This building filled up rapidly and still more
room was needed. The city then opened the school house
corner of Walnut and Aberdeen streets, to receive the
sick and wounded, and the members of the German re
formed congregation followed the example by offering
their church as a temporary hospital. The wounded sol
diers were also cared for in the old school house on Mul
berry street (where the hospital now stands), Camp Cur
tin and Fager building.
In every cemetery and graveyard in the vicinity of Har
risburg lie the remains of many brave men who lost their
lives in this war.
Spanish-American War. — When war was declared
between the United States and Spain, April 21, 1898, the
citizens of Harrisburg were prompt to respond to the calls
of our government for men and money. Two military
companies and one company of volunteers were mustered
into service within a week.
Co. D, 8th Regt. P. V. I. (City Grays), was enrolled
April 28, 1898; mustered into the U. S. service, May 12,
1898, at Camp Hastings, Mt. Gretna, Pa. ; mustered out at
Augusta, Ga., March 7, 1899. Officers — Capt., Ezekias
Laubenstein; ist Lieut., Edwin R. Bergstresser ; 2d
Lieut., Chas. F. Etter.
Governor's Troop (Cavalry), called to Mt. Gretna,
April 28, 1898; to Camp Alger, July 7th; to Newport

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 417
News, July 23d ; to Ponce, Porto Rico, August 5th. Ar
rived home Sept. 10th, mustered out Nov. 21st. Officers
— Capt., Frederick M. Ott; ist Lieut. John M. Major;
2d Lieut., Edwin A. Nicodemus.
Co. 1, 4th P. V. I., was mustered into service, June 30,
1898; mustered out Nov. 16, 1898. Arrived in Harris
burg from Porto Rico, Sept. 6, 1898. Officers — Capt.,
Howard L. Calder; ist Lieut., John B. Fisher; 2d Lieut,
Harry B. Stine.
Co. I, 8th Regt. was organized 1898 to take the place
of Co. D, during their absence. Officers — Capt., Maurice
E. Finney; ist Lieut., Nicholas Tack; 2d Lieut., Frank
Ziegler. Camp Meade, one of the largest camps during the war,
was located at Middletown ; this camp being within a few
miles of Harrisburg, our streets were constantly crowded
with officers and privates from the companies stationed
there. The ladies of the city, eager to do something for
the comfort and entertainment of these soldiers, secured
a building on Walnut street, naming it the "Soldiers'
Rest." Here lunches were served free at all hours. There
were rooms for rest and amusement. One large room was
devoted to sewing; here the hum of many machines were
heard, as the ladies, both old and young, were busily
engaged in making shirts and pajamas for the "Soldier
Boys." The true patriotism of "Young America" was demon
strated by the two young sons of Capt. J. C. Delaney, of
this city. Leroy B., sixteen years of age, joined Capt.
Ott's company of cavalry. This company was sent to
Porto Rico. Charles H. was but thirteen years of age
when he enlisted. Not gaining the consent of his par
ents to join a company, he sold his bicycle to procure
funds to go south, where he enlisted in Co. H, 10th regi
ment, as musician. He celebrated his fourteenth birthday

418 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
May 25, 1898, at San Francisco, the day before he sailed
for the Philippines. A queer coincidence was that Capt.
J. C. Delaney, the father of these young men, ran away
from home when thirteen years of age and enlisted in the
Civil War. RIOT IN HARRISBURG.
Great excitement prevailed in Harrisburg during the
railroad riots of 1877. At their very inception the "City
Grays" were put on duty. Friday, July 19th, Captain
Maloney had all the arms and ammunition removed from
the armory to the State Arsenal. On Monday, July 22d,
the company received official order to take charge of the
State Arsenal. During the next two days the 7th and
8th regiments arrived and encamped at the Arsenal.
Hundreds of private citizens were provided with weapons
of all sorts, and detailed to protect the city. That July
night was one not soon to be forgotten, as it was not
known at what moment the mob (numbering 1,000)
would attack the Arsenal. Shortly before midnight it
was rumored that the rioters were just above the city, and
had threatened to light an oil train and run it into the
station. By previous arrangement the Court House bell
rang to warn the people. The wildest excitement reigned.
Families fled to their house tops and other places of safety.
When the mob reached the station on a freight train it
was discovered that they were not the rioters, but a
crowd of unruly men which was soon dispersed.
MILITARY.
Prior to the year 1861, there was no regular organized
military company in Harrisburg. In the spring of this
year a suggestion was made that such an organization be
founded; the suggestion was acted upon, and D. B. Ran-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 419
dolph Keim was selected as drill master. Nightly there
after a small company of men were drilled on the capi
tol pavement; this company grew in size, and finally an
attempt was made to organize under the name of "Har
risburg Rifles." Arms were procured and a room in
the Capitol building was used as an armory. On the 17th
of May, 1 861, the organization was completed. D. B.
Randolph Keim was elected captain and the name of the
company was changed to "First City Zuaves." ' The
table upon which the company signed their names to the
roll was the same as that upon which the patriots signed
the Declaration of Independence. The first public parade
of the company'was made July 4, 1861. Shortly after
this Charles A. Bamvort succeeded D. B. Randolph Keim
as captain. In November, 1861, Captain Bamvort re
signed and F. Asbury Awl was elected captain. May 18,
1862, the company was mustered into the United States
service for three months, with 101 members. After a ser
vice of twenty-four hours the company was mustered out.
They were again mustered in July 31, 1862, and were
detailed for duty as provost guards in Harrisburg. Dur
ing the four years of war members of this company filled
many places of honor. In 1867 J. Wesley Awl was elected
captain. In 1869 the company drilled in the Old Ex
change building. February 16, 1872, the last parade
took place in Zuave uniform. On the 30th of May, 1872,
the company appeared for the first time in their new gray
uniform, and under their new name, City Grays.
In 1874 the company built an armory on the corner of
Second and Foster streets ; this armory was replaced by
the present armory in 1885. The company's first encamp
ment was in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, in 1879.
Thomas F. Maloney was elected captain, Co. A, First
City Zuaves, December 16, 1870; elected captain, Co. D,
(City Grays), 8th Regt., N. G. P., December 14, 1875;

420 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
re-elected, December 16, 1880, arid January 11, 1886; he
met death by accident in 1891.
Joseph B. Hutchison was elected captain, March 3,
1 89 1. When this company was mustered into the U. S.
service at Camp Hastings in 1898, J. B. Hutchison be
came major; Ezekias Laubenstein succeeded him as cap
tain. At the close of the war J. B. Hutchison resumed
his captaincy until he was promoted to lieutenant colonel ;
Fisher succeeded him as captain.
The present officers are: Captain, Frank Michaels;
ist Lieut., J. Hartman; 2d Lieut, Edwin Schell.
The Governor's Troop (cavalry) was organized Feb
ruary 18, 1888. First officers: Captain, Harmon Perkins;
ist Lieut., Harry A. Walkemeyer; 2d Lieut., Frederick
Ott. Present officers: Captain, Frederick M. Ott; ist
Lieut., Charles P. Meek; 2d Lieut., Geo. C. Jack; ist
Lieut, and Surgeon, Edwin A. Nicodemus. This com
pany drills in Russ Hall.
Co. I. 8th regiment, organized 1898. Captain, Maurice
E. Finney; ist Lieut, Nicholas Tack; 2d Lieut., Frank
E. Zeigler. This command was organized to take the
place of the City Grays during their service in the Span
ish-American War. NOTED CELEBRATIONS.
Centennial New Year. — Twelve o'clock Friday
night, January 1, 1876, found the capital city enjoying the
grandest illumination in its history, and its streets
thronged with thousands of people witnessing the patri
otic scene, which the advent of the Centennial year of
America's independence awakened, and as the cannon on
Capitol hill belched forth its thunder as a signal that the
old year was expiring, darkness magically gave place to
light, and in a moment the city was one mass of il
luminated territory. The celebration was kept up until

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 421
3 a. m. At sunrise Saturday morning a national salute
of thirty-seven guns was fired.
National Centennial. — July 4th 1876, the one hun
dredth anniversary of American independence was cele
brated in Harrisburg^ with a degree of enthusiasm
scarcely equalled since liberty was proclaimed through
out the land in 1776. The day dawned bright and fair.
The city presented a beautiful appearance, large arches
and flags spanning the principal streets and thousands of
smaller flags and bunting decorating the private and busi
ness houses.
The parade was gotten up under the immediate auspices
of the Odd Fellows and Fire"' Department, and never
before had a parallel in the city. After the con
clusion of the parade, a meeting was held in the House
of Representatives. Mr. Boyd A. Hamilton, President of
the Dauphin County Historical Society, announced that
the meeting would open with prayer, which was offered
by Rev. Dr. Swartz of the ist Lutheran Church. Mr. S.
D. Ingram read the Declaration of Independence. Ad
dresses were delivered by Rev. Dr. Thomas- Robinson,
Mr. Boyd Hamilton and Dr. Egle.
Harrisburg Centennial. — During the summer of
1885 Harrisburg celebrated its one hundredth anniver
sary. Great crowds of people visited the city to witness
the celebration. Thousands of flags waved from win
dows of private residences; the display of bunting was
the most extensive ever witnessed at the capital of the
state. The programme for the day embraced civic pa
rades, orations and fireworks.
After this year progress of the city seemed to become
more rapid. The few years immediately following this
demonstration were characterized by pronounced im
provements, viz. : Paving of streets, trolley system, elec
tric lights, etc. These improvements met with great op-

422 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
position from the "old fogies" of the town, but advance
ment went steadily on for a few years, when the impetus
of the Centennial seemed to subside.
Old Home Week. — During the summer of 1905 it
was proposed that a week be set apart for the reception
and welcoming of former citizens. The proposition was
heartily seconded by all classes. The week from Oct. ist
to 7th inclusive was selected for the celebration. Com
mittees were appointed to raise funds and to prepare for
the interesting ceremonies of that week. At midnight
October ist, thousands of electric lights were turned on in
their full brilliancy, and "Old Home Week" ushered in
with a great roar of welcome from the mass of people in
the streets. The decorations surpassed those of all form
er occasions. The electrical display was one of artistic
beauty; canopies and festoons of electric lights were
stretched the length of the principal streets. Thousands
of Chinese lanterns were used as decorations in the less
prominent streets. Imposing arches and columns were
erected in the business section, the beauty of which was
enhanced at night by myriads of colored electric lights.
It is estimated that 25,000 people visited the city during
the week. The streets were thronged day and night,
much confetti was thrown and general good will pre
vailed. The program for the week was as follows :
Sunday — Church services.
Monday — Exercises at Reservoir.
Tuesday — Military parade.
Wednesday — Fraternal organizations parade.
Thursday — Trades display parade.
Friday — Sports ; fantastic parade.
Saturday — Visitors' day.
Band concerts, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday. Carnival at Island all week.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 423
State-Indian Football match on Saturday.
Churches open continually for rest and worship.
DISASTERS.
Floods. — In 1865 the water in the Susquehanna rose to
22 ft., 11 in. above low water mark. Lower part of city
was submerged and out-houses and fences carried away.
In 1886 the water in the Susquehanna rose to 24 ft., 11
in. above low water mark, causing great damage in the
southern part of the city.
June 2, 1889, year of the Johnstown flood, water rose
to 27 ft., 1 in. above low water mark, reaching almost to
the second floor of many houses in southern Harrisburg.
Many residents were taken from their homes in boats to
places of safety.
March 2, 1902, water rose to 21 ft., 9 in. above low
water mark. This flood carried away both portions of the
historic "Camel Back" bridge.
March, 1904, water rose 23 ft., 3 in above low water
mark. Middletown, a few miles below Harrisburg, suf
fered the greatest loss from this flood. Families, had just
assembled for their evening meal when the flood rushed
upon the town without warning, and they were com
pelled to flee for their lives. Many houses were swept
off their foundations, and a great number of homes de
stroyed. In many streets ice was piled from ten to fif
teen feet high.
Storms. — In the summer of 1866, during the evening
performance of a circus on the lot in the rear of the cot
ton factory (now silk mill), a heavy storm suddenly broke
over the city. The high wind tore down the tent and ex
tinguished the lights. During the stampede which fol
lowed the darkness, many women and children were
trampled and injured. Residents in the neighborhood
opened their doors to the unfortunates.

424 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
In 1880 Harrisburg was visited by one of the most
severe storms ever in this section. Thunder and light
ning, a great fall of rain, followed by hail almost as large
as hens' eggs accompanied this storm. The high winds
did great damage in the city; many roofs were torn
from houses, trees uprooted, fences and outhouses blown
over, and one small dwelling house on North street had
the entire front blown out.
September 3, 1896, a storm swept over Harrisburg
which was one of the most severe in the recollection of
the older residents. The electrical display was one of the
most wonderful ever witnessed. Much damage was done
by lightning and wind. The velocity of the wind was
seventy-two miles in five minutes.
August 6, 1906, a storm occurred about 2 : 30 p. m.
The most serious damage was done to Pawnee Bill's
wild west show, which was giving an afternoon perform
ance on the lot, Front and Maclay streets. The large
tent was blown over, which created great excitement
among the audience. A Japanese acrobat and a young
man having charge of a refreshment stand, were struck
and killed by lightning.
September 12, 1906, a heavy storm broke over the city
at 5 p. m. Vivid lightning, loud peals of thunder and
heavy rain continued for two hours and forty-five min
utes ; car service was stopped, and, much damage was done
to telegraph and telephone wires. The storm was much
more severe on the opposite side of the river; here hail
fell the size of pigeon eggs and some places the water rose
to the top rails of the fence ; the trolley cars were stalled
and passengers were compelled to get out and walk.
Wrecks. — September 26, 1862, a disastrous wreck oc
curred on the other side of the river, when a locomotive
ran into a train of militia. Eight killed and fifty wounded.
June 25, 1892, a calamitous wreck happened at Dock

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 425
street bridge. Sixteen killed and many wounded. One
Harrisburger, Richard L- Adams, lost his life in this
wreck. May ii, 1905, at Lochiel occurred one of the most dis
tressing railway wrecks on record, caused by the explo
sion of a large quantity of dynamite. Twenty-two killed,
136 wounded.
Fires. — March 10, 1862, Trullinger's planing mill, Race
below Paxton; loss over $30,000.
June 15, 1865, R. J. Fleming's coach shop, Third street
and Strawberry avenue; Joseph Poulton's billiard hall;
Josiah Hess' stationery store; Wm. Parkhill, plumber
and the Daily Telegraph office were burned and damaged.
Loss $35,000.
May 26, 1866, at 12.30 a. m., Market street river bridge
from the Harrisburg shore to the island was destroyed.
Loss $90,000.
February 17, 1868, Anthony King's hardware store,
Third and Market streets, was destroyed, and during its
progress twenty-six firemen were injured by an explosion
of benzine.
February 28, 1868, fire destroyed the Golden Lamb
Hotel, owned by Saml. R. Dunlap, corner of Second and
Locust streets, and Hugh Toner's livery stable adjoining.
Loss, $20,000.
May 2, 1868, Franklin Iron Works (Jennings), South
and Short streets, completely destroyed. Loss $40,000.
Thursday, April 25, 1872, at 12.35 p. m., the entire
plant of the Harrisburg Car Mfg. Co., at Herr street 'and
P. R. R., was completely destroyed. Loss $600,000.
August 3, 1872, the machine shop of the Harrisburg
Car Works (rebuilt after the April fire), was totally de
stroyed. Loss, $30,000.
Monday, November 4, 1872, at 4.30 a. m., the entire
28

42(5 ANNALS OE HARRISBURG.
plant of the Lochiel Iron Works in the southern portion
of the city, was destroyed. Loss, $100,000.
November 5, 1873, at 10.30 a. m., Singerly State
Printing Office, Third street and Blackberry avenue, and
six adjoining buildings destroyed. Loss over $255,009.
January 3, 1878, fire destroyed the malt house of B. M.
Greider & Co., along the P. R. R. at Dock street. Loss,
$75,000. April 6, 1878, a row of thirty-two dwelling houses be
longing to the Lochiel Iron Co., opposite the Lochiel mill
were burned. Loss, $12,000.
June 11, 1881, Foundry bldg, and pattern shop of the
Hbg. F. & M. works, Allison's Hill, destroyed. Loss,
$60,000. Septernber 2, 1882, at 9.30 a. m., fire at Bailey's Chesa
peake Nail Works, Dock street and P. R. R. Loss over
$60,000. October io, 1882, machine department at F. & M.
works, Allison's Hill, destroyed. Loss, $50,000.
Saturday, April 24, 1886, at 2.40 p. m., spire of Market
Square Presbyterian Church was struck by lightning and
set on fire. Engines failed to throw water to the flames
as the fire plugs were too far away. Loss, $2,000.
Friday, October 1, 1886, 11.55 a- m-> W. H. Eby's
coal elevator and sheds, Second below Vine, were de
stroyed. Loss, $8,000. Sparks from this fire set afire a
row of frame dwelling houses on Tenth street. Loss,
$2,500. August 8, 1887, at 5.40 p. m., two dwelling houses on
Fifth street near Market. Loss, $6,000.
June 1, 1889, at 1.30 a. m., fire broke out at Hartman's
tannery, along Paxton creek. This fire was caused by the
high water coming over the floor in the tannery and
slacking some lime, setting fire to the building. The fire-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 427
men stood in water up to their waist, directing the streams
upon the burning building.
May 28, 1891, at 2 a. m., knitting factory at Fifteenth
and Hunter streets. Loss, $8,600.
June 15, 1891, at.2.3oa. m.,"M. Bacon's candy factory,
Fifth and Market streets. Loss, $5,000.
March 2, 1892, at 7.50 p. m., Monaghan-Bay Shoe fac
tory. Loss, $35,000.
November 1, 1891, at 1.15 a. m., Bacon's candy factory.
Loss, $6,000.
November 17, 1891, at 10.15 p. m., Laverty's furniture
store, 328 Verbeke street. Loss, $11,200.
November 22, 1891, at 6.05 a. m., Patriot building.
Loss, $19,425.
December 7, 1891, at 7.30 p. m., three dwelling houses
on Briggs street near Third. Loss $9,600.
December 25, 1891, at 2.30 a. m., Mattock and Reberts
store, 16 N. Third street. Loss, $23,000.
November 26, 1893, at 2.30 a. m., Dow shoe store, 9
S. Second street. Loss, $10,500.
December 30, 1894, at 2.55 a. m., Curtin Heights M. E.
Church. Loss, $5,600.
February 9, 1895, at midnight, State Printing Office,
Herr and Grand streets. Loss, $83,500.
February 2, 1897, at 12.30 p. m., the State Capitol build
ing was entirely destroyed by fire. This was the most
destructive fire in the history of the city. Loss, $800,000.
January 24, 1899, at 8 p. m., Patriot building, corner
Market and Blackberry streets. Loss, $26,738.
August 11, 1900, at 1.30 a. m., Ensminger lumber yards.
Loss, $17,000.
September 20, 1902, Pipe Bending Works, Herr and
Tenth streets. Loss, $11,000.
May 22, 1903, works of the Central Iron and Steel
Co. Loss, $88,000.

428 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
October 12, 1903, the building of the Boll Manufactur
ing Co., Tenth street. Loss, $75,000. At the same time,
the State Printing office, Burial Case Co.'s building and
Mulberry street bridge were partially destroyed.
April 26, 1904, the Pennsylvania Station was damaged
by fire to the amount of $36,000.
February 1, 1907, at 2 a. m., the most destructive fire
in Harrisburg since the burning of the State Capitol —
within one day of ten years before — broke out in a cellar
of the Grand Opera House block, corner of Third and
Walnut streets, completely destroying that historic struc
ture, as well as damaging nine other buildings, and wreck
ing almost a score of business establishments. Loss $250,-
000. February 8, 1907, Pipe and Pipe Bending Works were
partially destroyed by fire. Loss, $50,000.
PROMINENT MEN IN HARRISBURG.
Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, now Edward VII.,
King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ire
land and Emperor of India, visited Harrisburg, October
2d and 3d, i860, stopping at the Jones House (now Com
monwealth Hotel). He was accompanied by the Duke
of New Castle and Lord Lyons, the British Minister at
Washington. Abraham Lincoln, President-elect, arrived at Harris
burg on February 22, 1861. On that day, with a parade
and fitting ceremony, the Union flag was raised on the
dome of the capitol, after which the military formed and
marched to Second and Vine streets, where it met Mr.
Lincoln, and escorted him to the Jones House (now Com
monwealth Hotel). As there were rumors that a plot
had been formed to prevent Mr. Lincoln from reaching
Washington, it was decided that, instead of remaining
here over night, he should be taken to Washington by

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 429
way of Philadelphia. Accordingly he was called from the
dining room shortly before six o'clock that evening and
was hurried to the station with the knowledge of but very
few, and reached Washington safely the next morning.
On the night of Friday, April 21, 1865, the body of the
martyr President reached here and lay in state in the
House of Representatives, where it was viewed by mourn
ing thousands. The next day it proceeded on the jour
ney to its last resting place, Springfield, Illinois.
President Andrew Johnson, accompanied by General
Ulysses S. Grant and Admiral David G. Farragut, vis
ited Harrisburg, September 14th and 15th, 1866, stopping
at Bolton's Hotel (now the Bolton).
Ex-President Ulysses S. Grant, on his return from his
tour around the world, reached Harrisburg December 15,
1879, and was the guest of Governor Hoyt at the Execu
tive Mansion.
President Theodore Roosevelt was present and deliv
ered the oration at the dedication of the new capitol on
October 4, 1906, and was entertained at luncheon by
Governor Pennypacker at the Executive Mansion.
GOVERNORS OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1858-I907..
William Fisher Packer, Jan. 19, 1858 — Jan. 15, 1861.
Andrew Gregg Curtin, Jan. 15, 1861 — Jan. 15, 1867.
John White Geary, Jan. 15, 1867 — Jan. 21, 1873.
John Frederick Hartranft, Jan. 21, 1873 — Jan. 18, 1876.
John Ferderick Hartranft, Jan. 18, 1876— Jan. 21, 1879.
Henry Martin Hoyt, Jan. 21, 1879 — Jan- l6> l883-
Robert Emory Pattison, Jan. 16, 1883— Jan. 18, 1887.
James Adams Beaver, Jan. 18, 1887 — Jan. 20, 1891.
Robert Emory Pattison, Jan. 20, 1891 — Jan. 15, 1895.'
Daniel Hartman Hastings, Jan. 15, 1895 — Jan. 17, 1899.
William Alexis Stone, Jan. 17, 1899 — Jan. 20, 1903.

430 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker, Jan. 20, 1903 — Jan. 15,
1907. Edwin Sidney Stuart, Jan. 15, 1907 —
JUDGES OF DAUPHIN COUNTY COURTS, 1858-I907.
John James Pearson was re-elected for ten years in
1861 and in 1871. When his term expired, in 1881, he
declined a re-election.
Robert Miller Henderson was appointed Additional
Law Judge by Governor Hartranft, being commissioned
April 30, 1874, and was elected the same year for the full
term. He was commissioned President Judge, January
13, 1882, on the retirement of Judge Pearson, and re
signed February 2, 1882.
John Wiggins Simonton was elected Additional Law
Judge in 1881, being commissioned December 8, 1881,
and upon the resignation of Judge Henderson, he was
commissioned President Judge, February 8, 1882. He
was re-elected in 1891 and 1901, and died in office Feb
ruary 12, 1903.
John Bayard McPherson was appointed Additional
Law Judge by Governor Hoyt, being commissioned Feb
ruary 8, 1882, and was elected the same year for the full
term, and was re-elected in 1892. He resigned upon his
appointment by President McKinley as Judge of the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania, being commissioned March 2, 1899.
John Henry Weiss was appointed Additional Law
Judge by Governor Stone, being commissioned March 14,
1899, and was elected the same year for the full term.
Upon the death of Judge Simonton, he was commissioned
President Judge, February 18, 1903, and died in office
November 22, 1905.
Michael William Jacobs was appointed Additional Law

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 431
Judge by Governor Pennypacker, being commissioned
March ii, 1903, and served until the end of the year.
George Kunkel was elected Additional Law Judge in
1903, being commissioned December 10, 1903, and upon
the death of Judge Weiss, he was commissioned Presi
dent Judge, Nov. 27, 1905.
Thomas Henry Capp was appointed Additional Law
Judge by Governor Pennypacker, being commissioned De
cember 16, 1905, and in 1906 was elected for the full
term. MAYORS OF HARRISBURG, 1860-I9Q7.
William H. Kepner, 1860-1863.
Augustus L. Rumford, 1863-1866.
Oliver Edwards, 1866-1869.
* William W. Hayes, 1869- 1870.
fGeorge B. Cole, 1870-1871.
William K. Verbeke, 1 871 -1873.
Jacob D. Boas, 1873-1875.
J John D. 'Patterson, 1875-1881.
**John C. Herman, 1881-1883.
*Simon C. Wilson, 1883-1886.
xSamuel W. Fleming, 1886-1887.
John A. Fritchey, 1887-1893.
Maurice C. Eby, 1893- 1896.
John D. Patterson, 1896- 1899.

*Died in office.
fElected by councils to fill unexpired term of William H.
Hayes. ^Resigned to become resident clerk of House of Representa
tives. **Elected by councils to fill unexpired term of John D. Pat
terson. x Elected by councils to fill unexpired term of Simon C.
Wilson.

432 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
John A. Fritchey, 1899-1902.
Vance C. McCormick, 1902-1905.
Edward Z. Gross, 1905-1908.-
chiefs OF police, 1860-1907.
George H. Morgan, 1860-1861.
Harry Radebaugh, 1862.
Bernard Campbell, 1862-1868.
John Cline, 1868-1869.
George G. Boyer, 1869-1871.
Chas. A. Wilhelm, 1871-1873.
Harry A. Hoopes, 1873- 1877.
Christian Cilley, 1877- 1883.
Wilson C. Fox, April 2-29, 1883.
Aaron M. Landis, 1883-1887.
Alvin Weikard, 1887-1891.
James B. Kautz, 1891-1893.
Samuel Anderson, 1893- 1896.
Frank S. Weston, 1896- 1899.
James B. Kautz, 1899-1902.
Joseph B. Hutchison, 1902 —
MODERN IMPROVEMENTS.
Street Railway Company ran the first horse car on
Third street from Walnut to Broad in 1861. Horse cars
were abandoned in 1892.
First Trolley Car ran between Harrisburg and Steel-
ton, July 4, 1888. First car service in city proper, June
10, 1891. *
Fire Alarm System was introduced in 1873.
The Southern Pennsylvania Telephone Co. was incor
porated June 10, 1891. The company occupies a building
on the corner of Walnut and Court streets, but in a short
time will occupy the large building now in course of con
struction corner of Locust and Court streets.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 433
United Telephone and Telegraph Co. was incorpor
ated January, 1902. In April, 1907, there was a consoli
dation of independent telephone companies in nearby
towns. The company is now known as the American
Union Telephone Co., and is located in the Telegram
building, adjoining, the County Prison.
Light, Heat and Power Co. was incorporated May 1,
1885 ; light was turned on city shortly after. The plant
is situated on Fourth street near South.
Harrisburg Steam Heat and Power Co. was incorpor
ated October 13, 1886. Steam was turned on city No
vember, 1887. The works are located in the rear of the
office on Short street.
Paxtang Electric Light Co., located in the famous old
Lafayette Hall on State street below Fifth, turned their
light on city September, 1903.
BRIDGES AND SUBWAYS.
Cumberland Valley R. R. Bridge. — The first bridge
constructed by this company spanning the river at Mul
berry street, was opened in 1839. This bridge was de
stroyed by fire in 1844; rebuilt in 1846; replaced lattice
work structure by heavy timbers in 1855-56; again
strengthened in 1872; rebuilt piers in 1885; present iron
structure was erected in 1886, and finished July, 1887.
Walnut Street Bridge was opened for use April 25,
1890. Philadelphia and Reading R. R. Bridge, located oppo
site Vine street was finished January, 1891.
Vanderbilt Piers just above the Philadelphia and Read
ing R. R. Bridge, were constructed by the Southern
Pennsylvania R. R. in 1884.
Market Street Bridge was completed December 11,
1905. First toll taken November 7, 1905 (election day).
This bridge replaced the historic "Camel-back," which

434 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
stood for more than three-quarters of a century. The
ornamental entrance to this bridge, which is formed from
the decorative pillars of the old capitol building, was
placed there in remembrance of the late Henry McCor-
mick, under the direction of the Harrisburg Park Com
mission and the Civic Club. The Henry McCormick es
tate made a gift of $5,000 for the purchase and removal
of the toll house, and the erection of the columns. This
gave to the city the only formal entrance which any city
in the United States has. This was the first gift of the
kind ever made to Harrisburg. The entrance was dedi
cated April 20, 1906.
Rockville Bridge carries the four tracks of the main
line of the Pennsylvania railroad across the Susquehanna
river a few miles above the city. The work of building
this bridge was started in April, 1900, and completed
April 1, 1902. This is the largest stone bridge in the
world; its length is three thousand eight hundred and
ten feet; number of spans forty-eight; the total cost was
$975,000. State Street Bridge, crossing the P. R. R. tracks at E.
State street, was erected in 1873.
Mulberry Street Bridge, crossing the P. R. R. tracks
on Mulberry street, was erected in 1888.
Market Street Subway was opened for public use in
1902, but was not completed until 1903.
Herr Street Subway was started in the fall of 1903,
and thrown open for travel February 10, 1904.
Paxtang Subway. — The first cars ran through this sub
way May 30, (Decoration Day), 1906.
STATIONS.
Union Station. — The first station built by the Pennsyl
vania Railroad Company in 1857, was replaced in 1887
by the present Union Station, which has been enlarged

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 435
and improved several times. It was partly destroyed by
fire April 26, 1904, after which it was rebuilt with in
creased facilities.
Philadelphia and Reading Railway Station. The first
station built in 1857-58, was a long frame building on the
western side of Market street; this was abandoned in
1904, when the present elegant structure was erected on
the eastern side of Market street.
Maclay Street Station. — This station erected at Ma
clay street, by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, was
opened to the public September 1, 1892.
RAILROADS.
Harrisburg is one of the greatest railroad points in the
country. Here centre the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and
Reading, Cumberland Valley, Northern Central, Phila
delphia and Erie, Schuylkill and Susquehanna and Pitts
burg, Harrisburg and Potomac.
STREET RAILWAYS.
Harrisburg has two electric systems — Central Pennsyl
vania Traction Company and Valley Traction Company.
These lines reach every point of any consequence within
a radius of twenty miles. There are almost one hundred
miles of track. The C. P. T. Co., have just completed
car barns at a cost of $100,000, and have in course of con
struction a new concrete power plant, the cost of which
will be $250,000. Express and telegraph companies.
Adams Express Co. — Main office, Fourth and Chest
nut streets. This company opened their first office in this
city in 1854.
United States Express Co., 23 S. Third street, opened
their office in this city in 1889.

436 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Philadelphia, Reading and Pottsville Telegraph Co.
Office at Philadelphia and Reading Station.
Postal Telegraph Cable Co., 7 N Third street, opened
an office in Harrisburg in 1887.
Western Union Telegraph Co., 11 N. Third street,
opened their office in Harrisburg in 1861.
MARKET HOUSES.
The markets of Harrisburg are supplied with products
from a rich agricultural region including three counties.
West Harrisburg Market House, a large stone building,
corner of Third and Verbeke streets, was erected jn i860.
Since then it has been enlarged by the addition of one
brick and one frame building.
Chestnut Street Market House, corner Chestnut and
Court streets, was erected in 1889. It comprises two
large brick buildings ; on the second floor is a large dance
hall. State Street Market, a brick building, corner of Fourth
and State streets, was erected in 1872.
Kelker Street Market, a brick building corner of Kel
ker and Fourth streets, was erected in 1889. On the
second floor is a large public hall and directors room.
East Harrisburg Farmers' Market, a frame building,
Market and Fourteenth streets, was erected in 1873.
WATER supply. . .
The water works were completed September 18, 1841.
The old reservoir, which occupied the land bounded by
North and Foster, Capitol and East streets, was aban
doned and the new reservoir put in service in 1876. The
standpipe, which is 210 ft. high, was erected the same
year. The reservoir is capable of containing twenty-two
million gallons of water. There are fifty-seven miles,
forty-three feet of conducting pipe laid through the

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 437
streets of the city. Number of fire hydrants, seven hun
dred and sixty-two.
Drinking Fountains. — There are eleven public drinking
fountains in the city, located at suitable points for the
use of people and animals. The massive granite fountain
corner of Third and Maclay streets, was presented to the
city by Miss Fannie Eby in honor of her father.
Filter Plant erected on Hargest Island, in the Susque
hanna river, was turned over to the city, October 12,
1905. City was furnished with filtered water, October
21, 1905. THE PRESS.
The "Gem," established in 1871 by George H. Morgan,
in the Old Exchange building, was the first penny news
paper published in Harrisburg.
The trumpet, a sensational paper, was established by
Jack Sheppard in 1871. This paper was short-lived, the
proprietor being arrested for libel, and sent to prison
for three months.
Sunday Telegram was established in 1880 by John
Moore. The Telegram was a sensational paper and had
a large circulation.
Morning Call, established in 1888 by E. B. Haines.
The above newspapers and a number of others estab
lished during the past fifty years, are no longer pub
lished. Evening Telegraph. — This is the oldest established
newspaper in the city, and is Republican in politics. It
was established in 1831 by George Bergner and Co. The
president of the paper to-day is E. J. Stakcpole. Circu
lation 14,000.
The Patriot.— This paper is published every morning,
except Sunday, and is Democratic in politics. It was
established March 4, 1854. Vance C. McCormick is

438 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
president and publisher of the paper to-day. Circulation,
10,907. Star-Independent.- — This paper is published every even
ing except Sunday. It was established in 1876 by Elias
Z. Wallower, and is independent in politics. The editor
and proprietor of the paper to-day is B. F. Meyers. Cir
culation, 13,480.
The Courier. — A semi-weekly paper, published by the
Courier Publishing Co., was established in 1903. Circu
lation 4,000. H. E. Smith, President.
In addition to the papers mentioned, there are eleven
weekly, one semi-monthly and nine monthly papers pub
lished in the city.
Printing and publishing firms number twenty-two in
cluding the State Printery. EDUCATIONAL.
Public Schools. — In the early thirties the borough of
Harrisburg was divided into two wards, called respective
ly the North and South wards ; from those days up to the
enactment of the public school law in 1834, the schools
of the borough were under private management. A short
time after the enactment of this law, boards of directors
were elected, who at once assumed the direction of the
education of the pupils of the borough. The public
schools increased in number, and in a short time each
ward had its two public high schools, one for boys and
the other for girls. In 1867 the North and South ward
boys' high school consolidated, and was located in the
Dewitt building (formally Lancasterian), on Walnut
street, until 1886, when it was removed to the Stevens
building on Chestnut street, where it remained until 1893.
The principals were Daniel S. Burns, Lemuel O. Foose
and J. Howard Wert. In 1869 the North and South
ward girls' high school was consolidated, and was located

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 439
in the Willard building, West State street, until 1893.
The principals were Maria E. Gill, Martha M. Thomp-
kinson and Jennie F. Givler.
At the completion of the new high school, corner of
Foster and Capitol streets, in September, 1893, the boys
and girls high school were united into one school in the
new building, and constituted what is known as the High
School. The principals of this school have been as fol
lows : J. Howard Wert, S. G. Langdon, Sam'l A. Baer,
Frederick E. Downes and W. S. Steele. It has a faculty
of 22 teachers and an enrollment of 640 scholars. In
1858 the first graduates left the public high school in this
city and were as follows : Matilda Benjamin, M. Louise
Nolen, and Emma Whitman.
The Alumni Association was organized June 29, 1876.
A Teachers' Training School was organized Septem
ber, 1903. It is located in the Stevens building and
taught by Miss Anna Wert.
A Technical High School was opened Sept., 1904, in
the Dewitt building on Walnut street ; this building failed
to meet the requirements of the school, and a large mod
ern structure equipped with all necessary machinery was
erected in the rear of the old building, and was ready for
use September, 1905.
In the city there are twenty-five public school buildings,
196 schools, 226 teachers; pupils enrolled, 9,701.
The superintendents of the public schools of the city
have been as follows : Daniel S. Burns, Lemuel O. Foose,
and Frederick E. Downes.
Oldest Living Teachers. — Mr. Emanuel L. German is
the oldest living school teacher in the city, being in his
eighty-fifth year. He first taught in the public schools
in 1850; after teaching a number of years, he resigned his
pos.'tion and opened a book store, in which business he
still continues.

440 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Miss Abagail Woodward is in her eighty-fourth year.
She first taught in the Harrisburg Female Seminary in
1854. Was principal in Girls' High School from 1855-
1866. In 1867 she opened a private school and continued
teaching until 1896.
Miss Sue Wilson is seventy-four years of age ; she re
tired from school work in 1900.
Miss Eliza Bishop taught in public schools for forty
years, retiring a few years ago.
The Roman Catholic congregation support two pub
lic schools. Cathedral Parochial School,. Liberty and
Church streets, taught by Sisters of Mercy; St. Law
rence's Parochial School (German), Short street near
Walnut, taught by Sisters of Christian Charity.
Hebrew School, 533 Filbert street.
There are many excellent private schools and academies
in the city.
Harrisburg Academy. — This academy was esatblished
in 1813. Is situated on Front street above South. The
late Jacob Seiler was elected principal of this school in
i860, and held this position until his death, which oc
curred April 13, 1907. A successor to Professor Seiler
has not yet been elected. It is rumored that negotiations
for the purchase of the present academy building and
dwelling adjoining, are being made by the Dauphin
County Historical Society, and that a new .site will be
selected for the academy.
Professor Gauze's School for Young Men. — This
school was established in the early sixties by Professor L.
H. Gauze, and was located at Second and South streets in
the building which is now the Jewish Synagogue. Many
of our prominent citizens of to-day were pupils of this
school. Miss Sue Wilson opened a select school at 105 S.
Front street in 1851 ; she continued in this work with the

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 441
exception of seven years, until 1875, when she became a
teacher in the public schools, where she taught until
1900. Miss Abagail Woodward opened a private school in
1867 on the corner of Front and Locust streets ; shortly
after she removed to Second and Locust streets, where
she conducted a young ladies boarding school. The ad
vantages of her instruction soon became known, and the
pupils increased to such an extent that assistant teachers
were required. Later on the school was removed to
Front street above Market, where Miss Woodward con
tinued in the work until 1896. The scholars of this
school have a reunion in this city every year.
Kindergarten School. — The first kindergarten school in
the city was established in 1877 by Miss Rachael Pollock.
In 1890 this school was transferred to the Misses Sar-
geant and Bent, who shortly after discontinued the
kindergarten work, and established a primary and pre
paratory school for young ladies with successful results.
Froebel Kindergarten and Normal Training School,
corner of State and Second streets, was established in
1888, by Miss Evelyn Barrington. This is one of the
finest schools of the kind in the state, and is eminently
creditable to its teachers.
Kindergartens. — There are five select kindergarten
schools in the city, located as follows : Front and South
streets, taught by Miss Sue Seiler; Cottage Ridge Kin
dergarten, North Third streeet, Miss Elizabeth B. Coover ;
Union Square, Miss J. M. A. Wilson ; Foster Street, Miss
Margaret I. Charles; North Second Street, Miss Long.
North Harrisburg Kindergarten (charity). — This
school is located on Herr street near Cameron. Miss
Margaretta Simmons Rutherford, principal, Miss
Frances R. Black, assistant.
Summer Kindergartens. — The Civic Club of the city
29

442 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
support four open air kindergartens on the public school
grounds during the months of July and August : Paxton
school yard, taught by Miss Edna Sprenkle; Penn, Miss
Martha J. Oglesby; Downey, Miss Frances R. Black;
Hamilton, Miss Margaret Charles.
St. Genevieve's Academy. — This building was erected
by Gen. William Miller for his private residence. It was
purchased by Bishop Shanahan in 1870, and a school for
young ladies established, which is presided over by the
Sisters of Mercy.
Harrisburg. Business College, 322 Market street, John
E. Garner, principal.
School of Commerce, 4 South Market Square, George
S. McClure, principal.
Correspondence School of Scranton (branch), 213
Walnut street.
Harrisburg Conservatory of Music, 607 North Second
street, Edwin J. Decevee, principal.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS.
Almshouse. — The first almshouse was built about 1812-
13; the building was enlarged in 1868. July 3, 1883, the
original and new building was destroyed by fire. Work
was immediately started on the present brick building of
five stories, which was finished the same year. Number
of inmates February 13, 1907, one hundred and eighty-
eight. State Luntaic Asylum. — The first building was com
pleted in 1 85 1. Since then many new additions have been
built. A large modern Executive building was erected
in 1895; in this building is the residence of the attending
physician, Dr. H. L. Orth, a large reception room and of
fices of the institution. There are at the present time
twelve buildings on the ground, and work is about to
begin on the erection of three new ones. When these are

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 443
completed the original building will be torn down. Num
ber of inmates Feb. 26, 1907, was one thousand and
twenty. Harrisburg Hospital. — A charter was granted by the
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, April 4, 1873, to es
tablish a hospital and dispensary in Harrisburg. The
brick school house and lot of ground (85x105) on Mul
berry street near Front street was secured, and a board
of managers chosen. The hospital was dedicated August
4, 1873, the first patients being received the following
day. Since the opening of the hospital much additional
ground has been obtained by purchase, gift and other
wise, so that the lot on which the institution stands now
extends one hundred and fifty-seven feet six inches on
Front street, and two hundred and ten feet on Mulberry
street. The administration building was dedicated Feb
ruary 22, 1884; the annex was dedicated May 23, 1895;
the Haldeman-Haly Operating Room was opened No
vember 14, 1899; the laundry and kitchen were opened
July 16, 1905 ; the new addition and remodelled admin
istration building were opened February 28, 1907. Since
the first patients were admitted on August 5, 1873, up to
April 30, 1906, there have been treated at the hospital
92,341 patients, of which number 12,704 were admitted to
the wards.
Catholic Orphanage. — This orphanage is non-sectar
ian, and is located on the high grounds between Derry
and Market streets. The Catholics purchased this build
ing and grounds from Col. John Brandt in 1870, and it
was used for various purposes until November 21, 1901,
when the orphanage was established. An addition was
built in 1906. Number of children in this institution
April 25, 1907, was eighty-five.
Home of the Friendless, Fifth and Muench streets, was

444 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
established in 1867. March 8, 1907, there were twenty
old ladies and eight girls in this institution.
Children's Industrial Home, Nineteenth and Swatara
streets, was organized December, 1875. Opened in
Shakespeare Hall, January 14, 1876. The corner stone of
the present building was laid in June, 1890. Dedicated
November 22, 1892. March 26, 1907, there were twenty-
eight children in this institution.
Messiah Rescue and Benevolent Home, Twelfth and
Bailey streets, was established in 1896, by the Brethren in
Christ. It is non-sectarian and admits old folks of both
sexes. Messiah Orphanage, Twelfth near Bailey street, was
built in 1900. The money to build this institution was
donated by Barbara M. Kerns of Indiana. March 7,
1907, there were thirty-one children in this institution.
The Orphanage is under the same management as the
Messiah Home.
Maternity Hospital, 226 Liberty street, was established
in 1892.
Florence Crittendom Home, Front and Broad streets,
was established November 5, 1894.
Shope's Private Hospital, Second and Hamilton streets,
was opened July, 1903.
Keeley Institute, Fourth and North streets, was opened
June, 1892. CHURCHES.
Presbyterian.
Pine Street — George S. Chambers, D.D.
Market Square — J. Ritchie Smith, D.D.
, Westminister — H. A. Grubbs.
Olivet — J. Stockton Roddy.
Covenant — C. O. Bosserman.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 445

Bethany — Henry Cunningham.
Calvary — Harry B. King.
Capitol Street — Eugene Johnston.
Lutheran.
Zion — S. Winfield Herman.
Messiah — Rene H. Williams.
St. Michaels— J. G. Pfuhl.
Bethlehem — J. Henry Harms.
Christ— A. A. Kelley.
Augsburg — A. M. Stamets.
Memorial — L. C. Manges.
Trinity — R. L. Meisenhelder.
Zion German — I. F. F. Lisse.
Redeemer — T. B. Thomas.
Calvary — Edward H. Paar.
Methodist.
Grace — Isaac L. Wood, D.D.
Fifth Street— B. H. Hart.
Ridge Avenue — S. B. Evans.
Thirteenth Street— H. C. Harmon.
St. Paul's— T. S. Stansfield.
Epworth — W. H. Stevens.
Curtin Heights— F. W. Biddle.
Baptist.
First — A. Freeman Anderson.
Second — J. Stovall.
Tabernacle — W. J. Lockhart.
St. Paul's— H. W. Childs.
West End— W. W. Clippinger. Episcopal.
St. Stephen's — Rollin A. Sawyer.

446 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
St. Paul's— G. I. Browne.
St. Andrew's— H. B. Smith.
All Saints' Mission — H. V. B. Darlington.
St. Augustine — J. W. Livingston.
Church of God.
Fourth Street — J. C. Forncrook.
Green Street — D. S. Shoop.
Kelker Street— C. H. Forrest.
North Street— O. E. Huston.
Eleven-and-One-Half Street — John Fuqua.
Nagle Street — F. Y. Weidenhammer. Catholic.
St. Patrick's Cathedral— M. M. Hassett, D.D.
St. Lawrence— S. M. Weist.
St. Frances — James MaGrath.
Sacred Heart — Francis J. Welsh.
St. Mary's— M. J. Steffy. Reformed.
Salem — Ellis N. Kremer.
Fourth — Wm. C. Rittenhouse.
Second — N. H. Bassler.
St. John's — J. Rauch Stein.
Zwingli — J. B. Dengler. Evangelical.
Harris Street — A. J. Brunner.
Park Street— W. S. Harris.
United Brethren.
Memorial— G. D. Batdorf.
Derry Street — J. A. Lyter.
Otterbein — E. S. Bowman.
State Street — I. N. Seldomridge.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 447
Jewish Congregations.
Ohev Sholem — Sam'l Friedman.
Keshner Israel — A. Lessen.
Chisuk Emuna — Harris Goldstein.
Colored Methodist.
Wesley Union — W. H. Ferguson.
State Street— S. P. Hood.
Harris Zion— W. H. Marshall.
St. Luke's— J. W. Pollett.
Asbury — R. H. Robinson. Christian.
Fourth Street— H. F. Lutz.
Other Denominations.
Seventh Day Adventist — George W. Spiese.
Brethren — A. L. B. Martin.
Brethren in Christ — George Detweiler.
Mission — Geo. H. Shreiner.
Christian Science.
Christian Missionary Alliance.
City Gospel.
River Brethren.
Salvation Army.
People's Mission.
Watch Tower Bible Society.
New Menonites. finest church edifices in the city.
St. Patrick's Cathedral, on West State street, is the most
costly and magnificent church edifice in the city. It is
built of Mt. Erie granite, is one hundred and seventy-
five by eighty-five feet. Seating capacity, fifteen hundred.

448 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The ornamental trimmings of the interior are of Lake
Chaplain marble, the wainscoting is of white marble and
the vestibule of Italian marble. The altar which is a
reproduction of the famous altar of the Blessed Sacra
ment in St. Peter's, Rome, is of golden veined Pavinazzo
marble; below the base of the dome is a circle of twelve
columns of the same marble. The windows were made in
Munich, Germany, and including a duty of $8,000, cost
$28,000. The cathedral was dedicated May 14, 1907.
Over one hundred clergymen took part in the ceremony,
which was witnessed by almost fifteen hundred people.
Pine Street Presbyterian Church, located corner of
Third and Pine streets, was completed in i860. The
length of the building is one hundred and five feet, and
the width sixty-seven feet. It is built of limestone, and
the Gothic style of architecture gives it an appearance of
symmetry and beauty.
Market Square Presbyterian Church, situated on the
corner of Second and Blackberry streets, is a brick struc
ture of Romanesque style, covering an area of one hun
dred and thirty-three feet by sixty-six feet. Its spire
is the tallest in the city, reaching the height of one hun
dred and ninety-three feet.
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, which stands on
the corner of West State and Myrtle streets, is an impos
ing structure, built of limestone. It has a frontage of
one hundred feet on State street, extending in depth one
hundred and seventy-five feet, to Liberty street. The
main auditorium has a seating capacity of twelve to fifteen
hundred persons. The chapel is large and commodious,
having a lecture room and several class rooms on the
first floor ; on the second floor a Sunday-school room, seat
ing one thousand persons. The corner-stone of the build
ing was laid August 9, 1873. The church was dedi-

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 449
cated with imposing ceremonies March 10, 1878, by the
Reverend Bishop Matthew Simpson, D.D., L.L. D.
After the destruction of the State Capitol by fire Feb
ruary 2, 1897, this church, at the request of Governor
Daniel H. Hastings and his associates in executive au
thority, was given over for the occupancy and uses of the
Legislature and State departments, from February 3,
1897, until December 31, 1898. During this period the
congregation worshipped in the Opera House.
The diocese of Harrisburg, of the Roman Catholic
Church, was organized when the Right Reverend James
Shanahan was elected Bishop, and consecrated in the
Cathedral, Philadelphia, by Bishop Wood, July 12, 1868.
Bishop Shanahan died September 24, 1886. The Right
Reverend James McGovern was elected Bishop, and con
secrated at the Pro-cathedral, Harrisburg, March 11,
1888. Bishop McGovern died July 25, 1897. Right Rev
erend John Shanahan was elected Bishop and consecrated
at the Pro-cathedral, Harrisburg, May 1, 1898.
The diocese of Harrisburg, of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, was organized in St. James Church, Lancaster,
on November 29, 1904.
The general convention held in Boston in October of
that year, having ratified the action of the Bishop and
the convention of the diocese of central Pennsylvania,
in dividing that diocese on February 1, 1905. The Bish
op, the Right Reverend James Henry Darlington, Ph. D.,
D.D., L.L. D., then rector of Christ church, Bedford Ave
nue, Brooklyn, in the diocese of Long Island, was elected
Bishop, and was consecrated in Christ Church, Brooklyn,
on April 26, 1905.
THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS.
Shakespeare Hall. — This hall was one of the earliest
places of amusement in the city. It has been used for a

450 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
theatre, public balls, roller skating rink and museum. Of
late years its has been occupied by business firms.
Exchange. — This building was erected in 1827, and
stood on Walnut street between Third and Court streets,
on the present Post-office site. During the Civil War
and latter part of the sixties, under the name of the
Canterberry it was used for vaudeville attractions and
dance hall.
Brant's Hall. — This structure stood on the site of the
present Trust Company building, adjoining the Court
House. It was erected by John H. Brandt in 1856, and
was the only theatre the city had until 1873.
Sam Sanfords. — In the early sixties this hall stood on
the site of the present Star-Independent building, corner
of Third and Blackberry streets. The attractions were
minstrels and vaudeville shows, which were well patron
ized in those days.
Grand Opera House. — This edifice was erected by the
Masons, and stood on the southeast corner of Third and
Walnut streets. It was opened in the fall of 1873 by a
company of home talent. Many famous stars trod the
boards of this historic old theatre; within its walls ap
peared Mary Anderson, Janauscheck, Mojeska, Lawrence
Barrett, Joseph Jefferson and other illustrious players.
The Lyceum. — This theatre is located on Locust near
Second street. It was opened October 5, 1905, by James
T. Powers in a "Princess of Kensington," followed Octo
ber 7, by Kyrle Bellew in "Raffles."
A new theatre will be erected on Walnut street west
of Fourth street during the summer of 1907. This struc
ture is to be built of reinforced concrete and steel. Stage
dimensions, forty by eighty feet; seating capacity, be
tween 1,600 and 1,700.
Chestnut Street Hall. — In this hall the elite of the city
and many social clubs hold their dances.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 451
Board of Trade Auditorium is patronized by small en
tertainments and lecturers.
Fahnestock Hall, second floor of Y. M. C. A., is used
for small affairs of various kinds.
Smaller halls in city number twenty-one.
HOTELS AND APARTMENT HOUSES.
State Capitol Hotel. — This hotel stood on the corner
of Third and Walnut streets. During the sixties and
seventies it was one of the most prominent hotels in the
city, many of the leading political men of that day mak
ing it their headquarters. It was torn down when the
city purchased the block for the postoffice.
The Brady House. — This five-story brick building on
the corner of Third and State streets, was in the past
one of our most popular hotels. During the Civil War
it was the scene of many stirring events and of many im
portant political discussions. It has been abandoned as a
hotel many years ago, and will soon be removed and a
masonic temple built on its site.
The Pennsylvania House, corner of Second and Locust
streets, was a hotel well patronized in earlier years. In
1877 it was purchased by the Y. M. C. A. association.
Commonwealth. — This hotel is a large brick building
of five stories, situated on the corner of Market street and
the Square. This has been a renowned hotel site for more
than a century. The first structure was a small frame
building named Washington Inn, in honor of Washing
ton, who had been a guest there. The present structure
was built about 1853, and named the Jones House. It
was from this hotel that Lincoln, during the Civil War,
started on his famous midnight ride to Washington. This
building has been enlarged and remodeled several times.
In former years it has been known as the Kirkwood and
Leland.

452 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Lochiel. — This hotel, a five-story brick building, stands
on the corner of Market and Third streets. For many
years it has been the headquarters of noted politicians,
and has been the scene of many important political consul
tations. Bolton. — The famous old Bolton House, corner of
Market Square and Strawberry street, is a brick building
of five stories. It is on the site of the old Buehler House,
where Dickens stopped during his stay in the city. He
afterwards spoke highly of this hotel and its genial land
lord. Russ Hotel. — This hotel is a fine modern building of
five stories, situated at the entrance to the P. R. R. sta
tion. It was erected in 1887; an addition was built in
1901. The Senate is a modern hotel of brick and stone on the
corner of Market street and the Square. It was erected
by James Russ in 1906.
A large modern hotel of ten stories will be erected
during the year of 1907, on the site of the old Opera
House and Park Hotel.
The first modern apartment houses were erected in
Harrisburg in the spring of 1906.
Donaldson Flats. — A brick structure of five stories,
with a frontage of 76 feet, situated on Second street above
Locust, was erected by William M. Donaldson in 1906.
Potts Apartment House. — A brick building of four
stories, corner of Third and Herr streets, was erected by
George C. Potts in. 1906.
The Delmar Flats. — This building was two dwelling
houses remodelled by G. W. Meily, in 1906. It is situ
ated on the corner of Second and Locust streets.
Harrisburg has in all fifty-five hotels and ten apart
ment houses.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 453
OFFICE BUILDINGS.
Wyeth Building, corner of Market and Court streets,
was one of the earliest office buildings in the city. It
was erected in 1856.
College Block, corner of Third and Strawberry streets,
was erected in 1866 and derived its name from the busi
ness college of Bryant, Stratton and Francisco, which
occupied the third floor of the building just after its
completion. Bergner Building, corner of Market and Third streets,
was erected in 1874, by George W. Bergner, and was used
for the publishing of the Evening Telegraph. In 1906
another story was added to the building, and it was re
modelled for office purposes.
Union Trust Company Building, northwest corner of
Market Square, a fire-proof brick building of eight stories,
was erected in 1906. The first floor is occupied by the
Union Trust Company; the upper floors contain fifty-
six office rooms.
The upper floors with but few exceptions, of all the
buildings on Market street from the railroad to the river,
on Third street from Chestnut to Walnut and on Market
Square are used for office purposes.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
State Capitol. — The old Capitol building was destroyed
by fire, February 2, 1897. Shortly before 1 P. M., fire
was discovered in the building, and at 2.45 P. M., the en
tire building was in ruins. Thousands of people stood in
the driving rain and snow watching the progress of the
flames. The cause of the fire was never definitely known.
The Senate and House were in session when the fire
broke out. Within a few days the Legislature secured
quarters in the Grace Methodist church on State street,
where it remained until the end of the session.

454 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
The old Capitol witnessed the inauguration of sixteen
Governors. Presidents Harrison, Tyler, Taylor, Lin
coln, Grant and Hayes; the Prince of Wales, Lafayette
and Webster had been within its walls.
After the destruction of the Capitol, a movement was
begun in the Legislature to remove the seat of govern
ment to Philadelphia; several bills were introduced to
this effect, but were indefinitely postponed; on May 8,
1901, by a vote of 103 to 75 in favor of the Capitol re
maining at Harrisburg, decided the question of removal.
The Legislature promptly took action for the rebuild
ing of the Capitol, by appointing a commission, and ap
propriating, April 14, 1897, five hundred and fifty thou
sand dollars for this purpose. The commission met the
day the Governor approved the bill. October 22, 1897,
the plan of Henry Ives Cobb, of Chicago, was adopted,
and he was selected as architect to construct the build
ing. April 18, 1898, the commission awarded the con
tract for building the new Capitol to Allen B. Rourke, of
Philadelphia, for three hundred and twenty-five thousand
dollars. The cornerstone was laid August 10, 1898, the
ceremonies being conducted by the Grand Lodge of
Masons of Pennsylvania.
The Commission built an unsightly brick structure,
which was severely criticised by the people. Early in the
session of 1901, Senator John E. Fox, of Dauphin county,
introduced a bill providing for the appointment of a new
commission to erect a new Capitol building, and for an
appropriation of four millions of dollars for the same;
this bill was approved by William A. Stone, Governor of
the Commonwealth, July 18, 1901. The new commission
selected the plans of Joseph M. Huston, of Philadelphia,
and awarded the contract for the building to George F.
Payne. The cornerstone, laid August 10, 1898, not being
considered representative of the building now to be

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 455
constructed, a new stone was laid May 5, 1905, on the
corner just to the right of the main entrance, the cere
monies were very simple, only lasting ten minutes.
Four Legislatures met in the Capitol during its con
struction, those of 1899-1901-1903 and 1905, the last
holding an extra session.
The furnishing of the new Capitol was not provided for
by the act of July 18, 1901. The Board of Commissioners
of Public Grounds and Buildings have the power under
the law, to repair and furnish the chambers and com
mittee rooms of the two houses of the Legislature, and
other departments of the government; payment to be
made by the State Treasurer for such repairs and furnish
ings, out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise ap
propriated. Under this authority the Commissioners of
Public Grounds and Buildings proceeded to furnish the
new capitol in keeping with the building, the total amount
ing to nine million dollars. Sum total of building and
furnishings, thirteen million, one hundred and fifty-four
thousand, four hundred and twenty-two dollars.
The magnificent structure just finished covers two acres
of ground, is five hundred and twenty feet long, two
hundred feet deep, with a height of two hundred and
sixty-five feet. It is built of solid granite. The pillars
adorning the front, weigh twenty-seven tons each. The
centre bronze doors cost fifty thousand dollars, and those
in the wings thirty thousand. When one enters the ro
tunda the eyes are struck first by the beautiful muriel
decorations, the frescoes of the dome and the grand stair
way of solid marble. The Senate chamber is beautifully
frescoed in green and gold. The House of Representa
tives is Corinthian architecture, decorated in blue and
gold. There are fine historical muriel paintings in both
Senate and House. The entire building contains six hun
dred and thirty-three rooms, and four hundred and sev-

456 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
enteen thousand, three hundred and seventy-seven square
feet of floor space.
The Legislature appropriated fifty thousand dollars for
the dedication of the new building. The day fixed for the
ceremonies was October 4, 1906. The most elaborate
preparations were made for this occasion. President
Roosevelt was invited to participate in the dedication, and
was quick to respond in the affirmative. It was a day of
which the entire Commonwealth may be proud. The one
thing lacking to make the dedication a success was good
weather. Rain began to fall at 2 a. m., and a steady down
pour continued throughout the day. This did not seem
to dampen the ardor of the crowds ; everyone was sorry
for the rain, but no one made a long face over it.
The city was extensively decorated with bunting and
flags. Ropes of electric lights were stretched along the
principal thoroughfares from Market to State streets ; the
Capitol park with its myriads of fairy lamps of many
colors, and bright red lanterns, presented a scene of en
chantment. A Venetian canopy of unique style was
erected in Market Square, and a large grand stand built
at the W. State street entrance to Capitol park. The
entire new Capitol building was brilliantly illuminated
and opened for inspection. When the boom, from the
cannon at the arsenal, announced that the President was
within the city limits, there were thousands at the sta
tion to greet him. It is estimated that 80,000 strangers
were in the city on that day. The programme for the
day was as follows :
10 to 11.30 a. m., music on grand stand.
11 a. m., arrival at Union Station of President of the
United States, the Hon. Theodore Roosevelt.
11.30 a. m., dedicatory services at grand stand.
Reading from the Scripture by John H. Dillingham.
Presentation of the Capitol to the Commonwealth by

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 457
an address of the president of the Building Commission,
Hon. William A. Stone.
Acceptance and address by the Governor of Pennsyl
vania, Hon. Samuel W. Pennypacker.
Oration by the President, Hon. Theodore Roosevelt.
Benediction by Rt. Rev. James H. Darlington, Ph. D.,
D.D., L.L. D., Bishop of Harrisburg.
i p. m., military parade.
2 p. m., music in Capitol building by Walter Damrosch
Orchestra, of New York.
6-7 p. m., music on grand stand.
7.30-9.30 p. m., band concerts in Riverside Parks.
8 p. m., fireworks on Hargests Island, Susquehanna
river. This programme was carried out with the exception of
the concerts in the parks and fireworks on the island,
which were postponed until the next evening.
Executive Building. — This building was erected in
1903, and stands south of the new Capitol building. It
originally contained the executive department, State Li
brary and Flag Room. Since the removal of the Ex
ecutive departments into the new Capitol building, alter
ations are being made in the interior of this building.
The first floor will be used by the State Library; the
second floor will be occupied by a museum.
Court House. — The pres'ent court house was erected in
i860. It has been remodelled and enlarged several times.
The large addition in the rear of the original building was
erected in 1894.
Post Office. — During the sixties the postoffice was lo
cated on Market street opposite the Court House ; later it
occupied a building on the site of the present Grand Hotel.
On May 10, 1882, it was removed into the present large
and commodious building. There are eleven sub-stations
and two branch offices, thirty-seven mail carriers, one
30

458 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
hundred and eighty-two street boxes, thirty-three pack
age boxes and five mail chutes. Mail carts for the collec
tion of mail were first used in 1902.
County Prison. — The original building was removed
and the present building finished in 1841. Was remodel
led in 1899, and again in 1901. March 8, 1907, the num
ber of prisoners was 188.
State Arsenal. — In 1873 it was decided to remove the
old arsenal, located on the Capitol grounds, and erect a
new building. Act of Assembly approved April 22, 1874,
authorized Governor, State Treasurer and Adjutant Gen
eral to purchase five acres of land, and erect thereon an
Arsenal, total not to cost more than $40,000. A block
of ground, bounded by Herr, Eighteenth, Broad and Nine
teenth streets, containing six acres 64.2 perches was pur
chased and the present building erected.
Public Library. — This library is located on Locust
street near Second, and was opened to the public in 1890.
City Grays Armory. — This building was erected in
1885, and stands on the corner of Second and Foster
streets. The first floor contains the company's parlor, of
ficers' parlor, banquet hall, kitchen, toilets, ladies dress
ing room, coat room, quartermaster's quarters, and gun
room. On the second floor is the drill room and stage.
Board of Trade. — This structure is built of brick, and
is situated on the corner of Market and River streets. It
was completed October 17, 1889.
City Offices. — There is at present no special building
for these offices ; they are scattered throughout the busi
ness portion of the city. The erection of a city hall has
been proposed for the near future.
BANKS AND TRUST COMPANIES.
Harrisburg National, 16 S. Market Square, was in
corporated as a State Bank in 1814. Organized as a

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 459
National Bank in 1864. Capital and surplus, $600,000.
Edward Bailey, President.
Dauphin Deposit Trust Co., 213 Market street. Incor
porated 1832. Capital, $300,000. James McCormick,
President. Mechanics, Market and Third streets. Incorporated
1853. Capital and surplus, $200,000. C. A. Kunkle,
Cashier. First National, 222 Market street. Incorporated 1864.
Capital $100,000; surplus $460,294.59. Lane S. Hart.
president. Commonwealth Trust Co., 222 Market street. Incor
porated 1 881. Capital $250,000. Surplus and undivided
profits, $538,152.64. Lane S. Hart, president.
Merchants National, Third and Verbeke streets. In
corporated 1887. Capital $100,000; surplus and undi
vided profits $100,000. H. D. Hemler, president.
Harrisburg Trust Co., 16 S. Market Square. Incor
porated 1893. Capital $400,000; surplus $300,000. Ed
ward Bailey, president.
Central Guarantee Trust and Safe Deposit Co., Third
and Verbeke streets, was incorporated 1893. Author
ized capital, $250,000; paid up capital, $125,000; un
divided profits, $104,700. H. D. Hemler, president.
Commercial, 1217 N Third street, was incorporated
in 1901. Authorized capital $200,000; paid in capital,
$50,000; undivided profits and surplus $29,000. D. W.
Sohn, cashier.
East End, Thirteenth and Howard streets. Incorpor
ated 1903; authorized capital $100,000; paid in $50,000.
E. A. Heffelfinger, president.
Security Trust Co., 36 and 38 N Third street. In
corporated 1905. Authorized capital $250,000; paid in
capital $125,000; surplus $25,000. George A. Gorgas,
president.

460 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Union Trust Co., N. W. corner Market Square, opened
for business in its new fire proof building June, 1906.
Capital $250,000 ; surplus $50,000. Charles S. Boll, pres
ident. Allison Hill Bank, 4 S. Thirteenth street. Incorpor
ated June 30, 1906. Authorized capital $100,000; capi
tal paid in $50,000; surplus $10,000. W. M. Hoerner,
president. Mutual Savings Bank, 27 N. Second street. Incorpor
ated 1905. S. L. Wiest, president.
People's Saving Bank, ion N. Third street. Incor
porated May 1906. Dr. J. Nelson Clarke, president.
Dime Saving Fund, 223 Market street. Established
1890. James McCormick, treasurer.
Exchange Banking Co., 3 N. Second street. Incor
porated 1899. W. J. Lescure, manager. Capital $20,000.
Clearance House movement was started August 10,
1905. Its headquarters is Dauphin Deposit Trust Co.,
213 Market street.
Building and Loan Associations number seventeen.
All in good financial condition. INDUSTRIES.
Central Iron and Steel Co. covers many acres in South
Harrisburg and employs thousands of men. Portions of
these works are the famed Chesapeake works, established
in 1866; the Central Iron Works, established in 1853, and
Paxton furnaces, built in the same year.
Harrisburg Planing Mill at foot of Second street, was
founded in 1842.
Harrisburg Foundry and Machine Works was founded
in 1857, and located on Allison's Hill until 1900, when
the entire works was removed to the present location
along P. R. R. above Maclay street.
Lochiel Furnace was put in blast April 14, 1873.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 461
The Penna. Steel Co.'s Plant, one of the most exten
sive steel manufactories in the world, was established
in 1865. It covers two hundred and ninety acres in
Steelton, a busy borough south of Harrisburg, and em
ploys eight thousand three hundred men.
Harrisburg Manufactory and Boiler Co., the products
of which have acquired world wide fame, was established
1895; employs two hundred men, and is located at Nine
teenth and Derry streets.
Lalance and Grosjean Manufacturing ,Co., among the
pioneers in the tin industry in the U. S., was established
February 22, 1883, and is situated at the northern extrem
ity of the city. Employs three hundred men.
Pipe and Pipe Bending Works, extends from Herr to
State streets east of P. R. R. This company was incor
porated January 1, 1900. It covers one acre of ground,
and employs between five and six hundred men.
Elliot-Fisher Book Typewriter Works, situated at Lo
chiel, south of Harrisburg, was established in 1899. Em
ploys five hundred men.
Silk Mill. — This mill was established, in the old Cot
ton Factory building on North street, in 1886. Number
of employees, four hundred and fifty.
Harrisburg Boot and Shoe Mfg. Co., is located on
Vernon street', and employs over six hundred men and
women. It was established in 1887.
Harrisburg Cigar Co. is situated on Race street, and
has over fourteen hundred employees. Was established
in 1895.
Blough Manufacturing Co., manufacturing ladies and
children's wearing apparel, was organized in 1892. En
larged capital and moved to Third and Hamilton streets
in 1893 ; was incorporated in 1895. In 1907, the factory
was removed to a large, four-story, modern building cor
ner of Reily and Fulton streets, where they have one and

462 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
one-half acres of floor space, and employ five hundred
women. Mention has been made of the largest manufactories
only; there are eighty-six minor industries, the products
of which reach all parts of the world.
BUSINESS FIRMS.
In the early fifties Market street and Market Square
became the business centre of the borough. The first
business houses in this section were small, one and two-
story, frame buildings. As time advanced, and the city
grew, one by one, these small buildings were removed,
and large modern structures were built on their site.
Some of the prosperous business firms, during the sixties
and seventies, were the following: Espy, general store;
Newsbaum, dry goods ; Eppley, dry goods ; Leopold
Wiler, general store; Joseph Strause, clothing; Bowman,
dry goods; Boas, jewelry; Gross, druggist; Keller, drug
gist; Sweitzer, clothing; Wagner, millionery; Felix,
candy and toy store; Meily, boots and shoes; and many
smaller firms.
The following firms have been in continuous business
for fifty years or more :
Shaeffer's Book Store, 21 S. Second street, was es
tablished in 1820, by G S. Peters, in the old Greenawalt
building, corner of Market and River streets ; a few years
later the business was purchased by Theodore F. Shaef-
fer. He was succeeded by his son, T. F. Shaeffer, who
conducts the business at 21 S. Second street.
Gross' Drug Store was established in 1820, by Dr.
George. In 1826, D. W. Gross purchased the business..
He was succeeded by his son, E. Z. Gross, the present pro
prietor. Foltz's Grocery, corner Second and Cranberry streets,
opened in 1852, in the store room it now occupies.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 463
German's Book Store, Chestnut between Second and
Court streets, opened in 1856, on Chestnut street, between
Second and River streets.
W. H. Tunis' Book Store, Third street near Market,
was opened in 1856, by George Bergner.
Keller's Drug Store, Market near Fourth street, was
established in 1856.
Joseph Strouse, clothing, 325 Market street, and H.
Cohen, notions,' 202 Market street, have been in continu
ous business for forty-six years.
Henry Felix's confectionary and toy store on Market
Square, and Samuel Ettlas confectionary and toy store on
Second street near Liberty, are well remembered firms of
earlier days.
Dives, Pomeroy and Stewart's department store opened
in a small room in the Opera House block in 1878; re
moved to Market street in 1881. Since that time this
firm has bought many adjoining buildings and erected a
large five-story structure, equipped with the latest im
provements, and having four acres of selling space. Em
ployees number four hundred.
Bowman and Co. department store, started business in
a small room, corner of Market and Front streets in the
sixties and employed five clerks; to-day they occupy a
large six-story building corner of Market and Dewberry
streets, where they have between thirty and forty thou
sand feet of selling space, and one hundred and fifty
employees. Rothert and Co., furniture dealers, opened their place
of business on Market Square in February, 1903. Three
years later they erected a large six-story building on
Market street, where they have thirty-seven thousand feet
of selilng space and thirty-five employees. The firm
moved into this building April, 1906.
Harrisburg has eight large department stores in which

464 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
everything may be purchased; fourteen dry goods firms,
twenty-seven furniture dealers and one hundred grocers.
FIRE COMPANIES.
Friendship Steam Engine Co. No. I. Located corner
Third and Cherry streets. Secretary, C. E. Murray.
This company was organized prior to 1801.
Hope Steam Engine Co. No. 2. Second street near
Liberty. Secretary, C. E. Blessing. Organized 1814.
Citizen Steam Co. No. 3. Fourth street above Walnut.
Secretary, H. A. Towsen. Organized, 1836.
Washington Hose and Chemical Co. No. 4. Chest
nut street near Second. Secretary, C. E. Ripper. Or
ganized 1 841.
Paxton Steam Fire Co. No. 6. Second street above
Vine. Secretary, J. A. Snyder. Organized 1859.
Good Will Steam Engine Co. No. 7. Calder and Sixth
streets. Secretary, C. R. Duncan. Organized i860.
Mt. Pleasant Steam Fire Co. No. 8. Howard and
Thirteenth streets. Secretary, C. E. Benson. Organ
ized 1877.
Susquehanna No. 9. South Cameron street. Secre
tary, H. W. Eckwith. Organized 1899.
Reily Hose and Chemical Co. No. 10. Fourth and
Dauphin streets. Secretary, H. Stroh. Organized 1885.
Shamrock No. 11. Herr and Tenth streets. Secretary,
A. A. Krebs. Organized 1888.
Mt. Vernon No. 1 Hook and Ladder Co. Fourth street
near North. Secretary, H. Q. Black. Organized 1858.
Chief Engineer of Fire Department, Charles A. Gar-
verich ; assistant engineer, Marian Verbeke ; superintend
ent fire alarm, Clarke E. Diehl.
Fire Alarm Boxes number forty-five.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 465
ORGANIZATIONS,
Lodges and Secret Orders.
Masonic, — Harrisburg Sovereign Consistory A. A. S.
R., meets at Scottish Rites Cathedral, 324 North street;
social quarters, Capitol street near North. Fourteen or
ganized branches.
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, incorporated June
17, 1904. Meetings held 214^ Locust street; social quar
ters, 108 N. Second street.
Knights of Golden Eagle, seven orders.
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, five orders.
Odd Fellows, twelve branches.
Red Men, fourteen branches. ¦
United American Mechanics, seventeen branches.
Sons of America, seven branches.
Order of Independent Americans, three branches.
' Improved Order of Heptasophs, six orders.
Knights of Malta, four branches.
Knights of Mystic Chain, three branches.
Knights of Pythias, four branches.
Knights of Macabees.
Royal Arcanum, three branches.
Modern Woodman.
B. Mai. British— Salem Lodge No. 26, I. O. B. B. (Is
raelites.) G. A. R., nine posts.
Temperance Lodges and Societies, nine orders.
Twenty-seven labor and sixty-four miscellaneous organ
izations. Clubs.
The Social Club, 302 Market street, wfcs incorporated
April 10, 1880.
The Harrisburg Club was incorporated December 15,
1884. Its first club house at 213 Walnut street, was

466 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
opened February 28, 1885. Its present house, at the
upper corner of Front and Market streets, was opened
April 1, 1897.
Country Club was incorporated June 13, 1896. The
club house is situated a short distance above the city
limits. Civic Club was incorporated January 21, 1898. The
purpose of this club is to increase the public interest in all
matters relating to good citizenship, and to promote a
better social order.
Harrisburg Athletic Club was incorporated February,
1900. There are a large number of minor clubs in the city.
Societies.
Dauphin County Historical Society was incorporated
in 1869.
Dauphin County Medical Society was incorporated in
1866. In 1894, at a meeting of this society, a resolution
was offered to procure a home for the medical men of
Harrisburg, and the following year the Academy of
Medicine was erected.
Daughters of American Revolution was organized May
19, 1894.
Daughters of 1812 was organized December 4, 1899.
Associations.
Young Men's Christian Association was organized De
cember 12, 1854. The association was first located in the
Kelker building, 118 Market street; second location, No.
3 Market Square; third location, College Block. In
1877 the Pennsylvania House, corner of Second and Lo
cust streets, was purchased; in 1889 the Lamberton prop
erty adjoining, was purchased; in 1890 the enlarged
and remodeled building was opened. The old building

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 467
was torn down May 29, 1902, and the Association moved
into temporary quarters at 228 North Third street, May
30, 1902. The corner stone of the new building was laid
August 26, 1902, and the dedication took place October
12, 1903.
Young Women's Christian Association was organized
1893. Were in rented quarters until 1898, when they
purchased a building on the corner of Third and Herr
streets. In May, 1905, they sold this building and pur
chased their present quarters, corner of Fourth and Wal
nut streets.
P. R. R. Christian Association was organized 1889.
The association was in rented quarters until June, 1903,
when they moved into their large new building on Riley
street near Sixth.
Visiting Nurses' Association was established in 1899,
when Miss Burkholder, an experienced nurse, was em
ployed to visit the sick gratuitously. The work of this
association has increased to such an extent that three
nurses are now employed, Miss Anna Lantz, Miss Sara
Butler and Miss Mae Stebbins. This association is sup
ported by private charity. CEMETERIES.
Paxtang. — This was the first burial ground in this vi
cinity. John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg, and
many other distinguished men are buried there. A hand
some gateway has been erected at the entrance of this
cemetery in memory of the heroes of the French and In
dian, and Revolutionary wars, it being a gift from the
Daughters of the American Revolution. The gate is of
colonial design ; it is made of wrought iron, on either side
are ornamental limestone pillars ; in the centre of each of
these pillars are bronze tablets with the names of the
heroes engraved upon them. This gate was dedicated

468 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Oct. 8, 1896. Addresses were made by Rev. George W.
Chambers, Rev. J. Ritchie Smith and Rev. George I.
Brown. Miss Caroline Pearson formally presented the
gate to the congregation, and it was accepted by I. Q. A.
Rutherford in behalf of the church.
New Paxtang. — This cemetery was opened July 30,
1898, and adjoins the old Paxtang cemetery.
Harrisburg Cemetery, Cameron to Fifteenth, between
State and Herr streets, was dedicated September 30,
1845- East Harrisburg (Mumma's), located at Penbrook,
was opened in 1875. A lot was given free to the first
person buried here, who was Miss Barbara Yost. The
burial took place Oct. 2, 1875.
Roman Catholic, located corner Thirteenth and Berry
hill streets, was opened in 1857.
Ohem Sholem (Jewish). — This cemetery is situated at
Progress and was opened in 1855. The first person
buried here was Mrs. Miriam Sweitzer; the burial took
place April 12, 1855.
Prospect Hill, located at Holly beyond city limits, was
opened in 1877.
Lincoln (colored), located at Penbrook, was opened
in 1875 by Wesley Union Church, A. M. E. Z.
Chisko Emune (Jewish). — This cemetery was opened
in 1884, and is located at Progress.
Kosher Israel (Jewish) is situated beyond Progress,
and was opened in 1898. PARKS.
Capitol Park. — This park has been improved from time
to time until it is one of the most beautiful public resorts
in Pennsylvania. Mr. Francis R. Shunk, clerk of House of
Representatives, Mr. DePue, clerk of the Senate, and John •
Harris, messenger, were the first persons to plant trees

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 469
in this park. They made many trips to Wetzel's Woods
where they procured young trees and replanted them on
the ground surrounding the Senate and House. Many
rare and fine trees were donated by citizens. William H.
Patterson, Superintendent of Public Grounds, planted the
first flowers and erected the first fountain in the park.
John Loban was the first florist officially engaged.
After the removal of the old arsenal from the grounds,
the corner, known as High street, was purchased by the
State, and the park extended to the corner of Fourth and
Walnut streets, giving it an area of fifteen acres. The
first fence surrounding the park was wooden; this was
replaced later by a heavy iron fence ; about the same time
several of the walks were covered with a composition of
pitch and sand. During the years of 1890-91 the iron
fence was removed, and the old board walk from Third
and Walnut streets, was replaced by a granolithic walk;
the entrance and steps were placed at Fourth and North
streets, and the first State Botanical conservatory was
erected. In 1893 an appropriation of $20,000 was made
for the erection of a grand stone stairway at West State
street entrance, a stone stairway at Capitol street entrance
and the erection of fountains in front of main building.
In 1896 Mr. James D; Delaney, Superintendent of Public
Grounds and Buildings, suggested that new walks be
laid, and the ascent be broken by small flights of steps.
The suggestion was acted upon, and the present walks
were laid; an addition was built to the conservatory the
same year. Each tree in the park has its botanical and
common name affixed to it on a metallic plate. The
Mexican monument was erected by the State in 1868, in
honor of her citizens who lost their lives during the war
with Mexico in 1846-47-48.
In 1895 an appropriation of $18,000 was made for the

470 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
erection of the equestrian statute of Major General John
F. Hartranft.
Reservoir Park. — In 1888 the grounds adound the
reservoir were cleared and put in shape for a park. In
1890 the building was erected on the grounds and trees
were planted. During the summer of 1889 this park was
opened to the public ; it has an area of eighty-eight acres,
and contains the city reservoir, park house, tennis courts,
golf links, pavilions, swings and numerous other attrac
tions. During the summer season free band concerts are
given each week. It is in this park that the Elks erected a
monument in honor of Meade D. Detweiler, Past Grand
Exalted Ruler of the Elks. This monument was dedi
cated with imposing ceremonies October 15, 1906.
Paxtang Park. — This park is situated three miles east
of the city and has an area of nearly twenty-eight acres.
The attractions are a large lake, swimming pool, theatre,
switchback and many other amusements. It was opened
to the public during the summer of 1893.
There are four parks stretching along the bank of the
Susquehanna river.
Harris Park. — River front from Paxton to Mulberry
street. Area four acres. In this park is the grave of
John Harris, father of the founder of Harrisburg.
Lincoln Park. — River front from Mulberry to Market
streets. Area two and one-fourth acres.
Promenade Park. — River front from Market to State
streets. Area three and one-half acres.
D. W. Gross Park. — River front from Water House
to Herr street. Area two acres.
Island Park. — Contains the new filter plant, baseball
grounds, public play grounds and tennis courts. Area
eighteen acres.
Independence Island. — A pleasure resort containing a

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 471
dancing pavilion, chute the chute, swings and other amuse
ments. Twelfth Street Play Grounds. — Designed especially
for the amusement of children. It is equipped with many
things conducive to childish sports.
Wildwood Park. — Formerly, Wetzel's Swamp, is now
being transformed into a beautiful park, with many ideal
walks and a large lake. It has an area of six hundred and
sixty-six acres.
Parkway Drive. — Now in progress of construction,
will extend twenty miles through the most picturesque
part of the surrounding country.
GREATER HARRISBURG MOVEMENT.
A movement for the improving of Harrisburg began
December 20, 1900, when Miss Myra Lloyd Dock made
an illustrated address at the Board of Trade. In May,
1901, Mr. J. V. W. Reynders suggested the raising of
$5,000 to get expert opinions on the city's needs. The
money was raised in ten days.
Municipal League of Harrisburg was, formed, includ
ing the sixty contributors to the expert fund and others.
Report of experts was received in October, 1901. Another
$5,000 raised in November and December, 1901, and a
campaign of education started January i, 1902.
With the election of the Hon. Vance C. McCormick as
mayor of the city, Feb. 18, 1902, the loan of $1,090,000
was authorized by the people to carry out the entire pro
gramme of public improvements. The first two things
accomplished were the building of a filtration plant to
furnish pure water, and an intercepting sewer to free
Paxton creek of sewage. It is now no longer an open
sewer, but a pretty, healthful stream.
The river front has been reclaimed from its old con
dition as a public dumping ground, and transformed into

472 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
beautiful parks ; grass plots have been placed through the
centre of State street and along the curbing of many other
streets. The parks have been improved and extended,
playgrounds have been opened in different parts of the
city and on Hargest's Island. Wetzel's Swamp, of six
hundred and sixty-six acres, to be named Wildwood Park,
is in course of improvement. A parkway drive of twenty
miles will give the city one of the most picturesque drive
ways in the country. Harrisburg cannot be excelled in
her building operations and steady advancement in all
directions. She holds a high place among the cities of
the country in her march of progress.
REMINISCENCES.
Mr. Joseph Montgomery, of this city, has in his pos
session a pocketbook made of bright colored silk, nine by
five inches, woven in Lebanon in 1792. The father of
Joseph Montgomery carried this pocketbook filled with
buttons, thread, needles and other useful articles through
the War of 181 2, and Joseph Montgomery carried it, for
that same purpose,, through the Civil War.
During the Civil War a large corral filled with govern
ment horses stood on Market street where Graupner's
brewery now stands.
In 1864-65 change became so scarce at times in Harris
burg, that a merchant on receiving a five or ten dollar
bill would cut it in half and either of these halves could
be used for half the value of the bill.
One April morning in 1861 a rebel flag was seen float
ing from the end of one of the market sheds in Market
Square. Its appearance caused great indignation, and it
was instantly assailed with stones hurled by angry citi
zens. A man ascended a ladder to the roof of the mar
ket shed and cast the emblem of treason to the ground,
where it was torn to pieces by the excited crowd. Later

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 473
it was discovered that the flag was placed there by the
wags of the period.
Captain George C. Kelley, of the Adjutant General's de
partment, tells the following : "The first reception to the
official life of Harrisburg held in the present Executive
Mansion, was given just before the close of Governor
Curtin's second term. This reception was confined to the
heads of the State Departments and their subordinates;
the members of the Legislature were not invited. It was
held in the fall of 1866, and was a farewell reception to
the officials of Harrisburg. I have no recollection of the
Governor giving a reception to the Legislature during the
Civil War. At that time the Governor lived on South
Second street below Chestnut. He did not move into the
present Executive Mansion until a short time before he
went out of office." Captain Kelley is the oldest State
employe in continuous service ; he was appointed a clerk
in the Adjutant General's office in 1864, an<i nas Deen
connected with that department ever since.
John Schwarz, a shoemaker of the city, has been mak
ing boots and shoes for prominent people of Harrisburg
since 1859. He filled orders for General Knipe's shoe
store, making footwear for Governor Curtin, the Kun-
kles, Alricks', Rutherfords and many others.
Market Square in the early sixties was the place for
many attractions ; fairs, shows, exhibitions of animals and
rope and wire walking. On the Fourth of July, the mar
ket sheds in the square were filled with women selling
ginger bread, pies, lemonade and pop beer.
The following items and advertisements appeared in
the Harrisburg "Patriot and Union."
October, 1862.— "The body of Mary Elizabeth Ger
man, five years of age, daughter of Emanuel German,
was discovered in a swamp at the side of the cemetery.
The child had been shot directly through the throat, and
3i

474 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
an attempt was made to cut the throat. The murderer
has not been captured. No reason can be assigned for
the murder."
June 25, 1867. — "The commencement of the Harris
burg Female Seminary will take place on Thursday,
June 27. The patrons and friends of the institution are
cordially invited to attend. S. E. Dixon, Principal."
January 16, 1867. — "Brant's New Hall. The manager
begs leave to announce that J. F. Sherry of New York,
will open at the above popular hall, Monday evening,
January 21, with a strong talented company, presenting
the Little Barefoot."
March 14, 1867. — "William Brady has just returned
from New York and Philadelphia, with the most elegant
and carefully selected stock of fine jewelry."
January 18, 1876.— "No doubt the removal of the Cap
itol will be agitated at the present session of the Legis
lature, but will prove a failure as it should."
February 19, 1876. — "The ladies fair at Brant's Hall
was kept open all night; the dramatic entertainment was
excellent. On Monday evening the famous Modacs will
perform." December 20, 1876. — "Kolp's dry goods store, opposite
the Court House, have a large and fine stock of goods for
the Christmas holidays."
February 11, 1881. — "One of the guardians of our
city's peace, in the absence of a more genteel conveyance,
was necessitated to take a drunken man to the lock-up in
a wheelbarrow yesterday morning."
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Obelisk, at Second and State streets, was erected in
1869, by Dauphin county, in honor of her heroic sons
who lost their lives in the Civil War of 1861-65.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 475
The ferry boat first ran from the Harrisburg shore to
Independence Island in 1854.
Old Market sheds in the Square were removed in
1889. Canal abandoned in 1901.
Weather Bureau opened 1888.
Flag was raised over the new Capitol building Monday,
August 13, 1906.
Six workmen were killed while employed on the new
Capitol building during its erection.
A line of omnibuses was started in the city by William
Calder in 1839; this line went out of service in 1884,
transfers taking their place until 1896, when the present
line of cabs was established.
The bronze and gilded statue of Miss Penn, which
stands on the top of the Capitol dome, was raised May
9, 1905, to a point a short distance below where she was
to be permanently located ; there she rested until May 25,
1905, when she was placed in the present position. She
measures seven feet six inches, weighs three thousand
pounds, and stands on a ball four feet in diameter. A
large crowd gathered to witness the raising of Miss Penn
to her permanent position.
The first mayor's office was located in the Exchange
building on Walnut street, removed to rear of Lochiel
Hotel, March 1, 1869; moved to present quarters in
Calder building, April 1, 1897.
The police department of the city consists of one chief,
one lieutenant, three sergeants, two detectives and forty
patrolmen. The oldest living resident of Harrisburg is Joseph
Montgomery of South River street. He was born in
this city, January 22, 1820.
Benjamin F. Etter, of 208 Pine street, is the oldest

476 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
practicing member of the bar in the city. He was born
September 29, 1825.
Dr. Charles Fager is the oldest practicing physician in
the city, having practiced continuously since 1864.
Dr. L. A. Rahter has been a practicing physician in the
city since 1865 and Dr. Hiram McGowan since 1868.
There still reside in this city the following direct de
scendants of John Harris, the first settler of Harrisburg:
Miss Sallie Latimer Harris, William Pearson and sisters,
Miss Rachael Briggs and Miss Mary Kerr. Descendants
are still living of the Kelker, Foster, Hummel and Mont
gomery families, who were among the earliest settlers.
The Rutherfords, of Paxtang, are direct descendants
of Thomas Rutherford, who in 1755 built the stone house
over the spring at Paxtang, which is the oldest dwelling
house now standing in central Pennsylvania. Mr. Her
bert Elder of Paxtang, is a descendant of the Rutherfords
and is in the family line of Rev. Col. John Elder, the cele
brated preacher of that place in olden times. Paxtang
church is the oldest church in this part of Pennnsylvania,
and the Rutherfords have been associated with it for a
century and a half.
The oldest dwelling house in Harrisburg is on the
northeast corner of Front and Washington streets; it
was built in 1766 by John Harris, founder of the city.
The Seiler residence and Harrisburg academy, corner
of Front and South streets, stands to-day just as Senator
Maclay built it one hundred and fourteen years ago.
The Fritchey homestead, corner of Second and Vine
streets, was originally the Lindemuth Tavern ; it was one
of the first taverns in the borough.
The building on the south east corner of Second and
Chestnut streets, was in earlier days the Seven Star
Hotel; this hotel was a popular resort for the soldiers
during the Civil War.

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 477
Three residents of Harrisburg, Abraham T. Erb, John
C. Clyde and Charles Swartz, who had attended the cere
monies of laying the cornerstone of the old Capitol, wit
nessed those of the new.
William F. Weber, a violinist, and Herman Neumyer,
clarionet, whc>were playing in the orchestra a few hours
before the fire at the Grand Opera House, had taken
part at the cornerstone laying of the playhouse, and had
also officiated at the first engagement played there in
1873. Stephen Bitner also played at the opening per
formance, but on the evening prior to the fire was play
ing at the Lyceum. These three men are familiar to the
thousands who have attended the performances at the
Grand Opera House for years.
During the Legislative session of 1905 Senator John
E. Fox, of Dauphin county, introduced a bill for the ex
tension of Capitol park, by the purchase of the ground
from Walnut to North streets and from Fourth street
to the railroad. Lack of funds prevented the passing of
the bill. During the session of 1907, Senator John E.
Fox again introduced a bill for the extension of Capitol
park ; this bill passed the Senate, but was held up in the
House Committee of Appropriations. Representative Ed
ward Beidleman then offered a resolution to have the
Board of Public Grounds and Buildings appraise the
property which it is proposed to annex to Capitol park,
and report January 1, 1909. The resolution was adopted.
After the completion of the new Capitol the Pennsyl
vania and Reading railroads ran excursions from points
in Pennsylvania to Harrisburg at the rate of a penny a
mile. These excursions started Saturday, October 20,
1906, and were repeated every Saturday until November
30, 1906. Thousands of people took advantage of these
low rates to view the new Capitol.

478 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Rev. Valentine H. Berghaus, iioo N. Front street,
this city, has in his possession, the document dated July
25, 1776, mentioned on page 57 of Annals.

INDEX.

Part I.

A.
An Indian's revenge,  15
A dangerous candlestick,  15
Address from the settlers,  40
Attempt to fix the federal seat of government at Harrisburg-, 74
Attorneys, list of,  241
Academy, Harrisburg,  309
Aerial Club,  319
B.
"Buckshot War,"  199
Brant's City Hall,  260
Baptist Church,  298
Bethel (colored),  302
Bible Society, Harrisburg,  311
Beneficial Society, Harrisburg  332
German,  333
B'nai B'rith (Salem Lodge),  334
Building Association,  336
Banks and Savings Institutions,  338
Bridge's,  356
Buffalo killed in Harrisburg,  376
Bear killed near Harrisburg,  376
C.
Council with the Indians,  41
Contemplated massacre at Paxton Church,  46
Citizens of Paxton and Derry offer their services,  57
Changes in the name of the town,  80
Curious case of swindling,  83
Court House, first  82
present, its cost,  86
description of,  238
Capitol, State, its cost,  144
laying the corner-stone of,  145
furnishing,  147
first occupancy of,  151
description of,  232
479

480 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Correspondence between the citizens of Harrisburg and the
War Department,  :  179
Cameron Guards,  210
return of,  215
Cotton Factory,  258
Cemetery,  264
Church of God,  298
Catholic Church,  297
Common Schools,  304
Christian Association, Young Men's,  315
Cumberland Valley,  370
Chimney-sweeping monopoly,  378
Coal, anthracite, first used in the borough,  388
D.
Death of Half-King,  25
Dauphin county, erection of,  67
Deeds of conveyance of John Harris,  69, 72
Deeds for public grounds, with their dates,  147
Depot, Harrisburg and Lancaster railroad,  263
Lebanon Valley railroad,  264
Dauphin Guard,  338
Derivations  370
Dancing and dancing masters,  382
E.
Expedition to Mahanoy creek,  35
Earthquake at Harrisburg,  121
Execution of convicts,  215
Exchange (Masonic Hall),  262
Episcopal Church,  "  297
Evangelical Association,  301
Eintracht,  ,  320
Eagle Nests,  386
F.
Ferry right, grant of, to John Harris, Jr.,  23
French and Indian War,  28
First Court at Harrisburg,  80
Fire in 1813,  166
in 1819  167
in 1828,  193
in 1838,  208
Flood in the Susquehanna in 1846,  209

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 481
Female Seminary  ".  306
College, Pennsylvania,  307
Flash Boat Club,  319
Free Masonry  322
Fire department,  342
First born,  371
Fairs,  383
Foreigners, distinguished, at Harrisburg  390
G.
Graydon, Alexander, on sickness at Harrisburg,  98
on Washington's visit,  105
biography of,  ;  388
Gas works,  257
German Reformed Church,  279
Good Templars,  335
Gymnasium,  337
H.
Harris, John, Sr., his first settlement,  I
becomes an Indian trader,  1
his mansion on the Susquehanna,  3
condemned to be burned ; his rescue, . . 4
his Indian neighbors  9
commenced a clearing on the Juniata, . 13
his real estate possessions,  14
his religious views,  370
his death,  22
his burial place,  7
Harris, John, Jr., his birth,  3
letters of, on the state of the country, . . 30
in reference to Indian mas
sacres,  32, 34, 36
original and miscellaneous, 47, 58, 59
and family threatened with death,  39
furnishes supplies to Congress, . :  56
looks after the resources of the country, 58
purposes to lay out a town at his ferry ,_. 68
offers his services to transport supplies, 59
his mansion to let,  HQ
death of,  86

482 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Harris ferry, a supply depot for the army,  62
town laid out at,  69
seat of government, predicted,  72
to let,  1 10
Harrisburg, appearance of, when first laid out,  77
incorporated,  85
limits of, incorporated,  85
Library Company,  113
theatre at, in 1796  1 14
earthquake at,  121
in 1808-9-10-11,  121
removal of Legislature to,  135
during the second war of independence,  156
canal company,  168
riot at,  181
Lancasterian school at,  184
first water in canal at,  193
great snowstorm at,  194
water power at  195
meteoric shower at,  196
first arrival of railroad cars at,  199
"Buckshot War" at,  199
at present  227
Hospital, Pennsylvania State Lunatic,  267
Home Mission, Young Men's,  316
Harmonic Society  320
I.
Indian remains,  10
visitors,  20, 118
massacre at Mahanoy creek,  32
council at Harris' ferry,  47
Indians at the grave of John Harris, Sr.,  386
Ice flood,  64
Insurance companies,  341
J.
Judges of Dauphin county courts,  82
July 4th, sixty-two years ago,  m
in 1796,  113
L.
Library Company, at Harrisburg  113
Lafayette in Harrisburg  172
Lancasterian school,  184

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 483
Lutheran church  285
German,  300
Literary Society, German  320
Liederkrantz,  321
Ladies' costume  378
Letters, list of,  379
M.
Montour, Andrew, letter of,  31
Morris, Governor, at Harris' Ferry,  43
Market houses, their cost,  88
Mill-dam troubles at Harrisburg,  89
Mail-carrier, first, from Harrisburg northward,  109
Miscellany  115, 182
Muster roll of "Cameron Guards,"  210
Meteoric shower  196
Masonic Hall (Exchange)  262
Methodist Episcopal Church,  295
Matron of the olden time,  369
Mulberry street graveyard,  371
Maclay's swamp,  385
N.
Newspaper, first, at Harrisburg,  101
Negro for sale,  H0
O.
Olaf Sholem congregation,  302
Odd Fellows  329
O. U. A. M., Fulton Council,  332
Old Soldiers' Union,  336
P.
Presence of mind of John Harris, Sr.'s, wife,(  j  14
Penn's city on the Susquehanna,  iPn'.C.y. .'".«*> .fllb 16
Paxtonians retaliate (Conestoga massacre)  49
Paxton during the Revolution,  56
Paxtonians after the enemy ,  64
Pumpkin flood,  64, 372
Postmasters of Harrisburg,  109
Patriotism of the citizens in 1797,  116
Public grounds, proposed extension of, to the river,  151
Penn lock, laying corner-stone of,  183
Prison, county,  249
first,  372

484 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Presbyterian Church,  287
colored,  303
Park Association,  337
Press of Harrisburg,  363
Paxton Church  369
Pond near Market Square  372
Paine's Tom, letter, burning of,  377
Prison wall,  379
R.
Rejoicing of the citizens,  165
Red Men, Sa-os-qua-ha-na-unk Tribe,  334
Railroads and canal,  362
Road, first, from Harrisburg to Philadelphia  369
Race-course, river,  373
Remarkable horse, Dr. Fenton's,  373
Drs. Luther and Hall's,  375
John Harris, Jr.'s  373
River navigation fifty years ago,  385
Relics of "olden time,"  393
Rescue, the,  405
S.
Smith, Col., letter of,  62
Swindling, curious case of,  83
Sickness at Harrisburg, great,  88
Susquehanna river, removing obstructions from,  in
improving navigation of,  175
steamboats on,  176
Squirrels by the barrel,  114
Singular occurrence,  118
Sedition law, arrest at Harrisburg,  119
Seat of government of Pennsylvania predicted by Harris, . 72
removal to Harrisburg,  ,  '135
attempt to remove to Carlisle,  154
Shakespeare House,  169
Snow storm, great  194
South ward school house,  278
Select schools,  310
Sunday-school Teachers' Union,  31?
Mission, Episcopal,  318
Lutheran,  318
State Capital brass band,  321
Saxonian brass band,  321

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 485
Sons of Temperance,  '.  332
Sullivan's army, supplies, for,  370
St. Clair's army, troops for,  372
Stone mould, curious,  379
Swamp, eastern,  391
T.
Threatened murder of friendly Indians at Harris' ferry, . . 43
The enemy invade Paxton,  44
Theatre at Harrisburg in 1796,  114
Temperance, Daughters of  333
colored,  334
Traveling accomodations sixty years ago,  380
U.
United Brethren Church,  301
Union communion,  314
Union Benevolent Society,  332
United States Senator, first from Pennsylvania,  372
V.
Visit of Lieut. Gov. Evans to Paxton,  11
Volunteers from Harrisburg during the "Whiskey insur
rection,"  102
War of 1812,
muster rolls, . 156
W.
Whitefield, Rev. George, at Harris' ferry,  19
Weiser, Conrad, letter of,  36
Wyoming refugees, seek protection at Harris' ferry,  61
Whiskey insurrection, United States troops at Harrisburg, 101
attempted, at Harrisburg,  377
Washington, General, in Harrisburg  .v  103
addresses of the burgesses to,  104
reply of,  104
where he lodged  106
death of, proceedings in Harrisburg
and Middletown,  1 19
Water works,  254
Wesleyan Union (colored) Church,  302
Washington Library,  319
Wolves near Harrisburg,  378
Y.
Young Men's Christian Association,  315
Home Mission  316

486 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
Part H.
B.
Banks and Trust Companies,  458
Bridges and Subways,  433
Business Firms,  '  462
" during sixties and seventies,  462
" in business fifty years or more,  462
of to-day,  463
C.
Cemeteries,  467
Chiefs of Police,  432
Churches,  444
D.
Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church,  449
" " " Protestant Episcopal Church,  449
Disasters,  423
Floods  423
Storms,  423
Wrecks,  424
Fires,  425
E.
Educational,  438
Public Schools,  '  438
Alumnae Association of H. H. S.,  439
.Superintendents of Public Schools,  439
Oldest Living Teachers,  439
Parochial Schools,  440
Hebrew School,  440
Private Schools and Academies,  440
Kindergartens,  441
Business Colleges,  442
Conservatory of Music,  442
Express and Telegraph Companies,  435
F.
Finest Church Edifices in the City,  447
Fire Companies,  464
G.
Governors of Pennsylvania,  429
Greater Harrisburg Movement,  471

ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. '487
H.
Harrisburg During the Civil War,  414
" Spanish- American War,  416
Hotels and Apartment Houses,  451
I.
Industries,  460
Introductory,  411
J.
Judges of Dauphin County Courts,  430
M.
Mayors of Harrisburg  431
Market Houses,  436
Military,  418
Miscellaneous,  474
Modern Improvements,  432
Horse Cars,  432
Trolley Cars,  432
Fire Alarm System,  432
Telephone,  432
Electric Light,  433
Steam Heat,  433
N.
Noted Celebrations,  420
O.
Office Buildings,  453
Organizations,  465
Lodges and Secret Orders,  .' 465
Clubs,  465
Societies,  466
Associations,  466
P.
Parks,  468
Press, The,  437
Progress of Harrisburg,  413
Prominent Men in Harrisburg  428
Public and Private Institutions,  442
Public Buildings,  -  453
R.
Railroads,  435
Reminiscences,  472
Riot in Harrisburg,  4J8

488 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG.
S.
Stations,  434
Street Railways,  435
T.
Theatres and Public Halls,  449
W.
Water Supply  436
Water Works,  436
Reservoir,  436
Drinking Fountains,  437
Filter Plant,  437

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