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Notes and Queries
Historical Biographical and Genealogical: Chiefly Relating to Interior Pennsylvania
Edited by William Henry Egle M.D., M.A.

Third Series, Vol. I, Harrisburg The Daily Telegraph Print 1887


Page 36-37

The Ebersole Family

Abraham Ebersole, an old settler came from Chester county, Pa., and purchased a farm at the head of formerly Elder's mill dam, in now Swatara township. There he and his wife lived all their days, the farm at their death passing into the possession of George Sherk. Their grandson, Joseph H. Ebersole, has the old family clock standing in his residence at Williamtown, "ticking as good as ever," although during the Revolution the leaden weights were taken out by order of Col. Grubb to mould into bullets. Of the children of Abraham Ebersole, all, save Benjamin, reached the age of eighty years. They were as follows:

1. John; d. in Lancaster county.

2. Jacob; d. in Perry county

3. Joseph, removed to Illinois and died there.

4. Abraham; d. in Westmoreland county

5. Christian; d. in Westmoreland county

6. Benjamin, d. at Highspire

7. Mrs. Peter Weaver; d. at Harrisburg

8. Mrs. Daniel Houser; d. at Harrisburg; was the grandmother of George H. Houser.

9. Mrs. David Martin; d. at Highspire.

10. Mrs. Samuel Simpson; d. near Harrisburg.

Jacob Ebersole, b. October 10, 1788; d. March 1, 1874, in Perry county, Pa.; married Catharine Garverich, b. April 15, 1795; d. September 19, 1863. Both are buried in Billows cemetery. Mrs. Ebersole was a niece of John Bretz. Their children were:

1. John P., b. September 9, 1815; m. Jemima Harmon; reside in Indiana.

2. Jacob R., b. October 7, 1816; m. Mary Ann Shatto; reside in Missouri.

3. Benjamin D., b. December 22, 1817; d. in 1820.

4. Joseph H., b. June 26, 1819; m. Barbara Ann Grubb; now living in Williamstown, Dauphin county.

5. Henry S., b. Sept. 13, 1820; m. Amelia Pontius; reside in Missouri

6. Benjamin W., b. April 10, 1823; d. Sept. 18, 1857; m. Sarah J. Pontius, also deceased.

7. Cornelius M., b. Dec. 12, 1825; m. Sarah Weir, now dead.

8. Samuel G., b. Sept. 13, 1827; m. Mary Bealor; now living in Ohio.

9. Margaret, b. August 29, 1829; d. October 24, 1874 in Ohio.

10. Mary, b. Nov. 10, 1831; m. William H. Keim; reside at Marysville, Perry Co., Pa.

11. Andrew A., b. July 1, 1833; d. Sept. 17, 1880; m. Louisa Snyder, now of Chicago.

12. William H., b. February 13, 1840; d. January 1841.

J. H. E.


Page 37-38

Olden Times in Harrisburg

The population of Harrisburg was for many years a stationary one - from three to four thousand. Night watchmen and lamps on the streets were unknown until the removal of the Legislature from Lancaster in 1812. The lamps which burned whale oil and gave dim light were only lit during the session of the Legislature which met then in December, the citizens having to grope and stumble on indifferent sidewalks in the dark for nine months of the year. Four watchmen were employed by the town council only during the meeting of the General Assembly, whose duty it was to fill, clean and light the lamps, which were located as are the present lamps. The watchmen went on duty (they were four in number) at ten o'clock, and, as was the custom then in large cities, called every hour at each half square corner, naming the condition of the weather, as, for instance: "Past twelve o'clock, and a cloudy morning," They were authorized to arrest disorderly people found on the streets. The watchmen, however, were no protection against thieves, as the latter knew where the former were on the district by his crying the hour. A watch house or box was in each district.

The oil lamps were used until the introduction of gas in 1850.

Friction Matches were unknown, and the best families with others depended upon keeping alive a hickory chunk, or the tinder box, flint and steel. The old style tinder box was a tin box about four inches in diameter and two inches deep, without a lid - a circular flat piece of round tine fitted in the box. Tinder was made by burning linen rags (as cotton was not much used then) in the box, and when partially consumed they were smothered by pressing the inside lid upon them, causing them to ignite from a spark struck from the flint and steel, then a brimstone pointed match was applied to the burning tinder and the match lighted.

The light used in most families were tallow candles, dipped ones especially, mould candles being two or three cents per pound dearer. Even the stores were lit with mould candles places in high candlesticks on the counter; as was also the Legislative halls, before the introduction of gas. Two sperm candles were placed on the desk of each member, which were not lit the second time, the attendants appropriating all stumps for their own use. The court house and some churches were also lit with tallow candles placed in tin holders, which were hung on the walls. The first built Lutheran Church had a pair of glass drop chandeliers which were suspended over the centre aisle on an ornamental iron support, from a rod which entered the ceiling. Candles were placed in holders around the chandeliers which required snuffing, which was done by the sexton entering the church, pulling down the chandeliers, snuffing the candles and pushing them up again. The ornamental iron fixtures that the chandeliers hung to was made by Balthazar Sees, and proved him to have been a fine mechanic. The more prominent families used the astral lamp in the parlor and dinging room which was ornamented with a globe, and burnt sperm oil.

Pocket sun glasses were much used by smokers to light segars and pipes by the sun's focus. Sun glasses were sold in most of the stores for eight and ten cents.

The late George W. Harris, Esq., who had his office near the Court House, informed the writer that during the winter when the fire of his stove had gone out during the night he would carry live coals from the offices in the Court House or from a neighbor's in a crock to start his fire by.

The fuel in use was hickory and oak wood, which was plentiful and good. It was burned during the winter and cool months in ten-plate stoves to cook and heat with, and on the open fire places on and-irons in warmer weather. The old Franklin stove, which was only an ornamental cast-iron fire place, with handsome brass and-irons, was used in the parlors of the wealthy. The coal used in stores and churches was from WilkesBarre, and was transported in the spring in arks on the river. It came in large unbroken lumps, and required much labor to break it fine enough to use in the old cannon stoves, the only stove which was invented to burn it, although it was used by very few in grates. Cooking stoves were unknown. A brick bake oven was indispensable to every house. No one would occupy a house without one. They were build outside of the kitchen with the mouth in the building. It required a peculiar talent in a bricklayer to build an oven that would bake well, hence all bricklayers were not good oven builders.

Wood sawing was the principal employment of laboring men, and was done on the street in front of the house.

Chimney sweeping was an avocation carried on by colored men, who employed boys trained to do it. They were on the street early in the morning before people made their fires, singing their peculiar songs, and when employed to clean a chimney, entering at the fire-place, after reaching the top of the chimney sung a short impromptu song to let people know that they had reached the top. The principal employers of chimney sweeps were Ezekiel Carter, who was successful enough to purchase a large piece of ground near the northwest corner of Fourth and Market streets, and which has since become valuable and the center of business. John Battis was another and Edward Bennett who was the last, previous to the general use of coal. He lived in what was formerly called Judystown on Third and Mulberry streets - a negro settlement - named after the proprietress Judy Rikard, whose daughter Bennett married and from there he sent his sweeps early every morning. They also made tours of miles into the country and small towns, pursuing their avocation.

B.


Page 38-39

John Joseph Henry

John Joseph Henry, son of William and Anne Henry, was born November 4, 1758, at Lancaster, Pa. His great-grandfather, Robert Henry, came from Scotland, emigrating in 1722. With his wife Mary and three sons, John, Robert and James, he settled in the Doe Run valley, Chester county, where he and his wife died in 1735. Of their sons James died early, who did not survive infancy, and Robert, following the current of the Scotch-Irish emigration, went into the valley of Virginia, where he left many sons and daughters, and they numerous descendants. John Henry married the daughter of Hugh DeVinney, one of the Huguenots of the Pequea valley. He remained upon the homestead, but dying in middle life, his family consisting of five sons and several daughters, became scattered. William Henry, the eldest of these, learned the trade of a gunsmith, at Lancaster, where he subsequently rose to prominence in public affairs, being a member of the general congress, treasurer of the county and a long time one of the justices of the peace, dying in 1786. He was the father of the subject of our sketch. Young Henry's early education was fair for the times, but growing up amid the excitements of the anti-Revolutionary period, when the struggle came books were thrown aside, and although a mere stripling of seventeen he volunteered in the first company raised for the war in Pennsylvania - Capt. Matthew Smith's of Paxtang. He had joined without the knowledge of his father, but his good mother entered fully into the spirit of the youth, made his rifleman's uniform, consisting of leggings, moccasins, and a deep ash colored hunting shirt. The story of that campaign, in which he subsequently participated, has been preserved us in his "Account of Arnold's campaign against Quebec, in the autumn of 1775" and by far the most interesting record in existence.

Released from captivity in the fall of 1776, he returned home, apparently in health, but with the seeds of disease deeply planted in his constitution. The scurvy from which he suffered in the prison at Quebec, attacked with terrible force the knee which had been injured in the assault. The joint became the seat of a violent inflammation, disease of the bone followed, and when two years afterwards he left his couch, it was only to walk with a crutch through life.

Some good, however, came out of this evil. He became a student, determined to take the law as his profession. His preceptor was Col. Stephen Chambers, of the Revolution, a gallant officer, a brilliant lawyer, and whose untimely death in 1789 was greatly deplored. After several years of assiduous study, young Henry was admitted to the Lancaster county bar, January term, 1785, and at once commenced the practice of his profession at Lancaster. He was among those admitted to the Dauphin county bar at its first court, and of which he became the president judge in 1793.

Upon his appointment as judge he took up his residence at Harrisburg. About the year 1804 his constitution, so severely shattered in youth, began to give way, and so frequent were the attacks from which he suffered, that he was unable to perform his usual amount of labors. The judicial district was a large one, and the non performance of his duties caused petitions from several of the counties to be presented to the Legislature for his removal, nothing being alleged against him, however, but absence. The honorable body, in 1808, having examined and considered the charges, acquitted him with honor. His commission he retained for the space of two years longer; but at last unable to fill the arduous duties of his office in the latter part of the year 1810, he tendered his resignation to the Governor of the State.

Four months later, while at Lancaster on a visit, on the 15th of April 1811, he passed from his earthly labors, and is interred in the burial ground of the Moravian church there. Judge Henry married a sister of Colonel Stephen Chambers. She died at Harrisburg. They had two sons, Dr. Stephen Chambers of Detroit and Dr. Julien of St. Louis, both deceased, and several daughters, only one of whom reached maturity - Anna Mary, who married Hon. Thomas Smith, of Delaware county, and left issue.

W.H.E.


Page 40

Genealogies: Alleman and Baird

Alleman

I. Christian Alleman of Paxtang, d. prior to 1784, leaving a wife and children:

i. Nicholas.

ii. Henry.

iii. Regina, m. Martin Miller

iv. Leonard

v. Margaret

II. Conrad Alleman of Paxtang, d. January 1792, leaving a wife Margaret [Eshenour] and children:

i. Conrad

ii. Anna Maria, m. John Fisher.

iii. Margaret, m. Andrew Shott.

iv. Elizabeth, m. Frederick Rodfong.

III. John Alleman, of Swartara twp., d. October , 1811, leaving a wife, Barbara and children:

i. Margaret, M. ___ Conrode.

ii. Rachel, M. ____Jones

iii. Stophel

iv. Anna Maria, m. ___Ramly.

v. Mary m. ___Fisher

vi. Christian

vii. Henry.

viii. Barbara

ix. John

x. Elizabeth.

xi. Catharine.

xii. Leonard

xiii. Martha

Baird

I. William Baird of Hanover, d. prior to 1758, leaving children:

i. William m. Mary ___

ii. James, d. May 1758 leaving a wife Sarah

iii. John.

iv. Margaret.

v. Jennett

II. James Baird of Hanover d. in 1770 leaving a wife Agnes and children:

i. John.

ii. Martha m. James Riddle

iii. Mary Ann.

iv. Rebecca

v. Margaret

vi. James

III. John Baird, son of William Baird of Hanover, d. prior to 1770 and had among other children:

i. John.

ii. Andrew

iii. William


Page 41, 43-44, 46-49, 54-58

Tombstone Records of Derry Presbyterian Church

With the assistance of the Rev. Thos. H. Robinson, D.D., on the 14th of July, 1878, we copied all the tombstone records of Old Derry Church. It is too true that the despoiler, Time, will soon efface many of these, and so to preserve them we propose to print them in Notes and Queries, from time to time, and with verbatim transcript. They are worth preservation in this form; and no doubt, in the lapse of years, when the sandstone and marble of that ancient graveyars shall have crumbled into dust, some copy of this list will give the descendants of those Scotch-Irish pioneers a trace of their lineage.

W. H. E.

In memory of James Adair Preacher of the Gospel, who Departed This life Sep. 20, 1803 Aged 32 years.

In Memory of Samuel Bradley Who departed this life April 24 AD 1783 Aged about 47 years

Here lieth the remains of the Rev. William Bertram First pastor of the Congregation Who departed this Life ye 2d May 1746 Aged 72 years
Also Elizabeth his Daughter, wife of James Galbraith, Esq Who departed this life 2d Feb'r A D 1799 aged 85 years.

In Memory of Elizabeth Byers Was born the 18th day of December 1763 Departed this life Dec. 17th 1820 aged 63 years.

In Memory of Elizabeth Boyd Who departed the life the 15th October 1805 Aged 32 years.
Also, Isabella Boyd Who departed this life on the First of December 1789 In the eighth year of her age.

In Memory of Joseph Boyd Departed this life Sept. 20th A D 1781 Aged 41 years
Also, his wife Elizabeth Departed this life April 13th 1802 Aged 56 years.

Underneath this marble are the deposited the remains of Benjamin Boyd Who departed this life May 8th A D 1803 Aged 63 years
Also In Memory of Jennet Boyd consort of Benjamin Boyd who departed this life 21st November A D 1820 aged 83 years.

In Memory of William Boyd son of Benjamin Boyd who departed this life September 19th A D. 1805 aged 37 years.

In memory of Esther Boyd who departed this life December 6th 1821 in the 45th year of her age.

In memory of James Boal who departed this life October 19th, 1803 in the 17th year of his age.

In memory of Elizabeth Boal who departed this life the 2d of January Anno Domini 1796 aged 77 years.

In memory of Thomas Boal who departed this life 19th of April 1789 aged 76 years.

In memory of Ann Boal wife of William Boal who departed this life the 7th of April 1781.

In memory of Robert Bigham, who died February 18, 1824 aged 28 years.

Here lies the body of James Baird who departed this life in the 65th year of his age June 12th 1781

Here lies ye body of John Campbell who died February 20, 1734, aged 78

In memory of James Campbell Jr., who departed this life August 25, 1757, in the 33d year of his age.

Under this stone lies entombed James Campbell's dust you see
Who was as healthy and as strong as many that my be
But now by death whom all devours is laid up in this cell
With crawling worms and reptiles base he is obliged to dwell
You that these lines do look upon my also call to mind
That death will be your certain fate therefore improve your time.
He died May 31, 1771 about the age of 80.

Also Agnes his second wife who died April 3, 1757 about the age of 50.

In memory of James Campbell who departed this life June 10 A.D. 1783 aged 25 years.

In memory of Elizabeth Chambers, daughter of A. C. departed this life Sept. 28th 1791 aged 4 years.

In memory of Arthur Chambers Senr., who departed this life Sept 29, 1784 aged 44 years.

In memory of John Chambers who departed this life Jan the 6th 1785 aged 25 years.

In memory of Maxwell Chambers who departed this life July 4th, 1785 aged 37 years.

In memory of Elizabeth Chambers spouse of Max'll Chambers departed this life Oct 3d 1784 aged 33 years.

In memory of Charles Strong infant son of Walter and Elizabeth Clark, who departed this life May 6, 1832 Aged 6 mo and 6 days.

In memory of William Sharon infant son of Walter and Elizabeth Clark, who departed this life, January 10 1834, aged 7 months.

Walter Clarke born Dec, 25, 1803 died Jan 20, 1858 Aged 54 years and 26 days.

In memory of Eleanor Clark consort of Charles Clark, deceased who departed this life March 13, 1820 in the 51st year of her age.

In memory of Eleanor, daughter of Charles and Eleanor Clark dec'd who departed this life November 22, 1831 aged 19 years, 3 m and 9 days.

In memory of Elizabeth Clark who departed this life July 9, 1833 aged 27 years, 6 months and 3 days.

In memory of Wm. C. Clark who departed this life Feb. 22d 1837 aged 26 years and 8 days.

In memory of Jane Clark who departed this life November 18, 1840 aged 27 years.

In memory of Abraham Chapman Deyarmond, who departed this life Oct 13 1795 aged 6 years, 3 months and 8 days.

In memory of Rebecca Davidson who departed this life September 14, 1814 aged 23 yrs and 4 ms.

In memory of Robert Davidson who departed this life December 11, 1805 aged 52 years
And Susanna his wife who departed this life September 30, 1831 aged 78 years.

In memory of Nancy Frazer who departed this life December 27, 1816 in the 20th year of her age.

In memory of William Frazer who departed this life February 19, 1816 age 52 years 7 mo & 7 d.

In memory of Hadasah Frazier who departed this life November 19, 1815 age 18 years & 7 months.

In memory of Mary Frazer who departed this life February 18th in the 51st year of her age.

Here Lyes the Body of William Foster who departed this life March the 25th 1764 ageed 46 years.

In memory of James Forster who departed this life May 27th A.D. 1800 in the 84th year of his age.

Here lieth the remains of James Galbraith who departed this life ye 23d August 1744 aged 78 years.
Also, James Galbraith, Esq. the younger who departed this life on ye 11th June 1786 aged 83 yeas who dwelt beloved by all in ratinal piety modest hope and cheerful resignation.

Designed as a solemn tribute of gratitude love and respect to the memory of Sarah Graydon the affectionate consort of Alexander Graydon who departed this life August 25, 1819 aged 20 years 1 month and 15 days The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed by the name of the Lord.

In memory of Jane Geddis who departed this life November 29th 1803 in the 39 year of her age.

In memory of Hugh Hamilton who departed this life May the 22d A D 1793 in the 68th year of his age.

In memory of William Harris who departed this life Feb. 2d A D. 1785 aged 15 years and 10 months.

In memory of William Harris who departed this life April the 4th 1754 aged 53 years and Catharine his wife who departed this life, Aug 7, 1780 aged 71 years.

In memory of James Harris who departed this life April 30, A D 1787 age 49 years and 2 months.

In memory of Catharine Harris who departed this life, December 22 A D 1784 aged 12 years and 8 months.

In memory of Jean Hamilton who departed this life May 29 1802 in the 67th year of her age and also Rachel Hamilton consort of William Hamilton who departed this life November 15 A D 1819 in the 46 year her age.

In memory of Elizabeth Logan mother of Jean Hamilton who departed this life Apr. 17, 1795 in the 89 year of her age.
Also Elizabeth Hamilton who departed this life Jan 15, 1808 in the 44th year of her age.

In memory of Margaret Hays who departed this life January 6, 1820, aged 77 years.

In memory of Robert Hays who departed this life June 6, 1809 aged 76 years 3 months and 21 days.

In memory of David Hays who departed this life the 8th day of October 1796 in the 23d year of his age.

In memory of Jean Hays who departed this life October 15, 1792 aged 80 years

In memory of Nancy Hays who departed this life October 13, 1811 aged 18 years.

In memory of Patrick Hayes Senr who departed this life Jan. the 31st A.D. 1790 in the 85 year of his age.

Joseph Hutchison died Feb. 1785 aged 74 years.
Mary Moodey his daughter, wife of Robert Moodey Esq died May 18th 1825 aged 77 years.

In memory of John Hutchison who departed this life Sept. the 6th 1785 in the 52 year of his age.

In memory of Betsy, daughter of Robert Hesler who departed this life April 26, A.D. 1798 aged 1 year 9 months and 27 days.

Here lays the body of Mary Hunter. Departed this life on the 7th of February 1769.

In memory of Samuel Jones Born Nov. 8 1794 died April 2d 1847 Aged 52 years 4 months & 25 days.

In memory of John Jones born April 12, 1762 and departed this life February 8, 1838 aged 75 years 9 mon. and 26 days.

In memory of Cynthia Jones consort of John Jones Born June 13, 1763 and departed this life June 3, 1838 aged 71 years 11 mon and 20 days

In memory of Lydia Jones Born January 21, 1793 Died July 7, 1854 aged 61 years 5 mo and 5 days.

In memory of Margaret Jones consort of Levi Jones who was born on the 18th of June in the year of our Lord 1797 and departed this life the 6th of Sept in the year of our Lord 1842. Afflictions sore she often bore. I hope none were in vain till Christ did please to give her ease, and fre her from her pain.

In memory of David Addison son of John and Sarah Johnson who departed this life February 2, 1825 aged 14 months & 13 days.

In memory of John Kerr who departed this life March the 20th A.D. 1789 in the 78th year of his age.

In memory of James Kelly Esq died August 26, 1843 aged 62 years.
Also G. B. Penrose Kelly M.D. son of James Kelly Esq Died October 8th 1830 Aged 30 years.

In memory of Patrick Kelley who departed this life June 27 1769 aged 60 years.

In memory of Rachel his wife who departed this life August 5th 1782 aged 74 years.

In memory of Patrick Kelley who departed this life October 18, 1806 aged 63 years and 6 m.

In memory of James Kelly Esquire who departed this life February the 10th 1813 in the 64th year of his age. The sweet remembrance of the just shall flourish while they sleep in dust. Bless'd friend thou art from our region fled and left thy body here among the dead.

In memory of Elizabeth Kelly who departed this life September 7th 1822 aged 63 years. Why should we mourn departing friends or shake at death's alarms. Tis but the voice which Jesus sends to call them to his arms. Why should we tremble to convey their bodies to the tomb, there the dear flesh of Jesus lay and left a long perfume.

In memory of Henry Kelly who departed this life March 3, 1786 age 70 years.

In memory of John Laird who departed this life September the 12th A.D. 1777 aged 63 years.

In memory of Agnes Laird the wife of John Laird who departed this life March the 4th A.D. 1779 aged 62 years.

In memory of John Logan who departed this life August 22 1784 aged 19 years.

In memory of John Logan who departed this life February the 21, 1788 in the 59 year of his age.

In memory of Hanem Logan who departed this life Oct. 26, 1866 aged 75 years 6 mo and 5 days.

In memory of David Logan born Dec. 29, 1801 Died Aug 21 1865 aged 63 yrs 7 mos & 23 dyas. How desolate our home bereft of thee.

In memory of Barbara Logan who departed this life Feb. 26, 1842 Farewell my friend as you pass by. As you are now so once was I. Weep not my loving children dear. I am not dead but sleeping here. Altho' my body is turned to dust, I hope to rise among the just. Relations dear, refrain from tears. Here I must lie till Christ appears.

Wm. Logan died Sept 27, 1814 aged 46 years 8 mos & 26 days. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them.

Hannah daughter of Wm & Barbara Logan died March 18th, 1873 aged 67 years 5 mos & 13 days. Dearest Sister thou hast left us. Here thy loss we deeply feel. But tis God that hath bereft us. He can all our sorrows heal.

In memory of Thomas Logan who departed this life March 23, 1797 aged 38 years.

In memory of John McFarland who departed this life Jan. 17th Ann. Dom. 1787 Aged 54 years.

In memory of Mary McFarland Consort of John McFarland who departed this life Aug. 20th 1790 in the 48th year of her age.

In memory of Mary McFarland daughter of Walter and Sarah McFarland who departed this life Sept. 8th, 1794 aged one year 2 months and 23 days.

In memory of John McDonald who departed this life Dec. 23d 1793 aged 81 years.

In memory of Sarah McDonald who departed this life Nov. 10, 1789 aged 75 years.

Here rest the body of Jane McCord who departed this life July 18, 1822, ag__ (broken off.)

In memory of William McCord Sen., a soldier of the war of 1812 who departed this life Oct. 10, 1867, aged 82 years.

In memory of Mary, wife of William McCord departed this life March 20, 1858, aged about 73 years.

Sacred to the memory of Mary Ann McCord who died Sept. 9, 1834, in the 15th year of her age.

Here rest the remains of Richard McBay who departed this life Sept. 2d 1827, in the 44th year of his age. Remember Lord our mortal state. How frail our life how short our date. Where is the man that draws his breath? Safe from disease secure from death.

In memory of Mary McElrath who departed this life September 28, 1806 age unknown.

In memory of Thomas McNair who died July 25th, 1830 aged 93 years.

Also of his wife Ann Maria who died Sept. 22, 1793 aged 45 years.

And also of Mary McNair who died Dec. 2d. 1774, aged 2 years.

In memory of Mary McNair second wife of Thomas McNair who died Oct. 22d, 1821, aged 63 years.

Also of James McNair who died Oct. 1st, 1799, aged 16 years.

In memory of Ann Wallace daughter of Thomas and Nancy McNair who died Aug. 3, 1824 aged 2 years.

In memory of James McNair who departed this life September 1, 1799 in the 17 year of his age.

In memory of Isabella Martin of Lebanon who departed this life December 15, 1818 aged about 65 years.

In memory of Sarah Martin, wife of John Martin who departed this life the 31st of Oct. 1780 aged 62 years.

In memory of John Martin late of Lebanon township who departed this life the 16th day of May 1806 aged near 88 years.

In memory of Alexander Martin of Lebanon who departed this life July 10th 1825 aged 80 years 11 months and 23 days.

In memory of Ann Martin Born in Chester County November 1st 1756. She died on the 24th of February 1845. Her age was 86 years, 3 mo., 24 days.

In memory of Elizabeth Melony who died Sept. 6th 1818 aged 26 years.

Also of Nancy Melony who died June 1st 1837 aged 37 years.

In memory of Robert McCallen who departed this life October 1st 1800 aged 68 years.

In memory of Isabella McCallen who departed this life March the 24th 1798 aged about 67 years.

Here rest Sarah McCallen who departed this life March 8, 1785 in the 85th year of her age

And her grandson Robert Geddis who departed this life July 14th, 1832 in the 61st year of his age.

In memory of Thomas McCallen who departed this life October 12th 1806 aged 71 years also his wife Mary who departed this life October the 16th 1822 aged 71 years. Respected by their friends but without a child to mourn their loss.

In memory of William McCleery who departed this life Nov. the 20th A.D. 1795 aged 25 years save 5 days.

In memory of Michael McCleery who departed this life Sept. the 20th 1801 in the 83d year of his age.

In memory of Samuel McCleery departed this life June the 8th 1807 aged 42 years save 14 days.

In memory of Alex'r McFadden Died April 26, 1850 aged 59 years and 2 months.

In memory of Elizabeth consort of Alex'r McFadden died Nov. 23, 1846 aged 54 years.

In memory of Elizabeth McFadden who departed this life Nov. the 22d 1784 in the 24th year of her age.

Sarah Jane Mitchell died May 1, 1830 aged 2 years and 3 months.

In memory of David Mitchell who departed this life March 19th 1826 In the 64th year of his age.

In memory of David Mitchell who departed this life May 15, 1786, aged 84 years.

Also of Thomas Mitchell his son who died the 31st of October 1863 in the 82d year of his age.

An honest man of sober mind, to wife & children always kind. He wished well to the human race, and firm believed in sovereign grace. A mortal paralytic stroke, quidkly befell the man of work. On Sabbath morning going to church, before twas night, a breathless corpse. Ye who do read these lines be wise and watchful still prepared be. None knows the hour when they must launch into a vast eternity.


Page 44-45

John Montgomery and Samuel McCorkle

John Montgomery and Samuel McCorkle, form the north of Ireland, settled in Paxtang prior to 1735. These families were, or subsequently, related.

Albright and Michael Deibler

Albright and Michael Deibler, settled in Lykens Valley prior to 1767. The former served in the War for Independence, and was the ancestor of the family of that name in the Upper End.

Early Settlers in Armstrong's Valley

Prior to 1774, there were living in Armstrong's valley, Barefoot Brunson, James Buchanan, Benjamin Brubaker, Widow Powel and James Reed, all of whom owned large tracts of land in that valley.


Page 45-46

Olden Times in Harrisburg : Politics

People were divided politically and more bitter in their feelings under the first Constitution than since the adoption of the second one, or the amended one of 1790 in 1838, which stripped the Governor of the enormous patronage he had. Candidates were subjected to great personal abuse, even dragging family affairs which eccurred in the kitchen into the newspapers. The last two candidates for Governor who were subject to the worst possible abuse of this character were Joseph Ritner and David R. Porter, at the time of the adoption of the amended Constitution in 1838. Since then personalities have gradually been discarded, and the former political and public record of candidates are alone criticized.

The most important day of the year observed as a holiday was the Fourth of July. It was the great political day, when parties tried to vie with each other in numbers and display. Each party celebrated the day at different places, choosing a grove or woods near the borough, as they were then convenient and surrounding the town. One of the most desirable places was the fine large woods belonging to the late General Johan A. Hanna, now on Thirteenth street, all cleared, part of the land being occupied by the Roman Catholic cemetery. At these gatherings speeches were made and toasts read, composed of regular and volunteer ones, lauding the candidate and principles of the party and defaming and speaking ill of their opponents. The entertainment was free to all present, the expense being contributed by the prominent men and local candidates. The collation consisted generally of cold boiled ham, bread, cheese, cucumber pickles and a plentiful supply of porter sangaree which was more abundant than water. The provisions were placed on long rough board tables, supplied with knives and forks and new tin cups. The sangaree was made in large new tubs, which were kept well filled, barrels of porter were purchased from the brewers, which was mixed with water and sugar. Cold water from a neighboring spring was used, as a woods was always selected having a spring of water, as there were no large ice houses, ice being little used, except for ice cream. After the refreshments and speech-making was ended, which was at the close of the afternoon, a procession was formed and marched into town, each party striving to have the largest numbers in their ranks. White muslin banners with appropriate mottoes were carried in procession. The National flag was almost seldom seen, except being occasionally used by a recruiting officer when enlisting men for the army or navy. The flag used by volunteer soldiers was of blue silk, with the coat of arms of the State thereon. The first general introduction of the Stars and Stripes among the people was in 1861, at the breaking out of the Rebellion, when every house in the city had a flag suspended from its front, most of which at first being home-made from cheap muslin. The disproportion of these in shape and size plainly showed that the people had seldom seen the real Stars and Stripes, some being made with the blue field on the wrong side, and others with it entirely too large, while some had it too small. The reason that the people were so little acquainted with the National flag was owing to the fact that bunting was not to be had, most of the flags prior thereto being made for the use of the Government, and hence not in reach of the people.

B.


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