HISTORY: Warner Beers, 1886, Part 2, Chapter 17, Cumberland County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/ ______________________________________________________________________ History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc. Illustrated. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886. http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm ______________________________________________________________________ PART II. HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. CHAPTER XVII. BOROUGH OF MECHANICSBURG. 249 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. ITS BEGINNING - GROWTH - WILLIAM ARMSTRONG - POPULATION - WAR OF THE REBELLION - SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES - CHURCHES - NEWSPAPERS - PUBLIC HALL AND MARKET HOUSE - BANKING INSTITUTIONS - GAS AND WATER COMPANY - SOCIETIES - CONCLUSION. MECHANICSBURG is the second town in population and importance in the county. It lies almost midway between Carlisle and Harrisburg, on the Cumberland Valley Railroad, and almost midway between the mountains north and south, in a rich and productive portion of the valley. It dates its early history as a settlement, from nearly the beginning of the present century. In 1790 the woods or underbrush grew where the town now stands, and the deer and other animals could be seen. About this time, or shortly afterward, there were two houses built at what are now opposite ends of the town; the lower one an inn, built by one Frankenberger, and the upper one by some one now unknown. Even as late as 1806 the greater part of the site of the town was covered with underbrush or woods. A "few straggling houses were to be seen," of which only one or two remained in 1846. Considering the date of the formation of the county, the town is therefore of comparatively recent origin. Its beginning was unpretentious. The first brick house was not built until after the war of 1812. This was a house built about 1816, in the western portion of the town, by Lewis Zearing. For some time after the settlement, which had begun in 1805 or 1806, the place was known as Drytown, owing to the great scarcity, at times, of water, and as Stoufferstown after Henry Stouffer, who owned the land in what became afterward, the central portion of the town. The houses which existed up to 1820, had been built before any lots were regularly laid out and we have no evidence to show that the place was known as Mechanicsburg prior to this time. Up to this year, 1820, the number of houses, we are told, had increased to twenty-five or thirty; but about this time, or in the succeeding year, a number of lots were laid out in the eastern portion of what is now the town, upon which some six or eight houses were soon afterward erected. In 1828, Henry Stouffer laid out some lots upon his land in the central part of the town, and a number of dwellings were erected. In April (28th) of this year, it was incorporated as a borough, and a new impetus was given to the place. From this time it grew rapidly. Within the next three years some twenty or thirty houses were put up. In December, 1831, Maj. Henry Lease and David Brenizer bought eight or ten acres of and, on the south side of Main Street, from George Steinbring, which they laid out in lots. From that time forward, for the next fifteen years, the town gradually increased, until in the year 1845, it had, according to the description given of it by "Rupp," 133 comfortable dwellings, 41 of brick, 67 frame, 35 plastered; 4 churches: a Union, Methodist, Lutheran and Bethel; a commodious schoolhouse, in which three public schools were taught; 3 taverns; 3 warehouses on the railroad; a foundry and machine shop; a number of mechanics' shops and of mercantile houses, and a population rising to 800. After its incorporation in 1828, a burgess and town council were elected. 250 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. This was on the 16th of May. Henry Ford was the first burgess and Lewis Zearing the first president of the town council. Nine years later (1837) the Cumberland Valley Railroad was finished through the town, and opened for travel and transportation, thus giving to it increased facilities for future growth. For a quarter of a century after its incorporation the town steadily improved, and from 1853 to the breaking out of the Rebellion, its progress was still more marked, both in population and in material development. During this period several new churches were erected, Cumberland Valley Institute and Irving Female College were built, two or three forwarding houses, a new town hall and engine house, and a large number of dwelling houses were put up, all adding greatly to the appearance and prosperity of the town. During the period of the war there was but little improvement, but after it was over the town started on what seemed to be an unexampled period of prosperity. Houses sprang up as if by magic, and the borough was extended. In one summer alone not less than 120 houses were erected, mostly by men of moderate means. Mechanicsburg threatened to outstrip her sister towns. But this period of rapid development was of short duration. She had grown too rapidly, and a reaction came. This, however, lasted only for a few years, since which time the town has continued steadily to improve. Within the last ten years new streets have been added, and many handsome residences and villas have been erected. Particularly is this true of the east and west ends, and the southern side of the town, where its rapid improvement has been most marked. The whole new portion of the town, south of Simpson Street, has been built up within the last quarter of a century, and many of the handsomest residences in Mechanicsburg have been erected within the last few years. POPULATION. The total population of Mechanicsburg, in the different years here given, was as follows: 1830, 554; 1840, 670; 1850, 882; 1860, 1,939; 1870, 2,569; 1881, 3,018. In 1876 the population, in detain, was as follows: White male adults, 719; white female adults, 947; white male children, 645; white female children, 645; colored male adults, 29; colored female adults, 39; colored male children, 27; colored female children, 30. Total, 3,081. WILLIAM ARMSTRONG. In June, 1879, Mechanicsburg lost its oldest citizen in the death of William Armstrong. He was a native of the northern portion of Ireland, born April 6, 1779. When but three years of age his parents immigrated to this country, landing at Philadelphia, and taking up their residence at Harrisburg, in 1783, then but a small village. About the year 1792 Mr. Armstrong was indentured to Robert Harris, a grandson of John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg, and with whom he lived until he was about nineteen years of age, when he took French leave and landed in Carlisle, where he was soon afterward discovered by Mr. Harris, who used every effort to have him return with him to his old home, but without avail; so, for a valuable consideration, $40, Mr. Harris released the indentured lad, and "Uncle Billy" was a free man. Whilst in the service of Mr. Harris, Mr. Armstrong, in 1794, then but a lad of fifteen years, witnessed the father of his adopted country, George Washington, crossing the Susquehanna on his way to the western portion of the State, with a force of men to quell the Whiskey Insurrection that occurred in that year. Mr. Armstrong was married by the rector of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Carlisle, and soon after (1812) enlisted in the Carlisle Guards. He met 251 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Kossuth, the Hungarian refugee, and heartily shook hands with the exiled patriot. In 1853 he came to Mechanicsburg and took up his residence with his nephew, Robert Wilson, and with him continued to live till his death, which occurred June 20, 1879, at the patriarchal age of one hundred years, two months and fourteen days. The deceased was never sick during his century of years, his death being the result, not of disease but old age. He was buried in the Trindle Spring grave- yard with the honors of war. WAR OF THE REBELLION. Mechanicsburg contributed many brave soldiers to the war of the Rebellion, and was among the towns of the valley invaded by the Confederate forces in 1863. Some 1,200 or 1,500 of Jenkins' cavalry entered the town at about 9:30 o'clock on Sunday morning on the 28th of June. They came in with a flag of truce, which is explained by stating that they mistook Chestnut Hill, where the new cemetery had just been laid out, for a fortification, and that they supposed Union troops were near. They soon found to the contrary; captured the flag that had been floating nt he center of the town, which had been taken down and concealed; when they encamped below the town, the General making his headquarters at the Railroad Hotel. They then demanded rations, which were granted, and after having remained for about three days as uninvited guests they departed, without having done any injury either to individuals or property. By Wednesday morning on the 1st of July, the town was clear of the last band of Confederate troops, who went thence to Gettysburg. SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES. Mechanicsburg has twelve public schools, systematically graded, which are under the control of a competent body of directors. The schools are in buildings comparatively new, and are well furnished with all modern appliances. Besides the public schools, Mechanicsburg had, until within a few years, two other educational institutions - the Cumberland Valley Institute at the upper, and the Irving Female College at the lower end of the town. A brief history of them is as follows: Some time prior to 1853 a select school was opened by Mr. F. M. L. Gillelen, which passed into the hands of Rev. Joseph S. Loose, A. M., who removed it, in 1853, to a building erected for that purpose, which has since been known as the Cumberland Valley Institute. In 1857 it passed into the hands of Prof. I. D. Rupp, of local historic fame, and in 1855 into the possession of Messrs. Lippincott, Mullen and Reese, who conducted it until 1860, when it was purchased by Rev. O. Ege, who, in connection with his son, Alexander Ege, and several adjunct professors, conducted it until 1875, since which time it has not been open for the reception of students. Irving Female College, situated at Irvington, a name given to the eastern end of the town, was founded by Solomon P. Gorgas, and incorporated as a college by an act of the Legislature in 1857. Its first principal was Rev. A. G. Marlatt, under whose management this institution for the education of young women attained considerable popularity and influence. At his death, in 1865, it passed into the hands of Rev. T. P. Ege, who conducted it until within the past few years, when, owing to the gradual diminution of patronage or want of financial support, the college was closed. CHURCHES. The churches of Mechanicsburg, ten in number, are as follows: Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Reformed, St. Luke's Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran, United Brethren, Bethel, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, the old Union Church and a handsome Episcopal Chapel in the new portion of the town. 252 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. NEWSPAPERS. There have been a number of newspapers published in Mechanicsburg, an account of which will be found elsewhere. "The Microcosm," started by Dr. Jacob Weaver, in 1835, was the first paper published in the town. The Independent Journal, which was created by consolidation of The Valley Democrat and The Cumberland Valley Journal, by Robt. H. Thomas, in October, 1872, is the paper still in existence, and still edited by Mr. Thomas, who has also since (January, 1873) established the Farmer's Friend. As Mr. Thomas is the Principal founder of the State Grange of Pennsylvania he has made this paper the mouth-piece of that prominent organization. The Saturday Evening Journal, a small local sheet, is also published in the Independent Journal office, and furnished gratuitously to the subscribers of the latter paper. PUBLIC HALL AND MARKET HOUSE. Franklin Hall and Market House, on the Public Square, at the corner of Market and Main Streets, is a three-story brick edifice, surmounted by a tower and town clock. The building was begun in 1866 and completed in 1867. The hall was formally dedicated by a soiree under the auspices of Irving Female College, on the evening of December 24, 1866. The third story of the main building is used as a Masonic Hall; the second floor is the hall proper, with a seating capacity for 600 persons; while the side and the two-story rear extension on Market Street, are occupied by stores and the commodious market house. The first market in this building was held on the 3d of November, 1866. BANKING INSTITUTIONS. The first bank in Mechanicsburg was started in 1859 by Levi Merkel, Jacob Mumma and others, transacting business under the title of Merkle, Mumma & Co. This institution was incorporated by the Legislature in 1861 as the "Mechanicsburg Bank," and, a few years later, when the National banking system was inaugurated, it applied for and obtained a charter, in March, 1864, as "The First National Bank," under which title it commenced business in May following, with a capital of $100,000. Its first president was S. P. Gorgas; cashier, A. C. Brindle. It now occupies a handsome brick and brownstone building on West Main Street. The Second National Bank was organized under the United States banking law, February 20, 1863, with a capital of $50,000. Thomas B. Bryson was its first president, and Levi Kauffman its first cashier. Both of the above banks have been successfully conducted and have been of great benefit to the business interests of the town. GAS AND WATER COMPANY. Mechanicsburg was first lighted with gas in September, 1868. The gas works are owned by an incorporated company, and are situated at the eastern limits of the borough. The town is also well supplied with water, from a reservoir located in Upper Allen Township. Both the gas and water are under the control of the same "Gas and Water Company," which was chartered in 1854. The water works were built in 1856. SOCIETIES. Eureka Chapter, No. 209, R. A. M., was organized July 3, 1866, with the following charter members: Robert H. Thomas, Samuel N. Eminger and George K. Mooney. Number of members, about thirty five. Present officers: Josiah P. Wilbar, H. P.; J. Morris Miller, K.; Robert H. Thomas, Jr., S.; E. Rankin Huston, Treas.; George Bobb, Sec. 253 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Portrait of Peter A. Ahl 254 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Blank Page 255 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Eureka Lodge, No. 302, F. & A. M., had its charter granted June 16, 1856. First officers: John Palmer, W. M.; Ira Day (now deceased), S. W.; Jacob Dorsheimer (now deceased), J. W. Number of members about 106. Present officers: Levere G. Firestine, W. M.; A. J. Loudon, S. W.; H. S. Mohler, J. W.; J. C. Miller, Sec.; S. F. Houston, Treas. Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., was organized December 21, 1846. Its first officers were Isaac Kinsey, N. G.; John Palmer, V. G.; Henry Carns, S.; John Emminger, A. S.; Samuel Eckels, T. Number of members, ninety-eight. The present officers are Martin Milleisen, N. G.; Thos. M. Mauk, V. N. G.; S. S. Diehl, T.; R. Senseman, S. Wildey Encampment, No. 29, I. O. O. F., was organized at Carlisle, and a new charter obtained July 11, 1878, Geo. Bobb, John Webbert, J. A. Sibbet, Jos. Totton, Reuben Senseman, S. B. King, Christian Swartz and Simon S. Diehl being petitioners. Number of members, twenty-nine. The present officers are John Webbert, C. P.; W. H. Hench. H. P.; W. B. Railing, S. W.; J. N. Young, J. W.; R. Senseman, S.; S. S. Diehl, T. Melita Lodge, No. 83, K. of P., obtained its charter June 4, 1868, charter members being, F. F. Singiser, William Matthews, J. S. Shopp, William Y. Johnson, J. R. West. D. H. Westfall, G. K. Mooney, George W. Titzell, and Henry F. Geyer. Has a membership of about seventy-five. Present officers are S. R. Miller, C. C.; Samuel Landis, V. C. C.; Samuel Kline, K. of R. & S.; G. S. Markley, M. of F.; Martin Arnold, M. of E. Washington Camp of Patriotic Sons of America, No. 164, was organized June 5, 1872, the first officers being P. P., A. Z. Hade; P., P. B. Grable; M. of F. & C., J. J. Miller; Sec., S. J. Mountz; Treas., George W. Singiser. Number of members September 17, 1886, 106. Present officers are P. P., L. W. Pierce; P., W. M. Koller; V. P., H. R. bowman; M. of F. & C., E. C. Rupp; Sec., E. C. Gardner; Treas., J. A. Hutton. (D. H. Barnhill of this camp is District President.) Order of U. A. Mechanics, Integrity Council, No. 197, was organized March 18, 1869. Number of members, about eighty-three. Officers: E. E. Mountz, S. ex-C.; Daniel White, J. ex-C.; Henry Schriver, Councilor; S. A. King, V. Councilor; E. C. Gardner, Rec. Sec.; F. P. Hall, F. Sec.; S. M. Wagoner, Treas. Knights of the Golden Eagle, Cumberland Valley Castle, No. 109, was organized July 3, 1886; membership about 100. Officers are H. H. Mercer, N. C.; T. M. Mauk, V. N. C.; Israel Flohr, P. C.; W. H. Coover, K. of E.; George Hullinger, C. of E.; John Felker, M. of R. There have also been organized, for social and insurance benefits, Royal Arcanum and Improved Order of Heptasophs. Allen & East Pennsborough Society for the Recovery of Stolen Horses and Mules and the Detection of Thieves, was originally organized October 22, 1836; revised and adopted June 7, 1854, and again January 7, 1865, and again February 22, 1873, and again February 22, 1886. Chartered November 14, 1870. To Dr. J. F. Stadiger belongs the credit of bringing together a number of the citizens of Allen and East Pennsborough Townships, at the public house of Frederick Kuster, in Shiremanstown, on the 24th day of September, 1836. The stealing of horses having become frequent, and the ordinary protection found insufficient, the community, impressed with these facts, met to form an association for mutual defense and assistance. Daniel Sherban was appointed president, and Levi Merkel, secretary of this meeting. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, consisting of Dr. J. L. Stadiger, Levi Merkel and William R. Gorgas, met October 26, 1836, agreeable to adjournment, at the house of Frederick Kuster, in Shiremanstown. Christian 256 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Stayman was appointed president, and Levi Merkel, secretary, when Dr. Stadiger, chairman of the committee, presented a constitution and by- laws. In 1837, Samuel Shoop's horse was the first one reported stolen, and from that time up to the present, January 3, 1885, there have been only about forty stolen, less than one a year and all these recovered except six. Officers of the Society: Dr. E. B. Brandt, president; J. O. Saxton, vice-president; C. B. Neisley, secretary; H. W. Pressel, assistant secretary; Martin Mumma, treasurer. Board of Managers: Henry Z. Zorger, 1 year; Jacob Kutz, 1 year; Martin Brinton, 1 year; John H. Bowman, 2 years; John Fought, 2 years; Samuel Mumper, 2 years. Past presidents, each elected for one year excepting where indicated: William R. Gorgas, October 22, 1836, to January 1837; Dr. J. F. Stadiger, elected January 1837; Jacob Shelly, 1838; William R. Gorgas, 1839; Michael Hoover, 1840; John Thompson, 1841 (2 years); Benjamin H. Mosser, 1843; George H. Bucher, 1844; Benjamin H. Mosser, 1845; Jacob Shelly, 1846; Christian Titzel, 1847; Benjamin H. Mosser, 1848; Lewis Hyer, 1849; Simon Oyster, 1850; Joseph Mosser, 1851; Jacob Shelly, 1852; Benjamin H. Mosser, 1853; Dr. Ira Day, 1854; Dr. R. G. Young, 1855; Levi Merkel, 1856; John C. Dunlap, 1857; George Sherbahn, 1858; Eli Grabil, 1859; John C. Dunlap, 1860; Dr. E. B. Brandt, 1861 (2 years); H. G. Moser, 1863; James Orr, 1864; J. O. Saxton, 1865; Henry R. Mosser, 1866 (2 years); William R. Gorgas, 1868; Dr. E. B. Brandt, 1869 (18 years). Library and Literary Association. - At Mechanicsburg, in the autumn of 1871, steps were taken for the organization of "The Mechanicsburg Library and Literary Association;" and on April 4, 1872, a charter was obtained from the Legislature. Additions were made from time to time until several thousand choice volumes were secured, making it a well- spring of intellectual life to the community. CONCLUSION. Situated, as Mechanicsburg is, in the midst of a purely agricultural region, it is also one of the most enterprising industrial towns of its size in the State. It has become a productive center for certain kinds of manufactured goods. Among its leading industries may be mentioned the manufacture of agricultural implements; of carriages, particularly by the long-established firm of Schroeder; the iron foundry of Houck & Comstock, the inception of which dates back to 1847; and three spoke and wheel works, for the manufacture of wheels, spokes, hubs, etc., which has grown to be a distinctive industry of the town. One of these, that of Frederick Seidle, won medals at the Exposition at Philadelphia in 1876, at Paris in 1878, and at Atlanta in 1881, for superior workmanship and goods; while the shipment of any of these firms is not limited to our own country, but extends to France, Germany, Russia, England and Australia. Mechanicsburg has, besides these industries, which we have mentioned, a planning-mill, wagon and plow works, tannery, two horse-net factories, boot and shoe factory, a brick-yard, a grain-fan factory, and a number of other industries of lesser note. It is a handsome town for residence, the center of a rich agricultural community, of growing importance as a manufacturing center, and, in every way, one of the most prosperous towns of its size in the State.