BIO: Frances WYETH, Dauphin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/runk/runk-bios.htm
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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, pages 336-337.
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  WYETH, FRANCES, was born April 5, 1806, at Harrisburg, Pa., and died 
there July 2, 1893.  He was educated at the Harrisburg Academy, and 
learned the art of printing in his father's office, subsequently 
entering Jefferson College, Canonsburg, from which institution he 
graduated in November, 1827.  On his return home his father, who had 
conducted the Oracle of Dauphin thirty-five years, transferred that 
paper to his son, which he edited and published several years.  He also 
entered into the business of bookseller and publisher.  At the time Mr. 
Wyeth took charge of the Oracle the Whig party had just come into 
existence, of whose principles and policy he was an enthusiastic 
supporter.  Becoming, however, tired of an editor's life, he sold out 
the newspaper establishment about 1831, continuing his other business 
until 1859, when he disposed of that.  In April, 1861, at the outbreak 
of the Rebellion, he was placed in charge of the quarter-master's 
department at Camp Curtin, where he continued until the General 
Government assumed control over all the military organizations of the 
State.  On the 20th of July, 1862, Governor Curtin appointed him one of 
the commissioners from Pennsylvania to visit all the hospitals in the 
Army of the Potomac, in the interest of the volunteer soldiers of the 
State, who were sick or wounded, and, as the commission reads, "to 
supply the wants of the suffering and needy as far as lies in your 
power, without infringing on any of the regulations or rights of the 
army, and assure each and all that their condition awakens the 
liveliest interest and sympathy of the people and Governor of 
Pennsylvania."  Returning home, he reported the condition of the 
wounded soldiers with this recommendation, that where it is possible 
"those from Pennsylvania be transferred to hospitals in their own 
State, that they might be near to their friends and acquaintances."  
This was, subsequently, carried out during the continuance of the war.  
On November 28, 1863, he was again directed to visit the various 
hospitals.  For a long term of years he was one of the trustees of the 
Harrisburg Academy, and president of the same.  Mr. Wyeth was twice 
married; married, first, May 29, 1829, Susan Huston Maxwell, died 
December 24, 1841, daughter of William and Ann Maxwell, of Franklin 
county, Pa., and left three sons.  Mr. Wyeth married, secondly, Sarah 
C. Carson, who survives, daughter of Charles Carson, of Harrisburg, 
Pa.; and left one son.