HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 222-250, Dauphin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judith Bookwalter Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/ _________________________________________ ANNALS OF HARRISBURG Annals, Comprising Memoirs, Incidents and Statistics of Harrisburg, From the Period of Its First Settlement, For the Past, the Present, and the Future. Compiled by George H. Morgan. Harrisburg: Published by Geo. A. Brooks, 1858. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1858, By George A. Brooks, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 222 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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' north; longitude 0 degrees 5' 30" east, from Washington, or 76 degrees 50' west, from Greenwich, England. The eastern 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 production of the "Erattic block, or Boulder group formation." Its composition is chiefly a ferro- 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 regular 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, 223 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Fourth street, Filbert street Huckelberry alley, Poplar lane, Fifth street, West avenue, Sixth street, East avenue, High street, Hasel alley, Farmer's alley, Washington street, West alley, Cedar alley, Short street, Commerce street, Spruce street, Canal street, East alley, Meadow lane. The streets and alleys named above are intersected, or crossed, at right angles, by the following: Nagle street, Barbara alley, Reily street, South street, Paxton street, West State street, Vine street, Liberty alley. Washington avenue, EAST OF STATE CAPITOL. Mary's alley, Cranberry alley, Mulberry street, Short street, Cherry alley, South alley, Chestnut street, East State street, Blackberry alley, North alley, Market street, Dauphin street, Strawberry alley, NORTH OF STATE CAPITOL. Walnut street, North street, WEST OF STATE CAPITOL. North avenue, Locust street, Primrose alley, Cranberry alley, Astor alley, Pine street, York street, Partridge 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 communicate with it, and is bisected by Market street. Two capacious market houses occupy its centre - one on each side of Market street. 224 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 colored 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 borough, 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 annual 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 license 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 license; five breweries, three of which pay $25, and two $16 license; a bill and exchange broker paying $60 license; twenty-three oyster and eating houses, two of which pay $10 license; twelve, $12, and one $20. Twenty-nine taverns, of which nine are of the first class. Since these returns a large number of additional licenses for been 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 population. 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 225 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Harrisburg Car Factory, the foundries of Messrs. Bay and Jennings, the Novelty and Keystone Iron Works, the furnaces of Messrs. Porter and M'Cormick, the machine shops of the Pennsylvania 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 intelligent body of men in our midst necessarily required an extension of the limits of the borough in order to supply 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 flourished, or the plough sped, we now see neat, tidy and comfortable 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 presented decided inducements to the poor to secure for themselves a homestead. The villages of West Harrisburg, 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. 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. 226 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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, Harrisburg 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 proper character always receive their need of support. The hotels, for the accommodation of the public, will compare favorably with the best of the cities. The buildings 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 Commonwealth 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. We append a description of the public buildings, with condensed sketches of the societies, and other public institutions of the borough. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. THE STATE CAPITOL. - The State Capitol occupies a beautiful eminence on the northern border of the borough. From its cupola may be seen one of the finest landscapes of the State, 227 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. embracing a wide extent of cultivated 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 originally 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 porticos, of the parts, are in range, thus affording an uninterrupted 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 substantial 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 railing 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 Representatives, and several small apartments for the accommodation 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, 228 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 Sergeant-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 room, 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 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 contains eight windows, three feet six inches wide, and nine feet six inches in height, and eight niches of like dimensions. Four of the latter are partly covered with the faces of the clock, and the remainder were originally designed for the reception of statues. From the great portico we advance to the vestibule by large 229 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 opening into it on each story, two of which, in the first, communicate 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 ascends 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 Library, Supreme Court, and committee rooms of the Senate, 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 contains 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 Representative chamber has the same length and height, and sixty-eight feet in breadth. The Senate Chamber is arranged for the accommodation 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 platforms 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 member seats and gallery. The latter will contain several hundred persons. The chair of the speaker, centrally 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, 230 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 accommodation 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 occupied by John Hancock, when presiding over the deliberations 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 Speakers' 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 interior 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 existed 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 the have an insolate appearance. The southern wing is occupied exclusively by the offices of the Land Department. The northern wing was enlarged by the erection of an additional building 231 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 General'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. Hiester. Deputy Secretary - Henry L. Dieffenbach. Chief Clerk - John A. Innis. Clerks - B. F. Chandler, Richard Hogeland, John Jones, B. F. Irwin. Messenger - Benjamin Buffington. Attorney General's Office. - Attorney General - John C. Knox. Clerk - Charles B. Brockway. Common School Department. - Superintendent - Henry C. Hickok. Deputy Superintendent - John M. Sullivan. 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. M'Ilhenney, J. B. Hutchinson, Carroll M'Clean, David R. Reynolds. Messenger - Ephraim Meek. Land Department - Surveyor General - John Rowe. Chief Clerk - Thomas J. Rehrer. Clerks - Samuel Slemmer, 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. Superintendent of Public Buildings and Grounds. - Chambers C. Mullin. The public buildings are simple and plain in their exterior; 232 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 Stephen 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 structure 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 appropriating funds for the erection of a monument in memory of citizens of Pennsylvania who lost their lives in the Mexican 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 Rasberry alley, 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 too wings, and a semi-rotunda in front, the whole surmounted with a circular wooden cupola, containing 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. 233 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 Register and Recorder occupy the first story of the eastern wing, and the county commissioners the rooms on the second story. The front rooms 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 or 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 hundred 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, partitioned from its centre by neat wooding railing, 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 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 Orphans' Court, are accommodated with desks immediately 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 234 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. painted white, and containing a variety of ornamental trees, disposed in straight lines, whose shady avenues, during the mid summer months, are much frequented 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 of equal 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 temporarily occupied by the Presbyterian 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 located 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 doorway with the Commissioner's office. The building stands a considerable distance in from the line of the street, and the space thus derived is occupied 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 on Rasberry alley. 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 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 following list of 235 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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, Jacob Buffington; Clerk - Geo. J. Shoemaker. Treasurer - Alexander W. Watson. Surveyor - Daniel Hoffman. Directors of the Poor - Simon Daniel, Joseph Clark, John Rayson. Auditors - Henry Peffer, Isaac Deitrich, George Hammon. Sealer of Weights and Measurers - 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 practiced in the courts of Dauphin county since the year 1785, the period of its organization, to 1858. It is compiled from the original list in the Prothonotary's office: Stephen Chambers, May Term, 1785. John W. Kittera, " " John Clark, " " Joseph Hubley, " " John A. Hanna, " " James Riddle, " " John J. Henry, " " Peter Huffnagle, " " Jacob Hubley, " " 236 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. James Biddle, May Term, 1785. Collinson Reed, " " George Ross, " " John Reiley, " " Jasper Yeates, 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, 1876. 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, " " Ralph Bowie, August, 1790. Charles Hall, May, 1791. Samuel Riddle, " " Samuel Roberts, August, 1791. Thomas Creigh, " " David Watt, " " Robert Duncan, " " Thomas Elder, " " 237 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Daniel Clymer, November, 1791. Daniel Levy, March, 1792. William Wallace, June, 1792. George Smith, " " John Kidd, " " Samuel Laird, September, 1792. John Ross, " " James Kelley, 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, 1795. 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. 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. 238 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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, 1811. Henry Shippen, September, 1811. 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. Samuel Bacon, " " Francis R. Shunk, September, 1816. Mordecai M'Kinney, May, 1817. John Mahon, " " George Burd, " " Jonathan Houle, Jr., May, 1818. 239 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Nicholas B. Wood, October, 1818. Daniel J. Heister, " 1819. Philip Frazier, December, 1819. John Mumma, " " David Durkie, December, 1818. Samuel Douglass, 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, " 22, " William M'Clay, " " " Ethan Baldwin, July 14, 1823. Morris Wilson, November 25, 1813. Richard B. M'Cabe, " " " Thomas Burnside, January, 1824. Ellis Lewis, " 19, 1824. Samuel J. Packer, " 22, 1824. David Krause, August 15, 1825. James M'Cormick, " " " Christopher Leoser, August 24, 1825. Herman Alricks, November 24, 1825. William Ayres, April 17, 1826. Samuel H. Nesmuth, " " 1827. Hamilton Alricks, January 22, 1828. Legrand Bancroft, April 22, 1828. Judy, this is the second column. 240 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. John Lashell, April 22, 1828. Robert J. Fisher, August 16, 1828. Peter A. Browne, November 25, 1828. Benjamin Parke, " " " Isaac Fisher, " 30, " Calvin Blythe, January, 28, 1829. Walter Eranklin, 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, " 19, " Ebenezer Harrington, " 20, " Samuel Hepburn, " 24, " John Gardner, February 5, 1836. Thomas Ignatias Walsh, April 18, 1836. Charles Pleasants, June 12, 1832. Levi Kline, April 17, 1837. John H. Briggs, " 18, " David Pool, " " " Joseph W. Cake, " 26, " Frederick K. Boas, August 22, 1837. William S. Ramsey, November 30, 1837. James Cameron, August 21, 1838. John H. Berryhill, " 31, " James F. Cooper, " 20, 1839. William B. Reed, " 22, 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, " 18, " Lemuel G. Brandebury, " 30, " Charles W. Hepburn, October 4, 1841. Charles J. Ingersoll, October 11, 1841. David Fleming, November 17, 1841. Richard L. Elliott, November 21, 1841. 241 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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, " 18, " George F. Small, August 19, 1844. James Fox, " " " Richard C. De Armand, " 22, " B. Gibson Peacock, " " " David Moore, " " " Evans O. Jackson, April 22, 1845. Henry K. Strong, " 29, " 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, " 9, " John M'Kibben, " 14, " Horn R. Kneas, March 9, 1846. R. A. Lamberton, August 17, 1846. William H. Miller, November 18, 1846. William Hamilton, " 25, " David Barnitz, " " " Benj. Powell, " 30, " John M. Reed, December 7, " William C. Chapman, April 28, 1847. John Henry Adam, May 24, 1847. William M. Penrose, January 17, 1848. James R. Smith, " 19, " Robert E. Monaghan, " 28, " James K. Kerr, March 23, 1848. John H. M'Kune, April 24, 1848. William Brua Cameron, January 23, 1849. George F. Emerson, February 6, 1849. 242 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. H. Murray Graydon, August 22, 1849. Lafayette G. Dimock, " " William A. Shannon, " " John L. Shuler, " 27, " H. B. Wood, November 20, 1849. G. A. C. Seiler, " " C. M. Shell, January 22, 1850. Charles W. M'Clean, " " J. Montgomery Forster, April 24, 1850. S. S. Elder, " " " A. J. Herr, August 20, 1850. C. L. Lamberton, " " " W. T. Bishop, " " " James Dawson, " 23, " 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 15, 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. William H. Eckles, August 24, 1858. George W. M'Elroy, " 27, " 243 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The following list is given in "Brooks Rules of Court," as the present practicing attorneys of the Dauphin county bar. We could find no record of the dates of admission of a few of the gentlemen named: Alricks, Herman. Jordan, Thomas J. Alricks, Hamilton. Jones, J. A. W. Awl, J. Wesley. Kunkel, John C. Alleman, Henry C. Knox, George W. Berryhill, John H. Lamberton, R. A. Bishop, William T. Lawrence, William C. A. Boas, F. K. M'Cormick, James. Briggs, John H. M'Kinney, Mordecai. Brown, John W. Miller, William H. Casey, Joseph. Muench, R. L. Detwiler, John S. Mumma, David, Jr. Eckles, William H. M'Cormick, James, Jr. Etter, B. F. Parke, Benjamin. Fisher, J. Adams. Pearson, Alfred. Fleming, David. Rawn, C. C. Forster, J. Montgomery. Roberts, John. Forster, Benj. L. Seiler, George A. C. Graydon, H. Murray. Shell, C. M. Harris, George W. Simonton, J. W. Herr, A. J. 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 commissioners 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 high, and surmounted with an octagonal tower, originally intended to contain an alarm bell. Being built at some distance from the line of the street, 244 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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, containing 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 Commissioners of the county at the period of its completion were John Brohoff, David Hummel, and Henry Peffer, clerk. We append the Inspectors' and Keeper's report of the Prison for the year 1857: Inspectors' Report for 1857. To the Court of Quarter Sessions of the county of Dauphin: The Inspectors of the Dauphin County Prison respectfully present their report for the year 1857. On the 1st 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 245 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 received 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 Sodomy, 2 Vagrancy, 360 Refusing to support their Disorderly conduct, 59 wives, 2 Murder, 2 Surety of the peace, 8 Larceny, 42 Malicious mischief, 12 Assault and battery, 45 Fighting and disturbing elec- Rape and attempt to commit, 5 tions, 4 Robbery, 6 Breach of promise to marry, 1 Burglary, 4 Riot, 4 Highway robbery, 1 Arson, 1 Picking pockets, 4 Selling liquor without license,8 Forgery, 3 Selling liquor to minors, 2 False pretences, 11 Slander, 1 Passing counterfeit money, 1 Rescuing prisoner from officer,1 Attempt to kidnap, 2 Bail Piece, 3 Disorderly house, 8 Default to pay costs. 8 Fornication and bastardy, 4 ___ Whole number 767 During the year 1857, 732 prisoners have been discharged, 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 246 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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; 1 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 Pennsylvania, 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 department, have each, in their respective stations, rendered 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.} 247 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Keeper's Report, January 1, 1858. To the Inspectors of the Dauphin county Prison: GENTLEMEN: I respectfully submit to you the following 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 1/2 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 1/2 cents, 47 25 300 pounds blue warp and filling, @ 38 cents, 114 00 ------ Real amount of stock, January 1, 1858, $1,348 89 240 yards pants stuff for prison, @ 25 cents, 60 00 280 yards check for shirting, @ 12 1/2 cents, 35 00 ------ Amount used for Prison, 95 00 Cash received of Robert Creighton & Co., as 61 51 per bill of sales rendered November 30, 1857, and since paid treasurer of Dauphin County Prison, Cash due April 4, 1858, from Robert Creighton & 560 09 Co., as per bill of sales rendered May 30, 1857, ------ 621 60 -------- Amount of cash received and due, 2,064 99 Dr. as above, 2,046 64 -------- Balance for Prison, $18 35 -------- 248 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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. The water house of the works is situated at the western end of North street, on the bank 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 commands a prominent view of the surrounding scenery. On each side of the building are stone stair-ways to the entrances 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, and 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 249 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 connected with this are about one hundred fire-plugs and ninety stop-cocks, all of which undergo an annual inspection, and are kept in constant repair. Statement showing the actual cost of the Harrisburg Water- works: Water house, inlet, &c., $13,543 53 Reservoir, fences and grounds, 14,528 82 Carpenter work and lumber, 1,793 72 Labor, &c., 11,681 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, &c., (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 250 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. 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 produced upwards of $3,000 rentage. The following is a list of the members of the Town Council who authorized and commenced the construction of the water works: Valentine Hummel, Sr., President; George J. Shoemaker, Clerk; John Knepley, Sr., William Catrell, William Ayres, George S. Kemble, William B. Johnson, Michael Burke, Samuel Pool.