HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 326-354, 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. 326 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. BANKS AND SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS. HARRISBURG BANK. - This institution was chartered by the Legislature on the 9th of May, 1814, with a capital of $300,000, and was regularly organized in the month of June of the same year, by the election of the following board of directors: - John M'Clury, Isaac Hershey, Henry Beader, Robert Harris, Christian Kunkel, John Howard, David Ferguson, William Wallace, Jacob M. Haldeman, Thomas Brown, John Shoch, Abraham Oves, and Peter Keller. William Wallace, Esq., was elected president, and John Downey, cashier. Of this organization, Mr. Peter Keller is the only surviving member. The bank first went into operation at the then residence of its cashier, Mr. John Downey, in the building now owned and occupied by Dr. E. W. Roberts, in Second street, a few doors north-west of Cherry alley. The banking room was in Dr. Roberts' present office; and the board of directors usually met in the front room on the second story. The bank remained there, however, only a few months, when it was removed into the brick building at present owned by the Messrs. Kelker, in Second street, next door north-west of the residence of Herman Alricks, Esq., where it remained until 1817, when it purchased from the Philadelphia Bank the brick building which that company had used as a branch, situated at the south-west corner of Market Square and Blackberry alley, in which it continued until the summer of 1854, when the building was torn down to give place to the present elegant structure; the bank in the mean time carrying on its business in the house adjoining, owned by Mr. Geiger. We append a list of the presidents and cashiers of the bank from its first organization to the present day: Presidents. - William Wallace, elected June, 1814; Thomas Elder, elected June 19, 1816; Jacob M. Haldeman, elected May 3, 1853; William M. Kerr, elected December 31, 1856. 327 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Cashiers. - John Downey, elected June, 1814; John Forster, elected April 19, 1815; Henry Walters, elected November 25, 1833; James W. Weir, elected October 30, 1844. Directors in November, 1858: - William M. Kerr, Joseph Wallace, Valentine Hummel, Levi Merkel, Jacob Houser, William R. Gorgas, John B. Simon, Edward L. Orth, John W. Cowden, William J. Robinson, Jacob S. Haldeman, Daniel W. Gross, and Henry A. Kelker. The following named persons are the present clerks of the bank: - George H. Small, John A. Weir, H. C. Fahnestock, J. Uhler; John Shanklin, messenger. The statement of the bank for the month of November, 1858, published in pursuance of an act of Assembly, is as follows: ASSETS. Loans and discounts, $525,389 74 Stock of the Commonwealth, 50,505 00 Specie, 107,418 13 United States treasury notes, 20,000 00 Due by other banks, $148,763 32 Notes of other banks, 18,255 00 ----------- 167,018 32 Stocks, (at present market values,) 31,000 00 Bonds, 6,000 00 Real estate, 11,600 00 ----------- $918,931 19 =========== LIABILITIES. Circulation, $370,060 00 Deposits, 181,425 67 Due to other banks, 41,640 47 ----------- $598,126 14 =========== 328 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. DAUPHIN DEPOSIT BANK - chartered about the year 1839. The banking house stands at the corner of Market street and Rasberry alley. It is a neat structure, in the Grecian style, built of brick, stuccoed, and painted white to imitate marble. The following is a list of the officers of the bank: - President, James M'Cormick; Cashier, Robert J. Ross; Clerks, J. M. Kreider, N. H. Davis; messenger, Jacob Miley. _____ MECHANICS' SAVING BANK - Chartered February 8, 1853, with a capital of $50,000. The office of the bank is in Market street near Third. The following is a list of its present officers: - President, Philip Daugherty; Cashier, Jacob C. Bombarger; Clerks, George Z. Kunkel and M. Daugherty; Messenger, Jacob Ettla. INSURANCE COMPANIES. THE STATE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF PENNSYLVANIA. - Capital, $380,000. Incorporated in 1850. Office in Market street, near Fourth. Officers in October, 1858: - John P. Rutherford, President; A. J. Gillet, Secretary; Clerks, William A. Bowdoin, A. J. Foster, James Thompson; General Agent, Silas Ward. _____ COMMONWEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY - Chartered capital - $300,000. Incorporated April 12, 1854. Office in Union Buildings, Third street. Officers in October, 1858: - Directors, Simon Cameron, George M. Lauman, William Dock, Eli Slifer, J. Brisben Boyd, George Bergner, Benjamin Parke, William H. Kepner, A. B. Warford, William F. Murray, F. K. Boas, J. H. Berryhill, William F. Packer. Officers, Simon Cameron, President; Benjamin Parke, Vice President; S. S. Carrier, Secretary; Clerks, T. Rockhill Smith and A. F. Small. 329 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. CENTRAL INSURANCE COMPANY. - Capital $200,000. Incorporated April 14, 1851. Office, No. 5 South Market Square. Pays interest on deposites of money. Officers in October, 1848: - President, William Colder, Jr.; Vice President, Isaac G. M'Kinley' Secretary and Treasurer, Thomas H. Willson; Directors, William Colder, Jr., Isaac G. M'Kinley, David Mumma, Jr., Thomas H. Willson, Elias E. Kinzer, Isaac Mumma, James Young, Oliver Bellman, David Fleming, Daniel D. Boas, William F. Murray, John J. Clyde, George H. Bucher, Levi Mattson, Amos E. Kapp, Theodore D. Greenawalt; Clerks, William J. Lawrence, _____ Wilson. _____ KEYSTONE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. - Capital $1000,000. Incorporated in 1850. Office in Front street, near Market. Officers in October, 1858: - Daniel W. Gross, President; Edward L. Orth, Vice President; John H. Berryhill, Corresponding Secretary; David Dasher, Secretary and Treasurer. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. The firemen of Harrisburg form an institution highly useful and philanthropic, and those who belong to it are "Always Ready" to expose their health and lives "pro bono publico," employing, in their voluntary mission, a constant energy and a devotion often heroic, meriting the sympathies of all good citizens and a high place in public opinion. The present efficient method of subduing conflagrations in the borough, bears an aspect quite different from the early doings in such cases. Before hose and hydrants were introduced, and only pumps and buckets to keep the engines supplied, the scene was much more animating than now. There were then few or no idlers among the spectators. They made long lines of people to "pass the buckets;" and if there were any indolent lookers- 330 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. on, the cry was raised along the line "fall in," "fall in." If the summons was disregarded, perhaps a bucket of water was discharged upon the delinquents. Then it was quite common to see women in the ranks; and it was, therefore, the worse provoking to see others, of the opposite sex, giving no help, but urging their way as near to the fires as they could. Next day was a fine time for the boys to look out all the buckets they knew of belonging to their several neighbors, and carry them home. The street posts, too, could be seen capped, here and there, with a stray bucket asking for its owner. These buckets were made of leather, and had the owner's name or initials painted on the outside. Householders, generally, had them hanging in the entrys of their residences. The compiler has not been able to determine, with any degree of accuracy, at what period the borough was first supplied with a fire engine. At the fire which partially destroyed the residence of Mr. James Sawyer, in Locust street, on Friday, the 25th of November, 1796, no mention is made of a fire engine; and Mr. Sawyer publicly returned his thanks to the "citizens (men and women) for their spirited exertions in extinguishing the flames." Nor were there any fire apparatus here as late as March 8, 1797, as we judge by the following extract from the "Oracle of Dauphin," of March 15th, of that year: "HARRISBURG, March 8, 1797. At a meeting of the Harrisburg Free Debating Society, held this evening, Rev. Henry Moeller in the Chair, the question, 'What can be proposed, which, if carried into effect, would be most beneficial to Harrisburg?' was put, and after an agreeable discussion, it was unanimously agreed 'That the making an inlet for boats, the erecting of wind-mills for grinding corn, the procuring a fire engine, and establishing a town watch, would be highly beneficial to Harrisburg, and might easily be carried into effect.' JOHN BROWNE, Secretary" 331 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. At the fire which broke out in the building occupied by Mr. William Porter as a cold nail factory, situated on the river bank, on Monday night, the 19th of February, 1798, no direct mention is made of a fire engine being used; but Mr. Porter, in publicly thanking the ladies and gentlemen for their assistance on that occasion, expresses his willingness to contribute his "part towards procuring another engine;" hence we reasonably infer that at this period there was at least one engine in the borough. This was, most probably, the "Union," it being, according to tradition, the first fire apparatus in the borough. The "Union Fire Company" was dissolved about twenty or twenty-five years ago, and its apparatus, through disuse and neglect, was ruined beyond redemption. Messrs. Robert Sloan and Frederick Heiseley were directors, and George Capp secretary of the company in 1824. The following Ordinance of the Town Council, passed July 13, 1813, will give the reader an idea of the state of the fire department at that period: An Act for the prevention of fires within the borough of Harrisburg: SECTION 1. Be it ordained by the Town Council of the borough of Harrisburg, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same, That it shall be the duty of every householder residing within the limits of the borough, either as owner, tenant or occupier, forthwith to join and become a member of the fire company to which his district belongs, and for neglect or refusal thereof, he shall forfeit and pay one dollar each month so neglected or refused, to be recovered in the manner hereinafter provided for the recovery of fines. SEC. II. And be it further ordained, That every householder residing within the borough, whether male or female, either as owner, tenant or occupier, shall within ninety days after the newspaper promulgation of this ordinance, provide at least one leathern bucket for each and every story of the house by him 332 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. or her so occupied, under penalty of one dollar for each month's neglect thereof, and in case such occupier is a tenant, he, she or they, shall provide the same at the expense of the landlord or owner, and the reasonable cost thereof shall be deducted out of their rent respectively. * * * * * * SEC. IV. And be it further ordained, That for the purpose of establishing fire companies, the borough is hereby divided into two districts, to be called the Northern and Southern districts, the centre of Market street being the division, and that each company shall have power to form their own by-laws, and fix any fines or amercements for the contravention of such of their laws as are not incompatible with the constitution and laws of Pennsylvania, or of this borough, and that any fines or forfeitures so fixed shall be recoverable before the chief or assistant burgess for the uses in such by-laws expressed. By order of the Council. JACOB BUCHER, President. JOHN KEAN, Town Clerk. It would appear by the above that at this period there were but two fire companies in the borough - one for the Southern and one for the Northern district. These were the "Union" and "Friendship" companies. In the newspapers printed here, however, at this period, we see the advertisements for meetings of the "North Ward Fire Company;" by which name, we presume, one of the above mentioned companies, situated in that ward, was sometimes called. The following is a brief history of the several fire companies at present existing in the borough, in the order of their organization. _____ THE FRIENDSHIP FIRE COMPANY. - This efficient company may be termed the patriarch of the present fire department in the borough, having been instituted previous to the year 1803, 333 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. and shortly after the organization of the Union Fire Company, although its oldest constitution only dates as far back as August 11, 1812. The earliest document in the possession of the company is what purports to be a list of "sundry members of the Friendship Fire Company who are indebted the sums annexed to their names respectively, the account being down to the yearly meeting, November 7, 1809, including said meeting." The list is attested by James Maginnis, Secretary. The first debtor on the list is Thomas Ridge, and the amount of his indebtedness was as follows: "1803, August 1. - To sundry fines, 10 shillings. 1804, August 7, " " 11 shillings. 1808, Febr'y 2, " " 3 shillings." Messrs. Samuel Pool, Michael Krell, Albright Weaver, John Krepp, Isaiah M'Farland, and Patrick Burk, were also debtors to the company at this period. The indebtedness arose from tax and fines. "Messrs. Sawyer, Glass, Brua, Norton, Dorsheimer, managers of the company, and the secretary, met at the house of John Norton, February 9, 1808, for the purpose of holding an appeal; whereat B. Kurtz appealed ten shillings; Mr. George, five shillings; Mr. Laberty, five shillings; Mr. Glass, five shillings; and Mr. Dorsheimer, one shilling; whereupon, it was agreed that Mr. Goodman should give every one that is indebted to the company a call for the pay; and them that don't pay shall be sued." - Manuscript minutes of managers, Feb. 9, 1808. Among the names of the members of the company in 1808, we recognize many of those whose descendants still reside in the borough. These are, Messrs. John Zinn, Samuel Pool, Abraham Rupley, Andrew Berryhill, Moses Gillmore, John Mytinger, Joseph Young, Samuel Bryan, Christian Stahl, John Forster,* James Brown, Samuel Black, Dr. Hall, Dr. Cleaveland, Peter Keller,* Joseph Doll, James Sawyers, Frederick 334 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Felty, George Boyer, Jacob Boas, John Wyeth, John Wingerd, Jacob Zeigler,* George Roberts, and Benj. Bowman, secretary. Obed Fahnestock was president of the company in 1812, and Christian Gleim secretary and treasurer in 1813. In 1818, Abram Bombaugh was the treasurer, who was succeeded in 1819 by Obed Fahnestock. Jacob Seiler was secretary of the company in 1827. From this period we can find no records of the company until 1848, when it adopted a new constitution, and in many respects increased its efficiency. The first hose carriage of the company was purchased a short time after the introduction of water into the borough. The old engine being too limited in its capacity, and its wood work partially rotten, the company applied for and obtained the old "Harrisburg" engine, which belonged to a company of that name formerly existing in the borough. This was used by the company for several years, when it was found defective, and was then abandoned. The company was then granted the use of the "United States" - a powerful second-class engine, formerly used by a company of that name in Middletown, but owned by Judge W. F. Murray, who had it brought here for sale. The Town Council, however, refused to buy it, and in lieu thereof purchased in Philadelphia the splendid second-class engine at present in the service of the company. The apparatus of the company is in excellent condition, and of the most effective character. The members are composed of young and respectable mechanics, who, when duty calls, are ever among the first to respond. The building owned by the company stands directly on the bank of the river, above Market street. It is a neat frame structure, two stories high, but has been found to be entirely too small for its purposes; and the Town council contemplate erect- *Still living in the borough. 335 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ing a new one of brick, corresponding with those occupied by the other companies. Officers of the company in October, 1858: - President, Harry C. Shaffer; Vice President, Henry M'Gowen, Jr.; Secretary, David K. Rudy; Treasurer, Andrew Schlayer; Directors, Henry Rose, Joseph Barger, Jacob Etter, Jacob Rohrer, J. C. Voglesong, W. Gibson, G. M. Booth, Samuel Davis; Inspectors, H. Soloman, J. Schlayer, A. Stees, J. Newman, C. Weaver; Chief Engineer, William Haehnlen; Assistant Engineer, Joseph Berrier. _____ THE HOPE HOSE AND ENGINE COMPANY. - This association was instituted on the 6th day of January, 1814, and was the third of its kind organized after the town was laid out. Its cotemporaries were the "Union" and "Friendship." Captain Thomas Walker was the first vice president of the company, and the late Hon. John C. Bucher held that office in 1819. In 1823, Mr. Bucher was president, and in the year following Henry Buehler was secretary of the company. Joseph Wallace, Henry Antes, Dr. Heisely, Dr. Orth, and other prominent citizens were at one time members of the company. The long time which has elapsed since its first organization, and the number of changes in the affairs of the company, render it extremely difficult to obtain any considerable knowledge of its early history. We know, however, that the first engine of the company was manufactured in Philadelphia by the celebrated Pat Lyon - him of bank prosecution memory - at a cost of $1200, and that it was capable of throwing two hogsheads of water per minute! After the erection of the water works, the company added to their apparatus a beautiful hose carriage. Shortly after this period the affairs of the company seem to have been in a depressed condition until January, 1853, when a number of public spirited citizens residing in the upper part 336 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. of the borough joined together and effected its complete reorganization, under the auspices of the Town Council. A beautiful second-class engine, capable of throwing two side and a gallery stream, manufactured by G. Agnew, of Philadelphia, was purchased at a cost of $1350. In March, 1858, the company also replaced their hose carriage by a neat "spider" or "crab," at a cost of $100; and in September, 1858, the company further increased its efficiency by obtaining a beautiful hook and ladder apparatus, which has thus been described: "The length between the coupling is twenty-eight feet; the length of the longest ladder is forty-two feet, and of the shortest fifteen feet. There are six ladders. The body of the carriage is painted white, and the ornamental work handsomely gilt. The iron work is of good quality, and partly polished. The springs are of good steel. A bell is attached to one of the axles, which sounds the alarm when proceeding to a fire. Axes, iron-tipped poles, picks and lanterns are placed in proper positions, and the whole is surmounted with a beautiful signal lamp. The cost of the carriage, ladders, &c., was $800, to which must be added $14 paid for a silver fire horn, and $20 freight to the Pennsylvania railroad. It was manufactured by Mr. C. Schantz, of Philadelphia." The building occupied by the company is situated in North Second street, above State. It is a neat brick staucture, two stories high, surmounted with a cupola containing an alarm bell. Officers in October, 1858: - President, William H. Kepner; Vice President, Joseph Strominger; Secretary, Robert R. Barr; Treasurer, Andrew K. Black; Engineer, Thomas Stevenson; Assistant Engineers, J. Cunkle, W. W. Wright; Directors, William Hutman, Jacob Cunkle, Samuel Cline, William Putt, Robert R. Barr, William M'Coy, Charles Jacobs, Thomas J. Black. 337 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. THE CITIZEN HOSE AND ENGINE COMPANY. - This efficient fire company was organized in the year 1836. Its first officers were William Bostick, Sr., President; Henry Lyne, Vice President; George S. Kemble, Treasurer, and William Parkhill, Secretary. The Company, shortly after its organization, purchased a beautiful and powerful engine, at a cost of nine hundred and fifty dollars. It is of second class capacity, throwing a gallery and two side streams, and was manufactured at the celebrated establishment of Joel Bates, in Philadelphia. The power and effectiveness of this engine was fully tested at the disastrous fires which occurred in the summer and fall of 1838, at the opposite corners of Fourth and Market streets. - At these fires it rendered the most important services, in consequence of being provided with a suction apparatus, which forced water from the canal, thus, in a great measure, dispensing with the then prevailing system of "bucket lines." The introduction of water and hydrants into the borough created a material change in the operations of the fire department. The "bucket lines" above referred to, gave way to hose, and it was necessary that the several fire companies should be provided with this article. The "Citizen" company was the first in the borough to respond to this necessity, and accordingly purchased, in Philadelphia, a beautiful hose carriage, and sixteen hundred feet of hose, the former at a cost of $285. With this useful addition the company required the privileges and powers of an incorporation, and accordingly an application for a charter was made and granted by the Court of Common Pleas in 1841. It was discovered, however, by time and experience, that this charter was defective; accordingly at a meeting of the company, held May 12, 1858, a new constitution and by-laws were proposed, and a committee appointed to petition the court for their approval. This committee peti- 338 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. tioned the court on the 13th of May, 1858; and on the 23rd of August following, the court granted the prayer of the petitioners, by directing that the said constitution and by-laws shall "thereafter be deemed and taken to be the instrument on which said Association shall be governed as firemen." The first hose carriage having became dilapidated by time and service, the company, in the fall of 1856, purchased in Philadelphia a new one, handsomely mounted with silver and other embellishments, at a cost of about $1,000. In addition to this, the company, shortly afterwards, procured a handsome "Spider," which was manufactured to order by R. J. Fleming, of Harrisburg, and cost about two hundred dollars. The company, in October, 1858, increased its efficiency by procuring a "Button Engine" - a lately patented fire apparatus, manufactured at Waterford, New York, a trial of which, in front of Brant's Hall, was thus noticed in the "Daily Telegraph:" "She did nobly and more than realized the expectations of the most sanguine members of the Citizen company. - In our opinion the Engine is fully equal to three ordinary machines of the old style, and ranks next to the steam fire engines lately adopted in the various cities. On the first trial she three a stream of water through a 1 1/8 inch nozzles a distance of one hundred and sixty-five feet each. On the third trial she threw five streams at once through 5/8th inch nozzles from one hundred and five to one hundred and twenty-one feet. When this feat was accomplished the members of the Citizen company, pleased with the success of their new machine, made the welkin ring with repeated and enthusiastic cheers for the engine and its manufacturer. On the fourth trial, the largest nozzle - one and-a-half inch - was used, and this powerful volume of water was thrown a distance of one hundred and sixty-seven feet. The machine gave entire satisfaction in every respect. This is the 339 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. largest engine of the kind in the State, weighs thirty-five hundred pounds, requires fifty men to work it, and cost $2,050 delivered here." The engine is provided with a suction apparatus. The building of the company is situated in Fourth street, above Walnut. It is a neat brick structure, two stories high, surmounted with a wooden cupola and a "look-out." The first story is devoted to the apparatus of the company, and the second, which is very handsomely furnished, to the meetings of the company. The company is composed, principally, of young and industrious citizens of respectable character, who are always among the first when duty calls. Officers in November, 1858: - President, Dr. Christian Seiler; Vice President, Richard J. Haldeman; Standing Committee, George Bailey, John Denwiddie and Joseph Montgomery; Secretary, Augustus L. Carst; Assistant Secretary, William H. H. Sieg; Treasurer, James Black; Engineer, George Fager; Assistant Engineers, Alexander W. Barr, George Bailey; Captain of Hose, Joseph Sheets; Directors, Ed. W. Shell, Charles Frank, George W. Krause, Samuel Miller, William Walters, Herman Frisch, Thomas Nelly, Newton Shoop, J. L. Engenderer. _____ THE WASHINGTON HOSE COMPANY. - The example of the Citizen Fire Company in procuring hose to meet the requirements of the change in the fire department, caused by the introduction of water into the borough, was followed by the organization of a company whose apparatus consists exclusively of hose and its carriage. Being convinced of the utility of such an organization, a number of young men met in the dining room of the "United States" Hotel, on the corner of Second and Mulberry streets, on Wednesday evening, January 27th, 1841, for the purpose of 340 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. organization, and to raise funds to purchase a hose carriage. A committee was appointed to solicit money, by subscription, to purchase a carriage, and on the 5th of February, 1841, that committee reported that sufficient amount had been subscribed by the citizens, when John L. Martin was deputed to purchase the carriage of the Washington Hose Company, of Philadelphia, at a cost of one hundred and eighty dollars. The carriage was received on the 20th of March, 1841, and at the same time the Town Council furnished the company with six hundred feet of hose. On Friday evening, April 2nd, 1841, the company was regularly organized, and denominated the "Washington Hose Company," of Harrisburg, Pa. - a constitution and by-laws adopted, and the following officers were elected: - President, Levi Wolfinger; Vice President, John L. Martin; Secretary, E. S. German; Treasurer, David Lingle. From this period the company has been one of the most active and efficient in the borough. On the 3rd day of May, 1843, application was made to the court of Dauphin county for an act of incorporation, which was granted on the 2nd day of September, 1843, and recorded on the 8th day of September, 1843, in deed book P, volume 2, page 432. The want of a suitable building for the carriage, and a room for the meetings of the company, was a great inconvenience; and prompted by the generosity previously manifested by the citizens, it was proposed, and a committee appointed on the 5th of January, 1844, to devise ways and means to raise funds to erect a suitable house. That committee was kindly received, and contributions liberally given, so that in a very short time money and labor was sufficiently subscribed to build a comfortable, neat and substantial house. On the 2nd of February, 1844, a lot of ground was purchased on the corner of Second street and Meadow Lane, from C. L. Berghaus, Esq., for the sum of ninety dollars. 341 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The building was commenced on the 4th of March, 1844, and on the 23rd of March, 1844, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The building was completed on the 3rd of August, 1844. It is one of the most perfect of the kind in the State, being provided with all the most approved accommodations suitable to the character of the uses to which it is applied. The first, or ground floor, is occupied by the apparatus of the company, and communicates with Second street by means of two large folding doors, rendering a free and rapid exit or entrance. The second story is appropriated to meetings, &c., and is furnished in the highest style of magnificence - resembling, indeed, more the luxurious appointments of a fashionable drawing-room than anything we can compare it to. Imported ingrain carpeting - four walnut divans and sofas, whose yielding cushions invite repose - centre tables - fancy desks for the officers - gothic cottage chairs - damask curtains - gas chandelier - glass book-cases, well filled with instructive volumes - and beautiful paintings, constitute but a portion of its elegant and costly furniture. We opine that a sight of this room would make some of our city brethren stare. To some, perhaps, these arrangements might seem superfluous; but we incline to the opinion that the superior order and beauty exhibited there, has a tendency to cherish and promote a refined taste among the members themselves. The entire building is heated by a large furnace in the cellar, and the arrangements for cleaning their hose, &c., are perfectly in keeping with the character of those we have already described. The cost of the building was eight hundred dollars. The carriage being old and ill-suited, another was proposed and urged of more modern construction, for which object members were chosen to raise money by subscription, and on the 22nd day of May, 1850, a contract was made with George Ruhl, of Philadelphia, to build a "crab" or hose carriage for the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars, which was completed and 342 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. given into the charge of a committee on the 5th of October, 1850. The charge is clear of all indebtedness. Officers in October, 1858: - President, John H. Zeigler; Vice President, Alfred A. Pancake; Secretary, Peter Bernheisel, Jr.; Treasurer, George H. Bell; Directors, George Pancake, John F. C. Dace, John Bernheisel, Samuel Bernheisel, Charles H. Etter, George W. Hoffman; Inspectors, Peter K. Boyd, Frederick P. Haehnlen, Thomas W. Peoples, Charles Gordon, Albert R. Shoop. _____ MOUNT VERNON HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY. - This company was first organized on the 5th of April, 1858, under the name of the "Independent Hook and Ladder Company," which was changed in August or September following, to the "Mount Vernon Hook and Ladder Company." The following is a list of the first officers of the company: - President, William C. A. Lawrence; Vice President, Richard B. M. Beckman; Secretary, William B. Wilson; Treasurer, J. A. Carman; Board of Directors, David G. May, Thomas W. Anderson, Frank A. Murray and Robert G. Denning; Elective Board, David G. May, T. Rock Smith and Thomas W. Anderson. The apparatus of the company was manufactured by Mr. R. J. Fleming, of Harrisburg, and cost eight hundred dollars. It consists of a carriage, hooks and ladders, &c., and has been thus described: "The total length of the apparatus is forty-eight feet; the length of coupling twenty-seven feet, and the length of the largest ladder forty feet. The iron work is polished, the springs of steel, and the axles of turned iron. The wheels and body are elegantly varnished, and decorated with gilt and carved work, the knobs being tipped with brass. The wood work is painted of a dark claret color, and durably constructed. Axes, picks and lanterns are provided, and secured in proper positions 343 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. about the carriage; and a beautiful signal lamp surmounts the whole." The company, in 1858, occupied the two story frame building on the east corner of Locust street and Rasberry alley, which was altered and arranged for its accommodation. Officers in October, 1858: - President, William C. A. Lawrence; Vice President, William B. Wilson; Secretary, A. F. Small; Assistant Secretary, Henry Uhler; Treasurer, T. Rock Smith; Directors, Frank A. Murray, David G. May, George Denning, Jacob G. May, John Bigler; Electing Committee, Thomas W. Anderson, Frank A. Murray, Charles Reigle. BRIDGES. THE HARRISBURG BRIDGE. - By an act of the Legislature, approved April 2, 1811, the Governor of the Commonwealth was "authorized and directed to subscribe a sum not exceeding $90,000 to the stock of the company, which may hereafter be incorporated, for building a bridge over the Susquehanna at Harrisburg; one-half to be paid when the piers and abutments shall have been constructed, and the other when the superstructure shall have been raised." The same act made appropriations for similar bridges at Northumberland, Columbia and McCall Ferry. The act authorizing the erection of the bridge was passed April 3, 1809. The company to construct the bridge at Harrisburg, was chartered July 6, 1812, and organized on the 8th of August following. The first foundation stone of the bridge was laid December 2, 1812. The board of directors, in submitting a statement of the receipts and expenditures of the company, down to the 30th of July, 1813, made the following report: 344 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. "In addition thereto they beg leave to inform the company, that they have contracted with Mr. Theodore Burr, to build said bridge for the sum of one hundred and eighty thousand dollars; thirty-five thousand dollars thereof he is to take in stock, the residue to be paid to him in proportion as the work progresses; he is to find all the materials, and to have the bridge completed on the first day of December, 1815. They have also contracted with the administrators of the late William Maclay, deceased, for the privilege of attaching the bridge to the island on both sides, and of making and extending a road across it, on terms which they conceive will be advantageous to all the parties concerned. The work has been commenced and is in as great a state of forwardness as could be reasonably expected for the time. Notwithstanding the preparations that were indispensable at the commencement of a work of such magnitude; yet in a little better than three months from the time it was began, two of the abutments are finished as high as to where the wooden work commences, and the third is rapidly progressing. The work appears to be very substantial, and composed of the best materials. A large quantity of stone is prepared, and as soon as the river is sufficiently low, the piers will be commenced, with an additional number of hands; and from the superior qualifications of Mr. Burr, as a bridge builder, aided by an industry and perseverance seldom equaled, there is every reason to believe, that the bridge will be finished within the time specified in the contract. The president and directors (in compliance with their duty) inform the company, that the Governor, under the authority of an act of Assembly, has subscribed for ninety thousand dollars worth of stock, in behalf of the commonwealth, which sum will be paid, under the direction of said act, by his warrants drawn on the State Treasury. It is with no small degree of satisfaction that the board have 345 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. it in their power to inform the company, that the displeasure expressed by some of the stockholders, on account of the site of the bridge being fixed at the place where it is now erecting, has nearly subsided. It would have been an extraordinary circumstance, if all had been satisfied, when so great a variety of local interests were interfering with each other - it was more than could be expected. The few who yet remain opposed, are so very small in number, and their proportion of stock in comparison so very trifling, as to render their opposition of little consequence. Nothing is now wanting, to forward the work with spirit, but prompt and punctual payments on the part of stockholders; and when each individual stockholder reflects that by such payments, he is hastening and promoting his own interest, it is confidently hoped and expected, that he will not withhold the requisite aid. Thos. Elder, President; Jacob M. Haldeman, Jno. Ritchey, George Brinier, Samuel C. Wiestling, John Howard, William Bryson, George Hoyer, Jacob Boas, Henry Beader, Michael Kroh, John Mytinger, Directors. Attest, JOHN DOWNEY, Treasurer. July 31, 1813." The first toll was received by the company October 16, 1816. The bridge and toll-houses were completed in 1817, at a total cost of $192,138. The bridge is built upon the "Burr plan;" and is separated by Forster's Island. Its total length, including the island, is about two-thirds of a mile; width, forty feet, and has an elevation of fifty feet. That part of the structure between the island and the borough was carried away by the great freshet of March 15, 1846, and for about eighteen months afterwards the passage was made to and from the island by means of a "rope ferry." The rope used on this occasion was about three inches in diameter, and sus- 346 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. pended between the two abutments, supported in the centre by masts on the piers. The flats were connected to this rope by two small guy ropes; and by an ingenious contrivance were propelled across the stream by the action of the descending current. The rope, especially during high water, frequently obstructed the passage of the rafts and arks descending the river, and was finally cut by one of the incensed river men with an axe. The present structure was erected and rendered passable on the 20th of September, 1847. It is distinguished for its strength and graceful proportions, affording a striking contrast with the antique, thoughstill firm, part of the first structure spanning the river on the western side of the island. _____ CUMBERLAND VALLEY RAILROAD BRIDGE. - The first bridge owned by this company, across the Susquehanna, was commenced in the summer of 1836, and opened for locomotive traveling January 16, 1839. It was constructed upon the lattice plan, with three frames, and covered with a strong deck of three inch plank, laid watertight to protect the timbers from the weather. A single T rail was laid on the deck along the middle of the bridge. The under part of the frame work was arranged for two carriage ways for common road vehicles, &c., and two foot paths for passengers. By an act of the Legislature, however, the company was prohibited from using it for any other than railroad purposes until the year 1841. The carriage ways were nine-and-a-half feet wide, and thirteen feet high in the clear. The foot paths were three-and-a half feet wide, set up three feet above the lower roadways, in order to admit outside braces from below to the lattice frames. The main bridge was four thousand feet long; and, including the end bridges, four thousand three hundred feet long. There were twenty- three spans of about one hundred and sixty-five 347 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. feet each. The piers were six-and-a-half feet wide at the top, and had a batter all around of one inch to the foot rise. There were thirty feet long at the top, and from thirty to sixty feet long at the base. The highest piers were forty-two feet above low water; the lowest twenty-two feet. The western end was twenty feet higher than the Harrisburg end. This plan was adopted to reduce the heavy grade on the Cumberland side of the river. The total cost of the bridge was $110,000. Of this sum the mason work cost $40,000; the timber and other materials about $40,000, and the framing and building of the superstructure $30,000. The railway track was completed, and the bridge publicly opened for locomotive use on the 16th of January, 1839. The first trip was made from the western end. The train consisted of three locomotives, three double passenger cars, and two baggage cars - the locomotive "Nicholas Biddle" having the lead. The president, managers, and engineers of the company, together with the bridge contractors, and about three hundred gentlemen, present by invitation, occupied the cars and locomotives. Several thousand persons assembled on the bank of the river to witness the opening ceremony, which was an imposing spectacle. The train moved slowly and majestically over the bridge at the rate of twenty miles per hour, and upon entering Mulberry street, the air resounded with a welcome huzza. To test the strength of the bridge a locomotive was subsequently run over it in one minute, without causing the slightest vibratory motion. This splendid bridge was destroyed by fire, excepting four spans at its eastern end, in December, 1844. The work of constructing another bridge, at the same place, 348 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. was completed in 1846. This was also on the lattice plan, but differed materially in appearance with the former structure. - The passage way for footmen was in the centre of the two carriage ways, but was never used for this purpose, it being found necessary to occupy the place by cross staunchions for the interior lattice frames. The bridge and track were originally covered with a single roof, which was subsequently taken away, as it was thought to endanger the structure by the great resistence it offered to the wind. This bridge stood until 1855 or 1856, when it was removed for the present beautiful structure, which was erected within the old one, without causing any serious interruption to the car travel. The two spans which crosses the inland are constructed of iron, calculated to resist the progress of fire, that at any time might occur on either of the sides which they divide. The company sold its right to collect tolls over the bridge to the Harrisburg Bridge Company on the 4th of January, 1855. Mr. Rudolph F. Kelker has kindly furnished the compiler with the following memoranda respecting this bridge: May 7, 1836, Cumberland valley Railroad Bridge located opposite Mulberry street. May 9, 1836, ground first broke for abutment on the east side of the river. June 18, 1838, commenced laying timber of bridge. January 16, 1839, at two-and-a-half o'clock, P. M. first locomotive crossed the river on the bridge. RAILROADS AND CANALS. There is no town in Pennsylvania that is so advantageously situated, with respect to railroad connection, as Harrisburg. - From every point of the compass these great public thoroughfares of travel and trade enter the borough, and passengers and freight trains arrive and depart almost every hour, giving to 349 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. the town, at least, that part of it adjacent to the depot, a scene of constant bustle and activity. The following is a list of the railroads either terminating at or passing through the borough.: Pennsylvania Central, east to Philadelphia; west, to Pittsburg. The Northern Central, south to Baltimore; North, to Sunbury. The Cumberland Valley, west to Chambersburg. The Lebanon Valley, north-east to Reading. The Dauphin and Susquehanna, north-east to Pinegrove and Pottsville. On the Pennsylvania Central four passenger trains arrive and depart daily, beside emigrant and freight trains. On the other roads two trains depart and arrive daily. The Pennsylvania Canal passes through the eastern part of the borough. THE PRESS OF HARRISBURG. "The Press! Whose vantage ground is Mind; Language, its scepter of control; Its chariot wheels are thoughts that roll And leave a track of light behind." The newspapers of Harrisburg have long been distinguished for the ability with which they are conducted - their independent expression of opinion upon all subjects - and the neatness of their typographical appearance. The compiler, after the most diligent search and inquiry, has been unable to procure, with any degree of correctness, a history or even a list of the many newspapers that have been published here since the field was first occupied by the "Oracle of Dauphin," previously noticed, and shall consequently confine his sketches to those only which at present exist: 350 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. THE WEEKLY PRESS. - The "Harrisburg Weekly Telegraph" is the patriarch of the Harrisburg press - being the "lineal descendent" of the "Oracle of Dauphin," established in 1791 - the first newspaper printed in Harrisburg. Under its present title it is in its twenty-eighth volume, and on the 15th of September last had published 4,644 numbers. It is a folio of large double medium size, containing twenty-eight columns of closely printed reading matter and advertisements. During the session of the Legislature it is issued twice a week. The price of subscription is $2 per annum. It is American Republican in politics, and enjoys a large circulation and advertising patronage. Messrs. George Bergner & Co. are its present publishers. The publication office is in Third street, near Walnut. The "Church Advocate," devoted to the diffusion of Bible truth, religious news, and general intelligence, is published once a week by E. H. Thomas, J. S. Gable and George Ross for the General Eldership of the "Church of God." It is a quarto, printed on a super-royal sheet, containing thirty-two columns of reading matter and advertisements, and is in its twenty-third volume. It is edited with much ability by Rev. James Colder. The price of subscription is $1.50 per annum. It is published in Fourth street, between Market and Walnut streets. The "Vaterland Wachter" is published weekly, in the German language, by Mr. George Bergner. It is a folio of super-royal size, containing twenty-four columns of reading matter and advertisements. It has reached its fifteenth volume. Its politics are American Republican, and is edited with considerable ability. The subscription price is $1 per year in advance. Its publication office is at Bergner's bookstore, Market street. The "Patriot and Union" is in its fourth volume. It is a consolidation of the "Pennsylvania Patriot, "established March 4, 1854; the "Democratic Union," established June 7, 1843, 351 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. by the juncture of the "Keystone," "Reporter," and "Gazette;" and the "Keystone," established several years ago by Mr. O. Barret. The latter paper joined the consolidation on the 1st of September last. It is a folio of large double medium size, containing twenty-eight columns of closely printed reading matter and advertisements. During the session of the Legislature it is issued twice a week at $2 per annum. It is published at present by O. Barret & Co., and edited with great vigor by R. J. Haldeman, Esq., and assistants. It is Democratic in politics, and enjoys a large circulation and advertising patronage. The publication office is located on Third street, between Market and Walnut streets. The "Lancaster and Harrisburg Democrat" is published in the German language, once a week, simultaneously in Lancaster and Harrisburg. It is a folio of double medium size, containing twenty-eight columns of reading matter and advertisements. The paper is a consolidation of the "Lancaster Democrat" with the "Harrisburg Democrat," which was effected on the 29th of April, 1858. Its present publishers are Messrs. Kuhn, Fuss & Weaver, and its editors are Messrs. Kuhn and Hass, the latter of whom resides here. The subscription price is $1 per annum in advance. Its publication office in Harrisburg is in Rasberry alley, near the Court House. THE DAILY PRESS. - The publication of daily papers in the borough is by no means a novel experiment. The compiler has been kindly permitted to examine files of daily papers printed here twenty-five years ago, at which period it was customary for nearly all the leading journalists to publish daily editions of their respective papers during the session of the Legislature. Generally, these papers were about one-fourth the size of the present dailies, and consisted principally of legislative proceedings, which were regularly preserved and transferred into the weekly editions. They possessed no local character whatever, 352 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. and depended entirely for support upon the patronage extended to them by members of the Legislature. A more recent, and what might be termed the first attempt to establish permanently a daily paper in the borough, was made on the 27th of December, 1850, by Messrs. George Bergner & Co., who at that time commenced the publication of the "American Whig." The paper was handsomely printed on a medium sheet, and contained twenty-four columns. It was well supported, but owing to the ill health of Mr. Bergner, that gentleman was compelled, after publishing it about a year, to relinquish his interest therein, after which it passed into the hands of Mr. Collin M'Curdy, who published it a few months longer, when it ceased to exist. The next appearance in the daily paper field was the "Borough Item," started in the fall of 1852 by Messrs. George P. Crap and George W. George. This paper was about one-half the size of the present dailies. It was strictly local in its character, and being edited with considerable ability, it soon attained a list of over one thousand subscribers, besides monopolizing nearly all the local advertising patronage. It was daily continuing to gain public favor, when other dailies entered the field in competition, which caused its gradual decline until November, 1857, when it ceased to exist. The first competitor of the "Item" was The "Daily Times," published by William H. Egle & Co. The size of the "Times" was a trifle larger than that of the "Item." It was edited with great ability by Mr. Egle, and was, like the "Item," "independent in all things, neutral in none." After being published a few months, it was purchased by Messrs. Miller, Clyde & Patterson, then publishing the "Weekly Telegraph," who enlarged it to super-royal size, and continued its publication under the title of The "Morning Herald." The super-royal size was retained only a short time, when it was reduced back to the size of the 353 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. "Times." The "Herald" was edited with great ability, and was a formidable rival of the "Item." It was published about two years, when its proprietors dissolved partnership. The "Harrisburg Daily Herald" succeeded the above "Herald." It was published and edited by Mr. William P. Coulter. The size of the sheet was about half as large as the present dailies. It was independent in all things. Mr. J. J. Clyde succeeded Mr. Coulter as its publisher, who, in turn, was succeeded by Mr. Benj. Whitman. This gentleman, in 1858, sold an interest in the establishment to Messrs. Royal & M'Reynolds, at which time it was considerably enlarged, and called simply the "Daily Herald." Mr. Whitman occupied its editorial chair. It was published every morning until the 1st of September, 1858, when the firm disposed of their interest in the concern to Messrs. O. Barret & Co., of the weekly "Patriot and Union," who continue its publication under the name of The "Daily Patriot and Union." The size of this sheet is considerably larger than either of its immediate predecessors. It contains twenty-four columns, and is edited with marked ability by R. J. Haldeman, Esq., and assistants. Its politics are Democratic, and commands an extensive influence among the leaders of that party. It enjoys a large circulation and a good advertising patronage. The subscription price to mail subscribers is $4 per annum, and to those residing in the borough six cents per week. The "Daily Pennsylvania Telegraph" was established October 7, 1856, by George Bergner & Co., its present publishers. It is a folio of large super-royal size, containing twenty-four columns of reading matter and advertisements. As its motto indicates, it is "independent in all things, neutral in none." It is published every evening, and enjoys a very large circulation, with a fair share of advertising patronage. The editorial department is conducted with great ability by a corps of talented writers. No labor or expense is spared b its enterprising pub- 354 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. lishers to make it a first class newspaper. The subscription price to mail subscribers is $4 per annum; to subscribers in the borough, six cents per week. CONCLUSION. This concludes, for the present, our collection of "Annals of Harrisburg;" and the compiler trusts they will be received with the indulgence due to the enterprise. The reflecting reader will justly appreciate the difficulties in procuring minute and accurate information respecting the early history of the borough, and will not be surprised if, notwithstanding the efforts of the compiler, by personal intercourse with old citizens, and by laborious research among the public records, some inaccuracies should be found in the work. In the first edition of such a work, error is unavoidable; but the compiler flatters himself that there is no more in this than in others of like character, and that it will prove useful and satisfactory to the public.