HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 151-175, 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. 151 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. FIRST OCCUPANCY OF THE STATE CAPITOL. We conclude our sketch of the public buildings and grounds by a description of the ceremonies observed at the inauguration of the State Capitol. The following extract from the House Journal, December 21, 1821, indicates that the session had been opened at the usual place in Harrisburg (Court-House) in that year, for the last time: "Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That when the Legislature meets at the new State Capitol, on Wednesday, the 2d of January next, that it is highly proper, before either House proceeds to business, they unite in prayer to Almighty God, imploring His blessing on their future deliberations, and that the joint committee already appointed be authorized to make the necessary arrangements for that purpose." "Wednesday, January 2, 1822. - On motion of Mr. Lehman and Mr. Todd, the House proceeded to the building lately occupied by the Legislature, and joined the procession to the Capitol, and attended to the solemnities directed by the resolution of the 21st ultimo, relative to the ceremonies to be observed by the Legislature upon taking possession of the State Capitol." On Thursday, the 3d of January, a motion was made by Mr. Cassat and Mr. Wierman, which read as follows: "Resolved, That the committee of arrangements be requested to procure a copy of the introductory prayer and address deliv- 152 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ered on the 2d instant in the State Capitol, previous to the commencement of public business, and that the usual number of copies of each be printed." The following account of the ceremonies attendant on the removal of the Legislature to the new buildings, is taken from the "Harrisburg Chronicle" of January 3, 1822. "The members of both branches of the Legislature met in the morning at 10 o'clock, at the old State House, (Court House,) from whence they moved to the Capitol in the following Order of Procession. The Architect and his Workmen, two and two. Clergy. Governor and Heads of Departments. Office of the Senate. Speaker of the Senate. Members of the Senate, two and two. Officers of the House of Representatives. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Members, two and two. Judges. Civil authorities of Harrisburg. Citizens. In front of the Capitol, the architect and his workmen opened into two lines, and admitted the procession to pass between them and the Capitol. The ceremony of "uniting in prayer to Almighty God, imploring his blessing on their deliberations," required by a concurrent resolution of the two Houses, took place in the presence of a large assemblage of the inhabitants of this borough and county, and strangers. Conclusion of the Prayer. The service was opened by a pertinent and impressive prayer, 153 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. by Rev. Dr. Lochman, of Harrisburg, which concluded as follows: "And O, thou great and good and benevolent Father of the human family, grant that whenever the members of the Legislature enter into their respective Chambers to attend to the duties assigned to them, that may always consider that the welfare of thousands may depend upon their deliberations, and that they are accountable beings, who will once have to give an account of their stewardship to the just and impartial sovereign of the universe. These are the petitions which we, on this solemn occasion, bring before thee, the Most High, the God of Heaven and of earth. Oh ! hear them for our Savior's sake, to whom, with Thee, the Father and the Spirit we would ascribe glory and honor forever. Amen." The Discourse. The prayer was followed by an appropriate discourse, by Rev. D. Mason, Principal of Dickinson College, which concluded as follows: "Sixty years have not elapsed since the sound of the first axe was heard in the woods of Harrisburg. The wild beasts and wilder men occupied the banks of the Susquehanna. Since that time, with the mildness which has characterized the descendants of William Penn, and that industry which has marked all the generations of Pennsylvania, the forests have been subdued, the wild beasts driven away to parts more congenial to their nature, and the wilder men have withdrawn to regions where they hunt the deer and entrap the fish according to the mode practiced by their ancestors. In the room of all these there has started up, in the course of a few years, a town respectable for the number of its inhabitants, for its progressive industry, for the seat of legislation in this powerful State. What remains to be accomplished of all our temporal wishes? What more have we to say? What more can be said, but go on and 154 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. prosper, carry the spirit of your improvements through till the sound of the hammer, the whip of the wagoner, the busy hum of man, the voices of innumerable children issuing from the places of instruction, the lofty spires of worship, till richly endowed colleges of education, till all those arts which embellish man shall gladden the banks of the Susquehanna and the Delaware, and exact from admiring strangers that cheerful and grateful tribute, 'this is the work of a Pennsylvania Legislature!' " ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT FROM PHILADELPHIA TO CARLISLE. It may be curious to know that in 1795 an attempt was made to remove the seat of government of Pennsylvania from Philadelphia to Carlisle. A bill to this effect actually passed the House of Representatives, but was defeated in the Senate. We append the following extract from the Journal of the House, in reference to this matter: "Saturday, March 28. - The bill entitled 'An act to establish the permanent seat of government of Pennsylvania,' as amended in Committee of the Whole, was read the second time. And the first section of the said bill being under consideration, viz: SECT. 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the permanent seat of government of Pennsylvania shall, from and after the 1st day of December, 1798, be established in the county of Cumberland, and within the borough of Carlisle, at such place therein as shall be chosen for that purpose by Samuel Postlewaithe, John Montgomery, and William Henderson, who are hereby appointed commissioners for the purposes in this act mentioned. On the question, 'Will the House agree to the same?' it was agreed to - yeas 64, nays 6. 155 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The fifth section of the said bill being under consideration, viz: SECT. 5. And be it further enacted, &c., That prior to the 1st day of December, 1798, the whole of the ground and all the buildings in the city of Philadelphia, the property of this state, shall be sold under the direction of the aforesaid commissioners. Passed - yeas 36, nays 33. And the said bill having been fully considered by sections, on the question, 'Shall the bill pass?' it was agreed to - yeas 36, nays 34. so the bill passed, and was sent to the Senate, which body refused to concur." "An act making provision for the removal of the seat of government of this Commonwealth, and the offices attached to the same, from the city of Philadelphia to Wright's Ferry, on the Susquehanna," also passed the House of Representatives in March, 1798, but was non-concurred in by the Senate. HARRISBURG DURING THE SECOND WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. The citizens of Harrisburg and its vicinity, in 1812, emulated the patriotic spirit of their ancestors in the French, Indian and Revolutionary wars, by quickly responding to the call of their country, and rallying around the standard of "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights," in opposition to British aggression. MUSTER ROLLS OF VOLUNTEERS FROM HARRISBURG AND VICINITY. We give the muster rolls of the several companies of volunteers from Harrisburg and Dauphin county who rendezvoused at York on this occasion, and from thence were marched to the defence of Baltimore. 156 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Capt. Thomas Walker's company, First Regiment, commanded by Col. Kennedy: Thomas Walker, Capt. Daniel Miller, John Jontz, Charles Still, Lieut. Jacob Zollinger, Samuel Wunder, C. Gleim, Ensign. Philip Lawyer, C. Carson, *Jno. M. Forster, Serg. Michael Fields, James Jackson, William Allison, " Robert J. Skinner, Isaac Maguire, George Beatty, " George F. Koehler, Samuel Himmelright, John Frazer, " John Kunkel, George Ockerman, John Fisher, Corporal. Alex. J. H. Jackson, Robert Stephenson, William Bryan, " A. W. Gleason, Thomas Minshall, Richard Adams, " James Officer, Robert B. Wilkins, George Boyer, " Samuel Henry, Jacob Steinman, Jacob Dubbs, drummer. Charles Durang, C. Heichel, Samuel Holman, fifer. Ferdinand Durang, P. Martin, George Stine, " George Cole, Frederick Hyneman, **John Roberts, G. C. Moyer, Jacob Winnagle, John Young, Joseph Stroman, Samuel Smith, Ludwig Ressing, John E. Williams, Charles Hinckley, John H. Kroberger, Joseph Jackson, Henry Antes, Martin Good, Jacob Kuhn, W. Fulton, George J. Heisely, Austin Ball, James Montgomery, M. Rupley, Henry Wilson, John Shott, Jacob Rahm, Jacob Bauchman, James Mitchell, A. Anderson, Jacob M. Awl, A. S. Dearmond, John Sheffy, Ezekiel Shelcut, Henry M'Kinney, John Zearing, John Sample, Robert Dickey, John Deemer, William Harper, David Harris, Jacob Meck, Joshua Elder, John A. Stehley, John Stahl, William M'Bay, Isaac Updegrove, Hugh M'Ilwaine, Fred. Zimmerman, Ellis Updegrove, Jacob Slough, John L. Wallis, Abm. Funk, J. C. Wright, Plunkett Crabb, William Cowhick. M. Wain, *Promoted to Brigade Major. ** Promoted to 1st Sergeant, in place of John M. Forster, Brigade Major. 157 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Capt. R. M. Crain's company, First Regiment, commanded by Col. Kennedy: R. M. Crain, Captain. John Shannon, Robert Graham, Joel Bailey, 1st Lieut. Thomas White, Michael Lebkicher, G. Caruthers, 2d " George Myer, John Search, Alex. M. Piper, 1 Serg. Thomas Barnett, John Conner, R. T. Jacobs, 2 " Nicholas Hitzelberger, Jacob R. Stine, Jas. R. Boyd, 3 " Henry Leak, Samuel Boyer, Jos. C. Laveille,4 " Peter Krum, Alex. Graydon, Jr., Jno. Benjamin, 1 Corp. Jonathan Heister, Marcus Vanderslice, George Taylor, 2 " Joseph Wallace, Matthew Ferguson, Jacob Elder, 3 " Henry Smith, John Smith, John Walborn, 4 " Luther Reily, Henry Blake, D. Krause, drummer. Henry H. Burr, Jacob Knepley, Jacob Pool, fifer. William George, John Swoyer, John Mitchell, Michael Daugherty, Jacob Kunkel, Francis R. Shunk, Thomas Kurtz, William Robertson, John M. Willis, Thomas S. Mitchell, Thomas Brown, Elisha Brotherton, William S. Findlay, John Lebo, John Wilson, Samuel Shoch, Charles Kimmel, Perry C. Nabb, Nathaniel Ewing, John Keighler, John Beisel, George Gongwher, Truman Bostwick, Henry C. Sheirman, John M. Barnett, Samuel Capp, John Keller, Andrew Vanbuskirk, John Fleck, Richard T. Leech, George Adams, Jacob Hoyer, John B. Thompson, Joseph Youse, William Newel, John Rodney, John Shrier, William Boyer, Jacob Gleim, Samuel Harris, William Reily, Wm. M. Carson, Samuel Wienman, George Cochran, George Eicholtz, James Murphy, William Barnett. Capt. John Carother's company, First Regiment, commanded by Col. Kennedy: John Carothers, Capt. John Carns, 2 " John Wingert, 3 " John Horning, 1 Lieut. I. Tomlinson, 3 " Wm. Burton, 4 " Hen. Crangle, 2 " J. Emerson, 4 " Michael Capp, Thomas Orr, Ensign, Eras. Hooper, 1 Corp. Jacob Miller, John Lyne, 1 Serg. M'Nair Wilson, 2 " Michael Machon, 158 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Philip Stimmel, Jacob Elwell, Frederick Peek, Nicholas Stiff, Henry Morningstaff, Joseph Keller, Jacob Kentzel, Jacob Philiger, Arthur Moore, Henry Geistweite, John Morningstaff, Benjamin Bevens, George Sellers, Wm. Brigle, Samuel Keller, William Harrison, John Hasselbaugh, Benedict Singer, Joseph M'Vannen, James M'Cowen, Joseph Henry, George Nagle, Daniel Housman, John Brown, Jacob Kline, Caleb Musser, John Martin, James Floyd, John Krebb, Rudolph Mulhollan, John K. Peacock, John Neckle, Daniel M'Cristal, John Robinson, Robert Barr, Jonathan M'Bride, Norman Callender, Wm. M'Glaughlin, Joseph Walhaven. George Shott, Patrick Kirk, Capt. Jeremiah Rees' company, Fifth Battalion militia, commanded by Lieut. Col. Daniel Lefever: [This company marched from Berks county to York under the command of Capt. Fisher, who from sickness or some other cause resigned. Capt. Rees was transferred to the company from the one afterwards commanded by Capt. Knight.] Jeremiah Rees, Capt. Henry Bardoff, Samuel Matthew, Conrad Knepley, Lieut. John Forry, Adam Hayne, James Dill, Ensign. John Mell, Jacob Reiggle, Jr. P. Etchberger, Serg. Andrew Cernand, John Katerman, Daniel Deal, " Adam Briggle, Daniel Reedy, Philip German, " John Coleman, Henry Seetz, Henry Kendall, " John Strong, Daniel Kliner, John Hosler, Michael Fisher, Jacob Shingler, Conrad Spats, Henry Miller, Michael Keith, Anthony Katerman, George Null, George Laird, John Misseman, Henry Foltz, Daniel Deckart, Adam Griss, Peter Newman, David Bridegrum, Samuel Gable, Joseph Rutter, Peter Krick, Peter Shall, Jacob Null, Frederick Fisher, George Lutz, John Dam, Jacob Reiggle, Sr. Michael Troutman, William Nipple, Henry Fidler, John Haun, Jacob Reed, John Foust, Lawrence Solliday, Jacob Wolf, John Fryberger, 159 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Samuel Dirgler, Rudolph Stoner, John Feag, John Draffenbach, Daniel Heipner, Henry Zimmerman. Henry Doughbert, Henry Metz, Capt. Thomas M'Ilhenny's company, Second Regiment, commanded by Col. Ritcher: Thos. M'Ilhenny, Cap. John Swier, Henry Blecker, Thos. Finney, Lieut. Patrick M'Kinty, John Wolf, John Berry, Ensign. George White, Daniel Fegan, Henry Wolver, fifer. Christopher Leib, James Johnston, John Jamison, Serg. Frederick Bulman, Benjamin Mengle, John Strock, " John Tice, John Miller, David Fishburn, " Peter Staufer, Henry Moyer, Jacob Ruff, " John Fortney, John Young, Wm. Hamilton, Corp. Benjamin Noaker, Henry Cope, Mich. Speck, " Jacob Deel, Frederick Bush, Jacob Painter, " Jacob Moyer, Martin Funk, Jacob Denius, " John Harrison, John Luton, Sam'l Reeser, Christian Early, Jacob Ulrich, Henry Hetsenhiser, John Baseford, Philip Netenoun, John Bassler, Henry Basor, Patrick M'Kinney, Michael Moyer, Henry Smith, Jacob Keller, Jacob Getz, Daniel Kuntzman, George Horner, Peter Spangler, Samuel Roody, Frederick Nagle, Christian Sponhoot, Warner Olewine, Henry Dasher, John Brownewell, Enoch Riter, James Beard, Philip Katerman, George Robison, Frederick Plestley, John Rowland, John Bright, John Lance, Adam Basor, John Himes, Frederick Stuky, George Wittemeyer, Henry Harvy, Adam Nigh, John Switzer, John Yingst, Henry Frankford, John Keyley, Martin Swigert, George Pallum. James M'Laughlin, John Baylor, Capt. Peter Snyder's company, Second Regiment, commanded by Col. Ritcher: Peter Snyder, Captain. Jos. Hummel, 1 Serg. John Leehigh, 4 Serg. Benj. Bonawit, Lieut. Christ. Spayd, 2 " David Manley, 1 Corp. Robt. Moody, Ensign. John Snyder, 3 " Geo. Heathorn, 2 " 160 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Josh. Heppick, 3 Corp. David Etteler, Peter Burket, M.Hargleslager,4 " John Conrad, Godfrey Snyder, John Waltz, drum maj. Charles Hughes, Peter Seiler, Sol. Hayes, fife maj. George Jontz, John Stine, Jr., John Bule, Michael Gross, George Stine, Michael Cassel, Frederick Cassel, Michael Fritz, Jacob Brown, William Curry, Philip Zarver, Abraham Eversole, Daniel Bollinger, Michael Souser, Michael Waltz, George Critzen, Henry Eckler, Jacob Hostler, George Remley, John Belleman, Robert Conogom, William Strouse, Jonathan Priegle, John M'Elrath, Laurantz Alberty, John Deel, Peter Hedrick, Jacob Bollinger, Henry Ebbert, John Wolf, Henry Harrow, John Lunkinbill, Jacob Andrew, John Albright, Martin Felty, James Wright, John Boyer, Jacob Winter, David Weirich, John Smith, John Nigh, David Mosey, John Batdorf, Michael Kramer, James Grundon, Jacob Hite, Richard Hays, John Sawyer, John Shaffer, Benjamin Zerver, John Duncan, David Moyer, Christ. Karp, fifer. Frederick Hummel, George Shaffer, P. Youngblood, drum. Michael Hemperly, Capt. John B. Morehead's company, First Regiment, commanded by Col. Kennedy: J. B. Morehead, Capt. John Cromwell, John Gilchrist, Jno. Manley, Lieut. William Twig, Andrew Stephen, David Hebel, Ensign. Thomas H. Moore, Joseph Starrett, Jno. M'Cord, 1 Serg. Joseph Wheeler, Andrew Welsh, Det. Fishburn, 2 " John Welsh, Matthew B. Cowden, Simon Louer, 3 " William Wilson, Allen Sturgeon, Wm. Hamill, 4 " Benj. Myer, John Haverstick, Wm. M'Cord, 1 Corp. Samuel Pearson, Joseph Simmons, F. Drummond, 2 " John Wallace, David Espey, Thos. M'Nair, 3 " John Pollock, David Unger, Thos. Ramsey, 4 " Jacob Barr, John F. Brown, Andrew Frazer, Edward Shannon, George Enghst, Robert Moorhead, James Cowden, Thos. M'Kissick, 161 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. John W. Simonton, Geo. W. Forster, Archibald E. Burnet, Jacob Zhent, Henry Holtman, Jacob Enk, Robert Sturgeon, John Cross, Reuben Collins. Capt. James Todd's company, Second Regiment, commanded by Col. Ritcher: James Todd, Captain. Peter Enghst, George Lutz, John Ward, Lieut. James Martin, George Binner, Henry Winter, Ensign. James Morton, Daniel Loas, John M'Quig, 1 Serg Robert Snodgrass, Jacob Brown, John Fox, 2 " Benj. Hoofnagh, John Yonker, W. M'Creight, 3 " John Wolf, Benjamin Weiser, Simon Duey, 4 " John Hileman, John Fauver, John Martin, 1 Corp. John Meese, George Knoll, George Fisler, 2 " Jacob Walburn, Andrew Wanner, Samuel Todd, 3 " Conrad Kyzer, Peter Goodman, Sam. Johnston, 4 " George Shark, John Walburn, W. Bumbarger, drum. George Fomwold, Conrad Mouray, Samuel Winter, fifer. Dewald Feesick, Henry Walburn, Henry Spitler, George Painter, John Secondeorst, Samuel O'Bryan, David Welkman, Henry Kock, Philip Hunsicker, John Hedrick, Christ. Hasinger, Caspar Lumsing, John Folmer, Conrad Hoover, John Winter, Henry Stoner, George Pruss, John Albert, George Wolmer, John Pruss, John Houser, Peter Kremer, John Dibbins, George Farling, Jacob Beck, George Failor, Peter Beshore, Felix Light, Adam Shaffer, David Tood, John Klick, George Felty, John Hoofnagh, Jacob Emerick, John Simon. Capt. Richard Knight's company, First Regiment, commanded by Col. Kennedy: [This company marched from Harrisburg to York under the command of Capt. Jeremiah Rees, who at that place was transferred as previously stated. Capt. Knight marched the company to Baltimore, when from some cause he relinquished the command to his first lieutenant, Philip Cline.] 162 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Richard Knight, Capt. Jno. Wilson, Samuel Saul, Philip Cline, Lieut. Michael Strain, Jacob Wolf, Geo. Roberts, Ensign. Samuel Henning, Samuel Wetsell, Josh. M'Connell,Serg. John Rhoads, Henry Myers, John Carson, " Henry Miller, Joseph Lightner, Jonathan Balsley, " Wm. Smith, Jno. Books, Mathias Croll, " George Grey, Jno. Yenks, John Johnston, Corp. Jno. Zimmerman, Geo. Miller, Peter Swartz, " Jacob Shroy, Wm. Patrick, H. Rightmyer, " George Wise, Jno. Ealey, R. Updegrove, " Samson Hains, Jacob Fisler, Geo. Hammon, Peter Mooney, Martin Lease, Abram Saul, Abraham Swartz, Jacob Baker, Wm. Onks, Jno. B. Lawsen, Hugh Wade, David Weaver, Henry Miller, Wm. Mileisen, Andrew Hamen, Jacob Cassel, Peter Real, Michael J. Senheda, Samuel M'Intire, Peter B. Lansen, Wm. Orth, Jas. Killhoon, George Myers, Andrew Herrof, Wm. Killhoon, Wm. Miller, Ludwick Bretz, Daniel Shell, Christian Capp, Jno. Garverich, George Urich, James Duncan, Philip Gaul, Daniel Bowman, Wm. Duncan, Capt. John Elder's company, First Regiment, commanded by Col. Kennedy: John Elder, Captain. Adam Reed, John Stoler, William Reed, Lieut. Jacob Stall, Daniel Umpehouer, H. W. Conrad, Ensign. Jacob Stengle, Abraham Bates, Jacob Stouch, Serg. John Brown, Martin Walborn, Daniel Hess, " John Stub, Henry Deater, Jacob Walborn, " Daniel Schoch, Peter Dinger, George Shive, " Christian Neyswinder, Benj. Bartow, John Regel, Corporal. Henry Gebbhard, John Snyder, George Christ, " John Aman, John Hide, John Miller, " John West, Valentine Banney, Henry Reinoehl," Abraham Shaffer, Peter Weaver, Conrad Shrefler, Philip Whitman, Michael Miller, Sr., George Wolheber, John Wenrick, John Dubb, John Snyder, John Shaffer, John Haag, 163 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. John Lebauch, Michael Trane, Philip Wilhelm, Jacob Rohrer, John Bender, Andrew Schrick, John Hontz, Michael Miller, Samuel Shade, Jr., Michael Haverling, John Werts, Peter Lutz, Henry Bare, Jacob Liminger, Jon. Zethman, Abraham Keefer, Jacob Shade, Jacob Rouch, John Bonewitz, Daniel Aman, Philip Schwalm. Capt. Isaac Smith's company, Rifle Battalion, commanded by Major Hamilton: Isaac Smith, Capt. Frederick Frank, Isaac Rutter, Michael Lentz, Lieut. Christian Peters, Joseph Urich, N. Buchanan, " Peter Marsh, George Lentz, John Taylor, Ensign, Michael Bower, Grey Hilliard, Thomas Black, Serg. Daniel Wilson, Peter Biting, George Taylor, " John Black, George Zinn, James Freeburn, " Peter Chub, David Swigard, Henry Sheafer, " John Miller, John Noblit, Wilson Fuller, Corp. William Loge, John Lingafelter, Abm. Freed, musician. Adam Beacht, Adam Bower, Samuel Hummel, " Abraham Jurey, Jacob Gray, Thomas Freeburn, Daniel Heckerd George Jurey, John Clark, Daniel Lewer, Samuel Huston, John Reed, Casper Heckerd, Philip Cline. Jacob Bower, Capt. Philip Fedderhoff's company, Second Regiment, commanded by Col. Ritcher: P. Fedderhoff, Capt. John Franklin, John Frank, Thos. Woodside, Lieut. Frederick Foight, George Dunckel, John Shife, Ensign. William Elliott, Adam Lawdermilk, J. Baughman, 1 Serg. Adam Frantz, Christian Lower, Peter Wenner, 2 " George Matter, Jacob Werfel, John Winn, 3 " Peter Yeats, Jacob Pouel, G. Fedderhoff, 4 " George Cooper, Jacob Boardner, Henry Frank, 1 Corp. Dennis Harding, Jacob Harman, Philip Enders, 2 " John Werth, Stophel Yeager, Jas. Howard, 3 " Joseph Shoop, Henry Neece, John Hoffman, 4 " Philip Umberger, Peter Willier, 164 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Jac. Yeager, William Miller, Benj. Keiter, David Feagely, Daniel Fleisher, John Reickhart, Lewis Imshoffstall, Peter Minich, Thomas Shartis, Peter Ritzman, Lewis Powel, Henry Metz, Peter Rumberger, John Weise, Henry Umholtz, Daniel Harman, Jonathan Woodside, Peter Hoffman, Peter Reist, Conrad Cempel, Daniel Ossman, Henry Hiebsher, Michael Lankart, Henry Koch, George Weaver, James Gardner, Isaac Novinger, Jeremiah Shawbell, Abraham Bicksler, Reuben Ossman, Jacob Shoop, Jacob Dunckel, Henry Shay, John Ritzman, Daniel Shupp, Jacob Byrod, drum. Philip Shut, William Snyder, Jacob Anderson, George Lebo, John Dunckel, Henry Vesley. Jacob Houge, John Novinger, Capt. Gawen Henry's company, Rifle Battalion, commanded by Major Hamilton: Gawen Henry, Capt. Edward Hughes, George Hiney, Wm. Thomas. Lieut. Alexander Lytle, Peter Miller, Adam Ross, Ensign, William Gibson, John Porter, Dennis Hawes, 1 Serg. Conrad Nichols, Wendel Baumgardner, Abm. Crosley, 2 " Thomas Ridge, Thomas Fulton, Alex. Glasgow,3 " Adam Wilhelm, Samuel Geistweit, W. M'Courdy, 4 " Thomas Best, Joseph Geistweit, Chr. Swayer, 1 Corp. George Lefever, John Ferguson, John Newman, 2 " James Ramsey, Daniel Baker, Mord. Boone, 3 " John Bryon, William Weaver, E. T. James, 4 " Samuel Carson, George Rupley, Henry Isett, drum. John Over, George Flasher, Thos. Byron, fifer, David Over, Peter Burns, John Midlem, William Wade, James Campbell, Joseph Midlem, Aaron Lukens, William Meilim, Griffeth Greene, Jesse Lukens, Samuel Reem, Henry Erles, Joseph Lukens, George Fair, Andrew Johnston, Henry Moyer, William Scott, James Brickley, Philip Kunkle, Jacob Shirts, Albert Winegardner, John Crook, William Baxter, John Winegardner, John Berryman, Benj. Murphy, 165 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. Jacob Heiser, Thomas Blake, James White, Daniel Thomas, Thomas Woods, Henry Wanmaher, John Price, Joseph Finurty, Isaac Caselott, George Wiant, James Peling, George Sheffer, John Cohick, John Waggoner, Archibald M'Neal, James Murray, John Linton, Lewis Dheble, Peter Aubert, James M'Namee, Jonathan Jones, King Reed, Henry C. Moyer, Robert Scott. The following is a list of the principal field officers of the First Brigade, of which the above companies formed a part: Brigadier General - John Forster. Aid - Amos Ellmaker. Brigade Inspector - Christian Spayd. Brigade Major - John M. Forster. Paymaster, appointed by the State previous to the troops being mustered into service - Robert Harris. Paymaster under United States Government - Chris. Gleim. THE CITIZENS REJOICING. On Wednesday evening, October 15th, 1813, the citizens of Harrisburg manifested the high sense they entertained of Commodore Perry's gallant achievement on Lake Erie, by the firing of cannon, a handsome display of sky-rockets, and a splendid illumination of the houses. The windows in front of the State House (Court House building) were ornamented with elegant transparencies, emblematic of the glorious event, and for a while party feeling gave place to the generous glow of patriotic enthusiasm. General Harrison's victory at the battle of the Thames river was also celebrated by the citizens of the borough with every testimony of heartfelt joy. A piece of artillery was put on board of a flat- bottomed boat, from which nineteen rounds were fired as it floated past the town. A number of sky-rockets were likewise fired from the middle pier of the Harrisburg bridge, which produced a very handsome effect. 166 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. FIRES IN 1813. Two very disastrous fires occurred in the town during the months of March and May of 1813. The first broke out about 1 o'clock in the morning of the 14th of the former month, in a stable belonging to William Graydon, Esq., situated on River alley, between Chestnut and Market streets. Owing to the combustible materials of which the stable was constructed, the fire progressed with astonishing rapidity; and notwithstanding the exertions of the citizens and wetness of the morning, its course was not arrested until it had destroyed the following property: A stable belonging to Joshua Elder; one belonging to John M. Price, of Philadelphia; one belonging to Henry Fulton, of Pittsburg; one belonging to William Graydon, in which it originated. Several adjacent buildings were in imminent danger, but were saved by the exertions of the citizens and members of the Legislature. The second fire originated about sunrise on the 4th of the latter month, in a stable occupied by Mr. Miller, innkeeper, situated in River alley, between Chestnut and Market streets, and adjoining the spot where the previous fire was arrested. This fire consumed the following buildings: A new brick building belonging to John Fager, hatter; a stable belonging to Henry Isett, of Greensburg, where it originated; three stables belonging to George Hoyer, merchant, in the occupancy of himself, Adam Coover, innkeeper, and Mr. Miller, innkeeper; a stable of William Murray, merchant; a stable of Dr. Martin Luther; a stable of Moses Musgrave; all of which had more or less of flour and provender therein, which was entirely consumed. The Bank and many other valuable houses were at one time in imminent danger. It was the work of an incendiary. The fire department at this period consisted of the "Union" and "Friendship" engines. 167 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. FIRES IN 1819. "FIRE. - On Wednesday morning last, about the dawn of day, a fire broke out in this borough, at the corner of Front and Mulberry streets, and the adjacent buildings being in a very combustible state, it was not got under until six dwelling houses and several stables were reduced to ashes. Providentially the morning was uncommonly calm, and what little wind there was stirring, was chiefly in a direction towards the river, otherwise, in all probability, the destruction would have been immense. The principal sufferers by the fire were: Valentine Egle, the corner (tavern) house; Joseph J. Marshall, mercer and tailor, whose loss is severe; the next was the house occupied by David Wilmot, as a grocery store, which, with a considerable share of its contents, was destroyed; and, melancholy to relate, Mr. Wilmot himself, in the act of shoving some bulky articles of furniture out of the second story window, became entangled with it, or lost his balance, and was precipitated on the pavement. His skull was fractured, and he survived but about two hours. Mr. W. was a man of excellent moral character, and all who knew him were his friends. He has left a disconsolate widow, in a precarious state of health, to deplore the loss of an excellent husband, whose departure is rendered doubly afflicting by its suddenness and the circumstances attending it. Mr. W. was interred in the Presbyterian burial ground yesterday morning, with Masonic honors, in the presence of a large assemblage of the citizens of Harrisburg. Mrs. Hess (widow) and Mr. Samuel Sees, tailor, were the last in the order of sufferers, but we have not learned the extend of their loss. Mr. Sees, we understand, saved the most of his property. Mrs. Hess, it is said, beside the loss of her house, was a loser in personal property to a considerable amount. Whether the fire originated from design or accident remains unknown." - Harrisburg Republican, July 16, 1819. 168 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. HARRISBURG CANAL. In the winter of 1822-3, an act of Assembly was passed, entitled "An act to enable the Governor to incorporate a company for making a canal and lock navigation on the waters of the Susquehanna, near the borough of Harrisburg, with power to the said company to supply the said borough with water and to insure against fire." The law contemplated that the water for the canal should be taken from the Susquehanna, near Stoney creek, about eight miles north-west of the borough, and was to be discharged at the mouth of Paxton creek. The objects to be attained were, "water power for manufactories, and the construction of reservoirs for supplying the town with wholesome water for domestic use and extinguishing fires." The gentlemen named in the act met at the house of Mr. Gleim, in Harrisburg, on the 3d of December, 1825, and organized by appointing the following officers: President - John Forster; Managers - John Zinn, John S. Weistling, C. Gleim, Samuel Pool, John Ritchey, Benj. Kugler, A. Bombaugh, and Valentine Hummel; Treasurer - Thos. Whiteside; Secretary - John Roberts. L. Baldwin, Esq., of Boston, was engaged as Engineer, who made a survey of the route, and located the canal. A large portion of the subscription to the stock of the company had been taken, but not all paid in, when the Legislature authorized the construction of the State canal, which was located over the route of that occupied by the Harrisburg canal, and which consequently extinguished the rights of the company owning the latter. THE SHAKSPEARE HOUSE. This building, situated at the corner of Locust street and Raspberry alley, now occupied by the Harrisburg Female Semi- 169 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. nary, was erected in the year 1822, by the late John Wyeth, father of John and Francis Wyeth, still residing here. The architect was John Hills, a son of Stephen Hills, who constructed the public buildings. He threw up the contract, however, before the building was completed, and it was finished by another architect. The building is about one hundred feet long by fifty feet wide, and originally contained in the basement story, beside a capacious cellar, six large and commodious rooms, for kitchens and private apartments, suitable for a restaurant. The second story had thirteen rooms, including a large dining room, with an entry through the house. The story above had a large ballroom, thirty by twenty-seven feet, and a number of smaller rooms, with a theatre and stage, capable of holding six hundred persons. The first person who opened the building for hotel purposes was Thomas Wallace, who had been an officer of the Legislature. The first theatrical performances in the building were under the direction of Mr. H. A. Williams, of Philadelphia. His lease of the theatre continued for two years, and among his performers were his wife, Miss Carter, Messrs. Morrison, Mathews, Blissit, Hughes, Simonds, and Anderson. We are indebted to a friend for the following extract of a letter from an aged and now prominent citizen of New York city, who in 1827 performed in this theatre, under the name of "Tancred." It relates an incident with which our old citizens may be familiar: "Chagrined and disappointed in not 'dying on a field of battle,' I left the editorial chair and betook myself to the stage, by invitation of the manager at Harrisburg, in the month of January, 1827. Here I appeared under favorable auspices, and in a couple of months took a benefit, producing a piece of my own getting up - an old story I had read being dramatized for the occasion. The older stagers had taken their benefits, and had 170 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. but slim houses. The novelty of 'the first time on any stage of Tancred,' and to be represented before the assembled wisdom of the State - the Legislature being in session at the time - occasioned a crowded house of the beauty, fashioned and elite of the capital. The curtain rose upon a piece entitled 'Family Jars;' my maiden effort was to crown the evening's entertainment. The jealousy of the older stagers was at the highest pitch at the good appearance of the 'front.' Never before was the Harrisburg Theatre so crowded. A conspiracy was set on foot by four of the actors, and they at once determined to blast, or in theatrical parlance, 'd__n the piece and its author.' Fortunately, however, I had provided a large portion of the audience with printed copies of my play, in three acts, and the conspiracy was discovered by them as well as by myself. These four actors spoke anything but the author's words, and by every effort endeavored to ridicule the affair. At the end of the second act I, who was performing the principal character of the play, stepped before the drop curtain, and, in an appropriate manner, begged the indulgence of the house, and spoke of the wrongs under which I was suffering; and added, that all who chose should receive their tickets from the door-keeper, and present them at the box office, where they would receive their money back. A universal shout of 'no! no!' 'go on! go on!' was the only response; and, bowing in humble acknowledgment of their kindness, I retired through the stage door, and was immediately attacked by the four ruffianly conspirators - one with a drawn sword, who gave a well-nigh fatal cut on my head. In the excitement, the ladies on the stage screamed with terror - the curtain was run up instanter, and I crossed the stage, a bleeding, ghastly figure, and fell from loss of blood at the opposite wing. The terror spread throughout the house, and a grasping of shawls and bonnets, of hats and a rush for the doors, was the result. With commendable praise, two gallant surgeons who were in the house, and who were my 171 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. friends, rushed upon the stage to my rescue. I was removed to one of the dressing rooms, where my wounds were cared for, and by four o'clock the next morning I was restored to consciousness. One of the assailants fled across the Susquehanna bridge in his stage dress, and the remaining were seized by the police and placed in durance. Three days after, I left them off on leg bail. The manager pocketed the funds of the night, and waited a week - then put up bills for a benefit of the favorite lady of the corps; but it was 'no go.' Not a single ticket could be sold; and this was the last attempt at a theatrical performance in that theatre. It was afterwards converted into a large hotel, called the Shakspeare." GEN. LA FAYETTE IN HARRISBURG. On Sunday, the 30th of January, 1825, notice was received that Gen. La Fayette and suite were on their way to Harrisburg; whereupon Messrs. Hawkins and Baker, of the joint committee of the Legislature, and M. C. Rogers, Esq., Secretary of the Commonwealth, proceeded from town in carriages towards York, by the way of Middletown, for the purpose of meeting the General's party. Dinner was prepared for them at Middletown, and an outrider sent forward to ascertain if the General was upon that road. At about half-past ten, the General, accompanied by his son, George Washington La Fayette, and secretary, Gen. Spangler, Col. Spangler, and Dr. King, a committee deputed to escort him from York, were received at Middletown, and took dinner. At about five o'clock they arrived in Harrisburg, and were hailed by the expecting crowd with great enthusiasm. The General and suite were then escorted to the Governor's residence, in consequence of an invitation which had been forwarded to him for that purpose. A committee from the Dauphin cavalry waited on the Gen- 172 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. eral at the Governor's, and tendered a renewal of their respects paid to him in Philadelphia, as the Governor's late escort to that city. He recognized them, and informed them it would give him great pleasure to see them all at his lodgings that evening. After which the members of the troop, who resided in town generally, with many other citizens, paid their respects to him, and were highly delighted. He remained at the Governor's that night, and on the next morning he was waited upon by the legislative committee of arrangements, on behalf of whom Mr. Hawkins welcomed the General to the seat of government in a neat and feeling address, to which the General made a happy response. About eleven o'clock he was conducted to the Executive Chamber in the Capitol, where the greater part of the members of the Legislature and many others were introduced to him. A little after ten o'clock the members of the Harrisburg bar waited upon him in a body, when George Fisher, Esq, on their behalf, made an appropriate address, to which the General replied. At two o'clock he returned to the Governor's residence; and at eight o'clock in the evening he visited Perseverance Lodge of Masons, and remained there about a quarter of an hour. On Tuesday, at twelve o'clock, he was conducted again to the Capitol, escorted by a corps of dragoons, under the command of Major Forster, and companies of volunteers from the counties of Cumberland, Lebanon and Dauphin, and the firemen of the borough. His arrival at the Capitol was announced by a salute of thirteen guns, under the direction of Lieut. Weise, of Carlisle. He was introduced to the Senate by Mr. Hawkins, and the Speaker welcomed him by a beautiful address, to which the General made an appropriate reply. He was then invited to a seat at the Speaker's right hand, and presently afterwards the Senate adjourned. A number of gentlemen and ladies were then introduced to him. 173 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. At one o'clock he was introduced to the House of Representatives by Mr. Baker, when the Speaker, Gen. Sutherland, welcomed him by an eloquent address, commencing as follows: "Dear General - About half a century ago, one of the purest of the patriots of the Revolution, the venerable John Hancock, occupied the chair from which you have just risen." To which the General returned an appropriate reply, commencing as follows: "Mr. Speaker and gentlemen of the House of Representatives - Amidst the patriotic recollections which the sight of the presidential chair of my venerable friend John Hancock could not fail to excite, and which have been described by you, Mr. Speaker, in a manner adequate to the sublime theme, it is hardly permitted to indulge private remembrances; yet, encouraged as I am by the kindness of this House in my behalf, I beg leave to acknowledge before you the emotions connected with the thought that from this chair also he signed my early admission as a soldier in the American army." He was then invited to a seat at the Speaker's right hand, and presently afterwards the House adjourned. At two o'clock he was waited upon by the students of Dickinson College with an address, to which he replied. About three o'clock he returned, escorted as before, to the Governor's. At four o'clock a subscription dinner was given to the General at Matthew Wilson's Hotel, by a number of the members of the Legislature, at which his Excellency the Governor, the Heads of Department, Judge Gibson, George W. La Fayette, the committee from York, a few veterans of the Revolution, and a number of the residents of the borough were present. Mr. Speaker Marks presided. The most cordial hilarity prevailed on the occasion. At the particular request of the General, "Hail Columbia" was sung by himself and the whole company 174 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. standing. After the cloth was removed, a number of patriotic toasts were given, among which was the following: "Gen. La Fayette. - Our fathers hailed him as a defender; we rejoice to welcome him as a guest." The General rose, and after having expressed to the members of the Legislature the grateful sense he had of their kind welcome, gave the following toast: "The State of Pennsylvania. - First founded upon the basis of justice and philanthropy, now governed by universal suffrage on the unalloyed principle of equal rights; may it long preserve these dignified and fruitful blessings." The Governor and Gen. La Fayette retired about eight o'clock, and the company presently afterwards broke up. The students of Shoop's school, situated about three miles from the borough, sent a written patriotic address to the General, which was handed to him at his lodgings; to which the General replied a few days after by letter from Washington. On Wednesday morning the volunteers were paraded in Market Square, and reviewed by the General, supported by the Governor, after which they saluted him at his quarters. At eleven o'clock he took his departure for York, accompanied by his suite, two of the committee of arrangements of the Legislature, and the Secretary of the Commonwealth. IMPROVING THE NAVIGATION OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. As previously shown, public attention was first directed to the importance of removing the obstructions and improving the navigation of the Susquehanna river as early as the year 1795. The Legislature, however, appears to have taken no definite action in relation to the matter until March, 1823, at which time an act was passed for the improvement of the river from Northumberland to tide-water, and appointing Jabez Hyde, Jr., 175 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. John M'Means, and Samuel L. Wilson, commissioners to superintend the work. These commissioners, in a report made to the Legislature, January 14, 1828, state: "That the contracts entered into for the improvement of the navigation of the Susquehanna river, between the town of Columbia and tide, is nearly completed, and when the residue is finished, they believe all will be done that is necessary to perfect the descending navigation between said points. Crafts will then be able to descent from Columbia to the head of the Maryland canal carrying from fifty to sixty tons, at a stage of water at which, previous to the improvements, they could not arrive at the latter place with more than one-half that quantity." "The commissioners further report, on the improvements of the river between the towns of Columbia and Northumberland, that the unfinished contracts of the years 1825 and 1826 are completed, but will not be of that infinite advantage until further improvements are made to correspond with those already finished, the Legislature having suspended the appropriation for the past year." The total amount of expenditures made by the commissioners for the improvement of the river from the town of Columbia to the town of Northumberland, up to January 14, 1828, as stated in the report, was $1,201 50, and that for improving the river between the town of Columbia and tide-water, to the same period, $14,323 37, making the sum total of $15,524 87.