HISTORY: Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia, Chapter 4, Dauphin County, PA 

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, pages 33-45.
_______________________________________________________________ 

DAUPHIN COUNTY.  33

                              CHAPTER IV.
                                        
                  Historical Resume' from 1785 to 1896.

  For the part taken by Dauphin county (which was then a part of 
Lancaster county) in the struggle for Independence, our readers must 
refer to those volumes of the Second Series of Pennsylvania Archives, 
which comprise a history of the Pennsylvania Line, the Associators and 
the militia, in the war of the Revolution, from 1775 to 1783.  The 
rolls of many of the companies which went out from this section and 
participated in the sanguinary conflicts and which achieved the 
independence of their country, are, we are glad to say, nearly 
complete.  At that period the entire country was so bare of men that 
the old men, women and the lads of ten and twelve years, not only did 
the planting and harvesting, but took up arms to defend their homes in 
the threatened invasion by Indians and Tories after the massacre of 
Wyoming.  A great majority of those who served from Paxtang, Derry, 
Hanover, Upper Paxtang and Londerry were styled Associators, officered 
by those of their own choosing, and serving short terms of duty, as 
called upon by the Supreme Executive Council.  At Trenton, at 
Princeton, at Brandywine, at Germantown, at the Crooked Billet and the 
Paoli, the militia of Dauphin county fought and bled and died.  A 
glance at their names even shows a long line of heroes, whose brilliant 
achievements shed an undying glory on the patriotism of this section of 
Lancaster county in the war of the Revolution. 
  With the dawn of peace, the people of the county returned to their 
usual avocations.  Civil affairs were taken cognizance of, and 
movements were at once made to secure the formation of a new county, 
with Harrisburg as the seat of justice.  By the act of assembly of 
March 4, 1785, the county of Dauphin was separated from Lancaster, its 
name derived from the eldest son of the then king of the French - 
France at that period, in consequence of its efficient aid to the 
colonies, being uppermost in the affection of the people.  The 
enthusiasm was unbounded, and, as we shall refer to hereafter, carried 
to extreme lengths.  The name was suggested by the prime movers for the 
formation of the new county.  The seat of justice was fixed at Harris' 
Ferry, then a village of about one hundred houses, although the town 
was not actually laid out or surveyed until after the passage of the 
ordinance referred to.  In the commissions of the officers of the new 
county, the town was named Louisburgh, in honor of Louis XVI, suggested 
by Chief Justice Thomas M'Kean, not only on account of his French 
leanings, but to show his petty spite against Mr. Harris, to whom, 
somehow or other, he held political opposition.
  This act of injustice was subsequently remedied, when, on the 13th of 
April, 1791, the town was created a borough, by the name of Harrisburg.  
It was undecided for awhile whether to call the place Harris' Ferry or 
Harrisburg.  The latter, fortunately, was adopted.
  On the organization of the county, Middletown was the largest village 
in the county and strenuous efforts were made by its citizens and the 
inhabitants of the townships subsequently forming Lebanon county, to 
make it the seat of justice; while similar claims were made for the 
town of Lebanon, on account of its central location.
  The machinery of the new county was soon put into motion, the 
earliest record of whose courts reads thus:
  "At a court of quarter sessions, holden near Harris' Ferry, in and 
for the county of Dauphin," &c., on the "third Tuesday of May, in the 
year of our Lord 1785, before "Timothy Green, Samuel Jones and Jonathan 
M'Clure, Esqrs., justices of the same court."
  We may imagine the scene, in a small room in a log house near the 
"lower ferry," at Front and Vine streets, with a jury particularly 
intelligent - an excellent set of county officers, and such a bar as 
Ross, Kittera, Chambers, Hubley, James Biddle, Hanna, Andrew Dunlop, 
Reily, Collison Reed, Jasper Yeates, John Joseph Henry, Thomas Duncan 
and Thomas Smith, most of whom rose to occupy the highest positions at 
the bar or in the Senate - quite a show of famous men to start the 
judicial engine of the new county, with the net result of convicting 
William Courtenay, a descendant of one of the proudest houses of 
England, and sentencing him to eighteen lashes, fifteen shillings fine, 
and "to stand in the pillory."  This instrument of judicial vengeance 
stood about sixty yards below the grave of John Harris, the elder, or 
just above the ferry house, at the junction of Front and Paxtang 
streets.  This, doubtless, was the exact position, as two or three of 
the first courts were 

34  HISTORICAL REVIEW

held in a building on what is now the southern corner of Front street 
and Washington avenue.  There was no citizen of Harrisburg on the first 
jury, except, perhaps, Alexander Berryhill, but that is not certain.  
Col. James Cowden, of Lower Paxtang township, was the foreman of this 
grand jury.
  The sheriff of Lancaster county exercised the same office in Dauphin 
county.  The names of the jurymen were James Cowden (foreman), Robert 
Montgomery, John Gilchrist, Barefoot Brunson, John Clarke, Roan 
McClure, John Carson, John Wilson, William Crain, Archibald McAllister, 
Richard Dixon, John Parthemore, James Crouch, Jacob Awl, William Brown, 
Andrew Stewart, James Rogers, Samuel Stewart, John Cooper, Alexander 
Berryhill.  Alexander Graydon was the first prothonotary and Anthony 
Kelker the first sheriff.
  The minutes of the second court held in the town are dated at 
"Harrisburgh," and on the 3d of August, 1786, the following endorsement 
appears on the docket:  "The name of the county town, or seat of the 
courts, is altered from 'Harrisburgh' to 'Louisburgh,' in consequence 
of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth so styling it in 
the commissions of the justices of said town."
  The courts were held for several successive years in the same 
locality, but subsequently in the log house recently demolished on the 
southeast corner of Market street and Dewberry alley.  From here it was 
removed to its present location, except during the sessions of the 
Legislature from 1812 to 1822, when the court occupied the brick 
building built by the county commissioners on the corner of Walnut 
street and Raspberry alley.  The present edifice was erected in 1860.
  The act of Assembly erecting Harrisburg into a borough defined its 
limits as follows:
  "Beginning at low-water mark on the eastern shore of the Susquehanna 
river; thence by the pine-apple tree north 60 1/4 degrees, east 79 
perches, to an ash tree on the west bank of Paxton creek; thence by the 
several corners thereof 323 perches to a white hickory on William 
Maclay's line; thence by the same south 67 3/4 degrees, west 212 
perches, to a marked chestnut-oak on the eastern bank of the 
Susquehanna; thence by the same course to low-water mark to the place 
of beginning."
  The borough limits were extended by the act of the 16th of April, 
1838, as follows: "The northwestern boundary line of the borough of 
Harrisburg shall be and the same is hereby extended and enlarged as 
follows:  Extending it along the river line to the upper line of the 
land of the late William Maclay, on said river; a thence to Paxton 
creek, and thence along said creek to the northwestern corner to the 
present boundary."  Thus annexing Maclaysburg, or all the territory 
included in the borough then lying northwest of South street.
  During the so-called Whiskey Insurrection, 1794, Harrisburg became 
quite prominent, it being on the great thoroughfare to the western 
counties.  The court house was then building, and some of the 
sympathizers with the anti-excise men beyond the mountains hoisted a 
French flag on that structure.  Of course this gave offense and it was 
quietly removed.  Several arrests were made of individuals who 
expressed sympathy for the western insurgents - one of whom, Major 
Swiney, was confined in prison for nearly a year, when he was released 
without trial.  Governor Mifflin, who was an excellent stump speaker, 
made one of his characteristic addresses here, and in two days time no 
less than three companies from the town were on their march to 
Carlisle.  When Governor Howell, of New Jersey, and his brilliant staff 
remained over night, they were so hospitably entertained by the 
citizens that he returned his thanks in special orders.  On Friday, the 
3d of October, when the President, the great and good Washington, 
approached the town, he was met by a large concourse of the people and 
the enthusiasm was unbounded.  The worthy burgesses, Conrad Bombaugh 
and Alexander Berryhill, presented the address of the town, to which 
the chief magistrate briefly replied, bearing "testimony to the zealous 
and efficient exertions" they had made.  That evening he held a 
reception at his head-quarters, where the principal citizens embraced 
the opportunity of paying their respects to the venerated chieftain.  
On the morning of the 4th he crossed the river at the upper ferry, 
which was fifty yards above the present Harrisburg bridge. 
  About this period came the fever of 1793-5 and the mill-dam troubles.  
For two years previous a disease of a malignant type prevailed during 
the summer season in the borough.  Its origin was proved beyond doubt 
to be due to a mill-dam located in what is now the first ward of the 
city, on Paxtang. 

DAUPHIN COUNTY.  35

Portraits: Gen. Joseph F. Knipe; Gen. E. C. Williams; Maj. C. C. Davis; 
Gen. T. J. Jordan

36  HISTORICAL REVIEW

[blank page]
                                                     
DAUPHIN COUNTY.  37

creek.  In 1793, during the prevalence of the yellow fever in 
Philadelphia, it was thought and even pronounced such.  Quite a number 
of Irish emigrants died, and although many of the inhabitants were 
attacked there were no fatal cases among them.  This was proof positive 
that the endemic was due to the damming up of the Paxtang creek, which 
was always "dead water" (its Indian significance), producing malarial 
poisoning.  The ancestors, reasoning rightly, their next move was to 
get rid of the nuisance.  Meetings were held, committees were 
appointed, funds raised and tendered to the owners of the mill, Peter 
and Abraham Landis, the amount demanded by them the previous year for 
their property.  The impecunious millers now required a greater sum, 
but the citizens positively refused, and at a public meeting they 
resolved that a further tender be made the Landises and in case of 
refusal to "prostrate the dam and pay, if necessary, the 
"porportionable parts of all legal expenses and damages that might 
accrue on any suits or indictments which might be brought or prosecuted 
in consequence of such acts."  The forefathers were not to be trifled 
with, and suiting the action to the word, met at a given hour and 
opened the dam.  Eventually the parties compromised - the Landises 
accepted a certain sum and the town secured the mill right.  The 
valuable papers relating to this interesting epoch in the history of 
Harrisburg are in the possession of the Dauphin County Historical 
Society.  The entire transaction was creditable to the ancient 
Harrisburger, and the descendants of the men who then stood up for the 
rights of the people are among the most prominent of our citizens to-
day.
  In 1798, when a war with France was imminent and a call made by the 
General Government on Pennsylvania for troops, an unusual excitement 
was created, and several companies tendered their services to the 
governor.  The storm blew over, and as in 1807, when a war was 
threatened with Great Britain - no occasion for troops were required 
until five years later - when the second struggle with England took 
place.  Among the prominent military organizations which armed for the 
conflict were the companies of Captains Thomas Walker, Richard M. 
Crain, John Carothers, Jeremiah Rees, Thomas M'Ilhenny, Peter Snyder, 
John B. Moorhead, James Todd, Richard Knight, John Elder, Isaac Smith, 
Philip Fedderhoff and Gawen Henry, quite a formidable array.  Some of 
these marched as far as Baltimore at the time of the British attack on 
that city, while others went no farther than York.  None of these 
companies had an opportunity to meet the enemy on the sanguinary field 
- but Dauphin county men composed the major portion of two companies 
which joined the Canada expedition.  The heroes of this conflict are 
nearly all passed from off the stage of life.  Following in the 
footsteps of the fathers of the Revolution, they emulated their heroism 
and devotion to the liberties of their country.
  The removal of the seat of government to Harrisburg, although 
suggested as early as 1787, and often moved in the Assembly, did not 
prove successful until by the act of February, 1810, when "the offices 
of the State government were directed to be removed to the borough of 
Harrisburg, in the county of Dauphin," "within the month of October 
1812," and "the sessions of the Legislature thereafter to be held."  
The first sessions of the Assembly were held in the court house, and 
that body continued to occupy the building until the completion of the 
capitol.
  No historical resume of Dauphin county can be called complete without 
some reference to the so-called "Buckshot War" of 1838.  At the October 
election of that year David R. Porter, of Huntingdon, was chosen 
governor, after a hotly contested political canvass, over Governor 
Ritner.  The defeated party issued an ill-timed and ill-advised 
address, advising their friends "to treat the election as if it had not 
been held."  It was determined, therefore, to investigate the election, 
and to do this the political complexion of the legislature would be 
decisive.  The majority of the Senate was Anti-Masonic, but the control 
of the House of Representatives hinged upon the admission of certain 
members from Philadelphia whose seats were contested.  The votes of one 
of the districts in that city were thrown out by reason of fraud, and 
the Democratic delegation returned.  The Anti-Masonic return judges 
refused to sign the certificates, "and both parties made out returns 
each for a different delegation, and sent them to the Secretary of the 
Commonwealth."  The Democratic returns were correct, and should have 
been promptly received "without question."
  When the Legislature met, the Senate organized by the choice of anti-
Masonic officers.  

38  HISTORICAL REVIEW

In the House a fierce struggle ensued, both delegations claiming seats.  
The consequence was that each party went into an election for speaker, 
each appointing tellers.  Two speakers were elected and took their seat 
upon the platform - William Hopkins being the choice of the democrats 
and Thomas S. Cunningham of the opposition.  The Democrats believing 
that they were in the right, left out of view the rejection of the 
votes of the Philadelphia district.  However, when the returns from the 
Secretary's office were opened, the certificate of the minority had 
been sent in, thus giving the advantage to the Anti-Masons.  It was 
then a question which of the two Houses would be recognized by the 
Senate and the Governor.
  At this stage of the proceedings, a number of men (from Philadelphia 
especially) collected in the lobby and when the Senate after 
organization proceeded to business, interrupted it by their disgraceful 
and menacing conduct.  The other branch of the Legislature was in like 
manner disturbed, and thus both Houses were compelled to disperse.  The 
crowd having taken possession of the halls proceeded to the court 
house, were impassioned harangues were indulged in and a committee of 
safety appointed.  For several days all business was suspended and the 
governor, alarmed for his own personal safety, ordered out the militia, 
and fearing this might prove insufficient, called on the United States 
authorities for help.  The latter refused, but the militia under Major 
Generals Patterson and Alexander came promptly in response.  For two or 
three days during this contest, the danger of a collision was imminent, 
but wiser counsels prevailed, and the Senate having voted to recognize 
the section of the House presided over by Mr. Hopkins, the so-called 
"Insurrection at Harrisburg" was virtually ended.  This was what is 
commonly known as the "Buckshot War."
  In the war with Mexico, consequent upon the annexation of Texas, 
among the troops which went out to that far-off land to vindicate the 
honor of our country and preserve its prestige, was the Cameron Guards, 
under command of Capt. Edward C. Williams.  They made a good record, 
their heroic conduct at Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec and the Garreta de 
Belina, won for them high renown and the commendation of their 
venerated commander-in-chief.  Scarce a corporal's guard remains of 
that gallant band.
  Coming down to later times, when the perpetuity of the Union was 
threatened and the great North rose up like a giant in its strength to 
crush secession and rebellion, the events are so fresh in the 
remembrance of all that we shall only refer to them in brief.  The 
first public meeting held after the firing upon Fort Sumter in the 
State of Pennsylvania, and in fact the first in any northern city, was 
in the court house at Harrisburg, Gen. Simon Cameron being chairman 
thereof.  Dauphin county, foremost in tendering men and means to the 
government for the bitter, deadly strife, furnished her full quota of 
volunteers.  Twice Harrisburg was the objective point of the 
Confederate troops, and at one time (June, 1863) the enemy's picket was 
within two miles of the city.  Active preparations were made for its 
defense and fortifications erected on the bluff opposite, and named 
"Fort Washington."  This was the only fortification deserving a name 
erected in any of the Northern states.  Rifle pits were dug along the 
banks of the river, in front of Harris Park, and every preparation made 
to give the enemy a warm reception.  The Union victory at Gettysburg 
checked the further advance of the Confederates and with it the last 
attempts to invade the North.  It would take volumes to rehearse not 
only the heroism of the sons of Dauphin county on the battlefield, but 
the deeds of mercy and charity and love of the noble-hearted women.  We 
need not speak of the gallantry of the lamented Simmons and the six 
hundred brave dead - stricken down on the field of battle, in the 
hospital or in the loathsome prison, or yet of the heroes only a few of 
whom are living - Knipe and Jennings, the Awls, Porter, Williams and 
Jordan, Witman and Davis, Detweiler, McCormick and Alleman, Savage, 
Geety and Hummel, and many others - a long line of illustrious names - 
officers and privates of that immense force which Dauphin county sent 
out from her midst for the preservation of the Union.  The location of 
the first and greatest military camp in the Northern States was within 
the limits of Harrisburg - named by General Knipe and Williams in honor 
of the Chief Magistrate of Pennsylvania, Camp Curtin, which with being 
the central point of communication, especially with the oft-beleaguered 
Federal Capital made it a prominent rendezvous.  From the commencement 
of the war, the charity of the citizens was unbounded and without 
stint, the doors of hospitality freely opened, and to 

DAUPHIN COUNTY.  39

our honor be it said, two citizens, Messrs. John B. Simon and Eby 
Byers, established the Soldiers' Rest, where the sick and wounded 
patriot, on his way homeward, found rest, and refreshment and gentle 
care.  Thousands were kindly ministered to, and until the "boys came 
marching home" the good work went on unabated.  In every cemetery and 
graveyard within the borders of Dauphin county lie the remains of her 
brave and true sons, while in the cemetery at Harrisburg the grass 
grows green over the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers from far-
off States.  In all the struggles for life, for liberty, for right and 
for the Union, Dauphin county has been in the van.  But these dark days 
of our country have passed like "a dream that has been told."  May the 
lesson taught be heeded by those who come after us - that the Union of 
States is not a rope of sand which may be broken at the will of any 
section.
  The subject of international improvements was one which early 
commanded the attention of the citizens of Pennsylvania, and one 
hundred years ago, as now, communication with the western country was 
the great aim of the business men of Philadelphia.  The first effort 
was the removal of obstructions in the various streams, and especially 
that of the Susquehanna river; and although a considerable amount of 
money was eventually spent in improving the navigation thereof, the 
result was far from satisfactory.  Previous to the Revolution (1774), 
the attention of the Provincial Assembly was called to this matter, and 
as a preliminary it was proposed to lay out a town or city on that 
stream.  John Harris, the founder of our city, immediately gave notice 
of his intention of laying out a town, which seemed to quiet the 
movement of undoubted land speculators.  The Revolution coming on, such 
enterprises, if ever seriously considered, were abandoned.  No sooner, 
however, came peace, than the business activity of the people sought 
out new channels - roads were made, attempts at slackwater navigation 
ventured on - until finally the Pennsylvania canal, from Columbia to 
Pittsburgh, opened up an avenue to trade, and brought prosperity to all 
the towns on its route.  On none had it better effect than Middletown 
and Harrisburg, and the former place at one period was destined to 
retain a supremacy in population, enterprise, wealth and influence.  It 
was a great lumber mart; the Union canal and its admirable location 
always made it a rival to the capital city.
  Previous to the opening of the Pennsylvania canal the transportation 
facilities of the town were confined to Troy coaches or stages for 
Passengers and Conestoga wagons, great lumbering vehicles with semi-
circular tops of sail-cloth, drawn by six stalwart horses, for goods of 
various descriptions.  This was expensive - and the completion of the 
public improvements was an eventful era in the progress and development 
of this locality.  Real estate advanced, commission and other merchants 
established themselves on the line of the canal, rope and boat 
manufactories were erected and various enterprises inaugurated, giving 
new life to the town and thrift and prosperity to the people.  Several 
lines of passenger packets were established, and it was considered a 
wonderful thing when four packet boats arrived and departed in a single 
day.  The consuming of three days and a half to go to Pittsburgh began 
to be deemed slow, and the building of railroads opened up another era 
in the development of the country.  In September, 1836, the first train 
of cars entered the limits of Harrisburg over the Harrisburg, 
Portsmouth, Mount Joy and Lancaster railroad.  Following this effort, 
other rapid transit enterprises were carried forward to completion 
until at the present time - when no less than one hundred trains of 
passenger cars arrive and leave Harrisburg daily for different points.  
We give these facts to show not only how great the travel, but the 
wonderful progress made in transit.
  In the year 1860 Harrisburg received its highest corporate honors - 
that of a city.  Although at the time arousing much opposition, yet its 
subsequent growth and prosperity have fully realized the fondest 
expectations of its earnest advocates.  In population it ranks the 
sixth in the State, and in manufacturing interests it is the third - 
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia alone exceeding it - while in the Union it 
ranks high among the inland cities.  Its citizens are proud of its 
prosperity, of its importance and its high social position, and look 
forward to the time when the "Greater Harrisburg" will take prominent 
place among the cities of the American Union.
  On the 19th of July, 1877, while the governor and commander-in-chief 
of the forces of Pennsylvania was on his way to visit the Pacific 
Coast, a general strike was inaugu- 

40  HISTORICAL REVIEW

rated by the employes of nearly all the railroads in the United States.  
In many portions of the commonwealth the municipal and county 
authorities failed to restore traffic, and for several days the 
rioters, for such many proved to be, had control of affairs.  The 
burning of the round-house depot, and cars at Pittsburgh, and the 
attack of a reckless and infuriated mob upon the soldiery at that 
place, gave cause for great uneasiness and alarm.  Travel was suspended 
on all the railroads centering at Harrisburg.
  Sunday, the 22d, was one of great suspense.  The authorities, 
however, were quietly preparing for the emergency.  That evening, one 
by one, the City Grays found their way to the arsenal, which had been 
defenseless.  On Monday the Mexican trophy cannon were duly spiked, but 
the mob, increased by tramps, showed signs of disquiet, and affairs 
were assuming such a situation that became suddenly alarming.  The 
sheriff, Colonel Jennings, returned to Harrisburg on Monday afternoon 
and found the city in the power of the mob; the proclamation of the 
mayor of the day previous availing little.  The sheriff met the 
committee of citizens, and when Mayor Patterson informed him that his 
power to quiet affairs had been exhausted, at once took measures to 
preserve peace and quiet and restore order.  A proclamation was issued 
calling upon the law-abiding citizens to aid him in the faithful 
discharge of his duty.  The city was placed under military rule, and 
the sheriff summoned all reputable citizens for the support of "law and 
order."
  In the afternoon quite a number of Philadelphia soldiers, who had 
reached Fairview on the west side of the Susquehanna, surrendered their 
arms to a handful of the rioters, who, with increasing numbers, brought 
the former to the city, marching them through market street to the 
depot.  It was a pitiable sight, and only proved what was in store had 
not the prompt measures of Colonel Jennings checked this ebullition of 
outlawry.
  On Monday night the rioters, several hundred in number, began 
breaking into the stores, ostensibly for guns, but in reality for 
pillage.  At this juncture the sheriff gathered the citizens, and 
placing himself at their head came upon the mob, who soon dispersed, 
while upwards of thirty were arrested and placed in prison.  On Tuesday 
twelve hundred of the citizens organized into "law and order" 
companies, paraded through the city, and from that time, during the 
emergency, the citizens patrolled the city, preserving order, without 
calling to their assistance the military.  Governor Hartranft, in the 
subsequent message to the Assembly, highly complimented the example of 
the officers and the citizens of the Capital City.
  In the meantime the military gathered for the defense of the 
different railroads so as to insure peace and restore traffic, and when 
this was accomplished the citizen-soldiery returned to their homes.
  One of the most important events connected with the erection of the 
county of Dauphin, and the founding of the city of Harrisburg, was the 
celebration of their one hundredth anniversary.  As the act for 
erecting part of the county of Lancaster into a separate county, to be 
called the county of Dauphin, was passed March 4, 1785, at noon 
Wednesday, March 4, 1885, the bells and whistles throughout the county 
announced the completion of the first centennial of its existence.  On 
the 14th of April, 1885, the founding of the city was celebrated by the 
Dauphin County Historical Society.  But owing to circumstances, which 
it is not necessary here to particularize, the time for the general 
celebration was fixed for the second week in September, 1885.  On 
Sunday, September 13, 1885, commemorative discourses were delivered in 
nearly all of the churches of the city and county, while interesting 
services suitable to the occasion were held in the various Sunday-
schools.  The first day's celebration on Monday, September 14, was 
called "Children's Day," when over five thousand pupils of the various 
schools marched in procession to Harris Park, where open exercises were 
held.  At noon of that day in the court house commemorative addresses 
were delivered by the Governor of the Commonwealth, Robert E. Pattison, 
the Hon. John W. Simonton, judge of the district, Simon Cameron Wilson, 
mayor of the city of Harrisburg, Judge Hiester, Major Mumma and others.  
In the evening at the same place, the historical address was made by 
Judge McPherson, followed by the centennial poem by Dr. Charles C. 
Bombaugh, a native of Harrisburg, with remarks by General Cameron and 
Governor Ramsey, of Minnesota.  The second day, Tuesday, was "Military 
and Civic Day."  In display and the number of men in line, in 
connection with the magnificent weather and the large

DAUPHIN COUNTY.  41

attendance, the enthusiasm was exceedingly great.  The third day, 
Wednesday, was "Industrial Day," and the county and city covered 
themselves with glory; proud, indeed, of their achievements, and 
grateful that their people gave such evidence of the respect of the 
world.  The fourth day, Thursday, was given to the firemen, who wound 
up the celebration with real centennial splendor.  Over and above all, 
however, was the antiquarian display, which had been inaugurated by the 
Dauphin County Historical Society and which has been conceded to have 
been the most unique, as it was the most successful exhibition of the 
kind ever held in this or any other country.  The extent of the 
exhibition was of a marvelous character and the wonder and surprise of 
the citizens, as well as of the strangers within the city's gates.  The 
entire centennial anniversary proved one of the greatest successes in 
the history of modern times.  Perchance no public manifestation or 
display of any character did so much to benefit a city as the 
celebration of 1885.  Through its industrial parade it showed to the 
world the resources of the city and county, and the grand successes of 
its varied industries.  Shortly after a board of trade was organized, 
and through it much has been done to make Harrisburg one of the 
greatest manufacturing cities in the Union.
  The "Greater" Harrisburg is approaching.  The first clamor for 
admission to the municipality was from the township on the north - the 
site of that historic spot, "Camp Curtin."  Other sections will no 
doubt soon follow.  The ordinance of November 28, 1895, extending the 
boundaries reads:
  "That all that piece or parcel of land beginning at a point in the 
center of Cameron street, thirty-five feet (35) north of the south side 
of Maclay street; thence westwardly along Maclay street and thirty-five 
(35) feet, north of the south side of Maclay street, and by this line 
continued across Susquehanna river, to low water mark on the west shore 
of the Susquehanna river, about nine thousand, six hundred and seventy 
feet (9,670); thence northwardly along the west shore of the 
Susquehanna river, and the low water line of the same, about six 
thousand, one hundred and ten (6,110) feet to the center of Park lane 
extended; thence eastwardly by the center of Park lane extended and the 
center of Park lane about nine thousand, six hundred and fifty (9,650) 
feet to the center of Cameron street, as laid out on the City Official 
Plat; thence southwardly through the center of Cameron street, about 
three thousand, four hundred and forty (3,440) feet, to the place of 
beginning, containing one thousand and sixty acres, more or less, and 
being a part of the township of Susquehanna."
  Before concluding this historical resume of Dauphin county it is 
eminently proper that some allusion be made to the intellectual and 
religious culture of our people.  The pioneer settlers who opened up 
this region of country to civilization were not adventurers, but they 
came to America for religious liberty, and they planted a new 
government in this western world, resting upon the immutable 
foundations of education and Christianity.  Whether Scotch-Irish or 
German, they brought with them their Bible, their minister and their 
school teacher, and to-day, in referring to the educational history of 
Dauphin county, the results must speak for themselves.  Although within 
the limits of the county there are no extensive educational 
institutions, yet, from border to border, the public school system 
gives to every one the advantages of a high education.  Over half a 
million of dollars is annually expended for tuition and the erection of 
school buildings.  One-sixth of the population is in attendance upon 
the schools, and the facilities in the larger cities for educational 
advancement are such as to fit the pupils either for the ordinary 
business walks of life or for the advanced curriculum of the leading 
colleges and universities of America.
  As to the religious training of the early settlers, one need only 
refer to the churches as almost coeval with the coming of the first 
pioneer.  Prior to 1725 the Presbyterian churches of Derry, Paxtang and 
Hanover were in a state of organization.  These have had a remarkable 
history, but the limits of this brief sketch will not allow more than 
this allusion.  Following these early landmarks of the Scotch-Irish 
settlement came the organization of the Reformed and Lutheran churches.  
With them in order came others, until now within the limits of the 
county, on every hillside and in every nook and corner of its towns and 
townships, can be recognized the achievements of the fathers, who have 
bequeathed to us the blessings of literary culture and religious 
freedom.  Keeping pace with these Christian movements, benevolent 
institutions have sprung up in all parts of the city and county.  Few 

42  HISTORICAL REVIEW

districts in any State of the Union are better provided than our own 
county with the advantages the people of to-day possess and enjoy.

                                  -----

                ORIGIN OF DAUPHIN COUNTY NAMES OF PLACES.

  Dauphin county was formed of part of Lancaster, part of Berks, 
comprised all of the present Lebanon county from 1785 to 1813.  It was 
named after the oldest son of Louis XVI., whose official title was "The 
Dauphin."  Its official population 1890, 96,977.
  Harrisburg, from the owner of the site of the town, the second John 
Harris.  For several years after 1785 the name in all official 
documents is "Louisburg," in honor of the King of France.  The French 
Revolution came to aid public opinion and its proper name was restored.  
It was incorporated as a borough in 1791, and as a city in 1860.  Its 
population in 1890, 39,385; 1896, nearly 55,000.  It has been the seat 
of Government of Pennsylvania since 1812, and the seat of justice since 
the formation of the county.
  Paxtang was one of the original townships, formed August 17 1729.  
The name is derived from the Indian stream passing through it.  The 
township covered part of the present county of Lebanon as far as 
Raccoon creek.  Derry also trespassed on its adjoining neighbor, 
Lebanon township, but was limited in 1813 to the present Derry, 
Londonderry and Conewago.  In the ancient surveys it appears to have 
comprised a greater area, as far east as the Quitopahilla creek, now in 
Lebanon county.
  Derry. - One of the original townships formed August 17, 1729, from 
the town of that name, in the Province of Ulster, Ireland.  Population, 
2,288.  It has several post-offices, Swatara, Vain, Waltonville, and 
Derry Church, the latter in the neighborhood of the most ancient church 
in Dauphin county.
  Hanover. - The three townships of this name preserve the memory of 
the house of Hanover, in the days when those who named them were loyal 
subjects of the English kings of that insignificant German Electorate.  
The original Hanover was formed in 1737.  Then as follows:
  East Hanover was formed 1785 - population, 1890, 1,428. 
  West Hanover formed 1785 - population, 1890, 1,013.
  South Hanover formed 1842 - population, 1890, 1,062.
  Union Deposit, in South Hanover, was originally Unionville or 
Uniontown.  Its proprietors, Isaac Hershey and Philip Wolfersberger, 
when they laid it out in 1845, were at a loss for a name.  The post-
office department stepped in, deciding that it should be "Union Deposit 
P. O."
  Hoernerstown, from the family of that name, in South Hanover.
  Manadaville, from Manada creek, where it joins the Swatara in South 
Hanover.
  Sandbeach is a post-office in South Hanover.
  Grantville, from U.S. Grant, President of the United States.  It is 
in East Hanover.
  Earleysville, formerly Schell's "West Hanover post-office," although 
the village is in East Hanover township.
  Manada Hill, in West Hanover, from Manada creek.  It is a post-
office.
  Hummelstown. - Laid out by Frederick Hummel in 1762.  He called it 
"Frederickstown," but the present name soon superseded that.  It was 
incorporated in 1874.  The population is 1,486.
  Londonderry township, from the county of that name in the north of 
Ireland; formed in February, 1768, originally bounded on the west by 
Derry and south by Conewago creek.  This was changed in 1826, when its 
present boundaries were fixed.
  Geinburg in this township, from a German family who came to 
Londonderry about 1762, and whose family burial ground is north of 
Middletown and Lancaster turnpike.  The site of the graveyard is in 
cultivation of crops by the present owners; some tombstones are yet 
scattered over its site.
  Port Royal, in the same township, near the confluence of the 
Susquehanna river and the Swatara creek, was laid out in the 
expectation of becoming a considerable town.  Hence the high-sounding 
name.
  Conewago township, formed April 2, 1850, from Londonderry, and named 
from the creek which divides Dauphin from Lancaster.  Population, 872.
  Bachmanville, named after a family of that name, is the site of a 
post-office.
  Deodate is also a post-office in this township.
  Swatara township, named from the creek on its southern border in 
1799, when it was 

DAUPHIN COUNTY.  43

formed.  In 1840, upon the formation of Lower Swatara, its boundaries 
were fixed as they are now.  Its total population in 1890 was 3,329, 
including Oberlin, formerly Churchville, and Highland, now Enhaute 
post-office.
  Steelton, from the great iron establishment there.  It was 
incorporated in 1878 and had a population of 9,250 in 1890; now, 1896, 
well nigh 14,000, including Ewington.
  Lower Swatara was formed in 1840 from Swatara proper.  Middletown was 
a borough long before its formation.  Population of the township, not 
including Highspire, in 1890, was 793.
  Highspire. - One tradition goes that this striking name was given by 
Dautermann or Barnes, who laid out the lots in 1813, from Spires in 
Germany, the birthplace of Dautermann.  A borough with a population in 
1890 of 971, now, 1896, claiming nearly 1,500.
  Middletown received its name on account of its being nearly equi-
distance from Lancaster and Carlisle, the great interior town of the 
Province, when John Fisher began to survey lots in 1759.  In 1761 he 
had sold thirty lots to actual settlers.  This is the oldest town and 
second in population in the county; was formed into a borough in 1828.  
Its population, 1890, 5,080.
  The Paxtang of 1729 has now dwindled to Lower Paxtang, which it 
became in 1767, when Upper Paxtang was formed.  Population, including 
Linglestown, 1,517.
  Linglestown was "St. Thomas post-office" for a number of years.  The 
land upon which it is built was owned by Thomas Lingle, who set off a 
village plot as early as 1765.
  Susquehanna, a township named for the river, its western boundary.  
It was formed January 30, 1815.  The population was in 1890, 3,653, 
reduced in 1896 by extending the northern boundaries of the city of 
Harrisburg.
  Rockville, "Fort Hunter post-office," is a village of perhaps 300 
persons.  It was laid out in 1838.
  Estherton [Coxestown], from one of the wives of Col. Cornelius Cox, 
owner of the land.  It was laid out about 1765, and prior to the 
Revolution was a more important place than it has been since. 
  Progress, upon the supposition that it was to be a progressive town, 
in a very rural locality.  It is a post-office. 
  Upper Paxtang township was formed in 1765 and covered all of the 
county above, north of the Kittatinny mountain.  It is now of moderate 
area, with a population of 1,494 in 1890.
  Killinger, a post-office named after Hon. John W. Killinger, is in 
this township.  Paxton is also another post-office named after an 
English family of that name in Bucks county.
  Millersburg, in Upper Paxtang, laid out by Daniel Miller in 1807 and 
called for him.  It is a borough with a population of 1,527.
  Halifax township, formed in 1803, and named for the old Provincial 
fort of 1756 of that name.  Its population is 1,208.
  Matamoras, from the Mexican town of that name on the Rio Grande.  
When the town was laid out.  General Taylor and Matamoras occupied the 
attention of the whole country.  Hence the name.
  Powell's Valley is a post-office in Halifax township.
  Halifax borough contains a population of 515.  It was laid out in 
1794 on land of George Winter by George Scheffer and Peter Rice, but 
seems to have fallen into other hands before its plot was recorded.  It 
occupies the site of the fort of 1756, named for Lord Halifax by 
Colonels Clapham and Burd, who superintended its erection.
  Middle Paxtang township was formed in 1787.  Its population is 1,327.
  Ellendale is a post-office in this township.
  Dauphin was first Port Lyon, afterwards Greensburg, after Judge Innis 
Green, who owned the land and laid it into lots in 1824. It was erected 
into a borough in 1854.  Population, 740.
  Jackson township was formed August 23, 1828, and named for the then 
President, Andrew Jackson.  Its population is 1,137.
  Jacksonville in this township, officially "Enders'" post-office, was 
laid out about 1825 on land formerly of George Enders.
  Fisherville, laid out in 1854, named for the late Major George 
Fisher.  A joke about this locality long time ago was, that in time of 
war it would be a safe place "for the location of the Federal 
Government."  At a more modern date a distinguished member of Congress 
from this district gravely proposed that if Washington was a dangerous 
locality, Fisherville, in Dauphin county, was a safe one.  As no one 
had ever heard of the town, the suggestion was not seriously considered 
by the alarmed strategists of  

44  HISTORICAL REVIEW

1863.  It is in Jackson township, and  is a post town.
  Washington township, named for the illustrious first President of the 
United States, was formed September 3, 1845.  Its population is 1,698, 
including Elizabethville (named for the wife of the owner of the land) 
village, a post-office.
  Washington Square is its near neighbor on the Lykens Valley railroad.  
  Short Mountain is another village at which there is a post-office 
named from the coal mines in its immediate vicinity.
  Reed township, the smallest township in Dauphin county, named for 
William Reed, who lived about midway between Clark's Ferry and Halifax.  
His son, William Reed, resides in the old homestead.  Previous to being 
called Reed township it was Penn election district, formed of portions 
of Middle Paxtang and Halifax April 6, 1849.  When the township was 
erected the portion of Middle Paxtang reverted to the original 
township.  Population in 1890, 267.
  Benvenue, a post-office with a fancy name, probably from the Scotch 
for mountain, and good entertainment therewith.  "Choniata" would be a 
better Americanism.
  Wiconisco township, named for the stream of that name, was formed in 
July 2, 1839.  Its population is 2,280.
  Wiconisco village (laid out in 1848) and post-office, named for the 
township.
  Lykens is a borough with a population of 2,450.  It was laid out in 
1848 by Edward Gratz, and is the principal town of the Lykens valley 
coal district.
  Lykens township was so named for one of the earliest settlers of the 
locality, and was formed in 1810.  Erdman post-office is in this 
township.
  Williams township, formed February 7, 1869, named for an early 
settler.  Its population is 1,485.
  Williamstown, a post-office and thriving borough.  Population, 2,324.
  Rush township, formed October 23, 1819.  The least populous of the 
townships, containing only 151 inhabitants, named for Benjamin Rush, a 
signer of the Declaration of Independence.
  Mifflin township, named for Governor Thomas Mifflin, and formed 
October 22, 1818.  Population, 546.  Rife and Speeceville are post-
offices in this township.
  Berrysburg, originally called Hellerstown, a borough of 1871 in this 
township, named for a family of that name.  This village has 426 
inhabitants.
  Uniontown, at first called Snydertown, officially Pillow, a soldier 
of the Mexican war, formed in 1864.  Population, 333.
  Curtin, for Governor Andrew G. Curtin, is a post-office.  Mifflin 
township has therefore five post-offices.  
  Jefferson township, named for Thomas Jefferson and formed April 23, 
1842.  Population, 317.  Carsonville is a post-office in this township.
  Gratz borough was laid out in 18o5 by Simon Gratz, incorporated in 
1852.  Population in 1890, 490.
  Wayne township, named for the gallant Gen. Anthony Wayne, is the 
youngest of the townships, formed from the east and most populous 
portions of Jefferson in May, 1878.  Population, 512. 
  Enterline, named for a family of that name; also is in this township.  
Waynesville P. O. is in Wayne. 
  Penbrook, the latest incorporated borough in the county.  It adjoins 
Harrisburg on the east.
  Having reviewed the various civil sub-divisions of the county, we 
turn to an explanation and description of its valleys and streams.
  On the south are Conewago creek and valley.  The stream is found on 
all early charts, spelled as at present.
  Then we have the superb Swatara and its fertile valley.  It enters 
the county in East Hanover and finishes its course at Middletown.  The 
old Union canal was laid out on its northern bank.  Its tributaries are 
Bow, Manada and Beaver creeks.  All early surveys give the same names. 
  The Paxtang has its source near Linglestown and discharges itself 
into the Susquehanna at Harrisburg.  It is so spelled in the early 
surveys and should be so now, although it is frequently written Paxton.
  Fishing creek has its source in West Hanover and discharges itself at 
Fort Hunter.  It is almost entirely in Middle Paxtang.
  Stony creek, the origin of the name is very patent.  Its whole course 
is turbulent, over a rocky bed, crowded into the narrow valley between 
the Kittatinny and Sharp mountains.  It discharges itself at Dauphin.
  Clark's creek and valley, named for the Clark family who settled 
there about 1728.  Its source is in Schuylkill county, through 

DAUPHIN COUNTY.   45

Rush and Middle Paxtang, to the Susquehanna above Dauphin.  The valley 
is very narrow. 
  Powell's creek and valley, names for a family of that name who 
settled near its mouth about 1760, perhaps at an earlier date.  Parts 
of the valley are quite fertile.  Its source is in Jefferson township.
  Armstrong creek, named for the first settler in that locality, takes 
source in Jackson township and discharges north of Halifax.  The valley 
is a very fine one. 
  Wiconisco creek takes its rise in Schuylkill county, passing 
Williams, Washington and Wiconisco townships, discharging at 
Millersburg.  The Lykens Valley railroad is along its southern bank.  
It is an Indian name, and is found spelled on earlier surveys as at 
present, except occasionally with the French Ouikonisko. 
  Lykens is a beautiful and fertile valley, named for Andrew Lycans, 
who was the first to make a settlement in it. 
  Mahantango creek is the north boundary of the county.  It is also an 
Indian name.  On the early maps it is called "Kind creek."  There is a 
finely cultivated valley on either side of it.
  This account would be incomplete without mention of the mountainous 
region of the northern portion of the county.  Below Harrisburg, 
depressed spurs of the South mountain cross from east to west, none of 
them of great elevation.  Above that city the Kittatinny range, known 
as First, Second, Third and Peter's dividing ridges, covers a great 
portion of Middle Paxtang, Rush, Halifax, Jefferson and Wayne 
townships; then the Broad, Thick, Sharp, Big Lick ridges; then Berry's 
and Mahantango, occupying a large proportion of the area of that 
section of that county.  Coal is found in the range along the Wiconisco 
creek, principally in the Thick or Big Lick mountain.  The local 
nomenclature differs very much from the geographical.
  Peter's mountain has borne the same designation since 1729.  Peter 
Allen came into the neighborhood from Conestoga, Chester, now Lancaster 
county.  He was upon the first tax rate of that part of Chester county 
in 1717-18.  His name is found after that in West Conestoga, then in 
Donegal, then in Paxtang, then in the present Middle Paxtang; his house 
is yet standing.  That was the northeast boundary of Lancaster county 
as formed in 1729.  He probably came up the river in 1724, and made 
preparation for permanent location about the time Chambers made his 
choice in 1725.