Area History: Fulton County, 1884, Fulton County, PA, Part 3, pp. 617-626 Contributed and transcribed by Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com The html table of contents for this history including the illustrations may be found at http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/fulton/1picts/1884history/watermantoc.htm USGENWEB ARCHIVES (tm) NOTICE All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ___________________________________________________________ HISTORY of BEDFORD, SOMERSET and FULTON COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA. With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of some of its PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN. Chicago: Waterman, Watkins & Co., 1884 [617] CHAPTER LXXXII. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. - THE PRESS. The Schools of Pioneer Days - Description of the Schoolhouses - Teachers - Teachers' Wages - Early Schools and Schoolhouses in Various Parts of the County - Adoption of the Free-School System - Progress of Education - County Superintendents - Beneficial Effects of their Labors - School Statistics for the Year 1882 - THE PRESS OF FULTON COUNTY - Sketches of the Democrat and the Republican - Owners, Editors and Chief Events in the History of Each - A Remarkable Poem by John McCurdy, the First Editor of the Republican. IN Fulton county, as in most thinly populated districts of the state, school privileges were exceedingly meager until after the provisions of the school law of 1834 were put into operation. Schools were conducted on the tuition plan, each pupil paying a stated amount per month or per term. Cabins, which had been abandoned as dwellings, were frequently made to serve as schoolhouses. Sometimes a farmer whose house contained more rooms than were occupied by the family would give the use of an apartment for a schoolroom. When schoolhouses were built, they were of the rudest pattern. Logs formed the walls of the building, greased paper served as window-lights, and a huge stone fireplace occupied nearly all of one end of the room. A rude writing-desk, in front of which was a bench of slabs or puncheons, was the principal article of furniture. The pupils, when not engaged in writing, sat upon rough benches, without support for the back. Thus situated, it was impossible for the pupil to be comfortable, and as a natural consequence, his progress in his studies was slow. Reading, writing and arithmetic were the only studies pursued. Geography and grammar were unknown sciences to the pupils, as well as to most of the teachers of that day. Any man who could write a fair hand, read without spelling out the words, and was versed in the elements of arithmetic, was considered a competent teacher. Frequently wandering strangers - "tramps," they would now be called - whose antecedents and habits were unknown, were successful in getting up schools, and to them the duty of training and instructing children was entrusted. Of such teachers, a few proved worthy of their calling. Others were ignorant and intemperate, and the money paid them might as well have been thrown away. In the early settlement on the Maryland border* it is believed that schools were taught as early as 1770, but in what places or by whom, there is neither record nor tradition to show. William Jacques was the first teacher of this neighborhood of whom anything is remembered. He was a British soldier of the war of 1812, who had been paroled, and coming into the settlement, engaged in teaching. He subsequently settled in the neighborhood and taught successfully for many years, finally losing his life by drowning. Thomas Mood was also a teacher in this locality, cotemporary with Jacques. They taught in buildings erected both for school and religious purposes. The school was usually open for about three months, and the teacher's salary ranged from eight to fifteen dollars per month. In Ayr township, about four miles south of McConnellsburg, there was a school in operation at Big Springs, on Benjamin Stevens' land, as early as 1777. It was then the only school in the Big cove. A man named Boyd was the first teacher. Some of his pupils came five miles to attend school. Wolves were so numerous that the scholars were obliged to go in parties or under the escort of grown persons for protection. Another school was opened in 1780 about half a mile south of McConnellsburg, and thenceforth schools were regularly supported in the Big cove. In the northwestern part of the county, a schoolhouse was built and a school opened in Wells township prior to 1790. The schoolhouse stood near the old graveyard, a few rods east of W. L. Mosebey's residence. In 1803 another schoolhouse was erected near Thomas Griffith's house, and a Mr. Young taught in it. He afterward kept school for several years in a part of his dwelling-house, which was very small. In 1806 a deserted dwelling near Wells' tannery was used as a schoolhouse. In 1809 there were three schools in Wells, taught by John Alexander, Ryan and Roachee. The schools of this neighborhood were well patronized, and at the time of the adoption of the common school system were in good condition for those days. In Belfast, now Licking Creek township, German schools were taught by Jacob and John _______ * The statements which follow are mainly gleaned from an article, in the report of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the year 1877, from the pen of H. H. Woodal, who was then county superintendent. [618] Eller between 1790 and 1800. Henry Strait afterward taught an English school, three or four miles from the place where the Eller school was opened. Other early teachers were Gray, Steffee, Wilkie and McClain. The schools were all located near the base of Sideling hill. There were doubtless many other early schools in various parts of the county, but of them we have no account. Within five years after the enactment of the free-school law, its provisions went into effect in every township now comprising Fulton county. No action could more strongly attest the fact that the people of the county are, as they have always proved themselves, zealous friends of education and careful of the interests of posterity. Ayr township (then including Tod) accepted the free schools in 1835; and the same year opened five schools. Hugh Rankin, Thomas Douglas, Esquire Hauger, James Kendall and J. Jordan were members of the first school-board. Belfast established four schools in 1838-40. Bethel, which in 1834 included Thompson, Union and a part of Brush Creek, had eight schools within its territory when the system was adopted. Col. William Bishop, Maj. Joseph Barnhart, George Smith, Amos C. Stigers, Oliver Ellison and John Fisher were the first directors. Union township (then part of Bethel) had no school of any sort until 1844. Nearly all of Buck valley was then owned by William Lee, Esq., of Philadelphia. As there was no schoolhouse, he refused to pay his taxes, which amounted to a considerable sum, therefore the directors of Bethel built a house. James Rough, a Scotchman, opened a school with six pupils; as no more came, the school was closed. In 1852, the former schoolhouse having been sold for a dwelling, a new one was built. Brush Creek, until 1850, was a part of East Providence township, Bedford county. Two schools were opened under the free-school law in 1837 or 1838. Dublin (then including Taylor) established free schools in 1837, and opened five schools, three of which were within the present limits of Taylor. Licking Creek by a vote of sixty-six to sixty-three accepted the school law in 1838. The first schoolboard consisted of John Noble, Peter W. Deshong, Henry Sipes, Benjamin Daniels, John Jordan and Joseph B. Noble. Contracts for building seven schoolhouses were given the same year. The average cost of each was one hundred and eleven dollars. The schools were opened in 1839; term, three months; salary, thirty-two dollars for the term. Hopewell township, Bedford county, then including Wells, accepted the system in 1834, and in 1835 elected six directors, one of whom, Thomas Speer, lived in Wells valley. Shortly afterward two frame school-buildings, the cost of each not exceeding one hundred dollars, were erected in Wells. In 1846 the number of schoolhouses had increased to four. The township of Wells has always evinced the liveliest interest in education. The schools are the pride of the people, and the district has furnished to the county more teachers than any other township. The first school in McConnellsburg was opened between 1808 and 1810, in a cabin which stood on the commons. Martin was the name of the teacher. A few years later a frame schoolhouse took the place of the first, and it was used until 1820, when a stone building was erected. Later, another story was added, and the house was used as a schoolroom and town hall, until the growth of the town demanded two schools, when both rooms were devoted to their use. Schools were opened under the provisions of the law in 1837. The stone building was used for the schools of the town until 1862, when a brick schoolhouse took its place. In 1847 the schools were graded, and in addition to the schools in the stone building, a public primary school was opened by Mrs. L. M. Sterrett, in her dwelling. She continued teaching a public school in winter, and a subscription school in summer every year, from 1847 until 1879. She was universally beloved by her pupils and honored by the community. No teacher could have a better reputation than she enjoyed. During the year 1882, a great want was supplied by the erection of a new schoolhouse in the borough, at a cost of about thirty-four hundred dollars. The building is a frame, containing three rooms, furnished with Keystone desks, well lighted and ventilated, making it a model for comfort and convenience. Private or "normal" schools are maintained every year with marked results. For a number of years after the school system was accepted, its opponents made determined opposition. Some of the districts, acting under [619] the law of 1838, voted upon the question of closing the schools, but after a warm content, the system was sustained in every instance. When the free schools were first adopted, the county contained thirty-six schools; there are now seventy, and it is believed that the progress of schoolwork has been as great as the increase in number of schools. From the concluding paragraphs of Mr. Woodal's report, already referred to, we quote: "For a number of years after the free schools had been established, their efficiency was much retarded on account of indifferent classification, or total want of classification, the spelling classes and the testament class being the only organizations for recitation in the school. This trouble existed partly because many of the teachers knew but little about organizing, and partly because there was not even an approach to uniformity of textbooks; and this lack of uniformity is the chief impediment in the way of progress. "After the office of county superintendent had been created, there was a marked improvement in several respects: the classification was better, higher attainments were required on the part of the teachers, and an especial improvement was the yearly assembling of the teachers in county institute. The last did more, perhaps, than anything else to bring the schools into general notice. Though these meetings were, for some years, not very well attended, and though the exercises were sometimes rather tame, yet the county institute has infused more life into the schools than any other agency belonging to the system." The first county superintendent of schools was Rev. Robert Ross, and his salary was two hundred dollars per year. John S. Robinson was next elected, and George A. Smith finished his term by appointment. W. A. Gray next served one term, and was succeeded by Prof. J. F. Davis. The latter resigning before his term was finished, John A. Woodcock was appointed to fill the vacancy. Hiram Winter was then elected, and served two terms His successors have been H. H. Woodal and Joseph F. Barton. Prof. Barton was chosen to the office in May, 1881, and has since labored earnestly for the improvement of the schools. The superintendent's salary has been increased from time to time, and is now eight hundred dollars per year. STATISTICS. The present condition of the schools of Fulton county will be seen from the following tabular statement, for the school year ending June 5, 1882. The figures are from the report of the state superintendent. DISTRICTS. Number Number Number Number Average Total of of of of per cent Expenditure Schools Teachers Female Scholars of for school Teachers Attending Attendance Purposes (average) __________________________________________________________________________ Ayr 9 4 5 238 83 $1,440.98 Belfast 9 7 2 248 89 1,098.05 Bethel* 7 4 3 173 76 791.23 Brush Creek 5 5 - 147 77 563.16 Dublin 5 4 3 163 81 1,173.20 Licking Creek 7 6 2 190 85 1,074.34 McConnellsburg 3 2 1 148 93 4,235.11 Taylor 7 7 - 201 84 1,016.33 Thompson 7 5 2 116 76 837.52 Tod 3 3 - 114 77 471.29 Union 4 3 1 86 72 435.30 Wells 4 3 1 114 80 889.42 __________________________________________________________________________ TOTAL 70 53 20 1938 81 $14,020.93 Average number of months of school taught, 5 - except in Ayr township, where the average was 4 1/2 months; average salary of male teachers per month, $21.46; average salary of female teachers, $20.50; whole number of scholars - males, 1,519; females, 1,431; average cost of each scholar, per month, 54 cents; total amount of tax levied for school and building purposes, $7,703.24; receipts - state appropriation, $2,178.88; from taxes and all other sources except state appropriation, $12,452.94; total receipts, $14,631.82; cost of schoolhouses, purchasing, building, renting, etc., $4,893.74; teachers' wages, $7.237.00; fuel, contingencies, fees of collectors and all other expenses, $1,890.19; total expenditures, $14,020.93. THE PRESS. THE FULTON DEMOCRAT. This journal, originally the Jackson Democrat, had its birth in Bedford, and passed the first few months of its infancy in that town. After the new county of Fulton was formed, the establishment was moved to McConnellsburg, where the first number of the Fulton Democrat and Farmers and Mechanics' Advertiser was issued, on September 20, 1850. James B. Sansom established the paper, and conducted it for more than a dozen years. B. F. Carpenter was associated with him in starting the paper, but ceased to have any part in its management a few weeks after it became the Fulton Democrat. The subtitle, Farmers and Mechanics' Advertiser, was soon dropped, and its name became simply that which it now bears. A copy of the _______ *From the report for 1881. [620] paper, dated October 4, 1850, being No. 3 of the first volume of the Fulton Democrat, and No. 37 of the Jackson Democrat, has been shown to the writer. The journal was of the same form and size as at present. Its third and fourth pages are well occupied by the advertisements of Bedford and McConnellsburg business men, while the first and second contain little but political matter. The fact that this issue was the last before the annual election day accounts the extraordinary prominence of politics. On the editorial page the voters of the new county are given a double column of advice, in fullfaced type and glaring capitals. There are a few local items; one of them, as important as any, announcing that the printer wants a few loads of wood immediately. All the early numbers we have been able to find were well printed, and the contents bear the marks of careful editorial labor. Mr. Sansom continued as sole editor and proprietor until 1859, then took his brother into partnership, J. B. & Joseph J. Sansom being the firm. James B. Sansom is still in the newspaper business, and now publishes the Indiana Democrat, at Indiana, Pennsylvania. Henry G. Smith and John U. Shaffer succeeded Mr. Sansom. They bought the paper in 1861, and were its proprietors (excepting a few weeks in the spring of 1864, when J. B. Sansom again had charge) until the latter part of 1864. Mr. Smith, who had been the chief editor, then left to engage in the publication of the Daily and Weekly Intelligencer, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the Democrat was sold. Charles A. Gaither next occupied the editorial chair. In November 1865, John R. Donehoo became the proprietor, purchasing from Gaither. he conducted the Democrat until April 1, 1869. Smith M. Robinson, who had been associated with Donehoo for a short time, then purchased it. On the morning of December 23, 1869, the Democrat office was burned, and all its contents destroyed. Mr. Robinson immediately secured a new outfit, and the publication went on as before. In June, 1876, George W. and William B. Skinner succeeded to the proprietorship. The paper was conducted by them until June 20, 1880. During the latter portion of this period, George W. Skinner was sole editor. From the Messrs. Skinner, H. H. Woodal purchased the paper, and is the present owner and editor. He is a gentleman well fitted for the position, and the Democrat is prosperous under his management. The paper has always been well conducted and liberally supported. THE FULTON REPUBLICAN. The first number of this journal appeared on the 17th of January, 1851. It was established by a stock company, but gradually merged into private property - the shareholders taking out the value of their stock in subscriptions and advertising. There are but a few copies of the early issues of the paper in existence. No. 2 of the first volume, bearing the date January 24, 1851, has been shown to the writer. The Republican was then of the same size as at present. It contained miscellaneous matter and general news in considerable variety, but there were very few items relating to local affairs. Five and a half columns comprised all the advertisements. Among these appeared three professional cards - those of S. E. Duffield, M.D., and William Baker and D. F. Robinson, attorneys. In other issues of the same year, we find nearly all the third and fourth pages devoted to advertising. The first numbers of the Republican were under the editorship of John McCurdy. The poem given below first appeared in the Fulton Republican. While the gifted author was editor of that journal, he was suddenly stricken with blindness. On the morning after this affliction overtook him, he was led to his office, and groping his way to a case, composed and set up these lines, which found their way into most of the newspapers of the country. The poet and editor, George D. Prentice, pronounced the poem, "worthy the muse of Milton." Mr. McCurdy has written several other poems of high merit. After leaving McConnellsburg, he went to Shippensburg and recovered his eyesight. He was a representative to the legislature from Cumberland county two terms, and for some time occupied the position of superintendent of state printing. ON BECOMING BLIND. BY JOHN McCURDY Fair, lovely earth! shall I no more Behold thee clad in robes of green? Shall not these eyes trace landscapes o'er That they in boyhood's day have seen? Thy fertile plains, thy wooded vales, Thy rivers and thy mountains high, Thy oceans with their myriad sails, All now to me in darkness lie. [621] Shall yonder sun's resplendent light Fall on the diamond dews of morn, And deck each flower with spangles bright And every blade of grass adorn - And shall it pour its golden ray Deep into every glassy stream, Where sports the trout the livelong day, And I not see its brilliant beam? When mem'ry turns to childhood's hour, And fancy paints its scenes anew, When ev'ry break and ev'ry flower Rise up familiar to the view; And when the haunts where oft I strayed, In gleeful mood, in days of yore, Appear with all their sun and shade, I think, Shall I ne'er see them more? Oh, what is life, e'en when we're blest With sight and health and use of limb, 'Tis but a dreary day at best, Of sorrows deep and pleasures dim - A billow rude, on which must glide Hope's fair and often fragile bark; A tempest wild, where sorrows ride Upon its breast, at midnight dark. 'Tis hard to stem the tide of life In darkness and in poverty - 'Gainst adverse waves, when storms are rife, Upon life's rough, uncertain sea. The stoutest often fail to steer Their bark right onward, but are lost; Then how shall mine in darkness drear In safety reach life's distant coast? But why despond? Can He who took Not render back the sight anew? Can he not open out the book Of nature's beauties to our view? And should He not, 'tis His to know Why He withholds the light He gave; His purpose may be but to throw A light to lead beyond the grave. Mr. McCurdy's editorial connection with the paper was very brief. In Vol. I, No. 17, May 16, 1851, John T. Owen appears as proprietor, and Josiah E. Barclay as editor. During this year the Republican hoisted a flag at the head of the editorial columns, with the name of Winfield Scott as presidential candidate for 1852 upon it. On the first page we find this peculiar motto: "We claim as large a charter as the wind." During 1852 John H. Filler* assumed editorial charge, Mr. Owen continuing as proprietor. January 21, 1853, Owen gives notice that he has transferred the entire control of the paper to Filler. We find no other copies of the paper earlier than those for the year 1855. J. A. Hyssong and W. W. Sellers were then proprietors, and Mr. Sellers** had editorial charge. They bought the paper, when its fortunes were at a low ebb, from Wilson Evans, who was its proprietor for a short time, succeeding Owen. The Republican continued under this management until January 1, 1863, when M. Edgar King became editor and proprietor. In July, 1865, he sold out to E. Benjamin Bierman. A month or two later D. K. and J. C. Wagner succeeded to the ownership. They ran the paper until 1867, D. K. Wagner being chief editor. William J. Campbell was given charge of the local columns in 1863, and edited them, with a short intermission, as long as the Wagners owned the paper. James Pott next purchased the Republican, and conducted it from March 28, 1867, until May 7, 1868. In 1868 Harry E. Shafer became editor and proprietor. He managed the paper until 1872, except a short intermission, March to June, 1870, when H. B. Jeffries had charge. W. Scott Alexander became editor and proprietor June 27, 1872. During the following year another change took place, the Republican passing into the hands of its present editor and proprietor, J. Z. Over. At that time the paper had but a small list of subscribers compared with its present circulation. Prudent management has placed it on a prosperous basis, and the Republican now has the support of nearly every republican voter in Fulton county. The citizens of Fulton county have reason to be proud of the journals which are devoted to their interests. Both papers are more than worthy of the liberal patronage they now receive. CHAPTER LXXXIII. THE BAR OF FULTON COUNTY. List of Attorneys admitted to Practice since the Organization of the County - Personal Mention of Hon. William P. Schell, John J. Bonnett, William C. Logan, T. W. B. McFadden, Charles M. Barton, Geo. A. Smith and others - Biographical Sketches - S. M. Woodcock - J. Nelson Sipes - John A. Robinson - W. Scott Alexander - Capt. George W. Skinner - William B. Skinner - John P. Sipes - Attorneys who have been Journalists, etc. SINCE the organization of Fulton, the following attorneys have been admitted to practice in the several courts of the county: January 13, 1851, William P. Schell, of Fulton county, was sworn and admitted as an attorney-at-law, and also as district attorney of Fulton county. Upon his motion, the following gentle- _______ * Mr. Filler is a brilliant and successful journalist. He was chief editor of the Harrisburg Patriot for several years, and is now on the editorial staff of the Philadelphia Record. In 1861 he was captain of Co. G, 13th regt. Penn. Vols. ** Mr. Sellers was a member of the Pennsylvania house of representatives in 1862. After leaving McConnellsburg he went to Illinois and became editor and publisher of the Tazewell Republican, at Pekin. He was also postmaster of the city. He died in that city. [622] men were admitted to practice in the courts of the county: William Lyon, John Mower, John A. Blodgett, Samuel L. Russell, Samuel H. Tate, Joseph F. Loy and Oliver E. (L. ?) Shannon, of Bedford county; Josiah E. Barclay, of Fulton county; Andrew J. Cline, of Blair county; David F. Robinson, William Baker, of Franklin county; and Sam'l M. Barclay, of Bedford county. April 7, 1851, Geo. W. Brewer, Wilson Reiley, of Franklin county; Wm. Dorris, Jr., of Huntingdon county; James M. Russell, Alex. King, of Bedford county. August 4, 1851, Job Mann, John Cessna, of Bedford county; John R. Edie, Francis M. Kimmell, of Somerset county; David H. Hofius, of Blair county. October 20, 1851, Enoch G. Day, of Montgomery county, Maryland; John H. Filler, John J. Bonnett, of Bedford county. January 13, 1852, William M. Hall, of Bedford county. August 2, 1852, Andrew N. Rankin, Washington Crooks, - Ayres. April 4, 1853, Jas. B. Boggs, of Franklin county. August 1, 1853, John P. Reed. August 3, 1853, Solomon Mason. January 9, 1854, Jos. W. Tate, Thos. M. Carlisle. January 12, 1854, John S. Robinson. April 4, 1854, T. W. B. McFadden. August 7, 1854, James Nill, of Franklin county. January 8, 1855, Jos. C. Rhodes, of Fulton county. April 9, 1856, John W. Lingenfelter, of Fulton county. August 4, 1856, Col. Alex. K. McClure, of Franklin county. October 20, 1856, Geo. W. Reges. January 12, 1857, Geo. W. Welch. August 3, 1857, F. S. Stambaugh. October 19, 1857, Wm. S. Everett. January 11, 1858, Wm. C. Logan, J. McDowell Sharpe, Chas. M. Barton. October 19, 1858, Sam Lyon. August 4, 1859, G. A. Smith. October 24, 1860, Ross Forward. April 5, 1861, J. Nelson Sipes. April 8, 1862, Jas. B. Sansom. April 8, 1863, J. H. McCauley. January 17, 1868, J. W. Dickinson, J. B. Cessna. August 7, 1868, H. E. Shaffer. January 11, 1870, Wm. Adams. April 5, 1870, J. R. Durborrow, of Bedford county; John A. Hyssong, of Franklin county. April -, 1870, John A. Robinson. October 19, 1870, W. Scott Alexander. April 5, 1871, M. A. Points. April 7, 1871, H. D. Tate. August 10, 1871, Col. G. W. Z. Black, of Frederick City, Maryland. April 7, 1864, D. S. Elliott. October 5, 1875, Jas. M. Weakley, of Cumberland county; Chas. A. Barnet, of Perry county. October 6, 1875, W. Lee Woodcock. January 11, 1876, John C. Graham. April 10, 1877, W. H. Sechler. June 11, 1877, John A. McKey, Wm. B. Skinner. October 8, 1878, John C. Alexander. October 9, 1878, Dwight Marcy, of Rockville, Connecticut. June 9, 1879, Wm. McGovern, Geo. W. Skinner. June -, 1870, Thomas F. Sloan. October 9, 1879, John P. Sipes. October 21, 1879, W. Rush Gillan. April 11, 1882, W. J. Zacharias, of Chambersburg. October, 1883, F. McNaughton Johnston. William P. Schell, the first admitted attorney of Fulton county, as well as the first district attorney, practiced at this bar two or three years. He returned to Bedford, where he had formerly practiced. He was elected to the legislature and the state senate. He served as speaker of the Pennsylvania house in 1853. In 1877 he was elected auditor-general of Pennsylvania. John J. Bonnett, a native of Bedford county, was admitted to the Fulton bar in January, 1852. On January 18, 1853, he died in McConnellsburg in the twenty- third year of his age. William C. Logan was born in Fulton county. He went to St. Louis when young, and subsequently returned to Bedford, where he was admitted to the bar. In 1858 he became a member of the Fulton bar. He resided and practiced in the county until 1861, when he removed to Philadelphia. T. W. B. McFadden, a member of the bar and prothonotary of Fulton county for one term, died in Schellsburg, Bedford county, April 14, 1858. He was a young man of bright promise, and as a county officer discharged his duties most satisfactorily. Charles M. Barton, who for about five years was engaged in the practice of law at this bar, was a native of Bedford county. In 1858 he was admitted to practice, and the same year he was chosen district attorney of Fulton county. During the later years of his practice here Hon. John Cessna, of Bedford, was his law partner. Mr. Barton left McConnellsburg for the west and settled at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He served as city treasurer of Fort Wayne for five terms. In 1883 he removed to Northern Alabama, where he is superintendent of an iron mine. George A. Smith, one of the ablest members of the Fulton bar, was admitted to practice in the courts of this county in 1859. He resided in McConnellsburg until 1877, when he moved to Tennessee, his present home, though he con- [623] tinues to practice at this bar. Mr. Smith was a member of the legislature from this county in 1872. Henry G. Smith, editor and attorney in McConnellsburg, 1861-4, afterward conducted the Lancaster Intelligencer ten years or more. He removed to Tennessee and died there. He was an able lawyer and a successful journalist. John R. Donehoo practiced in this county from about 1865 to 1870, and during the time was twice elected district attorney. He removed to West Virginia in 1870. S. M. Woodcock was born in Wells township, Fulton county, in 1835; read law in the office of Maj. Samuel H. Tate, in Bedford; admitted to the Bedford bar in 1858; practiced in Fulton county until September, 1860. He then located in Altoona, his present residence. Mr. Woodcock has served as city solicitor of Altoona two terms. Samuel Lyon was admitted to the Fulton bar in 1858, and practiced in McConnellsburg until the breaking out of the war. In February, 1862, he entered the service as first lieutenant in Co. H, 107th regt. Penn. Vols. He was subsequently commissioned quartermaster of the regiment, and in 1865, captain of Co. A, in the same regiment. After the war he removed to Indiana, Pennsylvania. J. Nelson Sipes was born in Licking Creek township, Fulton county, April 23, 1837. He was educated in the common schools and at a private school at Hancock, Maryland, and at Juniata Academy, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania. He read law under William C. Logan, and Cessna & Barton, in McConnellsburg, and was admitted to practice in the courts of the county April 5, 1861. Mr. Sipes was the first native of the county who received his law education within the county to be admitted to the Fulton bar. He began practice in 1872, and has been eminently successful. Mr. Sipes served one term as district attorney. John A. Robinson was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, December 29, 1837. He was educated in the common schools and at Marshall Collegiate Institute; read law under George A. Smith, in McConnellsburg, and was admitted to the bar in 1870. He became a partner of his preceptor, and so continued until 1877, the style of the firm being Smith & Robinson. He then formed a law partnership with Hon. J. McDowell Sharpe, late of Franklin county, which continued until the death of Mr. Sharpe in 1883. Mr. Robinson was twice elected prothonotary of Fulton county before his admission to the bar. He was chosen district attorney in 1870, and served one term. From June, 1872, to June, 1876, he was editor and proprietor of the Fulton Democrat. Walter Scott Alexander was born March 13, 1847, in Broad Top township, Bedford county - now Wells township, Fulton county. He received a good common-school education, and afterward attended the Tuscarora Academy in Juniata county. He then entered the printing-office of the Huntingdon Globe; but being compelled to abandon the business on account of ill health, he engaged in teaching. Mr. Alexander was principal teacher of the White Hall State Soldiers' Orphans' School for one year, principal of the high school at Metamora, Ohio, for one year, and principal of the McConnellsburg schools for three years. He read law with Hon. John Cessna, of Bedford, and was admitted to the Fulton bar October 19, 1870. He practiced in Ohio for one year, then returned to McConnellsburg, where he has since pursued his profession. He has devoted considerable attention to journalism and politics, and in 1872-3, was editor and proprietor of the Fulton Republican. He was elected district attorney November 7, 1876, being the first republican ever chosen to the office in the county. Capt. George W. Skinner was born near Dry run, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1846. He was educated in the common schools, Milnwood Academy, and Washington and Jefferson College. In 1862, when a little over sixteen years of age, he ran away from college, and enlisted as a private, in the 77th regt. Penn. Vols. After almost four years of service, he returned as captain of Co. A, in the same regiment, having passed successively through the grades of sergeant and first lieutenant. In the election of 1867, having received the democratic nomination, he was elected treasurer of Franklin county, in the face of an adverse majority. In 1870, and again in 1871, he was chosen a member of the state legislature, from Franklin county, and served upon the most important committees of the house. He mainly distinguished himself by his earnest advocacy of the payment of the "Border Raid Claims." In 1872, Capt. Skinner became a resident of Fulton county. In 1875 and 1876 he filled the [624] position of journal clerk, in the Pennsylvania house of representatives. Having studied law in the interval of other duties, he was admitted to the practice of the law in 1870. Since that time, he has been engaged, principally, in the tanning and mercantile business, although attending to such legal business as is confided to his care. From 1876 to 1880 he was connected with the Fulton Democrat, as one of its publishers, and as its principal editorial writer. An ardent democrat, for many years he has been in the habit of appearing upon the stump, in advocacy of the principles of that party. Since his residence in Fulton county, he has filled almost continuously the office of school director, and takes a deep interest in local affairs. Capt. Skinner was married in 1872 to the only daughter of Jas. H. Parker, Esq., one of the leading manufacturers of Fulton county. William B. Skinner was born near Dry run, Franklin county, in 1856. He was educated in the common schools and at the Chambersburg Academy, and is a graduate of the Shippensburg State Normal School. In 1876 Mr. Skinner became associated with his brother, Capt. George W. Skinner, in the publication of the Fulton Democrat. In the fall of 1879 he left the newspaper business, to accept the office of district attorney of Fulton county, to which he had just been elected. His admission to the bar took place a little over a year before his election to this office. In the spring of 1883, after his duties as district attorney had terminated, he moved with his wife, a daughter of J. A. Greathead, to Mount Vernon, Lawrence county, Missouri, where he is successfully established in the practice of his chosen profession. John P. Sipes was born in Licking Creek township, Fulton county, January 25, 1857. He was educated in the common schools and at Shippensburg Normal School, and for six years taught in the public schools of Fulton county. After reading law under G. H. Spang, Bedford, and Sharpe & Robinson, McConnellsburg, he was admitted to the bar October 9, 1879, and entered upon practice the following May. In 1882 he was elected district attorney, which office he still holds. Among those who have combined the practice of law with the profession of journalism in this county have been James B. Sansom, John R. Donehoo, Henry G. Smith, C. A. Gaither, John A. Robinson and William B. Skinner, of the Fulton Democrat; Josiah E. Barclay, John H. Filler, M. Edgar King, Harry E. Shafer and W. Scott Alexander, of the Republican. See chapter devoted to the press. CHAPTER LXXXIV. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. First Practitioners - The First Settled Physician - Dr. George Denig - His Long Practice in the County - Two of His Sons also Physicians - Dr. S. E. Duffield - His Career and Public Services - Dr. William F. Trout - Dr. Nevin B. Shade - Physicians of Warfordsburg - Dr. William Carl - Dr. W. L. McKibbin, of Union township - Dr. H. S. Wishart, Harrisonville. WE find no evidence that the present territory of Fulton county contained any resident physician prior to the beginning of the present century. The nearest practitioners were ten, twenty and thirty miles distant, and could only be reached by traversing difficult roads leading over mountains. It is probable that the people of these valleys made few demands for their services and got along with as little physic as possible. As late as 1813, according to the personal recollection of Adam McConnell, of whom mention is made elsewhere, there was no settled physician in McConnellsburg or any other part of the county. Dr. McClellan, of Franklin county, made occasional visits to the town, furnishing advice and medicine where it was needed. Very soon afterward and probably not later than 1815, Dr. George Denig came from Chambersburg and began practice in McConnellsburg. During his long residence here he led a very busy life and gained a reputation for sound judgment, prudence and skill which his faithful labors well merited. Dr. Denig studied medicine in Chambersburg, under the tuition of Dr. Culbertson. He attended one course of medical lectures, but did not graduate. Notwithstanding his lack of school education, his self-exertion, aided by a practical mind and keen perception, made him a thoroughly safe and competent medical adviser. He was assiduous in the performance of his duties, and devoted his time and energy unreservedly to his practice, which extended over all the territory of Fulton county, and even beyond. He was especially noted for skill in surgery, and wrote a book on midwifery which embodied much valuable in- [625] formation. Dr. Denig practiced in McConnellsburg until about 1844, then removed to Columbus, Ohio, where he died over ninety years of age. He had two sons, George and Robert M., who became physicians, and a third, John M., who has achieved some reputation as a writer of poetry. Drs. George and Robert M. Denig studied medicine under their father and graduated from a medical college. Dr. George Denig, Jr., practiced about five years in McConnellsburg, in partnership with his father, then went to Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Robert M., after completing his studies, practiced with his father until the latter removed to Ohio, and continued to reside and practice in McConnellsburg until 1849, when he also removed to Columbus, Ohio, where he now lives and has an extensive practice. During the time that Dr. Denig, the elder, was in McConnellsburg, two physicians, Dr. Davidson and Dr. Hamilton, each resided for a short time in the town, but did not remain long enough to establish themselves well in practice. Dr. Samuel Elliott Duffield, whose talents have given him prominence both in public and private life, is the best known man in Fulton county and stands in the foremost rank of her honored and public-spirited citizens. He was born in McConnellsburg, May 13, 1820. After receiving a classical education at Bedford Academy, under the instruction of Rev. B. R. Hall, he studied medicine in Philadelphia, in the office of Dr. W. W. Gerhard, then one of the leading physicians of the city. Taking a three years' course at the University of Pennsylvania, he received the degree of M.D. from that institution in 1843. He at once began the practice of his profession in McConnellsburg, where he continued in active practice until 1875. As a physician he was successful in the highest degree, and during his long term of practice led a busy and useful life. For several years he was the only physician in the county, with the exception of Dr. ____. Dr. Duffield was formerly a whig, and has been identified with the republican party since its birth. For years he has been its recognized leader in Fulton county. He was tendered the nomination for congress in 1860, but resigned in favor of Hon. Edward McPherson. In 1862, he was a candidate for the office of state senator in the district composed of Adams, Franklin and Fulton, which at that time was strongly democratic. From 1861 until 1874, when he resigned the position, he was superintendent of the document room of the house of representatives and resided in Washington during the sessions of congress. Concerning this position of his career we quote the words of the New York Daily Graphic, of April 12, 1875: "Among the remarkable men at Washington is Dr. S. E. Duffield, the genial and accomplished chief of the document room in the house of representatives. * * * Dr. Duffield became a whig of the candid and active kind, and as whig and republican gained a strong hold upon the affections of politicians. He was always a student, and to this day has kept himself thoroughly informed in the history of political questions and persons. In 1861 he was appointed superintendent of the document room of the house, which position he has since filled to everybody's entire satisfaction. The document room is a very important department. The officials there require an extensive knowledge of current affairs as well as experience in all matters pertaining to the legislation of past congresses. Millions of documents are received, registered and filed during each congress, and the aggregate number is, of course, rapidly increasing year by year. No office in the capitol is more deservedly popular under its present management. Dr. Duffield as chief and Warren S. Young, of Ohio, as assistant, make the document rooms of the house exactly what they should be." Dr. Francis Reamer settled in McConnellsburg about 1852. He remained five or six years, then removed to Bedford. Dr. Nevin B. Shade was born in Liken's valley, Pennsylvania, in 1849; educated in the Clarion Collegiate Institute, Rimersburg, Clarion county; attended the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, taking three courses of lectures, and graduating in 1878. He entered upon the practice of medicine in McConnellsburg, in 1871, and has since pursued his profession successfully. The drugstore now owned by Dr. Shade is the oldest in Fulton county, having been established by Dr. Denig, the pioneer physician of the county. Dr. William F. Trout was born at Fort Lyttleton, Fulton county, Pennsylvania, in 1833. He was educated in Chambersburg, and at the University of Virginia. After studying medicine under Dr. A. H. Senseney, of Chambersburg, he attended the Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1856. After practicing in Chambersburg about one year, he went to Asia, and for two years and eight months pursued his profession in the city of Damascus. In 1859 he returned to this country, and in 1860 settled in McConnellsburg. He has since enjoyed a very [626] extensive practice, and won an enviable reputation. During the first four years of his residence in this town, he was in partnership with Dr. Duffield. He has been carrying on the drug business, in connection with his practice, since 1869. The father of Dr. Trout, Jacob Trout, was a native of Chambersburg, and carried on a large mercantile business there. He had stores in operation in Chambersburg, Green village and Fort Lyttleton, all at the same time. He removed to Fulton county (then Bedford) about 1831, but returned to Chambersburg a few years later. Dr. William Carl, the first physician of prominence in the southern part of Fulton county, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania. When a young man he went to Green Castle, Franklin county, where he studied medicine under his uncle's tuition. After securing his education, he practiced a short time in Green Castle and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 1849 he located at Warfordsburg, where he was continuously engaged in the practice of his profession, until his death, January 13, 1883. Dr. Carl was competent and successful. He had a very extensive practice in Bedford and Fulton counties, Pennsylvania, and in Maryland and West Virginia. Dr. Carl married Anna Gregory, of Fulton county, in 1854. She now lives at the old home in Warfordsburg. But one child, a daughter, S. Ella Carl, was born of this union. Dr. Richard Stewart was the first settled physician in Warfordsburg. He came in 1841. His successor, Dr. William E. Reckter, practiced from 1843 to 1849. Dr. J. L. Gregory located in Warfordsburg in 1868. He died in 1879. Dr. A. J. Rhemsburg and Dr. D. E. Fisher are the present medical practitioners. The former came in 1879, and the latter in 1883. Dr. David Wishart was the first settled physician in Wells valley. Dr. Moore and Dr. Hunter have been among the later practitioners. Dr. Wm. Lee McKibbin, the first and only practitioner of medicine to locate in Union township, was born in Philadelphia, of Scotch-Irish parentage, November 15, 1837. In 1848 he came to this county with his father, under whose tuition he received the greater portion of his school training. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A, 180th regt. Penn. Vols.; was mustered out in 1863; then being drafted, was assigned to Co. E, 149th regt. Penn. Vols.; mustered out in May, 1865. He then married Miss Ella R. Eddowes, of Buck Valley, and went to Washington, where he was employed in the department of Q.M.-Gen. Meigs until September, 1865. He next went to West Virginia, and until 1866, supervised the interests of the Volcanic Oil Company, reading medicine in the evenings with Dr. Hunter, of West Virginia. Returning home, he read medicine with Dr. James B. Delaplane, of Hancock, Maryland, attended the Jefferson Medical College two sessions, and was graduated in 1869. He again attended lectures in 1870, then studied under the private tutorage of Dr. Chas. P. Bye, of Chester county, Pennsylvania, for one year. He has since attended several partial courses. Dr. McKibbin has been actively engaged in practice, except when attending lectures, ever since his graduation. His practice is large, and extends over a territory about fifteen miles wide and twenty-five miles long, taking in parts of Washington and Allegheny counties, Maryland and Fulton and Bedford counties, Pennsylvania. Dr. Henry S. Wishart, of Harrisonville, received his academical education in Juniata county, Pennsylvania; read medicine in the office of Dr. R. J. Hunter, beginning April 1, 1857. In 1859 he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and attended one full course. Then practiced under his preceptor until May, 1861, when he entered the army as captain of Co. F, 77th regt. Penn. Vols.; remained in the service until May, 1863. Resuming the study of medicine in the office of Dr. S. D. Scott, he attended the university of Pennsylvania and was graduated doctor of medicine March 15, 1864. Since that time Dr. Wishart has pursued his profession steadily and successfully. He was a member of the Pennsylvania house of representatives, 1875-6. As a member of this body he discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of his constituency, and with credit to himself. As a physician he possesses the essential qualifications of the successful practitioner other than knowledge, firmness and compassion, blended with discretion and integrity. As a citizen he is ever ready to champion any enterprise that has for its object the advancement of the best interest of the county. The doctor is one of those gentlemen whose identification with any locality is productive of good.