AREA HISTORY:  Hanover Military and Musical, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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MILITARY AND MUSICAL – Page 591

The United Blues was a military company of riflemen, organized by Capt. A. W. 
Eichelberger.  The company was composed of sixty men, in full uniform, and 
continued to drill for seven years.

The Fourth Dragoons was a company organized in 1852, composed of fifty men.  It 
was a cavalry company, having a full uniform of blue coats, light blue 
pantaloons, with cavalry sabers, furnished by the State, and was commanded by 
Capt. Eichelberger.  They drilled once a month, for five years, on the Public 
Common.

The Warren Greys, commanded by Capt. Luther Skinner, was an excellently drilled 
volunteer company, in grey uniform.

The Marion Rifle Company, commanded by Capt. Renaut, was a company in excellent 
trim.  About the time the Civil war began most of the members entered the 
service.

The Union Band was organized in the year 1852, through the efforts of Capt. D. Q. 
Albright, who was its leader.  This was an excellent musical organization, and 
was frequently invited to neighboring towns on important occasions.  It was 
familiarly known as the “Silver Band,” owing to the magnificent Tyrolese silver 
instruments which were purchased at a cost of $1,000.  One of the pieces, an E-
flat cornet, cost $100, and was played by H. Clay Metzger.  The elegant wagon 
used by the band cost $500.  In the year 1863, the organization disbanded.  This 
was during the trying times of the Civil war, and many of its members entered the 
military service.

The Hanover Silver Cornet Band is a well trained organization, which has existed 
for many years.

The Citizens Band is a new organization led by Prof. Gundrum.