AREA HISTORY:  Military Organization, Lewisberry, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

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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 ORGANIZATION, Page 634

Military Organization.-The earliest military companies of this section cannot be 
given.  About 1825 an organization was effected and named the Lafayette Guards, 
in honor of that idolized French patriot.  It regularly drilled for seven years, 
was uniformed and commanded at different times by Capts. Lewis Cline and John 
Thompson.  At the expiration of this time, the Lafayette Rifles were formed, and 
commanded successively by Capts. Samuel Beck and John M. Millard.  These 
companies wore a grey uniform with yellow trimmings, had fine guns, knapsack, 
and ostrich feathers for plumes.  At the time of the “Buckshot war,” in 1839, 
they marched to Harrisburg, expecting that their services might be needed.  It 
is even hinted that some of the ostrich feathers trembled on that occasion.  
They returned during the following day.  When the militia law was in force, 
every section had its company; Newberry and Fairview had a number of them.  One 
of these organizations was called the “Cornstalk Guards,” another, on account of 
the limited number, “The Twelve Apostles.”  The captain of one of them, while 
mustering, had to stand his men along a fence to get the line straight.  The 
“little muster,” as it was called, of all the local companies was held on first 
Monday of May, annually.  But if you want to brighten up the countenance of an 
old militia soldier, ask him to describe the scenes and incidents of “the 
battalion” or “big muster day” held on the second Monday of May in the village 
of Lewisberry and regularly at Dover or Dillsburg on some other day with equal 
regularity.  Col. Bailey, of Dillsburg; Col. Steele, of Fairview, or Col. 
Rankin, of Lewisberry, commanded on these occasions, and a large number of 
companies participated in the muster, both of volunteer soldiers and the 
militia.  They were all reviewed by the brigade inspector, who, in the eyes of 
the people, was an important parsonage.  It was always a day of great hilarity, 
with one depreciating feature.  Ardent spirits, sometimes, flowed too freely, 
and the smiling waters of Bennett’s Run were slighted.  Hucksters were present 
with their tables loaded with enticing viands and dainties.  Ginger-bread was 
plentiful and cheap, and he or she who sold the biggest piece for a “big red 
cent,” was the most popular.  “Mammy Zorger” introduced the “white sugar cake,” 
which was an event in the art of cooking.  She won the prize for the best cakes.  
The “straight four” dance must be participated in, and Battalion Day was over.