2012 Journal of York County Heritage

Journal of York County Heritage YORK COUNTY YORK COUNTY HERITAGE TRUST HERITAGE TRUST — SEPTEMBER — –SEPTEMBER– 2012 2012

YCHT BOARD LISTING 2012–2013 Ahalt, Nancy Konkel, Richard K. Anderson, Beth R. LeCates, Byron H. Avillo, Philip May, James M. Bieber, Deborah L. McClure, James Bracey, Vernon L. Norris, Thomas C. Campbell, H. Douglas Polk, Frances Carew, Michael Ray, Genevieve H. Dotzel, Cynthia A. Rosenmiller, Fred Feldmann, Steve Schaefer, Carolyn Fulton, Tim Shorb, Thomas M. Hartdagen, Doris Simpson, William Hershner, Ronald L. Snyder, Charles W. Hill, Diane Walsh, David Hubner, Nadine M. Waltersdorff, N. Daniel Kinsley, Robert A. II Wolf, Diane Front cover Soldiers lounge outside a U.S. Army General Hospital building in York, part of a large complex of structures used to treat thousands of Civil War casualties from 1862 to 1865. America is observing the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2012. Two pieces in this year’s Journal of York County Heritage explore aspects of that bloody war in York County: the massive military hospital on Penn Park and property damage claims filed after the Confederate Army’s invasion across county soil in the days before the Battle of Gettysburg.

Journal of York County Heritage York County Heritage Trust 10th Anniversary of the York County Heritage Trust 10th Anniversary of the York County Heritage Trust

The York County Heritage Trust assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of references and notes contained herein nor for the statements and opinions of contributors. Ream Printing Company, Inc. Copyright © 2012, York County Heritage Trust. All Rights Reserved. Bibliography The following served as sources of information for this publication: York County Heritage Trust Library & Archives. Inside title page Jim Rudisill incorporated the outline of York County in this drawing, used as a book plate by the York County Heritage Trust. Front cover design Samatha Dellinger, York Daily Record/York Sunday News Copy Editor Joseph McClure Illustrations York County Heritage Trust Library & Archives

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust York County Heritage Trust 250 East Market Street York PA 17403 www.yorkheritage.org The York County Heritage Trust is an educational institution that uses its collections, historic sites, and documentary resources to inspire people to explore the history and culture of York County, Pennsylvania. This publication marks the third year for the York County Heritage Trust’s academic journal. Our goal is to highlight aspects of the area’s vibrant heritage brought forth through current scholarship. Site Locations Publications Committee Historical Society Museum & Gift Shop James McClure, chair * Library & Archives Philip Avillo* 250 East Market Street Gerald Hartdagen York, PA 17403 Ron Hershner Agricultural & Industrial Museum June Lloyd * 217 West Princess Street John Noone York, PA 17401 The Rev. Patrick Rooney * Bonham House Ted Sickler 152 East Market Street Staff Liaison: Lila Fourhman-Shaull * York, PA 17403 *Editing subcommittee Colonial Complex 157 West Market Street York, PA 17401 Membership Fire Museum $40 Senior Citizen 757 West Market Street $50 Individual York, PA 17401 $55 Senior Citizen Couple $60 Family $100 Pioneer Circle $250 Bonham Circle $500 Confederation Circle $1,000 Golden Plough Circle $2,500 Lafayette Circle 3

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ Introduction Dear YCHT Friends, As you turn the pages of this, the Trust’s third Journal of York County Heritage, please take a moment to consider the gift the authors provided to our community. With their diligent research and writing, accompanied by our volunteer editing, the treasures of York County his- tory are available for all of us to explore and learn. We are extraordinarily grateful that you share your passion! One hundred and fifty years ago, our country was torn asunder by the excruciating events of the Civil War. York County, Pennsylvania, played a significant role in this nationally brutal test of our country’s fiber. Much of our regional Civil War research, conducted by regional and national historians, helps us understand and place individual events within the dynamic con- text of the war. That activity, unearthing records, sifting through diaries, scanning documents written in the period, fulfills our mission to explore and share the riches of these resources. In this edition you will find the extraordinary stories from the Civil War hospital at Penn Common where soldiers struggled to regain physical and mental health in the aftermath of Gettysburg and related conflicts. A review of York County’s damage claims sheds light on the war’s cost, not only from a financial standpoint but also on the ability to sustain a livelihood. Together, these articles yield appreciation for the fearful and agonizing Civil War events that afflicted York County. Throughout the next two years, the Trust plans additional programs and exhibits examining the Civil War. Please look for these in our myriad of informative sources such as Trust Talk and The Chronicle, or sign up for our bi-weekly eblast to receive timely updates. Again, thank you to our researchers for your appreciation of history and willingness to share it through the following pages. No doubt your work will inspire many to delve deeper into the Civil War’s events and the context in which it occurred. Enjoy reading! Joan J. Mummert President/CEO 4

Table of Contents The Cartridge Box: The Inside-Out Newspaper of the U.S. Army General Hospital, York 6 Jean Hershner Brannan ‘An Accident of War’: York County’s Civil War Damage Claims 14 Scott L. Mingus Sr. and Thomas M. Mingus The City of York Had a Tabernacle 20 Elmer Q. Gleim A Community Story: The Bambergers Migrate North and Beyond 26 Kiara Banks and Justine Landis The People of Lewis Miller 30 June Lloyd James Smith Letters 36

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ 6 This rare photograph shows the inside of a ward of the U.S. Army General Hospital in York.

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust The Cartridge Box: The Inside-Out Newspaper of the U.S. Army General Hospital, York Jean Hershner Brannan oices from the past are difficult to hear amid in addition to the close quarters of military tent-living the cacophony of modernity. Surviving dia- led to widespread illness among the men. Without for- ries, letters, and journals from the Civil War mal hospital facilities to tend to the sick, private citi- V era reverberate with important, individual zens took recruits into their homes and placed them in echoes of bygone experiences, thoughts, and rela- public buildings in order to protect the well and nurse tionships. A historic document that captures multiple the ill back to health. voices from a bygone era, however, is nearly impos- On Christmas Day, 1861, the 6th New York Cavalry sible to find. This is why The Cartridge Box, a weekly arrived with approximately 900 more men. They were newspaper published by the U.S. Army General Hos- ordered to spend the winter in York and quartered in the “agricultural building” at the fairgrounds and in school buildings, which had been closed by order of The York County Heritage Trust’s York’s school board. Within a month’s time, Secretary of War Simon Cameron ordered barracks and stables Library & Archives appears to be the to be built on Penn Common for the cavalry. Although only public repository to hold these facilities were originally constructed as temporary accommodations, their structural soundness, railroad a complete run of a Civil War access and location away from front lines facilitated hospital newspaper, even though their adaptive reuse as a military hospital. 2 Consequently, on June 27, 1862, the U.S. Army these publications were produced General Hospital in York opened its doors to diseased by a number of U.S. Army and battle-wounded soldiers. By early July 1865 — the facility’s final month of operation — its roster tallied general hospital facilities. 14,256 admitted; 1,348 transferred to other facilities; 7,549 returned to duty; 1,120 discharged due to dis- ability; 3,766 furloughed; 193 died; and 328 remain- pital in York, is such a rare and significant resource. ing in the hospital. 3 Preserved in the York County Heritage Trust’s Library & Its death rate of less than 2 percent made York’s Archives collections, The Cartridge Box offers modern record remarkable among other permanent U.S. researchers a highly informative — and frequently Army hospitals, whose death rates averaged around 4 entertaining — window into the inner workings 8 percent. Much of the credit for this success can be of a permanent Civil War military hospital, its staff, attributed to Dr. Henry Palmer, brigade surgeon for the patients, and interactions with the York community. “Iron Brigade” before serving as surgeon in charge of The town was abuzz with Union Army activity almost York’s General Hospital from July 6, 1862, through from the outbreak of war. September 7, 1864. A stickler for discipline and clean- In May 1861, less than a month after the outbreak liness, Palmer did not allow wounded men to languish of hostilities, over 6,000 new Union recruits were in bed if they were ambulatory, a practice that contin- 1 encamped at the York Fairgrounds. Cool, wet weather ued after his tenure at York had ended . Jean Hershner Brannan is development director at Preservation Pennsylvania. She earned an M.A. in American Studies at Penn State Harrisburg and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University. 7

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ It is important to understand that the U.S. Army Department of the Susquehanna Hospital at York was a military post throughout the Army Hospitals 5 war, even though its patients were recuperating from previous wounds. On at least three documented occa- Satterlee U.S. Army General Hospital sions, its veterans were called upon for defense. On West Philadelphia July 1, 1863, The New York Daily Tribune noted that: “The Army Hospital at York, Pa, was removed on the Mower U.S. Army General Hospital approach of the Rebels to Columbia. The surgical Chestnut Hill instruments, costly medicines, etc., were secreted in the McClellan U.S. Army General Hospital mountains until the Rebels had left.” (The “moun- 6 Nicetown tains” were between Coatesville and Downingtown.) 7 Cuyler U.S. Army General Hospital This newspaper account is not entirely accurate, Germantown however. According to Dr. Henry Palmer: “The Fight- ing Surgeon” 1827–1895 — a book written by Citizens’ Volunteer Hospital Palmer’s grandson, Malcolm Palmer Mouat — Assis- Broad & Prime Streets tant Surgeon Dr. A.R. Blair took 78 of the hospital’s Philadelphia patients to Columbia, Lancaster County, before the Summit House U.S. Army General Hospital invasion. Palmer stayed behind with five men who Darby Road were too ill to be evacuated. Mouat says Palmer was Philadelphia taken prisoner by the Confederates and escaped twice 8 U.S. Army Convalescent Hospital as the Battle of Gettysburg was beginning. Palmer Filbert Street returned to York and subsequently treated over 1,000 Philadelphia wounded men. 9 A 1913 Harrisburg periodical also mentions that Turner’s Lane U.S. Army General Hospital troops from the hospital were sent to defend Harris- Philadelphia burg in mid-June 1863: U.S. Army General Hospital … 500 men from the convalescent camp at Twenty-Fourth and South Streets York, who had recovered sufficiently from Philadelphia their wounds to take the field again…were Christian Street U.S. Army General Hospital organized into five provisional companies and (Christian Street between 9th & 10th) placed under the command of an experienced Philadelphia 10 officer. U.S. Army General Hospital Recuperating soldiers would leave the hospital 65th & Vine Streets grounds again one year later when Confederate forces Philadelphia threatened the area once more. Palmer himself led Islington Lane U.S. Army General Hospital the hospital’s convalescent force into Maryland, and Philadelphia his service reportedly earned him a commendation for 11 Officers U.S. Army General Hospital his actions. Military duties and demanding hours in 11th & Berks Streets the hospital took their toll on Palmer’s health. By the Philadelphia fall of 1864, Dr. S.J.W. Mintzer was appointed surgeon in charge of the military hospital in York, following Cotton Factory Palmer’s transition into the less-demanding medical Harrisburg inspector role for the 8th Army Corps headquartered U.S. Army General Hospital in Baltimore. 12 York Upon his rather sudden departure, Palmer was Chambersburg Post Hospital lauded by the hospital’s patients: “His appearance … 8

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust where [the men] were assembled together in num- books, amounting in the aggregate to almost bers was invariably met with applause, the surest and five hundred dollars worth, which have swelled most emphatic token of a soldier’s approbation… the number of volumes in the Hospital Library Our sincere prayer is, that he may long live to enjoy to some eighteen hundred. Our enterprise has, the confidence of his country, which he has served so therefore, proved a grand success, and we can- 13 well… .” Thankfully for modern researchers, these not be too thankful to the liberal citizens of sentiments are preserved in the hospital’s most endur- the borough and elsewhere, for their prompt ing legacy: The Cartridge Box. and ready aid of money and means to put it “Printed and Published at the U.S. Army General in operation. Hospital, York, Pa. on Saturday of each week,” The The Cartridge Box can also be considered a grand Cartridge Box was written, edited, and printed on success as a conduit between 21st-century researchers site by the hospital’s patients and staff from March 5, and a diverse corps of battle-tested Union soldiers. Fur- 1864, through July 8, 1865. Its modest rates — $2 per ther, the newspaper’s conversational tone, humor, and year or five cents an issue, half price for soldiers — commitment to balancing important information made it an affordable weekly for recuperating military with lighthearted entertainment is prescient of more personnel and local residents. modern publications and quite unexpected in a mid- The newspaper’s editorial staff presents The Car- 19th-century periodical. tridge Box’s multifaceted purpose in its debut edition: Equally surprising is the comparatively limited We design to publish at this Hospital a weekly number of frontline Civil War events featured in The edition of this sheet, which will contain a Cartridge Box’s pages. In general, war news is only complete list of the names of all those admit- presented regularly through a weekly editorial column ted, returned to duty, &c. during the week. Its or as context surrounding new admissions. An exam- objects will be to promote the best interests of ple of the latter appears in a June 1864 issue: our sick and wounded companions, to cheer Seven hundred and sixty three wounded men, them during their sufferings, to afford them a from the Army of the Potomac, arrived in this medium of interchanges of thought and senti- hospital Tuesday last, and are now comfort- ment and relieve the monotony of hospital life. ably situated in their quarters ... . With very We ask our friends to lend us their assistance few exceptions, the men … were all active and furnish us such communications as will participants in the severe and terrible battles be of interest, pleasure and profit to us… which took place between the Rapidan and One of the principal objects in publishing this the Chickahominy, and all speak in the most paper is to enlarge the hospital library and favorable terms of the valor and endurance of establish a reading room for the benefit of the our army. 15 soldier…. 14 Two months later, a similar entry is made: The newspaper’s goals were quickly achieved, as evidenced by editor George McElroy’s farewell “Vale- Between five and six hundred new patients dictory” in the November 26, 1864, issue: arrived at this hospital on Thursday last. Some of them are pretty badly wounded, and quite Since the fifth of March last, when the paper a number are suffering with different kinds made its first appearance, we have secured of diseases incident to the season. One young some eighty weekly, and a number of daily man among them, apparently about twenty exchanges from nearly all the loyal States, years of age, had both of his feet frozen off, which have been sent to us regularly. These while confined as a prisoner in the hands of furnished almost a library in themselves, hav- the secessionists, on Belle Isle last winter. He ing been placed on file and made accessible to rides about upon a velocipede, and is decidedly all the men in the Hospital. In addition to this, 16 an interesting specimen of rebel barbarity. we have made several purchases of valuable 9

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ Typically four pages, each eloquent and nearly let- tridge Box’s largest category of content. Each issue of ter-perfect issue features a breadth and depth of infor- the newspaper features generous portions of poetry, mation that would rival — if not surpass — many fiction, jokes, proverbs for wise living, and references newspapers in our digital age. Its diversity of topics to a commonly shared longing for loved ones. Fol- notwithstanding, five overlapping themes emerge in its lowing are but a few items that may have provoked a 16-month run: hospital news; wit, wisdom, and senti- laugh or touched a soldier’s homesick heart: mentality; local news; general news; and current events. “Not Under This Flag, Sir.” A gallant officer in Following are selected illustrations of these themes. one of the Iowa regiments, who never quailed under the fire of rebel bullets, fell an easy vic- Hospital News tim to a pair of bright eyes, whose owner wore Arguably the most important news to inpatient an apron bearing the emblem of our coun- soldiers — besides letters from home — was hospital try’s flag, who was waiting on the Iowa boys information including post office hours, group meet- at a festival lately given them on their return ing information, upcoming special events, occasional home. The colonel, wishing to make the marriage and obituary notices, frequent admonitions acquaintance of the lady, remarked: “That is to resist swearing, and “Changes for the Week,” which a pretty apron you wear, miss.” “Yes,” replied was a roster of official hospital activities. This listing of the maiden, “this is my flag.” “I have fought each soldier’s name, rank, and regimental information many a hard battle under that flag,” rejoined could fill nearly four columns of The Cartridge Box the colonel. “Not under this flag, sir,” indig- following weeks with large admissions. Hospital-related nantly exclaimed the beauty, as she swept articles that appear include details regarding the new away, leaving the gallant son of Mars perfectly chapel, which was to be “appropriated for purposes of 20 dumbfounded. divine worship, library and reading room, and will also 17 be occupied as a school for the soldiers … .” Some maiden ladies made soldiers’ shirts about a foot too short, having no pattern to go “The Veteran Reserve Corps, by, and but little information. A wag wrote on their bundle: in this Hospital, are now full Like a man without a wife, uniformed and present a Like a ship without a sail, decidedly fine appearance.” The oddest thing in life, The Cartridge Box Is a shirt without a—proper length. 21 April 2, 1864 An article titled “Mind Your Stops” offers a humor- ous lesson about the necessity of employing proper Three months later, The Cartridge Box notes that punctuation: over 200 convalescent troops were interested in enroll- 18 ing at the chapel school. A lady in Massachusetts had a husband who A mess hall “railroad” is one of the more unusual was about making a sea voyage, and she wrote stories covered by the paper’s editors. In June 1864, the a note, and gave it to her minister to read on hospital’s dining facilities were enlarged, and a rope the Sabbath in which she meant to say—“A and pulley railroad, intended to expedite the distribu- member of this congregation going to sea, his tion of food, was created to run the full length of an wife desires prayers for his safety.” But instead 800-seat mess hall table. While the operations of the of reading it thus, on account of the stops railroad were “somewhat amusing,” this innovation being used wrongly, it was read in this man- was “a source of great pleasure and satisfaction” to ner: “A member of this congregation, going to 19 the kitchen’s staff. see his wife, desires prayers for his safety.” 22 Virtues confessed by our foes, and vices acknowl- Wit, Wisdom and Sentimentality 23 edged by our friends, are probably real. Without question, this theme represented The Car- 10

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust It is no misfortune for a nice young lady to entertain the warmest personal regard for its lose her good name, if a nice young gentle- amiable and gentlemanly proprietor. man gives her a better. 24 Advertisements for York’s merchants appear on the Beautiful Reply - A child, speaking of his home last page of every Cartridge Box issue and offer a fas- to a friend, was asked, “Where is your home?” cinating glimpse into the services and wares of local Looking up with loving eyes at his mother, he merchants. replied, “Where mother is!” Was ever a ques- tion more truthfully, beautifully or touchingly General News 25 answered? Whether used as filler content or grouped under the titles of “Select Miscellany,” “Miscellaneous,” Local News or “Items of General News,” an assortment of topics Despite its status as a military post, York’s General related to science, technology, agriculture, history, Hospital was tightly interwoven with the community’s economics, religion, ancient cultures, and the simply fabric. Consequently, the comings and goings of local unbelievable appear in varying degrees throughout civilians — especially the female ones — are fre- the newspaper’s pages. A sampling of titles includes the 29 30 quently mentioned in print: “Efficacy of Onions;” “Philosophical Facts;” “The 31 British Squares at Waterloo;” “Ages of Animals,” an th Dinner to the 87 Pa. Regiment — The Din- examination of species’ life spans (oddly placed next th ner given to the 87 Pa. Regiment, on Thurs- 32 to an article titled “Farmer’s Wives”); and specifics day last by the Ladies of this Borough is spoken about “How an Oil Well is Bored.” 33 26 of as a very pleasant affair. The Ladies belonging to the Aid Society, in this Current Events borough, who have been laboring for the last The Cartridge Box’s editors, in gleaning news two years for the good of the sick and wounded from other publications, selected a surprising number men in this Hospital, are still as devoted and of international items to feature, such as “Poverty in 35 34 untiring in their efforts as they were in the France” and “Crops in Europe,” as well as highly commencement. 27 quantitative articles such as “Railroad and Steamboat 37 36 Accidents,” “The Crops for the Year 1864,” and a The Parlor Opera did not meet with the suc- 38 computation of the size and net worth of Baltimore. cess that it deserved, last evening — we have One item undoubtedly of interest to many hospital not yet been notified of the net proceeds, but patients was featured at the bottom of page three in judge it was small from the limited number the April 2, 1864, issue: present. The citizens of York do not seem very appreciative, or else we fear some other motive At Gettysburg, 28,000 muskets were taken. Of prevented them from attending. The selections these, 24,000 were found to be loaded, 12,000 were good, and well executed, and deserving of containing 2 loads, and 6,000 from 3 to 10 28 a much larger audience. loads each. In many instances half-a-dozen balls were driven in on a single charge of pow- A small editorial note on page two of the May 28, der. In some cases the former possessor had 1864, issue mentions newspapers “exchanged” with reversed the usual order, placing the ball at the other publishers and communities, noting that: bottom of the barrel and the powder on top. Among the exchanges of this week, we would As fascinating as The Cartridge Box’s news may be to also notice The York Gazette, which has again researchers, it is the human spirit captured in its pages come to hand after a suspension of two months, that elevates the periodical’s historical significance. or upwards. We welcome it back to our files as Profiles of courageous soldiers whose stories would oth- an old acquaintance, for notwithstanding we erwise be lost; editorials on local, regional, and national may differ considerably with it politically, we 11

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ events; industrious patients who dedicate their recovery 7 Malcolm Palmer Mouat, Dr. Henry Palmer: “The time to a positive purpose; patriotic fervor; abundant Fighting Surgeon” 1827–1895 (Detroit: Harlo (tasteful) masculine humor; and an ever-present long- Press, 1977), 75. ing for home color these pages from the past. 8 Ibid., 74–75. Historians owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. A.R. Blair, 9 McClure, 118. acting assistant surgeon and executive officer at the hospital, who carefully collected each issue of The 10 J. Howard Wert, “ ’Twas Fifty Years Ago: The Story Cartridge Box. He subsequently bound them for pos- of the Gettysburg Campaign as Told in the Local terity, along with a variety of ancillary items related to Papers of the Day,” Harrisburg Telegraph, June hospital life in 1864–1865. Special thanks is also due 14, 1913. to Mrs. Jane Fisher Kell, who generously donated this 11 Mouat, 82. rare resource to the publicly accessible York County 12 Ibid., 84. Heritage Trust’s Library & Archives. Above all, gratitude is due to the men who read, 13 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, wrote, edited, and printed The Cartridge Box. Their Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 38, November 19, 1864, physical sacrifices in the Civil War brought them to page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) the U.S. Army General Hospital in York. In their wake, 14 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, these soldiers left an intact Union and an exceptional Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No.1, March 5, 1864, page documentary of the human spirit. Interpreting and 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) amplifying the voices of these veterans will take the 15 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, collective efforts of genealogical researchers, scholars, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No.16, June 18, 1864, page and historians, and in this year of the hospital’s 150th 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) anniversary, there is no better time to begin expanding the future of this important and engaging record of 16 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, our past. Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 25, August 20, 1864, page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) Endnotes 17 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, 1 James McClure, East of Gettysburg: A Gray Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 33, October 15, 1864, Shadow Crosses York County, Pa., (York: York page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) Daily Record, 2003), 15. 18 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, 2 Ibid., 20. Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 48, January 28, 1865, 3 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, No.19, July 8, 1865, page 3. 19 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, (York County Heritage Trust.) Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No.13, May 28, 1864, page 4 George Worthington Adams, Doctors in Blue: The 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) Medical History of the Union Army in the Civil 20 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, War. Baton Rouge: (Louisiana State University Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 19, July 9, 1864, page 3. Press, 1952), 150. (York County Heritage Trust.) 5 West Philadelphia Hospital Register, Satterlee 21 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, General Hospital Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 29, September 17, 1864, Vol. 2, No. 24, February 6, 1864, page 2. (Library page 1. (York County Heritage Trust.) Company of Philadelphia.) 22 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, 6 “The Rebel Invasion. General Meade Occupies Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 35, October 29, 1864, Hanover and York,” New York Daily Tribune, July page 3. (York County Heritage Trust.) 1, 1863, page 1. 12

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust 23 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, 38 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 29, September 17, 1864, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 25, August 20, 1864, page 1. (York County Heritage Trust.) page 3. (York County Heritage Trust.) 24 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 25, August 20, 1864, Bibliography page 1. (York County Heritage Trust.) Adams, George Worthington. Doctors in Blue: The 25 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, Medical History of the Union Army in the Civil Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 51, February 18, 1865, War. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, page 4. (York County Heritage Trust.) 1952. 26 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, The Cartridge Box. U.S. General Hospital York, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 33, October 15, 1864, Pennsylvania. May 5, 1864 – July 8, 1865. page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) Ketterman, Marie E. “The United States Hospital at 27 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, York.” Janesville, WI: Rock County Historical Society Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 25, August 20, 1864, Archives, date unknown. page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) McClure, James. East of Gettysburg: A Gray Shadow 28 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, Crosses York County, Pa. York: York Daily Record, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 39, November 26, 1864, 2003. page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) Mingus, Scott. “York U.S. Army Hospital among the 29 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, country’s most efficient during Civil War.” http:// Pennsylvania, Vol. 2, No.1, March 4, 1865, page yorkblog.com/cannonball/2009/07/york-us-army- 4. (York County Heritage Trust.) hospital-among-th.html. 30 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, Mingus, Scott. “Dr. Henry Palmer ran York’s U.S. Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 24, August 13, 1864, Army Hospital during the Civil War.” http://yorkblog. page 1. (York County Heritage Trust.) com/cannonball/2009/07/dr-henry-palmer-ran- yorks-us-a.html. 31 Ibid.,1. Mouat, Malcolm Palmer. Dr. Henry Palmer: “The 32 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, Fighting Surgeon” 1827–1895. Detroit: Harlo Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 44, December 31, 1864, Press, 1977. page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) Prowell, George R. History of York County Pennsyl- 33 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, vania. Volume I. Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1907. Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 42, December 17, 1864, page 3. (York County Heritage Trust.) “The Rebel Invasion. General Meade Occupies Hanover and York.” New York Daily Tribune, Vol. 34 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, XXIII, No. 6939, July 1, 1863, page 1. Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 43, December 24, 1864, page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) West Philadelphia Hospital Register. Satterlee General Hospital Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Vol. 35 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, 2, No. 24, February 6, 1864. (Library Company of Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 42, December 17, 1864, Philadelphia.) page 3. (York County Heritage Trust.) York County Heritage Trust. Assorted records, Civil 36 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, War and York Hospital Collections, York, PA: York Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 45, January 7, 1865, County Heritage Trust Library & Archives. page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) 37 The Cartridge Box, U.S. General Hospital York, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, No. 40, December 3, 1864, page 2. (York County Heritage Trust.) 13

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ General Orders Number 72 14

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust ‘An Accident of War’: York County’s Civil War Damage Claims Scott L. Mingus Sr. and Thomas M. Mingus n the last week of June 1863, more than 11,000 His subordinate, Lt. General Richard S. Ewell, Confederate soldiers and noncombatants, about reiterated Lee’s instructions the next day to his Sec- 15 percent of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern ond Corps. Ewell, whose sister-in-law lived in York, I Virginia, passed through York County. They warned the Pennsylvanians: “Citizens of the country, ranged from lowly slaves and servants whose menial through which the army may pass, who are not in the tasks included caring for the animals or cooking for military service, are admonished to abstain from all one of the wealthiest landowners in the South, Briga- acts of hostility, upon the penalty of being dealt with dier General Wade Hampton. The invaders hailed in a summary manner. A ready acquiescence in the from the bayous and canebrakes of Louisiana to hard- demands of the military authorities will serve greatly scrabble farms in North Carolina’s Piedmont region to lessen the rigors of war.” 2 and Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Maryland, Ewell led 19,000 soldiers, including Major General and Virginia. Many were visiting Pennsylvania for the Jubal Early’s division, into south-central Pennsyl- first time. A handful recorded their impressions of the vania on June 22–25. On June 26, Early seized Get- county and its residents; the majority left no written tysburg, and the following day marched into western account of their trek through the region. However, a York County. Elements of his command camped at trail of foraging and thievery marked their passage, Big Mount, Farmers, and Spring Forge. His men fared recounted in hundreds of damage claims filed by resi- well, often ignoring Lee’s orders. Captain Robert D. dents after the war. Funkhouser of the 49th Virginia Infantry recorded, A few months earlier, Confederate officials pon- “Our men are living finely, applejack, fresh butter and dered several reasons to invade Pennsylvania: taking milk, chickens and most everything else. The Louisi- the war to the North, possible European recognition, anans particularly pay no regard in foraging and sup- relieving pressure on Vicksburg, and replenishing the ply themselves on all occasions.” According to official Army’s provisions without burdening Virginia’s war- reports and local lore, Private Charles Brown of the 8th ravaged farmers. Lee’s forces began slipping away Louisiana entered a farmstead near Big Mount, appar- from its camps near Fredericksburg on June 3–4 ently seeking food or horses. An irate farmer murdered and marching toward the Shenandoah Valley, which the young Louisiana Tiger. 3 pointed “like a dagger” at Harrisburg. After clearing Early’s Division occupied York on Sunday, June 28, the valley of Yankees, including York County’s 87th a day after York’s fathers surrendered the town. Briga- Pennsylvania, at Winchester on June 13–15, the van- dier General John B. Gordon’s Georgians marched on guard crossed the Mason-Dixon Line. 1 to Wrightsville to seize the Columbia Bridge, an effort On Sunday, June 21, Lee issued General Orders No. that failed when Union militia burned the bridge. 72 regulating the procurement of supplies in enemy They all departed York on June 30, bellies and saddle- territory. Lee’s intent was for his men to pay for needed bags filled with the bounty of a requisition on York’s supplies. citizens. They retraced their steps westward toward Scott L. Mingus Sr. directs the New Product Development research activities for Glatfelter, a York-based global manufacturer of specialty papers and engineered products. He has written eight books on the Civil War and is a frequent speaker and tour guide. Dr. Thomas M. Mingus teaches at Harrisburg Area Community College and on-line classes for Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He is co-author of Human Interest Stories of the Civil War. 15

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ Gettysburg. That same day, Major General J.E.B. Stu- nanimously towards its citizens.” However, the politi- art’s cavalry fought a significant battle at Hanover and cians voted down the bill within a month of Fisher’s then wearily rode through New Salem before camping pleas. Republican Governor John W. Geary, despite at Dover. On July 1 they trotted through Dillsburg to having been a Union general at Gettysburg, led the Carlisle. A Confederate horseman bragged, “We gave opposition; the majority of his statewide constituency the old dutch in Penn. fits. Our army left a mark every- did not want tax monies diverted to the border region. where it went. Horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, chickens, Proponents argued the Constitution guaranteed that spring houses suffered alike. They cried peace, peace the national government would protect the states from most beautifully everywhere we went.” 4 invasion. 6 By dawn on July 2, all the Rebels, except deserters, Finally in May 1871, the state approved an act had departed York County. They carried away more allowing for “application for damage.” Thousands of than 1,000 horses, almost five dozen mules, and all Pennsylvanians filed the necessary legal paperwork, sorts of personal property ranging from women’s bon- including more than 700 households in York County. nets to a buffalo skin rug. Numerous residents, unable Applicants provided itemized lists of property stolen, to bring in the lucrative summer harvest, faced finan- purchased with Confederate money, or damaged. They cial ruin. Many victims clamored for reimbursement estimated the financial impact and often provided eye- from the government for losses caused by the oppos- witness testimony from family members or friends as ing armies. No immediate relief was forthcoming, supporting evidence, as well as receipts signed by Rebel and five years passed. On April 9, 1868, the state leg- officers per Lee’s General Orders No. 72. A survey of islature delineated how these damage claims could be these local applications suggests the trauma inflicted recouped, but political infighting halted the process. during the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863. 7 In March 1870, the Rev. Samuel Fisher of the As Confederates infiltrated the countryside, hun- Reformed Church demanded that the legislature dreds of civilians scurried to secure personal property “make provision for their payment,” which he had and valuables. Some were successful in their conceal- expected “would meet with little or no opposition.” ment; however, others were less fortunate. On June But opposition did crop up. “Most of our city papers, as 27 Hanover jeweler William Boadenhamer, like sev- well as some others in different parts of the State, have eral of his neighbors, fled his business in a desperate manifested a most violent opposition to it,” he wrote. attempt to save his valuables. However, near Samuel The city newsmen claimed that lost income from the B. Mumma’s mill off York Road at Oil Creek, Boad- suspension of business in those cities should also be enhamer encountered a detachment of Lt. Colonel repaid, not just the claims from the border counties. Elijah White’s Virginia cavalry. According to his claim, Some believed the border claims were badly exag- the Rebels stumbled into a jackpot: four gold watches, gerated in an “unpatriotic” attempt to gouge money 45 silver watches, 90 gold rings, 12 silver thimbles, 36 from the government. 5 silver spectacles, 280 watch keys, two dozen penknives, Like many others, Fisher believed that Washington three dozen plated spoons, 12 butter knives, 12 silk ultimately should pay: “These losses were sustained watch guards, and a large lot of gold and plated breast in the common cause of the country, and therefore pins/brooches, earrings, and gold watches. 8 recourse should be had for their payment, to the Gen- That same day, White’s raiders visited Henry Bott eral, and not to the State Government. Those who urge and Ephraim D. Hartman’s store in Seven Valleys. this plea forget, that it is only through the State Gov- About 2 p.m., as a “company of more than fifty Rebel ernment that payment for these and similar losses is to cavalry” arrived, Bott left, taking the key to his fire- be secured from the General Government. The States proof safe. An angry cavalryman seized an ax and tried of Ohio and Indiana promptly paid their citizens the to open it, resulting in significant damage. The South- losses sustained from the Morgan raid, and have long erners confiscated handkerchiefs, hose, boots, shoes, since been re-imbursed by the General Government. hats, dress goods, cassimere cloth, gingham, muslin, The great State of Pennsylvania should act as mag- and calico. Bott noted, “Not having any wagons, they 16

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust These are examples of currency left behind after Confederate soldiers countermarched from York to meet the Union Army in the Battle of Gettysburg. 17

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ could not take large quantities of groceries.” His wife and gears from the barn. The soldiers forced farmhand Sarah declined to accept any Confederate money. The Levi Hale to shell the corn and thresh the oats. After col- next day General Gordon’s infantry victimized Jacob lecting their bounty, the Rebels returned to their nearby G. Leber’s store in Wrightsville, taking 10 hats, 13 camp. 12 caps, 15 pairs of boots, 20 gallons of molasses, bar- Another unfortunate victim was Peter Altland rels of sugar, spices, crackers, confections, and wooden of Paradise Township. On July 1 he left his home to buckets. The Georgians later formed a bucket brigade lead his team to safety in Lancaster County. When he to extinguish fires in Wrightsville spread by flaming reached Loucks’ Mill, he learned that the Columbia embers from the burning bridge. 9 Bridge had burned down. Upon hearing the news, he Another merchant virtually wiped out was William reversed course and headed northward. However, his R. Smith of Rossville in Warrington Township. On trek shortly hit another hiccup. Just outside George B. June 29, General Alfred Jenkins’ cavalrymen raided Emig’s gristmill, Stuart’s cavalry stopped Altland on a the store and grabbed almost everything in sight. stone bridge and appropriated his team of six horses, Smith itemized his losses as three bushels of feed mix- as well as five harnesses, two saddles, two bridles, and ture, 125 bushels of oats, 20 bushels of corn, a dozen three halters. 13 curry combs, a dozen horse brushes, various grocer- Big-city newspapers often accused the residents of ies, 50 yards of cloth, 50 yards of muslin, cottonades, the border counties of padding such claims, and some cassimere, 10 yards of calico, spoons, forks, knives, questioned the victims’ patriotism for filing the paper- pocket knives, 40 pounds of tobacco, notions, 25 hats, work. York countians such as George W. Dellinger may two pairs of boots, 30 pairs of shoes, five gallons of have disagreed — his Hellam Township farm was “a cherry brandy, five gallons of old rye whiskey, ten gal- total loss” after hundreds of Gordon’s Rebels camped lons of wine, ten gallons of ginger brandy, 20 gallons there. For some residents, the damages were also of brandy, and 126 gallons of whiskey. The next morn- emotional. Virginia cavalrymen camping on Jacob ing, David Spangler visited the ransacked store and Brillinger’s farm ordered his wife and family to serve found “nearly all the goods had been taken out.” In 300 meals, washed down with six barrels of whiskey. At addition, the scavengers’ horses grazed or destroyed least one farmer committed suicide within months of six acres of grass. 10 a Rebel visit. Others declared bankruptcy. 14 Jacob Bare of West Manchester Township experi- Business partners Henry Lanius and George enced a potentially deadly encounter with the Rebels. Kauffelt filed the largest claim in York County, asking On June 28, Bare and his companion, Eva Loucks, for $6,463.41 for their lumberyard and planing mill encountered members of the 17th Virginia Cav- lost on Sunday evening, June 28, when embers from alry, who threatened to murder him in front of Miss the Columbia Bridge ignited riverside buildings. The Loucks. At gunpoint, the Rebels confiscated $62 from next two largest claims were also from Wrightsville his pocketbook before they allowed the terrified couple residents. Rebecca Harris requested more than $5,000 11 to depart. for the loss of several buildings she and her husband, Another violent incident occurred at Jacob Smeich’s George, owned, including the post office and mil- Springfield Township farmhouse. Smeich and his fam- linery, and Henry Kauffelt’s lumberyard went up in ily had fled, taking their horses to safety. Jubal Early’s flames like his kinsman’s. They and several neigh- infantrymen smashed the windows with their rifle butts bors, represented by the York legal firm of Cochran & and entered the locked premises. They ransacked the Hay, petitioned the 46th Congress in 1880 for relief, house “in a violent manner,” demolishing furniture, collectively citing $45,558.53. The Committee on pottery, glassware, and a looking glass. They seized War Claims denied them, ruling, “The borough of an accordion, two ladies’ bonnets, a woolen shawl, a Wrightstown was the theater of military operations; silk handkerchief, four coverlets, and two cotton shirts. the enemy were in possession; the destruction of the In addition, they confiscated 150 bushels of corn, 150 bridge was the result of an overruling military neces- bushels of oats, 50 two-bushel grain bags and fly nets sity; the damage resulting from its destruction was an 18

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust accident of war inevitably and unavoidably incidental 4 Trundle, Joseph H., Gettysburg Described in Two to its operations. In each case there is no obligation to Letters from a Maryland Confederate (Rockville, make recompense.” While sympathetic to the claim- Md.: Montgomery County Historical Society, 1959), ants’ sufferings, the congressmen ruled, “We must pp. 211–12; McClure, James, East of Gettysburg: absolutely refuse to yield to appeals which would sub- A Gray Shadow Crosses York County, Pa. (York, ordinate the judgment to impulses of the heart.” 15 Pa.: York County Heritage Trust, York Daily Record, York County’s border claims totaled more than 2003), p. 44. $230,000 which is $4 million in today’s dollars. The 5 “The Border Claims,” The Valley Spirit (Chamber- state issued lithographic-printed certificates which sburg, Pa.), March 23, 1870. were redeemable once final approval came from the legislature. However, political wrangling plagued the 6 Ibid., as well as April 6, 1870; Democratic Watch- process for decades. The House finally voted down man (Bellefonte, Pa.), May 5, 1871. In general, the measure 92-66 in April 1889 despite impassioned the state handled damages caused by Confederates pleas by area congressmen. Ultimately few people col- and the Federal government administered claims lected any money. For most, the entire effort had been stemming from Union activity. a frustrating waste of time and expenses. 16 7 Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Civil War Holdings; RG-2, Records Relating to the Endnotes Civil War Border Claims, York County Damage 1 Urban, John W., Battle Field and Prison Pen Claims #6177–89, Records of the Department of (Philadelphia: Hubbard Bros., 1882), p. 186. the Adjutant General, Pennsylvania State Archives, 2 The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Harrisburg, Microfilm reels 19–31. Database sum- Official Records of the Union and Confederate mary of claims is online at YCHT’s website, http:// Armies, 70 volumes in 4 series. (Washington: www.yorkheritage.org/la_cws.asp. With the time Government Printing Office, 1880–1901), Series lapse since the war, several potential York County 1, Vol. 27, Part 3, p. 912; “Ewell’s General Orders claimants had moved, died, or simply ignored #49,” Staunton Vindicator, July 3, 1863. the process. The exact number of households which lost possessions to the soldiers may never be 3 Hale, Laura Virginia and Stanley S. Phillips, His- known, but likely well exceeded 1,000. tory of the Forty-Ninth Virginia Infantry, C. S. A., Extra Billy Smith’s Boys, Based upon the 8 William Boadenhamer damage claim, YCHT unpublished Memoirs of Captain Robert Daniel online database created by Scott L. Mingus Sr. Funkhouser, Warren Blues, Company D, 49th Boadenhamer eventually recovered from his loss Virginia Infantry, C. S. A. (Lanham, Md.: S. S. and managed his jewelry store for many more Phillips and Assoc., 1981), 72; Booth, Andrew B., years. Records of Louisiana Confederate Soldiers and 9 Henry Bott and Jacob Leber damage claims, YCHT Louisiana Confederate Commands (Spartan- online database. burg, S.C.: Reprint Co., 1984). Brown’s service record states that he “straggled on the march from 10 W. R. Smith damage claim, YCHT online data- Gettysburg to York and supposed to have been base. killed by the citizens of Penn.” Local lore suggests 11 Jacob Bare damage claim, YCHT online database. that a Rebel was buried near the intersection of Big Mount Road and Canal Road, but no trace (or 12 Jacob Smeich damage claim, YCHT online data- record) of the grave remains. base. 13 Peter Altland damage claim, YCHT online data- base. 19

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ 14 Brillinger lost 247 bushels corn, 68 bushels oats, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commis- 22 acres hay, and “nearly all my fences.” sion Civil War Holdings; RG-2, Records Relating to the Civil War Border Claims, York County Damage 15 Aarons, James, ed., Index to the Reports of Com- Claims #6177–89. Records of the Department of the mittees of the House of Representatives for the Adjutant General, Pennsylvania State Archives, Har- First and Second Sessions of the Forty-Sixth risburg, Microfilm reels 19–31. Congress 1879–80, 6 vols. (Washington: Gov- ernment Printing Office, 1880), vol. 3, p. 1192. Trundle, Joseph H. Gettysburg Described in Two Let- George Kauffelt died shortly thereafter, and his ters from a Maryland Confederate. Rockville, Md.: widow continued the fight to recover the money. Montgomery County Historical Society, 1959. 16 Modern value calculated using the Consumer Urban, John W. Battle Field and Prison Pen Phila- Price Index (CPI); www.measuringworth.com. delphia: Hubbard Bros., 1882. In neighboring Adams County, largely because The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the of damages from the Battle of Gettysburg, claims Official Records of the Union and Confederate exceeded $500,000 (see “The Border Claims,” Armies. 70 volumes in 4 series. Washington, D.C.: Gettysburg Compiler, April 9, 1889). Government Printing Office, 1880–1901; Series 1, Vol. 27, Part 3. Bibliography Aarons, James, ed. Index to the Reports of Commit- tees of the House of Representatives for the First and Second Sessions of the Forty-Sixth Congress 1879–80. 6 vols. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1880, vol. 3. Booth, Andrew B. Records of Louisiana Confederate Soldiers and Louisiana Confederate Commands. Spartanburg, S.C.: Reprint Co., 1984. “The Border Claims.” The Valley Spirit (Chambers- burg, Pa.), March 23, 1870. Democratic Watchman. (Bellefonte, Pa.), May 5, 1871. “Ewell’s General Orders #49.” Staunton (Va.) Vindi- cator, July 3, 1863. Hale, Laura Virginia and Stanley S. Phillips. History of the Forty-Ninth Virginia Infantry, C. S. A., Extra Billy Smith’s Boys, Based upon the unpublished Memoirs of Captain Robert Daniel Funkhouser, Warren Blues, Company D, 49th Virginia Infan- try, C. S. A. Lanham, Md.: S. S. Phillips and Assoc., 1981. McClure, James. East of Gettysburg: A Gray Shadow Crosses York County, Pa. York, Pa.: York County Heritage Trust, York Daily Record, 2003. 20

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Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ 22 The tabernacle, built for the occasion, is ready for the ‘Great Evangelistic Campaign’ of 1915. Evangelist William E. Biederwolf presided over and preached at the six-week event.

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust The City of York Had a Tabernacle Elmer Q. Gleim he transition years between the 19th and evangelists,” produced a handbook for evangelism, 20th centuries were marked by speculation preached a “Gospel Christianity,” and created “new concerning what the new century would be measures” for the meetings. He conducted revivals in Tlike. Having experienced numerous reforms New York, Boston and Philadelphia in the 1820s and in the 19th century, thoughtful men knew that the new early 1830s. century would be different, perhaps kaleidoscopically It was through his influence and others that “Gos- different: “Some movement vast and momentous, pel Christianity” left the dominant ideas of personal though indefinite, is passing like a great wave over the conversion, the acceptance of the Bible as the sole 1 civilized world.” Some writers believed the changes guide to life, and individual responsibility imprinted 5 would come like a flood destined to submerge all the on American Protestantism. Finney’s handbook rec- old institutions and conventions of mankind, which ommended “excitement enough to waken the dor- had been held in high regard. mant mind and roll back the tides of degradation and 6 The City of York arranged for both a religious and sin.” He also invited people with problems to “come social renewal by “an awakening” for the year 1915: forward” to engage in confession in an inquiry room. “The success of such a venture would depend upon The vast and rapid transformation of the nation three things: First, the existence of a large number of from an agrarian to an industrial-urban life brought people who could be reached by the tabernacle but a dislocation from many traditional values and rela- would not attend the churches; second, success in get- tionships. In York County, the area was gradually ting this class of people interested; and third, the loyal pushed into new city problems. As the community 2 cooperation of all the churches in the city.” achieved status as a city in 1887, York had grown to A committee contracted for a group of professional more than 33,000 residents. Its industrial sites had revivalists to spend six weeks in the city from October 31 expanded from 340 in 1890 to 464 in 1900. 7 to December 19, 1915, offering a variety of ministries. In 1913, The Atlantic Monthly published an article They agreed with William E. Biederwolf (1867–1935) by Randolph Bourne (1886–1918) concerning the to bring a group of workers into the city to change the American city: “This contest between the city and the religious and civic atmosphere. The evangelist had country that has been going on for fifty years has left 3 been active in city evangelism since 1900. the country moribund and the city chaotic. The coun- try has been stripped of its traditions, and the city has 8 The Evangelists grown so fast that it has not had time to form any.” A Revivalism owes its origin to the continent of common saying of the age went like this: “If you would 9 Europe and England. When religious faith had grown know and not be known, move to the city.” Although too intellectual and formal, German Pietism and the a city consists of a series of neighborhoods, for many English Evangelical movements helped to save wan- people, it became a vast wilderness. 4 ing Protestantism. In America, it aided frontier fami- A prominent businessman and layman, Dwight L. lies in keeping the faith. Charles Grandison Finney Moody (1837–1899), dominated the revival era in the (1792–1875), “the greatest of early professional closing years of the 19th century. He saw “a great gulf Elmer Q. Gleim has been an author, pastor, and teacher in York County for more than 52 years. He has published more than 16 volumes related to church history and has served as historian for the Church of the Brethren, South Central District of Pennsylvania, for more than 50 years. 23

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ existing between the church and the populace that 1920. The most noted of these was Billy Sunday, a 10 was growing deeper, wider, and darker every hour.” retired baseball player, and William E. Biederwolf, In 1886, the Chicago Evangelistic Society encour- an enthusiastic evangelist, who crossed Pennsylvania aged ministers and laymen to minister to the labor- seeking individual conversions. Revivals were con- ing class and the poor. Members were encouraged to ducted in Johnstown (1913), Wilkes-Barre (1914), Oil lay their lives alongside these people and to identify City (1914), and Philadelphia (1915) with great suc- with them. This was regarded as a practical example cess. An effort was alive to bring the whole of society of Christian work. 11 to Christian standards. Biederwolf’s campaigns lasted The book by Josiah Strong, called Our Country, four to six weeks. Sermons touched on political and offered a challenge that appealed to men like Dwight social issues such as saloons, gambling, dancing, the- Moody and John R. Mott (1865–1955), who organized ater, and cursing. the Student Volunteer movement. Strong claimed that “It is fully in the hands of Christians of the United The York Revival States, in the next ten or fifteen years, to hasten or At the close of the “Great Evangelistic Campaign” retard the coming of Christ’s kingdom in the world in York, a collection of photographs, news clippings, by hundreds or thousands of years.” This became the and advertisements was prepared as a souvenir of clarion call for Christian action in cities and the evan- events. There is no reference as to who prepared the gelization of the entire world. One writer dared to say booklet of remembrances. It was offered the same year the arrival of the age of the “social Christian” had no in which the Gazette newspaper went into receivership precedent in Christian history. 12 and was placed under the control of Josiah W. Gitt in Walter Rauschenbusch (1862–1918) was thrust 1915. It recalled an impressive religious event that into national prominence by the publication of his vol- occurred “neither before nor since” with such spon- ume called Christianity and the Social Crisis (1907). taneous enthusiasm. 15 He believed “the new evangel of the kingdom of God The reader learns of teams of ministries that will have to be carried into the common consciousness entered the city and spent time seeking a transforma- of Christendom by the personal faith and testimony of tion of the community by conducting prayer meet- 13 the ordinary Christian man.” The appeal was for all ings, distributing Gideon Bibles, performing music Christians to be active in the ministry of “the Gospel.” that could be heard “many blocks away,” and holding He became known as “the Apostle of the Kingdom.” mass meetings in a tabernacle that was created for the Over the centuries, the Christian church had nearly special event. lost sight of the kingdom of God by preaching an indi- A team of workers entered the city in the month of vidualistic Christianity. An announcement appeared October, searched for places of residence, and adver- in journals of the year stating, “We have had enough tised for volunteers to help build a traditional tab- of measured religion and individualistic theology.” ernacle. A site was chosen at the old location of the The growing cities with their social cleavages cre- city’s reservoir close to South Queen Street, on a lot ated a challenge to churches. The General Assem- now crisscrossed by Harding and Wilson courts. The bly of the Presbyterian Church made an appeal for response for workers was gratifying after 40 carpenters greater stress on the conversion of members. A report and 50 volunteers gave time. The wooden framed inte- stated that between 1904 and 1914, the church lost rior, with a heavy tarpaper exterior, measured about 14 43,000 members. In 1912, a number of denomi- 252 feet by 100 feet and was completed in six days. nations decided they would appoint agencies for the Tabernacles were inexpensive to construct, acousti- study and recommendation of action concerning cally superior to a tent, and quiet with sawdust for social problems. flooring. A major effort was made to meet the challenge of B. F. Gladfelter was selected to create the blueprint cities by old-fashioned evangelism. A cluster of noted for a building, which reminded passers-by of a large evangelists ministered in the era from 1880 until tent. C.W. Decker was authorized to oversee the con- 24

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust struction. Other evangelists used the tabernacle style The Evangelist for meetings because they could be constructed rather William E. Biederwolf chose to serve in the min- swiftly with lower costs. Also, the type of building istry and was educated at Princeton Seminary. He bore some religious significance. It was occasionally entered full-time evangelism at the beginning of the known as “the tabernacle of encounter,” in which God 20th century, when a new evangelism was appearing. himself shall be with his people (Revelation 21:3). Biederwolf learned his skills from the noted evangelist The interior was completed with walkways covered and city pastor Wilbur Chapman, who believed that: with 354 bales of sawdust to a depth of six inches. Billy “The Evangelistic Spirit is one that seeks to provoke Sunday used sawdust trails, along which converts a crisis in a man’s thinking; it takes advantage of all made their way to the front of the tabernacle, where that he has inherited in the way of knowledge and all seats and counselors awaited them. In the concluding that he has received in the way of teaching and seeks service in December, the Tabernacle was credited with to bring to bear upon him influences that, in the light holding 8,500 people. of such knowledge and such teaching, will enable him The York Tabernacle was completed without win- to make a decision.” 16 dows. This was the age of the stereoptican (“magic This era expressed a new evangelism modeled on lantern”) and the first motion pictures. The Birth of Moody’s and other earlier successful ministries. As a Nation, directed by D. W. Griffith (1875–1948) in early as the ending of World War I, a consensus existed 1915, marked the beginning of the modern motion- that a new evangelism had been achieved by “closer picture age. Colorful slides were used in the Taberna- cooperation between the churches,” and gains came cle relating to Around the World with Christ. The City with religious renewal with a “a greater understand- of York now had a tabernacle. ing of the social context of the Gospel.” Evangelists The musical groups were impressive under the were placing greater value on justice and brotherhood direction of Scottish musician William McEwan. The and peace. 17 chorus numbered 700, and at times, an orchestra of 40 Reactions to a changing cultural climate were pieces accompanied the service. William R. Schmuker, diverse. Christians disagreed concerning what views William A. Stone, George A. Garvey, H.C. Brunner, M. they should adopt. Among traditionally evangelical Hinkle, and Walter Rohrbaugh were members of the denominations, two distinct avenues formed: one community assisting in the music program. group considered the change a blessing, while other The gospel songs and hymns later became common groups considered the change a threat to the biblical in many church services. A few of these were “Beauti- message. One group followed social Christianity and ful Isle of Somewhere,” “Revive Us Again,” “What a the other a personal faith. Revivalism remained on the Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Glorious Things of Thee conservative side. Are Spoken,” “Rescue the Perishing,” and “Saved by In 1914, Bishop Francis McConnell (1871–1953) the Power.” Gospel hymns were used to create a mood of the Methodist Church gave lectures at Vanderbilt for the meeting. Many of these hymns were included University under the title of “Personal Christian- in the Biederwolf Hymn Book, and the voice of Wil- ity.” He helped to clear the issue between personal liam McEwan was recorded and sold to the public. faith and social faith: “Some evils are affairs of the A committee consisting of Will H. Yost, J. Rowe, S.A. whole society and nothing can be done until practi- Flinchbaugh, James H. Leber, L. J. Gladfelter, and D.E. cally all act together. It is scarcely fair in such case to Small were engaged in the work of distributing Gideon rail at members of the Christian communion for not Bibles to hotels, hospitals, and YMCA centers. The Gide- doing as an individual alone what needs to be done ons were a society of men who funded 200,000 Bibles by a large majority of the people acting in concert.” for distribution between 1899 and 1914. A display of 18 Social righteousness was just as important as per- 600 Gideon Bibles was placed in the York Tabernacle. sonal righteousness. The change brought by the social movement has been described as “the Christianizing of Christianity.” 19 25

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ The 1915 revival in York aimed to bring individu- Following the close of the last hymn service, the als into a right relationship with God. It was not to Biederwolf Tabernacle ceased to exist as a place of “coddle the saints but to collar the sinners.” But it was religious conversions. It was purchased for $1,500 by also to stir the churches to their broadening ministries J.W. Richley Automobile Company and was used as an 22 with social issues. In at least part of one week when he auto showroom, the largest in the area. With that was engaged in preaching in York, Biederwolf paid a transaction, the City of York had had a tabernacle. return visit to Hagerstown, Md., to speak on the issue of city taverns, much as he did in York. He waged war Endnotes on “demon rum.” The churches were urged to iden- 1 Josiah Strong, The New Era (New York: The Baker tify with the Prohibition movement. The expectation & Taylor Co., 1893), 9. was that public sentiment would change regarding saloons. 2 M. E. Runden, “Cadle, Convert and His Taber- The revival campaigns were not without opposi- nacle,” The Interior 53 (1922): 740. tion. During the early hours of May 2, 1915, while the 3 York’s Religious Awakening: Souvenir of the Biederwolf campaign was active in Hagerstown, dyna- Great Evangelistic Campaign, (n.p., 1915). mite explosions rocked the Hagerstown Tabernacle. Police regarded it as a deliberate attempt to destroy 4 William Kelley Wright, A Student’s Philosophy of the structure. The caretaker was thrown from his bed, Religion (New York: Macmillan, 1922), 191. barely injured. Slight damage was done to the build- 5 Josef L. Altholz, The Church in the 19 Century th ing, and a large hole was blasted in the earth. Some (New York: Macmillan, 1967), 204. blamed friends of the liquor interests, as Biederwolf had campaigned heavily against saloons. 20 6 George C. Bedell, Leo Sandon, and Charles T. Well- born, Religion in America (New York: Scribner’s The Results Sons, 1975), 165. The appearance of city revivals always brought 7 Charles A. Hawkins and Houston E. Landis, Some up the question of mass conversions. Revivals were Facts Concerning York and York County: A accused of simply “drumming up church members.” Sesqui-Centennial Memento (York, Pa: York When Billy Sunday conducted meetings in Scranton, Daily Press, 1901), 54. he reported 8,000 converts. Gypsy Smith campaigned in Boston in 1906 and won 2,550 decisions for Christ. 8 Randolph S. Bourne, “The Social Order in an At the conclusion of the York campaign, 3,742 con- American Town,” The Atlantic Monthly 111 fessed Christ. The names of confessors were given to (1913): 227. www.books.google.com/books the local churches after the close of the revival. 9 Caleb B. Collins (1780–1852), (n.p., n.d.). Revivalism of the early 20th century had its critics. In 1909, the editor of The Christian Century com- 10 Josiah Strong, The New Era: or, The Coming mented on the number of conversions reported from Kingdom (New York: Baker & Taylor Co., 1893), revivals: “The blunt truth is that reports of evangelistic 204. successes are greatly exaggerated. Not so many were 11 Winthrop S. Hudson, Religion in America (New 21 converted as were counted.” Excesses of staging York: Scribner’s Sons, 1981), 300. and the techniques of persuasion were open to attack. Money paid to evangelists was questioned. When many 12 Josiah Strong, Our Country: Its Possible Future city pastors were averaging on $600 to $900 per year, and Its Present Crisis (New York: Baker & Taylor, evangelists like Billy Sunday were granted $4,000 to 1891), 227. $5,000 for a few weeks’ work. A report appeared stating 13 Walter R. Rauschenbusch, Christianity and the that W.E. Biederwolf was given a staggering $5,000 for Social Crisis (London: Macmillan Co., 1907), his six-week campaign. 357. 26

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust 14 “Report of the Annual Conference of the Church “Blow Up Tabernacle.” The New York Times 2 May of the Brethren,” The Gospel Messenger (1915), 1915. 134. Bourne, Randolph S. “The Social Order in an Ameri- 15 York’s Religious Awakening: Souvenir of the can Town.” The Atlantic Monthly 111 (1913): 227. Great Evangelistic Campaign (n.p., 1915). Collins, Caleb B. N.p., n.d. 16 Homiletic Review 69 (January–June 1915): 9. “From the Four Winds.” Motor Age 28 (1915): 46 17 Bruce L. Shelley, Church History in Plain Lan- Hawkins, Charles A. and Houston E. Landis. Some guage (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 392. Facts Concerning York and York County: A Sesqui- 18 Francis J. McConnell, Personal Christianity: Centennial Memento. York, PA: Press of York Daily, Instruments and Ends in the Kingdom of God 1901. (New York: F.H. Revell Co., 1914), 107. Homiletic Review 69 (1915): 9–289. 19 Homiletic Review 69 (January–June 1915): 289. Hudson, Winthrop S. Religion in America. New York: 20 “Blow Up Tabernacle,” The New York Times, Scribner’s Sons, 1981. 2 May 1915. http://query.nytimes.com/mem/ McConnell, Francis J. Personal Christianity: Instru- archive- free/pdf?res=F20B1FFB3E5D16738DDDA ments and Ends in the Kingdom of God. New York: A0894DD405B858DF1D3 F.H. Revell Co., 1914. 21 “An Analysis of Revivalistic Method: An Edito- Rauschenbusch, Walter R. Christianity and the rial,” The Christian Century, (12 July 1909): Social Crisis. London: Macmillan Co., Ltd., 1907. 70–73. “Report of the Annual Conference of the Church of 22 “From the Four Winds,” Motor Age 28 (Chicago, the Brethren.” The Gospel Messenger, 1915. IL: Class Journal Company, 1915): 46. www. books.google.com/books (16 December 1915). Runden, M. E. “Cadle, Convert and His Tabernacle.” “The Tabernacle is a frame structure 252’ long The Interior 53 (1922): 740. and 100’ wide. It is 8’ high at the eves and 26’ Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Lan- at the center. It seats 9,000 persons. Entrance guage. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995. is gained from all four sides. The structure will be turned over to the new owners immediately Strong, Josiah. The New Era: or, The Coming King- after the song service to be held by the evange- dom. New York: Baker & Taylor, 1893. listic party on Wednesday evening, 22 December -------- Our Country: Its Possible Future and Its (1915).” Present Crisis. New York: Baker & Taylor, 1891. Bibliography Wright, William Kelley. A Student’s Philosophy of th Altholz, Josef F. The Church in the 19 Century. New Religion. New York: Macmillan, 1922. York: Macmillan, 1967. York’s Religious Awakening: Souvenir of the Great “An Analysis of Revivalistic Method: An Editorial.” Evangelistic Campaign. 1915. The Christian Century 12 August 1909. Bedell, George C, Leo Sandon, and Charles T. Well- born. Religion in America. New York: Macmillan, 1975. 27

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ in the 20 th century. Eulaemae Nimmons Orr and David M. Orr Sr. are seen here in portraits. The Orrs, originally from Bamberg, S.C., were part of the ‘Great Migration’ from the South to the North early 28

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust A Community Story: The Bambergers Migrate North and Beyond Kiara Banks oving means change. For some, it means African American community. Some have prospered, a new house, a change in scenery, and served the community tirelessly, and left a deep impres- coming into contact with new people. sion on York and how it thrives today. Their story is MWhen moving from a rural town to a city, my own, as I am the descendant of the Bambergers, this change becomes something bigger. Many Afri- stretching back to the first wave of the great migration. can Americans through the 20th century made this My great-great-aunt Mamie Tyler was one Bamberger change not for a larger house or a new atmosphere, who came North by train. Her dream was like many but for a new life with hopes that future generations others. She sought a better life, which meant moving would have a chance at success. to a place where there were job opportunities. York This move was made by African Americans in the just so happened to be that place. She was a domestic South who made their way North in what is referred worker for many years and planted new roots in York. to as “The Great Migration.” Between 1910 and 1930, 1 more than one million blacks left the South. This David Orr Sr. migration changed the makeup of the population of Another Bamberger who came to York to work dur- York and other counties north of the Mason-Dixon ing this first wave was David Orr Sr. He was born in Line. What is significant about York County in these 1902 and began his career working on the railroad, migrations is its connection to a particular small rural which is what first brought him to York. He returned town in the deep South. to Bamberg to marry Eulamae Nimmons in 1920. The couple soon after came back to York, choosing it as From Bamberg to York their home with then just three of their 10 children. Bamberg, South Carolina, a town with around With no money and three hungry mouths to feed, the 3,000 people today, sits 600 miles from York. It is from Orrs went door to door selling pancake syrup. Over the this small town that many African Americans and years, David Orr worked as a janitor at the York Post their families made their way to York. With a popula- Office and at a drugstore on Continental Square. He tion today of more than 40,000, the difference in size hauled coal and wood by truck, operated a restaurant between the two is drastic. Size, however, isn’t the big- and barbershop, and ran a grocery store in Springetts- gest difference when moving from a small town like bury Township. Bamberg to a city like York. It’s the change in lifestyle The entrepreneur’s greatest endeavor came when that comes with it. Farm work was common in the he decided to start his own refuse business. With all his South. Farm life was hard, and the rewards were often previous success and job experience, as well as some not enough to support a family. The North offered savings to invest, the only help Orr needed was more opportunities that allowed African Americans to create financial support to get his garbage disposal business better lives for themselves. going. At this time, black businessmen were rare in The residents of Bamberg who made the trek north York County. In the 1950s, racial tension and disil- and landed in York are called Bambergers today. The lusionment were reaching their peak just before the Bambergers are deeply woven into the fabric of York’s Civil Rights movement. A local bank refused to grant Kiara Banks graduated from Penn State University with a degree in English. She is a descendant of the Bambergers. Justine Landis assisted Kiara Banks with this article. She is a former curator of education and collections at the York County Heritage Trust. 29

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ Orr the loan he needed to start his business. Rejection Community Progress Council, among others. His pas- did not stop him, as he simply went on to another sion was educating youths, and he served as an advo- bank where his loan was granted. This struggle with cate for children. 2 the bank only further motivated him to participate in civil rights advocacy and push for better race relations Eula Mae Ritter in York. Grimes’ passion for education reminds me of This endeavor also revealed Orr to be more than a another Bamberger who had this same drive to help savvy businessman. He was also a man of faith, and out with the education of York’s youth: my great-aunt he drew on that strength. Church is an important part Eula Mae Ritter. Her story indicates that the Bam- of African American culture and identity. Its impor- bergers continued to move north long after the peak tance is evident in the number of black congregations years of the Great Migration. She was born February in York. Orr was a devout man who spent time serv- 22, 1940, in Bamberg and came to York in 1962 with ing as the assistant pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church, her husband and two children. She, too, had been one of the largest congregations in the city. Aside from told about the job opportunities in York. Some of the church, Orr was also active in the community, work- family had already traveled north, so having a family ing on projects to improve housing and employment. base in place made the move a bit easier. Neverthe- less, it was still a big change, not just in careers, but Voni B. Grimes also in lifestyle. Her father had operated a small farm, Orr’s story of success in the face of adversity is and this was the lifestyle that my great aunt sought similar to that of another Bamberger. Voni B. Grimes, to change in moving to York. She worked at a textile born Vonidoe Buster Grimes, was born in Bamberg on mill for two years; after this she crafted false teeth at December 23, 1922. He came to York in 1926, when Dentsply for 32 years. What helped my aunt create ties he was four. His father heard from an uncle that jobs and bonds in York was finding her place in the church in York were easy to find and that the pay was good. community. She had already been active in church in By train, they made their way to York, where his fam- the South, and upon coming to York, she became an ily settled. Grimes got his education in the York City even more active member of Shiloh Baptist Church. School District, graduating from William Penn Senior It’s through church that Aunt Eula served her com- High School. He was drafted into the Army on January munity. She also served in the community by contrib- 13, 1944. Grimes served in the 92nd Colored Infantry uting to the educational system in York. My great-aunt Division in World War II. had five children. All graduated from high school, and But Grimes continued to fight a war long after his she urged several to further their education in college. service in the Army ended. He often faced discrimina- Education is a passion of my aunt, and she volunteers tion and prejudice based on his race. Upon returning for York County through the Head Start program. She from the World War II, he was not allowed to buy a also works closely with the York City School District’s home in a particular neighborhood because of his Parent Advocates for Children program helping with race. This did not stop Grimes. He would later buy a advertising and activities. 3 home in a previously all-white neighborhood. Despite receiving a letter from the Ku Klux Klan, Grimes Willie “Sonny” Carter pushed forward, not letting adversity get the best of My great-aunt’s story is similar to that of her brother him. Instead, Grimes chose to continue his education, Willie “Sonny” Carter, who is my grandfather. He was leading him to the position of foreman at Cole Steel born June 14, 1943, and came to York alone by train and as an administrator at Penn State York. in 1962. The move for him wasn’t a drastic change, Part of Grimes’ legacy in the community of York but coming from the country with its dirt roads and lies with the organizations he served: ACCESS York, moving into a city with paved streets and streetlights York County Department of Parks and Recreation, was a noticeable difference. Having a family base also Central Pennsylvania County Legal Service, and the made his move to York easier. My grandfather, like 30

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust many before him, came to work and already had a job 2 Voni B. Grimes, Bridging Troubled Waters, ed. waiting. The day he arrived in York, he went straight James McClure (York: Wolf Printing, 2009), Chaps. to work at York Hospital. Shortly after settling in York, 1–4. he married Dorothy Mae Bibbins on July 24, 1965. 3 Eula Ritter, interview with author, 19 November They would have two daughters and a son and adopt 2011. a niece. My grandfather would then go on to work at Borg-Warner (York International), where he stayed for 4 Willie Carter, interview with author, 19 November nearly 30 years. 2011. My grandfather’s most notable job is probably his work as a bus driver for Rabbit Transit. As a teen in Bibliography Bamberg, he drove a school bus that would prepare Argento, Mike. “York community leader Voni B. him for his career at Rabbit. As a bus driver, my grand- Grimes pens a memoir.” York Daily Record, 7 July father was able to provide a service on which many 2008. http://www.ydr.com/ci_9791476. York residents depend. In 2008, he received the driver of the year award, and in 2010 he was recognized for Argento, Mike. “A Southern Town So Many Yorkers driving 16 years without an accident. For 18 years, he Call Home.” Undated clipping. MS. file 630, African has been driving the bus and still does today. Having Americans. York County Heritage Trust Library/ attended church in Bamberg, my grandfather con- Archives. tinued that tradition and attends Cornerstone Baptist Berlin, Ira. The Making of African America: the Church. York is his home, although my grandfather’s Four Great Migrations. New York: Viking, 2010. and his sister’s connection to Bamberg still runs deep. They have nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends Carter, Willie. Interview by Kiara Banks, 19 November 4 still residing in that small town down south. 2011. Davis, Beth. “Entrepreneurial legacy: The Orr Fam- Bamberg links still strong ily helped bring blacks into York’s business main- Today, the Bambergers are a vital part of York stream.” York Sunday News, 23 February 1992. County’s African American community as well as the greater York County community. Though they call Grimes, Voni B. Bridging Troubled Waters. Edited by York home, their connection to Bamberg is still alive James McClure. York: Wolf Printing, 2009. and is a part of their identity. They still have the same McClure, James, and Alex Muller. “York County driven, hardworking mentality of the Bambergers Profiles in Heritage.” York Daily Record, 31 March before them. As members of the York community, the 2009. http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/si Bambergers continue church attendance and other te515/2009/0331/20090331_081757_bh2009.pdf traditions brought with them from the South. The Bambergers today are grandparents, great-aunts, and Ritter, Eula. Interview by Kiara Banks, 19 November great-uncles. Their children and grandchildren are 2011. a part of the community, have been educated in its Smith, Michael. “York, Pa.—Bamberg, S.C. ties older schools, and work to contribute to its success. than nation.” York Sunday News, 19 July 1987. Endnotes Thomas, Cal. “The Migration South.” York Daily Record, 15 February 1998. 1 Ira Berlin, The Making of African America: the Four Great Migrations, (New York: Viking, 2010), United States. Dept. of Commerce. Census Bureau, Chap. 4. 2009. Data for City of Bamberg, Bamberg County, S.C. 31

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ The focus is turned on folk artist Lewis Miller, late in life. 32

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust Lewis Miller’s People June Lloyd ewis Miller (1796–1882) was a most prolific having been the seat of Continental Congress during American folk artist. His depictions of people 1777–1778. York was also in an important geographi- going about their everyday lives have been cal position on one of the main paths of westward Lused repeatedly to illustrate 19th-century migration. The vast majority of German immigrants 7 America. Short biographies of Miller appear in refer- came into the port of Philadelphia. As families grew, ence books about American art, such as American many Germans, as well as Scots-Irish and others of 1 Folk Painters of Three Centuries. Many articles on European stock, spread to the west through Lan- specific locales that he drew, such as York, Pennsylva- caster and York, following the valleys southwest to nia; New York City; and southwestern Virginia, have the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia or swinging west- been illustrated with his work, but with scant informa- ward to Ohio and beyond. Four of the Miller brothers, tion about the artist himself. including Lewis, spent the last years of their lives in Even though we have access to many words written Virginia and West Virginia. 8 by Miller, those words seem to have been deliberately Lewis seemed to have been born with pen and written for the audience that peruses his drawings and brush in hand. According to his own dating, some of rarely about the artist himself. Few letters and docu- the events he recorded happened when he was a small ments to, from, and concerning him have been dis- child. He must have had a very good memory and a covered. We do get an idea, however, of Miller’s life and very good imagination when listening to recollections those of his contemporaries through the captions that of older citizens. When the drawings are examined he attached to many of his drawings. closely and compared with contemporary likenesses, Lewis was the youngest child born to Pennsylvania Lewis is quite accurate. In a drawing of Ludwig Miller 2 Germans John Ludwig Miller (1747–1822) and Eve and his students in 1805, one little boy, perhaps Lewis, Catherine Rothenberger (1750–1830). They arrived sits off to the side with pen and paper. 9 3 in America in 1772. Their oldest surviving children, 4 Lewis illustrated many scenes of play with his Elizabeth (1775–1864) and David (1777–1800), young friends and drew himself, at 15, making cigars 10 were born in Philadelphia. Philip (1780–1802), John at work. He was apprenticed to his brother John to (1782–1783), and Joseph (1784–1842) were born in learn house carpentry by the time he was 17, and prac- Montgomery County, where Ludwig worked as a potter. ticed that trade for about 35 years. 11 th Benjamin (1787–1864), John (1790–1866), Cath- Lewis Miller’s name shows up often in 19 century erine (1793–1794), and Lewis were all born in York, County Orders, the official requisitions approved by where their father was a schoolteacher and choirmas- the York County commissioners for payment from 5 ter at Christ Lutheran Church. the county treasury. Most of those referring to Lewis The population of York in 1790 was 2,076. A few Miller are for carpentry work. Although he did make a years later, York was made up of an estimated 400 few small items for York County offices, such as desks dwellings, at least six churches, and numerous busi- and ballot boxes, most of the disbursements were for 6 nesses. As the county seat, York was the center of the repairs on county buildings. Miller was the only car- political, legal, and commercial life of York County. penter paid from county funds during the entire year 12 The town probably retained some distinction from ending February 1, 1822. He was also busy with pri- June Lloyd is librarian emerita of the York County Heritage Trust Library & Archives. She wrote Faith and Family: Pennsylvania German Heritage in York County Area Fraktur. 33

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ vate customers, listing 110 of them under a drawing of ous drawings at York County Heritage Trust came himself at his carpenter’s bench. 13 through the Small and Billmeyer families. Other Lewis loved to travel. He listed the York County com- drawings are in the collections of the New York Histori- munities he visited, and he drew himself and George cal Society, Virginia Historical Society, and the Abby 14 15 Small walking to Baltimore. He traveled to visit the Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center in Williamsburg. sons of his sister Elizabeth Kolb in the New York City In 1966 the Historical Society of York County, now 16 area. He went to see his brother, Dr. Joseph Miller, in part of York County Heritage Trust, published a selec- Christiansburg, Virginia, and Joseph’s son, Charles, a tion of Lewis Miller drawings in a volume titled Lewis student at Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. In 1840 Miller, Sketches and Chronicles: The Reflections of he sailed for a tour of Europe that lasted nearly a year. a Nineteenth Century Pennsylvania German Folk His obvious delight in visiting the homeland of his Artist. The drawings from this now out-of-print vol- ancestors is reflected in many of the drawings that ume are widely cited for their descriptions of 19th- resulted from that trip. century American life. He retired from carpentry when he was around 61 York County Heritage Trust is sharing more of its (c.1857). A great many of his drawings seem to have collection of Lewis Miller’s unpublished drawings with been done after this time, even if the scene occurred a new book, Lewis Miller’s People. This long-awaited much earlier. Some of the surviving drawings were put volume is made up of two sets of full-length portraits, together in books, possibly by Lewis, so he might have usually in profile, of York County personalities. Miller copied and refined earlier sketches. captioned them with the person’s name and often their There has been speculation on how Lewis sup- occupation. The individuals sometimes hold tools of ported himself for the last 20 or more years of his life. their trade or profession. He now and then added per- He may have saved and invested prudently. He did own sonal or family information about particular people. 17 bank stocks. He also sold two houses, his in 1847 for Some have the notation ein Hess, indicating that they 18 $1,000 and his boyhood home in 1857 for $1,800. were former Revolutionary War Hessian soldiers that Lewis seemed to be welcome in the homes of his settled in York County. A total of about 700 people are relatives. He spent the winter of 1859–1860 in New illustrated. York City, where several nephews lived. After the Civil The first half of the book is made up of individual War, he spent more time in Virginia, finally making drawings that were later assembled six on a page. The his permanent home with niece Emeline Miller Craig, drawings are similar in style, but not as formal, in the daughter of his brother Joseph, in Christiansburg. He book’s second section, and often have longer com- still managed to travel. His letters mention several vis- ments by Miller. These were probably done in response its to York, including one that followed a visit to the to George Billmeyer’s appeal to have drawings sent Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. to him. Miller, in Virginia, seems to have been short He re-established ties with the affluent Small fam- on paper. To satisfy Billmeyer’s request, he filled just ily of York around this time. A note sent to another about every available space of a catalog from the Yorker around 1875 reads “Let me know of [if] Mr. Montgomery Female Academy of Christiansburg with 19 Samuel Small is a life yet.” Samuel Small and others drawings of Yorkers. The illustrations in this book are enclosed checks or money in letters they wrote to him. more informal and are sometimes set in a scene. Lewis compiled drawings to send to Small, perhaps in The new publication throws more light on life in gratitude. Among other projects, he created a 72-page the first half of the 19th century, on professions and illustrated, indexed book of hand-printed poems, trades and sometimes the background of the indi- 20 hymns and sermons for Samuel in 1876. viduals. In many cases, these watercolors are the only In 1882, great-grand nephew George Billmeyer images of those people, making them especially valu- asked Lewis to send his drawings of York to George in able not only for social history, but to their thousands return for the $50 check he sent. These transactions and thousands of descendants still here in York County were advantageous for Yorkers, as many of the numer- and spread throughout the country. 34

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust Endnotes 8 Joseph, Benjamin, John, and Lewis. Family records. Lewis Miller MS File 10447, YCHT. 1 Donald A. Shelley, “Lewis Miller, 1796–1882,” American Folk Painters of Three Centuries. Eds. 9 Turner, Robert P., ed. Lewis Miller, Sketches and Jean Lipman and Tom Armstrong. (New York: Chronicles: The Reflections of a Nineteenth Cen- Hudson Hills, 1980), 124–128. tury Pennsylvania German Folk Artist. (York, PA: The Historical Society of York County, 1966), 2 Pennsylvania Germans are usually defined as 41. immigrants arriving from German-speaking lands from 1684 to 1783 (the date of the Treaty of Paris, 10 Turner, Lewis Miller, 57. which recognized United States sovereignty). Some 11 Unpublished text in the hand of Lewis Miller. studies extend the period to c.1808. Charles H. Lewis Miller MS File 10447, YCHT. Glatfelter, The Pennsylvania Germans: A Brief Account of their Influence on Pennsylvania. 12 He was paid $77.21 during the year. “York County (University Park: Pennsylvania Historical Assoc., disbursements,” York Gazette 28 Feb. 1822. 1990), 2. 13 Turner, Lewis Miller, 100. 3 Ludwig Miller’s name appears on the September 14 There were several George Smalls, all related. 20, 1772 list of arrivals aboard the ship Minerva. This is probably the one listed as “clerk of Ralph Beaver Strassburger, Pennsylvania Ger- Henry.” York County Tax Records, 1832. man Pioneers: A Publication of the Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia From 15 Baltimore is about fifty miles from York. 1727 to 1808. (Norristown: Pennsylvania Ger- 16 Joseph Miller, M.D. (1784–1842). man Society, 1934), 1:740. 17 Original receipts from York Savings Institution 4 There are references to a son, Michael (c.1771), and York County Bank. Lewis Miller MS File who died at, or soon after, birth, perhaps on the voy- 10447, YCHT. age to America. A specific citation is not available. 18 York County Deed Books, Vol. 3X: 274 (1847) and 5 Transcript of original family records. Some of the 4B:772 (1857). original records were in Virginia in 1953, and some are in the Historical Society of York County 19 Samuel Small (1799–1885), partner in hard- collections. Lewis Miller ms. file 10447, York ware, milling, and iron making businesses. County Heritage Trust, York, Pa. He was one of the founders of York Hospital, Children’s Home of York, and York Collegiate 6 “Some Indices of the Growth of the Town of York,” Institute. George R. Prowell, ed. History of York ms. file 629, YCHT. County, Pennsylvania. (Chicago: 1907), Vol. 7 Most Pennsylvania Germans came to America for 1:673–4. economic reasons. Their homelands were slow in 20 First page: “Friendship. A Present to Mr. Samuel recovering from wars, such as the Thirty Years’ Small from his friend Lewis Miller, both intimate War (1618–48), and America seemed to offer more Companions of York, Pennsylvania. The manual opportunities to prosper. Even though the Penn- And written manuscripts are for Mr. Samuel sylvania proprietors encouraged immigration, Smalls - Library, In South Duke Street, College. they were concerned about the influx of so many written in August, the first of August, to the “foreigners.” Starting in 1727, all foreign males month of October 6, day, In the year of our Lord more than 16 years of age arriving in Philadelphia 1876.” The lower half of the page is a drawing were required to take an oath of allegiance to the of York Collegiate Institute, founded by Samuel king and an oath of fidelity to the proprietors. An Small. estimated 65,000 German people arrived in Phila- delphia from 1727–1775. Glatfelter, Pennsylva- nia Germans, 4, 6. 35

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ Bibliography Glatfelter, Charles H. The Pennsylvania Germans: A Brief Account of their Influence on Pennsylvania. University Park: Pennsylvania Historical Assoc., 1990. Lewis Miller original drawings, York County Heritage Trust, York, Pa. Lewis Miller ms. file 10447, York County Heritage Trust, York, Pa. Prowell, George R., ed. History of York County, Pennsylvania. 2 vols. Chicago, 1907. Shelley, Donald A. “Lewis Miller, 1796–1882,” Ameri- can Folk Painters of Three Centuries. Jean Lipman and Tom Armstrong, eds. New York: Hudson Hills, 1980. “Some Indices of the Growth of the Town of York,” ms. file 629, YCHT. Strassburger, Ralph Beaver. Pennsylvania German Pioneers: A Publication of the Original Lists of Arrivals in the Port of Philadelphia From 1727 to 1808. Norristown: Pennsylvania German Society, 1934. Robert P. Turner, ed. Lewis Miller, Sketches and Chronicles: The Reflections of a Nineteenth Century Pennsylvania German Folk Artist. York, PA: The Historical Society of York County, 1966. York County Deed Books. Vol. 3X and 4B. “York County disbursements.” York Gazette 28 Feb. 1822. York County Tax Records, 1832. 36

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Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ James Smith, by Lewis Miller. 38

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust James Smith Letters J ames Smith, Declaration of Independence signer, personal correspondence with luminaries of the day. These unique letters were transcribed and originally served as hometown host to Continental Congress appeared in the Historical Society of York County when they met in York in 1777–78. As York Coun- ty’s leading patriot, this lawyer and raconteur was Year Books, 1938–40–41. Five other letters appeared a fi tting host. Only a limited number of Smith’s letters in the 2010 Journal of the York County Heritage Trust are available today. A fi re in his South George Street and six were published in the 2011 Journal. law offi ce in the early 1800s consumed most of his [To James Wilson] A.L.S., March 26, 1777, from a facsimile in the York Age of September 1887. York 26 March 1777 th Dr. Sir th Your favour of the 10 to Messrs. Hartly Donaldson & myself did not come th to hand until the 17 : I am told they held Elections the 10 through the County, th that few or none of ye old justices would suff er their names to run-two of our representatives on their return told us the Assembly was adjourned, & brought up the Militia Law it has two faults in my opinion that will render it of little use but enough of Politics-you must expect trouble if you get a line from me, for I am too lazy to write for Nothing. Consequently you have enclosed my Account for my Attendance at Congress I sent it to Mr. Dixon one of our Representa- tives but he had left Philada. before it reached him he informs me that I must procure a Draught, as he calls it from ye Secry. of Congress to Mr. Rittenhouse The Provincial Treausarer, how that Can be done I dont Know, but I expect impossibilities from you, Mr. George Irwin who will deliver you this will Call on Mr. Rittenhouse if you Can procure him any Order Draught from ye Presidt. Or Secy of Congress. The Comrs. Appointed from the Midle States are met here, what to do I Can’t tell you, “that which is Crooked” Cannot be made straight, & that which is want- ing Cannot be Number’d says the old Sage, but they must make what is Crooked Straight & number what is wanting, if they do anything to purpose, but this is obscure & not intended to be understood by any Mortal but myself for Nine Months-the Whig Club, & Genl. Goddard have taken the Field at Balt. & soon expect to hear of a genl. Engagement. all is quiet at Pitsburgh, at least I was so informed yesterday. My Wife & family & all friends here are Well, as I hope you left your good spouse & family, give my best respects (if your should think of it) to M[ess]rs. Hancock & Burk. I am Dr. Sir Your most obedt. Jas. Smith 31 March Nothing New here since writing the above, the Commissioners for regu- latg. Prices still Continue here, we hear E. Read is Chief Justice pray who are to be Puisne Judges. 39

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ In the name of the Pennsylvania Delegates to Congress, To Thomas Wharton, A. L. S. n.d., assigned to the period February 16-22, 1778. New York Public Library. The letter relates to stores to be purchased for the army. May it please your Excellency Yesterday evening the Resolve of Congress of Saturday was sent enclosed by Mr. Dickson with an Account of the Recet of 52,000 Dollars received by the Del- egates, out of which 13,000 Dollrs. was paid to the York & Cumberland County Commissrs. the Remainder being 39,000 Dollars & 100,000 Dollars received this day is forwarded by the Sherif of York County, as there is not a Moment to be lost he is sent to day, which will we hope prevent the trouble of sending to the River as mentioned in the Postscript of yesterdays Letter. As the Superentendts. are dismounted on the East side the River, it might not have been so proper to Apply, to the usual place for a Guard, & Convoy & makes it more necessary for the Comrs. On the East side to exert themselves, lest the Army should suff er. We have the honour to be May it please your Excellency Your most obedt. Servts (by order of ye Deleg) Jas. Smith His Excellency Thomas Wharton jr. President To Joseph Reed, A. L. S., August 2, 1779, Z G T/D 2, Draper Collection, State Histori- cal Society of Wisconsin. Edward Lee, a boy of thirteen years, had been convicted at the Carlisle of stealing “a quantity of Beef and Salt, the property of the United States,” for which he had been sentenced to pay a fi ne and receive corporal punishment. This letter helped him obtain a pardon. May it please your excellency, The enclosed Petition of Edward Lee, & the Copy of The Record of Indictment against him, will shew that transaction, in so full a point of view, that it will be unnecessary for me to state the Facts. I have only to apologize, for giving your Excellency this trouble & beg you will lay the Papers, before the Councel, as soon as may be, your extending mercy to the Petr. Will oblidge the Court & add to the obligations of Your Excellencie’s most obedt. Hble. Servt. Jas. Smith nd York 2 Augt. 1779 40

_____________________________________________________ York County Heritage Trust To Joseph Reed, March 20, 1781, A. L. S. New York Public Library. On November 20, 1780 Smith had been appointed Judge of the High Court of Errors and Appeals of Pennsylvania May it please your Excellency th In Consequence of the intimation mentioned in your favour of the 16 of the Omission in the Fee Bill, as to the Clerk & Registers of the Court of appeals I mentioned it to the House and incline to think it will be remedied. You excellency & the Honble. Councel will please to accept of my most Cordial thanks for the appointment as Judge of that Court, but as it is incompatible with a Seat in the House, & my quitting it at this Period, would give dissatisfaction to my constituents I must therefore beg leave to decline the appointment. Your Excellencies most obedt. Servt. Ja. Smith th Excellency Joseph Reed 20 March 1781 To Jasper Yeates, A. L. S. Auguest 29, 1782. The Charles Roberts Collection, Library of Haverford College. Sir, Robert Crawford who is now in York Gaol, having been delivered up by his spe- cial Bill, persists in his fi rst information to me That the Actions brought against on Mr. Wilsons Bonds to last April & on which you obtained judgments at July last, were given by him to Mr. Ewen, who was factor or did business for Mr. Wil- son & that he made sundry payments to Mr. Ewen on Account of those Bonds— And thinks it would be very hard in his Circumstances to be oblidged to pay the same money twice & begged I woud write to you by the bearer Mr. McSherry to know what you woud think proper to be done provided the facts should turn out, (in a satisfactory manner) as he states them—the heavyest matters against will probably be settled as Mr. Askew & him have agreed this day to reference of all their Actions to Auditors. The messenger waits in hast your most obedt. Servt. Jas. Smith 29 Augt. 1782 th 41

Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ Past Journals of York County Heritage 2010 2011 In the Heritage Trust Library – from Shelf to Shelf 150 Years ago: Lewis Miller’s ‘Drilling Camp, — Elizabeth A. Shaw York, Pa. 1861’ — Scott L. Mingus, Sr. York in Relation to the Other Revolution: Frances Wright, Women’s Rights The Beissel Influence in York County — Jane S. Sutton — Elmer Q. Gleim York County’s Manufacturing Economy in 1810 The Question of Thomas Paine at York Town — David A. Latzko — Michael Helfrich Hospital on the Hill: The Planning and Construction of York Hospital, 1925–1930 — Peter M. Hartmann, Joan B. Beekey, Suzanne M. Shultz The York Charrette: April 19–27, 1970 — Raul Urrunaga The Withers Family’s Ultimate Sacrifice — Christopher Buckingham Local Books, Pamphlets: Published 2010–2012 v Celebrating 100 Years: York Jewish Community Center, 2010. v Civil War Voices from York County, Pa.: Remembering the Rebellion and the Gettysburg Campaign. Scott L. Mingus, Sr. and James McClure, 2011. v Factory Whistles of York, PA. Daniel Meckley, III, 2012. v Flames Beyond Gettysburg: The Confederate Expedition to the Susquehanna River, June 1863. Scott Mingus, 2011. v Glen Rock - An Historical Review. Dr. Charles Glatfelter, John Hufnagel and Ron Dise, 2011. v History of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 1836-2011: 175th anniversary, 2011. v History of Mount Wolf, the Centennial Edition. Bradley Rentzel and Charles Stambaugh, editors, 2010. v The Ma and PA Remembered: A History of the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. Henry C. Peden, Jr. and Jack L. Shagena, Jr., 2011. v Memories & Musings of an Old Man. Daniel G. Meckley, III, 2011. v Millers’ Tales: The Mills of York County. Lila Fourhman-Shaull, 2010. v Murder & Mayhem in York County. Joseph David Cress, 2011. v On the Codorus: The History of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, York, Pennsylvania 1733 through 2011. Nyman, Dick, Kenee, and Rooney, 2011. v One Room Schools and Post Offices of Codorus & Manheim Townships, York County, PA. F. Donald Miller, 2010. v Parks, People, Preservation & Public Policy. Eleanor Boggs Shoemaker, 2010. v Stained Glass Windows of Immanuel. Dr. Charles H. Glatfelter, 2011. v Wrightsville Presbyterian Church History. Robert Sayre, 2011. v Yesteryears in Southern York County Book II. Stewartstown Historical Society, 2010. 42

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Journal of York County Heritage _________________________________________________ 44

York County Heritage Trust 2011 Award Winners Chair’s Award – James Rudisill v This award is given at the discretion of the Board of Directors’ Chair and the Awards Task Force to an individual(s), posthumous or living, organization(s) or a business that demonstrate exemplary stewardship of history through service, philanthropy, research or actions for the long-term benefit of the York County community. The Chair’s Award represents the highest honor at the York County Heritage Trust. Heritage Profile Award – Carol Tanzola v The Heritage Profile Award is given to recognize an individual or individuals who are exceptionally active in the community, working to preserve history. It recognizes those individuals who have made a lasting or significant contribution in preserving, interpreting, promoting, researching and/or otherwise extending the knowledge and understanding of the history of York County. Individuals to be considered include those living or deceased who have demonstrated evidence of long-term dedication and personal commitment in pursuit of these goals. Community Awards v Business (Ingenuity) – York Water Company This award is accorded to a business that endeavors to preserve history within the York County region in the areas of company history, building preservation, philanthropy or other involvement with celebrating the past for the benefit of the community. v Local history organization (Community) – Northern York County History and Preservation Society (NYCHAPS) The Local History Organization award recognizes those associations or organizations whose activity in local and regional history serves as a role model of excellence for others to follow. The award is specifically reserved for those associations/organizations associated with local historical efforts that are deemed to have made a significant contribution in preserving, interpreting, promoting, researching or otherwise extending knowledge and understanding of the history of their locality, county or region within York County. v Government (Civic/Government) – Mt. Wolf The Government Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the understanding and promotion of local history by municipalities without historical organizations. Advancement of historical activities may include community celebrations, commemorative publications, audiovisual materials, historical interpretation, archival development and community service. Back cover By early 1865, the U.S. Army General Hospital in York had been consolidating for months. At one point, the hospital had moved patients into the middle floors of the four-story Washington Hall, a popular York meeting and entertainment place. After the Confederate surrender in April 1865, the hospital closed. This scene appears to show the gazebo, constructed at the hospital to aid in the recovery of the wounded, standing in 1866 when the rest of the medical complex came down. Physicians and nurses treated more than 14,000 wounded Civil War soldiers in the three years the hospital operated. About 200 patients died, and many of the dead are buried in Soldiers Circle, Prospect Hill Cemetery, North York, where a memorial commemorates their names. A piece on the military hospital appears inside this scholarly journal.

York County Heritage Trust 250 E. Market St. York, Pa. 17403 717-848-1587 www.yorkheritage.org SEPTEMBER 2012