Genealogical Items From the Oracle of Dauphin and Harrisburgh Advertiser, 1794-98

GENEALOGICAL ITEMS FROM THE ORACLE OF DAUPHIN AND HARRISBURGLI ADVERTISER, 1794-98 contributed by Linda E. Smith v II Tie first issue of the Oracle of Dauphin and Harrisburgh Advertiser, a JL weekly newspaper, was published 20 October 1792 by John W. Allen and John Wyeth. In the 1970s GSP volunteer Linda E. Smith extracted and indexed some issues of the Oracle and other Dauphin County news¬ papers.1 Today, electronic images of the Oracle beginning with the 2 January 1799 issue are searchable online.2 Smith's extracts from issues earlier than those online are presented here. 8 December 1794: Runaway— four dollars reward, living at Silver Springs, Cum¬ berland County, on Sunday evening 30th ult. [November] a white indented servant boy, named William Burke, About 19 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, dark short hair, slim built . . . Oliver Pollock. 15 December 1794: Married on Wednesday evening last by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Mr. John Holmes, merchant of Baltimore, to the amiable and accomplished M iss Jul ianna Thom pso n . 5 January 1795: On Monday morning last, departed this life Mrs. Jane Crabb, con¬ sort of Mr. William Crabb of this town. 5 January 1795: On the 28th of November, departed this life, the lion. Frederick William Augustus Baron Steuben. 12 January 1795: Suicide— on Friday the 21st instant [sfc, December 1794],-ÿ Barna¬ bas Hale, Jun. of Mapletown, the father of a family of children by a wife deceased, and of one by a second wife now living, . . . 26 January 1795: Died lately at his house in Paxton, Mr. Samuel Sturgeon, for many years an elder of the congregation of that place. i Linda E. Smith, “Dauphin County, Pa., Newspaper Excerpts” (typescript in the Col¬ lections of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania held at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania), which also includes extracts from Harrisburg Republican, 1817-20; Chronicle ancl Harrisburg Advertiser, 1819, 1821, and January 1822; Pennsylvania Intelligencer, 1820-1824; Pennsylvania Reporter and Democratic Herald, 1827-31; Republican and Anti-Masonic Inquirer, 1829-31; Keystone, 1836-40 and June 20, 1848; Pennsylvania Reporter, 1839-43; Democratic Union, 1843-45; Investigator, 1851 and August 13, 1852; and miscellaneous papers, 1804-69. 2 Oracle of Dauphin and Harrisburgh Advertiser, 2 January 1799-29 December 1804, NewsBank, Inc., America’s Historical Newspapers, Early American Newspapers, Series 1, 1690-1876. The database is generally available only onsite at subscriber librar¬ ies, universities, societies, and institutions. The newspaper misused instfant] several times. Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 47 (20 1 1 ) 65 66 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 47 26 January 1795: Also in this town, Mr. Samuel B. Davis, for many years a school master. 16 February 1795: Married last Tuesday evening, Mr. Joseph Wiegley, attorney at law, to the amiable Miss Betsy Armstrong, both of this town. 23 February 1795: Died in this town on Monday last, Mr. Thomas Moore, in the 58th year of his age. 2 March 1795: On Monday, 9th ult. [February] at the country house of Andrew Allen, esq. Berks County, died after an illness of eight days in the 67th year of his age, the hon. John Penn, grand son of Wm. Penn esq. the founder of Pennsylvania. 30 March 1795: Eight dollars reward— ran away— about the middle of November last, an apprentice lad to the cabinet making business, named William Mays, about 18 years of age . . .James Patton, Green-Castle, March 21, 1795. 27 April 1795: Married on Tuesday evening last, by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Mr. Dugal, eldest son of the rev. Mr. Dugal of Path Valley, to Miss Jenny Hillton, of Paxton. 11 May 1795: Died last week at Middletown, Christian King, esq., one of the members of the state legislature from this county. 18 May 1795: An old Sheep’s Skin reward— Ran away ... living in Middletown, Dauphin County, on the 16th inst. [May] an indented apprentice lad to the tanning business named James Mills, 17 years of age, speaks both English and Dutch . . .Jacob Walfly, April 27th 1795. 8 June 1795: Married on Tuesday 26th ult. [May] Mr. Michael Capp of this town to Mrs. Kathy Penton of Lancaster. 8 June 1795: On Thursday last, by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Mr. Michael Elder, to Miss Nancy M’Kenney, both of Middletown. 8 June 1795: Also by the rev. Mr. Snowden, the same day, Mr. William Dougherty, to Mrs. Jane Greybill, both of Harrisburgh. 22 June 1795: Married Thursday last, Mr. Mordecai M’Kenney of Middletown, to Miss Polly Chambers of Cumberland County. 29 June 1795: On the third inst. [June] the indians killed James Finley and Barnabas M’Cormick, on the farm of John Hiding, eight miles from Cussewago, on French Creek— they were scalped and tomahawked in the most shocking manner, and on the 5th they killed James Thompson, one of the persons employed by capt. Powers, now surveying in that country, shot his horses and plundered the camp. We have some reason to hope that the above account of Indian depreda¬ tions’ is nothing more than a report, for by a letter dated the 16th inst. [June] near Cussewago, from a most respectable authority, not a syllable is mentioned of the above murders, but on the contrary, it is said, ‘that every¬ thing was in perfect tranquillity and safety in that quarter.' On the evening of the 25th of April, a party of indians, near the house of John Williamson on station camp creek, by moon-light, fired upon John Edwards and his brother, and killed the farmer [former?]. 13 July 1795: Frederick Town, May 2 ... on Friday last, a negro boy, (belonging to this town) about 14 or 15 years old, being sent to a gunsmiths with a pair of 20 11 Oracle of Dauphin and Harrisburgh Advertiser, 1794-98 67 pistols to be repaired, unfortunately fell in with a number of persons on the square, with whom he entered into conversation. After some time he was observed to be enraged . . . Fully determined to commit murder, turned him¬ self about, and without uttering a word discharged one of the pistols, the contents of which passed thru the head of Miss Polly Hardman, daughter of Mr. Joseph Hardman, of this town, who instantly expired . . . the innocent and unfortunate girl, though but 1 5 years of age, was the only support of her aged parents. 3 July [sz'c4] 1795: eight dollars reward. Ran away ... on the 20th inst. [szc, June] an indented German man, named Jacob German, by trade a blacksmith, . . . speaks tolerable good English . . .Joseph Deyarmond. Londonderry Twp., Dauphin County. 14 September 1795: On 22nd ult. [August] departed this life George Mathews, esq., one of the associate judges of the court of common pleas for the county of Franklin. 14 September 1795: Died last week at Middletown, after a short illness, Mr. Henry Moore, for many years an inn keeper in that place. 30 November 1795: Whereas my wife Mar)' Elizabeth, has without just cause, will¬ fully and maliciously deserted my house and family; these are, therefore to forewarn all persons not to trust her on my contracting. Adam Dininger. 28 December 1795: 200 dollars reward. Whereas a certain Michael Hevice, Read¬ ing Township in York County, on Friday night last . . . did break open the house of Casper Gregor in the town of Berlin, in said county . . . and carry off a certain Catharine Spece, a minor orphan child of Peter Spece deceased, aged about 13 years . . . and any information as to Hevice and his part)', or as to the said Catharine, will be thankfully received by Casper Gregor and his wife (the mother of the child) at Berlin. Michael Schmyser, Matthias Schmyser, guardian of Catharine Spece. 4 January 1796: four dollars reward. Ran away ... living in Paxton Township, Dauphin county, on the 17th inst. [szc, December 1795] John Lehr a hired man, aged to appear about 25 years . . . George Feeser. 4 January 1796: four dollars reward. Ran away . . . on Wednesday the 16th inst. [szc, December 1795] an indented servant girl named Betsy Chalk, between 14 and 15 years of age, . . . Benjamin Wallace. 13 January 1796: one dollar reward, ran away . . . in Harrisburgh last night an apprentice to the blacksmith’s business; named John Rath, years . . John Heiss. about 20 8 February 1796: Married on Wednesday evening last, by the rev. Nathaniel Snowden, Mr. William Priestley, second son of the celebrated Dr. Joseph Priestley, to the agreeable Miss Peggy Foulke, . . . 8 February' 1796: On the evening following, also by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Mr. John Kelso to the amiable Mrs. Sally Morton. 21 February 1796: Married last week, by the rev. Mr. Moeller, Mr. Jacob Singer, merchant, to Miss Nancy Norton, both of this town. 4 Between 1794 and 1796, issues were published weekly on Mondays. In July 1795 Mondays were on the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. 68 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 47 21 February 1796: Died on Saturday morning last, Mr. Philip Reinmuth, inn¬ keeper of this town. 21 February 1796: ran away . . . living in Buffaloe Valley in the Township of West Buffaloe, and County of Northumberland ... aged about 18 years named Edward Cibbins . . . Solomon Kleckner. 21 March 1796: Died last Friday night, in this town, Mrs. Eve Dentzel the truly amiable and virtuous consort of John Dentzel, esq. 4 April 1796: Wednesday, the 16th ult. [March] was found dead in a small cottage, Londonderry Township ... a woman named Hannah Hamilton, died, for want of the common necessaries of life, vis. victuals, firewood and clothing. 4 April 1796: four dollars reward, ran away, living in Cumberland County five miles east of Carlisle on the 24th inst. [s/'c, March] an apprentice boy named John Morrison . . . Tho. Urie. 18 April 1796: Married some time since, by the rev Mr. Snodgrass, Mr. Henry Isett of this town to Miss Francis Rodgers, of Hanover. 18 April 1796: Also Mr. Adam Harbison to Miss Martha Finney. 18 April 1796: Near Lancaster, on the 22nd ult. [March] Mr. Martin Herr to Miss Susan Buckwalter, both of that county. 25 April 1796: Married last Wednesday in East Hanover, Mr. James M’Ewen to Miss Frances Boal . . . 25 April 1796: In this town, last Friday evening, by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Samuel Laird, esq. attorney at law to Miss Betsy Montgomery daughter of the late Joseph Montgomery esq. of this place. 25 April 1796: Died last week in Cumberland County, near this town, Mr. Hugh Willson, lately a resedent [s/'c] of this borough. 16 May 1796: six dollars reward, ran away . . . living in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County', on the night of the 8th instant [May], an indented servant and apprentice boy named David Stripe, aged 17 years . . John Zimmerman. 23 May 1796: By desire— Died in the night of the 15th of March last, Mary Cavet of Westmoreland County. She was born in Lancaster county, now Dauphin, and descended of respectable parents viz: James and Elizabeth Foster. She has left behind a husband and five children . . . 13 June 1796: Married on Tuesday evening last, by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Mr. James Russell, merchant to Miss Frances Moore, both of Middletown. 13 June 1796: Whereas my wife, Elizabeth, hath behaved herself in such a manner heretofore and of late, as entirely to destroy the present, as well as ever)' future prospect of conjugal felicity, . . . not to trust or give my wife, Eliza¬ beth, any credit on my account, as I am determined never to pay it. Martin Houser. 27 June 1796: a reward ... who will bring to the printer hereof an indented apprentice lad named Alex Grimes, age about 16 years ... He is supposed to have gone toward Tioga Point on the North branch of Susquehannah, as his brother Wm. Grimes, living near that piace has made several attempts to clandestinely entice him from his duty and real interest. 201 1 Oracle of Dauphin and Harrisburgh Advertiser, 1794-98 69 11 July 1796: Married, one day last week, Mr. Pittner of Paxton, aged about 90, to the worthy matron, Mrs. Charlotte King, the consort and wife of Mr. Richard King, formerly of this town. 25 July 1796: Married in this town, a few days since, by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Mr. Alrich of May-town, to Miss Patty Hamilton of this borough. 15 August 1796: Married a few days since, at Strasburgh, Lancaster county, Mr. John Kerr, of Lancaster, to Miss Sally Ferree, of the former place. 15 August 1796: one cent reward, ran away . . . on the 30th of June last, it is sus¬ pected with his mother a bound boy about 12 years of age named Robert Christy, . . . Nathaniel R. Snowden. 29 August 1796: Ned Canton, a Negro Man, who was committed to the jail of Dauphin County, on his confession of having robbed the wagon of a certain John Grace, coppersmith and Tinsman, belonging to Philadelphia, some of which was found on the said negro, also ... a morocco Leather pocketbook, in which is wrote the name William Weston, . . . 5 September 1796: ran away. . . in Allen Township, Cumberland County, on the 6th day of August, inst. an apprentice lad named, Thomas Parker, about 18 years of age ... he is supposed to have gone with his mother, named Barbara Parker, who resides near Lebanon . . . Frederick Switzer. 26 September 1796: Married on Thursday evening last by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Mr. Samuel Lytle, of Derry Township, to Miss Nancy Robinson, daughter of Thomas Robinson, esq., of Lancaster county. 3 October 1796: On the 19th ult. [September], departed this life, John Earley, sen., of Londonderry Township, in 72nd year of his age. 3 October 1796: At Northumberland, the 21st ult. [September], died Mrs. Priest¬ ley, the wife of the rev. Dr. Priestley, scarcely recovered from the shock occasioned by the death of his youngest son . . . 21 November 1796: Died at Carlisle, a few days since, after a lingering illness, Miss Jane Thompson, daughter of the late Rev. Mr. Thompson. 4 January' 17977 20 dollars reward: Ran-away from the subscriber, on Sunday the 25th instant [s/c, December 1796], an apprentice to the printing business, named John Murdock, eighteen or nineteen years of age . . . Andrew Ken¬ nedy, Northumberland town. 4 January 1797: 5 cents reward: Ran-away from the subscriber, living in Harris¬ burgh, an indented apprentice boy to the boot and shoemaking business, named John Wall, aged about 19 years . . .John Shock 18 January 1797: A melancholy accident happened one day last week near Hummelstown, to a Mr. John Byers, of Hanover: Finding it unsafe to ride his horse, dismounted and entered a waggon which was going the same road, with a load of Wheat in hogsheads, and in descending a hill, the waggon upset, and one of the hogsheads falling on Mr. Byers, killed him instantly. 18 January 1797: Married at Philadelphia, the 5th instant [January], Benjamin Horner, Sen. to Mrs. Jane Williams, both of the city. ’ Beginning 1797, issues were published weekly on Wednesdays. Vol. 47 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 70 18 January 1797: Same evening, by Hilary Baker, esq. Sichquoinneyouhee, alias John Walker, one of the chiefs of the Cherokee nation of Indians, to Miss Ann Jane Durant, of the city. 18 January 1797: On the 11th instant [January], Joseph Crukshank, printer, to Rachael Saunders. 25 January 1797: Married last Thursday evening, by the rev. Mr. Moeller. Mr. Jacob Schuler, to Miss Catharine Sedwits. 1 February 1797: Married, on Tuesday, last week, by the rev. Mr. Snowden, Mr. David Watson to Miss Elizabeth Litle. 1 February 1797: Died last Saturday, after a painful sickness, Mrs. Pieffer, consort of Mr. John Peiffer, tanner. 12 April 1797: Married last Thursday evening, by the rev. Mr. Snowden, at Middle Paxton, John Morrison, esq. of Sherman’s Valley, to Miss Flora M’Cord, of the former place. 12 April 1797: Whereas my wife Nancy, has without just cause, left my bed and board, since Thursday last, 1 therefore forewarn all person not to trust her on my account, as I am determined not to pay any debts of her contracting. George Werneck, Harrisburgh. 3 May 1797: Married a few days since, in Virginia, Maj. John Irwin, of this town, to the much admired Miss Kitty Weaver, daughter of Adam Weaver, formerly of Cumberland County. 10 May 1797: On Wednesday last, as one George Cassin was driving his team near this town, the waggon by some accident or other overset, and killed him on the spot. 10 May 1797: Married last week, Mr. Samuel Wier, of this town, to Miss of Cumberland County. — Wallace, 17 May 1797: Married on the 4th instant [May], by Frederick Horter, esq. of Cum¬ berland County, Mr. David Morris, to Miss Peggy Clinger, late of Chester County, a lady of merit, beauty, and an handsome fortune. 24 May 1797: Married on the 13th inst. [May] at Philadelphia, Mr. Charles Billon, to the lovely Miss Sophia Stollenwerck. 31 May 1797: Married last week, Mr. Christian Kunkie [Kunkle?], merchant of this town, to Miss Elizabeth Welsauver, of York County. 31 May 1797: 16 dollars reward: Ran away from the subscriber living in Millford township, Mifflin County, on the 28th inst. [May] an indented servant man named Eberhart Kehrdorf, lately from Amsterdam, speaks no English . . . George Willson. 19 July 1797: 20 dollars reward: Ran away from his master in Harrisburgh, yester¬ day, an indented apprentice to the Hatters business named Christopher Allentan, about 19 years of age ... speaks both German and English ... Jacob Bucher. 19 July 1797: 4 dollars reward: Ran away from his master in Harrisburgh, yester¬ day morning ... an apprentice to the Boot and Shoemakers business, named John Walls, between 19 and 20 years of age . . .John Shoch. 20 i I Oracle of Dauphin and Harrisburgh Advertiser, 179 4-98 71 23 August 1797: 50 cents reward: Ran away from the subscriber in Farmanagh Township, Mifflin County, on the 14th inst. [ August 1 an apprentice Girl named Rachel Moore, about 17 years old . . James Hanks. 23 August 1797: . . . After the confinement of Jonathan Wallace, his brother James and a son of Jonathan’s came to the house of Mr. Creegh . . . and in a most furious manner likewise threatened the life of the sheriff for exercising his duty . . . .30 August 1797: 5 shillings reward: Ran away from the subscriber, on the night of the 17th instant |August), a servant girl, named Agnes Fisher, I t or 15 years of age . . . brown skin, a native of this country; . . . deliver her to the sub¬ scriber in the Middletown. William Crabh. 20 September 1797: Notice is hereby given, that my wife Charlotte and myself, having for some time, experienced the manifold evils of a married state, she last night left me to meditate on the blessings of a single life ... I forbid any person to trust her on mine, as 1 will not pay any debt she may contract after this date. William Bower. 4 October 1797: 10 dollars reward: Ran away from the suberiber [s/c] on the 23rd ult. |September| an indented man named Moses Moore, aged 2.3 . . . he is a taylor by trade . . . bring him to Mr. John Hustine's nine miles from Carlisle at Mount Rock. Adam M'Cracken. 18 October 1797: Whereas my wife Mary, has eloped from my bed and board on the 20th day of September last, without just cause, 1 therefore forewarn all persons not to trust her on my account . . .John Cain. 15 November 1797: Whereas my wife Folly eloped from my bed and board, with¬ out just cause, ... 1 caution all persons likewise, not to trust her on mine, as I will not pay one cent she may even contract after this date. Dennis Stanley. Harrishurgh. 27 December 1797: Died on Sunday evening last, of the small pox, taken the natu¬ ral way, Mr. David Thome, merchant of the Borough. 3 January 1798: On Saturday and Monday last was bro’t to town and safely impris¬ oned, John Hauer, Charles M’Manus and Francis Cox, for the wilful murder of Mr. Francis Shitz. . . . Francis Shit/, with his brother Peter Shit/, had been at a neighboring vendue on Thursday last... The motive which led to the above horrid deed is thought to have originated with John Hauer, brotherin-law of the deceased . . . 17 January 1798: Whereas my wife Catherine Yelliot eloped from my bed and board since last December, without just cause. This is to forewarn all per¬ sons not to trust her on my account . . . Henry Yelliot. 7 February 1798: Died last week, in Middle Paxton, at a good old age, Col. John Murray. 7 February 1798: In Simsbury, the 6th idt. (January) departed this life, Thomas Simpson jun, nephew to John Simpson Esq. of that place, aged about 22 years. 21 February 1798: Died last week, in this town, of the Small Pox, Mr. George Allen, aged about 40 . . . 21 February 1798: Married last week at Hanover, Bartram Galbraith Esq. to Miss Harriet Huling. 72 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 47 21 February 1 79b: 4 dollars reward: Ran away from the subscriber in Jones's town, Dauphin County ... an apprentice boy to the .shoemaking business, named John Hatrich aged 16 years ... lie is supposed to have directed his course towards Lichcnstall, above hide's Ferry, as his parents reside there . . . Philip Youngblood. 7 March 1798: Died lately at Berlin, Northumberlan |.s7r| County, very suddenly, Mr. Christian Miller, formerly of Petersburgh, on the Juniata. 14 March 1798: Died in the town of Washington, in this state, on the 24th till. | February| much regretted, Col. Mathew Ritchie, judge of the court of com¬ mon pleas, born in Scotland and for 27 years a citizen of America . . . 14 March 1798: On Sunday last, Mr. George Bell, a man near 60 years of age, and of reputable connections, was found hanging to a sappling tree in Middle Paxton, a few miles from this town . . . 4 April 1798: Whereas my wife Betsy has eloped from my bed and board without just cause, and absolutely refuses to live with me, I am therefore necessi¬ tated to forewarn all persons not to trust her on my account .. . John Bombergcr, Hanover township. 9 May 1798: A supposed Run away Came to my employ on the 23rd tilt. |April] one John Camel, a lad to appearance about IS or 16 years of age supposed to have unlawfully absconded from his master either in Mifflin or Hunting¬ don County . . John Hisenhower, Paxton Township, Dauphin County. 23 May 1798: Married at Greenfield, in Coeeil County, Maryland on the 16th inst. | May| Charles William Hartley, esq. of Yorktown, Pennsylvania, to Miss Flizabeth Ward, daughter of Mr. Peregrine Ward of the former place. .30 May 1798: Ran Away from the subscriber on the 19 of April last an apprentice boy, named Isaac Cogins ... his parents live near West Chester and it is likely he will take that course . . . Thomas Minshall, Middletown. .30 May 1798: SO cents reward, Ran away from the subscriber living in llarrisburgh, Dauphin County, an apprentice lad, named John Shatz about 18 years of age . . . John Ebert. 13 June 1798: On the 28th tilt. [May] was committed to prison in this town, Jacob Bishop, charged with having occasioned the death of James Bonnet of Lon¬ donderry Township . . . 18 July 1798: Whereas my wife Katy has eloped from my bed and board without just cause, I therefore forewarn all persons from trusting her on my account . . . Jacob M’Elcar, Big Island. 26 September 1798: Married last evening in this town, Mr. John Forster to Miss Polly Elder. 26 September 1798: On Monday last died at the Silver Springs on the Carlisle road, about 6 miles from this town, a Mr. Shultz, merchant of Philadelphia. 26 September 1798: Died this morning at his house in 6th street, Jacob Heltzheimer, esq. member of the legislature of the state. 26 September 1798: Whereas my wife Jermiah has eloped from my bed and board without just cause .. .James Thompson, Allen Township, Cumberland County.