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Franklin Repository: May 19, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

To the Memory of the Patriot Dead
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Summary: The paper celebrates the observance of a "Memorial Day" for veterans and encourages participation.

Full Text of Article:

A year ago the survivors of the war to suppress the rebellion conceived and carried into effect the beautiful idea of collecting together in bodies all over the country, on the same day, and devoting it to decorating the graves of their fallen comrades with fresh flowers. It was contemplated by the originators that each succeeding year, when flowers were in bloom, and nature was loveliest, and the hearts of men expanded with the beauty of Spring, this sacred ceremony should be repeated until it grew into a custom, in the perpetual observance of which might be kept green and fresh the precious memory of those who fell victims to the rebellion. We notice in the journals, throughout the country, that preparations are being made everywhere, and that the observance of Saturday the 29th day of May will be general, the 30th, the day which was last year observed, coming on Sunday.

The ceremony was inaugurated and carried into effect by the Grand Army of the Republic, and organization composed of soldiers, extending throughout all the States, with a Post in almost every town of prominence, and Major General John A Logan, for its Commander. But many soldiers, perhaps the majority of them, are not members of the Grand Army of the Republic, nor is there a Post at this place. The ceremony here at least, cannot be conducted under its auspices, and its successful observance will require that the soldiers meet, regardless of secret or political organizations, and appoint committees to obtain flowers and make all necessary provisions for its observance. There should not be left a single Union Soldier's grave, on that day, within the county, that is not visited by warm loving hearts, and decked with sweet and fragrant flowers. Some lie in country graveyards, and unfrequented places, but there must be sons or brothers or friends whose hearts warm towards their dust, and whose hands will gladly perform this sacred duty. We hope therefore that there will be but one sentiment among the people on that day, and that all, whether they have mingled in the scenes of carnage and blood and strife, where fell so many of our noble heroes, or whether they labored in more gentle scenes for the safety and perpetuity of their Government, will aid to make the solemn ceremonies of this day successful and impressive. The ladies who responded bountifully to the former call for flowers should again give their aid. If a personal application is not made to every one they should not hesitate to do so voluntarily. If needed, Repository Hall will again be opened as a place for arranging and storing flowers.

[No Title]
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Summary: The paper celebrates the Treasury Report that shows a reduction in the national debt. The numbers show that Grant is holding true to his pledge of "economy, retrenchment and reform in the administration of the affairs of the Government."

[No Title]
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Summary: The Repository reports that Virginia will soon vote on a new state constitution, one resisted by conservative factions within the state. A test oath clause will also be up for a separate vote.

Full Text of Article:

The President has issued a proclamation directing that the new Constitution of Virginia be submitted to the voters of the State for approval or rejection, on the 6th day of July. On two clauses of the Constitution, that relating to the test oath, and that disfranchising certain classes of residents, a separate vote has been ordered. All the other parts of the instrument will be voted on solid. An effort was made by the conservatives to secure a separate vote on other sections, but it is thought that his refusal will create much opposition among that class, against the whole instrument. The Richmond Inquirer of last week, commenting on the terms of submission which the President was then thought to entertain, said if the township, county and school clause be not voted on separately "nothing will be left to the white people of Virginia, but to rally together as one man, and vote down the whole of the Constitution, and they will do it." It is to be presumed, however, that the experience they have undergone, of "hanging on the verge of the Union," has given them such an appreciation of the advantages and comforts of being within it, that they will hesitate to adopt that unsatisfactory sort of revenge which consists mainly in biting off thier noses to spite their faces.

The Cumberland Valley
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Summary: Petroleum V. Nasby priases the beauty and agricultural bounty of the Cumberland Valley. He singles out Chambersburg, "containing a population of nearly 8,000." as one of the area's beautiful towns. "Standing upon the 'Diamond' and looking out along the fine streets leading from this center, you behold, for long distances, rows of newly built houses without the usual shade trees in front. These new buildings, without the trees, mark the burnt district. Here stands the stately Court House, re-built in the most substantial manner, adorned with a cupalo on which stands the veritable old Ben." He also praises the new Wilson Female College modeled upon Vassar.

Decoration Day
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Summary: The paper recounts a recent meeting of Chambersburg veterans for the purpose of planning commemoration for fallen soldiers on the upcoming Memorial Day.
(Names in announcement: Theodore McGowan, Lt. S. W. Hays, Col. Elder, Thaddeus M. Mahon, Lt. George Platt, Lt. James Aughinbaugh, Sgt. John A. Seiders, Lt. Thomas J. Grimason, Maj. John Doebler, Sgt. H. Strickler, Sgt. Thomas Donavan, Sgt. D. F. Leisher)

Full Text of Article:

On Monday evening last a number of the honorably discharged soldiers of Chambersburg, met in the Court House, for the purpose of arranging some plans for the decoration of the graves of soldiers who are buried in the Cemetery and different grave yards of our town. The meeting was organized by electing Col. Theo. McGowan President and Lieut. S. W. Hays Secretary. After considerable discussion, it was resolved that Saturday, the 29th of May, be observed, as the occasion, for strewing flowers on the graves of our dead heroes.

Col. Elder was unanimously elected Marshal of the occasion, with authority to appoint his assistants.

On motion, the Housam Zouaves, were invited to assist in the duties of the day.

On motion of the Citizens of Chambersburg and vicinity were invited to join the precession.

On motion a committee of arrangements was appointed to solicit flowers and boquets from the ladies, see to the marking of soldiers graves, and assist the Marshal in carrying out his programme. The committee consists of the following soldiers: Col. Theodore M'Gowan, Sergt. Thasseud M. Mahon, Lieut. Geo. Platt, Lieut. Jas. Aughinbaugh, Sergt. John A. Seiders, Lieut. Thos. J. Grimason, Maj. John Doebler, Sergt. H. Strickler, Sergt. Thos. Donavan, Sergt. D. F. Leisher.

Repository Hall was offered as a place in which to deposit boquets and flowers, and a vote of thanks and acceptance was tendered Messrs. Cook & Hays for their offer. It was further resolved, that the proceedings of this meeting be published in the FRANKLIN REPOSITORY and Valley Spirit.

The meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the chairman.

The Committee of Arrangements have agreed upon 3 o'clock, P. M., on the 29th of May, as the hour for forming the procession.

Suicide
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Summary: John Marshall, who resided near Keefer's Store in Hamilton, committed suicide last Saturday. He was a "quiet, industrious citizen" and leaves a wife and large family to mourn his loss. It appears he was upset about the payment of some land he had purchased.
(Names in announcement: John Marshall)

The Cumberland Valley Homeopathic Medical Society
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Summary: The society met in Carlisle, Dr. Bowman of Chambersburg presiding. Four new members joined who had converted from the "Old School" of medicine. Seven additional homeopathic physicians have recently settled in the Valley. The group discussed a number of medical topics.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Bowman)

Union Temperance Meetings
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Summary: Rev. P. Coombe of Philadelphia will hold a series of temperance meetings in Chambersburg. He is acting as an agent of the State Temperance Union.

I.O.G.T.
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Summary: A number of officers were installed in Gilmore Lodge No. 358, I.O.G.T. in Fayetteville on Thursday. "This Lodge is in a flourishing condition and doing noble service in the great struggle, now going on in opposition to the mighty encroachment of 'King Alcohol.'"
(Names in announcement: N. K. Mahon, Miss Laura Fleagle, L. J. Wolf, James Downey, Miss Maggie Black, Joseph Bittinger, D. M. Long, Helen Shively, Miss Nannie White, Robert Myers, James Disert, Miss Lizzie Black)

Appointments
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Summary: Mr. Scull, the newly appointed US Assessor for the district including Franklin took possession of his office on the 13th.
(Names in announcement: Scull)

The County Fair
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Summary: The Franklin County Agricultural Society held its annual meeting on the 14th. The have fixed a date for the fair in October. "Now that the time of holding the Fair has been set, our mechanical and industrial citizens, as well as all other branches and trades, should commence preparations at once. This is one of the best interests of our County, and should receive the encouragement of every class of our citizens."

Internal Revenue
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Summary: George Balsley, Deputy Collector of the Internal Revenue for Franklin, will be at the Washington House June 1-7 to receive special taxes and taxes on incomes. Licenses must also be paid there.
(Names in announcement: George Balsley)

[No Title]
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Summary: A fire in Mercersburg destroyed Seidel and Kershman's sash and door factory. The owners held $2,000 worth of insurance on the factory, but it does nor cover the loss.
(Names in announcement: Seidel, Kershman)

[No Title]
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Summary: The performance of Skiff and Gaylord's Minstrels in Repository Hall on Thursdya received excellent reviews. The audience was "delighted" with the singing and dancing.

[No Title]
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Summary: The Young Men's Christian Association will hold a business meeting in their rooms on Thursday.

[No Title]
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Summary: The paper reminds those who suffered from "rebel raids" that the citiznes of the border counties will meet on the 1st of June to press their claims before the legislature.

Pastor Elected
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Summary: The members of the First Lutheran Church of Chambersburg extended a call to serve as pastor to Rev. William V. Gotwalt of Ohio.
(Names in announcement: Rev. William V. Gotwalt)

[No Title]
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Summary: Rev. William F. Eyster, pastor of the Lutheran Congregation of Greencastle, has been selected principal of the Hagerstown Female Seminary.
(Names in announcement: Rev. William F. Eyster)

Appointments
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Summary: James C. Eyster and Barnet Earley, both of Chambersburg, have been appointed to clerkships in the US Assistant Treasurer's Department in Philadelphia.
(Names in announcement: James C. Eyster, Barnet Earley)

[No Title]
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Summary: The paper complains of the many hand-organ players performing in Chambersburg on the Diamond and in front of Repository Building.

[No Title]
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Summary: Capt. George Miller has been appointed Postmaster of Greencastle.
(Names in announcement: Capt. George Miller)

[No Title]
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Summary: The foundation of the Central Presbyterian Church has been completed.

[No Title]
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Summary: Greencastle has a velocipede school.

Married
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Summary: Robert C. Moore of Pittsburgh and Miss Ellie M. Carlile of Chambersburg were married on May 13th by the Rev. William Carlile.
(Names in announcement: Robert C. Moore, Ellie M. Carlile, Rev. William Carlile)

Died
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Summary: Mrs. Mary Newcomer, wife of Martin Newcomer, died in Chambersburg on May 2nd. She was 68 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mary Newcomer, Martin Newcomer)