| Dates | Augusta County, VA | Franklin County, PA | Virginia | Pennsylvania | National |
| 01-01-1859 | 24 slaves sold to mostly Augusta residents for $27,035 by Turk and Cushing, auctioneers. | Chambersburg Orchestra played its first concert. | |||
| 01-05-1859 | George Deneale, state senator from Rockingham District, charged with defrauding Valley Bank in Staunton. Judge Green Samuels of Court of Appeals died in Richmond, vacating position in Third Judicial Section, which included Augusta. | Repository reported Col. A.K. McClure failed to win speakership of PA legislature by only four votes. Citizens of county invited to organize Agricultural Society for "improvement of Animal Stock, Farming Implements, Fruit, Vegetables and Household Manufactures." Three children burned to death in fire which destroyed their home. | |||
| 01-08-1859 | Dr. J.C.M. Merrilatt's stable burned down. | John Letcher accepted Democratic nomination for governor. | |||
| 01-12-1859 | Stockholders of Central Bank of VA elected officers at their annual meeting. | Members of Lutheran church worked on pastor's house during holiday season, voluntarily improving it by $200. Efforts continue to supply Chambersburg with public library. | Repository reports encouraging economic outlook and praises Republican legislature for selling off portions of state works such as railroads and canals to private enterprises. | ||
| 01-18-1859 | Farmers and Mechanics Industrial Association of Franklin County founded. | ||||
| 01-19-1859 | John Gibbens in critical condition after stumbling into fire at blacksmith's shop. | ||||
| 01-20-1859 | In 5 days of trial, Daniel Funk found guilty of second degree murder in September 5, 1858 shooting of John Osborn. Funk's brother and supposed accomplice, David, found not guilty. | ||||
| 01-21-1859 | N.C. Kinney's 846 acre farm sold at auction to J. Davis Craig at $46 an acre. | ||||
| 01-22-1859 | Members of Metropolitan Concert Company skipped town without paying their bills. | ||||
| 01-24-1859 | Brothers Thomas and James Walker injured in buggy accident. | ||||
| 01-28-1859 | Charges of defrauding Valley Bank of Staunton dropped against George Deneale. | Celebration of founding of Protection Hook and Ladder Fire Company, which joined Hope and Friendship companies. | |||
| 01-29-1859 | Robbery of John B. Evans' tobacco store by "three negro men." John D. Imboden, Hugh W. Sheffey, A.D. Trotter, P.B. Hoge, William S.H. Baylor appointed to committee for establishment of a college for men in Staunton. Committee hopes to raise $30,000 in subscriptions to buy land and erect buildings. | ||||
| 01-1859 | In Abelman v. Booth, Supreme Court, in response to violation of Fugitive Slave Act, denied right of a state to interfere in a federal case. Comstock Lode, richest known U.S. silver deposit, discovered in western Nevada. Mount Vernon dedicated as a national monument. "Dixie," originally known as "I Wish I Was in Dixie's Land" composed by Dan Emmett. | ||||
| 02-01-1859 | Opening of Chambersburg Female Boarding School. Opening of Fayetteville Female Seminary. | ||||
| 02-02-1859 | Fire recently destroyed stable but was prevented from spreading by fire company. | ||||
| 02-03-1859 | Local farmer had 67 prime sheep, valued at $335, destroyed, probably by dogs. | ||||
| 02-05-1859 | Chappell, student at Hampden Sidney College, committed suicide by taking poison. Lumber-working machine displayed at American Hotel. | ||||
| 02-07-1859 | Branch of Young Men's Christian Association established in Chambersburg. | ||||
| 02-08-1859 | Special meeting of Circuit Court held for trial of Dr. Daniel Downey for murder. | ||||
| 02-09-1859 | Popular local hotel "Indian Queen" recently changed ownership. | ||||
| 02-10-1859 | Convention of 1100 old-line Whigs held in Richmond. | ||||
| 02-12-1859 | Fire in Staunton destroyed Mrs. Warden's large barn, but damage to adjoining property limited due to efforts of Fire Association. | Whig Convention nominated William L. Goggin for governor. | |||
| 02-14-1859 | Over 2 days, trial of Dr. Daniel Downey for murder of William Mullins ended in hung jury. | Oregon admitted to Union as 33rd state. | |||
| 02-15-1859 | Meeting of Grindstone Hill (German Reformed) Joint Consistorial Charge, at which Reverend W. D. C. Rodrock announced his resignation, effective April 1. | ||||
| 02-22-1859 | Fair and Show held by "the ladies" for benefit of West Augusta Guard in honor of Washington's Birthday raised $260 to pay for new drill room. | George Washington's birthday celebrated with military parades and marches. | |||
| 02-24-1859 | Fire destroyed stable in Staunton. | ||||
| 02-26-1859 | Fire destroyed Thomas Michie's stable in Staunton. | ||||
| Early in 03-1859 | W.A. Abney, employee of Staunton liquor distillers Harman and Snapp, acquitted of selling liquor without a license. | ||||
| 03-01-1859 | Democrats decided to hold nominating convention in Harrisonburg. | ||||
| 03-03-1859 | B.F. Kemper's barn burned down with eight horses and mules, two cows, and three buggies; damage estimated at $2000. | ||||
| 03-09-1859 | Local man burned to death in alcohol-related accident. | ||||
| 03-10-1859 | John Letcher and William Goggin, candidates for governor, held public debate in Staunton. | ||||
| 03-16-1859 | Good progress being made on construction of Franklin Railroad. | ||||
| 03-22-1859 | Mrs. Kelly's building on South Main St. caught fire but was saved from destruction. | ||||
| 03-24-1859 | Meeting of Staunton Masonic Lodge held in tribute of fellow Mason John H. Brown of Staunton, who died on March 23. | ||||
| 03-28-1859 | Opening day of March Court; speeches given by Harris, Harman, and Skinner, candidates for Congress. Meeting of Augusta Whigs and Americans held at court house to ratify state party nominees for political office and to nominate county candidates for House of Delegates; Nathaniel Massie, J. Marshall McCue, and Bolivar Christian supported, amidst debate, as nominees for House of Delegates from Augusta County. | ||||
| 03-30-1859 | Students at Warm Springs High School gave exhibition of composition, reading, speaking, and musical abilities. | ||||
| Early in 04-1859 | Construction began on Staunton Gas Works, scheduled for completion around July 1. | ||||
| 04-02-1859 | Free African-American from Spring Hill jailed for killing his wife. | ||||
| 04-09-1859 | During brief stop in Staunton, candidate for governor William Goggin visited home of John Imboden and was serenaded by supporters, to whom Goggin delivered a speech. | ||||
| 04-10-1859 | Free black man jailed for allegedly killing his wife with axe in Greenville. | ||||
| 04-13-1859 | Faction of aggrieved, anti-Buchanan Democrats met in Harrisburg. | ||||
| 04-16-1859 | Republican Vindicator reported that John Sophia, an African-American man, recently ran away with a white girl named Amelia Pinley; the paper accused the Whirtings, an abolitionist family, of making the elopement possible. | ||||
| 04-20-1859 | Lexington Presbytery met at Staunton Presbyterian Church over 3 days. | Bridge over Juniata River collapsed. | |||
| 04-23-1859 | John B. Grove, Staunton mail carrier, arrested and jailed for theft of money and checks from the mail. | ||||
| 04-25-1859 | Senator Edward Everett delivered his "Washington Oration" at Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind in Staunton before a large crowd. | ||||
| 04-26-1859 | International Order of Odd Fellows celebrated their 40th anniversary with public procession, complete with toasts and orations. Bands and lodges from Gettysburg, Mercersburg, Roxbury, and Shippensburg were present. | ||||
| 04-27-1859 | Thomas Adams of Jenning's Gap killed by lightning. | ||||
| 04-28-1859 | Staunton Fire Company purchased used fire engine in Baltimore for $800. | ||||
| 05-09-1859 | Meeting of Staunton Lyceum held in honor of B. Baldwin Stuart, son of Alexander H.H. Stuart, who died on May 8 from injuries sustained in steamboat explosion in Memphis. | ||||
| 05-10-1859 | Augusta Bar passed resolutions of tribute for B. Baldwin Stuart. | ||||
| 05-11-1859 | George Zeigler and John H. Criswell elected delegates to People's Party (Republican) state convention in Harrisburg by Franklin County Republican convention. Burglary at new home of Rev. Joseph Clark. | States' rights faction of Democratic party, led by John Forney, met in Altoona. | |||
| 05-12-1859 | B. Baldwin Stuart, son of Alexander H.H. Stuart, buried in Staunton. | Vicksburg Commercial Convention urged reopening of African slave trade. | |||
| 05-18-1859 | Over 4 days, swarms of locusts began to appear in western parts of county. | ||||
| 05-23-1859 | Skinner and Harris, candidates for Congress, gave speeches at county court house. | ||||
| 05-25-1859 | Robert Doyle delivered speech at Whig rally at Union Hall, final meeting of Opposition before Election Day. Yankee Robinson's Double Show Circus and Theatre arrived in Waynesboro. | ||||
| 05-26-1859 | Yankee Robinson's Double Show Circus and Theatre arrived in Staunton. Election Day. John Letcher won governorship, but Goggin carried Augusta County. John T. Harris won Congressional seat, but Skinner won in Augusta. Mssrs. Massie, McCue, and Christian reelected to state legislature without opposition. | Moderate Democrat John Lechter defeated fire-eater William Goggin to become governor of VA. Lechter largely owed his election to voters from state's western section where slavery had not taken root. | |||
| 05-27-1859 | Hail storm hit parts of county, severely damaging wheat crop. | ||||
| 05-30-1859 | George Gile's Theater Company, of Philadelphia, performed at Franklin Hall. Mysterious stranger died at Rev. Samuel Huber's home. | ||||
| 05-31-1859 | Over 4 days, military encampment held in Chambersburg, including companies of Chambers Artillery, St. Thomas Artillery, McConnelsburg National Guards, Wayne Rifles (Waynesboro), Union Guards, and Light Dragoons. | ||||
| Early in 06-1859 | Hotchkiss brothers purchased Loch Willow farm near Churchville, with plan of opening male boarding school in September. Harrison Parrott, a free black, convicted of 2nd-degree murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison. | ||||
| 06-01-1859 | Festival sponsored by ladies of Staunton Presbyterian Church. | Hon. George Chambers presented "beautiful and costly" American flag to Chambers Artillery as they escorted visiting St. Thomas Artillery into town. Hail storm destroyed orchards and grain fields of some local farmers. | |||
| 06-04-1859 | Committee of 11 men, led by Mayor N.K. Trout, formed to plan Staunton's July 4 celebration. David Mooney convicted of stealing a horse and sentenced to 4 years in jail. Over 2 days, frost killed or damaged many crops in county. | ||||
| 06-08-1859 | July 4 committee appointed individuals to organize fund-raising and arrange housing for military companies. | Franklin Repository accused Valley Spirit of trying to confuse voters by publishing false list of Republican political candidates. | |||
| 06-10-1859 | Young residents of Chambersburg performed cantata "The Flower Queen." | ||||
| 06-11-1859 | Gathering at top of Elliot's Knob as Capt. P.O. Palmer erected two flags and patriotic speeches were given. Unknown Irishman killed by explosion while working on Blue Ridge tunnel. | ||||
| 06-15-1859 | Showdown between rival mowing machines proved inconclusive. Two schoolgirls struck by train on way home from knitting class. | ||||
| 06-16-1859 | Concert given by Turner's Silver Cornet Band. | ||||
| 06-18-1859 | William Glenn shot Frank McLaughlin at a local "disreputable house." After finding Evans in bed with his wife, Evan Williams, an African-American, attacked Williams. | ||||
| 06-21-1859 | Governor Wise arrived in Staunton for a week-long visit during which he gave speeches at public institutions such as the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind. | ||||
| 06-22-1859 | First case in VA decided under Banking Act of 1858 decided in favor of banks in dispute over whether banks are liable to pay off checks in specie. | ||||
| 06-26-1859 | Commencement week began at Wesleyan Female Institute. | ||||
| 06-27-1859 | John Brown, posing as a Dr. Isaac Smith interested in a VA mining project, quietly took up residence in Chambersburg, where he remained intermittently throughout summer and fall, living in Mary Ritner's boarding house on East King Street and surreptitiously accumulating firearms. | ||||
| 06-30-1859 | Augusta Female Seminary closed its session for year with concert. Graduation ceremonies held at Wesleyan Female Institute. | ||||
| 07-1859 | Shyrock, Taylor & Smith Bookstore hosted exhibition of photographs of local figures. | Professor Moses G. Farmer gave first successful demonstration of electric home lighting. | |||
| 07-02-1859 | Augusta Fire Association held torchlight procession. | ||||
| 07-04-1859 | Local July 4 celebration included military displays, bands, speeches, and a picnic. | Independence Day celebrated in traditional fashion in Chambersburg with Sunday School picnics, bands, and parades by military companies. | Robert Barnwell Rhett, in speech at Grahamville, South Carolina, called for South to secede if unable to prevent election of a Republican president. | ||
| 07-05-1859 | Constitutional convention held in Kansas. | ||||
| 07-06-1859 | Over 4 days, unprecedented heavy frosts hit county. | Methodist Wesleyan Church of Chambersburg held Sabbath school celebration. | |||
| 07-15-1859 | Lighting storm in Staunton in which houses, people, and livestock were struck by lightning. | ||||
| 07-16-1859 | John Light visited town and made Balloon Ascension. | ||||
| 07-22-1859 | Steam mill recently opened in Staunton. Messrs. Waterhouse and Bowes helped light Staunton by gas. | ||||
| 07-27-1859 | Miss Duke suffered fatal burns when she attempted to fill burning lamp with fuel. | ||||
| 08-1859 | During August and September, John Brown received several shipments of arms and stored them in Oakes and Caufman warehouse. | ||||
| 08-01-1859 | A.K. McClure announced he was suing editors of Valley Spirit for libel. | ||||
| 08-02-1859 | Opening of Franklin Railroad line between Chambersburg and Greencastle celebrated with free rides for military personnel and ladies. | ||||
| 08-05-1859 | Mrs. Knowles, attendant at lunatic asylum, killed by one of patients. | Several downtown warehouses robbed. | |||
| 08-06-1859 | William A. Perrin killed by rattlesnake bite at Stribling Springs. David Speck felled one of largest hickory trees in county, measuring five feet in diameter. | ||||
| 08-10-1859 | Sunday School picnic held at New Hope. | ||||
| 08-12-1859 | "Fancy ball" held at Stribling Springs. | ||||
| 08-16-1859 | Professor Sherbrooke of Washington opened writing school in room above Post Office in Staunton. | ||||
| 08-17-1859 | Frederick Douglass arrived in Chambersburg for a visit with John Brown. Local farmer's barn struck by lightning and burned to ground, destroying grain stores. | ||||
| 08-19-1859 | For 2 days, Van Amburgh's Zoological and Equestrian Company entertained people of Staunton. | Montague defeated Willey to win lieutenant governorship of VA. | |||
| 08-20-1859 | Frederick Douglass delivered fiery address in Chambersburg Public Hall. Sons of Temperance addressed by Rev. Mr. Cummins and then joined by women in processional to a nearby picnic area. | ||||
| 08-22-1859 | Augusta Opposition Party held public meeting at county court house and decided to send A.H.H. Stuart, John Newton, James Cochran, M.W.D. Hogshead, B. Christian, and John D. Imboden as delegates to state convention in Richmond. | ||||
| 08-23-1859 | Over next week, Court of Appeals upheld 1856 Augusta Circuit Court award of damages to Jacob Sanger for injuries sustained in train derailment of Central Railroad Company; first time a VA court settled liability on a railroad for personal injury. Virginia Central Railroad paid 2.5 percent; Augusta County cleared $1000. | ||||
| 08-27-1859 | First producing oil well in U.S. began to flow near Titusville, PA. | ||||
| 09-01-1859 | Chambersburg Public Library opened in room in Mansion House full of donated books. | George M. Pullman's first sleeping car made its first run. | |||
| 09-05-1859 | Publication of Our Nig; or Sketches from the Life of a Free Black, the first novel by an African-American, Harriet E. Wilson. | ||||
| 09-08-1859 | Meeting of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. | ||||
| 09-11-1859 | Meeting of Catholics of Staunton at home of Dr. Daniel Downey, a priest accused and acquitted of murder. | ||||
| 09-13-1859 | Little John rescued at Wellington, Ohio, after being arrested at Oberlin, Ohio as a slave. | ||||
| 09-14-1859 | Mexican War hero Sergeant G.T.A. Nixon returned to Chambersburg after 13 years and was greeted at train station by hundreds of admirers. | ||||
| 09-16-1859 | Messrs. Sicher open new store exclusively for ladies in Staunton. | ||||
| 09-20-1859 | T. Heyden's livery stable destroyed by fire, but horses escaped. | ||||
| 09-23-1859 | Box placed at post office for public contributions to Washington Monument Fund. | ||||
| 09-24-1859 | William Farrar arrested for killing Michael Vance during a fight. | ||||
| 09-27-1859 | Cornerstone laid at new Methodist Church. | ||||
| 10-04-1859 | Kansas ratified an antislavery constitution. | ||||
| 10-16-1859 | John Brown arrived in Harper's Ferry to begin his raid. | ||||
| 10-17-1859 | Fighting occurred at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. | ||||
| 10-18-1859 | John Brown captured at dawn. | ||||
| 10-19-1859 | John Brown taken to Charlestown, Virginia jail. | ||||
| Mid 10-1859 | Considerable discussion and anger arose in Chambersburg over fact that John Brown resided there during summer. | ||||
| 10-25-1859 | Claggett Fitzhugh and Dan Logan, residents of Quincy township, captured John Cook and Albert Hazlett, accomplices in John Brown's raid, in woods near Mont Alto. Three men escaped from Chambersburg Prison. Over next 4 days, Chambersburg enjoyed First Annual Exhibition of Farmers and Mechanics Industrial Association; Franklin County Fair. | John Brown arraigned. | |||
| 10-26-1859 | Over next several days, a number of local citizens ran into bears. | John Brown indicted for treason against Commonwealth of VA. | |||
| 10-27-1859 | John Brown's trial began. | ||||
| 10-30-1859 | Local Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, United Brethren, Lutheran, Reformed, and United Presbyterian congregations meet for "Union Prayer meeting" and form committee to plan Thanksgiving "Grand Union meeting." | ||||
| 10-1859 | Republican candidates again swept state elections. | ||||
| Early in 11-1859 | John Berry, alias John Wetzel, convicted of stealing horses in July. | ||||
| 11-01-1859 | Opposition meeting held in Augusta to expand number of delegates from Augusta going to December state convention. | ||||
| 11-02-1859 | John Brown sentenced to death. | ||||
| 11-09-1859 | Frederick Douglass publicly denied involvement in Harpers Ferry raid. | ||||
| 11-16-1859 | Nicholas C. Kinney, veteran of War of 1812 and Augusta Circuit Court clerk, died. | Jacob Kelly, a local man charged with assault and battery who had previously resisted arrest, finally imprisoned by local authorities. | |||
| 11-19-1859 | West Augusta Guard traveled to Charlestown amidst fears of another insurrection or riot. | ||||
| 11-21-1859 | Mountain Guard militia met in Spring Hill, pledged to protect VA, and supported Governor Wise's actions in response to John Brown's raid. West Augusta Guard returned to Staunton after finding themselves unneeded in Charlestown. | ||||
| 11-26-1859 | Town meeting held at which Gov. Wise was praised and John Brown's raid was condemned as work of William Seward and Republican Party; meeting participants resolved to fight for VA and to raise money to better equip local militia. Over next two days, West Augusta Guard, Mountain Guard of Spring Hill, and VMI cadets ordered to Charlestown for fear that prisoners taken during John Brown's raid would be rescued or attempt to escape. | ||||
| 11-28-1859 | New military company, the Staunton Artillery, formed. County meeting held at courthouse endorsed desire of young men of Augusta to form militia companies, decried uprising at Harpers Ferry. Meeting resolved its determination to fight for VA and to raise money to equip local militia more adequately. Meeting held at courthouse to discuss propriety of constructing railroad from Salem to Harrisonburg. Over two days, Mr. Abournet gave ballooning exhibitions at Union Hall. | ||||
| Early in 12-1859 | Committee appointed to raise money for new volunteer militia companies. | Laborers on Franklin Railroad went on strike for higher wages. | |||
| 12-02-1859 | West Augusta Guard traveled to Washington and witnessed execution of John Brown at Charlestown. | John Brown hanged at Charlestown, Virginia. | |||
| 12-06-1859 | Professor Benton gave lecture on "Old England" at Union Hall. | ||||
| 12-09-1859 | Governor Wise gave a highly sectional speech on Harper's Ferry to VA House of Delegates, calling Brown's raid an invasion on slaveholders and their property. | ||||
| 12-11-1859 | Rev. D.M. Gilbert installed as new pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Church. | ||||
| 12-13-1859 | West Augusta Guard returned from Charlestown and enjoyed a dinner held in its honor. | ||||
| 12-15-1859 | In light of raid at Harpers Ferry, a meeting held at Mt. Solon resolved to form a local militia company. | ||||
| 12-16-1859 | Henry Minick, a fireman on the Cumberland Valley Railroad, was crushed to death between two railroad cars. | John A. Copeland, John E. Cook, Edwin Coppoc, and Shields Green hanged for participation in John Brown's Raid. | |||
| 12-18-1859 | Mountain Guard returned from Charlestown. | ||||
| 12-27-1859 | Ladies of Greenville held a Christmas supper and fair. |
