The Valley of the Shadow
Valley of the Shadow Timeline: 1864

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December



Dates Augusta County, VA Franklin County, PA Virginia Pennsylvania National
Early in 01-1864 Borough of Chambersburg announced it would pay $200 bounty to anyone who volunteers to fight. Lawrence Berger of Hamilton Township reported a 600 lb. hog.
01-03-1864 Draft began in Franklin.
01-04-1864 Old distillery on farm of Joseph C. Kennedy burned.
01-07-1864 3 slaves tried and convicted for stealing brandy, sentenced to 39 lashes. Passenger train of Cumberland Valley Railroad had a car run off the track.
01-08-1864 Lt. Carter Berkely began recruiting in Staunton.
01-12-1864 John McGill asked ministers in Staunton to encourage donations of books to soldiers to help them pass the winter months.
01-13-1864 Cumberland Valley Railroad issued its 29th annual report, which included assessments of damages from Confederate raids. Democratic state central committee met in Philadelphia to set date for state convention.
01-15-1864 Drunken soldiers disrupted a performance in Franklin Hall by scholars of Franklin academy. Gov. Curtin spent evening in Chambersburg as guest of A.K. McClure.
Mid 01-1864 Chambersburg Academy pupils gave performance in Franklin Hall to benefit the library. Gov. Curtin gave annual address to state legislature, addressing how to deal with damage caused in Confederate raids.
01-18-1864 John Forney acquitted of fatal shooting of Lt. E.N. Ford. January court session adjourned early after only 1 judge could be found to hear cases.
01-19-1864 Spectator printed letter asking authorities to turn their attention to deserters.
01-20-1864 Capt. Ward of 11th PA Calvary reported to have recruited 50 men in Chambersburg.
01-21-1864 Annual conference of United Brethern in Christ took place in Mechanicsburg. Gov. Curtin calls for volunteers to fill the 2nd & 9th Army Corps.
01-22-1864 Capt. A.W. Garber of Staunton Artillery attempts to recruit 50 new volunteers in Staunton.
01-24-1864 Mary Ann, a 20-year-old slave, ran away from her owner Jason C. Brown.
01-28-1864 US Congress awarded Cornelius Vanderbilt a gold medal for his gift of the ship Vanderbilt.
01-29-1864 A fight broke out in front of the post office among troops stationed in Chambersburg.
Late in 01-1864 Mount Rock School House in Southampton Township consumed by fire.
Early in 02-1864 George White arrested & charged with aiding & abetting the enemy during the Confederate occupation of Chambersburg.
02-01-1864 Lincoln issued a call for 500,000 men for 3 years service.
02-02-1864 Spectator expressed opposition to universal conscription because it would take farmers away from the fields, leading to a food shortage.
02-03-1864 Green Township citizens informed authorities of their responsibility for educating "colored families of Africa" living in southern end of the township.
02-07-1864 Gen. Seymore led Union expedition into Florida to recapture the state.
02-09-1864 A letter to the Spectator complains that many farmers refuse to take Confederate money for crops. Many Union soldiers escaped Libby prison in Richmond, VA, by tunneling.
02-10-1864 Valley Spirit complained about the drinking & rioting that accompanied soldiers returning to Chambersburg. Samuel Funk's stable destroyed by fire.
02-11-1864 Lt. David Ream shot & killed an intoxicated Casper Phenenger near the Virginia Hotel in Staunton.
Mid 02-1864 Calvary camp established 4 miles west of Chambersburg. PA Legislature considers bill to pay damages incurred by "loyal" citizens during Confederate raid into Franklin.
02-16-1864 Members of 25th VA Infantry thanked ladies of Staunton for sending package of socks & gloves.
02-17-1864 Chimney of the Poor House caught on fire. 1st successful submarine attack made by Confederate vessel Huntley.
02-18-1864 Company D, 52nd VA Infantry expressed their determination to serve for the duration of the war. Rev. J.R. Warner's lecture in Methodist church on battle of Gettysburg raised $75 for the Ladies Aid Society.
02-21-1864 Company C, 52nd VA Infantry agreed to re-enlist for the duration of the war.
02-22-1864 Customary enthusiasm for Washington's birthday not observed in Chambersburg. Battle of Tunnel Hill, GA, began.
02-24-1864 The exhibition of the Tableaux Vivants, given in Union Hall, raised $1250 for Methodist Episcopal Church. PA Legislature debated bill to pay residents of border counties for damages sustained during the war.
02-25-1864 Union soldiers reportedly robbed a black boy at a local train station.
02-26-1864 County Democrats met & selected C.M. Duncan as delegate to state convention.
Early in 03-1864 Levi Leidig charged with stealing money from United States paymaster. Gov. Curtin urges men not to volunteer to fight for any state other than PA.
03-01-1864 Spectator expressed shock at recent report that 200 members of the Stonewall Brigade are without shoes or socks.
03-04-1864 Fire destroyed main portion of Mrs. N.B Hughes's home.
03-06-1864 Confederates hung 23 Union prisoners-of-war at Kingston, NC.
03-07-1864 A son of Jacob Wise fractured his arm while working on Herny Shearer's threshing machine.
03-08-1864 Gen. Imboden tells Augusta farmers to feed cavalry horses, so the cavalry can protect their farms.
03-09-1864 Jacob Helman killed when earth caved in at Bombarger's ore bank.
03-10-1864 Lincoln made Gen. Grant general-in-chief, replacing Gen. Halleck, & ordered draft for 500,000 men.
03-14-1864 Lincoln drafted 200,000 men for the navy.
03-15-1864 Spectator reported that Bob, a 15-year-old slave of Margaret A. Crawford, built an exact replica of a railroad engine he saw in Staunton. Lincoln called for an additional 200,000 draftees.
Mid 03-1864 The late Capt. Washington of Franklin honored with a memorial for his bravery at Vicksburg.
03-17-1864 US Congress passed an act to increase internal revenue.
03-18-1864 Township elections held throughout Franklin County.
03-22-1864 Capt. Avis advertises for recruits between 45 and 50 years old for the Provost Guard.
03-23-1864 Chambersburg South Ward Democrats met at home of A.J. Bland. North War Democrats met at home of Mrs. Montgomery. Repository editors chastised Federal troops for destroying private property belonging to the enemy.
03-24-1864 Democratic convention opened in Philadelphia. Delegates voted to support Gen. George B. McClellan for president.
03-25-1864 Vindicator's editor warns local farmers that unauthorized persons have been collecting army supplies.
03-30-1864 Valley Spirit suggested that Chambersburg street lamps be left unlit when moon can provide sufficient light.
Early in 04-1864 Mont Alto Iron Works sold for $200,000. Pente & Co.'s National Minstrel Troupe performed.
04-03-1864 3 snow storms hit Chambersburg over the next 2 weeks.
04-05-1864 Spectator calls for punishment of local deserters. Angeline Sipes files for divorce from Henry F. Sipes.
04-08-1864 Battles of Sabine Cross-roads, Pleasant Hill, & Pleasant Grove began.
04-09-1864 Professors Hockersmith & Snyder gave vocal music concert at Grindstone Hill Church.
04-11-1864 3 capital cases heard during April court session.
04-12-1864 Charlie Marshall & Ned Lilly, members of Company F 5th VA Infantry, request that young women begin to correspond with them, with a view to matrimony. Massacre of African-American Union troops after their surrender, killed by Confederates under Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest.
Mid 04-1864 A. Jackson Brand sold Chambersburg Hotel to Jacob S. Brand for $5,800. Mr. & Mrs. Grayson, refugees from VA, reunited in Waynesboro. Bill before PA Legislature proposes moving state capital from Harrisburg to Philadelphia.
04-17-1864 Gen. Grant discontinued exchange of prisoners-of-war.
04-18-1864 Morgan R. Bryan found guilty of manslaughter in death of Frank Jones.
04-20-1864 Food rations for Confederate prisoners reduced by US War Dept. in retaliation for mistreatment of Union prisoners.
04-21-1864 5 companies of Augusta reserves organize & elect officers.
04-22-1864 The motto "In God We Trust" 1st appeared on a coin.
04-23-1864 House belonging to Henry Kresler, of Southhampton Township, robbed while family was at church. Union committee of Franklin County selected Col. F.S. Stumbaugh & John Rowe as delegates to Union State Convention.
04-25-1864 Bill before PA Legislature would make cities, wards, & boroughs responsible for paying the bounties of volunteer soldiers.
04-26-1864 Ladies of Chambersburg met & decided to hold a fair to benefit the Christian Commission.
04-27-1864 Repository reported that Franklin County was now required to provide another 584 men in the latest call for troops.
04-28-1864 Union state convention held at Harrisburg.
Early in 05-1864 PA Legislature defeated a bill that would have relocated PA capital to Philadelphia.
05-01-1864 Gen. Grant's Shenandoah Valley Campaign against Gen. Lee began.
05-02-1864 Chambersburg borough elections held.
05-03-1864 Local Augusta citizens form an association to provide artificial limbs for maimed soldiers of the Confederacy.
05-05-1864 5th VA Infantry, 52nd VA Infantry, & Staunton Artillery fight in Battle of the Wilderness. Son of Henry Shearer died after a horse became scared & ran over him. Battle of the Wilderness began near Chancellorsville, VA.
05-09-1864 Farmers & Mechanics Industrial Association of Franklin County elected new officers & managers.
05-10-1864 J.L. Timberlake offers a $150 reward for return of Davy, a slave who had been hired out to Maj. H.M. Bell, Quatermaster in Staunton. 5th VA Infantry, 52nd VA Infantry, & Staunton Artillery began fighting at Spotsylvania Courthouse. Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA, began.
05-11-1864 Franklin County Educational Association held its semi-annual meeting in Waynesboro. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern, VA.
05-12-1864 Heaviest action of Battle of Spotsylvania.
05-13-1864 Vindicator reports that a large number of soldiers wounded in recent battles are in Staunton hospital & are well supplied by the local women.
05-15-1864 Battle of New Market, VA.
05-18-1864 Repository donated $133.55 to the Christian Commission.
05-23-1864 Special Court of Common Pleas session held in Chambersburg.
05-25-1864 Six prisoners, including 1 African-American & 5 white deserters, armed themselves & escaped from a Chambersburg prison. Battle near Dallas, GA.
05-26-1864 Territory of Montana formed by US Congress from Territory of Idaho.
05-31-1864 5th VA Infantry began fighting at Cold Harbor. Battle of Cold Harbor began.
Early in 06-1864 Chambersburg butchers raised the price of beef.
06-01-1864 Both Staunton newspapers cease publishing until July 8.
06-03-1864 18 members of 21st PA wounded in fighting at Cold Harbor.
06-04-1864 Chambersburg races opened.
06-07-1864 Union troops under Gen. Sheridan raid Staunton & destroy, among other property, the offices of the Staunton Spectator. Republican National Convention nominated Abraham Lincoln for president, & Andrew Johnson of TN for vice president.
06-08-1864 Valley Spirit drew attention to the fact that privates in 21st PA have not been paid, while officers in the regiment regularly receive pay.
06-09-1864 Union soldiers take 21 slaves from the Central Lunatic Asylum in Staunton.
06-10-1864 A 19-year-old slave named Jack ran away from his master, John Keller, Jr. The Confederate Congress widens military age eligibility to men between 17 and 50 years old.
06-13-1864 Friendship Fire Company elected new officers.
06-14-1864 Ladies' Fair held in Chambersburg & raised $3,000 to benefit the Christian Commission. The James River Bridge, the longest (2100 ft.) pontoon bridge ever used in war, constructed in 8 hours by 450 Union engineers, extending from Windmill Point to Ft. Powhatan in VA.
06-15-1864 Seige and Battle of Petersburg, VA, began.
Mid 06-1864 Ladies of Mercersburg collected $1000 for the Christian Commission. Gov. Curtin pardons black soldier who shot & killed a white man at Camp William Penn last fall.
06-17-1864 Over 600 Confederate conscripts near Atlanta deserted & fled the the Union lines.
06-27-1864 Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, GA.
06-28-1864 Fugitive Slave Law repealed.
06-30-1864 Female Seminary pupils gave a concert to benefit the Christian Commission. US Congress passed new Internal Revenue Act that increased taxes on many items, including tobacco.
Early in 07-1864 Chambersburg residents alarmed by indications that Confederate troops are moving down the Valley.
07-01-1864 Confederates evacuated Marietta, GA.
07-02-1864 Michael Fitzpatrick lost a foot in a mower accident on Jonathan Strock's farm. Confederate forces, under Gen. Early, moved down the Shenandoah to the Potomac, threatening Baltimore & Washington.
07-03-1864 False rumors of a Confederate invasion circulated through Chambersburg. Lincoln put forth in a proclamation his plan for reorganizing the disorganized state of the Union.
07-05-1864 Jonathan Washinger robbed of $60 at the train depot.
07-07-1864 Young Ladies Seminary gave a concert in Franklin Hall to benefit the Christian Commission. Jacob Foreman of Waynesboro lost his purse & $80.
07-08-1864 Staunton Vindicator resumed publication, raised its subscription rate to $8 per year.
07-09-1864 Battle of Monocacy, MD.
07-12-1864 Confederate Gen. Early repulsed at Ft. Stevens, 5 miles from Washington, D.C.
07-14-1864 The Augusta Medical Society met.
07-15-1864 Richard Mauzy, of the Staunton Spectator, announced that the newspaper has been suspended because of the damages Union forces inflicted on the newspaper's office.
07-18-1864 Lincoln called for 500,000 more volunteers for the Union.
07-19-1864 Gov. Curtin called for 12,00 more PA men to volunteer, including 349 from Franklin.
07-20-1864 Robinson's Metropolitan Circus arrived in Chambersburg. Battle of Peach Tree Creek, GA.
07-21-1864 J.P. Gray's leg amputated following an altercation over a cow with an employee of Col. William H. Boyd.
07-22-1864 Battle of Atlanta, GA.
07-28-1864 Battle of Ezra's Church, GA.
07-29-1864 Vindicator announces that Joseph Jackson, Jr., has called for the collection of reports & documentation of vandalism committed by Union troops in the Valley.
07-30-1864 Confederate forces raided Chambersburg and torched the town. US Gen. Burnside conducted an unsuccessful mine explosion under a Confederate fort near Petersburg, VA.
Late in 07-1864 Augusta farmers & citizens met at courthouse to protest against recently adopted schedule of prices which they claim is unfair.
08-05-1864 Henry, a slave owned by Michael G. Harman, ran away. Battle of Mobile Bay, AL, began.
08-09-1864 The Reserves of the Valley district assemble, organize into 5 battalions, & elect their commanding officers.
08-10-1864 Gen. Lee issued General Order Number 54, which called for the return of all absentee soldiers.
08-12-1864 The Augusta Female Seminary announced that its next session will open in the middle of August & close in the middle of June. Vindicator announced that the conflict between the Postmaster General & the President of the Virginia Central Railroad has caused mail delivery to stop.
08-14-1864 Tom, a 19-year-old slave, ran away from David D. Koiner, who then offered a $200 reward for Tom's capture.
08-18-1864 Gen. Grant seized the Weldon Railroad.
08-24-1864 400 to 500 Union prisoners captured near Winchester arrived in Staunton.
08-25-1864 201st PA arrived in Chambersburg for border defense.
08-26-1864 Vindicator reprints an article which explains that Chambersburg, PA, was burned in retaliation for Union raids in VA.
08-29-1864 Union Congressional Conference met to nominate candidates. Valley Spirit resumed publishing. Democratic National Convention nominated Gen. George B. McClellan for president and George H. Pendleton for vice president.
08-30-1864 Democrats held a convention in the Public School House in Chambersburg & nominated candidates for Congress.
08-31-1864 Repository asked for donations of back issues of the newspaper. Rev. Torrence announced that anyone who lost a family bible in the Confederate raid should report to Rev. Dyson & receive a new one. Battle of Jonesborough, GA, began.
Early in 09-1864 Grand Masonic Lodge of PA donated $2000 to assist the suffering members of the Chambersburg Masonic Lodge. The 2 remaining church bells at the German Reformed & Lutheran churches rung in celebration of Union victories at Atlanta, GA, & Mobile, AL.
09-01-1864 Confederate forces, under Gen. Hood, evacuated Atlanta, GA.
09-02-1864 Union forces, under Gen. Sherman, occupied Atlanta, GA.
09-03-1864 William, a slave owned by John Myers of Churchville, ran away.
09-07-1864 Reported that volunteer enlistments were increasing in the county.
09-10-1864 Accident on the PA railroad 1.5 miles west of Latrobe resulted in 3 deaths & the destruction of 6 cattle cars.
09-12-1864 Democratic conferees in 16th Congressional district nominated A.H. Coffroth for US Congress & F.M. Kimmel for president judge.
09-15-1864 Wesleyan Female Collegiate Institute opened its fall session.
Mid 09-1864 Union meeting in Waynesboro disrupted by Democrats throwing tomatoes. Democratic meeting disrupted by egg throwers.
09-17-1864 Local Democrats voted to hold a debate with local Republicans.
09-18-1864 Member of 202nd PA tried to escape from jail, but fell & injured himself instead.
09-19-1864 5th VA Infantry & 52nd VA Infantry fought at Winchester, VA. 107th PA captured the battle flag of the 18th NC in the Battle of Weldon Railroad. Battle of Opequan, near Winchester, VA.
09-21-1864 Valley Spirit accused the Repository of discouraging men from enlisting.
09-22-1864 5th VA Infantry & 52nd VA Infantry fought at Fisher's Hill. Battle of Fisher's Hill, VA.
09-27-1864 Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society held its fair in Easton.
Late in 09-1864 Rev. Dr. Schneck published a short book telling the story of the burning of Chambersburg.
Early in 10-1864 Union forces under Gen. Sheridan raid Augusta as part of their campaign to make the Valley a "barren waste." PA Democrats swept the October state & local elections.
10-04-1864 Orphan's Court met.
10-06-1864 Republican meeting held in Chambersburg. Battle of Allatoona Pass, GA.
10-07-1864 George Freeman, a 23-year-old slave owned by John Sanderson, ran away near Jennings Gap.
10-11-1864 Thomas J. Michie lost his third son in the war, John C. Michie. Members of 21 PA Calvary presented a sword to their captain, Henry C. Phenicie. General election held.
10-12-1864 Valley Spirit accused the Repository editor of spying for the Confederacy.
10-14-1864 $5,200,000 subscribed to the stock of the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad.
10-18-1864 Democrat A.H. Coffroth elected to US Congress. Democrat J. McDowell Sharpe elected to PA state legislature.
10-19-1864 5th VA Infantry & 52nd VA Infantry began fighting at Battle of Cedar Creek. Battle of Cedar Creek, VA. Lt. Young led a Confederate raid on St. Albans, VT.
10-20-1864 83 Union prisoners arrived in Staunton.
10-26-1864 A group of cavalrymen accused Jacob Sweitzer of murder. Repository accused Democrats of election fraud.
10-27-1864 Battle of Hatchers Run, VA.
10-31-1864 Nevada admitted to the Union as the 36th state.
11-04-1864 Vindicator published an appeal from the Central Committee for more contributions to support refugee families from northwestern VA.
11-06-1864 Confederate Gen. Mosby attacked workers on the Manassas Gap Railroad at Salem.
11-08-1864 Lincoln won Franklin County by 41 votes. Lincoln reelected president & Andrew Johnson elected vice president. Gen. McClellan resigned his commission in the US Army.
11-09-1864 Mrs. William Snoke, wife of a prisoner in Richmond, VA, found dead after being poisoned by a drug intended to induce abortion. Valley Spirit accused election returns judges of tampering with results.
11-10-1864 Samuel Miller wounded after his pistol accidentally discharged.
11-12-1864 Chambersburg residents prepared for a second Confederate raid that never came.
11-14-1864 Court session opened in the basement of the Methodist Church. US Gen. Sherman burned Atlanta, GA, and began his march to the sea.
Mid 11-1864 Gold & silver stolen from Chambersburg last summer found on Confederate soldiers taken prisoner in OH.
11-16-1864 Confederate day of public worship. Valley Spirit lambasted Rev. F.W. Conrad for preaching abolitionist themes to local Lutheran congregation.
11-19-1864 Lincoln called for blockade of Norfolk, VA, & Fernandina and Pensacola, FL.
11-21-1864 The Inspector of Conscription called for all persons in Augusta with exemptions to report by 12-05-1864 to have their papers examined.
11-23-1864 Valley Spirit called on border counties to organize themselves, since the national and state governments did not seem to be helping them.
11-24-1864 Pitman, a 15-year-old slave, ran away from Hugh W. Sheffey. The committee for the education of children of deceased & disabled soldiers met at the Baptist church in Staunton. Thanksgiving observed. Mercersburg residents gathered at the German Reformed Church to adopt plans for instituting a constitutional amendment to recognize the "distinctive character" of Christianity. The Army of the Potomac observed Thanksgiving Day.
11-25-1864 W.J. Hopkins offered $100 reward for the return of his 21-year-old slave, Isham. John Myers shot while being arrested by a group of Fayetteville citizens for stealing a horse. Confederates attempted to burn New York City.
11-26-1864 C.H. Forney appointed to the eldership of the Church of God representing Chambersburg.
11-27-1864 16-year-old Samuel Naugle shot & killed at the house of John Myers.
11-30-1864 Battle of Franklin, TN.
12-1864 Salmon P. Chase appointed chief justice of the US Supreme Court.
12-01-1864 Bank of Chambersburg spotted new counterfeit one dollar bills.
12-03-1864 Soldier shot to death in an ale shop in the eastern part of Chambersburg.
12-06-1864 Children's Aid Society reported to be moving into nearby Shippensburg.
12-07-1864 Valley Spirit raised its subscription price from $2.00 to $2.50 per year to account for rising cost of paper. General court martial took place at the Franklin Railroad Depot.
12-09-1864 Vindicator reported that Gen. R.D. Lilley has been assigned to command the reserve forces in the Valley.
12-12-1864 H.H. Peck advertises that he has 4 black women and girls for sale.
12-13-1864 Hazen's Divison of Gen. Sherman's army captured Ft. McAllister at Savannah, GA.
12-15-1864 Gen. Thomas defeated Confederates under Gen. Hood at Nashville, TN.
Mid 12-1864 Attorney General decided that neither candidate in the 16th Congressional district won the race legally & referred the matter to the US Congress.
12-19-1864 Lincoln called for 300,000 volunteers.
12-21-1864 Gen. Rosser launched an attack at Melrose, 5 miles below Harrisonburg. Students from the Augusta Female Seminary performed for local citizens. Confederates under Gen. Hardee evacuated Savannah, GA. US Gen. Sherman occupied Savannah, GA.
12-23-1864 Vindicator reported that the Staunton Battery has returned home for the winter.
12-24-1864 Gen. Porter bombarded Ft. Fisher, NC.
12-25-1864 US Generals Butler & Porter unsuccessfully attacked Ft. Fisher, NC.
12-28-1864 Valley Spirit condemned those who charged high rents following the Chambersburg fire.


Return to Full Valley Archive