The Valley of the Shadow
Valley of the Shadow Timelines: 1866

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Dates Augusta County, VA Franklin County, PA Virginia Pennsylvania National
01-02-1866 77th PA Regiment seen near Cincinnati. State legislature convened at Harrisburg, PA.
01-04-1866 Democratic State Committee met in Harrisburg.
01-09-1866 Annual election at the banking house.
01-10-1866 7th Normal School District Convention held at Chambersburg.
01-11-1866 A grandson of Christian Brechill received mortal wound from accident with circular saw.
01-12-1866 Vindicator reports that thousands in West Virginia want to reunite with Virginia.
01-13-1866 A "swindler" stole $60-$70 from a number of citizens.
01-15-1866 Churchville Farmer's Club met.
01-18-1866 Chambersburg Musical Union gave a concert in the courthouse.
01-19-1866 General Assembly approved construction of a railroad from Winchester to Strasburg. Republican State Committee met in Harrisburg, PA.
01-20-1866 Gov. Curtin addressed the state legislature.
01-22-1866 Bill introduced in PA legislature to provide $500,000 in relief to Chambersburg for the burning of the town by Confederates.
01-24-1866 Valley Spirit reported that William Hatton, from Shippensburg, vomited an 18-inch live snake. A. K. McClure opened law office with John Stewart.
01-25-1866 Collection of state and county taxes began. The Chambersburg Musical Association gave a concert.
02-04-1866 Rev. J. A. Price addressed the annual Missionary Anniversary of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Chambersburg.
02-07-1866 Vindicator reported that freedmen stole $60 worth of merchandise from the Boot & Shoe store of C. N. Williams. Valley Spirit reported that a ballot would soon be presented to PA concerning African-American voting.
02-09-1866 W.W. Wallace, Chairman of the PA Democratic party, addressed PA's Democrats.
02-10-1866 John Baldwin, of Augusta, led a meeting between a VA delegation and Pres. Andrew Johnson.
02-12-1866 1st formal observance of Lincoln's birthday.
02-15-1866 The Baptist Fair began a fair to raise funds to repair the church. PA legislature passed bill to provide relief to Chambersburg as a result of the Confederate attack.
02-16-1866 Vindicator reported that a Masonic Lodge organized in Wayneboro.
02-19-1866 Gen. Lee arrived in Staunton on his return from Washington, D.C. Johnson vetoed new Freedmen's Bureau bill passed by Congress.
02-26-1866 Meeting held "to endorse the policy of President Johnson."
03-01-1866 Fire destroyed Daniel Miller's house.
03-02-1866 Vindicator reported a boy seen trying to set fire to the carpenter shop of Smith & Booth.
03-05-1866 Meeting in McConellsburg named managers of the Chambersburg & Bedford Turnpike Road Co. Democratic State Convention nominated Hiester Clymer for governor.
03-07-1866 Republican State Convention nominated John W. Geary for governor.
03-10-1866 About $50 worth of food stolen from store of Capt. A. M. Pierce. South Ward Democrats of Chambersburg met at Samuel Greenwalt's Hotel to nominate a ticket for spring elections. Democrats of Hamilton Township meet at Mount Jackson school to nominate a ticket for township officers.
03-14-1866 Valley Spirit reported that PA was only state to have assumed care of dead soldiers' children.
03-16-1866 Vindicator reports that George Peyton will reopen the Virginia Hotel in April, and the houses of W. T. Crawford & John Glick both recently burned. Township elections held.
03-20-1866 Trial trip of the "Nautilus," a hydraulic propeller operated with steam.
03-23-1866 Vindicator reported that Freedmen's Bureau will allow cases involving blacks to be tried in civil courts. Staunton Bible Committee established a book repository at Mr. Cowan's bookstore. William Donovan, of Staunton, completed his plaster cast of a marble bust of Stonewall Jackson.
03-26-1866 Home of Dr. Samuel Kennerly burned to the ground. Train struck a wagon, killing a horse, on the Franklin Railroad in Hagerstown.
03-27-1866 W.W. Wallace provided the address of the Democratic State Central Committee. Johnson vetoed Civil Rights Bill passed by Congress.
03-29-1866 A. Metz's stable set on fire.
03-31-1866 Engine that ran the Elizabeth Furnace sawmill burst. Meeting of local Democrats.
04-1866 Baltimore fair for the relief of destitute Southern States nets $164,569
04-01-1866 Mr. Scott "paraded" down New Street in Staunton with a black woman. Western Union absorbed the United States Telegraph Co., creating the 1st US monopoly.
04-02-1866 Johnson proclaimed the end of insurrection in VA. Habeas Corpus writ restored in all states and territories, except TX.
04-04-1866 Valley Railroad Convention met in Staunton. Elections held for mayor, councilmen, and chief of police.
04-06-1866 Vindicator reported that an infant was found dead near Mr. Stoddard's house, & the Augusta Soldiers' Cemetery Committee raised money. Man named Skelly arrested for setting fire to Catherine Badebaugh's stable.
04-09-1866 Civil Rights Act passed over Johnson's veto.
04-10-1866 Virginia Hotel reopened. Democratic meeting held at courthouse.
04-20-1866 Vindicator reported that local post offices reopened at Mt. Meridan, Stribling Springs, Moffett's Creek, & Jennings' Gap.
04-21-1866 Judge Lucas P. Thompson died.
04-25-1866 Valley Spirit reported PA passed bill prohibiting railroads "from refusing to carry passengers on account of their color or race."
04-28-1866 Fire Company of Staunton paraded by torchlight.
05-01-1866 Convention of School Directors elected P.M. Shoemaker as County Superintendent. Race riots begin in Memphis, TN
05-02-1866 Valley Spirit reported the body of unknown man found in barn of Michael Butt. Valley Spirit reported that in celebration of the Civil Rights Bill, blacks in Norfolk, VA, attacked whites.
05-08-1866 Remains of Thomas Garber, color bearer of 12th VA Calvary, returned to Staunton & buried in Thornrose Cemetery. US Circuit Court in the District of VA indicted Jefferson Davis for complicity in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
05-10-1866 Celebration for the Confederate dead held in Staunton.
05-11-1866 Vindicator reported that in the "last month" an infant was left at home of George Keiser and now being raised by Mrs. Sampson Pelter, Jr. Frederick Dosh committed suicide at Stoufferstown.
05-12-1866 Mrs. Feldman's "little store" was broken into and robbed.
05-14-1866 Jacob Poe died in an accident cutting wood near his home.
05-15-1866 Johnson vetoed the Admission of Colorado bill.
05-16-1866 Valley Spirit reported that the Farmers' and Mechanics' Industrial Association of Franklin met and elected officers. Congress authorized issuance of the nickel.
05-20-1866 Rev. Joseph Loose's barn destroyed by fire.
05-21-1866 S.D. Humbert's home destroyed by fire. George Kyle's stable set on fire. Wolff's barn set on fire.
05-23-1866 Valley Spirit reported that Gov. Curtin visited Chambersburg & stayed with A. K. McClure.
05-24-1866 Election held for sheriff & constables.
05-25-1866 Vindicator reported that the local Freedmen's court was suspended. Vindicator reported the Convention of the Union Republican Party of VA met in Alexandria last week.
05-27-1866 The Spring House of John B. Engleman robbed.
05-31-1866 St. Francis' Church held ceremony with Ms. S. McMahon crowned "Queen of May."
06-01-1866 The smokehouse of F.M. Young robbed. Fight between 2 African-Americans in Fayetteville, 1 killed.
06-06-1866 Valley Spirit reported a large band of gypsies encamped near Chambersburg.
06-08-1866 Vindicator reported that Pres. Johnson pardoned Adam Shuey & Jason Carson of Augusta. George Greenawalt's barn set ablaze by lightning.
06-09-1866 The Ladies' Cemetery Committee gathered men to work on graves of soldiers.
06-15-1866 Johnson vetoed Public Lands Bill & extension of Freedmen's Bureau Bill.
06-16-1866 Congress overrode Johnson's veto of the extension of the Freedmen's Bureau Bill.
06-19-1866 Closing exercises for Augusta Female Seminary held in Presbyterian Church.
06-20-1866 PA Supreme Court ruled the Act of March 3, 1863, which disfranchised deserters, unconstitutional.
06-22-1866 Vindicator reported that Gen. Colston delivered 2 lectures last week in Staunton on the life and character of Stonewall Jackson. Johnson sent message to Congress arguing against presenting 14th Amendment to states for ratification.
06-23-1866 Town council met.
06-25-1866 Ladies of the Methodist Episcopal Church South held fair at town hall.
06-26-1866 Resolution passed at public meeting at courthouse denouncing the course of Congress & praising Pres. Johnson. Lutheran Sunday School held picnic near Staunton.
06-28-1866 Annual public examinations of students at the Deaf, Dumb, & Blind Institution.
06-29-1866 A.H.H. Stuart spoke at the Jefferson & Washington Debating Societies at the University of VA. Commencement exercises held at University of VA. Vindicator reported that Mrs. William Harman will open boarding school for young ladies.
07-05-1866 Closing exercises of the Virginia Female Institute.
07-07-1866 Town council met. Part of Augusta experienced a severe hail storm.
07-13-1866 Vindicator reported that Gen. Echols of Staunton recently elected President of the Alumni of Washington College. Congress passed act to reduce internal taxation.
07-14-1866 Special meeting of town council elected David Taylor Superintendent of Waterworks. Democratic County Committee met. A baby left on the doorstep of Josiah Allen's farm. Bank building set ablaze.
07-15-1866 George Whitezell, aged 13, of Staunton, drowned while learning to swim.
07-21-1866 Picnic held at Dr. Isaac Hall's schoolhouse.
07-27-1866 Atlantic submarine cable laid between Great Britian and the US.
07-28-1866 Congress passed bill increasing and amending tariff rates of March 3.
07-30-1866 Many African-Americans killed in New Orleans race riots.
08-01-1866 Valley Spirit reported Jennie McKee intends to est. female academy in Chambersburg & that J. W. Deal was appointed postmaster for Chambersburg.
08-02-1866 John G. Shelbie's barn set on fire, which spread to the stables.
08-03-1866 Vindicator reported that Gov. Pierpont pardoned Jason Rush, who was accused of rape.
08-09-1866 The chimney of Dr. Arthur's house caught on fire, then spread to the roof of the National Hotel.
08-10-1866 Vindicator reported man cashed forged check at First National Bank of STAUNTON, & that Pres. Johnson pardoned Jason Guy, Chesley Kinney, John McClure, George Seawright, & W.H. Bell. Tailor shop of J.A. Sweigert broken into & robbed. Horse stolen from Mr. Hargleroad. A quantity of bacon stolen from Mr. Lady.
08-11-1866 The Stockholders of Churchville Oil Company met. The Liberty Club defeated the Pioneer Baseball Club 48 to 17 in a game played in Chambersburg.
08-14-1866 County Democratic Committee met at the courthouse. Johnson unsuccessfully attempts to bring all moderates in to one party at the National Union Convention in Philadelphia, PA. Conservatives hold National Union Convention in Philadelphia, PA.
08-18-1866 Local Democrats met to select delegates for the County Convention.
08-20-1866 First National Labor Congress met in Baltimore.
08-22-1866 Valley Spirit reported crime in Franklin on the rise, & that George Eyster, S.J. Henderson, & George Chamber admitted to the bar.
08-24-1866 Camp meeting held on the land of B.F.W. Harlan.
08-25-1866 Election ward in Franklin met to determine number of delegates allowed under new apportionment. South Ward Democrats met at Samuel Greenawalt's house & North Ward Democrats met at Montgomery house to select delegates for County Convention.
09-01-1866 Democratic County Convention.
09-05-1866 "White Boys in Blue" organizational meeting held at the courthouse.
09-06-1866 Democratic meeting held outside courthouse.
09-14-1866 Pres. Johnson visited Harrisburg, PA.
09-17-1866 Republicans met in Greencastle.
09-18-1866 Valley Spirit reported that John Geary's administration intended to raise the personal property tax.
09-20-1866 The Wesleyan Female Institute began its session.
09-26-1866 County Democrats and Conservatives met.
10-01-1866 Mr. Hanger & Mr. Hoover opened a broom factory in Churchville.
10-03-1866 Evening Star traveling from New York to New Orleans floundered at sea, killing 520.
10-15-1866 Joseph Frey, of Undertakers Frey & Mong, departed to TN to retrieve bodies of Franklin soldiers.
10-24-1866 Valley Spirit reported Rev. F.W. Conrad will leave Lutheran Church in Chambersburg for position in Philadelphia, PA. George Peabody attended inauguration of the Peabody Institute in Baltimore.
10-27-1866 Franklin beats Conococheague 55 to 46 in baseball.
11-1866 Elizabeth Cady Stanton became 1st woman to run for Congress.
11-06-1866 John W. Geary elected governor. Simon Cameron elected US Senator.
11-12-1866 Franklin County Teachers Institute began five-day seminar in Greencastle.
11-13-1866 Franklin County Republicans met at the courthouse, where they selected Gov. Curtin as their choice for US Senator.
11-14-1866 Two men arrested in connection to a fire that destroyed R.P. McClure's barn. Valley Spirit reported beginning of Susquenhanna District Temperance Convention in Shippensburg & Samuel Sechrist appointed postmaster of Quincy.
11-18-1866 Rev. J.A. Kunkleman delivered his introductory sermon at English Lutheran Church.
11-20-1866 1st national encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic in Indianapolis.
11-21-1866 Valley Spirit reported a new $50 counterfeit bill circulating.
11-26-1866 Thieves broke into the store J. Youst & Co. Simon P. Shoaff's horse stolen from his stable.
11-28-1866 Valley Spirit reported that the Southern press is currently abstaining from involving itself in the politics of the country, in contrast to before the war.
12-02-1866 The new church in Marion dedicated.
12-03-1866 Johnson delivered his message received to Congress.
12-04-1866 County Superintendents held their conference in Harrisburg, PA.
12-09-1866 Capt. George W. Curry, representative of Freedmen's Bureau, delivered an address in Chambersburg concerning the importance of establishing schools in the South.
12-12-1866 Valley Spirit reported con man swindled $1000 from residents of Chambersburg & that Jacob Welsh appointed postmaster in Waynesboro.
12-16-1866 A market car on the Cumberland Valley Railroad caught fire, killing its conductor.
12-19-1866 Valley Spirit reported John Cramer appointed Inspector of Cigars for the counties of Franklin, Bedford, Fulton, & Somerset. New clock installed at courthouse.
12-21-1866 Jefferson Kinney died. 3 officers and 90 men killed by Indians at Ft. Philip Kearney in Wyoming.
12-22-1866 The women of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Greencastle held a fair to raise money for a new church building.
12-27-1866 Ann Eliza Matheny died from burns she received when a spark ignited her clothes while she slept.


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