This scrapbook was originally the ledger of Charles' brother, Henry L. Frailey, for the Lancaster Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Henry may have also used it as journal for personal records and scrapbook.
Charles R. Frailey turned this ledger into a scrapbook in the 1890s with newspaper articles of noteworthy events and stories that related to crime and justice in Lancaster County. More importantly, the edges of the pages of the scrapbook contain notes, quotations and signatures, many of which relate to the various stories he collected.
Frailey's notes in the margins of the scrapbook provide an enormous amount of first-hand opinions and information about Lancaster events that are not captured in newspaper articles or in other official documents. The scrapbook provides a look at crime and crime prevention in the 1890s in Lancaster through the eyes of a former Police Chief. It is an important part of the history of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.
This scrapbook and ledger also contain sketches of historic houses in Lancaster and a list of surviving members of the Lancaster Fencibles, 1898.
Admin/Biographical History
Charles R. Frailey was born in Lancaster in 1825. He married Sarah A. Baer in 1850, raised a family in Lancaster, and was a member of Friendship Fire Company. He was employed as a clerk and scrivener and taught penmanship. In 1865, Charles was elected city alderman and became the City of Lancaster's first Chief of Police.
In 1865, Mayor George Sanderson established the Lancaster City Police force. A man named Charles Frailey was the first Chief of Police. Officer Frailey oversaw 21-night policemen who successfully restored order. https://www.epsagents.com/security-guards/armed-unarmed-security-guards-lancaster-pa/
Lancaster City Archives Collection (Records of Arrests; Police Dockets; Police Logs)
Notes
A few of the stories contained in the Frailey Scrapbook:
Murder of David Buckwalter Landis: Landis was president of Lancaster's Conestoga National Bank. The murderer, Ralph W. Wireback, was the tenant of a house that was owned by Landis. As part of the lease agreement, Wireback was allowed to occupy the house until Landis sold it. When Landis did sell the house and attempted to dispossess Wireback, Wireback sent his family away from the house and boarded it shut. A final confrontation between the tenant and the landlord on April 7, 1898 resulted in the murder. On August 24th, 1899, Wireback was found guilty of 1st degree murder and sentenced to death. His execution was set for June 7, 1893.
William E. Martin's escape: Although the LCPD began to use patrol wagons in 1892, officers often escorted criminals to the local prison on foot. This proved to be disastrous in the case of William E. Martin. On October 27, 1898, Martin haplessly attempted to sell a team of horses he had stolen to a city constable and was promptly arrested. As he was being taken to jail, Martin managed to overpower Constable Jacobs on East Walnut Street, and, threatening the constable with his (Constable Jacob's) own gun, he bolted.
Burglary at Lime Rock: A burglary was committed on December 9, 1898 in Lime Rock, a settlement at the intersection of the Reading and Columbia Railroads between Manheim and Lititz. The burglars entered the home of Albert Longnecker and demanded that he surrender his valuables to them. Longnecker, despite being rather elderly, attempted to fend off the intruders, but he along with his four other family members were bound. While the burglars rummaged through the house, one of the female family members wrestled free and ran to one of their neighbor's homes. She rang a bell which caused the burglars to flee, taking with them only $3 that they had found in the Longneckers' coat pockets.
In 1899, a bill was passed "to fix, regulate, and establish the fees to be charged and received by constables of this commonwealth." These fees covered such services as levying fines, serving executions, executing search warrants, etc.
In July 1882, George "Tid" Brimmer, who is associated with the infamous Buzzard Gang, allegedly set the Lancaster County Almshouse on fire on the same afternoon that the gang burned the barn of Samuel Ranck. The Almshouse had burned down three times previously, and was later rebuilt and burned down once again in 1900.
An article entitled "Changes of 40 Years: What an Old City Report Showed" from February 20, 1900 details how the LCPD transformed since 1860: "From one High Constable and four Ward Constables and night-watchmen, at an expense of $2,674, we now have a Chief of Police, 2 Sergeants, 18 policemen, and three patrol drivers and a turnkey, costing $19,820, supplemented with police patrol, patrol call boxes, police station house, etc…improvements scarcely dreamed of 40 years ago…"
James Burns, who was convicted of complicity in the Jacobs-Kendig revenue stamp counterfeiting conspiracy, was freed from the Eastern Penitentiary in 1900 after serving a period of one year and six months.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
This scrapbook may be used by appointment--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
This scrapbook may be photographed without flash. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Article from The Lancaster Democrat describing a rally in favor of Buchanan and Breckenridge along with a poem “Nail Up the Flag.” Dedicated to the Wheatland Glee Club, with two Buchanan quotes favoring the laboring man.
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS1996.085
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 3, Subseries 1, Folder 15
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Appraisements of real estate for inheritance tax. Some personal property appraisals are also included. Appraisals include: name of decedent; location and description of real estate; description of personal property; valuation of real estate and personal property; and assessed tax. May also include names of heirs. Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name. Handwritten; from 1886, handwritten on printed forms.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name.
Appraisements of real estate for inheritance tax. Some personal property appraisals are also included. Appraisals include: name of decedent; location and description of real estate; description of personal property; valuation of real estate and personal property; and assessed tax. May also include names of heirs. Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name. Handwritten; from 1886, handwritten on printed forms.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name.
Appraisements of real estate for inheritance tax. Some personal property appraisals are also included. Appraisals include: name of decedent; location and description of real estate; description of personal property; valuation of real estate and personal property; and assessed tax. May also include names of heirs. Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name. Handwritten; from 1886, handwritten on printed forms.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name.
Appraisements of real estate for inheritance tax. Some personal property appraisals are also included. Appraisals include: name of decedent; location and description of real estate; description of personal property; valuation of real estate and personal property; and assessed tax. May also include names of heirs. Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name. Handwritten; from 1886, handwritten on printed forms.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name.
Appraisements of real estate for inheritance tax. Some personal property appraisals are also included. Appraisals include: name of decedent; location and description of real estate; description of personal property; valuation of real estate and personal property; and assessed tax. May also include names of heirs. Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name. Handwritten; from 1886, handwritten on printed forms.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by first letter of decedent's last name.
James Buchanan’s statements to the Democratic State Convention on August 5, 1840
Description
A transcript of James Buchanan’s statements to the Democratic State Convention on August 5, 1840. The article was reported for the Intelligencer & Journal.
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Collection (MG0096) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/lhdo3760
James Buchanan Family Papers
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph Collection
Curatorial Collection
Wheatland Collection
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pa.
Other Number
MG-0096, Folder 024, Insert 02
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Digitization of the James Buchanan Collection was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Scrapbook of ephemera, newspaper articles, and original letters kept by Hiram B. Swarr
Description
Scrapbook of ephemera, newspaper articles, and original letters kept by Hiram B. Swarr that includes items related to the 1856 Presidential election, the Democratic Committee of Lancaster County, and the estate of James Buchanan.
The inscription indicates that the scrapbook was given to Edward Elliott Bausman by his mother, Mary Swarr Bausman. Mary was the daughter of Hiram B. Swarr. It is unclear if Mary or Elliott compiled the scrapbook.
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
WB.96.178.1
Other Number
JBFP Part 6, Series 3, Swarr Scrapbook 1
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Miscellaneous writings of Thomas Welsh, including the record of his departure for Washington in 1843
Description
Miscellaneous notes and sketches written by Thomas Welsh, including: 1) A sketch about the amount of money the public had to pay for Queen Victoria's wedding, evidently copied from the Philadelphia Ledger. 2) A notice of the death of General Thomas Sumpter [Sumter] of South Carolina, evidently copied from the Philadelphia Ledger, June 23, 1840. 3) A note about the population of Lowell, Mass. being top heavy in favor of females, evidently from the Times, Philadelphia. 4) A note about the suicide death (by starvation) of John Jordan, from the Columbia Spy. 5) A mock newspaper article about Thomas Welsh leaving Columbia August 29, 1843 for Baltimore and Washington.
Admin/Biographical History
Thomas Welsh (1824-1863) was a Lancaster County native (born and raised in Columbia), who rose from hardscrabble origins to local fame, first as a Mexican War hero, and then as a brigadier general during the Civil War. He was well known and well respected as a no nonsense officer, for his leadership and gallantry in battle, for his dedication to the service of his country, and for his concern for the welfare of his men. See MG0828 for more biographical information.
System of Arrangement
The collection is arranged in series:
Series A Thomas Welsh before the Mexican War
Series B Mexican War, 1846-1848
Series C Between the Mexican War and the Civil War, 1848-1861
Reasonably good condition, with slight discoloration and some edge deterioration. It is bound as part of a packet that includes TW-A-XX-01 through TW-A-XX-01(u). This is on the backside of TW-A-XX-01.
Parent Object ID
MG0828_SeriesA
Object ID
MG0828_SeriesA_F01_It01a
Notes
Added to PP 12/19/2020 by HST
Provenance: Passed down through the family, Blanton Charles Welsh to Emilie Benson (Welsh) Wiggin to Nancy Jane (Wiggin) Townsend. Acquired from: Chuck Townsend, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2016/05/15.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Some items are photocopies from other collections--researchers must obtain permission for reproduction and publication from the owner of the original material.
Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
