"Reprint and index" copy by Gary T. Hawbaker compiled in 1993
Summary
Squire Thon was born in Germany in 1807. He kept a diary from 1847 until his death in 1888. He was well known in the county. His diary entries appeared in the Lancaster New Era newspaper for several years. His title of Squire came from his service as Justice of the Peace in Lancaster Township for 25 years
Battle field and prison pen, or Through the war, and thrice a prisoner in rebel dungeons. A graphic recital of personal experiences throughout the whole period of the late war for the Union
xi, [1], 13-633 p. incl. plates, front., plates, ports.
Notes
Other editions published under titles, "Battle field and prison pen," "Through the war and thrice a prisoner in rebel dungeons."
Contents
Contents : The Overt Act of Treason and It's effect North and South --- Advance of the Grand Army From Washington and It's Defeat at Bull Run --- Departure of McClellan's Army For the Peninsula --- Advance of McDowell From Washington --- The Seven Days Fight On the Peninsula -- My First Capture --- Army of The Potomac and McClellan's Defence of The Capital --- Extravagant Errors, Halleck and Stanton In Control --- General Lee's Invasion of Pennsylvania and The Battle of Gettysburg --- Northern Campaign, Confederate Authorities Desperate --- Battle of The Wilderness , Our Capture and Recapture --- Advance of Grant's Forces -- Andersonville --- Hanging of The Thieves --- Enlargement of Our Prison --- Andersonville In August --- Millen Prison --- Florence Prison --- St. John's Gollege Hospital
Summary
The author tells of his experiences in the Civil War, including time spent in Confederate prisons.
Chapters: INTRODUCTION - II. INCIDENTS PRECEDING THE BATTLE - III. DURING THE FIRST DAY OF THE BATTLE - IV. DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE BATTLE - V. DURING THE THIRD DAY OF THE BATTLE - Vl. AFTER THE BATTLE - VII. HOME - VIII. CONCLUSION.
Collection contains the original and typed copies of correspondence describing life in the gold fields of California in the 1850s, an account of crossing the desert on the way west, and a journal describing the sea voyage home. Also, two newspaper images relevant to the gold rush and Mr. Hackman's obituary. He sent many letters home to his family in which he related the details of his experience, hardships of finding gold, the high prices and lack of provisions, observations of life in mining towns, his health, and asked for news from home. He also wrote letters to his sweetheart, Harriet B. Miller asking her to write him back, and his uncle, regarding family financial information.
Admin/Biographical History
David Baer Hackman (1827-1896) was the second child of David Heistand Hackman and Susanna Frantz Baer. He was a third cousin, once removed, of Milton Hershey. David left Lancaster in the fall of 1849 with the hope of finding gold in California. In the spring of 1850, he went to Ohio and joined others headed west. They boarded a steamboat in Cincinnati that was bound for St. Louis and then travelled by wagon train to Sacramento City, where they arrived in September 1850. David found enough gold to buy food and supplies, and then had modest success in 1853. In 1854, he decided to return home, this time travelling by steamer and train from San Francisco to New York via Panama.
The adventure of travelling westward and his life in the gold fields of California are described in detail in David's journal and correspondence. He sent many letters home to his family in which he related the details of his experience, hardships, the prices and lack of provisions, observations of life in mining towns, and asked for news from home.
David also wrote to his sweetheart, Harriet B. Miller (1829-1870), the daughter of Adam and Rebecca Miller of Manheim. Although he did not receive any letters from her, they reunited upon his return to Lancaster in 1854 and married soon after. They had one son named Augustus, who became a minister. Harriet passed away in 1870. David later married Ella C. (1851-1907) and they had five children, Frank, Mabel, Harry, Walter, and Edith.
David's obituary shows that he was involved in the grocery, clothing, hat, and shoemaking businesses. In the 1860 Census he is listed as a hatter, and in 1880 as a saloon keeper. He was well-liked and respected in the community. David and Harriet are buried in Manheim Fairview Cemetery.
History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata Valleys embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union, and Snyder : in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Vol 1: Father Ferdinand Farmer, an apostolic missionary in three states by John F. Quirk--A discourse, delivered in the Leacock Presbyterian Church, Lancaster County, Pa., on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1854 by P.J. Timlow--A discourse delivered in the Leacock Presbyterian Church, July 21st, 1892 by P.J. Timlow--Christ Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Pa.--Report of the commissioners appointed to examine the affairs of the Lancaster Savings Institution.
Vol.2: Resources and industries of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pa.--Historical sketch of St. Anthony's Church, Lancaster, Penna., 1870-1895 by Anthony F. Dorley--A discourse delivered in the Leacock Presbyterian Church, Lancaster County, Pa., on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1854--A discourse delivered in the Leacock Presbyterian Church, July 21st, 1892 by P.J. Timlow--Historical sketch of Zion's Reformed Church [Millersville] by D.H. Landis.
