General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Description
The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series F is a collection of documents, newspapers, and newspaper clippings that covers the years 1815 through 1929, as well as genealogy and ephemera from the Welsh family Bible from 1850 through 1938. The series also includes two scrapbooks - the first contains articles from the late nineteenth century pertaining to Thomas Welsh and his family; the second contains newspaper articles and ephemera related to Thomas Welsh and his family from 1854 through 1936.
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.
Welsh lost his father at the age of 2, and went to work to support his family at age 8. He had very little formal schooling, and was largely self-educated. In 1843, at age 19, he left Lancaster County for Washington City, then went west as an itinerant carpenter/laborer to Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Fort Smith.
When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, he enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Buena Vista (1847) from which he never fully recovered. Returning home to Columbia, he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant, assigned to the 11th U.S. infantry regiment in Mexico City. Within days of his arrival in Mexico City, he was declared unfit for service on account of his battle wound, and sent home again.
Back in Columbia as a civilian, he dabbled in politics, and received a patronage job in the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (the rail and canal system connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). After several years, he opened up a grocery and dry goods store in Columbia's canal basin. He also became an insurance agent. In 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his reputation grew as a community leader. By 1860, he was president of the Borough Council, a founding member of the Columbia Board of Trade, Vice President of the Columbia Cricket Club, and a canal boat operator, in addition to a dry goods merchant, insurance agent, and Justice of the Peace. He had a wife, 5 surviving children, and legal guardianship of his sister's 4 children.
When Confederate forces shelled Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County, and took them into the field as their Captain. Within days, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which served out its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley.
Returning to Harrisburg, he was appointed Commandant of Camp Curtin, the problem-plagued processing center for new recruits. In short order, Welsh cleaned up the camp's poor sanitary conditions, improved the health of the camp, and implemented soldierly discipline and training.
In October 1861, he resigned from his camp duties, and as Colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania, led his regiment into the field. After brief service outside of Washington, they were sent to South Carolina in December, where they were posted to Otter Island. After the battle of James Island, they were recalled to Newport News, in July 1862, then sent to guard Aquia Creek.
In September, now in brigade command in Burnsides' 9th Corps, Welsh chased Lee's Confederate army west into central Maryland. His brigade broke the enemy line in Fox's Gap, on Sept. 14, then 3 days later achieved the furthest Union advance at Antietam, reaching the edge of Sharpsburg, and nearly cutting off Lee's only avenue of escape. Welsh's gallantry earned him a field promotion to brigadier general, which Congress confirmed on March 13, 1863.
The 9th Corps (Welsh now in command of the 1st Division) was sent west in the spring of 1863, then dispatched south to support Grant's investment of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg fell, they turned east and defeated Confederate General Johnston at the Battle of Jackson. Welsh contracted malaria in the southern swamps, and died in Cincinnati upon their return north. One of his men later recalled, "Had he lived, Welsh would undoubtedly have attained a much higher command. 1
1. Beauge, Eugene, in Albert, Allen D., Ed., History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, Williamsport, PA: Grit Publ. Co, 1912, p. 79.
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
Series D Civil War
Series E Post-Civil War
Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Series G Papers from the families of Gen. Thomas Welsh and Blanton C. Welsh
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.
In Boxes 1 and 2
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.
Classification
MG0828
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Folders 1-35 organized by Richard C. Wiggin prior to donation.
Series 1, Register of enslaved women and their children who were born after 1780, is a compilation of papers filed by holders of enslaved persons that show date; name and place of residence of slaveholder; name of mother (usually an enslaved person) and child; date of birth; sex of child; age when the child will be freed; official seal and signatures; and date when filed.
17 folders, 89 items, 648 pages to scan, .25 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0240_Ser01
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Copies of MG0240, Series 1, Folders 1-9 are also on microfilm in the Research Center Library (Drawer 3, sec. 2, #206) and bound (326 R294p Oversized)
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, these items reflect the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit. Restricted access for the Mayor's Register of Coloured Persons found in Series 2, Folder 2: Use transcript in Folder 3 or microfilm.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish. There is no fee for publication of items in MG0240_Ser01.
Credit
Courtesy of Lancaster County Archives and LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 1
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Processed prior to 1997 and updated from 2007-present. Added to database on 10 January 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Series 2, Black History Records, contains the Mayor's Register of Coloured Persons or Negro Entry Book, a census of free persons of color living in Lancaster city; a biographical account of Rev. James William Charles Pennington; and items related to early twentieth century Black History in Lancaster County. The collection also contains letters from anti-slavery societies, papers related to abolitionist activity, a letter regarding the American Colonization Society, and a manumission paper from the state of Virginia.
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Conestoga Elks Lodge Records (MG0760)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit. Restricted access for the "Mayor's Register of Coloured Persons" found in Series 2, Folder 2: Use transcript in Folder 3 or microfilm.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. 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.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Processed prior to 1997 and updated from 2007-present. Added to database on 17 January 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series A Thomas Welsh before the Mexican War
Description
The General Thomas Welsh Family Papers, Series A contains twenty-three miscellaneous writings, which cover the period 1839 through 1845 before Welsh enlisted in a Kentucky regiment when the Mexican War broke out in 1846. The series consists of original writings and poems as well as poems transcribed by Welsh from newspapers, books, and other primary sources. The collection also includes an autobiography most likely written by Welsh in his late teens. The series concludes with an itinerary of his travels from Washington, D.C. to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1844 and to Fort Smith, Arkansas as an itinerant laborer on the on the eve of outbreak of war with Mexico.
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.
Welsh lost his father at the age of 2, and went to work to support his family at age 8. He had very little formal schooling, and was largely self-educated. In 1843, at age 19, he left Lancaster County for Washington City, then went west as an itinerant carpenter/laborer to Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Fort Smith.
When the Mexican War broke out in 1846, he enlisted in a Kentucky regiment, and was severely wounded at the battle of Buena Vista (1847) from which he never fully recovered. Returning home to Columbia, he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant, assigned to the 11th U.S. infantry regiment in Mexico City. Within days of his arrival in Mexico City, he was declared unfit for service on account of his battle wound, and sent home again.
Back in Columbia as a civilian, he dabbled in politics, and received a patronage job in the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (the rail and canal system connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). After several years, he opened up a grocery and dry goods store in Columbia's canal basin. He also became an insurance agent. In 1857, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his reputation grew as a community leader. By 1860, he was president of the Borough Council, a founding member of the Columbia Board of Trade, Vice President of the Columbia Cricket Club, and a canal boat operator, in addition to a dry goods merchant, insurance agent, and Justice of the Peace. He had a wife, 5 surviving children, and legal guardianship of his sister's 4 children.
When Confederate forces shelled Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Welsh raised and organized the first company of volunteers from Lancaster County, and took them into the field as their Captain. Within days, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, which served out its 90-day enlistment in the Shenandoah Valley.
Returning to Harrisburg, he was appointed Commandant of Camp Curtin, the problem-plagued processing center for new recruits. In short order, Welsh cleaned up the camp's poor sanitary conditions, improved the health of the camp, and implemented soldierly discipline and training.
In October 1861, he resigned from his camp duties, and as Colonel of the 45th Pennsylvania, led his regiment into the field. After brief service outside of Washington, they were sent to South Carolina in December, where they were posted to Otter Island. After the battle of James Island, they were recalled to Newport News, in July 1862, then sent to guard Aquia Creek.
In September, now in brigade command in Burnsides' 9th Corps, Welsh chased Lee's Confederate army west into central Maryland. His brigade broke the enemy line in Fox's Gap, on Sept. 14, then 3 days later achieved the furthest Union advance at Antietam, reaching the edge of Sharpsburg, and nearly cutting off Lee's only avenue of escape. Welsh's gallantry earned him a field promotion to brigadier general, which Congress confirmed on March 13, 1863.
The 9th Corps (Welsh now in command of the 1st Division) was sent west in the spring of 1863, then dispatched south to support Grant's investment of Vicksburg. After Vicksburg fell, they turned east and defeated Confederate General Johnston at the Battle of Jackson. Welsh contracted malaria in the southern swamps, and died in Cincinnati upon their return north. One of his men later recalled, "Had he lived, Welsh would undoubtedly have attained a much higher command. 1
1. Beauge, Eugene, in Albert, Allen D., Ed., History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865, Williamsport, PA: Grit Publ. Co, 1912, p. 79.
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
Series D Civil War
Series E Post-Civil War
Series F Miscellaneous Family Papers
Series G Papers from the families of Gen. Thomas Welsh and Blanton C. Welsh
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.
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 4 Papers of Edward Young Buchanan, Series 3 Ephemera and Official Documents
Description
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 4 Papers of Edward Young Buchanan, Series 3 contains the ephemera and official documents of Edward Young Buchanan. This series includes diplomas, a letter awarding Induction into the Belles Lettres Society of Dickinson College, various pastoral records, and a photocopy of a student booklist with a poem by Elizabeth Buchanan. The dates range from 1832 to 1891.
Admin/Biographical History
Reverend Edward Young Buchanan (1811-1895) was born on May 30, 1811 in Mercersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. He was the child of James Buchanan (1761-1821) and Elizabeth Speer Buchanan (1767-1833). He was the younger brother of President James Buchanan (1791-1868). He went to college at Dickinson College. He later became a reverend.
In 1833, he married Anne Eliza Foster Buchanan (1812-1891), and together they had six children: Ann Elizabeth (1838-1927), Harriet (1841-1912), Henrietta Jane (1844-1906), Marie Lois (1847-1920), William Foster (1849-1875), and Alice Conyngham (1852-1931).
Rev. Edward Young Buchanan died on January 25, 1895.
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries, https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
James Buchanan Collection, MG0096
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.
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.
Please contact archives@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Description Level
Series
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.
Series 3 of the Harold Morrin Collection contains family papers and photographs from Harold Morrin's estate.
Harold B. Morrin items:
Photographs of Harold as a baby (1), boy (3), teen/young adult (2), military (2)
Newspaper clipping, 1948; "Scenes at Manor Township Farm Show at Millersville," 1938; "Binoculars, Books and Boots are Birder's Gear", 1978; "Concern Widespread on North Museum's Future," partial, no date
Obituary, 2012
Certificate of appreciation, volunteer, North Museum, [artwork by John A. Jarvis, 1977]
Humorous certificate regarding birdwatching, 1988
Humorous "wanted poster" for Harold [upon retirement?]
Panoramic photograph of Co. C, 1st Ordnance Training Battalion, Aberdeen, 1943 (everyone is identified)
Cradle Roll certificate, Harold, Bird-in-Hand Methodist Church, 1923
Millersville Junior High School diploma, Harold, 1937
Infantry Drill Regulations, 1911 -publication date 1917?
Manual of Interior Guard Duty, 1914 with European currency - 1917 revisions
Book--History of the Third Division of the United States Army in the World War, 1917-1919
Hilda Erisman and Hugh Morrin items (Harold's parents):
Wedding invitation for Hilda and Hugh
Pocket notebook from Williamson's department store, Lancaster, with addresses and phone numbers
Programs for Millersville University 50th class reunion and alumni association meeting, 1969
PA State Sabbath School Association diploma, Hidla M. Erisman, 1918
Teachers' certificate, Millersville, Hilda, 1919
East Lampeter High School diploma, Hugh, 1915
Birthday and Easter cards for Hilda from her parents (3)
Certificate of recognition from the Post Office Department to Hilda M. Morrin upon her retirement, 1960
Family items:
Cabinet card of Harry D. Erisman (Elmer's brother?)
Photograph of Elmer D. Erisman and Emma Hostetter Erisman, 1906
Obituaries for Nancy Morrow Morrin, Barton R. Morrin, Amos Longenecker Morrin, Mrs. Elizabeth Longenecker, Janet M. Pleam, Margaret D. Norris, Henry D. Erisman
Marriage announcements for James M. Morrin and Mrs. Helen H. Gardner; Blanche L. Morrin and Roy M. Pleam
Newspaper social news regarding Mrs. George C. Brandt (Hilda's sister), their parents 50th wedding anniversary, and the sudden death of their brother Clyde H. Erisman
Letter from B. R. Morrin to Irene Longenecker, 1890
"East Lampeter People give Red Cross Report," WWI?
Methodist Temperance Society Pledge card, Amos L. Morrin, 1916
Flooded street and people in boat, winter 1936?
Photograph of a boy in oval frame
Photograph of a child in oval frame
Centennial anniversary celebration of the Erisman Mennonite Church--History of the Erisman Mennonite Church; program for 13 August 2000 service; "Descendants of Melchior Erisman," by Dr. Oliver J. Smith IV; and printed PowerPoint slides for Smith presentation "Erisman: History, Genealogy & Kinship"
Erisman, Herr, Hostetter genealogy and notes
Invitation, Millersville graduation, 1925
3 small envelopes of newspaper clippings--not itemized
Garrett estate newspaper articles, letters, etc. (there is a Lancaster connection and perhaps a family connection that will need more research)
Article about the funeral of Christian E. Hostetter, 1879
Photograph of Emma Hostetter (age 13)
Copies of photographs of Christian E. Hostetter; Maria Haverstick Hostetter; Jacob, Aaron and Ephraim Hostetter as children; Aaron H. Hostetter; Lizzie Charles Hostetter; Mary Charles Hostetter (3); Ephraim and Mary Hostetter (3)
Photograph of Mary Charles Hostetter
Photograph of Mary Snyder and her students at "public school"
Booklet--The Hostetter Family with photographs of Great-Grandmother Denlinger and Great-Grandfather John Denlinger
Hostetter, Erisman, Herr genealogy
Morrin genealogy
Poem--"Daisy and Dobbin" written/copied by Edna H. Erisman
Drawing book
Valentine card from Grandmother Hostetter to Magdelena Hostetter
Hostetter family bible--keep and accession genealogy pages only
Erisman family Bible--keep and accession genealogy pages only
Local history items:
John Baer's Agricultural Almanac-keep 1923, 1924, 1926, and 1950 as duplicates
Admin/Biographical History
Harold B. Morrin was born on 20 May 1923 in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Hugh B. and Hilda M. (Erisman) Morrin. His father, Hugh, passed away at an early age from complications associated with exposure to mustard gas during his service in World War I. In his 20s, Harold enlisted in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. During this time he sent letters to his mother Hilda M. Morrin about his life in the army, traveling, and social activities (the collection of correspondence can be found in MG0358_S01).
Harold graduated with a degree in business from Franklin and Marshall College. During his career, he served as president of the Lancaster Chapter of Administrative Management and served on the board of the National Association of Accountants. In 1985, Harold retired as secretary- treasurer of Lancaster Press and Tapsco companies. In addition to his career, Harold was also very active in the community, serving in leadership positions in many organizations. He was a member (since 1947) and past president of the Millersville Lions Club, an international service organization that provides humanitarian and volunteer services to the local community. Other involvements included the Lancaster County Philatelic Society (national stamp collection organization), North Museum Associates (local nature and science museum), the Millersville Borough Council, Lancaster County Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Lancaster County Elementary Envirothon, Boy Scouts of America (Troop 45), past director of the Tanger Arboretum, member of the Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, Millersville pool committee, zone chairman, steering committee, board member of the Millersville Bicentennial celebration and the Lancaster County Bird Club (LCBC) (LCBC 2012).
Harold was recognized as one of the "101 of the Most Vital People in South Central PA" in the local APPRISE magazine where he was pictured on the cover in 1988. It would seem as though Harold had no time for hobbies or travel with his career and community involvement but that was not the case. Harold was an avid baseball fan, seeing games in 45 major league ballparks throughout the United States. He even witnessed Babe Ruth play!
His other two passions, birding and traveling, went hand in hand. It was not until the age of 31 that Harold began birding. In 1954, he decided to start the journey of a life-list and in that first year he was able to add 70 species to the list. By the time he finished, Harold had over 3,800 species on his life-list. Harold enjoyed traveling and documented his trips with daily journal entries and species checklists of all the bird species seen. He birded in all 50 U.S. states and Canada and traveled to all 7 continents during his lifetime.
Harold's love for birds, nature and travel continued to grow thus, his participation in the Lancaster County Bird Club grew. Harold served as president from 1972-76 and again from 1984-85, and a member of the bird club's Board of Directors for over 20 years. He was also an editor for the LCBC newsletter for many years and editor of The Natural Attractions of Lancaster County, published by the LCBC in November 1977 as a supplement to "Call Notes" which included articles about the flora and fauna found in numerous areas of Lancaster County. Harold also edited and wrote portions of the book, A Guide to the Birds of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (1984) and assisted with the second edition in 1991. He authored Birding the 49th State: An Alaskan Saga in 1978 about his birding adventures on an Alaskan trip. In his later years, Harold led a weekly adult birding group in collaboration with the Lancaster County Parks Department. On February 9, 2001 the LCBC Board of Directors made Harold an honorary lifetime member of the club, an honor bestowed to only a few since the inception of the club. At this time they also decided to rename the Scholarship Program, "The Harold B. Morrin Scholarship Award" (LCBC 2012).
The Lancaster County Bird Club credits Harold with the development and growth of the club as one of the largest and most active bird clubs in the mid-Atlantic region. He inspired many renowned birders, ornithologists and photographers like Andrew Mack, Eric Witmer, Theodore A. Parker III, Jeffrey Lepore and Kenn Kaufman. On January 7, 2012 Harold passed away at the age of 88. His impact on the community was immeasurable and he is remembered by many as a "humble, selfless man, who devoted so much of his time and effort to others" (Crable 1999).
Works Cited:
Crable, Ad. "Harold Morrin: gently, he helps star birdwatchers spread their wings" New Era. 9 July 1999.
Lancaster County Bird Club (LCBC). "In Memoriam Harold B. Morrin" Call Notes. 2012.
LancasterOnline. "Harold B. Morrin Obituary" LancasterOnline. 12 September 2013.
Harold Morrin Collection, Series 1 World War II Letters (MG0358_S01)
Harold Morrin Collection, Series 2 Birding Records (MG0358_S02)
Photograph Collection
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Given in memory of Harold B. Morrin.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Original documents may be used by appointment--contact Research@LancasterHistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Collection may be photographed. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. 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.
Samuel R. Slaymaker II, White Chimneys Collection, Series 2
Description
The Samuel R. Slaymaker II, White Chimneys Collection, Series 2 was carefully curated by Mr. Slaymaker and contains papers dating from the mid-eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. This series is primarily composed of correspondence related to business, railroads, legal affairs, and personal matters. The personal letters are rich in details of social history and genealogy. Legal documents include estate papers for the Fleming, Slaymaker, Leech, and Boyd families. The remaining documents include land surveys, receipts, tickets, accounts, bonds, and wills.
System of Arrangement
The Samuel R. Slaymaker II, White Chimneys Collection is divided into six series according to the original order; Series 1, 2 and 4 have been cataloged and are available for research.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection Title (MG#), Series #, Box #, Folder #, (or Object ID), LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL if applicable. Date accessed (day, month, year).
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restrictions are noted at the item level.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. 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.
Other Numbers
MG-268, Series 2
Classification
MG0268
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Added to database 8 August 2022.
Much of this series was microfilmed by the Pennsylvania State Archives. The microfilmed items are noted within the finding aid and the microfilm is available in LancasterHistory's Research Center.
Liens filed by contractors showing names of parties including owner of property; Description of property including location; nature of claim; Description of materials and work done on property; volume and page number of recording in Mechanics' Liens Docket; and date filed.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by date filed.
Date Range
1837, 1840-1869
Year Range From
1837
Year Range To
1869
Date of Accumulation
1837, May 1840 - Apr 1858, 1861 - 1869, incomplete
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Collection, Title and Object ID, Box #, Folder #, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
This collection may be searched in the online collection database. https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/
Incomplete (inc.) denotes large gaps in the record group.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please request at Reference Desk or Research@LancasterHistory.org.
Copyright
Copies of historic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania government records held by LancasterHistory may be published without special permission. There is no fee for publication. Proper credit lines are encouraged in the interest of good documentation.
Credit
Courtesy of Lancaster County Archives and LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Papers of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz, Series 1 Correspondence
Description
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Papers of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz, Series 1 contains the correspondence of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz, from 1831 to 1858.
This collection contains correspondence from Dr. Jonathan M. Foltz-the majority of which are addressed to James Buchanan. There are no items from Foltz's childhood or later years (after retirement), nor materials from the early parts of his Naval career. The collection documents two of Foltz's deployments in some detail-his time on the Mexico-Texas border and the three years spent in South America. When writing to Buchanan, Foltz focused more on the political details he observed, rather than military activities. Some letters in the years and months leading up to the 1848 election document Foltz's involvement in the selection of a Democratic candidate for President. The materials do not include much about Foltz's family life, other than a few mentions of his wife and their wedding.
Admin/Biographical History
Jonathan Messersmith Foltz was born in Lancaster in 1810, the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Messersmith Foltz. He studied medicine with Dr. William Thompson in Lancaster before attending Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He was commissioned as an assistant naval surgeon in 1831. He reached the rank of surgeon in 1838.
As Naval Surgeon, Dr. Foltz served on the Raritan at the beginning of the Mexican-American War, where he witnessed battles at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. About five years later, Foltz was deployed again-this time to South America aboard the Jamestown. He arrived in South America during the second half of the Platine War, fought by Brazil and Uruguay against the Argentine Confederation, from August 1851- February 1852. He also watched as the United States and Great Britain exerted their influence on the new nations and their often corrupt and ineffective governments. Through his service in the Navy and his trips to remote places (at that time), Foltz became an expert on exotic diseases. He published a number of articles on the subject. Prior to his service in Mexico and South America, Foltz also spent time in Asia, Europe and Northern Africa. Foltz served during the Civil War, participating in a number of campaigns and battles. Specifically, he served as Fleet Surgeon under Admiral David Farragut. He continued to serve in the Navy, eventually rising to the positions of Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and Surgeon General of the Navy. In 1872, Foltz was put on the retired list, but continued to serve as Inspector General of Hospitals and Fleets, as well as Chief Surgeon of the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. Officially, he retired in 1873, after serving for forty-two years. He had reached the rank of Commodore.
Foltz married Rebecca Steinman (1830-1904), also from Lancaster, in 1854. They had three sons: Frederick Steinman (born Frederick Buchanan), Charles Steinman, and Jonathan Clinton Foltz. He lived with his family in Philadelphia. Foltz died at the age of 66 in 1877.
Not much is known about Foltz's relationship with James Buchanan, especially its origin. However, Foltz often called Buchanan his best friend and seemed to be a constant support of Buchanan for President, campaigning heavily for him leading up to the 1848 and 1856 elections (Foltz was stationed in South America in 1852).
Works Cited:
Franklin and Marshall College Archives and Special Collections. Jonathan Messersmith Foltz Papers, MS 21 Finding Aid. Lancaster, PA: Franklin and Marshall College, 2013. Accessed June 9, 2015. http://library.fandm.edu/archives/mscoll/jmfoltz.pdf.
Foltz, Charles S. Surgeon of the Seas: The Adventurous Life of Surgeon General Jonathan M. Foltz In the Days of Wooden Ships, Told from His Notes of the Moment Indianapolis, IN: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1931.
"Foltz, Jonathan Messersmith." In Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography, edited by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske. New York: D. Appleton, 1900. Accessed June 9, 2015. http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Appletons%27_Cyclop%C3%A6dia_of_American_Biography/Foltz,_Jonathan_Messersmith.
System of Arrangement
James Buchanan Family Papers, Part 7 Papers of Jonathan Messersmith Foltz is arranged in one series. The series and subseries have been used to keep the consistency with cataloging throughout the James Buchanan Family Papers.
JBFP Part 7 Series 1 Correspondence
Subseries 1 Letters from Jonathan Messersmith Foltz
[J. M. Foltz Medical lecture notes, 1825-1829], Health Sciences Library Historical Collections, Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
http://search.lib.unc.edu/search?R=UNCb1976055
Jonathan Messersmith Foltz papers, 1829-1871, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington, DC.
James Buchanan Papers, Dickinson College Archives & Special Collections http://archives.dickinson.edu/collection-descriptions/james-buchanan-papers
James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers, Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-buchanan-and-harriet-lane-johnston-papers/
James Buchanan Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, http://www2.hsp.org/collections/manuscripts/b/Buchanan0091.html
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries, https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
James Buchanan Collection, MG0096
Coleman Papers Collection, MG0275 Series 1
Andrew J. Steinman Collection, MG0066
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Charles S. Foltz, Surgeon of the Seas: The Adventurous Life of Surgeon General Jonathan M. Foltz In the Days of Wooden Ships, Told from His Notes of the Moment. Indianapolis, IN: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1931. Call # 923.5 F671f
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Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Description Level
Series
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.
Forms declaring intention to become a U.S. citizen, showing declaration number, date, name, local address, age, birthday and birthplace, occupation, physical description race, nationality, marital status, dates and birthplaces of spouse and children, ports and dates of embarkation and entry, and ship name.
Lancaster County Archives, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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Credit
Courtesy of Lancaster County Archives and LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.