This collection contains the diaries of Gilbert and Edith Bushong.
The first diaries in this collection (Folder #1), written by Gilbert Bushong who is 14 years old, are dated from 3m 17 1850 - 5m 29 1852 and April 20, 1853. The topics covered are the everyday events of family life and farming activities. He also writes about school life, and butchering hogs, and trips to visit family and friends.
The second part of this collection (Folder #2-5) was written by Edith Paxson Bushong and dates from December 31, 1858 - April 5, 1862, after Gilbert presents her with a new diary journal on his return from a trip to Lancaster. Edith writes mostly about the welfare of her family and friends, including news of marriages, births, illnesses, and deaths.
She also writes about life on the farm, her housework routine, and news of the Civil War, including the battle at Gettysburg.
Admin/Biographical History
Gilbert Bushong was the son of Henry Bushong and Esther Valentine. He was born on 2 December 1836 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and died on 10 December 1911 in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer in Eden Twp., Lancaster County. Gilbert was a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and an abolitionist who helped, with family members Henry and Jacob Bushong, to run the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves during the Civil War at Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania.
Edith D. Kinsey Paxson was born on 14 January 1836 and died 2 December 1914 in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She was the second daughter of Elwood H. Paxson and Elizabeth Moore White. She married Gilbert Bushong on 20 December 1855. The Bushongs owned a farm along what is now Valley Road, Route 372, on the eastern side of Eden Twp. and received their mail at May Post Office. They are buried together at Sadsbury Meeting Cemetery in Chester County.
Children of Gilbert and Edith Bushong:
1. Dr. Charles Henry Bushong (1 October 1856-20 December 1903). He was married twice, to sisters who were twins, Anna W. Keene and Nora E. Keene. One died and he married the other.
2. Frances E. Bushong (18 May 1858-16 November 1861).
3. Marion E. Bushong (20 March 1860-March 1937). She married Sanders M. Collins on 20 December 1884. Their children were Edith Bushong Collins (1886-1966) and Wallace Collins (b. 1899). Edith never married. She kept house for her father and was a school teacher. Wallace married Marion Chandler.
4. Marvin E. Bushong (7 June 1878-27 October 1936). He married Lydia Rakestraw on 10 September 1903. Their children were Henry Rakestraw Bushong (b. 28 July 1904) and Gertrude (b. 4 August 1909). At 21, Marvin was appointed a Justice of the Peace of Eden Twp. and in 1908 was elected Clerk of Quarter Sessions at Lancaster County. Later, he was associated with the Pennsylvania Water and Power Company, and in 1933 was vice-president of the Safe Harbor Water Power Corp.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners. In the case of "poor children," teachers were reimbursed by the county for tuition and/or the supplies purchased for students whose parents were unable to pay. Orders include: Poor Children, Almshouse, Bridges, Coroners Inquests, Prisons, Roads, Court House, and Tax Exonerations.
System of Arrangement
The record group is organized chronologically, then arranged by order number within each year.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners. In the case of "poor children," teachers were reimbursed by the county for tuition and/or the supplies purchased for students whose parents were unable to pay. Orders include: Poor Children, Almshouse, Bridges, Coroners' Inquests, Prisons, Roads, Court House, and Tax Exonerations.
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.
Additional Notes
Poor children.
Taken from Lancaster County tax lists.
Butcher, Charles. Father of Butcher, Joana Christina, age 8.
Church, John. Father of Church, Sarah Ann, age 7.
Clark, Samuel. Father of Clark, Cyrus, age 11; Clark, Samuel, age 8; Clark, Margaret, age 6.
Evans, Nathan. Father of Evans, William, age 11; Evans, Matilda, age 9.
Feaster, Widow. Mother of Feaster,Margaret, age 8; Feaster, Maria, age 6; Feaster, James, age 5.
Garner, Widow. Mother of Garner, James, age 11; Garner, William, age 7; Garner, Eliza, age 5.
Gault, Elizabeth. Mother of Gault, Hannah, age 11.
Haster, William. Father of Haster, Edwin, age 8.
Iler, John. Father of Iler, Jane, age 7.
Johnson, Widow. Mother of Johnson, Rachel, age 10. Also known as Johnson, Ann.
Kizer, John. Father of Kizer, Sarah, age 7.
Knowls, John. Father of Knowls, William, age 10; Knowls, Amos, age 8.
Lammas, Peggy. Mother of Lammas, Annetta, age 10; Lammas, William, age 8; Lammas, Cyrus, age 6.
Larue, Isaac. Father of Larue, Isaac, age 7; Larue, David, age 6.
Lindicamp, Peter. Father of Lindicamp, Margaret, age 8; Lindicamp, John, age 6; Lindicamp, Margaret, age 8.
Lynch, Joseph. Father of Lynch, James; Lynch, Phoebe. Twins, age 7.
McEnnelly, Michael. Father of McEnnelly, Watson, age 9; McEnnelly , James, age 7.
Miexell, Widow. Mother of Miexell, Mary, age 6.
Murry, Sackey. Parent of Murry, Mary, age 9; Murry, George, age 8.
Odair, John. Father of Odair, William, age 6.
Rees, William. Father of Rees, Charles, age 9.
Rush, Martin. Father of Rush, Henrietta, age 8; Rush, George, age 6.
Rutter, Levi. Father of Rutter, Eliza, age 6; Rutter, Jeramiah, age 6.
Townsley, Joseph. Father of Townsley, Maria, age 11; Townsley, James, age 7.
Wells, Catharine. African American. Mother of Wells, George, age 9.
Zell, Catharine. Mother of Wilson, Amanda, ageg 6.
Zell, Mary. Deceased. Mother of Brubaker, Perry, age 7.
Zell, Peter. Father of Zell, Margaret, age 9; Zell, Maryann, age 11; Zell, William, age 7.
1 item. 1 piece.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners. In the case of "poor children," teachers were reimbursed by the county for tuition and/or the supplies purchased for students whose parents were unable to pay. Orders include: Poor Children, Almshouse, Bridges, Coroners' Inquests, Prisons, Roads, Court House, and Tax Exonerations.
System of Arrangement
The record group is organized chronologically, then arranged by order number within each year.
Renunciations are papers filed in the Orphans' Court by executors of an estate who do not wish to administer that estate. They show the name of the decedent, the decedent's place of residence, the name of the person renouncing administration, the name of the replacement administrator to be appointed, and date. The relationship between the decedent, the executor, and the administrator is usually shown. Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
Renunciations are papers filed in the Orphans' Court by executors of an estate who do not wish to administer that estate. They show the name of the decedent, the decedent's place of residence, the name of the person renouncing administration, the name of the replacement administrator to be appointed, and date. The relationship between the decedent, the executor, and the administrator is usually shown. Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
