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.
The Lancaster Post Office Collection contains a copy of Rates and Postage and Classification of Mail Matter (published in 1880) by James H. Marshall, Postmaster of Lancaster, and a program for the dedication of Lancaster's new post office in 1930.
Rates of Postage and Classification of Mail Matter
Description
Rates of Postage and Classification of Mail Matter, by James H. Marshall, Postmaster of Lancaster, published by The New Era Steam Print. Spring 1880, pp.22. The book details rules and regulations of the post office, classification of mail types and accompanying postage prices, suggestions to the public, and domestic and foreign money order systems. Pinned to pg.4 is "Strange Bible Facts" with advertisement for Turkish bath on reverse side.
Program for the dedication of Lancaster's new post office, 1930
Description
Program for the dedication of Lancaster's new post office at the southeast corner of Prince St. and Chestnut St. The program contains biographical information about Charles H. Stormfeltz, Postmaster; a list of postmasters and postmistresses for Lancaster; dinner menu; revenue from 1905-1929; and a personnel roster. The event was held at the Stevens House. 11 January 1930. (photocopy)
