G. Wilson Swartz: A Lawyer’s Life
You’ve recently sold a horse because you no longer want to pay for its upkeep. But a few days later, you find it back in your barn, eating your hay. Can you force the buyer to honor the sale and take the horse away?
Browse Encyclopedia
The Cumberland County Historical Encyclopedia is an expanding publication on the history of the Cumberland County. Covering a wide range of topics and the entire Cumberland County geographic region, the Encyclopedia seeks to be an initial entry point to those interested in the County's history. Entries seek to provide a list of resources available as well as showcasing some of the Cumberland County Historical Society's own collections.
Tea and Tea Drinking in the 18th Century
In January 1773, merchant Samuel Wharton wrote the following observations about tea drinking in America.
"The use of teas, and of the black sort in particular, is so common and fashionable in America that it is usually drank twice a day, even by the Frontier inhabitants of all the colonies...
The Temperance Movement in Cumberland County
Throughout the nineteenth century and into the early twentieth century, temperance movements were prominent in Cumberland County.
Brigadier-General William Thompson
In Carlisle’s Old Graveyard at the corner of East South and South Bedford Streets is located an eight foot Celtic cross commemorating the burial place of Brigadier-General William Thompson.
Jim Thorpe – Athlete, Activist
James Francis Thorpe was born in 1887 to Hiram Thorpe and Charlotte Vieux in a one-room cabin near Prague, Oklahoma. Hiram was a farmer and Charlotte, a Pottawatomie Indian, a descendant of the last great Sauk and Fox chief Black Hawk, a noted warrior and athlete.
Trains in Song and Poetry
“… All through the meadows the horses and cattle:
All of the sights of the hill and the plain
Fly as thick as driving rain;
And ever again, in the wink of an eye,
Painted stations whistle by …”1
John Trough: Carlisle Potter and Tavernkeeper
John Trough was the only potter in Carlisle from 1806 through at least 1835. Trough (spelled Drach in German) was the son of Adam and Eve Drach of Haycock Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.1 Rudolph Drach, possibly John’s relative, was also a Bucks County potter, and several examples of his signed pieces are known.
Elizabeth Callio Trout (1813-1893): French Huguenot
As a tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Trout’s standing the community, the Daily Evening Sentinel ran a lengthy obituary on December 28, 1893. “Death of Mrs. Trout. A Prominent Carlisle Woman Passes Away.
28th “Iron” Division
During the nation’s history, many military units have been called up for service. Each has fought in one, or several conflicts concerning the United States. But the longest serving unit is the 28th Infantry Division, otherwise known as the Iron Division.
Two Butchers in Early Twentieth Century Newburg: Samuel O. Rebuk and Frank A. Latsbaugh
Samuel Otterbein Rebok (1874-1933) owned a butcher shop at 17 Main Street, Newburg, Hopewell Township, and Frank A. Latsbaugh (B: about 1878) owned one at #34 of the same. Both appear at these addresses in the 1930 census. The shops were located about 5.5 miles from Shippensburg University.