^^ ^-^-^ .-&^' '^^c,^' 0^ - •»°w. " ^ ^<^^ ^ \ * * %, ' ♦ <^ %. o •n^v* 0' *;. ♦ * .'^■^ /.^^e?A.-o ^. <^ *^>^fe^- -^^ -. .^^vi(<5^/\. o THE LIFE AND HISTORY OP WILLIAM DENNING THE - REYOLDTIONARY ■ HERO, BY J. W. STROHM. FOR SALE BY THE PUBLISHER AND AGENTS. 1890. nkwville, pa. times steam print, [copyrighted.] 1890. G. W. LANDIS, PRACTICAL WATCHMAKER, One door west of Bank, Newville Pa A Full Assortment of Fine Watches, Clocks, i Jewelry, Silver and Plated Table Ware, Spectacles and Eye Glasses in Gold, ©il^cp ar)d ©feci, Gspc|u11j^ Rifled. ALL GOODS AT LOWEST PRICES, ^atcl^es ai^d Clocks f^epaircd AND WARRANTED FOR ONE YEAR. old gold and silver bought or taken in exchange for goods. (of newville, pa.) This Bank organized under the National Banking Law, and opened for business on August, 18, 1863. It is prepared to transact a general banking. Exchange and Collection Busi- Drafts on New York and Philadelphia, can always be fur- nished at the very lowest rates of exchange. Collections will be made in all accessible points in the Unit- ed States. Careful and pronftpt attention will be given to all business entrusted to its care. Banking House on RailroacJ Street. Bank opens at 9 a. m. : Closes at 3 p. m. J. B. DAVIDSON, Cashier. JAMES McKEEHAN, President. Read a Live Paper. The Newville Times, only $1.00 a year. THE LIFE AND HISTORY OP WILLIAM DENNING WHO CAST THE FIRST WROUGHT-IRON CANNON For the American Army at the outbreak of THE - REVOLUTIONARY ■ WAR. BY J. W. STROHM, FOR SALE BY THE PUBLISHER AND AGENTS. 1890, J^'-d, Cloverdale, Lithiia Water, NATURE'S HEALTH EESTORER. Is absolutely pure, clear and sparkling. Is a cure for kidney and liver complaints, dyspepsia rlieuma- tism, gout, gravel, urinary troubles, &c. Is a solvent for stone in the bladder. Is a specific for uric acid in the blood. Is suitable for the most delicate stomach. Is a mild aperient. Is without taste or smell. Is a delicious table water. SPRING LOCATED NEAR NEWVILLE, CUNIB. CO., PA. Special Notice. The Cloverdale Lithia Water Company is engaged exclu- sively in the shipment and sale of Lithia Water. It is intend - ed however, in the near future, to erect a large and commo- dious hotel at the Spring for the reception of guests. For the present visitors can be accommodated during the Summer months, at Cloverdale Cottage, near the Spring. For rates etc., address, , M. E. MIDDLETON, *'. ' NEWVIL-LE, PA, ^ J*r ^^^^^^^ ^==: '^ Price of Water. This water is put up in cases of one dozen full half -gallon bottles, and delivered at the Cumberland Valley Railroad Station, at Newville. Price per case, S5.00. A special discount to dealers. Address all orders and let- ters to The Cloverdale Lithia Water Co.. 3Iaiii Office, No. 9 I\'ortli 3rrt Street, P. O. Box g. HAKRISBUKG, PA, INTRODUCTORY. History has been very kind to great soldiers and warriors. Its pages have been filled for the most part with b«Atles which decided the fate of nations, and with the deeds of heroes whose garments were rolled in the blood of thousands of their fellow men. Blood and slaughter, rapine and destruction have al- ways had a strange fascination for ma\ikind. Lurid frescoes drawn and painted by sword and fire have fixed the gaze of the ages. Out from the gloomy clouds of war and battle, like stars out of a cloudy sky, flash here and there the names of a few, the magnitude of whose deeds have made them im- mortal, but oblivion has covered as with a mantle the lives and labors of many humbler and worthier men. It is always commendable to rescue from forgetfulness the memory of those who by reason of superior mechanical genius, first prac- tically accomplished what had hitherto only floated as misty dreams in the brain of theorists. Such is the object of this little book. Ever since the death of William Denning, occa- sional efforts have been made to do justice to his memory, but besides a few brief newspaper articles and an attempt to' create a memorial fund, nothing was effected until by leo-is- lative enactment and appropriation, a beautiful monument lias been erected to his memory. What is known of the life of this man ought to be written. To him belongs the honor of having successfully made the first uTought-iron cannon ever used in war. Out of the misty shadows of the past, from the living lips of those who knew the man; from men and women, from letters and from tradition, have been gath- ered with much labor this humble contribution to the mem- ory of a worthy man. SPECIAL NOTE. The proposed project of having a sketch of the life and his- tory of William Denning printed, was only fully decided on the 7th day of October. At that time a small amount of his life's history was in our possession, and as the time was limit- ed for placing the sketch on the market, it required consider- able work to find persons who could give us any sure history concerning him. Those who claimed to know, got a greater portion of their knowledge handed down to them from older residents, and the accounts were meager. The items herein printed were gathered from a number of sources, and consum- ed considerable time. Personally, the writer knew nothing relating to many of the incidents recorded, but to those who so kindly gave their aid in helping to gather the desired in- formation, we are indeed thankful. While it may be possi- ble that some may differ in a small way as to certain inci- dents, we are willing to place the short sketch before the pub- lic with the knowledge that under the pressing circumstances we did all in our power to gain every available incident relating to William Denning, who, although a common black- smith, came into prominence only in late years of his life, and about whose record, during his childhood days, nothing is known, at least by any one with whom the vsrriter came in contact. However, this book, is the first and only full sketch of his life; at least so far as can be learned by diligent inquiry from those who would reasonably be supposed to know. It however proves beyond any controversy, that the facts herein contained, which were gotten from the lips of our oldest per- sons, whose names are embodied in this work, can not be gainsaid, so that it is about as complete a history of his life, that can be had. The Publisher. c®i=C=^ — • '^l Pi The Revolutionary Hero THE ULST RESTING PLACE OF A REVOLUTION- ARY HERO. He Made Cannon for tlie American Forces — A Monu- ment at last Erected over His Grave. -"• ^=^ ^^^p<^^^ m : •'^ Under a massive monument of granite in the Presbyterian Cemetery at Newviilo, lie the remains of William Denning, a Revolutionary hero. At the commencement of the Revolution- ary War, Denning resided in Chester County, where he enlisted in a company of which he was second Lieutenant. He was a gallant soldiei and for nine months shared the privations and hard- ships of 1776. He was with General Washington at Trenton and Princeton. Mr. Denning, repeat- LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. edly spoke of the hardships, he, with the rest of Washington's soldiers endured, and his counte- nance showed to his hearers, that be spoke with the same earnestness which charcterized all his conversation, more especially so, when referring to incidents relating^ to engagements in which h e participated during those dark days of 1776, when our beautiful land was besieged by the British and when true, brave men left their homes to fight for right. It is also stated that tears came to the eyes of his hearers in later years when he related how despondent the American people were at stated times, when the British gained a v'ctory, but con- fidence, he says was greatly restored in the heart of the soldier by the noble commander, George Washington, who, although suffering for the act- ual need of lifes necessaries, scarcely murmured. Many a soldier here learned a lesson which in a^" ter years proved a blessing. His description of THE BATTLE OF TRENTON and its awful hardships, is told with the same enthusiasm that charcterized his former talks. "Such a night as Christmas, 1776, was enough to cause our hearts to fail us as we went forward in the midst of storm and sleet, arridst drifting ice, and in boats which any moment might be crushed. Thus the Delaware was crossed, with twenty-four hundred picked men, captured one thousand Hes- sians, in the midst of their festivities, slew their LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. leader and escaped back to camp, having lost only four men— two killed and two frozen to death'. Oh ! how the brave, yet almost perished soldiers rejoiced, and how their once dampened patriot- ism kindled anew. His remembrances, so far as can be learned from our oldest residents in regard to the BATTLE OF PRINCETON, on January, 3, 1777, are in unison with the histor = ical writers. Being jubilant over their great vic- tory at Trenton, they were not expecting any re- verses so soon, but when Cornwallis confronted them at Princeton, they felt their position keenly, but in his own words '-George Washington out- generaled them," took two hundred prisoners and escaped. The precise date w^e cannot learn when DENNING LEFT THE ARMY, but he kept himself well posted in regard to the movements of General Washincrton and the Brit- ish. and it is said that he could relate with peculiar exactness, the transactions of the war as it pro- gressed. Always in referring to those days, he said his heart and mind were with General Wash- ington. In his estimation, there was no man then living, who could in any way compare with the brave and christian Washino-ton. o IN HIS LAST YEARS, his chief delight was- to talk of the Revolutionary days, and for hours, would he discuss the various LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. situations in which he, as a soldier often found himself. Young people during the last few years of his life, would visit his home or his smith shop and engage him in conversation, but, as only memory was depended on, much has been forgot- ten and there is no means now by which to gain a great amount o* matter concerning him, HIS GREAT LOVE for the cause was uppermost in his mind, and he was daily devising plans by which he could aid the American army, and this led him to perform the act which has won for him a high and honor- ed position in the minds of Pennsylvania people, and caused to be erected over his remains, a mon- ument of Barre Granite, which is fully described later on in this book. Before supplies were obtained from France in ly^S, great difficulties were experienced in find- ing arms and ammunition for the American troops. The men needful for the war were easier far to raise than the necessary equipments. In the be- ginning of the great conflict which resulted in America's breaking the yoke of British tyranny, shops lor the manufacture of rifles, muskets and cannons, were established in every available town. Old arms w^ere altered and repaired so that they could be used for deadlier purposes. Bayonets were made and armories were established in Ship- pensburg and Carlisle, at which places hundreds of rifles were got into readiness. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. THE CANNON MAKER. Denning learned the blacksmith trade when a vourg man, and from childhood displayed a re- markable mechanical talent, chief among his mechanism being articles made from iron. His ingenious and inventive traits were the cause of his being placed at the head of a company ot artificers at Philadelphia,. Here his ingenious powers had better sway and he made valuable use of the op- portunity thus afforded him. On the approach of the British to occupy that city, he was removed to Carlisle,, and Mt. Holly. At that time the South Mountain abounded with iron, and with Mr. Den- ning's aid and under his supervision, the iron was manufactured into bayonets, gun-barrels, cannons &c. The necessary appliances were not then in the hands of these makers of weapons of defense and it was some time before he could find persons who could be induced to assist him on account of the intense heat to be endured in the welding of the heavy bars of iron for bands and hoops. He however persisted in accomplishing the task began and working faithfully, he surmounted man}^ difficulties, for which many others would have abandoned the enterprise, and by so doing, he constructed cannon of such uniform quality, and of such size and calibre, as to have done good service in the American army. DENNING'S CANNONS. The pieces made by this patriotic blacksmith 10 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. were generally four or six pounders, but the last attempt was upon a twelve pounder, which was left unfinished. Two were sent to Pittsburg, and others distributed where they were most needed. A second one it is said, was in use at the Carlisle Barracks, some fifty years ago, but all trace of it has been lost. *One of them was believed to have been taken by the British at the battle of Brandy- wine and kept as a trophy in the Tower ot Lon- don. * Robert T. Lincoln, Minister to England, in visiting the Tower of London, failed to discover any trace of the cannon referred to, and wrote Governor Beaver of this State, to that effect. That settles the idea which has been generally sup' posed to have been true. After the Revolutionary War was over, Wil- liam Denning, moved from Mt. Holly, to fGreen Spring. From the lips of James M. Harlan, a man of 72 years, residing on West Main street, v^e learn that William Denning was probably in- duced to locate at Green v^pring from the fact that *Ludwi£r Mirer, a Revolulionarv soldier of con- siderable note, resided there. Denning lived in in his tenant house, and the tSee page 12 for explanation. *Ludwig Miller was a Revolutionaiy soldier, and belonged to Captain Megaw's regiment. He was taken prisoner at Fort Washington, by the Hessians, and he frequently related to William Denning and his neighbors, what torture he en- dured and how near starvations door he was. Ludwig Miller, was the grandfather of Mrs. Edwin James, dec'd. His re- mains lie in the Zion Cemetery in Hopewell township. The date on his tombstone is, died Jan. 26, 1836, aged 81 years. LtFfi OF WILLIAM DENNING. 11 BLACKSMITH SHOP, near the spot on which the Bulls Head Hotel stood, (now a private dwelling,) although erected by Denning, belonged to Miller. But little informa- tion can be learned of him during his stay there, and some 3^ears later, he moved with his son James and daughter Polly, to Mifflin township, near Scouller's Mill, where he resided in a little log house. His ancestors, so far as can be learn- ed, were poor, and the subject himself, never gain- ed any special headway financially. He was looked upon as a great genius in those days, by the general public. Of his wife, nothing is known, she having died some time before he came to this neighborhood. Old residents can only speak of the subject, his son James and daughter Polly, who are buried side by side, joining his grave in the PRESBYTERIAN GRAVEYARD. Rev. J. B, Scouller, D. D., gives an account later on of the family. WiJiam Denning's health remained good until within a short time before his death and he retained his mental faculties until the last moments of his life. His death occurred on DECEMBER, 19, 1830, and he was buried wnth the honors of war. Here again it is claimed by responsible persons, that a cannon constructed by him, was used on this par- ticular occasion. 12 LIFE OF WILLIx\M DENNING. William Denning, although he was known as a determined person, and paid strict attention to business, would occasionally, in company with his son James, get on a spree. He is described to us as being a man of about 5 feet 8 inches in height, and quite stooped in posture. This de- scription is given, as his general appearance, from his ninetieth year, until his death, four years later. tThat William Denning, first located at Green Spring, in- firmly established as will be proven by the conversation with Miss Jane McWilliams, a lady of 77 years who resides on Corporation street in Newville, and by Mr. James M. Harlan, on West Main street, who at that time lived about one-half mile from the location of Mr. Denning' s blacksmith shop. This explodes the idea that he settled in Mifflin township and lived there all the time. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 13 Reminiscences Of Persons WHO KNEW OF THE DENNING FAMILY. mu^^^^^^^ The following extract is taken from a letter by Rev. James B. Scouller, D. D., of Newville, Pa. ^'William Denning, died at the mouth of the Back Run, in Mifflin township, December, 19th, 1830, aged 94 years. His son James, a soldier of the war of 1812, died two or three years alterward and was buried in Newville, with the honors of war. His daughter Polly, only surviving child, after James' death, lived for a year or so, in the old house at ScouUer's Mill : then moved to New- 14 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. ville, and I .-juppose died there. From my recol- lection, quite a fuss was made at James' death and that an old cannon was brought to do the honprs of war." Mifflin Township, Oct. 3, 1890. My recollections ot William Denning, theblacl<- smith, who made wroucjht-iron cannon, for Gen- eral Washington's Army, during the Revolution- ary war, are, that he died in the fall of 1830, at the mouth of the Back Run, on the Connodoguin- et Creek, near Scoullers Mill, and within a mile of Cloverdale Lithia Springs. Mr. Dinning worked atblacksmithing. I was about 19 years of age at the time of his death. In company with m}- father I w^as frequently at Mr. Denning's smith shop He frequently related to my father, his experience in wrought-iron cannon making and the great amount of heat he had to endure. Robert Lusk. Mr. Denning, was a near neighbor of Robert Middleton, Esq., who died some twety-two years ago, and he told the writer that Mr. Denning told him, he could make wrought-iron cannon to shoot a six pound ball without much trouble, but in attempting to make a twelve pounder, the heat was so great that it melted the lead buttons on his coat and he abandoned the attempt. W. A. Middleton. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 15 A writer of the Valley Star, in its issue of January, 6th, 1859, which was the sixth week of the wStar's existence, with J, M. Miller, as editor, says .• *' When the news of that tyrannical act of Great Britain, which closed the port of Boston, reached this county, a meeting^ was called in Carlisle, July 12, 1774, ^^^ attended by delegates from the ditferent townships ; a committee was appointed to correspond with the provincial committee on all other matters appertaining to the rights and safety of the American Colonies. Wm. Thompson one of this committee was from this vicinit}^. Although the inhabitants of this vicinity were far removed from the dangers of war, having noth- ing to fear from Br'tish arms on account o.^ their isolated position ; yet prompted by that spirit that ever characterized the "Sires of 76," they respond- ed cheerfully to the call of Continental Congress for men and money. Several from vicinity were engaged in the battle of Brand} wine, The services of but one of the man-gods who marched from this country to defend the rights of their Common Country, occupy the place on the pages of Revolutionary history. The records of some of their names can be found in the grave yards of this place. Among those who s erved in the continental Army, and now nearly forgotten, was William Denning ; no stone marks his resting place. An 16 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. attempt was made a year or two ago to erect a suitable monument to his memory ; we riave heard nothmg of it of late. We suppose nothing will be done. Congress is too poor to appropriate a few dollars for a monument to perpetuate the memory of this heroic blacksmith of Brandy wine, choosing rather to rob the treasury for their own personal agrandizement, and for the support of the Gamb- ling Hells of Pennsylvania Avenue. We take the following obituary on the death of William Denning, from Hazard's Register, vol. 7. *'Died on Sunday, May 19th, 1832, at his resi- dence iu Mifflin township, Cumberland County, Pa., ^William. Denning, in the 94th year of his age. The deceased was an artificer in the army of the Revolution. He it was, who in the days of his country's need, made the only successful at- tempt ever made in the w^orld to manufacture wrought-iron cannon > one of which was completed at Middlesex, this county, and commenced another and larger one at Mt. Holly, but could get no one to assist him who could stand the heat, *That the date above referred to, is an error, we have only to refer to the fact that he was born in 1736, and died in 1830 at the age of 94 years. Rev. J. B. Scouller, D. D., and James M. Harlan, corroborate the statement, that he died on Decem- ber 19, 1830. The date as given in Hazard's Register, is that of the death of James Denning. This fact is more fully es- tablished later on in this work, by Miss Jane McWilliams, in which a complete history is given, together with the places a nd year, in which both James and Polly died. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. l'^ which was so great that it melted the lead buttons on his coat. This unfinished piece it is said, lies as he left it, at the Carlisle Barracks, or Holly Forge. fOne of these completed was taken by the British at the Battle of Brandy wine, and is now in the Tow- er of London. (See fine print, page lo.) The British government offered a large sum and a stated annuity, to the person who would in- struct them in the manufacture of that article ; but the patriotic blacksmith preferred obscurity and poverty in his own beloved country, to wealth and affluence in that of her oppressors ; although that country for which he did so much, kept her purse closed from the veteran soldier till near the close of his long life — and it often required the whole weight of his well-known character for honesty, to save him from the severest pangs of poverty. When such characters as the deceased are ne- glected by a rich government, it is no wonder that people think Republics ungrateful. The strength of his good constitution continued till near his last, and he was able to walk to the village of Newville, two miles from his residence until about six months before his decease. This same William Denning, is Lippard's ''Me- chanic Hero of Brandywine," part of which is speculation ; but tlie story is a beautiful one, and will repay a perusal, it is to be found in Blanch of Brandywine, by George Lippard." 18 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. Before William Denning joined the ranks in Pennsylvania, he was in the New Jersey ranks and he finally got to this State, in Chester county. From there he entered under Washington, be- came a member ol Worsley Ernes' regiment, and received his discharge at Carlisle, in 1783, when the treaty of peace was proclaimed. The idea of doing something to secure funds for the erection of a monument TO MARK DENNING'S GRAVE, was duly considered as far back as 1859. ^^ that tim.e the plan of holding exhibitions w?s thought to be the proper thmg, and accordingly, the young men of those days, began the arduous task, and with what success, we will now set forth. On Saturday evening, January ist, 1859, Liter- ary Hall was crowded to overflowing, to witness the performance of the Independent Club, on the occasion of their second exhibition. Both enter- tainments were successful, but the spirit in the work lo}t brillimcy, a i.l nuinbers of the Association, who yet reside in Newville, say, that no more attempts were made in the same line. Thus the matter dropped, although it was urged at the time, to hold another concert on Februar}- 22, 1859, in honor of the fact, that General Wash- ington, and William Denning, were intimate per- sonal friends. It also appears that prior to 1859, movements were instituted for the same purpose but no headway was made until the Independent LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 19 Club took the affair in charge. James McKee- han, now a resident of Newville, acted as treas- urer for the Club, An order for the money left over from these concerts, was drawn up and pre- sented to the treasurer; the money was paid over, and beyond that, nothincr is known as to what use it was put. During the life of the Club, Denning's grave was pointed out by Sarah McWilliams, dec'd, mother of Miss Jane McWilliams. She went to the spot, and who could know better than she, since Mr. John McWilliams, her husband had been sexton of the cemetery for many years, and both the father and mother were present at his burial. However, it was Thomas Wilt, father of Alexander and Joseph Wilt, who buried the fath- er, son and daughter. Mr. Ed. W. Eby, then a boy of 17 years, in company with several other young men, carried stone and piled them on the grave. It might be well to state, so far as we know, who were members of the Independent Club. Among them, we learn the names of Dr. J. C. Claudy, Jacob Claudy, W. R. Linn, dec'd, Hon. J. J, Herron, dec'd, James McReehan, Dar- by McWilliams, dec'd, E. W. Eby, Charles Householder, Sr., J. B. Morrow, J. Bell Johnson, dec'd, and David Gilmore. James S. Eckels, of Princeton, Illinois, some- time about 1850, made a lens^thy and spirited 20 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. speech in the Hall, in which he urged that some- thing be done towards erecting a monument to the Revolutionary hero. The affair only assumed shape in 1859, ^s previously stated. To return to the subject before us, we learn that he lived but a few years in Mifflin township, in a little log house. The engraving here shown, THE HOUSE IN MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP, IN WHICH WILLIAM DEN- NING, LIVED AND DIED. was drawn from a description given us, and we had it engraved for the present purpose. This is said to be a fair representation of the house in which he with his two children lived during his stay in Mifflin township. After the father's death, Polly Denning, sold the house to Robert Middleton, Esq. It has since been owned by Wm. Geese, George Asper, Sr., John McFaight, and Wm. Long, but is now owned by J. Harper Snyder, of Newville. The first survey for the South Penn railroad, passed directly through the house. For many years it stood as it was origi- LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 21 nally built, but later on, it was remodeled and fi- nally almost razed to the ground, but the same old material is there, used in the construction of an annex. Frederick Sprout, is the present resident. In reference to JAMES DENNING, the publisher has more direct knowledge, and also relative to Polly, the daughter. We cite Miss Jane Mc Williams, as the proof of what follows in regard to ihe life and death of the last two sub- jects. Miss Jane Mc Williams, is a daughter of John and Sarah McWilliams, dec'd, and resides on Corporation Street, within one hundred feet of the old hotel, in which James Denning died. She has reached the age of 77 years, and has a bright recollection of happenings in the past years. Her personal knowledge of James JDenning, is that he was quite tall, of a jocular nature, and occasionally got on a long spree. After his father's death, he spent the greater part of his time in town with his associates, of whom he had a number. Appar- ently he lost all taste for the blacksmith trade, pre- ferring rather to be in town. His career was, however, of short duration, and his death occur- red very suddenly on SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1832, tAn incident related by several old residents, is, that some of Newville's young generation placed a dead horse against the door of John McWilliams' log house on Main street, and that James Denning composed a song to suit the occasion. 22 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. at James Reeder's hotel on Corporation street, Newville, Pa. The house is yet standing, and is occupied by Mr. Jacob Boyles. When James Denning was buried beside his father, who died in 1830, somewhat of a demon- stration was made. It must be remembered that James was a soldier of 181 2, and, like his father, was ever ready to relate reminiscences of 1812, more especially so, when under the influence of drink. While it is sad to relate that he imbibed, it roust not be understood, that he was a confirmee] sot. Such is really not the case. He had many friends, w^ho were drawn about him by his fun making propensities. Referring to the LIFE OF POLLY DENNING, we learn from the same reliable source, that she retained the old homestead for several years, and then sold it to Robert Middleton. Nevertheless, she remained in Mifflin township, and only came to town to aid certain families with house work. Among these neighbors, was Mrs. Sarah McWil- liams, whose husband was sexton at the Big Spring Presbyterian Church. She, at thi.-j time, prepared the Communion Service, and continued to do so, for many years, after w'hich her daugh- ter Jane, took upon herself the task, and continu- ed, until a short time ago, only relinquishing the act on account of failing health. At Mrs. Sarah McWilliams' home, Polly Den- nincf ofte n came and aided her in the prepara- LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 23 tion as above described. It was during one of these preparations in the fall of 1835, that Polly came to aid her, and complained of feeling sick. She was placed in bed, and a physician sent for. She grew worse, and in ten days, was a corpse. The Big Spring Presbx terian church, lifted a col- lection for defray in^r the expenses of her burial, and also to re-imburse Sarah McWilliams for her care, during Polly's sickness. Rev. Robert M'Cachran, dec'd, father of Robert M'Cachran, Jr., at present an Attorney of Newville, Pa., was the; minister who called to see Polly during her illness, in the log house on West Main street. She lies beside her father and brother, Polly Den- ning was short of stature, and although a full fac- ed person, did not enjo}^ perfect health. Her dis- position was to be kind and obliging, and this won for her, many friends. Indeed it is said that she was a most welc-me visitor everywhere. This caused her to be in NewviFe, the greater portion of her time, and gave rise to the opinon that James and Polly moved to Newville, to reside. There seems to have been no money left from the sale of the old homestead in Mifflin township. The only articles known to be in existence, which were owned by Polly Denning, is a fire shovel, now in the possession of Joseph McDer- mond, Sr.. in Mifflin township, and PolF, 's sad irons, in the possession of Mrs. Margaretfa Gal- braith, a sister of Jane McWilliams, who resides in Lexington, Ohio. 24 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. The home in which Polly Denning died, and which John and Sarah McWilliams owned, was situated on the South side of West Main street, on the lots now owned by the Davidson's and Hartzell's. The house was log, and stood par- allel with the street, the entrance being at the West end, and two windows on the side towards the street. The old log house and lot was purchased by John Bricker, father of George M. Bricker, living on Parsorage street. So near as we can learn, a portion of the house stood where the large pine -tree now grows, in C. D. Hartzell's yard, at the east end of his house. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 25 HOW THE APPROPRIATION ^VJs^S SEOXJRED. To have a suitable tablet placed over this man's grave, was, within the past two years, firmly de- cided on. About the first earnest work, was the appearance of W. A. Middleton among our town people, asking for signatures. His time was OC* cupied chiefly in Harrisburg, and the paper was left in the hai^s of B. F. Shulenberger, to solicit more names. The names were secured to the petition asking the State to appropriate $t,ooo for erecting a monument over Denning's grave. The petition was placed in the hands of Hon. S. M, Wherry, of the House of Representatives, and Hon. Willam A. Martin, of the Senate. The bill passed, of which the following is an exact copy» LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. NO. 291. An Act. Making an appropriation for the erection of a suitable tab- let or mon\iment to mark the grave of William Denning. Section I. Be it enacted, &c., That the sum of one thousand dollars be and the same is hereby appropriated to erect a tablet or monument to mark the grave of William Denning, who con- structed wrought-iron cannon for use of the Revo- lutionary army. The said sum to be paid to the treasurer of the Newville Cemetery Association, upon a warrant drawn by the Auditor Gereral when the officers of said Association have filed with the State Treasurer a certificate under oath, that such suitable tablet or monument has been erected, an actual cost for said tablet or memor- ial of not less than one thousand dollars, and that the entire amount of same will, on the payment of sum hereby appropriated, be fully paid and sat- isfied. Approved— the 24th day of May, A. D. 1889, upon the express condition that the design of the monument be approved by and the money ex- pended under the direction of the Board of Pub- lic Grounds and Buildings of the Commonwealth. James A. Beaver. A number of designs were examined, but the present one seemed to please those who had it in charge, and the contract was awarded to comrade D. J. Shull, of Chamberburg, a noted marble LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 27 worker. The monument was made in Vermont, shipped on the i6th day of September, and reach- ed Newville on Friday, October 3rd. The weath- er being so inclement, it remained at the freight depot until the next week, and then hauled to the * Presbyterian Cemetery by Thomas J. Campbell. Six horses were attached to the wagon. The committee to attend to the placing of this valuable marker, was composed of Rev. E. Ers- kine, D. D., Ex-Senator, S. C. Wagner and Har- ry Manning. The day for unvailing, was at one time, ex- pected to be observed on October 20th, but as that time did not suit, it was decided to postpone the memorable day until after the Fall election in No- vember, and the day was set for Thursday, No- vember 6th, 1890, at 2 P. M. William H. Egle, Supt. of the Public Library at Harrisburg, is to be the historian for the day. W. H. Middleton, an attorney from Harrisburg, will also be an orator that day. Governor Beaver, and the committee on Public Grounds will be present. At this writing, great preparations are being made lor observing the event in the most appropriate manner, but the program will not be made out in time for publication in this work. ^There was great dissatisfaction openly expressed when it was learned that the marker was to be placed as above. The general public opinion was, for it to be placed on the Dia- mond, formed by Railroad and Parsonage streets, where it could have been seen by visitors. 28 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. The full page illustration on the opposite page, is an exact representation of the Denning monu- ment. DIMENSIONS OF THE MONUMENT. The Stature is of dark Barre Granite, composed of four pieces of the following dimensions, mount- ed with a cannon pointing toward England. Lower base, 7ft. 6in. x 4ft. 6in. and 2iin. high* Second base, 6ft. long, 3ft. wide and ift. 4in* high. The die is 4ft. Sin. wide, ift, loin, thick, and 5ft. 3in. high. The cannon, is 5ft long and iiin.Jn diameter. The exact height is 9 feet 2 inches. The lower base weighs 5 1-4 tons and the en- tire weight is II tons. Beside the cannon, four balls are fastened, and on the Northern side of the die is a beautiful Me- dallion of a blacksmiths forge, in bas relief. The four faces of the bottom base are rock fin- ish. The second base is fine hammered, and the name Wm. Denning is placed there in five inch sunk letters. The following inscription is in sunk- en letters on the North side of the die. Erected by the State of Pennsylvania, in memory of William Denning, the Patriotic Blacksmith and forger of Wrou£jht-Iron Cannon during the Revolutionary War. Born 1737, died 1830. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 29 The House on Corporation street in which James Denning died on Sunday morning, May 19th, 1832. The house on West Main, street in which John and Sarah Mc Williams lived, and where Mary (Polly) Denning died, in 1835. This page was intended for cut of the Denning monument, but it failed to arrive in time. 30 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. Comrade Shull, the contractor, was a soldier in the late war, a member of the ist Ohio Volunteers, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 31 APPENDIX. George Lippard's article in Blanche of Brandy- wine; gives a glowing account of the Heroic Black smith of Brandywine, which battle occurred on September ii, 1777. There can be no doubt that Denning participated in that battle, and since this work has been commenced, it has been our fortune to secure knowledge from several ?ged persons to the effect that upon one occasion, the subject be- coming greatly excited, and while explaining a portion of the military tactics, he described a scene in the Battle of Brandywine, in which he was one of the principal actors, J, Johnson Herron was the writer of the article which begins on page 15 and ends on page 17, which he obtained from Hazard's Register, Vol. 7, LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. Robert McWilliaros, of Harrisburg, a local preacher in the employ of the P. R. R. Compan}^, stated that James Denning informed him that they came from England. James M. Harlan and his mother, lived in the house at Green Spring, after it was vacated by William Denning. This gentleman has a remark- able memory at his advanced age of 72 years, and was a great help in compiling the present history. His wife remembers very distinctly of seeing Pol- ly Denning, when she was a corpse in the Mc- Williams house on Main Street. Some time in the sixties, there was an effort made by the blacksmiths of this county to meet at Carlisle, to organize a plan by which to secure a marker, but it never reached a point upon whicn an orginazation could be formed. THE CORRECT TRACING. Through the kindness of Mr. Harper Snyder, of this Borough, we have secured all the deeds of the Denning homestead, since 1819. Prior to the time of being owned by Wm. Den- ning, it was first owned by Christian Kettering, who applied for a land patent from the State, and on November, 25, 1819, he sold it to Daniel Spidle. On May 25, 1821, Daniel Spidle and wife, re- ceived the Patent from the State for the tract, and on April 8, 1826, they sold it to William Denning, for the sum ol $100. James Denning was one of LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 38 the witnesses on the deed, and Wm. Richej^ was the Justice of the Peace. On February 24, 1827, William Denning sold the tract to Mary (Polly) Denning, for the sum of $100. On April 2, 1832, some two years after her father's death, she sold it to Robert Middleton for the sum of $80.00. On March 6, 1835, Michael Kolcomb, Sheriff of Cumberland County, sold the tract for $45.00, Andrew Middleton being the purchaser. On December 12, 1838. Andrew Middleton, sold it to John McFait, and on Oct. i, 1845, Mc- Fait, sold it to George Asper, for $150.00. In 1855, on Oct. 3, George Asper, sold it to John Getz, for $250.00, who in turn sold it to J. P. Leitzel for $300,00, on Oct. 14. 1869. J. P. Leitzel, sold it to Wm. H. Long, for $300. on November 24, 1870. He in turn sold it to J. Harper Sayder, for $1,000 on November i, 1884. Mrs. Charlotte Kinsley, living on East Main Sreet, this Borough, is a lady of 87 years, with a clear mind in reference to transactions of the past. She states that Poll}^ Denning came to church on Sunday mornings, and it was her usual habit of first coming to their house to change her shoes or arrange her clothing after a walk through the dust or mud. She remembers very distinctly of seeing William Denning, quite often as he came to town 34 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. with a staff in one hand and an umbrella in the other hand. In her younger years she states that her mother, accompanied by Mrs. Miller, whose maiden name Iwas *Furgeson, went to William Denning's and returned with a lot of sweet cher- ries, the first she had ever seen. Her remembrance of James was, that he was given to dissipation, which was the chief cause of his sudden death. He had a great talent for composing poetry. He was known by every- body as Jimmy Denning, the poet. Mr. John Snoke, of Green Spring, said the Denning blacksmith shop stood on the north side of the State Road, from the Bull's Head Hotel, at the cross roads. This same gentleman has a pair ot lire tongues and shovel, made by William Den- ning. They were purchased at the sale of grand- mother Asper's, personal property. William Boyd at one time a resident of Newville, now dec'd, told Mr. Snoke, how William Denning experi-' mented before he made his first cannon. He first took a short piece of a tree, and instructed five men who were to wield the sledge. They prac- ticed striking until he felt confident they would strike in regular order, and when the heat was ready, the rive men plied the heavy sledge in rap- id succession as they had been instructed. This story comes from a reliable source. *This Mrs. Miller, was a sister of the William Furgeson. who constructed the carriages for Denning's cannon. See history later on in this work. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 35 We have now given a short history of the Den- ning family. Although very much disjointed, we only learned many of the incidents when the work was too far advanced to make the desired connec- tion. And while we have gone thus far, it will perhaps be interesting to speak of a fact, not gen- erally known by many of our people. Within one hundred feet east of the Denning monument, is the grave of WILLIAM FURGESON, whose life was closely connected with that of his friend William Denning. He too, lived in the Revolutionary days, and was perhaps as patriotic as any man who then lived. To this individual is given the honor of constructing the CARRIAGES FOR DENNING'S CANNON, He lived at that time, a short distance below Mt. Rock, where he worked at the manufacture of wagons &c. To him, William Denning ap- plied for help in the construction of carriages for his cannon, and in his shop, he furnished the re- quired wood work tor the purpose above describ- ed. His grave is marked with a common marble headstone, which bears the following inscription : William Furgeson, Who departed this life, April, 23, 1834, Aged about 76 years. Contractor Shull, had his men clean off the 36 LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. soiled stone, and many persons viewed the in- scription the same day. This WilHam Furgeson, was the grandfather of John Harlan, on East Main Street. Some day, possibly, there will be a motion made to have a more artistic tablet placed as a marker to this grave. A number of soldiers are interred in this same Cemetery. An investigation shows the number to be forty-seven. Of these, twenty-eight were soldiers of the Rebellion, the remainder beirg of the Revolutionary War, and the war of 1812 and 1814. Mr. Poulson was editor of Poulson's Daily Advertiser, in Philadelphia. The following letter was written by a citizen of Philadelphia, to the editor in January 1831, immediately after William Denning' s obituary appeared in the Daily Adver- tiser, of January 3. 1831, which was two weeks after Den- ning' s death. Mr. Poulson. Observing in the obituary notice of Wm. Denning, in your paper of the 3rd, that he made the only successful at- tempt ever made to manufacture wrought-iron cannon, I can inform you of at least another instance, it was that of Sam- uel Wheler, whose shop was in the vicinity of Christ Church, and who invented and munuf actured at that place, a wrought iron cannon, which was used with success by the Americans until captured by the British at the battle of Brandywine, and was by them placed in the tower of London. As that was the only wrought-iron cannon captured at the battle, probably the writer of the notice referred to above, has blend- ed that circumstance with some subsequent transactions of Wm. Denning. Jan. 1831. Citizen. It seems there is a difference of opinion in reference to the cannon said to be in the tower of London. Could it be possi- ble that the cannon captured at the battle of Brandywine, as stated in the letter to Mr. Poulson, was placed there, and if so, what would cause it to be removed. It is stated upon the best authority, that n o such cannon can be found in the Tow- er at the present time. LIFE OF WILLIAM DENNING. 37 Several hundred feet south west of the Denning monument is a lot of ground fenced off, in which enclosure lie the remains of some of the Buchan- on family. One of these stones bears the name of Thomas Buchanon, a general in the Revolution- ary War, who died October 13, 1823, aged 76 years. He was a member of the '^Society of the Cincinnati", to which none but officers of the Rev- olutionary War, could belong. This organiza- tion was similar to the G. A. R. of to-day. In the Shippensburg Cemetery, lie the remains of Polly Buchanon, aged 104 years and James Buch- anon, aged 96 years. Ihey belonged to the same lineage, and their tablets erected over their graves, bear the Scotch coat of arms, on which are two large Falcons. We are also indebted to Mr. Geo. L. Gussman, of this Borough, for his aid in gathering the facts herein stated, and for some of the sketches. This gentleman, it is claimed, was the 3'oungest sol- dier who served in the late Rebellion. The End. ERRATA. On page 7 in the last clause of the Battle of Prmceton, it is stated that the precise date cannot be ascertained when Den- ning left the army. If it is true that he entered the army at its earliest stage, and while it is known that he was discharg- ed at Carlisle, in 1783, after the treaty of peace was establish- ed, it is also evident that he was out of the army while en- gaged in the construction of cannon. That explains the state- ment, in reference to the time of leaving the army. The statement made on page 16, that he was born in 1736, should read 1737. The blacksmith demonstration referred to on page 32 as having occurred in the sixties, was of much later origin. The informant had reference to the Independent Club, or the Big Spring Literary Society, at which time Mr. Eckels made the first speech in favor of erecting a monument. II' w CBCCTtO BY Wr STATE OT 1 ~--1 m\ PEWSVLVAKU Wi ■« MEMORY Of i\\\ M WIUJAM DENNIMC \ ki THE WTFKmC BUCJfSMmi WD 1 \ ' FOUCER or WROUGHT IRON CMWt i| ' OURINGTHEREVOUmoiUliYtiyj. 1 , BORN 1737 -WEO 1830. ¥lM^iim«W' ''iiiil,V'i!l!i &ft. mm "ill ';!:'r ||M i .ni,i|.|iii 'i . i' i i i;iiir r r i' i '' iii ' in i ""ffl EBY'S ■ MARBLE - WORKS. OPPOSITE THE TIMES OFFICE, NEWVILLE, PA. WE CARRY A NICE LINE OF HEADSTONES, AND MONUMENTS, MARBLE AND GRANITE. All work guranteed first class, and a large variety of beau- tiful designs from which to select. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. 0. B, EBY, Proprietor. CC Q. < Q. -J < THOMAS B.MYBRS8Z: CO NEWVILLE, PA. DEALER IN EVERYTHING FOUND IN A -HitlflAl^li W/\ltE€B S#©ltE.3N- Sole agents for Devoe's Brilliant Oil, the best and cheapest oil to be had. Monuments Not of Stona GEO. M.BRICKER, Agent, THE BEAUTIFUL White Bronze MONUMENTS, IMPERISHABLE BY NATURE And Ever Enduring in Beauty. TjK CHANGEABLE IN COLOR. Recommended by the most eminent scien" tists of the country as being far superior to U Marble or Granite. For particulars call on or addres:j Newville, Pa, B. P. BMRICK, AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES, Emrick's Chicken Powder is acknowledged to be a supe- rior article and produces the desired effect. High Street, Newville, Fa, (Wagner's block.) D. M. Weaver^ PRACTICAL - BLACKSMITH CORPORATION STREET OPP. HACKETT'S LIVERY. Horse shoeing a specialty. All kinds of heavy work execut- ed in the best mechanical manner. Prices low enough for all. 2- YOD ALWAYS FIND A FULL Stock of Groeerios, Quoensware, Lamps and Glassware, At Mell's. < DEALERS IN ^GROCERIES, -o- NOTIONS-*^ AND General Merchandise, South High Street, Newville, Pa. We carry a large stock, bought at such bargains, that en- ables us to sell at reasonably low prices. Income' to see us when you desire good goods for the least money. A. J. KUTZ & SON. Dealers in the Peerless Traction and Portable Engines, the new Peerless Threshers, Binders, Reapers, Mowers, Hay Rakes, Wagons Plows, Cultivators, Grain Drills, Corn Planters, Feed Cutters and Circular Saws, Newville, Pa. Repairs for all kinds and Patterns of Machinery, constantly on hand. Repairing done at moderate prices in the most mechanical manner* MARBLE and GRANITE. D. J. SHULL, MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN iVTeraorial AVork^ comprising Foreign and Domes- tic MARBLE AND GRANITE. FOR MONUMENTS, TABLETS, COPING, MARKERS, POSTS, STEPS, &c. My ja,rds are well stocked with a large variety of finished work. Having over thirty years experience in the monu* mental business, will guarantee good work and material to all customers. Prices very reasonable. Designs and esti- mates furnished on application. Yards and works on EAST MARKET STREET, CHAMBERSBURG. SOUTH RAILROAD ST., SHjPPENSBURG, PA. UNDER THS HALL. For a clean shave, stylish hair cut, and prompt attention, be directed as above. J CHARLES ANDRESS, Proprietor. R. Williams, THE COISTFECTIONER. 14 & 18 S. HIG-H ST., NEW\^ILLE, PA. Manufacturer and dealer in all the new confections. Fresli goods, our motto. To take a comfortable Icok at the i- l^0lil(lll!«JEIi¥, Stop on the way at SWIGEKT 8l SOI'S Btore, and get one of their OTercoats or a Ladies wrap or Reefers, HEADQUARTERS For Ready Made Clothing of all kinds. For the four year old boy to the eighty year old veteran. Groceries, Notions, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Carpets, Oil Cloths, ^e have a full line to select from, which ^^e want to ex- change for cash or country produce. COAC HSMITH- :- SHOPS. PARKER WHELSR, PR OPRIETOR, We do first-class work, and guarantee it. Buggies ironed ac- cording to the latest and best styles. f(epaip^onk Qiccn special MttcntioQ and prices moderate. Shops: Opposite The Times Office. " .^. ...^ ^oPT) - ^ ^ >°-n r .'v:.'- .^^^^. HECKMAN BINDERY INC. |§ ^APR 89 N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962 ^-•^^ Ai--^^