There was a query a few days back about histories of the county from one of our list colleages who wanted to "read up", and I thought, that's a good idea--I'd like to do that, too. So I dug out the bibliography of county histories and found several for Franklin County. Where to find one? I tried the used and rare bookseller, Alibris. Lo and behold, they had Israel D. Rupp's monumental work on several counties, including Franklin -- for $1250.00. I kept looking at it, trying to make it $12.50, but no luck. So I gave that idea up. Then a few days later, I was looking for something else in the Red Book, and lo and behold, it mentioned in passing that many early Pennsylvania histories, narratives and manuscripts (including Rupp) are available on microfilm from the LDS. That strikes me as a miserable way to try to read a book, but I pass it along for whatever it might be worth. Incidentally, in the process of doing this, I discovered 53 titles (I think it was 53) for Franklin County, PA in the Library of Congress, including a number of genealogy books with surnames listed. I thought I saw some that sounded familiar from our list, though I wouldn't swear to it. No Gelwicks, Koutz, or Zimmerman, though. C'est l'vie. And I will get back to Rupp/Rupe one of these days. Judy Hall

Greetings, I would like to ask someone's assistance to get some information on my Brabham relatives who lived in Chambersburg, late 1800s. My greatgrandfather was a Presbyterian minister, African American. His daughter, my grandmother, was Marion E. Brabham. She was born in Chambersburg in April 1899. The home where the Brabhams lived is still there, and still occupied - a very nice house (I can't recall the address). I am near Kosovo, in Macedonia. Is there someone on the list who could help me find this info? I cannot find anything in records available on the Internet. Thanks very much, Marian Douglas, from York PA dasha@unet.com.mk (in Macedonia)

I tried the URL that was listed for the Kittochtinny Historical Society and was unable to use it. Can some one check it for me to be sure it was correct?

Sorry, I hit the send button when I meant to paste the site address. It is http://www.parainbow.com/ Subject: Area information >For a background information and a free map of Franklin County, try this >site. Go into 'Area information' then ask for addtional information. You >should get a form to fill out with your mailing address. I tried it and got >a package of tourist information and a decent map of the county showing the >creeks, townships and a few other things that I needed. >

For a background information and a free map of Franklin County, try this site. Go into 'Area information' then ask for addtional information. You should get a form to fill out with your mailing address. I tried it and got a package of tourist information and a decent map of the county showing the creeks, townships and a few other things that I needed.

Our appreciation goes to Rootsweb for their outstanding professionalism in getting their server up after the hard drive crash! Thank you very much! The following FamilyHart sites are now up with all updates: Pennsylvania Names, History, and Genealogy http://www.rootsweb.com/~panames/ Franklin County, Pennsylvania USGW http://www.rootsweb.com/~pafrankl/ Kittochtinny Historical Society (Franklin Co., PA) http://www.rootsweb.com/~pakhs/ Washington County, Maryland USGW http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdwashin/ Washington County, Maryland Historical Society http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdwchs/ Garrett County, Maryland USGW http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdgarret/garrett.html Frederick County, Maryland USGW http://www.rootsweb.com/~mdfreder/ The following two sites were not affected by the downed server: Pennsylvania Dutch Family History http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~padutch/ FamilyHart Pennsylvania Dutch Online Database http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~padutch/familyhart/ Thanks! Don & Jeanine FamilyHart

Hi! I hope someone can help me, I am looking for information on Elisha (Ransom)Benedict and his wife Mary Hartzell. Mary's parents were Daniel and Elizabeth Weaver Hartzell. Elisha parents are Joseph and Emily Lathrop Benedict. I am interested in finding out about Elisha and Mary's children. Thank you for you help Laura

Don-- Have you got that URL right? When I try it, I get a message that the publisher can't find the page. URLs are just too damn complicated, anyway. Just call me electronically challenged. Judy Hall

Just an FYI The www.rootsweb.com server at Rootsweb crashed last night. They currently have a backup from September online. Many of the FamilyHart maintained sites were affected. Here is a summary of the results of this crash: The Washington County, Maryland Historical Society and the Kittochtinny Historical Society (Franklin Co., PA) sites are not there. Also updates to the Franklin County, PA USGW; Garrett County, MD USGW; Washington County, MD USGW; Frederick County, MD USGW; and Pennsylvania Name, History and Genealogy sites made since the September update are not there. The Pennsylvania Dutch Family History and FamilyHart Database sites were not affected by this crash. FTP services to the www.rootsweb.com server are suspended for now but will be up as soon as the server is rebuilt. The server is in the process of being rebuilt from the RAID-5 files even as we speak. It should be online barring any more problems later today and at the latest tomorrow morning. Thanks! Don & Jeanine FamilyHart

Hi Folks The following info is from the PA Archives, Series 9, Volume 2 Barbara PAFRANKL list baha@bitxbit.net Thursday, Feb 26th, 1795 The several fines imposed upon Henry Knode by the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, of the County of Franklin, in November, 1794, and in February 1795, upon being convicted of keeping a Tippling House upon 2 indictments, amounting to 20 pounds, with costs, were this day transmitted by the Governor. Thursday, March 19, 1795 Richard Childerstone was appointed Justice of the Peace for the District of the Township of Fannet in the County of Franklin. Tuesday, Apr 7, 1795 A Letter was written to Major Andrew Ralston by the Secretary relative to the application of Mr. Paul Morrow, a Regimental Quarter Master, and Dr. Samuel Kerr, a Surgeons Mate, who were employed in the Western Expedition from the County of Franklin, for some additional pay, for extra services. Wednesday, Apr 15, 1795 A pardon was this day granted by the Governor to the following named Person: Thomas Moreland convicted of keeping a Tippling House in the County of Franklin and fined ten pounds, with Costs of Suit. Thursday, May 7th 1795 A Pardon was granted to Rudolph Earnest who was convicted of Larceny in the County of Franklin and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment at hard labour, and fined four pounds 10 shillings with Costs, etc. Monday, May 25th 1795 A Pardon was this day granted by the Governor to Richard Greenfield who was convicted at a Court of Oyer and Terminer held at Chambersburgh in and for the County of Franklin in May instant of passing Counterfeit money of the likeness of spanish milled dollars and sentenced for said offense by the said Court to be imprisoned 5 years at hard labour, and fined one hundred dollars with Costs of Suit. - -------------------------------------

You may want to check out their new site at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~pakhs/ Thanks! Don

I am new to this list and just found out about my PA ancestors. Can anyone help me with my research? Christian Hoover born 1771 and Barbara Beam Hoover born 1775 Franklin Co., PA son of above: Samuel Hoover born 1807 Peters Twp., Franklin Co., PA Samuel migrated to Burlington and Camden Co., NJ. Thank you for any help or advice and please email me privately Pat Billings

To anyone working on SKINNER, MINNICK, WALKER or RISHER families. I have posted various records on the Franklin County board under "Deeds", "Wills" and "Bible Records." How about some others on this list adding their family records! Carolyn

I'm not sure whether Nicky got any results on the request for info about Emanuel Rupe. He appears in the 1830 index in Montgomery Twshp. p. 418. The best bet to look at the record itself would be to rent the microfilm at the Family History Center if you're near one; some of the larger libraries also have the micofilms, I'm told. As you probably know the 1830 and earlier censuses give only very sketchy info--no. adult males, females, male & female children, without names. You might luck into a marriage record at the PA State Archives in Harrisburg; otherwise, More on this in few a minutes--I just got interrupted. Judy Hall

I know I am repeating myself, but I am stuck in Franklin County with no information. I have written several letters to the Societies & libraries, with no responses. I am looking for information on the George & AnaMaria (Rummel) Cromer family who lived in the Jordan farm or mansion south of Mercersburg probably after 1800 & before 1840's when they moved to Clear Springs, MD. Also looking for information on the parents/siblings of John Mowrey? who was born 1814 in Peters Township. Father's name may have been Daniel, mother Mary? Siblings known: Jacob, Elijah, ? John married Mary Cromer in Mercersburg in 1836. They moved to Clear Springs, MD area in 1840's, then moved to Indiana 1850's. I would appreciate any help on these families, as I have hit a dead end in Franklin County. I would love to have any information, births, deaths, marriages, names of siblings/parents, probate, etc. Supposedly, John's father is buried in Chambersburg. Thank you for your help. I am willing to share any information I have. Marilyn Barber Danville, IN

Hi all, What would be a good history book for Franklin county? I don't want a book of biographies, but one that goes over the townships, etc. Also - if you know the vendor, that would be great! Also - I'm looking for a good source of maps, or a good gazeteer for the same area. I've found that when working with these two resources, it really helps me get a grip on what the area is like. Thanks for any help! Bonnie (Bonz)

Re Carolyn's E-Mail--Wow! That does top me--maybe it's something in the air, or in the waiter, in Franklin County? Or maybe someone should have given these folks one of those books with lists of possible baby names? Judy Hall

Maybe Franklin is the place for such things to happen. There were two Jacob TRAXLERs who both married women named Elizabeth CRAMER. 1. Jacob TRAXLER, born 8-8-1786 Shippensburg, Cumberland County, PA- d c 1871 Franklin County, was enumerated in the Southampton Twp census (#99) in 1850. His wife Elizabeth was dead at that date. Children from Bible records: Elizabeth 1810, Daniel 1812, George 1814, Catherina 1816, Mary 1818, Isabella 1820, Jacob Reno 1822, Margaret 1824, Michael 1826, John A 1828 and Amanda 1831. 2. Jacob TRAXLER, born 10-28-1807 Cumberland or Franklin County, died 4-24-1871 Henry County, IA, was also in Southampton Twp in 1850 (#341) His children from census and history of Henry county were Catherine A 1827, John 1829, Jacob 1831, Mary 1835, Elizabeth 1837, Frances R 1840, George 1842, Joseph 1846 and Grizzel/ Grazel died at age 9. As you can see, both Jacob Traxlers and Elizabeth Cramers had children Catherine, John, Jacob, Mary, Elizabeth and George. Any descendents of either family working on these lines?

Looking for information on John Riggle Jr, b. July 15, 1824, in St Thomas township, Franklin County. About 1845 he married Maria (sometimes Mariah) Garman (sometimes Gorman). They had two children Alice Sophia b. abt 1846 and Henry b. March 1850. John died before 1855 as Maria married again in Henry County, IN on March 6, 1855. Any information of John Jr's death date or this family would be appreciated. Dick Burkard San Antonio, Texas

No real question here--just a thought I wanted to share to all who--like me--find themselves drawing oh-so-many inferences from not a lot of evidence. I've mentioned that I'm looking for information on my great grandfather, Charles Gelwicks. For a long while, all I had was his name on my grandfather's death certificate, and a birthplace, Pennsylvania (no county or town given). Then another researcher found him in the Franklin County 1860 census, age 48, with wife Elizabeth, 38, children Charlotte (12), Eleanor (10), Luther (6--my grandfather), Anna (2). But then in the Ancestry file I found a John Gelwicks, born 1812, wife Elizabeth, born 1815, and a bunch of children including Charlotte, born 1848, and Anna, born 1858 or 1859, but no Eleanor or Luther. He had lived in Franklin County until he moved to Carroll County IL in 1859 or thereabouts. It didn't seem possible to me that there could have been two men the exact same age named Gelwicks in Franklin County, each with a wife named Elizabeth, a daughter named Charlotte born in 1848 and a daugher named Anna born in 1858. Well, turns out that there were; I found John with his name misspelled Galwicks in the 1860 census in Carroll County. I was still puzzled by the coincidene of the two Charlottes and the two Annas. But now I find there definitely were two Charlottes. Charlotte No. 1, "my" Charlotte, married McCauley Zimmerman in McConnellsburg PA in 1870; Charlotte No. 2 married Lorenzo Asbury (or Asburg) in 1873 in Carroll County. Let this be a lesson to me! Judy Hall