Valley of the Shadow

Virginia

Pennsylvania

1859

1860

1861

1862

1863

1864

1865

1866

02 Jan

  • 77th PA Regiment seen near Cincinnati.

    Franklin County, PA

  • State legislature convened at Harrisburg, PA.

    Pennsylvania

04 Jan

  • Democratic State Committee met in Harrisburg.

    Pennsylvania

09 Jan

  • Annual election at the banking house.

    Franklin County, PA

10 Jan

  • 7th Normal School District Convention held at Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

11 Jan

  • A grandson of Christian Brechill received mortal wound from accident with circular saw.

    Franklin County, PA

12 Jan

  • Vindicator reports that thousands in West Virginia want to reunite with Virginia.

    Augusta County, VA

13 Jan

  • A "swindler" stole $60-$70 from a number of citizens.

    Franklin County, PA

15 Jan

  • Churchville Farmer's Club met.

    Augusta County, VA

18 Jan

  • Chambersburg Musical Union gave a concert in the courthouse.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Jan

  • General Assembly approved construction of a railroad from Winchester to Strasburg.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Republican State Committee met in Harrisburg, PA.

    Pennsylvania

20 Jan

  • Gov. Curtin addressed the state legislature.

    Pennsylvania

22 Jan

  • Bill introduced in PA legislature to provide $500,000 in relief to Chambersburg for the burning of the town by Confederates.

    Franklin County, PA

24 Jan

  • Valley Spirit reported that William Hatton, from Shippensburg, vomited an 18-inch live snake. A. K. McClure opened law office with John Stewart.

    Franklin County, PA

25 Jan

  • Collection of state and county taxes began.

    Augusta County, VA

  • The Chambersburg Musical Association gave a concert.

    Franklin County, PA

04 Feb

  • Rev. J. A. Price addressed the annual Missionary Anniversary of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

07 Feb

  • Vindicator reported that freedmen stole $60 worth of merchandise from the Boot & Shoe store of C. N. Williams.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Valley Spirit reported that a ballot would soon be presented to PA concerning African-American voting.

    Pennsylvania

09 Feb

  • W.W. Wallace, Chairman of the PA Democratic party, addressed PA's Democrats.

    Pennsylvania

10 Feb

  • John Baldwin, of Augusta, led a meeting between a VA delegation and Pres. Andrew Johnson.

    Augusta County, VA

12 Feb
  • National

    1st formal observance of Lincoln's birthday.

15 Feb

  • The Baptist Fair began a fair to raise funds to repair the church.

    Augusta County, VA

  • PA legislature passed bill to provide relief to Chambersburg as a result of the Confederate attack.

    Franklin County, PA

16 Feb

  • Vindicator reported that a Masonic Lodge organized in Wayneboro.

    Augusta County, VA

19 Feb

  • Gen. Lee arrived in Staunton on his return from Washington, D.C.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Johnson vetoed new Freedmen's Bureau bill passed by Congress.

26 Feb

  • Meeting held "to endorse the policy of President Johnson."

    Augusta County, VA

01 Mar

  • Fire destroyed Daniel Miller's house.

    Franklin County, PA

02 Mar

  • Vindicator reported a boy seen trying to set fire to the carpenter shop of Smith & Booth.

    Augusta County, VA

05 Mar

  • Meeting in McConellsburg named managers of the Chambersburg & Bedford Turnpike Road Co.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Democratic State Convention nominated Hiester Clymer for governor.

    Pennsylvania

07 Mar

  • Republican State Convention nominated John W. Geary for governor.

    Pennsylvania

10 Mar

  • About $50 worth of food stolen from store of Capt. A. M. Pierce.

    Augusta County, VA

  • South Ward Democrats of Chambersburg met at Samuel Greenwalt's Hotel to nominate a ticket for spring elections. Democrats of Hamilton Township meet at Mount Jackson school to nominate a ticket for township officers.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Mar

  • Valley Spirit reported that PA was only state to have assumed care of dead soldiers' children.

    Pennsylvania

16 Mar

  • Vindicator reports that George Peyton will reopen the Virginia Hotel in April, and the houses of W. T. Crawford & John Glick both recently burned.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Township elections held.

    Franklin County, PA

20 Mar
  • National

    Trial trip of the "Nautilus," a hydraulic propeller operated with steam.

23 Mar

  • Vindicator reported that Freedmen's Bureau will allow cases involving blacks to be tried in civil courts. Staunton Bible Committee established a book repository at Mr. Cowan's bookstore. William Donovan, of Staunton, completed his plaster cast of a marble bust of Stonewall Jackson.

    Augusta County, VA

26 Mar

  • Home of Dr. Samuel Kennerly burned to the ground.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Train struck a wagon, killing a horse, on the Franklin Railroad in Hagerstown.

    Franklin County, PA

27 Mar

  • W.W. Wallace provided the address of the Democratic State Central Committee.

    Pennsylvania

  • National

    Johnson vetoed Civil Rights Bill passed by Congress.

29 Mar

  • A. Metz's stable set on fire.

    Franklin County, PA

31 Mar

  • Engine that ran the Elizabeth Furnace sawmill burst.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Meeting of local Democrats.

    Franklin County, PA

Apr
  • National

    Baltimore fair for the relief of destitute Southern States nets $164,569

01 Apr

  • Mr. Scott "paraded" down New Street in Staunton with a black woman.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Western Union absorbed the United States Telegraph Co., creating the 1st US monopoly.

02 Apr

  • Johnson proclaimed the end of insurrection in VA.

    Virginia

  • National

    Habeas Corpus writ restored in all states and territories, except TX.

04 Apr

  • Valley Railroad Convention met in Staunton. Elections held for mayor, councilmen, and chief of police.

    Augusta County, VA

06 Apr

  • Vindicator reported that an infant was found dead near Mr. Stoddard's house, & the Augusta Soldiers' Cemetery Committee raised money.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Man named Skelly arrested for setting fire to Catherine Badebaugh's stable.

    Franklin County, PA

09 Apr
  • National

    Civil Rights Act passed over Johnson's veto.

10 Apr

  • Virginia Hotel reopened.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Democratic meeting held at courthouse.

    Franklin County, PA

20 Apr

  • Vindicator reported that local post offices reopened at Mt. Meridan, Stribling Springs, Moffett's Creek, & Jennings' Gap.

    Augusta County, VA

21 Apr

  • Judge Lucas P. Thompson died.

    Augusta County, VA

25 Apr

  • Valley Spirit reported PA passed bill prohibiting railroads "from refusing to carry passengers on account of their color or race."

    Pennsylvania

28 Apr

  • Fire Company of Staunton paraded by torchlight.

    Augusta County, VA

01 May

  • Convention of School Directors elected P.M. Shoemaker as County Superintendent.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Race riots begin in Memphis, TN

02 May

  • Valley Spirit reported that in celebration of the Civil Rights Bill, blacks in Norfolk, VA, attacked whites.

    Virginia

  • Valley Spirit reported the body of unknown man found in barn of Michael Butt.

    Franklin County, PA

08 May

  • Remains of Thomas Garber, color bearer of 12th VA Calvary, returned to Staunton & buried in Thornrose Cemetery.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    US Circuit Court in the District of VA indicted Jefferson Davis for complicity in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

10 May

  • Celebration for the Confederate dead held in Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

11 May

  • Vindicator reported that in the "last month" an infant was left at home of George Keiser and now being raised by Mrs. Sampson Pelter, Jr.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Frederick Dosh committed suicide at Stoufferstown.

    Franklin County, PA

12 May

  • Mrs. Feldman's "little store" was broken into and robbed.

    Franklin County, PA

14 May

  • Jacob Poe died in an accident cutting wood near his home.

    Franklin County, PA

15 May
  • National

    Johnson vetoed the Admission of Colorado bill.

16 May

  • Valley Spirit reported that the Farmers' and Mechanics' Industrial Association of Franklin met and elected officers.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    Congress authorized issuance of the nickel.

20 May

  • Rev. Joseph Loose's barn destroyed by fire.

    Franklin County, PA

21 May

  • S.D. Humbert's home destroyed by fire.

    Augusta County, VA

  • George Kyle's stable set on fire. Wolff's barn set on fire.

    Franklin County, PA

23 May

  • Valley Spirit reported that Gov. Curtin visited Chambersburg & stayed with A. K. McClure.

    Franklin County, PA

24 May

  • Election held for sheriff & constables.

    Augusta County, VA

25 May

  • Vindicator reported that the local Freedmen's court was suspended.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Vindicator reported the Convention of the Union Republican Party of VA met in Alexandria last week.

    Virginia

27 May

  • The Spring House of John B. Engleman robbed.

    Augusta County, VA

31 May

  • St. Francis' Church held ceremony with Ms. S. McMahon crowned "Queen of May."

    Augusta County, VA

01 Jun

  • The smokehouse of F.M. Young robbed.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Fight between 2 African-Americans in Fayetteville, 1 killed.

    Franklin County, PA

06 Jun

  • Valley Spirit reported a large band of gypsies encamped near Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

08 Jun

  • Vindicator reported that Pres. Johnson pardoned Adam Shuey & Jason Carson of Augusta.

    Augusta County, VA

  • George Greenawalt's barn set ablaze by lightning.

    Franklin County, PA

09 Jun

  • The Ladies' Cemetery Committee gathered men to work on graves of soldiers.

    Augusta County, VA

15 Jun
  • National

    Johnson vetoed Public Lands Bill & extension of Freedmen's Bureau Bill.

16 Jun
  • National

    Congress overrode Johnson's veto of the extension of the Freedmen's Bureau Bill.

19 Jun

  • Closing exercises for Augusta Female Seminary held in Presbyterian Church.

    Augusta County, VA

20 Jun

  • PA Supreme Court ruled the Act of March 3, 1863, which disfranchised deserters, unconstitutional.

    Pennsylvania

22 Jun

  • Vindicator reported that Gen. Colston delivered 2 lectures last week in Staunton on the life and character of Stonewall Jackson.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Johnson sent message to Congress arguing against presenting 14th Amendment to states for ratification.

23 Jun

  • Town council met.

    Augusta County, VA

25 Jun

  • Ladies of the Methodist Episcopal Church South held fair at town hall.

    Augusta County, VA

26 Jun

  • Resolution passed at public meeting at courthouse denouncing the course of Congress & praising Pres. Johnson. Lutheran Sunday School held picnic near Staunton.

    Augusta County, VA

28 Jun

  • Annual public examinations of students at the Deaf, Dumb, & Blind Institution.

    Augusta County, VA

29 Jun

  • A.H.H. Stuart spoke at the Jefferson & Washington Debating Societies at the University of VA. Commencement exercises held at University of VA. Vindicator reported that Mrs. William Harman will open boarding school for young ladies.

    Augusta County, VA

05 Jul

  • Closing exercises of the Virginia Female Institute.

    Augusta County, VA

07 Jul

  • Town council met. Part of Augusta experienced a severe hail storm.

    Augusta County, VA

13 Jul

  • Vindicator reported that Gen. Echols of Staunton recently elected President of the Alumni of Washington College.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    Congress passed act to reduce internal taxation.

14 Jul

  • Special meeting of town council elected David Taylor Superintendent of Waterworks.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Democratic County Committee met. A baby left on the doorstep of Josiah Allen's farm. Bank building set ablaze.

    Franklin County, PA

15 Jul

  • George Whitezell, aged 13, of Staunton, drowned while learning to swim.

    Augusta County, VA

21 Jul

  • Picnic held at Dr. Isaac Hall's schoolhouse.

    Augusta County, VA

27 Jul
  • National

    Atlantic submarine cable laid between Great Britian and the US.

28 Jul
  • National

    Congress passed bill increasing and amending tariff rates of March 3.

30 Jul
  • National

    Many African-Americans killed in New Orleans race riots.

01 Aug

  • Valley Spirit reported Jennie McKee intends to est. female academy in Chambersburg & that J. W. Deal was appointed postmaster for Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

02 Aug

  • John G. Shelbie's barn set on fire, which spread to the stables.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Aug

  • Vindicator reported that Gov. Pierpont pardoned Jason Rush, who was accused of rape.

    Augusta County, VA

09 Aug

  • The chimney of Dr. Arthur's house caught on fire, then spread to the roof of the National Hotel.

    Augusta County, VA

10 Aug

  • Vindicator reported man cashed forged check at First National Bank of STAUNTON, & that Pres. Johnson pardoned Jason Guy, Chesley Kinney, John McClure, George Seawright, & W.H. Bell.

    Augusta County, VA

  • Tailor shop of J.A. Sweigert broken into & robbed. Horse stolen from Mr. Hargleroad. A quantity of bacon stolen from Mr. Lady.

    Franklin County, PA

11 Aug

  • The Stockholders of Churchville Oil Company met.

    Augusta County, VA

  • The Liberty Club defeated the Pioneer Baseball Club 48 to 17 in a game played in Chambersburg.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Aug

  • County Democratic Committee met at the courthouse.

    Franklin County, PA

  • Johnson unsuccessfully attempts to bring all moderates in to one party at the National Union Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

    Pennsylvania

  • National

    Conservatives hold National Union Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

18 Aug

  • Local Democrats met to select delegates for the County Convention.

    Franklin County, PA

20 Aug
  • National

    First National Labor Congress met in Baltimore.

22 Aug

  • Valley Spirit reported crime in Franklin on the rise, & that George Eyster, S.J. Henderson, & George Chamber admitted to the bar.

    Franklin County, PA

24 Aug

  • Camp meeting held on the land of B.F.W. Harlan.

    Augusta County, VA

25 Aug

  • Election ward in Franklin met to determine number of delegates allowed under new apportionment. South Ward Democrats met at Samuel Greenawalt's house & North Ward Democrats met at Montgomery house to select delegates for County Convention.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Sep

  • Democratic County Convention.

    Franklin County, PA

05 Sep

  • "White Boys in Blue" organizational meeting held at the courthouse.

    Franklin County, PA

06 Sep

  • Democratic meeting held outside courthouse.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Sep

  • Pres. Johnson visited Harrisburg, PA.

    Pennsylvania

17 Sep

  • Republicans met in Greencastle.

    Franklin County, PA

18 Sep

  • Valley Spirit reported that John Geary's administration intended to raise the personal property tax.

    Pennsylvania

20 Sep

  • The Wesleyan Female Institute began its session.

    Augusta County, VA

26 Sep

  • County Democrats and Conservatives met.

    Franklin County, PA

01 Oct

  • Mr. Hanger & Mr. Hoover opened a broom factory in Churchville.

    Augusta County, VA

03 Oct
  • National

    Evening Star traveling from New York to New Orleans floundered at sea, killing 520.

15 Oct

  • Joseph Frey, of Undertakers Frey & Mong, departed to TN to retrieve bodies of Franklin soldiers.

    Franklin County, PA

24 Oct

  • Valley Spirit reported Rev. F.W. Conrad will leave Lutheran Church in Chambersburg for position in Philadelphia, PA.

    Franklin County, PA

  • National

    George Peabody attended inauguration of the Peabody Institute in Baltimore.

27 Oct

  • Franklin beats Conococheague 55 to 46 in baseball.

    Franklin County, PA

Nov
  • National

    Elizabeth Cady Stanton became 1st woman to run for Congress.

06 Nov

  • John W. Geary elected governor. Simon Cameron elected US Senator.

    Pennsylvania

12 Nov

  • Franklin County Teachers Institute began five-day seminar in Greencastle.

    Franklin County, PA

13 Nov

  • Franklin County Republicans met at the courthouse, where they selected Gov. Curtin as their choice for US Senator.

    Franklin County, PA

14 Nov

  • Two men arrested in connection to a fire that destroyed R.P. McClure's barn. Valley Spirit reported beginning of Susquenhanna District Temperance Convention in Shippensburg & Samuel Sechrist appointed postmaster of Quincy.

    Franklin County, PA

18 Nov

  • Rev. J.A. Kunkleman delivered his introductory sermon at English Lutheran Church.

    Franklin County, PA

20 Nov
  • National

    1st national encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic in Indianapolis.

21 Nov

  • Valley Spirit reported a new $50 counterfeit bill circulating.

    Franklin County, PA

26 Nov

  • Thieves broke into the store J. Youst & Co. Simon P. Shoaff's horse stolen from his stable.

    Franklin County, PA

28 Nov

  • Valley Spirit reported that the Southern press is currently abstaining from involving itself in the politics of the country, in contrast to before the war.

    Franklin County, PA

02 Dec

  • The new church in Marion dedicated.

    Franklin County, PA

03 Dec
  • National

    Johnson delivered his message received to Congress.

04 Dec

  • County Superintendents held their conference in Harrisburg, PA.

    Pennsylvania

09 Dec

  • Capt. George W. Curry, representative of Freedmen's Bureau, delivered an address in Chambersburg concerning the importance of establishing schools in the South.

    Franklin County, PA

12 Dec

  • Valley Spirit reported con man swindled $1000 from residents of Chambersburg & that Jacob Welsh appointed postmaster in Waynesboro.

    Franklin County, PA

16 Dec

  • A market car on the Cumberland Valley Railroad caught fire, killing its conductor.

    Franklin County, PA

19 Dec

  • Valley Spirit reported John Cramer appointed Inspector of Cigars for the counties of Franklin, Bedford, Fulton, & Somerset. New clock installed at courthouse.

    Franklin County, PA

21 Dec

  • Jefferson Kinney died.

    Augusta County, VA

  • National

    3 officers and 90 men killed by Indians at Ft. Philip Kearney in Wyoming.

22 Dec

  • The women of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Greencastle held a fair to raise money for a new church building.

    Franklin County, PA

27 Dec

  • Ann Eliza Matheny died from burns she received when a spark ignited her clothes while she slept.

    Augusta County, VA

1867