The Journal of Charles Rawn
November 12, 1837 to February 19, 1838 (Book 9)

Edited by Mark Harwell

This portion of Charles Rawn’s journal is quite eventful. On November 13, 1837, he purchased his combined house and office on Market Square from his relative, Jasper Peacock, for $4,750, a considerable sum at that time. On November 16, he rode the new Cumberland Valley Railroad from Harrisburg to Chambersburg, commenting that "thousands" of onlookers expressed "astonishment" at the "great wonder." That evening Rawn watched ordinarily well-behaved men engage in "uproarious conduct" as they celebrated the new track and train by drinking a "tremendous quantity" of champagne and other wines. On November 28, Rev. "Josuah" Wolf, a converted Jew, began preaching in several services that Rawn attended. Wolf appeared first at the Episcopal church, then the Lutheran and German Reformed churches. Rawn tells us only that his topic was "Signs of the Times."

On December 6, 1837, Rawn’s "very fine, large son" was born. The father was not certain what his name should be, so that decision was delayed; he followed his sister’s advice and later named him Charles C. Rawn, Jr. The son attended Princeton, made a career of the army, and survived the battle of the Little Big Horn. He died in 1887.

The journal provides more evidence of Rawn’s sentiments about slavery when it shows that he attended an anti-slavery convention in Harrisburg starting on January 16, 1838. We see again that Rawn appears to attract black clients: On February 2, 1838, he wrote, and underlined, that "8 negroes men & women in my office at one time . . . to see about some of their own Colour in Jail for larceny." Rawn is flexible in other respects in his practice. One client whom he defended for larceny he let work off the fee by splitting wood. Rawn credited him $1 for the labor, along with another dollar for previous work; the fee was $25, so Rawn might have forgiven the remainder or expected the man to split more wood. Another client referred new business to Rawn, which he appreciated, because they had been in dispute over a fee; Rawn’s remark about him was that he "persecuted me with impudence" but that "I freely forgive him all the injury he tried to do me" (January 4, 1838).

Finally, this portion of the journal reveals more of Rawn’s political and economic attitudes. Hearing an address at a public meeting that was supposed to be mainly ceremonial, he was "disgusted" by how often the speaker referred to "Whigism, Bankism—all but principle isms." On another occasion, he declared, "I use no ‘shin plasters’ [state bank notes of dubious value] upon the score of principle." His position, he said, was "make the banks pay silver."

The Rawn journal is a well-worn, hardbound volume with a brown, marbleized cover with the number "9" inked in on the spine. Typical entries start with two numbers, separated by a wavy line and underlined. The first number represents the day of the month, and the second the day of the week. Of particular note is his use of underlining selected words and sentences. From the way in which the underlining is used, it appears to signify names, money paid or received, and points of particular interest to Rawn. The underlining also appears to have been used to signify (at times) strong feelings by Rawn.

The editorial style used in the transcription of this excerpt attempts to preserve the style, flow, and pacing of the original journal. To this end, the entries have been copied verbatim. The transcription follows the original format, duplicating the same breaks, pagination, and discontinuities. Spelling also has been preserved as it was written in the original, as is the non-traditional capitalization of words.

Those items which have been interpreted in the text have been changed so as to make clear the meaning of certain abbreviations not immediately understood by a casual reading. To this end, abbreviations of many first names and some place names have been interpreted and marked with brackets. Those interpretations that are conjecture are signified by brackets and a question mark. Selected words that were completely illegible are delineated by a question mark between two brackets. A few words partially legible are signified by the letters known, with the remainder represented by the word "indecipherable" between two brackets. Of particular note are three specific abbreviations, which I left as they were written. The abbreviations are: "inst.," "vide," and "ante." In order, they signify "In the same month" (or this month), "referring to" (or refer to), and "after" (or subsequent to). "Vide," and "ante" are most likely Latin or vulgate, used in shortened form by Rawn. Abbreviations are spelled out where possible, and when such would add to the context.

Of particular use in determining correct spelling of names mentioned in the text were the 1839 Harrisburg Directory and Stranger’s Guide and the Harrisburg Directory for 1843. Also used for content and style was "A Lawyer’s Life: The Journal of Charles C. Rawn, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1831-32," a 1996 thesis production by Margo C. Groff.

The Journal

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Transcriptions for this section of the journal begin November 12, 1837 and end February 19, 1838. Click on a date to begin reading.

List of Names Mentioned

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  • Aaron - Jonathan Snevily’s "black fellow," possibly a servant or hired man
  • [Allers?], William
  • Allison, William - Corner of Front & Chestnut Streets
  • [Alricks], Herman - See thesis production, Margo C. Groff/Dec. 1996
  • [Alvaine], [Josiah?] B., Esq. - Philadelphia; House of Representatives
  • Atlee, William A. - Dauphin Co.
  • Ayers, William - Town Council, on Market St., between Locust & Pine
  • Baab, Jacob - Possibly the part owner of Baab & Hummel, printing office at 13 S. Front; Associate Judge?
  • Bale, William
  • Ball, William
  • Balsley, Jacob
  • Beatty, George - Wife’s nurse, Eliza Russell, left Rawn to work for him, Beatty on Town Council?
  • Berryhill, Mr. - Attorney, office 3 doors to the right of Court House
  • Biddle, Nicholas - Ran the 2nd U.S. Bank, the national credit system, & chief foe of Pres. Andrew Jackson
  • Biles, [Josiah?]
  • "Black Harriet" - Black woman who sold matches
  • Blythe, Judge
  • Boas, F. K. - Attorney who had office near the Court House, lived at the Princes Hotel
  • Bostick, William - Collector of water rents
  • Boyd, William
  • Brenizer, Mr. C. - Carpenter?
  • Brewster, F. E.
  • Briggs, M., Esq. - Lawyer
  • Buchanan, Dr. George Anderson - Wheeling, Virginia
  • Buche, Mr. C.
  • Buffington, A. - Alexander Buffington, Clerk, at northwest corner, Back and Strawberry alleys
  • Butler, Mrs. Fanny
  • Byrne, Michael - Frederick City, Maryland
  • Cameron, Eliza - Daughter of Simon Cameron, later Senator of Pennsylvania
  • Carter, Durden B. - Philadelphia
  • Cattrell, William - Rawn bought flour from him, is listed in 1843 Directory of Harrisburg as "gentleman"
  • Chambers, George, Esq.
  • Chambers, Thomas, Esq. - Chambersburg
  • Chew - Philadelphia
  • Church, William
  • Clarkson, J. G. - Philadelphia
  • Clendenin, Mary Scott - Likely relative of Rawn’s wife
  • Clendenin, N. S. - Relative to Rawn’s wife
  • Cline, Philip - Borough officer, Clerk of the Market
  • Cline, Mr. W. - Lawyer?
  • Cochran, Thomas - Sheriff
  • Con, Isaac M.
  • Cooledge, Nathaniel
  • Collins, Cornelius, Esq.
  • Cowden, James - Messenger
  • [Culloh’s?], F. G. W.
  • Cumberland Valley Rail Road - Rawn was present at opening & attended reception celebrating same
  • Crozier, John - Merchant
  • Curry, Bartholmew - Jefferson, Powhattan Co., VA
  • Davies, Jonathan, Esq. - Deceased, February 7, 1838
  • Davis, Mr.
  • DeWitt, Rev. William - Presbyterian clergyman, 54 S. Second St.
  • Dillingham, William H. - House of Representatives, Chester Co.
  • Dow, Mrs. Lucy - Montville, Connecticut
  • Dotts, Philip - Philadelphia
  • Duck [Provost?] - Possibly either Philip or William Duck
  • Eberman, Mr. M.
  • Elder, Thomas, Esq.
  • Findlay, James Esq. - Pittsburg
  • Findlay, Mr. K. - Lancaster; see thesis, Margo Groff, Dec. 1996
  • Fisher, George, Esq.
  • Fisk - Charles E. Fisk, proprietor of grocery and tea store, 40 Walnut St.
  • Fox, Jacob
  • Franklin, Rev. Mr. - Episcopal
  • Franklin, Thomas - Client; charge of Burglary and Larceny- worked off fee by splitting wood
  • Frazer, Elizabeth & Philip - Wards of the court
  • Gallager, James, Esq. - Ridgeway, Pennsylvania
  • George, [Fluk?]
  • Getz, Henry [Fyatts?] - Proprietor of a boarding house
  • Gilchrist
  • Gowman, Dr. - Halifax
  • Gray, [Josiah?]
  • Graydon, [William] - County officer, Treasurer
  • Graves, S. - Rochester
  • [Greers?], Judge
  • Griffith - Possibly William Griffith, Front St.
  • [Grossman?], Ezra
  • [Grimshaw], William - Attorney, office near Court House
  • Hardy
  • Hagan, Terrance (a.k.a. Terry) - Stonecutter, 16 Paxton St., Client of Rawn’s charged with conspiracy
  • Hale, Benezer - Lawyer, and member of Town Council, listed in 1839 Stranger’s Guide as owner of the Franklin Inn on Walnut Street between 2nd & 3rd
  • Harper, Thomas
  • [Harris], G. W., Esq. - Deputy Sheriff, Dauphin County, at Market Square, next to Harrisburg Bank
  • Harris, Robert
  • Harrisburg Savings Institution - Rawn owns stock in, and has his principal accounts in
  • Hazelton, William, Jr.
  • Heath, Elijah, Esq. - Brookville, Jefferson Co., PA
  • Henrie, Nathaniel - Stables
  • [Henrie?], Nathan G. - Schullkill County
  • Henry, [Fyatts?]
  • [Hess?], Mr. [Agg?]
  • [Heunes?], A.
  • Huling
  • Hummel, Valentine, Jr.
  • [Hunn?], Stokes
  • Hunt, Thomas – 2nd St. below Mulberry
  • James, Francis, Esq. - State senator, borrowed book
  • James, Mrs. Frances
  • [Jauss], [J.] C. - Tin & sheet iron manufacturer, on Chestnut between 2nd & 3rd
  • Johnson, Mrs. George W.
  • Johnson, O. F. - Ovid F. Johnson, at Market St., between 3rd & 4th
  • Joseph, Mr. - Rawn’s Brother-in-Law in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Kauffman, Isaac C.
  • Keefer, Mrs.
  • Kelker, Mr. - Democratic party functionary & proprietor of the "Pennsylvania Inn"
  • Keller, [Mr.?] P.
  • Keller, William - Merchant; Grocer
  • Kelly, George - Saddler, 7 Locust St.
  • Kelly, Jerry - "Colored" man who worked as carpenter
  • [Kester?], Peter
  • Laville, Robert
  • [Leiler?], Thomas
  • [Lesher?], Dr.
  • Lesley, J. - James Lesley, Cashier, Banking House, Pennsylvania 185 2nd St.
  • Longecker, Samuel
  • Luddard, Rev. Mr. - Grace Church
  • Lynch, [Edward] A.
  • [Lyth?], W.
  • Maglauchlin
  • [Matters?], Henry - Chairman of a bank
  • [Maller?], Abraham B. - From Washington D.C., sent to Harrisburg to collect on debts from client
  • Mr. [Merrly?]
  • McCabe - Possibly Henry McCabe, painter
  • McClure - Lawyer, possibly Charles McClure, Secretary of the Commonwealth, at Wilson’s Hotel
  • McCormick - James W. McCormick, lawyer with office at 49 Market St.
  • McCormick, Mr.
  • McFadden, Col. Jackson
  • [McGinley?], [Mr.?] - Rheboth, near Somerset, Perry County, Ohio
  • McKinney, [Mordecai] - Attorney, office 12 Locust St.
  • McKinney, H. [Nattey?]
  • [McMahon?], Mr.
  • Miller, Henry - Bought pig from
  • Molee, J. A.
  • More, Rev. Mr./Capt. More - Philadelphia Bible Society
  • Musgraves, Mrs.
  • Newbecker, George
  • Newman, M. - Michael Newman, "Victualler" [grocer], at 92 Walnut St.
  • Nielson, Miss Jane - Maiden name, married Valentine Hummel Jr., February 6, 1838
  • Ott, Mr.
  • Parke, B., Esq. - Possibly Benjamin Parke, Attorney, at 68 Market St.
  • Peacock, Fanny
  • Peacock, James, Esq. - Relative
  • Pool, David, Esq. - Attorney & Second Lieutenant of the "Dauphin Guards" [local militia], married Sarah McCord
  • Pratt, Mr.
  • Price, Eli K. - Philadelphia
  • Provost, Alexander - Germantown, Philadelphia
  • Putnam, Mrs. - Neighbor? and possibly the wife of William Putnam, a bricklayer
  • Rawn, C. C. - Poss. name for son
  • Rawn, D. W. - Philadelphia; Rawn’s brother
  • [Rawn], Frances - Rawn’s wife
  • Rawn, Julia Ann - Rawn’s sister to whom he corresponds with regularly- see Groff/96
  • Rawn, Elizabeth - Rawn’s daughter
  • Ramsey, William, Esq. - Carlisle, Pennsylvania
  • Remberger, Mr. A. - Enlisted man he helped get a discharge for
  • Ressinger, Samuel
  • Rhoads - John Rhoads, Merchant, at Northwest corner, 2nd & Market Streets
  • Rickabaugh, Peter
  • Roberts, Mrs. A. B.
  • Roberts, W. Milner
  • Rogers, H. G., Esq. - Pittsburgh
  • Runyon, Major Henry - Client; Millersburg, Dauphin Co.
  • Russell, Eliza - Nurse for wife in childbirth
  • Rutherford, Dr. William W.
  • "Shin Plasters" - Reference to state bank currency, "useless as shin plaster"
  • Schrader, Ulrich
  • Scott, Hugh
  • Sedgwick, P. C. - Clerk of Superior Court, & attorney with office at 13 ½ N. 3rd St.
  • [Seilin?], M. K. - Chester, Dauphin Co.
  • Shartte, Jonas - "Runner" for a local bank; likely Harrisburg Bank
  • [Shafford?], A. - Constable?
  • Shitz, Mr.
  • Shunk, F. R. - Francis R. Shunk, to whom he made payments- see Groff/Dec. ’96
  • Smith, P. Frazer - Westchester, Chester Co. PA
  • Snevily, Jonathan - Lawyer and broker, 2 ½ S. Front St.
  • Snyder, C. A. - Charles A. Snyder, Justice of the Peace, 612 N. 3rd St.
  • Sprecher, Rev. Mr.
  • [Storyhten?], A. Jane
  • Strong, William - Reading, Pennsylvania
  • Sturgeon, Dr.
  • Swartz, [Jonas?] - Rawn bought pig from
  • [Tesm?], Mr.
  • [Tighman?], Chief Justice
  • Tyler, Mr. & Mrs. - Mrs. Tyler former Mrs. Wharton
  • [Walters?], Dinah
  • Webb, Mr. F. - Francis Webb, of Crawford County
  • Weidman, Adam - Perry Co., PA
  • Weidman, [Mr.?] - Weidman Sr., father of Adam Weidman
  • Wentz, Soloman
  • William, [Egbert?] - "Colored" man, assisted Rawn in cutting up meat
  • Williams, Daniel - "Colored" man, and client so specified
  • Williams, [Jonathan?] - Incarcerated brother of Daniel Williams; Rawn obtained a Habeas Corpus Writ & release for him
  • Williams, Mr. - Black man, so specified; wheeled stone for Rawn
  • [Wolf], Rev. Mr. - Jew converted to Christianity; Episcopal priest
  • Wolfersburger, George - Dry goods merchant on 3rd & Market St.
  • Wyeth, Francis - Book office, on Market St. between 2nd & 3rd
  • Zearing, John - Owner of woodyard; also listed in 1839 Harrisburg Directory & Strangers Guide as a shoe Maker
  • Zollinger, E. - Elias Zollinger, Haberdasher on Market St. between 5th & Meadow Lane

Bibliography

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Groff, Margo C. "A Lawyer’s Life: The Journal of Charles C. Rawn. of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 1832-32." M.A. Thesis, Penn State University Harrisburg, 1996.

Sturtevant, P. The Harrisburg Directory, And Stranger’s Guide: With a Sketch Of The First Settlement of Harrisburg. Harrisburg: P. Sturtevant, 1839.

Spofford, J.A. Harrisburg Directory, For 1843:… Harrisburg: J.A. Spofford, 1843.

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