Subject
Pennsylvania -- Biography Books
Best books
Frederic Antes Godcharles
Daily stories of Pennsylvania : $b prepared for publication in the leading daily newspapers of the state...
"Daily Stories of Pennsylvania" by Frederic A. Godcharles is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work compiles various compelling stories related to Pennsylvania's history, organized by dates on the calendar, capturing significant events and individuals that shaped the state and the nation. It serves as a snapshot of the state's rich history, artfully rendered to engage readers with tales from its past. The opening of the book provides a transcriber’s note explaining the presentation format, detailing that the stories are arranged in chronological order according to the month and day for quick reference. Following this, the introduction discloses the book’s purpose, highlighting the author’s intent to preserve and disseminate the historical events of Pennsylvania through articles previously published in newspapers. The reader learns that the author gathered vast historical data that aligns with actual anniversaries, emphasizing events such as the mutiny among Pennsylvania troops during the Revolutionary War, the establishment of the state capitol, and significant figures like Lucretia Mott. This sets the stage for a treasure trove of anecdotes that collectively paint a vivid picture of Pennsylvania's past.
Thomas B. (Thomas Brownfield) Searight
The Old Pike A History of the National Road, with Incidents, Accidents, and Anecdotes Thereon
"The Old Pike" by Thomas B. Searight is a historical account written in the late 19th century, specifically in 1894. The work traces the history and significance of the National Road, also known as the Cumberland Road, which was the first highway in the United States built entirely by the federal government. Through Searight's narrative, readers can expect to explore the road's inception, key figures involved in its development, and the cultural and economic impacts it had on early America. At the start of the book, the author outlines the motivations behind creating a national road and discusses its historical importance compared to the famous Appian Way in Rome. Searight notes the road's inception in 1806 under President Jefferson, highlighting significant contributors like Henry Clay and Andrew Stewart, while also debunking popular myths surrounding its creation. The opening sets the stage for a detailed exploration of not only the construction and development of the road itself but also of the various incidents, anecdotes, and characters that populated this vital artery of transportation in America's early years.
Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
Some forgotten Pennsylvania heroines
"Some forgotten Pennsylvania heroines by Henry W. Shoemaker" is a historical address and collection of brief biographical sketches written in the early 20th century. It challenges status-based notions of fame and spotlights overlooked Pennsylvania women from frontier, Revolutionary, and Civil War contexts, emphasizing courage, service, and moral character. The address opens by questioning familiar icons and then recounts vivid lives of lesser-known figures: Mary Jemison, the Seneca-adopted “White Woman of the Genesee”; Regina Hartman, recognized after captivity by a hymn at Carlisle; and “Molly Pitcher,” who manned a cannon at Monmouth and endured hardship afterward. It adds brisk vignettes of frontier bravery and sacrifice—Peggy Marteeny’s rescue under Indian pursuit, Sabina Wolfe’s rise from country girl to social leader, Barbara Frietchie’s defiant flag, Frances Slocum’s life among Native Americans, Elizabeth Zane’s frontier heroism, and Jennie Wade’s death at Gettysburg. The narrative links Pennsylvania roots to national figures like Nancy Hanks and tells the tragic tale of Mary Wolford, namesake of Young Woman’s Creek. It closes with a call to memorialize these women as exemplars of modesty, grit, and public spirit, noting contemporaries such as Jane Addams who carry their legacy forward.
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