52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 6

 

Week 6:

The theme for Week 6 is “Surprise.” What ancestor dealt with a surprising thing in their life? Any stories of surprise birthday parties? How about the most surprising thing you’ve found or something in a surprising place?


I am the creator of the Facebook group, Preserving the History of Newberrytown. My family has ties to Newberrytown dating back to the 1700s, which was way before it was even called Newberrytown. My grandparents knew everyone. My parents knew everyone. I grew up knowing everyone. The joke was always, "Be careful who you date because you might be related!".

A few years ago I attended a presentation at the Red Land Community Library. Scott Mingus, renowned Civil War author, was giving a talk on murder mysteries, based on his book Marauders & Murderers: Civil War Mysteries of York County, Pa. 

Scott started recounting the story of Jeremiah Miley Spahr, a soldier from Company H of the 87th Pennsylvania who had walked back to his home following the stunning Union defeat at the Second Battle of Winchester. 

Upon returning to his home, Jeremiah discovered that his horse had been stolen. He assembled a group of men, including his two brothers to hunt down the horse theif. Jeremiah killed the thief and with the help of his five accomplices, hid the body... 

I won't tell you how the story ends, or why this story was included in Scott's presentation on murder mysteries, you'll have to buy his book and read it for yourself. 

Scott mentioned that someone in the room was probably related to the Spahr brothers. I went home (I was living with my grandmother at the time as she transitioned into hospice care) and asked my grandma if we had any Spahrs in the family tree. She responded that her grandfather was a Spahr. I asked what his name was, and you can imagine my surprise when she said Jeremiah. 

Turns out that Jeremiah Spahr, a Civil War veteran of the 87th PA Co H and murderer, is my third great-grandfather. I had fun telling Scott about the familial connection. 


Link to buy Scott's book, Marauders & Murderers: Civil War Mysteries of York County, Pa: 

https://a.co/d/4nI28Ww

Scott's blog, A Murder in Warrington Township:

 https://yorkblog.com/cannonball/a-murder-in-warrington-townshi/
























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