Hering family scrapbooks

Recollections of My Life



RECOLLECTIONS OF MY LIFE, WITH NOTES OF FAMILY HISTORY, is a two vol. work, written by Joshua W. Hering. It is typewritten by the author. The first vol. was written 1890-97; the second vol. contains incidents up to 1913 and includes remembrances after Hering's death by Rev. Thomas H. Lewis, D. D., and Rev. D. L. Greenfield, D. D. Most of the incidents in this book occur in the areas of Frederick and Carroll Cos. MD. The first vol. deals with Hering's life from birth until his graduation from medical school in 1855. Family history and personal incidents make up the bulk of the material covered. Reference is made to the temperance movement, slavery, domestic activities, farming methods, transportation, the postal service, revivals, presidential elections, etc. The second vol. begins in 1855 and deals chiefly with the Civil War era. Civil War incidents which came under J. W. Hering's personal observation are related, especially those dealing with the Federal occupation of Westminster. Hering was a Southern sympathizer who too no action during the war and who procured for himself a substitute for the draft. His autobiography discusses incidents relating to slavery, John Brown's raid, sectionalism secession, the draft, inflation, military rule, take-over of the railroads, the battle of Gettysburg, the surrender of General Lee, and the assassination of Lincoln. After the Civil War, the autobiography deals very briefly with Hering's life until 1913, the year of his death. His political career is not dealt with, not his activities with the Methodist Church. Births, deaths, marriages, etc. are outlined.



Scrapbook, c. 1874-1904



This scrapbook is in rough chronological order. A partial index, compiled by the author, is attached in the front of the volume. The pages are hand numbered. This scrapbook consists mostly of newspaper clippings relating directly to the life and family of Joshua Webster Hering. There are several typed notes that indicate that J. W. Hering himself kept the scrapbook. There are many clippings regarding Hering's political career. Articles are included that demonstrate Hering's interest in tax reforms, prohibition, pure elections, road improvement, women's rights, etc.



Many clippings are included regarding the Methodist Protestant movement of the time. There are printed sermons and advice columns by Hering, many of which combine Hering's medical and religious interests, such as anti-cigarette advice. History of the Methodist movement is included, as well as detailed descriptions of Methodist councils. Hering was a firm Methodist and wrote articles in favor of strengthening and unifying the Methodist movement. However, he also wrote and collected articles in favor of emphasizing the similarities between Congregationalists, Methodists, and United Brethren in Christ.



Some articles of general interest are in the scrapbook, especially those dealing with art, patriotism, and science. Samples of internal revenue stamps are included, as well as samples of Confederate and Canal money. Some personal and family momentos, such as letters, tickets, programs, etc. are included.



Scrapbook, c. 1774-1913



The second scrapbook is not indexed. It deals mainly with the latter years of Joshua W. Hering's life, though it contains articles and momentos from all periods, in the same manner as the other scrapbook. It includes a $2 bill dated 1774, as well as bills for 12½ cents, 25 cents, 50 cents and $1 dated June 1841 from Johnsville Md. It also includes two notes of 1863 certifying that Joshua and his wife had taken the oath of allegiance to the gov't. of the U.S. Much of the book was kept after Joshua Webster Hering's death, and includes his death notices of 1913. Newspaper articles of public interest, concerning Gov. Ritchie, Pres. Wilson, Lindbergh, prominent Methodists, etc., make up the bulk of the scrapbook. This scrapbook, or at least the portions of it following Joshua W. Hering's death, was probably kept by Mrs. Frank Z. Miller (Grace Hering), the mother of Mrs. Catherine Hering Shriver. Many of Mrs. Miller's personal momentos, such as letters, cards, etc. are included. Mrs. Miller served on the Board of Governors of the Carroll County Historical Society. The scrapbook goes up to 1939.



There are 18 miscellaneous items in the collection. These items include photographs, a calling card of Frank Z. Miller, letters concerning family ancestry, personal letters, a marriage certificate, receipts, etc. Papers concerning the draft of Joshua W. Hering in 1864, and his procurement of a substitute, are included.