General Frederick Hambright...The War of 1812
Frederick Hambright, the son of Captain John Hambright and his wife Susanna, was born in Lancaster, PA on November 1786. Early in his life he displayed a taste for military affairs and in 1810 became a member of the Lancaster Phalanx.
During the War of 1812 the Pennsylvania Militia formed the 1st Regiment, 2nd Brigade under Lt. Colonel Jeremiah Schappell. Frederick's brother, George was named Captain, and Frederick was an Ensign in his brother's regiment. William Hambright, also a brother, was a Sergeant in the same regiment. In 1814 when Baltimore was threatened with destruction and pillage by the British. The regiment under the command of his brother George, along with other regiments, was dispatched to defend Baltimore and Fort McHenry. The Patriots were successful in defending both Baltimore and Fort McHenry and the British abandoned their attack. The resistance displayed at Baltimore's Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem which later became our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. Following the battle, the Pennsylvania militia returned to their homes. In 1815 Frederick was named a Captain and over the years was elected Major of a battalion, composed of volunteer companies of Lancaster.
In the year 1825 Major Frederick Hambright was invited to participate in the reception for General LaFayette, on Lafayette's heroic return to America. In 1777 the Marquis de LaFayette, on his own, came to America and volunteered to help the Americans in their Revolutionary War with Britain. He was commissioned a Major General, fought in battles, and donated $200,000 of his own money. In 1780 he convinced the French Government to send troops.
As a civilian Frederick was elected High Sheriff of Lancaster County, an office previously filled by his brother, Col. George Hambright. Upon termination of his office of Sheriff, he was elected a member of the State Senate. In 1832 Frederick was appointed a commissioner of the Strasburg Railroad, the Marietta Railroad, the Portsmouth and Lancaster Railroads. These railroads, and hundreds of other, were acquired by the Pennsylvania Railroad which was founded in 1846. Frederick Hambright and his wife Elizabeth Shaeffer had six children: Frederick, Charlotte, William, General Henry, Charles, and Maria. At the age of 86 he died on March 17, 1872.