Samuel Gettys facts for kids
Samuel Gettys was an important person who lived a long time ago, from 1725 to 1790. He was a pioneer, meaning he was one of the first people to settle in a new area. He also owned a place called a tavern in south-central Pennsylvania. A tavern was like a hotel and restaurant back then. The town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which started in 1786, was named after him!
Early Life and Family
Samuel Gettys was born in 1725 in a place called Randalstown, in Northern Ireland. He later married Isabella Ramsey, who was born in 1731. They had three children together: Mary, William, and James.
Helping the American Revolution
During the time of the American Revolution, Samuel Gettys helped out by giving money to the Continental Army. This was the army that fought for America's independence. After the war ended, Samuel Gettys owned a lot of land. However, he didn't have much cash.
To get more money, he decided to sell some of his land. His son, James Gettys, bought this land from him. James then divided the land into smaller pieces, called "lots," and sold them to other people. This helped the area grow and become a town.
His Final Years
Samuel Gettys passed away in Gettysburg on March 15, 1790. He was buried in a place called Black's Graveyard, which is also in Gettysburg. His legacy lives on through the town that bears his name.
