What a cheerful day when Capt. James Wade and Mary Ann Filby Wade gave birth to their first daughter, Georgianna “Georgia” Wade, who was born on July 4th, 1841. Having a healthy newborn and celebrating Independence Day was so joyful for their family and their friends who lived near the top of the hill at 242 Baltimore Street. Georgia had a normal childhood with her parents living as a seamstress and tailor. Who knew her birthday would be a sad and happy day after her first born.
Around her teenage years, Georgia, Jennie, and her parents moved from 242 Baltimore Street to 49-51 Breckenridge Street. Not a far distance, but a change of scenery without being on the main street. Georgia and Jennie were a few doors down from the Shriver House and the Tillie Pierce House. Georgia began to learn about the millinery business, and continued through her early twenties.
Another boy in town that she spent time with was that of John Louis Mcclellan. John was born in April 1838, who was born to Colonel John and Mary McClellan. His father was a hotel owner and banker in Gettysburg. His grandfather, William McClellan was a soldier in the War of 1812. John was the only child to his parents and received his education at Pennsylvania College (now known at Gettysburg College).
John Louis McClellan saw the “Call to Arms” newspaper when Lincoln called for Northerners to join the Union Army in April 1861. He responded to the draft and enlisted in the 2nd Pennsylvania Volunteers for three months. He was in the same unit as Jack Skelly and some of the brothers from the Culp Family. He enlisted at the end of the service into the 165th Pennsylvania Volunteers in another nine months. He was a private during his time within the Federal Army.
During the time he was within the 165th Pennsylvania, he was keeping contact with his girlfriend, Georgianna “Georgia” Wade. On furlough in April 1862, John Louis McClellan and Georgia married at the German Reform Church in Gettysburg. This church does not look like it used to be, which has been remodeled multiple times. However, the church remains at 55 East Middle Street, and is now named Trinity United Church of Christ.
After their marriage in April 1862, John Louis McClellan re-enlisted and became a member of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry. Meanwhile, Georgianna “Georgia” Wade McClellan established their new life together and started to rent a household at 548 Baltimore Street, which was a two-story brick duplex. They lived in the house till 1866. On furlough, Georgia became pregnant near Halloween or Thanksgiving 1862.
Jump ahead to June 1863, the civilians around Gettysburg are on edge, hearing about the Confederates moving towards the town of Gettysburg. Even though its on Georgia’s mind, she’s more concerned on her own health. She’s pregnant and expecting soon. She is fearful and asks her mother to move into the house at 548 Baltimore Street for help. So of course, she and her other daughter, Jennie, moves into the house with Georgia.
On June 26th, many events occur around town. Around 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon, Georgia gives birth to her first child, Louis Kenneth McClellan within the northern side of the duplex house. An hour later, she hears pistols and shots from outside as horses race through from north to south. Georgia finds out later that the Confederates under Early Division gallop after two union emergency militia soldiers. One of these two men was George Washington Sandoe who died down the road along Rock Creek. Georgia also finds out that Elizabeth Thorn, her father, and her children interact with the Confederate Cavalry at the Evergreen Gate House.
What is not told to Georgia that day is that her brother, Samuel was captured by the Confederate Cavalry, because he was trying to save the family house. In the end, Georgia’s mother and sister saved Samuel from being captured. The horse wasn’t so lucky and was never seen again.