Rotary Centennial Park
Governor James Pollock
⎯⎯⎯
In God We Trust
James Pollock was born on September 11, 1810 in Milton, a son of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian parents, William Pollock and Sarah Wilson. Not yet seven years old when his father died in 1817, Pollock's mother, who lived to age ninety-four, managed to educate her seven children. After attending the prestigious Milton Academy, the future governor received a Bachelor's degree, with highest honors, and a Master of Arts degree, both from the College of New Jersey at Princeton. He studied law with Milton attorney Samuel Hepburn before setting up his own law practice in Milton in 1833.
He served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and was later elected governor
this page online
The motto "In God We Trust" was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. Many appeals from devout persons throughout the country urged the United States to recognize the Deity on its coins. The Congress passed the Act of April 22, 1864, which authorized the minting of the two-cent coin.
The phrase "In God We Trust" may have already been developed informally by others, however, Gov. James Pollock is officially recognized as its originator. Eventually, "In God We Trust" was placed on all U.S. currency and a law was passed by the 84th Congress and approved by President Eisenhower on July 30 1956, declaring "In God We Trust" the national motto of the United States.
It can be accurately said that "you always have a piece of Milton in your pocket."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1810.
Location. 41° 1.001′ N, 76° 51.403′ W.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region and in the Susquehanna Valley. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Rotary Centennial Park (a few steps from this marker); On This Site Stood the Second Stone House in Milton (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel J. Shimer & Sons / Milton Manufacturing Co. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chef Boy-Ar-Dee (about 500 feet away); Milton Car Works / ACF Industries
Also see . . . James Pollock - Wikipedia. (Submitted on August 24, 2015, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2015, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 500 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 24, 2015, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on August 24, 2015.
